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Martin County civil suits
INEZ — Martin Circuit Clerk Denise Gauze reported the following civil suits filed in her office: Portfolio Recovery Associates LLC vs. Lori Mills. LVNV Funding LLC vs. Dahryl Keller. CKS Prime Investments LLC vs. Lisa M. Lowe. Brandi Bowen vs. James Asher Bowen. Central Bank & Trust Co vs. Chad A Nichols. Linda Ann Harless
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Martin County court docket
INEZ — Judge John T. Chafin heard the following cases March 10 and 11 in Martin District Court: Jeffrey D. Bowen (motion hour) — Commercial driver license under influence of alcohol: Court has no jurisdiction over CDL license. Cindy Lea Estepp (arraignment) — Theft by unlawful taking or disposition all others $1,000-$10,000: Bench warrant, $25,000
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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
