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When power forgets kindness
“He did not remember to show kindness, but pursued the poor and needy and the brokenhearted.” That line from Scripture reads like a modern indictment. It describes a style of power the country is watching again: authority exercised without restraint, policy stripped of compassion and enforcement elevated above human consequence. President Donald Trump has made
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Sheriff details nightlong effort to keep homeless man alive during brutal weather
BY ANNIE HOLLER MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — As snow fell and temperatures plunged Saturday night, Martin County Sheriff John Kirk spent hours tracking a homeless man through businesses, roadways and neighborhoods in Inez in an effort to keep him alive. The situation first came to the sheriff’s attention shortly after dark, when a call came
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Sheriff warns residents after door-to-door prowler reported in Tomahawk
BY ANNIE HOLLER MOUNTAIN CITIZEN TOMAHAWK — As temperatures plunged into the single digits Monday night and wind chills dipped below zero, an unknown man was reported walking door to door along Alex Place near Rockhouse, knocking on multiple residences without an apparent reason. Martin County Sheriff John Kirk said the activity raised immediate concern
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Regional jail authority names new leadership, reports overtime strain, stronger revenue
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN PAINTSVILLE — The Big Sandy Regional Jail Authority elected new leadership Friday, while administrators reported persistent staffing shortages, heavy overtime and one of the facility’s strongest months for housing revenue. Board member Billy Patrick of Martin County was named chairman, with fellow Martin County representative Bradford Preece selected as co-chairman.
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Kenton man faces assault, strangulation charges in Martin County
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN WARFIELD — A Kenton County man was arrested Tuesday morning at a Warfield apartment complex on charges of assault and strangulation, Kentucky State Police said. Troopers from Post 9 in Pikeville took Elijah Bailey, 21, of Covington, into custody about 7:55 a.m. at Riverside Apartments. He was charged with fourth-degree
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Martin County court docket for Jan. 20
INEZ — Judge Brett Butcher heard the following cases Jan. 20 in Martin District Court: John C. Adkins (arraignment) — Possession of controlled substance, first degree, first offense (methamphetamine); public intoxication of controlled substance (excludes alcohol): Bench warrant, $5,000 cash. David J. Brown (motion to set aside failure to appear) — Operating on suspended/revoked operator’s
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Martin County civil suits and deeds
INEZ — Martin Circuit Clerk Denise Gauze reported four civil suits filed Jan 16-22 in her office. Meanwhile, Martin County Clerk Susie Skyles reported two deeds recorded in her office through Jan. 22. Civil Suits Jefferson Capital Systems LLC vs. Jimmy D. Spence. Brown Food Service Inc. vs. Natasha C. Moore. Citibank NA vs. Nancy
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Local government meeting schedule: What Martin County residents should know
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT MARTIN COUNTY — From the Fiscal Court to government boards and authorities, several public entities serve Martin County and are registered with the Kentucky Department for Local Government. Two additional entities serve the cities of Inez and Warfield. Together, these bodies form the framework of local government that oversees essential services, programs,
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Christmas in the Mountains counts its blessings after a successful year
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — By the time Martin County Tourism officials gathered in the government center Jan. 20, the lights of Christmas in the Mountains had been packed away, the displays dismantled, the last checks still moving slowly through the mail. What remained was a ledger that balanced, a downtown that had
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Aging in the mountains: Regional plan takes shape
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN In the hills of the Big Sandy region, many homes are old, family networks are thin and wages are low. Aging often unfolds far from hospitals, grocery stores and public transit lines. A loose step on a front porch can become a medical emergency. A missed ride can mean a
