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West Virginia man arrested after foiled garage theft
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN LOVELY — Police arrested a West Virginia man Friday morning on North Wolf Creek Road in Lovely thwarting his attempted garage burglary. Martin County Sheriff John Kirk arrested Tyler Hayes, 32, of Fort Gay, West Virginia, on a charge of theft by unlawful taking or disposition valued between $1,000 and…
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Martin County mail carrier faces up to 50 years in child porn case
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN LEXINGTON — A mail carrier from Martin County pleaded guilty to child pornography charges Monday in U.S. District Court in Lexington and faces up to 50 years in federal prison. Dustin Edward Newsome, 35, of Debord, admitted to coercing minor boys to engage in sexually explicit conduct for porn production…
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Burn ban lifted
INEZ — Martin County Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty has lifted a burn ban initially imposed on Sept. 9 following substantial rainfall and cooler temperatures. “Residents must still adhere to state regulations restricting open burning during fire hazard season,” Lafferty said Thursday in an executive order. The fall fire hazard season runs from Oct. 1 to Dec.…
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KSP Post 9 experiencing phone service disruptions, announces alternate numbers
PIKEVILLE — Kentucky State Police Post 9 is experiencing issues with both its emergency and non-emergency phone lines due to weather conditions. During this time, the public is asked to use the following alternative numbers for assistance: 502-682-5754 502-682-5755 502-682-5756 502-682-5757 “We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we work to resolve…
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Murder suspect arrested in Mingo County allegedly planned to kill deputies
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT WILLIAMSON, W.Va. — Robert Daniels, 55, who is facing a murder charge in connection with the death of his wife, was arrested by law enforcement in Mingo County, thwarting what authorities described as his plan “to kill deputies.” West Virginia State Police and the Mingo County Sheriff’s Department picked up Daniels on…
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Martin County arrest report
INEZ — Martin County Sheriff John Kirk’s Office reported the following arrests: William Earl Moore, 52, of Louisa, was arrested Monday on Old Route 3 after a brief pursuit for driving under the influence, operating with a suspended license, evading police, expired registration and failure to maintain insurance. Moore’s run-in with the law began when…
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Judge shakes up water board leadership
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — In a major shift, Martin County Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty appointed two new faces to the Martin County Utility Board, replacing members Jimmy Don Kerr, the chairman, and BJ Slone. The move signals a new chapter for the county as it navigates critical infrastructure challenges. Lafferty announced the appointments…
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Domestic dispute lands Martin County man in jail for strangulation and assault
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN LOVELY — A domestic dispute turned violent on Riverfront Road late Sunday night, leaving a Martin County man behind bars on charges of first-degree strangulation and assault. Deputies responded to the scene at around 10 p.m. to break up a domestic dispute. They found Amos R. Evans, 49, of Lovely,…
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New bridge on Murray Road completed thanks to emergency funds
BY ROGER SMTIH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Residents of Murray Road in Inez can now travel safely over a newly completed bridge funded by emergency road assistance from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. The project, which cost approximately $110,672, was completed with an 80/20 funding match, leaving Martin County responsible for $22,134. Eric Phelps, Martin County’s…