Crittenden is getting smaller slice of state road aid

In case you missed it... this article appeared in The Crittenden Press full edition the last week of August. It is still meaningful today. Subscribe to The Press and stay up to date on important articles like this one.

MARION, Ky. – Crittenden County is getting a smaller slice of state road money it can use on its own county roads, continuing a three-year decline that local officials say is making it increasingly difficult to keep up with paving needs.

The county is slated to receive $138,087 in Rural Secondary Flex Funds for the 2026-27 fiscal year. That's down from about $180,000 last year and $226,000 two years ago – a decline of nearly $88,000, or 39%, in two years.

“So the trend is less and less and less and cut and cut and cut,” Judge-Executive Perry Newcom said. “I see a point where we get no flex fund money.”

Newcom's comments came during last week's monthly fiscal court meeting when Kentucky Transportation Cabinet officials submitted the county's annual Rural Secondary Road Program recommendations.

The way the program works can be confusing because the money serves both state and county roads.

Kentucky sets aside a portion of state motor-fuels tax revenue for its Rural Secondary Road Program. That

money is divided among counties using a formula based on rural population, road mileage, land area and an equal share for each of Kentucky's 120 counties. However, the Rural Secondary allocation remains under the control of the Transportation Cabinet and is primarily used to maintain and improve state-maintained rural secondary highways, according to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s website.

That's where Flex Funds come in.

Each year, KYTC determines how much of a county's Rural Secondary allocation can be “flexed” away

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Today we visit with Leslea Barnes, Extension Agent

and get a full wrapup of a busy 4-H season

Boil water issued after contractor damages main

Crittenden-Livingston Water District has issued a boil water advisory for customers along Ky. 855 North from the intersection of Allie Brown Road to 3396 Ky. 855 North.

The advisory includes Allie Brown, Emmaus Church, Kirk Bluff South, Wring Grimes and Tyner roads.

A contractor struck a water main in the same area that was under an advisory last week. Customers should boil water used for drinking or cooking until the advisory is lifted.

Bridge open on 654 near Mattoon

MARION, Ky. – Highway KY 654 in Crittenden County reopened this morning following replacement of the bridge over Mattoon Creek.

The road had been closed since early June at mile point 4.18, southeast of U.S. 60 at Mattoon. Motorists should use caution because the new bridge deck and approaches remain compacted gravel.

Paving will be scheduled later and will require another temporary closure.

The $485,000 project serves a section of highway traveled by about 188 vehicles daily.

Railway crash being investigated

PRINCETON, Ky. – A Paducah and Louisville Railway train struck a trailer loaded with scrap metal that had been abandoned on the tracks east of Princeton late Tuesday, according to Caldwell County Sheriff Don Weedman.

The eastbound train was approaching the Jones Keeney Road crossing near Claxton about 10:32 p.m. when the engineer saw the obstruction and attempted to stop. No injuries were reported.

Railroad personnel and sheriff’s deputies cleared the tracks and roadway. Deputy Anthony Brown is investigating. Anyone with information may call the sheriff’s office at 270-365-2088 or Chief Deputy Stacey Blackburn at 270-963-0911.

AT&T outage affects county offices

UPDATE | Phones are no working again 

MARION, Ky. - Telephone service is currently out at the Crittenden County Office Complex, Crittenden County Detention Center and county road department due to an AT&T service issue.

Crews are working to restore service as soon as possible. Officials did not immediately provide an estimated time for service to return.

Lyon County Sheriff's Weekly Activity

 

LYON COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT

• On Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, around 8:44 p.m., Deputy Luke Fraley conducted a traffic stop on a 2009 Chevrolet in Kuttawa. The driver was identified as Ashley J. Worford, 38, of Kuttawa. Following a roadside investigation, Worford was charged with no operator’s license, possession of marijuana, failure of operator to maintain required insurance — first offense, possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in a motor vehicle and failure to notify DOT of an address change.

• On Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, around 11 p.m., Brent T. McKinney, 50, of Dawson Springs was arrested by a Trigg County deputy based on an investigation and complaint warrant obtained by Deputy Bobby Beeler pertaining to the theft and vandalism of AT&T infrastructure in Lyon County beginning in late July. McKinney is charged with possession of stolen copper wire that was later found to have been salvaged. Numerous locations in Caldwell, Christian, Hopkins, Lyon, Trigg and Webster counties have been affected by these thefts. McKinney was charged with first-degree criminal mischief involving tampering with key infrastructure assets, and he was lodged in the Christian County Detention Center. The investigation is continuing, and more arrests are expected. McKinney faces similar charges in Hopkins County.

• On Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026, around 10:15 a.m., court security officers at the Judicial Building contacted the sheriff’s office concerning a man who had reportedly entered the building and was acting oddly and erratically. Chief Deputy Sam Adams and Sheriff Brent White responded. The man

  
  
  was identified as Coedy R. Trimble, 37, of Eddyville. He believed he was arriving for district court; however, he had missed his court date, which was the previous day. Trimble was determined to be under the influence of methamphetamine and marijuana. He was arrested by Chief Deputy Adams and charged with public intoxication. Trimble was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.

• On Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026, around 3:47 p.m., first responders were dispatched to a two-vehicle collision on Parkersville Road involving a Lyon County school bus. Deputy Kip Darnell’s investigation determined that a 2023 Hyundai Elantra, driven by Leauna M. West, 19, of Marion, was traveling north on Parkersville Road when she failed to yield half of the roadway to a 2017

Residents escape before home lost to fire

FRANCES, Ky. – Crittenden County firefighters spent more than four hours battling a house fire early Monday on KY 855 South near Frances.

A countywide fire department page was issued at 3:06 a.m. for a modular or double-wide home that was reported fully engulfed in flames.

Crittenden County, Marion, Salem and Fredonia fire departments responded to the blaze. Firefighters remained at the scene through the early morning hours and began wrapping up operations around 7:30 a.m.

The residents were in the house when the blaze began but were able to get out unharmed. The structure was a total loss.

MISSING - AUTHORITIES ASKING FOR HELP

MARION, Ky. – Crittenden County Sheriff’s Department is asking for the public’s help locating 15-year-old Brooklyn Nevaeh Shank.

She is described as 5 feet, 4 inches tall and weighs approximately 113 pounds. She has brown eyes and black hair with red streaks.

She was last seen wearing a cheetah-print button-up pajama top with matching shorts and brown sandals. She was last seen Friday, Sept. 4, 2026 at approximately 9pm at her home in Marion.

Anyone with information about her whereabouts should contact the Crittenden County Sheriff’s Department by calling 270-965-3500.

Geologists in area collecting tailings

Kentucky Geological Survey was in Crittenden and Livingston County this past week as part of its EarthMRI Mine Waste Characterization Project.  

According to survey geologists, “researchers are collecting soil and water samples from old mine tailings ponds in the Western Kentucky Fluorspar District.”  

The samples will undergo analysis and will be added to the United States Geological Survey’s national mine waste inventory.  

“Every sample helps improve our understanding of historic mine waste and facilitates informed remediation planning and future mineral recovery efforts,” said survey geologists.  

The Kentucky Geological Survey is working in partnership with University of Kentucky Mining Engineering.  

Autopsy will be performed in death investigation

MARION, Ky. - Authorities say an autopsy will be conducted early next week as part of an investigation into the death of a Marion man.

The man was taken Tuesday from a residence on Old Shady Grove Road to Crittenden Community Hospital. A few hours later, he was transferred to an Evansville hospital, where he later died for reasons that remain unknown.

No additional details are expected to be released until results of the autopsy are available. See less

UK Research Center hosting grazing program

PRINCETON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky Research and Education Center in Princeton will host the Kentucky Intermediate Grazing School Sept. 23-24.

The two-day program will combine classroom instruction, farm tours and hands-on demonstrations for livestock producers. Topics will include electric fencing, portable water and shade systems, assessing forage availability, plant identification, tall fescue management and frost-seeding clover.

The school will begin at 8 a.m. Sept. 23 and conclude at 5 p.m. Sept. 24 at the Grain and Forage Center of Excellence, 348 University Drive.

Registration costs $60 and includes lunches, snacks and educational materials. Participants are responsible for lodging. Registration is available online through the Kentucky Master Grazer Educational Program or by contacting Katy Trimble at 270-625-5366 or katy.trimble@uky.edu.

ASSISTANCE FOR RIVER COUNTY FARMERS

Farmers in Livingston County, Kentucky, and Pope and Hardin counties in Illinois, may be eligible for emergency loans following a federal drought disaster designation.

Pope and Massac counties were designated primary natural disaster areas because of drought conditions beginning July 28. Livingston and McCracken counties in Kentucky, along with Johnson, Pulaski and Saline counties in Illinois, qualify as contiguous counties.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency emergency loans may be used to replace essential equipment or livestock, reorganize farming operations or refinance certain debts. Loan decisions will be based on losses, available collateral and repayment ability.

The application deadline is March 29, 2027. Producers may contact their local USDA Service Center for information.

Judge dismisses case against judge candidate

MAROIN, Ky. – A misdemeanor false-reporting case against Kent Withrow, who recently filed as a candidate for Crittenden County judge-executive, has been dismissed.

Special prosecutor Lee Riddle said Withrow met all conditions of a plea agreement entered Sept. 3, 2025, and the court dismissed the case Wednesday under the terms of that agreement.

Withrow entered an Alford plea last year to falsely reporting an incident to law enforcement. An Alford plea allows a defendant to maintain innocence while acknowledging that prosecutors have sufficient evidence to obtain a conviction.

Special District Judge Brandon Knoth of Eddyville presided over the case, with Riddle, of Madisonville, representing the Commonwealth as a special prosecutor. Withrow appeared in court Wednesday with his attorney when the case was dismissed.

Kentucky State Police charged Withrow in March 2025 after investigating his claim that Crittenden County Attorney Bart Frazer grabbed him by the neck during an encounter at the Crittenden County Office Complex in December 2024.

At the same time last year, Withrow also faced charges of criminal coercion, harassing communications and harassment without physical contact involving another man and woman. Court records show that prosecution of those charges was deferred for two years as part of the September 2025 agreement. A June 30, 2027 review date has been set by the court on those three charges.

Withrow has used the social media identity “Jebediah Yoder” to criticize local officials, government and other individuals. He publicly connected himself to that identity when the account announced that Kent Withrow, “Jeb Yoder,” had filed as a write-in candidate.

Withrow previously sued the county over the awarding of a roofing contract, but Circuit Judge Daniel Heady dismissed that case. A separate open records lawsuit filed by Withrow against the county concerning records related to the office complex incident remains pending in Crittenden Circuit Court. Additionally, Jailer Athena Hayes has filed a defamation case against Withrow and others, including the fiscal court and another private individual.

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SOCCER DUO LEADING RECORDS RACE

Pictured from left are Berry and Bloodworth. 

Crittenden County’s girls soccer team routed Union County 8-0 Tuesday in a match stopped at halftime.

Junior captain Adri Berry scored four goals, senior captain Kylie Bloodworth added three and senior Ruby Peek scored once. Bloodworth had three assists, while Berry and Jade Hughes each added one. Goalkeeper Macibelle Hardesty made two saves.

Berry’s performance increased her single season total to a school-record 34 goals, surpassing Lizzie Campbell’s previous mark of 26 set in the 2023 season. Berry, a junior, now has 74 career goals, trailing career leader Melissa Kirk’s 105.

Bloodworth has 18 assists this season, one shy of Taylor Guess’ single-season record of 19 set in 2022. Bloodworth ranks second in program history with 45 career assists, behind Ashley Wheeler’s record of 56 from 2015-18.

Hardesty also became the program’s career saves leader with 387, surpassing Hannah Long’s previous record of 337.

Motorized vehicles prohibited on walking trails

Marion-Crittenden County Park officials are reminding visitors that motorized vehicles are prohibited on the park’s 1.25-mile walking trail and 400-meter oval track.

The prohibition includes e-bikes, electric scooters and other motorized devices. Officials say the restriction is intended to protect walkers, runners and other trail users. 

Write-in candidate's case on court docket Wednesday

MARION, Ky. – A case involving Kent Withrow, who recently filed as a write-in candidate for Crittenden County judge-executive, is expected to be formally resolved Wednesday in Crittenden District Court.

The case involves Withrow’s Alford plea entered a year ago to a misdemeanor charge of falsely reporting an incident to law enforcement.

Court records show Withrow entered the plea Sept. 3, 2025. An Alford plea allows a defendant to maintain innocence while acknowledging that prosecutors have sufficient evidence to obtain a conviction. It carries the same legal effect as a guilty plea.

Special District Judge Brandon Knoth of Eddyville has presided over the case, with special prosecutor Lee Riddle of Madisonville representing the Commonwealth. No appearance by Withrow, Knoth or Riddle is expected Wednesday because the final order has been prearranged, barring further issues in the case. Details of the final order should be available following court proceedings Wednesday.

Kentucky State Police charged Withrow in March 2025 after investigating his claim that Crittenden County Attorney Bart Frazer grabbed him by the neck during an encounter at the Crittenden County Office Complex in December 2024.

Withrow also faced charges of criminal coercion, harassing communications and harassment without physical contact involving another man and woman. Court records show prosecution of those charges was deferred for two years as part of the September 2025 disposition.

Withrow has recently used the social media identity “Jebediah Yoder” to criticize local officials, government and other individuals. He publicly connected himself to that identity when the account announced that Kent Withrow, “Jeb Yoder,” had filed as a write-in candidate. The Crittenden Press has not independently confirmed that Withrow controls every account or authored every post attributed to assumed identities, including a previous social media page named Crittenden County for Change, which apparently no longer exists.

Crittenden County Jailer Athena Hayes also has named Withrow and others as defendants in a pending defamation lawsuit. Withrow previously sued the county over the awarding of a roofing contract, but Circuit Judge Daniel Heady dismissed that case. A separate open-records case filed by Withrow against the county concerning records related to the office-complex incident remains pending in Crittenden Circuit Court.

Links below are to surveillance footage from the 2024 county office complex incident, Withrow’s 911 call reporting the incident and the original article about the incident. 

[Listen to the 911 call]

[Watch surveillance video from the county office complex]

[Read more from original investigation]

The Bird is out !

 Check out this week’s

Early Bird Shoppers Guide

August 31, 2026

Click Here for the Whole Bird

👀 DID YOU SEE WHAT’S IN THIS WEEK’S EARLY BIRD?

There’s a LOT to discover in this week’s Early Bird Shoppers Guide!

From auctions and fall flowers to hunting season prep, local services and a historic Marion landmark — take a look at what our local advertisers have to offer!

🔨 DID YOU SEE THE AUCTIONS?

Railey Auction Service has an Estate Auction Saturday, Sept. 5 at 5 p.m. — and there’s plenty to see!

And Homestead Auction Realty is featuring the Larry Wood Estate Auction, also Saturday, Sept. 5. Check out the ad for all the details!

🦌 GET READY FOR HUNTING SEASON!

Superior Whitetail Habitats is ready to help you get set for the season with Banks Blinds and Titan Blinds — plus 10% off Titan Blinds!

They also offer food plot development, wildlife habitat development & restoration, drone services, forest stand improvement, hauling, private land management, CRP & government programs and more.

🌸 MUMS ARE BLOOMING!

Fall is coming — and Rooster Lane Farms has you covered! 🌼Check out their selection of mums, hanging baskets, asters and planters and add some color to your fall decorating.

⚖️ HAVE YOU HEARD? A NEW LAW OFFICE IS OPEN!

The Law Office of Abigail Barnes is now open and serving clients with a focus on family law and criminal defense.

Be sure to check out her ad and learn more about the new local office.

🏡 NEED SOMETHING DONE?

From painting to septic service, tree work and more, local businesses are ready to help!

🎨 Mr. Paint — Interior & exterior painting, staining and more.

🚽 James Septic Service — When the septic tank is full, call the local pros!

🌳 Preferred Tree & Land — Tree removal, landscaping, dirt haul, mowing, grade & dirt work and retaining walls.

🔥 Firewood for Sale — Need to stock up? Check out this week’s firewood ad.

🌾 FARMERS — DID YOU SEE THIS?

There may be money available for farm improvements!

The County Agricultural Incentives Program (CAIP) offers cost-share reimbursement to Crittenden County producers making qualifying investments. Most projects require a 50% match, with up to $2,500 reimbursed. Eligible areas include agricultural diversification, farm infrastructure, fencing and on-farm water, forage and grain improvement, on-farm energy, value-added marketing and more.

Applications are available through the Crittenden County Conservation District.

📰 AND DON'T FORGET THE CLASSIFIEDS!

Looking for something to buy, sell or find? Check out the Classifieds!

👀 SO… WHAT DID YOU MISS?

Don’t just scroll past the ads! Our local advertisers are offering products, services, opportunities and information you can use right here in our community.

👉 Check out this week’s Early Bird E-Edition at www.earlybirdky.com

Shop local. Hire local. Discover local.

Read this week’s Early Bird now and start clicking your way to

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SHERIFF'S REPORT | Lyon County

 

LYON COUNTY SHERIFF’S ACTIVITY

• On Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026, around 1:41 p.m., Sheriff Brent White, Kentucky State Police troopers and Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources game wardens were dispatched to a complaint of a domestic disturbance, reportedly with shots fired, on Hopewell Road. The investigation revealed there was a domestic dispute at a residence on Hopewell Road and firearms were involved, but no shots had been fired. Three adults were later arrested by White. All three were armed with handguns at the time of their arrests.

Those arrested included Chase A. Wren, 28, of Boaz, after it was determined he engaged in a verbal dispute that led to a physical confrontation involving two females at the residence. He pointed his firearm at one of the females and threatened to harm her. Wren was charged with two counts of fourth-degree assault (domestic violence), minor injury; first-degree wanton endangerment (firearm); and interfering with communications. The latter charge was lodged because Wren took the cellphone of one of the victims and put it in his truck so she could not call 911 for assistance.

Also arrested was Andrena A. Soto, 32, of Kuttawa. She was charged with one count of fourth-degree assault (domestic violence), minor injury. In addition, she was charged with violation of conditions of release because she had contact and communication and was in the company of Dominick D. West of Calvert City, from whom she was prohibited by a Marshall District Court order following an unrelated domestic violence arrest in that county on Aug. 2, 2026.

Lastly, Dominick D. West, 26, of Calvert City was also arrested and charged with violation of conditions of release because he had contact and communication and was in the company of Andrena A. Soto of Kuttawa, from whom he was prohibited by a Marshall District Court order following an unrelated domestic violence arrest in that county on Aug. 2, 2026.

All the victims who were assaulted in this incident declined medical transport at the scene. White was assisted at the scene by Lyon County EMS, KSP and KDFWR. All three offenders were lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.

• On Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026, just after 8 a.m., Chief Deputy Sam Adams responded to a single-vehicle collision on Jack Thomason Road. His investigation revealed a 2021 Toyota Venza, driven by Lisa Brasher, 55, of Kuttawa, was westbound on Jack Thomason Road when a deer entered the roadway. Brasher attempted to avoid the animal and lost control of her vehicle. Her vehicle left the roadway and came to rest in a ditch. Lyon County EMS transported Brasher to an area hospital for treatment of her injuries. The Kuttawa Fire Department and Lyon County EMS assisted Adams at the scene.
• On Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026, just after 5:30 p.m., Deputy Kip Darnell arrested William T. Kirby, 45, of Eddyville on a complaint warrant charging him with second-offense DUI (aggravating circumstance). Kirby was the driver in a single-vehicle injury collision on Titus Road near the Kentucky 818 North intersection on June 20. He received extensive injuries in the collision and was airlifted to an out-of-state hospital. Deputy Luke Fraley’s investigation determined Kirby was operating his motorcycle with a blood alcohol concentration of more than 0.24. Kirby was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.
• On Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, around 5:17 p.m., Fraley stopped a vehicle in Eddyville for expired registration. A roadside investigation determined the operator, Justin H. Phillips, 24, of Marion, was under the influence of an intoxicating substance. He was arrested by Darnell and charged with first-offense DUI, no or expired registration plates, no or expired registration receipt, second-degree criminal simulation and possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in a motor vehicle. The criminal simulation charge was in reference to a substance Phillips possessed on his person in order to pass a drug screening. Phillips was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.
• On Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, around 8 a.m., deputies served a Franklin District Court bench warrant on Larry W. Thomas, 47, of Georgetown, charging him with nonpayment of court costs, fees or fines. Thomas awaits extradition to Franklin County.
• On Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, around 11:25 p.m., deputies Bradley Dunning, Luke Fraley and Bobby Beeler answered a complaint of a reckless driver in Kuttawa. They located the vehicle on Beech Street, and following a roadside investigation, Dunning arrested Daniel Remon, 40, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and charged him with first-offense DUI (aggravating circumstance). Remon was later lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.

Tickets, sponsorships available for Fohs 100 celebration

MARION, Ky. – Fohs Hall is seeking community support for its centennial celebration planned Oct. 23-24 in Marion.

The celebration will begin Friday, Oct. 23, with a Centennial Ball. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner, wine service and entertainment by The Todd Hill Orchestra at 6 p.m. A dessert auction will be held during the band’s 7:15 p.m. break. A rededication ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, followed by a public reception at 3 p.m.

Sponsorship opportunities are available and dinner and ball tickets and ball-only tickets are on sale.

Reservations and payments may be made at fohshall.org. For more information, contact Leah Keene at 270-704-2307 or [lkeene26@gmail.com](mailto:lkeene26@gmail.com). Payments may also be mailed to Fohs Hall, P.O. Box 1, Marion, KY 42064.

Quota Hunting opportunities in Kentucky

Hunters can now apply to participate in Kentucky’s fall quota hunts. From Sept. 1-30, 2026, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources is accepting applications from both resident and nonresident hunters for quota hunts for deer, waterfowl, pheasants and sandhill cranes.

Hunters can apply for these annual quota hunts through midnight (CT) on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, via the MyProfile online portal at the department’s website (fw.ky.gov). Applications are not accepted over the phone, and the minimum fee is $3 per application. Applicants will receive a confirmation number, and results will be posted online by 5 p.m. ET/4 p.m. CT on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, through MyProfile. Randomized drawings are conducted to determine recipients of the hunt opportunities that are each limited to a specific quota number.

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife offers 38 deer quota hunts at various wildlife management areas (WMAs) and state parks; waterfowl quota hunts at five public land locations; pheasant hunts at three WMAs; and statewide permits to hunt sandhill cranes. Some hunts are mentored hunts for youth and accompanying adults, and several hunts are open to mobility-impaired hunters only.

Quota hunts control the number of hunters in an area to provide quality hunting opportunities and regulate harvests at specific areas. Residents and nonresidents are eligible, but a maximum of 10 percent nonresidents can be drawn in each deer quota hunt pool. Only the person successfully drawn for a quota hunt may hunt. Prior to hunts, drawn hunters must purchase applicable licenses and permits to legally hunt during quota hunts.

Visit the Quota Hunts webpage or the Waterfowl Quota Hunts webpage on the department’s website (fw.ky.gov) to see lists of all quota hunts, dates and special regulations. This information is also available in the annual Kentucky Hunting and Trapping Guide (printed copies of the guide are available at license vendors throughout the state) and the online-only Kentucky Hunting Guide for Migratory Birds and Waterfowl.

Questions about fall quota hunts may be directed to the agency’s Information Center at 800-858-1549, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (ET) weekdays, excluding state holidays, or at info.center@ky.gov.

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Jailer files defamation lawsuit against 9

FROM THE PRESS ARCHIVES

MARION, Ky. – Crittenden County Jailer Athena Hayes on Friday filed a lawsuit against Judge-Executive Perry Newcom, all six county magistrates and two private individuals, alleging they defamed her and contributed to her defeat in the May Republican primary.

The complaint, filed Friday, Aug. 21 in Crittenden Circuit Court, names magistrates Chad Thomas, David Belt, Matthew Grimes, Robert Kirby, Scott Belt and Travis Perryman, along with Kent Withrow, who is running as a write-in candidate for county judge; and former detention center employee Gina Cox.

Hayes alleges the defendants made false statements portraying her as financially irresponsible, incompetent and dishonest in her management of the Crittenden County Detention Center. She also alleges they interfered with her ability to perform her duties and sought to damage her re-election campaign. Hayes lost the May 19 primary to former jailer Robbie Kirk by 16 percentage points.

The lawsuit asserts claims of defamation, false-light invasion of privacy and interference with contractual or business relationships. It also accuses Cox of wrongful use of civil proceedings stemming from an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaint that Hayes says was dismissed.

Hayes is seeking compensatory and punitive damages in an amount to be determined at trial, along with attorney fees and other costs. The complaint represents Hayes’ allegations, and the defendants have not yet filed responses. Circuit Judge Daniel Heady is presiding.

As of early this week, the defendants had not been formally served with documents in the case, but they were on file in local court records.

Join Fredonia's Walk Through the Past

The Fredonia Valley Heritage Society will sponsor “A Walk Through Fredonia’s Past,” a ghost walk at Old Fredonia Cemetery and Centerville Livingston Presbyterian Church Cemetery, from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5.

The cemeteries, two of the oldest in the Fredonia area, are near the Caldwell-Crittenden County line at the cul-de-sac off the U.S. 641 bypass between Fredonia and Marion. In conjunction with the nation’s 250th anniversary, the event will highlight Revolutionary War patriots who settled in the area following the war.

Parking will be available at the site. Admission is $5 per person, with children 12 and younger admitted free when accompanied by an adult. The event is a walking tour, but people with disabilities may bring a golf cart, mobility scooter or side-by-side. A tour guide will lead each group.

The tour will begin at Centerville Livingston Presbyterian Church Cemetery, where Don Boone will discuss the history of the cemeteries. Robert and Linda Ward will portray Revolutionary War patriot John Elder and his wife, Hannah.

At Old Fredonia Cemetery, Scott Giltner and Rhonda Hunt will portray Revolutionary War patriot Robert Leeper and his wife, Jane; J.D. Wilson will portray Civil War soldier James Byrd; Dennis and Patricia Winn will portray Matthew S. Freeman and his wife, Elizabeth; and Preston Driver and Donna White will portray Marion and Lucy Driver.

Centerville Livingston Presbyterian Church Cemetery is thought to be the oldest cemetery in Caldwell County and contains the county’s oldest tombstone. It marks the grave of Elder, who died in 1799. His

Chamber, city pass resolutions for ferry's return

MARION, Ky. – The Crittenden County Chamber of Commerce and Marion City Council adopted separate resolutions last week urging Kentucky, Illinois and the Cave-In-Rock Ferry operator to resume negotiations and restore ferry service across the Ohio River.

The Chamber’s resolution describes the ferry as a vital transportation link between Crittenden County and Hardin County, Illinois, that has served residents, businesses and travelers for generations. It says the ongoing closure has disrupted the movement of workers, customers, goods and services while forcing travelers to make lengthy and costly detours.

The resolution also cites adverse effects on commerce, tourism, employment, commuting, access to health care and other essential services throughout western Kentucky and southern Illinois. It warns that continued interruption of ferry service threatens additional economic harm to businesses, employees, families and communities on both sides of the river.

The Chamber called on the two states and ferry operator to negotiate in good faith and make every reasonable effort to reach a “fair, workable and sustainable agreement” allowing operations to resume. It also pledged to support cooperative efforts to restore the transportation link and protect the region’s long-term economic interests.

Marion City Council approved a similar resolution last week supporting the restoration of dependable ferry service. The ferry has been closed since its operating contract expired June 30.

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On today's show we hear from new

elementary school SRO Amy Santiago,

who is pictured below with the new

high school SRO Joe Witherspoon

About Town | By Press Editor Chris Evans

What’s this? A white Blazer

In a few weeks, I will be eligible for Social Security.

It is hard to believe I have arrived at this milestone in one piece and still above ground. It has given me pause to reflect on a working career that began in the newspaper business in 1979.

Before that, I was what you might call a custodian. My first job was cleaning the office where my dad was an accountant for a large mining company. I emptied wastebaskets, swept floors and cleaned a lot of ashtrays. That was back when everybody smoked at their desks, in the breakroom and just about everywhere else.

Loyalty, punctuality, diligence and the virtue of a fair day’s work were drilled into my soul as a young lad. Strangely enough, one of my earliest lessons in those things came from the anonymous driver of a white Chevrolet Blazer.

You may find it odd that a boy barely old enough to go to school could conjure up such an image, but it is a fact.

We might be playing ball in the backyard where first base was a boxelder tree, shooting snakes near the creek with BB guns or riding bicycles around the neighborhood when, like clockwork, that Blazer would pass.

Once in the morning and once in the evening.

You could set your timepiece by him.

It was one of those big-bodied Blazers. The driver was never in a rush. He was methodical, slow through the turns and right on schedule, about 7:30 every weekday morning and again at 5 in the afternoon.

That white Blazer became a symbol of work to me.

Neither I nor anyone in my family knew the person driving it. That was unusual in rural West Tennessee, especially on a country road so far off the beaten path that it would remind folks around here of

somewhere between Sheridan and Tolu, or Mott City and Frances.

In our neck of the woods, we knew everybody. Neighbors were truly neighbors back then. They attended church together, had gone to the same country school or regularly crossed paths at the little country store. Most of the extended family was settled there, too, taking up nearly a mile of road frontage from Granny’s house to Uncle Jerry’s.

So it was peculiar, to say the least, that this commuter remained anonymous, if not somewhat mysterious.

To me, however, there was no mystery. He was a clock-puncher headed to the office, the store, the factory