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State takes over Mingo County Schools
BY KYLE LOVERN MOUNTAIN CITIZEN CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Citing a failure to act on a statutory obligation that resulted in a state of emergency, the West Virginia Board of Education, during its March 12 meeting in Charleston, took over control of the Mingo County School District for the third time in 27 years. “I would
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Martin County ‘cheated’ out of water and wastewater funding
BY LISA STAYTON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — When House Joint Resolution 30 came up for a vote in the state Legislature on Feb. 27, Representative Bobby McCool voted “no,” citing the bill’s failure to allocate funding to Martin County despite its long-standing water and wastewater issues. McCool congratulated the water and wastewater recipients listed in
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Flood leaves Martin County’s water and sewer systems in ruins; repairs to cost millions
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN MARTIN COUNTY — The February flood that swept through Martin County, swelling Tug Fork River, left the county’s water and sewer infrastructure heavily damaged. Officials expect repair costs to approach $3 million. Floodwaters inundated the sewer treatment plant in Warfield as well as lift stations, grinder pumps and other critical
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Sheriff’s Office cracks down on copper theft
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — After the recent arrests of five suspected copper thieves, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office has a clear message for anyone considering stealing AT&T phone lines: “You will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Chief Deputy Sheriff Chris Kidd said. “It is a felony.” Cable theft
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Big Sandy ADD’s FIRE program boosts businesses
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Blake Moss and Jeremy Goodson from the Big Sandy Area Development District (BSADD) were guest speakers at the Kiwanis Club luncheon Thursday in Inez. Moss and Goodson discussed BSADD’s business program FIRE – Fueling Innovation, Revitalization, and Entrepreneurship – a comprehensive initiative designed to support small business development.
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‘We will not be erased:’ LGBTQ+ Kentuckians rally for fairness in Capitol
by Sarah Ladd, Kentucky LanternMarch 11, 2025 FRANKFORT — Gov. Andy Beshear plans to veto a bill that would undo his executive order restricting conversion therapy in Kentucky, should it pass the legislature and reach his desk. He made the promise at the 2025 Fairness Rally, held in the Capitol rotunda Tuesday. Beshear, who made
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House rejects Senate changes to bill granting school districts calamity days
by McKenna Horsley, Kentucky LanternMarch 11, 2025 FRANKFORT — The Kentucky House on Tuesday rejected Senate changes to a bill originally meant to give relief to Kentucky schools from weather-related closings. In a voice vote, the House refused to concur in the Senate version of House Bill 241. Last week, the Senate tacked on changes that
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McCool takes aim at charges driving up electric utility bills
FRANKFORT — State Representative Bobby McCool of Van Lear has introduced House Bill 616, a measure designed to bring fairness and transparency to electric utility billing. The measure would remove taxes, fees and other charges on electric bills that are not directly related to electricity service and connection requirements. “Electricity bills across the state have
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Martin County deeds and marriages
INEZ — Martin County Clerk Susie Skyles reported the following deeds and marriages recorded in her office March 4-5: Deeds Lorane Perkins, Donald Perkins (party 1) to Lorane Perkins (party 2). Brenda Kay Maynard, Bonnie Gene Maynard (party 1) to Leslie Horn, Louvern Horn (party 2). Marriages Karen June Speer, 44, of Grayson, and Christopher
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Martin County court docket
INEZ — Judge Brett Butcher heard the following cases March 4 in Martin District Court: Derek Brent Alley (arraignment) — 1. Speeding 10 mph over limit; 2. No/expired Kentucky registration receipt: 1. Six-month diversion; 2. Dismissed, proof shown. Joanne C. Cogar (arraignment) — Speeding 23 mph over limit: Previously taken care of (calendar order 3/3/25).
