BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

WARFIELD — What began as a Golden Alert the morning of Sept. 10 ended in relief that night with the safe return home of a Martin County man.

Family members reported 73-year-old Earnest Dingess of Warfield missing that morning when he did not return from an herb-digging trip. Their concern deepened because Dingess is diabetic and depends on insulin.

Dingess’ daughter, Tabatha Dingess, said her father left around 7 a.m. heading to Kermit Coal or possibly Marrowbone to dig herbs.

For Dingess, the outing was familiar, but when he failed to return, his family feared the worst.

Kentucky State Police issued a Golden Alert and the search quickly expanded.

Law enforcement and first responders from Mingo County joined in, fanning out to the areas where they believed Dingess traveled.

By evening, the Mingo County Sheriff’s Office announced that officials discovered Dingess’ vehicle had broken down in the Jennie’s Creek area.

Dingess was home with his family by nightfall, a relief to Tabatha and the family.

“Thanks, everyone, for your prayers and help,” she said.