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Fire damages Marion home

MARION, Ky. - Firefighters responded late Saturday night to a structure fire at a vacant residence in Marion.

The Marion Fire Department was dispatched at 10:43 p.m. to 415 Maple St. on a report of flames and smoke visible. Crews arrived to find the front left corner and much of the left side of the home fully engulfed.

The residence, identified as a vacant rental property owned by Nora Belt, had no occupants at the time of the fire. However, officials noted that items inside the home and witness accounts indicated there had been very recent activity at the location.

Firefighters brought the blaze under control in approximately 30 minutes. Four Marion Fire Department members conducted an interior attack while additional personnel provided exterior support.

The Marion Fire Department was assisted on scene by the Crittenden County Fire Department, Marion Police Department, Crittenden County EMS and the Calloway County Sheriff’s Department, which was providing overnight coverage in Crittenden County.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Crews cleared the scene at 12:17 a.m. Sunday.

MPD monthly activity report

Click image to enlarge 

This report is published monthly in

The Crittenden Press full edition 

 

Heaviness settles across community

From the April 9, 2026 newspaper

There are places that sit just a little off the map, not because they are forgotten, but because they have never asked to be found. Here in our small village, what folks might call the backside of nowhere, we live without many of the things the larger world seems to require. We don’t have an interstate skirting the edge of town, a Walmart shopping center, a walk-in picture show, or traffic that hums like a restless, menacing bee. And for the most part, we have lived without something else, too, violent crime.

That absence, we have long believed, is part of the bargain, part of the deal.

There is a quiet peace to places like ours when you strip away the noise, the clutter and the constant motion that pulls the world elsewhere. What remains is a fragile kind of tranquility. And when that peace is broken, it does not scatter, it settles into the pit of our stomachs. It lingers. It hangs low over everything like a dark fog.

What happened here a couple of weeks ago has settled that way.

There are events that pass through a community like a brief storm, loud and sharp and then gone. And then there is pain that seeps into the very fabric of a place, into its schools and onto its porches, into conversations, into families, into the spirit and soul.

This one has done just that.

For the children in our schools, Deputy Rick Coyle was never just a badge or a uniform. He was presence. He was steadiness. A man who could stand in a hallway and make it feel anchored and safe. Students knew him in the easy way children know who can be trusted. It was something rare, security that didn’t have to announce itself. It was simply there... quiet, stoic and certain.

Teachers felt it, too. In rooms where the demands are constant and the certainties are few, his presence was a kind of blessed assurance. He watched without intruding. He understood without needing explanation. In him, they found not only protection, but partnership.

And beyond those walls, the wider community came to know the same man. He chose this place for his own.

After years spent in Chicago, in the hard edges and harder lessons of a city that asks much of those who serve it, after decades that included time on a SWAT team and more than 2,000 missions, he came here, not to disappear, but to give again. He taught. He mentored. He shaped younger officers across Marion and throughout this region, passing along knowledge that cannot be found in manuals or classrooms, only in lived experience. Those who serve beside him say he may well be the most experienced, most thoroughly trained deputy this county has ever known.

And so the question lingers, heavy and unresolved. How does something like this find its way here? To a place that has long stood apart from such things. To a man who had already walked through the worst the world could offer and still chose to invest himself in something smaller, quieter and, we believed, safer.

This is not simply an incident to be recorded and filed away. It is the first time in modern memory that an officer here has been shot. It is a wound layered and deep, felt by children who this week notice the absence in their hallways, by teachers who feel the difference in the air, by fellow officers who stood alongside him, and by neighbors and townspeople who are shocked and grieving.

Sheriff Evan Head and Deputy James Duncan, who stood with him on that call between Mattoon and Sturgis, now carry their own burden from that day. And so, too, does the Phillips family, who, in their own way, are left to bear the weight of a horrific act and a single, irreversible decision.

It is a burden that will not easily be set down. They all will need the steady hand of a community that understands how to stand together when there is little else to be done.

And in the stillness that has followed, in the long pause that comes after something we never expected to face, one truth remains.

Choices are forever. Whether we choose rightly or wrongly, there are consequences that do not fade.

Deputy Coyle chose to be a lawman because it is what he was called to do. Policing and his life are bound together.

And those choices, bold in one life, misjudged in another, are now something this community will carry for a long time. Something owed. Something remembered. Something that, in its weight, reminds us just how dangerous, and just how fragile, even the safest places can be.

Chris Evans, a newspaperman since 1979, has been editor of The Press for more than 30 years and is the author of South of the Mouth of Sandy, a true story about crime along the Tennessee River. You can find it on Amazon or wherever books are sold.

Quilt show Saturday at CCPL

On display this coming weeekend will be stunning quilts, crochet and needlework by local hands. 

It’s all part of a cozy celebration of creative tradition and community from 9 a.m., to 4 p.m., Saturday, April 25 at Crittenden County Public Library. 

The annual Hooks and Neeles Quilt Show is spearheaded by Crittenden County Extension Homemakers.

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Legislative Review | Sen. Jason Howell

As the 2026 Legislative Session enters its final days, we are wrapping up our work, sending legislation to the governor and preparing to return to consider any vetoes. This is where months of work come together and every bill is finalized before becoming law.  

These final days are an important part of the process. They ensure that the work Kentuckians sent us here to do is completed and that every piece of legislation is fully considered before it takes effect.

Delivering a responsible budget and real results

Over the last full week of session, we took major steps to finalize a responsible budget and make smart investments that will benefit communities across Kentucky, including those right here in our 1st Senate District.

We approved a balanced two-year budget that continues strong support for education, fully funds pensions and brings more oversight to Medicaid. In total, the budget directs more than $32 billion toward core services and essential government functions. 

We also decided to limit spending growth in other areas to ensure long-term stability. This approach reflects a commitment to responsible budgeting while continuing to invest in priorities that matter most to Kentucky families.

Education  

Over the next two years, we increased per-pupil funding by 2 percent to continue supporting our public schools. We also committed an additional $500 million to strengthen our pension system, building on years of progress that have led to one of the most significant turnarounds in the country.  

In total, SEEK funding alone exceeds $7 billion, with additional support going toward early childhood education, student services and classroom support. These investments reflect our ongoing commitment to students, teachers and families across Kentucky.

Medicaid  

Medicaid continues to be one of the fastest-growing areas of our budget, now accounting for about $6 billion in state funding each year, second only to K-12 education.  

We took steps in this budget to increase oversight and control costs while protecting services for those who rely on the program. At the same time, we limited spending growth in other areas of government to keep the budget sustainable long term.

One-time transformative investments

As a meaningful investment in Kentucky’s future, we passed House Bill (HB) 900 to invest $1.7 billion from our budget reserve trust fund into communities across Kentucky. We are directing these dollars toward infrastructure, economic development and workforce needs without creating new ongoing costs in

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Lyon County Sherff's Report

Thomas Prevatte

On Thursday, April 9, 2026, around 3:45 p.m., Sheriff Brent White charged Thomas J. Prevatte, 46, of Princeton, on a Lyon Circuit Court indictment warrant for offenses that occurred Feb. 24, 2026. The charges were levied by a recent Lyon County grand jury and are as follows:

• Theft by unlawful taking auto (less than $10,000) by complicity
• Theft by unlawful taking all others (less than $10,000) by complicity
• Trafficking in a controlled substance, first degree, by complicity (more than 2 grams of methamphetamine)
• Drug paraphernalia — buy/possess by complicity
• Criminal attempt — fleeing or evading police, first degree (motor vehicle)
• Wanton endangerment, first degree
• Wanton endangerment, first degree (police officer)
• Criminal mischief, first degree
• Terroristic threatening, third degree
• No registration plates
• No registration receipt
• Failure of non-owner to maintain required insurance, first offense
• Operating on a suspended or revoked license
• Failure to wear seat belts
• Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a controlled substance, second offense
• Persistent felony offender II

Prevatte was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.

Prevatte and a Princeton female were originally charged following a Feb. 24 standoff stemming from a theft investigation in Lyon County. They were taken into custody following at standoff at Dollar General Store next to I-24 on KY 293.

In other cases:

On Monday, April 6, 2026, around 4:40 p.m., Sheriff Brent White served a Lyon Circuit Court bench warrant for contempt of court on Shane L. Jones, 53, of Kuttawa. Jones’ original charges include possession of a controlled substance, first degree (methamphetamine); possession of marijuana; and drug paraphernalia. Jones was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.

On Monday, April 6, 2026, around 5:45 p.m., Deputy Bobby Beeler made contact with a female from

Moratorium announced on city citations

City of Marion has announced a temporary moratorium on citations for rubbish and junk in residential yards as officials prepare for an upcoming free dump day.

City leaders said the pause is intended to give residents time to clean up their properties and take advantage of the free disposal opportunity. During the amnesty period, officials will focus on outreach efforts, including sending notices, distributing door hangers and speaking directly with residents about cleanup expectations.

Although a date for the free dump day has not been established, local leaders anticipate it to be held in early May.

Once the free dump day has passed, enforcement will resume and citations will be issued for properties that remain in violation. City officials said the approach is designed to encourage voluntary compliance before penalties are enforced.

Council appoints two to planning and zoning

At a special meeting recently, Marion City Council approved two appointments to the Marion Planning and Zoning Commission, naming Scott Tabor and Alec Pierce to fill seats formerly held by Joe Hunt and Casey Winstead.

The planning and zoning commission meets on an as-needed basis rather than on a regular schedule.

In related business, the council finalized passage of measures tied to nuisance enforcement and is considering issuing a request for proposals to establish a formal towing and storage arrangement. City Administrator Adam Ledford said Marion currently operates without a formal agreement and has been reviewing how other Kentucky cities handle the process.

The proposed system would be non-exclusive, allowing multiple towing providers while establishing standards for storage, insurance and procedures for abandoned vehicles. Under the plan, towing companies could eventually seek legal authority to dispose of vehicles, with proceeds first going toward city costs.

The council also approved a list of surplus property that will be advertised for sale.

Free tree seedlings in Livingston County

Livingston County Conservation District will give away free tree seedlings to county residents during the grand opening of the Livingston Central FFA Greenhouse on Tuesday, April 14.

The event begins at 9 a.m. and will continue until the seedlings are gone. Available varieties include hazelnut, common persimmon, loblolly pine, silky dogwood, pin oak, pecan and white pine. The district purchased the seedlings through the Kentucky Division of Forestry.

The greenhouse opening also will serve as a chance to support the Livingston Central High School FFA chapter through plant sales. Flowers, hanging baskets, vegetables, herbs and succulents will be available for purchase.

Visitors are asked to enter behind Livingston Central High School.

Courthouse in downtown is taking shape

Progress is being made on the new downtown

judicial center in Marion, Kentucky, which is scheduled

to open in about a year

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Sheriff's says road signs begin stolen

A Kuttawa man was arrested following a two-vehicle crash Monday morning, March 30, in the Eureka community, according to the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Brent White reported the collision occurred around 7:30 a.m. on KY 1271. A 2007 Chrysler 300 driven by Richard N. Thompson Jr., 36, was traveling westbound when it crossed the center line and struck a 2005 Ford Expedition driven by Helen M. Evans, 45, of Kuttawa.

Evans had just come through a curve and observed Thompson’s vehicle in her lane. She attempted to avoid the crash but was unable to do so. Both drivers sustained minor injuries and refused medical treatment at the scene.

Thompson was arrested and charged with reckless driving and operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a controlled substance, first offense. He was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.

The sheriff’s office was assisted at the scene by the Kuttawa Fire Department and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

In a separate matter, the sheriff’s office is investigating a series of stolen road signs reported over the past several weeks. Officials said multiple signs have been taken from roads across the county, including Bent Tree Lane, Birdie Bannister Road, Cummins Lane and Poplar Creek Road, among others.

White said the thefts pose a safety risk and strain county resources. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office.

Fund established to benefit deputy's family

MARION, Ky. – An assistance fund to help the family of critically wounded Crittenden County Deputy Rick Coyle has been established and donations can be made at any Farmers Bank and Trust location in western Kentucky. Proceeds will assist the family with travel and other expenses as Coyle remains in an Evansville Hospital. 

Coyle was shot twice last week while on duty in rural Crittenden County. For further information see this week's full edition of The Crittenden Press where will have the latest on this investigation.

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Prayer vigil tonight on campus for SRO

A community prayer vigil for Crittenden County Sheriff’s Deputy and School Resource Officer Rick Coyle will be held at 6 p.m., tonight on the Crittenden County High School football field.

Coyle was critically wounded in Thursday evening’s shooting in rural Crittenden County while taking part in an operation with the sheriff’s office.

In the event of bad weather, the vigil will be moved inside Rocket Arena.

Deputy and SRO Coyle critically injured in shooting

Rick Coyle

MARION, Ky. – A Crittenden County sheriff’s deputy who also serves as the school resource officer for Crittenden County High School and Middle School was shot Thursday afternoon during an officer-involved incident in rural Crittenden County.

The Kentucky State Police Critical Incident Response Team is investigating the shooting, which occurred around 5 p.m. April 2 at a residence on KY 365 near Sturgis.

According to KSP, deputies with the Crittenden County Sheriff’s Office, along with staff from the Kentucky Department of Community Based Services, were attempting to serve emergency guardianship paperwork when gunfire was exchanged.

Deputy Rick Coyle, who also serves as the district’s school resource officer, was struck by gunfire and airlifted to Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, Ind., where he remains in critical condition.

The suspect, identified as Ronnie Phillips, 60, was fatally wounded during the exchange.

Authorities said a female victim was safely removed from the residence, and no other injuries were reported.

Multiple agencies assisted at the scene, including the Caldwell, Livingston, Lyon and Union county sheriff’s offices, Marion Police Department, Crittenden County EMS and Crittenden County Coroner Brad Gilbert.

KSP officials said the agency was requested by Post 2 in Madisonville to lead the investigation, which remains ongoing. State police noted that further details will be released once interviews are completed and key facts are confirmed.

Cross walk today; Egg hunt tonight

Local Christians will begin celebrating Easter Weekend today with a non-denominational community event to recognize Good Friday in downtown Marion. Also, Marion Baptist Church's annual Easter Egg Hunt has been moved to tonight at 6pm due to tomorrow's weather forecast.

Beginning at 11:30 a.m., Friday there will be a cross walk along Main Street from Elm Street to West Bellville Street and will end at Marion First Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Following the cross walk, there will be a Good Friday message at noon at the church then a free, light meal in its fellowship hall. 

Marion Baptist Church had originally planned its egg hunt for 10 a.m., Saturday at Crittenden County Fairgrounds. Those plans have changed and the event will be at 6pm Friday at the fairgrounds.

This Sunday is Easter, which concludes Holy Week. It is typically the most attended church service of the year, celebrating the resurrection and the promise of new life.