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ARO to demolish former Inez Motel, launch revitalization
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT INEZ — Appalachia Reach Out (ARO) has announced the demolition of the former Inez Motel, a long-standing downtown structure that has fallen into significant disrepair. ARO leaders say this step marks the beginning of a major community revitalization effort to improve services, expand outreach and enhance the visual landscape of the downtown…
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Martin County arrest report
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT INEZ — Martin County Sheriff John Kirk’s Office reported the following arrests: Rose Ellen Johnson, 54, of Inez, was arrested April 20 in Inez on an indictment warrant charging her with three counts of burglary in the third degree, possession of burglary tools and criminal mischief, second degree. Deputy Brett Maynard served the warrant…
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Inez advances Creek Walk extension, eyes bridge upgrades
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — City officials used a special meeting April 14 to outline a slate of practical and cosmetic projects. They set a timetable for the next budget, reviewed repairs to the city’s quilt-block sidewalk decals, advanced plans to extend the Creek Walk and discussed bridge washing and painting. Mayor Ed…
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Martin County civil suits and deeds
INEZ — Martin Circuit Clerk Denise Gauze reported 11 civil suits filed in her office from April 10 to April 16. Meanwhile Martin County Clerk Susie Skyles reported seven deeds recorded in her office through April 16. Civil Suits One Main Financial Group LLC vv. Katlin B. Jude et al. One Main Financial Group LLC…
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Martin County court dockets
INEZ — Judge John Kevin Holbrook heard cases April 16 in Martin Circuit Court, while Judge Brett Butcher heard cases April 14 in Martin District Court. Circuit Court Marsha Patrick Fletcher (change of plea) — Theft by unlawful taking or disposition all others $1,000-$10,000: Pleaded guilty, five-year sentence. Probation unsupervised for five years on the…
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Man arrested after dropping drugs in Martin County Government Center, police said
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — If you happened to lose a pouch of drugs inside the Martin County Government Center last week, Sheriff John Kirk had a message for you: call the sheriff’s office. He would be happy to help — and by “help,” he meant jail. The odd episode began after hours…
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SOAR to host April 28 hiring event with WECTEC, Westinghouse affiliate
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) and the Eastern Kentucky Talent Network will host a regional hiring event April 28 connecting Eastern Kentucky workers with skilled trades, manufacturing and energy-sector opportunities, including positions with WECTEC Staffing Services, a Westinghouse affiliate. The event is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 28,…
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Mingo County arrests, criminal complaints and bookings
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT WILLIAMSON, W.Va. — The Mingo County Magistrate Court Clerk’s office released criminal complaints and arrests by various law enforcement agencies this past week, while jail records showed additional recent bookings. Amanda Lynn Williamson, 46, was booked April 18 in Mingo County on charges of trespassing-1, breaking and entering and obstructing an officer.…
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Lawrence County grand jury indicts 14
BY ANNIE HOLLER MOUNTAIN CITIZEN LOUISA — Fourteen people were indicted April 9 by the Lawrence County grand jury on charges that include major drug trafficking, assault, burglary, theft and incest. Jimmy Castle, 48, of Paintsville, was indicted on one count of second-degree assault. The charge stems from an alleged incident May 2, 2025. According…
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PSC was right to say not yet
The Kentucky Public Service Commission made the right call. On April 8, the PSC denied the Martin County Water District’s request to end state monitoring and close the long-running case that has tracked this county’s water system through years of failure, crisis and costly repair. That decision may frustrate local officials but it is the…
