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Martin County Water District asks PSC to end oversight
Opponents warn system remains fragile BY LISA STAYTON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County Water District is asking the Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) to close a long-running oversight case and lift monitoring requirements imposed more than six years ago, arguing that the utility has made significant financial and operational progress under outside management. The
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Martin County Water declines rate hike despite revenue gap
BY LISA STAYTON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — On paper, the numbers point to a sharp water rate hike. In practice, Martin County water officials say they are charting a different course. The Martin County Water District filed its 2026 Revenue Requirement Report with the Kentucky Public Service Commission on Monday. The filing shows the district
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2025: A year defined by water, weather and resolve
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — If 2025 had a shape in Martin County, it was uneven ground. The year rose with moments of promise and dropped without warning into loss and disruption, forcing people to find their footing again and again. Water told much of the story. It fell as snow and ice,
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Kirk & Crum Law Firm Player of the Week: Braxton Keathley
BY BRITTNI MCCOY MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County High School’s Braxton Keathley is the Kirk & Crum Law Firm Player of the Week. Keathley battled through a rugged three-game stretch at the Bristol Christmas Tournament on the road. The junior guard poured in 93 points in three games (31.0 ppg) and added 26 rebounds.
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Martin County arrest report
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT INEZ — Martin County Sheriff John Kirk’s Office reported the following arrests: Teresa Rena Marcum, 47, of Rockcastle Creek Road, Louisa, was arrested Dec. 27 on Little Laurel Road on charges of possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia – buy/possession. Sheriff John Kirk said he was dispatched to a residence on Little
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Who is running in Martin County: Early filings set stage for 2026 local elections
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Candidate filing opened Nov. 5 for local offices that will appear on the 2026 ballot, with early filings showing a mix of crowded contests and largely uncontested races across Martin County. As of Monday, 26 candidates had registered to run for county and city offices. Sheriff The most
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From shy steps to spotlight: Christmas showcase celebrates dance
BY TAWNY SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Twinkle lights and tiny dance shoes took center stage Saturday in Inez as The Inez Dance Academy brought its annual Christmas Showcase to the Collier Center. The 2025 performance was equal parts tradition and celebration — a chance for young dancers to trade classroom mirrors for a real
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Solid Waste Board weighs condemnation of properties
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Slow progress at multiple nuisance properties and a growing number of illegal trash dumps dominated discussion at a recent Martin County Solid Waste Board meeting. Officials weighed the possibility of condemnation and debated how far the county can legally go to address deteriorating and hazardous sites. Code enforcement
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Martin County arrest report
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT INEZ — Martin County Sheriff John Kirk’s Office reported the following arrests: Lonnie Ray Jude, 49, of Pilgrim, was arrested Dec. 22 on North Wolf Creek Road in Pilgrim on a charge of assault, fourth degree (domestic violence), minor injury. According to the arrest report, Sheriff Kirk responded to a call about
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Martin County Adult Education opens doors across generations
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — From evening classes held in local schools in the 1960s to current nationally recognized outcomes, Martin County Adult Education (MCAE) has evolved alongside the community it serves, instructor Vicky Jude told the Kiwanis Club during a recent meeting. She said the center’s GED program provides a high school
