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Preece commits to KCU
BRITTNI MCCOY MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County High School senior volleyball player Kristin Preece has made her college choice, verbally committing to continue her career at Kentucky Christian University. Preece, a key contributor and leader for the Lady Cardinals, said the school’s faith-based environment was the first thing that drew her in. “What caught…
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Mountain Citizen wins Tom and Pat Gish Award for courage, integrity and tenacity
BY AL CROSS A scrappy little newspaper that has fought for more than 30 years for clean water and open government in its Appalachian county is the winner of the 2025 Tom and Pat Gish Award for courage, integrity and tenacity in rural journalism. The Mountain Citizen is a weekly paper serving the 11,000 people…
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EDA response raises new questions about asbestos in 78-year-old building
BY LISA STAYTON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Economic Development Authority’s response to an open records request raises new questions about whether adequate asbestos testing was performed before demolition of a structure in downtown Inez. The building at 21 East Main Street was built in 1947, an era when asbestos-containing materials were heavily…
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Martin County man goes to jail for false reports to 911, father also charged
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — A Martin County man went to jail after he called 911 repeatedly making false reports for the purpose of luring law enforcement to his home to harass them, police said. Moments after his arrest, police took his father into custody for interfering with government operations. Deputy Billy Wells…
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Botulism outbreak tied to recalled infant formula
BY MELISSA PATRICK KENTUCKY HEALTH NEWS A total of 23 infants in 13 states, including one in Kentucky, have been hospitalized amid an outbreak of infant botulism linked to a recalled ByHeart formula, according to federal health officials. The Associated Press reports that the Kentucky case involves the daughter of Michael and Hanna Everett, of…
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Martin County arrest report
INEZ — Martin County Sheriff John Kirk’s Office reported the following arrests: Cassandra Martin, 27, of Lexington, was arrested Tuesday at White Oak Hill of Addiction Recovery Care in Inez for contempt of court. Sheriff Kirk states in his report that Martin was court-ordered to rehab at White Oak Hill, but left the facility. Stephen…
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Youth group hosts Turkey Trot 5K
INEZ — Residents laced up and trotted through downtown Inez on Saturday for a spirited Turkey Trot 5K and Fun Run sponsored by the Turkey Creek Church of the Nazarene Youth Group. The event raised $220 to help send six students to the 2026 Nazarene Youth Conference in Salt Lake City. Thirteen runners and walkers…
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Blood drive Nov. 25 in Inez
INEZ — It is time to sock it to blood shortages. To do that, donors must step up. Donors can put their feet up and donate blood Nov. 25 in Inez. The Kentucky Blood Center will conduct a drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Collier Center gym. All donors will receive a…
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Food distribution Nov. 20 in Inez
INEZ — Facing Hunger will host a drive-thru mobile food distribution Nov. 20 in Inez, assisting families ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. Volunteers will distribute food at the Martin County Search & Rescue building at 1120 Old Middle Fork Road beginning at 11 a.m. The event will continue until noon or until supplies run out.…
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Police searching for suspects after shooting
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT DINGESS, W.Va. — Police are searching for two suspects after a shooting in the Dingess area of Mingo County on Nov. 17 left one person injured but expected to recover. According to the West Virginia State Police Williamson Detachment, the victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries in the incident. Troopers are requesting the public’s…
