Board of ed meets Tuesday

Crittenden County Board of Education April working session is 6 p.m. Tuesday in the Rocket Arena Conference room.

Area Death

Evelyn Loraine (Quertermous) James, 85, of Salem died Sunday. Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements. 

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Area death

Martha Nell Byford, 88, of Marion died Thursday, April 7, 2016 at Crittenden County Health and Rehabilitation Services. Myers Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements.

Postage rates will decrease Sunday

The cost of a first-class stamp to mail Grandma a birthday card or send in your car payment will drop to 47 cents next month. Yes, that’s right, the U.S. Postal Service will be reducing the cost of mailing a standard domestic letter for the first time since the price plummeted a penny to 2 cents on July 1, 1919.

The 2-cent reduction in the current 49 cents for a first-class stamp will take effect April 10. The lower rate is part of an overall reduction in USPS rates mandated by the Postal Regulatory Commission and tied to the expiration of a 4.3 percent rate increase. It is expected to worsen the postal service’s financial condition by $2 billion, according to USPS.com.

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Grand Opening: Sign Company

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Fredonia man involved in Ballard fatality

A Missouri man was killed Wednesday in a two-vehicle fatality in Ballard County involving a semi driven by a Fredonia man.

Kentucky State Police Post 1 in Mayfield, was notified by the Ballard County Sheriff’s Office, of a collision at 6:05 p.m. Wednesday on U.S. 51 a half-mile south of Wickliffe.

Preliminary investigation shows that Charles E. Oliver, 50, of Charleston, Mo., was operating a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado Pickup Truck traveling northbound on U.S. 51. Michael W. Skees, 40, of Fredonia was operating a 2012 Freightliner semi tractor trailer traveling southbound on U.S. 51.  For an unknown reason, Oliver crossed the centerline and traveled under the trailer portion of the oncoming big rig. Oliver was pronounced dead on scene by the Ballard County Coroner. Skees was not injured in the collision.

Preliminary investigation shows that Oliver was not wearing his seat belt.  Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in this collision. An autopsy has been scheduled by the Ballard County Coroner.

Trooper Cody Cecil, is continuing the death investigation. Trooper Jody Cash is conducting the collision reconstruction.

KSP was assisted by the Ballard County Sheriff’s Office, Wickliffe City Fire Department, Ballard County Fire Rescue, Ballard County EMS, Carlisle County Constable, Carlisle County Sheriff’s Office, Kentucky Department of Transportation, Ballard County Emergency Management, and the Ballard County Coroner’s Office.

Domestic abuse one topic of Saturday forum

Woman’s Club of Marion will host a program dealing with issues affecting both families and community. The program on domestic violence and drug and alcohol abuse will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Woman’s Club building at 126 E. Carlisle St. in Marion.Due to a reporting error in this week's issue of The Crittenden Press, the incorrect time was listed in a Page 16 story.

“Drugs, alcohol and domestic violence are something that happen and yet, it seems no one wants to talk about,” said club member, Rebecca Zahrte. “But we need to talk about it, we need to understand the disease and how it affects our loved ones.”

Donna Girten will be speaking on the topic of domestic abuse.

 

The fourth annual community issues event is free and open to the public. It will offer a candid panel discussion on a variety of issues that affect the area and will address recognizing signs and symptoms and offer ways for prevention.

The issues to be discussed are often problems that are kept quiet, problems that you may not even know are going on.

“We are going to try to show the community how to recognize signs and what you can do about it,” Zahrte explained. “There are so many people in our community who suffer with these issues. Talking about it will get it out in the open, then perhaps we can get our loved ones the help they need, and the help needed for their families.

Zahrte said the program was offered last year, but wintry weather resulted in a very low turnout. 

“I am really excited about this program,” she said. “We are hoping this year to have a much larger attendance.”

For more information, contact Zahrte at (270) 978-3328 or by email at Rebecca.Zahrte@gmail.com.

Grimes touts online voter registration in western Kentucky

Traveling in western Kentucky today, Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes promoted the Commonwealth’s new online voter registration portal, GoVoteKY.com, as a major success. She held town hall meetings to discuss the portal and other election issues at Murray State University and Western Kentucky University.

Grimes is continuing a statewide tour to encourage new voters in Kentucky to register online via GoVoteKY.com by April 18 to participate in the May 17 Primary Election. (The deadline to switch parties for the primary was Dec. 31, 2015.)

“Almost 15,000 Kentuckians have used GoVoteKY.com – that’s an incredible number for just a few weeks of operation,” said Grimes. “Every day, people are realizing that going online where there are no lines is much easier than the paper process, which requires mailing an application or visiting their county clerks’ office.”

Grimes said the portal is easy for all citizens to use. A 98-year-old updated her registration with the online portal just a week after it officially launched, she said.

Jay Todd Richey, student body president at Western Kentucky University, praised Grimes for reaching out to students and choosing Kentucky’s universities as the location for her community town halls.

“We were honored to have Secretary Grimes at WKU. Clearly, she understands that while young people may be 25 percent of our population, they are 100 percent of our future,” said Richey. “The new online voter registration initiative, GoVoteKY.com, is a very positive step forward toward expanding access to the ballot box in Kentucky.”

Murray State University’s student government regularly hosts voter registration drives for its students. Clinton Combs, the student body president, said GoVoteKY.com will be a big help in their efforts.

“We believe there is no greater legacy to leave behind than that of being a civically engaged citizen. The Murray State Student Government Association is excited that Secretary Grimes has launched GoVoteKY.com, and we’re proud to partner with her in the effort to get more students registered to vote and engaged in the process.”

Grimes said GoVoteKY.com will improve the accuracy of voter rolls and will lead to a major cost savings for the state, as well as decreasing workloads for county clerks.

About one-third of eligible Kentuckians are not registered to vote at all, and the gap is wider among youth and minorities. Grimes has implemented initiatives to make the registration process quick and convenient in an effort to close registration gaps and increase voter turnout.

Twenty-nine percent of the 523,232 total registered voters in western Kentucky (1st Congressional District) participated in the 2015 General Election.

“In western Kentucky, participation in the last year’s General Election dipped below the state average, which was only 30 percent. Kentucky needs more than a select few of our citizens deciding who runs our government,” said Grimes. “We must do better!”

Grimes is visiting each of Kentucky’s public universities before the April 18 deadline to register to vote for the May 17 Primary Election.

Area death

J.E. Brasher, 81, of Marion died Thursday at his home. Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services in Salem is in charge of arrangements. 

Evening shower brings rainbow

A brilliant rainbow appears over Marion Police Chief

Ray O'Neal's home Wednesday evening after a brief shower.

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

Gary Cruce and his sons have at least one detour and quite a few hauling jobs to thank for some of the chrome-laden conversation pieces in their classic car collection. “If I didn’t haul rock, I wouldn’t have anything,” said the local businessman, explaining the quest for and the discovery of several pristine vehicles he’s located through the years.

For more on this story in our special On the Road car care pages and the following headlines, pick up a copy of this week's issue of The Crittenden Press:

• PACS driver using own car to deliver meals.
• GOP town hall April 28.
• Sheriff offering chance at Gator.
• 761 killed on Ky. highways in 2015.
• Bad weather forces down Ill. pilot at Marion airport.
• Salem teen charged with park vandalism.
• 2016 graduation schedule OK’d.
• Conservation awards presented.
• Stolen Paducah Jeep located locally.
• Guard offers crash course in core values to CCES.
• Program to share domestic abuse experience.
• Local clerk among those who champion Trust for Life, state organ donor program.
• SPORTS: Former Bobcat on Padres’ opening-day roster.
• SPORTS: Dugout Club will host 15 exhibition games Apr. 30.
• OPINION: Masterful hands turn wood to art.
• Berry to be installed as Salem Postmaster.
• CCES earns Energy Star recognition.
• Library offering fine amnesty next week.
• Salem Garden Club, city hand out 2015 community awards.
• Crosswalk to present ‘Arts in the Evening’ on April 19.
• FORGOTTEN PASSAGES: Native Americans left legacy to county.
• OPINION: Community can make life better for abused children.
• LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Budget negotiations should come to fruition Tuesday.
• LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Pension, higher ed hang-ups on budget.

Flu activity widespread for 9th consecutive week

Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) officials are reporting “widespread” flu activity to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the ninth consecutive week. Widespread activity is the highest level of flu activity, which indicates increased flu-like activity or flu outbreaks in at least half of the regions in the state. The activity levels for states are tracked weekly as part of the CDC’s national flu surveillance system.

The traditional flu season lasts from October through May. Increased flu activity began later this season than usual in Kentucky. Due to the late peak in the season, both in Kentucky and nationally, increased flu activity is anticipated to continue well into May.

“Even though flu season is running later than usual, Kentuckians can still protect themselves and their families by getting a flu shot," said Dr. Kraig Humbaugh, senior deputy commissioner of DPH. “The Kentucky Department for Public Health is urging anyone who hasn’t received a flu vaccine, particularly children 6 months and older and those people at high risk for complications related to the flu, to check with doctors’ offices, local health departments, pharmacies or other providers about getting the vaccine.”

The vaccination rate in Kentucky each flu season is about 50 percent. Therefore, there are many susceptible Kentuckians in the population. Flu can cycle within a community several times. Young children and those who are elderly or have chronic disease are especially vulnerable to more severe consequences.  While this year’s vaccine was a good match to the viruses circulating nationally, its effectiveness can depend on the recipient’s age and their immune system, among other factors.

It takes about 2 weeks following the administration of the vaccine for the recipient to develop protection from the flu. There are ample supplies available throughout the state. Vaccinations are available at Kentucky’s local health departments, pharmacies and medical providers. Many health plans cover the cost of the vaccine with no copay. Kentuckians are advised to call before arriving for a vaccination.

Flu can be very contagious. Infection with the flu virus can cause fever, headache, cough, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing and body aches. Persons who develop flu symptoms should seek medical advice about the need for a medical evaluation or treatment with an antiviral drug, which could shorten the course of the illness or reduce its severity.

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Area deaths

Steve Manley, 59, of Marion died Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at his home. Myers Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Ray D. Kearl, 88, of Toppenish, Wash., died March 26, 2016. His wife, Mary McMican Kearl is originally from Marion.

Roy Little, 93, of Marion died at his home Sunday, April 3, 2016. Myers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

John Franklin Hoffman, 53, of Las Vegas, Nev., formerly of Marion, died Wednesday, March 30, 2016 in Pittsburgh, Penn. Vanover Funeral Home in Clay was in charge of arrangements.

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Felony expungement bill heading to governor’s desk

Legislation that would allow those convicted of low-level felonies to ask the court to permanently seal—or expunge—their records is on its way to becoming law.

House Bill 40, sponsored by House Judiciary Chair Darryl Owens, D-Louisville, and Rep. David Floyd, R-Bardstown, received final passage today in the House by a vote of 84-13 and will now go to the governor for his signature. The bill includes provisions from Senate Bill 298 that were added to the bill by the Senate when it passed HB 40 by a vote of 33-5 on March 29.

“House Bill 40 is about redemption,” Owens said about HB 40 when it passed the House in January. “It’s about second chances.”

HB 40 would allow those convicted of a Class D felony under any of 61 specific criminal statutes, or who were charged but not formally indicted of a felony, to seek expungement of that conviction or charge five years after they have completed their sentences or probation. Those convicted of a sex crime, a crime against a child, or who have criminal proceedings or violations pending would not be eligible for expungement under the bill.

Courts would also have the discretion under the bill to expunge Class D felonies of those with previous Class D felony convictions unless the previous conviction was for a sex offense, a crime against a child, or if there is a criminal proceeding or violation pending against the individual.

Kentucky law currently allows for expungement of misdemeanors and violations. Those are lesser crimes than felonies which include offenses like shoplifting, bad check writing, and driving on a suspended license.

Senate approves bills on marriage forms, phones and transportation projects

The Senate, as one of its last actions before adjourning for a recess until April 12, approved marriage license legislation that authorizes the creation of a single form in which petitioners can identify themselves as a bride, a groom or simply as spouse. Current forms only have the former options.

The bill was given final consent by a 32-0 vote. It was later delivered to the governor’s office to await his signature.

Among other action Friday, the Senate passed House Bill 304, which provides roughly $2.3 billion per year for the state’s road funding plan and Transportation Cabinet operations, as well as aviation, rail and other transportation projects across the state. The bill’s high-profile facets include continuing the Adopt-a-Highway program, providing $125 million for road resurfacing projects, $500,000 for river port maintenance as well as 17 capital projects. HB304 also funds the debt load taken on from the projects. The Senate passed the bill by a 35-0 tally.

Under House Bill 585, which the Senate also passed Friday, prepaid mobile phone users would see higher prices to offset fees charged to their service providers. The bill would change methods for the state to collect 911 service fees. HB585 shifts the burden from the wireless provider to the consumer, who pays the fee at the time of buying prepaid minutes. The bill also establishes governmental oversight of the fee collection and how collected funds can be expended. If signed into law, HB585 would take effect on Jan. 1.