First United offers home grant program

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A new program at First United Bank can help home buyers.

Up to $25,000 is available to home buyers through the Welcome Home Grant Program. 

Call Charlie Day at (270) 965-1222 for more information.

McConnell will give up Senate leadership post

 McConnell Remarks On Last Term As Republican Leader

‘To lead my Republican colleagues has been my highest privilege. But one of life’s most underappreciated talents is to know when it’s time to move on…’
 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor:

“As some of you may know, this has been a particularly difficult time for my family. We tragically lost Elaine’s youngest sister, Angela a few weeks ago. When you lose a loved one, particularly at a young age, there is a certain introspection that accompanies the grieving process.

“Perhaps it is God’s way of reminding you of your own life’s journey to reprioritize the impact on the world that we will all inevitably leave behind.

“I turned 82 last week. The end of my contributions are closer than I’d prefer.

“My career in the United States Senate began amidst the Reagan Revolution. The truth is, when I got here, I was just happy if anybody remembered my name.

“President Reagan called me ‘Mitch O’Donnell’. Close enough, I thought. 

“My wife Elaine and I got married on President Reagan’s birthday, February 6th. It’s probably not the most romantic thing to admit, but Reagan meant a great deal to both of us.

“For thirty-one years Elaine has been the love of my life and I am eternally grateful to have her by my side.

“I think back to my first days in the Senate with a deep appreciation for the time that helped shape my view of the world. I am unconflicted about the good within our country and the irreplaceable role we play as the leader of the free world.

“It is why I worked so hard to get the national security package passed earlier this month. Believe me, I know the politics within my party at this particular moment in time. I have many

Invasive weed program in March

Italian ryegrass continues to increase as a problematic weed in all of Kentucky’s major agronomic crops.  While ryegrass has been a perennial problem in wheat, it has become increasingly problematic in no-till corn and soybeans.

The University of Kentucky Weed Science team will be hosting a field tour to highlight Italian ryegrass research being conducted at the UKREC in Princeton.  The team will cover ryegrass control in the fall and spring prior to no-till corn and soybean planting as well as continued research on ryegrass control in wheat.   

The field tour will occur on March 28 in Princeton, and will be led by Dr. Travis Legleiter, Extension Specialist in Weed Science. The day will begin at the Caldwell County Extension office with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. The tour will start with opening remarks at approximately 9 a.m., followed by a caravan to the University of Kentucky Research and Education Center to tour ryegrass research plots. The tour will wrap up prior to noon.  

Pre-registration for the event is recommended, but not required. For more information about the ryegrass field tour call (859) 562-2569 or email UK Extension Associate Jason Travis jason.travis@uky.edu.

CAF hosts Greek chat Tuesdauy

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A lesson in Greek art and architecture will be presented by Kathleen Guess at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 27 at historic Fohs Hall.

Sponsored by Community Arts Foundation, the "It's Greek to Me" discussion is the featured topic for the organization's annual Fireside Chat.

Guess will share elements of Greek art, which is characterized by its beauty, harmony and enduring influence on architecture. It will focus on some of the classic works of Ancient Greece, their importance and influence.

Admission is free.

Home engulfed by brush fire near Mott City

At 12:30pm Monday, multiple agencies are on the scene of a structure fire just south of Mott City.

Early reports are that a brush fire spread to a nearby home, totally engulfing it before firemen could control the blaze.

Residents should be reminded that open burning outdoors is prohibited during what is basically daylight hours during wildfire season, which started earlier this month and runs through April 30. 

Burning can only be done after 6 p.m., in the evenings anywhere within 150 feet from a brushland or woodland, which is almost everywhere in Crittenden County. Burning is not allowed from 6 a.m., to 6 p.m. See more about the spring wildfire season on page 8. 

Voter info for 2024 primary, beyond

On the ballot

• Democrats: U.S. President.

• Republicans: U.S. President, State Senate District 1.

Voter registration deadline

April 22. Can register online at GoVote.ky.gov.

Mail-in absentee voting

Request ballot April 6 to May 7 online at GoVote.ky.gov or in the Crittenden County Clerk’s office.

In-office absentee voting on machine

May 8-15 in large conference room at County Office Complex.

Early voting

May 16-18 in fiscal court room at County Office Complex

Election Day

• Voting Center at County Office Complex.

• Also at Repton Baptist, Shady Grove Fire Department, Mexico Baptist and Deer Creek Baptist.

Filing deadlines

•Filing deadline for non-partisan races like city council, school board, conservation district is 4 p.m., June 4. 

•Deadline to file as write-in candidate is 4 p.m., Oct. 25.

Do not let government hide behind texts

COMMENTARY By Press Editor Chris Evans

Your government is wanting to dismantle the public’s right to know, partly by saying communications in a text message are protected by privacy laws even when those communications   circumvent laws to provide transparency in governing.

A recent opinion piece written by Jon Fleischaker and Michael Abate is making its way across the commonwealth and it bears printing here. Fleishaker has been around for a long time and helped craft Kentucky’s very good open meetings and open records laws back in the 1970s right after Watergate when it became clear that backroom politics was for mobsters and had no place in the government of and for the people.

“It’s become an annual tradition in Frankfort: a new bill designed to chip away at the government transparency Kentucky citizens have enjoyed for nearly 50 years under the Open Records Act. This year’s bill – HB 509, endorsed by Speaker David Osborne and others in House leadership – is different, though. It would completely eviscerate the public’s right to know even the most basic things about what the government is doing in its name,” Fleischaker and Abate have written.

They go onto to say the following:

“How would it accomplish this goal? Primarily by changing the definition of what a “public record” is. Today, that definition is clear: any record prepared, owned, used, possessed, or retained by a public agency, regardless of its form (paper or electronic), what it says, or where it is stored. Sure, agencies can claim that records are exempt from disclosure under other provisions of the law, but the agency must search for the records, admit they exist, and explain why they should not be released. 

“Not under the new law, however. Legislators are proposing to smuggle various limitations and exclusions into the definition of “public record” – opening the door to mischief and misdirection by public agencies. Under HB 509, nothing would be a “public record” unless it documents a “transaction” or “final action” of a public agency. Those terms are not defined by the law, but it’s easy to see how they will be abused.”

The public has a right to know about its employees and what is in their personnel files. Whether it be teachers, police, coaches, dog catchers, mayors, judges or jailers, public employees work for the public and their personnel files are yours. Under proposed legislation, most of their work record will be hidden forever.

Fleischaker and Abate point out that even if you somehow surmounted this new hurdle, there are more roadblocks in your way. “For example, “preliminary” documents will no longer be public records. Under current law, these records can be withheld, but only temporarily. Once a final decision is reached, the reasons for it must be disclosed. Not under HB 509—the records showing why your government is doing what it is doing are permanently off limits.”

Lastly, is the cell phone provision in this proposed new law, and it’s the real head scratcher. 

Remember, Fleischaker and Abate are not politicians. They’re attorneys who are hired to keep an eye on legal manuevering to water down or circumvent the laws that provide transpancy in government. What

Reserving the park or farmers market

As warmer weather approaches and folks begin to spend more time outdoors, Marion Tourism and Recreation Commission and Marion-Crittenden County Park Board remind citizens that organized use of the farmers market and/or park requires an approved reservation. 

There is a small fee for commercial vendors at Imogene Stout Market on Main and a small cost for groups or individuals who charge an entry fee for organized events at Marion-Crittenden County Park. 

Call Marion Welcome Center at  (270) 965-5015 to make a reservation.

Sykes Reading Garden seeks memorial funds

A GoFundMe has been established to raise money for the Phyllis Sykes Reading Garden at Crittenden County Elementary School. 

Former students, colleagues and friends say an inviting, outdoor space for students to develop a lot for reading is the perfect memorial for the beloved late first-grade teacher and Marion City Council member.

Here is a LINK to “Ms. Phyllis Sykes’s Reading Garden” on GoFundMe, or you can make monetary donations directly to Crittenden County Elementary School.

The reading garden will also include a lending library so students can borrow and share books throughout the school year and summer months.

Leads sought in burned vehicle case

Crittenden County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a vehicle that was found burned early this morning near the Tradewater River boat ramp at the intersection of KY 132 and Cool Springs Road. 

Sheriff Evan Head said the vehicle was damaged to the point that most identifying marks were destroyed, including the Vehicle Identification Number. However, the sheriff believes the SUV is one that was reported missing from Marion about an hour earlier.

Kevin and Wendy Bingham reported that their GMC Acadia was stolen from their home on North College Street about 3:30 a.m. 

A passing motorist discovered the burning vehicle around 4:30 a.m., and called authorities.

Anyone with information can contact Crittenden County TipLine at 270-965-3500. Information leading to an arrest could result in a reward. Tipsters can remain anonymous. 

Former state Rep. Mike Cherry dies

Former Kentucky state Representative Mike Cherry of Princeton died Wednesday. He was 81.

Cherry was a retired US Navy captain when he first ran for and was elected to the General Assembly. Cherry served in the state House from 1998 to 2012. 

He was also a Princeton businessman and former owner of the movie theater.

Funeral services are at 2 pm Saturday at Central Presbyterian Church in Princeton.

PUBLIC Notices are Important to Everyone

 

PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS

Protect Your Right to Know

PUBLIC NOTICES ARE KEY COMPONENTS

IN OUR GOVERNMENT OF AND FOR THE PEOPLE

The Crittenden Press publishes Public Notices each week

in the newspaper. They are also available online free under

the classified section. You can also find them at

NewsGroup.com

Tick-picking info sought from Crittenden

A University of Louisville student is studying the distribution of tick-borne illnesses in Kentucky and wants local citizen input. 

Dana McKenzie of Winchester is particularly interested in surveying Crittenden County residents, since Crittenden has what she says is the highest prevalence proportion of tick-borne illnesses in the state. She is writing a thesis for geography coursework and has created a study to identify key factors in tick-borne disease distribution throughout Kentucky. 

Using a smartphone, scan the QR code above to take her survey, which asks respondents about their use of tick repellant, repellant clothing and their history of tick bites. The survey takes about two minutes to complete. McKenzie will be in Marion this weekend doing research for her study.

It's Wildfire Season reminds Jason Hurley

 

Crittenden County Emergency Management Director Jason Hurley reminds residents that it's wildfire season in Kentucky, meaning conditions are ripe for dangerous and damaging brush fires.

In fact, in most circumstances, it's illegal to burn during daylight hours.

Hurley said local volunteer fire departments have been busy the last several days responding to brush fires.

During wildfire season, burning is prohibited between 6am and 6pm. Wait until after dark to burn trash, leaves, debris or start a campfire, Hurley says.

West KY Player just 'different' Coach Thompson says

Paducah Tilghman coach Sean Thompson knew a little bit about Martels Carter before he moved to Paducah before the start of the 2023 football season.

“One of my coaches used to coach with his father. I had seen film of him because of my assistant,” Thompson said. “Seeing him in person on the field, though, you immediately knew how special he was. He does things you do not typically see. I don’t even know how to explain it. I have never coached a kid with the explosion he has. He just practices and plays at a different level from others.”

The 6-1, 190-pound Carter already has about  50 Division I college scholarship offers to back up what Thompson said.

“He is heavily recruited and he should be,” the Paducah Tilghman coach said. “He works hard and I hope he ends in a situation that is really good for him in college.”

Carter had 43 catches for 1,066 yards and 10 scores in 13 games last season at Tilghman and also ran 17 times for 214 yards and three scores. He returned five punts for scores and had one kickoff return for a touchdown.

On defense, he had 44 tackles and three interceptions to help Tilghman reach the Class 4A semifinals where it lost to Covington Catholic.

While he has the size, speed and skill to be an offensive player in college, he’s being recruited primarily as a defensive back.

“He definitely a defensive back first. He plays offense and special teams  and probably his most immediate impact in college will be on special teams. You  can’t kick it to him. If you kick him the ball

Job Corps has employment opportunities

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The Earle C. Clements Job Corps Center is hiring! Minimum wage is $16.20, plus sign-on bonus for most positions.

Pay for Residential Advisor positions for nights and overnights is $16.45 per hour plus a $2,000 sign-on bonus.

The Job Corps Center offers a benefits package and opportunities for advancement.  

Presidents' Day sales event at Johnson's

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Buy more, save more at Johnson's this President's Day.

Through Feb. 28, Johnson's is offering discounts on appliances with these special deals.  Buy two appliances and save $75; buy up to five and save $400!

Johnson's offers no-interest financing for 12 months.

Stop in today to browse the selection.

Tick survey helps UofL student research

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A University of Louisville student is researching the spread of tick-borne illnesses across Kentucky and asks for local citizens' help.

To take the survey, which asks questions about the use of tick repellant and other tick-related behaviors, scan the QR code contained in the attached advertisement.

Jada McKenzie of Winchester is particularly interested in Crittenden County residents' experiences with tick bites and preventative measures since Crittenden County has the highest transmittable rate in the state.

The link to the survey is: https://arcg.is/118XzG0.

County revokes roofer's business license

UPDATE | On Thursday, Feb. 22, the company's account was made current and the revocation of its business license was lifted.

ORIGINAL POST

Crittenden County Fiscal Court on Thursday voted to revoke a business permit for All In One Contracting, a Madisonville firm that has been operating in the community for more than a year.

The county cited an unpaid, past-due accumulated dumping fee in excess of $7,000 for the action. 

After meeting in executive session to discussion pending or possible litigation, Judge-Executive Perry Newcom said the court is giving the roofing company 10 days to pay the bill in full or it will file suit against All In One.

This appears to be the first time a county business license has been revoked in more than 25 years.

All In One is currently doing hail-damage repair for an insurance claim filed by the City of Marion on its buildings in town. 

Estate sale Friday, Saturday in Marion

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An estate sale will be held Friday, Feb. 16 and Saturday, Feb. 17 on Harmon Drive in Marion.

The furniture, cookware and collectibles belonging to the late Nancy Croft will be sold from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday and 8 a.m.-noon, Saturday. 

See photos on Facebook by searching Serena Jent Dickerson.