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Coronado to idle seven mines, lay off about 530 workers in April
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN LORADO, W.Va. — Coronado Global Resources/Greenbrier Minerals LLC will idle seven southern West Virginia mining operations and terminate about 530 employees this spring, according to a federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act notice issued Friday. The company expects the layoffs to begin April 14, 2026, or within the 14-day
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Patriot Ambulance pulls out of Mingo County without warning, leaving rural EMS coverage in question
BY ANNIE HOLLER MOUNTAIN CITIZEN BELO, W.Va. — On a stretch of U.S. 119 near Belo, a building that once promised help now sits empty. Feb. 6, without warning, Ohio-based Patriot Ambulance Service pulled its trucks and equipment from its station along Route 65, ending its operations in Mingo County, West Virginia. County officials said
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Two arrested on criminal abuse, manslaughter charges in child death
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN Two Martin County residents are in jail facing felony charges in connection with the death of an 11-year-old boy Aug. 13, 2025, in Beauty. Patrick Speer, 34, of Warfield, and Christina Chapman, 40, of Beauty, were arrested following their indictment by a Martin County grand jury Feb. 5. Their charges
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Tennessee man to pay nearly $10K for hunting violations in Martin County
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — A Tennessee man will pay nearly $10,000 in fines, court costs and restitution after pleading guilty Feb. 2 in Martin Circuit Court to five hunting-related offenses in Martin County last fall. Court records show Tanner Smelcer, 24, of Beas Lane Hollow Road in Sevierville, Tennessee, pleaded guilty to
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Tomahawk icon James E. Webb passes away at 81
BY PHILL BARNETT MOUNTAIN CITIZEN TOMAHAWK — Traditional music enthusiast, master luthier and retired educator James E. Webb passed away Feb. 5, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. His passing marks a profound loss for the local music community and serves as a bittersweet reminder of the quiet but extraordinary impact he has had
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Martin County arrest report
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT INEZ — Martin County Sheriff John Kirk’s Office reported the following arrests: Law enforcement arrested Joseph K. Scott, 47, of Hardy, Feb. 9 on KY-40 in Warfield on two warrants charging him with failure to appear for traffic and misdemeanor charges. Deputy Jameson Wall served the warrants at 11:49 p.m. Officers took
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Martin County court dockets
INEZ — Judge John Kevin Holbrook heard cases Feb. 5 in Martin Circuit Court, while Judge Brett Butcher heard cases Feb. 3 in Martin District Court. Circuit Court Henry Butcher (change of plea) — Trafficking in controlled substance, first offense (carfentanil or fentanyl derivatives): Pleaded guilty, six years, defendant shall forfeit any monies/firearms/vehicles seized as
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Martin County civil suits, deeds and marriages
INEZ — Martin Circuit Clerk Denise Gauze reported seven civil suits filed in her office through Feb. 5. Meanwhile, Martin County Clerk Susie Skyles reported three deeds and one marriage recorded in her office through Feb. 5. Civil Suits H&S Financial Inc. vs. Aaron Hinkle. Portfolio Recovery Associates LLC vs. Holly Mollette. Midland Credit Management
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Mingo Sheriff to test job applicants ahead of expected retirements
BY ANNIE HOLLER MOUNTAIN CITIZEN WILLIAMSON, W.Va. — The Mingo County Sheriff’s Department will begin testing applicants next month as it prepares for several anticipated retirements and future openings, Sheriff Joe Smith announced. Physical ability exams will take place March 7 and March 11 at the Southern West Virginia Community College Armory Building, followed by
