No foul play suspected in death at City-County Park

Marion Police were on the scene at an apparent suicide at Marion-Crittenden County Park Saturday morning. No foul play was suspected. The identity of the individual has not been released.

Crittenden among disaster counties in May

President Barack Obama on Friday declared parts of Kentucky devastated by May storms, tornadoes, flooding and mudslides a major disaster, making federal funding available for recovery.

Gov. Steve Beshear said in a news release that Crittenden and 21 other counties will be eligible for federal funding, and in four of those counties, individuals will be able to apply for grants, low-cost loans and other programs to help rebuild.

According to the White House, the eligible counties are Ballard, Breathitt, Carlisle, Clay, Crittenden, Floyd, Grayson, Hickman, Jackson, Knott, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Madison, Magoffin, Marshall, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Russell, and Trigg.

In all of those counties, federal funding will be available to eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work or the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by severe storms, flooding, torandoes and mudslides.

In four of those counties - Breathitt, Floyd, Owsley and Pike - federal grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs, will also be available for individuals and business owners.

Additionally, the federal funds will be available for "hazard mitigation measures" for the entire state, the White House statement said.

The White House says the federal funding will be available for weather events that occurred from May 3 to May 20.

This comes as an addition to the Feb. 5 declaration by Obama that designated 93 Kentucky counties a disaster area due to the affects of a late January ice storm that caused more than $185 million in damages.

Grand Rivers man killed in auto accident

Clarence F. Jones, 77, of Grand Rivers was killed Thursday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of U.S. 62 and J.H. O'Bryan Road in Livingston County. The accident occurred around 2:50 p.m.

According to Kentucky State Police, Jones and 15-year-old passenger Clint Combs of Gilbertsville were northbound on J.H. O'Bryan Road when Jones failed to yield to the right of way, losing control of his vehicle. The vehicle overturned and slid into a tractor-trailer traveling east on U.S. 62. 

Jones was taken by ambulance to Lourdes Hospital in Paducah where he later died from his injuries, while his passenger was taken by ambulance to Western Baptist Hospital where he was treated and released. Both were wearing their seatbelts.

The accident was the second fatality in Livingston County in less than a half-hour. At about 2:30, an Arizona man was killed in a three-vehicle accident involving a school bus near Smithland.

The driver of the semi, Kevin Stone, 46, of Robards was not injured, but a passenger, 46-year-old Stacy T. Stone of Henderson, was taken to Lourdes where he was treated and released. Both men were wearing their seatbelts.

Bobcats season off to ominous start

The Marion Bobcats open their season at Tradewater tonight, with the season already off to an ominous start.

Two of Marion's players and a coach were injured in an auto accident returning home to Madisonville after practice Thursday night. Pitcher Jared Long will likely miss at least half the season due to a broken collarbone and potential other injuries, while the driver, Coach Perry Utley, and son, pithcer Ethan Utley, were banged up in a two-vehicle collision about three miles west of Richland in Hopkins County. Coach Utley's youngest son, Dalton, 13, was also shaken up in the accident.

All three occupants in the second vehicle, which Kentucky State Police report pulled into the path of Utley's vehicle, were also injured. All seven people involved in the crash were taken to Regional Medical Center in Madisonville for treatment.

Long, schedule to start Saturday's game at Tradewater, will join Ethan Utley on injured reserve. Utley is still recovering from a broken hand suffered during his college season. Meantime, Perry Utley is expected to be in the dugout for tonight's game in Dawson Springs. The game, as well as the remaining two games in the three-game set, start at 7 p.m., at Riverside Park.

For updates, visit MarionBobcats.com.

Graduation tonight at 7 p.m.

Crittenden County High School will graduate 77 seniors tonight at commencement ceremonies starting at 7 p.m., at Rocket Arena.

One dead in accident involving Livingston bus

 An Arizona man died an two-vehicle accident Thursday afternoon when the SUV he was driving collided head-on with a Livingston County school bus on U.S. 60 just east of the Cumberland River Bridge near Smithland. 

Trevor Wayne Hammond, 22, of Camp Verde, Ariz., was traveling east on  at about 2:30 when his vehicle crossed into the westbound lane, striking the school bus. The driver of the bus, Denise Kazumba, 40, of Salem tried to stop but couldn't avoid a collision. The Livingston coroner pronounced Hammond dead at the scene. 

A passenger, in Hammond's vehicle, Heather Jo Travis, 21, was transported to Western Baptist Hospital by ambulance and was later taken by PHI air ambulance to Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville. Another passenger in the SUV, Colton Lawless, 1, of Smithland, was transported to Livingston Hospital with minor injuries. 

Neither the school bus driver nor her two passengers, ages 12 and 9, were injured.

Area Death: Duvall

Georgia Alice Duvall, 102, of Marion, died Wednesday, May 27 at Livingston Hospital in Salem. The funeral is Saturday at Gilbert Funeral Home.

Serious accident on U.S. 60 near Smithland

There was a serious automobile accident today just east of the Cumberland River bridge at Smithland in Livingston County. Rescue crews were still on the scene at 4 p.m.

The accident happened about 2:30 p.m., and involved a school bus.

Two victims in a passenger vehicle were seriously injured and there was reportedly one fatality. About a half dozen people were taken to area hospitals, but no one on the school bus was seriously injured, according to the Kentucky State Police.

U.S. 60 is closed to through traffic at this time (2:55 pm)

Governor makes formal jobs announcement

LISTEN

**Click here for audio from governor's announcement**

Gov. Steve Beshear (pictured at right with Safetran President Kevin E. Riddett) today joined company and community leaders in Crittenden County to formally announce the expansion of one of its corporate citizens. Safetran Systems Corporation, part of the Invensys Group, a worldwide leader in railroad crossing technology and crossing warning systems, will invest up to $2.8 million into its Marion facility, creating approximately 150 new jobs in the Commonwealth over the next few months.

 

“The expansion of our existing industries is vital to our economic progress,” said Gov. Beshear. “Today’s announcement that Safetran Systems Corporation will make an additional investment into the Marion facility, creating 150 new jobs, is wonderful news.  The economic impact will be felt throughout the entire region. I’m delighted the Commonwealth could partner with Safetran and the community to make this project a reality.”

 

Safetran plans to significantly upgrade and expand an existing 110,000 square-foot facility on a 24-acre site on Industrial Drive in Marion. The manufacturing site is in close proximity to Safetran’s corporate headquarters, based in Louisville. 

 

Established in 1920, Safetran has five facilities, two located in Kentucky, and one in California, New York and Florida. Products include electro-mechanical signal devices, the electrical/electronic control systems that activate them, communications systems, as well as complete signal system design and construction. 

 

“I want to compliment the efforts of the Cabinet for Economic Development and Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, as well as everyone who contributed to this result,” said Kevin E. Riddett, president of Safetran. “This is a great day for Invensys/Safetran as well as the state of Kentucky. Our decision to grow our Marion facility serves as a testament to the relentless commitment of our employees and the sincere, tireless efforts of theKentucky delegation who displayed a higher sense of urgency to make this day possible. Kentucky was competing with other states for this opportunity – the difference was that Kentucky never deviated from the goal of winning this project.”

 

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) preliminarily approved Safetran for tax benefits up to $2,275,000 under the Kentucky Rural Economic Development Act, an incentive program designed to attract and expand manufacturing employment in the state. Additionally, the company was approved by KEDFA for a $525,000 Economic Development Bond to assist in the expansion.

 

“One of the main reasons Safetran chose to expand in Marion is because of the hard-working, dedicated employees they have found here,” said Crittenden County Judge Executive Fred Brown. “One hundred and fifty jobs for Marion are like 10,000 jobs for a larger city.  It’s a major announcement.”

 

“In previous recessions, it seems like Marion is the caboose when the economy is ready to take off again,” said Marion Mayor Mick Alexander. “But this time, it seems like we’re going to get through this recession without any sudden halt in the local economy.”

 

“This is tremendously positive news for our community and a testament to the skills of Kentucky workers,” said Sen. Dorsey Ridley, ofHenderson. “The people of Marion — and all Kentuckians — should be proud of their partnership with Safetran Systems. It’s an example of the great things that can happen when private businesses work with local and state officials to build stronger communities.”

 

“I’m delighted with this announcement and happy state government was able to make a positive contribution,” said Rep. Mike Cherry, ofPrinceton. “But, I am particularly pleased that Safetran has recognized our most important asset – the quality and productiveness of our local, homegrown workforce. Given the opportunity, I’m confident they can compete favorably with any workforce anywhere. We all need to thank them for their pivotal role in making this expansion happen.”

Press will be on sale today

Due to the Memorial Day holiday on Monday, the printed edition of The Crittenden Press will on newsstands a day late. It will be on sale starting at 10 a.m., today.

Governor to announce jobs incentives

Gov. Steve Beshear will be in Marion Thursday for an announcement regarding 100 new jobs at Safetran manufacturing facility. The governor and other dignitaries, along with Safetran officials, will meet at noon at the Marion Ed-Tech Center.

Beasher will announce a more than $2 million economic development incentive package for Safetran's nearly $3 million expansion project.

Rockets eliminated from regional play

Crittenden County's baseball team lost 5-0 against Christian County Tuesday in the semifinal round of the Second Region Baseball Tournament at Madisonville.

See details in this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press, on newsstands Thursday.

Roadside debris cleanup in Crittenden County

Contractors for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet continue clearing storm debris in Crittenden County. 

A number of crews will be working over the coming days as the state tries to complete its removal of debris by early June. 

Crews are expected to continue working along U.S. 60 East of Marion this week between Marion and the Union County line. Crews will also be working along Ky. 120 East of Marion for the next two weeks. They will be working between Marion and the Webster County line. Motorists should take note of these work zones and use appropriate caution where equipment, flaggers and other personnel will be on the roadway in close proximity to traffic flow.

Rockets baseball team wins in region

The Rockets baseball team beat Central Hopkins 5-4 Monday in the first round of the Second Region Tournament at Madisonville.

Crittenden County plays Christian County at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday in the regional semifinals.

See this week's printed edition of The Press for details. The newspaper will be on sale after 3 p.m., Thursday.

Area Deaths

Lillian Macy Brantley, 73 of Marion died Thursday, May 21, 2009 at her home. A private funeral was planned at Myers Funeral Home.

Bobby E Russelburg, 53, of Sturgis died Thursday, May 21, 2009 at his home. A memorial service will be held later at Gilbert Funeral Home.

Marion woman in Mrs. Kentucky Pageant

Crittenden County native Brittany McDaniel Tabor is competing today in the Mrs. Kentucky Pageant in Louisville. Tabor advanced to the competition after winning the title of Mrs. Western Kentucky last fall. See photos of the competition activities and photos of all contestants at www.mrskentucky.net. The pageant is scheduled to air on KET at 4:30 p.m., this afternoon. Live updates and photos from the competition are also posted throughout the event on www.mrskentucky.net.

Marshall accepts job as CCMS principal

Crittenden County Middle School site-based council has selected Teresa Marshall as the new principal for their school.  

Marshall has served as an intermediate and middle school language arts teacher in both Webster County and the former Providence Independent, curriculum coach for Providence Elementary, assistant principal at Providence and currently as the principal of that school.

"I have worked with her for the past several years and know that she brings the leadership and curriculum expertise to move that school forward in a positive direction on behalf of student learning," said superintendent of schools Dr. Rachel Yarbrough, who left the Webster County school district last year to accept her current position. "What an asset she will be to our district leadership team!"

Marshall accepted the position Thursday morning and will sign a contract with the district next Tuesday. She replaces two-year principal Diana Dodson, who is relocating out of the district.

Panorama hosted at Fohs Hall tonight

Panorama, the high school comedy and talent show, will be at 6 tonight at Fohs Hall. Admission is $3. 

Hosts this year are Mary Hollamon and Keester. 

There will be several musical performances featured at tonight's show, a magic act and multiple live comedy routines. 

Debris cleanup along U.S. 60 east of Marion

Debris removal crews plan to work along U.S. 60 in Crittenden County east of Marion now through this weekend to clear debris from January’s ice storm.

Crews will be working along U.S. 60 between about the 10-mile marker and the Crittenden-Union County line.

Some delays are possible.

Motorists should be alert for slowing and stopped traffic along U.S. 60 between Marion and Sullivan. Appropriate caution is required.

The patience and cooperation of the driving public is appreciated as crews attempt to complete the storm debris clean up by June 6.

New ATV Park opening near Salem

A new ATV park is opening near Salem this weekend. Similar to the Paddy's Bluff Retreat that closed more than a year ago near Dycusburg, the developer of the new park says it will be open 15 weekends a year. 

More information is available in this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Pres or at Copperhead ATV Park online.

The Press will be on newsstands today after 3 p.m.