Detonations to level old Ledbetter Bridge

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet photo

Due to a slow start on the cutting process and the potential for weather issues this week, the use of explosives for the controlled demolition of a truss on the old Ledbetter Bridge at Paducah has been rescheduled for 8 a.m. Tuesday. The demolition was originally slated for Thursday.

A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KyTC) has been saw-cutting to prepare the first section of the U.S. 60 bridge over the Tennessee River.

The contractor is cutting the left descending truss on the McCracken side of the river in key locations. The saw work will weaken the truss so it can be taken down by the controlled explosion. The cuts will allow the truss to break into about ten 40-foot sections when explosions knock the truss from the piers.

The detonation on Tuesday will be the first controlled explosion, said KyTC spokesman Keith Todd. Two more controlled explosions, about one a week, will be required to bring down the other two main truss spans.

“They will be followed by some additional detonations to bring down the concrete piers,” Todd added.
He noted that the agency, the contractor and area law enforcement are making arrangements for the public to observe the detonation from a safe distance.

“We plan to restrict westbound traffic to one lane on the new U.S. 60 Tennessee River bridge. The public will be allowed to park along the westbound approach to the new bridge. Anyone who wants to observe the explosion can then walk up onto the new bridge which overlooks the demolition project,” Todd said. “Westbound U.S. 60 traffic will be moved to the left-hand, or passing lane, and will remain open.  There will be no stopping or parking on the new bridge to assure there is room for the public and traffic flow is maintained.”

The public may also observe the detonation from Delta Road on the Livingston County side of the river.

There will be a strictly enforce 1,500-foot clear zone around the blast site. Homeowners within that clear zone may stay in their homes or join the public to observe the demolition work from the new bridge.

Homecoming parade Sept. 18

Football homecoming week will be next week. The parade will be at 5 p.m. Sept. 18. Al and Angela Starnes have been chosen as grand marshals. To register a spot in the parade, contact Kim Vince at (270) 965-2248 or email kim.vince@crittenden.kyschools.us. The deadline to register for the parade is Thursday.

Governor orders flags to half-staff on 9/11 in observance of Patriot Day

Gov.  Steve Beshear today has directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Thursday in observance of Patriot Day.

In accordance with a presidential proclamation, Patriot Day serves in memory and to honor the innocent Americans and people from around the world who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

“It is difficult to believe the appalling attacks of 9/11 occurred thirteen years ago, as the pain and aftershock of the tragedy still deeply resonates with all Americans,” said Gov. Beshear.  “Let us keep the friends and family members of the victims in our thoughts and prayers as we continue toward building a more peaceful, thoughtful and unified nation and world.”

Gov. Beshear encourages individuals, businesses, organizations and government agencies to join in this tribute.

Wife of former Gov. Julian Carroll dies

Charlann Harting Carroll, the wife of former Kentucky governor and current state Sen. Julian Carroll of Frankfort, died about 5:30 Wednesday morning at University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital. She was 81. Dave Cobb, a close friend of the Carroll family, confirmed the death. The Carrolls had been married since July 22, 1951.

Simulcast: Beth Moore at Marion Baptist

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Former city councilman dies

Jim Brown

Jim Brown, 84, a former Marion City Councilman, has died. He had been in an assisted living facility in Indiana.

Brown was also a former city police officer and ran for sheriff at one point during the 1990s.

Off Road Blowout: Sturgis

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Area death

Lanna Kay Wheeler, 61, of Henderson died Sept. 4, 2014, at Methodist Hospital in Henderson. Boyd Funeral Directors in Salem is handling arrangements.

Simulcast at Marion Baptist

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Board of education approves tax rate increase

Crittenden County Board of Education tonight approved a 4-percent property tax rate increase. The additional 1.7 cents per $100 of assessed value will be reflected on 2014 tax bills delivered this autumn.

The measure was approved 3-2 after more than two hours of public comments.

Read more in next week's issue of The Crittenden Press.

Area death

Robert Eugene Hall, 61, of Joy died Sept. 3, 2014, at his home. Boyd Funeral Directors in Salem is handling arrangements.

Routine flushing of city's water system could create disruption

A routine flushing of Marion's water system next week could cause a disruption in normal service to customers.

Starting Sunday night, according to Marion City Administrator Mark Bryant, the city's water department will begin flushing different areas of the system daily over a five-day period. Each day, the scheduled flushing is to begin at 9 p.m.

Bryant said the flushing will be done at night to create as little disruption as possible for customers.

During the flushing, which helps to cleanse the system, he said customers may experience low pressure, air in the water or discoloration.

Next Thursday is set to be the final day of flushing the water system.

Bluegrass Poll: Gaining momentum, McConnell holds 4-point advantage over Grimes

The re-election campaign of U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has gained momentum in the last month, propelled by huge leads over Democrat Alison Lundergan Grimes in Western and Eastern Kentucky and among men, according to a new Bluegrass Poll. With less than 10 weeks until Election Day, the poll of 569 likely voters shows McConnell with a 4-point lead over Grimes, up from a 2 point margin a month ago. McConnell now leads Grimes 46 percent to 42 percent, with Libertarian candidate David Patterson at 5 percent.

For the full story, visit The Herald-Leader online.

Most Ky voters in poll want $10.10 minimum wage

A majority of Kentucky voters want the federal government to raise the minimum wage, but say workers should be allowed to hold jobs at unionized businesses without joining the union or paying its dues. Meanwhile, voters are split on whether Democrats or Republicans are best suited to control the Kentucky House of Representatives, which is divided on both issues — largely along party lines. The latest Bluegrass Poll gauged the opinions of 647 registered voters on all three issues ahead of the Labor Day weekend.

For more, visit The Courier Journal online.

What's News in Marion

Even though there was a holiday on Monday, The Crittenden Press printed edition is out right on time today.

In this week's Press see what's happening with freshmen like Kane Hill, pictured on the weight scales at right with Tri-River Health nurse practitioner Kristee Shoulders.

Here are some other stories in this week's newspaper:

• School tax vote Sept. 11
• Monarch's fate tied to weeds
• Remembering Rick Riley
• Living Proof: Simulcast Marion Baptist
• Fohs Hall fundraising BBQ
• Underdown: Boston and Sons legacy
• Woman's Club: 94th Birthday
• Local woman performs at state fair
• Fitness buffs Glow Friday at park
• Junior Pro Football pictures
• Soccer team wins something big
• Corey Crider performs with children

The Press is on sale now at newsstands in Marion, Fredonia and Salem.

Poll: Two-thirds oppose change so Paul can run for Senate, president simultaneously

Though U.S. Sen. Rand Paul is generating national buzz as he flirts with running for the White House in 2016, voters in Kentucky are not as enthused by the idea, according to the latest Bluegrass Poll. Kentucky voters still have an overall positive view of Paul, but they're divided and lukewarm about what Paul should do in the future, the poll found. Two-thirds of respondents did agree on one thing about the senator: They do not support changing Kentucky law to allow Paul to run for president and his Senate seat simultaneously in 2016.

For the full story, visit The Herald-Leader online.

Area death

Mike Foreman, 66, of Crittenden County died Sept. 1, 2014, at Ferrell Hospital in Eldorado, Ill. Whitsell Funeral Home in Sturgis is handling arrangements.

Community Victory Garden Distribution Day

Gail Brazeau picks peppers at the Victory Garden.

Fresh vegetables and fruits are available starting at 9 a.m., this morning at the Victory Garden. 

The best way to get to the community garden is from the north corner of Shopko's parking lot.

Distribution is from 9-10 each Tuesday. Produce is available to anyone who wants it. This is not merely a low-income program.

A variety of produce is available including sweet corn, tomatoes, okra, beans, squash, cucumbers and much more.