Rocket football hosts First Region Championship tonight

Crittenden County's football team will be playing for a berth in the state final four tonight when it hosts Mayfield in the First Region championship game.

The Rockets are 9-3 this season and ranked 7th in the Associated Press Class Football poll. 

Mayfield is 7-5 and unranked after being No. 4 in preseason. Mayfield lost at home 27-14 to Crittenden County in late September during the regular season. It was the Cardinals first loss ever to the Rockets.

Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m., at Rocket Stadium. The crowd will be large so get there early for a seat. There will be tailgating in the west end zone parking lot prior to the game.

The winner will play in the state semifinal round Dec. 5 at either Beechwood High School in Covington or at Frankfort High School.

Hoover obituary

Marjorie Arflack Hoover, 92 of Marion, died at 6:50 p.m.Wednesday November 26, 2008 at Crittenden Health Systems in Marion, KY. 

Myers Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements. The funeral is Saturday. See the funeral home's Web site for details.

Thanksgiving costs lower in Marion

Last year, the cost of the average Thanksgiving meal for a typical American gathering of 10 cost under $40, but is up to $41.12 in 2008 according to the American Farm Bureau Federation.

But in Marion, the same gathering of people can be fed for considerably less by shopping for bargains at the city’s two groceries. According to advertised prices from Conrad’s Food Store and Food Giant, the cost to feed 10 would be $29.09.

The following Thanksgiving staples are listed with the price found in Marion with the American Farm Bureau Federation’s national average in parenthesis:

• 16-pound turkey, $12.48 ($19.09);
  
• Cube stuffing, 14 oz., $1.25 ($2.57);
  
• 30 ounces of pumpkin pie mix, $2.50 ($2.34);
  
• Two pie shells, $1.33 ($2.26);
  
• Three pounds of sweet potatoes, $1.77 ($3.12);
  
• A dozen rolls, $1.50 ($2.20);
  
• One pound of green peas, $1.25 ($1.58);
  
• One gallon of whole milk, $3.48 ($3.78);
  
• Fresh cranberries, 12 oz., $2.28 ($2.46); and
  
• Half pint of cream, $1.25 ($1.70).

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

Thanksgiving holiday closings

Thanksgiving is a federal, state, county and city holiday. All government agencies and offices will be closed Thanksgiving Day. All state, county and city government agencies, including courthouse offices and city hall, will remain closed Friday and Saturday in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Friday is not a federal holiday and mail will be delivered both Friday and Saturday.

The Senior Citizens Center in Marion will be closed Thanksgiving Day and Friday.

Crittenden County Public Library will be closed Thanksgiving Day and Friday, but will be open from 9 a.m., to 1 p.m., Saturday.

The Crittenden Press will be closed Thanksgiving Day and Friday. Subscribers to the newspaper should expect delivery one day late and advertisers in The Early Bird will have until 5 p.m., today to place their ad. The Early Bird will be delivered as usual on Tuesday.

Ben E. Clement Mineral Museum will be closed Thanksgiving Day.

Marion Convenience Center will be closed Thanksgiving Day and Friday, but will be open from 8 a.m., to noon Saturday to accept solid waste.

Coal severance funds will continue into 2012

Crittenden County officials got some good news this past week. They learned that coal severance tax receipts will continue flowing into the county's budget over the next four-plus years.

Because the coal mine in the northern part of the county has been idle for some time, concern was that state coal severance funds would dry up. You can read more about what this will mean for Crittenden County in this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press, due out on newsstands today at 3 p.m.

Additionally, The Press is following a story about the proposed new health department. Contractors' bids came in and county officials were pleased. The bid went to a Paducah company. Construction will begin soon. Read more about this in the Nov. 27 issue of The Crittenden Press or visit us online Wednesday afternoon at The-Press.com.

Governor asks for 4 percent off the top

Gov. Steve Beshear is asking state universities and government agencies to find ways to trim 4 percent from their budgets in order to meet the state shortfall head on.

The governor is calling for immediate action. He wants proposals in the next few days.

State economists predicted last week that Kentucky will be short about $1.3 billion over the next year and a half.

Read more in this morning's online edition of the Courier-Journal. Click here.

KSP offers dope tip hotline for drug activity

Kentucky State Police are asking for your help at combating illegal drug activity.

If you want to anonymously report any type of suspected illegal drug activity, citizens can call the KSP toll-free drug tip hotline at 1-800-DOPETIP. The 24-hour hotline is answered seven days a week.

State carries out execution

The state's first execution in almost 10 years and only the third since the U.S. Supreme Court reinstated capital punishment in 1976 was carried out tonight at Kentucky State Penitentiary in Eddyville.

Marco Chapman, 37, was put to death by lethal injection and pronounced dead at 7:34 p.m., for the 2002 murders of two children. Chapman pled guilty to the killings and was sentenced to death in 2004. He refused to exhaust all of his appeals, claiming he deserved die for the crimes. Outside efforts to delay the execution were denied and the courts found Chapman competent to deny his appeals.

“Tonight, the state carried out the mandate of the court in a professional and solemn manner," Gov. Steve Beshear said shortly after the execution. "Let there be no question: Mr. Chapman committed a horrible crime, he pled guilty and was repeatedly found competent to make decisions. The state responded by doing its duty.

"My hope is that the Marksberry family, whose lives were torn apart by Mr. Chapman’s horrifying acts, can find some level of peace and the ability to move forward. I pray for them, and I pray for Mr. Chapman and his family on this difficult day.”

Chapman pled guilty to taking the life of a 7-year-old girl and 6-year-old boy in the early morning of Aug. 23, 2002. He also stabbed a 10-year-old girl and the children's mother, but both survived. The mother was also bound and raped. The crime took place in Warsaw, Ky.

Chapman's last meal, according to the Louisville Courier-Journal was a 32 oz., medium rare steak, 20 butterfly shrimp, salad with ranch dressing, iced tea and banana cream pie.

The last execution in Kentucky was that of 50-year-old Edward Lee Harper on May 25, 1999. A year earlier, Harold McQueen became the first person in Kentucky executed since the death penalty was reinstated 21 years earlier. There have been 165 men executed at Kentucky State Penitentiary since 1911. All but two, Chapman and Harper, died in the electric chair.

As of Nov. 1, 2008, 1,130 convicted murderers have been executed in the U.S. Four hundred and nineteen have taken place in Texas. There are currently 37 on death row in Kentucky, including one woman. Of the total, only six of the inmates facing execution are minorities. To view all of Kentucky's death row inmates, visit www.corrections.ky.gov/inmateinfo/deathrow.htm.

Obituaries

Rev. Leon Cochran, 86, of Carmi, Ill., died at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2008 at Select Specialty Hospital in Evansville. He is the father of the late Norma Cochran of Marion.

Patricia Ann “Patty” Sunderland, 56, of Salem died Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008 at Crittenden County Convalescent Center.

Anna Carlene Hills, 85, of Marion died Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008 at Crittenden County Health and Rehab.

Pre-game tailgate party at tonight's playoffs

Rocket football fans are encouraged to join the tailgate party beyond the west end zone at Rocket Stadium. Tailgaters will have plenty of grills for anyone wishing to join the pre-game fun.

Tailgating will begin in the bus garage parking lot next to central office at around 5 p.m. Bring your hotdogs, wings, buns, drinks, etc., and join the football atmosphere. Everyone is welcome.

Kickoff for the regional semifinal game between Crittenden and Ballard Memorial is at 7:30 p.m.

Christmas programs at LBL in December

GOLDEN POND, KY -- Looking for a fun, family holiday outing? Come explore the customs and celebrations of the holiday season with the Golden Pond Planetarium shows at Land Between The Lakes (LBL).

The Golden Pond Planetarium offers two holiday programs Thurs-Sun, Dec. 4-21. A Story of Christmas explores the customs of Christmas, the origins of the Christmas tree, and the tradition of Santa Claus, the Wise Men, and Hanukkah. You’ll see the skies as they looked in the Holy Lands at the time of Christ. ‘Tis the Season looks at the seasonal, religious, and cultural rituals from around the world, and how the stars and planets have played an important role in these celebrations throughout history.

“The skies offer celestial beauty and important lessons to be learned this time of the year,” stated Jim Taylor, director of operations for the LBL Association. “It is a wonderful experience for both families and groups.”

“Friends of LBL” has arranged for Santa to be present at the Planetarium on Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 21st. Bring your camera for some great photo opportunities with Santa.
Admission to the Golden Pond Planetarium is $4 for ages 13 and up; $2 for ages 5-12; 4 and under, free. Organized groups may schedule either show at other times and receive group rates. Please call 270-924-2020 for more information. Show times are as follows:

A Story of Christmas
·Thurs. & Fri., 1 pm
·Sat. & Sun.,  11 am & 2 pm
‘Tis the Season
·Thurs. & Fri., 10 am & 2 pm
·Sat. & Sun., 10am, 1 pm & 3 pm

The Homeplace, Nature Station, North and South Welcome Stations, and Golden Pond Planetarium and Visitor Center will be closed Thanksgiving Day, Land Between The Lakes is managed by the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, in partnership with “Friends of LBL,” to provide public lands outdoor recreation and environmental education. We encourage visitors to review our website at www.lbl.org each season, and throughout the season, for our Calendar of Events, updates on programs and policies, and temporary trail and road closures.

Additional LBL information is also available on our website or by calling 1-800-LBL-7077 or 270-924-2000. You can find out more about “Friends of LBL” at www.friendsoflbl.org.

Expo draws big bucks & big crowd

Saturday’s Big Buck Expo at Marion Baptist Church’s Family Life Center was hailed a huge success by organizers, who say more than 250 people attended. 

Dozens of mounted deer heads were on display which drew the attention of many wishful onlookers. Hunters were asked to bring in their deer for showing. 

The event was staged to coincide with the second weekend of the firearms deer season and included a faith-based message by noted Christian outdoorsman Al Stone. 

The group that put on this year’s expo say they will have a second annual event Nov. 14, 2009.

Community Christmas in need of more funds

The local effort to help the less fortunate at Christmastime is struggling to raise enough cash and merchandise this year to make the holiday a normal one for more and more families.

Organizers of Community Christmas say that the spiraling economy is increasing the number of those in need this holiday season. More than 300 children have signed up for help. Christmas trees with information about those children can be found at Pamida and Dollar General in Marion, or contact Mona Hodges at the Pennyrile Area Community Services for details on how to help.

Read more about this issue and other local news in this week's Crittenden Press printed edition, which will be on newsstands today before 3 p.m.

Hunter found dead in deer stand

A Louisville man was found dead in his deer stand in Ohio County Monday. Investigators believe he was lifting his rifle up to his deer stand when it accidentally discharged, killing him.

Read more online at the Courier-Journal's Associated Press link.

Another man was shot near Reelfoot Lake in western Tennessee over the weekend. Authorities said John Burnett, 44, of Paris, Tenn., was shot by a high-powered rifle while walking through a wooded area. He and two other men were going to check on a duck blind.

Burnett was hit in the elbow by the bullet, which then pierced his abdomen. He was taken to a nearby hospital and later flown to a regional trauma center.

Investigators have not found the alleged shooter in that case.

Santa's knee ready for Crittenden children

Ho, ho, ho... Santa's on his way to Marion !

St. Nick will be arriving on the court square to offer his ear to children in want of Christmas goodies beginning later this month.

The small wooden building on the courthouse lawn will be Santa's headquarters on four consecutive Fridays and Saturdays starting the last weekend of November.

Here is Santa's schedule in Marion:

Dates:

Nov. 28-29
Dec. 5-6
Dec. 12-13
Dec. 19-20

Times:
FRIDAYS - 6-8 p.m.
SATURDAYS - 10 a.m. to noon and 6-8 p.m.

Only "good" children will be allowed to visit with Santa !

So, don't be naughty...

Fiscal court meets Monday

The Crittenden County Fiscal Court will meet at a different time than normal this month.

Magistrates will convene at 9 a.m., Monday, Nov. 17 at the courthouse for their regular monthly meeting. The court generally meets the third Tuesday of the month. However, scheduling conflicts this week with other governmental affairs meetings out of the county have prompted the court meeting to be rescheduled.

Of course, fiscal court meetings are open to the public.

Deer Expo today at Marion Baptist Church

The Deer Expo will be held from 11 a.m., until 1 p.m., today (Saturday) at Marion Baptist Church's Family Life Center.

There will be dozens of mounts, a speaker and FREE chili.

There is no admission. It's all free.

Dawson Springs Klan hit with $2.5 million verdict

A jury awarded $2.5 million in damages on Friday to a Kentucky teenager who was severely beaten by members of a Ku Klux Klan group because they mistakenly thought he was an illegal Latino immigrant.

The Klan group, which is headquartered in Dawson Springs, is considered the second largest Klan outfit in the United States.

Read more at CNN.Com.

The photo above is from the Princeton Times-Leader Online, which also has coverage on the lawsuit filed against the Klan.

Sale of Kimball property complete

An agreement has been reached on nearly 12,000 acres of Crittenden and Union County land owned by Kimball International. The furniture-maker confirmed the sale this morning. The land brought just over $2,090 per acre.

The nearly 18 square miles of farm and timberland sold for $24.539 million, nearly a week after the company rejected a high bid of $23.3 million at auction on Nov. 8. The agreement closed out Kimball's sale of 27,196 acres of Indiana and Kentucky property auctioned last week.

The property in Crittenden and Union counties was purchased by a Timber Investment Management Organizaton, or TIMO, partnered with the Commonwealth of Kentucky to make at least part of the 11,759 acres of land a Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife-operated preserve. The name of the TIMO has yet to be released; however, sources close to the sale say it's Forestland Group, LLC based at Chapel Hill, N.C.

According to John Kahle, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Kimball International, the land was sold to fund the company's growth strategy, reinforcing an already-solid balance sheet. 

"Given the properties' significant value, but relative liquidity, we believed Kimball share owners would be better served by converting this investment into cash at this time," Kahle said in a news release from Woltz & Schrader Auctions, the company that handled the sale of the acreage.

See next week's edition of The Crittenden Press for full details on the sale of the Kimball property.

Kimball property update

The Evansville Courier newspaper has a story on the Kimball property in this morning's issue.

It adds some details not previously reported regarding the timber consortium and the state's partnership. The two are working together, trying to buy Kimball's nearly 12,000 acres of timber and farm land, most of which lies in Crittenden County.

The article says Kimball and the high bidder from last weekend's auction - believed to be the state and its timber company partner - are still negotiating, but hope to have a resolution by Friday.

Read the Evansville Courier story here.