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FEMA opens disaster recovery center in Inez
INEZ — FEMA opened a disaster recovery center (DRC) in the former Martin County Library at 180 E Main Street in Inez. The hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. There is also a FEMA registration intake center March 5 and 8 at the Huntleyville
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Popup driver licensing dates for Martin County
Popup driver licensing in Martin County includes three dates in 2025, according to drive.ky.gov. April 16: Martin County Public Library, 387 East Main Street, Inez. Registration opens April 2 at 8 a.m. Aug. 5: Rufus Reed Public Library, 1442 Riverfront Road, Lovely. Registration opens July 22 at 8 a.m. Oct. 7: Martin County Courthouse, 14
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Flood destroys bridge, traps families on Mac Pinson Drive
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Four families in a Martin County neighborhood found themselves trapped last week after floodwaters undermined the only bridge connecting them to the main road. Officials condemned the structure, leaving residents of Mac Pinson Drive cut off from essential services. On Friday, Martin County Road & Bridge crews worked
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Documentary ‘Hearts of Hope’ to premiere at Historic SIPP Theatre
PAINTSVILLE — A new documentary chronicling six decades of service by the Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) will debut at the historic SIPP Theatre on Friday, March 14, at 7 p.m. The film “Hearts of Hope” offers an intimate look at the resilience of Eastern Kentucky communities and CAP’s ongoing mission to support families in need.
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Martin County man sentenced to 35 years in child porn case
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN LEXINGTON — A Martin County man was sentenced Friday to 35 years in federal prison for coercing minor boys to engage in sexually explicit conduct for porn production and possession of porn. Dustin Edward Newsome, 35, of Debord, was sentenced in Lexington by Judge Karen Caldwell of the U.S. District
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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
