As a courtesy to area cattlemen, The Crittenden Press will begin publishing the weekly report from Christian County Livestock Market inside The Early Bird each week, as space allows. The first report from the Hopkinsville market will be published in Tuesday's edition.
The Press already publishes the weekly Tuesday report from Livingston County Livestock at Ledbetter in each edition of our flagship publication. It will continue to be published in the newspaper.
The Hopkinsville livestock auctions, however, are typically held on Wednesday each week, which does not allow time for publication in the newspaper.
Since the West Kentucky Livestock Market in Marion ceased operations in October 2010, local cattlemen have been forced to sell cattle at other locations, with Ledbetter, Hopkinsville and Owensboro being the closest weekly markets in Kentucky.
Links:
Friday, December 9, 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Shawneetown bridge not hit by barges
"We've had several calls this morning about a barge hit on the Shawneetown Bridge," reports Keith Todd, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet spokesman. "No barge hit occurred."
According to Union County Emergency Management, the bridge was closed to traffic as a precaution about 8:30 this morning when five barges broke loose from a fleeting area upstream from Shawneetown.
The runaway barges were rounded up by a harbor tug from a nearby coal-loading facility before they reached the bridge. After holding up traffic for about 20 minutes and determining the bridge had not been struck, normal traffic flow was allowed to resume.
The bridge remains open to normal traffic flow.
Any additional information on the incident will have to come from the U.S. Coast Guard Louisville at 1-800-253-7465.
The Shawneetown Bridge connects Ky. 56 with Ill. 13 across the Ohio River between Morganfield and Shawneetown. About 3,800 vehicles cross the bridge in an average day.
The bridge opened to traffic in 1956, maintaining a historic transportation link that started with ferry service at the site as early as 1802.
According to Union County Emergency Management, the bridge was closed to traffic as a precaution about 8:30 this morning when five barges broke loose from a fleeting area upstream from Shawneetown.
The runaway barges were rounded up by a harbor tug from a nearby coal-loading facility before they reached the bridge. After holding up traffic for about 20 minutes and determining the bridge had not been struck, normal traffic flow was allowed to resume.
The bridge remains open to normal traffic flow.
Any additional information on the incident will have to come from the U.S. Coast Guard Louisville at 1-800-253-7465.
The Shawneetown Bridge connects Ky. 56 with Ill. 13 across the Ohio River between Morganfield and Shawneetown. About 3,800 vehicles cross the bridge in an average day.
The bridge opened to traffic in 1956, maintaining a historic transportation link that started with ferry service at the site as early as 1802.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Some local guardsmen already at home
Well in advance of the holidays, some Crittenden County families have already had their biggest Christmas wish fulfilled.
At least a couple of local Kentucky National Guard soldiers deployed to Iraq with the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade over the last four months have already walked through the door of their own home. Earlier news reports today said the troops would be meeting their families at the Benton armory tomorrow, but relatives are telling The Crittenden Press that their soldiers are home ahead of schedule.
"I just talked to him, and he had just come through the front door of his apartment," Larry Threlkeld said of his son Richard, who around mid-day returned to his home and wife in Murray, where he is pursuing a degree at Murray State University.
Other local families were initially expecting their soldiers home on Friday, but late changes to the Guard's plans moved up the return to Thursday, Rachel Urbanowski, wife of Pfc. Josh Urbanowski said. Early today, Rachel was planning on picking up her husband at the Benton armory tomorrow afternoon. However, he was slated to arrive at the couple's home today just before dark.
This week's print edition of The Press, based on early-morning AP reports, stated that some of the soldiers would be returning to the Bowling Green armory on Thursday.
Families of other soldiers or anyone with additional information are encouraged to call The Press at 965-3191 or e-mail thepress@the-press.com.
At least a couple of local Kentucky National Guard soldiers deployed to Iraq with the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade over the last four months have already walked through the door of their own home. Earlier news reports today said the troops would be meeting their families at the Benton armory tomorrow, but relatives are telling The Crittenden Press that their soldiers are home ahead of schedule.
"I just talked to him, and he had just come through the front door of his apartment," Larry Threlkeld said of his son Richard, who around mid-day returned to his home and wife in Murray, where he is pursuing a degree at Murray State University.
Other local families were initially expecting their soldiers home on Friday, but late changes to the Guard's plans moved up the return to Thursday, Rachel Urbanowski, wife of Pfc. Josh Urbanowski said. Early today, Rachel was planning on picking up her husband at the Benton armory tomorrow afternoon. However, he was slated to arrive at the couple's home today just before dark.
This week's print edition of The Press, based on early-morning AP reports, stated that some of the soldiers would be returning to the Bowling Green armory on Thursday.
Families of other soldiers or anyone with additional information are encouraged to call The Press at 965-3191 or e-mail thepress@the-press.com.
Area death
Nolie Joseph Lee, 81, of Salem, died Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011 at Crittenden Health Systems. Graveside services are Friday at Pinckneyville Cemetery. Boyd Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.
Local soldiers headed back to Kentucky
Families and friends of about 75 Kentucky National Guard soldiers who have been deployed to Iraq for six months, including at least two from Marion, will welcome them home Thursday in Bowling Green, according to a report from The Associated Press.
The soldiers are from Bravo Co., 149th Brigade Support Battalion, which is part of the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. The brigade deployed more than 1,300 soldiers to Iraq in June in the Kentucky Guard's largest overseas deployment since World War II.
Pfc. Preston Blake and Pfc. Josh Urbanowski of Crittenden County are known to be assigned to the Bowling Green unit.
In this week's issue of The Crittenden Press, find more on this story, an update on the court appearance of the owner of a local tobacco store, Pearl Harbor memories and the fiscal court's public meeting on possible solutions to funding the hospital's ambulance service
The soldiers are from Bravo Co., 149th Brigade Support Battalion, which is part of the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. The brigade deployed more than 1,300 soldiers to Iraq in June in the Kentucky Guard's largest overseas deployment since World War II.
Pfc. Preston Blake and Pfc. Josh Urbanowski of Crittenden County are known to be assigned to the Bowling Green unit.
In this week's issue of The Crittenden Press, find more on this story, an update on the court appearance of the owner of a local tobacco store, Pearl Harbor memories and the fiscal court's public meeting on possible solutions to funding the hospital's ambulance service
Governor announces $15,050 grant to city
From the KPA News Content Service
Gov. Steve Beshear yesterday announced 18 new Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) project grants to help enhance tourism across Kentucky. One of those is to the City of Marion for repairs to the oval track at Marion-Crittenden County Park, as first reported in The Crittenden Press last month.
The Department for Local Government will administer the funds, totaling $558,537 to project awardees. The Marion grant totals $15,050.
“Improving Kentucky parks and recreational facilities visibly enhances our communities, helps increase tourism and boosts local economies during these still difficult times,” Beshear said. “This funding will also add to local residents’ quality of life – giving them excellent spaces to play sports, go hiking or camping, and to live overall healthier and more active lifestyles.”
The LWCF is a grant matching reimbursement program for the development and maintenance of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities, such as campgrounds, sports and playfields, swimming and fishing areas, boating facilities and trails. The
Funding for this program is allocated to the state by the National Park Service, which is part of the U.S. Department of Interior. Cities, counties, state and federal agencies are eligible to apply.
Gov. Steve Beshear yesterday announced 18 new Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) project grants to help enhance tourism across Kentucky. One of those is to the City of Marion for repairs to the oval track at Marion-Crittenden County Park, as first reported in The Crittenden Press last month.
The Department for Local Government will administer the funds, totaling $558,537 to project awardees. The Marion grant totals $15,050.
“Improving Kentucky parks and recreational facilities visibly enhances our communities, helps increase tourism and boosts local economies during these still difficult times,” Beshear said. “This funding will also add to local residents’ quality of life – giving them excellent spaces to play sports, go hiking or camping, and to live overall healthier and more active lifestyles.”
The LWCF is a grant matching reimbursement program for the development and maintenance of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities, such as campgrounds, sports and playfields, swimming and fishing areas, boating facilities and trails. The
Funding for this program is allocated to the state by the National Park Service, which is part of the U.S. Department of Interior. Cities, counties, state and federal agencies are eligible to apply.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Bechler to run for state representative
Bechler, of Marion, said, “Our district needs a strong voice in the legislature. For too long the state has treated us like second class citizens and it is time to put someone in the House who will be tough enough to take a stand against politics as usual.”
In a news release, Bechler, a Republican, said he is committed to working for all the people in the district.
“A state representative should act in the best interest of the people in his district; not that of lobbyists, party leaders, special interest groups,or himself. I believe in citizen representation and not politics as a career.”
Bechler advocates term limits and has said that legislators shouldn’t be paid for extra sessions when they can’t agree on a budget in the time mandated by law.
Bechler retired from IBM in 2007. He and his wife Kathleen have been married 43 years and have four children. They also have 11 grandchildren and are looking forward to the birth of their twelfth grandchild in March.
Some of Bechler’s current activities include high school tutoring, the Lions Club, church council president, volunteer tax preparation for the elderly, and the Chamber of Commerce.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Area death
John Allen Singleton, 51, of Marion died Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011 at the Regional Medical Center in Madisonville. Funeral services are Wednesday at Myers Funeral Home.
Cave In Rock Ferry closed due to high water
The Cave In Rock Ferry closed late Monday afternoon due to high water on the Ohio River. The ferry will remain closed until the water recedes to normal operating levels.
U.S. 60 closed at Union-Henderson line
U.S. 60 is closed at the Union-Henderson County Line as of 4:15 p.m., today. A highway crew had attempted to allow one-lane traffic through a flooded area between the 25 and 26 mile marker in Union County near Highland Creek. However, motorists have been driving past flaggers at the site creating a number of near-miss incidents in the last hour. Due to the hazards of driving along an extended area of flooded highway after dark, U.S. 60 has been closed to all traffic at this site.
Floodwaters are expected to continue to rise in this area, so it is not likely U.S. 60 can be reopened to traffic in the morning. Motorists who normally travel this section of U.S. 60 between Morganfield and Henderson should detour via Ky. 141 and Ky. 359 and Ky. 136 through Smith Mills. Motorists should slow down and use appropriate caution along this extended detour route.
Floodwaters are expected to continue to rise in this area, so it is not likely U.S. 60 can be reopened to traffic in the morning. Motorists who normally travel this section of U.S. 60 between Morganfield and Henderson should detour via Ky. 141 and Ky. 359 and Ky. 136 through Smith Mills. Motorists should slow down and use appropriate caution along this extended detour route.
Road closings
At least one road in Crittenden County is closed due to high water. Cool Springs Road is flooded and impassable from a swollen Tradewater River.
As of 11 a.m., the Kentucky Transportation Cabinets has listed the following road closure and warnings report:
HENDERSON COUNTY
ROADS CLOSED
UNION COUNTY
ROADS CLOSED
ROADS OPEN WITH HIGH WATER SIGNS ONLY AT THIS TIME
WEBSTER COUNTY
ROADS CLOSED
Motorists are reminded to use appropriate caution as water levels are likely to change during the day. Floodwaters are likely to drop at some locations and rise in others.
Whenever you encounter flood covered roadways that are not marked by high water or road closed signs, please report the specific location to your local 911 call center as quickly as possible.
As of 11 a.m., the Kentucky Transportation Cabinets has listed the following road closure and warnings report:
HENDERSON COUNTY
ROADS CLOSED
- KY 136 0-6 MM
- KY 414 0-1 MM
- KY 811 3-5 MM
- KY 812 2-5 MM
- KY 1557 2-3 MM
- KY 2247 0-1 MM
- KY 3522 0-1 MM
- KY 136 10 MM is open with high water signs up
UNION COUNTY
ROADS CLOSED
- KY 130 15.6 – 16 MM
- KY 667 1 - 16.544 MM
- KY 668 0 - 1MM
- KY 871 3 - 5.6 MM
- KY 1452 0 - 1.982 MM
- KY 1508 2.6 – 6 MM
- KY 1637 0 - 2.957 MM
ROADS OPEN WITH HIGH WATER SIGNS ONLY AT THIS TIME
- KY 141 14 – 18 MM
- KY 130 10 – 12 MM
- KY 760 0 - 2.6 MM
- US 60 18 – 19 MM
- US 60 24 - 26 MM
WEBSTER COUNTY
ROADS CLOSED
- KY 132 12-13MM
- KY 138 10.5-10.7
- KY 270 6-8MM
- KY 138 10MM is open with High Water signs up
Motorists are reminded to use appropriate caution as water levels are likely to change during the day. Floodwaters are likely to drop at some locations and rise in others.
Whenever you encounter flood covered roadways that are not marked by high water or road closed signs, please report the specific location to your local 911 call center as quickly as possible.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Adult ed, GED classes offered at Salem
The Livingston County Adult Center has scheduled a six-week adult education and GED class at Salem Springlake Health & Rehabilitation Center in Salem.
Enrollment, orientation and diagnostic testing for the class will be conducted from 4:30 to 7 p.m., on Tuesday and Dec. 13. Mandatory attendance is required. Actual classes with enrollees will begin starting Jan. 3.
Anyone who is interested should call 928-3777 for more information or to pre-enroll. Seating is limited.
Enrollment, orientation and diagnostic testing for the class will be conducted from 4:30 to 7 p.m., on Tuesday and Dec. 13. Mandatory attendance is required. Actual classes with enrollees will begin starting Jan. 3.
Anyone who is interested should call 928-3777 for more information or to pre-enroll. Seating is limited.
Friday, December 2, 2011
149th ends Operation New Dawn mission
By CAPT. ANDI HAHN
149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Public Affairs Officer
The 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade cased the brigade colors which represented the unit’s end of mission in support of Operation New Dawn Monday at Camp Liberty near Baghdad, Iraq.
The 149th MEB, which includes several soldiers from Crittenden County, served as the last garrison command of the largest and most intricate U.S. base in all of Iraq, Victory Base Complex. Their mission was to provide base defense operations and force protection for all of VBC as well as life support operations to sustain all tenants on the camp during the withdrawal of troops.
“We asked the 149th MEB to do the impossible,” said Brig. Gen. Paul J. LaCamera, Deputy Commanding General of the 25th Infantry Division. “We asked them to close the biggest base in Iraq while still providing life support and force protection to the significant population of service members and civilians that still remained. And they did it with overwhelming success.”
Victory Base Complex as become synonymous with the heartbeat and the center of gravity for U.S. operations during the Iraq campaigns. VBC alone consists of more than 60 miles of perimeter, 20,000 acres, 19 separate camps, and housed 24,000 service members and civilians at the height of this year.
The most challenging mission for the brigade was to working to transfer authority of all VBC to Iraq. This included transitioning several of the camps inside VBC to the Government of Iraq, Iraqi Ground Forces Command, Iraqi Special Operations Forces and the 6th Iraqi Army for force protection upon withdrawal from the base.
Col. Scott Campbell (pictured above, second from left), 149th MEB Commander and Crittenden County native, said it’s a momentous accomplishment for Task Force Legion and a significant contribution to the overall effort.
“We are on the verge of giving back the base better than we found it; peacefully transitioning the terrain we once fought for back to the sovereign nation of Iraq,” Campbell said. “This is a huge milestone but the mission in Iraq is not complete with the transfer of VBC.”
In the four months the 149th MEB was in command of garrison operations, they managed the prime power contract that provided power to over 6,000 personnel on VBC during the drawdown. They provided contracting officer representative support to 23 contracts valued at $470 million dollars and processed more than 600 work orders for tenants on the base.
“The 149th MEB accomplished a lot during their short, but critical time in Iraq,” LaCamera said. “I am humbled and honored to have worked alongside the leaders and Soldiers of Task Force Legion.”
(Editor's note: This story is reprinted with permission from Unbridled Service, the Kentucky National Guard's public affairs website.)
149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Public Affairs Officer
The 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade cased the brigade colors which represented the unit’s end of mission in support of Operation New Dawn Monday at Camp Liberty near Baghdad, Iraq.
The 149th MEB, which includes several soldiers from Crittenden County, served as the last garrison command of the largest and most intricate U.S. base in all of Iraq, Victory Base Complex. Their mission was to provide base defense operations and force protection for all of VBC as well as life support operations to sustain all tenants on the camp during the withdrawal of troops.
 | ||||
| PHOTO BY CAPT. ANDI HAHN, 149TH MEB |
“We asked the 149th MEB to do the impossible,” said Brig. Gen. Paul J. LaCamera, Deputy Commanding General of the 25th Infantry Division. “We asked them to close the biggest base in Iraq while still providing life support and force protection to the significant population of service members and civilians that still remained. And they did it with overwhelming success.”
Victory Base Complex as become synonymous with the heartbeat and the center of gravity for U.S. operations during the Iraq campaigns. VBC alone consists of more than 60 miles of perimeter, 20,000 acres, 19 separate camps, and housed 24,000 service members and civilians at the height of this year.
The most challenging mission for the brigade was to working to transfer authority of all VBC to Iraq. This included transitioning several of the camps inside VBC to the Government of Iraq, Iraqi Ground Forces Command, Iraqi Special Operations Forces and the 6th Iraqi Army for force protection upon withdrawal from the base.
Col. Scott Campbell (pictured above, second from left), 149th MEB Commander and Crittenden County native, said it’s a momentous accomplishment for Task Force Legion and a significant contribution to the overall effort.
“We are on the verge of giving back the base better than we found it; peacefully transitioning the terrain we once fought for back to the sovereign nation of Iraq,” Campbell said. “This is a huge milestone but the mission in Iraq is not complete with the transfer of VBC.”
In the four months the 149th MEB was in command of garrison operations, they managed the prime power contract that provided power to over 6,000 personnel on VBC during the drawdown. They provided contracting officer representative support to 23 contracts valued at $470 million dollars and processed more than 600 work orders for tenants on the base.
“The 149th MEB accomplished a lot during their short, but critical time in Iraq,” LaCamera said. “I am humbled and honored to have worked alongside the leaders and Soldiers of Task Force Legion.”
(Editor's note: This story is reprinted with permission from Unbridled Service, the Kentucky National Guard's public affairs website.)
U.S. 60 lanes restricted at Ledbetter
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to restrict traffic to one lane on the U.S. 60 Tennessee River Bridge at Ledbetter today for deck patching work.
Motorists can expect to encounter one lane traffic with alternating flow controlled by flaggers from about 11 a.m. to about 4 p.m.
Motorists should watch for slowing and stopped traffic in the work zone. Travel delays should be minimal, generally be less than four minutes.
Motorists should be alert for equipment, flaggers, and maintenance personnel on the bridge deck in close proximity to traffic flow. Appropriate caution is required.
Also known as the George Rogers Clark Memorial Bridge and The Ledbetter Bridge, the U.S. 60 Tennessee River Bridge connects McCracken County to Livingston County between Paducah and Ledbetter. The bridge is at U.S. 60 Livingston County mile point 0.0 and McCracken County mile point 19.718. The bridge was opened to traffic in 1931 and now carries approximately 7,800 vehicles across the Tennessee River in an average day.
Timely traffic advisories for the 12 counties of KyTC Highway District 1 are available by going to www.facebook.com/kytcdistrict1. You do not have to be a Facebook member to access this page.
Motorists can expect to encounter one lane traffic with alternating flow controlled by flaggers from about 11 a.m. to about 4 p.m.
Motorists should watch for slowing and stopped traffic in the work zone. Travel delays should be minimal, generally be less than four minutes.
Motorists should be alert for equipment, flaggers, and maintenance personnel on the bridge deck in close proximity to traffic flow. Appropriate caution is required.
Also known as the George Rogers Clark Memorial Bridge and The Ledbetter Bridge, the U.S. 60 Tennessee River Bridge connects McCracken County to Livingston County between Paducah and Ledbetter. The bridge is at U.S. 60 Livingston County mile point 0.0 and McCracken County mile point 19.718. The bridge was opened to traffic in 1931 and now carries approximately 7,800 vehicles across the Tennessee River in an average day.
Timely traffic advisories for the 12 counties of KyTC Highway District 1 are available by going to www.facebook.com/kytcdistrict1. You do not have to be a Facebook member to access this page.
No driver's license testing today
There will be no driver testing today at the Crittenden County Courthouse due to illness of the instructor. That includes no driving or written tests for individuals wanting to get a driver's license.
Public meeting on EMS Tuesday
Newcom said he has a meeting planned for today (Thursday) with hospital administrators in order to receive more specific financial data regarding the emergency medical service’s reported annual losses. With that information, Newcom hopes to provide the public with more answers regarding the issue.
The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Tuesday at the courthouse.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Cherry to not seek re-election
Cherry said he and his wife Gale, who is in public service as well as Princeton’s mayor, “feel this is the right time for me to step down. There is no single reason behind this hard decision, but I will be almost 70 at the end of this term, and I feel the job requires an energy and enthusiasm more often found in one younger. I will still look for, and hope to find, opportunities to be of service to my community and state.”
Next year's session of the Kentucky General Assembly will be his last. His term will end in early January 2013, after a new representative is elected in November 2012.
Area deaths
Vernice Martin, 55, of Eddyville died Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011 at Princeton Health and Rehabilitation. There are no public services. Boyd Funeral Directors is handling arrangements.
Frances Lou Gillette, 94, of Effingham, Ill., formerly of Livingston County, died Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011 at Parkview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Paducah. Funeral services are Sunday in the chapel of Boyd Funeral Directors.
Frances Lou Gillette, 94, of Effingham, Ill., formerly of Livingston County, died Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011 at Parkview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Paducah. Funeral services are Sunday in the chapel of Boyd Funeral Directors.
Carriage rides offered Saturday
Saturday’s Christmas celebration in Marion will offer more than the annual parade down Main Street at 2 p.m.
Lori’s Carriage Rides of Ozark, Ill., will be offering horse-drawn tours beginning at noon from the parking lot of First Cumberland Presbyterian Church on West Bellville Street. The cost of rides will be $3 per person. The carriages may seat up to six comfortably.
There will be a short break from the rides from 1:30 to 2:45 p.m., in order for the carriage to transport 2011 grand marshal Judy Winn along the parade route.
Lori’s Carriage Rides of Ozark, Ill., will be offering horse-drawn tours beginning at noon from the parking lot of First Cumberland Presbyterian Church on West Bellville Street. The cost of rides will be $3 per person. The carriages may seat up to six comfortably.
There will be a short break from the rides from 1:30 to 2:45 p.m., in order for the carriage to transport 2011 grand marshal Judy Winn along the parade route.
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