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State police looking for missing Mingo County man
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT WILLIAMSON, W.Va. — Family, friends and law enforcement are looking for a missing Mingo County man. Woodrow “Woody” Moore, 38 years old, was last seen Feb. 7 in the Dingess area. He is described as 5-foot-10, 160 pounds, with blue eyes and balding blonde hair. He has tattoos on his arms, including…
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Fleeing suspect tries to escape by jumping into river
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN LOVELY-KERMIT — The Lovely and Kermit communities witnessed an intense police and water rescue operation Saturday when a man fled police and attempted a daring escape into the cold Tug River. The incident unfolded around 7:50 p.m. and culminated in the rescue of 59-year-old Brett Waller of Lovely, who fled…
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Martin County FRYSCs: Bridging gaps in education and beyond
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Family Resource Youth Service Centers (FRYSC) within Martin County help students and families solve problems and overcome barriers to education. Directors from the county’s five public schools shared their multifaceted roles at the Kiwanis luncheon Thursday at Shufflin Café. Kara Beth Marcum from Martin County High School, Jennifer…
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Former library to transform into recovery support center in Inez, offering lifeline for those transitioning from addiction treatment
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The former Martin County Public Library building in Inez is set to become an addiction recovery aftercare center, supporting people transitioning from substance abuse treatment centers. The library board agreed in a meeting Monday at the Collier Center to finalize a lease with Thrive Community Coalition in the…
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Police capture ‘violent felon’ after intense pursuit
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN PRESTONSBURG — The Prestonsburg City Police apprehended a man they labeled a “violent felon” Feb. 21. The capture of Thomas Price of Johnson County followed a high-stakes chase and an intense manhunt that spanned several hours. The pursuit began when Sgt. Darrell Preston identified a late model two-door Honda sedan…
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Eastern Kentucky towns fight to recover from opioid epidemic, with help from newcomers and recovering addicts, national author reports
BY SAM QUINONES REPUBLISHED BY KHN FROM THE FREE PRESS In early 2020, Mandi Fugate Sheffel, 42, opened a tiny bookstore in her hometown of Hazard. Everyone thought she was crazy. Downtown Hazard was a forbidding place to start any business, much less a bookstore. Most coal mines that once supported the area had closed.…
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Martin County prioritizes roadside mowing, hiring a professional grant writer
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Fiscal Court will tackle roadside mowing early this year by advertising for bids now. Introducing the agenda item, Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty said, “Last year, we were a bit late in getting our roadside mowing done, so we want to address this early in the February…
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Martin County Arrest Report
INEZ — Martin County Sheriff John Kirk’s Office reported the following arrests: Edward T. Summers, 57, of Inez, was arrested Thursday on Nichols Street in Inez for fourth-degree assault (child abuse). Chief Deputy Chris Kidd was dispatched to Martin County High School for parents wanting to talk to law enforcement. Upon arrival, the deputy spoke…
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Martin County civil suits, deeds and marriages
Civil Suits INEZ — Martin Circuit Clerk Denise Gauze reported the following civil suits filed in her office: Darrell Maynard vs. Carol Sue Maynard. Justin Maynard vs. Chelsea Maynard. United Bank vs. George Blevins. Joy Global Underground Mining LLC vs. Marco Mine Supply. Portfolio Recovery Associates LLC vs. Carmel Cline. Portfolio Recovery Associates LLC vs.…
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Martin County court docket
INEZ — Judge Brett Butcher heard the following cases Feb. 20 in Martin District Court: Nicholas L. Bowen (set aside failure to appear) — 1. Improper equipment; 2. No/expired registration plates; 3. No/expired Kentucky registration receipt; 4. Failure to produce insurance card; 5. Failure of owner to maintain required insurance/security, first; 6. License to be…