News | Sports | Community Info
Thursday, October 23, 2025
NEXT UP | Dogs and Other Nuisances Be Forewarned
Free-ranging, aggressive dogs in rural Crittenden County have been the source of fear and frustration for years, but the most recent meeting of the fiscal court might signal a turning point.
What seems to be ushering county leaders toward another look at wide-ranging local nuisance regs? And will it actually lead to change?
Find details in the full edition of The Crittenden Press, in digital and traditional paper form.
Not a subscriber? Here's a 48¢ Special October Deal for New Digital Subscribers. GO HERE.
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
INCREDIBLE RUN | Lady Rockets 8-peat as champs
Crittenden County continued its reign over the Fifth District volleyball scene Tuesday night, sweeping Livingston Central 25-23, 25-13, 25-21 at Rocket Arena to claim its eighth consecutive district championship.
The Lady Rockets’ dominance now spans nearly a decade. With the win, Crittenden has captured the district crown every year since 2018 and extended its streak of victories over district opponents to an astounding 44 straight matches — a run that includes both tournament and regular-season play. It’s the longest championship streak in school history for any sport.
“Eight years in a row is a big deal,” said junior Brealyn Merrill, who helped anchor another title run for CCHS. “It means a lot to keep the tradition going.”
Livingston Central offered resistance throughout Tuesday’s final, particularly in the opening and closing sets, but could not break Crittenden’s grip on the district title. Earlier this season, the Lady Cardinals became the first district team since 2020 to even take a set from the Lady Rockets, but the defending champs regrouped when it mattered most.
Senior Lacey Boone led the way in the championship with four aces and eight kills. Senior Aly Yates collected 25 digs, while juniors Braelyn Merrill and Maeson Martin added 11 and five kills, respectively. Sophomore Lola Cratty tallied 11 digs, and sophomore setter Maddie Hearell dished out 19 assists.
Crittenden advances to next week’s Second Region Tournament at Hopkins County Central, carrying not only a title streak but also a legacy that shows no signs of slowing.
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Ferry closed during to high winds
Cave-in-Rock Ferry has temporarily closed due to high winds.
The service stopped around noon today and will resume when conditions are safe.
Don't miss this Auction!
🎉 AUCTION ALERT! 🎉
FALL FARM CONSIGNMENT AUCTION
📅 Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM
📍 Location: 4736 State Route 297, Marion, KY (Behind Buntin Trailer Sales)
🚜 TRACTORS & FARM EQUIPMENT
🛠️ TOOLS, RECREATIONAL & MISC.
Monday, October 20, 2025
Lyon County Sheriff's Activity Report
- Burglary, 2nd degree (by complicity)
- Theft by unlawful taking under $10,000 (by complicity)
- Criminal mischief, 2nd degree (by complicity)
- Criminal trespass, 3rd degree
The juvenile was lodged in the McCracken County Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Paducah.
- On Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 3:01 p.m., SRO deputies responded to an assault complaint at the high school involving a student who was injured in an altercation on campus. The investigation led to a 16-year-old male student from Eddyville being charged with fourth-degree assault. The incident was captured on school surveillance video, and the student victim required medical attention. The investigation is continuing with both District Court and administrative school disciplinary proceedings pending.
- On Wednesday, Oct. 15, at 8 a.m., Lyon County SRO deputies detained a juvenile student at the high school who Sheriff White later arrested in relation to the same Oct. 6 residential burglary on Ky. 818 North. The 16-year-old male from Kuttawa was served with a juvenile complaint and custody order, charging him with the following offenses:
- Burglary, 2nd degree (by complicity)
- Theft by unlawful taking under $10,000 (by complicity)
- Criminal mischief, 2nd degree (by complicity)
- Criminal trespass, 3rd degree
The juvenile was lodged in the McCracken County Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Paducah, where he remains incarcerated.
- The Oct. 6 burglary and theft investigation is continuing with additional charges pending. The stolen property in the case—including two firearms (a shotgun and a handgun), clothing accessories, and an ATV—has been recovered and returned to the victim. Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Sheriff White at 270-388-2311.
2026 CANDIDATE WORKSHOP
Crittenden County Board of Elections will host another workshop at the County Office Complex for prospective candidates at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6, the day after the 2026 election filing period begins. The board will offer information on campaign finance rules, qualifications and fees for seeking office, requesting voter registration data and more. Also, filing papers and precinct maps will be made available.*
If there is interest, a third workshop will be offered in December prior to the filing deadline for the May 2026 primary.
For more information, contact Crittenden County Clerk’s Office at 270-965-3403.
*Because of the cost to produce maps showing precincts, there will be a $10 charge for each copy. However, digital images of the maps can be requested or found online.
US 641 closed due to gas leak near county line
UPDATE: AT 2:55 pm KY Transportation Cabinet issued a notice that traffic had begun moving slowly through the area where workers are attending to the leak.
ORIGINAL POST
FREDONIA, Ky. – A gas leak has forced the closure of U.S. 641 near mile point 5.7 at the Lyon-Caldwell County line, according to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
The blockage is along US 641 between Eddyville and Fredonia. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes. Officials have not provided an estimated time for reopening.
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Today's Interview with a couple of CCHS
Volleyball Seniors on the eve of their
quest for a 7th straight district crown
Sunday, October 19, 2025
Getting street-ready can be expensive
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FROM THE CRITTENDEN PRESS FULL EDITION
Want to try out the full edition? Here's a special 1yr digital offer
MARION, Ky. – Crittenden Fiscal Court has joined neighboring counties in approving an ordinance that allows certain special vehicles to operate legally on local roads, following the passage of a new state law earlier this year. Magistrates gave final approval to the measure at their September meeting, clearing the way for side-by-sides, UTVs, mini trucks, certain military vehicles and other designated rigs to be licensed for street use, provided owners meet a long list of requirements.
The state legislation, Senate Bill 63, became law on March 26 and took effect June 27. It permits local governments to adopt ordinances allowing “street-legal special purpose vehicles” on highways within their jurisdictions. Livingston County and several others have already opted in.
Under Crittenden’s ordinance, special purpose vehicles are prohibited from U.S. 60, U.S. 641, and any highway where the existing state or federal law prohibits their use. They also cannot be driven more than 20 miles on any highway with centerline pavement markings. Mini trucks are specifically barred from highways built with federal funding.
To take advantage of the new rules, owners must follow all state and county requirements. Vehicles must carry insurance, display a license plate, and be registered through the county clerk’s office just like cars and boats. Property taxes will apply, and if the rig was purchased privately rather than through a dealership, sales tax may still be owed. Before licensing, that 6% tax must be paid.
Crittenden County Clerk Daryl Tabor says only three of these type vehicles have been registered in the county so far. Several other individuals have inquired at the clerk’s office about licensing; however, once they find out details and expense, they have typically shown less interest, the clerk said.
Vehicles also have to be outfitted with safety equipment that meets state standards. That includes a roll bar or cage, functioning headlights, brake lights, turn signals, rearview mirrors, an illuminated speedometer and license plate holder, a horn, braking system, working muffler, and tires with sufficient tread. Drivers must hold a valid license.
With the ordinance now in place, residents who want to ride their side-by-sides and other qualifying rigs on county roads can do so, as long as they meet every legal requirement. Those who cut corners could face fines or see their vehicles barred from the road.
This change puts Crittenden in line with other western Kentucky counties where demand for legal road use of UTVs and similar vehicles has been growing.
Saturday, October 18, 2025
Tolu man dies in tractor accident
Sheriff Evan Head identified the victim as Bruce Johnson, 63, of Tolu.
An investigation revealed that the tractor operator was bush hogging a ditch bank near the highway when the tractor and mower rolled over.
Johnson was pronounced deceased at the scene by the coroner.
Friday, October 17, 2025
V-Ball Rocket girls enter postseason No. 1 in 5th
Crittenden County will enter next week’s Fifth District Volleyball Tournament as the No. 1 seed and seven-time tournament defending champion, even after closing the regular season on a four-match losing streak. CCHS has now won the regular-season district crown eight straight times and seeks its eighth tournament championship over the past eight years.
The Lady Rockets fell Thursday at home to powerhouse Henderson County in straight sets (25-10, 25-17, 25-19). Senior Lacey Boone led Crittenden’s offense with 15 attacks and seven kills, while senior Aly Yates anchored the defense with 16 digs. Maddie Hearell, a sophomore, tallied 11 set assists. Freshman Grayson Travis recorded four blocks, and junior Maeson Martin added three. Martin and Braelyn Merrill also contributed a couple of kills apiece.
Despite the loss, Crittenden (7-14) has proven to be the most consistent team within the Fifth District this season. The Lady Rockets swept both Livingston Central and Trigg County in straight sets during the regular season.
That success against district rivals secured Crittenden the top spot heading into Tuesday’s district tournament at Rocket Arena, where they’ll aim to for an eighth straight crown. The Lady Rockets have shown the ability to dominate familiar foes, and despite late-season struggles against larger regional opponents, they remain poised to extend one of the region’s longest active championship streaks on their home floor. The tournament is Tuesday night with Trigg and Livingston squaring off in the opener then Crittenden taking on the winner in a championship match.
From the regular season, Crittenden County’s statistical leaders indicate a balanced lineup that blends senior leadership with emerging underclassmen. Lacey Boone and Braelyn Merrill paced the Lady Rockets’ attack, each recording 99 kills this season to lead the team.
Merrill was also a defensive force at the net, collecting 24 total blocks, while freshman Grayson Travis followed with a team-best 32.
Senior Aly Yates anchored the back row with 175 digs, averaging 3.43 per set, the highest on the roster.
In setting duties, senior Lilah Sherer was the team’s clear leader, posting 447 assists, averaging 8.6 per set.
From the service line, sophomore Emerye Pollard and sophomore Maddie Hearell were top producers with 28 and 29 service aces, respectively.
NWS says slight risk for storms late Saturday
Click Image to Enlarge
National Weather Service in Paducah says much of western Kentucky, including Crittenden County, is under a Slight Risk for severe thunderstorms from Saturday afternoon through early Sunday morning.
Forecasters say storms are expected to develop Saturday afternoon across southeast Missouri and southern Illinois before moving into southwest Indiana and western Kentucky later in the evening. Damaging winds up to 70 mph, large hail around 1 inch in diameter and a few brief tornadoes are possible.
Rainfall totals between three-quarters of an inch and 1.5 inches are expected, with heavier amounts likely to the northwest. The Weather Service notes a low concern for flash flooding but advises residents to remain alert for rapidly changing conditions.
Conway estate sale features equipment
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| Click Image to Enlarge |
The auction begins at 9 a.m., at 5231 SR 902, Fredonia.
Whether you're looking to upgrade or add to your farm equipment, this auction is for you.
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Celebrate the Birthday of Crittenden County Public Library Friends of the Library
Come out and celebrate the 20th Birthday of The Friends of the Library at Crittenden County Public Library at 6 tonight! The bookmark contest winner will be announced and refreshments will be provided.
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Candy Land in Amish Community!
GOT CANDY? 
Stock up for your trick-or-treaters with big savings on all their favorite sweets! 
Starburst Jelly Beans – $1 each or 10 for $7 Lindt Chocolate Bars – $2.50 eachStop by Hillside Discount Grocery on Hwy. 91 North of Marion and save big on Halloween treats!
School evacuated due to spill
UPDATE: Site is clear. Students returned to classrooms at 1:03pm.
MARION — Crittenden County High School students and staff were temporarily evacuated to Rocket Arena on Tuesday morning after gas was spilled during roofing work on the top floor of the main building.
School officials said the evacuation was made out of an abundance of caution. All students and staff are safe and will return to the building once it is cleared for reentry.
Lyon County Sheriff's Report
On Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, just before 6 p.m., Deputy Bobby Beeler and other first responders were dispatched to a golf cart accident on Holiday Hills Drive. The investigation revealed that Sharon Carlton, 33, of Macedonia, Ill., was driving a rented golf cart when the operator allowed the right wheels to leave the roadway, resulting in her losing control, traveling up an embankment and overturning. A juvenile female was transported by Lyon County EMS to an area hospital for injuries sustained in the collision. Three other occupants were not injured.
On Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, around 12:30 p.m., Chief Deputy Sam Adams arrested Aaron M. Stuart, 32, of Dawson Springs, in Eddyville. Stuart was served with a Lyon Circuit Court indictment warrant charging him with methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia possession offenses. He was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.
On Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, just before 1 p.m., deputies charged Ashley Belcher, 40, of Neon, on two Letcher Circuit Court indictment warrants — one for methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia possession offenses and the second for theft of services (less than $1,000) and second-degree criminal mischief. Belcher awaits extradition back to Letcher County.
On Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, around 4:45 p.m., Deputy Josh Travis arrested Nathan T. Hall, 40, of Eddyville, on a Lyon District Court bench warrant for failure to appear on a DUI-related case. Hall was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.
Monday, October 13, 2025
Thursday, October 9, 2025
Ky 295 reopens south of Dycusburg
The bridge across Livingston Creek was rebuilt and today reopened to through traffic between Dycusburg and Eddyville.
City will meet in special session tonight
Marion City Council has scheduled a special meeting for 5:30pm today. On the agenda are two items, both closed sessions pursuant to exemptions for the Opens Meetings Law.
By law, no action can be taken in executive session, only discussions that are exempt by law.
Court Street Closed Next Week
According to Judge-Executive Perry Newcom, the closure will occur Monday through Friday, Oct. 13–17, with truckloads of material set for delivery.
Access to the Farm Bureau parking lot will remain open.
Auction tonight on Mott City Road
The property features a home and two buildings located about 10 minutes from Marion, 15 minutes from Barkley Lake and 5 minutes from Fredonia.
Real estate only sells today at 6 p.m.
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
James Dale "Jimmy" Harris
James Dale “Jimmy” Harris, age 79, of Marion passed away at his home on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. He was a retired Correctional Officer with West Kentucky Correctional Complex. Jimmy loved classic cars and especially drag racing his 1966 El Camino at Paducah Raceway.
Survivors include his wife, Connie Moore Harris, Marion, KY; one daughter, Lee Ann Hunsley (Rad), Dyersburg, TN; two sons, Tony Harris (Brandi), Marion, KY and Joseph Harris, Marion, KY; 8 grandchildren, Logan, Cody, Kielee, Abby, Zade, Carley, Evan and Caleb; 4 great grandchildren, Raelynn, Remi, Dax, Ellie.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Christene Jennings Driver; father, Albert Harris; stepfather, Dago Driver and two brothers, Charles Harris and Donald Harris.
Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Saturday, October 11, 2025, and from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at Gilbert Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Sunday at 3:00 pm at Gilbert Funeral Home with burial to follow in Fredonia Cemetery.
You may leave a message for the family on our website:Gilbertfuneralhome.com
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Youth Camp Road Temporary Closure
Youth Camp Road will be closed to through traffic late this week, Wednesday through Friday, Oct. 8–10, as crews repair several areas of base failure in preparation for paving. While motorists will still be able to access either Irma White Road or Tom Hill Road from one end of Youth Camp Road, normal routes may be altered during the work period. Drivers are urged to use caution in the work zones.
Monday, October 6, 2025
Great afternoon for a drive
CLWD Boil Water Advisory Lifted
Crittenden-Livingston Water District lifted its boil water for the area west of Salem.
The order was issued late last week and ended just before 10am today.
Sunday, October 5, 2025
Lyon County Sheriff's Activity Report
Following a multi-hour investigation, it was determined the juvenile had made one alarming statement and one threatening statement to fellow students during the lockdown period after Friday’s incident. Juveniles who overheard these statements reported them to family members on Sunday evening, resulting in calls to school administrators and the sheriff’s office.
In the early morning hours of Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, a 15-year-old male was taken into custody by Deputy Beeler. The student was charged with second-degree terroristic threatening and lodged in the McCracken Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Paducah.
It is unknown at this time if these incidents are related to the threat received Friday; however, Kentucky State Police and the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office continue to investigate.
On Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, just before 7 p.m., sheriff’s office personnel were dispatched to a burglary-in-progress complaint on Wilderness Road. The Eddyville Police Department and Kentucky State Police also responded after the caller reported up to five people being involved. Upon arrival, no persons except Jacob G. Buchanan, 30, of Kuttawa, were present.
The investigation determined Buchanan was under the influence of methamphetamine and hallucinating in the presence of law enforcement officers. He was found to be in possession of illegal drugs and firearms. Buchanan was arrested and charged with first-degree possession of a controlled substance, second offense (meth); possession of marijuana; possession of drug paraphernalia; falsely reporting an incident to law enforcement (felony offense); and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.
On Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025, around 10:23 a.m., Sheriff Brent White received a complaint from court security deputies regarding an adult female who appeared intoxicated in Lyon District Court. Sheriff White located the woman in the courtroom, and after she concluded her business with the court, he determined she was manifestly under the influence of methamphetamine.
She was identified as Sandra K. Randall, 53, of Joelton, Tenn., and was arrested and charged with public
Friday, October 3, 2025
Cave In Rock's HogRocktoberfest this weekend
Motorists should expect to see an uptick in motorcycle traffic through Marion this weekend as bikers and support vehicles make their way to HogRocktoberfest. The adults-only rally, billed as the largest of its kind in the Midwest, runs Oct. 1-5 at HogRock Campground near Cave-In-Rock, Ill.
The festival will feature live bands, field events, beach games and contests throughout the weekend. HogRock draws thousands of visitors each year, and local drivers are urged to use caution and watch for riders traveling to and from the event.
CLWD issues boil water advisory near Salem
Crittenden-Livingston Water District has issued a boil water advisory for Livingston County residents living in the area of US 60 from Salem to westward to Water Tower Road.
Boil all water before use: Bring water to a rolling boil for at least one full minute. Allow it to cool before drinking or using.
Customers should continue these precautions until the advisory is officially lifted.
Thursday, October 2, 2025
Homecoming Queen is Gracie Orr
HOMECOMING COURT
Front from left are freshmen attendants Caroline Martin and Daryl Sherer, junior attendants Braelynn Merrill and Noah Byford, senior candidates Rhiana Maness and Brayden Poindexter, Queen Gracie Orr and king Garyson Hall, crown and flower bearers Case Berry and Dru Courtney, senior attendants Anna Boone and Quinn Summer’s, sophomores Adri Berry and Jack Porter and 2024 king Cam’Ron Belcher.
Grab next week's printed edition of The Press so you
can cut it out for your scrapbook or fridge
Game Highlights at more at RocketsFootball.com
KY 295 Bridge Work Close to Complete
The KY 295 bridge over Livingston Creek at the Crittenden–Lyon County line could reopen as early as late next week. Crews have been paving the new span this week, and guardrail installation is scheduled for next week, which should wrap up the $1.236 million project.
The bridge has been closed since March 2024 after inspectors found severe structural deterioration. Demolition began this past May, and Jim Smith Contracting has overseen construction of the new single-span concrete structure.
Motorists have been forced onto narrow backroads for 16 months while awaiting the replacement.
Steel Mags taking show on the road
Community Arts Foundation’s rendition of Steel Magnolias is hitting the road. The cast will perform one show Nov. 8 at Badgett Playhouse in Grand Rivers. Tickets go on sale Oct. 1.
The play features local actresses Lindsay Sizemore, Holley Curnel, Katie Keen, Terra Haire, Trish Gage and Brittney Meredith-Miller, along with the voice of Cole Foster. It is directed by Teresa Foster and produced by Kim Vince.
The production opened at Fohs Hall the weekend before last with two shows.
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Who's starting to line up as candidates
The 2026 Election Season is Already Stirring
It may still be more than a year away, but some familiar faces in Crittenden County are already making moves toward the ballot. A few candidates have filed early paperwork that signals their plans for run.
The official filing window doesn’t open until November, but the first signs of next year’s political landscape are starting to take shape — and we’ve got the inside scoop.
👉 Read the full story in this week’s edition of The Crittenden Press. Subscribe now for $32 a year and never miss out on local news: https://crittendenpress.blogspot.com/p/esub-emailed-annual-subscription.html
Special meeting on Friday
Crittenden County Fiscal Court will have a
special called meeting at 3:45pm on Friday at the county office complex.
We're so much more than just a newspaper
The Crittenden Press – More Than Just a Newspaper!
Did you know we print far more than the weekly paper?
Our shop can handle just about anything you need in print, big or small:
✅ Business Cards
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Whether you’re a small business, a community group, or planning a big event, we’ve got you covered from start to finish.
And we don’t stop at print! With the Digital Early Bird, your message can reach tens of thousands of potential customers online across Crittenden County and the surrounding region.
👉 Stop by, call, or message us today to learn how The Crittenden Press + Early Bird can help get your word out—in print and online. 270-965-3191 or information@the-press.com.
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
PACS meals get limited stay
PACS AND PADD have rolled out a temporary plan to keep the program afloat after funding reductions. It was announced last week that a full pause in the program was immanent.
Big changes are still anticipated.
Read the full story in this week’s Crittenden Press.
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