Early Duck Season Begins Saturday

Kentucky waterfowl hunters have additional days to pursue teal this month.

A teal-only season implemented in 2014 runs from Sept. 24 through Sept. 27.

A combined wood duck and teal season opens Sept. 19 and closes Sept. 23.

The opening day of the combined wood duck and teal season used to be on a Wednesday, but KDFWR moved it to Saturday this year to give hunters two weekends afield.

Hunters may harvest up to six teal a day during the experimental teal-only season. They will likely see blue-winged teal in Kentucky, but occasionally green-winged teal come through the state.

Cinnamon teal are rare in Kentucky as they are native to the western United States. Blue-winged teal are the second most abundant duck species in North America behind mallard ducks.

Library hosts local authors Saturday

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Save Money with Eddie at Royal Oaks

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Gubernatorial candidates trade insults

Debating on television for the first time, Kentucky's three candidates for governor displayed conflicting positions Tuesday night on a multitude of issues, including same-sex marriage licenses. It got tense at times, especially between Democrat Jack Conway and Republican Matt Bevin. Conway called Bevin "callous" for wanting to roll back Gov. Steve Beshear's expansion of Medicaid for low-income Kentuckians without health insurance, and Bevin accused Conway of being untruthful.

For more, visit The Herald Leader online.

Governor orders flags to half-staff

Gov.  Steve Beshear has directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff Friday in honor of a Kentucky State Police trooper killed in the line of duty.

Trooper Joseph Cameron Ponder, 31, was shot after a traffic stop around 10:20 p.m. Sunday on Interstate 24. Ponder had been on the force less than a year.

“Jane and I are deeply saddened by Trooper Ponder’s death, and we offer our sincerest condolences to his family,” Gov. Beshear said.

Ponder, of Rineyville, graduated from the state police training academy in January and was assigned to Trigg County, in the Post 1 District.

What's news this week in Crittenden County...

Friday at Rocket Stadium offered more than a football rivalry game with Caldwell County; it gave the community a chance to say thank you to veterans, current military personnel and first-responders. The event was planned by the local school district to take place on the 14th anniversary of 9/11. Dozens of men and women were honored at the game, including Chase Matthews, a Dycusburg native and sergeant in the Kentucky Army National Guard who was severly injured by a roadside bomb in Iraq in 2007. Matthews received special recognition.

This, photos from the event and the following stories can be found inside The Crittenden Press this week:

• ‘Rocket Docket’ saving court's time, money.
• KSP trooper shot, killed this week.
• Children at Play signs being removed.
• Thieves rob from Marion business.
• Vandalism has cost Tolu man $10,000.
• Kentucky Treasurer’s race sees little fanfare.
• Widow hurt by thefts at husband’s grave.
• Several sentenced in circuit court.
• Half of ‘Bonnie and Clyde’ duo indicted locally.
• School board leaves tax rates unchanged.
• IN PICTURES: CCES Rocket Role Models named for August.
• SPORTS: Gilchrist’s 86 good for 17th at state Class A tournament.
• SPORTS: Tiger terror continues for Rockets.
• Emmanuel Baptist Church to host free trap shoot.
• FORGOTTEN PASSAGES: Tobacco a lost industry in Crittenden County.
• Removal of tracks last reminder of railroad.
• Local counseling center relocates to its offices on Bellville.
• Walnut Grove Baptist celebrates past, looks to the future.
• Storm spotter class set for Tuesday.
• Corn production forecast up, winter wheat lower.

Conway, Bevin spew venom in debate

Democratic Attorney General Jack Conway and Republican Matt Bevin traded more barbs in a bitter debate Tuesday over same-sex marriage, state pensions and the racial makeup of trustees at the University of Louisville. But the rivalry was put at ease at times by independent candidate Drew Curtis, a digital entrepreneur who touted his technology background as a unique qualification to move the state forward. The debate was held at Bellarmine University and was the first televised debate of the campaign.

For the full story, visit The Courier-Journal online.

Trooper's last words heard on audio clip

"Shots fired, shots fired, shots, I'm hit, I'm hit, I need assistance, I'm passing out," Kentucky State Trooper Joseph Ponder said Sunday night after several rounds were fired into the police cruiser that would take his life. Seconds later an unidentified man who pulled over to help the trooper can be heard telling dispatch: "I really don't know what to say here. I just pulled over, I heard gun shots. This officer, I don't think he can breathe well. We're at 1-24 close to Exit 45." Those words are heard on a 10-minute audio recording of Ponder's last communication with emergency dispatch. A recent grad of the state police academy, Ponder, 31, was killed after a traffic stop on Interstate 24 West, just outside Eddyville, turned into a high speed chase.

For more, visit The Paducah Sun online.

Ex-coach enters guilty plea to sexual charges

A former head football coach at Marshall County High School has entered guilty pleas to several charges related to having inappropriate contact with students with electronic devices and sexual abuse in the first degree. Ronald E. Barnard, 47, is scheduled for sentencing on Nov. 5 in Marshall Circuit Court.

For the full story, visit The Lake News online.

Miner killed in Sebree today

The Division of Mine Safety has released the name of the miner killed in Wednesday morning's accident at the Alliance Sebree Mine.

According to The Journal-Enterprise in Providence, Rickey Thorpe, 29, of Dawson Springs, and another employee were performing maintenance work on a continuous miner when the equipment fell, killing Thorpe.

“He was a mine mechanic working on a continuous miner,” said Dick Brown with the Division of Mine Safety in Frankfort. “Apparently the machinery fell and crushed him.”

Homecoming parade entries sought

Anyone interested in having a float or car in the Oct. 1 Crittenden County homecoming parade should contact Kim Vince at (270) 965-2248 or email kim.vince@crittenden.kyschools.us. Deadline for entries is Sept. 24.

The parade begins at 5 p.m. The football homecoming game against Fulton City is Oct. 3. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

Mac's II cleans, shines and ads bling!

Mac's II Custom Tint and Detail in Marion has been in business in this area for over 20 years with attention to detail and customer satisfaction their primary objectives.

Mac's II is owned and operated by Stephen and Stacey McKinney of Marion. They grew up in this community and bleed Rocket Blue in everything they do. The business is a big booster of Crittenden County athletics, clubs and organizations.

The local operation is now offering WeatherTech accessories for your automobile. Whether it's Nerf Bars, Roll Bars, Chrome, Racks, Lights, Tops, Bed Liners or Grills, this is the place to get the VERY BEST PRICE on vehicle accessories. See our catalog of WeatherTech accessories, or visit the WeatherTech website to see our complete line.

"You are our neighbors, we will treat you that way. You cannot go out of town to get a better deal on accessories," says Stephen McKinney.

If it's time to close down that boat for the season, let Mac's do a year-end clean-up job on it. Don't store it wet and dirty. A clean boat will winter much better and be ready when summer returns.

"We specialize in washing, waxing and tinting," said Stacey McKinney, "but we offer so much more. And we will do the job the way you want it done."

Mac's will pick your vehicle, perform the service your desire, then return your car or truck to your workplace or home. Just give them the keys!

Located on South Main Street right across from Siemens, Mac's is open Monday through Friday from 8am until 4pm. Give Mac's a call now to schedule an appointment: 270.965.7004.

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Walnut Grove hosts homecoming!

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Forget football; it's debate season

And you thought the return of football season was exciting. Well, there are other showdowns kicking off this week that promise their own thrills. First, the Bluegrass Poll media partners — the Herald-Leader and WKYT-TV in Lexington and The Courier-Journal and WHAS-TV in Louisville — have teamed with Bellarmine University to bring you the first of the season's televised gubernatorial debates.

For the complete story, visit The Herald-Leader online.

Bevin speaks on low turnout in Hoptown

Republican candidate for governor Matt Bevin stopped by the new Christian County Republican Headquarters on Monday, where he was open about speaking in the county with Kentucky’s lowest voter turnout rate for May’s primary. “Interestingly in Christian County, you elect great people, but have one of the lowest turnouts in the entire state,” Bevin said to a crowd of around 30 people. Christian County had the lowest voter turnout in the state for the primary at 6.74 percent.

For the complete story, visit the Kentucky New Era online.

Football Fellowship at Mexico

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Updated: KSP Post 1 trooper shot, killed

Trooper Ponder

UPDATE, 4:12 p.m.: During the investigation, KSP Detective Trey Green arrested Ambrea R.J. Shanks, 18, of Florissant, Mo., with first-degree hindering prosecution or apprehension, a felony. Shanks was lodged in Caldwell County Jail. She was a passenger in the vehicle and a niece to Joseph Thomas Johnson-Shanks, the accused killer of Trooper Ponder. In addition, there were three more passengers in the vehicle at the time of the traffic stop. Two passengers are under the age of 6, and there was a 22-year-old female. The juvenile passengers were released to a relative. An autopsy was conducted on Trooper Ponder today in Louisville, and results are pending. An autopsy is scheduled for Johnson-Shanks Tuesday in Madisonville. The investigation is continuing.

UPDATE 12:30 p.m.: The closure along Interstate 24 from the 45- to 56-mile marker in Lyon and Caldwell counties has been extended until about 2 p.m. Investigators are continuing to gather evidence along about a 10-mile section of I-24 from the overnight incident that involved the killing of a Kentucky State Trooper. The detour along Ky. 93 between I-24/Ky. 293 Eddyville-Princeton Exit 45 and the Ky. 139 Cadiz-Princeton Exit 56 remains in place. Motorists traveling this detour are urged to use both caution and patience due to heavy traffic.

UPDATE, 9:30 a.m.: The suspect in the killing of Trooper Ponder has died after being shot by troopers in a confrontation. According to a news release from Kentucky State Police, at approximately 7 a.m., troopers located Joseph Thomas Johnson-Shanks in a wooded area in close proximity to Interstate 24. Upon making contact with Johnson-Shanks, troopers of the Special Response Team (SRT) observed him with a firearm and instructed him to relinquish it, according to the release. Johnson-Shanks reportedly refused verbal commands and aimed the weapon at the troopers. An SRT trooper fired on Johnson-Shanks, striking him at least once. He was transported via ambulance to the Caldwell Medical Center in Princeton for treatment. He succumbed to his injuries at 8:23 a.m.

UPDATE: Area news agencies are reporting that the suspect has been apprehended. WKDZ radio and WPSD TV are both reporting that the suspect was allegedly shot and an air ambulance was dispatched to the scene in the Eddy Creek are.

I-24 WILL REMAIN CLOSED UNTIL NOON TODAY
A large section of interstate in Lyon County is considered part of a crime scene and investigators will be processing the site this morning. Both lanes are closed.
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Kentucky State Police are currently seeking a suspect in the shooting death of a trooper.  

On Sunday at approximately 10:20 p.m., Trooper Joseph Cameron Ponder conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 24 around the westbound 58-mile marker. After making contact with the driver, the vehicle fled from the stop. A pursuit ensued with the suspect stopping abruptly around the 49-mile marker, causing the front of Trooper Ponder’s police cruiser to make contact with the rear of the suspect vehicle. At this time, the driver of the suspect vehicle fired several shots into the police cruiser striking the hood, windshield and Trooper Ponder multiple times. The suspect fled the scene on foot. 

Trooper Ponder was transported via ambulance to the Caldwell Medical Center in Princeton where he succumbed to his injuries at 11:41 p.m. 

Suspect Johnson-Shanks

The suspect has been identified as Joseph Thomas Johnson-Shanks, 25, of Missouri. He is described as a black male approximately 5-5, 140 pounds with brown eyes and black hair. He was last seen wearing dark clothing. If anyone makes contact with the suspect, call 911. He should be considered armed and dangerous. 

Trooper Ponder, 31, was a native of Rineyville, Ky. Upon graduation from the KSP Training Academy in January of this year, he was stationed at Mayfield Post 1 and assigned to Trigg County. 

The investigation is continuing by state police. Multiple agencies are assisting with the investigation.

Area death

Sandra Jean Belt, 57, of Smithland died Sept. 11, 2015, at Crittenden Health Systems in Marion. Graveside are Tuesday in Carrsville Cemetery. Myers Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements.

Interstate 24 now re-opened

Interstate 24 has re-opened to traffic in both directions following an investigation into the fatal shooting of Kentucky State Police Trooper early this morning along the interstate.

Big time Saturday in Salem !

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