Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Uniontown livestock plant to add 25 jobs

Gov. Steve Beshear today announced Union County Livestock will add a new product line at its Uniontown plant. The expansion will allow the company to create 25 new, full-time jobs and will entail a capital investment of $860,000 in the Commonwealth.

“More than two dozen people will have new employment opportunities as a result of Union County Livestock’s expansion,” Gov. Beshear said. “Projects like this one demonstrate the successful partnerships we’re creating with our local communities and existing industries to create jobs for Kentuckians and bring in new investment to the state. I congratulate Union County Livestock on this exciting expansion.”

Union County Livestock, which operates Jim David Meats and Little Kentucky Smokehouse, supplies products to national retail stores such as Wal-Mart, Food Giant, Moonlite, Kroger, Sam’s Club and many others, as well as schools and individuals within a 100-mile radius. The company plans to add a smokehouse and other equipment for a new product line of barbequed items. The company, located in a 31,000 square-foot facility at 400 T Frank Wathen Road, currently employs 32 people.

“We are a company that desires to seek growth and wants to remain focused with the task at hand,” said Jim Baird, president of Union County Livestock. “I’m proud to say I work with a group of optimistic people and because of them this business expansion is possible.”

“It is an honor to be a part of such an exciting announcement,” said Sen. Dorsey Ridley, of Henderson. “Our region will reap the rewards of economic growth and additional job opportunities with the expansion of Union County Livestock."

Kentucky nation's 5th fattest

Nearly a third of Kentuckians were obese in 2010, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), but four states tip the scales heavier than the Bluegrass State. Below are the five fattest states listed by percentage of obese adults:
  1. Mississippi, 34.0
  2. West Virginia, 32.5
  3. Alabama, 32.2
  4. South Carolina, 31.5
  5. Kentucky, 31.3
Find out where Crittenden Countians rate on the scales in this week's full edition of The Crittenden Press.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Area death

Bobby R. Winders, 61, of New Smyrna Beach, Fla., formerly of Marion, died August 23, 2011 at Hospice Hospital in New Smyrna Beach, Fla. No visitation or services are being held.

KU, LG&E send more crews to restore power

In the wake of Hurricane Irene’s path, millions of people are without power after heavy rain and wind speeds averaging 72 miles per hour whipped along the East Coast.

Since last Friday, Kentucky Utilities and its parent company, Louisville Gas & Electric, have sent more than 300 employees and contractors to assist Dominion Power in Virginia and PPL Electric Utilities in Pennsylvania, which include an additional 25 employee line technicians who left for Pennsylvania on Monday.

The full set of resources includes line technicians, team leaders, safety specialists and tree trimmers. These efforts are a result of LG&E and KU’s participation in nationwide mutual assistance organizations, in which a collection of utility companies assist other utilities in times of natural disasters and crisis situations.

While Hurricane Irene was downgraded Sunday to a tropical storm, it caused widespread destruction as it made its way up the coast. Crews are putting in long days helping with the extensive restoration efforts, while dealing with heavy flooding, inaccessible roads and highways, damaged poles, downed wires and other storm-related damage. 



"We’re committed to helping PPL Electric Utilities and Dominion Power restore power as quickly and safely as possible," said David Guy, Director of System Restoration and Dispatch Operations for LG&E and KU. “As power is restored in these service territories and our crews are released, we’ll look to see if there are still requests for assistance in other areas.”

Earlier this month, after severe weather ravaged Kentucky, LG&E and KU leveraged their participation in the mutual assistance program to bring in more than 1,650 workers from Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Tennessee, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia and Pennsylvania to complement a full array of LG&E and KU crews, who led the charge in restoring power to more than 182,800 customers.


Crews will continue to restore power for the requesting utilities until no longer needed and as long as weather patterns remain calm in LG&E and KU’s service territory. As of noon on Monday, more than 4 million customers are without power along the East Coast.

Some of the crews sent to the East Coast are from the service area that includes Marion.

Sheriff investigating scrap metal thefts

Crittenden County Sheriff's Department is investigating a series of burglaries in the area, mostly involving scrap metal. Sheriff Wayne Agent said his department receives calls almost daily regarding metal thefts.

"They're stealing the metal roofs off buildings," he said.

Last week, someone made off with the hydraulic system from a John Deere tractor parked in a field off Ky. 506. The tractor belonged to Randy Poindexter, who was in the hospital undergoing surgery for a brain tumor.

"It's just very upsetting that someone would do this, especially at this time," said his daughter Randa Berry.

The tractor system was worth more than $1,000. It was taken sometime between Monday and Friday of last week off the David Crider farm where the equipment was setting, ready to cut hay.
Sheriff Agent said his department is investigating that theft along with about 15 others over the past month.

"They're doing it day and night," the sheriff said.

He urges residents to be vigilant and help watch over the neighborhood.

Monday, August 29, 2011

FEMA processes 34 local aid apps

Since being designated for federal disaster assistance in May, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Commonwealth of Kentucky have approved $40,986,872 in assistance to Kentuckians affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding from April 12 to May 20.

There have been 34 registrations for Crittenden County for individuals and households program assistance, reported Dave Hasemyer, FEMA public information officer. A total of $297,998 has been approved.

FEMA has approved more than $7.7 million in Individual Assistance (IA) and $932,677 in Other Needs

Assistance (ONA) as part of the ongoing recovery efforts for residents of 22 Commonwealth counties, including Crittenden, Livingston, Union and Webster. The IA funds help residents repair their damaged homes and find temporary housing following the disaster. ONA funds assist with a variety of expenses such as medical bills, funeral costs, and moving and storage fees.

The SBA has approved loans totaling more than $5.1million for individuals and businesses.
More than $13 million also has been approved for hazard mitigation projects to be undertaken by the Commonwealth and local governments to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from future natural disasters. All counties in Kentucky are eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which is administered by the Commonwealth.

ACS committee planning 5K run

The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life committee in Crittenden County is planning its first Rocket 5K Run/Walk and the One-Mile "Fun Run" for Kids on Nov. 5. Pre-registration by Oct. 15 is required to received a free t-shirt.

ACS is also seeking sponsors to help cover the cost of the event so that more money can be made available for cancer research. A sponsorship is $100 and will get the person or company's name on the back of the shirts. If anyone is interested in the sponsorship they can contact Sue Padget at 704-1558.

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Area death

Mabel Thurman, 103, of Marion died Saturday, Aug 27, 2011 at Salem Springlake Health and Rehab. Services are scheduled for 2 p.m., Tuesday at Gilbert Funeral Home with interment in Mapleview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Gideons International, P.O. Box 304, Salem, KY 42078.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Work to restrict Crittenden Springs Road traffic

Traffic on Crittenden Springs Road will be restricted Monday to one lane along a portion of the road from its junction at U.S. 60 West so that road crews can install liners in cross drains. The work should continue through Friday.

The lane restrictions on Ky. 1668, more commonly known as Crittenden Springs Road, will be at various locations between U.S. 60 and the new Rogers Group rock quarry at about the two-mile marker. This work zone is for the installation of pipe liners in a number of cross drains ranging from 15 inches to 24 inches.

Installation of pipe liners can extend the life of cross drains and other drainage structures. They can be installed with minimal traffic disruption and without damaging the surface of the roadway.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KyTC) reminds motorists to use appropriate caution in the work zone where equipment, flaggers and maintenance personnel will be on the roadway in close proximity to traffic flow. Work in this area is likely to continue during daylight hours for about one week.

Timely traffic advisories for the 12 counties of KyTC Highway District 1 are available by going to Facebook. You do not have to be a Facebook member to access this page.

Friday, August 26, 2011

JOB FAIR NEXT WEEK IN MARION

Job Fair / Open House 1-6 p.m. Sept. 1

At Invensys Rail (formerly Safetran)


Manufacturing Assembler


We currently have an immediate opening for Assemblers in our

Marion, Kentucky production facility.

The successful candidate will be responsible for assembling component parts for

rail signaling and communication equipment.


A high school diploma or GED is required. Previous experience in Manufacturing Assembly is preferred. The successful candidate must be able to stand and sit for 8-12 hours a day, read work instructions and prints (when required). Must be able to understand, read, and write the English language in order to understand verbal and written instructions, and be informative and professional when working with customers and co-workers and must utilize personal protective equipment at all times as required. Candidates must also successfully pass a background check and drug screen. You must be open to a 1st

or 2nd shift assignment.


Benefits are:

Pay rate is $10.50 per hour after successfully completing a temp to perm process.

You will work in a climate controlled and clean environment.

A complete benefits package including health, vision, dental, 401k and 100% tuition reimbursement.

2 weeks paid vacation.

Paid Sick Leave and Floating Holidays.

Growing business with a bright future.

If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit an application form to People Plus Inc.

Applications can be acquired any time at the People Plus office or can be obtained at the Marion, KY.

facility on Fridays during the hours of 2:30 pm-4:30 pm.


People Plus Invensys Rail

110 Market Street 939 S. Main Street, Princeton, Ky.


PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Audubon Parkway work continuing

A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is continuing road improvement work on the Audubon Parkway in Henderson County.

This week the contractor is installing temporary striping and tubular markers along the centerline of the Audubon Parkway westbound lanes from mile point 8.5 in Henderson County to mile point 16.5 in Daviess County. This will create one lane traffic on the westbound lanes through the work zone. The tubular markers will be used to close the left-hand or passing lane one the westbound side to allow it to be used for one lane of eastbound traffic starting over the next few days.

This work zone includes a strictly enforced 55 mile per hour speed limit with double fines for speeding citations. An enhanced police presence has been requested.

Facebook members can get timely traffic advisories for the 11 counties of KYTC Highway District 2 by going to www.facebook.com/kytcdistrict2. You do not have to be a Facebook member to access this page. However, Facebook members can click on “like” in the menu at the top to get updates to appear on their FB home page.

KU dispatches workers for hurricane assistance

With Hurricane Irene barreling down the Atlantic Coast, local workers with Kentucky Utilities along with Louisville Gas and Electric companies will offer restoration assistance to PPL Electric Utilities in Pennsylvania, a subsidiary of PPL Corporation, the utilities’ parent company, as well as Dominion Power in Virginia.

Nearly 260 KU and LG&E employees and Kentucky-based contractors left this morning from locations across Kentucky to provide support in what will likely be a significant restoration event for the Northeast.

KU provides power to Marion and portions of southern Crittenden County.

KU spokesman Cliff Feltham said six people from the Madisonville and Eddyville regional offices who are going to assist.

"Of course, that's who serves your area," Feltham said.

The team consists of veteran line technicians, team leaders, safety specialists, and tree trimmers. Crews will replace or repair poles, towers, cross-arms, transformers, and other components of electrical infrastructure that will likely be damaged by Hurricane Irene.

The effort is part of KU and LG&E’s participation in the mutual assistance program, in which a collection of utility companies assist other utilities in times of natural disasters and crisis situations.

Morganfield man dies in motorcycle crash

A 51-year-old Morganfield man died from injuries sustained in a two-vehicle accident Thursday evening in Henderson County.

Gregory Webb was pronounced dead at the scene of a collision between his 2003 Yamaha motorcycle and a 2005 Chevy Cobalt driven by Marshall Turner, 24, of Sturgis on U.S. 60 just west of Corydon. According to reports, Turner lost control of his eastbound vehicle and spun into the path of Webb's westbound motorcycle. The bike struck the passenger side of the Cobalt.

The accident occurred around 7:15 p.m.

Turner was taken by ambulance to Methodist Hospital in Henderson and his passenger, Joshua Corley, 19, of Sturgis was evacuated by air to Deaconess Hospital in Evansville. Turner was treated and discharged from Methodist Hospital and Corley is in stable condition at Deaconesss Hospital.

Both vehicle passengers were wearing seatbelts, and Web was wearing a helmet.

The investigation is ongoing.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Area death

Margaret Smith, 86, of Hopkinsville, a native of Salem, died at 10:27 p.m., Aug. 22, 2011 at her residence of natural causes. Services will be at 11 a.m., Friday at Hughart and Beard Funeral Home in Hopkinsville with the Rev. Gregory Waldrop officiating. Burial will be at 3 p.m., at Salem Cemetery.

Bridges at Henderson offer delays Friday


The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to restrict both north- and southbound traffic to one lane on Henderson's U.S. 41 Twin Bridges during the day on Friday, weather permitting. All traffic will move to the left-hand or passing lane in the work zone.

Motorists can expect to encounter a lane restriction on the northbound bridge starting about 8:30 a.m., Friday. Work on the northbound side should be completed and the work zone removed by about 10:30 a.m.

Motorists can expect to encounter a lane restriction on the southbound side of the U.S. 41 Twin Bridges starting about 11 a.m., on Friday. Work on the southbound side should be completed and the work zone removed by about 2:30 p.m.

Motorists should be prepared to encounter slowing and merging traffic on the bridge approaches. Appropriate caution is required where equipment, flaggers, and maintenance personnel are on the bridge deck in close proximity to traffic flow.

The lane restrictions on Friday are to allow maintenance on the electrical system and navigation lights. The KYTC District 2 Bridge Crew expects to complete deck patching operations on the southbound bridge today.

At this time, no lane restrictions are planned for the US 41 Twin Bridges next week.



Lady Rocket volley live on Web


The Crittenden County High School STLP will be doing a live broadcast of all the Lady Rocket Volleyball games tonight starting at 5:30 p.m. To check out the live action, visit www.crittendenrockets.ihigh.com.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Marion man hurt in wreck on Ky. 70

A Crittenden County man was injured in a single-vehicle accident Tuesday night on Ky. 70.

Kentucky State Police say David Stan Conyer, 59, of Marion was driving his 1979 Ford pickup truck west on Ky. 70, when he left the right shoulder and struck a culvert. His vehicle traveled back across the roadway, went off the left shoulder, struck an embankment and overturned back on the the highway.

The accident happened just before 10 p.m. Conyer was not wearing a seatbelt, according to police.

Trooper Darron Holliman, Crittenden County Sheriffs Department, Crittenden County Rescue Squad, Crittenden County constables, Caldwell Springs Fire Department and Kentucky Department of Highways all responded to the scene.

UPDATE: Conyer was flown to St. Mary Hospital in Evansville. The extent of his injuries is unknown.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Replacement of city water main starts

Utility work has begun on replacing Marion’s nearly 100-year old water main along Main Street.

City Administrator Mark Bryant said Tuesday that work had begun on the project near the south edge of town. He didn’t, however, expect any traffic problems in the coming week.

The project is targeted to be completed in 90 days.

No driver testing Friday in Marion

There will be no road and written driver's license testing Friday at the Crittenden County Clerk's office.

A glimpse at this week's edition

Some things to look for in this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press include a four-page 2011 Rocket football preview special, an article on a large crop irrigation system in the county, local ACT scores in relation to state trends, an early look at this weekend's Radiant spiritual gathering for women and our continuing coverage of the 10-year anniversary of 9/11. The board of education has also made a proposal on setting tax rates, while the city has finalized theirs.