-
Martin County arrest report
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT INEZ — Martin County Sheriff John Kirk’s Office reported the following arrests: Jason Kenneth Fields, 41, of Inez, was arrested March 30 on New Route 3 in Davella on charges of possession of controlled substance, first degree (carfentanil or fentanyl derivatives) and possession of controlled substance, first degree, first offense (methamphetamine). According…
-
Lafferty presses senate, governor for $26M WWATERS funds
Judge/executive invokes coal legacy BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty used a special Fiscal Court meeting March 26 to publicly urge the Kentucky Senate and Gov. Andy Beshear to approve $25.8 million in WWATERS funding for local water and sewer projects, arguing the county has earned basic infrastructure after…
-
Flood buyouts in Martin County could begin in 60 to 90 days
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County’s USDA Emergency Watershed Protection flood buyouts could begin closing within 60 to 90 days, according to county officials. The Martin County Fiscal Court advanced the second reading of a $6.68 million budget amendment March 26 in a special meeting. Of that amount, roughly $6.3 million is…
-
Countywide strategic plan moves from input to action
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County residents will have three more chances this spring to help shape a countywide strategic plan. Led by the University of Kentucky and Blueprint Kentucky, the effort that began is shifting from public input to action steps and final recommendations. Organizers will hold the remaining public sessions…
-
Martin County accepts sheriff’s annual fee settlement
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County Fiscal Court accepted Sheriff John Kirk’s 2025 excess fees settlement during a special meeting March 26. The annual report showed the sheriff’s office ended the year with $53.23 in excess fees, no unpaid obligations and no outstanding debts. The settlement shows the office’s fee account received…
-
Martin County Fiscal Court handles bids, board appointments, business in special session
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County Fiscal Court approved board appointments, awarded mowing contracts and advanced several other business items during a special meeting March 26. Magistrates approved Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty’s reappointment of John Hensley and Colby Kirk to the Martin County Utility Board. The court also approved Karen Thoma to fill…
-
Warfield backs caboose project tied to Himlerville legacy
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN WARFIELD — The Warfield City Council approved an interlocal agreement Monday allowing Martin County Fiscal Court to install signage at the city’s caboose. The project is part of the county’s “Himler Heritage Caboose” initiative, a small step in preserving the legacy of Martin Himler and the immigrant coal town he…
-
Williamson fire chief placed on administrative leave after his arrest
BY ANNIE HOLLER MOUNTAIN CITIZEN WILLIAMSON, W.Va. — Williamson Fire Chief Joey Michael Carey has been placed on administrative leave after his arrest Friday night for allegedly firing a handgun round into a neighboring apartment in the building where he lives. Carey, 49, was taken into custody at about 9 p.m. at the fire department…
-
Martin County court docket
INEZ — Judge John T. Chafin heard the following cases March 23 and March 24 in Martin District Court: Laura Victoria Giacomoni (arraignment) — Criminal trespassing, third degree: Pleaded guilty, defendant to pay $100 fine and cost, stay off the property of Maxwell Moore, show cause 9/8/26 at 10 a.m. Paul Hinkle (motion hour) —…
-
Martin County civil suits, deeds and marriages
INEZ — Martin Circuit Clerk Denise Gauze reported 10 the civil suits filed in her office through March 26. Meanwhile, Martin County Clerk Susie Skyles reported three deeds and one marriage recorded in her office through March 25. Civil Suits Charles Davis vs. Debbie Bowes et al. Charles Davis vs. Theodore Dalton Jr. et al.…
