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Mingo County among four declared major disaster areas
BY KYLE LOVERN MOUNTAIN CITIZEN MINGO COUNTY, W.Va. — Mingo County is one of the four counties in West Virginia to have a major disaster declaration approved by the Trump Administration. Some residents felt it took too long. However, officials say that sometimes it takes time to get the paperwork and other necessary documents finished…
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Federal assistance available to individuals in 10 counties
President Trump signs Expedited Major Disaster Declaration BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — In the aftermath of flooding in Martin County, residents confront the devastation caused by relentless storms that swept through the Tug Valley beginning Feb. 15 as local officials assess the destruction and coordinate relief efforts. They received good news Monday when…
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IGA faces total loss in devastating flood
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN WARFIELD — The IGA grocery store in Warfield is facing a total loss after floodwaters surged through its walls rising 5 feet inside the building between Feb. 16 and 17 and leaving behind a trail of destruction. On Monday, co-owner Judy Ousley stood inside the store, where employees had begun…
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When cable becomes Cupid: Valentine’s Day heist goes off the rails in Warfield
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN WARFIELD — Some celebrate Valentine’s Day with roses. Others with chocolates. But for four visitors to Martin County, dragging stolen cable behind their car like a wedding getaway gone wrong landed them behind bars Feb. 14. The ill-fated caper unraveled when police responded to a call about a car spotted…
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Appalachian Artist Festival returns with new twists and hometown headliner
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Appalachian Artist Festival returns for its third year on Saturday, Aug. 2, bringing a full day of live music, visual arts, vendors, and interactive experiences to downtown Inez. Organizer Jennifer Wells recently unveiled the musical lineup for this year’s event—a blend of tradition and creativity—and a highly…
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Martin County Arrest Report
INEZ — Martin County Sheriff John Kirk’s Office reported the following arrests: Chris Maynard, 42, of Lovely, was arrested Feb. 20 on Little Peter Cave Road in Lovely on a complaint warrant. Deputy Kidd made the arrest. Trevor Jude, 27, of Louisa, was arrested Feb. 18 at Dempsey Housing in Warfield for assault (domestic violence)…
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County Attorney warns looters
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — In the wake of severe flooding, reports of looting and burglary have surfaced in Martin County, prompting a stern warning from County Attorney Melissa Phelps. As residents work to recover from the disaster, some have found their damaged homes and belongings targeted by thieves. Phelps addressed the situation…
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FEMA assistance at Warfield Park Community Center
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT WARFIELD — Federal emergency officials will be at the Warfield Park Community Center on Tuesday, Feb. 25, and Wednesday, Feb. 26, beginning at 9:30 a.m. to assist individuals affected by recent storms and flooding, Martin County officials announced on Facebook. Representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will provide “disaster assistance, recovery…
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Tug Valley reels from major flood
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN MARTIN COUNTY — Homes submerged, roads washed away and families stranded—this was the scene across the Tug Valley after floodwaters surged through the region over the weekend, cutting off communities and leaving thousands without power. In Kermit, the Tug Fork River crested at 51.22 feet at 12:30 a.m. on Feb.…
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Gallery: Kentucky National Guard rescues residents from floodwaters
As floodwaters surrounded Riverside Apartments and Dempsey Housing in Warfield, the Kentucky National Guard sprang into action, airlifting 296 residents to safety Feb. 17. Troops, including Airmen from the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron, used UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters to transport evacuees to Big Sandy Regional Airport. There, a Contingency Response team established a passenger terminal…