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Domestic call uncovers explosives, booby traps
BY ANNIE HOLLER MOUNTAIN CITIZEN PAINTSVILLE — A domestic violence call near Paintsville escalated into a potentially deadly search Sept. 3 when police discovered suspected homemade explosive devices and fishing line rigged with treble hooks at eye level on a hillside behind the residence. Robert Thomas Smith, 47, of West Van Lear, was later arrested…
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Regional jail raises inmate housing rate by $10
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN PAINTSVILLE — Martin, Johnson, Lawrence and Magoffin counties will pay $10 more per day to house inmates at the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center, the latest move by the regional jail board to address continuing financial problems at the facility. The board voted Aug. 27 to increase the daily county…
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Johnson grand jury issues 14 indictments
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN PAINTSVILLE — A Johnson County grand jury returned 14 indictments against 13 people Aug. 26, with charges ranging from burglary and drug possession to firearm-related wanton endangerment and bail jumping. The indictments include: Misty Barker, 42, of Van Lear, was indicted on two counts of first-degree wanton endangerment involving the…
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Big Sandy inmate back in custody after mistaken release
BY ANNIE HOLLER MOUNTAIN CITIZEN PAINTSVILLE — A Big Sandy Regional Detention Center inmate who wrote “Come get me” on Facebook after his mistaken release is back behind bars after turning himself in to a Prestonsburg police officer. Herbert Ray Fletcher, 47, of Rockcastle Lane in Louisa, surrendered Aug. 19 after spending nearly a month…
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Fletcher still sought after mistaken release from jail
Protection case surfaces Monday in neighboring county BY ANNIE HOLLER MOUNTAIN CITIZEN PAINTSVILLE — Authorities are still seeking Herbert Ray Fletcher after the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center mistakenly released him July 23. Meanwhile, a new case involving allegations of harassment and stalking has surfaced against him in neighboring Mingo County, West Virginia. Fletcher, 47,…
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Martin County Middle bounces back at Paintsville
BY BRITTNI MCCOY MOUNTAIN CITIZEN PAINTSVILLE — Martin County Middle School bounced back from a hard-fought loss at Johnson County Middle School to pick up its first A-team victory of the season Aug. 11 at Paintsville. The Lady Cardinals defeated Paintsville 44-33 behind a 19-point performance from Harper Runyon and 16 points from Paige Stafford.…
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Inmate mistakenly set free from Big Sandy Regional Detention Center
BY ANNIE HOLLER MOUNTAIN CITIZEN PAINTSVILLE — Authorities are seeking the whereabouts of an inmate mistakenly set free from the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center. Herbert Fletcher, 47, of Rockcastle Lane, Louisa, was released from the jail July 23 despite being held on a $5,000 cash bond stemming from June arrests on charges of driving…
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Lady Cards sweep Johnson Central Soccerama
Farm Bureau Cup set Aug. 13 BY BRITTNI MCCOY MOUNTAIN CITIZEN PAINTSVILLE — Martin County wrapped up its preseason on a high note Saturday. The Lady Cards swept all three matches at the Johnson Central Soccerama to go 6-0 in scrimmages before the official debut. The Lady Cardinals defeated East Carter 3-0, host Johnson Central…
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Martin, Johnson men arrested after KSP pursuit; suspected stolen AT&T line recovered
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN PAINTSVILLE — A Martin County man and a Johnson County man were arrested Sunday after a Kentucky State Police pursuit ended with troopers disabling a pickup truck and finding suspected stolen AT&T communication line inside. Police identified the driver as Christopher Jordan Mollette, 38, of Martin County, and the passenger…
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Firecrackers finish 2-1 at Coal Country Classic
BY BRITTNI MCCOY MOUNTAIN CITIZEN PAINTSVILLE — The 606 Firecrackers out of Martin County finished pool play unbeaten and posted a 2-1 record July 18 at the Coal Country 12U Classic at Johnson Central High School. The Firecrackers, coached by Jayla Dials, Aaron Moore, Jim Bob Nolen and Bailey Dials, defeated EKY Heat and Appalachian…
