Your first issue of The Press in 2026

This week’s edition of The Crittenden Press is packed with stories that connect past, present and future across our communities. 

From a major historical milestone gaining national attention, to local government decisions that could shape development for years to come, there’s plenty happening close to home. 

We also introduce a brand-new monthly feature, share a hometown success story that reaches all the way to Washington, and take a closer look at a piece of local history that’s been hiding in plain sight for more than a century. 

Add in election news, community updates and sports, and you won’t want to miss it. Pick up your copy or read online.

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LBL cracking down on feral bacon this winter

USDA PHOTO

LAND BETWEEN THE LAKES – The U.S. Forest Service and its partners will begin their annual effort to remove feral swine from Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area starting Jan. 12, using professional wildlife control methods rather than public hunting.

The removal work will be carried out by the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, known as APHIS, in coordination with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Operations will continue through February.

APHIS wildlife specialists will euthanize feral swine using aerial operations and baited trapping. Helicopters equipped with Forward Looking Infrared, or FLIR, technology will be used to locate hogs, allowing trained personnel to direct removal efforts more efficiently. Trapping also occurs year-round, aided by hog sighting reports from visitors.

Feral swine are not native wildlife and are considered invasive. Officials say they pose safety risks to visitors, damage cultural and natural resources, threaten agriculture and harm native plant and animal species, including white-tailed deer and wild turkey.

“Feral hogs have become a challenge for all of us who care about Land Between the Lakes,” said Jim McCoy, area supervisor at Land Between the Lakes. “They can harm the land and wildlife we enjoy, so we’re working together with our partners to manage the problem in a responsible way.”

Visitors may notice increased official vehicle and aircraft activity in parts of Land Between the Lakes during the winter removal period. Officials emphasized that safety plans are in place for both staff and the public.

Most feral swine activity remains concentrated on the Tennessee side of the recreation area, though some sightings have been reported north of the state line. Daily operations will be based on confirmed hog locations.

APHIS has assisted with trapping at Land Between the Lakes since 2014, but earlier efforts did not remove hogs fast enough to stop population growth. In 2018, 70 feral swine were euthanized. With a longer and more intensive operational window, 1,445 hogs were removed in 2025.

Public hunting of feral hogs is illegal at Land Between the Lakes and is not considered an effective control method. Kentucky banned wild pig hunting in 2024 to prevent illegal releases and the spread of hog populations. In Tennessee, feral swine may only be taken on designated public lands under strict regulations, and it is illegal to possess, transport or release them.

Wildlife managers say recreational hog hunting often worsens the problem by dispersing animals, increasing nocturnal behavior and undermining coordinated removal efforts. Instead, agencies are pursuing intensive trapping and professional removal aimed at full eradication.

While hunting remains an important part of the region’s culture and conservation tradition, officials say eliminating feral swine is necessary to protect native wildlife, forests and agricultural resources across Land Between the Lakes and surrounding areas.

usda photo

Time to begin tax filing preparation

WASHINGTON — With the 2026 filing season quickly approaching, the Internal Revenue Service is urging taxpayers to take a few simple steps now to prepare for filing their 2025 federal income tax returns. Visit Get Ready on IRS.gov for checklists, updates and no-cost filing options.

 

One of the most important steps taxpayers can take is to access their IRS Individual Online Account. IRS Individual Online Accounts are available24/7, to view account information, make payments, manage communication preferences and protect tax information.

 

Use direct deposit

Due to the presidential executive order, Modernizing Payments To and From America’s Bank Account the IRS is phasing out paper tax refund checks. The IRS encourages taxpayers who do not have a bank account to open one so they can receive refunds by direct deposit.

 

Review new 2025 tax law changes

Recent legislation, such as the provisions in the One, Big, Beautiful Bill, includes several new deductions and credits that may reduce tax bills or increase refunds. Beginning in 2025, to be eligible to claim certain credits for other dependents, the taxpayer and their spouse, if filing jointly, must have valid Social Security numbers or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers issued on or before the due date of their returns (including extensions).

 

New Trump Accounts for eligible children

Parents, guardians and other authorized individuals will be able to open Trump Accounts, a new retirement savings vehicle for children under the age of 18 with a valid SSN. A pilot program contribution of $1,000 will be available for children who are U.S. citizens and born from Jan. 1, 2025, to Dec. 31, 2028. Visit trumpaccounts.gov for details.

 

Income from payment apps and online sales

All income from part-time work, gig activities or sales of goods and services is taxable. Form 1099-K, Payment Card and Third Party Network Transactions, will be issued by payment card companies for any amount and by payment apps and online marketplaces when payments exceed $20,000 and more than 200 transactions occur for the year.

 

Digital assets reporting requirements

Taxpayers who bought, sold or received digital assets, including cryptocurrency, stablecoins or NFT, must report those transactions. Some taxpayers may receive Form 1099-DA from brokers. Regardless, all taxpayers must answer the digital asset question on Form 1040 and report any related income, gains, or losses. Visit Digital Assets for more information.

 

Get ready now

Take a few steps today, reviewing tax law changes, gathering documents and using online tools, to help ensure a smoother less stressful experience when filing taxes in 2026.

Lyon County Sheriff's Weekly Report

- On Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, around 5 p.m., Deputy Bobby Beeler charged a 17-year-old Fredonia juvenile with criminal mischief, criminal littering and disorderly conduct in connection with the Dec. 27, 2025, explosion incident off Eddy Creek Road. The juvenile voluntarily surrendered with parents at the sheriff’s office. After being processed, the juvenile was released to the custody of the parents per District Court.

- On Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, around 5 a.m., the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint concerning a fugitive staying at a Kuttawa residence. Over the next four hours, sheriff’s office personnel positively identified the fugitive and confirmed three active warrants for his arrest in Kentucky and one warrant from Illinois.

- Sheriff Brent White petitioned Lyon District Court for a search warrant for the residence, which was granted. Around 9:20 a.m., members of the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, Eddyville Police Department and Kentucky State Police executed the warrant. The only occupant of the home was the fugitive. He initially disregarded verbal commands to exit a bedroom; however, after the deployment of pepper spray, he surrendered without further incident. A subsequent search of the home yielded additional evidence, including suspected methamphetamine, marijuana and numerous items of drug paraphernalia. Shane L. Jones, 52, of Paducah, was arrested by White and charged with contempt of court/resistance to order (McCracken Circuit Court), bail jumping (McCracken Circuit Court), failure to appear (Marshall District Court), failure to appear or pay (Massac County, Illinois), possession of a controlled substance, first degree (meth), third or greater offense (Lyon County, new), possession of marijuana (Lyon County, new), and possession of drug paraphernalia (Lyon County, new). Jones was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.

- On Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, around 10:30 a.m., White charged Harold A. Hale, 56, of Kuttawa, in connection with items found in his possession at the Kuttawa residence searched the previous day pursuant to a District Court search warrant. Hale voluntarily surrendered at the sheriff’s office and was

Hunting | Fishing License. Fee going up this month

State legislators have approved a new, standardized method for adjusting license, tag, registration and permit fees charged by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, tying future increases to inflation rather than periodic legislative action.

The changes were finalized following adjournment of the Interim Joint Committee on Natural Resources and Energy meeting Nov. 6 and took effect through administrative regulation 301 KAR 5:022.

Among the updates is a new reduced-cost $35 sportsman’s license for resident first-time buyers who have not purchased an annual Kentucky hunting or fishing license since 1996. The license includes resident hunting and fishing privileges along with spring and fall turkey permits, a trout permit, migratory bird and waterfowl permit, and a statewide deer permit.

Hunters will now be required to purchase a $10 permit to hunt bobcats, which was previously free. The motorboat registration fee structure has also been simplified, with fees now based solely on vessel length. Additional amendments adjust fees for boat manufacturers and dealers, as well as hunting and fishing guides and outfitters.

Going forward, Fish and Wildlife will make incremental fee adjustments every other year based solely on the Consumer Price Index calculated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Federal Duck Stamp and application fees are exempt from the CPI-based adjustments.

All licenses, permits, tags and registrations will be adjusted in January using CPI data from 2024 and 2025. The change will affect the remainder of the 2025-26 license year through Feb. 28, 2026, and the 2026-27 license year beginning March 1, 2026.

Agency officials said the new approach replaces an unpredictable system with smaller, more consistent adjustments.

“Relying on a widely accepted federal economic indicator to determine price adjustments for user fees helps our customers know when to anticipate changes,” said Gabe Jenkins, deputy commissioner for Fish and Wildlife.

Licenses, tags and permits for the 2026-27 license year went on sale Dec. 1, 2025. Officials encouraged hunters and anglers to consider purchasing before the anticipated January increase later this month.

Purchases can be made through the My Profile app on the Fish and Wildlife website at fw.ky.gov. For more information, the public may contact the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Information Center at 800-858-1549 or by email at info.center@ky.gov during weekday business hours.

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Local leaders heading to Frankfort Jan. 12

MARION, Ky. – Crittenden County leaders are finalizing plans for their legislative trip to Frankfort on Feb. 12, an annual visit aimed at advancing the county’s local agenda with state leaders.

The trip will include meetings with area legislators – Rep. Jim Gooch, Rep. Steven Rudy Bridges, Sen. Jason Howell and Sen. Robbie Mills Carroll – to provide updates on county priorities, with a primary focus on water infrastructure projects. Crittenden County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom said water issues will anchor the discussion, with time also expected for other local concerns.

As in past years, county officials also plan to meet with leaders of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to discuss ferry operations during the current budget and agreement renewal cycle, which will set funding for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, as well as updates related to the U.S. 641 project.

Additional stops are planned with economic development officials and at the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet.

Launch Pad opens today at former True Value building

MARION, Ky. – The Launch Pad will host its grand opening this weekend, Jan. 3–4, bringing a new baseball, softball and athletic training facility to Marion and the surrounding region.

The center, located at 223 Sturgis Road, was founded by area youth baseball coach Colby Davis and is designed to provide advanced instruction and player evaluations supported by Lexington-based Pitching Performance and Hitting Performance Labs.

The Launch Pad will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Team assessment slots are filled, but individual evaluation spots remain available by contacting Davis or general manager Tyler Boone.

The facility is being developed in two phases. Phase One opens this weekend with a 5,500-square-foot baseball and softball training area featuring multiple turfed hitting and pitching cages. Phase Two, expected to be completed this spring, will add a 14,000-square-foot gym with 24-hour access. When complete, the complex will exceed 20,000 square feet.

A separate 1,350-square-foot jiu-jitsu space also opens Jan. 3 and will be led by Brandon Ottosen of Inward Quest Jiu-Jitsu of Marion.

During the grand opening, guests can take part in free hitting assessments and a Bat Demo Day, with members receiving discounts on bats, gloves and other equipment through a partnership with Baseline Sports. Bats will be available on-site for players to test before purchasing.

“We’re thrilled to open The Launch Pad this weekend,” Davis said. “This project was shaped through vision and prayer. We look forward to welcoming everyone from Marion, Crittenden County, West Kentucky, Southern Indiana and Southern Illinois to our open house.”

More information is available by calling 270-994-2019, messaging The Launch Pad on Facebook, or visiting wkylaunchpad.com.

Boom likely explosive New Year's revelry

Authorities continue to investigate a loud boom reported by multiple residents across the area before midnight yesterday, but no cause has been identified. Checks with the U.S. Geological Survey confirmed there was no seismic activity in or near the region at the time of the reports, and the National Weather Service said there were no weather-related events that would have produced such a sound. 

Crittenden County Sheriff’s Department and the Marion Police Department both acknowledged receiving several calls from concerned residents, but officials said that as of now, the origin of the boom remains unknown. 

While the source of the noise has not been confirmed, there are several possibilities that could explain it. These include a mining activity, sonic boom from military aircraft operating at high altitude, which can sometimes be heard far from the flight path due to atmospheric conditions, or a meteor or fireball breaking apart in the atmosphere, which can generate a sudden, explosion-like sound. At this point, authorities emphasized that no evidence has surfaced to point conclusively to any single cause.

Crittenden County Sheriff Evan Head said reports so far indicate the incident appears to be isolated to Crittenden County and the immediate surrounding area such as around Sturgis, Clay and even Fredonia and Salem. He added that there have been no indications at this time that the boom was connected to any wider regional event.

It was very likely a charge of tannerite, some say, perhaps boosted by other additives.

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AREA DEATH | Mayhugh

Robert “Bobby” Mayhugh, 70, died Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025 at his home in Grand Rivers.

He was born at home in Smithland on Aug. 8, 1955 to the late James Willard Mayhugh and Bonnie Farmer Mayhugh. He spent many years over the road as a truck driver.

Beyond his work, Mayhugh was a jack-of-all-trades, from working on farm equipment and cars to fixing homes. There was nothing he couldn’t fix. Robert had a deep love for his family and friends.

Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Regina Ladd Mayhugh; children, Jennifer (Steven) of South Carolina, James (Sara) of Calvert City and Johnathan of Grand Rivers; a brother, Jim of Eddyville; a sister, Betty of California; five grandchildren, Trae, Blaire, Dayton, Gauge and Lakyn; and several nieces, nephews and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Bonnie (Farmer) Mayhugh, and a brother, William Mayhugh.

Funeral services will be Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, at noon in the chapel of Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services. Burial will follow at Groves Chapel Cemetery.

Friends may visit with the family Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Condolences may be left online at boydfuneraldirectors.com.

Another candidate files for magistrate; deadline is Jan. 9

Local businessman Craig Gilland has filed to run for District 6 magistrate, joining Bob Rowley in the Republican primary for the seat being vacated by incumbent Scott Belt, who has announced he will not seek re-election. 

Gilland and Rowley are the only candidates filed to date for the district, and both are Republicans. 

Deadline to file for partisan races on the May primary ballot is Jan. 9.

AREA DEATH | Garnet Hensley

Garnet L. “Bumpy” Hensley, 93, of Dayton, Ohio, formerly of Salem died Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025 at Wellington Assisted Living in Dayton.

Garnet was a member of Salem Baptist Church. He was a watchmaker his entire life and owned and operated Hensley Jewelers in Salem. He was a United States military veteran and a private pilot, a passion he greatly enjoyed.

Garnet is survived by his son, Greg Hensley, and daughter-in-law, Sandra, of Dayton.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Sue Hensley; his second wife, Carol Hensley; a son, Brian Hensley; a brother, Davis Hensley; and his parents, Granville Loftis and Launa Utopia (Cunningham) Hensley.

Graveside services will be Thursday, Jan. 1 at 10 a.m., at Salem Cemetery. Burial will follow. Arrangements are under the direction of Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services.

AREA DEATH | Beatrice Tomlin

Beatrice Collins Tomlin died Monday, Dec. 29, 2025 at Salem Springlake Health and Rehab Center.

She was born April 5, 1944 in Johnston County, N.C., to Joseph Arthur and Elizabeth “Lizzie” Godwin Collins.

She was a homemaker and previous resident of Marion. She was of the Baptist faith and enjoyed quilting, crafting and going to yard sales.

Surviving are a daughter, Donna Phelps Harmon of Calvert City; and a sister, Elvie (George) Manning, Littleton, NC; numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Doug Bichon; her parents and four brothers and nine sisters.

She was cremated per her wishes and there are no services scheduled at this time.

Donations can be made in her honor to Pennyrile Allied Community Services, 210 North Walker St., Marion, KY 42064.

Myers Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. 

AREA DEATH | Alsobrook

Christine Alsobrook, 81, died Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 at Providence Point in Paducah.

For many years she worked as co-owner of a data company, when punch cards were a thing.  Many times she had to take one or several children with her to work. While Alsobrook was still a child herself, she became the mother to four small children. She did the best she could, which was honorable, loving and firmly guiding.

As an organized person, she worked very well as a secretary for Hamilton Avent Electronics until her retirement and move to Kentucky. She had a green thumb and had a talent for flower arranging. She would craft the most beautiful arrangements. Her love of the arts later had her seek out a job as a volunteer at the Carson Center.

Though not affiliated with any denomination, she recently became a 'Child of God,' professing her faith in Jesus Christ as her savior. She will be missed by all her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Surviving are two daughters, Jenny (Richard) Obermark of Paducah and Traci Parson of Marion; four sons, Kenny Alsobrook of Marion, Carter Alsobrook of Salem, Scott (Carina) Alsobrook of Lake Havasu, Arizona., and Brian (Bridgette) Alsobrook of Menifee, Calif.; a brother, Steve (Ava) Bicknell of Culver City, Calif.; 11 grandchildren, Sean Hanson, Mitchell (Tonya) Alsobrook, Michael Alsobrook, Adam (Kayla) Alsobrook, Kyler Alsobrook, David Maiden, Xzana (Keaton New) Parson, Andy (Caitlyn) Alsobrook, Amber (Steven) McGovern, Rylie Alsobrook, Ryan Alsobrook; and 12 great-grandchildren, Jade Maiden, Brian Hanson, Clayton Alsobrook, Isabelle Alsobrook, Hadley Alsobrook, Jaymes Coursey, Kayleigh McGovern, Conner McGovern, Bryce Alsobrook, Zane Drew, Cora Alsobrook and Rosa Alsobrook.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Drew Alsobrook; one child, Dana Baylis; three grandchildren, Christina Hanson, Justin Coursey, Jeremy Coursey; a great-grandchild, Makayla Maiden; and her parents, Albert John Bicknell and Ruth Christine Johnson Bicknell.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Lake Arrowhead, Calif.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

AREA DEATH | L.B. Gaston

Lonso Barton “L.B.” Gaston, 92, of Marion, Kentucky, died Friday, Dec. 26, 2025, at Livingston County Hospital.

Gaston was born April 29, 1933, in Belton, Ky., to the late Veachel and Girtie Carroll Gaston. He was a proud graduate of Murray State University, earning a master’s degree in industrial arts and physical education. He devoted his career to educating and guiding generations of students in the Crittenden County School System.

Outside the classroom, Gaston avidly enjoyed hunting and fishing and took great pride in woodworking and fine wood projects; whether in the garden or in the shop, he loved working with his hands.

Survivors include his daughter, Rita (John) Keller; daughter-in-law, Michelle Gaston; grandchildren, Tommy (Emily) Gaston Jr., Patrick (Jamie) Carter, Lance Carter, Lauren (Joshua) Knight, Jacob Gaston and Nicole (Griffin) Manning; great-grandchildren, Brodie Beard, Elizabeth Knight, Rachel Knight, Sarah Gaston and Riley Merril Carter; and beloved friend, Hugh Highfil.

In addition to his parents, Gaston was preceded in death by his wife, Edna Merril Gaston; son, Tommy Gaston Sr.; and sister, Carol Ann Jones.

Visitation will be held Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Gilbert Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, at 11 a.m., with Hugh Highfil officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Central City, Kentucky.

A live webcast of Mr. Gaston’s service may be reached at www.gilbertfunerals.com

Ferry closed again today

UDPATE: FERRY IS back open

Original Post

Cave-In-Rock Ferry was closed at 6 a.m. CST Monday, Dec. 29, due to strong west winds and gusts.

Ferry officials said operations will remain suspended until conditions improve and it is safe to resume service.

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Ferry closed Sunday evening

The Cave-In-Rock Ferry closed Sunday evening because of high west winds and gusty conditions.

Officials said the ferry shut down at 7 p.m. CST on Dec. 28 and will remain closed for the remainder of the shift.