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Federal assistance available to individuals in 10 counties
President Trump signs Expedited Major Disaster Declaration BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — In the aftermath of flooding in Martin County, residents confront the devastation caused by relentless storms that swept through the Tug Valley beginning Feb. 15 as local officials assess the destruction and coordinate relief efforts. They received good news Monday when…
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IGA faces total loss in devastating flood
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN WARFIELD — The IGA grocery store in Warfield is facing a total loss after floodwaters surged through its walls rising 5 feet inside the building between Feb. 16 and 17 and leaving behind a trail of destruction. On Monday, co-owner Judy Ousley stood inside the store, where employees had begun…
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When cable becomes Cupid: Valentine’s Day heist goes off the rails in Warfield
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN WARFIELD — Some celebrate Valentine’s Day with roses. Others with chocolates. But for four visitors to Martin County, dragging stolen cable behind their car like a wedding getaway gone wrong landed them behind bars Feb. 14. The ill-fated caper unraveled when police responded to a call about a car spotted…
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Appalachian Artist Festival returns with new twists and hometown headliner
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Appalachian Artist Festival returns for its third year on Saturday, Aug. 2, bringing a full day of live music, visual arts, vendors, and interactive experiences to downtown Inez. Organizer Jennifer Wells recently unveiled the musical lineup for this year’s event—a blend of tradition and creativity—and a highly…
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Martin County Arrest Report
INEZ — Martin County Sheriff John Kirk’s Office reported the following arrests: Chris Maynard, 42, of Lovely, was arrested Feb. 20 on Little Peter Cave Road in Lovely on a complaint warrant. Deputy Kidd made the arrest. Trevor Jude, 27, of Louisa, was arrested Feb. 18 at Dempsey Housing in Warfield for assault (domestic violence)…
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County Attorney warns looters
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — In the wake of severe flooding, reports of looting and burglary have surfaced in Martin County, prompting a stern warning from County Attorney Melissa Phelps. As residents work to recover from the disaster, some have found their damaged homes and belongings targeted by thieves. Phelps addressed the situation…
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Arthritis exercise classes keep seniors active in Inez
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT INEZ — As winter settles in and brings with it the urge to stay indoors, Martin County Senior Citizens Center director Jennifer Crum has an alternative. The center is offering arthritis exercise classes for those with arthritis or joint conditions who find traditional exercise challenging. “If you’re experiencing joint pain and stiffness,…
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Tug Valley residents will rebound from recent flooding
There is no doubt the communities that make up the Tug Valley area in Mingo, Pike and Martin counties have had their share of disasters when it comes to flooding throughout the years. Most everyone with a few years on them remembers the historic 1977 flood, the worst flood on record, that literally changed the…
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Does the grocery store scare you? Can Washington care?
Does the grocery store scare you? What about buying eggs? Do you dread driving to Walmart? Do you remember a day when it was fun? I remember the old days of going to my Grandfather Hinkle’s grocery store in old Stidham, Kentucky. Today that would be South Milo Road in Tomahawk, Kentucky. I could buy…
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Stidham Old Time Music Gathering drops lineup, keeps it cheap and cheerful
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT TOMAHAWK — The Stidham Old Time Music Gathering is back—and bigger than ever. The annual two-day celebration of Appalachian roots music lands in Tomahawk on July 25 and 26, promising an expanded artist lineup and ticket prices that won’t break the bank. Organizers are keeping things refreshingly accessible, offering three pricing tiers:…
