Board hires new superintendent
Dr. Rachel Yarbrough believes the pieces are in place to make Crittenden County schools some of the best in the state. Starting July 1, she will begin putting that theory to the test.
Yarbrough's hire as superintendent of the school district was made official Tuesday during the Crittenden County Board of Education's regular monthly meeting. She was introduced by board Chairman Chris Cook to thunderous applause from teachers, administrators and parents gathered to hear who would be filling John Belt's role as the chief educator in the school district.
Like Superintendent Belt, who announced in February his intentions to retire, Yarbrough began her career as a teacher and moved through the ranks as a principal and central office employee. Unlike Belt, a Crittenden County native, Yarbrough comes from Webster County, where she graduated high school and has spent her entire 19-year career as an educator. She has served the last nine years as assistant superintendent there, helping to oversee some major changes and improvements in the district.
"I feel like we are getting ready for a renaissance in Crittenden County schools," Cook said after the board unanimously selected Yarbrough over three other finalists for the position. "Our best days are ahead of us."
The 40-year-old former basketball star at Webster County and Oakland City (Ind.) College will take over what Cook called a solid foundation laid by Belt in his three years as superintendent. On that foundation, however, rests a small, rural district in the midst of an almost-annual budget crisis.
Rising fuel and utility costs, coupled with increased state mandates and shrinking reimbursements based on declining enrollment forced the district to make more than $300,000 in cuts last year, including staff positions. Belt, in the midst of preparing his final budget for the district, said similar problems loom this time, though the board has expressed its desire to avoid any staffing reduction.
Yarbrough will take control at the beginning of a new fiscal year, working with an already-approved budget handed her by the board. Webster County schools have faced similar financial difficulties to those of Crittenden County, but have addressed them in part by becoming the first district in Kentucky to implement a four-day school week. Since that change, with Yarbrough implementing many of the adjustments as assistant superintendent, the district has faced a decreased financial burden and has vaulted from 115th of Kentucky's 176 school districts to 53rd in student achievement.
But, she comes to Marion with no preconceived notions that the four-day calendar is the answer for Crittenden County. Under the district's last two superintendents – Belt and Fredericka Hargis – the adjusted calendar has been explored by the board of education, only to discover lackluster support and less-than-expected savings.
Yarbrough shows no interest in revisiting the issue, at least not anytime soon.
"Every school district is different," she said. "I don't come to Crittenden County with any expectations that is what will work here."
Yarbrough said the success in Webster County has been due not so much to the new calendar as the extra time made available for teacher collaboration.
"That is really what ensured its success," she said of the four-day calendar, adding that more collaboration time is one piece of the adjusted calendar puzzle that is needed in Crittenden County.
Board member Bill Asbridge was impressed with Yarbrough's passion for the job. He said her resume was probably the most impressive of any candidate's, but her enthusiasm is what won him over.
"She doesn't appear to ask anyone to do anything she wouldn't do," he added.
Yarbrough lives in Madisonville and said she has no plans to relocate "anytime in the near future." But, she indicated she intends on becoming immersed in the community. She is heavily involved in church and as a former member of a gospel music trio. She still enjoys singing in community events and at church. She also maintains a love for athletics and has been regular radio commentator for Webster County basketball games.
Yarbrough will be paid $100,000 and was signed to a four-year contract. Belt currently earns $98,865.

Robbery suspect & shooting victim Wesley Dockrey

Inn owner says victim not suspicious
Kenny Patel, owner of the Royal Inn and Suites on Sturgis Road in Marion said robbery suspect Wesley N. Dockrey and his girlfriend had checked into the motel less than an hour before a confrontation with police ended with Dockrey being shot at least once.
The suspect, who is from Clay, was shot in the chest by a Kentucky State Trooper last Thursday night when officers tried to arrest him at the Royal Inn and Suites.
"This is Marion. You know how it is," Patel said. "We've been here 10 years and never even had a guest that looked suspicious."
Patel said he saw nothing out of the ordinary when the young woman with Dockrey came to the motel office and booked a room for the night. It was about 7 p.m.
There were three other rooms rented at the motel that night but only one guest was in his room when police showed up and tried to arrest the man suspected of attempting to rob the Wal-Mart pharmacy in Morganfield earlier in the day.
Dockrey, 26, remained in an Evansville hospital this week in serious but stable condition in the intensive care unit.
The woman with Dockrey, Sarah Rushin, 18, of Providence, is also believed to have been involved in the attempted robbery in Morganfield. She was arrested at the motel following the shooting.
Dockrey and Rushin had allegedly tried to obtain medication from the Morganfield Wal-Mart pharmacy earlier in the day. The man, who police say was Dockrey, had handed a clerk a note suggesting he had a gun and demanding Lortabs and Percocets. No gun was seen and the pharmacy clerk called for a supervisor. In the meantime, the two suspects fled without getting any drugs. They left Morganfield in a small Ford pickup.
Morganfield police issued robbery warrants for the two suspects and put out a description of the vehicle to other police agencies.
State police were notified at about 6 p.m., about the attempted robbery.
Two hours later, Trooper William Braden saw a vehicle matching that description parked in front of room 4 at the motel, formerly Tobin's Tourotel. Marion police officers, including Chief Ray O’Neal and patrolmen Bobby West and Marty Hodge were dispatched to the scene to provide assistance because it was believed that the suspect might be armed.
Officers made contact with the suspects, but couldn’t convince them to surrender, State Police spokesman Stu Recke said. During negotiations, Dockery looked out a window and aimed a handgun at Marion policeman Marty Hodge. Braden then fired twice at Dockery through the window, hitting him at least once.
Dockery never fired, and no officer or bystanders were injured, Recke said.
Dockery was taken to Crittenden County Hospital at 8:15 p.m., then transferred to Deaconess Hospital in Evansville at about 10 p.m. He was transfered by ambulance with a police escort. More than one dozen state policemen and detectives converged on the motel and processed the shooting scene. They were there until 7 a.m., the next morning. No guests were allowed to return to their rooms at the inn until after midnight.
State police have an arrest warrant for attempted murder of a police officer awaiting Dockrey upon his release from the hospital.
Rushin was arrested at the motel on a robbery charge stemming from the incident at Wal-Mart and a warrant for failure to appear in court in Hopkins County. She was taken to the Crittenden County Jail.
Braden, a seven-year state police veteran, was placed on paid administrative leave pending an internal investigation, standard state police procedure when a trooper is involved in a use of force that results in an injury or death, Lt. Phil Crumpton, a state police spokesman in Frankfort, told the Paducah Sun last week.
The trooper, who lives in Webster County, had just a week earlier received a citation for bravery for shooting and killing another man who brandished a machete in 2004 confrontation in Webster Coounty. Braden was cleared of any wrongdoing in that incident. Crumpton said Braden went to a home where a woman had called to report a man outside threatening to kill her and her family. When Braden arrived he saw Jeffery D. McKinley, 41, of Dixon outside the home. Crumpton said McKinley grabbed a 25-inch machete and began walking toward Braden, who warned him to stop and then shot and killed McKinley when he refused to drop the weapon.
Braden was honored in Louisville two weeks ago at the Kentucky State Police Awards Ceremony, where he received a citation for bravery.
Crumpton said while investigations into trooper-involved shooting vary, they generally take a minimum of 30 days. Two lieutenants from outside the post’s area will come in and investigate the shooting just like any other case, then take their findings to the commonwealth attorney, who will then decide whether to take the case to a grand jury, Crumpton said.

City, memorial services pay homage
to those killed in nation’s defense
In Shady Grove it will be the same tried and true ceremony. At Blackford it will be a familiar ceremony with a new twist. And in Marion, much will be the same with a couple of additions.
The long-standing tradition of Memorial Day services in Crittenden County continues this three-day weekend at the traditional spots – Mapleview Cemetery, Shady Grove Cemetery and relative newcomer the Blackford Memorial Walking Trail. But a new wrinkle will highlight two of the events.
First, the new tradition at Blackford, which includes the Veterans Walk of Honor, will pay special tribute beginning at 2 p.m., Saturday to Andrew Jackson Smith, a runaway slave awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his bravery as a federal soldier during the Civil War.
Danny Witherspoon, who labored for years to create the Blackford memorial, chose Smith, a black man, to honor the bravery of all Americans who have served the flag, no matter their color. And, Smith has local ties as well.
He was born in Livingston County, two decades before the war began in 1861, though the exact date of his birth is disputed. When his Kentucky owner returned after a year of enlistment in the Confederate Army to bring Smith back to the South to serve with him, the slave ran away, heading for Smithland. A series of fortunate events led Smith to Clinton, Ill., where he joined the 55th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment of the U.S. Army on May 16, 1863.
While fighting with the 55th, Smith earned distinction for his heroic actions during the Battle of Honey Hill, S.C., on Nov. 30, 1864. Smith saved his regimental color after the color-bearer was killed and kept the colors flying throughout the battle despite harsh conditions and fierce battle.
He was nominated for the Medal of Honor, the highest military honor available to any soldier, in 1916, but was denied. It was not until 69 years after his death in Livingston County that President Bill Clinton in 2001 finally bestowed the honor upon Smith’s descendants.
More on Smith and his military service are available online at medalofhonor.com.
Other Memorial Day services include:

Mapleview Cemetery
The traditional Memorial Day service at Mapleview Cemetery will add an honor to all Crittenden County Army veterans who signed up to be recognized. Eight-four, in fact, will receive the Army’s Freedom Team salute.
The ceremony begins at 10 a.m., but is open to all branches of military service, their families and the public at large.

Shady Grove Cemetery
Also Monday, Shady Grove Cemetery Association will hold its annual Memorial Day observance at 11 a.m. Sen. Dorsey Ridley will be the guest speaker. Circuit Clerk Madeline Henderson will provide music and Casey Ward will play taps.
Refreshments will be provided after services at the Shady Grove Fire Department.
n On the same day in Caldwell County, there will be a Memorial Day Parade in Fredonia beginning at 10 a.m.
Anyone who would like to enter a vintage car, truck or tractor in the parade or is a veteran who would like to ride in the parade should contact Brennan Cruce at 965-4520.

Marion Commons
Through Memorial Day, the City of Marion will keep on display on Marion Commons a memorial to all Crittenden Countians killed in war since World War I. Five crosses accompanied by the respective names of those killed in action recognize World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, as well as the Gulf War and the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, though no natives have been killed in those most recent wars.
City Administrator Mark Bryant conceived the idea as a way to honor the service of the many veterans in the community and those who gave their lives.
At the request of Ethel Tucker, one of the flags flying over the memorial is the one presented to her by the U.S. Navy at her husband Thomas’ funeral. Marion Mayor Mickey Alexander said other families may also request such a flag be flown over City Hall.

Special Marion Memorial Day observance honors Army vets
The U.S. Army will honor 84 veterans during a Freedom Team Salute as part of the annual Memorial Day tribute at Mapleview Cemetery in Marion on Monday.
The event begins at 10 a.m., and will include the traditional ceremony featuring "Taps," the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag and introduction of special guests. Instead of a keynote speaker, organizers will feature the Army's Freedom Team salute by honoring veterans who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. Army.
At the prompting of the Department of the Army, Ellis B. Ordway American Legion Post 111 Commander Jim Estes coordinated the salute. The Army is the only branch of military service to have offered the salute.
All Army veterans who responded to a call for information will be recognized. They are listed in the box below.

Names of Army veterans to be recognized Monday:
Sgt. Gary Armstrong
Sgt. Tracy Armstrong
Pfc. Kenneth Beavers
Sp. 4 Frank Blackburn
Ronald Blake
Sp. 4 Fred Brown
Sp. 5 Robert Campbell
Cwi. James E. Carter
Cpl. Virgil Cook Jr.
Sp. 4 Wesley Cullen
1st Lt. Stephen Davidson
Sfc. Donald Deboe (ret.)
Cw2 Emery Dewitt (ret.)
E5 Jim Estes
Sp. 4 Dennis Farmer
Sp. 5 Terry Ford
Cw3 Carl Fowler
Col. Barry Gilbert (ret.)
Capt. Gordon Guess
Sgt. R.C. Hamilton
S/Sgt. Ronald Hicklin
S/Sgt. Cortis Hill
E5 Denis Hodge
E7 Marty Hodge (ret.)
Sp. 5 Malcom Hunt
E4 Kenneth A. Clevenger
Sgt. Willie R. Johnson (ret.)
Cpl. William W. Jones
Sgt. Kenneth Kirk
Pfc. Roy Little
Maj. C.L. McDaniel (ret.)
1st Sgt. Everett Morris (ret.)
Sgt. Maurie H. Kirk
Loyd L. Patton
Pvt. Ollie Patton
S/Sgt. Robert Roberts
Capt. Edward A. Runyan
Bobby Rorer
T/Sgt. Evan Shelby
1st Sgt. James Sherfinski (ret.)
Sfc. Gary Singleton (ret.)
S/Sgt. Charles Sisco
Sp. 4 Michael Smiley
Sp. 4 Sam Smith
Pfc. James H. Stone
Sgt. Douglas Sullenger
S/Sgt. Allen Summers
S/Sgt. Gene Summers
E6 Harold R. Tabor
Sp. 4 Vernon Towery
SFC J.T. Travis (ret.)
Cpl. Robert L. White
Robert Woodward
Pfc. James D. Conyer
Pfc. Doyle Sherer
Sp. 4 Charles S. Hoover
2nd Lt. Morris P. Caudill
Sgt. Dwayne Croft
E4 Herman McMain
Pfc. Billy J. Millikan
Christopher Gray
Sp. 5 Michael Alexander
Sp. 5 James E. Cannon
1st Lt. David Jennings
Sgt. Raymond Marshall Jr.
1st Lt. Chester E. Truitt
Pfc. Paul A. Hunt
E4 Jimmy Todd
T4 Sg. Leonard E. Roberts
Ssgt. William D. Kemper
Sgt. Rodnie K. Davenport
Sp. 5 Ronald Koerner
Sp. 4 Wompie Stewart
Sp. 4 Donald T. Thomas
Sp. 4 William T. Gardner
Pfc. William T. Kinnis
Sgt. Charles A. James
E4 Douglas Glore
Ssg. Doyle G. Sisco
E4 Donald G. Sisco
Lt. Col. Robert E. McMican (ret.)
E1 Charles R. Woodward
E4 Thomas E. Crider
Sp. 4 Jerry W. Ritch
Sp. 4 Michael D. Hobbs