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Martin County woman faces drug charges
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin Circuit Court formally charged a Debord woman with drug-related crimes. Barbara J. Gordon, 44, faces charges of first-degree possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana. According to the information filed March 10, the Commonwealth Attorney for the 24th Circuit accuses Gordon of having methamphetamine…
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Martin County ‘cheated’ out of water and wastewater funding
BY LISA STAYTON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — When House Joint Resolution 30 came up for a vote in the state Legislature on Feb. 27, Representative Bobby McCool voted “no,” citing the bill’s failure to allocate funding to Martin County despite its long-standing water and wastewater issues. McCool congratulated the water and wastewater recipients listed in…
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Flood leaves Martin County’s water and sewer systems in ruins; repairs to cost millions
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN MARTIN COUNTY — The February flood that swept through Martin County, swelling Tug Fork River, left the county’s water and sewer infrastructure heavily damaged. Officials expect repair costs to approach $3 million. Floodwaters inundated the sewer treatment plant in Warfield as well as lift stations, grinder pumps and other critical…
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Sheriff’s Office cracks down on copper theft
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — After the recent arrests of five suspected copper thieves, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office has a clear message for anyone considering stealing AT&T phone lines: “You will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Chief Deputy Sheriff Chris Kidd said. “It is a felony.” Cable theft…
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Big Sandy ADD’s FIRE program boosts businesses
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Blake Moss and Jeremy Goodson from the Big Sandy Area Development District (BSADD) were guest speakers at the Kiwanis Club luncheon Thursday in Inez. Moss and Goodson discussed BSADD’s business program FIRE – Fueling Innovation, Revitalization, and Entrepreneurship – a comprehensive initiative designed to support small business development.…
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Martin County man sentenced to 35 years in child porn case
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN LEXINGTON — A Martin County man was sentenced Friday to 35 years in federal prison for coercing minor boys to engage in sexually explicit conduct for porn production and possession of porn. Dustin Edward Newsome, 35, of Debord, was sentenced in Lexington by Judge Karen Caldwell of the U.S. District…
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Federal assistance available to individuals in 10 counties
President Trump signs Expedited Major Disaster Declaration BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — In the aftermath of flooding in Martin County, residents confront the devastation caused by relentless storms that swept through the Tug Valley beginning Feb. 15 as local officials assess the destruction and coordinate relief efforts. They received good news Monday when…
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County Attorney warns looters
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — In the wake of severe flooding, reports of looting and burglary have surfaced in Martin County, prompting a stern warning from County Attorney Melissa Phelps. As residents work to recover from the disaster, some have found their damaged homes and belongings targeted by thieves. Phelps addressed the situation…
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Cal Ripken signups run until end of month
BY BRITTNI MCCOY MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — It is time for camping chairs, coolers and dirt to fill your vehicles every week. Cal Ripken has opened signups for Martin County with opening day set for April 12. Baseball and softball will be $60 per child. T-ball will be $50. Discounts are available for siblings. Signups…
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Martin County to host youth baseball camp
BY BRITTNI MCCOY MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County High School will host a youth baseball camp March 14 and 15 at the baseball field. The camp is for ages 6-14 and the cost is $50 for one player. For additional participants from the same household, the fee is reduced to $40. MCHS head coach…