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Weekslong water line flushing underway in Martin County
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Water District is flushing water lines as part of a systemwide maintenance program that will continue over the next several weeks. Flushing started Monday in the Inez, Old Middlefork Road and Old Route 3 areas. Colby May, regional operations manager for Alliance Water Resources, the…
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Martin County adopts budget, awards asphalt contract
Magistrates also approve salaries, Extension District budget, board appointments BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County Fiscal Court awarded its annual asphalt contract to a local company, adopted a $19.8 million budget for the coming fiscal year and approved the county’s employee salary schedule during a special meeting June 25. Magistrates awarded the…
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Five arrested after police find suspected drugs hidden in vehicle door frames
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT BELFRY — Five people went to jail in Pike County after Kentucky State Police detectives found nearly 2-1/2 pounds of suspected methamphetamine and 2-1/2 ounces of suspected fentanyl hidden inside a vehicle’s door frames. Officers with KSP Post 9 conducted a traffic stop June 25 in Belfry on two vehicles believed to…
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Martin County court dockets
INEZ — Judge John Kevin Holbrook heard tcases June 22 in Martin Circuit Court while Judge Brett Butcher heard cases June 23 in Martin District Court. Circuit Court Patrick Speer (motion hour-consolidated) — Criminal abuse, first degree, child 12 or under; manslaughter, second degree: Set for 8/7/26. Christina Chapman (suppression hearing–all pending motions, motion to…
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Martin County civil suits, deeds and marriages
INEZ — Martin Circuit Clerk Denise Gauze reported 14 civil suits filed in her office through June 25. Meanwhile, Martin County Clerk Susie Skyles reported seven deeds and two marriages recorded in her office through June 24. Civil suits Midland Credit Management Inc. vs. Misty Dillon. Cash Express vs. Calvin Fletcher. Cash Express vs. Donna…
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Martin County woman sentenced to five years in drug case
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN LOUISA — A Martin County woman was sentenced to five years in prison June 25 in Lawrence Circuit Court in a drug case that began with a 2025 traffic stop. Sherry Horn, 48, of Lovely, was indicted in July 2025 following a Kentucky State Police investigation stemming from an April…
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Three women charged with drug trafficking in infant death investigation
BY LAUREL SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN DELBARTON, W.Va. — Three women face drug trafficking and conspiracy charges after investigators executing a search warrant in connection with the death of a 4-month-old infant allegedly uncovered evidence of drug distribution inside a Matewan residence. Tonya Hayton, 50, of Williamson; Blanche Elizabeth Dotson, 35, of Belfry, Kentucky; and Regina…
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Pike County grand jury indicts nine
BY ANNIE HOLLER MOUNTAIN CITIZEN PIKEVILLE — The Pike County grand jury returned 12 indictments against nine individuals June 23. Charges range from strangulation and terroristic threatening to drug-related charges and bail jumping. Frank Beavers, 44, of Shelbiana, stands indicted on one count each of first-degree bail jumping and first-degree persistent felony offender. Christopher Coleman,…
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Lawrence County man faces child exploitation charges
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT LOUISA — Kentucky State Police arrested a Lawrence County man Thursday after an undercover investigation into the online distribution of child sexual abuse material. Ricky Henry, 39, faces nine counts of possessing matter portraying a minor under the age of 12 in a sexual performance following an investigation conducted through the Kentucky…
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Biggest fireworks show in Martin County history July 4 in Inez
Freedom Fest to celebrate America’s 250th birthday BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County residents will have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to celebrate Independence Day and America’s 250th birthday during Martin County Freedom Fest on Saturday, July 4. To commemorate the nation’s Semiquincentennial, Martin County officials are joining festival organizers to transform the community…
