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Groundbreaking Thursday for Inez Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrades
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT INEZ — The Martin County Fiscal Court announced Tuesday it will host a community groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of long-awaited improvements to the Inez Wastewater Treatment Plant. Martin County received $685,000 in Kentucky Cleaner Water Program funds recently, allowing the county to begin upgrades to the wastewater system. Judge/Executive Lon
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Martin County surpluses Turkey Park, accepts Sheriff’s $6.42M tax settlement
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County Fiscal Court is selling the land at Turkey Park. Magistrates voted Thursday to advertise for bids while exploring plans for a new park with river access on Turkey Creek. This decision follows the county’s previous decision to permanently close the park due to frequent flooding that had left
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Gates blocking access to cemeteries to come down, says Judge/Executive Lafferty
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN PILGRIM — Martin County Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty announced last week that the landowner will remove gates blocking access to family cemeteries in Pilgrim. The move restores entry for families who had been shut out for months from visiting their loved ones’ graves. The land in question is under lease to
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Martin County votes down street legal UTV ordinance
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Fiscal Court voted unanimously Thursday against an ordinance that would have allowed residents to register and legally operate UTVs on public roads. The decision came after a meeting in which residents and trail advocates spoke their opinions of the measure. The ordinance stemmed from Senate
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County honors former code enforcement officer Paul McCoy for service
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Fiscal Court honored former code enforcement officer Paul McCoy on Thursday. Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty and magistrates presented him with a certificate of appreciation for his service to the county. Lafferty praised McCoy for his wide-ranging contributions. He noted McCoy’s efforts in code enforcement, festival support,
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Swim for free this Friday at the Martin County Pool
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The wait is over. The Martin County Swimming Pool is back with major improvements. After eight years of sitting dry and silent, the community pool will make a grand reopening splash this Friday with free admission all day. Gates open to the public at noon and close at
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Brown water: Judge calls on PSC to rescind order requiring outside management of Martin County Water District
County fast-tracks weed-cutting BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty is calling on the Kentucky Public Service Commission to rescind its order requiring outside management of the Martin County Water District. He cited operational failures that have led to widespread brown-colored water and growing public frustration. In the same meeting
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Martin County Fiscal Court adopts $11.3M budget
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Fiscal Court adopted an $11.3 million budget for the 2026 fiscal year during a June 18 special meeting. “It’s essentially the same budget that we had last year,” Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty said. “We wanted to be able to provide raises for our folks, but, unfortunately,
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Martin County discusses flood damage, pushes for federal assistance
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Fiscal Court discussed significant damage to roads and bridges from April storms and flash floods during an April 17 meeting. Magistrates pointed to dozens of problem sites and the urgent need for repairs, outside contractors and federal disaster assistance. District 1 Magistrate Cody Slone said
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Federal assistance available to individuals in 10 counties
President Trump signs Expedited Major Disaster Declaration BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — In the aftermath of flooding in Martin County, residents confront the devastation caused by relentless storms that swept through the Tug Valley beginning Feb. 15 as local officials assess the destruction and coordinate relief efforts. They received good news Monday when
