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Martin County advances street-legal ATVs
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Street-legal ATVs are one vote away from becoming reality in Martin County. The Fiscal Court gave initial approval Thursday to an ordinance that would let certain all-terrain vehicles hit public roads as “street-legal special purpose vehicles (SLSPV),” provided they pass a rigorous list of safety requirements. The move…
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Martin County hires grant administrator, transfers downtown properties
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Fiscal Court enlisted the services of Fahe, a nonprofit grant administrator, to handle Community Development Block Grant applications and other grant opportunities. The decision came during a meeting Thursday that included property transfers, leases and the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget. Under the agreement with…
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Flood debris dumpsite reopens in Martin County
BUCK CREEK HILL — Martin County Fiscal Court has reopened the flood debris dumpsite on Buck Creek Hill for residents affected by storms and flooding beginning April 2 and continuing. The site will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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Magistrates mock, ridicule mandatory settlement
BY LISA STAYTON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — In what might be a history-making first for Martin County, the Fiscal Court did something unexpected in a Feb. 26 special meeting: it turned down state-mandated excess fees from the Martin County Sheriff’s Office. Kentucky law requires Sheriff John Kirk to submit a “budget, quarterly report and annual…
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Magistrates want asphalt
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County leaders advanced efforts to enhance roads and outdoor recreation during Thursday’s Fiscal Court meeting. Magistrates unanimously voted to spend federal funds for additional asphalt to use across the county. They also approved an agreement with First Frontier Appalachian Trails (FFAT) whereby the county will use its…
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Martin County raises property tax rate to offset service cuts
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Fiscal Court approved a property tax increase for 2024, raising the real property tax rate from 11.5 to 12.1 cents per $100 of assessed value, a 5.2% increase. The measure, expected to generate $372,646 in revenue, passed in a 3-0 vote Tuesday with District 4…
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Judge shakes up water board leadership
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — In a major shift, Martin County Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty appointed two new faces to the Martin County Utility Board, replacing members Jimmy Don Kerr, the chairman, and BJ Slone. The move signals a new chapter for the county as it navigates critical infrastructure challenges. Lafferty announced the appointments…
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Martin County Fiscal Court purchases Warfield building
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Fiscal Court is set to purchase the J.B. Triplett Building in Warfield for $76,000. Magistrates approved the expenditure of the county’s American Rescue Plan Act allocation at the request of Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty in a meeting Thursday. Lafferty stated the county’s goal was to revitalize…
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Martin County Fiscal Court helps senior citizens center combat adult hunger
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Senior Citizens Center (MCSCC) is set to expand its meal delivery program with the addition of two new vehicles thanks to a grant the Martin County Fiscal Court is pursuing. Magistrates approved Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty’s request Thursday for authorization to apply for the grant with…
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Moores honored for decades of service to community
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN PIGEON ROOST — Martin County Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty presented a “Servant’s Heart Award” in recognition of a Pigeon Roost couple for decades of “unwavering commitment and exemplary service” that they poured into their community. The award was bestowed upon Thelma Moore and her late husband, the late Eugene Moore during…
