Crittenden Among Hardest Hit by Ice

National Weather Service in Paducah has released its assessment of the freezing rain and ice accumulation that struck southern Illinois and western Kentucky over the weekend, highlighting the significant impact on Crittenden County.

Crittenden was among the hardest-hit areas, particularly in its northern region, where up to three-fourths of an inch of ice accumulated. This area, along with the rest of southern Illinois, saw some of the most severe conditions. 

Meanwhile, southern Crittenden County, Livingston County and Caldwell County experienced ice totals ranging from a quarter to half an inch.

Most of western Kentucky received between a tenth and a quarter of an inch of ice, with lower totals reported in Hickman and Fulton counties.

At one time on Sunday, 100% of Kenergy's service area was without power in Crittenden County.

The widespread ice storm left more than 100,000 residents across southeast Missouri, southern Illinois, northwestern Kentucky and southwest Indiana without power at its peak Sunday night into Monday morning.

Due to the lingering effects of the storm, schools in Crittenden, Caldwell and Livingston counties are closed today as crews continue to address icy conditions and power restoration efforts.

Dr. Kivisto provides local surgical services

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Expert surgical services are available close to home.  

Dr. Eric Kivisto is a general surgeon at Crittenden Community Hospital, providing surgical services and compassionate care for outpatient and short-term inpatient procedures. 

Contact Dr. Kivisto directly at Family Practice Clinic (270) 965-5238 or ask your provider for a referral. 

ROAD REPORT | Here's a trip round the county

ROAD REPORT | FROM MARION & CRITTENDEN COUNTY

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Tom Potter | Marion State Farm agent

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Latest from the National Weather Service

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Latest Weather Related Update

Updated with additional information at 8:30pm

A warming shelter has been designated for local residents. It will be at the new Marion Waste Water Treatment Plant on Pippi Hardin Blvd., on the north side of Marion. The treatment plant has a large back-up generator and plenty of space to accommodate a warming center, said Crittenden County Emergency Management Director Jason Hurley.

The warming shelter will open at 4:30pm.

Crittenden County Rescue Squad, volunteer fire departments, Marion Fire Department area available to assist.

Those seeking shelter at the warming center will need to bring, if possible, sleeping bags, blankets, food, phone chargers, stadium chairs, their personal medication, etc.

Anyone needing emergency assistance can call E-911 Dispatch at 270-965-3500.

SECOND WARMING SHELTER

Shady Grove Volunteer Fire Department has been established as a warming shelter as well. If you are in the Shady Grove area and need assistance, call 270-836-8368.

POWER OUTAGES

There are widespread outages across the area. Below are links to local power companies' outage maps.

Kentucky Utilities Outage Center

Kenergy Outage Center

Jackson Purchase Power

Consolidated Find Energy Power Outage Data

ROAD REPORT

While roads are currently wet without much icing, they are expected to refreeze overnight which will make driving conditions hazardous.

SCHOOLS

Crittenden, Lyon, Livingston and Caldwell counties will have no school Monday.

OTHER CLOSINGS

- Crittenden County Office Complex

- Crittenden-Livingston Water District office

- Marion City Hall

- Crittenden County Convenience Center

- Crittenden County Animal Shelter

SPORTS EVENTS

- All A Classic Basketball Tournament at Rocket Arena is postponed from Monday to Tuesday 

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE UPDATE

Warnings and advisories remain in effect. 

In general, a transition to mainly freezing rain and drizzle is expected through the evening hours while the heaviest of the precipitation gradually winds down from west to east.  Even in southern counties where plain rain has been falling, icing continues in the trees with a very shallow sub-freezing layer.

While some melting of ice remains possible in southern/eastern counties this evening, much colder air on the back side of the system will change leftover precipitation to light snow overnight and into Monday morning.  This will result in an accumulation of 1 to 2 inches of new snowfall through Monday morning, with heaviest accumulation focused across northern sections of southeast Missouri, southern Illinois, and southwest Indiana.

In addition, plunging temperatures will likely cause refreezing of roadways, even where melting has been observed this afternoon.  Those locations across the heart of the Quad State region, roughly in and near the Ice Storm Warning area, will likely continue to experience downed tree branches and power lines causing extensive power outages through the night and into Monday given the gusty winds anticipated.

Winter Storm Emergency Declaration

As the forecasted winter storm approaches, bringing widespread ice accumulation followed by heavy snowfall, both Crittenden County and the City of Marion have declared a state of emergency. The storm is expected to impact the area from this evening through January 6. This proactive declaration enables local authorities to coordinate resources effectively and respond swiftly to protect the safety and well-being of residents. Judge-Executive Perry Newcom and Mayor D'Anna Browning each issued emergency declarations earlier this afternoon. 

Emergency Response Plans in Motion

Crittenden County’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been activated, with all emergency response agencies on full alert. Comprehensive emergency action plans have been distributed to ensure preparedness. Collaboration with state, local, and emergency response agencies is well underway to address potential challenges, including power outages, dangerous road conditions, and shelter needs.

Assistance and Emergency Services

Residents requiring assistance during the storm are encouraged to contact dispatch at 270-965-3500 for non-urgent needs or call 911 in case of an emergency. Crittenden County Emergency Management and MCC-911 Dispatch are coordinating efforts to address emergency calls and ensure necessary resources are deployed promptly.

Shelters and Support Services

Plans for emergency shelters are in place to provide relief in the event of power outages or severe cold. These shelters are controlled-access facilities, with locations determined based on specific needs, such as warming stations or power-loss shelters. Residents requiring shelter will be directed by emergency services to the appropriate facility.

Stay Safe and Prepared

As the storm progresses, residents are urged to remain informed, avoid unnecessary travel, and take necessary precautions to stay safe. For updates on the situation and guidance, monitor local news outlets and official emergency communications channels.

Winter Storm Alert: Brace for a Wintry Mix Tonight

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The National Weather Service has issued an urgent winter storm forecast starting late tonight, January 4. Here's what local residents need to know about the incoming storm and its potential impacts:

What to Expect

• Timing:
  • The storm will start between 10 PM and 1 AM tonight, spreading from west to east. It will continue through Sunday night, tapering off as light snow into early Monday morning.
• Precipitation Types:
  • A mix of freezing rain, sleet, and snow is expected to blanket the region. Freezing rain may transition to rain in the southern counties during the early hours of Sunday, but sleet and snow will persist elsewhere.
• Hazards:
  • Damaging ice accumulations are likely, particularly in areas under Ice Storm Warnings. Snowfall is also anticipated in regions with Winter Storm Warnings.
  • Widespread power outages are expected, coupled with gusty winds and dangerously cold temperatures following the storm.

Impacts on Travel and Safety

• Travel Conditions:
  • Hazardous road conditions are likely throughout the weekend. Heavy precipitation and slick surfaces may make driving treacherous.
• Power Outages:
  • With significant ice accumulation and strong winds, power outages are expected across affected areas. Residents should prepare for extended outages by stocking up on essentials.
• Post-Storm Arctic Chill:
  • Beginning Monday, temperatures are forecasted to drop significantly, with wind chills plunging into single digits or below zero. This could exacerbate challenges caused by power outages.

Preparation Tips

1. Stock Up: Ensure you have enough food, water, and medications to last several days.
2. Stay Warm: Prepare alternative heating methods in case of power loss and keep extra blankets handy.
3. Protect Your Home: Insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing, and have sand or salt ready to treat icy walkways.
4. Travel Caution: Avoid unnecessary travel. If you must drive, carry an emergency kit and check road conditions.

Looking Ahead

The storm's effects will linger into Monday morning, with precipitation ending as light snow. However, the arctic cold that follows will be a major concern, particularly for areas experiencing power outages. The National Weather Service advises continued monitoring of updates as small shifts in the storm's path could affect precipitation types and accumulations.

Stay safe and prepare now for this significant winter event. For the latest updates, visit weather.gov/pah/winter. 

Garage door installer wanted

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Looking for a job? 

Bobby Howard is hiring a garage door installer.

Call to discuss terms. (270) 508-0043.

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Fit Camp begins Jan. 7

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An eight-week program offered at Full Body Fitness Studio in Marion is a great way to start the new year.

Beginning Tuesday, Jan. 7, Fit Camp classes are 

offered at various times to help you get in shape and improve your health.

Contact Serena Dickerson, certified personal trainer, 

at (270) 704-1871 to register.

Weekend weather threat increasing

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A winter storm is on the way and is expected to bring mixed precipitation types to our area late Saturday night into early Monday. This system poses a significant concern for travel, so let's break down what we know and how it may affect you.

Timing: Precipitation will begin late Saturday night, peak during the day on Sunday, and taper off by early Monday morning.

Precipitation: Marion is in Zone 2, which means we are likely to see a wintry mix of sleet, snow, and freezing rain. Travel impacts are likely, so plan accordingly and stay off the roads if possible.

Uncertainty: The exact track of the storm is still uncertain, which could affect how much snow, sleet, and freezing rain we receive. Stay tuned for updates as forecasts are refined.

Impact Level: The National Weather Service has raised concerns to a growing level, so now is the time to prepare. Icy roads and power outages are possible, so stock up on essentials and have an emergency kit ready.

Ferry closed for high winds

FERRY has resumed operation.

ORIGINAL POST

Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at approximately 7:35 a.m., Cave In Rock Ferry closed due to high west winds and will remain closed until further notice.

Are you 65? Get your tax break

Additional tax relief for older Kentuckians is on its way with an increase in the Homestead Exemption for the 2025 and 2026 tax years. Eligible homeowners can, starting next year, claim $49,100, an increase of $2,750 from the previous exemption.

To qualify, individuals must be 65 or older or totally disabled during the tax period. The property must be owned and occupied as the taxpayer’s primary residence on Jan. 1 of the assessment year. The exemption saved more than 474,000 Kentuckians approximately $293 million in property taxes in 2023, according to the Department of Revenue. Applications are available online or at the county PVA office. They should be submitted by Dec. 31 of the eligible tax year.

Dr. Eric Kivisto provides surgical services at CCH

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Expert surgical services are available close to home.  

Dr. Eric Kivisto is a general surgeon at Crittenden Community Hospital, providing surgical services and compassionate care for outpatient and short-term inpatient procedures. 

Contact Dr. Kivisto directly at Family Practice Clinic (270) 965-5238 or ask your provider for a referral. 

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Escapee search underway in west KY

Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 2 received a call from the Christian County Detention Center at approximately 3:19 p.m., Saturday regarding an escaped inmate.

Preliminary investigation reveals Kevin D. Johnson, 52, of Madisonville walked away from a work detail at the Convention Center in Hopkinsville.

Kevin D. Johnson is described as a white male, 6’ 2”, 250 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing khaki pants and a black shirt. 

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Kevin Johnson is asked to contact the Kentucky State Police, Post 2 at (270) 676-3313. Citizens may also report tips confidentially through the KSP website: https://www.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov/tip

Lyon County Sheriff's Activity Report

- On Monday, December 23, 2024, around 3pm, Sheriff Brent White charged a 17-year-old male juvenile with Theft by Unlawful Taking. Previously, on December 10, 2024, the Lyon County Road Department Foreman contacted the Sheriff’s Office to report the theft of numerous road signs in the Iuka Ferry Road area. An investigation led to the juvenile and an adult who were responsible for the crime (adult has already been charged). Many of the stolen road signs and posts were recovered previously by the Sheriff’s Office. The juvenile was released to his father’s custody.

- On Monday, December 23, 2024, just after 6pm, Deputy David Carroll responded to a single-vehicle collision on US 62, approximately 3 miles West of Kuttawa. His investigation revealed a 2010 GMC Acadia, driven by Richard Thompson (57) of Kuttawa was West bound when a deer entered the roadway resulting in a collision. No injuries were reported in the collision.

- On Monday, December 23, 2024, around 7:25pm, Deputy David Carroll and Kentucky State Police Troopers located a fugitive from justice at a residence in the Saratoga community off KY 293. The investigation revealed Billy A. Poe (44) of Princeton, was a fugitive due to a Parole Violation warrant being active for his arrest. Poe was paroled by the Kentucky Parole Board after being convicted in Lyon Circuit Court of Prohibited Use of an Electronic Communication System to Procure a Minor and

For roofing needs, call Joyce Roofing

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If your roof needs a repair, call Joyce Roofing.

Mitchell Joyce has 10 years experience in the roofing business and installs metal and shingled roofing.

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