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Mingo man arrested for threatening five people with firearm
BY KYLE LOVERN MOUNTAIN CITIZEN WHARNCLIFFE, W.Va. — A Mingo County man is behind bars after allegedly threatening to kill five people, including three minors, near Wharncliffe in southern Mingo County. According to a criminal complaint, Brian Colangelo, 40, of Wharncliffe, reportedly shot a pistol near a house and at a pickup truck, causing more…
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Man arrested after standoff in Inez
BY RACHEL DOVE MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — A standoff involving law enforcement ended in Inez after an officer used a Taser on the subject. The suspect, Taylor Wallis, a 55-year-old Inez resident, faces several charges. The events transpired Tuesday evening at Wallis’s home on Spruce Pine Road when the Martin County Sheriff’s Office received reports…
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McCoy brings water district construction issues to light in Martin County: Leaky clarifier, failed pumps, low reservoir, no storage tank cleaning
Budget, management contract, record low water loss in June BY LISA STAYTON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County Water Board member Nina McCoy questioned a series of water district issues in a board meeting July 25. Her questions brought to light current issues and potential future trouble, including leaking clarifiers, failed pumps, a low reservoir…
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Umbrella Alley inaugurated in Martin County: Symbol of community pride and development
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — In a colorful Friday ceremony celebrating community action and pride, the Martin County Fiscal Court unveiled Umbrella Alley between the Historic Martin County Courthouse and the old jail. Kicking off the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Martin County Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty hailed the project as a testament to…
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Felony manslaughter case takes mediation route
BY RACHEL DOVE MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — In an uncommon move locally for felony criminal cases, the second-degree manslaughter case of 20-year-old Timothy Ramey II of Tomahawk will go before a court-appointed mediator. This decision, initiated by the defense, seeks a potential resolution outside a traditional court trial. However, the final decision in the legal path of…
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Martin County Arrest Report
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT INEZ — Martin County Sheriff John Kirk’s Office reported the following arrests and citations: Zachary Colton Delong, 27, of Debord, was arrested Friday on Setser Branch, Debord, on an indictment warrant and traffic charges. Deputy J.C. Kirk made the arrest. Christopher S. Marcum, 48, of Inez, was arrested Friday in Inez on…
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Inez couple arrested on child endangerment charges
“The ceiling of the home was partially collapsed, exposed wiring was visible, used needles were on the table and narcotics were found on the floor where they were easily accessible to the two minor children.” Martin County Chief Deputy Chris Kidd BY RACHEL DOVE MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — A call placed to Martin County dispatch…
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Waters of concern in Martin County
The July 25 Martin County Water Board meeting laid bare troubling issues and the possibilities of further troubles. First, let’s address the leaky clarifier debacle. Part of a $3.4 million rehabilitation project is nothing to scoff at. It’s an investment to ensure the proper functioning of the district’s water treatment plant and raw water intake.…
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Central Appalachia could be safe haven for climate-change migrants
BY JANIE EKERE FOR THE DAILY YONDER A new report from Invest Appalachia, a self-described social investment fund, looks at ways to bring economic development to Central Appalachia as climate change increasingly determines where Americans live. The report released in May analyzed emerging climate data from Appalachia. According to its findings, Central Appalachian states like…
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Martin County Court Dockets
District Court INEZ — District Judge John T. Chafin heard the following cases July 31 and Aug. 1 in Martin County: Carlos Barton (arraignment) — Resident fishing without a license/permit: Allegations taken as true, $25 fine, cost, show cause 1/16/24. Jada Marie Bauer (arraignment) — 1. Speeding 19 mph over limit; 2. License to be…