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Freedom carries a cost
Every year, Americans gather for cookouts, ballgames, family reunions and the unofficial beginning of summer. Flags wave from porches. Cemeteries bloom with fresh flowers while veterans stand quietly beside memorials bearing names etched in stone. But Memorial Day is not ultimately about a long weekend. Rather, it is about absence, the empty chair at the…
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Dear Editor: Memorial Day
BY CLETIS MILLS Our country has celebrated Memorial Day on various dates over the years, but in 1971, Congress declared the last Monday of May to be the official day of remembrance for our fallen military heroes. And so it is with sadness, but with deep gratitude, and enduring respect, we honor their memory. They…
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Activist urges Martin County to adopt resolution calling for Kentucky Power audit
BY ANNIE HOLLER MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — A Pike County activist is urging Eastern Kentucky counties to demand a full public audit of Kentucky Power before any additional rate increases are approved. Zachary Tackett, founder of the nonprofit Creek Don’t Rise Coalition, plans to ask the Martin County Fiscal Court on Thursday to adopt a…
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Voters report registration issue tied to postal address
BY ANNIE HOLLER MOUNTAIN CITIZEN Some Martin County voters say they were turned away from polling places Tuesday after presenting driver’s licenses with addresses in Pike or Lawrence counties. The issue affects some county residents who live near county lines but receive mail through post offices in neighboring counties. That includes residents on Route 292/Riverfront…
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Two wanted men arrested on Jennies Creek
BY ANNIE HOLLER MOUNTAIN CITIZEN KERMIT, W.Va. — West Virginia State Police arrested two Kermit men Sunday evening after a tip led troopers to a residence on Jennies Creek where authorities said a fugitive was hiding. According to court records, troopers went to the residence after receiving information that William Spurlock, 32, of Kermit, was…
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Beauty woman charged after Evans Hill crash
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN LOVELY — A 19-year-old Beauty woman faces multiple charges after Kentucky State Police responded May 13 to a collision on Evans Hill Road in Lovely. Trooper L. Layne arrested Hayden Gilman at 1:33 a.m. Charges include alcohol intoxication in a public place, first and second offense, possession of an alcoholic…
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‘No mercy’: Jury convicts Kennedy in killing of WVSP Sgt. Cory Maynard
BY ANNIE HOLLER MOUNTAIN CITIZEN WILLIAMSON, W.Va. — A Mingo County jury on Monday convicted Timothy David Kennedy of first-degree murder in the June 2023 killing of West Virginia State Police Sgt. Cory Maynard near Matewan. The jury rejected a recommendation of mercy, ensuring Kennedy will spend the rest of his life in prison without…
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Martin County arrest report
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT INEZ — Martin County Sheriff John Kirk’s Office reported the following arrests: Eric Phillip Crum, 42, of Debord, was arrested May 18 on Setser Branch in Davella on charges of possession of a controlled substance first degree, first offense (methamphetamine), possession of a controlled substance first degree, first offense (drug unspecified) and…
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Kids do not play outside anymore
Have you noticed you do not see kids playing outside these days as in years past? The courts, fields and yards are mostly vacant these days. I do not know about you, but when I was young and the weather permitted, we were always playing outside. Neighborhood kids would play basketball, whiffle ball or football,…
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Martin County court docket
INEZ — Judge Brett Butcher heard the following cases May 12 in Martin District Court: Christopher Maynard (arraignment) — Terroristic threatening, third degree: Pleaded guilty, 60 days to serve, credit time served 60 days; 24-M-64 — Recalled bench warrant, paid in full. Parette Fletcher (arraignment) — Assault, fourth degree (domestic violence), minor injury: Dismissed at…
