Friday, May 22, 2026
HOW AND WHERE TO MARK MEMORIAL DAY
This week’s edition of The Crittenden Press shares the remarkable story of how local citizens, veterans organizations and grieving families came together nearly 80 years ago to create a lasting tribute for the county’s fallen heroes. It’s a piece of local history worth remembering, especially on Memorial Day weekend.
Here is where to mark the holiday with local Memorial Day Weekend services: To celebrate Memorial Day weekend and salute America’s fallen heroes, there will be multiple memorial services at Marion, Blackford, Burna, Shady Grove and Fredonia.
The weekend kicks off with the annual Blackford Memorial Walk of Honor at 10 a.m., with guest speaker retired U.S. Marine Chad Nelson. On Sunday, there will be an 8 a.m., service and continental breakfast at the Burna American Legion post. On Memorial Day Monday, Marion’s Mapleview Cemetery will host its annual service at 10 a.m. Then, at 11 a.m., there will be a service at Shady Grove where District Judge Ben Leonard will speak and Lacie Duncan will sing with a potluck lunch to follow at the fire station. In Fredonia, there will be a service at 1 p.m. The event will celebrate the enduring legacy of the Revolutionary War patriots who helped shape the history of the Fredonia community.
Thursday, May 21, 2026
CLWD will meet Tuesday instead of Monday
Crittenden-Livingston Water District’s regular monthly meeting has been rescheduled for Tuesday, May 26, due to the Memorial Day holiday.
District officials said the date change is necessitated because its normal meeting date, which falls on Monday, is a holiday. The meeting will begin at 4 p.m. Tuesday.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
ELECTION RESULTS | Crittenden County Primary
UNOFFIICIAL - ALL PRECINCTS REPORTING
See Complete Election Returns in This Week's Press
Monday, May 18, 2026
Lyon County Sheriff's Activity
On Monday, May 11, deputies served a Grayson District Court bench warrant on James T. Ashby, 68, of Caneyville for nonpayment of court costs, fees or fines. Ashby was being held awaiting extradition to Grayson County.
On Tuesday, May 12, deputies served a Lyon District Court criminal complaint on Mary D. Nixon, 60, of Eddyville. She was charged with a nuisance ordinance violation and summoned to court later this month.
On Wednesday, May 13, deputies served a Daviess District Court bench warrant on Heather R. Collier, 37, of Central City, for nonpayment of court costs, fees or fines. Collier was being held awaiting extradition to Daviess County.
Later that evening, Sheriff Brent White served a Lyon District Court criminal complaint on Johnny D. Demello, 59, of Eddyville. He was charged with a nuisance ordinance violation and summoned to court later this month.
On Thursday, May 14, deputies served two fugitive from justice warrants on Andrew M. Allen, 58, of Memphis, Tenn. Allen was wanted in Tennessee on charges including probation violation, evading arrest, open container, driving on a revoked license, speeding, improper registration plates and felony reckless
Election Day Notice: Crittenden County Voting Information
The Crittenden County Clerk's office will be closed to all regular business on Tuesday, May 19, remaining open exclusively for election-related activities. Registered voters heading to the polls can cast their ballots on Election Day from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. For maximum convenience, any eligible voter in the county can utilize the centralized Countywide Voting Center located at the Crittenden County Office Complex (200 Industrial Dr., Marion).
Be sure to bring your ID—a driver's license is the most efficient method to scan—to receive your paper ballot. You can confirm your local precinct or preview your sample ballot ahead of time at GoVote.ky.gov.
Be sure to bring your ID—a driver's license is the most efficient method to scan—to receive your paper ballot. You can confirm your local precinct or preview your sample ballot ahead of time at GoVote.ky.gov.
Clerk closed when polls are open
Crittenden County Clerk’s office will be closed Tuesday, May 19 except for Election Day activities.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Friday, May 15, 2026
Softball Postseason opens on Monday
Fifth District Tournament begins Monday at Cadiz
Click Image to Enlarge
The 2026 Lady Rocket softball team includes (front from left) Fiona Louden, Isabel Geary, Blakelee Gardner, Mela Penn, Lilly Cappello, Addie Nelson, Karlee Jent, Brooklyn Lovell, London McCord, (back) coach Shawn Holeman, Caroline Martin, Georgia Holeman, Elliot Evans, Anna Boone, Andrea Federico, Elle McDaniel, Brenna Kemmer, Brodi Rich, head coach Chris Evans, coach Stephanie Galusha. The Lady Rockets are led by four-year seniors Federico, Boone, Evans, McDaniel and Holeman. The team has already matched its win total from last year just one month into the new season. Playing in the toughest district in west Kentucky, the Lady Rockets hope to get back to the regional tournament this year. Its last district championship came when this year’s seniors were just freshmen.
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Marion's Lucky Strike Man
The former Marion High School graduate appeared in films and television shows alongside stars like Ronald Reagan and Bill Cosby, and many may remember him best as the rugged cowboy from Lucky Strike cigarette commercials in the early 1960s.
After years in Arizona working in law enforcement and acting, Shaver eventually returned home to Crittenden County in retirement.
Read local historian Brenda Underdown's interesting piece on Shaver in this week’s edition of The Crittenden Press as she revisits the fascinating life of the hometown cowboy who went from western movie sets to national television, and finally back to Marion.
BRIDGE BETWEEN D'BURG-EDDYVILLE NAMED FOR LEFAN
“Her bubbly personality and smile – she would just light up a room when she walked in,” said Lyon County Judge-Executive Jamie Green-Smith, who was the school resource officer in Lyon County in 2006 when Lefan was killed.
On Friday, a bridge on KY 295 not far from the crash site will be dedicated in Lefan’s memory. The bridge was formally named in LeFan’s honor by the Kentucky General Assembly, and fiscal courts in both Crittenden and Lyon counties adopted resolutions on the matter.
Green-Smith has led an effort to dedicate the bridge at the Lyon-Crittenden county line to honor the memory of LeFan, who lived north of Dycusburg in Crittenden County and attended Lyon County High School.
LeFan died June 5, 2006, from injuries sustained in the crash. She was just 16 years old.
The Lyon County Fiscal Court will host the dedication ceremony at 11:30 a.m., May 15 at the KY 295 Livingston Creek Bridge at mile point 9.419. The bridge will be reduced to one lane so traffic can continue to pass slowly through during the ceremony.
Motorists should expect one-lane, alternating traffic between 11 a.m. and noon during the event. Kentucky Transportation Cabinet flaggers will direct traffic through the area while the temporary lane restriction is in place.
An earlier ceremony in Eddyville will also recognize Shawn King, who was killed in a bicycle accident on KY 93. Officials said the remembrance is intended to honor local lives lost on Lyon County roadways.
Salem Council changes meeting date for next week
Salem City Council has changed the date of its monthly meeting due to Election Day.
The meeting originally scheduled for Tuesday has been moved to Thursday, May 21, at 5 p.m. in the Deer Lakes meeting room.
Because the change in date legally requires the meeting to be classified as a special-called meeting, the council must strictly adhere to the posted agenda. Anyone wishing to place an item on the agenda should contact Salem City Hall by 2 p.m. prior to the meeting.
Students honored, Livingston gives 2% pay hike
LIVINGSTON COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
Livingston County Board of Education approved a 2% districtwide pay raise Monday night and boosted pay for retired teacher substitutes to $205 per day during a special called meeting packed with students, parents and faculty celebrating student achievement.
Board Chair David Kitchens called the May 11 meeting to order with all members present after the meeting time was changed from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The board room was filled for the district’s monthly LiveRED recognitions honoring students and staff involved in Career and Technical Education organizations that advanced to national competition following strong performances at the state level.
Superintendent Amy Ramage recognized Livingston County High School’s SkillsUSA team members who qualified for national competition this summer in Atlanta.
The Welding Fabrication team of Keaton Guill, Weslee Taylor and Dawson Thompson earned first place at state. Madison Anderson captured first place in Restaurant Service, while the Chapter Business Procedures team of Holli Kerr, Izzy Coomer, Aly Rowell, Dulce Lopez Cotera and Lian Guy also claimed a state championship.
Ramage additionally recognized Hunter Wilson for being selected as state treasurer for SkillsUSA Kentucky.
Livingston Central High School’s Future Business Leaders of America chapter was also honored for qualifying for nationals in San Antonio, Texas. Wen Yang Duong placed first at state, while Joshua Turner finished fifth.
The board also recognized Livingston Central High School’s Family, Career and Community Leaders of America chapter for state competition success that earned trips to nationals in Washington, D.C.
Brooklyn Travelstead and Madison Kittle won first place in Chapter Service Project, while the Parliamentary Procedures team of Holli Kerr, Allie Buijk, Izzy Coomer, Rebecca Dean and Aly Rowell also earned first place honors.
Following the student recognitions, Ramage and LCHS Assistant Principal Leigh Choat honored Career and Technical Education teachers and advisors Jason Culver, Karlie Moore, Amy Hancock and Zeke Burg for their work preparing students for state competition.
During her monthly report, Ramage told the board no bids were received for painting projects at South Livingston Elementary School and that alternative options are being explored to complete the work this summer.
She also discussed the district’s Summer Feeding Program and preparations for state procurement changes involving the ACT or SAT beginning next school year.
Board members approved an auditor contract and final budgets for Fiscal Year 2027. The board also approved renewal of the school resource officer contract with the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department and participation in the Community Eligibility Provision, allowing the district to continue providing free breakfasts and lunches to all students.
The board’s approval of the Fiscal Year 2027 salary schedule included a 2% raise across the district and increased pay for retired teacher substitutes to $205 per day. District officials said the move makes Livingston County one of the highest-paying districts in the region for retired teacher substitutes and is intended to help recruitment efforts.
The next meeting of the Livingston County Board of Education is scheduled for 5 p.m. June 8 at the Livingston County Board of Education office.
Rockets open post-season play next week
Click Image to Enlarge
Members of the Rockets baseball team are (from left) Jake Rich, Cameron Nesbitt, Whyatt Gibson, Eli Herrin, Brier Brown, Carter Tyner, Jett Champion, Luke Melton, Eli Lovell, Daryl Sherer, (back) Keegan Pierson, Brady Dayberry, Davis Perryman, Quinn Summers, Jaxton Duncan, Hudson Stokes, Drake Young, Zack Rustin coach Riley Jones and assistant coach Trace Adams.
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
NY DRIVER FACES LIVINGSTON CHARGES
In a direct submittal of the felony case, a Livingston County grand jury on Tuesday indicted Mansur A. Kholikov, 24, on three counts of reckless homicide stemming from the July 29, 2024 multi-vehicle crash in the westbound lane of I-24 near the Grand Rivers Exit. The crashed was just east of where a contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet was conducting work on the Tennessee River bridge. It was not unusual at the time for traffic to be backed up for nearly a mile or more.
According to Kentucky State Police, Kholikov was operating a semi-truck westbound on I-24 when traffic slowed approaching the bridge construction area, which had been reduced to one lane. Investigators said the semi failed to slow and struck multiple vehicles, triggering secondary collisions involving at least five vehicles.
Killed in the crash were 68-year-old Saundra Dodd of Evansville and her grandchildren, Tallulah Dodd, 6, and Pele Doerter, 8. Their vehicle was reportedly engulfed in flames when first responders arrived.
Two other people were airlifted to out-of-state hospitals following the collision, while several additional victims were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Kholikov reportedly was not injured.
Other members of Dodd’s family were injured in the crash as they were traveling in another vehicle.
The criminal indictment comes as civil litigation connected to the crash continues in Livingston Circuit Court. According to court filings, crash victims and surviving family members have filed lawsuits against Bahtiyor Trucking LLC of Manville, N.J.; Kholikov personally; and other manufacturing and contracting defendants.
Kentucky State Police previously told the Evansville Courier-Press newspaper that investigators reviewed electronic data recorders and logging systems connected to the semi-truck as part of the lengthy crash reconstruction investigation.
Your Guide to the 2026 Primary Election
The 2026 Primary Election is fast approaching, and it is time for Crittenden County voters to head to the polls! Whether you prefer to beat the rush with early voting or participate in the tradition of Election Day, we have all the details you need to ensure your voice is heard.
Early Voting kicks off this week at the County Office Complex. On Election Day, Tuesday, May 19, polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at five convenient locations across the county.
Important Note: The Crittenden County Clerk’s Office will be closed to all regular business on Tuesday, May 19, to focus exclusively on election activities.
Be sure to bring a valid ID and check your specific precinct at GoVote.ky.gov before heading out.
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
Click Image to Enlarge
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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