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Breaking News: Authorities searching Tug River for missing Johnson County man
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN UPDATED 7 p.m. 12/30/2024 WARFIELD — Authorities are searching the Tug River in the Warfield and Route 292 area for a missing Johnson County man, officials said Monday morning. David Blevins Jr. of Staffordsville, described as 5-foot-11, 155 pounds and in his late 40s, was reported missing Dec. 19 by…
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Kentucky reports rare human rabies death
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT FRANKFORT — A Northern Kentucky resident has died from rabies, state health officials announced Friday, marking a rare human fatality from the virus in the United States. The source of the individual’s rabies exposure remains unclear and may have occurred during international travel, officials said. The person who received medical care in…
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Appalachian filmmaker brings opioid crisis drama ‘Hazard’ to theaters this month
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT Eddie Mensore, an Appalachian-born filmmaker, unveils his latest drama, “Hazard,” a searing exploration of addiction and resilience set against the backdrop of a mining town gripped by the opioid crisis. The film, featuring a talented cast that includes Sosie Bacon, Alex Roe, Dave Davis, Steven Ogg, and West Virginia native Kevin Sizemore,…
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Kentucky’s long war on chicken fighting nets new arrests, guilty pleas
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT After years of quiet surveillance, undercover informants and the assembly of evidence, the Kentucky State Police (KSP) have taken down two illegal chicken fighting rings in Eastern Kentucky. Multiple arrests culminated in seven federal indictments and plea deals finalized earlier this month, officials said Friday. The effort, spearheaded by Detective Zachary Bryson…
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Christmas Eve drug bust yields meth, heroin and firearms
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT PRESTONSBURG — It was another follow-up investigation for Floyd County Sheriff’s deputies until K9 officer “Zoe” turned the day into a headline. Acting on a search warrant, deputies descended on Roy Gipson’s home on Frank Arnett Drive in the Abbott Creek area of Prestonsburg just before 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve. What…
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Warfield man faces 30-year sentence after rape plea
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Austin T. Jackson, 27, of Warfield, has pleaded guilty to six felony charges, including the rape of two mentally incapacitated minors in a deal that will see him serve 30 years in prison. According to court records, Jackson appeared in Martin Circuit Court on Thursday and took a…
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Woman arrested after daughter arrives at school with bruised eye
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN WARFIELD — A Martin County woman was charged with child abuse after her daughter arrived at school with a bruised eye, police said. Chief Deputy Chris Kidd of the Martin County Sheriff’s Office arrested Garnett Scott, 36, of Lovely, at Warfield Elementary School around 2 p.m. Dec. 17. The officer…
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Martin County secures ARPA funds, honors longtime employee
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Fiscal Court has ensured that its remaining $992,239 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds will not go back to the federal government. During a meeting Thursday, magistrates voted to transfer the funds into the county’s general fund to reimburse payroll and insurance expenses. This…
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Three indicted under Rocket Docket program
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Three individuals are facing criminal charges under the Rocket Docket program. The Martin Circuit Court issued the information charges Dec. 17 and 19. Shonda Crum, 38, of Tomahawk, stands accused of possession of a controlled substance in the first degree, possession of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance…
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Martin County Sheriff adds new vehicle to fleet
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Sheriff’s Office upgraded its fleet with a 2025 Chevrolet Silverado. Sheriff John Kirk unveiled the new vehicle Friday, saying it replaces his previous cruiser, which had accumulated high mileage and experienced transmission issues. “We’re going to have some excess fees this year,” Kirk said. “We…
