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Martin County wraps up year with key infrastructure and community board updates
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty and the fiscal court got a few things in order in their last meeting of the year. The judge announced his office had received word from the Martin County Sanitation District that the Saltwell sewer lift station would be completed by Friday. “It’s
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Preece named Kentucky Constable of the Year
The Kentucky Constable Association has announced the winner of its 2023 Constable of the Year award. This year, the honor goes to James Brad Preece of Martin County, following a process of nominations and statewide voting involving fellow constables and citizens. This year saw several constables receiving nominations. In the end, Preece emerged as the
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Martin County Arrest Report
INEZ — Martin County Sheriff John Kirk’s Office reported the following arrests: Brian Carter, 44, of Ulysses, was arrested Saturday on a bench warrant for court. Deputy Chris Sesco made the arrest. Chad Nichols, 40, of Lovely, was arrested Friday for assault, fourth degree (minor injury) and menacing. Sesco made the arrest. Sontez Sheckles, 29,
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Todd joins Boyd County Sheriff’s Department
ASHLAND — Inez native Nathan Todd has joined the force at the Boyd County Sheriff’s Office. He reported for duty Friday. Todd, who graduated from the West Virginia State Police Academy in November 2022, transferred to Boyd County from the South Charleston Police Department. He is the son of Chris and Donna Todd of Inez.
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Martin County court dockets Dec. 19 and Dec. 21
District Court INEZ — Judge John T. Chafin heard the following cases Dec. 19 in Martin District Court: David J. Brown (preliminary hearing) — Fleeing or evading police, first degree; no tail lamps; false report an incident to law enforcement: Waived to grand jury. Sherry Horn (preliminary hearing) — Violation of air pollution standards and
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Martin County deeds and marriages
INEZ — Martin County Clerk Susie Skyles reported the following deeds and marriages recorded in her office: Deeds Christopher Jason Dials, Brittany Dials (first party) to Holly Hinkle (second party). Marriages Dustin Corey Marcum, 29, of Tomahawk, and Savannah Rachael Flannery, 30, of Tomahawk. Garrett Edward McKinney, 21, of Inez, and Deana Jean Wiley, 22,
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Senator Wheeler launches reelection bid
FRANKFORT — State Sen. Phillip Wheeler (R-Pikeville) officially filed his papers Dec. 19 in the Office of the Secretary of State at the Capitol to seek reelection in 2024 to another four-year term representing the 31st Senate District, which is comprised of Elliott, Johnson, Lawrence, Martin and Pike counties. Wheeler took office in 2019 after
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Lovely native becomes Prestonsburg’s first female officer in nearly a decade
PRESTONSBURG — Paige Maynard of Lovely has been sworn in as Prestonsburg City Police’s first female officer in almost 10 years. This appointment was officially announced Thursday by the police department. Maynard, a former police telecommunicator for Martin County 911, took the oath of office a week prior. The police department revealed that Prestonsburg Mayor
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New laws creating fees for electric and hybrid vehicles will take effect Jan. 1
FRANKFORT — Under the terms of two state laws that take effect on New Year’s Day, owners of electric vehicles and gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles in Kentucky will soon pay new fees for registering or charging up at public stations Passage of the legislation, which was House Bill 360 in the 2023 Kentucky General Assembly, was a
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Kentucky State Police apprehend suspect in high-speed narcotics trafficking chase
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT CANNONSBURG — Kentucky State Police apprehended a suspect involved in narcotics trafficking following a high-speed chase in Boyd County. The arrest of Benjamin Layne, 44, was a joint operation by the KSP Post 14 Ashland criminal interdiction team and their canine unit. The incident unfolded Dec. 21 when troopers initiated a traffic
