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Harvest Fest generates buzz with tease of ‘The Voice’ headliner
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County Harvest Fest is generating buzz with a teaser that a contestant from “The Voice” will headline Sept. 19 in downtown Inez. Promotional materials released by the Kiwanis Club stop short of naming the artist, instead promising a full headliner reveal is coming soon as part of…
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Former lieutenant’s sentencing closes yearslong federal prison abuse scandal
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN LONDON — A former lieutenant at the United States Penitentiary Big Sandy in Martin County was sentenced Tuesday to 17 months in federal prison for falsifying records to cover up the beating of an inmate who had pleaded for protective custody. This is the final sentencing in a yearslong federal civil rights…
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Tomahawk man pleads guilty to federal gun charge after undercover buys
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN LEXINGTON — A Tomahawk man has agreed to plead guilty in federal court to one of two gun charges after authorities made undercover purchases of methamphetamine and a shotgun at his Martin County home in 2025. Jimmy D. Cornett, 61, pleaded guilty April 7 in U.S. District Court in Lexington…
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Trash complaint sparks code enforcement reckoning in Martin County
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — A complaint about missed garbage pickups turned into a reckoning over code enforcement in the April 1 meeting of the Martin County Solid Waste Code Enforcement Board. Residents, officials and law enforcement questioned whether haulers are meeting contract requirements and whether the board and code enforcement are doing…
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Election officials sound alarm on voter ID
Ayers, Skyles discuss election BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County Board of Elections members James Ayers and Susie Skyles shared important updates on voter identification requirements, absentee voting and key deadlines during a recent Kiwanis Club luncheon at Giovanni’s in Inez. As has become their tradition leading up to elections, Ayers and…
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VANISHED: Missing person case still open after more than 20 years
BY ANNIE HOLLER MOUNTAIN CITIZEN HODE — For over 20 years, the mention of the name Derryl Jackson Miller in Martin County and throughout Eastern Kentucky brings one solemn thought to mind: how could a young man of only 20 disappear without a trace? According to information entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons…
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Martin County arrest report
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT INEZ — Martin County Sheriff John Kirk’s Office made the following arrests: James H. Riggs Jr., 58, was arrested April 6 on New Route 3 in Inez on charges of alcohol intoxication in a public place (first and second offense) and possession of marijuana. Deputy Zach Waller responded to the call. According…
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Martin County court docket
INEZ — Judge John Kevin Holbrook heard the following cases April 2 in Martin Circuit Court: John Slone (other hearing) — Set for pretrial 5/7/26 at 11 a.m. John Slone (other hearing) — Set for pretrial 5/7/26 at 11 a.m. John Slone (other hearing) — Set for pretrial 5/7/26 at 11 a.m. John Slone (arraignment)…
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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 April 2. Meanwhile, Martin County Clerk Susie Skyles reported seven deeds and one marriage recorded in her office. Civil Suits LVNV Funding LLC vs. Amber Spicer. LVNV Funding LLC vs. Priscilla Stevens. First Portfolio Ventures II LLC vs. Natalie…
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Martin County seeks public input as flood lessons shape future planning
BY MADISON MOONEY A year after devastating floodwaters tore through Martin County, local officials are turning hard lessons into action, reviewing what worked, confronting what did not and asking residents to help shape a stronger response before the next disaster strikes. Residents will have a chance to learn more and take part later this month…
