Here's how to get FEMA help from flooding

 FEMA is assisting state and local officials in Kentucky, Virginia and West Virginia as widespread flooding impacts the Ohio Valley. President Trump approved an emergency declaration for Kentucky, and federal resources are being deployed to aid response efforts.

Marion and Crittenden County have each declared a state of emergency based on impacts of recent weather. 

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said she spoke with Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, emphasizing that while local authorities lead emergency management, DHS stands ready to provide assistance.

Within 12 hours of the flooding, FEMA deployed Urban Search and Rescue teams, swift-water rescue teams, and emergency communications support to affected areas. The agency is also delivering 40 truckloads of meals and water requested by the states.

Residents in need of assistance should follow local officials' guidance. Kentuckians can complete a Rapid Needs Assessment Form online or call 502-607-6665. To report damage and request assistance, they can visit governor.ky.gov/flood-resources. Those in Virginia, Tennessee and West Virginia should monitor local emergency agencies.

Shelters are open, and locations can be found at www.redcross.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS. FEMA urges residents to avoid floodwaters, as even a few inches can be dangerous. The agency remains committed to supporting recovery efforts.

Grant open March 3 at First United

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A Welcome Home grant program opens March 3 at 

First United Bank.

Through the program, qualified buyers can earn up to $20,000 toward a new home purchase.

Stop in First United Bank's Marion office and talk to lender Charlie Day about this limited program.

Activity Report | Lyon County Sheri

LYON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE MEDIA RELEASE

- On Monday, February 10, 2025, at 8am, Sheriff Brent White responded to a two-vehicle, hit and run, collision on KY 810 North near George Thomas Road. The investigation revealed an unidentified blue SUV was South on KY 810 North when it sideswiped a North bound 2014 Nissan Rogue, driven by rural letter carrier, Amanda S. Fields (46) of Kuttawa. No injuries were reported in the collision; however, the SUV did not stop and fled from the scene. If anyone has information concerning the identity of this hit/run vehicle, they are asked to call Sheriff White at 270.388.2311.

- On Monday, February 10, 2025, beginning just after 8am, deputies served began serving multiple Lyon Circuit Court indictment warrants against the following offenders:

• Eugene Wade (37) of Shelbyville was charged with Promoting Contraband-1st Degree and Persistent Felony Offender-1st Degree
• Hunter Thrasher (25) of Louisville was charged with Promoting Contraband-1st Degree and Persistent Felony Offender-1st Degree
• Joseph W. Daugherty (25) of Hodgenville was charged with Assault-3rd Degree and Persistent Felony Offender-1st Degree  

- On Monday, February 10, 2025, around 1pm, Sheriff Brent White arrested Todd M. Frisch (52) of Eddyville on a Lyon District Court bench warrant charging him with Failure to Appear. Frisch voluntarily surrendered himself to the Sheriff’s Office. Following his arrest, Frisch posted a cash bond and was released from custody.

- On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 8:15am, Sheriff Brent White located William T. Robinson (37) of Mayfield, in Eddyville. Robinson was arrested by Sheriff White on a Lyon Circuit Court indictment warrant charging him with Possession of a Handgun by a Convicted Felon, Possession of Marijuana, and Persistent Felony Offender-1st Degree. Robinson was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.

- On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, just after 2pm, deputies served an Edmonson Circuit Court indictment warrant on Martease L. Warner (33) of Lexington charging him with Flagrant Non-Support and Persistent Felony Offender-1st Degree. Warner awaits extradition back to Edmonson County.

- On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, just after 4pm, deputies responded to a single vehicle injury collision on KY 274 near Barnett Road. Deputy Josh Travis’ investigation revealed a 2020 Jeep Cherokee, driven by Joanne Tocci (87) of Eddyville was East on KY 274 when she lost control and exited off the right shoulder before colliding with a tree. She was transported to an area hospital by Lyon County EMS for evaluation of possible injuries. Deputy Jim Bright and Sheriff Brent White assisted Deputy Travis at the scene.

- On Thursday, February 13, 2025, just after 10am, Sheriff Brent White responded to a two-vehicle collision in the city of Kuttawa on East Clough Drive. His investigation revealed a 2010 Chevrolet pickup truck with a trailer in tow, driven by Robert H. Overcast (32) of Boaz, pulled off East Clough onto Cypress Court. The trailer of the Overcast vehicle was extending into the travel lane of East Clough at a hillcrest. Rachelle P. Greene (56) of Kuttawa was North bound when she crested the hill and encountered

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Chicago Fire's Marion Connection

and a free trip for area veterans the Vietnam Memorial

Sen. Jason Howell | House Bill 1 passed into Law

SEN. JASON HOWELL’S LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Week three of the 2025 Legislative Session

It’s official: House Bill 1 has been signed into law, marking another step forward in delivering tax relief to hardworking Kentuckians. This measure authorizes the next half-percentage point reduction in the state’s individual income tax, bringing it down from 4 percent to 3.5 percent. As a result, an estimated $718 million will remain in the hands of Kentucky families, allowing them to save, invest, and spend as they see fit. This reduction will officially take effect on Jan. 1, 2026, and continue our commitment to responsible tax policy that benefits both individuals and the state’s economy. 

With this priority completing the legislative process, other priorities progressed during week three of the 2025 Legislative Session ahead of bill filing deadlines next week. The last day to file legislation in the Senate is Tuesday, February 18. The deadline for the state House of Representatives is Wednesday, February 19. 

In the meantime, lawmakers returned to Frankfort this week and convened for legislative business at the historic Old State Capitol, where they approved Senate Bill (SB) 313, officially designating June as Kentucky History Month. 

My colleague Sen. Robin Webb, D-Grayson, and I joined for bipartisan bill Senate Bill 69 that would establish allied animal health professional licenses for equine dentistry and animal chiropractic practice, and create the allied animal health professional advisory board. The bill passed the Agriculture Committee that I chair and heads to the full Senate for consideration. 

Here are some measures that won Senate approval during week three and are now moving to the House for consideration.

Senate Bill 14 prevents pharmaceutical manufacturers from denying or restricting 340B drug pricing for Kentucky hospitals and pharmacies if they offer the same pricing in other states. This ensures Kentucky receives equal treatment under the federal 340B program, which helps safety net providers reduce drug costs and reinvest savings into patient care. The bill also empowers the attorney general to investigate violations, reinforcing state efforts to protect health care providers and ensure affordable medications for low-income communities.

Senate Bill 26 enhances protections for parents and prospective adoptive parents with disabilities in Kentucky. The bill would prohibit discrimination based solely on disability in adoption or parental rights decisions. It would mandate individualized assessments and adaptive services to address parenting challenges, ensure transparency by requiring documentation of evaluations for at least two years, and align state policy with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Disability would be defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits major life activities, excluding individuals actively engaged in substance abuse. SB 26 would prioritize keeping families together while safeguarding the welfare of

Press will be closed Monday

🇺🇸 Heads up, readers! The Press newspaper office will be closed Monday, Feb. 19, for Presidents Day. We’ll be back Tuesday. If you need us, text us at 270-965-3191. 

Why do we celebrate Presidents Day? Originally established to honor George Washington’s birthday, the holiday has since evolved into a day to recognize all U.S. presidents and their contributions to our nation. It’s a time to reflect on leadership, history, and the principles that have shaped America.

Enjoy the long weekend, and we’ll see you after the holiday! 📰✨

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Bus drivers needed in Crittenden

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 Crittenden County Schools is looking for bus drivers.

Hourly wages begin at $16.67.

Positions are full-time and offer benefits.

Apply online at Crittenden.kyschools.us.

Johnson's mattress sale through Feb. 28

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Johnson's Furniture is having a bedding sale through 

the end of February.

Buy any king for the price of a queen; buy a queen 

for the price of a full; and buy a full for the price of a twin.

Check out Johnson's special on a king mattress that was $599, on sale this month for $399.

Water District reschedules special meeting

Crittenden Livingston Water District Board has scheduled a special meeting for Feb. 17 at 4 p.m., at the Deer Lakes Country Club to ratify several significant water infrastructure decisions.

Agenda items includes ratification of Abbie Adamson's superintendent contract, which was initially approved at a Jan. 16 meeting. The board will also formalize its acceptance of the Cleaner Waters Grant, with Water District Manager Tony Travis designated as the authorized signatory.

The board will also ratification of a generator purchase from Global Tech Power of St. Louis, Mo. The board will consider formally appointing Hussey Gay Bell as the engineering firm for Phase II of the water plant expansion project, with Travis authorized to execute the contract.

The meeting will include discussion regarding board member terms.

This meeting was originally planned for earlier this week, but was postponed to next week.

Arctic air follows rain, rain, rain

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Winter Weather Rollercoaster: Heavy Rain Followed by Arctic Air

Get ready for a wild week of weather swings! A soaking rain event is on the way before we plunge into another deep freeze.

Heavy Rainfall Expected Friday Night Through Saturday
The first weather challenge arrives with a widespread heavy rain event set to overspread the region Friday night into Saturday. Forecast models indicate 1 to 4 inches of rain, with the highest totals likely across Kentucky. Some areas near the Kentucky-Tennessee border could see amounts exceeding 4 inches, increasing the risk of flooding.

Flooding concerns will be most pronounced in low-lying and flood-prone areas, with standing water expected in fields, yards, and along roadsides. Ditches will fill quickly, and rivers, streams, and creeks are likely to see additional rises.

Arctic Air Arrives Sunday
As the rain moves out, a blast of arctic air will surge into the region starting Sunday. Overnight temperatures will plunge into the teens for much of next week, marking a sharp contrast to the damp, milder conditions of the weekend.

With wet ground conditions and freezing temperatures ahead, icy spots could develop, especially on untreated roads and sidewalks. Keep an eye on forecasts, and be prepared for a wintry shift as we transition from a waterlogged weekend to a deep freeze.

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Vehicle taxes provide tax deduction

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Taxes paid on your vehicle last year may provide a deduction 

on your 2024 tax return.

Scan the QR code on this ad to search for your 

vehicle identification.

Contact the Crittenden County Clerk's Office for more information.

Bill would improve driver licensing

A proposed bill could make it easier for Kentuckians to renew their driver’s licenses by allowing third-party entities to handle the process, reports Kentucky Today. House Bill 161, filed by Rep. Kevin Jackson, R-Bowling Green, aims to alleviate the burden of long drives and wait times at the state’s 34 regional licensing offices.

If approved, businesses such as AAA offices, insurance agencies or other approved organizations could apply through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to offer driver’s license renewal services. Jackson noted that 28 other states already permit third-party renewals, calling the measure a step toward accessibility.

While the bill could improve convenience, it may also come at an additional cost. In addition to the standard renewal fees, third-party providers could charge a service fee for processing applications.

The House Transportation Committee has scheduled a hearing on the legislation for Tuesday, Feb. 11.

Red Cross Blood Drives in Marion and Eddyville

The American Red Cross urges donors to give blood this month to help rebuild the supply after severe winter weather and seasonal illnesses caused significant donation losses.

Local blood donation opportunities include:

• Saint William Catholic Church, Marion – Feb. 24, 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.
• Lyon County Convention Center, Eddyville – Feb. 18, 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
• Lyon County High School, Eddyville – Feb. 26, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

All donors who give by Feb. 28 will receive a $15 e-gift card. Schedule an appointment at RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

No school today in Crittenden

Crittenden County School District has announced that due to slick roads in the county, there will be no school in Crittenden County today, Tuesday, Feb. 11. 

This will be an NTI Day, with students completing Day 7 work in their packets. Teachers will be available via email and ParentSquare for questions or needed assistance.

Farm Machinery Show this week in L'ville

Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Raising Hope Safety, Health, and Rescue Program will be featured at the National Farm Machinery Show, set for Feb. 12-15 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville. The program will showcase farm safety and rescue demonstrations alongside health screenings and resources for farmers.

Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell emphasized the importance of farmers' physical and mental well-being, stating that Raising Hope aims to support healthy farming communities. The exhibit will include safety demonstrations on farm equipment, grain bin rescue techniques, and road safety awareness.

Health screenings will be available daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering checks for blood sugar, blood pressure, and hearing. Mental health resources and general health education will also be provided.

The Raising Hope initiative, now fully under the KDA umbrella, partners with multiple agencies to enhance farm safety and health. The National Farm Machinery Show, the country’s largest indoor farm show, attracts thousands of attendees and over 900 vendors annually, offering insight into the latest agricultural innovations.

Activity Report from Lyon Sheriff

LYON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE MEDIA RELEASE

On Monday, February 3, 2025, around 2:30pm, Captain Dennis Beckett served Reaynne G. Maselli (19), of Hopkinsville, with a Christian District Court bench warrant that charged her with Failure to Appear in a traffic-related court case. Maselli later posted a cash bond before being released from custody. 

On Wednesday, February 5, 2025, around 6:15am, Sheriff Brent White served Melvine S. Red-Reno (35) Georgia with a Lyon Circuit Court bench warrant that charged him with Failure to Appear in a forgery and handgun related case. Red-Reno was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center after being extradited back to Kentucky from Georgia.

On Wednesday, February 5, 2025, around 10am, Sheriff Brent White charged Ernest E. Olden, III of Eddyville with Assault-4th Degree (Domestic Violence) Minor Injury after he voluntarily surrendered himself to the Sheriff’s Office on this date. The charge was a result of an incident investigated by the Sheriff’s Office on January 31, 2025. 

On Thursday, February 6, 2025, around 10am, Sheriff Brent White served a criminal summons on Munarbek Borbuev (38) of Philadelphia, PA. Bourbuev was charged with Leaving the Scene of an Accident-Failure to Render Aid or Assistance as it related to a collision on I-24 in April of 2024.

On Friday, February 7, 2025, around 8am, Chief Deputy Sam Adams served a Muhlenberg District Court bench warrant on Oneida J. Allen (49) of Greenville, charging her with Non-payment of Court Costs, Fees, and/or Fines. She remains in state custody, pending extradition back to Muhlenberg County.

On Saturday, February 8, 2025, around 7:35am, Chief Deputy Sam Adams responded to a single vehicle collision on KY 274, approximately 15 miles South of Eddyville. His investigation revealed a 2024 Nissan Altima, driven by Allison B. Nichols (25) of Cadiz collided with a deer while East bound on KY 274. There were no injuries reported in the collision.  

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H&R Block tax prep price match

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H&R Block offers price matching.

Pay someone else to file your tax return last year? 

H&R Block will match your price. See store for

details.

H&R Block is now located at 215 N. Main Street in Marion.