-
Tomahawk man faces felony meth charge
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin Circuit Court formally charged a Tomahawk man with a felony drug offense after deputies arrested him earlier this month at a local trailer park. Paul “Tommy” Mullins, 44, faces charges of first-degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), first offense, and misdemeanor possession of marijuana. Prosecutors filed the
-
Mom who used stimulus check to buy fentanyl loses appeal in toddler’s overdose death
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN FRANKFORT — A Northern Kentucky woman convicted of murder after her toddler son ingested her fentanyl in 2021 will remain in prison. The Kentucky Supreme Court has upheld her 33-year sentence, Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman announced Friday. A Kenton County jury in 2023 convicted Lauren Baker, 37, of Ludlow,
-
KSP seeks public’s help after pedestrian struck on I-64 in Boyd County
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT ASHLAND — Kentucky State Police Post 14 in Ashland is asking for the public’s help as they investigate an incident in which a pedestrian was struck along Interstate 64 in Boyd County on Saturday night. Authorities said the accident occurred around 9 p.m. in the westbound lanes at the 185-mile marker near
-
‘Rebuilding Joy’ brings toys and gifts to youngest flood survivors
BY LISA STAYTON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Following the devastating flood that swelled the Tug Fork River to a crest of 51.22 feet Feb. 17 in Kermit (its highest level since the record 54.5 feet on April 6, 1977), relief efforts in Martin County were swift. As the muddy water receded, individuals and organizations stepped
-
Martin County Tourism Commission to back Appalachian Artist Festival
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Every summer, a sliver of eastern Kentucky becomes a canvas. This year, on Saturday, Aug. 2, the Appalachian Artist Festival (AFF) will return to downtown Inez for its third annual run. This year, however, instead of operating under the City of Inez banner as it did in its
-
Space for rent in historic courthouse
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County Tourism is now offering office space and rooms for rent to small businesses on the first floor of the Historic Martin County Courthouse, officials announced during a commission meeting March 17. The rental space is part of the Tourism Commission’s effort to breathe new life into
-
Martin County Arrest Report
INEZ — Martin County Sheriff John Kirk’s Office reported the following arrests: Deanna Wiley, 25, of Inez, was arrested March 20 on KY 3 on charges of endangering the welfare of a minor, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and probation violation for a felony offense. Chief Deputy Chris Kidd responded to the scene
-
Last day of school tentatively set for May 23 in Martin County
INEZ — The Martin County School District has amended its academic calendar to make up for instructional days missed due to inclement weather. As a result, several days previously scheduled for spring break will now be regular school days. The following dates are now instructional days: Monday, March 31 Tuesday, April 1 Wednesday, April 2
-
Mingo County Sheriff’s Office welcomes new deputy
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT WILLIAMSON — The Mingo County Sheriff’s Office has a new deputy. Austin Trevor Layne was sworn in Thursday by Sheriff Joe Smith. Deputy Layne is a graduate of Mingo Central High School and the West Virginia State Police 180th Basic Class. He previously served as a police officer for the City of
-
Martin County court docket 3/18/2025
INEZ — Judge Brett Butcher heard the following cases March 18 in Martin District Court: John Allen (motion to reduce bond) — Receiving stolen property $1,000-$10,000: Overruled, bond to remain the same. Brandon Barker (arraignment) — Speeding 26 mph over/greater: Failure to appear. Miranda Chafin (arraignment) — Possession of controlled substance, second degree (drug unspecified):
