Lyon County Sheriff's Activity

LYON COUNTY SHERIFF’S WEEKLY REPORT

On Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025, around 5 a.m., Sheriff Brent White investigated a reported collision in Kuttawa. His investigation revealed a 2020 Volvo VNL driven by Yuvraj Saluja, 22, of Ontario, Canada, sideswiped a parked and unoccupied 2026 Volvo owned by DRD Express of Bartlett, Ill. There were no injuries in the collision.

On Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, around 11:30 a.m., deputies served a Madison District Court bench warrant on Sookie Shreve, 60, of Irvine. She was charged with failure to appear in court and awaits extradition back to Madison County.

On Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, around 1:10 p.m., Sheriff White met with Katharine R. Stacy, 38, of Eddyville, after she drove to the sheriff’s office regarding an unrelated matter being investigated by a deputy who was not on duty at the time. As Sheriff White spoke with Stacy, he suspected she was under the influence of alcohol. After completing her business regarding the unrelated investigation, it was confirmed by surveillance video that Stacy was the sole occupant of her vehicle and had driven to the courthouse. She was administered field sobriety tests and subsequently arrested. Sheriff White charged Stacy with DUI, second offense (aggravating circumstance). She was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.

On Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, around 5:50 p.m., Deputy Bobby Beeler responded to a two-vehicle collision on Center Ridge Road. His investigation determined a 2013 Cadillac SRX, driven by Frank N. Daniel, 86, of Madisonville, was westbound on Center Ridge when he met an eastbound 1995 Chevrolet driven by Timothy D. Johnson, 67, of Eddyville. Daniel failed to maintain his lane, resulting in a sideswipe collision. No injuries were reported.

On Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, just after 9 p.m., Deputy Beeler responded to a single-vehicle collision on U.S. 62 West in Kuttawa. His investigation revealed a 2024 Kawasaki EX500 motorcycle driven by Leslie Combs Waide, 56, of Almo, was westbound on U.S. 62 when she collided with a deer. Combs Waide was transported by Lyon County EMS to Baptist Health Paducah for injuries sustained in the collision.

On Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, just after 9 a.m., Deputy Beeler responded to a single-vehicle collision on Ky. 293 at I-24, Exit 45. His investigation revealed a 2025 Kenworth semi driven by Anthony E. Foster, 30, of Brooksville, Fla., exited the eastbound off-ramp and was attempting to cross Ky. 293 and re-enter I-

Security Tighter for Tonight's Football Game

Crittenden County High School announced Friday afternoon that all its students will be admitted free to tonight’s football home opener against Union County, thanks to sponsorship from First United Bank.

The district also detailed new safety measures, including Open Gate security towers at both entrances. Similar to those used at concerts and pro sporting events, the walk-through detectors will be staffed by school personnel, the school resource officer and local law enforcement. Spectators should remove metal objects such as keys and cellphones before entering.

Large bags, sports equipment and unsupervised entry by younger students are prohibited. Elementary students must sit with a parent or guardian, and middle school students must be accompanied by an adult.

Officials noted that security screening may slow entry but emphasized that safety remains the district’s top priority. Sports programs across the region have been exercising greater security since a shooting occurred last Friday night in the parking lot of a high school football game at Mayfield. 

Jailer responds to fiscal court's call to resign

JAILER HAYES'

RESPONSE TO 

FISCAL COURT REQUEST

FOR HER RESIGNATION

To the citizens of Crittenden County, all local and interested parties: Aug. 25, 2025:

I have been advised that without notice to me, the members of the Crittenden County Fiscal Court, specifically Magistrates, Matt Grimes, Chad Thomas, David Belt, Scott Belt, Travis Perryman, Robert Kirby and with the support of Judge Executive Perry Newcom voted to request my resignation as Crittenden County Jailer. I actually attended the August 21, 2025, Fiscal Court meeting and gave my monthly Jailers Report and answered numerous questions. After my report I had obligations that required me to depart from the meeting at 9:30am. I was given no notice of any intention to discuss or vote on a request to ask me to resign, or I would have stayed to address it at that time. I have still not received a written reason for the vote, only a call from the Judge Executive notifying me of the request for my resignation which I respectfully declined.

See the Aug. 28, 2025 edition of 
The Crittenden Press for more details

I was elected by the citizens of Crittenden County in a fair election. I have worked diligently to perform my job to the best of my ability the entire time I have been in office. I can only be removed by an act of the Kentucky General Assembly, and I have no plans to step down.

The atmosphere that Kentucky’s jails operate in today is much different than it was 4 to 5 years ago. The number of State Inmates has dropped dramatically while operational costs have risen at an unprecedented rate. Crittenden County Detention Center is also fighting the water crisis that Marion, Kentucky is currently addressing, ironically starting the week, I won the primary election.  This adds another layer to the financial strain the Detention Center now faces.

The Crittenden County Detention Center was built in 2007. The structure and equipment such as HVAC, locks, fire suppression systems, hot water heaters, kitchen equipment, etc. are aging, therefore causing maintenance costs to rise along with efficiency problems. The water crisis has added to those woes, by putting a strain on the plumbing and other operational systems due to debris in the water.

During the time that I have been Jailer, the jail has been run efficiently, with as little cost to the county as possible. The Jail provides a service that is required by statute, and we are bound to safely and securely incarcerate inmates in a manner that is moral and ethical while providing all life sustaining services. The Crittenden County Detention Center is a leader in the field of Corrections. The fact that you don’t hear much about the jail is a sign of efficiency and cost-effective operation.

I have obtained a grant for new washers and dryers for the facility. I have reached out to the KY DOC to receive surplus inmate uniforms and equipment that has saved the county thousands of dollars. I have obtained a grant for video equipment and software that has allowed for the virtual court appearances of prisoners here and across the state which has saved countless tax dollars on transport costs, while enhancing the security of the court proceedings.  I have also reduced the number of staff at the Detention Center cutting as much as possible to payroll without jeopardizing safety and service.  Staff have taken on additional duties with very little complaint as they are aware of the need to reduce costs.

 I have increased the number of work sites for inmate labor to include the City of Marion, The Marion Water Department, Marion Convenience Center, Victory Garden, Mowing Crew and litter abatement. I have also started the Crittenden Cares Program that has helped with multiple non-profit, city, and county projects that can be completed during the fall and winter months which has helped those agencies save resources that they would have had to spend on labor.

I am an active member of the Kentucky Jailers Association and have been elected by my peers, for the past 2 years, to serve on the KJA Board of Directors. I believe it is important to be at the table discussing the best interests of all Kentucky Jails and representing Crittenden County on a State level while learning from other Jailers and building relationships that I can call on during times of need.

I have repaired the relationship with local law enforcement and the Circuit Clerks Office which was badly damaged when I took office. I have worked as a team player assisting as many agencies as possible every time they call.

We have a great Jail that this county should be proud of. We have a Jail that enriches the community by more than financial gain. We help to change the lives of inmates and their families through effective incarceration.

I don’t work for the County Judge Executive or the Fiscal Court. I work for the people of Crittenden County who elected me to this office. I stand by my record and believe I have effectively done the job the people have elected me to do and that will continue.

I will not be intimidated by political attacks, especially those that are unfounded. I have done and will continue to do the job I was elected to do and distractions such as this will not deter my effective discharge of my legal and Constitutional office. I would suggest that the Fiscal Court and County Judge Executive focus on making life better for our citizens, instead of wasting time playing politics.

I am willing to answer any question any citizen, or the media asks. My door is always open as it has been the entire time that I have been your Crittenden County Jailer.

I want to give my most sincere thanks to everyone who has reached out to support me and to encourage me to stand up to the attempt at intimidation. The community response has been humbling and so appreciated. The support that has been extended to me from the Kentucky Jailers Association and the many Jailers across the State has been amazing.

In closing I want to say that being elected as Crittenden County Jailer has been one of the highlights of my life. It is not an easy job. It is a calling. I am proud of the job I do, and I will continue to do it for as long as the Citizens of Crittenden County will have me.

Sincerely, Athena Hayes, Jailer

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City Council will propse tax rates Wednesday

Marion City Council will hold a special called meeting at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27, at city hall.

On the agenda is first reading of Ordinance 25-15, which sets the city’s 2025 tax levy.

Livingston leaders will discuss solar setbacks

SMITHLAND, Ky. — Solar setbacks will be on the agenda when Livingston County Fiscal Court meets at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26 at the courthouse in Smithland.

Magistrates are expected to give second reading to a solar farm ordinance and discuss earthquake insurance under old business.

The solar ordinance has gained a good bit of attention. Setbacks were originally proposed well beyond the normal scope for such projects. The court will make the final determination of those setbacks during Tuesday’s meeting. A company is exploring a solar farm between Carrsville and Hampton in the northern part of Livingston County.

New business includes the treasurer’s report, annual settlement and $30,000 in EMS claims. The court will also hear committee and department reports on EMS, county transfer stations, the sheriff’s department and the road department, which is considering hiring two Livingston County High School co-op students.

Parks and recreation matters are also on the agenda, including repairs at Roy Ringstaff Ball Field and alterations to the Lady Cardinals’ dugout. Other items for consideration include Octoberfest T-shirt sponsorships, a health board appointment, a Hazmat-1 contract, 2025 tax rates, a Kentucky Transportation Cabinet 80/20 resolution and pressure washing the county office and library building.

A closed session is scheduled under KRS 61.810(1)(f) to discuss personnel matters.

Lyon County Sheriff's Activity Report

On Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, around 8:17 p.m., Deputy Bobby Beeler responded to a burglary complaint on Oriole Drive in Old Eddyville. His continuing investigation through Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, has led to charges being pursued against two juveniles who broke into an RV camper and did just under \$1,000 in damages.

On Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, around 6:30 p.m., Deputy Shannon Oliver took a theft report from a Lamasco citizen who stated he ran out of gas on his black Suzuki Boulevard motorcycle on U.S. 62 near Major’s Loop (eastbound side) on Aug. 10, 2025, in Kuttawa. The victim walked toward the Huck’s Travel Center to obtain fuel. Upon his return, his motorcycle had reportedly been stolen. This was the only mode of transportation the victim currently had. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office at 270-388-2311. Note: The picture below is for reference purposes as it is the same make and model of the stolen motorcycle; however, it is not a picture of the victim’s exact one.

On Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, around 7:30 a.m., Sheriff Brent White was on patrol on Ky. 93 South when he observed a vehicle at a residence that was the subject of an extra patrol request. Sheriff White investigated and detained three subjects, one of whom was a previous acquaintance of the property owner, who was not present at the home, and who had been told not to be on the property. Chief Deputy Sam Adams arrived shortly thereafter and all three subjects were charged with criminal trespass. They were identified as follows

• Maranda M. Driver, 34, of Princeton
• Christian E. Romero, 27, of Princeton
• Brett Sherill, 52, of Fredonia

Beginning on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, and continuing through Aug. 20, 2025, deputies arrested the following offenders:

• Melissa Mills, 60, of Fredonia, was served with a Knox Circuit Court bench warrant for nonpayment of costs, fees or fines. Mills awaits extradition to Knox County.
• Ashley N. Rollins, 32, of Corryton, Tenn., was served with a Lyon Circuit Court warrant charging her with failure to appear in a case from 2021 involving a vehicle pursuit. She was also served with a warrant charging her with a probation violation stemming from the same case. Rollins was extradited from Knox County, Tenn., back to Kentucky on this date. She was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.

On Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, around 8:15 a.m., Chief Deputy Sam Adams responded to a rollover collision on Ky. 93 South near Lamasco. His investigation revealed a 2001 Nissan Altima driven by Tana S. Stewart, 34, of Cadiz lost control of her vehicle after she stated a deer ran into her path of travel and she attempted to avoid it. Stewart’s vehicle went off the left side of the roadway and overturned. She refused medical treatment at the scene. Chief Deputy Adams charged Stewart with no insurance.

On Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, after 8 a.m., the Sheriff’s Office received a call about a single-vehicle collision on Ky. 810 North near U.S. 62. Chief Deputy Sam Adams, Sheriff Brent White and Lyon County EMS responded to the scene. The investigation revealed John M. Huddleston, 29, of Kuttawa was southbound on Ky. 810 North when he failed to negotiate a curve and left the roadway before coming to rest in a creek. After refusing medical transport, Huddleston was arrested by Chief Deputy Adams and charged with DUI (first offense), no motorcycle operator’s license and no insurance. Huddleston was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.

On Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, around 4:30 p.m., Deputy Josh Travis and other members of the Sheriff’s Office responded to a disturbance complaint on Ky. 810 South involving several adults with children present. Upon arrival, all parties were separated, and the incident was mediated. One of the adults, identified as Mae N. Frazier, 51, of Lexington, was arrested and charged with a Hardin District Court bench warrant for failure to appear and a Fayette District Court complaint warrant charging her with

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Bus driver positions available

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Looking for a short work-day and a great benefits package?  Consider becoming a bus driver in the Crittenden County transportation department.

Applications are being accepted online for school bus drivers.  Drivers work no nights, weekends, holidays or summers and receive opportunities for extra pay and a benefits package.

Call today for more information or visit Crittenden.kyschools.us to apply.

Magistrates ask for jailer's resignation

MARION, Ky. — Crittenden County Fiscal Court on Thursday, Aug. 21, formally asked for the resignation of Jailer Athena Hayes, citing troubling financial reports two months into the new fiscal year. One magistrate noted the county has supplemented jail operations by about $600,000 over the past two years. The request passed unanimously.

Hayes, who delivered her monthly jailer's report and fielded questions about cash flow earlier in the meeting, had left before the vote. 

Reached afterward, Hayes said she had been informed of the action and has “respectfully denied the request” to resign, adding that a more detailed response will be released later.

Stayed tuned to The Crittenden Press for more details and further developments.

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KENTUCKY FARMERS | Raising Hope Publication

The Farmer’s Pride: Celebrating Kentucky’s Farmers

The latest edition of The Farmer’s Pride is now available — both inside the Aug. 21, 2025 issue of The Crittenden Press and online at The Farmer’s Pride. This special publication from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Raising Hope program shines a light on the challenges, triumphs, and resilience of Kentucky farmers.

Among the many stories featured:

• Weathering the Wettest Year on Record – Kentucky farmers share how they’ve adapted to a historically rainy start to 2025, which delayed planting and added stress across the state.

• The Launch of the MASH Barn – The Mobile Agriculture Safety and Health Barn, a vision of Dr. Cheryl Witt, is now traveling the state to bring health screenings, training, and resources directly to farmers in a setting that feels like home.

• “I Can Hear the Birds Again” – A powerful personal story from farm safety leader Dale Dobson about discovering life after hearing loss, thanks to a new partnership with KY HEARS and the Heuser Hearing Institute.

• Handshakes That Change the World – How decades of outreach, training, and simple connections have saved lives and built the foundation for today’s farm safety programs.

• 

  Read Now

  Grain Bin Rescues – Union County firefighters share firsthand accounts of how specialized training and equipment provided through Raising Hope have made the difference between life and death in dangerous grain entrapments.

• Farmers’ Appreciation Day – Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell invites all Kentucky farm families to Murray State University on Sept. 17, 2025 for a celebration filled with free food, health screenings, giveaways, and awards.

This issue is packed with resources, encouragement, and inspiration for the farm families who keep Kentucky fed, clothed, and strong.

📖 Read the full publication here: www.the-press.com/TheFarmersPride.pdf
📰 Or pick up a print copy inside the Aug. 21, 2025 edition of The Crittenden Press.

---

Lyon County Sheriff's Report

Following is the weekly activity report from Lyon County Sheriff's Brent White's office:

 - On Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, around 11:52 p.m., Deputy Shannon Oliver served an arrest warrant for failure to appear from Lyon Circuit Court on Luis Baquero, 29, of Davenport, Fla., after he was extradited back to Kentucky from Oklahoma. Baquero was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.

- On Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, around 1:20 p.m., Chief Deputy Sam Adams responded to a single-vehicle collision on KY 818 North. His investigation revealed a 2006 Saturn Vue, operated by Jessie Biggs, 25, of Eddyville, was northbound on KY 818 when a rat reportedly ran up the driver’s leg, causing the driver to panic and lose control of the vehicle before colliding with a mailbox. No injuries were reported.

- On Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, around 10:51 p.m., Deputy Josh Travis responded to Hayden Drive in Eddyville for a two-vehicle collision. His investigation revealed a 2017 Nissan, driven by Jennifer Mathiew, 46, of Eddyville, collided with a parked 2009 Ford owned by John Balthus, 43, of Kuttawa. No injuries were reported.

- On Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, after 8 p.m., Deputy Josh Travis responded to a theft complaint at the Coleman Bridge boat ramp off KY 730 East. His investigation revealed a Princeton resident was at the boat ramp filming a video when he reportedly set his backpack on the pavement and continued filming. As he walked away from his vehicle, a dark-colored Suburban pulled into the parking area before a person exited and stole the backpack. The vehicle left the area on KY 730 East, but not before the victim was able to capture pictures of the suspect and the vehicle. On Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025, around 9 a.m., Sheriff Brent White identified the suspect, recovered the stolen property and charged George W. Grove, 57, of Eddyville, with theft related to the incident.

City Council Meets Tonight in Marion

 MARION, Ky. — The Marion City Council will meet at 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 18, at city hall.

The agenda includes the second reading of three ordinances — one amending the city pay plan and setting compensation for elected officials, one regulating street-legal special purpose vehicles, and one amending golf cart regulations.

Council will also consider a resolution to authorize filing a funding application for a Kentucky Water and Wastewater Assistance for Troubled or Economically Restrained Systems Program project, hear the mayor’s recommendation for a vacant Chamber of Commerce board seat, and receive code enforcement and planning and zoning updates from Tanya Scholtz-Byers.

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USDA EQUIP registration open until Sept. 26

 LEXINGTON, Ky. — Landowners, farmers and producers have until Sept. 26 to apply for assistance through the USDA’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) if they want to be considered for the next round of funding.

While the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) accepts applications year-round, funding selections for EQIP and other conservation programs are made at set times during the year. Applications received by the September cutoff will be evaluated for potential cost-share contracts during this cycle.

EQIP offers financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers and non-industrial private forestland owners to address concerns related to soil, water, air and other natural resources. Participants work with NRCS to implement voluntary conservation practices in exchange for reimbursement for a portion of the costs.

The program is open to those engaged in livestock or agricultural production, as well as owners of eligible forestland. In fiscal year 2025, Kentucky NRCS provided more than $25 million in EQIP assistance.

For more information, visit www.ky.nrcs.usda.gov, contact the Crittenden County Conservation Office at 118 E. Bellville St., Marion, or visit the USDA Service Center in Salem.

Davises purchase former True Value property

Colby Davis goes over sale documents
with Master Commissioner
Rebecca Johnson, who was in
charge of the public auction.

MARION, Ky. — Colby and Bethany Davis of Marion purchased the former Marion True Value property Friday afternoon in a court-ordered foreclosure sale.

The sale was ordered to settle a Byline Bank of Chicago lawsuit over a defaulted business loan involving Coffer Stores Inc. and multiple associated parties. The Davises bought the building, lumberyard, two storage buildings, a nearby residence and the store’s remaining contents.

For months, Colby Davis has pitched plans for an indoor sports complex to the local economic development corporation, tourism commission and other public groups, seeking support for the project. He previously purchased undeveloped land adjacent to Marion-Crittenden County Park.

Just under 35 people attended the sale, conducted by Buntin Auction Co., but only two entered bids, including Davis.

For more details, see next week’s full edition of The Crittenden Press.

UPDATE: Highway 297 has reopened

LATEST UPDATE 10:46am – The Roadway is now open.

UPDATED 7:52am — Crittenden County Sheriff Evan Head reports that KY 297 is temporarily closed between Tom Minner Road and KY 723 due to a crash that damaged a utility pole. 

Kenergy crews were summoned to the scene, and the road will remain shut down until repairs are made. Outages and traffic delays expected for at least 4 hours, until about noon today.

Power outages affecting almost 400 customers are reported in the area.

The driver was transported to a nearby hospital with what appeared to be non-life-threatening injuries. 

Highway 723 shut down for accident

MARION, Ky. – Highway KY 723 in Crittenden County is blocked at mile point 5, just south of KY 838, due to a crash.

A utility boom truck has flipped over. 

Estimated duration is 4 hours. Motorists should seek alternate routes, if possible.

Traffic will be detoured at the intersection of KY 723 and KY 838, or mile point 5.8; and also at KY 723 and U.S. 60 in Salem.

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School system hiring bus drivers

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Looking for a short work-day and a great benefits package?  Consider becoming a bus driver in the Crittenden County transportation department.

Applications are being accepted online for school bus drivers.  Drivers work no nights, weekends, holidays or summers and receive opportunities for extra pay and a benefits package.

Call today for more information or visit Crittenden.kyschools.us to apply.

Lyon County Sheriff Weekly Report

On Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, beginning around 8:30 a.m., deputies served the following warrants:

• Michael J. Simmons, 29, of Bowling Green was charged on a Lyon Circuit Court indictment warrant with promoting contraband, first degree, and being a persistent felony offender. Simmons remains in state custody.
• Phillip M. Hobdy, 39, of Owensboro was charged on a Lyon Circuit Court indictment warrant with promoting contraband, first degree, and being a persistent felony offender. Hobdy remains in state custody.
• Bryan M. Enoch, 36, of Smithland was charged on a Lyon District Court bench warrant for failure to appear in a traffic case. Enoch was also served with a Livingston Circuit Court indictment warrant charging him with receiving stolen property valued at \$500 to less than \$1,000, first-degree criminal mischief, tampering with physical evidence, destruction of a VIN number, no registration receipt and no registration plates. He was later lodged in the McCracken County Jail.
• Joshua W. Calvert, 29, of Lebanon was charged with promoting contraband, first degree, and being a persistent felony offender. He was also served with a Marion District Court bench warrant for nonpayment of fines, fees and costs. Calvert remains in state custody.
• Lovell Turner, 28, of Louisville was charged on a Lyon Circuit Court indictment warrant with third-degree assault (inmate assault on a correctional employee) and being a persistent felony offender. Turner remains in state custody.

On Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, around 11:25 a.m., Sheriff Brent White and Capt. Dennis Beckett served

City Declares New Water Conservation Order

MARION, Ky. — For the second time in just over two years, the City of Marion is under a State of Emergency for water conservation after Mayor D’Anna Browning issued Executive Order No. 25-06 today, reinstating Stage 3 restrictions, the city’s most extreme level of conservation.

The order comes amid ongoing low-water conditions at Lake George, one of Marion’s primary raw water sources. City officials say already low water reserves are being worsened by excessive evaporation and limited rainfall. The National Weather Service predicts continued dry weather for our region, the mayor said, and August, September and October are typically the driest months of the year for Marion.

Under Stage 3, residents are prohibited from washing vehicles, sidewalks, or porches, and from using municipal water to irrigate non-food-producing plants. The goal, according to the city’s Water Conservation Plan, is to ensure essential water needs can be met while minimizing unnecessary usage.

The conservation plan, established by Ordinance 22-10 originaly in 2022 and amended in March 2023, also calls for increased public awareness and education about best water use practices, along with encouraging all residents to conserve wherever possible.

“We must be proactive in protecting our water supply,” Browning said. “The city will remain vigilant in monitoring the situation, and further orders will be issued should conditions change.”

This is the first time Marion has returned to Stage 3 restrictions since May 2023, when the city enacted the order after Lake George was purposely breached to prevent a levee failure. Plentiful rains later eased the crisis, allowing the city to drop to Stage 1 restrictions.

With current forecasts offering little hope for significant rainfall, city leaders are urging the public to take the restrictions seriously to avoid more severe shortages.

The emergency order remains in effect until further notice.

DISCOLORED SHORELINE: Sign of Troubles 

Discolored rocks at the lake’s edge near the city’s raw water intake show reddish-brown staining. 

City officials say this is a sign of elevated manganese levels in the water, which can occur naturally when minerals in surrounding soil and rock dissolve into the lake.

The city’s assessment could be correct because manganese, like iron, is a naturally occurring element found in many soils and rocks. In low-oxygen areas of a lake, especially near the bottom manganese can dissolve into the water. 

When that water is exposed to oxygen near shorelines or riprap, the manganese oxidizes and precipitates out, coating rocks with dark brown, reddish or even black stains. 

While iron typically leaves a brighter orange or red color, manganese can mix with iron deposits, altering the hue. This natural process can lead to higher manganese concentrations in the raw water drawn for treatment.

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Some digital options phasing out

The Crittenden Press is phasing out its current online full-version subscription option as it prepares to roll out a new digital offering that will include access to the newspaper’s archives via Newspapers.com later this year. While the full online version is no longer available for new subscribers, current users will continue to receive it for the time being. Meanwhile, the ePress email edition remains available and is the most cost-effective option for readers. Subscribers can now choose from two formats:

•ePress – A PDF version of the full newspaper emailed each Wednesday for $32 per year. This edition renews automatically through PayPal unless canceled.

•Traditional Print Edition – Delivered weekly via USPS. Rates vary by location: $45 per year for Crittenden and bordering counties; $60 for other Kentucky addresses; or $86 for out-of-state delivery (which may take up to 10 days)

All subscriptions, both print and digital, are nonrefundable and subject to Kentucky sales tax.

Morris Estate Auction is Aug. 16

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A huge collection of guns of many makes will be sold from the collection of the late Everett Morris on Saturday, Aug. 16.

Additional outdoors equipment, household and shop tools, mowers and more are also included in the sale conducted by Buntin Auction Service at 303 Sturgis Rd., Marion. Sale begins at 9 .m.

This is a one you don't want to miss.

Click Here for Full Sale Listing

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School Board Special Meeting Thursday

Crittenden County Board of Education will hold a special called meeting and working session at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7 in the Rocket Arena Conference Room.

The agenda includes discussion on the 2025 tax rate, the district’s SRO contract, and roofing updates. The board will also consider approving an emergency certification for a shared financial literacy and career exploration teacher at the middle and high school levels.

Additional items include a review of Commonwealth Academy’s enrollment policy and discussion on creating a one-year lead preschool teacher position.

The board’s regular monthly meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12 at the same location.

DELAY | No school until September

Crittenden County Schools has pushed the first day of the 2025-26 school year to Tuesday, Sept. 2, due to delays in the delivery of desks, chairs and other classroom furniture for the new middle school addition.

Superintendent Tonya Driver said that while the new facility itself is ready, the company responsible for furnishing classrooms is unable to deliver before the original start date of Aug. 26 and does not offer weekend or evening delivery options.

“We’ve missed our students and we’re ready to begin learning,” Driver said in a statement to families. “We want to do so, however, in the best way possible.”

Despite the delayed start, no changes will be made to the 2025-26 academic calendar. The last day of school will remain May 28.

All professional development and planning dates for staff will continue as scheduled, and Opening Day for faculty and staff will still take place Monday, Aug. 25. A detailed schedule for staff for Aug. 26–29 will be shared by the end of the week.

Back-to-School Bashes may also be rescheduled, with more information expected later this week.

Families with questions can contact Superintendent Driver’s office directly.

Lyon County Sheriff's Report

From Lyon County Sheriff Brent White, here is last week's report, which also included information about its cooperation with Crittenden County in arresting three individuals jailed in connection to a shooting in southern Crittenden County in February.

- On July 22 around 2 a.m., Deputy Bobby Beeler investigated a car-deer collision on KY 93 South. A 2020 Dodge Charger driven by Joshua Oden, 35, of Cadiz struck a deer but no injuries were reported.

- On July 23 just before 1 p.m., Chief Deputy Sam Adams investigated a minor crash on Fairview Avenue in Eddyville where a 75-year-old man backed into a parked vehicle. No injuries occurred.

- On July 27, a high-speed crash on Lake Barkley Drive in Kuttawa resulted in two minor injuries. Jonathan Ramos, 21, of Calvert City lost control of a 2019 Chrysler 300, hitting a guard rail and ditch.

- On July 30 at 5:50 p.m., Deputy Josh Travis served a criminal complaint on Amber Beckner, 45, of Eddyville for failing to send a child to school.

- On July 31 at 10:27 p.m., Deputy Shannon Oliver investigated a parking lot crash off Days Inn Drive where a truck backed into an SUV. No injuries were reported.

- On Aug. 1, Capt. Dennis Beckett arrested Shanda A. Walker, 37, of Winchester on a Fayette County

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Riverport Authority calls special meeting

Eddyville Riverport & Industrial Development Authority Board of Directors will hold a special called board meeting on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at 7:30 a.m. in the Eddyville Riverport & Industrial Development Authority Inc. office located at 630 W Dale Ave, Eddyville, KY 42038.

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Downed power pole causes outage

More than 200 Kenergy customers were without power about 10:30pm Friday due to a downed utility pole north of Marion off of KY 91.

Crittenden County Sheriff's Department reports that a farmer accidentally struck the pole.

Customers will be without power for about two hours until the pole can be repaired. 

Hendrix will be honored at Friday breakfast

Carol Hendrix, 86, a lifelong farmer and factory worker from the Cave Springs area, will be inducted into the Crittenden County Agriculture Hall of Fame during the 4-H Fair Breakfast Friday morning at the Lions Club Fairgrounds. The event begins at 7 a.m.

Known for his humility, leadership, and early adoption of no-till farming, Hendrix spent decades balancing full-time work at Potter & Brumfield with managing a 275-acre farm, raising cattle, and serving in numerous agricultural and civic organizations.

Read the full story in this week’s edition of The Crittenden Press.