Ky. 120 is re-open to through traffic

Highway work on Ky. 120 in Crittenden County is complete. The roadway is now open to traffic. 

 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the Crittenden County Crew appreciate the patience of the public during this closure.

Open house at Extension office today

The University of Kentucky Extension Service in Crittenden County is hosting an open house today between 1-4 p.m. at its new location at 112 West Carlisle Street. Everyone is invited and refreshments are available.

Marion man acquitted in drug trial

A Circuit Court Jury acquitted Steve Tinsley, 43, of Marion on drug trafficking charges following testimony in a one-day trial Monday. See this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press for more information.

July Fourth crackdown on drunk drivers

If you’re over the limit, you’re under arrest

 

FRANKFORT, Ky.  (June 29, 2009) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) is reminding everyone to “Drive Smart” during the July Fourth holiday period.  Officers will be out in force, cracking down on any violation, with an emphasis on impaired drivers.  The Drunk Driving.  Over the Limit, Under Arrestenforcement blitz will run from Thursday, July 2 through Sunday, July 5.

 

“This time of year, people hit the road to join friends and family for celebrations across the state,” said Transportation Secretary Joe Prather.  “Through traffic safety checkpoints and aggressive patrols, state and local law enforcement will utilize all available resources in an effort to make Kentucky’s roadways as safe as possible.”

 

Last year in Kentucky, 67 crashes and four fatalities were attributed to alcohol during the July Fourth weekend.  Of the 826 total fatalities in Kentucky last year, 178 involved alcohol.  Seventeen alcohol-related deaths involved a motorcyclist.

 

“Too many people fail to understand that alcohol and driving don’t mix,” said KOHS Executive Director Chuck Geveden.  “Driving impaired isn’t worth the risk.”

 

Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicate almost 13,000 of the 41,059 people killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2007 involved at least one driver or motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher. A BAC of 0.08 is the legal limit in every state.

 

Also according to NHTSA, 41 percent of the 2,182 motorcycle riders who died in single-vehicle crashes in 2007 had BAC levels of 0.08 or higher.  Alarmingly, in fatal crashes in 2007, motorcyclists had greater incidents of illegal BAC levels than any other type of vehicle operator.

 

“Impaired driving is no accident – nor is it a victimless crime,” said Prather.  “It’s vitally important we bring this tragic situation to an end.”  

By following these easy steps, drivers can enjoy a safe and festive holiday without jeopardizing their lives and the lives of others on the road: 

 

• Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin;
• Before drinking, designate a sober driver and give that person your keys;

• If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely;

§         Use your community’s Sober Rides program;

• If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact your local law enforcement.

 

Those who drive while impaired don’t only risk killing themselves or someone else. The trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for driving while impaired can be significant. Violators often face jail time, the loss of their driver’s licenses, higher insurance rates, and dozens of other unanticipated expenses.

 

“No matter what you drive – passenger car, pickup or motorcycle – if you are caught driving impaired you will be arrested,” said Geveden.  “Don’t let this Fourth of July blow up in your face.  Remember.  Drunk Driving.  Over the Limit, Under Arrest.”

Special city council meeting Friday

Marion City Council will meet at noon Friday to give second reading to an ordinance amending the city's zoning map from R-3 to R-3 Mobile Home Overlay (MHO) for 213 Jarvis St. Property owner Junior Duncan had requested the change so that he may place a manufactured home on the double lot to replace one the family lost in a fire last August.

The zoning ordinance is the only item on the agenda.

Lions Club sets fair schedule

Below is the Crittenden County Lions Club Fair schedule for the week of July 25 - Aug. 1 and applicable contact information.

• July 25 - Horse Show at fairground arena. Exhibition starting at 4 pm and show starting at 6 pm.  Open gate for this event.  Contact Corey Payne 270-965-5236.
  
• July 27 - Miss Crittenden County Beauty Pageant at Fohs Hall. Starting at 6 pm. Contact Michelle Reddick 270-875-8276 or Brodie Sutton 270-988-2796.
  
• July 28 - Family Night/Talent Show/Concert at fairgrounds arena. Midway opening at 5 pm.  Show starting at 7 pm.  $2.00 gate tonight only and reduced arm bands tonight only. Sponsored by Conrad's and Farmers Bank and Trust. Contact Chris O'Leary 270-965-0848.
  
• July 29 - Mini Tractor Pulls (Lawn and Garden) at fairgrounds arena. Midway open at 5 pm and show starting at 7 pm. Contact Kenny Paris 270-928-4641.
  
• July 30 - 4 WD Truck and Tractor Pull at fairgrounds arena. Midway open at 5 pm. and show starting at 7 pm. Trucks contact Bill Fuller 270-965-2923 and Tractors contact Jared Belt 270-871-4502.
  
• July 31 - Mud Boggs at lower area of fairgrounds. BRING YOUR LAWN CHAIRS. Midway open at 5 pm and show starting at 7 pm.  Contact John Carter 270-704-2224.
  
• Aug. 1 - Demolition Derby and Lawn Mower Demolition Derby at fairgrounds arena. Midway open at 5 pm and show starting at 7 pm. Demolition Derby contact Jared Belt 270-871-4502 and Lawn Mower Demolition Derby contact Anthony Wallace 270-625-4023.
  

Every night other than specified above the gate entry is $8.00 for ages 16 and over.  $5.00 for ages 6-15.  Ages 5 and under free.  Armbands are available daily. 

Special Fiscal Court meeting Tuesday

CRITTENDEN COUNTY FISCAL COURT

SPECIAL MEETING

June 30, 2009

 

A.   Call to order by the County Judge Executive

B.    Roll call by the Fiscal Court Clerk

C.    Approve minutes of previous meeting

D.   Recognition of visitors

E.    Approve Income & Disbursement Reports:

1.     Transfers

2.     Payment of monthly claims

F.     Old Business:

1.     Addendum to Jail Policy and Procedure Manuals regarding Job Descriptions for the Crittenden County Detention Center Employees.

G.   New Business:

1.     Tax Appeal Board Appointment: Terry Ford

2.     Rehire all county employees, Road Foreman & County Treasurer.

H.   Any other business

        I.    Adjourn

City calls for water conservation

The City of Marion is calling on residents to conserve water based on the weather forecast. Although raw water resources are normal at this point, city officials say this is a proactive measure. They want people at even numbered addresses to use water for non-essential activities such as washing vehicles, filling swimming pools, water plants or lawns to do that on even numbered days starting this week. People at odd numbered addresses can do the same on odd numbered days.

See this week's Crittenden Press printed edition for details. It will be on newsstands today after 3 p.m.

Another break-in in the county

There have been several burglaries in the county in recent weeks, the latest intrusion was at the Shady Grove Fire Department.

Burglars broke a lock off of a side door to gain entry into the fire station where they took Craftsmen tools and two chainsaws. TipLine is offering a reward. Call 965-3000.

Ballard man dies in Livingston wreck

A Ballard County man was killed Tuesday evening in a single vehicle wreck on Ky. 135 in Livingston County.

Louis Chittenden, 59, of LaCenter was northbound on what is also known as Carrsville Road when the passenger side tires of his semi dropped off the right-hand shoulder. According to a Kentucky State Police report, Chittenden overcorrected and crossed both lanes before striking an embankment. The vehicle overturned and came to a rest in the southbound lane.

The accident occurred just after 5 p.m. Chittenden was not wearing a seat belt.

Livingston County Sheriff's Department, Livingston EMS and Smithland and Burna fire departments assisted state police on the scene. Trooper Daniel Jones is continuing the investigation.

How hot has it been?

Toni Miniard of Frances proved to her family Sunday that it was hot enough to fry an egg on the front porch. She snapped this photo with her phone camera. It's an egg clearly cooked and ready for the table. No fooling, she says.

KY 120 Closed June 30; No marked detour

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to close KY 120 in Crittenden County on Tuesday, June 30, 2009.

The closure on KY 120 near the 8 mile marker between Marion and Providence is to allow a cross drain to be replaced.

KY 120 will be closed at the site starting at approximately 8:00 a.m. The work is expected to take about 5 hours, weather permitting.

Motorists who regulaurly travel KY 120 through eastern Crittenden County should be aware of this planned closure and make advance alternate travel plans. There will be no marked detour.

Again this work will be near the 8 mile marker on KY 120 between Sugar Grove Church Road and Cave Springs Road west of the Deanwood community. The work is is expected to take 4 to 5 hours to complete.

Approximately 1,000 vehicles travel this section of KY 120 in an average day.

In case of rain the project will automatically advance to the next working day.

Webster County Traffic Advisory

A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to close KY 143 in Webster County starting Friday, June 26, 2009.  KY 143 will be closed to all traffic at mile point 9.48.  This is just north of the Derby Community between Fishtrap-Derby Mine Road and Granny Hill Road.

 

The closure is to allow Troy Painting Company to begin painting and rehab work on the Vaughn Ditch Bridge.   KY 143 will be closed starting at about 7:00 a.m., Friday, weather permitting.  The work is expected to take about two weeks.

 

There will be a marked detour for motorist.  Motorists who regularly travel KY 143 between Blackford and KY 109 should be aware of this closure and make advance alternate travel plans.

 

This work on the Vaughn Ditch Bridge is part of a $392,000 highway improvement project that includes the painting and rehab of bridges on KY 2839/Dixon Wannamaker Road, KY 270 and KY 143.

 

As a reminder, KY 270 will be closed at mile point 7.86 East of Clay starting the morning of Friday, June 26^th for painting and rehab work on theCrab Orchard Creek Bridge.

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Remember Dad Sunday

Remember to honor your dad Sunday on Fathers' Day, a celebration recognized in 51 countries worldwide. 

Fathers' Day started in the 20th century as a spinoff from Mothers' Day. Its intention was to honor the male parent and other forefathers.

Gaming bill passes House budget committee

An expanded gaming bill that would allow video lottery terminals at Kentucky racetracks cleared the House Appropriations and Revenue Committee today.

 

House Bill 2, sponsored by House Speaker Greg Stumbo (D-Prestonsburg) is projected to yield more than $1 billion in state revenue over the next five fiscal years, including $194.3 million in fiscal year 2010. Initial licensing fees paid by tracks with video lottery terminals, or VLTs, would total $102 million per year over five years, Stumbo said.

 

“We need to have as much stability in our revenue stream as we possibly can,” Stumbo told the committee, of which Rep. John Arnold of Sturgis is a vice-chairman.

Through the five-year payment plan on fees, Stumbo said the state would be assured at least $100 million a year in revenue during what could be a period of continued state budget shortfalls.

 

The bill is designed to help the state’s ailing horse industry by funding breeder incentives and attracting more horse races through bigger purses, or race winnings. Planned uses for anticipated state revenue in HB 2 includes, but is not limited to, income tax relief for the military, income tax relief of $250 per person or $500 per couple from the state motor vehicle property tax, horse farming sales tax relief, a fund for treatment of problem gamblers, a tourism and infrastructure fund and billions of dollars for education.

 

Under HB 2, at least $143 million a year would go toward education to fund capital construction at public schools and state colleges and universities, educational technology and equipment, and increase state funding per student in school districts across the state.

HB 2 now goes to the full House for its consideration.

– Kentucky Legislative Research Commission

Bobcats rainout slated to be made up tonight

Yesterday's rainout of the Marion-Sikeston game at Gordon B. Guess Field will be made up tonight, weather and field conditions permitting. The first pitch is schedule for 7:05 p.m., as usual, but isolated thunderstorms have been forecast for the Marion area this afternoon and could delay or again postpone the contest.

Investigators looking into elevator death

STURGIS, Ky. (AP) - Kentucky officials were investigating what happened to an 8-year-old boy who was found with his head pinned in a church elevator as his family was cleaning up after his grandmother's wedding reception.

The elevator was locked and placed out of service after a state inspection, Kentucky State Police said. The church's pastor, the Rev. Nate Harper, said he found the body of the boy, identified by authorities as Zachary Waddell, on Saturday.

The Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, which oversees elevator inspections, has no documentation of an elevator at the church, said Dick Brown, spokesman for the state Public Protection Cabinet.

Union County Coroner Stephen Shouse said the boy died as a result of compression asphyxia, meaning he couldn't breathe after the elevator came down on him.

He was found with his head pinned between the walls of the elevator and the shaft and his body was outside the elevator car, Shouse said. He said the elevator was purchased in 1963 and is similar to a freight elevator.

State police said Sunday no foul play was suspected.

State police spokesman Sgt. David Jude in Frankfort said Tuesday that it was too soon to say whether any criminal charges are possible.

"We're still trying to piece all of this together," Jude said.

Harper told the Evansville (Ind.) Courier & Press that the discovery was the "worst thing" he's ever experienced.

"It was really hard for us, but more than anything else our hearts go out to that family," he told the newspaper. He also said he did not know a lot about the elevator, but that church officials believe it was up to standards.

"There's a family that needs prayer," Harper told the AP Monday. "They've suffered a great tragedy."

Zachary attended Sturgis Elementary School and enjoyed fishing, hunting, football and riding horses and four-wheelers, according to Whitsell Funeral Home in Sturgis, where his funeral is planned Wednesday.

8-year-old Sturgis boy dead in church elevator

ASSOCIATED PRESS

STURGIS, Ky. (AP) - State police were investigating after the body of an 8-year-old boy was found with his head pinned in a church elevator as his family was cleaning up after his grandmother's wedding reception.

No foul play is suspected in the death of Zachary Waddell at First Christian Church in Sturgis, Kentucky State Police said in a statement Monday.

The church's pastor, the Rev. Nate Harper, found the boy's body Saturday in the doorway at the lower level of the shaft connecting the church's first and second floors, authorities said.

Union County Coroner Stephen Shouse said the boy died as a result of compression asphyxia, meaning he couldn't breathe after the elevator came down on him. He said the elevator was purchased in 1963 and is similar to a freight elevator. The Evansville (Ind.) Courier & Press reported that Shouse is a distant cousin of the boy's mother.

State Police said the boy was pronounced dead at the church. State Police gave few details and did not return telephone messages to The Associated Press about the circumstances.

The boy was found with his head pinned between the walls of the elevator and the shaft and his body was outside the elevator car, Shouse said.

Harper told the newspaper that the discovery was the "worst thing" he's ever experienced.

"It was really hard for us, but more than anything else our hearts go out to that family," he told the newspaper. He also said he did not know a lot about the elevator, "but to our knowledge, we believe it was up to standards."

"There's a family that needs prayer," Harper told the AP on Monday afternoon. "They've suffered a great tragedy."

Livingston road closed on Thursday

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to close Ky. 1889 (Heater Store Road) in Livingston County on Thursday, June 18, 2009.

 

The closure on Ky. 1889 near the 1 mile marker is to allow the replacement of a cross drain.  Work is expected to start at the site at approximately 8 a.m., and be complete by approximately 3 p.m.

 

There will be no marked detour.  Motorists who regularly travel this section of Heater Store Road should make advance alternate travel plans.

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