Patriot Coal to 'permanently close' idled mines

To update a story in this week's issue of The Crittenden Press, Patriot Coal Corp. announced today that it will permanently close two Union County mines it idled earlier this week. The closure will put about 670 miners out of work, affecting dozens of Crittenden County families.

Patriot said in a news release Wednesday that it will shutter the Highland Mine near Henderson and the Dodge Hill Mining Complex near Sturgis. The closure was effective today. The announcement comes just three days after Patriot indicated it would be idling the mines effective Monday of this week.

Meantime, Patriot's Heritage preparation plant and barge loading terminal on the Ohio River will continue processing and shipping coal until inventories are depleted.

As part of Patriot's review of strategic options, the company indicates it is selling certain assets in western Kentucky, along with certain coal supply agreements, to affiliates of Alliance Resource Partners L.P. and certain coal reserves also in western Kentucky to a related party of Alliance Resource Partners L.P.

"The company is engaged in separate talks to sell the closed Highland mine and Heritage facilities to other parties and expects to conclude such transactions in the first half of 2015," today's news release stated.

The impending sale could give the out-of-work miners some hope, but it is uncertain what it may mean or exactly how long operations may be down.

For more on the story, see this week's issue of The Press and pick up one next week for any updates on the story.

Recycle a natural Christmas tree by donating it to Kentucky Fish and Wildlife

A natural Christmas tree is a holiday season tradition in many households.

Cherished are the memories made around it and dreaded is the day when it must come down, even if the needles are dropping like confetti on New Year’s Eve revelers.

A Christmas tree’s usefulness doesn’t end when the holidays are over.

They may be recycled for mulch or donated to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources to provide more cover for fish – and better opportunities for anglers.

The department is accepting natural Christmas trees free of lights, ornaments, tinsel, garland and any other decorations at more than 30 drop-off locations across the state through Jan. 15. To find the nearest location, visit the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife website at fw.ky.gov. Click on the “Fish” tab and choose “Fishing Home” from the dropdown menu. A link for the Christmas tree recycling program appears on that page.

Fisheries personnel collect the donated trees and bundle them to create fish attractors that will be submerged in lakes across the state. These brush reefs provide new cover for all fish and nursery habitat for young fish. They also attract baitfish and algae, providing food for young fish and other aquatic organisms.

New habitat is placed in lakes year-round by fisheries personnel. The Global Position System (GPS) coordinates of these features are plotted on lake maps available on the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife website.

Mobile phone store in Marion closes

The AT&T authorized dealer in Marion has shuttered its business as of today.

A sign on the door says the mobile phone store, which has been in business for several years on Sturgis Road, is closed and prompts customers to visit the Princeton AT&T dealer.

Area death

Jackie Brent Lynch, 35, died Dec. 29, 2014, in Albany, Ky., from injuries sustained in an automobile wreck. Lindsey Funeral Home of Paducah is in charge of arrangements.

Kathryn Louise Brantley, 84, of Marion died Dec. 30, 2014, at Crittenden Health Systems in Marion. Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements.

What's News in Marion this week...

There's a New Judge in Town

2014 is in the rearview mirror and The Crittenden Press printed edition takes a look at the Year in News in
Crittenden County. Don't miss the Top 10 News Stories in this week's printed edition, which will be on newsstands today and in your mail by Friday.

For now, here are some things in this week's newspaper that you might find interesting:

• Top 10 news stories of 2015
• No clue when coal mines will reopen.
• Woman escapes burning home.
• Flu: Has it got you, too?
• Big switch for country club.
• Supreme Court changes local jury's decision.
• Clark reflects on first semester
• Underdown: Marion gets first street lights, shopping goes well into the night.
• Shelley Singleton receivers honor.
• Livingston teacher-coach Mike Riley gets jersey.
• Hoops teams 8-1 and 8-2. What a start!
• Oliver gets Big K in basketball.
• Community Christmas by the Numbers.

WE WISH YOU ALL A HEALTHY, 

HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR

Basketball teams back in Holiday action

See Action Photos. Click Here.

The Rocket basketball team remains undefeated after 8 games this season and will play LaRue County (4-5) in the semifinals of the National Guard Holiday Classic at Hodgenville at 5:30pm today.

Rocket sharpshooter Landon Young scored 26 in the opening round of the Christmas tournament, helping CCHS beat Cumberland County and he earned Player of the Game honors. See the Rocket Basketball Blog for details.

Chelsea Oliver and the Lady Rockets (7-2) beat Central Hardin but lost to Russellville yesterday at the FSNB Christmas Classic at Russellville. The girls play Livingston in the consolation bracket final today at 2:30pm.

Oliver scored her career 1,000th point against Central Hardin Monday, which sparked her team's victory. Read more.

Fire claims Dycusburg home

A fire that began before noon this morning destroyed the home of Frances Joyce on Ky. 295 in Dycusburg. According to a neighbor, Faye Stinnett, Joyce escaped the home unharmed with her help. Stinnett said Joyce's son, Danny Joyce, also lived in the home. The cause of the fire is yet unknown, but the home was a total loss.

Caldwell Springs, Crittenden County and Salem volunteer fire departments responded to the blaze.

Area deaths

Erma Dean Perrin, 79, of Enterprise, Ala., formerly of Livingston County, died Dec. 6, 2014, at Enterprise Health and Rehab in Enterprise. Myers Funeral Home in Marion is handling arrangements.

Troy Polk, 79, of Kuttawa died Dec. 27, 2014, at his home following a short illness. Lakeland Funeral Home in Eddyville is handling arrangements.

Dorothy Yates Brown, 83, of Salem died Dec. 28, 2014, at Salem Springlake Health and Rehabiliation Center. Myers Funeral Home in Marion is handling arrangements.

Jerry Wayne Ritch, 71, of Marion died Dec. 29, 2014, at Lourdes Hospital in Paducah. Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion is handling arrangements.

Joanne Sperry, 76, of Salem died Dec. 29, 2014, at Livingston Hospital and Healthcare Services in Salem. Boyd Funeral Directors in Salem is handling arrangements.

Area death

Otis C. Tolley Jr., 72, died Dec. 27, 2014, at the home of his son in Fredonia. Myers Funeral Home in Marion is handling arrangements.

Burna man charged after alleged assault

A Livingston County man was arrested Christmas Day and is charged with assault and public intoxication.

State Police arrested Christopher Stanfield, 27, of Burna after a 911 call reporting an assault on a woman in Salem.

The woman was taken to the hospital in Salem and troopers began looking for the alleged assailant. Stanfield was located a short time later and charged with the assault.

Area death

Bobby Lynn Brown, 72, of Marion died Dec. 24, 2014, at Lourdes Hospital in Paducah. Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements.

Area death

James E. "Bud" Crider, 87, of Marion died Tuesday at Crittenden Health Systems. Services are at 1 p.m., Friday December 26 at Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion. Burial will be at Piney Fork Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 11 a.m., until service time Friday. 

Merry Christmas from Brown's!

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Kick start 2015 with Fit Camp

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Upcoming holiday closings for public offices

Federal offices
- Closed Dec. 25.
- Closed Jan. 1.

State offices
- Closed Dec. 25-26.
- Closed Jan. 1-2.

Marion City Hall
- Closed Dec. 25-26.
- Closed Jan. 1-2.

Crittenden County Judge-Executive
- Closed Dec. 25-26.
- Closed Jan. 1-2.

Crittenden Circuit Clerk
- Closed Dec. 24-27.
- Closed Jan. 1-3.

Crittenden County Clerk
- Closed Dec. 24-27.
- Closing at noon on Dec. 31 and remain closed Jan. 1-3.

Crittenden County PVA
- Closed Dec. 24-26.
- Closing at noon on Dec. 31 and remain closed Jan. 1-2.

Crittenden County Sheriff's Department
- Closed Dec. 24-27.
- Closed Jan. 1-3.

Crittenden County Public Library
- Closed Dec. 24-27.
- Closed Dec. 31-Jan. 1.

Crittenden County Senior Citizens Center 
- Closed Dec. 24-26.
- Closed Dec. 31-Jan. 1.

UK Cooperative Extension Service
- Closed Dec. 24-Jan. 2.

Post offices
- All area post offices will be closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Also, many will be altering their hours on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve and the Fridays following the holidays.

No Crittenden Press printed this week

There will be no printed edition of The Crittenden Press this week. The next issue available on newsstands will be the Jan. 1 edition. It will be for sale in news racks on New Year's Eve.

During the holidays, The Crittenden Press office will be closed all day Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The office will also be closing at 2 p.m. New Year's Eve and all New Year's Day.

Driver’s testing schedule altered

The schedule for driver’s testing for the remainder of the year has been altered because of the holidays, according to Crittenden Circuit Clerk Melissa Guill. There will be no testing on Friday or Jan. 2.

From Post-it Notes to Pop-tarts, it's all made in Kentucky

Everybody knows Kentucky makes bourbon and Thoroughbred horses. And most folks know about the Camrys and houseboats made here, too. But the state's 4,000-plus manufacturers make a lot more than that. And these goods are sold all over the world.

For the full story, visit The Herald Leader online.

Area deaths

James C. Van Pelt Sr., 93, of Norfolk, Va., formerly of Crittenden County, died Dec. 10, 2014. He was a retired U.S. Navy captain. His remains are to be interred at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.

Luther Nichols, 79, of Providence died Dec. 20, 2014, at Baptist Health Madisonville. Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements.

Joseph "Joe" Wade Maxfield Sr., 59, died Dec. 21, 2014, in Little Rock, Ark. Myers Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements.

Sylvia J. Yoder Hershberger, 91, of Marion died Dec. 13, 2014 at her home.

Accident on Ky. 120 sends one to hospital

UPDATE
According to Crittenden County Sheriff Wayne Agent, a woman and at least one child suffered injuries in the wreck.

The driver of the car, a 2001 Lincoln Continental, was Kendra Young, 29, of Madisonville. Her two children, ages 8 and 6, were also in the car.

Agent said Young was taken by Crittenden EMS to Crittenden Health Systems for treatment of serious injuries. The 8-year-old daughter was also said to have suffered a broken bone.

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At least one adult was taken to the emergency room following a rollover automobile accident about 7:30 p.m. on Ky. 120 near the intersection of Blackburn Church Road.

Reports are that two children were also in the vehicle, but neither was seriously hurt.

Crittenden County Rescue Squad, ambulance, sheriff's department and county constables all responded to the single-vehicle crash.