Paving on US 60 between Marion and Salem

A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) will be paving along a section of US 60 in Crittenden County this week.

This paving project runs from the Crittenden-Livingston County Line near Salem at Crittenden County mile point 0.0, extending eastward to mile point 5.211 at Runyan Road.  This is immediately east of the KY 297 Y intersection.

Motorists should be alert for one lane traffic with alternating flow controlled by flaggers during daylight hours.  Some delays are possible during the movement and placement of equipment to facilitate the work.

Appropriate caution is required where equipment, flaggers, and maintenance personnel are along the roadway in close proximity to traffic flow.

Rogers Group, Inc, is the prime contactor on this $661,397 highway improvement project.  The target completion date is August 18.

City seeking equipment operator

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The City of Marion has an opening for an equipment operator.

The full-time position includes reading water meters and conducting duties associated with the water and sewer departments, among other things.

The job includes health insurance benefits upon completion of a probationary period.

Apply at city hall, located in Marion Commons on South Main Street.

A Brunch of Sandwiches opening Aug. 1

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A Brunch of Sandwiches is opening next week in Marion, with a "build your own" sandwich format. A variety of breads, meats, cheeses and condiments will be available.

Housed in The Sugar Shop on South Main Street, A Brunch of Sandwiches is opening Aug. 1.

The Sugar Shop will remain open for donut sales from 6:30 a.m., 

Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and A Brunch of Sandwiches will begin taking orders at 10 a.m. Carry-out only.

Orders may made via text at (270) 969-4376.

Rain, haulers show promise at Old City Lake

Water haulers are currently adding more than one-half of an inch of raw water per day to Old City Lake and Mother Nature poured in another 0.65 of an inch last night.

Overcast skies in recent days have also been favorable for keeping the lake level on the rise.

This week's full edition of The Crittenden Press has details on the effort to test water in the former Lucile Mine. There's another setback on that front. However, all other emergency responses to the water crisis are pressing forward, city officials have said.

Truck, tractor pull Saturday in Marion

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A truck and tractor pull is the featured event of the Crittenden County Lions Club fair this weekend.

Located at the fairgrounds in Marion, the truck and tractor pull is sanctioned by USA Pullers.

Entry to the event is $12 for individuals over age 7. Six and under are free.

Registration for participation in the the event is $30. 

Call Jared Belt (270) 871-4502 for more information.

Mayoral candidate Sykes found dead at home

Phyllis Sykes, a Marion City Councilwoman and a mayoral candidate in this November's general election, was found dead from what is believed to be natural causes at her home last night just before 10pm. 

A retired school teacher, Sykes, 75, had served on the city council since first being elected in 2016. She was also currently serving as mayor pro tem. 

Sykes was active in a number of community organizations and just in the last few days had been tasked along with a handful of others with spearheading an effort to organize more volunteers for the bottled water distribution center at the former armory.

Passionate about helping children, and her community, Sykes was also an active member of Marion Untied Methodist Church. 

In light of her passing, Marion City Council has canceled tonight's scheduled water update meeting at city hall. It is being rescheduled for Tuesday.

"I’m heartbroken and deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Phyllis," said Marion Mayor Jared Byford. "After a lifetime of public service she continued to serve the community in a multitude of manners.  Her passing will be felt by the loss of her wonderful personality and devotion.

"I take solace in knowing she goes to a better place," the mayor added. "On a more personal note, she has been a great neighbor and wonderful to my kids and family. She will be missed by everyone that knew her. I will miss seeing her every day."

Coroner Brad Gilbert said an autopsy will be performed on the body to determine cause of death, but no foul play is suspected. She was found in the pool behind her home.

Summer meal program changes to pick-up only

Free summer meals for Crittenden County students will conclude Aug. 1 and Aug. 8.

The delivery schedule has been eliminated, and meals only will be available for pick-up between 10:30 a.m.-12  p.m., at Crittenden County Elementary School.

Junior golf tournament Sunday in Marion

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A junior golf event will be held Sunday, July 31 at the Heritage at Marion Golf & Pool.

The tournament is for young golfers through high school.
See accompanying ad for the number of holes played for each age division.

A light lunch will be provided and awards will be presented for first through third place in each division.


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Learn taxes and earn at H&R Block

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Being an H&R Block tax pro is as much about refunds as it is about relationships.

If you love numbers and helping people, consider H&R Block's Income Tax Course.

People with tax preparation experience are encouraged to take the Tax Knowledge Assessment, which could lead to a fulfilling career with H&R Block.

Visit hrblock.com/BeAPro to learn more.

Churches providing drinking water this week

A couple of local churches will continuing their outreach programs in the community to help combat the ongoing water crisis. 

On Tuesday, Life In Christ Church is distributing water to Marion residents and businesses from 10 a.m., to 6 p.m., at the church on Mott City Road.

On Wednesday, Marion Baptist Church will be distributing water to Marion residents and businesses from 5 p.m., to 8 p.m. Bring identification card or mail proving Marion address. Signs will be posted at the church to direct traffic through entrance and exits. 

Additionally, Marion Baptist, Ohio River Baptist Association and Kentucky Baptist Association through cooperation with Baptist churches across the state are creating a long-term plan to serve the city. Marion Baptist Church Pastor Aaron Brown said more water distributions and other aid will forthcoming in the weeks ahead.

As a reminder, too, Kentucky Baptist Disaster Relief has a laundry station available at Fredonia First Baptist Church until the end of July.  

Check out Candy's Menu - Click Here

WATER UPDATE: New offloading site

So far less than one-tenth of an inch of rain has fallen at Marion's Old City Lake next to the water treatment plant; however, city officials and local residents are hoping for much more. 

Plenty of rainfall is in the forecast for today and early this week, as are cooler temperatures which will slow evaporation rates at the lake, the town's source of raw water.

Motorists should be aware of a new route for raw water tankers hauling between sources north and south of town to the lake. Previously, P&H Farms, a contract hauler hired by the state, was dumping water into Crooked Creek off of US 641 just south of Marion. Now, those tankers are dumping directly into the lake off Chapel Hill Road. Local officials say direct dumping into the lake is much more effective.

The Kentucky National Guard is also dumping water into the lake and will continue at least through the end of month.

Sheriff's Department seeks public assistance

UPDATE This morning at about 9am local authorities surrounded a home on Franklin Mines Road and were able to take Haymaker into custody. Find more details in this week's full version of The Crittenden Press.

ORIGINAL POST

Crittenden County Sheriff's Department is asking for the public's help in locating a man wanted here and in Illinois.

Brian K. Haymaker, 47, is allegedly non-complaint with Illinois sex offender registry laws, and is wanted in Illinois.

He was last known to be living on Franklin Mines Road in rural Crittenden County.

Haymaker is also wanted for questioning with regard to theft of services complaints in Crittenden County and has an outstanding warrant here for assault and firearm possession.

There are a couple of aliases Haymaker is known to use. Those are Brian K Moore and Brian Shipley.

If you see this person, contact 270-965-3500 or 270-965-3400.

Annual fundraising golf tournament

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The annual Quarterback Club fundraising golf tournament will be held Wednesday at Marion Golf & Pool.

A four-person format, the tournament begins at 12:30pm.

Water leak affecting county customers

A water main break south of Marion is affecting a number of county water customers in that area.

Crittenden-Livingston Water District crews have located the leak and are beginning to make repairs. The work will take several hours to complete.

Meantime, the issue will also affect the flow of drinking water being pushed into the City of Marion from the county water district. The county had been providing about 180,000 gallons a day to Marion.

Tapestry tonight at 6:30 p.m.

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The Tapestry begins tonight at 6:30 p.m. Some promotions had the show starting a bit later.

The Tapestry is a blend of opera and rock and will include selections from The Beatles' album Abbey Road.

The event will be held at historic Fohs Hall in Marion. Tickets are $20 and are available at the door.

City of Marion released Friday water update

FROM THE CITY OF MARION, KY

The City of Marion has made progress on several fronts that have helped to improve water supplies.  Marion continues to be under a boil advisory:   Here is today’s update:

The Kentucky Rural Water Association (KRWA) reports fixing seven additional leaks within the city this week.  Since the leak detection mission started July 5th the city is down to 68 gallons per minute flow during the overnight hours from the 230 gallons per minute flow rate.  With the Reveal leak detection team working alongside KRWA has repaired more than a dozen leaks within the city. So far, they have completed their leak survey efforts across about 75 percent of the Marion water system.  Their work will continue until the entire city is covered.

If you have moved your water service to a well, are planning on using well water, or have tanks with stored water plumbed to your water system, please seek guidance from Public Health on the risks and laws regulating this activity.  There is also some information on the City’s Facebook page for testing water tanks with stored drinking water in them.

Crittenden-Livingston Water District (Critt-Liv) is back up and maintaining a 180,000 gallon per day flow to the city.  This accounts for roughly 60 percent of daily usage.

Bell Engineering continues to work on interconnection possibilities between Caldwell and Critt-Liv water districts.  Rough drafts of plans are being reviewed as outstanding elements are resolved. 

Bottled water distribution continues at the armory in hopes residents will augment their daily use with water from the program.  A permanent schedule was issued last week.  It can be found on the City’s Facebook page and other news outlets.  If you have health or transportation issues, please contact City Hall to make delivery arrangements.  If you would like to volunteer to assist with bottled water distribution, please contact Danielle Duncan at (270) 704-3523.

BFW Engineering will be at Lake George next week to conduct further extensive geotechnical research.  This work will determine the role Lake George might play in intermediate to long-term water needs.

The City is working with C and C Pumps & Supply on plans to start pumping Lucile Mine.  This will allow the City to determine if the recharge rate is sufficient for use as a partial or full drinking water source.  If there is sufficient volume, there are still some water chemistry obstacles that will need to be considered.

The City remains under STAGE 3 water restrictions until further notice.  A boiled water advisory and burn ban order remain in effect.  For information on what stage 3 means and what do to during a boiled water advisory, please go to the City’s Facebook page for information.    

We continue to thank the residents of the city for their ongoing efforts to conserve water.  With water conservation and the efforts of the leak detection teams, the city has reduced its daily average usage by 38.5 percent since May.  However, with little rainfall reported at the watershed, it is just as important now to remain committed to conservation practices.  If you would like information on strategies you can apply to help conserve water, please reach out to the Local Library or the Extension Office. 

Grab this week's Press for big news

In this week's Press read about CCHS graduate
Jacob May's (left) voyage to Saturn and beyond.

It's never too late to be caught up on the local news.

This week's full edition of The Crittenden Press is on newsstands now.

In it you'll find an enlightening article about a local fellow who's done well by landing at Saturn.

Plus, the annual Crittenden County Lions Club Fair Guide was published as part of the newspaper this week and our Senior Living section has lots of information on how to stay young in body, heart and soul.

We also get you caught up on the latest news about Marion's water crisis, plus other news and sports you will find nowhere else.

Junior Pro Football registration is Tuesday

Crittenden County's Junior Pro Football registration will be on Tuesday, July 26 at Rocket Stadium.

Players in 5th-6th grades will register between 5:30-6:30pm, and players in 3rd-4th grades will register between 6:30-7:30pm.

Cost is $70 and players will need to provide a copy of their birth certificate. Also, every player will need a sports physical to participate.

Park area roads closed Friday for race

Roads passing through Marion-Crittenden County Park will be closed to through-traffic for about an hour and a half Friday (July22) evening while a 5K race is held at the park.

The Marty McKenney Memorial 5K is a fundraising race for the high school track team. The race begins at 7pm. 

McMican Road and Old Morganfield Road will temporarily close from about 7pm to until around 8:30pm. Barriers will be at the Adams Street intersection of Old Morganfield Road and at the  McMican Road intersection at KY 120. 

The park will be closed to traffic during the race except for the skate park lot and the lower parking lot next to the creek.

Race day registration price is $25. On-site registration begins at 6 p.m. Go Here to register online.

Large scrap fire burning at Marion Recycling

Several fire departments have been dispatched to a large blaze at Marion Recycling Center on Mott City Road.

The fire began with one scrap vehicle and expanded to other nearby scrap.

The blaze was first reported shortly after 4pm Thursday.