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Martin County grand jury indictments include sex abuse, burglary, assault
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County grand jury convened Thursday and issued a slew of indictments against seven individuals. The charges range from first-degree sexual abuse to burglary, assault, terroristic threatening, illegal firearms possession and drug offenses. Nathan Blackburn, 38, of Warfield, stands accused of sexual abuse in the first degree of a…
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Bardstown teen arrested on federal prison property with suspicious items; motive unclear
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN DEBORD — Police arrested a Bardstown teen Friday for criminal trespassing at the United States Penitentiary Big Sandy in Debord. Marcus Durbin, 19, was nearly 200 miles from his Nelson County home when he entered the federal property equipped with a ski mask, hand restraints and a lock-blade folding knife.…
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Mother confronts nightmare: Trusted friend sentenced to 60 years for crimes against her daughter
Editor’s Note: To protect the victim’s identity, the following article will refer to the mother as “Mary.” BY RACHEL DOVE MOUNTAIN CITIZEN A former resident of Martin County recently attended a federal court trial detailing crimes against her juvenile daughter. Testimony and evidence in that trial centered around a man drugging and coercing her daughter…
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LIHEAP pre-registration opens Oct. 23
INEZ — The Big Sandy Area Community Action Program announced the opening of the pre-registration period for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) subsidy program. Eligible individuals are those on a fixed income, aged 60 and above, or living with a disability. Pre-registration begins Oct. 23 and will run until Nov. 24. Residents…
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Wildfire hazard season restricts outdoor burning between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT FRANKFORT — The onset of crisp nights and shorter days heralds the arrival of autumn and the fall wildfire hazard season from Oct. 1 to Dec. 15. During wildfire hazard season, Kentucky law restricts outdoor burning between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. within 150 feet of woodlands or brushlands. Annually, the Kentucky…
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Nationwide emergency alert scheduled Oct. 4 at 2:20 p.m.
BY RACHEL DOVE MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The federal government will conduct a nationwide test of the emergency alert system at 2:20 p.m. Oct. 4. The alert will go to cellphones, televisions, AM/FM radios, satellite and weather radios, and smartwatches across the United States. Most Americans with wireless cellular devices will receive an emergency alert…
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City explores ban on homeless encampments; announces festive events
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN WARFIELD — In a meeting Thursday, the Warfield City Commission discussed the formulation of an ordinance aimed at prohibiting homeless encampments in response to the growing homeless population in the city. Commissioner John Sammons emphasized the need for a draft to be ready by the next meeting. Mayor Mike Hinkle,…
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Martin County Health Department explores solar energy for cost savings
BY RACHEL DOVE MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County Health Department director Eric Mills is focusing on driving the department forward in a rapidly changing technological landscape. One of his key initiatives is to explore cost-saving via solar panel installation. “There’s a common saying, ‘If it’s not broken – don’t fix it,’” Mills stated. “I…
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Martin County Arrest Report
INEZ — Martin County Sheriff John Kirk’s Office reported the following arrests and other activities: Dorthy M. Spence, of Tomahawk, was arrested Monday in the Martin County Government Center on a bench warrant for court. Sheriff Kirk made the arrest. James Sparks, 21, of West Liberty, was arrested Sunday on Frog Pond Road, Inez, for…
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Martin County Court Docket
INEZ — Judges Brett Butcher and John T. Chafin heard cases in Martin District Court as follows: Judge Butcher Sept. 22 Gwyan Horn (preliminary hearing) — Terroristic threatening, second degree: Reset in person 10/17/23 at 11 a.m. Dennis Allen Maynard (preliminary hearing) — Assault, second degree: Reset in person, no contact with victim. Judge Chafin…
