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Norfolk Southern train derails near Crum
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT CRUM, W.Va. — A Norfolk Southern train jumped the tracks Friday night in southern Wayne County. Eighteen cars derailed from the tracks. The Kermit Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched around midnight to the scene on Webb Road. Firefighters arrived to find no injuries, property damage or hazardous leaks, according to Kermit firefighter
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Couple arrested after child shows ‘signs of torture’
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN PIKE COUNTY — A Pike County couple is behind bars on charges of first-degree criminal child abuse, kidnapping with serious physical injury, and first-degree assault. Their arrest follows an investigation that uncovered severe abuse, including evidence described by authorities as “signs of torture.” Police arrested Raccoon resident Mary Hall, 42,
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Local man arrested after allegedly brandishing gun
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT INEZ — A 30-year-old man was arrested Jan. 28 on a charge of first-degree wanton endangerment after allegedly brandishing a handgun and threatening another man, authorities said. Logan Allen, of Inez, was taken into custody by the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department on a warrant obtained in Martin County by James Presley, also
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Former teacher sentenced to more than 20 years for online enticement of a minor
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT LONDON — A former middle school teacher and basketball coach was sentenced Tuesday to more than 20 years in federal prison for the online enticement of a minor. William Goodson, 32, of Antioch, Tennessee, was sentenced to 246 months by U.S. District Judge Claria Horn Boom. According to his plea agreement, Goodson
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Inside the brutality of USP Big Sandy: Former prison lieutenant’s plea reveals culture of abuse
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN DEBORD — In a case that exposes the violent underbelly of the federal prison in Martin County, a former lieutenant at the United States Penitentiary Big Sandy has pleaded guilty to conspiring to violate inmates’ civil rights. The plea reveals chilling details of systemic abuse and a shadow policy targeting
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Martin County School Board establishes police force
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County School District is establishing its own district-based police force that will employ school resource officers. The BOE voted unanimously for the measure during a Jan. 9 meeting. Superintendent Larry James announced during the meeting that a certified police officer had expressed interest in joining the
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Student injured in bathroom assault
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — A student at Martin County High School was hospitalized Monday after being assaulted in a school bathroom, his father said. The student, who suffered a concussion and facial injuries, was treated and released later that day. He is pursuing criminal charges against the alleged attacker. The incident occurred
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Kermit in line for $5K from Lipitor settlement
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN KERMIT, W.Va. — The Town of Kermit will be receiving $5,000 as part of an antitrust lawsuit filed by West Virginia against two pharmaceutical companies. Mayor Charles Sparks announced the news at a Jan. 13 council meeting. The mayor detailed the backstory: a $17 million settlement stemming from claims that Pfizer
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Martin County court docket for Jan. 21
INEZ — Judge Brett Butcher’s Jan. 21 docket for Martin District Court contained the following cases: Stephanie Leray Adkins (arraignment) — Speeding 15 mph over the limit: Six-month diversion. Travis L. Copley (arraignment) — Speeding 20 mph over the limit: Six-month diversion. Tony Leslie Costa (arraignment) — 1. Speeding 18 mph over limit; 2. Improper
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Martin County civil suits Jan. 17-23
INEZ — Martin Circuit Clerk Denise Gauze reported four civil suits filed in her office from Jan. 17 to Jan. 23: Melody Lynn Bowen vs. Rufus Bowen. Unisign Corporation Inc. vs. Joseph Mullins. Denali Capital LLC vs. Jane Blevins. Capital One NA vs. Gina C. McGinnis.
