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Kentucky coal counties receive mining fee refunds
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT FRANKFORT — Fiscal courts in 29 Kentucky counties, including Martin, Floyd, Johnson, Lawrence and Pike, are set to receive a collective refund of $119,625 from mining permit and acreage fees, Gov. Andy Beshear announced Aug. 7. The refunds, calculated as a percentage of fees paid by surface coal mining companies within each…
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The Rural Americans Too Poor for Federal Flood Protections
A data-driven disaster tool shows “bias” against rural communities. by Claire Carlson and Elizabeth Miller / Climate Central, The Daily Yonder August 12, 2024 On the day he would become homeless, Wesley Bryant was awoken by his wife, Alexis. This story was produced through a collaboration between the Daily Yonder, which covers rural America, and…
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Martin County grand jury returns 19 indictments
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — A Martin County grand jury returned 19 indictments against 14 individuals Aug. 1. Charges range from wanton endangerment and terroristic threatening to assault, firearms and drugs. William Preece, 58, of Inez, faces multiple charges, including first-degree wanton endangerment, trafficking in marijuana, first-offense DUI, possession of drug paraphernalia, reckless…
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How We Owned a Mine, or A Brief History of Kentucky’s Mining Cooperative
A Hungarian immigrant created a collectively owned coal mine that, for a brief moment, proved an alternative to ruthless and exploitative mining operations of Appalachia in the early 20th century. by Anya Petrone Slepyan July 10, 2024 For over 100 years, Himler House stood on a hill overlooking Beauty, formerly Himlerville, in Martin County, Kentucky. Once the…
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Man arrested for naked outburst in Pilgrim
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — A Pilgrim man was arrested Tuesday after a naked outburst on Big Peter Cave Road. Around 9 a.m., Chief Deputy Chris Kidd of the Martin County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a man standing outside unclothed and screaming into the air. The officer arrived to find 53-year-old…
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‘Welcome to Martin County’
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN Officials unveiled the first-ever “Welcome to Martin County” sign Tuesday afternoon at the county line on Kentucky Route 645. Martin County Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty, tourism chairman Nita Collier, and deputy judge/economic development director Carolea Mills attended the unveiling ceremony. The new sign is strategically placed to greet travelers entering the…
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Thrive Community Coalition halts lease of former library amid financial concerns
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Eric Mills, founder of the Thrive Community Coalition, announced Tuesday that he will not proceed with leasing the former library facility in Inez. This decision follows a recent audit revealing financial difficulties within the Martin County Library Taxing District. Although the library board of trustees approved the lease…
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Martin County Arrest Report
INEZ — Martin County Sheriff John Kirk’s Office reported the following arrests: Harlan Jude, 53, of Pilgrim, was arrested Tuesday on Big Peter Cave for public intoxication-controlled substance (excludes alcohol), menacing, resisting arrest, assault of a police officer, fleeing or evading police, and escape. Chief Deputy Chris Kid responded to a call reporting a naked…
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Martin County court dockets
Circuit Court INEZ — Judge Kevin Holbrook heard the following cases Aug. 1 in Martin Circuit Court: Zachary Delong (change of plea) — Bail jumping, first degree, amended to second degree: Pleaded guilty, diversion 90 days unsupervised. Aaron Jude (change of plea) — 1. Possession of controlled substance, first degree, first offense (methamphetamine), amended to…
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Martin County property transfers and marriages
INEZ — Martin County Clerk Susie Skyles reported the following deeds and marriages recorded in her office July 26-30: Deeds Wells Rental LLC (first party) to Brandon Pruitt (second party). Proverbs 25:2 LLC (first party) to The Freedom Fighter Revocable Living Trust (second party). Eden West LLC (first party) to John Cassell (second party). Deborah…
Category: News
