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School board honors scholars, champs, standout staff
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Chairs filled quickly, leaving latecomers to line the walls as the Martin County Board of Education gathered May 12. Superintendent Larry James led a celebratory round of recognitions honoring student achievement and staff excellence at the district’s central office. Rogers Scholars James congratulated three Martin County High School…
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Win free gas for a year
Blood donors at Inez festival eligible for free gas for a year, pizza perks INEZ — Donating blood this summer could come with more than the satisfaction of saving lives. It might also save you money at the gas pump. As part of its seasonal promotion, the Kentucky Blood Center (KBC) is offering a series…
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Mollett named to MSU Engaged Eagles list
Megan Mollett of Tomahawk is one of 250 students on Morehead State University’s Spring 2025 Presidential Community Engaged Eagles list. This honor recognizes students with a strong and lasting commitment to serving others through community and civic engagement. These students have helped make a difference across the region while building essential skills for their future.…
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Legislative Update: Protecting what is rightfully yours
BY BOBBY MCCOOL In Kentucky, property ownership has long been a cornerstone of personal freedom and economic stability. However, many property owners face the ongoing challenge of protecting their investments from the act of squatting—when a person occupies an abandoned or unoccupied space without legal permission. This practice has become a significant and often contentious…
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Pool reopening pushed back
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County officials announced Monday that the public swimming pool will not reopen this Sunday as initially projected. Deputy Judge Executive Carolea Mills had hoped for a June 1 opening. However, excessive rainfall throughout May delayed ongoing repairs. “We are making several repairs and upgrades to the filtration…
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Martin County High School celebrates Class of 2025
INEZ — Martin County High School celebrated the graduation of 132 seniors in the Class of 2025 during commencement exercises Friday, May 23, at Cardinal Stadium. Valedictorian Laura Hale and co-salutatorians Chloe Alley and Aiden Fields addressed their classmates and guests before diplomas were awarded. The Class of 2025 embraced the motto: “Be a pineapple.…
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KYTC details road money for Martin County
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Fiscal Court heard from Kentucky Transportation Cabinet section engineer Zach Wright Thursday during a special meeting. Wright presented project recommendations for the Rural Secondary Road Program for the county to review. The total allotment for work on rural secondary roads within Martin County for fiscal…
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Regional jail moves to daily inmate fee, approves new budget amid financial strain
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN PAINTSVILLE — Big Sandy Regional Detention Center will replace its flat booking fee with a daily charge starting July 1. Officials say the move will boost revenue as the jail faces a mounting budget deficit and declining inmate population. The board voted Thursday to adopt the new model along with…
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Martin County hires grant administrator, transfers downtown properties
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Fiscal Court enlisted the services of Fahe, a nonprofit grant administrator, to handle Community Development Block Grant applications and other grant opportunities. The decision came during a meeting Thursday that included property transfers, leases and the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget. Under the agreement with…
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Martin County Arrest Report
INEZ — Martin County Sheriff John Kirk’s Office reported the following arrests: Amanda Jude, 36, of Kermit, West Virginia, was arrested Tuesday at Pizza Stop in Inez on a fugitive from another state warrant. Deputy Steve Putman served the warrant. Tammy Johnson, 59, of Lovely, was arrested Monday on charges of alcohol intoxication in a…
