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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.

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.

Home for Sale | Marion | Moore Street

 

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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.

Lyon County Sheriff's Activity Report

- On Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, just after 3 p.m., Sheriff Brent White arrested a 16-year-old male from Princeton on a juvenile complaint following an investigation of a residential burglary that occurred at a home on Ky. 818 North in Lyon County on Monday, Oct. 6. The male juvenile was charged 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.

- 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

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.

Tolu man dies in tractor accident

A Crittenden County man died in a tractor accident on KY 297 near the intersection of KY 135 Saturday evening when the tractor he was operating overturned.

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.

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

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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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Hoover's Auctions & Real Estate will sell a wide variety of farm equipment and tools on Saturday, Oct. 25. The equipment belonged to the late Don Conway of Fredonia.

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.

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.

STATE FARM | Thursday NEWScast

 

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Today we visit with CCHS's 

winningest soccer coach

Candy Land in Amish Community!

GOT CANDY?

Stock up for your trick-or-treaters with big savings on all their favorite sweets!

Assorted candy bags – now $7 (regularly $8.50)

Starburst Jelly Beans – $1 each or 10 for $7

Lindt Chocolate Bars – $2.50 each

Stop 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, Chief Deputy Sam Adams took a theft report from a Kuttawa resident who stated her furniture had been stolen from a home near Suwanee between August and October of this year. The value of the theft was estimated at $5,000. Anyone with information concerning this theft is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 270-388-2311.

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.