County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom is encouraging businesses and residents to follow suit and lower their flags. They will remain at half-staff until the evening of his interment.
Coyle died Thursday morning, weeks after being mortally wounded. Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
In a statement issued shortly after 8 a.m. this morning, Crittenden County Sheriff Evan Head said Deputy Coyle “was a beloved member of the sheriff’s office. We are deeply grateful for all of the support we have received from the public and surrounding communities during this difficult time.
“We ask that everyone continue to respect the privacy of Deputy Coyle’s family as they grieve this profound loss.
“Deputy Coyle will be laid to rest with full line-of-duty honors and benefits. Additional details will be released when the funeral arrangements are finalized.”
Coyle, 58, had been hospitalized since April 2, when he was shot while assisting in the service of an emergency guardianship order at a residence along KY 365 between Mattoon and Sturgis. The encounter ended with the death of the suspect, Ronnie Phillips, 59, of Marion, and marked the first time in modern local history that a Crittenden County law enforcement officer had been shot in the line of duty.
From the outset, the impact of the shooting extended well beyond the scene. In the days and weeks that followed, students, teachers and fellow officers described Coyle not only as a deputy but as a steady and reassuring presence in their daily lives.
At Crittenden County High School and Middle School, where he served as a resource officer for the past 2 years, Coyle was known for building relationships with students and staff. He was a familiar face in the hallways.
Students spoke to him regularly, and educators said his presence provided a sense of security that never felt intrusive.
That quiet approach defined much of Coyle’s work, both inside the schools and across the broader community.
Before coming to Crittenden County, Coyle spent nearly 3 decades in law enforcement in Illinois, including 28 years with the Chicago Police Department and service on a SWAT team, where he participated in more than 2,000 missions. After retiring, he relocated to western Kentucky, where he continued serving, not out of necessity but by choice.
In addition to his work in schools, Coyle played a role in training and mentoring younger officers throughout Marion, Crittenden County and surrounding areas. Colleagues said he brought experience that could not be replicated in a classroom, sharing lessons from years spent in some of the most demanding environments in law enforcement.
The April 2 shooting occurred around 5 p.m., when deputies, along with personnel from the Kentucky Department of Community Based Services, went to the residence to serve a court order. Authorities said gunfire was exchanged inside the home.
Coyle was struck twice, once in the chest and once in the head. His body armor stopped the shot to the torso, authorities said. He was airlifted to a hospital in Evansville before later being transferred to a higher-level trauma unit in Nashville.
Sheriff Evan Head and Deputy James Duncan were also involved in the fatal confrontation but were not injured. Two women inside the home were safely removed, and no additional injuries were reported.
The Kentucky State Police Critical Incident Response Team has been leading the investigation. In the days following the shooting, many area law enforcement agencies assisted Crittenden County with manpower and other resources.
In the immediate aftermath, the community gathered at the high school for a prayer vigil, where dozens of law enforcement officers stood alongside students, teachers and residents. School officials brought in counselors to support students returning from spring break, many of whom were struggling to process the shooting.
Superintendent Tonya Driver said at the time the district was “stunned and heartbroken” and noted the loss would leave a significant void in the schools.
The non-profit group Supporting Heroes has been assisting the family since the incident, and has posted a memorial on its website where friends may leave messages https://supportingheroes.org/memorial.
Crittenden County Fiscal Court will meet in special session at 4pm Thursday, April 30 at the county office complex.
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The district announced it is now hiring drivers and will provide CDL training for qualified applicants. No prior experience is required.
Officials say the positions include a benefits package, opportunities for extra pay and access to air-conditioned buses. Drivers also receive summers off and are not scheduled for nights, weekends or holidays.
Those interested can apply online at the district’s website. Questions may be directed to transportation staff via email at wayne.winters@crittenden.kyschools.us
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With the season running through May 10, hunters still have significant time remaining. At the current pace, this year’s harvest is tracking ahead of recent seasons and could finish among the stronger totals of the past decade.
Field reports indicate gobbling activity has begun to taper off, which is typical as the season progresses. However, hunters continue to report a solid number of toms still on the landscape, with many birds now roaming in search of hens that have moved to nesting.
For comparison, Crittenden County’s total harvest reached 350 in 2025, 357 in 2024, 413 in 2023, 307 in 2022 and 397 in 2021. That means this year’s 10-day total is already on pace with or ahead of several recent full-season totals.
Historically, the county’s peak harvest was 566 birds in 2012, while more recent lows included 288 in 2018.
With more than half the season remaining, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the stronger turkey seasons in recent memory if current trends continue.
Crittenden-Livingston Water District will have a special called meeting at 10 am Tuesday, April 28 at Deer Lakes meeting room.
On the agenda is review of engineering for Phase 2 of its water plant expansion project
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources said young animals are commonly found in neighborhoods, backyards, farms and other developed areas during the season. While they may seem vulnerable, officials said a parent is typically nearby and will return periodically to feed or care for them, even if it is gone for several hours.
“Every year, well-meaning people often step in to ‘rescue’ a baby wild animal that is alone and appears to be abandoned,” wildlife veterinarian Dr. Christine Casey said. “In reality, they were fine before someone with good intentions stepped in, trying to help in the wrong way.”
Handling or moving young wildlife can do more harm than good, the agency said. Human scent can draw predators, and removing an animal from its location may separate it from its parent. Officials urged residents to observe from a distance, keep children and pets away, secure trash and outdoor food sources, and check properties for nests or young animals before mowing or beginning outdoor work.
State law allows only permitted wildlife rehabilitators to care for injured or orphaned animals, and it is illegal to remove wildlife from its natural environment. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife does not accept animals for care but provides a list of licensed rehabilitators by county on its website.
Additional restrictions apply in Chronic Wasting Disease surveillance zone counties, where rehabilitators are prohibited from taking in deer or elk due to the risk of spreading the fatal disease. Those animals also cannot be transported outside the zone for care.
Officials also cautioned the public about rabies risks, particularly from species such as bats, foxes, raccoons, skunks and coyotes. Infected animals may show signs including aggression, lack of coordination or excessive drooling. Rabies can be transmitted through bites, scratches or saliva exposure and is fatal if untreated.
Anyone bitten by a wild animal should immediately contact a health care provider or local health department. Pet owners are encouraged to keep vaccinations up to date and prevent contact between pets and wildlife.
Suspected rabid animals can be reported to Kentucky Fish and Wildlife at 1-800-858-1549 or through the agency’s website.
Crittenden County real property tax assessment roll will be open for public inspection from May 4 through May 18, according to Property Valuation Administrator Todd Perryman.
During that period, any person may review the tax roll under the supervision of the PVA or a deputy. The assessment reflects property values as of Jan. 1, 2026, which will be used to determine state, county and school taxes due around Nov. 30, 2026.
The tax roll will be available at the PVA office in the county office complex from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. It will also be open from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturdays, May 9 and May 16.
Taxpayers who disagree with their real property assessment must first request a conference with the PVA or a deputy. Conferences may take place before or during the inspection period, and supporting documentation is required. Instructions for submitting documentation will be provided upon contacting the office.
If a taxpayer remains dissatisfied after the conference, an appeal may be filed with the county clerk’s office no later than one working day after the inspection period ends. Taxpayers should contact the clerk’s office for filing procedures and required forms.
Failure to appeal or appear before the county board of assessment appeals will prevent further appeal to the Kentucky Board of Tax Appeals.
Appeals for personal property assessments follow a separate process. Taxpayers must file a written protest with the Kentucky Department of Revenue’s Office of Property Valuation within 30 days of receiving their assessment notice, in accordance with state law. Decisions may then be appealed to the Kentucky Board of Tax Appeals. (paid legal posting)
Deputies served a criminal summons April 20 on Jessica D. Jones, 33, of Kuttawa, charging her with parent or custodian to send child to school — first or second offense. She is scheduled to appear in Lyon District Court in May.
A motorist assist on KY 93 South April 21 led to the arrest of two out-of-state fugitives. Torriun Ar-Dwayne Young, 32, of Atlanta, was charged with operating on a suspended or revoked license and possession of marijuana. He was also wanted in Hardin County on a fourth-degree domestic violence assault warrant. Javonna Montayzhia Looney, 38, of Kansas City, Missouri, was arrested as a fugitive from that state. Both were lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.
On April 22, deputies arrested James W. Patten, 63, of Gilbertsville, after he allegedly stole $582.75 in merchandise from a Kuttawa business. He was charged with theft by unlawful taking between $500 and $1,000. Patten was later served April 23 with a Hopkins District Court bench warrant for failure to appear and remains incarcerated.
Sheriff Brent White arrested Tyree L. McGee, 26, of Paducah, on April 23 on a Lyon District Court bench warrant for failure to appear. McGee posted a cash bond and was released. Deputies also served a Clark County warrant on Monica V. Goodwin, 44, of Winchester, for non-support. She awaits extradition.
A drug complaint at Lyon County High School April 23 resulted in charges against William Nichols, 18, of Kuttawa, for possession of marijuana after vapes were found. A 15-year-old female student was also charged and released to a guardian.
Late April 25, deputies responded to disturbances at a campground on Green Road, resulting in three arrests. Tammy K. Roof, 55, of Kuttawa, was charged with fourth-degree assault and possession of methamphetamine. Kevin R. Kesling, 56, of Kuttawa, faces multiple charges including fourth-degree assault, attempted first-degree assault with a knife, disorderly conduct and meth possession. Lindsey A. Iron-Road, 46, of Kuttawa, was charged with fourth-degree assault and disorderly conduct. All were lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.
The bridge, located over Caney Fork just south of Glendale Church Road, had been temporarily opened to traffic using compacted gravel approaches.
Crews will install a waterproof membrane and complete paving and striping during the closure. The roadway will remain closed until work is finished, with completion expected in about one week, weather permitting.
