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Martin County arrest report
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT INEZ — Martin County Sheriff John Kirk’s Office reported the following arrests: David Scott Copley, 24, of Kenova, West Virginia, was arrested Feb. 16 at Dempsey Housing in Warfield on a charge of assault, fourth degree (domestic violence), minor injury. Deputy Trenton Yaunk said deputies were patrolling at Dempsey when they heard…
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ABC proceeds to support police coverage in City of Inez
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The City of Inez will use Alcohol Beverage Control proceeds to fund part-time deputy patrols under an agreement with the Martin County Sheriff’s Office. Mayor Ed Daniels announced during a City Commission meeting that Sheriff John Kirk will provide a deputy for 8 to 10 hours per week…
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Martin County EDA seeks grant to empower ‘tourism industry’
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Economic Development Authority (EDA) approved a grant application that could provide micro-grants and training to local entrepreneurs. EDA Director Carolea Mills presented the proposal during a Feb. 11 meeting. Mills asked the board to authorize her to apply to the Appalachian Kentucky Civic Experiment Grant…
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Spring wildfire hazard season begins
Kentucky’s Spring Wildfire Hazard Season took effect Feb. 15 and runs through April 30, restricting outdoor burning during daylight hours. During this period, burning is prohibited between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. in or within 150 feet of any woodland or brushland. The Kentucky Division of Forestry responds to more than 1,000 wildfires each year…
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Martin County court docket for Feb. 10
INEZ — Judge John T. Chafin heard the following cases Feb. 10 in Martin District Court: Mason K. Maynard (pretrial conference) — Operating on suspended/revoked operator’s license: Dismissed, proof shown. Mason K. Maynard (pretrial conference) — Driving on a DUI-suspended license, first offense; no registration plates; no/expired Kentucky registration receipt: Dismissed, proof shown. Heather Mollett…
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Martin County civil suits and deeds
INEZ — Martin Circuit Clerk Denise Gauze reported 11 civil suits filed in her office from Feb. 6 to Feb. 12. Meanwhile, Martin County Clerk Susie Skyles reported eight deeds recorded in her office through Feb. 11. Civil Suits LVNV Funding LLC vs. Joshua Messer. Jefferson Capital Systems LLC vs. Nicholas Root. LVNV Funding LLC…
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Pike County grand jury indicts 28
BY ANNIE HOLLER MOUNTAIN CITIZEN PIKEVILLE — The Pike County grand jury returned 28 indictments Feb. 10, including 26 felonies, with most cases stemming from drug-related arrests. Charges range from possession and trafficking to fleeing police, assault and persistent felony offender counts. Those indicted are listed below. Erica R. Bartley, 45, of Elkhorn City: First-degree…
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KY lawmaker wants EMS reimbursements increased to address shortages
by Sarah Ladd Kentucky Lantern February 4, 2026 FRANKFORT — Emergency responders are warning that in Kentucky’s ambulance deserts they are often overworked and underpaid and use old equipment to treat patients who may live 90 minutes from the nearest hospital. They gathered Tuesday in support of a bill that would result in higher reimbursements…
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Several running for Mingo County BOE seats
BY KYLE LOVERN MOUNTAIN CITIZEN The filing period for the 2026 Primary Election concluded Jan. 31, with several persons vying for seats on the Mingo County Board of Education. There will be four available non-partisan seats up for grabs. No more than two members shall be elected from the same magisterial district. Current member Deanna…
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KY utility gets Trump administration funding for smog controls at coal-fired power plant
by Liam Niemeyer Kentucky Lantern February 12, 2026 Kentucky’s largest electric utility will share in $175 million the Trump administration unveiled to modernize and extend the life of coal-fired power plants in six states. Louisville Gas & and Electric and Kentucky Utilities will use the money to upgrade smog controls at its 53-year-old Ghent Generating…
