Specialty crops, pastures taking beating from weather

At more than a month of only trace amounts of rain, the heat and dry conditions are starting to take a toll on growers.

"We have some nervous soybean farmers," said Dee Heimgartner, Crittenden County Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent, of growers waiting on double-crop beans to mature under withering conditions.

Coupled with the lack of rain, temperatures 10 degrees higher than normal in September also dried out lawns and pastures. Kentucky pastureland is  suffering with 60 percent considered poor to very poor, as is 9 percent of livestock. As of Monday, 19 percent of soybeans were rated poor to very poor by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service in Louisville.

Corn, 58 percent of the which has already been harvested, is mostly faring OK.

But some specialty fall crops are taking a beating.

"The mums are suffering with the heat and drought right now," said Heimgartner. "They still are looking good, but it is taking a lot of water for irrigation. This includes the producers and homeowners who have already purchased mums."

For more on how late-season weather has affected growers and the pumpkin crop, pick up Wednesday's edition of The Crittenden Press in newsstands.

Greenwell in clubhouse with 2-over 74

UPDATED: Greenwell has finished tied for third overall and will advance to the state tournament for the first time.

ORIGINAL POST: Crittenden County junior golfer Sam Greenwell has completed his round in the First Region Tournament in Calvert City.

He's in the clubhouse with a 2-over-par 74, which may indeed be good enough to make the cut and earn a berth in the state tournament. If so, he will become the first Rocket golfer to qualify for state since the early 1990s.

It could be around 4pm before all of the high school golfers have finished their play in the regional event and complete results are posted.

Stay tuned to The Crittenden Press for details of Greenwell's finish.

Judge-executive office phones down

Crittenden County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom reports the phone lines in his courthouse office are temporarily down due to a fiber optic issue with Mediacom. There is no known timetable for the repairs.

Local Home Improvement Services

PROVIDENCE ROAD IN STURIGS CLOSED

A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to close a section of KY 923/Old Providence Road in Sturgis starting this week.

KY 923 will be closed to allow removal of an elevated section of roadway at the old railroad crossing at mile point 1.965. The closure is etween South Holt Drive and South King Street, just east of the KY 365/North Monroe Street intersection in Sturgis.

The contractor will be removing the remaining railroad tracks, removing the elevated section of roadway, and reconstructing a new driving surface at the site.

The work is expected to take about 4 days. There will be no marked detour.

Rogers Group, Inc, is the prime contractor on this $625,433 highway improvement project, which also includes paving and intersection improvements along KY 141 in Union County.

Coffee with Congressman Comer

First District Congressman James Comer was in town this morning to meet with a wide spectrum of local stakeholders across the community. Above, Comer (right) chats with (from left) Crittenden County Sheriff Wayne Agent, former Judge-Executive Fred Brown and local Republican committee member Fred Stubblefield. More than two dozens representatives of county and city government, education, industry, the courts, business and more attended the hour-long update on congressional happenings followed by a Q&A.

The Big Event: Ladies' Night Saturday!

H&H Home and Hardware in Marion, Ky., will host another Ladies' Night on Saturday, Oct. 5. 

Big Johnz BBQ truck will be there plus music by DJ Remix MC, DIY Crafts with Paint Samplers and Viki Carlson's Chalk Paint Demonstrations. 

It's PARTY TIME at H&H Home and Hardware. 

The fun starts at noon, but Ladies Night Specials begin at 7pm.

Be in line by 6pm for Live Entertainment and Early Bird Specials.

Distinguished Alumni: Dr. Johnny Newcom

Johnny Newcom has never worried too much about whether the difference he tries to make in others’ lives is recognized. But his induction this week as one of two 2019 Crittenden County Distinguished Alumni proves that someone has indeed been taking heed.

“Never wonder if someone is paying attention if you’re trying to do something good,” Newcom said last week, reflecting on the honor. “There may be days you believe no one notices the difference you’re trying to make, but that’s a lie.”

For his long record of volunteerism and contributions to community’s well being, Newcom is being recognized with one of the county’s highest honors for achievement. He is the second graduate from Crittenden County High School’s Class of 1994 to be honored as a Distinguished Alumnus in as many years. Last year, Corey Crider, a renowned opera singer and close friend of Newcom’s, was inducted.

Newcom joins Jonathan Burdon, a digital media entrepreneur in Nashville, Tenn., being honored for his endeavors in the industry. The private induction ceremony will be Friday in Marion.

For Newcom’s full story, as well as Burdon’s, find a copy of this week’s issue of The Crittenden Press on newsstands Wednesday or subscribe to the online edition by clicking here.

Partners ready for Open Enrollment

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If you're considering a Medicare supplement or prescription drug plan, contact Partners Insurance. 

Medicare Open Enrollment begins Oct. 15.

Denise Byarley, an agent at Partners Insurance, is offering a free Medicare review and will discuss the various policies available through the insurance agency.

Let the professionals at Partners Insurance show you what they have to offer in the way of Medicare supplements, prescription drug plans and other specialty products such as dental, vision, cancer and life insurance policies.

Grant Rogers, WoodmenLife agent

https://www.facebook.com/GrantScottRogers/

To discuss issues related to your life insurance and retirement plans, or to see what WoodmenLife has to offer, give agent Grant Rogers a call.

Rogers is a Crittenden County resident serving the regional needs of Woodmen members.

No surprise, Gilchrist headed back to state

Lady Rocket golfer Lauren Gilchrist is headed back to the KHSAA State Golf Tournament for the fourth time.

It’s no big surprise. The senior is ranked among the best golfers in all of western Kentucky and she proved it Monday with a 3-over-par 74 to finish third in the First Region Girls’ Tournament at Paducah’s Paxton Park Golf Course.

The CCHS boys will be playing in the regional tournament Tuesday at Calvert City.

See this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press for all the details.

County attorney's office recognized as leader

Crittenden County Attorney Rebecca Johnson's office has again been recognized as a leading child support collection partner in Kentucky. The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) last week announced the state’s 20 top-performing child support collection partners from the past year, based on the number of active cases in the 2018-19 fiscal year that ended June 30, Johnson's office was a top-performer in counties with 1,000 or fewer cases. Pictured receiving recognition are (from left) Brenda Croft, Johnson, Peggy Hedges and CHFS Department for Income Support Commissioner W. Bryan Hubbard.

Area Death

Margaret Elizabeth (Walker) Riley, 96, of Marion died Sunday. Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services in Salem is in charge of arrangements.

Spirit of Tolu brightens ballpark's attraction

Tolu’s spirit far outweighs its population, most have understood that for decades.

Amazing, however, it is that the tiny hamlet on the Ohio River in northern Crittenden County continues to thrive despite unimaginable odds against it.

Count the annual Fourth of July fireworks display and haunted house fundraisers at the former school building among Tolu’s most attractive current events. Yet there’s a relatively new form of an old draw that’s pulling hundreds to Tolu on warm, summer weekends.

Softball.

This weekend's co-ed tournament will close out the season. Read more about what's happening at the Tolu ballpark in this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press.

FROM Tolu to Dycusburg, The Crittenden Press is your primary source of news and information for this community. We’re proud to serve our community and we take great pride in bringing you real news, sports reporting and other information that helps you know what’s going on in town and across the county. Help ensure that real reporting continues in this community by subscribing today. You can subscribe online to the full version of the newspaper for only $2.95 a month. Click here to subscribe.

Wilson Farm Rd. house for sale

This home on Weldon Road is listed with realtor Al Starnes.

Located on 2.55 acres in Crittenden County, the house has four bedrooms and three full baths.

See additional photos and more details about the home by clicking the link below.

https://westky.paragonrels.com/publink/default.aspx?GUID=b3f62872-16e7-4128-96b4-462987c4954f&Report=Yes

Flu shots available Wednesday at Rocket Arena

Local school district officials say that last academic year, students missed several days of school due to the flu. Therefore, Crittenden County School District and its school health coordinators are offering a Flu Vaccine Clinic for students and their immediate families.

Parents, siblings and students who want to get a flu shot may come to Rocket Arena between 3-6 p.m., on Wednesday. Bring a copy or your insurance provider information. Medicare Part B, Humana, Anthem, United Healthcare and other Medicare insurance by those carriers will be accepted. Otherwise, the cost is $25.

“It may still feel like summer, but we already have confirmed reports of flu in Crittenden County. Make plans to come get your flu shots on Wednesday,” says Diana Lusby, District Health Coordinator.

Area death

Alvie Jackson, 82, of Marion died Saturday. Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Pumpkin Festival today in downtown Marion

Rocket offense conspicuously absent in 14-0 loss

Union RB Matthias Ervin is caught by Rockets
Preston Turley and Tyler Boone.

MORGANFIELD, Ky. – Take your pick: Interceptions, penalties, mental mistakes. The list could go on.

Any number of offensive faux pas could be held responsible for the No. 8 Rockets’ misfire at Union County Friday on a night when its defense played well enough to win against a bruising Braves’ rushing attack.

Despite forcing Union County into three fumbles, and Crittenden getting a couple of good kick returns from Preston Morgeson and

Job Corps Center seeks RA

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An opening for a Residential Advisor exists at the Earl C. Clements Job Corps Center in Morganfield.

The Job Corps Center offers benefits packages, competitive salaries and has both full- and part-time positions available.

To learn more, contact the center or visit its website.

Area Deaths

Harold Wayne Quertermous, 88, of Salem died Thursday. Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.

Deon Belt, 75, of Salem died Thursday. Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.