-News from December 17, 2009 issue

Local News
The Crittenden Press Full Version (PDF)

Mother charged with 2nd-degree manslaughter
The mother of a four-year-old Crittenden County preschool student killed in a single-vehicle automobile wreck earlier this month has been charged in Livingston County with second-degree manslaughter, DUI with aggravating circumstances and possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in a motor vehicle.
According to the arrest warrant issued Dec. 9 in Livingston County, Andrea N. Crain, 25, of Lola was under the influence of alcohol, opiates, marijuana and barbiturates when she crashed her car into a concrete bridge abutment near Joy at 10:30 p.m., on a cold and rainy Wednesday night two weeks ago. Her son, Damien Crain, died on impact, according to authorities. The vehicle, they said, was ripped in two. The road was wet at the time of the wreck, but not icy, according to police reports. Read Original News Article About Wreck
Crain was taken into custody in Marion Friday night by Crittenden County Deputy Don Perry. She was located at a home on Jarvis Street and arrested on the Livingston County warrant. She was transported to Salem and turned over to Livingston County Deputy Jeff Peck, who is investigating the accident and filed the charges on behalf of the state.
Crain was lodged in the McCracken County Jail under a $20,000 cash bond.
According to the arrest warrant, Crain “operated a motor vehicle while under the combined influence of alcohol and other substances which impair one’s driving ability.” If convicted of the manslaughter charge, a Class C felony, the mother could serve 5-10 years in prison. The DUI charge carries a fine of $200 to $500 and from four to 30 days in jail.

Community Christmas giving reaches angel goal
Organizers of Community Christmas – the effort to provide Christmas to children and families in the county – have given a collective holiday cheer for the support shown this season.
“All of the angels have all been sponsored,” said Nancy Hunt, one of the coordinators.
However, donations are still needed and can be dropped off at The Peoples Bank.
“The phone at the Extension office was ringing off the wall Monday with individuals wanting to know how they could help since all the children had sponsors,” said Hunt. “We suggested they make a cash donation or donate items for teenagers such as school supplies, games or DVDs.”
Other items Hunt suggested could be donated include new socks, gloves, hats, scarves, underwear, diapers or wrapping paper.
“We really appreciate all the individuals and groups who have assisted either through sponsorship or donations. By all accounts this 35th year for Community Christmas will be successful and we owe it all to our comCHEER
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munity support both near and far. We really appreciate the support we have received from individuals outside the county who have read about our program in The Press and have called to say they are mailing in a donation,” said Hunt.
Many children were sponsored through angel tags hanging on trees at various location in the community. All of those tags had been taken as of Monday, Hunt said. Sponsors are reminded to follow instructions on their angel’s tag on where and when to return their items. All sponsor items are due to the National Guard Armory between 9 a.m., and 5 p.m., Thursday (today). Bags along with unwrapped items need to be labeled with the child’s number and letter.
“We request items to be unwrapped so parents can see what was purchased in comparison to the wish list,” Hunt said. “In case a favorite toy request has not been received, they may be able to use a gift voucher they receive at distribution to help get it before Christmas.”
All gift and food vouchers will be used at Crittenden County stores. Mickey Myers, Community Christmas treasurer, serves as the contact with businesses. Participating stores are aware vouchers will be given out Friday so they can expect extra shoppers.
Distribution of items will be Friday. Everyone with children who signed up in October was given an appointment time for the armory and another appointment time for the Marion Baptist Church Family Life Center to receive food. Households without children have appointment times only for the Family Life Center.
“Families who have lost their appointment card can come by the Extension office for a replacement before Friday,” Hunt said. The Extension office is located at 112 W. Carlisle St.
If you have questions concerning Community Christmas, contact Hunt at 965-5236 or Mona Manley at 965-5229.

No-kill shelter to go off Ky. 120
Crittenden Fiscal Court has approved a plan by the Mary Hall Ruddiman No-Kill Animal Shelter Board of Directors to buy a three-quarter-acre piece of property that includes a block building, county water and septic system. The price is $12,000 and the property is located on Just-A-Mere Road at the junction of Ky. 120. Officials predict that the shelter will keep fewer than 10 animals. Ruddiman, who died in May 2007, bequeathed a large sum of money to build and operate such a shelter. Board members believe they have enough funds to operate the facility for several years. It is not connected with the Crittenden County Animal Shelter, which is operated by the county.