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Southern West Virginia insurance agent facing fraud charges
BY ANNIE HOLLER MOUNTAIN CITIZEN LOGAN, W.Va. — A Southern West Virginia insurance agent is facing four felony charges after an investigation by the West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner. Wayne A. Runyon, 53, of Chapmanville, was arrested June 16 on charges of obtaining money, property and services by false pretenses, fraudulent schemes, computer…
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Warfield author publishes Appalachian horror stories
BY ANNIE HOLLER MOUNTAIN CITIZEN WARFIELD — The stories were never meant for books. They were told on front porches after dark, around campfires in the mountains and in living rooms where children listened wide-eyed as older relatives spoke of strange creatures, unexplained sounds and things that lurked beyond the edge of the light. For…
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Record crowd reels in fun at Bob Wellman Memorial Fishing Tournament
BY ANNIE HOLLER MOUNTAIN CITIZEN LENORE, W.Va. — A record crowd of more than 120 anglers cast their lines at Laurel Lake Park on Saturday for the sixth annual Bob Wellman Memorial Fishing Tournament. Fishing enthusiasts of all ages competed for prizes, bragging rights and the biggest catch of the day during the popular community…
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McDowell woman missing since early May
BY ANNIE HOLLER MOUNTAIN CITIZEN MCDOWELL — A missing person report was filed with the Floyd County Sheriff’s Department on June 6 by the family of a Floyd County female who has not been seen since May 4, when she was allegedly walking by the old McDowell School. Brandi Moore, 41, of McDowell, is 5’8” and weighs…
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Local coach faces 30-count indictment alleging fraud, money laundering
BY ANNIE HOLLER MOUNTAIN CITIZEN WILLIAMSON, W.Va. — A Tug Valley High School assistant basketball coach and local businessman faces a 30-count indictment alleging he diverted from a basketball fundraising account for personal purchases and other unauthorized transactions. A Mingo County grand jury indicted Robert Tyler Hodge, 38, of Marrowbone Creek, on May 29 on…
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Tug Valley grads urged to dream big
BY ANNIE HOLLER MOUNTAIN CITIZEN NAUGATUCK, W.Va. — Seventy-five Tug Valley High School seniors crossed the commencement stage June 6, closing one chapter of their lives and beginning another as family members, friends and educators celebrated the Class of 2026. The ceremony featured messages centered on opportunity, gratitude and perseverance from class valedictorian Chase Grubb,…
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Kidnapping, attempted murder among Mingo County indictments
BY ANNIE HOLLER MOUNTAIN CITIZEN WILLIAMSON, W.Va. — The Mingo County grand jury returned indictments against 51 individuals during sessions held May 19 and May 26. Charges include strangulation, sexual abuse by a parent or guardian, kidnapping, computer fraud, money laundering and drug-related offenses. May 19 Janet Renee Berry: possession of Schedule II controlled substance…
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Rape, sexual abuse cases among Pike County indictments
BY ANNIE HOLLER MOUNTAIN CITIZEN PIKEVILLE — A Pike County grand jury returned 55 indictments against 54 individuals during sessions held May 20 and June 2. Charges include rape, sexual abuse, assault, robbery, identity theft and numerous drug-related offenses. May 20 Travis Abbott, 34, of Gilbert, West Virginia, stands indicted on three counts of first-degree…
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Johnson County grand jury returns 12 indictments: Jail contraband, pay lake violations among charges
BY ANNIE HOLLER MOUNTAIN CITIZEN PAINTSVILLE — A West Virginia man accused of smuggling methamphetamine into the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center and a Johnson County pay lake operator facing numerous wildlife and licensing violations were among those indicted by the Johnson County grand jury during its May 15 session. Cecil Diamond, 45, of Williamson,…
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Laurel Lake to host fishing tournament June 13
BY ANNIE HOLLER MOUNTAIN CITIZEN LENORE, W.Va. — Whether you are an avid fisherman or just learning the best techniques to land that “big one,” Laurel Lake in Mingo County is where you want to be Saturday, June 13 for the sixth annual Bob Wellman Memorial Fishing Tournament. There is no cost to compete and…
