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Two indicted in death of 11-year-old boy in Martin County
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Two Martin County residents are facing felony charges in connection with the death of an 11-year-old boy Aug. 13, 2025. A Martin County grand jury indicted Patrick Speer, 34, of Warfield, and Christina Chapman, 40, of Beauty, charging each with first-degree criminal abuse involving a victim under 12
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Dials’ second-half surge lifts Martin County over Johnson Central
BRITTNI MCCOY MOUNTAIN CITIZEN PAINTSVILLE — Bryson Dials erupted in the second half and delivered in the big moments as Martin County edged Johnson Central 80-76 on the road Jan. 30. The sophomore iced the game at the free-throw line. “I let the game come to me in the second half,” Dials said. “I got
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Keathley to visit U of L
BRITTNI MCCOY MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Braxton Keathley is set to make another recruiting swing through the University of Louisville. The 6-foot-5 point guard from Martin County High School (Class of 2027) has an unofficial visit scheduled for Feb. 9, giving him another opportunity to spend time around the program and get a closer look
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Lady Cards clawed by Tigers in fourth quarter
Maynard records double-double BRITTNI MCCOY MOUNTAIN CITIZEN PAINTSVILLE — Paintsville (15-6) used a late rally to clip Martin County (8-7) 48-45 in a 57th District girls showdown. The Lady Tigers erased a fourth-quarter deficit after the Lady Cards led at every break but halftime. Martin County carried a 12-10 lead after one, played to a
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Kirk & Crum Law Firm Players of the Week: Martin County girls wrestling
BY BRITTNI MCCOY MOUNTAIN CITIZEN The Martin County High School girls wrestlers are the Kirk & Crum Law Firm Players of the Week. The squad made history by competing in its first showcase over the weekend—the Lady Cardinals Showcase at Scott County High School. Competing in one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, the
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Lady Cards fall to Lady Eagles
Maynard posts double-double BRITTNI MCCOY MOUNTAIN CITIZEN PAINTSVILLE — Maci Maynard posted a double-double but Johnson Central’s full-court pressure and fast start carried the Golden Eagles to a 50-35 win over Martin County, Jan. 30. Johnson Central jumped out to a 9-0 lead and kept Martin County scoreless until five minutes into the first quarter.
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Brown water, corrosive truth: Engineers trace July 2025 crisis to mineral imbalance in river
BY LISA STAYTON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — For weeks in July 2025, brown water ran from taps across Martin County, leaving residents upset, frightened and distrustful of a system meant to sustain life. Faucets ran rust-colored. Laundry was ruined. Families questioned whether their water was safe even to bathe in. What they did not have
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Winter Storm Fern death toll in Kentucky rises to 16; Martin County reports no fatalities
BY ANNIE HOLLER MOUNTAIN CITIZEN Deaths linked to Winter Storm Fern in Kentucky rose to 16 on Monday after Gov. Andy Beshear announced the death of a 75-year-old woman from Adair County. Beshear said hypothermia contributed to several of the deaths reported over the past 10 days. The governor first reported a storm-related death Jan.
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Martin County court docket for Jan. 29
INEZ — Judge John T. Chafin heard the following cases Jan. 29 in Martin District Court: Damian Bradley Cheek (arraignment) — Reckless driving: Six-month diversion, pay court cost of $143, show cause 7/14/26 at 10 a.m. Kendra Farley (arraignment) — Failure to wear seat belt: Allegations taken as true, $25 fine, show cause 7/14/26. Thelma
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Martin County civil suits and deeds
INEZ — Martin Circuit Clerk Denise Gauze reported one civil suit filed in her office Jan. 22-29. Meanwhile, Martin County Clerk Susie Skyles reported seven deeds recorded in her office through Jan. 29. Civil Suits H & S Financial Inc. vs. Aaron Hinkle. Deeds Danny Jude and Wanda Jude to Kathy Carter. Brian Parsley to
