BY LISA STAYTON
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — A $100-per-day fine levied last month by the Martin County Solid Waste Board against a disabled resident has surpassed $3,400, but the board showed no leniency at its meeting Thursday.
Martin County Code Enforcement Officer Paul McCoy informed the board that he had spoken with Dwayne Mills, director of Appalachia Reach Out, about possible assistance for Larry Oaks, whose property along Route 40 in Tomahawk has been flagged for cleanup.
“He said he couldn’t do anything until October,” McCoy told the board. “It’s October now, and he said he’s going to try to help him clean up the property—maybe get it straightened out and see what he can do.”
Oaks, who attended the meeting, said he had removed four vehicles from his property since the board first imposed the fine at its Sept. 4 meeting. When asked by the board, he confirmed that he had not yet heard from Mills.
Chairman Greg Murphy advised Oaks to notify the judge’s office after the property is clean.
Assistant County Attorney Lynette Muncy directed McCoy to keep the board and the judge updated on Oaks’ progress. She then asked Oaks about his health.
“I haven’t been back to the hospital,” Oaks replied. “Everything has leveled out just a little bit, so I’m hoping I can get better.”
Oaks, a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, requires supplemental oxygen and has been dealing with blood clots in his lungs, which he reported to the board in July.
“When he gets it cleaned up, we can stop the fines,” Murphy said.
Oaks first appeared before the board in July, explaining that his property had been flooded, leaving debris behind that shifted during subsequent high-water events. He also cited break-ins during which thieves removed items from his home and left unwanted belongings in the yard. Oaks and his wife, Eva, lived across from Sulphur Springs Church until a flood brought 12 inches of water into their home.
“I’ve had health issues the last three years,” Oaks said. “I have blood clots in my lungs right now and I’m limited in what I can do.”
Board members assured Oaks they were there to help.
“I would entertain any kind of help,” said Oaks. “That’s my issue: finding help to get it done.”
The board agreed in July to review Oaks’ progress at future meetings.
McCoy reported in both August and September that Oaks was making gradual progress despite his health issues and the limitations of having only a small truck, which his wife used for work.
Although both Muncy and Solid Waste Coordinator Eric Phelps recommended that the board work with Oaks rather than impose a fine he could not afford, the board issued its first-ever fine against him in September.
Turning to another property in Beauty, McCoy stated its owners had made significant progress, removing about 15 vehicles.
“I spoke with [Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty]; we had a meeting,” McCoy said. “He said, ‘As long as they’re trying, we’ll work with them as long as we can.’ If we hit a standstill for six or seven months and they haven’t done anymore, then we’ll have to take further steps.”
Board members in September indicated that McCoy officially notified Oaks about cleaning up his property in April or May.
“People have talked about different places throughout our county for years and years,” Murphy commented Thursday. “I was just hoping that whatever comes of this, it’s all good for everybody.”