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Corrosive water ‘root cause’ of brown water in Martin County, chairman says
BY LISA STAYTON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County Water Board Chairman Tim Thoma says recent widespread brown water in the county is a symptom of corrosive water dislodging mineral buildup inside aging pipes. “This is the root cause,” Thoma told the board in a July 22 meeting, citing the county’s negative Langelier Saturation Index
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Tourism greenlights festival plans, logistics ahead of big weekend
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Tourism Board got an update on the Appalachian Artist Festival in a meeting last week. They also approved financials and addressed logistical concerns, including trash pickup and rental policies for upcoming events and venue rentals. With the Appalachian Artist Festival just days away from transforming
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Back to school Aug. 6: Martin County sets the clock on 2025–26
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Backpacks at the ready: Martin County students will head back to school Aug. 6. According to the school district’s 2025–26 calendar, teachers report a day earlier for opening day Aug. 5. This follows a round of professional development July 29–31 and Aug. 4. The last day of school
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Cox outlines Big Sandy Regional Airport’s vital role, pushes to keep facility disaster-ready
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — As Black Hawk helicopters thundered into Big Sandy Regional Airport carrying pajama-clad flood evacuees in February, Gary Wayne Cox stood ready in the dark, literally. With his home power out and disaster unfolding across eastern Kentucky, the airport manager scrambled to confirm enough fuel for a nonstop rescue
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Trending: Kids swim for free this Saturday
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — For the third Saturday in a row, all kids 18 and under will swim for free Aug. 2 at the Martin County Pool. Deputy Judge/Executive Carolea Mills is the latest county official to receive a donation to cover the cost of admission, following the lead of Martin County
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Martin County arrest report
INEZ — Martin County Sheriff John Kirk’s Office reported the following arrests: Kendrick Sartin, 18, of Lovely, was arrested Monday on KY-292 in Lovely on a charge of fourth-degree assault (domestic violence), minor injury. Chief Deputy Chris Kidd responded to a residence on Route 292 around 2:45 p.m. after a 911 caller reported that Sartin had
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Are ya ready kids?! Dive-in movie night Friday at Martin County Pool
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT INEZ — Are ya ready kids?! The Martin County Pool will transform into an outdoor theater Friday night offering families a chance to enjoy a double feature while floating under the stars. The pool’s “dive-in” movie night will begin at 8 p.m. with the animated favorite “SpongeBob SquarePants” followed by the 1975
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Hinkle steps into role as Family and Consumer Sciences teacher and FCCLA adviser
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — As Martin County High School bids farewell to longtime educator Connie Harless, the school welcomes a new face with deep local roots and a passion for youth development. Nicole Hinkle has been named the new Family and Consumer Sciences teacher and FCCLA adviser, stepping into the role Harless
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Well Child Services now available at the Martin County Health Department
BY DOROTHY DILLON The Martin County Health Department is now offering Well Child Services through the EPSDT (Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment) program. This free healthcare program is designed for children and teens under the age of 21 who are enrolled in Medicaid. Services include regular checkups, immunizations, vision and dental screenings, developmental
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Cardinals strike gold at Bluegrass State Games
BY BRITTNI MCCOY MOUNTAIN CITIZEN LEXINGTON — Martin County Youth Wrestling made a strong showing at the 2025 Bluegrass State Games. Three Cardinals struck gold and two captured runner-up in the event July 26 at Layfayette High School. In the 16U boys 111-114 division, Jeremy Mollett dominated his bracket and claimed first place. Mollett opened
