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Kermit advances new water storage tank; customers prepare for rate increase
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN KERMIT — A $1.24 million project to replace Kermit’s failing water storage tank is moving toward construction, with bidding expected later this summer and work likely extending into next year, Mayor Charles Sparks announced June 8 during a town council meeting. The project will replace an aging tank with a…
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Former CEO of Addiction Recovery Care federally indicted
by Sarah Ladd Kentucky Lantern June 4, 2026 To locate recovery services in Kentucky, visit https://findhelpnow.org/ky. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 988. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has a 24/7 helpline for people in need of mental health or substance use support: 1-800-662-4357. Tim Robinson, former chief executive officer of Addiction Recovery…
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Martin County grand jury indicts eight on felony charges
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — A Martin County grand jury returned 10 indictments against eight individuals June 4. Charges range from sexual abuse and drug trafficking to burglary, bail jumping and flagrant nonsupport. James Hubert Lee Presley, 42, of Inez, was indicted on a charge of flagrant nonsupport, a Class D felony. The…
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Martin County arrest report
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT INEZ — Martin County Sheriff John Kirk’s office reported the following arrests: Charlene Renay Carter, 35, of Pilgrim, was arrested June 9 on a warrant for contempt of court. David Joshua Brown, 40, of Lovely, was arrested June 9 in Paintsville on two indictment warrants charging him with fleeing or evading police…
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Local coach faces 30-count indictment alleging fraud, money laundering
BY ANNIE HOLLER MOUNTAIN CITIZEN WILLIAMSON, W.Va. — A Tug Valley High School assistant basketball coach and local businessman faces a 30-count indictment alleging he diverted from a basketball fundraising account for personal purchases and other unauthorized transactions. A Mingo County grand jury indicted Robert Tyler Hodge, 38, of Marrowbone Creek, on May 29 on…
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Rescued falcon gets second chance
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — What began as an ordinary Tuesday morning turned into a wildlife rescue after Roy White spotted a group of buzzards circling over a falcon along Turkey Creek Road. Concerned that the bird was injured or in distress, White investigated and found the young raptor on the ground. The…
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Blueprint Kentucky to host final Martin County planning session Thursday
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT INEZ — Residents will have one final opportunity this week to help shape a new strategic plan for Martin County during a community meeting hosted by Blueprint Kentucky. The planning session is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. Thursday, June 11, at the Old Courthouse in Inez. According to organizers, the meeting will provide…
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FedEx truck hits three vehicles on Buck Creek
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — A collision involving a FedEx truck and three other vehicles shut down KY 40 on Buck Creek Mountain for several hours Friday evening, forcing traffic to detour through KY 2032. According to preliminary reports, the FedEx truck was traveling westbound when it crossed into the eastbound lane and…
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33 Kentucky jurisdictions to see extension of gas tax cut through June
by Sarah Ladd, Kentucky LanternJune 9, 2026 Gov. Andy Beshear on Tuesday extended a May executive order that reduced the gasoline tax by 10 cents for 33 cities and counties whose local officials requested an extension. In order to obtain an extension of the May 5 executive order past the 30-day mark of June 10,…
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Mingo County arrests and criminal complaints
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT WILLIAMSON, W.Va. — The Mingo County Magistrate Court clerk’s office released these arrest reports and criminal complaints. Sherman Vance, 38, of Dingess, was charged with transferring stolen goods, possession of a controlled substance, fleeing from an officer and obstruction of an officer. He was arrested by WVSP Trooper D. S. Evans. The…
