-
Police: Man pointed loaded gun at woman during Dempsey dispute
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN WARFIELD — A Martin County man is facing charges after a woman said he pointed a handgun at her during an argument at Dempsey Housing in Warfield. Martin County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Aaron Michael Michael Jude, 30, of Debord, just after midnight June 17 on charges of first-degree wanton endangerment…
-
Martin County eyes $7.3M earmark for downtown Inez revitalization
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County officials are moving forward with plans to redevelop a block of downtown Inez as they await a decision on a proposed $7.3 million federal earmark that could fund infrastructure upgrades, a park and a new building on property acquired by the Fiscal Court in 2024. Martin…
-
Bee-killing yellow-legged hornet could threaten Eastern Kentucky, state apiarist says
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — A predatory hornet that has wiped out honey bee colonies across Europe, slashed honey production and spread through parts of the southeastern United States could soon be headed toward Kentucky — and Eastern Kentucky may be among the first places to feel its impact. That was the warning…
-
Solar developer seeks approval for electricity transmission line in Martin County
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Developers of the Lynn Bark Energy Center have filed an application seeking state approval for a transmission line that would connect a 200-megawatt merchant solar farm in Martin County to the regional electric grid. Lynn Bark Energy Center LLC, a project developed by Savion, is seeking a certificate…
-
Community support helps Kiwanis Club send three seniors to college
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — A sold-out Hillbilly Breakfast and strong community support translated into more opportunities for Martin County graduates this year. Because of the event’s success in May, the Kiwanis Club awarded three $1,000 scholarships instead of its usual two, helping Martin County High School graduating seniors Maleah Jarrell, Hallee Robinson…
-
Kermit advances new water storage tank; customers prepare for rate increase
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN KERMIT — A $1.24 million project to replace Kermit’s failing water storage tank is moving toward construction, with bidding expected later this summer and work likely extending into next year, Mayor Charles Sparks announced June 8 during a town council meeting. The project will replace an aging tank with a…
-
Martin County grand jury indicts eight on felony charges
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — A Martin County grand jury returned 10 indictments against eight individuals June 4. Charges range from sexual abuse and drug trafficking to burglary, bail jumping and flagrant nonsupport. James Hubert Lee Presley, 42, of Inez, was indicted on a charge of flagrant nonsupport, a Class D felony. The…
-
Rescued falcon gets second chance
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — What began as an ordinary Tuesday morning turned into a wildlife rescue after Roy White spotted a group of buzzards circling over a falcon along Turkey Creek Road. Concerned that the bird was injured or in distress, White investigated and found the young raptor on the ground. The…
-
FedEx truck hits three vehicles on Buck Creek
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — A collision involving a FedEx truck and three other vehicles shut down KY 40 on Buck Creek Mountain for several hours Friday evening, forcing traffic to detour through KY 2032. According to preliminary reports, the FedEx truck was traveling westbound when it crossed into the eastbound lane and…
-
Funding debate turns tense at Big Sandy regional jail
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN PAINTSVILLE — A request for Martin County and three neighboring counties to help pay a $227,374 liability and workers’ compensation insurance premium for the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center opened a wider discussion about the jail’s finances, operating costs and what could happen if a county refused to contribute. During…
