Monday, November 21, 2016
CCHS Volleyball Awards Presented
Sunday, November 20, 2016
Woman injured in Friday crash
Kentucky State Police investigated a single-vehicle, injury-collision that occurred on US 60 East of Marion Friday night during heavy rainfall.
The preliminary investigation revealed Kelly N. Schaeffer, 20, of Murray was operating her 1998 Ford Explorer eastbound when the vehicle began to hydroplane off onto the left shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle left the highway and dropped down into the ditch on the north side causing it to overturn toward the passenger side. The vehicle rolled down the north ditch where it came to final rest.
The driver was the only occupant and was transported by a passer-by to the Crittenden Hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the collision.
Crittenden County Rescue Squad and the Marion Police Department assisted with the investigation.
Crittenden holiday closings scheduled
All City of Marion and state offices will be closed Thursday and Friday in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, and most Crittenden County Courthouse offices will be closed beginning at noon next Wednesday and remain closed until Monday. The judge-executive’s office, however, will be open all day Wednesday.
Meantime, the public library, Extension service, senior center and mineral museum will be closed Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday. The library and mineral museum will re-open Saturday.
Crittenden County Convenience Center will be closed Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Federal offices, including the postal service, will be closed Thanksgiving Day only. The mail will be delivered Friday and Saturday.
The Crittenden Press will be closed Thanksgiving Day and Friday, meaning the deadline for next week’s issue of The Early Bird will be moved up to 5 p.m. Tuesday.
Meantime, the public library, Extension service, senior center and mineral museum will be closed Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday. The library and mineral museum will re-open Saturday.
Crittenden County Convenience Center will be closed Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Federal offices, including the postal service, will be closed Thanksgiving Day only. The mail will be delivered Friday and Saturday.
The Crittenden Press will be closed Thanksgiving Day and Friday, meaning the deadline for next week’s issue of The Early Bird will be moved up to 5 p.m. Tuesday.
Friday, November 18, 2016
Cabin fire gets out of control
Firefighters from several stations in Livingston and Crittenden counties are battling a wildfire between Burna and Smithland near the rock quarry. The fire apparently started at a cabin where hunters were staying. No other details were immediately available.
Early Bird deadline moved up
The Crittenden Press will be closed Thanksgiving Day and next Friday, meaning the deadline for the Nov. 29 issue of The Early Bird will be moved up to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22.
Students invited to participate in Legion scholarship contest
Area students 20 and under who attend high schools or are home-schooled in the 1st District of the Kentucky American Legion are invited to participate in the 2017 American Legion Oratorical Scholarship Contest with an opportunity to win up to $18,000 in unfettered scholarships.
The 1st District consists of schools/students from Crittenden, Livingston, Lyon, Caldwell and several other western Kentucky counties. The contest will be conducted Sunday, Jan. 22 at the Murray/Calloway County Senior Citizens Center at 2 p.m. The center is located at 607 Poplar St. in Murray.
Contestants will be required to present a prepared oration 8-10 minutes in duration on some aspect of the Constitution of the United States with an emphasis on the duties and obligations of citizens to our government. Contestants will also be required to speak for 3-5 minutes about an assigned topic that will be drawn from these four Amendments: 7, 10, 16 and 17.
Students interested in competing can obtain complete rules by going to AmericanLegion.org and clicking on “Oratorical Contest.” All students need to either contact their local American Legion Post or email District Coordinator Mark Kennedy at usmc1965@bellsouth.net. Those without email can call Kennedy at (270) 752-3333 to receive a pamphlet by mail.
The 1st District consists of schools/students from Crittenden, Livingston, Lyon, Caldwell and several other western Kentucky counties. The contest will be conducted Sunday, Jan. 22 at the Murray/Calloway County Senior Citizens Center at 2 p.m. The center is located at 607 Poplar St. in Murray.
Contestants will be required to present a prepared oration 8-10 minutes in duration on some aspect of the Constitution of the United States with an emphasis on the duties and obligations of citizens to our government. Contestants will also be required to speak for 3-5 minutes about an assigned topic that will be drawn from these four Amendments: 7, 10, 16 and 17.
Students interested in competing can obtain complete rules by going to AmericanLegion.org and clicking on “Oratorical Contest.” All students need to either contact their local American Legion Post or email District Coordinator Mark Kennedy at usmc1965@bellsouth.net. Those without email can call Kennedy at (270) 752-3333 to receive a pamphlet by mail.
Thursday, November 17, 2016
Area deaths
World War II veteran and local farmer Gilbert Martin Cloyd, 101, died Wednesday. Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
June Young Driver Norman, 83, died Wednesday. Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements.
June Young Driver Norman, 83, died Wednesday. Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements.
Chamber looking for parade grand marshal
Once again the Chamber of Commerce is looking for candidates to be considered for grand marshal of its Christmas parade slated for 5 p.m. Dec. 3. Names must be submitted to the Chamber by Monday.
The grand marshal title is presented to an individual or group who has consistently made a difference in the community but has not received public recognition for their contributions. Often this will be a person who gets a project completed or makes sure everything is done with little or no self-promoting. Many times, this person or group work on their own time and, generally, are not compensated. They go beyond the normal demands and may also involve service to country or a non-profit or include positions achieved on state, national or international level.
Candidate choices may be mailed to: Crittenden County Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 164, Marion, KY 42064; or email to susan@crittendenchamber.org.
Call the Chamber at (270) 965-5015 for further information.
Meantime, applications for parade entries may be picked up at the Marion Welcome Center.
The grand marshal title is presented to an individual or group who has consistently made a difference in the community but has not received public recognition for their contributions. Often this will be a person who gets a project completed or makes sure everything is done with little or no self-promoting. Many times, this person or group work on their own time and, generally, are not compensated. They go beyond the normal demands and may also involve service to country or a non-profit or include positions achieved on state, national or international level.
Candidate choices may be mailed to: Crittenden County Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 164, Marion, KY 42064; or email to susan@crittendenchamber.org.
Call the Chamber at (270) 965-5015 for further information.
Meantime, applications for parade entries may be picked up at the Marion Welcome Center.
High winds heighten fire dangers
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| No-burn order in effect. No outdoor burning of any type is allowed. |
The cold front approaching Friday will bring with it an increase in south to southwest winds, gusting up to 20 mph. This will combine with hot, dry conditions during the afternoon to produce an elevated risk for wildfires. Fires could spread quickly and potentially burn out of control. Open burns could spread to wooded areas and homes.
The relief from Friday’s rains will be only temporary, as rainfall totals are forecast between only one-third and one-half inch.
There are currently 85 counties with outdoor burning bans in place. Visit the division’s Facebook page at Kentucky Division of Forestry to view a complete list.
“While others are out enjoying the beautiful weather, division firefighters, other state agency personnel and countless local fire department firefighters will be risking their lives to protect Kentucky’s forests, homes and communities,” said Director Bill Steele Jr. “I urge every Kentuckian to do their part in protecting them by not setting any fires.”
Most wildfires in Kentucky are caused by careless debris burning and arson, therefore, the division is urging citizens to report any information about arson to the division or a local law enforcement agency. Other outdoor burning laws to consider include open burning regulations and legal disposal methods.
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
What's news this week in Crittenden County...
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| Zero-burn order enacted |
For the rest of this story and the following headlines, pick up a copy of this week's issue of The Crittenden Press:
- Drought conditions lead to countywide burn ban
- KU seeking rate increase for upgrades
- Fake $20 bills passed locally
- Man, 38, pleads guilty to child porn charges
- Grand jury indicts 9 last week
- Detention center taking in about $30,000 extra
- Community honors Korean War vets, dedicates memorial cross
- Legion hosts Veterans Day service
- FORGOTTEN PASSAGES: Community news records history of communities
- Chamber urging city holiday spree
- Christmas angel trees up Friday
- Church offering free holiday meal
- OPINION: Electoral College worth keeping
- OPINION: 3 ‘V’s of America: Vets, voters, vision
- OPINION: America too new to understand consequences of presidential elections
- OPINION: Election 2016 results: How, why God put Trump in oval office
- Ky. grocery prices fall
- Bible-based, 12-step program offers healing for participants
- 4-H organization thankful for volunteers
- Dine In Dec. 3 promotes family time at the table
- Ky. set for record soybean harvest
- CCES Rocket Role Models NAMED
- SPORTS: Epic meltdown scuttles Rockets playoff run
- VAUGHT'S VIEWS: Hardin expected to be star for UK women
- OUTDOORS: Supermoon affects hunting
- OUTDOORS: Dry weather may not impact waterfowl hunters
- Smithland bridge plans revealed
- September jobless rate up in county
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Area Death
Former school teacher Harold Wayne Grace, 68, of Marion died Monday. Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Monday, November 14, 2016
Area death
Dortha Helen Cosby Jones, 79, of Marion died Friday. Myers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Burn ban ordered in county
Crittenden County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom has issued a an executive order this morning declaring a burn ban for the county until further notice.
The ban has been necessitated by the lack of rainfall over the past two months. The ban will be in force until sufficient moisture has been realized, the judge said.
It is particularly important that hunters camping for deer season understand that this ban includes campfires.
The ban has been necessitated by the lack of rainfall over the past two months. The ban will be in force until sufficient moisture has been realized, the judge said.
It is particularly important that hunters camping for deer season understand that this ban includes campfires.
Meeting presents options for new Smithland bridge
FROM THE CRITTENDEN PRESS, NOV. 3, 2016
The next step toward a new bridge over the Cumberland River at Smithland will take place this week.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the Federal Highway Administration have scheduled a public meeting to discuss the replacement of the U.S. 60 Cumberland River Bridge in Smithland.
KyTC District 1 Chief Engineer Mike McGregor urges anyone having an interest in the project to attend.
“We’ll have displays available to illustrate the design for reconstruction of the Smithland Bridge available for public review and comment,” McGregor said. “This meeting will offer the public an opportunity to discuss the project with our engineering and design staff, as well as with consulting engineers from Stantec.”
The meeting is not for just Livingston County residents, but anyone who may travel across the bridge, which includes many Crittenden Countians on a regular basis for school, work, shopping and doctor visits. It will run from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the KyTC Smithland Section Office at 811 U.S. 60 East. The section office is along U.S. 60 just east of the bridge and east of the Livingston County Fairgrounds entrance.
The Kentucky Legislature included $870,000 in its Road Plan for utilities and right-of-way acquisition. Another $15 million was penciled in for construction in Fiscal Year 2018.
Regardless, a new bridge is still a few years away.
"The main thing is that this will allow us to move ahead with right of way acquisition, which is about a year-long process," said KyTC spokesman Keith Todd. "That would set things up to move ahead once full funding for construction becomes available."
McGregor said participants can provide both written and oral comments at the meeting. Comment sheets will be distributed, and a court stenographer will be available for those who desire to make a written or oral statement.
While McGregor encourages attendance at the meeting, citizens who are unable to attend may submit comments in writing before Nov. 30. Comments may be addressed to Chris Kuntz, Project Development Branch Manager, Department of Highways District 1 Office, 5501 Kentucky Dam Road, Paducah, KY 42003.
The meeting will be an informal format with opportunities to view displays and ask questions. Transportation employees and their consultants will have exhibits at the meeting and will share information with the public concerning the project design and future right-of-way acquisition impact. Materials presented at the public meeting will be available for review at the KyTC District 1 office in Paducah until Nov. 30. Office hours for the District 1 office are 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Comments may also be provided at the time of the visit.
The existing U.S. 60 Cumberland River Bridge at Smithland is also known as the Lucy Jefferson Lewis Memorial Bridge and the Smithland Bridge. The 1,817-foot through-truss structure was opened to traffic in 1931. About 5,100 vehicles cross the bridge in an average day.
Per executive order, KyTC is seeking to engage low-income and minority populations that may be present in the project area. This engagement would facilitate the identification of all potential impacts to underserved populations and the development of a range of minimization and mitigation measures that would serve to offset potential effects.
The next step toward a new bridge over the Cumberland River at Smithland will take place this week.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the Federal Highway Administration have scheduled a public meeting to discuss the replacement of the U.S. 60 Cumberland River Bridge in Smithland.
KyTC District 1 Chief Engineer Mike McGregor urges anyone having an interest in the project to attend.
“We’ll have displays available to illustrate the design for reconstruction of the Smithland Bridge available for public review and comment,” McGregor said. “This meeting will offer the public an opportunity to discuss the project with our engineering and design staff, as well as with consulting engineers from Stantec.”
The meeting is not for just Livingston County residents, but anyone who may travel across the bridge, which includes many Crittenden Countians on a regular basis for school, work, shopping and doctor visits. It will run from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the KyTC Smithland Section Office at 811 U.S. 60 East. The section office is along U.S. 60 just east of the bridge and east of the Livingston County Fairgrounds entrance.
The Kentucky Legislature included $870,000 in its Road Plan for utilities and right-of-way acquisition. Another $15 million was penciled in for construction in Fiscal Year 2018.
Regardless, a new bridge is still a few years away.
"The main thing is that this will allow us to move ahead with right of way acquisition, which is about a year-long process," said KyTC spokesman Keith Todd. "That would set things up to move ahead once full funding for construction becomes available."
McGregor said participants can provide both written and oral comments at the meeting. Comment sheets will be distributed, and a court stenographer will be available for those who desire to make a written or oral statement.
While McGregor encourages attendance at the meeting, citizens who are unable to attend may submit comments in writing before Nov. 30. Comments may be addressed to Chris Kuntz, Project Development Branch Manager, Department of Highways District 1 Office, 5501 Kentucky Dam Road, Paducah, KY 42003.
The meeting will be an informal format with opportunities to view displays and ask questions. Transportation employees and their consultants will have exhibits at the meeting and will share information with the public concerning the project design and future right-of-way acquisition impact. Materials presented at the public meeting will be available for review at the KyTC District 1 office in Paducah until Nov. 30. Office hours for the District 1 office are 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Comments may also be provided at the time of the visit.
The existing U.S. 60 Cumberland River Bridge at Smithland is also known as the Lucy Jefferson Lewis Memorial Bridge and the Smithland Bridge. The 1,817-foot through-truss structure was opened to traffic in 1931. About 5,100 vehicles cross the bridge in an average day.
Per executive order, KyTC is seeking to engage low-income and minority populations that may be present in the project area. This engagement would facilitate the identification of all potential impacts to underserved populations and the development of a range of minimization and mitigation measures that would serve to offset potential effects.
Friday, November 11, 2016
Rifle Deer Season Opens Saturday
A banquet of acorns set across Mother Nature’s table will have whitetails and hunters alike parked amid the wooded hills and valleys of Crittenden County as modern firearms deer season opens at the crack of dawn tomorrow.
The season runs 16 consecutive days through Sunday, Nov. 27. Hunters are allowed one antlered deer and just about as many antlerless females as they care to harvest – properly licensed, of course.
“White oaks were really heavy this year and we’ve had some good red oaks, too,” said Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife biologist Philip Sharp.
To check in a deer, call 1-800-CHK-GAME.
For more on the season's outlook and the trophy status of local bucks, see this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press, on sale at area newsstands.
The season runs 16 consecutive days through Sunday, Nov. 27. Hunters are allowed one antlered deer and just about as many antlerless females as they care to harvest – properly licensed, of course.
“White oaks were really heavy this year and we’ve had some good red oaks, too,” said Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife biologist Philip Sharp.
To check in a deer, call 1-800-CHK-GAME.
For more on the season's outlook and the trophy status of local bucks, see this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press, on sale at area newsstands.
Veterans honored locally
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| Boy Scouts salute the flag during a ceremony at Mapleview Cemetery. |
Crittenden County veterans were honored at two ceremonies this morning. The school district hosted its annual Veterans Day ceremony at Rocket Arena with students and the public in attendance. American Legion Post 111 in Marion also held its annual tribute to veterans with a traditional 11 a.m. service at Mapleview Cemetery war memorial.
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| Veterans were recognized by military branch at a ceremony at Rocket Arena. |
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| Veterans salute during the playing of "Taps" at Mapleview Cemetery. |
Umpires wanted for high school
The Second Region – which includes Crittenden and other nearby counties – is needing high school baseball umpires for spring 2017 season. Pay is good. For more information, call assigning secretary for baseball umpires Matt Bell 270-871-6956.
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