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How do you like your hot dog?
I hope you and your family had a blessed Fourth of July holiday weekend. I am sure there were a lot of barbecues – or, as we say in this region, “cookouts.” No doubt there was a lot of hot dog consumption across the United States. While lying in bed recuperating from my recent knee surgery,…
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Five women in jail as infant death investigation widens
BY ANNIE HOLLER MOUNTAIN CITIZEN DELBARTON, W.Va. — What began as the investigation into the death of a 4-month-old infant has widened into one of the most sweeping child neglect and drug cases in recent Mingo County history, with five women now under arrest and three charged with child neglect causing death. Authorities allege the…
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Celebrating America’s 250th birthday, hoping patriotism is strong again
The United States of America will soon celebrate its 250th anniversary as a nation. Of course, that will be July 4, 2026. But many of us “baby boomers” can recall the Bicentennial and the celebration of America’s 200th birthday! The 1976 Bicentennial celebrated the 200th anniversary of the United States’ Declaration of Independence with nationwide…
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Three women charged with drug trafficking in infant death investigation
BY LAUREL SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN DELBARTON, W.Va. — Three women face drug trafficking and conspiracy charges after investigators executing a search warrant in connection with the death of a 4-month-old infant allegedly uncovered evidence of drug distribution inside a Matewan residence. Tonya Hayton, 50, of Williamson; Blanche Elizabeth Dotson, 35, of Belfry, Kentucky; and Regina…
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Rose Mary Ferguson Obituary
Rose Mary Ferguson 1954—2026 Rose Mary Ferguson, 72, of Kermit, West Virginia, died June 25, 2026, at Cabell-Huntington Hospital in Huntington, surrounded by her loving family. Born Feb. 4, 1954, she was the daughter of the late Irene Fitzpatrick and Owen and Faye Haney. Rose Mary worked as a waitress. She was a Baptist. In…
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Mother charged with child neglect causing death of 4-month-old infant
BY ANNIE HOLLER MOUNTAIN CITIZEN MATEWAN, W.Va. — A Mingo County woman is in jail following the death of her 4-month-old infant Saturday at a residence in Matewan. Police arrested Jonda Marie Whitt, 25, of Matewan, on charges of child neglect causing death and possession with intent to deliver in connection with the death of…
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Woman accused of hiding missing 15-year-old from authorities
BY ANNIE HOLLER MOUNTAIN CITIZEN DELBARTON, W.Va. — A Delbarton woman is accused of hiding a missing 15-year-old girl from authorities for weeks after deputies found the juvenile inside her home June 18, ending a search that began when the teen was reported missing May 26. According to a criminal complaint filed in Mingo County…
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Martin County pair jailed after alleged shed heist in Mingo
BY ANNIE HOLLER MOUNTAIN CITIZEN NAUGATUCK, W.Va. — Two Martin County residents found themselves a guest of the Southwestern Regional Jail in Holden following their arrest June 17 in Mingo County on theft-related charges. According to the criminal complaint filed by Mingo County Sheriff’s Department Cpl. Erwin Williams and Sgt. R.G. Messer, Helen Marie Bowen, 45, of…
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Record crowd reels in fun at Bob Wellman Memorial Fishing Tournament
BY ANNIE HOLLER MOUNTAIN CITIZEN LENORE, W.Va. — A record crowd of more than 120 anglers cast their lines at Laurel Lake Park on Saturday for the sixth annual Bob Wellman Memorial Fishing Tournament. Fishing enthusiasts of all ages competed for prizes, bragging rights and the biggest catch of the day during the popular community…
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Mingo County arrests
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT WILLIAMSON, W.Va. — The Mingo County Magistrate Court clerk’s office and local law enforcement agencies released the following arrests and bookings that range from drug trafficking and burglary to computer fraud and domestic battery. Two people were arrested by the Mingo County Sheriff’s Department (MCSD) and the U.S. 119 Drug Task Force…
