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Former lieutenant’s sentencing closes yearslong federal prison abuse scandal
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN LONDON — A former lieutenant at the United States Penitentiary Big Sandy in Martin County was sentenced Tuesday to 17 months in federal prison for falsifying records to cover up the beating of an inmate who had pleaded for protective custody. This is the final sentencing in a yearslong federal civil rights
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Vinie Pinson Obituary
Vinie Pinson 1950—2026 Vinie Pinson, 75, of Debord, passed away peacefully at her home March 28, 2026. Born June 5, 1950, in Inez, she was the daughter of the late Richard and Polly Fletcher. In addition to her parents, Vinie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Arnold Pinson; her sister, Alice Fletcher; and
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James Ferrell Obituary
James Ferrell 1955—2026 James David Ferrell, 70, of Debord, passed away March 21, 2026, at King’s Daughters Medical Center in Ashland. Born June 25, 1955, in Matewan, West Virginia, he was the son of the late James Harrison and Virginia Doris (Artis) Ferrell. He is survived by his wife, Brenda (Robinson) Ferrell of Debord; one son, Joshua
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Spooked feral horse injures woman in Debord; motorcyle startles animal
BY ANNIE HOLLER MOUNTAIN CITIZEN DEBORD — A close encounter with one of the free-roaming horses along Airport Road in Debord left a woman injured Friday afternoon after the animal was startled by a passing motorcycle. Rex Endicott, director of the Martin County Rescue Squad, said his department responded to the area near Honey Branch
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Federal inmate charged in killing at USP Big Sandy
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN A federal inmate serving time at the United States Penitentiary Big Sandy is facing a murder charge in the October 2024 killing of another prisoner. A grand jury in Ashland returned an indictment Feb. 26 charging Daviian Dwane Roberts, 35, of Midland, Texas, with the Oct. 15, 2024, killing of
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Edna (Fraley) Evans Obituary
Edna (Fraley) Evans 1938—2026 Edna (Fraley) Evans, age 87, of Debord, passed away Feb. 26, 2026, at her residence. Born June 25, 1938, in Inez, she was the daughter of the late Langley and Maude (Goble) Fraley. In addition to her parents, Edna was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Evans, one daughter, Barbara
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Prison education program artwork on display at Mountain Arts Center
PRESTONSBURG — Artwork created behind prison walls is now on public display at the Mountain Arts Center (MAC). Twenty-five pieces by incarcerated artists and students in the Big Sandy Community and Technical College (BSCTC) Prison Education Program are being exhibited throughout January. The exhibition features a variety of styles and media and includes work by
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Princess Eugene (Lewallen) Edwards Obituary
Princess Eugene (Lewallen) Edwards 1941—2026 Princess Eugene (Lewallen) Edwards, 84, of Debord, passed away Jan. 3, 2026, at Highlands Regional Medical Center. Born May 17, 1941, in Fostoria, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Robert Lewallen and Evelyn Waters Lewallen. In addition to her parents, Princess is preceded in death by her husband,
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Linda Faye (Muncy) Preece Obituary
Linda Faye (Muncy) Preece 1951—2025 Linda Faye (Muncy) Preece, age 74, of Debord, passed away peacefully at her residence Oct. 22, 2025, surrounded by her family. Born Jan. 19, 1951, she was the daughter of the late Emzie and Rose (Crum) Muncy. She is survived by her husband, Robert Preece; daughters, Marcie (Ernest) Hale and
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U.S. Department of Commerce invests $752,000 to support apple sorting facility in Martin County
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced Wednesday that it is awarding a $752,000 grant to the Martin County nonprofit Community at the Core Inc. in Debord. The EDA stated in a press release that this grant will support the procurement of production equipment at a new apple sorting facility.
