Two injury accidents overnight in county

MARION, Ky. – Crittenden County Sheriff’s Department investigated two injury crashes within a span of several hours from Monday evening into early Tuesday morning.

Just before dark Monday, deputies responded to a single-vehicle accident at the intersection of Ford’s Ferry Road and Pickering Hill Road. Authorities said one male occupant, who was the driver, was transported to Livingston Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

A second crash was reported early Tuesday morning on KY 723 South. Deputies were called to the scene around 4:30 a.m. after a vehicle rolled multiple times. A male occupant was taken by ambulance to Livingston Hospital’s emergency room. No additional details were immediately available.

Mediacom prices going up in 2026

MARION, Ky. - Mediacom customers in Marion will see several programming-related rate increases beginning Jan. 1, 2026. The changes include an increase in the Local Broadcast Station Surcharge from $28.67 to $33.22, a $4.55 increase, and a slight increase in the Regional Sports Surcharge from $6.11 to $6.28. Mediacom’s Varied TV package will also increase from $130 to $140 per month. Mediacom cites higher programming costs, inflationary pressures and supply chain challenges as the reasons for the adjustments. 

Mediacom has a non-exclusive franchise to sell its telecommunications offerings in the City of Marion. 

National reporting and industry data show that television programming and related fees have been rising across the United States, driven by higher programming costs and retransmission fees that cable and TV providers pay to broadcasters and content networks - costs that are typically passed on to customers.

Fiscal court will meet in special session

Crittenden County Fiscal Court meets in speciall session at 4:30pm Tuesday at the county office complex. 

Nashville Murder Suspect found in Eddyville

- On Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, around 11:45 a.m., Sheriff White arrested a 16-year-old male juvenile from Oak Grove in Eddyville. He was charged as a fugitive from justice due to a warrant from Davidson County, Tenn., where he is charged with first-degree murder — premeditated and intentional, four counts of attempted first-degree murder — premeditated and intentional, and accessory after the fact. The juvenile was lodged in the McCracken Regional Juvenile Detention Facility, where he awaits extradition to Nashville, Tenn.

- On Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, just after 11 a.m., Sheriff Brent White responded to a single-vehicle collision on KY 93 South near KY 778 in the Lamasco community. His investigation determined a 2005 Honda Accord, driven by Braxton Hargrove, 19, of Cadiz, was southbound on KY 93 when the driver reportedly saw a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction in his lane of travel. Hargrove stated he took evasive action to avoid a collision with the other vehicle. His vehicle left the right shoulder and collided with an earthen embankment. The driver was not injured in the collision. The other vehicle failed to stop or render aid. Anyone with information concerning the accident is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 270-388-2311.

- On Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, at 8 a.m., Sheriff White arrested Randall J. Kyle, 39, of Eddyville and charged him on a Lyon Circuit Court indictment warrant with first-degree sexual abuse involving a victim under 12 years of age. Kyle was already listed on the Kentucky Sex Offender Registry at the time of his arrest. He posted a $10,000 cash bond and was later released from custody.

- On Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, around 11:30 a.m., School Resource Officer Deputy Cory Jessup charged a 12-year-old juvenile with third-degree terroristic threatening. An assault complaint reported Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, which occurred just outside school property, was reported to the Sheriff’s Office, and Deputy

Launch Pad lifting off January 5

 Marion's New Sports Complex

Located on the former Marion True Value property 

West Kentucky Launchpad is preparing to open its doors in Marion as a new athletic training facility serving athletes of all ages and skill levels. The facility will provide training resources for baseball, softball and jiu-jitsu, along with open facility time, athlete development services and community-focused programming.

Ahead of the official opening, West Kentucky Launchpad is offering a free hitting assessment for baseball and softball players on January 3-4. Space is very limited and advance RSVP is required.

The facility will officially open for training on January 5, with baseball, softball and jiu-jitsu programs available. Additional amenities, including a community gym and expanded training opportunities, are planned and will be added in the near future.

West Kentucky Launchpad is located on Sturgis Road in Marion at the former Marion True Value property. 

For more information or to RSVP for the free hitting assessment, contact Colby Davis at 270-994-2019.

FIRST NEWS NOW | Powered by 1st United Bank

 

LISTEN NOW

News | Sports | More

Choose Fohs Hall for your special event

Click Image to Enlarge

Planning a bridal shower, class reunion or special 

event? Consider holding that event at Fohs Hall.

Fohs Hall, a beautiful 100-year-old cultural arts 

center, is the area's premier special events venue. 

For rental information, contact Elliot West.

 

STATE FARM | THURSDAY NEWScast

 

LISTEN NOW

News | Sports | Hospital CEO Shawn Bright 

I-24 blocked by semi rollover

Interstate 24 eastbound was closed Wednesday morning at the 29-mile marker near the Marshall-Livingston county line because of a crash involving an overturned tractor-trailer.

Officials said the wreck may have resulted in a spill, though details were limited. There was no immediate estimate on how long the closure or cleanup would last.

Eastbound traffic is being detoured at Exit 27. Motorists are routed along U.S. 62 and KY 453 before rejoining I-24 at Exit 31.

Motorists are urged to use caution and expect delays in the area.

Special meeting called by Riverport Authority

The Eddyville Riverport and Industrial Development Authority, Inc. will hold a special called meeting at 11 a.m. Dec. 17, 2025, at 630 W. Dale Ave., Eddyville, Ky.

The agenda includes call to order, roll call, establishment of a quorum, discussion of the Dolphin Construction Project, discussion of the PIDP Inlet Construction Project, and adjournment.

FIRST NEWS NOW | Powered by 1st United Bank

LISTEN NOW

News | Sports | Outdoors

 

Lyon County Sherifff's Activity Report

 

- On Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, just after 12 p.m., Sheriff Brent White received a trespassing complaint from a property owner off U.S. 62 West in Kuttawa. On Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, around 9:40 p.m., following an investigation of the complaint, Deputy Bobby Beeler charged Brian T. Boone, 22, of Marion, with third-degree criminal trespassing. He was cited to Lyon District Court.

- On Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, beginning at 8 a.m., members of the sheriff’s office, led by Chief Deputy Sam Adams, served multiple arrest warrants on the following offenders:

• David Peek, 48, of Eddyville, was charged with a Lyon Circuit Court indictment warrant for procuring or promoting use of a minor by electronic means. He was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.
• Daniel Kelley, 47, of Richmond, was charged with a Madison Circuit Court indictment warrant for trafficking in a controlled substance, first offense (carfentanil or fentanyl derivatives). He is awaiting extradition back to Madison County.
• Andrea M. Breedlove, 37, of Eddyville, was charged with a Lyon Circuit Court indictment warrant for second-degree burglary, violation of a Kentucky EPO/DVO and third-degree criminal trespassing. She was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.
• Richard King, 52, of Bardwell, was charged with a Ballard District Court bench warrant for nonpayment of court costs, fees or fines. He is awaiting extradition back to Ballard County.
• Benita A. Festervan, 40, of Bardstown, was charged with a Marion Circuit Court bench warrant for failure to appear. She is awaiting extradition back to Marion County.

- On Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, around 2:30 p.m., Sheriff White arrested Michael S. Conger, 53, of Eddyville, following a several-month investigation into complaints of illegal drug trafficking in Eddyville. Conger was served with a Lyon Circuit Court indictment warrant charging him with trafficking in a controlled substance, first degree (more than 2 grams of methamphetamine), possession of a controlled substance, second degree, possession of drug paraphernalia, and being a persistent felony offender, first degree. He was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.

- On Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, around 3:37 p.m., Chief Deputy Adams arrested Steve E. Asher, 56, of Salem, and served him with a Livingston District Court complaint warrant charging him with six counts of distributing sexually explicit images without consent, first offense. Asher was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center. The case was investigated by the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office.

- On Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025, around 12:30 p.m., deputies served Carl Donley, 42, address unknown, with two arrest warrants from Carroll District Court, both for failure to appear in court. Donley is awaiting extradition back to Carroll County.

HOLIDAY EVENTS | Don't Miss Out!

Deer Creek Baptist Church has announced a schedule change for its Live Nativity Scene due to extreme cold weather.

The church will host the Live Nativity Monday and Tuesday, but the event will not be held Sunday (tonight) as originally planned. Organizers said the decision was made out of concern for the safety and comfort of volunteers and visitors amid the frigid temperatures.

The public is invited to attend on the remaining nights to experience the traditional Nativity presentation.

Cutter & Cash and The Kentucky Grass will help lead a communitywide Christmas Carol Sing-A-Long at Marion Baptist Church next Sunday night, Dec. 21.

The free event begins at 6 p.m. and is open to the public. Organizers say the sing-along is intended to bring the community together through traditional Christmas music while celebrating the meaning of the season.

The program will feature familiar carols, including “The First Noël,” popularized by Andy Williams. No admission is charged.

Today is last chance to see Lessons and Carols

Practice session last week at Fohs Hall under the direction of Corey Crider

A warm glow of Christmas spirit is filling Fohs Hall this weekend as the Community Arts Foundation’s newest holiday offering, “Lessons & Carols,” makes its debut with Sunday’s program the final opportunity for the public to attend.

The festive blend of scripture and song opened last night and concludes today, Sunday, Dec. 14, at 2:30 p.m. Admission is free, with a free-will offering accepted.

Adapted and directed by local performer and arts leader Corey Crider, the program draws inspiration from a centuries-old Anglican tradition while adding the musical variety and community flavor Marion audiences have come to expect from CAF events.

The lineup includes a community choir, a local children’s choir directed by Michelle Crider, the Marion Methodist Church handbells team directed by John Michael Gage, and bluegrass favorites Cutter & Cash and The Kentucky Grass. Additional performers include Michelle and Cade Crider, Lacie Duncan, Adam Guess, Hannah Peek, Teresa Beavers, George Whelstone, Bek Schmidt, Payne DeHaven, Declan Bingham, Isaac Carter, Gordon Hein, Brennan Cruce and Gage.

My Turn John Boy | From an October Press

This column by Editor Chris Evans was originally published in October, but its message still resonates today. If you’d like to receive The Crittenden Press each week, a subscription costs less than 62 cents an issue. We would be glad to have you as a reader. The editor’s column appears regularly in the newspaper. Click the subscribe button at the top of this page to get the full edition of The Press each week.

Every Thursday night when I was a boy, I called my grandmother to remind her that The Waltons was about to come on television. I didn’t want her to miss it. 

She had lived through the Great Depression as a young wife and mother, and while she spoke of those years with a certain fondness, I later came to realize the reality was far harsher than her stories let on. 

For her, that show was both reminder and comfort, an idealized reflection of a time that had been bitter in practice, yet sweet in memory. She had lived in a place along the Tennessee River known as the Old 23rd District. I wrote extensively about those days in my book South of the Mouth Sandy.

As a child, I didn’t fully grasp why it meant so much to her. Only later, when I understood the weight of what she had endured, did I see the deeper truth. She needed those familiar voices from Walton’s Mountain to tell her that hardship could coexist with love, dignity and grace.  

I always identified with John Boy Walton. He was a writer with his own newspaper, The Chronicle, forever scribbling down thoughts about people, places and the quiet lessons tucked inside everyday life. He was pragmatic and a little philosophical, and he saw in ordinary moments something worth preserving. Perhaps that’s where I, too, caught the bug – the notion that words on a page could help a community see itself more clearly and even find some redeeming value in the telling. 

The other night, I caught a rerun I hadn’t seen in decades, an episode titled The Pony Cart. The story

STATE FARM THURSDAY | NewsCast

 

LISTEN NOW

News | Sports | Corey Crider on "Lessons & Carols"

Clerk announces holiday closings

Click Image to Enlarge

Crittenden County Clerk Daryl Tabor has announced holiday closing hours for both Christmas and New Year's.

The clerk encourages citizens to note the closure dates to ensure important end-of-year business is conducted prior to Dec. 24 or beween Dec. 27 and Dec. 31.

Social Media Ban for children under 16

Australia on Monday became the first nation to enact a full ban on social media use for children under 16, a sweeping law that shifts responsibility from parents to tech companies and threatens platforms with multimillion-dollar penalties for violations.

The ban applies to major platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, YouTube and X. Companies must take “reasonable steps” to keep minors off their services, including age-verification measures and the removal of suspected underage accounts. Serious or repeat noncompliance could draw fines of up to $33 million.

Australian officials framed the measure as a response to mounting evidence of online harms, noting research showing 96 percent of 10- to 15-year-olds use social media and many report exposure to harmful content, grooming or cyberbullying.

Critics argue the law will be difficult to enforce, risks driving teens to less-regulated corners of the internet and raises concerns about how platforms will collect and verify sensitive age data.

Ferry closed today for high winds

 

Cave-In-Rock Ferry closed Wednesday due to high winds

The Cave-In-Rock Ferry shut down Wednesday because of high winds, according to the ferry authority. Officials said the service will reopen once conditions improve.

The ferry connects KY 91 in Crittenden County with Illinois Route 1 in Hardin County across the Ohio River.

CRH hosting Christmas benefit Dec. 19

MARION, Ky. – A new holiday tradition is taking shape at Fohs Hall later this month as Cumberland River Homes hosts “A Very Merry Christmas Benefit,” an evening of music, comedy and community support.

The free event is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 19, at 6 p.m. at Fohs Hall, 201 N. Walker St. in Marion. Doors will open at 5:15 p.m. so guests can choose their seats and browse a Holiday Silent Auction before the program begins.

Organizers say the benefit is designed to celebrate the season while spotlighting the work of Cumberland River Homes, a nonprofit that provides residential, day training, behavior supports, case management and other services to people with disabilities. Its mission is to offer each person a safe, happy, healthy and respected life.

This year’s lineup features The Todd Hill Quintet with vocalist Kayla Marie Little, comedian Jamey Ragle and The Cumberland River Homes Choir directed by Julie Wedding. The program will combine classic Christmas favorites with big band flair, sing-along moments and family-friendly comedy.

The Todd Hill Quintet will be making its first appearance at the benefit, bringing a big band sound to traditional holiday carols. Little will be featured on vocals throughout the concert. Ragle, a returning crowd favorite, will add his signature quick-witted, story-driven comedy. The CRH choir will showcase the voices and talents of individuals served by the organization.

Ahead of the performance, attendees can take part in the Holiday Silent Auction. Items will include handmade creations from clients in Cumberland River Homes’ Day Training Program, along with goods and gifts donated by community members. Proceeds from the auction will support CRH services and future growth.

Several area businesses have already signed on as sponsors for the 2025 benefit, including Livingston Hospital, Boyd Funeral Directors, Farmers Bank & Trust, Dr. Debra Wilder and The Kuttawa Clinic, KeeFORCE, Superior Exteriors LLC, Johnson’s Furniture & Appliances, A Cut Above Meat Market and Kountry Quisine. Their contributions help keep the event free to the public while backing programs for individuals with disabilities.

Sponsorship opportunities remain available. Businesses or individuals interested in supporting the event may contact Braden Locke at 270-704-5333.

FIRST NEWS NOW | Powered by 1st United Bank

 

LISTEN NOW

News | Sports | More

Today we're headed to Salem, Ky.

to visit with Mayor Gary Damron

Flags at half staff today

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear has ordered flags at all state office buildings to be lowered to half-staff Sunday. Dec. 7 in observance of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

The day honors the more than 2,400 Americans killed in the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor during the early-morning hours of Dec. 7, 1941. The next day, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared the date “a day which will live in infamy” and signed the Declaration of War against Japan.

On Dec. 11, 1941 the United States entered war with Germany and Italy after both nations declared war on the U.S.

Beshear encouraged individuals, businesses, organizations and government agencies across Kentucky to join the tribute by lowering flags on Sunday.

Coke truck steals the show

Entered by Grant Kneisler and David Farmer, the Coca-Cola Truck Wins Nostalgia Award at Parade

The Coca-Cola Truck stole the show at Saturday's Christmas parade, winning the judges' Nostalgia Award, a category created to accommodate the standout entry. It was a great parade with strong participation, featuring 45 entries plus every fire truck in the county and Salem.

The Crittenden County Middle School boys' basketball bus also slipped into the parade just ahead of Santa after arriving home from winning the 5th District Championship at Lyon.

Parade Category Winners

Business

1st Place – Glenn's Pharmacies

2nd Place – KY American Seed

3rd Place – H & H Hardware

Church

1st Place – Deer Creek

2nd Place – Freedom

3rd Place – Marion General

Organization

1st Place – Friends Forever

2nd Place – E911

3rd Place – FFA

St. Nick Day Highlights Roots of Santa

And, how he slapped Arius at Council meeting 

Today, Dec. 6, marks St. Nicholas Day, a centuries-old Christian feast honoring the fourth-century bishop of Myra, whose generosity and faith helped shape traditions still celebrated today, including the modern figure of Santa Claus.

St. Nicholas, a Greek bishop in what is now Turkey, was known for quiet acts of charity. The best-known account tells of him secretly providing gold for the dowries of three impoverished young women so they could marry. His reputation for compassion spread widely, and over time his story blended with folklore across Europe, eventually inspiring Sinterklaas and, later, Santa Claus.

Though the historical record is thin, St. Nicholas is also famously – and perhaps legendarily – linked to the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. Tradition holds that he confronted the teacher Arius for denying the divinity of Christ. The tale of Nicholas slapping Arius emerged centuries later, reflecting Christian devotion to orthodoxy more than documented history.

St. Nicholas Day is observed Dec. 6 in Western Christian traditions, or the evening of Dec. 5, and Dec. 19 in Eastern churches that follow an older calendar. Families in many countries mark the day with simple, symbolic customs. Children place shoes or stockings out overnight and awaken to coins, oranges, small toys or candy, echoing Nicholas’s quiet gift-giving. Churches may hold special services, and some communities emphasize charity, donating toys or helping families in need.

Though American culture associates gift-giving with Christmas, Christian tradition recognizes St. Nicholas as the original model of generosity rooted in faith, a reminder, especially in this Advent season, of caring for the poor, encouraging children and practicing mercy in everyday life.

Crittenden Fiscal Court meets in special session

Crittenden County Fiscal Court will hold a special called meeting at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, in the Fiscal Courtroom at the County Office Complex.

The only item of business is to consider approval of claims for payment on the jail.

Hundreds may be left voiceless in the spring

Candidate filings for 2026 are already reshaping the political landscape in Crittenden County, and the early numbers may leave hundreds of local voters without a voice next spring. 

Why are some residents switching parties, and what could this mean for the balance of power going forward? 

See more about this trend in this week’s full edition of The Crittenden Press.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY | Only 61¢ a Week

No Parking for Saturday Parade | See Santa

There will be no parking along Main Street in downtown Marion from 3 p.m., until after Saturday’s Christmas Parade. 

Both sides of Main Street from Depot Street to the traffic light at Bellville Street will be coned off starting two hours before the 5 p.m., parade. Local law enforcement cautions parents to be especially attentive to children seeking candy by going into the street as motorized vehicles pass by. 

The Chamber of Commerce and Integrity Insurance are organizing the parade. 

Following the parade, Santa will see children at Crittenden County Fairgrounds inside the Lions Club's Agriculture Building. Children will get a hot-dog supper.

Marion gearing up for huge celebration

Big plans are taking shape for America’s 250th birthday in 2026 and Marion could be at the center of a major two-day celebration.

Community leaders are already sketching ideas, gathering partners and exploring ways to honor history, patriotism and local heritage.

What exactly is being planned?

What events might fill the weekend?

And how can the community get involved?

Find all the details in this week’s full edition of The Crittenden Press.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY | Only 61¢ a Week

STATE FARM | Thursday NEWScast

 

LISTEN NOW

News | Sports

No school in Crittenden today

School is closed in Crittenden County today as a result of slick roads from the first winter weather event of the season.  This is a Nontraditional Instruction (NTI) Day, with students in grades 3-12 completing classwork at home.  Teachers are available via email, Google Classroom and ParentSquare.

LYON COUNTY SHERIFF's Report

- On Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025, at 8:30 a.m., Chief Deputy Sam Adams responded to a single-vehicle collision complaint on Hopewell Road. His investigation revealed a 2016 Dodge Dart exited the roadway and was unoccupied when he first arrived. Chief Deputy Adams was able to locate and identify the driver as James Malone, 32, of Kuttawa. Malone was charged with operating on a suspended or revoked operator’s license and failure to produce an insurance card. There were no injuries in the accident.

- Beginning Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, at 4:34 a.m. and continuing through Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., the sheriff and deputies responded to 10 domestic-dispute-related incidents in the county. In most of the incidents, the parties were separated and no charges were filed. Several incidents resulted in the petitioning of protective orders through the court. In one incident, a woman was transported to an area hospital for a mental health evaluation. Sheriff Brent White reminds the public that Sanctuary Inc., (800) 766-0000, offers domestic violence services and emergency shelter for victims, and Pennyroyal Center, (877) 473-7766, offers mental health and crisis/emergency stabilization services. The Kentucky 988 suicide and crisis lifeline is also staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week for those needing to connect with suicide prevention assistance, mental health and substance use counselors. These providers tend to see an uptick in demand for services around the holidays.

- On Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, just after 5:30 p.m., Deputy Josh Travis responded to I-69 with Kentucky State Police and other first responders for a rollover collision. Upon arrival, it was determined there were two non-injury collisions near the same mile marker. KSP investigated the non-injury rollover collision with two occupants, and Deputy Travis investigated a single-vehicle collision. His investigation revealed a

Wintry Mix in Forecast Tonight

A wintry mix will move into the region this evening and continue overnight, bringing light snow, sleet and pockets of ice to much of western Kentucky and surrounding areas.

A winter weather advisory remains in effect for far southeast Missouri, far southern Illinois and most of western Kentucky, where forecasters expect up to an inch of snow or sleet and some light icing. Southwest Indiana has been added to the advisory, with up to 2 inches of snow possible there as the system organizes later tonight.

Areas farther north and west may see around an inch of snow or sleet. In Trigg, Christian and Todd counties, the event is expected to be mostly rain, with only a limited wintry mix after midnight.

While overall totals are low, forecasters warn that even light ice or snow could quickly create hazardous conditions on roads, bridges and sidewalks. Temperatures will remain below normal through the week.

FIRST NEWS NOW | Powered by 1st United Bank

 

LISTEN NOW

News | Weather | Sports | Interview

On today's program | Trace Derrington

New host of the Basketball Coach's Show