MARTIN COUNTY, KY. — A LOCAL SHERIFF ANNONCES MAJOR CHANGES TO THE OPERATION OF HIS DEPARTMENT AMID CUTS IN FUNDING FROM THE FISCAL COURT. MARTIN COUNTY SHERIFF JOHN KIRK SAYS HE IS NOW CUTTING BACK ON PATROLS AND LAYING OFF EMPLOYEES. IN A LENGTHY SOCIAL MEDIA POST, KIRK SAYS HE IS FORCED TO MOVE HIS ONE AND ONLY DEPUTY TO DAY SHIFT LEAVING NIGHTS UNPROTECTED. HE SAYS HE IS RELYING ON KENTUCKY STATE POLICE TO PICK UP THAT DUTY. SHERIFF KIRK ALSO ANNOUNCED HIS OFFICE WILL NOW OPERATE ON A HALF DAY SCHEDULE AND WILL HAVE TO ELIMINATE VECHICLE INSPECTIONS. KIRK SAYS HE IS OUT OF OPTIONS.

                                                          Martin County Sheriff John Kirk