-
Reclaimed coal mine site flourishing as apple orchard in Davella
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN DAVELLA — Once a barren coal mine, a mountain-top site in Martin County has been transformed into a flourishing apple orchard. On Saturday and Sunday, Ryan Wilson and his wife Andrea, managers of AppleAtcha Orchards, set up a bustling farmers market along Airport Road. The couple sold bags and bushels…
-
New law cracks down on truancy: Parents and students face tough penalties
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — A hard-hitting new Kentucky law, in effect as of July 15, requires school districts to crack down on truancy by reporting unexcused absences directly to the county attorney. Martin County Attorney Melissa Phelps discussed the impact of the new truancy law on students, parents, the school district, and…
-
Audit reveals library’s cash in bank ‘dwindling’
BY LISA STAYTON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The latest audit of the Martin County Public Library Taxing District (MCPL) revealed that cash in the bank “is dwindling,” a downward trend that began in 2020 after relocating from the former library facility to the Collier Center in Inez. The MCPL board of trustees received the audit…
-
Martin County Arrest Report
INEZ — Martin County Sheriff John Kirk’s Office reported the following arrests: Sarah Fraley, 38, of Ashland, was arrested Friday on Main Street in Inez on two warrants out of Lawrence County and one from Boyd County. Chief Deputy Chris Kidd made the arrest. Eric Sartin, 27, of Kermit, West Virginia, was arrested July 25…
-
Mingo man arrested for attempted murder
BY KYLE LOVERN MOUNTAIN CITIZEN UPPER BIAS, W.Va. — One man is in jail for attempted murder and another is hospitalized after a stabbing in Mingo County. West Virginia State Police said Aaron Mahon, 25, and Kenneth Ooten, 33, both of Delbarton, got into a fight early Tuesday morning in the community of Upper Bias…
-
Martin County court docket for July 23
INEZ — Judge Brett Butcher heard the following cases July 23 in Martin District Court: Margie S. Beck (arraignment) — Speeding 15 mph over limit; no/expired Kentucky registration receipt; failure to produce insurance card: Order. Eric Shane Bowen (arraignment) — 1. Failure to wear seat belts; 2. Operating motor vehicle under influence of controlled substance,…
-
Martin County deeds and marriages
INEZ — Martin County Clerk Susie Skyles reported the following deeds and marriages recorded in her office July 17-24: Deeds John Perry, Lynn Perry, Gary Preece, Vikki Preece, Glendine Hale, Samuel Hale, Samuel Combs, David Combs, Charlotte Combs (first party) to Wesley Vinson (second party). Melinda Sue Goble, William Goble (first party) to Brian Collins,…
-
Martin County civil suits July 19-25
INEZ — Martin Circuit Clerk Denise Gauze reported the following civil suits filed in her office July 19-25: Commonwealth of Kentucky vs. Martha Goble et al. Charles Anthony Spence vs. Tiara Jean Spence. New American Funding LLC vs. Timothy James et al. LVNV Funding LLC vs. Richard H. Nichols. Portfolio Recovery Associates LLC vs. Ethel…
-
Martin County Water projects rate increase in 2026
BY LISA STAYTON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County Water District projects a rate increase in 2026. The water district addressed the rate increase question and others in response to the Kentucky Public Service Commission’s recent request for documents and answers “under oath.” The PSC’s request, outlined in a June 18 filing signed by Executive…
-
Teen struck and killed on Corridor G near Lenore exit
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT BELO, W.Va. — Joshua Allen Thomas, 18, of Dans Branch, West Virginia, died July 22 from injuries sustained after being struck by a vehicle on U.S. Highway 119, also known as Corridor G. Thomas was hit by a car after exiting the vehicle he was a passenger in to retrieve a clothing item…
