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Kirk & Crum Law Firm Player of the Week: Kenleigh Estep
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT Kenleigh Estep is the Kirk & Crum Law Firm Player of the Week. Estep won a Kentucky state championship Feb. 8 at Corbin Arena, becoming the first middle school girl from Martin County to claim a state wrestling title. Estep captured the middle school 95-pound division at the 2026 KFWC Middle School…
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Old community schools were the best
I know I have written about this before, but I really miss the old community schools. Consolidation has gobbled up all of the old grade schools, junior highs and high schools. But those smaller grade schools were special and the heart of every community. Kids were able to attend classes with their friends and neighbors.…
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Martin County court dockets
INEZ — Judge John Kevin Holbrook heard cases Feb. 5 in Martin Circuit Court, while Judge Brett Butcher heard cases Feb. 3 in Martin District Court. Circuit Court Henry Butcher (change of plea) — Trafficking in controlled substance, first offense (carfentanil or fentanyl derivatives): Pleaded guilty, six years, defendant shall forfeit any monies/firearms/vehicles seized as…
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Martin County civil suits, deeds and marriages
INEZ — Martin Circuit Clerk Denise Gauze reported seven civil suits filed in her office through Feb. 5. Meanwhile, Martin County Clerk Susie Skyles reported three deeds and one marriage recorded in her office through Feb. 5. Civil Suits H&S Financial Inc. vs. Aaron Hinkle. Portfolio Recovery Associates LLC vs. Holly Mollette. Midland Credit Management…
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Mingo Sheriff to test job applicants ahead of expected retirements
BY ANNIE HOLLER MOUNTAIN CITIZEN WILLIAMSON, W.Va. — The Mingo County Sheriff’s Department will begin testing applicants next month as it prepares for several anticipated retirements and future openings, Sheriff Joe Smith announced. Physical ability exams will take place March 7 and March 11 at the Southern West Virginia Community College Armory Building, followed by…
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Protective order lifted for Wayne water supply after mineral oil release
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN WAYNE, W.Va. — Town officials lifted the protective order on Wayne’s drinking water supply Friday following three weeks of disruption tied to a mineral oil release at an Appalachian Power facility. Wayne Mayor Danny Grace officially ended the order at approximately 2:30 p.m. Feb. 7, according to the West Virginia…
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Missing money might be waiting for you in Kentucky
Missing money might be waiting for you in Kentucky. Following National Unclaimed Property Day, Kentucky State Treasurer Mark H. Metcalf is encouraging Kentuckians to take a few minutes to see if the Commonwealth is holding money that belongs to them. Since taking office, Treasurer Metcalf’s administration has returned a record $86 million in unclaimed property…
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Morehead State receives $7.54 million earmark for Space Science Center
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT MOREHEAD — Morehead State University’s Space Science Center will receive a $7.54 million federal Community Project Funding earmark secured by U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) to expand payload operations for government and commercial space stations. The funding will support aerospace education and engineering opportunities for students through partnerships with NASA and…
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Eden Elementary wins District Governor’s Cup title
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Eden Elementary School claimed the championship in the 2026 District 116 Governor’s Cup Academic Competition that wrapped up Sunday at Inez Elementary School. Eden finished first in the final standings with 52.5 points. Porter Elementary earned second place with 32 points. Inez Elementary followed with 18.5 points, while…










