-News from August 27, 2009 issue

Local News
The Crittenden Press Full Version (PDF)

Lions dedicate exhibit hall to Hatfield
Nearly 100 people turned out in support of their friend Jim Hatfield Monday night, sharing in the dedication of the Crittenden County Fairgrounds Exhibition Building in Hatfield's honor.
It is a fitting tribute, fellow Lions Club members say, considering Hatfield was largely responsible for organizing the resurrection of the local fair in 1973 and continued as fair chairman for the 33 years that followed.
Lions Club member Zac Greenwell and Hatfield's wife Bonita spoke of Hatfield's dedication to the organization at the fairgrounds Monday, where a large sign was unveiled on the side of the exhibit building.
The community interest in the fair is mutli-faceted, Greenwell said, noting that Hatfield, 66, and his father, James T. Hatfield Sr., helped regenerate interest in a fair for the purpose of displaying 4-H exhibits, creating a venue for community organizations to hold fundraisers and as a means of creating unity and community pride.
It was Jim Sr.’s desire to reinstate the fair in Crittenden County. He was the Extension agriculture agent and wanted to give local residents a place to promote Crittenden County and showcase their exhibits and have family entertainment. A county fair was held here most years during the 1920s, but none took place between 1953-1973. When the younger Hatfield returned to Marion fresh from pharmacy school and became a member of the Lions Club, he and his father worked to get the fair up and running again in 1973. Unfortunately, James T. Hatfield Sr., died in the spring of 1973 before he could see his and his son’s plan come to fruition.
Today, the big events at the fair attract 2,000-plus people, Greenwell said.
Growing up at the fair with the Hatfield family, Greenwell recalled that Hatfield’s son Carl used to say most families go to the fair to ride rides, but the Hatfields go to pick up trash.
Hatfield's wife Bonita spoke on behalf of her husband, who has a progressive neurological condition that has affected his speech and vitality.
“I am sure he would want me to say that the Lions Club will achieve far better things, but your legacy to him and your camaraderie reveal a faith in teamwork and a biding passion for corndogs,” Bonita Hatfield said, getting a chuckle from those gathered outside the exhibit building.


National Guard Warrior Bowl held at Rocket Stadium
Crittenden County is hosting the first ever Kentucky National Guard Warrior Bowl Friday and Saturday at Rocket Stadium.
The two-day event will feature two high school football games and much more. There will be a 5K run, All Pro Dads’ Breakfast, bag toss (corn hole) tournament, youth flag football tournament, an academic bowl, a punt, pass and kick competition and a great deal more.
The featured events are high school football games with Herrin, Ill., facing Glasgow at 7 p.m., Friday and Massac County, Ill., playing Crittenden County at 7 p.m., on Saturday.
Bag toss boards featuring each school's mascot and colors will be sold by silent auction and the Kentucky National Guard will have its inflatable obstacle course and rock wall set up Friday night and all day Saturday. Concessions will be available and there will be a dunking booth with some local dignitaries riding the board.
The 5K race and 1 mile fun run starts at 8 a.m., at the Kentucky National Guard Armory. Registration day of race is $20. A discount is available to register in advance. Call 965-5249 to enter.
Flag football teams for grades K-2 will play Saturday morning in a tournament sponsored by Farmers Bank and Trust Co., of Marion. Winners will be recognized during Saturday’s game.
The punt, pass and kick competition, also sponsored by Farmers Bank, begins at 2 p.m., with divisions for grades K-8 and an open division for teens or adults. Winners receive prizes and game-time recognition.
The Kentucky National Guard Patriot Chopper will be on display. The chopper was built especially for the Guard by Orange County Choppers of cable television fame. Have your photo made with the chopper for free. Kids will love the rock wall and obstacle course.
Gates open at 8 a.m., on Saturday morning with activities all day long starting with a free All Pro Dads' Breakfast. Come bring your child and enjoy fellowship and a short program that will help dads learn how to connect better with kids.
Gate prices are $4 and $8.
For general information regarding this event, call 704-0435.
The Peoples Bank Academic Bowl at 1 p.m., at the school will feature academic matches between high school teams and a local celebrity face off.
The Academic Bowl is looking for teams of bankers, business professionals, elected officials and teachers to participate. People who like Jeopardy!, Trivial Pursuit and those who get excited about increasing their knowledge, are ideal participants in the Academic Bowl, sponsored by The Peoples Bank. Call 704-1446 for more information.
Veterans and active duty soldiers from all branches of the military are encouraged to participate in the Kentucky National Guard Warrior Bowl Recognition Ceremony Friday night.
Veterans of all ages and active duty military personnel will be recognized during a halftime ceremony. To participate, simply attend the Friday game and listen to directions that will be provided by the public address announcer.


Sheriff warns of in-home scams
Law enforcement officials in recent days have reported that one or more individuals have posed as electric utility workers, telephone repair men and flooring salesmen in attempts to gain illegal entrance into homes in the county.
Sheriff Wayne Agent said three incidents reported in Crittenden County include one woman who had $75 stolen from her purse while the imposters were in her home. All of the home intrusions were last week. The latest was Saturday.
The sheriff said these types of reports seem to occur every summer. He suspects a ring operating in the region comes through the area each year.
All reports identified a white pickup truck. Some reports indicated that two or perhaps three men were working together.
Kenergy – the utility providing electric service in all or portions of 14 western Kentucky counties – issued its own news release regarding the imposters, some of which posed as electric cooperative workers.
“Kenergy advises its customers that its services end outside at the point at which electricity enters a home or business. Should an individual request entrance, access should be denied,” the company suggested.
Kenergy and other utilities’ employees travel in vehicles displaying their company’s logo, wear uniforms with identifying patches and carry identification cards.