Livingston library to open next month

For Livingston County's 9,000-plus residents, a trip to the library used to mean as much as a half-hour trip across county lines to Marion or Paducah. But that will change early next month as Livingston opens the first ever public library in the county. Livingston County Judge-Executive Chris Lasher says the library project has been almost a decade in the making. It started in earnest about five years ago when designs were finalized and fundraising started.

For the complete story and an audio interview with Lasher, visit WKMS online.

Smithland dam project takes centerstage for AMP

For American Municipal Power Inc., a nonprofit wholesale power supplier to municipal electric systems based in Columbus, Ohio, hydropower is the No. 1 renewable energy source. To this end, AMP is moving forward with four developments along the Ohio River that will provide more than 300 megawatts of generating capacity for a majority of its 129 members in seven states.

AMP Chief Executive Officer Marc Gerken says hydropower has been “largely ignored” in recent discussions about alternative energy. “Hydro is not a new, shiny, sexy technology,” he said. It’s true, hydropower is not new. Hydroelectric generation comprised about 40 percent of total generation in the early 1900s. But by 2011, hydroelectricity accounted for just 7 percent, according to the National Hydropower Association.

The 72-megawatt Smithland project near Smithland, Ky., just one of AMP's four developments, will divert water from Smithland Locks and Dam through three horizontal 25.3-megawatt bulb turbines to generate an average gross annual output of about 379 gigawatt hours. The gross head of the project is 22 feet. The site will include an intake approach channel, a reinforced concrete powerhouse and a tailrace channel. A two-mile-long 161-kilovolt transmission line interconnection is planned to connect to MISO.

The $450 million Smithland project experienced some construction delays in May 2011 when continuous rains and backwater effect from the Mississippi River caused water to rise nearly to the crest of the cofferdam being installed to construct the powerhouse. Elevation at that part of the river had not reached such levels since 1937.

For the complete story, visit RenewableEnergyWorld.com.

Blasting for U.S. 641 begins in Crayne

After blasting today, work resumed on cutting a path through
the Crayne Knobs for the new, four-lane U.S. 641. Blasting will
continue until the adjacent knobs are tapered from the top down
in the form of a V in order to create a road bed between the two
topographic features.

A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KyTC)completed a test blast today as part of construction on the New U.S. 641 Corridor in Crittenden County. The test explosion was set off just before 1 p.m.

The test blast was to allow engineers to calculate the optimum amount of explosives required for excavation at the site as work goes forward.

Completion of the test blast should allow production blasting to begin in about seven to 10 days. The contractor plans blasts about every one to two days with all blasting at approximately noon. Blasting on the project will be isolated to the area between Crayne Cemetery Road and Lloyd Road southeast of the Crayne community. An audible safety warning horn will provide an advance notice near the blasting site.

The blasting site will be in the knobs area east of existing U.S. 641 between mile-points 2.565 and 3.188.

The contractor and transportation engineers will coordinate efforts to provide updated information to the public as the blasting schedule firms up.

Road Builders and Parkway Construction of Greenville is the Prime contractor on this $18.6 million highway improvement project to build a 4-lane section between Marion and Fredonia.

For pictures of today's activity, visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TheCrittendenPress.

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.

KU officially opens Morganfield facility

KU and area Morganfield officials get ready to cut the ribbon to
officially open a new facility in Morganfield.  They include (from left)
Kevin Sheilley of Northwest Kentucky Forward; Morganfield mayor
Bill Young; Union County Judge-Executive Jody Jenkins; Chris Hermann,
Senior VP, Energy Delivery for LG&E and KU; Brad Rives, Chief
Administrative Officer for LG&E and KU; Bob Burrow, KU
Morganfield Operations Team Leader; and former Morganfield mayor
Jerry Freer.

Fifty-four new jobs, improved customer service and a better command center for coping with weather emergencies — those are the benefits that Kentucky Utilities Co. officials said their $4.2 million newly opened customer service and operations center in Union County will provide.

For the complete story, visit The Gleaner online.

3-ton limit placed on U.S. 60 Ledbetter bridge

The deteriorating condition of the U.S. 60 Tennessee River bridge
between Ledbetter and Paducah has forced transportation officials
to reduce the span's weight limit to only 3-ton vehicles. For more
photos of the areas of concern along the bridge, visit The Crittenden
Press' on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheCrittendenPress.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is reducing the load limit on the U.S. 60 Tennessee River Bridge to three tons. The weight restriction was posted on Tuesday, essentially limiting the bridge to passenger vehicles and standard pick-up trucks only.

Jim LeFevre, chief district engineer of Department of Highways District 1 at Paducah, said the three-ton load limit is necessary for the safety of citizens who depend on the bridge to get to and from work. It also will help ensure that the bridge can remain in service until a new bridge currently under construction upstream can be completed, LeFevre said.

The new bridge, which is under construction 1,500 feet upstream from the existing structure, is on track for completion in mid-2014.

Also known as the George Rogers Clark Memorial Bridge and the Ledbetter Bridge, the span connects McCracken County to Livingston County between Paducah and Ledbetter. The two-lane bridge was opened to traffic in 1931 and carries approximately 7,700 vehicles across the Tennessee River in an average day. About 80 percent is private passenger vehicle and commuter traffic that will be unaffected by the three-ton limit.

However, the limit will restrict truck traffic for a number of major businesses, including the ADM Livingston Point Elevator, Three Rivers Boat and Barge in Ledbetter, Livingston County Livestock Auction and additional businesses in Livingston, McCracken and Crittenden counties.

LeFevre said he and other engineers involved in the decision recognize that the load limit reduction will mean a lengthy detour that will pose a hardship to area truckers and some businesses.

“However, we believe at this time it is best to use caution as we work to maintain the existing structure while the new bridge is being constructed,” LeFevre said.

LeFevre said engineers will evaluate the possibility of repairs, though repair work that would force temporary closure of the bridge, perhaps for several months, would be impractical.

In 2007 the bridge was reduced to a 28-ton load limit for several weeks to allow deck reinforcement and pier cap repairs. Completion of that work allowed trucks to again cross with load limits only on certain types of trucks.

However, cabinet engineers in District 1 and at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet central office in Frankfort concluded, after analyzing results of an inspection completed in October 2011, that the deck, superstructure and substructure of the bridge had deteriorated enough to require the lower weight posting.

"Our prime concern here is the safety of the public. The bridge is safe for passenger vehicles and standard pick-up trucks.  We are not comfortable allowing larger vehicles to cross the bridge at this time," LeFevre noted.

Livingston County Judge-Executive Chris Lasher said he recognized the hardship on the affected businesses.  However, he said he agreed that maintaining the safety of the bridge for everyone should take priority.

Portable message boards have been placed at each end of the bridge to alert motorists of the load limit.  Signs are also up on U.S. 60 near the nine-mile marker in Livingston County and at the west edge of Marion in Crittenden County to alert trucks and travelers well before they reach the bridge. These message board are expected to remain in place several weeks to familiarize drivers with the weight restriction. More permanent signage should be up by the end of the week.

McCracken and Livingston County authorities will strictly be enforcing the weight limit. According to Kentucky law, violators can be fined up to $500 and/or sentenced to 30 days in jail.

Redistricting plan passes, keeping Crittenden in same House District 4 with Livingston and Caldwell counties

The Kentucky House of Representatives voted 63-34 Thursday afternoon to approve a redistricting plan that reshapes the commonwealth's 100 House districts. The new boundaries would remove McCracken County precincts from District 4 that includes the entirety of Crittenden, Livingston and Caldwell counties and replace them with precincts in north to central Trigg County. (Click on the above map to enlarge.)

     LRC PUBLIC INFORMATION

Rep. Mike Cherry (D-Princeton) chair of the House State Government
Committee, presides over consideration of a redistricting bill.

An earlier report here had erroneously depicted a Republican proposed map introduced as an an alternative to the above map. That map was defeated in favor of the redistricting now shown here.

The bill passed by the house was filed by Cherry with lines drawn by House leadership, including Speaker Greg Stumbo (D-Prestonsburg). The final vote was largely along party lines in the House, where Democrats outnumber Republicans 59-41.

The House-approved map now heads to the Senate for approval. Changes to the plan are expected.

Survey will help drive health services in area

Local officials are asking residents to take a moment to complete the Crittenden County Quality of Life and Community Perceptions Survey. The purpose of this survey is to get your opinion about community health problems.

The Crittenden Health Improvement Partnership committee will be provided with the results of this survey to help identify the most pressing problems and help address them in Crittenden County.

All information provided will be kept confidential. Your opinion is important, and the survey takes fewer than 10 minutes. Thus far, the following number of people have completed the surveys:

• Crittenden: 47 completed
• Caldwell: 98 completed
• Livingston: 108 completed
• Lyon: 34 completed
• Trigg: 46 completed

Click here to begin taking the survey if you are from Crittenden County. If you live in another county directed by the Pennyrile District Health Department, click on the respective link below:

• https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/caldwellky
• https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/livingstonky
• https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/lyonky
• https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/trigg

Highway crews ready for wintery weather

Highway crews across Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KyTC) Districts 1 and 2 of western Kentucky are prepared to respond to an approaching winter weather system.

For the most part, the area has had light snow reported in all counties. The heaviest snow squalls have been across the northern half of the area. The pavement temperatures are holding in the mid 30’s.

KyTC rews are monitoring bridges, overpasses, and other potential trouble spots across the region. All crews have trucks loaded and are on standby to roll out quickly as the developing weather system requires.

"Our main concern is that as temperatures drop through the day and high winds help chill roadway surface temperatures there will be a potential for slick spots to develop fairly quickly," said Keith Todd, KyTC spokesman. "Crews are prepared to operate 24/7 as required over the next few days as temperatures are expected to drop into the 20’s the next two or three nights."

Motorists are asked to do their part to improve their own safety by reducing their driving speed to meet localized weather conditions. Drivers are advised to monitor area news media outlets for weather updates, particularly through the evening and overnight hours.

For timely updates, visit KyTC's facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/KYTCDistrict1 or http://www.facebook.com/KYTCDistrict2. District 1 covers Crittenden County.

Wanted Marion man apprehended

UPDATE

At approximately 2:30 p.m., today, James “Eddie” Millikan was arrested after authorities received an anonymous tip. Millikan was lodged in the Henderson County Jail.

- - - - -

Crittenden County TipLine is now offering a $500 reward for information leading to the arrest of James "Eddie" Millikan.

Millikan

State Police have issued a warrant for his arrest on charges of third-degree burglary, a Class D felony.

Millikan, 35, is wanted in connection with a burglary on Long Branch Road in rural Crittenden County in which more than $10,000 in items were stolen, including a number of cases of ammunition.

Millikan is 5-foot-10 and weighs 190 pounds. He has brown hair and blue eyes.

Anyone with information can call 965-3000 and remain anonymous.

Whitfield to seek re-election

Rep. Whitfield

Congressman Ed Whitfield, a Hopkinsville Republican, has announced his intentions to seek a 10th term representing Kentucky’s First Congressional District on Capitol Hill. No one has yet to file against the incumbent, who has held the office since 1995. If re-elected, he would become the second longest serving representative of the district. Noble J. Gregory, a Democrat, held the seat from 1937 to 1959.

In other election filings, former Congressman Carol Hubbard (D-Mayfield) has filed to run for the Senate District 1 seat in Frankfort. The seat is currently held by Crittenden County native Ken Winters, a Murray Republican. Winters has not decided if he will seek re-election to a third term.

Area death

Edgar "Clay" Richardson, 86, of Marion died Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2012 at Livingston Hospital and Health Services. Funeral services are Friday at Gilbert Funeral Home.

Area death

Cozette Ray Casper, 102, of Hampton died Monday, Jan. 9, 2012 at Paducah Center for Health and Rehabilitation. Funeral services are at 1 p.m., Thursday in the chapel of Boyd Funeral Directors.

Consumers warned of 'tech support' scam

Attorney General Jack Conway is alerting consumers about a new telemarketing scam that is making its way across Kentucky. Conway’s Office of Consumer Protection has received more than two dozen complaints since mid-November about a “Tech Support” telemarketing scam. Consumers report that the scammers impersonate tech support specialists who claim to have detected a virus on the victims’ computer.

“This is just another attempt by scammers to gain access to personal financial information and for the purpose of identity theft,” Conway said. “Never share personal information over the telephone with a stranger.”

For the complete story, visit the Kentucky Enquirer online.

Governor urges Kentuckians to apply for IRS's Earned Income Tax Credit

Gov. Steve Beshear Monday joined other officials to launch his annual campaign to urge eligible Kentuckians to apply for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a refundable federal tax credit for low- and middle-income working individuals and families.

“This tax credit is an extremely valuable resource for low-wage earning taxpayers struggling in this difficult economy, and I want to make certain that every Kentuckian eligible for this benefit receives it,” Beshear said. “In addition, an estimated 97 percent of received funds from this credit are infused back into local communities, thus boosting Kentucky business and benefiting local economies.”

In tax year 2010, Kentuckians filed nearly 400,000 EITC claims for a total of more than $876 million in benefits statewide. The average awarded credit was $2,200. According to the Internal Revenue Service, an estimated 15 to 20 percent of eligible workers still do not claim their EITC benefits, mostly due to lack of awareness.

Beshear announced a list of nearly 200 free tax preparation sites across the state where trained and IRS-certified volunteers will assist Kentuckians with filing their taxes and applying for EITC. To find information about these sites, including addresses, phone numbers and if appointments are required, visit http://assistance.ky.gov/.

For information about tax preparation, taxpayers may call Community Action Kentucky at 1-800-456-3452.

Eligibility for the EITC is based on income and household composition, as is the amount of the credit. Families who earned up to $49,078 in 2011 can be eligible for EITC. More extensive qualification information is also available at http://assistance.ky.gov/.

Beshear applauded the many organizations across the state working to bring awareness and provide easily accessible and free tax assistance to Kentuckians.

Winter about to invade Kentucky

From the KPA News Content Service
So far, this winter hasn't behaved much like a typical winter. But all that is about to change later this week.

Tuesday and Wednesday will remain mild with highs in the mid-40s to low 50s, according to the National Weather Service's Paducah office.

But all that changes on Thursday and Friday as cold air from Canada invades Kentucky. That will mean temperatures in the 30s and 20s later in the week, but it also means there will be a slight chance of snow showers Thursday afternoon and evening, the Weather Service said.

Lows will be in the teens during the upcoming cold spell.

Area death

Leealema Pauline Duncan Nichols, 67, of Providence died Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012 at Regional Medical Center in Madisonville. Services are scheduled for Thursday at Gilbert Funeral Home.

Police: Bath salt abusers sometimes turn violent

A Frankfort-area official said authorities have run into four incidents involving bath salts and violence within the last two weeks. And after three jailers at Franklin County Regional Jail were bitten by alleged users of the synthetic drug, Franklin County Sheriff Pat Melton says the issue has “unequivocally exploded.”

An emergency amendment to House Bill 185, which bans some chemicals used in bath salts within the state, was introduced in the state House of Representatives Tuesday to “expand the definition” of chemicals that are on the ban list.

For the complete story, visit The State Journal online.

Blasting for U.S. 641 project to start in Crayne

As part of construction on the new U.S. 641 corridor in Crittenden County, Kentucky transportation officials say test blasting has been scheduled to take place next week, possibly as early at Wednesday.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KyTC) reports production blasting in the Crayne area is expected to begin seven to 10 days after the test shot has been performed next week. Once this starts, blasting will continue about every one to two days and will take place at noon on the days it will be done.

Blasting for the $18.6 million project will be isolated to the area between Crayne Cemetery Road and Lloyd Road southeast of the Crayne community. Residents living in that area will hear an audible warning signal before blasting takes place.

The contractor, Road Builders and Parkway Construction of Greenville, and KyTC engineers will coordinate efforts to provide updated information to the public as the test shot schedule firms up over the next several days. Once the test blast is executed, production blasting is expected to commence approximately one week from that day

The highway improvement project to build a four-lane section between Marion and Fredonia has been more than a decade in the works.

Area death

Judy Easley, 65, of Marion died Friday, Jan. 6, 2012 at Crittenden Health Systems. She was a retired elementary teacher from Crittenden County's school system. Services are scheduled for Sunday at Gilbert Funeral Home.

Local man wanted for questioning by authorities

Police say they are looking for a local man wanted in questioning regarding some active burglary cases in the county.

James Edward "Eddie" Millikan, 35, of Marion is believed to be in Crittenden or Webster counties. He is described as a white male, 5-foot-10, 190 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes.

Kentucky State Police, Marion Police Department and the Crittenden County Sheriff's Department are each involved in the investigation.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Millikan is asked to call the Marion Police Department at 965-3500.