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Rocket Docket: Three charged in drug cases
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin Circuit Judge J. Kevin Holbrook formally charged three individuals under the Rocket Docket program Thursday. Authorities accuse Anthony Muncy, aka “Two Gun Tony,” 60, of Lovely, of possessing methamphetamine and various schedule I, II or III controlled substances, namely Alprazolam, during a traffic stop Oct. 22. They
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Two face felony charges after unrestrained children hurt in crash
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — A Martin County man and woman face felony charges after a crash left two unrestrained children injured—one seriously—on Route 40 in Inez. Authorities say 37-year-old Justin Marcum of Inez was driving recklessly with the children in his Chevrolet truck. The children’s grandmother, 58-year-old Dotty Fletcher of Inez, was
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Christmas in the Mountains names Moore and Preece as 2024 royalty
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Christmas in the Mountains has revealed the Ms. and Mr. Christmas in the Mountains 2024. A panel of event organizers narrowed down nominations before selecting local legends Thelma Moore and Garmon David Preece as this year’s royalty. The coronation will take place during the Merry Little Christmas Party
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Inez hunter bags potential state record whitetail buck
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Wesley Young from Inez may have written his name in the record books by harvesting what could be the new state record for a typical whitetail deer. The impressive 13-point buck he brought down in the steep hollers of Martin County boasts a gross score of 214 inches.
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Inez approves cannabis, weighs ARPA spending and flashy marquee plans
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The City of Inez gave the green light to medical cannabis operations within city limits Thursday, approving the measure with no discussion. Commissioners then focused on the city’s $27,093 remaining ARPA funds and their hope for a flashing marquee sign. First up: a plan to spend $2,589 on
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Escape to the holidays: Christmas in the Mountains comes to life in Inez
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Get ready to make your December unforgettable with Christmas in the Mountains, a weeklong celebration running Dec. 1-7 in Inez. A crowd gathered Sunday behind the courthouse to begin a new tradition: lighting the Christmas tree for this cherished annual festival that brings something for everyone: sparkling lights,
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Historic courthouse restoration brings pride and legacy back to life
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The restoration of the old Martin County Courthouse in Inez is bringing together local history and pride. Martin County Tourism Chair Nita Collier spoke at the Kiwanis Club meeting Thursday at Masterpiece Kitchen & Café and shared how the project began and its ongoing impact. In 2021, Collier,
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Martin County raises property tax rate to offset service cuts
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Fiscal Court approved a property tax increase for 2024, raising the real property tax rate from 11.5 to 12.1 cents per $100 of assessed value, a 5.2% increase. The measure, expected to generate $372,646 in revenue, passed in a 3-0 vote Tuesday with District 4
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Debord shooter to serve 365 days home incarceration
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN DEBORD — A man was sentenced Thursday to five years each on four counts of wanton endangerment for firing bullets into Debord residences with occupants inside in August 2023. The midnight shooting took place on Sandlick Road when Joseph L. Stevens of Lovely arrived at the home of his girlfriend’s
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Operation Christmas Child shoebox collection week Nov. 18-25
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The holiday season is upon us and with it comes a unique opportunity to give back. From Nov. 18 through Nov. 25, Operation Christmas Child will hold its National Collection Week, inviting individuals across the country to participate in a tradition of generosity. During this week, participants can
