In a series of significant events that unfolded in Caldwell County this spring, the community faced tragedy and transformation, from the devastating impact of another tornado and the loss of well-known local figures to the arrest of a fugitive and the welcoming of new business ventures.
In April, a man sought in connection with a shooting at a restaurant in Nashville, Tennessee, on Easter Sunday was apprehended in Princeton.
Princeton Police Chief Shane Allison announced that 46-year-old Anton Rucker from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, was arrested at a residence near the 300 block of North Donnivan Street. This followed a tip from the Pennyrile Narcotics Task Force indicating that the suspect in the Easter Sunday shooting was thought to be in Princeton.
Princeton Police, Metro Nashville Police, ATF agents, the US Marshal’s Service, and Pennyrile Narcotics Task Force detectives collaborated to locate Rucker. He was accused of killing one man and injuring several others in a shooting at the Roasted restaurant in Nashville’s Salemtown neighborhood. Rucker was held in the Caldwell County Jail before being extradited to Tennessee.
In early April, Ashton Ocampo from Princeton was sentenced to 17 years in prison for the shooting of 42-year-old Gregory Cain on Mechanic Street in July 2022. Ocampo faced charges of second-degree manslaughter and theft by unlawful taking of a firearm.
The fatal shooting occurred on the evening of July 20, 2022, in the 800 block of Mechanic Street. Princeton Police reportedly found Cain on the front porch of a residence with multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported by ambulance to Caldwell Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.
Later that night, Ocampo reportedly surrendered to police and purportedly admitted to shooting Cain.
In the second quarter of 2024, the community mourned the deaths of a beloved well-known community members, a World War II veteran, and a former mayor of Princeton.
In late April, Dale Faughn, a teacher, poet, and World War II veteran from Fredonia passed away at the age of 98.
Faughn dedicated over six decades to education, earning recognition in both the National Teacher Hall of Fame and the Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame. A Marine Corps veteran, he served as a scout sniper in the Battle of Iwo Jima and witnessed the historic flag-raising on Mt. Suribachi. His other achievements include holding the Guinness World Record as the oldest regular blood donor in 2016, continuing donations until 2023, serving as Kentucky Poet Laureate, appearing on game shows like the 64,000 Challenge and Jeopardy, receiving a science award from a U.S. President, and being a top candidate for the Challenger Space Shuttle mission in 1986.
In May, former Princeton Mayor Vickie Hughes Ward passed away unexpectedly at the age of 72.
She was the first female to be elected mayor of the City of Princeton and served from 2003 to 2006.
Following Ward’s death, Princeton Fire Chief Brent Francis shared about his time serving with Ward. He said she was a great mayor to work for.
click to download audioIn May, a powerful tornado tore through Caldwell and Lyon counties. The National Weather Service reported this high-end EF-3 tornado reached peak winds of 165 MPH, causing extensive damage along its path. It touched down near Eddyville, moved through the Crider Community in Caldwell County, and finally lifted near Earlington in Hopkins County.
Governor Andy Beshear reported that a 54-year-old man suffered a fatal heart attack while cutting down fallen trees in Caldwell County due to the tornado.
In May, the Caldwell County Fiscal Court decided to switch ambulance services. After eight years with ComCare, the magistrates accepted the sole bid from AmeriPro EMS. Brian Bishop from AmeriPro expressed their eagerness to serve the citizens of Caldwell County. The three-year contract with the county commenced on July 1st.
In May, Marshalls announced the opening of a new store in Princeton on May 16th. President Tim Miner expressed excitement about offering high-quality, on-trend, brand-name merchandise at great prices. Located at 500 US 62 West, Suite C in the Princeton Plaza, the store celebrated its grand opening by donating $10,000 to the local Habitat for Humanity.
