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Martin County Water declines rate hike despite revenue gap
BY LISA STAYTON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — On paper, the numbers point to a sharp water rate hike. In practice, Martin County water officials say they are charting a different course. The Martin County Water District filed its 2026 Revenue Requirement Report with the Kentucky Public Service Commission on Monday. The filing shows the district
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2025: A year defined by water, weather and resolve
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — If 2025 had a shape in Martin County, it was uneven ground. The year rose with moments of promise and dropped without warning into loss and disruption, forcing people to find their footing again and again. Water told much of the story. It fell as snow and ice,
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Martin County arrest report
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT INEZ — Martin County Sheriff John Kirk’s Office reported the following arrests: Teresa Rena Marcum, 47, of Rockcastle Creek Road, Louisa, was arrested Dec. 27 on Little Laurel Road on charges of possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia – buy/possession. Sheriff John Kirk said he was dispatched to a residence on Little
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Mingo County arrests
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT WILLIAMSON, W.Va. — Recent Mingo County, West Virginia, arrests include the following: Tippy Davis Potter, 38, was arrested Dec. 28 on charges of conspiracy to commit a felony-1 and burglary. Patty L. Vance of Delbarton, was arrested Dec. 27 for driving under the influence, driving while license suspended, no insurance, improper registration, defective equipment
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Deadline nears for tobacco, nicotine and vapor retailers to secure state license
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT With the clock ticking down to the new year, Kentucky retailers who sell tobacco, nicotine or vapor products have mere days remaining to secure a required state license or risk penalties once the calendar turns to Jan. 1. Retailers must obtain the license through the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Gov.
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Who is running in Martin County: Early filings set stage for 2026 local elections
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Candidate filing opened Nov. 5 for local offices that will appear on the 2026 ballot, with early filings showing a mix of crowded contests and largely uncontested races across Martin County. As of Monday, 26 candidates had registered to run for county and city offices. Sheriff The most
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From shy steps to spotlight: Christmas showcase celebrates dance
BY TAWNY SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Twinkle lights and tiny dance shoes took center stage Saturday in Inez as The Inez Dance Academy brought its annual Christmas Showcase to the Collier Center. The 2025 performance was equal parts tradition and celebration — a chance for young dancers to trade classroom mirrors for a real
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Solid Waste Board weighs condemnation of properties
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Slow progress at multiple nuisance properties and a growing number of illegal trash dumps dominated discussion at a recent Martin County Solid Waste Board meeting. Officials weighed the possibility of condemnation and debated how far the county can legally go to address deteriorating and hazardous sites. Code enforcement
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Marquee sign stalls for City of Inez
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The City of Inez did not receive a T‑Mobile Hometown Grant to purchase a lighted marquee sign. Its application was not among the program’s most recent funding round. Interim city clerk Kayla Crum announced the outcome during the City of Inez Commission’s December meeting. “T-Mobile didn’t accept our
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Martin County arrest report
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT INEZ — Martin County Sheriff John Kirk’s Office reported the following arrests: Lonnie Ray Jude, 49, of Pilgrim, was arrested Dec. 22 on North Wolf Creek Road in Pilgrim on a charge of assault, fourth degree (domestic violence), minor injury. According to the arrest report, Sheriff Kirk responded to a call about
