-
Gates blocking access to cemeteries to come down, says Judge/Executive Lafferty
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN PILGRIM — Martin County Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty announced last week that the landowner will remove gates blocking access to family cemeteries in Pilgrim. The move restores entry for families who had been shut out for months from visiting their loved ones’ graves. The land in question is under lease to…
-
‘Will you pray? Will you give?’ ARO seeks help to rebuild after couple escapes collapsing home
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — A Martin County couple who fled their collapsing home in the middle of the night are getting a second chance at stability thanks to Appalachia Reach Out. On Aug. 1, George and Ruth Patrick narrowly escaped when their house on Turkey Creek gave way, leaving them with nothing…
-
Martin County arrest report
INEZ — Martin County Sheriff John Kirk’s Office reported the following arrests: Robert Whitt, 44, of Adams, was arrested Monday on Spence Branch in Martin County on charges of operating on a suspended or revoked operator’s license, resisting arrest, menacing, insufficient headlamps, no registration receipt, no registration plates, failure of owner to maintain insurance, and…
-
A life of service: Endicott named Harvest Fest grand marshal
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — For nearly half a century, Rex Endicott has stood at the ready when Martin County needed him most. This Sept. 13, instead of directing traffic or answering a rescue call, he will take a different place of honor leading the 29th Annual Harvest Festival Parade as its grand…
-
‘Tongues of Deception’ book signing & film adaptation to spotlight local history at Harvest Fest
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County’s biggest weekend will feature not only music, food and fun, but also a story rooted in the county’s past. Author Harry H. Reed will hold a signing for his new book “Tongues of Deception” during the Martin County Harvest Festival Sept. 12–13. The book revisits the…
-
Health & Wellness Pavilion coming to Martin County
BY DOROTHY DILLON The Martin County Health Department is excited to invite the community to our third annual Health & Wellness Pavilion on Friday, Sept. 12 (12–5 p.m.) and Saturday, Sept. 13 (10 a.m.–2 p.m.) at the Martin County Business Center (right beside the courthouse). This year’s event will be packed with fun, learning, and…
-
Former Martin County man missing in Mansfield, Ohio
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN MANSFIELD, Ohio — Former Martin County resident Christopher Williamson has been reported missing in Mansfield, Ohio. Family members say Williamson left his home for a walk at about 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, and did not return. His last confirmed sighting was that evening at 9 p.m. at the Kroger…
-
‘Right is right’
For months, families in Pilgrim faced something unthinkable: gates blocking their access to the graves of loved ones. The closures caused heartache and, in one instance, created a dangerous barrier when an ambulance was needed July 4 for a medical emergency at a family cemetery. It should never have come to this. Last week, Martin…
-
Louisa man pleads guilty in cover-up of coal mine fire
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT A Louisa man has pleaded guilty to conspiring to cover up an underground coal mine fire in Illinois and defrauding federal mine safety regulators. Timothy Brandon Parsons, 38, entered his plea Aug. 29 in federal court to conspiring to defraud the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). The charge stems from…
-
The power of prayer
BY VICKI LOVERN I recently experienced a cancer scare. The Big ‘C.’ If you haven’t experienced it yourself, you probably know someone who has. My dear mom and two uncles died of this devastating disease. It is a scary diagnosis. And regardless of how much you’re told that it’s not a definitive diagnosis. All you…
