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Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Paducah woman arrested in Marion on meth charges
According to the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office, detectives with the agency’s Drug Division began investigating 42-year-old April M. McKenzie in April after identifying her as a suspected source of methamphetamine in western Kentucky.
Investigators said McKenzie was traveling through several western Kentucky counties during the investigation. The sheriff’s office worked with the Kentucky State Police and the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office to monitor her activities.
Authorities said that just before 5 p.m., Monday, Kentucky State Police Trooper TJ Williams conducted a traffic stop on McKenzie along U.S. 641 outside the Marion city limits. During the stop, a McCracken County Sheriff’s Office narcotics K-9 alerted to the odor of illegal narcotics coming from the vehicle.
A probable cause search allegedly led investigators to discover about 2 pounds of crystal methamphetamine concealed in the engine compartment.
McKenzie was taken into custody without incident and lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.
Authorities said McKenzie has at least two prior convictions for trafficking in methamphetamine and that the case is expected to be considered for federal prosecution through the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
McKenzie of Park Avenue in Paducah was charged with trafficking in methamphetamine, second or subsequent offense; possession of drug paraphernalia; and excessive window tinting.
Monday, May 11, 2026
Sunday, May 10, 2026
Lyon County Sheriff's Activity
On Sunday, May 3, Deputy Bobby Beeler responded to a collision on Travis Road after a vehicle reportedly left the roadway, struck a mailbox and left the scene. An investigation led deputies to Heather Road, where a 2019 GMC Sierra operated by a juvenile was located. Authorities said the teen apparently panicked after the collision and drove to the location of her mother to report the incident. No injuries were reported.
Later that afternoon, Deputy Beeler and other law enforcement personnel responded to Days Inn Drive in Kuttawa for a suspicious person complaint. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Billy M. Judkins, 59, of Lebanon, Tenn. He was charged with public intoxication - controlled substance and possession of marijuana. Judkins was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.
On Monday, May 4, SRO Deputy Cory Jessup charged a 13-year-old female with fourth-degree assault after the student was reportedly seen assaulting another student and throwing the victim onto an asphalt and riprap rock area on school property. Authorities said the student continued the assault until school personnel intervened. Officials said it was the second physical incident involving the juvenile. The student was released to a parent or guardian pending review by the Court Designated Worker.
Also Monday, Sheriff Brent White arrested James A. Gilkey, 52, of Lamasco on two bench warrants from Union District Court for failure to pay fines and contempt of court related to a traffic case. Gilkey was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.
On Wednesday, May 6, Deputy Josh Travis investigated a two-vehicle collision at a business in Kuttawa. Authorities said a 2025 Peterbilt semi-truck driven by Jessica J. McNac, 22, of Okmulgee, Okla., was turning in a parking lot when the driver misjudged clearance and struck a 2004 Peterbilt semi-truck driven
Friday, May 8, 2026
Area Blood Drives in May
A blood drive will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Friday, May 15, at Fredonia Mennonite Church on Marion Road in Fredonia.
The Livingston Hospital Foundation Community Building in Salem will host a drive from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 20.
Another drive is scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, at the Lyon County Convention Center at Lee S. Jones Park in Eddyville.
The Red Cross said seasonal activities and end-of-school schedules often reduce donations this time of year, increasing the need for donors. Appointments may be scheduled at RedCrossBlood.org, through the Red Cross Blood Donor App or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
Those donating May 1-17 will receive a $20 Amazon gift card by email, while donors May 18-31 will receive a Red Cross beach towel while supplies last.
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Government Offices Closing on Friday
Crittenden County Office Complex will close to normal business Friday to allow county employees the opportunity to attend the memorial service of Sheriff’s Deputy Rick Coyle.
The sheriff’s department will be closed all day to honor their fallen deputy, while the judge-executive, treasurer and tax administration will close for the day at noon.
Meantime, the PVA and county clerk will close at noon for regular business, but both will remain open in the afternoon for special services only.
In-person, excused absentee voting will still be available in the county clerk’s office as required for those unable to vote in person for Early Voting and on Election Day. The PVA will remain open for its state-required inspection period. Both offices and the building will close at 4 p.m.
City hall will also be closing at noon Friday for the service as will the Crittenden County Circuit Court Clerk's office.
Boil Water Order on US 60 in county
Crittenden-Livingston Water District has issued a boil water advisory for customers along U.S. Highway 60 area from New Salem Church Road to New Union Church Road.
Customers in the affected area are advised to boil water for at least 3 minutes before drinking, cooking, brushing teeth or making ice until the advisory is lifted.
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Boil Water Order Lifted in Marion
The boil water order imposed over the weekend for Creekside Apartments in Marion has now been lifted.
OBITUARY | Deputy Rick Coyle
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| Deputy Rick Coyle |
Richard Joseph “Rick” Coyle, 58, a devoted husband, beloved brother and uncle, and a lifelong public servant, passed away on April 30, 2026 at his home in Marion, surrounded by family.
Rick lived a life rooted in service and unwavering integrity. A Chicago native, Rick started his career at the Will County Sheriff’s Department. He then dedicated 28 years to the Chicago Police Department, where he served on the Special Operations and SWAT teams, earning the respect of colleagues for his loyalty and humility. After retiring from Chicago, Rick continued his calling in law enforcement, working with the Crittenden County Sheriff’s Department in Kentucky where he served as a school resource officer. Known for his ability to connect with others, he was described as a “true community servant” with a “big heart” who made a lasting impression on everyone he met.
Rick’s greatest pride was his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Jami; his sister, Annamaria; his brother-in-law, Robert; his beloved nieces, Jessica, Marissa, and Amanda, along with their husbands, Matt and Andrew; and his mother-in-law, Marguerite. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Richard and Carmela, and father-in-law, Roy. He was a constant source of strength, humor and guidance to them all and his presence will be deeply missed.
Rick will be remembered as courageous, compassionate and dependable. From the streets of Chicago to the close-knit community of Crittenden County, he gave his life to protecting others and strengthening the communities he called home. He lived with purpose and was deeply loved by all who had the privilege to know him. Rick’s legacy lives on in the lives he protected, the community he strengthened and the family he loved so deeply.
A celebration of Rick’s life will be held at 2 p.m., Friday May 8 at Rocket Arena in Marion with private committal services to follow. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Chicago. The family encourages memorials to take the form of donations to organizations that honor fallen officers including Supporting Heroes at supportingheroes.org and the Chicago Police Memorial Fund at cpdmemorial.org
Monday, May 4, 2026
Sunday, May 3, 2026
Funeral at Rocket Arena for SRO Coyle
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| This is a file photo from April 2025 with Deputy Coyle talking with Sheriff Head and school officials Tonya Driver and Josh Cook. |
Coyle, a Crittenden County sheriff’s deputy and school resource officer, died April 30 at his home following injuries sustained in a line-of-duty shooting April 2. A former Chicago Police Department officer who retired in 2019, Coyle had become a familiar and trusted presence in local schools and throughout the community.
Crittenden County Schools will not be in session Friday to allow students, staff and families to attend services and pay tribute to Coyle’s memory and sacrifice.
He is survived by his wife, Jami Coyle of Marion; sister Annamaria (Bob) Iacullo of Chicago; three nieces; and his mother-in-law, Marguerite Garner. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Carmela Coyle, and his father-in-law, Roy Garner.
Private committal services will follow. Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements. Donations may be made to Supporting Heroes or the Chicago Police Memorial Fund.
Track team gearing up for regional meet May 9
May 9 is Region 1 Class A Meet at Mayfield
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Crittenden County’s track and field athletes are pictured (front from left) Reece Travis, Gabriel Belt, Maddie Henry, Ella Geary, Presley Potter, Shelbi Belt, Ella Whitney, Layken Gilchrist, Aubrey Grau, Aeire Suggs, Clay Collins, (middle) Haley Moore, River Rogers, Noah Martinez, Ivan Madden, Samual Powell, Glenn Starkey, Landon Starkey, Aiden Musser, Braelyn Fulkerson, (back) Noah Moss, Kayden Farmer, CJ Nelson, Camden Nash, Parker Phillips, Alex Hewitt, Lucas McDowell, Gary Hall, Trae Taylor and Miles Yates. Not pictured Kevin Little and Caleb Manns.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Boil water order for Creekside Apartments
The City of Marion has issued a boil-water order for customers at Creekside Residential Apartments on the north side of town.
A water distribution line that supplies the complex has broken, and crews are currently on site making repairs.
There is currently no running water at the apartment complex, but service is expected to be restored later this afternoon.
The boil-water order will remain in effect until early next week.
Friday, May 1, 2026
Deputy's body will come home today from autopsy
Local leaders are asking the community to come together this afternoon to honor the return of Deputy Rick Coyle, whose body was taken to Louisville for an autopsy.
Coroner Brad Gilbert, Sheriff Evan Head, ComCare EMS and others are expected to return between 3 and 4 p.m. in a procession that will include law enforcement escorts through each county between Louisville and Marion. Coyle, who was mortally wounded while on duty April 2, died Thursday, April 30. As is standard procedure in such cases, an autopsy was required by the state medical examiner.
Residents are encouraged to line the procession route as a show of respect. The route will begin at the county line bridge on U.S. 641 and continue into town to Gilbert Funeral Home.
Officials will receive approximately one hour’s notice when the procession passes through Dawson Springs. An updated arrival time will be shared as it becomes available.
Community members, businesses, schools, churches and civic organizations are urged to participate and help fill both sides of the roadway along the entire route.
“This tribute offers an opportunity for the county and surrounding communities to stand together in honor of Deputy Coyle’s service and sacrifice,” said Crittenden County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom.
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