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Kentucky coal counties receive mining fee refunds
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT FRANKFORT — Fiscal courts in 29 Kentucky counties, including Martin, Floyd, Johnson, Lawrence and Pike, are set to receive a collective refund of $119,625 from mining permit and acreage fees, Gov. Andy Beshear announced Aug. 7. The refunds, calculated as a percentage of fees paid by surface coal mining companies within each…
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Inez Volunteer Fire Department honored for 70 years of service
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Inez Volunteer Fire Department (IVFD) was honored by Martin County Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty and the Fiscal Court on Thursday in recognition of its 70 years of service to the community. The celebration took place before the Fiscal Court meeting, where Fire Chief Lee Gauze, Assistant Chief Nick…
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Martin County seeks $2.2 million for debt repayment and other needs
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Fiscal Court is applying for $2,175,000 in Local Government Economic Development Fund (single-county coal severance) grants to address various needs. During a meeting Thursday, magistrates approved six resolutions authorizing these grant applications. Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty emphasized that coal severance funds have been dwindling each year…
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Martin County funds water project
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County allocated $300,000 from its American Rescue Plan funds to match the funding for the Martin County Water District’s meter and service line replacement project on Collins Creek Road in Warfield. Congressman Hal Rogers announced a $1.2 million grant through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Section…
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Martin County honors lifelong residents and business owners Danny and Doris Mooney
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — In a heartfelt ceremony preceding the fiscal court meeting Thursday, Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty and the Martin County Magistrates honored Danny and Doris Mooney, lifelong residents and business owners of Inez. Lafferty began by recounting the couple’s journey, noting that they met over 64 years ago in high school…
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Martin County to purchase dilapidated downtown properties
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Fiscal Court is purchasing seven downtown properties in Inez for $550,000. Magistrates approved the expenditure of the county’s American Rescue Plan Act allocation in a special meeting Friday. Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty stated the goal was to revitalize the county. “Many buildings in our cities are dilapidated—have fallen on…
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Martin County seeks grant for regional sewer treatment plant
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Fiscal Court in a special session Friday authorized Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty to execute application documents for Government Resources Accelerating Needed Transformation grants. This funding will support the expansion of the Honey Branch Wastewater Treatment Plant’s capacity from 1 million gallons per day to 2 million…
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Martin County sets financial direction for FY 2025
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County Fiscal Court set the financial direction for the coming year with the first reading of its proposed $11,765,079 Fiscal Year 2025 budget in a meeting May 1. Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty commended the finance office staff and others who worked to prepare the budget. “We appreciate everyone’s…
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Martin County takes steps toward off-road adventure trails
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County Fiscal Court made decisions during its April 18 session toward developing ATV/UTV trails within the county. Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty requested the court’s approval for a $250,000 grant application to the Department for Local Government. The grant is sourced from funds earmarked for the Kentucky Mountain Regional…
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Celebrating excellence: Wrestlers honored at Martin County Fiscal Court meeting
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Three Martin County wrestlers were in the spotlight during the Martin County Fiscal Court meeting. Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty introduced Cole Jewell, Brody Jewell and Parker Maynard and awarded them certificates for their achievements this season. “We couldn’t be prouder of you,” Lafferty told the trio. “We have some…
