Crittenden County Fair Schedule

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Crittenden County Lions Club Fair will be held starting later this month.

Scheduled events will run through Aug. 1, culminating with the demo derby.

Click on the image above to view this year's fair schedule.

School cell phone policy forum Monday

Crittenden County High School families are invited to a public forum Monday evening where the proposed high school cell phone policy will be discussed. Principal Amanda Irvan will be among school officials who will facilitate the discussion.

 

The gathering is limited to 50 people at a time, and it will be held in Rocket Arena starting at 6pm July 13.

If more than 50 show up, there will be a staging area nearby for individuals to wait their turn to get into the forum.

Everyone will get an opportunity to be involved in the discussion, said school spokesperson Tiffany Blazina, however social distancing and public gathering limitations will be enforced. 

The board of education recently introduced a new smartphone policy that would limit the use of such devices during the day at the high school beginning with the fall semester. Students could only access their phones during lunch time. The board is expected to have a final vote on the policy at its July 16 meeting.

You can take The Crittenden Press's online survey about new policy at the link below:

https://www.facebook.com/CrittendenPress/posts/3676783709004120

Social Security number scam found in Crittenden

Crittenden County Sheriff's Department says it is receiving complaints from local individuals who are receiving phone calls from alleged scammers trying to steal personal information.

Deputy Ray Agent said callers are telling residents their Social Security number has been compromised and are asking for confirmation of the number in order to do a security check.

Agent urges residents to never give their Social Security number to anyone who calls them on the phone, unless they can fully verify the authenticity of the caller.

Alabama man dies after bike crash here last week

An Alabama man who had a motorcycle wreck on Ky. 120 in Crittenden County on Friday, July 3 has died.

Bruce Selby, 65, of Quinton, Ala., was operating a 2019 Harley Davidson westbound on Ky. 120 three miles east of Marion just before 6 p.m., when for unknown reasons the bike left the roadway and struck a concrete culvert. Selby was initially taken to a Paducah hospital, but was later transported to Deaconess in Evansville where he died on July 7 as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.

Kentucky State Police Trooper John Eilert investigated the crash.

Traffic delays possible in 641 work zone

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans a daytime work zone lane restriction along U.S. 641 in northern Lyon County starting Thursday, July 9.

 

This nearly six mile work zone is to allow mechanical brush cutting along the right-of-way from the U.S. 62 intersection in Eddyville to the Lyon-Caldwell County line.

 

Motorists should be alert for one lane traffic with alternating flow controlled by flaggers between approximately 7 a.m., and 4 p.m., each day, through about Friday, July 17 .  

This will be a mobile operation, so the work site will change from day to day as work progresses. Some minor delays are possible during the movement and positioning of equipment to facilitate the work.

 

 

County confirms 12th COVID case

Crittenden County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom has announced the county's 12th case of COVID-19 and the second in three days.

The latest confirmed case is a 58-year-old male.

On Monday, the county had its 11th confirmed case which was a 67-year-old male.

Judge Newcom said a number of recent confirmed cases have been discovered during pre-op testing on individuals scheduled for medical procedures. 

Since testing began being reported in March, .0013 of Crittenden County's population has been diagnosed with the virus. One person has died and all others have either recovered or recovering from the virus.

Unemployment appointments being taken

People can make appointments for in-person unemployment insurance (UI) services that will be offered this week in Hopkinsville and Somerset to assist Kentuckians while ensuring the safety of those needing assistance and limiting the spread of COVID-19.

 

While in-person UI assistance continues to be available to claimants by appointment in Frankfort, people can schedule appointments for July 7 and July 8 in Hopkinsville during the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. local time.

Here is the location for in-person appointments. 

Christian County Middle School

215 Glass Avenue 

Hopkinsville, Kentucky 42240

Claimants must bring two forms of identification like their driver’s license or other photo ID and social security card for identity verification.

 

Appointments can be made at kcc.ky.gov and going to the “In-Person UI Services” View Services button.

 

Kentuckians who need additional assistance with their unemployment insurance claims can also visit kcc.ky.gov and use the Chat Now button or call (502) 564-2900.

 

The commonwealth has processed 90% of claims, paying out more than $2.7 billion since March.

County gets confirmation of 11th case

Crittenden County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom has announced the county's 11th case of COVID-19.

The latest case is a 67-year-old male, who is isolating at home.

According to information gleaned on social media and from other sources, this is not the case that caused a temporary shutdown today at the Siemens plant in Marion. That case is apparently linked to a Livingston County resident.

Since testing began being reported in March, .0012 of Crittenden County's population has been diagnosed with the virus. One person has died and all others have recovered.

Siemens closed due to COVID case

The Siemens plant in Marion closed unexpectedly this morning around 10 a.m., for a deep disinfecting.

Company spokesperson Elizabeth Cho said an employee has tested positive for COVID-19 and the plant is following Siemens’ protocol.

“We have shut down for a deep cleaning and the plant will be up and running tomorrow,” Cho said.

The employee is self-isolating and Siemens is conducting a contact investigation and will be following protocol with anyone who had come into contact the infected person.

Driver road tests return to Crittenden County

Driver’s license road testing is returning to Crittenden County on the second and third Fridays of the month. 

Additionally, the state’s grace period for driver’s licenses that expired during the COVID-19 shutdown is now over. However, remote renewal is available for those who do not want to renew in person. Contact your circuit clerk’s office to renew by remote means.

For new drivers needing a road test, an appointment by phone must be made prior to appearing for the test. The clerk’s phone number is 270-965-4200.

Driver’s license candidates whose permit has expired or address has changed must make an appointment prior to the test date to get their permit updated.

When arriving to take the driving test, do not go into the courthouse. Park along Bellville Street on the north side of the courthouse and the examiner will meet at your vehicle. No more than one person, who must be over 21 with a valid driver’s license, may come to testing with the driver’s licenses candidate. Masks are required for everyone coming to test and those attending with the driver candidates. Tests will be taken with a mask on and masks are not provided.

Driver candidates must bring a valid permit, eligibility letter, driving log, proof of insurance, proof of registration in addition to a mask and licensed driver. 

After successful completion of the road test, an orange sticker will placed on the driver’s license which will indicate the driver is in the intermediate phase. 

During the intermediate phase, the license candidate will need to complete a four-hour safety course in order get an unrestricted license after six months.

For permit holders who are now 18, 19 or 20 years old, they will also need to complete the four-hour safety course in order to receive an unrestricted licenses. 

The safety course is available online for a fee of $12.50 at https://www.myimprov.com/drivers-education/kentucky/. Print the confirmation page and take it to your clerk’s office when you apply for your unrestricted license.

If you must enter the clerk’s office for a photo and license assignment, do not bring any type of bag or purse into the office. Face masks are required. Only cash or check will be accepted, no debit or credit cards.

What will football season look like?

With COVID-19 still hovering in the air, football players and coaches are not sure what to expect in the coming weeks, but they're working in earnest to be ready for the season... whenever it comes and whatever it looks like. Let's visit with Rocket junior QB Luke Crider and Coach Sean Thompson during workouts this week at Rocket Arena.

La Delicia opening pushed back to July 8

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The opening date for La Delicia Fresh Mexican Grill has been delayed.

The restaurant had hoped to open Friday, but delays have pushed the opening date back to July 8.

La Delicia is located in the former Pizza Hut building in Darben Plaza in Marion. A complete renovation of the interior has completely changed the looks of the space, and includes new paint, flooring, bathrooms and kitchen equipment. The restaurant is owned by the same family that owns Mexican restaurants in Eddyville and Princeton.

Farm Bureau closed Friday

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Crittenden County Farm Bureau's Marion office will be closed Friday. 

Many local businesses are observing the Independence Day holiday on Friday since the Fourth falls on Saturday.

The Farm Bureau office can be reached through Thursday afternoon, and it will re-open for regular business hours on Monday, July 6.

Fireworks 50% off at H&H

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H&H Home & Hardware has fireworks! And they are 50%.

No need to drive out of town for the big stuff this year. Grab a cart load of fireworks while you're in town.

A large selection – from sparklers and Roman candles – to large, multi-shot fireworks.

Stop by today!

NEW DEAL: Ferry will open on Wednesday

The details are unclear at this time, but it looks like a deal late today will stave off the closing of the Cave In Rock Ferry tomorrow.

As late as 5pm this afternoon, there was an impasse in negotiating a new contact. The current contract between Illinois and Kentucky and the ferry owner expires tonight at midnight.

About 7pm, officials said the ferry will open on Tuesday.

We will continue to seek further information regarding this fluid story and update you with details as they become available.

No deal: Ferry service will close today

UPDATED 6pm

At 10pm tonight the Cave In Rock Ferry will close, says its owner.

Despite a flurry of negotiations over the past few days, the divide appears too great for a compromise at this point.

Owner Lonnie Lewis says new federal regulations are putting added financial demands on tugs and other equipment. 

The ferry operates 16 hours a day, 365 days a year. Its payroll is more than $400,000 a year and Lewis said he just spent more than $400,000 to repair and update the backup tug boat.

According to information provided by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, an audit has been done on the ferry's financial records, which is prompting its negotiating position. 

According to local officials, Kentucky and Illinois have upped their original contract offer. The reported proposal is now at about $1.2 million for a one-year deal to keep the ferry running. 

However, there appear to be other concessions that have stalled the negotiations. 

Bobby Miller, the attorney for the Cave In Rock Ferry, issued a statement late Tuesday. It said in part, “The Cave In Rock ferry agreed to sign a new contract to fund ferry operations for FY20-22 on the exact same terms that were negated for FY18-20 with no price increase. However, the Commonwealth of Kentucky refused. It is our understanding that the State of Illinois was agreeable,” 

Lewis says he will use the tugs and barge to continue transporting his farming equipment across the river. He row crops in both states and owns real estate and farmland in both. 

Because Lewis owns the franchise to operate a ferry at the Cave In Rock river crossing, the states are unable to negotiate with anyone else.

Building a bridge across the river to accommodate travelers is out of the question say officials on both sides of the river. The costs would likely far exceed $100 million, according to some estimates. 

I-24 work zone will remain in place over holiday

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is alerting holiday travelers that an extended work zone along Interstate 24 in Caldwell and Trigg counties will remain up over the July 4th Holiday Weekend.  High holiday traffic volume has the potential to create travel delays.

 

There will be no construction activity in this work zone over the July 4 weekend.  However, lane restrictions along I-24 in Caldwell and Trigg counties will remain up over the holiday weekend and through the summer months. This extended work zone includes 13 miles of two-way traffic running on the westbound lanes with a centerline barrier wall, and an additional 4 miles of lane restrictions with traffic barrels.

 

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet engineers are encouraging travelers to consider a self-detour via an alternate route to help reduce traffic congestion in this extended I-24 work zone.  

 

Motorists are encouraged to monitor the I-24 work zone for potential traffic backups by checking the traffic monitoring features at GoKY.ky.gov or an app like WAZE.

 

Truckers should be aware the westbound work zone includes a maximum 15 ft. load width restriction due to the use of a centerline barrier wall.   The eastbound lanes have a 12 ft. maximum load width restriction.  

 

This I-24 work zone includes a strictly-enforced 55 mile per hour speed limit with an enhanced enforcement presence. 

Special Board of Education meeting

Crittenden County Board of Education will meet in special session at noon Wednesday, July 1 for a short agenda.

The meeting will be at the Rocket Arena conference room.

Job Corps Center has openings

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The Earl C. Clements Job Corps Center has employment opportunities.

The Union County center offers a benefits package and opportunities for advancement for full-, part-time and substitute positions.

To learn more, visit the website mtcjobs.com.

Without an 11th-hour deal, ferry will close Tuesday

Negotiations to keep the Cave In Rock Ferry running have continued in recent days and although the sides are closer, it appears the ferry will indeed close at 10pm Tuesday, June 30, barring an 11th-hour deal. 

The Ohio River Ferry Authority, comprised of representative from both sides of the Ohio River, met for about an hour Monday night in Marion. In addition to committee members, state legislators from Kentucky and Illinois were present. Together, they developed a list of concessions that might be made in order to keep the service going. The plan is going to be presented to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Tuesday morning.

The clock is ticking on a two-year contract between the ferry owner and the states. It expires at midnight Tuesday. The ferry customarily operates from 6am until 10pm.

Compensation, term and contract language have been stumbling blocks to reaching a new pact that would keep the service viable between Crittenden County, Ky., and Hardin County, Ill.

The Crittenden Press will be tracking negotiations on Tuesday and will provide updates as warranted.