Friday, January 30, 2026

Legislative Update | Week 4 | Sen. Howell

Week four of the 2026 Regular Session began with a delay because of severe winter weather that blanketed the Bluegrass over the weekend. Monday’s planned proceedings were postponed until Tuesday, giving state employees, lawmakers and the public a safer route into Frankfort. Many legislators live hours away, since the Kentucky General Assembly is a citizen legislature. I’m grateful to local officials, road crews and first responders whose work ensured the people’s business could continue at the Capitol.

By Friday, the General Assembly had reached the one-quarter mark of this year’s session. With momentum building around key priorities, we’re working diligently to advance meaningful legislation.

Budget begins its journey

Speaking of quarters, there are about 60 billion of them in Kentucky’s $15 billion biennial budget. This week, the House filed House Bill 500, its initial draft of the spending plan. The bill now begins its path through the legislative process. The Senate will take a disciplined, deliberate approach to the proposal, guided by our caucus and the professional budget staff supporting our efforts.

As Chair of the Agriculture Committee, I felt it was important to file Senate Bill (SB) 5 to sustain the procurement of Kentucky-grown agricultural produce. Essentially, the bill creates opportunities for a local school board or local school district in any of the United States Department of Agriculture Child Nutrition Programs to purchase Kentucky-grown agricultural products, abiding by federal law. It also defines "agricultural product" and "Kentucky-grown agricultural product." This legislation forges a direct connection between education and our state’s agricultural sector. I partnered with Agricultural Commissioner Jonathan Shell to build on the work he has already done across Kentucky, solidifying that work in legislation. 

Complementing what’s included in SB 5 is Senate Joint Resolution 23, a product of the 2025 Interim Make America Healthy Again Kentucky Task Force. SJR 23 establishes Kentucky as a "Food is Medicine" state and directs state agencies to advance nutrition‑based health strategies to help prevent and manage chronic diseases. The resolution affirms the role of nutrition as a core component of medical care and public health policy, encourages coordination among health systems, local food producers, hospitals and community partners to pilot programs like medically tailored meals and produce prescriptions for

Livingston legend among storm's victim

Don Ringstaff
A seemingly larger-than-life Livingston County legend and sports hall of famer has died.

Don Ringstaff, 84, passed away Wednesday at his son’s home in Salem.

Gov. Andy Beshear said Ringstaff’s death was among a dozen attributed statewide to the winter storm that moved through Kentucky earlier this week.

Livingston County authorities explained that Ringstaff’s death was considered weather-related because after his vehicle became stuck in the snow, he exited it and walked a short distance to his son’s home, where he later suffered a medical emergency.

Ringstaff’s name is woven deeply into Livingston County sports history as both an elite player and a highly successful coach.

“When you hear the name Coach Ringstaff, that is Livingston Central basketball,” said current Livingston Central coach Matt Hargrove. “He’s legendary and embodies everything Livingston Central basketball was about, and you couldn’t find a better person.”

Hargrove and others in the community said it was a shock to learn of Ringstaff’s passing, which came just days after the Board of Education announced plans to memorialize what he meant to the school by naming the gymnasium floor for him.

“He was a legend, and I don’t say that about too many people around here,” said former Livingston Central basketball coach Jimmy Croft. “He was a walking, talking legend, and he’d talk to everybody. He never met a stranger and was just a gentleman.”

A 1959 graduate of Livingston Central, Ringstaff scored 1,838 career points and held the school record until this season when it was broken by Logan Wring. Ringstaff averaged 22.9 points per game during his senior season at LCHS. He was named First Team All-State in 1959 and selected to the Sweet Sixteen All-Tournament Team. His performance at the 1959 state tournament remains part of Kentucky high school basketball lore, highlighted by a 46-point game against Olive Hill - still ranked seventh all time in Sweet

Sixteen history - and a state tournament record 20 made free throws in that same game.

Ringstaff continued his career at Vanderbilt from 1959 to 1961, earning All-SEC Third Team honors. He averaged 11.5 points per game, which was second on the team, along with 5.2 rebounds per contest. He later transferred to Southeast Missouri State University, where he was a two-year starter from 1961 to 1963.

His impact on the game only grew during a two-decade coaching career at Livingston Central from 1966 to 1986. Ringstaff compiled 332 career victories, led his teams to seven Fifth District championships and 10 appearances in the Second Region tournament, and guided the Cardinals to a Second Region runner-up finish in 1978. He was a lifetime member of the Kentucky High School Coaches Association.

In 2002, Ringstaff was inducted into the Kentucky High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame as both a player and a coach, a distinction achieved by few.

Livingston County Sheriff Bobby Davidson said he played under Ringstaff and was stunned by his sudden passing.

“He was an outstanding coach and just a wonderful man,” the longtime sheriff said.

In recent weeks, Ringstaff was also featured by the West Kentucky High School Basketball Heritage Museum in a video recognizing his career.

Ringstaff’s legacy lives on as his granddaughter, Kenley Ringstaff-Hefner, is currently athletic director at Livingston Central. The family has been a mainstay in Livingston County sports and education history for decades. The ballparks in Smithland are named for his brother, Roy Ringstaff.

Ringstaff’s wife, Sue, survives. Visitation is 5- 8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 31 at Boyd’s Funeral Home in Salem. The funeral is at 2 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 1 at the Livingston Central High School gymnasium. See the complete obituary at Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services in Salem.

Photo courtesy of West KY HS Basketball Museum

 

Thursday, January 29, 2026

Water Emergency at CLWD affects Crittenden County

MARION, Ky. – A water distribution and supply emergency is affecting parts of Crittenden County following a major water line failure that sharply reduced water levels at a critical storage tank, county officials said Thursday morning.

According to a public notice issued by Crittenden County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom, maintenance crews with the Crittenden-Livingston Water District discovered a catastrophic leak on an 8-inch water line Wednesday afternoon. The line supplies the Wilson Hill water tank, located above the City of Marion, which serves a majority of water customers across the county.

The leak was discovered around 2:30 p.m. Jan. 28 and repairs were completed by approximately 7:15 p.m. that evening. Despite the repair, water levels in the Wilson Hill tank dropped significantly because the tank could not be refilled during the outage.

Water district officials said efforts to restore tank levels began immediately, but progress has been slowed by the limited size of the supply line combined with continued water demand overnight and into Thursday morning. As a result, water levels remained low.

Compounding the situation, the Webster County Water District notified CLWD that it could no longer continue supplying water to portions of the eastern and northern areas of the CLWD system, citing its inability to meet current demand. The loss of that supplemental supply affects roughly 1,500 meters of service area.

Because of the reduced supply, CLWD officials said a rolling water outage plan may be implemented for parts of eastern and northern Crittenden County until further notice. Specific areas impacted by potential outages had not been confirmed as of Thursday morning and will be announced as soon as possible.

CLWD management, Crittenden County Emergency Management, and the county judge-executive’s office are coordinating with state partners to manage the situation and minimize impacts to customers. Officials are urging all water customers to conserve water as much as possible.

Residents are specifically asked to turn off any dripping faucets, noting that warmer temperatures expected Thursday reduce the risk of frozen pipes. Officials said eliminating unnecessary water use will help speed the recovery of water levels at the Wilson Hill tank.

Additional updates will be released as more information becomes available.

Possibly wintry precip over Weekend & Next Week


Gov. Andy Beshear says 10 people died as a result of the winter storm that moved through the state starting late last week. Now, a prolonged stretch of dangerous cold is expected to impact West Kentucky beginning Friday and continuing through Saturday, with the potential for a Cold Weather Advisory or possibly an Extreme Cold Warning, according to the National Weather Service in Paducah.

An arctic cold front is forecast to move through the area late Thursday night into early Friday, bringing sharply colder temperatures and hazardous wind chills. Wind chill values are expected to remain in the single digits to near zero during the day Friday, then drop to between zero and 15 degrees below zero Friday night into Saturday morning. Daytime wind chills Saturday are expected to stay in the single digits, with bitter conditions lingering into Sunday morning.

Confidence is also increasing that scattered snow showers will accompany the cold air. The best chances for snow are Friday morning and again Saturday morning. While only light accumulations or a dusting of snow are expected, brief periods of reduced visibility are possible during heavier snow showers. At this time, widespread travel impacts are not anticipated.

Looking ahead, forecasters are monitoring another system that could affect the region Tuesday night through Wednesday night. While confidence remains low, conditions may support a light wintry mix of snow, sleet, freezing rain, or rain. Minor accumulations are possible, though it is too early to determine whether travel impacts will occur. Residents are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts in the coming days. 


STATE FARM | THURSDAY NEWScast

 

News | Sports | Weather

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Convenience Center closing on Saturday

Due to continued impacts of the winter weather, Crittenden County Convenience Center will be closed on Saturday, January 31st.

The center will operate regular hours Thursday January 29 and Friday, January 30 – 8:00 am to 3:30 pm.

 

 

Local man changed with Salem vandalism


SALEM, Ky. – Livingston County sheriff’s deputies arrested a Salem man Wednesday after responding to reports of spray paint damage to multiple vehicles and structures across the city, including graffiti or "tags" of a potentially antisemitic nature discovered on a Salem Fire Department overhead door.

Chief Deputy Shannon Edging said deputies were called to the Salem area around 10:30 a.m. Jan. 28 and,

Watson

following an investigation, arrested 43-year-old Richard T. Watson of Salem. Deputies said Watson physically resisted during the arrest and had to be restrained.

Mayor Gary Damron said multiple locations were damaged, including a pharmacy, the fire department, a church, a healthcare clinic and four privately owned vehicles. Authorities continued checking the area for additional damage as the investigation unfolded.

Watson was charged with eight felony counts of first-degree criminal mischief and misdemeanor charges for public intoxication, second-degree disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. 

He was also served with a Livingston County District Court bench warrant for failure to appear on an original public intoxication charge filed Jan. 14. Court records show Watson was released on his own recognizance after spending the night in jail but failed to appear for a scheduled court date Jan. 22.

After his arrest Wednesday, Watson was medically cleared and lodged in the McCracken County Jail. Deputy Brandon Vargas is the lead investigator in the case.

More photos of the alleged damage around Salem can be found in an early post on our Facebook page.

School out in Crittenden for rest of week

Crittenden County Schools will be closed for the remainder of the week, due to continued hazardous road conditions and inclement weather.

The district will use NTI days for Thursday, Jan. 29, and Friday, Jan. 30. Kindergarten through 2nd grade students should complete paper assignments for Days 5 and 6, while students in grades 3-12 should complete work digitally on Google Classroom.

The school district says that, as always, teachers are available via email, ParentSquare, and Google Classroom for assistance. 

Printed newspaper will be late today


Due to delivery issues from our printing plant in Elkton, Ky., The Press will be a bit late today. We hope to have it in Marion by 1pm., or shortly thereafter. Digital subscribers will not see a delay.

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Need help digging out of the snow?


❄️ SNOW REMOVAL AVAILABLE ❄️

Driveways • Parking Lots • Private Roads

Don’t let winter weather slow you down.

Preferred Tree & Land is now offering snow plowing and clearing services.

Marion, Princeton, Fredonia, Eddyville and beyond.

📞 Call or Text: 270-625-1041

Fast • Reliable • Localam

Monday, January 26, 2026

Crittenden County Office Complex Open Tuesday

Crittenden County Office Complex will be open Tuesday on a regular schedule, including the clerk's office. 

C-PLANT | Monday NEWScast

 

News | Sports | Information


Lyon County Sheriff's Activity Report

- On Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, around 5:35 a.m., Sheriff Brent White was dispatched to a single-vehicle, minor-injury collision on U.S. 62 in Suwanee. His investigation revealed a 2008 Ford pickup operated by Peter Morgan, 58, of Eddyville, was westbound on U.S. 62 when he encountered ice on the roadway while navigating a hill. Morgan lost control of the vehicle before it collided with a guardrail and overturned in the roadway. He declined medical attention at the scene but complained of upper torso pain. Lyon County EMS and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet personnel assisted White at the scene.

- On Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, around 6:10 a.m., White was dispatched to a single-vehicle collision west of Suwanee on U.S. 62. Following his investigation of the previously listed collision, he responded to this scene and located a 2007 GMC pickup driven by Stanley Walker, 86, of Grand Rivers. Walker encountered ice on the roadway near Dustin Road and lost control before exiting the right shoulder and colliding with a ditch. The vehicle came to rest off the roadway in a field. Walker was not injured.

- On Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, around 10:15 a.m., Chief Deputy Sam Adams arrested Keila Wynn, 46, of Eddyville. She was served with a Lyon District Court bench warrant for failure to pay. She later posted a cash bond and was released from custody.

- On Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, around 1:49 p.m., deputies charged Christopher G. Watkins, 48, of Auburn, with two Logan District Court bench warrants, both for contempt of court. Watkins awaits extradition to Logan County.

- On Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, around 7:15 p.m., Brian K. Odom, 43, of Eddyville, was located by deputies on Sarah Lane in Eddyville. Odom was arrested by Deputy Shannon Oliver on a Crittenden Circuit Court indictment warrant for flagrant nonsupport. He was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.

Sunday, January 25, 2026

Meeting cancelations | Area Closings


Includes updates posted Sunday afternoon

Because of weather, the City of Marion and Crittenden-Livingston Water District have both canceled meetings scheduled for early this week.

The water district was supposed to meet at 4pm Monday in Salem and city council at 5pm Monday at city hall. No makeup date was reported for either.

Additionally, Marion City Hall, Crittenden County Office Complex, Convenience Center and Animal Shelter will be closed Monday.

Schools are closed in Crittenden County through Wednesday.

Cave-In-Rock Ferry is closed Sunday.

The National Weather Service says the winter storm is wrapping up, but another inch or so may squeeze out before precip ends before 6 pm. Warnings remain in effect. The story, it said, now turns to extended below freezing temperatures and life-threatening wind chills. This weather is set in for about 7 days. 

Due to weather and travel issues, The Crittenden Press printed edition is likely to be one day late this week. Digital subscribers should receive it on time Wednesday. 

Cave-in-Rock Ferry is closed due to weather

CAVE-IN-ROCK, Ill. — Cave-In-Rock Ferry closed at 7 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 25, due to ice creating unsafe operating conditions.

Officials said the ferry will remain closed until further notice.

The photo is computer generated and not a realistic depiction of what exists at the ferry landing.

Friday, January 23, 2026

Library is closing Saturday

Crittenden County Public Library will be closed on Saturday, January 24 due to weather.

Emergency Management draws up storm plans

County officials and emergency responders met this morning in Marion.

CRITTENDEN COUNTY, Ky. — Crittenden County emergency response and vital services officials met this morning to coordinate preparation and their anticipated response as dangerously cold weather and heavy snow are expected to move into the region overnight.

County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom declared a countywide state of emergency Friday morning. Marion Mayor D’Anna Browning issued a citywide state of emergency, and Gov. Andy Beshear has also issued a statewide emergency declaration.

Newcom urged everyone to stay home and stay safe and to avoid unnecessary travel. He said emergency response crews will be working diligently through the storm and afterward to make sure vital services remain available and major travel corridors are passable.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Department of Highways will prioritize snow and ice removal on U.S. 60 and U.S. 641, which it considers primary routes. Other highways, including KY 120, KY 723, KY 91 North, KY 365, KY 1668 and other secondary state highways, may not be cleared until major routes are passable and can remain so. Newcom said county crews will assist on some secondary state routes when possible, but conditions on lesser-traveled roads could remain poor depending on snowfall rates, which Emergency Management Director Jason Hurley said could reach up to 2 inches per hour at times.

County road crews began salting and preparing critical areas ahead of the storm and will continue extended operations through the weekend as conditions allow. Back roads with little or no residential traffic may not receive attention until later next week.

Emergency officials urged motorists who must travel to pack blankets, dress in layers, carry water, have a charged cellphone and avoid leaving their vehicles if stranded. Ambulance services, water departments and other essential operations have arranged staffing plans to ensure continuity of services, with some personnel prepared to remain on site if travel becomes impossible.

Officials reiterated that residents should stay off roadways if at all possible as the storm progresses.

Marion Police Chief Bobby West said officers will assist with travel for vital service personnel who reside in the city. Call 270-965-3500 to arrange assistance.

The Crittenden County Office Complex and Marion City Hall will remain open for emergencies.

The Crittenden County Emergency Operations Center on Industrial Drive has been activated but will not be continuously staffed, as emergency personnel will be deployed in the field. Hurley said he can be contacted as needed through normal emergency channels.

The Crittenden County Community Center, the former armory, is opening Friday afternoon as an emergency warming center and will remain open 24 hours a day until further notice. The facility is intended for human shelter only; animals will not be allowed on the property. No food will be provided, and amenities are limited to running water in sinks and restrooms. Individuals seeking shelter are encouraged to bring their own cots or blankets. Law enforcement and emergency management personnel will check the site regularly, though it will not be continuously monitored. Parking lots will be kept as clear as possible.

Stay tuned to The Crittenden Press online and its digital platforms for further storm-related information.

WARMING CENTER OPENING TODAY

MARION, Ky. – Crittenden County Community and Recreation Center (former National Guard Armory on Rochester Street) will be open until further notice as an emergency warming center starting this afternoon as dangerously cold weather moves into the area.

Access to the facility will be 24/7. Animals will not be allowed on the property. Only humans. There will be no food available, and no amenities beyond warmth, running water in sinks and restrooms. Individuals seeking shelter are encouraged to bring their own cots or blankets.

Law enforcement and emergency management personnel will check on the facility regularly, though it will not be continuously monitored. Parking lots will be kept as clear as possible.

Siemens plant here will expand manufacturing

MARION, Ky. – Siemens Mobility plans to add about 20 manufacturing positions at its Marion facility as part of a consolidation of operations previously based in Louisville, a corporate spokesperson confirmed.

Though the company said it could not provide a specific timetable these changes are expected in the coming months. The move will shift certain manufacturing functions into a single hub in Marion, while Louisville will continue to operate as an administrative office.

The work transitioning to Marion involves production tied to wayside control systems, including wayside houses, also known as bungalows. According to the company, these systems support rail crossings and other trackside infrastructure and provide real-time information to train crews, surrounding communities, and rail operations centers located hundreds of miles away.

Stay tuned for the full edition of The Crittenden Press for further details and local reaction to the expansion.

Here's the latest on what's ahead

 MARION, Ky. – The National Weather Service this morning says Marion is near a sharp snowfall gradient as a major winter storm moves through the region, with totals ranging from 6 to 8 inches in southern parts of Crittenden County to potentially 12 inches or more closer to the Ohio River.

A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect, and forecasters say the storm will bring major travel impacts. Confidence remains high that much of the area will receive at least 8 inches of snow, according to the National Weather Service.

Meteorologists say mixing along the southern edge of the system is expected to create a sharp cutoff in snowfall near the Tennessee border, limiting totals there. The highest snowfall projections have shifted farther northeast, with the heaviest amounts now expected closer to Evansville.

The coming weather is likely to affect our publication schedule next week as The Press is printed in Elkton, Ky., right near the Tennessee border where icing is projected. As of now, our printing agent tells us to expect a one-day delay so that means the paper may not hit the streets until Thursday. The Press will continue to post and publish online across our digital platforms. 

Below are the last projection maps from the National Weather Service. Click them to enlarge.






Thursday, January 22, 2026

City preparing for winter storm


City of Marion | Public Notice

State Meteorologist are reporting that the City of Marion should anticipate 8 to 12 inches of snow from Friday evening through Sunday morning.  We wish to encourage everyone to refrain from traveling during this time unless absolutely necessary.  It is likely that between utility lines leaks and continued snow accumulation resources will be strained to provide safe conditions.  If you experience power outages, please make sure to direct your communication to your power provider.  Customers might consider setting a faucet for a minor drip to help prevent freezing.  If you have an emergency, as always, contact 911.

Over the next 24 hours, the city will continue in preparation for the winter weather event.  Salt will be applied to main roads, however, with wind chill and temperatures expected to reach below 10 degrees, effectiveness will be limited.  Wind and continued accumulation will mean that even roads cleared will be subject to drifts and dangerous conditions.  Efforts to keep roads passable will prioritize main roads, secondary roads, then alleyways.

The City of Marion would like to remind the community that it is unlawful to throw, push, or place any ice or snow from private property, sidewalks, or driveways onto streets and alleys.  Please help to keep our community safe during these dangerous winter storms.  

We encourage you to check on your neighbors and those you suspect may be at risk, the greatest strength of a small town is our capacity to watch out for each other.  In the event you need access to a warming center, please call dispatch at (270)965-3500 for information or assistance.  We recommend you keep your phones charged and create a winter emergency kit not only for your home, but also for the car.  This will be a lifesaver in the event you become stranded.

Adam Ledford, City Administrator



Marion man charged in high-speed chase

A Marion man is facing multiple felony charges after a high-speed pursuit on Interstate 24 that ended with his arrest in Marshall County.

According to the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department, deputies responded Jan. 15 to a report of a stolen vehicle entering Marshall County from McCracken County. The vehicle, a black Dodge Charger, had been reported stolen to the Hopkinsville Police Department and was confirmed to still be listed as stolen.

Authorities said the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver failed to yield. Marshall County deputies took over the pursuit once the vehicle crossed into their jurisdiction and also attempted a traffic stop.

The driver, identified as Everette Tabor, 43, of Marion, allegedly used the stolen vehicle to strike a deputy’s patrol car while fleeing. Deputies reported Tabor reached speeds of at least 100 mph before

What's on Tap in This Week's Press

There’s a lot packed into this week’s edition of The Crittenden Press – stories that spark conversation, moments that inspire, and developments that matter to life in our communities. From people making remarkable personal journeys, to decisions being shaped behind courthouse doors, to local history that still echoes today, this is one of those issues you’ll want to take your time with.

We’re also digging into issues that affect everyday life, highlighting voices you know, and sharing stories you won’t find anywhere else. It’s the kind of local reporting that only comes from being here, week after week.

If you’re not a subscriber, now’s the perfect time. A digital subscription gives you full access to our eEdition each week, and unlocks our Newspapers.com Press archives, with searchable editions of The Crittenden Press reaching back into the 1800s. That’s more than a century of local history at your fingertips.

Read it. Explore it. Rediscover it. Subscribe today and never miss what’s happening in Crittenden County.

STATE FARM | THURSDAY NEWScast

 

News | Sports | More
Today's Guest Micki Crider

Tax Tips on Today's Program




Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Winter Weather Watch for Friday - Sunday


A winter storm could bring several inches of snow and dangerous cold to the region this weekend, according to the National Weather Service Paducah.

Forecasters have issued a Winter Storm Watch for late Friday night through Sunday afternoon, citing increasing confidence that a heavier band of snow may move into parts of the region. Snowfall totals could reach several inches, with some locations possibly exceeding 5 inches, though dry air to the north could sharply limit accumulation there.

Travel impacts are likely, particularly for travel, as arctic air settles into the area. Wind chills are expected to drop below zero and could approach 10 below at times during the weekend.

Probabilities for moderate to major impacts have increased compared to earlier forecasts, including hazardous or potentially impossible driving conditions and possible closures and infrastructure disruptions.

Forecasters said uncertainties remain regarding the exact placement of the heaviest snow band, the timing of precipitation onset, and whether any mixed precipitation could occur.

Residents are urged to monitor forecasts closely and prepare for hazardous travel conditions beginning Friday night. Another forecast update is expected Wednesday afternoon.

Monday, January 19, 2026

Sunday, January 18, 2026

Lyon County Sheriff's Weekly Report

- On Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, around 11:21 a.m., Chief Deputy Sam Adams was called to a collision in the parking lot of the courthouse. His investigation revealed a 2018 Ford Fiesta driven by Jackie Shawn, 51, of Eddyville, collided with a 2025 GMC Yukon driven by Alecia Williams, 52, of Eddyville. No injuries were reported.

- On Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, around 9:30 p.m., Deputy Bobby Beeler arrested Robert E. Gaines II, 33, on a criminal complaint warrant from Lyon District Court. Gaines was the subject of an investigation that began in November 2025 and was conducted by the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office after complaints were received regarding a registered sex offender who was reportedly using aliases on social media accounts in violation of KRS 17.544.

Gaines, who resides on KY 819 (Sunnyside Loop) near Kuttawa, is a convicted sex offender from Livingston County and a lifetime registrant on Kentucky’s Sex Offender Registry. He was charged with two counts of sex offender registrant social media identity violation. Gaines faces a similar charge in Marshall County, along with possession of marijuana. That case was investigated by the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office in September 2025 and remains pending in court. Gaines was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center and later posted a cash bond before being released. The Lyon County investigation is being led by Deputy Beeler.

- On Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, beginning at 10:30 a.m. and continuing after 3:30 p.m., deputies arrested and served the following warrants:

Michael M. Whitney, 36, of Scottsville was charged with a failure-to-appear bench warrant from Bullitt Circuit Court related to a fleeing or evading police and wanton endangerment case. Whitney awaits extradition to Bullitt County.

John R. Kingston, 41, of Fredonia was charged with a contempt of court bench warrant from Lyon Circuit Court related to a child support case. Kingston was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.

Megan L. Sowders, 37, of Bowling Green was charged with two Warren District Court bench warrants for failure to appear and nonpayment of court costs, fees or fines related to two theft cases. Sowders awaits extradition to Warren County.

- On Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, just after 8 a.m., deputies served additional arrest warrants on Sowders, who was still in custody. She was charged with two Warren District Court bench warrants, one for failure to appear in a theft case and another for contempt of court in a traffic case. Sowders awaits extradition to Warren County.

- On Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, just after 9 a.m., deputies served two arrest warrants on Christina J. Griggs, 49, of Hopkinsville. Griggs was charged on two failure-to-appear bench warrants from Muhlenberg

Friday, January 16, 2026

Marion man found guilty of cultivating marijuana

State Trooper Darron Holliman hands evidence
to court security officer Ray O'Neal. The duffle
bag, full of loose marijuana, was shown to the jury
MARION, Ky. – A Crittenden County jury worked into the night Friday and found a local man guilty on three drug-related charges following a circuit court trial presided over by Judge Daniel Heady.

John Henry, 48, of Marion, was convicted of felony cultivation of marijuana involving five or more plants, first offense, and misdemeanor charges of possession of a controlled substance in the second degree involving hallucinogenic mushrooms and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The 12-member jury deliberated about 35 minutes before returning the verdict around 8:40 p.m. Friday following more than 12 hours in the courtroom. The jury recommended the minimum sentence of one year on the felony and $100 fines for each misdemeanor. 

Henry was taken into custody and will be back in court Feb. 12 for formal sentencing by Heady. 

Complete article in next week's full edition of The Crittenden Press. 

E-911 Board meeting moved to Tuesday, Jan. 20

MARION, Ky. - This month's Marion-Crittenden County E-911 board meeting has been rescheduled from Monday, postponed until 3;30 P.M., Tuesday, Jan. 20 due to the Martin Luther King holiday. 

City of Marion emails hacked | BEWARE

MARION, Ky. - Marion City Hall is warning residents and employees about a phishing email circulating that appears to come from a city employee and includes an eDoc link.

Officials said recipients should DELETE the message immediately and not click the link. City IT professionals are aware of the issue and are actively working to resolve it.

This Week in The Crittenden Press


Inside this week’s issue.
City Hall News: A former administrator files a lawsuit against city officials.

Major Bridges Reopened: Two key county routes are back open after months of closure.

Public Alert: A phone scam is targeting local residents with fake jury duty threats

There’s much more inside, but for the full story, you’ll need the paper.

Pick up your copy today or subscribe online.

Thursday, January 15, 2026

Let's Do This | Staci Style Teams with The Press


See Staci's column in print
the first newspaper
of each month in 2026
When The Crittenden Press first asked if I’d consider joining its team as a lifestyle columnist, my initial reaction wasn’t excitement – it was pure panic. Me? A lifestyle columnist? The same woman who can’t get anywhere on time, has a laundry pile so large my family lovingly calls it Mount St. Laundry, and is famous for starting new projects even though there are already three unfinished ones begging for attention? Surely they meant someone more… put-together. More adult. More June Cleaver and less Frankie Heck. More Ethel Tucker and far less – well – me.

After sharing the news and receiving a round of lovingly sarcastic comments from my family, encouragement from my friends and a few heart-to-hearts with Jesus, here we are. Anyone who knows me knows two things: I rarely back down from a challenge, and “no” is not a word I practice often. Still, before anyone assumes I’m about to provide polished, Pinterest-worthy instructions on folding fitted sheets or organizing a pantry by color and can height – please rest assured, I am not qualified for that level of adulthood, and most everyone around me agrees. If you don’t, then I have somehow fooled you, along with Chris and Allison Evans at The Press.

Yet, somewhere in the conversations with friends and family, I realized that maybe that’s exactly the point of view people need – a point of view from those of us who are surviving but not necessarily thriving at all times. For those of us wearing mismatched socks and not caring who notices. Those of us who will invite you to dinner at their secondhand-but-newly-repainted kitchen table. Those of us who show up to birthday parties with a pretty gift bag holding a $20 bill only because the Facebook reminder popped up an hour earlier. Those of us who will cook you a homemade meal with old pots and pans. Those of us who can offer you a coat, gloves and a snack at a freezing baseball game, all because we haven’t cleaned out the vehicle since Obama was president.

CONTACT US
Those of us whose houses are clean and hair is done – but never both at the same time.

If anything, I’m more of a professional chaos coordinator and seasoned disguiser of all things broken, dusty or a little junky. I can make things look pretty. I can cook a good meal. I can start DIY projects with Olympic-level enthusiasm – finishing them is a different story. I can throw together a cute outfit like I’m in a hurry, which works out well since I’m always in a hurry. I don’t gentle parent, but I do parent with love, humor, a raised eyebrow and the occasional “Lord, give me strength” whispered into the abyss. And usually, with all that going on, life turns out pretty fun – and gives me plenty of material to share with all of you.

Since announcing this new gig, I’ve been asked, “Where do you find the time?” and “How do you keep up with everything?” Here’s the honest truth, though it may not be the most clever or well-thought-out answer: I just do. I run on little sleep and large cups of caffeine, but I genuinely enjoy the chaos that life throws my way. I literally wrote this article while shuffling between birthday parties and basketball practice – typing sentences in five-minute bursts and reminding my kids not to lick the icing off someone else’s cupcake. If there’s a perfect time to do everything I do, I haven’t found it yet. But I’ve always enjoyed sharing my life with others, and God gave me a way to share it with another group of people I may not otherwise reach. Though I may feel underqualified, when He says do it – you do it. Who am I to turn that away?

So no, I’m not the expert who will guide you to spotless counters or serene morning routines. But if you need someone to remind you that a good life doesn’t have to look perfect – and that the best stories often come from the biggest messes – then you’ve found your people in me. Trust me, I’ve learned many lessons and skills through the ability to look past the mess I created while laughing at myself in the process.

If you see me in public with two kids parkouring off the grocery store shelves and you have an idea for a topic, stop me and tell me. Even though my life is sure to provide plenty of material, I welcome all ideas. After all, Ryan Blackburn’s favorite place to wait is the grocery store parking lot because, as he often reminds me, I like to talk – to everyone.

If you follow me on social media, send me a message. If we aren’t friends on social media, we should be. I share recipes, family happenings and plenty of embarrassing stories that will make it worth your while.

It’s 2026 – the year I became a writer(ish), heavy on the “ish.” I’m excited, honored and only slightly unprepared.

But that’s never stopped me before. Let’s do this!

STATE FARM | THURSDAY NewsCAST

 

News | Sports | More

Today from professionals at H&R Block
Jennifer Reckinger joins the program



Monday, January 12, 2026

FATE OF KHSAA SCOREBOARD IN QUESTION

Frank Riherd, the longtime architect of the Kentucky High School Athletic Association’s online Scoreboard, announced this week that he will retire from maintaining the system effective June 30 after being diagnosed with ALS, a progressive neurological disease.

In a statement released Jan. 10, Riherd said the decision was driven solely by his health, noting that he needs to focus on the time ahead. Riherd has operated the Scoreboard since its launch in 1997, building it into one of the most comprehensive and accurate high school sports reporting systems in the country.

According to a profile published by the Bowling Green Daily News, Riherd’s path to becoming the steward of Kentucky high school sports data was unconventional. He did not play sports in high school and instead gravitated toward music and numbers, taking piano lessons and playing the organ at Glasgow Baptist Church. His interest in statistics was sparked during Glasgow High School’s memorable 1968 basketball run to the KHSAA Sweet Sixteen championship, when the Scotties captured the state title at Freedom Hall.

The Daily News reported that Riherd began keeping statistics for Glasgow’s football and basketball teams the following year, drawn not to the games themselves but to the data they produced. His aptitude for numbers later earned him admission to the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he studied electrical engineering and worked on early data-analysis software.

After an engineering career that took him to California, Germany and France, Riherd returned to Kentucky in the late 1990s with an idea to use the emerging internet to share statewide high school sports scores. With encouragement from his father and support from then-KHSAA assistant commissioner Julian Tackett, the Scoreboard officially launched in the fall of 1997, the Daily News reported.

Over nearly three decades, Riherd refined the system from manually reported scores to a fully integrated platform used by schools, coaches, media outlets and the KHSAA itself. The Scoreboard has logged hundreds of thousands of games and millions of individual statistics, becoming a cornerstone of high school sports coverage across the state.

Riherd said he hopes the KHSAA finds a successor who shares his commitment to accuracy and detail, adding that the athlete has always been the system’s “North Star.

It's very dry for this time of year

Crittenden County recorded just 1.5 inches of rainfall in December 2025, making it the driest December in more than a decade and contributing to unseasonably dry conditions across the area.

While outdoor burning is currently permitted during daylight hours under state guidelines, officials urge residents to use extreme caution. Anyone planning a large fire is advised to notify central dispatch before burning.

The dry weather has already contributed to several recent wildfires locally. One fire last week burned more than five acres before being contained. 

Lyon County Sherif's weekly report

- On Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, at approximately 3:27 p.m., Deputy Bobby Beeler and other first responders were dispatched to a Parkview Drive residence for a reported overdose. A 46-year-old man was transported to an area hospital for treatment of medical and mental health issues. The investigation is continuing by Deputy Beeler. Lyon County sheriff’s deputies were assisted by Lyon County EMS and the Eddyville Police Department.

- On Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, at approximately 5 p.m., deputies served a Fayette District Court bench warrant on Gregory A. Stokes, 43, of Hickman. Stokes had previously failed to appear in court in an assault case. He awaits extradition back to Fayette County.

- On Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, at approximately 9 a.m., Chief Deputy Sam Adams arrested Shelby King, 30, of Kuttawa, at a residence on KY 93. King was the subject of a Lyon Circuit Court bench warrant for a probation violation for a felony offense. He was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.

- On Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, at approximately 6:30 p.m., Deputy Bobby Beeler served a Jessamine District Court bench warrant on Jordan Palmer, 37, of Lancaster, for failure to appear. Palmer awaits extradition back to Jessamine County.

- On Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, at approximately 8:14 p.m., Deputy Bobby Beeler was dispatched to a hit-and-run collision at a Kuttawa business. His investigation revealed a semi operated by Ngoc Thuc Tran, 29, of Carrollton, Texas, collided with a parked semi and left the scene. Once Tran was identified as the driver,

C-PLANT | Monday NEWScast

News | Sports | Interviews
On Today's Show
JIM DUKE, ComCare EMS Administrator 




 

Saturday, January 10, 2026

Three vying county judge in Crittenden

Three candidates have filed for judge-executive in Crittenden County, and all filings for the 2026 primary election are Republicans.

Perry Newcom is the incumbent in the race for Crittenden County judge/executive. He is challenged in the Republican primary by Nathan Ratley and Todd Campbell.

In the sheriff’s race, incumbent Evan Franklin Head will face former deputy Ray Agent in the primary.

The jailer’s race includes incumbent Athena Hayes against former jailer Robbie Kirk.

Incumbent County Attorney Bart Frazer will face opposition from Chad Eric Nelson, an assistant commonwealth’s attorney serving Caldwell, Trigg, Lyon and Livingston counties.

Unopposed are County Clerk Daryl K. Tabor, PVA Todd Perryman and Coroner Brad Gilbert.

Here is a full listing of Crittenden County election filings for 2026 primary: 

COUNTY JUDGE/EXECUTIVE
Perry A. Newcom (Republican) filed Nov. 5, 2025.
Nathan Ratley (Republican) filed Nov. 7, 2025.
Todd Campbell (Republican) filed Jan. 6, 2026.

SHERIFF
Evan Franklin Head (Republican) filed Nov. 5, 2025.
Ray Agent (Republican) filed Nov. 10, 2025.

JAILER
Robert P. Kirk (Republican) filed Nov. 5, 2025.
Athena Hayes (Republican) filed Nov. 20, 2025.

COUNTY CLERK
Daryl K. Tabor (Republican) filed Nov. 5, 2025.

COUNTY ATTORNEY
Bart Frazer (Republican) filed Nov. 5, 2025.
Chad Eric Nelson (Republican) filed Nov. 5, 2025.

CORONER
Bradley R. Gilbert (Republican) filed Nov. 6, 2025.

PROPERTY VALUATION ADMINISTRATOR
Todd Perryman (Republican) filed Nov. 5, 2025.

MAGISTRATE / JUSTICE OF THE PEACE
District 1
Robert S. Horack (Republican) filed Nov. 6, 2025.
Danny Allen Fowler (Republican) filed Nov. 7, 2025.

District 2
Matt Grimes (Republican) filed Nov. 10, 2025.

District 3
Robert Kirby (Republican) filed Nov. 12, 2025.
Pamela A. Todd (Republican) filed Nov. 25, 2025.

District 4
Chadwick Wayne Thomas (Republican) filed Dec. 12, 2025.

District 5
Brennan P. Cruce (Republican) filed Nov. 5, 2025.

District 6
Craig B. Gilland (Republican) filed Dec. 30, 2025.
Bob Rowley (Republican) filed Dec. 15, 2025.

CONSTABLE
District 3
Paul Beard (Republican) filed Nov. 12, 2025.

District 4
Lynn Goodrich (Republican) filed Dec. 10, 2025.

District 5
Gregory J. Rushing (Republican) filed Jan. 5, 2026.

Three will seek county judge's post in Livingston

Livingston County’s 2026 primary election ballot is shaping up with sharp contrasts, featuring crowded races for the county’s top offices while at least one longtime incumbent faces no opposition.

The most competitive contests are for county judge/executive and sheriff, where multiple candidates have filed to appear on the May ballot. In contrast, the Salem-area magistrate seat held by Brad Hunter appears settled, with the incumbent drawing no challengers.

The race for county judge/executive in Livingston County includes three candidates, setting up a competitive primary and a general election in the fall. Incumbent Michael Williams is seeking re-election after winning a 2024 special election to fill the remainder of a term vacated by former judge Garrett Gruber. Also filing on Friday, the final day to register, was Democratic candidate Teris Swanson, who had been appointed by the governor as interim judge/executive before she and Williams squared off in the November 2024 special election. Williams defeated Swanson with 54 percent of the vote, 2,682 to 2,287. Republican Tina Gay Tinsley has also filed to run for county judge/executive.

The sheriff’s race is equally crowded, with four Republican candidates. Glenn Gordon, Shannon Edging, Donald Crawford and Shawn Malston are all seeking the GOP nomination. With no Democratic candidates filed for sheriff, the Republican primary will effectively determine the next sheriff.

Friday, January 9, 2026

Hang Up | Don't fall for scam going around county

Local officials are warning residents about an ongoing phone scam that has hit the area hard in recent days, with at least one individual reportedly losing more than $2,000.

In the scam, callers claim the victim missed jury duty and falsely identify themselves as being from the sheriff’s office. The caller then pressures the person to provide money or personal information, often threatening arrest or jail time if payment is not made immediately.

Residents are urged to hang up immediately if they receive such a call. Crittenden County Sheriff Evan Head said law enforcement agencies do not call individuals to demand money, fines or payments over the phone, and they will never threaten arrest as a way to collect funds.

Sheriff Head reminds the public to never give personal or financial information over the phone to unsolicited callers. Anyone who believes they have been targeted or victimized by this scam should report it to local law enforcement.

LEGISLATIVE REVIEW | By KY Sen. Jason Howell

The first week of the 2026 Legislative Session is now complete, officially beginning the constitutionally required 60-day budget session for the Kentucky General Assembly. While the opening days were largely procedural, they set the stage for the policy debates and budget decisions ahead. 

As a member of the Senate Majority Caucus, I can assure you our focus remains on you, the Kentucky taxpayer. We continue to advance fiscally responsible, pro-growth, conservative policies that have helped strengthen Kentucky over the past decade. 

You will notice in your upcoming paycheck that more of your hard-earned dollars are staying with you. Through pragmatic and thoughtful individual income tax reductions crafted by the legislature, the rate has been lowered from 6 percent to 3.5 percent, with the most recent 0.5 percent reduction taking effect January 1. Each half-percent reduction keeps approximately $700 million in the pockets of Kentucky families, providing greater flexibility as households manage rising costs. 

Throughout this session, lawmakers will focus on issues that matter most to Kentuckians, including affordability, economic growth, education, housing, job creation, public safety, and more. 

As a budget session, the coming months will be critical and demanding, as the legislature’s primary responsibility is to adopt a new two-year state budget and road plan. Under Kentucky’s constitution, the process begins in the House of Representatives, which drafts and passes the initial budget before sending it to the Senate. Once received, the Senate can propose changes, advocate for district priorities, and negotiate final spending decisions with House counterparts.

In addition to the budget, the General Assembly is considering individual policy bills. Any bill may be filed in either chamber and must move through committee review, floor debate, and votes in both chambers. Bills may be amended through committee substitutes or floor amendments, and identical versions must pass the House and Senate before being sent to the governor.

During week one, several notable Senate bills were filed, including legislation related to public safety, education, and economic policy. 

As the session moves forward, attention will turn to committee work. Committees will begin reviewing legislation, hearing public testimony, and shaping bills before they reach the Senate floor, where many of

Thursday, January 8, 2026

CCHS girls tonight vs Lyon; Boys at Ft. Campbell Friday

Results and upcoming games were set this week in the Second Region All “A” Classic for both girls’ and boys’ basketball.

In girls’ play Monday, Lyon County defeated Fort Campbell 80-18, and Crittenden County routed Dawson Springs 64-13. Caldwell County and Livingston Central advanced with byes. 

Semifinal games will be played Thursday, Jan. 8, at Dawson Springs, with Caldwell County facing Livingston Central at 6 p.m., followed by Crittenden County against Lyon County at 7:30 p.m. The championship game is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 10, at 4 p.m. at Dawson Springs.

Boys’ tournament action on Tuesday saw Dawson Springs defeat Livingston Central 67-59, University Heights beat Fort Campbell 73-64, Lyon County cruise past Caldwell County 80-43, and Crittenden County knock off Heritage Christian Academy 68-48. 

Semifinals will be played Friday, Jan. 9, at Fort Campbell, with Dawson Springs meeting University Heights at 6 p.m., followed by Crittenden County versus Lyon County at 7:30 p.m. The boys’ championship game is set for Saturday, Jan. 10, at 7:30 p.m. at Fort Campbell.

Winners of each tournament will advance to the All “A” state tournament later this month.

Superintendent eval on agenda for tonight's meeting

Crittenden County Board of Education will hold a working session and special board meeting at 5:30 p.m., (tonight) Thursday, Jan. 8 at Rocket Arena Conference Room.

The agenda includes presentations on the Comprehensive and District Improvement Plans, test score updates and a new data dashboard. Board members are also expected to consider approval of a memorandum of agreement with Vanderbilt University Medical Center, the district local and state board facilities hearing report, the district facility plan and an agreement with ATLAS Kids for Applied Behavior Analysis services.

The meeting will also include the superintendent standards report and other discussion before the board enters closed session for a superintendent evaluation. The board will reconvene in open session prior to adjournment.

The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, in the Rocket Arena Conference Room.

STATE FARM | THURSDAY NewsCAST

News | Sports | More

Check out Round2 on Main Street in Marion
and welcome them to the podcast