-
Flood debris dumpsters cost county $20K so far
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The cost of clearing flood debris dominated discussion at a Martin County Fiscal Court special meeting Feb. 26. Magistrates approved payments totaling nearly $20,000 for roll-off dumpsters used in flood cleanup efforts in Lovely. The invoices submitted by Howell’s Recycling & Sanitation of Debord covered services Feb. 18,
-
Flood destroys bridge, traps families on Mac Pinson Drive
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Four families in a Martin County neighborhood found themselves trapped last week after floodwaters undermined the only bridge connecting them to the main road. Officials condemned the structure, leaving residents of Mac Pinson Drive cut off from essential services. On Friday, Martin County Road & Bridge crews worked
-
Martin County caps season with state placer, top-three 1A finish
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN LEXINGTON — Martin County’s wrestling squad walked away with a state placer and a top 3 finish among 1A schools Saturday at the KHSAA State Tournament in Lexington’s Alltech Arena. The event marked the close of a fantastic 2024-2025 season for Coach Josh Muncy’s Cardinals. At the heart of the
-
Haven of Rest is ‘a hidden jewel’
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Haven of Rest Family Ministries sits atop the hill along Airport Road in Debord. It was never meant to be a place of luxury, but it is beautiful and offers something far more rare: solace. On Thursday, Linda Booth, the interim director of the Haven, stood before
-
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
-
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
-
IGA faces total loss in devastating flood
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN WARFIELD — The IGA grocery store in Warfield is facing a total loss after floodwaters surged through its walls rising 5 feet inside the building between Feb. 16 and 17 and leaving behind a trail of destruction. On Monday, co-owner Judy Ousley stood inside the store, where employees had begun
-
When cable becomes Cupid: Valentine’s Day heist goes off the rails in Warfield
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN WARFIELD — Some celebrate Valentine’s Day with roses. Others with chocolates. But for four visitors to Martin County, dragging stolen cable behind their car like a wedding getaway gone wrong landed them behind bars Feb. 14. The ill-fated caper unraveled when police responded to a call about a car spotted
-
Appalachian Artist Festival returns with new twists and hometown headliner
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Appalachian Artist Festival returns for its third year on Saturday, Aug. 2, bringing a full day of live music, visual arts, vendors, and interactive experiences to downtown Inez. Organizer Jennifer Wells recently unveiled the musical lineup for this year’s event—a blend of tradition and creativity—and a highly
