News from Aug. 7, 2003 issue


Group planning new Marion motel
BY ALLISON EVANS
A local development group is pursing $250,000 from the Renaissance Kentucky program to help finance construction of a motel in downtown Marion.

During a public hearing conducted last Thursday by Marion Main Street, Marion businessman Charlie Hunt outlined plans for a motel on North Marion Street where the Farmer's Market is currently located.

Hunt, local attorney Alan Stout and other unnamed members of the development group have been considering the project for some time. Recent news about a potential $250,000 grant from Renaissance Kentucky meant the timing was right to move ahead with the plan, Hunt said.

Other sites are being considered, but the North Main location is the group's first choice because it is already owned by one of the investors.

"As bad as the community needs it, like the rest of the world, it has to have a positive financial aspect because it's going to be a terribly expensive project," Hunt said this week. "The grant will allow us to spend a little more money to set ourselves apart in appearance from national chains."

While the project is not contingent on the Renaissance grant, Hunt says it guarantees its viability. The project will cost more than $1 million.

Marion Main Street director Rose Crider enthusiastically endorses the project and says her organization will do all it can to support the application so long as it keeps with the spirit of the Renaissance program.

The project selection committee appointed by Main Street following last Thursday's meeting passed a resolution supporting the project, if the developers meet Renaissance criteria including a facade design that is connected with the historic nature of downtown.
The developers have been in contact with two national motel chains but would not disclose which ones. Hunt anticipates a multi-story building that would have 24 rooms and an interior and exterior that would be in keeping with Marion's old downtown buildings. A grant of $250,000 would allow the group to purchase aged brick and period dated fixtures such as four-poster beds and cast iron tubs.

"We want a different look to the lobby than just concrete and steel," Hunt said.
If developers are able to purchase a motel franchise, Hunt hopes corporate officials would approve spending money on elements that would give the building an early 20th Century appearance similar to other Marion buildings.

"I have communicated with Renaissance officials that the need is great for lodging here and there is no question about that," Crider said. "Tourists frequently ask the Chamber and Main Street where they can stay in Marion."

Only one project from each of the state's 80 Gold and Silver-level Renaissance cities is eligible to apply. Ten will be awarded.

There are a number of requirements for the grant. First and foremost, consideration will only be given to projects that provide economic development in downtown revitalization.
"We feel it might be considered direct competition with other motels in and around Marion, but we don't feel like we are direct competition with the bed and breakfasts," Hunt said. "They cater to a different clientele.

"We've learned from market studies there is a definite need for it, because a lot of people are staying outside of Marion and the bed and breakfasts are full a lot of the time."

The lengthy grant application is due by Aug. 29.

Former Press writer going to Iraq
Daryl Tabor, a former managing editor at The Crittenden Press, is heading next week to Iraq as a correspondent for the Hopkinsville New Era newspaper, where he is now employed.

Tabor, a Marion native, is the son of Jimmy and Betty Tabor of Marion. He has worked in several capacities at The Press since graduating from high school in 1991. He left The Press last summer to take a job with the Hopkinsville newspaper.

With Fort Campbell just a few miles away, the New Era has covered events closely in Iraq since before the outbreak of war. It sent another correspondent there during the war and is now deploying Tabor to spend a few weeks with the 101st Airborne Division from Fort Campbell. He will be producing articles and photographs, sending them back electronically each day for Hopkinsville and Clarksville, Tenn., media. For more on this story, see this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press.

Orr joins Crittenden Sheriff's Department
Ryan Orr, 22, of Marion has been hired as a Crittenden County Sheriff's Deputy.
A graduate of Crittenden County High School, Orr has completed a bachelor's degree from Murray State in Criminal Justice.
He went on duty for the sheriff's department Monday, but will be leaving for a 16-week law enforcement training course this winter at Richmond.
Sheriff Wayne Agent says Orr will replace Deputy Ray Agent on the full-time roster. Ray Agent will become a part-time officer.
Orr is the son of Ronald and Donna Orr of Marion. His sister, Audra, is a police officer in California.


Conway hired as new game warden
STAFF REPORT
Randy Conway is already on duty, but he will become even more visible around Crittenden County when lead starts flying in deer season.

Conway, 38, has been hired as the new conservation officer for Crittenden. He replaces Tony Collins, who retired last year after more than 30 years with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR).

Conway is already on duty, but he's still taking part in the training process. He might be seen on a limited basis in Crittenden County right now, but assures sportsmen that when deer season rolls around he will be very conspicuous.
Training to become a game warden takes almost a year, Conway explains. He began with a 16-week law enforcement training at the Police Academy in Richmond. After that, it was six weeks at the Game Farm in Frankfort where he went through a crash course in fish and wildlife laws and procedures.

On the road currently, he must serve along side other conservation officers for 12 weeks before the department sends him out into the field solo.

Conway began his field training with McCracken County warden Garry Clark a couple of weeks ago. He will also spend some time with another conservation officer, James Nason, before his training is complete.

By then, it will be about time for the rifle deer season, one of the heaviest traffic periods for wildlife officers.

A life-long Crittenden County resident, Conway actually went to school in Union County. He lives in the Belles Mines area and has worked in the Union County School System and as a farmer most of his adult life.

"I always wanted to be a game warden," Conway said. "I cut my teeth on an old Remington 870 and remember the late Denver Tabor, who was then the game warden, stopping by the house."

Collins, who retired from KDFWR, says he has known Conway since he was a young boy.

"He's always been a big help out in the Belles Mines area," Collins said. "He and his father helped me out several times when I was working on things in that area."

Conway also gets the endorsement of long-time KDFWR officer Donan Jenkins, who says he spent several hours with Conway last year discussing the position that was open in Crittenden County.

"I think he's going to make a fine officer," Jenkins said.