Insurance hits Crittenden schools hard

Commercial and workers compensation insurance policies for Crittenden County Schools are being hit with a 22.3% increase. 

Property insurance is increasing by 3.7%; however, most notably is an 185% increase in educators liability insurance and an 86% bump in automobile insurance.

The district’s policies are through Higgins Insurance of Hopkinsville.

“Our agent will be here in July to present information,” Superintendent Tonya Driver said. “He explained it was an anomaly that we were getting educators liability insurance as cheap as we were before.”

Driver said through conversations with other superintendents in the region, she has learned that some districts’ overall insurance costs have gone up 30%.

Caldwell gets $91K to feed kids

Caldwell County School District is among six recipients of a combined $91,900 in grant funding from No Kid Hungry Kentucky, aimed at expanding access to nutritious meals for children in rural communities during the summer months.

The funding supports programs that provide meals to children who might otherwise go without while school is out. Many students rely on school breakfasts and lunches during the academic year, but summer often brings increased grocery expenses for families — particularly in rural areas. A recent survey found that 94% of rural Kentucky families reported higher grocery bills during summer.

“Summer meals are a lifeline for kids and families who rely on school meals throughout the school year,” said John Cain, program director for Kentucky Kids Eat. “We’re excited to support the programs that are making dependable nutrition accessible to families in all corners of the state.”

Through non-congregate meal programs — which allow meals to be picked up or delivered for consumption off-site — more families in Caldwell and similar counties will have greater access to consistent, healthy food options for their children. These methods have proven especially effective in overcoming transportation and logistical barriers in rural communities.

Other recipients of this summer’s No Kid Hungry Kentucky grants include Frankfort Independent, Owen County and Warren County school districts, UMC Food Ministry, and Feeding America, Kentucky's Heartland.

Caldwell County Sheriff Activity Report

On July 4, 2025, Caldwell County Sheriff’s Deputy Ashley Copeland arrested Donnie Adams Jr., 34, of Princeton, Ky., on multiple warrants out of Union County. Adams was lodged in the Caldwell County Jail.

On July 5, 2025, Deputy Copeland arrested Timothy Daniel, 33, of Princeton, Ky., on a warrant out of Caldwell District Court. Daniel was lodged in the Caldwell County Jail. Deputy Copeland was assisted by Deputy Lamb.

Also on July 5, Deputy Lamb arrested Michael Earley, 26, of Princeton, Ky., on a warrant out of Caldwell District Court. Earley was lodged in the Caldwell County Jail. Deputy Lamb was assisted on scene by Deputy Copeland.

Activity report from Lyon sheriff

LYON COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT

On Monday, June 30, 2025, at 8:43 a.m., deputies served Dayyan S. Felder, 25, of Gaston, S.C., on a Lyon Circuit Court bench warrant for a probation violation after he was extradited back to Kentucky from South Carolina. Felder was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.

Later that day, around 8:30 p.m., Deputy Bobby Beeler responded to the 100 block of Panther Creek Road after a parked and unoccupied vehicle rolled down a residential driveway and crashed on Panther Creek Road. No injuries were reported.

On Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at approximately 6:53 a.m., Sheriff Brent White conducted a traffic stop on a 2013 Chevrolet on U.S. 62. The investigation revealed the operator had a suspended license and did not have an ignition interlock device affixed to the vehicle. Meagan N. Edwards, 40, of Eddyville was charged with driving on a DUI suspended license, first offense.

At approximately 8:30 a.m. that same day, Captain Dennis Beckett served a criminal complaint summons on Clint A. Puckett, 30, of Benton, charging him with theft by unlawful taking–shoplifting related to an

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A trip to Louise's Flowers to Visit the New Owner 

Cunningham Honored with Street Dedication

A newly named street in Kuttawa now bears the name of retired Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Bill Cunningham, honoring his decades of public service. During a lakeside ceremony attended by more than 100 people on July 3, the city proclaimed it “Bill Cunningham Day” and unveiled Justice Bill Cunningham Court at Silver Cliff Park.

Speakers praised Cunningham as a soldier, judge, author and Lyon County native and recognized him for his honesty, courage and commitment to justice. His son, Josh, shared personal reflections on his father’s daily discipline and compassion.

See next week’s full edition of The Crittenden Press for complete coverage and photos from the tribute event. Also, see video HERE on our social media site.

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'Tis the season | LEDBETTER BRIDGE work

LEDBETTER, Ky. — The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will implement daytime lane restrictions on the U.S. 60 Tennessee River “Ledbetter” Bridge beginning Tuesday, July 8.

Crews will conduct a detailed inspection of the bridge using an under-bridge inspection vehicle starting at 8 a.m. daily for about three days. A team of climbers will also perform a hands-on inspection during this time.

Traffic will be restricted to one lane, alternating sides of the bridge as work progresses. Motorists should be alert for flaggers, signage and arrow boards directing traffic across the bridge, which connects McCracken and Livingston counties and carries about 6,500 vehicles per day.

The lane restriction is expected to end by 3 p.m. Thursday, July 10, weather permitting. Drivers are urged to use caution in the work zone.

Once this inspection is complete, crews will move to the U.S. 60 Cumberland River “Smithland” Bridge around Friday, July 11.

TODAY | KY 120 closed 2 hrs near county line

A two-hour closure is scheduled for KY 120 in Crittenden County around 4:45 p.m. today, June 30, as a Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) contractor relocates equipment.\

The shutdown will occur near mile point 15 in a narrow curve, approximately 1.5 miles from the Crittenden-Webster County Line and the Tradewater River. The roadway is expected to be blocked for about two hours.

Drivers are urged to plan ahead and take alternate routes during the closure.

June 30 Early Bird

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Milling and Paving on KY 120 today

MARION, Ky. – Milling and paving work began Monday along KY 120 in Crittenden County, where a contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has established a daytime work zone.

Crews are resurfacing the highway between KY 132 and the Crittenden-Webster County Line, covering mile points 12.2 to 16.5. Additional paving is planned from mile point 5.2 to 8.1, stretching from KY 654 to Cave Springs Road, east of Marion.

Motorists should expect delays and watch for signage and flaggers directing traffic through the work zone. The project is being completed by Rogers Group and is expected to wrap up by Nov. 15.

Lane Restrictions | Start tomorrow on 641

Starting Tuesday, July 1, motorists should expect intermittent lane restrictions on U.S. 641 in Lyon County as crews begin work on a commercial development project.

The construction will take place between KY 3169/New Bethel Road and Beck Road, near mile point 4, between Eddyville and Fredonia. The project includes building three entrances for a new solar farm.

Work will take place during daylight hours through Thursday, July 3. Drivers are advised to use caution and watch for signage, flaggers and arrow trucks in the work zone.

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ACTIVITY REPORT | Lyon County Sheriff Brent White

LYON COUNTY SHERIFF'S REPORT

- On Thursday, June 19, just after 10:30 a.m., Chief Deputy Sam Adams responded to a single-vehicle collision in Kuttawa on Lake Barkley Drive. The investigation revealed a 2025 Honda motorcycle, driven by Susan P. Sims, 51, of Kuttawa, was northbound on Lake Barkley Drive. Sims lost control of the vehicle in a curve around Kuttawa Mountain. The motorcycle slid on its side and struck a guardrail. Sims was transported to an area hospital by Lyon County EMS with non-life-threatening injuries.

- On Monday, June 23, just before 6 p.m., Deputy Bobby Beeler and Sheriff Brent White responded to a trespassing complaint off U.S. 641 North, approximately two miles north of Eddyville. The investigation revealed two men and a woman were located on farm property after their vehicle was found at the entrance to a cornfield. All three were detained. Kristen L. Gore, 31, of Almo; Clint A. Puckett, 30, of Benton; and Austin D. Brindley, 26, of Kuttawa were arrested and charged with second-degree criminal trespassing. They were lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.

Later that evening, around 8:30 p.m., Deputy Beeler responded to a disturbance complaint on KY 93 South, about 9.5 miles south of Eddyville. His investigation resulted in the arrest of Roy G. Byers Jr., 45, of Eddyville, who was charged with fourth-degree assault (domestic violence/no visible injury). He was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.

- On Wednesday, June 25, around 8:20 a.m., Chief Deputy Adams served a Lyon District Court bench warrant on Martin A. Hawkins, 49, of Cecilia. She was charged with failure to appear in court in a DUI-related case. Hawkins was turned over to the Lyon County Jailer and later lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.

About 10 minutes later, Captain Dennis Beckett served a criminal complaint and summons from Livingston District Court on Shawn Guill, 42, of Salem in connection with a cold check case. Guill was cited and released.

That evening, just after 8:30 p.m., Deputy Beeler responded to a two-vehicle, non-injury collision at an Eddyville business. The investigation revealed a 2005 Chevrolet, driven by Azariah C. Rich, 16, of Princeton, collided with a parked and unoccupied 2023 Lincoln owned by Bret L. Brewer, 64, of Benton. No injuries were reported.

- On Thursday, June 26, around 6:45 p.m., Deputy Shannon Oliver located Connor Richie, 23, of Kuttawa on Elm Street and served him with a Lyon District Court criminal complaint and summons. Richie was charged with two counts of fourth-degree assault (domestic violence) stemming from a May 22 incident investigated by Deputy Oliver. He is scheduled to appear in Lyon District Court in July.

- On Saturday, June 28, around 5:20 p.m., Deputy Beeler investigated a trespassing incident near Saratoga Methodist Church involving individuals reportedly using metal detectors on private property

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News from western Kentucky

Chamber cuts ribbon at Cutter's Furniture & Antiques

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A new used furniture store opens in Marion Tuesday, July 1. Cutter's Furniture & Antiques, operated by Cutter Singleton, is located at 118 E. Bellville Street across from The Crittenden Press.

The Crittenden County Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon cutting ceremony at 8:30 a.m., Tuesday.

Let Rite Temp cool you off!

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Call Rite Temp Heating and Air Conditioning if your 

air conditioner is under-performing.

Rite Temp, located on Mott City Rd., in Marion, services residential and commercial and offers professional sales and installation.

Rite Temp is proud to serve Crittenden and the surrounding areas.

Crazy Train Fireworks has your July 4 fun

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Stock up for the Fourth of July with fireworks from Crazy Train Fireworks.

Located in Marion, Crazy Train Fireworks has stacks and tables full of small, entertaining fireworks for kids and powerful candles, lanterns and mortar shells for adults.

Crazy Train is open 10 a.m.-10 p.m., at 206 Sturgis Rd. 

MAIN STREET PAVING | Friday in Marion

🚧 PAVING UPDATE: U.S. 60/Main Street 🚧

After a brief delay, KYTC's contractor will begin paving through downtown Marion Friday, June 27.

🚗 Please avoid on-street parking between Bellville and Depot Streets during the work to keep the zone clear and crews safe.

Fiscal Court meets in special session Monday

 Crittenden County Fiscal Court will meet in special session at 5 p.m., Monday, June 30 at the county office complex to close out of the fiscal year.