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Mistrial halts murder case after juror misconduct
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT WILLIAMSON, W.Va. — Judge Joshua Butcher declared a mistrial in the murder case of Timothy Kennedy after determining that a juror committed misconduct. Kennedy faces charges in the June 2023 killing of West Virginia State Trooper Cory Maynard. Jury selection began Monday, Dec. 1, but after three and a half days of…
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Kentucky Power Foundation grant supports Appalachia Reach Out’s housing recovery work
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT The Kentucky Power Foundation has awarded a $25,000 grant to Appalachia Reach Out, a Martin County-based organization dedicated to serving families across Eastern Kentucky through housing support, community outreach and essential services. Grants and contributions are not included in customer rates, the foundation said in a press release. Kentucky Power employees also…
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Sheriff urges action as feral horses create danger on New Route 3
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County Sheriff John Kirk urged the Fiscal Court to take action on a growing hazard along New Route 3, telling magistrates at their Nov. 20 meeting that he has been fielding calls about feral horses increasingly drawn to salted roadways. “Now that they’re starting to salt the…
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Martin County rises in WWATERS ranking; lawmakers will decide funds
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN FRANKFORT — After receiving no funding last year due to scoring errors, Martin County returned to a competitive statewide process this fall with 12 water and sewer projects that ranked near the top for assistance under the Kentucky Water and Wastewater Assistance for Troubled or Economically Restrained Systems program. The…
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Mr. and Ms. Christmas in the Mountains: Horn and Mills
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Christmas in the Mountains has named its 2025 royalty, honoring two longtime pillars of the community. Everett Horn Jr. of Inez will serve as Mr. Christmas in the Mountains, joined by Lovely’s Carol Sue Mills as Ms. Christmas in the Mountains. The pair will be crowned Sunday, Dec.…
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Heart of the Community Award: Carmel Cline
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County Fiscal Court presented a Heart of the Community Award to the family of the late Carmel Cline, a social worker and longtime recovery advocate. Cline served as the Martin County CARES Program Recovery Resource Manager until her passing in early November. Accepting the award in the…
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Martin County arrest report
INEZ — Martin County Sheriff John Kirk’s Office reported the following arrests: Jeremy Williams, 33, of Kermit, West Virginia, was arrested Nov. 30 on Route 40 in Inez on a warrant for court. Deputy Adams made the arrest. Leona Donnielle Johnson, 32, of Delbarton, West Virginia, was arrested Nov. 28 on KY-645 in Inez on two indictment…
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Christmas in the Park this Friday in Kermit
KERMIT — Christmas in the Park returns to Kermit this Friday, Dec. 5, with an evening of festive activities kicking off at 5 p.m. Families can enjoy inflatables, a mechanical bull, reindeer and a holiday photo booth starting at 5 p.m. The Christmas parade steps off at 5:30 p.m. with line-up beginning at 5. Prizes…
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ACLC to host forum Thursday on Kentucky Power rate hike
INEZ — Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center will host a public conversation Thursday, Dec. 11, on Kentucky Power’s latest proposed rate increase. The session is set for 5:30–6:30 p.m. at the Martin County Senior Citizens Center in Inez. Organizers say the meeting is for residents concerned about rising electric bills. Attendees will learn the details of…
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Martin County court docket for Nov. 25
INEZ — Judge Brett Butcher heard the following cases Nov. 25 in Martin District Court: Vallerie Faith Dillon (arraignment) — Operating motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol/substance, third; failure of non-owner operator to maintain required insurance, first; display of illegal/altered registration plate; possession of marijuana: Previously rescheduled. Deja Dotson (arraignment) — 1. All-terrain vehicles…
