Offices closed for Saturday’s festival

Crittenden County Public Library and the courthouse offices of sheriff and circuit clerk will be closed Saturday. The annual Pumpkin Festival will be shutting down portions of Court and West Carlisle streets around the court square in Marion, limiting access and parking for the offices and library.

Shooter, victims reported at Bremner

UPDATED AT 4:25 pm: The following statement on the shooting has been issued by Princeton Police Department: "On Sept. 30, 2015, at approximately 12:14 p.m., Princeton Police Department officers responded to the report of a shooting at ConAgra Foods (Bremner) at 1475 U.S. 62 West in Princeton. Preliminary investigation revealed that Nellie Renee Nichols, 37, of Longbreak Road in Dawson Springs went to the factory to confront her mother. An argument ensued and Nichols began firing shots from a semi-automatic pistol. A male bystander was struck in the hand by one of the shots. He was transported by Caldwell EMS to Caldwell Medical center with non-life threatening injuries. Nichols was taken to Caldwell Medical Center by Caldwell EMS where she was pronounced dead by the Caldwell County coroner as the result of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Princeton Police were assisted on scene by Kentucky State Police, Kentucky Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, Caldwell County Sheriff’s Department and Princeton Fire Department. The incident remains under investigation by Princeton Police."

UPDATED AT 1:32 pm: The active shooter situation at Bremner is "all clear," according to Princeton Police Department, reports The Times Leader.

ORIGINAL POST AT 1 pm: The Crittenden Press has confirmed reports of a shooter at the Bremner Food Group plant in Princeton. There are at least two victims, according to The Times Leader newspaper there. Updates will be posted here as they become available.

Self-esteem awareness class scheduled

Feeling low about yourself? The University of Kentucky Crittenden County Cooperative Extension Service and Sanctuary Inc. are working to build confidence with a self-esteem awareness class offered Monday, Oct. 19. The hour-long session at the Extension Service office just north of Marion on U.S. 60 East begins at 1 p.m. and pizza will be provided for those attending.

Based in Hopkinsville, Sanctuary is a non-profit agency committed to the provision of preventative and restorative services to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. More information on the self-esteem class or Sanctuary can be obtained by calling (270) 881-0310.

This week's issue of The Crittenden Press listed an incorrect date for the class.

Pick up The Crittenden Press this week

Today is Police Blue Ribbon Day

Crittenden Countians have always been known for their True Blue Spirit, but the spunk shown of late for Blue Ribbon projects and other support of law enforcement has been remarkable. In fact, it has drawn regional and even out-of-state media attention from Paducah to Nashville, Tenn., and beyond as ball players and merchants have devoted time, energy and resources toward the cause. Next Thursday, citizens here will have an opportunity to show up in person to support local lawmen during a prayer vigil.

For more on this story and the following stories, pick up a copy of this week's issue of The Crittenden Press:

• Main Lake Road bridge, Copperas Springs Road closed for repairs.
• White Road bridge soon to be replaced.
• Whitfield to forego 11th term on Hill.
• Kenergy replacing its outdated meters.
• Class prepares storm spotters.
• Officials discuss U.S. 641 project.
• GOP hosting local meet-and-greet.
• County jobless rate falls below 5 percent.
• Virus at schools hurting attendance.
• Preview Saturday's Pumpkin Festival with a schedule of events.
• Find a list of people participating in this weekend's Highway 60 Yard Sale.
• Former teacher walks length of Nile ... sort of.
• Flu shots urged by Ky.’s First Couple.
• ‘85 state champs to head up football homecoming parade.
• OPINION: Where’s the beef ... and the law?
• Schools bolster counseling effort.
• Rocket Arena goes digital with video board.
• SPORTS: Crittenden challenge stalls in third period.
• FORGOTTEN PASSAGES: Orville “Bobby” McDaniel, Glen Patmor remembered.

Grand Opening of New Location !

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Whitfield to retire from Congress

Congressman Ed Whitfield, a Republican representing western Kentucky on Capitol Hill since 1995, announced today he will not seek a 12 term. See this week's Press for more information.

Copperas Springs Road closed for repairs starting Wednesday

A portion of Copperas Springs Road in rural Crittenden County will shut down tomorrow and remain closed for several days. A stretch of about 0.4 miles will be closed in order to make repairs to the road bed and drainage prior to paving this fall. The repairs are expected to take one to two weeks. See this week's issue of The Crittenden Press for further details.

Pumpkin FEST in MARION !!

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Tonight's soccer match is cancelled

Crittenden County High School's soccer match at Dawson Springs tonight has been cancelled due to the weather.

1985 State Champs head homecoming parade

1985 State Champs

Members of the 1985 Class A state champion Rocket football team will be honorary grand marshals for Thursday's Homecoming Parade in Marion.

The football team was 13-1 in 1985, winning Crittenden County's football state title under coach Pat Gates. Players are celebrating the 30-year anniversary of that season.

Players, cheerleaders, coaches, managers and other members of that team should begin assembling after 4 p.m., on West Elm Street near the intersection of Main Street. The 1985 team will lead the parade, right behind the Boy Scouts Color Guard.

The parade begins at 5 p.m.

Main Lake Road bridge out

The bridge across Caldwell Spring Creek on Main Lake Road has been closed due to unsafe conditions. The span near the intersection with Ky. 855 South will remain closed until repairs can be made to a deteriorating deck. See this week's Press for further details.

Registration for election ends Monday

The general election in Kentucky that will see a new governor chosen is a little more than a month away, but the deadline to register to vote at the polls on Nov. 3 is Monday. Crittenden County Clerk Carolyn Byford’s office is open until 5 p.m. that day to accept last-minute registrations.

Registered voters who will be unable to make it to the polls in November can now cast a mail-in absentee ballot. There are certain stipulations to be able to vote by mail-in ballot. Byford’s office can provide more information by calling (270) 965-3403 or visiting the courthouse office.

Area deaths

Donna D. Lingo, 71, of Crestwood, Ky., formerly of Crittenden County, died Sept. 25, 2015, at home. Funeral services are Wednesday at Stoess Funeral Home in Crestwood.

Helen Louise Marshall, 57, of Burna died Sept. 26, 2015, at Crittenden Health Systems in Marion. Private family funeral services were today in the chapel of Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services in Salem.

Farmers Day Oct. 2 at Bank

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Join us for Fall Revival at MBC

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Taiwan to buy more from Ky. farmers

Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear last week announced an agreement between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Kentucky farmers to increase corn and soybean exports to the East Asian nation over the next two years.

“These agreements between Kentucky farmers and the Republic of China will allow Kentucky to capitalize on one of our nation’s great trade partners,” said Gov. Beshear. “Kentucky exports already support more than 125,000 jobs statewide, and I am excited to have the opportunity to extend that success to our farmers with each of these trade organization commitments in Taiwan.”

Supporting Kentucky’s agriculture community has been a priority for Gov. Beshear throughout his administration. Back in 2009, annual farm receipts totaled $4.3 billion. Today, that number is hovering around $6 billion.

The governor traveled to Taiwan in April during his trade mission to Asia. In Taiwan, he met with Taiwan president Ma Ying-jeou and other government dignitaries to further explore trade and investment opportunities.

The Taiwan Feed Industry Association has agreed to purchase 197 million bushels of corn at a cost of more than $1.2 billion. The Taiwan Vegetable Oil Manufacturers Association will be purchasing approximately 100 million bushels of soybeans valued at $1.1-$1.2 billion. These combined purchases over the next two years will be beneficial to corn and soybean growers in Kentucky and across the U.S.
Last year, the Commonwealth exported $27.5 billion in products to more than 190 countries, the fourth consecutive year of record growth.

In 2014, Taiwan ranked as the seventh largest market for U.S. corn exports and fifth in the U.S. Taiwan has imported more than $9 billion in corn and more than $10.5 billion in soybeans from the U.S. since 1998.

Ky. Auditor’s race up for grabs

Mike Harmon has a dual goal in running against incumbent Adam Edelen for Kentucky Auditor of Public Accounts. The Republican challenger is not only hoping to unseat Edelen, he's also looking to sully the Democrat's reputation in order to ruin any shot he might have of beating U.S. Sen. Rand Paul in 2016.

"If the campaign knocks out Edelen for considering to run next year for the U.S. Senate, so much the better," Harmon, 48, told The Herald Leader in May.

Edelen said at the time he had no plans to run for  a spot on Capitol Hill. But at the annual Fancy Farm Picnic last month, he did take a jab at Sen. Paul as well as GOP gubernatorial candidate Matt Bevin after countering Harmon's claim that the down-home values the Democrat projected were not genuine. Speculation about a possible run at the Senate by Edelen continues among political pundits.

Since Fancy Farm, the auditor's race has been pretty quite, giving Harmon's campaign little fodder with which to derail Edelen's hunt for a second term as auditor or any political aspirations he might have beyond the Nov. 3 general election.

Born in Meade County to a farming family, the 40-year-old Edelen now resides in Lexington with his wife and two children. He earned his bachelor's degree in community communication and leadership development from the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture.

Edelen

Since becoming auditor in 2012, Edelen's office has put numerous public officials and entities in the spotlight for questionable finances, including former Commissioner of Agriculture Richie Farmer. Edelen also led the charge to enact state legislation in 2013 intended to bring more accountability to the annual $2.7 billion spent by more than 1,200 special districts in Kentucky that the auditor referred to as "ghost government."

One of seven executive officers elected in Kentucky every four years, the auditor is required to conduct annual examinations of county offices. Some auditors have exercised leeway to go beyond that and audit city offices and quasi-government agencies.

Edelen's latest efforts have focused on counting the number of untested rape kits held as evidence by Kentucky law enforcement agencies. As the result of a resolution passed by lawmakers in March, Edelen issued a report Sept. 21 that showed the state currently has more than 3,000 untested sexual assault kits.

Harmon, a state representative from Danville since 2003, voted for that resolution. He also backed House Bill 1 in 2013 that created transparency with special taxing districts.

An insurance agent, Harmon ran unsuccessfully in the 2011 GOP primary as a lieutenant governor candidate on the ticket with Phil Moffett. But like Edelen, he had no trouble earning his party's nomination last May for auditor. Both men were unopposed.

Harmon holds a bachelor's degree from Eastern Kentucky University, where he majored in math, statistics and theater. He is married with a child and stepchild.

A member of the House Banking and Insurance Committee, Harmon was a loan officer for a mortgage company for five years.

Harmon

"I understand that every dollar the government confiscates from you is one less dollar you have to save, invest or spend in the manner of your choosing. You deserve a proven fiscal conservative fighting to protect all the tax dollars the Kentucky government collects from you. As your state auditor, I will scrutinize every single dollar the government spends ..," Harmon states on his campaign website.

Harmon's chief campaign advisor resigned in August following a federal indictment related to misconduct tied to his work with other campaigns. Harmon has said he was unaware of Benton's previous activities.

In the most recent Bluegrass Poll in July, Harmon trailed Edelen 31-35, with 34 percent of prospective voters either undecided or uninterested in the race.

The two candidates will be featured on KET's "Kentucky Tonight" on Oct. 5. The hourlong program airs at 7 p.m. and repeats Oct. 7 at 1 a.m.

"Kentucky Tonight" on Monday will feature candidates for Commissioner of Agriculture. It will be aired at 7 p.m. and again at 1 a.m. Wednesday.

CCES Fall Festival this week

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Propane customers should plan ahead for winter chills

With temperatures still reaching into the 80s during the day, it might be hard to think of winter, but cold weather is just around the corner and officials are urging Kentuckians to fill their propane tanks now, taking advantage of low prices and abundant supplies.

The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet (EEC) and the Kentucky propane industry urge consumers to prepare now for this coming winter by participating in early fill programs while prices are low and propane is in abundant supply.

“The best way to reduce the effects of any potential problem is to be prepared,” said EEC Secretary Len Peters. “There is little question that the memory of last winter’s extreme weather is still fresh for many Kentuckians. Weather is a dominant influence in the demand for propane—colder-than-normal winters both increase demand and negatively impact deliverability. With last year’s persistent pattern of above-average snowfall and record-breaking cold temperatures extending well into the spring months, we want to make sure Kentuckians are prepared.”

According to a recent survey conducted by the Kentucky Department for Energy Development and Independence, the average, non-discounted, price for residential propane in Kentucky is approximately 20 percent lower as compared to mid-March 2015 prices.

While the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports regional propane supplies are above the five year average, Tod Griffin, executive director of the Kentucky Propane Gas Association, pointed out an important concern is getting the propane to where it is needed.  “Propane production has increased significantly; the problem is potential bottlenecks due to lack of adequate storage and transportation infrastructure,” Griffin said.

Griffin and the propane industry strongly urge customers to:

• Fill storage tanks now before the cold weather hits.  Many dealers have pre-buy or summer fill programs that encourage customers to top-off before the high-demand season starts.
• Sign up for automatic delivery rather than being a “will call” customer.  This allows dealers to better schedule delivery trucks and helps ensure that the customer won’t run out of propane.
• Sign up for budget payment plans.  This helps the customer spread the payments for propane over several months.
• Monitor your tank.  Know how much you have left in the tank.  Unless your dealer requests otherwise, call when the level hits 25 percent.  This will allow your dealer to schedule you for a refill in a timely manner.
• Have a professional do tune-ups/maintenance on equipment to increase fuel efficiency. 

“The winter of 2013 and the unprecedented snowfall and arctic temperatures this past season are reminders to be concerned about and to take measures to avoid propane delivery disruptions during the coming winter,” said Secretary Peters.

Secretary Peters also recommends that homeowners seal and insulate their homes for increased efficiency and comfort in both winter and summer.  See kyhomeperformance.org for more information about available incentives for improving your home.

For tips on home weatherization and energy efficiency visit the Cabinet’s energy website at energy.ky.gov. For more information from the propane industry, talk with your local propane dealer or visit kypropane.org.

Milling on U.S. 60 in Union starts today

The contractor delayed paving along a section of US 60 in southern UNION County for several weeks to allow the site of a recently replaced cross drain to settle.

 

The contractor is now moving ahead with the project and the work zone is again active. 

 

A milling crew plans to work along US 60 from Sullivan to Sturgis today.

 

The contractor then plans asphalt paving along this section starting Monday, September 28^th, weather permitting.

 

This project along US 60 in the Sturgis area of Union County running from the 1 mile marker extending eastward through Sullivan to the 6 mile marker near the 10^th Street intersection in Sturgis.  This section of US 60 also carries KY 109.