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Gas pump crash triggers meth bust by Sheriff Kirk
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — What could have been a dangerous collision at an Inez gas station instead became a methamphetamine bust with Martin County Sheriff John Kirk putting four people behind bars Dec. 30 on felony drug charges. A vehicle crashed into the concrete barrier protecting the gas pumps at Horn’s BP…
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KSP seeks public’s help locating missing teen
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT MILLARD — The Kentucky State Police Pikeville Post is asking for the public’s help in locating a missing 15-year-old girl from the Millard. Troopers said they were contacted Jan. 1 regarding the disappearance of Star Blair. She was last seen earlier that day on Daniels Branch in Millard, according to state police.…
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Big Sandy Regional Detention Center looks to Floyd County for female officers, cites no ‘hirable’ applicants in four counties
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN PAINTSVILLE — Big Sandy Regional Detention Center will temporarily expand its search for female correctional officers to Floyd County after administrators said the jail has not received “hirable” applicants from Johnson, Lawrence, Magoffin or Martin counties. The jail authority voted 4–3 at its Dec. 18 meeting to approve emergency hiring…
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Martin County Water District asks PSC to end oversight
Opponents warn system remains fragile BY LISA STAYTON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County Water District is asking the Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) to close a long-running oversight case and lift monitoring requirements imposed more than six years ago, arguing that the utility has made significant financial and operational progress under outside management. The…
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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…
