News from June 8, 2006 issue



Three die in head-on wreck
A head-on collision a mile south of Dycusburg on Ky. 295 killed three young people late Monday afternoon.

Andrea K. Lefan, 16, was driving southbound alone about two miles from her home near Dycusburg when she was struck head-on by an oncoming vehicle which was passing another car in a no-passing zone at the crest of a hill. Kentucky State Police say Bobby J. "Joey" Taylor, Jr., the driver of a 1992 Pontiac Firebird, did not re-enter the northbound lane in a timely manner and struck Lefan, who had made an attempt to avoid the collision but was unable to do so.

The Firebird came to rest off the roadway, caught fire, trapping the driver, 23, and a passenger, Shonda LeeAnn McFarland, 17, inside. They were not positively identified until Tuesday afternoon, when a state police medical examiner used dental records to confirm their identity. Crittenden County

Coroner Britt Gilbert believes Taylor and McFarland may have died on impact.
McFarland, of Salem, formerly attended Livingston Central High School and has family in Crittenden County.

None of the victims were wearing seatbelts.

LeFan's family lives in Crittenden County but she attended Lyon County High School, where she would have been a senior this fall. Teachers and friends called her a great girl who had everything going for her. She was very artistic.

LeFan was apparently on her way to work in Eddyville when the accident occurred about 4:45 p.m. She was airlifted from the scene but died at Deaconess Hospital in Evansville.

Kentucky State Police from Post 1 and Post 2 assisted at the scene, as did the Lyon County Sheriff's Department, Kuttawa Fire and Rescue and Lyon County Rescue.
The original 911 call was received at Post 1 in Mayfield, which dispatched Lyon County rescue departments. Crittenden EMS was not notified of the accident, according to Director Larry Granstaff. He said there has been some misinformation as to the reason for Crittenden not being involved. He said because the accident was just inside Crittenden County, Lyon County officials responded and notified Crittenden of their involvement.

The accident happened within one-half mile of the Crittenden-Lyon county line.
Funeral arrangements for all of the victims had not been completed by press time Wednesday morning. For those that had been made, see obituary page, 5A.

Local Marine honored for bravery
U.S. Marine Cpl. Michael Croft of Marion was honored in May with a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device. The award was presented for heroic achievement in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom between 2004-2006.

In May 2005 while in Al Qa'am, Iraq during Operation Matador, Croft provided fire support while insurgents fired down into amphibious assault vehicles from a rooftop building. Croft served with the 2nd Marines, Regimental Combat Team 2 in the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force.

The description of the battle is printed on the certificate Croft received in addition to the medal, and says Croft called a 60 mm mortar mission with first round effects on the enemy. After the mortar fire neutralized the enemy, Croft maneuvered to gain observation on insurgent fighting positions. While under enemy fire, he continued to call for fire on the enemy and mark targets for close air support.

"Corporal Croft's initiative, courage and devotion to the duty reflected credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service," the certificate reads.

Croft is now a rifle range instructor at Camp Lejeune, N.C. He re-enlisted in the Marines when he returned from Iraq.

He is the son of Debbie and Brian Croft of Marion.

Business changes in Marion
The face of Marion's Main Street will be changing over the course of the next few weeks. One business has closed, one is closing and another is moving which will make way for a used car lot on North Main.

When West Kentucky Music went out of business in late May, it created a domino-effect of sorts. Main Street Jewelry and Loan is now moving to the West Kentucky Music building next to McDonald's, and Marion native Wompie Stewart will open a used car lot in the former Main Street Jewelry and Loan building at the corner of Main and First streets. Johnny Nesbitt is owner and operator of the business, which is also a pawn shop. Once the business moves across the street it will no longer offer gifts or new jewelry.

Stewart, a Crittenden County High School graduate with 14 years in the automobile sales business, will open Wompie Stewart Auto Sales by the first of August. He is currently working at Trice Hughes in Princeton.

He hopes to keep 20 to 30 cars, trucks, mini vans and SUVs among his inventory. Stewart will be assisted with title work and clerical duties by his daughter Jessica, a senior at Livingston Central High School.

On the other end of town, Mel's Market is going out of business. Owner Melodean Wheeler is shutting the doors after eight years in the former Pantry store on the corner of U.S. 60 and U.S. 641. Noted for its fried livers and pizza, Mel's is gradually selling down its inventory and the business will close for good in a few days.