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. 

Two shot, including one lawman at rural home

MARION, Ky. – A Crittenden County Deputy and another individual were shot during a confrontation at a rural Crittenden County residence around 5 p.m. Thursday.

The law enforcement officer was taken to a regional hospital. The condition of the other individual has not been released, but the coroner has arrived at the scene.

A woman inside the residence was transported by ambulance to a hospital, but she was apparently not injured in the gunfire.

Information remains limited. It appears law enforcement had responded to the residence on KY 365 between Mattoon and Sturgis, about three miles from U.S. 60, for a welfare check.

At some point, it appears the deputy was shot by an individual at the home. Investigators have not released who shot the man at the home or other details about the incident. 

Kentucky State Police Capt. Derek Smith said the Critical Incident Response Team is on the scene and that state police are leading the investigation.

The Crittenden County Sheriff’s Department, Marion Police Department and law enforcement agencies from Livingston, Caldwell, Union and Lyon counties were also at the scene. Sheriff’s departments from nearby counties will temporarily provide manpower to assist the Crittenden County Sheriff’s Department and other law enforcement agencies throughout the county.

This post was updated at 8:45 p.m. with new information.

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Kentucky US Senate candidate Barr in Marion

Farmers Bank President Wade Berry introduces
U.S. Rep. Andy Barr at today's speaking event

MARION, Ky. – U.S. Rep. Andy Barr made a campaign stop in Marion on Wednesday at Farmers Bank as he seeks the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Mitch McConnell. Barr, a Lexington native now serving his seventh and final term in the House, is among leading GOP candidates in a primary field that includes former Attorney General Daniel Cameron and businessman Nate Morris. The eventual Republican nominee will face a Democratic challenger in November in what will be a closely watched open-seat race.

Speaking to a crowd of regional officials, bankers and business leaders from across Western Kentucky, Barr introduced himself as an eighth-generation Kentuckian with a background in law, business representation and economic development. He emphasized his work on the House Financial Services Committee and his advocacy for community banks, calling them “the American dream makers” and stressing the need for tailored regulations rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Barr centered much of his message on economic growth and national security, tying both to energy production in Kentucky. He argued the state is positioned to become an “energy juggernaut” through coal, natural gas, hydro and nuclear development, particularly as demand rises from emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. He warned of competition from China in both economic and military arenas and said expanding domestic energy production is critical to maintaining U.S. global leadership while creating jobs in regions like Western Kentucky.

Throughout his remarks, Barr leaned heavily on themes of persistence, work ethic and opportunity, citing his own narrow 2010 congressional loss before later winning the seat as evidence of determination. He said he is running to “restore the American dream” amid rising costs and economic uncertainty, pledging to use his experience and relationships in Washington to deliver for Kentucky. Barr also highlighted his support of former President Donald Trump and positioned himself as a candidate who can win statewide by appealing to both Republican and swing voters.

Pictured is Barr speaking with local airport board chairman Jim Johnson.

Almost forgotten hero restored to glory

This the stone after it was restored
and reset on a large base

SMITHLAND, Ky. – An interesting discovery was made in November 2024 in the Smithland Cemetery.  While filling in holes in the cemetery with a tractor, it was discovered, leaning up against a tree, a very old monument for Chaylon Gorden, a man who died in 1923 at the age of 43.  

Who was this man whose stone was carelessly propped up against a tree at the bottom of the hill? With the help of Livingston County cemetery historians, Wanda Trail and her son, Mark Trail, it was discovered that Chaylon Gorden was a hero in his day.

Newspaper archives revealed that in 1901 Chaylon and a friend, William Webb, were on the steamboat, the City of Golconda, which was headed to Paducah from Smithland when the boat sank in a storm just off Cottonwood Bar in the Ohio River.  As it turns out, Gorden, a 21-year-old Black man, and William Webb, another young Black man, rescued a White woman, the wife of the boat’s engineer, and her child from the sinking vessel.  Twelve or more drowned in the incident.  Among those who perished were passengers from Smithland, Paducah, Grahamville, and Evansville. The vessel included Smithland Cemetery committee member Billy Downs’ great-great uncle, Watts Davis, who was taking five head of cattle to market in Paducah.  

The Smithland Cemetery Committee felt Chaylon Gorden deserved better than to have his stone propped up against a tree.  Henry & Henry Monument Company of Marion picked up and cleaned his stone, then remounted it on a base. Henry & Henry delivered the restored monument to the Smithland Cemetery and replaced it on a concrete base, located as nearly as could be determined where Chaylon is buried. The cemetery association is grateful to Henry & Henry for its help in a very worthwhile historic restoration.  

The Smithland Cemetery is maintained solely by charitable, tax-deductible donations. 

This araticle was submitted by the Smithland Cemetery Committee
The article first appeared in the March 26, 2026 Crittenden Press

Murder trial ends abruptly with plea deal

MARION, Ky. – After more than four years of waiting, the Timothy Paris murder trial came to an unexpected and abrupt end Monday when a plea deal was reached midway through the proceedings.

Paris, 41, was accused of shooting his father during an argument in the winter of 2022.

What had been scheduled as a four-day trial concluded in less than two days, bringing a sudden close to a case that has drawn significant attention across the community.

For full details on how the case unfolded and what led to the agreement, see this week’s edition of The Crittenden Press. Visit our website to subscribe for full access.

Pictured is defendant Timothy Paris shaking hands with this attorney Richard Walls.
 

City council special meeting Tuesday

Marion City Council will hold a special called meeting at 5 p.m., Tuesday, March 31 at the Crittenden County Office Complex. The meeting was originally scheduled for Marion City Hall but has been relocated because of a trial underway at city hall.

Items on the agenda include confirmation of mayoral appointments to the Marion Planning & Zoning Commission, consideration of issuing a request for proposals for towing and vehicle storage services, and discussion of two resolution, one declaring certain city-owned property as surplus and another designating an agent to handle required documentation for disaster relief and emergency assistance funding.