Sen. Jason Howell | Legislative Update

Week Seven of the 2026 Legislative Session

With more than 30 legislative days complete of the required 60, the Senate has remained focused on steady, deliberate progress. At this stage of the session, nine of the Senate majority’s 10 top-priority bills have been filed and passed the Senate.

First, I’m happy to inform you that the first bill of this session to be signed by the governor and become

law is Senate Bill (SB) 172. It provides an additional tool to the Kentucky Public Service Commission to address energy affordability challenges. Under the bill, upon request from your utility company, the PSC could prevent sudden spikes in utility bills from fuel surcharges by allowing the costs to be spread out over time. I’m happy to see this bipartisan measure become law, as it should provide relief for you in the very near future.

I have heard from many of you regarding the early budget bill filed in the state House of Representatives and the budget process more broadly. I understand these discussions affect real families, and I appreciate those who have taken the time to share their concerns.

It is important to clarify where we currently stand. The state budget originates in the House of Representatives, and it has not yet passed that chamber. When the House delivers a proposed budget to the Senate, we will carefully review it, evaluate any changes and make revisions where necessary. That is the Senate’s constitutional responsibility, and we take it seriously.

Questions surrounding health insurance costs, benefit stability and long-term affordability deserve thoughtful review. Those issues require discipline, transparency and careful analysis. In fulfilling the Senate’s role in the budget process, our guiding principles remain clear:

Maintain a structurally balanced budget, ensuring recurring revenues support recurring expenses.

Exercise discipline with one-time dollars and avoid short-term budgeting approaches that create long-term instability.

Make thoughtful, transparent decisions that protect both taxpayers and public employees.

There is considerable work ahead before a final budget is enacted, and I will continue keeping you informed as the process moves forward.

On Thursday, the Senate welcomed military families from across the commonwealth for our annual Military Kids Day at the Capitol. This special event honors the children and grandchildren of those who serve or have served in the United States Armed Forces. Military kids endure long deployments, frequent moves, new schools and time away from parents who answer the call to protect our freedoms. These young Kentuckians explored a Capitol campus they may one day return to as public servants themselves. It was an honor to recognize their resilience and thank their families for the shared sacrifice that strengthens both our state and our nation.

Several bills were passed out of the Senate this week.

SB 9 streamlines regulations and creates new financing tools to support housing construction and redevelopment across Kentucky. The bill aims to increase housing supply, strengthen local economies and help more Kentuckians find homes they can afford.

SB 39 gives private landowners greater flexibility to manage lakes and ponds on their own property by allowing them to stock and fish without certain state limits on size, creel or methods. It also allows landowners to extend those privileges to others through written or electronic permission, while

Items recovered from Sunday burglary

Sheriff Head inventories items
recovered on Thursday.

MARION, Ky. – A 28-year-old woman was arrested Thursday in Crittenden County on multiple felony charges in connection with a burglary at a hunting cabin on Sunday, Feb. 15.

Breauna Moon is charged with first-degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), second offense; convicted felon in possession of a firearm; receiving stolen property; and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Crittenden County Sheriff Evan Head said a passerby reported seeing some of the stolen items at a residence in the Levias community Thursday. During the investigation, additional items were located at a nearby home on Zion Cemetery Road.

When deputies arrived at that residence, they found Moon along with items believed to have been stolen from the cabin. An inventory of recovered property included two long guns, knives, a welder, boots, tools and maple syrup. The recovered items were valued between $10,000 and $15,000, according to the sheriff.

Assisting in the investigation and recovery were Deputy James Duncan and Special Deputy Jason Hurley.

Sheriff Head said another person of interest remains at large and may be the male suspect captured on surveillance video inside the cabin during the burglary.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Crittenden County Sheriff’s Department at 270-965-3400.

All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Ferry idled by high west winds

Cave-In-Rock Ferry has closed due to hazardous weather conditions.

The ferry shut down at 9 a.m., Friday, Feb. 20, because of high west winds creating rough river conditions on the Ohio River.

Officials said an update will be provided once conditions improve and service can safely resume. 

Missing woman is located

MARION, Ky. - ShaDonn Clark, the Marion woman who had been missing for more than two weeks, has been located and is believed to be safe, according to a statement posted by her father on social media Friday morning.

In the post, he said Clark has been seen and that “all indications she is not in harm.” He wrote that she has chosen to leave and make no contact with him, family or friends, adding that he does not know why and that many questions remain unanswered.

Clark, 38, was last confirmed to have been seen in the early morning hours of Feb. 6 in Huntington, W.Va., after a series of sightings in northern Kentucky, southern Ohio and West Virginia.

Her disappearance was reported to authorities, and the Crittenden County Sheriff’s Department became the lead agency in the case Feb. 13. 

In his post, Clark’s father thanked family, friends and the community for their prayers and support and expressed appreciation to Sheriff Evan Head for his efforts during the search.

No additional details about Clark’s location were stated. Sheriff Evan Head has confirmed this information. 

SPORTScast | KHSAA re-alignment

 

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Special Friday Podcast discussing

KHSAA's landmark announcement 

In Partnership with The Launch Pad in Marion, Ky.

Basketball District Tournaments next week in Marion

 

New multiplier factor could benefit Rockets football

The Kentucky High School Athletic Association Board of Control has approved a major change that could significantly reshape football classifications beginning with the 2027-28 realignment cycle.

Under the measure, private schools will have their boys enrollment multiplied by 1.35 for football classification purposes and their total enrollment multiplied by 1.35 for track and cross country. Public schools will continue to use a factor of 1.0.

The adjustment means some private schools could move up a class in football and track and cross country when the next four-year alignment takes effect in 2027. The new alignment was supposed to be released today, but the multiplier change means more time will be needed to sort through the lineup. It is unclear when realignment will be released.

In football, Class A consists of the bottom 32 football-playing schools in the state based on enrollment. If enough private schools currently in Class A are pushed into Class 2A by the multiplier, that could shift the cutoff line downward – potentially allowing public schools near the margin to drop into Class A.

For Class 2A Crittenden County, that could be significant. If enrollment figures and statewide positioning fall favorably during realignment, the Rockets could find themselves back in Class A football in the next cycle. Crittenden has traditionally been a Class A football program. It won the state title in 1985. During its years in Class 2A, the Rockets have rarely advanced past the first round and routinely have been eliminated by Owensboro Catholic, a private school.

The KHSAA’s move is expected to generate discussion statewide, particularly among small public schools that have long argued competitive balance concerns in certain sports.

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This week's paper | Full of Local News

This week’s full edition of The Crittenden Press is packed with stories you won’t want to miss.

Inside this week’s paper:

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• A major state highway proposal that could reroute heavy truck traffic through a residential area near Crittenden County Elementary School. What does it mean for safety and local infrastructure?

• The latest developments in the search for Shadonn Clark, including updated timeline details.

• A deep dive into Marion City Council’s lengthy meeting addressing what the mayor called “egregious” budget errors and a potential $300,000 sewer fund shortfall.

• Coverage of Senate Bill 152, legislation that would eliminate school-based decision-making councils across Kentucky.

• A hunting cabin burglary caught on camera, with guns and a side-by-side stolen.

• The newly released audit of the Crittenden County Sheriff’s Office.

• Plus sports, school news, community events, opinion columns and historical features.

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Local leaders visit Frankfort to meet legislators

 

Local leaders paid a visit to Frankfort last Thursday, visiting with legislators and others such as Rocky Adkins (left), who is Gov. Andy Beshear’s senior advisor. Also pictured from (left) are Livingston County Judge-Executive Michael Williams, Marion City Administrator Adam Ledford, Crittenden County Board of Education Chairman Chris Cook, City Councilman Cutter Singleton, Crittenden-Livingston Water District Director Andy Hunt, Marion Mayor D’Anna Browning, Marion Code Enforcement Officer Tanya Byers, Crittenden-Livingston Water District Superintendent Abby Adamson, Crittenden County Attorney Bart Frazer and Crittenden County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom. 

LISTEN OUR INTERVIEW WITH THE OCUNTY JUDGE ON THURSDAY'S PODCAST

A delegation of Marion, Crittenden County and Livingston County leaders traveled to Frankfort late last week to meet with state officials during the current session of the Kentucky General Assembly, pressing for support on road funding, jail reimbursement and other local priorities.

Crittenden County Judge-Executive Perry Newcomb described the trip as an annual opportunity to “showcase Marion and Crittenden County” while advocating for resources critical to local operations. Joining Newcomb were Marion Mayor D’Anna Browning, representatives of the water district, school officials, the county attorney and other community leaders. Livingston County Judge-Executive Michael Williams also attended.

The group met with Gov. Andy Beshear’s senior advisor, Rocky Adkins, to thank the administration for prior support of the Crittenden-Livingston Water District expansion project and to provide an update on progress. Phase 1 is nearly complete, Newcom said, with the remaining portion involving an interconnection across Kentucky Dam that requires authorization from the Tennessee Valley Authority.

Road funding dominated discussions among county officials.

Newcomb said Crittenden County expected about $369,000 in its February road aid disbursement, roughly 30% of its annual allocation from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, but received about $165,000. The road department relies on state funds for more than 80% of its budget, covering salaries, fuel, equipment, culverts and general maintenance.

The reduction has prompted concern statewide, Newcom said, particularly among counties that depend heavily on road aid to meet payroll and continue projects through the end of the fiscal year.

Newcom cited a one-cent cut in the state gas tax at the start of the year as a contributing factor in reduced revenue. The judge said officials are hopeful a funding solution will emerge, similar to how the state addressed a shortfall in the senior meals program earlier in the fiscal year.

Economic development was also on the agenda. Local leaders met with cabinet officials to discuss the remaining balance on a loan tied to the North Industrial Park. With the loan maturing in March, Crittenden County officials requested an extension and were told options were available to work through the issue.

The delegation also highlighted the importance of continued state support for the Cave-In-Rock Ferry, which connects Crittenden County with southern Illinois. Newcomb said funding for the ferry often comes together near the end of the legislative process, requiring frequent communication between local and state officials. Right now, allocated funds are $200,000 short of what’s needed, Newcom said.

Another key issue was jail funding under House Bill 557. The proposal would adjust the per diem rate paid to counties housing state inmates and, in certain cases, reimburse counties for housing felony defendants prior to sentencing.

Newcomb cited a current local case in which a defendant has been held in the county jail since 2022. If the legislation passes as drafted, the county could receive reimbursement totaling more than $50,000. Lawmakers continue to negotiate details of the bill, including potential limits on how far reimbursements would extend.

While it may take months to determine the full impact of the visit, Newcomb said the goal was clear.

“Hopefully we were able to do some good,” he said.

Sheriff releases burglary suspect photos

MARION, Ky. - A hunting cabin was burglarized late Sunday night in rural Crittenden County, and authorities say the suspect was captured on security video inside the residence.

According to the Crittenden County Sheriff Evan Head, the break-in was reported at 11:33 p.m., on Feb. 15. Deputies determined the suspect forced entry through a rear door, then beat a lock off an interior door inside the cabin.

Two long guns, several tools and a 2021 KIOTI K9 side-by-side were taken during the burglary.

Security footage shows a male suspect inside the cabin with his face partially covered. He was described as wearing a ball cap, jacket, camouflage undershirt and possible blue jeans. Authorities say the suspect was armed with a handgun.

The stolen side-by-side was last seen leaving Zion Cemetery Road east of Marion in the Midway community and traveling toward the Salem area.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Crittenden County Sheriff’s Department at 270-965-3400. 

Handgun is in the suspect's waist

This is the stolen UTV

WATER DISTRICT | Lifts Boil Order

Crittenden-Livingston Water District's Boil Water Order issued on Saturday has been lifted.

Downtown Marion | Street Work Wednesday

MARION, Ky. – Motorists should be mindful of one-lane traffic Wednesday at the intersection of Bellville and Court streets in front of the funeral home as the city repairs a water line break beneath the street.

Maintenance Supervisor Greg Tabor said work will begin at 8 a.m., after school traffic has cleared the area, and is expected to be completed before school is dismissed. During the repairs, the street will be reduced to one lane.

Lyon County Sheriff Weekly Report

On Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, at approximately 1:30 p.m., Chief Deputy Sam Adams arrested Kathy Baker, 49, of Water Valley, for being a fugitive from justice. Baker was listed in the NCIC database as having an active warrant from Pemiscot County, Missouri, for felony forgery. Baker awaits extradition back to Missouri regarding this offense.

On Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, at approximately 4:30 p.m., Sheriff Brent White responded to a two-vehicle, non-injury collision off KY 810 North. His investigation revealed Kimberly A. Dycus, 67, of Kuttawa, collided with a parked and unoccupied 2025 Chevrolet Trax in the parking lot of Suwanee Baptist Church. No injuries were reported.

On Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, just before 4:30 p.m., sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a drug complaint at a Kuttawa business. The complaint was investigated by Deputy Bobby Beeler and resulted in a charge of possession of marijuana against Tyler R. Frazier, 32, of Kuttawa. Frazier was cited to Lyon District Court to answer for the offense.

On Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, just after 8 a.m., sheriff’s deputies charged Juvontae T. Barney, 25, of Louisville. He was served with a Jefferson District Court bench warrant for failure to appear. Barney awaits extradition back to Jefferson County regarding this offense.

On Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, at approximately 9:24 a.m., Chief Deputy Sam Adams arrested Travis Humphrey, 35, of Kuttawa, and charged him with burglary – 3rd degree; theft by unlawful taking – auto ($1,000 < $10,000); tampering with physical evidence; and theft by unlawful taking (< $500).

Humphrey is alleged to have unlawfully entered a garage and stolen an ATV, which he then sold to another person in the Suwanee area for cash. While on the property, Humphrey also is alleged to have stolen items

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ON TODAY'S PROGRAM | THE LATEST ON MISSING WOMAN

MARION, Ky. – Crittenden County Sheriff’s Office is now leading the investigation into a 38-year-old Marion woman who has been reported missing for several days.

Maria Shadonn Clark, who goes by Shadonn, was last in contact with her family in the early morning hours of Feb. 5. Authorities said she left her father’s residence in Crittenden County and had been visiting a friend in Alexandria, Ky. She departed Alexandria on Feb. 4 and has not returned home.

Surveillance video captured Clark at a gas station in the California, Ky., and Verona, Ky., areas on Feb. 5. Her last known location was at a Marathon station in Huntington, W.Va., at approximately 1:12 a.m. Feb. 6. She is believed to have been traveling alone.

Clark is described as a white female with blond hair and a slim build. She was last seen wearing a brown jacket, black shirt, black pants with a white stripe down each leg and black shoes. She was operating a 2017 black Dodge Ram extended cab pickup bearing Kentucky license plate N59011, with a CAT specialty plate displayed on the front.

The Campbell County Police Department initially took the missing person report. The Crittenden County Sheriff’s Office is now conducting the lead investigation.

Anyone with information about Clark or her whereabouts is asked to contact the Crittenden County Sheriff’s Office at 270-965-3400 or their local law enforcement agency.

Legislative Update | Sen. Howell

Week six of the 2026 Legislative Session

As we wrap up week six of the 2026 Legislative Session, the pace of work in Frankfort continues to accelerate. Committees are meeting daily with fuller agendas, legislation is moving to the floor and priorities are advancing with thoughtful debate. At this point in the session, more than 100 pieces of legislation have officially passed at least one chamber. This is a clear sign that the General Assembly is actively working to address issues important to Kentucky families. While there is still critical work ahead, this milestone reflects meaningful progress on policies focused on strengthening our economy, addressing affordability, supporting our communities, protecting taxpayers, bettering education and ensuring government operates efficiently and transparently.  This week, the Senate approved the following measures, and they may all be taken up by the House of Representatives. Senate Bill (SB) 158, a bill I sponsored, helps people who get upside down with their car loans. It sets clear rules to protect consumers when buying optional financial products tied to vehicle purchases, such as debt cancellation or value protection plans. It makes sure these products are optional, clearly disclosed and priced separately from loan interest. It prevents lenders or dealers from requiring consumers to buy them as a condition of financing or a vehicle sale. SB 158 establishes consistent standards for contracts and applies to new agreements beginning Jan. 1, 2027, helping provide transparency and fairness for Kentucky vehicle buyers. SB 110, another bill I sponsored, modernizes Kentucky’s vehicle titling and registration system by continuing the transition to secure electronic processes that reduce paperwork, improve efficiency and better serve vehicle owners, lenders and county clerks. The bill requires lienholders to use the electronic lien system beginning in 2027 and ensures the state’s electronic titling and centralized lien systems are fully operational before broader implementation. It allows vehicle titles to be stored

Water outages should subside later tonight

MARION, Ky. — Customers in eastern Crittenden County who remain without water service following Friday’s major main line break are expected to see improvements tonight.

The Crittenden-Livingston Water District reported earlier in the day that a 12-inch main broke at the Wilson Hill tank along U.S. 641 south of Marion, causing widespread low pressure and outages.

Crews have continued working into the evening to re-establish service in the eastern portion of the county. Officials said customers in that area should see relief by 9pm or so.

A boil water advisory remains in effect for customers along U.S. 60 West from Country Club Drive to the Moore Hill water tower until further notice.

Boil water advisory issued after main break

MARION, Ky. — A boil water advisory has been issued for some customers of the Crittenden-Livingston Water District following a major water line break Saturday.

The district reported a 12-inch main break at the Wilson Hill tank along U.S. 641 south of Marion earlier in the day, causing low pressure and outages in parts of the system.

As a result, a boil water order is now in effect for customers along U.S. 60 West from Country Club Drive to the Moore Hill water tower.

Officials advise affected customers to bring all water used for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth or making ice to a rolling boil for at least three minutes before use. The advisory will remain in place until further notice.

Water service disrupted by large main break

SALEM, Ky. - Customers of Crittenden-Livingston Water District experienced low water pressure and outages Saturday morning after a major water line break along U.S. 641 south of Marion.

District officials reported a 12-inch main break that has affected water reserves in the Wilson Hill water tank above Marion. Crews were dispatched and began repairs shortly after the break was identified.

The district said water service will be restored as soon as possible. Customers may continue to experience low pressure or temporary loss of service while repairs are underway.

Nominate someone for 10 under 40 Years Old

CLICK TO NOMINATE

The Crittenden Press is now accepting nominations for its 2026 “10 Under 40” Community Recognition Program. 

The initiative will honor ten outstanding professionals under the age of 40 who work in Crittenden County and demonstrate excellence, integrity and a commitment to serving the community. 

Nominees must be under 40 by Mar
ch 1, 2026, and work in one of 10 categories including agriculture, banking, education, medical, industry and more. 

Entries must be submitted by close of business Feb. 13, 2026. Nomination forms may be returned to The Crittenden Press office or emailed to information@the-press.com.

HERE IS A DIGITAL NOMINATION FORM