Wednesday, October 5, 2016
Columbus forces earlier Early Bird
Due to an altered printing schedule because of Monday’s postal holiday, the deadline for all Early Bird submissions is 5 p.m. today, a full 24 hours earlier than usual. We apologize for any inconvenience. The Crittenden Press will be open Columbus Day, as will all city, county and state offices, with the exception of the senior center. All federal offices will be closed.
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
Trap Shoot Thursday
Mexico Baptist Church is hosting its annual trap shoot at 6 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 6 at the Crittenden County Gun Club on Ky. 91 North. This is an event open to the public. The church is providing clay targets. Participants will provide a gun and ammunition.
Gilchrist tees it up in state tourney
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| Gilchrist at the 1st Region leaderboard |
She shot a 10-over 82 in last week's First Region Girls Tournament to finish sixth overall at Calvert City Country Club, earning individual qualifying spot in this week’s KHSAA Girls State Championship Golf Tournament at Bowling Green.
Gilchrist played her practice round yesterday. Today, she begins a two-day, 36-hole match against the state's top female golfers.
Just 14 years old, Gilchrist joins a select group as a state championship qualifier. Coincidentally, she has close ties to three of them. Those are Gilchrist’s high school coach Vicki (Hardin) Hatfield, her coach’s sister Kayla (Hardin) Gachoka and Gilchrist’s former elementary school principal Melissa (Jones) Tabor. All three are singing the young golfer’s praises.
“Isn’t that great,” said Tabor, still the principal at CCES and the first female golfer from Crittenden County to play in the state tournament back in the early 1980s.
The other two Rocket ladies who qualified for state were Morgan Dooms and Michelle Stone.
“I am so proud of her,” said Hatfield, whose younger sister also qualified as a freshman.
“Lauren had a couple of bad holes in last week's regional tournament, but she didn’t let that define her round,” Hatfield said.
Gilchrist had a triple-bogey on the par-4 first hole at Calvert City – which was actually the 10th hole of her round.
After writing down a seven on her scorecard, Gilchrist battled back with a par on the next hole.
“I just stuck to my attitude,” she said. “I really wanted to do this this year so I kept my head on and stuck with it.”
Gilchrist finished last week's regional event with nine pars, two birdies, seven bogeys and figures on a couple of other holes that she’d rather forget.
“My putting helped me,” she said, counting eight greens where she one-putted.
The ninth-grader hit four greens in regulation, bringing that hot putter into play a number of times.
“It’s pretty special,” said her coach.
Gilchrist is a former First Region All A Classic Tournament champion and three-time Class A Tournament qualifier. She finished 15th three weeks ago in the state small-school tournament.
Monday, October 3, 2016
Magistrates to study county road wrecks
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| CRASH DATA Click Image to Enlarge |
During a recent fiscal court meeting, Crittenden County magistrates spent some time poring over data that helped them determine which two county roads would be studied as part of the Safety Circuit Rider Program, which is headed by UK.
They chose Reiters View and Mexico Church roads, both in the southern quadrant of the county. In fact. the two roads intersect west of Crayne. They are among the top 5 roads in the county for injury accidents.
Data show that between the two paved yet un-striped county roads there were 11 people injured and a dozen different accidents reported during a period between 2011 and 2015.
Crittenden County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom said Crittenden was among two counties in the Pennyrile Area Development District to be selected for the safety audit.
Livingston brush cutting to affect U.S. 60 traffic
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will have a moving daytime work zone along US 60 in Livingston County starting this week.
This daytime moving work zone is to allow brush cutting along the 29 miles of US 60 right of way through Livingston County.
The Livingston County Highway Maintenance Crew will be using a tractor mounted Mow-Trim to cut back brush starting along US 60 from the KY 937/Cutoff Road intersection and working westward toward Paducah to the US 60 Tennessee River Bridge at Ledbetter. The crew will then return to the KY 937 intersection and work eastward along US 60 toward Salem to the Livingston-Crittenden County Line.
Motorists should be prepared to encounter short sections of one lane traffic with alternating flow controlled by flaggers. Some delays are possible as traffic will have to be halted for 5 to 10 minutes to allow brush cutting along embankments in close proximity to traffic flow.
This brush cutting effort will continue during daylight hours over about the next month anytime weather allows. Appropriate caution is required where equipment, flaggers, and maintenance personnel are along the roadway in close proximity to traffic flow.
This daytime moving work zone is to allow brush cutting along the 29 miles of US 60 right of way through Livingston County.
The Livingston County Highway Maintenance Crew will be using a tractor mounted Mow-Trim to cut back brush starting along US 60 from the KY 937/Cutoff Road intersection and working westward toward Paducah to the US 60 Tennessee River Bridge at Ledbetter. The crew will then return to the KY 937 intersection and work eastward along US 60 toward Salem to the Livingston-Crittenden County Line.
Motorists should be prepared to encounter short sections of one lane traffic with alternating flow controlled by flaggers. Some delays are possible as traffic will have to be halted for 5 to 10 minutes to allow brush cutting along embankments in close proximity to traffic flow.
This brush cutting effort will continue during daylight hours over about the next month anytime weather allows. Appropriate caution is required where equipment, flaggers, and maintenance personnel are along the roadway in close proximity to traffic flow.
Saturday, October 1, 2016
One injured in U.S. 60 wreck Friday
The Kentucky State Police is investigating a one vehicle, injury-collision that occurred on US 60 in Crittenden County at 3:47 p.m. on Friday.
The preliminary investigation revealed that Angela Darnell, 37, Cadiz was operating a 1995 Lincoln westbound on US 60. Mrs. Darnell lost control of her vehicle, overcorrected, exited the left side of the roadway, and struck a tree.
The passenger Sharon Darnell, 60, Marion was transported to Western Baptist in Paducah due to injuries sustained in the collision. Angela Darnell was not injured. Both the driver and passenger were wearing their seatbelts.
Trooper Brian Graves is investigating the collision. Crittenden County EMS, Crittenden County Rescue Squad, Crittenden County Constable and Crittenden County Sheriff’s Department assisted at the scene.
The preliminary investigation revealed that Angela Darnell, 37, Cadiz was operating a 1995 Lincoln westbound on US 60. Mrs. Darnell lost control of her vehicle, overcorrected, exited the left side of the roadway, and struck a tree.
The passenger Sharon Darnell, 60, Marion was transported to Western Baptist in Paducah due to injuries sustained in the collision. Angela Darnell was not injured. Both the driver and passenger were wearing their seatbelts.
Trooper Brian Graves is investigating the collision. Crittenden County EMS, Crittenden County Rescue Squad, Crittenden County Constable and Crittenden County Sheriff’s Department assisted at the scene.
Friday, September 30, 2016
Fall forest fire hazard season under way
The Kentucky Division of Forestry (KDF) is again preparing for an active wildfire season. Each year, nearly 1,500 wildfires occur in the state of Kentucky based on the 10-year average.
Wildfires in Kentucky threaten and cause damage to homes, private property, trees and landscapes. More importantly, they place lives at risk, including those of firefighters. Most of Kentucky’s wildfires are preventable, the result of arson and careless open-burning (burning of trash, debris and brush). People start wildfires and people can prevent them.
State law restricts open burning within 150 feet of any woodland or brushland between the daylight hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. during the fall and spring forest fire hazard seasons, which run from Oct. 1 to Dec. 15 and from Feb. 15 to April 30, 2017, respectively.
Division Director Bill Steele said hardwood leaf litter is the most common source of combustible material in Kentucky forests.
"Unlike western fires that burn on the ground and in the canopy, Kentucky’s fires usually stay on the forest floor and burn only what is already down,” Steele said. “Beginning in October, fresh new dead leaf litter begins to fall in the forest.”
During the October through December fire hazard season, winds become erratic due to the coming seasonal change and Kentucky also typically sees lower relative humidity (RH) numbers than in summer. When RH numbers get below 25 percent, bad fires can occur.
By restricting burning until after 6 p.m. during the fall and spring, winds are typically lower and the humidity is higher, making outdoor fires more manageable and less likely to escape. Arson is a felony and it’s everyone’s responsibility to take proper precautions when burning.
Residents should call the Division of Air Quality at )502) 782-6592 to learn about other specific regulations before burning anything.
Wildfires in Kentucky threaten and cause damage to homes, private property, trees and landscapes. More importantly, they place lives at risk, including those of firefighters. Most of Kentucky’s wildfires are preventable, the result of arson and careless open-burning (burning of trash, debris and brush). People start wildfires and people can prevent them.
State law restricts open burning within 150 feet of any woodland or brushland between the daylight hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. during the fall and spring forest fire hazard seasons, which run from Oct. 1 to Dec. 15 and from Feb. 15 to April 30, 2017, respectively.
Division Director Bill Steele said hardwood leaf litter is the most common source of combustible material in Kentucky forests.
"Unlike western fires that burn on the ground and in the canopy, Kentucky’s fires usually stay on the forest floor and burn only what is already down,” Steele said. “Beginning in October, fresh new dead leaf litter begins to fall in the forest.”
During the October through December fire hazard season, winds become erratic due to the coming seasonal change and Kentucky also typically sees lower relative humidity (RH) numbers than in summer. When RH numbers get below 25 percent, bad fires can occur.
By restricting burning until after 6 p.m. during the fall and spring, winds are typically lower and the humidity is higher, making outdoor fires more manageable and less likely to escape. Arson is a felony and it’s everyone’s responsibility to take proper precautions when burning.
Residents should call the Division of Air Quality at )502) 782-6592 to learn about other specific regulations before burning anything.
Thursday, September 29, 2016
Area Death
Rudy Dwayne Cobb, 51, of Burna died after a tractor-trailer accident early Wednesday in Illinois. Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.
Jackson School Road re-opens
Jackson School Road in southern Crittenden County has re-opened to traffic after passing an inspection today.
"I have just gotten a call from the state bridge inspector, George Crump, and he has approved the re-opening of Jackson School Road," Judge-Executive Perry Newcom said this afternoon. "The bridge approaches will remain gravel through winter to allow for settling prior to being paved next spring."
"I have just gotten a call from the state bridge inspector, George Crump, and he has approved the re-opening of Jackson School Road," Judge-Executive Perry Newcom said this afternoon. "The bridge approaches will remain gravel through winter to allow for settling prior to being paved next spring."
Viewpoint: Editorial from Your Newspaper
COMMENTARY FROM THE CRITTENDEN PRESS
There's perhaps no address more associated with helping local people in need than 402 N. Walker St. in Marion, but Crittenden County Assistance Center to some is apparently little different than Crittenden County Convenience Center.
Sometimes referred to as simply the PACS office, the building that was once a public health department is actually home to much more. True, it is the site to access services from Pennyrile Allied Community Services, but it's also where Crittenden County Food Bank and the local American Red Cross call headquarters.
Notice there's no mention of a garbage collection center. Unfortunately, some people feel that because the offices at the building accept donations for distribution to the less fortunate in our community, it's a good place to dump off their discarded items. Surely, somebody can use those clothes from the 1970s you cleaned out of Grandma's basement, right?
And who couldn't make use of a washer or dryer that no longer works or a broken rocking horse for children? What about a piano?
These unsolicited donations help no one. In fact, they cost the very people some intend to help with their junk. Because most of it is unfit for distribution, at the county taxpayers' expense, a crew is forced to make its way to the center and cart off other people's trash. And those workers haul it to the convenience center, the same place where the dumper was happy to avoid and save a few bucks.
Recently, the county needed about 10 man-hours to clear away the mound of useless goods piled at the back door of the assistance center that included, yes, a piano. Such a move speaks highly of the motivation of the dumper. Just not for their discretion.
A good rule of thumb? If it's too worn out to wear, too dirty to clean up, too broken to fix or it's something you wouldn't be caught dead with, it's not appropriate to believe it will help others.
That’s our words, not the center’s, so feel free to call the center at (270) 965-4763 or stop by for a more technical definition of what helps.
The less fortunate, the underprivileged and those down on their luck aren't a stray dog you leave scraps for each night. They are deserving of the same respect you give your neighbor, the person in the pew behind yours on Sunday morning or your own flesh and blood. True, there are people who work the system, but let the staff at the center do the needs-vetting. For those who still don't get it, dumping off your items at the center – or anywhere – under cover of night – or anytime – is illegal.
That's right, if you get caught, you can face a stiff fine, jail time or both. Crittenden County Assistance Center encourages donations, and, in fact, needs them to carry out the various missions of the organizations who call it home. Cash donations can feed the hungry, help pay a heating bill for a senior on a fixed income or send a fan to a home without air in the depths of summer.
Donations of new or gently used clothes can give a kid in tatters a boost of confidence or get a family back on their feet after a house fire. Furniture, toys and even appliances are accepted, but only if they are in once piece and working. By no means do we intend to discourage anyone from giving. Quite the opposite.
We urge you to give more, but let it come from the heart, not a desire to save a few bucks at the dump. If you are uncertain how to help or want to find out current and pressing needs, just contact the center. They will thank you. The people you will help thank you. And the taxpayers tired of cleaning up others' junk thank you.
Friday deadline for WMA drawing
Tomorrow is the deadline to apply for archery and rifle quota hunts on the Big Rivers Wildlife Management Area in Crittenden and Union counties.
The archery hunt period is Oct. 10 through Nov. 30.
The gun hunt is Nov. 5-6.
Nunn Switch Road closing for repairs
Meantime, Jackson School Road bridge has been completed and is currently awaiting the bridge inspector to approve the opening of that road. At this time, it remains closed to through-traffic.
Highway 60 Yard Sale a traffic concern
Motorists who plan to travel along US 60 between Paducah and the Louisville area should be aware of the 200-mile Highway 60 Yard Sale today through Sunday.
The yard sale runs along US 60 through 8 Kentucky counties along the Ohio River.
Those participating in the yard sale are reminded to park off the roadway and avoid blocking the view of oncoming traffic at intersections.
If you plan to set up a booth, please select a location that provides adequate off-street parking.
Motorists traveling US 60 should be alert for slowing and stopping traffic between daylight and dark each day of the yard sale. Appropriate caution is required.
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
BIG Two-Day Friday-Saturday
Price Slashing at Conrad's Harvest Foods
Friday and Saturday
DON'T MISS THE FIRST TWO-DAY SALE
UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP
Traffic restricted along Ledbetter bridge
A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has placed a work zone lane restriction on the US 60 Tennessee River Bridge at Ledbetter.
The lane restriction is to allow corrective work on wiring for roadway lighting on the bridge. The work is expected to be in place through Thursday or Friday.
All traffic in this work zone is moved to the right-hand or driving lane to allow work along the median barrier wall on the bridge.
As a reminder, the US 60 Tennessee River Bridge at Ledbetter has a 45 mile per hour speed limit.
The US 60 Tennessee River Bridge is at US 60 McCracken County mile point 20.45, just east of the US 60 intersection with US 62. The bridge is at US 60 Livingston County mile point 0.0.
The US 60 Tennessee River Bridge opened to traffic in July 2013. Also known as The Ledbetter Bridge, the 3,690 foot strucutre carries approximately 8,000 vehicles per day between McCracken County and Livingston County. The 1800 foot warren truss with no verticles is believed to be the longest sigle through truss span in the world.
Appropriate caution is required where equipment, flaggers, and maintenance personnel are along the roadway in close proximity to traffic flow.
The lane restriction is to allow corrective work on wiring for roadway lighting on the bridge. The work is expected to be in place through Thursday or Friday.
All traffic in this work zone is moved to the right-hand or driving lane to allow work along the median barrier wall on the bridge.
As a reminder, the US 60 Tennessee River Bridge at Ledbetter has a 45 mile per hour speed limit.
The US 60 Tennessee River Bridge is at US 60 McCracken County mile point 20.45, just east of the US 60 intersection with US 62. The bridge is at US 60 Livingston County mile point 0.0.
The US 60 Tennessee River Bridge opened to traffic in July 2013. Also known as The Ledbetter Bridge, the 3,690 foot strucutre carries approximately 8,000 vehicles per day between McCracken County and Livingston County. The 1800 foot warren truss with no verticles is believed to be the longest sigle through truss span in the world.
Appropriate caution is required where equipment, flaggers, and maintenance personnel are along the roadway in close proximity to traffic flow.
Winner of KSP truck raffle announced
What's news this week in Crittenden County...
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| Woman's Club honors unsung matriarchs of community |
If all goes as planned, there will be at least one layer of asphalt on the new U.S. 641 highway between Marion and Fredonia sometime in November. At least that is what the top District 1 highway engineer from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet told a group of Crittenden County economic development leaders Monday.
For this complete story and the following headlines, pick up a copy of this week's issue of The Crittenden Press:
- Festival booth offers ‘Damsel in Defense’ tips for all women
- Full schedule of Pumpkin Festival events
- Nunn Switch closing for repairs
- OPINION: Courtroom one of last bastions of decorum
- OPINION: America: Can we keep what thousands died for?
- Former miner turns to pasta for career move
- Blood drive will help high school
- IN PICTURES: CCES August Rocket Role Models
- IN PICTURES: CCHS Class of 1952 reunion
- IN PICTURES: CCHS Class of 1956 reunion
- Called-in threat to ‘blow up’ courthouses in Crittenden, Caldwell clears buildings
- IN PICTURES: Frances festival
- Bluegrass festival has plenty local connections
- 1st responders honored
- Fall burning limits start Sunday
- SBA offers aid to some affected by summer storms
- Band tuned up for rest of season
- Critical crops fairing as September ends
- Motorcycle wreck hurts 1 on U.S. 60
- J-E’s daughter hurt last week in wreck
- County unemployment up, Ky. jobless rate below 5 percent
- Local flu clinics set for October
- FORGOTTEN PASSAGES: County full of nature’s wonders, beauty
- Caldwell historical society to meet Oct. 6 at Princeton library
- Kentucky’s Southern Baptists are putting more than ever in plates
- DEFEW'S VIEWS: Pickin’ pawpaws worth effot
- School district employees honored as Rocket Way recipients
- Myers earns KSP recognition
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