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Deputies burn illegal pot plants
Martin County Sheriff’s deputies get ready to incinerate illegal marijuana plants found last week on vacant property within the county. Deputies Justin Bellamy (left) and Special Deputy Cecil Diamond (right) seized over a dozen flowering plants from an unknown grower. (Citizen photo by Roger Smith)
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West Virginia man arrested after foiled garage theft
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN LOVELY — Police arrested a West Virginia man Friday morning on North Wolf Creek Road in Lovely thwarting his attempted garage burglary. Martin County Sheriff John Kirk arrested Tyler Hayes, 32, of Fort Gay, West Virginia, on a charge of theft by unlawful taking or disposition valued between $1,000 and…
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Kentucky Waterways Alliance brings cleanup event to Warfield on Oct. 5
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN WARFIELD — The Kentucky Waterways Alliance (KWA) is hosting a series of cleanups across the state, targeting all seven major river basins as part of its 2024 Commonwealth Sweep program. Supported by a grant from Hydro Flask’s Parks for All initiative, the program makes its next stop at the Tug…
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Martin County mail carrier faces up to 50 years in child porn case
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN LEXINGTON — A mail carrier from Martin County pleaded guilty to child pornography charges Monday in U.S. District Court in Lexington and faces up to 50 years in federal prison. Dustin Edward Newsome, 35, of Debord, admitted to coercing minor boys to engage in sexually explicit conduct for porn production…
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Burn ban lifted
INEZ — Martin County Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty has lifted a burn ban initially imposed on Sept. 9 following substantial rainfall and cooler temperatures. “Residents must still adhere to state regulations restricting open burning during fire hazard season,” Lafferty said Thursday in an executive order. The fall fire hazard season runs from Oct. 1 to Dec.…
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Martin County arrest report
INEZ — Martin County Sheriff John Kirk’s Office reported the following arrests: William Earl Moore, 52, of Louisa, was arrested Monday on Old Route 3 after a brief pursuit for driving under the influence, operating with a suspended license, evading police, expired registration and failure to maintain insurance. Moore’s run-in with the law began when…
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Judge shakes up water board leadership
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — In a major shift, Martin County Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty appointed two new faces to the Martin County Utility Board, replacing members Jimmy Don Kerr, the chairman, and BJ Slone. The move signals a new chapter for the county as it navigates critical infrastructure challenges. Lafferty announced the appointments…
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New bridge on Murray Road completed thanks to emergency funds
BY ROGER SMTIH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Residents of Murray Road in Inez can now travel safely over a newly completed bridge funded by emergency road assistance from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. The project, which cost approximately $110,672, was completed with an 80/20 funding match, leaving Martin County responsible for $22,134. Eric Phelps, Martin County’s…
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Wanted: Big ideas to fix Martin County water woes
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Thrive Community Coalition, based in Inez, has just issued a call for proposals—and the stakes could not be higher. The coalition is hunting for a top-tier vendor to perform a deep dive into the Martin County Water District’s current performance and map out a 10-year game plan.…