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EDA finalizes land transfer agreement for new Inez Elementary School construction
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Economic Development Board voted to finalize an agreement to transfer a 148.5-acre tract of land adjacent to Martin County High School to the Board of Education. The land was recently appraised at $4.2 million fair market value, EDA chairman James Ayers stated in a July…
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Martin County EDA selects architect for historic building project
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Economic Development Authority (EDA) has selected Gibson Taylor Thompson Architecture & Design (GTT) to determine the feasibility of renovating the historic Inez Deposit Bank. The Lexington-based firm was chosen during the EDA board meeting July 10, following a recommendation from EDA director Carolea Mills. “I…
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EDA’s acquisition of historic Inez Deposit Bank kindles downtown revitalization
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Economic Development Authority (EDA) received the deed to the historic Inez Deposit Bank building. EDA Chairman James Ayers announced in the April 24 meeting that owners Jim and Linda Booth signed the deed April 2. In response to this acquisition, EDA Director Carolea Mills presented…
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SOAR Innovation POWER team ignites entrepreneurial ecosystems in eastern Kentucky
BY PHILL BARNETT MOUNTAIN CITIZEN PIKEVILLE — In a significant development for the region, Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) unveiled its Innovation POWER team, poised to transform eastern Kentucky’s economy. Bolstered by a nearly $1.5 million Appalachian Regional Commission POWER grant awarded in October 2023, the team will develop a technology-focused entrepreneurial ecosystem across the…
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Economic Development Authority announces property acquisitions
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — In a move to revitalize the downtown area of Inez, the Martin County Economic Development Authority has announced plans to acquire two notable properties. In a Jan. 10 EDA meeting, chairman James Ayers revealed the pending acquisition of the historic Inez Deposit Bank building and the Rockcastle United Baptist…
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New amphitheater coming to Inez
EDA announces green initiatives, historic bank building donation, Boxvana bankruptcy settlement BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County can look forward to a new outdoor amphitheater in the courthouse square in Inez. Economic Development Director and Deputy Judge/Executive Carolea Mills announced in an EDA meeting Oct. 18 that Martin County Solar Project developers…
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Martin County EDA discusses economic revival
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Economic Development Authority discussed potential economic revival, financial opportunities and other topics in a meeting Aug. 9. EDA Director Carolea Mills updated board members on the cleanup progress in a meeting Aug. 9. “We had some county employees and jail workers helping us,” Mills said.…
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One East Kentucky CEO discusses job growth, investment in Eastern Kentucky
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Colby Kirk, president and CEO at One East Kentucky (OEK), addressed Martin County Kiwanis Club members at their Thursday luncheon at Shufflin’ Café. The discussion focused on OEK’s role in stimulating economic development in the region and its strategies for future growth. OEK, a privately funded, nonprofit economic…
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EDA negotiating property swap with school board
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Economic Development Authority is negotiating with the county school board to exchange properties. The EDA discussed the matter and other business in a meeting June 14. The specifics of the property swap, involving a parcel adjacent to Martin County High School, remain confidential as the…
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Boxvana ‘saga’ concludes
TEK Center ribbon cutting June 2 BY PHILL BARNETT MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Economic Development Authority met for their regular monthly meeting May 10 to discuss Boxvana leaving the Honey Branch Industrial Park. The board approved financials and housekeeping for the May meeting without much discussion and moved on to the main…
