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Martin County storms past Paintsville 93-77; Dials joins 1,000-point club
BRITTNI MCCOY MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Bryson Dials scored his 1,000th career point in highlight fashion, leading Martin County (16-7) to a 93-77 win over Paintsville (11-12) at home Feb. 11 to stay unbeaten in 57th District play. Coach Jason “JJ” James’ Cardinals improved to 6-0 in the 57th District and 9-0 against 15th Region…
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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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Joann Ratliff Obituary
Joann Ratliff 1956—2026 Joann Ratliff, our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother (GG), passed away peacefully at her residence in Ashville, Ohio, on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, at 8:51 a.m. at the age of 69. Born Oct. 6, 1956, in Columbus, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Harlin and Opal Ratliff. She was raised…
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James Edward Webb Obituary
James Edward Webb 1944—2026 James Edward Webb, a beloved educator, talented musician and skilled luthier, passed away in Frankfort, Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026 following a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. He lived most of his quiet life on Stidham Lane in Martin County. He is survived by his wife of 56 years Linda Webb, his…
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Bonnie Jean Dials Duncan Obituary
Bonnie Jean Dials Duncan 1951—2026 Bonnie Jean Dials Duncan, 74, of Staffordsville, formerly of Martin County, passed away Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, at Highlands Regional Medical Center in Prestonsburg, surrounded by her family. “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside…
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Roy Lee Crum Obituary
Roy Lee Crum 1953—2026 Roy Lee Crum, 72, of Inez, passed away Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born May 22, 1953, in Williamson, West Virginia, he was the son of the late Glen R. Crum and Norma Sexton Crum of Big Elk Creek. Roy worked as a mine electrician at Wolf Creek…
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Richard Maynard Obituary
Richard Maynard 1934—2026 Richard Maynard, 91, of Kermit, West Virginia, passed away Friday, Jan. 31, 2026, at Pikeville Medical Center. Born Aug. 3, 1934, in Martin County, Kentucky, he was the son of the late Benjamin F. Maynard and Vecie Fletcher Maynard. Richard was a retired carpenter and was known for his strong work ethic and the…
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Delmer Bowen Obituary
Delmer Bowen 1943—2026 Delmer Bowen, 82, of Villa Rica, Georgia, passed away Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. Born March 22, 1943, he was the son of the late Clarence Bowen and Noldia Bowen. Delmer dedicated 34 years of his life to Norfolk Southern Corporation, where he retired, having made a lasting impact on his colleagues and…
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Martin County Judge/Executive presses state officials on $40 million water bid
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN FRANKFORT — Martin County Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty and other local officials met Tuesday in Frankfort with state leaders to discuss the county’s grant applications for nearly $40 million from the Kentucky Water and Wastewater Assistance for Troubled or Economically Restrained Systems (WWATERS) program. The General Assembly created the program in…
