News from Jan. 15, 2003 issue



Library remains on shelf
Repair work continues to keep the Crittenden County Public Library closed this week.

The facility has been shut down since before Christmas while architects and construction crews work to shore up the roof and ceiling.

Library officials believe that the 29-year-old building sustained earthquake damage last spring during a tremor. As work began to stabilize the roof, other structural problems were found.
Paul King, an architect with Peck, Flannery, Gream and Warren Architectural firm in Paducah, is overseeing the work done by local contracting company HTH Construction.

Repair crews are using large hydraulic jacks to lift the roof back to proper height. A weakened support system is causing the roof to sink gradually. Library officials think the tremor caused part of the damage, but some of the problem may have arisen from a structural flaw or settling of the building over many years.

"We realize that the library's extended closing has caused some inconvenience for many of our patrons and we apologize," said library board chairperson Peggy Howton. "We appreciate your patience, but want to take every precaution to make sure the library is safe before it is re-opened."

Library officials say that it could remain closed to the public until Jan. 26. However, there is a chance that it might re-open late next week.

No filings yet for county jailer

The deadline for individuals seeking election to the Crittenden County jailer position is Jan. 27. So far, there have been no filings for the jailer's job and no one has requested filing applications from the county clerk's office. Former deputy Rick Riley has been serving as jailer since Jerry Gilland resigned amid indictments of mishandling of funds and a shooting incident.

There will be a special election on May 18 to fill the jailer's unexpired term and one for Fifth District constable where James Binkley resigned.

The deadline to file for three local school board seats is Aug. 10. Three of the five school board positions will be up for election this fall. Facing re-election this year are Larry Threlkeld, Bill Asbridge and the seat formerly held by Dr. Donald Wight.

School board moves meetings
The Crittenden County Board of Education adopted locations for its 2004 meetings Tuesday night. Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Fredericka Hargis, the board will no longer meet at the Central Office. A suggestion was made by the Marion Fire Chief in December to move the meetings to a larger, safer location.The board meetings will be held at four locations throughout the year ­ at each school and at Rocket Arena. Meetings will continue to be held at 7 p.m., on the second Tuesday of each month.

Newly-elected board chairman Bill Asbridge explained the reason for the multiple meeting locations.

"It was as a request by the public to some degree," Asbridge said. "It will improve board member relations with each school."
Asbridge said the meetings are planned for the upper-level meeting room at Rocket Arena May through August when basketball games will not be taking place.

In other business, the board:
·Elected Asbridge chairman of the board and Larry Threlkeld vice chair. Threlkeld said work may keep him from some of the meetings in 2004, and he wanted Asbridge to have experience facilitating monthly meetings.
·Approved a draft budget for 2004-2005 that is virtually unchanged from the current year's expenses. The school system will operate on a $7.35 million estimated general fund budget, with general fund expenditures about $25,000 more than the current year.