-
Kentucky Humanities announces 2024 Kentucky Reads
Statewide literacy initiative centers on ‘Scissors, Paper, Rock’ by Kentucky Native Fenton Johnson LEXINGTON — Kentucky Humanities has selected Fenton Johnson’s “Scissors, Paper, Rock” for its 2024 Kentucky Reads. The novel will serve as a focal point for community-wide book discussions that promote a shared literary experience and celebrate the diverse voices and stories that…
-
Kentucky State Police joins forces with CVSA for human trafficking awareness initiative
FRANKFORT — In conjunction with Human Trafficking Awareness Month, the Kentucky State Police (KSP) Division of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement announced its participation in the national five-day Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative (HTAI), scheduled for Jan. 8-12. The purpose is to raise awareness and educate commercial motor vehicle drivers, motor carriers, law…
-
Martin County court dockets (Jan. 2 and Jan. 4)
District Court INEZ — Judge John T. Chafin heard the following cases Jan. 2 in Martin District Court: Rebecca Bennett (pretrial conference) — Assault, fourth degree (domestic violence), minor injury: Bench warrant $500 cash. Henry Butcher (pretrial conference) — Receiving stolen property $500-$1,000: Reset 2/27/24 at 9 a.m. Jessica Dallas (pretrial conference) — 1. Failure…
-
Martin County civil suits, deeds and marriages
Civil Suits INEZ — Martin Circuit Clerk Denise Gauze reported the following civil suits filed in her office: Independent Capital Holdings LLC vs. Unknown Heirs of Clyde. Eagle Finance Company vs. Dwayne Puckett et al. CKS Prime Investments LLC vs. Bill Day Sr. Community Trust Bank vs. Melinda Fletcher. Tiffany Grace vs. Pamela Sue Bowen…
-
Ashland man sentenced to 30 years for production of child pornography
CITIZEN STAFF ASHLAND — An Ashland man was sentenced Monday to 30 years in prison for production of child pornography. U.S. District Judge David Bunning handed down the sentence to 35-year-old Jonathan Michael Whitt. According to Whitt’s plea agreement, on May 8, 2022, law enforcement discovered sexually explicit photos of Whitt and a minor victim. The subsequent…
-
KSP investigates fatal shooting
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT MOUNT VERNON — The Kentucky State Police is investigating a fatal shooting in Mount Vernon. KSP Post 11 in London responded to a call at approximately 9:50 a.m. Sunday reporting the shooting. The preliminary investigation revealed that 48-year-old Joseph A. Dawson of Berea was in a heated verbal altercation with his wife,…
-
Kentucky State Police investigates mysterious death in Floyd County
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT DRIFT — In a developing story from Floyd County, the Kentucky State Police Pikeville Post is investigating a death in the Drift community. On Tuesday evening, Kentucky State Police were alerted to a situation involving a deceased male on Drift Hollow Road. Responding to the call received at 9:57 p.m., KSP investigators…
-
Police investigating death in Pike County: Melissa Wolford identified as deceased
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN PIKEVILLE — The Kentucky State Police Pikeville Post has identified the deceased individual found in the Jamboree community Nov. 1 as 42-year-old Melissa Wolford from Phelps. The cause of her death remains a mystery as investigations continue. The case, which has caught the attention of the local community, began when the…
-
Martin County grand jury issues indictments against nine people
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — A Martin County grand jury delivered indictments Thursday against nine individuals. Charges range from possession of controlled substances and firearm offenses to trafficking, cable theft and endangerment. David Brown, 38, of Pilgrim, stands accused of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and persistent felony offender in…
-
Virginia woman indicted for allegedly smuggling drugs into federal prison in Kentucky
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ, Ky. — A 63-year-old Virginia woman is facing criminal charges after her indictment Thursday in Martin County for allegedly smuggling drugs into the U.S. Penitentiary Big Sandy in Debord. The grand jury charged Irene A. Looney of Pounding Mill, Virginia, with second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (over 20…