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Martin County’s proposed budget jumps to $19.8M with flood buyout
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County Fiscal Court gave a first reading Thursday to a proposed FY2027 budget that grows to approximately $19.8 million from $11.3 million in FY2026, driven by a $6.18 million flood buyout fund while also directing around $1.5 million toward community amenities, tourism and public facilities, including the…
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Martin County arrest report
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT NEZ — Martin County Sheriff John Kirk’s office reported the following arrests: Joey Mat Luster, 67, of Inez, was arrested May 24 on Blacklog Road in Inez on charges of first-degree wanton endangerment and alcohol intoxication in a public place, first and second offense. Sheriff Kirk responded to a caller saying Luster…
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Mountain Wellness Collaborative announced for Big Sandy region
BY MYCCA DECKER APPALACHIAN NEWSPAPERS INEZ — Public health leaders from Floyd, Johnson, Magoffin, Martin and Pike counties announced the creation of the Mountain Wellness Collaborative during an event at the Martin County Health Department on May 20. The collaborative will bring the health departments together to address diabetes, obesity, heart disease and other chronic…
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From classrooms to trails, conservation leaves its mark
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Conservation in Martin County looks different depending on where you stand — in a classroom, on a farm or along a wooded trail behind the Collier Center. Martin County Soil and Water Conservation District chairman Tom Dials told Fiscal Court members Thursday that the district continues working across…
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Swinging for sweets
Residents at Martin County Health Care Facility took turns putting their strength to the test during a lively piñata activity. Laughter and anticipation took over as residents swung for the colorful, candy-filled target, cheering one another on with every hit. The fun ended with a sweet reward after Micheal delivered the final blow, sending candy…
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Legendary girls basketball coach Robin Newsome steps down after 40 years
BY BRITTNI MCCOY MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County coach Robin Newsome, a Kentucky High School Basketball Hall of Famer and one of the winningest coaches in state history, announced her retirement Tuesday after nearly 40 years of coaching basketball. This past season, Newsome became the 15th Region’s all-time winningest girls basketball coach and finished…
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Martin County court dockets
INEZ — Judge John Kevin Holbrook heard cases May 21 in Martin Circuit Court. Meanwhile, Judge John T. Chafin heard cases May 19 in Martin District Court. Circuit Court Trevor Kelly Blackburn (change of plea) — 1. Public intoxication controlled substance (excludes alcohol); 2. Drug paraphernalia-buy/possession; 3. Possession of controlled substance, first degree, first offense…
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Martin County approved for $40K in farm incentive funding
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT Martin County farmers could receive assistance for projects ranging from fencing and livestock watering systems to farm improvements and marketing. The county received approval for $40,000 through Kentucky’s County Agricultural Incentives Program. The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board (KADB) approved the funding May 15 as part of more than $5.2 million awarded statewide…
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Martin County civil suits, deeds and marriages
INEZ — Martin Circuit Clerk Denise Gauze reported five civil suits filed in her office through May 21. Meanwhile, Martin County Clerk Susie Skyles reported five deeds and three marriages recorded in her office through May 20. Civil Suits Midland Credit Management Inc. vs. Reggie L. Sammons. Tiara Jean Spence vs. Landen Jackson Flanery. Credit…
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Health department welcomes nursing students for rural health discussion
BY DOROTHY DILLON The Martin County Health Department had the pleasure of welcoming the Indiana Wesleyan Nursing Students this week for a discussion on rural public health in partnership with Appalachia Reach Out. Students learned about the unique challenges and strengths of serving rural communities, the role public health plays in prevention and outreach, and…
