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Former Kentucky teacher sentenced to 22 years for child porn
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT COVINGTON — A former high school teacher from Morehead has been sentenced to 22 years in prison for producing child pornography, federal authorities announced Monday. U.S. District Judge David Bunning handed down the sentence to Andrew Zaheri, 40. According to his plea agreement, Zaheri began a sexual relationship with a minor student…
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Kentucky man sentenced for COVID relief fraud
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT LEXINGTON — A Lexington man has been sentenced to 37 months in prison for obtaining Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) under false pretenses, U.S. Attorney Carlton S. Shier IV announced Monday. Neal Harris, 57, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell for eight counts of wire fraud. His co-defendant, Kelly Harris,…
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Art, music and spirits: Appalachian Artist Festival debuts wine slushies in Inez
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — This year’s Appalachian Artist Festival (AAF) in downtown Inez is set to offer an unprecedented blend of art, culture and entertainment, complemented by wine slushies and other alcoholic beverages for the first time. On Saturday, Aug. 3, the courthouse square will be transformed into a vibrant hub of…
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Fletcher brings ‘All In’ attitude to commissioner of education role
KY Dept of Ed Advisory FRANKFORT — The love of math started early for Robbie Fletcher, Ed.D. Growing up in Martin County, Fletcher – who became Kentucky’s commissioner of education and head of the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) on July 1 – said he remembers grocery store trips with his mother when he was…
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Trustee proposes library relocate to former building in Inez
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Public Library Taxing District is facing financial difficulties prompting one board trustee to suggest relocating the library back to its former building on Main Street. During a special meeting June 26 the library board approved a budget of $899,250 for the fiscal year 2025. The…
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Kentucky PSC cracks down on Martin County Water District with major data demand
BY LISA STAYTON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN FRANKFORT — The Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) continues its persistent monitoring of the Martin County Water District (MCWD). The commission has issued a formal data request requiring the utility to provide a comprehensive set of documents and responses under oath. This directive, outlined in a June 18 PSC filing…
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Kermit officials sworn in
Newly elected Kermit officials took their oaths of office Monday night at Town Hall. Mingo County Commission President Nathan Brown performed the oaths for Councilman Scott Smith, Councilman Doug Collins, Councilman Tammy Hodge Preece, Mayor Charles Sparks, Councilman Wilburn Hawky Preece and Councilman J.W. Endicott. The officials will serve four-year terms.
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Tomahawk man formally charged with drug possession
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — A Tomahawk man has been formally charged with first-degree possession of a controlled substance. Martin Circuit Judge J. Kevin Holbrook issued the information June 28 against 33-year-old Jonathan Perry based on evidence presented by the Commonwealth Attorney. Court documents state that Perry had methamphetamine in his possession during…
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Martin County Civil Suits
INEZ — Martin Circuit Clerk Denise Gauze’s office reported the following civil suits filed June 21-27 in her office: Luster Jude vs. Doris Jude. Steve Goble vs. Joyce Horn. Velocity Investments LLC vs. Elizabeth Adkins. Zachary Austin Maynard v. Marlina Bowen. Portfolio Recovery Associates LLC vs. Mary Goble. Midland Credit Management Inc. vs. James Sartin.…
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Martin County Deeds
INEZ — Martin County Clerk Susie Skyles reported the following deeds recorded in her office June 20-26: Estate of Gladys Harmon, Kathy Stepp, Gladys Harmon Estate (first party) to Kathy Stepp (second party). Estate of Gladys Harmon, Kathy Stepp, Gladys Harmon Estate (first party) to Kathy Stepp (second party). Mary Patrick, John Randall Patrick (first…
