NESBITT'S | Get ready for hunting season

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Hunting season is just around the corner, and Nesbitt’s Pawn Shop in Marion has everything you need to be ready before opening day. With more than 250 guns in stock, Nesbitt’s offers one of the area’s largest selections of shotguns and rifles, including both new and preowned models.

Fresh arrivals include Charles Daly and Escort semi-automatic shotguns in camo and black, available in 20 gauge and .410. Hunters can also choose from a wide variety of pump and semi-auto shotguns from trusted brands like Remington, Browning, Winchester, Mossberg and Tri Star.

For rifle hunters, Nesbitt’s carries an array of preowned semi-automatic and bolt-action models from names such as Savage, Ruger, Howa, Marlin, Browning, Henry and Diamondback.

In addition to firearms, Nesbitt’s also stocks ammunition and offers layaway plans, so you don’t have to wait until the last minute and settle for less. The shop has been buying, selling and trading since 1986, and remains a trusted local source for hunters gearing up for the season.

Stop by Nesbitt’s Pawn Shop at 200 Sturgis Road in Marion, across from the Ideal convenience store, or visit online at nesbittspawnshop.com.

Chamber Leadership Breakfast Wednesday

Leadership Breakfast will be at 7 a.m., on Wednesday, Sept. 3. Guest speaker will be Supreme Court Justice Shea Nickell, and Crittenden County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom will provide an update on the new courthouse project. Cost is $15 for breakfast. The event will be at Rocket Arena conference room. RSVP to crittendencountychamber@gmail.com.

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Lyon County Sheriff's Activity

LYON COUNTY SHERIFF’S WEEKLY REPORT

On Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025, around 5 a.m., Sheriff Brent White investigated a reported collision in Kuttawa. His investigation revealed a 2020 Volvo VNL driven by Yuvraj Saluja, 22, of Ontario, Canada, sideswiped a parked and unoccupied 2026 Volvo owned by DRD Express of Bartlett, Ill. There were no injuries in the collision.

On Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, around 11:30 a.m., deputies served a Madison District Court bench warrant on Sookie Shreve, 60, of Irvine. She was charged with failure to appear in court and awaits extradition back to Madison County.

On Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, around 1:10 p.m., Sheriff White met with Katharine R. Stacy, 38, of Eddyville, after she drove to the sheriff’s office regarding an unrelated matter being investigated by a deputy who was not on duty at the time. As Sheriff White spoke with Stacy, he suspected she was under the influence of alcohol. After completing her business regarding the unrelated investigation, it was confirmed by surveillance video that Stacy was the sole occupant of her vehicle and had driven to the courthouse. She was administered field sobriety tests and subsequently arrested. Sheriff White charged Stacy with DUI, second offense (aggravating circumstance). She was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.

On Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, around 5:50 p.m., Deputy Bobby Beeler responded to a two-vehicle collision on Center Ridge Road. His investigation determined a 2013 Cadillac SRX, driven by Frank N. Daniel, 86, of Madisonville, was westbound on Center Ridge when he met an eastbound 1995 Chevrolet driven by Timothy D. Johnson, 67, of Eddyville. Daniel failed to maintain his lane, resulting in a sideswipe collision. No injuries were reported.

On Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, just after 9 p.m., Deputy Beeler responded to a single-vehicle collision on U.S. 62 West in Kuttawa. His investigation revealed a 2024 Kawasaki EX500 motorcycle driven by Leslie Combs Waide, 56, of Almo, was westbound on U.S. 62 when she collided with a deer. Combs Waide was transported by Lyon County EMS to Baptist Health Paducah for injuries sustained in the collision.

On Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, just after 9 a.m., Deputy Beeler responded to a single-vehicle collision on Ky. 293 at I-24, Exit 45. His investigation revealed a 2025 Kenworth semi driven by Anthony E. Foster, 30, of Brooksville, Fla., exited the eastbound off-ramp and was attempting to cross Ky. 293 and re-enter I-

Security Tighter for Tonight's Football Game

Crittenden County High School announced Friday afternoon that all its students will be admitted free to tonight’s football home opener against Union County, thanks to sponsorship from First United Bank.

The district also detailed new safety measures, including Open Gate security towers at both entrances. Similar to those used at concerts and pro sporting events, the walk-through detectors will be staffed by school personnel, the school resource officer and local law enforcement. Spectators should remove metal objects such as keys and cellphones before entering.

Large bags, sports equipment and unsupervised entry by younger students are prohibited. Elementary students must sit with a parent or guardian, and middle school students must be accompanied by an adult.

Officials noted that security screening may slow entry but emphasized that safety remains the district’s top priority. Sports programs across the region have been exercising greater security since a shooting occurred last Friday night in the parking lot of a high school football game at Mayfield. 

Jailer responds to fiscal court's call to resign

JAILER HAYES'

RESPONSE TO 

FISCAL COURT REQUEST

FOR HER RESIGNATION

To the citizens of Crittenden County, all local and interested parties: Aug. 25, 2025:

I have been advised that without notice to me, the members of the Crittenden County Fiscal Court, specifically Magistrates, Matt Grimes, Chad Thomas, David Belt, Scott Belt, Travis Perryman, Robert Kirby and with the support of Judge Executive Perry Newcom voted to request my resignation as Crittenden County Jailer. I actually attended the August 21, 2025, Fiscal Court meeting and gave my monthly Jailers Report and answered numerous questions. After my report I had obligations that required me to depart from the meeting at 9:30am. I was given no notice of any intention to discuss or vote on a request to ask me to resign, or I would have stayed to address it at that time. I have still not received a written reason for the vote, only a call from the Judge Executive notifying me of the request for my resignation which I respectfully declined.

See the Aug. 28, 2025 edition of 
The Crittenden Press for more details

I was elected by the citizens of Crittenden County in a fair election. I have worked diligently to perform my job to the best of my ability the entire time I have been in office. I can only be removed by an act of the Kentucky General Assembly, and I have no plans to step down.

The atmosphere that Kentucky’s jails operate in today is much different than it was 4 to 5 years ago. The number of State Inmates has dropped dramatically while operational costs have risen at an unprecedented rate. Crittenden County Detention Center is also fighting the water crisis that Marion, Kentucky is currently addressing, ironically starting the week, I won the primary election.  This adds another layer to the financial strain the Detention Center now faces.

The Crittenden County Detention Center was built in 2007. The structure and equipment such as HVAC, locks, fire suppression systems, hot water heaters, kitchen equipment, etc. are aging, therefore causing maintenance costs to rise along with efficiency problems. The water crisis has added to those woes, by putting a strain on the plumbing and other operational systems due to debris in the water.

During the time that I have been Jailer, the jail has been run efficiently, with as little cost to the county as possible. The Jail provides a service that is required by statute, and we are bound to safely and securely incarcerate inmates in a manner that is moral and ethical while providing all life sustaining services. The Crittenden County Detention Center is a leader in the field of Corrections. The fact that you don’t hear much about the jail is a sign of efficiency and cost-effective operation.

I have obtained a grant for new washers and dryers for the facility. I have reached out to the KY DOC to receive surplus inmate uniforms and equipment that has saved the county thousands of dollars. I have obtained a grant for video equipment and software that has allowed for the virtual court appearances of prisoners here and across the state which has saved countless tax dollars on transport costs, while enhancing the security of the court proceedings.  I have also reduced the number of staff at the Detention Center cutting as much as possible to payroll without jeopardizing safety and service.  Staff have taken on additional duties with very little complaint as they are aware of the need to reduce costs.

 I have increased the number of work sites for inmate labor to include the City of Marion, The Marion Water Department, Marion Convenience Center, Victory Garden, Mowing Crew and litter abatement. I have also started the Crittenden Cares Program that has helped with multiple non-profit, city, and county projects that can be completed during the fall and winter months which has helped those agencies save resources that they would have had to spend on labor.

I am an active member of the Kentucky Jailers Association and have been elected by my peers, for the past 2 years, to serve on the KJA Board of Directors. I believe it is important to be at the table discussing the best interests of all Kentucky Jails and representing Crittenden County on a State level while learning from other Jailers and building relationships that I can call on during times of need.

I have repaired the relationship with local law enforcement and the Circuit Clerks Office which was badly damaged when I took office. I have worked as a team player assisting as many agencies as possible every time they call.

We have a great Jail that this county should be proud of. We have a Jail that enriches the community by more than financial gain. We help to change the lives of inmates and their families through effective incarceration.

I don’t work for the County Judge Executive or the Fiscal Court. I work for the people of Crittenden County who elected me to this office. I stand by my record and believe I have effectively done the job the people have elected me to do and that will continue.

I will not be intimidated by political attacks, especially those that are unfounded. I have done and will continue to do the job I was elected to do and distractions such as this will not deter my effective discharge of my legal and Constitutional office. I would suggest that the Fiscal Court and County Judge Executive focus on making life better for our citizens, instead of wasting time playing politics.

I am willing to answer any question any citizen, or the media asks. My door is always open as it has been the entire time that I have been your Crittenden County Jailer.

I want to give my most sincere thanks to everyone who has reached out to support me and to encourage me to stand up to the attempt at intimidation. The community response has been humbling and so appreciated. The support that has been extended to me from the Kentucky Jailers Association and the many Jailers across the State has been amazing.

In closing I want to say that being elected as Crittenden County Jailer has been one of the highlights of my life. It is not an easy job. It is a calling. I am proud of the job I do, and I will continue to do it for as long as the Citizens of Crittenden County will have me.

Sincerely, Athena Hayes, Jailer

Plan your special event at Fohs Hall

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Planning a bridal shower, class reunion or special 

event? Consider holding that event at Fohs Hall.

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

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

For rental information, contact Elliot West.

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City Council will propse tax rates Wednesday

Marion City Council will hold a special called meeting at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27, at city hall.

On the agenda is first reading of Ordinance 25-15, which sets the city’s 2025 tax levy.

Livingston leaders will discuss solar setbacks

SMITHLAND, Ky. — Solar setbacks will be on the agenda when Livingston County Fiscal Court meets at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26 at the courthouse in Smithland.

Magistrates are expected to give second reading to a solar farm ordinance and discuss earthquake insurance under old business.

The solar ordinance has gained a good bit of attention. Setbacks were originally proposed well beyond the normal scope for such projects. The court will make the final determination of those setbacks during Tuesday’s meeting. A company is exploring a solar farm between Carrsville and Hampton in the northern part of Livingston County.

New business includes the treasurer’s report, annual settlement and $30,000 in EMS claims. The court will also hear committee and department reports on EMS, county transfer stations, the sheriff’s department and the road department, which is considering hiring two Livingston County High School co-op students.

Parks and recreation matters are also on the agenda, including repairs at Roy Ringstaff Ball Field and alterations to the Lady Cardinals’ dugout. Other items for consideration include Octoberfest T-shirt sponsorships, a health board appointment, a Hazmat-1 contract, 2025 tax rates, a Kentucky Transportation Cabinet 80/20 resolution and pressure washing the county office and library building.

A closed session is scheduled under KRS 61.810(1)(f) to discuss personnel matters.

Lyon County Sheriff's Activity Report

On Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, around 8:17 p.m., Deputy Bobby Beeler responded to a burglary complaint on Oriole Drive in Old Eddyville. His continuing investigation through Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, has led to charges being pursued against two juveniles who broke into an RV camper and did just under \$1,000 in damages.

On Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, around 6:30 p.m., Deputy Shannon Oliver took a theft report from a Lamasco citizen who stated he ran out of gas on his black Suzuki Boulevard motorcycle on U.S. 62 near Major’s Loop (eastbound side) on Aug. 10, 2025, in Kuttawa. The victim walked toward the Huck’s Travel Center to obtain fuel. Upon his return, his motorcycle had reportedly been stolen. This was the only mode of transportation the victim currently had. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office at 270-388-2311. Note: The picture below is for reference purposes as it is the same make and model of the stolen motorcycle; however, it is not a picture of the victim’s exact one.

On Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, around 7:30 a.m., Sheriff Brent White was on patrol on Ky. 93 South when he observed a vehicle at a residence that was the subject of an extra patrol request. Sheriff White investigated and detained three subjects, one of whom was a previous acquaintance of the property owner, who was not present at the home, and who had been told not to be on the property. Chief Deputy Sam Adams arrived shortly thereafter and all three subjects were charged with criminal trespass. They were identified as follows

• Maranda M. Driver, 34, of Princeton
• Christian E. Romero, 27, of Princeton
• Brett Sherill, 52, of Fredonia

Beginning on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, and continuing through Aug. 20, 2025, deputies arrested the following offenders:

• Melissa Mills, 60, of Fredonia, was served with a Knox Circuit Court bench warrant for nonpayment of costs, fees or fines. Mills awaits extradition to Knox County.
• Ashley N. Rollins, 32, of Corryton, Tenn., was served with a Lyon Circuit Court warrant charging her with failure to appear in a case from 2021 involving a vehicle pursuit. She was also served with a warrant charging her with a probation violation stemming from the same case. Rollins was extradited from Knox County, Tenn., back to Kentucky on this date. She was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.

On Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, around 8:15 a.m., Chief Deputy Sam Adams responded to a rollover collision on Ky. 93 South near Lamasco. His investigation revealed a 2001 Nissan Altima driven by Tana S. Stewart, 34, of Cadiz lost control of her vehicle after she stated a deer ran into her path of travel and she attempted to avoid it. Stewart’s vehicle went off the left side of the roadway and overturned. She refused medical treatment at the scene. Chief Deputy Adams charged Stewart with no insurance.

On Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, after 8 a.m., the Sheriff’s Office received a call about a single-vehicle collision on Ky. 810 North near U.S. 62. Chief Deputy Sam Adams, Sheriff Brent White and Lyon County EMS responded to the scene. The investigation revealed John M. Huddleston, 29, of Kuttawa was southbound on Ky. 810 North when he failed to negotiate a curve and left the roadway before coming to rest in a creek. After refusing medical transport, Huddleston was arrested by Chief Deputy Adams and charged with DUI (first offense), no motorcycle operator’s license and no insurance. Huddleston was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.

On Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, around 4:30 p.m., Deputy Josh Travis and other members of the Sheriff’s Office responded to a disturbance complaint on Ky. 810 South involving several adults with children present. Upon arrival, all parties were separated, and the incident was mediated. One of the adults, identified as Mae N. Frazier, 51, of Lexington, was arrested and charged with a Hardin District Court bench warrant for failure to appear and a Fayette District Court complaint warrant charging her with

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Our Guest Crittenden County PVA Todd Perryman

 

Bus driver positions available

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Looking for a short work-day and a great benefits package?  Consider becoming a bus driver in the Crittenden County transportation department.

Applications are being accepted online for school bus drivers.  Drivers work no nights, weekends, holidays or summers and receive opportunities for extra pay and a benefits package.

Call today for more information or visit Crittenden.kyschools.us to apply.

Magistrates ask for jailer's resignation

MARION, Ky. — Crittenden County Fiscal Court on Thursday, Aug. 21, formally asked for the resignation of Jailer Athena Hayes, citing troubling financial reports two months into the new fiscal year. One magistrate noted the county has supplemented jail operations by about $600,000 over the past two years. The request passed unanimously.

Hayes, who delivered her monthly jailer's report and fielded questions about cash flow earlier in the meeting, had left before the vote. 

Reached afterward, Hayes said she had been informed of the action and has “respectfully denied the request” to resign, adding that a more detailed response will be released later.

Stayed tuned to The Crittenden Press for more details and further developments.

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KENTUCKY FARMERS | Raising Hope Publication

The Farmer’s Pride: Celebrating Kentucky’s Farmers

The latest edition of The Farmer’s Pride is now available — both inside the Aug. 21, 2025 issue of The Crittenden Press and online at The Farmer’s Pride. This special publication from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Raising Hope program shines a light on the challenges, triumphs, and resilience of Kentucky farmers.

Among the many stories featured:

• Weathering the Wettest Year on Record – Kentucky farmers share how they’ve adapted to a historically rainy start to 2025, which delayed planting and added stress across the state.

• The Launch of the MASH Barn – The Mobile Agriculture Safety and Health Barn, a vision of Dr. Cheryl Witt, is now traveling the state to bring health screenings, training, and resources directly to farmers in a setting that feels like home.

• “I Can Hear the Birds Again” – A powerful personal story from farm safety leader Dale Dobson about discovering life after hearing loss, thanks to a new partnership with KY HEARS and the Heuser Hearing Institute.

• Handshakes That Change the World – How decades of outreach, training, and simple connections have saved lives and built the foundation for today’s farm safety programs.

• 

  Read Now

  Grain Bin Rescues – Union County firefighters share firsthand accounts of how specialized training and equipment provided through Raising Hope have made the difference between life and death in dangerous grain entrapments.

• Farmers’ Appreciation Day – Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell invites all Kentucky farm families to Murray State University on Sept. 17, 2025 for a celebration filled with free food, health screenings, giveaways, and awards.

This issue is packed with resources, encouragement, and inspiration for the farm families who keep Kentucky fed, clothed, and strong.

📖 Read the full publication here: www.the-press.com/TheFarmersPride.pdf
📰 Or pick up a print copy inside the Aug. 21, 2025 edition of The Crittenden Press.

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Lyon County Sheriff's Report

Following is the weekly activity report from Lyon County Sheriff's Brent White's office:

 - On Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, around 11:52 p.m., Deputy Shannon Oliver served an arrest warrant for failure to appear from Lyon Circuit Court on Luis Baquero, 29, of Davenport, Fla., after he was extradited back to Kentucky from Oklahoma. Baquero was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.

- On Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, around 1:20 p.m., Chief Deputy Sam Adams responded to a single-vehicle collision on KY 818 North. His investigation revealed a 2006 Saturn Vue, operated by Jessie Biggs, 25, of Eddyville, was northbound on KY 818 when a rat reportedly ran up the driver’s leg, causing the driver to panic and lose control of the vehicle before colliding with a mailbox. No injuries were reported.

- On Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, around 10:51 p.m., Deputy Josh Travis responded to Hayden Drive in Eddyville for a two-vehicle collision. His investigation revealed a 2017 Nissan, driven by Jennifer Mathiew, 46, of Eddyville, collided with a parked 2009 Ford owned by John Balthus, 43, of Kuttawa. No injuries were reported.

- On Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, after 8 p.m., Deputy Josh Travis responded to a theft complaint at the Coleman Bridge boat ramp off KY 730 East. His investigation revealed a Princeton resident was at the boat ramp filming a video when he reportedly set his backpack on the pavement and continued filming. As he walked away from his vehicle, a dark-colored Suburban pulled into the parking area before a person exited and stole the backpack. The vehicle left the area on KY 730 East, but not before the victim was able to capture pictures of the suspect and the vehicle. On Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025, around 9 a.m., Sheriff Brent White identified the suspect, recovered the stolen property and charged George W. Grove, 57, of Eddyville, with theft related to the incident.

City Council Meets Tonight in Marion

 MARION, Ky. — The Marion City Council will meet at 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 18, at city hall.

The agenda includes the second reading of three ordinances — one amending the city pay plan and setting compensation for elected officials, one regulating street-legal special purpose vehicles, and one amending golf cart regulations.

Council will also consider a resolution to authorize filing a funding application for a Kentucky Water and Wastewater Assistance for Troubled or Economically Restrained Systems Program project, hear the mayor’s recommendation for a vacant Chamber of Commerce board seat, and receive code enforcement and planning and zoning updates from Tanya Scholtz-Byers.

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USDA EQUIP registration open until Sept. 26

 LEXINGTON, Ky. — Landowners, farmers and producers have until Sept. 26 to apply for assistance through the USDA’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) if they want to be considered for the next round of funding.

While the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) accepts applications year-round, funding selections for EQIP and other conservation programs are made at set times during the year. Applications received by the September cutoff will be evaluated for potential cost-share contracts during this cycle.

EQIP offers financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers and non-industrial private forestland owners to address concerns related to soil, water, air and other natural resources. Participants work with NRCS to implement voluntary conservation practices in exchange for reimbursement for a portion of the costs.

The program is open to those engaged in livestock or agricultural production, as well as owners of eligible forestland. In fiscal year 2025, Kentucky NRCS provided more than $25 million in EQIP assistance.

For more information, visit www.ky.nrcs.usda.gov, contact the Crittenden County Conservation Office at 118 E. Bellville St., Marion, or visit the USDA Service Center in Salem.