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Tomahawk man accused of staging UTV theft for insurance claim
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN TOMAHAWK — A Martin County man admitted to staging the theft of his side-by-side in hopes someone would steal or burn it so he could collect insurance money, Kentucky State Police said. Larry Delong, 62, of Tomahawk, was arrested shortly after noon May 10 at his residence on charges of…
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Inez man facing prison after pleading guilty to assault, intimidation, drugs
BY SADIE SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — A Martin County man is facing a prison sentence after pleading guilty May 7 to assault, attempted intimidation of a witness and drug charges. Joe Allen Evans, 52, of Inez, pleaded guilty in Martin Circuit Court to second-degree assault – domestic violence, attempted intimidating a participant in a…
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Woman jailed in attempted child abduction case
BY ANNIE HOLLER MOUNTAIN CITIZEN MATEWAN, W.Va. — A Mingo County woman faces a felony charge after state police say she grabbed a young girl outside her home and claimed the child was her missing daughter. West Virginia State Police arrested Brittany Lashay Akers, 29, of Red Jacket, on a charge of attempted abduction of…
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A mother’s legacy: Reflections from her daughters
Editor’s Note: In celebration of Rachel Stepp’s birthday, her daughters shared reflections on growing up under the care and instruction of a mother whose influence shaped their faith, character and lives. The tribute was inspired and coordinated by her husband, Thurrel Stepp, as an expression of gratitude and appreciation. Mashal Varney Mom influenced the woman…
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Show up. Vote. Be heard.
The final week of the 2026 Primary Election has arrived, and Martin County voters now have multiple opportunities to make their voices heard. No-excuse early voting begins Thursday at the Martin County Clerk’s Office. Election Day follows May 19. Between early voting, absentee voting and traditional Election Day polling places, access to the ballot box…
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Early voting May 14, 15, 16
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County voters will have three days of no-excuse in-person absentee voting beginning Thursday as the 2026 Primary Election enters its final week. No-excuse early voting will be available May 14-16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Martin County Clerk’s Office. Excused in-person absentee voting continues…
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Local businesses shower Inez mom with giveaway surprises
BY DIANE SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — There are moments when an ordinary phone call becomes something unforgettable. For Tracie Maynard of Inez, this year’s Mother’s Day Giveaway from the Mountain Citizen delivered that kind of surprise. When Maynard learned she had won the overflowing basket of gifts, excitement quickly turned to emotion. “I’ve never…
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Lawson graduates from MSU with exceptional distinction
Vincent Robert Lawson of Louisa, a graduate of Martin County High School, will graduate from Morehead State University with exceptional distinction. He earned double majors in legal studies and sociology along with a minor in gender studies. A member of Phi Eta Sigma, Lawson completed 145 credit hours in six semesters. He was named Outstanding…
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Martin County arrest report
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT INEZ — Martin County Sheriff John Kirk’s Office reported the following arrests: Tyler Harrison Harless, 28, of Tomahawk, was arrested May 12 on charges of trafficking in marijuana (8 ounces to 5 pounds), first offense, and drug paraphernalia buy/possession. Deputy J.C. Kirk obtained search warrants for Harris’ residence on Gayle Carter Road…
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Martin County JAG students earn national honors in Utah
Martin County students once again proved they can compete with the best in the nation. Students from Martin County High School and Martin County Middle School earned national recognition at the Jobs for America’s Graduates National Career Development Conference held April 30-May 2 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Martin County High School placed in two…
