-
Martin County BOE approves local planning committee facilitator service
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Board of Education voted Monday to hire a local planning committee facilitator service to assist in developing a district facility plan. Superintendent Larry James explained that state law requires the district to develop a facility plan every four years. “We didn’t do one the last…
-
Hillbilly Breakfast brews bright futures: Scholarships awarded to Martin County stars
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Kiwanis Club’s Hillbilly Breakfast fundraiser yielded significant dividends Thursday, awarding scholarships to two outstanding graduates from Martin County High School: Lena Hale and Addison Duncan. The young scholars were honored guests at the Kiwanis luncheon held at Masterpiece Kitchen & Café, where each was presented with a…
-
Alley Way Benefits seeks pledges for fundraiser to aid local families
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Alley Way Benefits, a community organization, is once again rallying support for families in need. Founder Ricky Alley announced his commitment to volunteer at a car wash and bake sale this Saturday at Advance Auto in Inez with the goal of raising funds. Alley is seeking sponsors to…
-
Ohio woman arrested outside federal prison in Kentucky after being found passed out in car
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN DEBORD, Ky. — An Ohio woman was detained outside the U.S. Penitentiary Big Sandy in Debord after she was found unconscious in her car, authorities said. Officials at the Kentucky State Police Post 9 Pikeville responded to a call at 3:12 p.m. June 1 concerning Cherron Aryel Caldwell, 36, of…
-
Martin County grand jury indicts suspects linked to Buck Branch burglary and guitar theft; four others
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — A Martin County grand jury issued indictments Thursday against seven individuals, including three suspects linked to a recent burglary and theft of two valuable guitars from a residence in Lovely. Garland Mills, 50, of Pilgrim, stands accused of burglary in the second degree/complicity and criminal mischief in the…
-
Mother arrested after toddler found wandering on busy highway
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ, Ky. — A woman from Inez is facing charges after her toddler was found wandering alone on a highway, according to Martin County Sheriff John Kirk. The incident occurred when the 2-year-old escaped from home and was seen running along Route 40 near its intersection with Route 645 on…
-
24th Judicial District celebrates drug court graduates
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The 24th Judicial District Specialty Court congratulated and gifted eight drug court graduates May 28 in the courtroom in Inez. Judges, specialty court staff, family, friends and supporters were on hand for what Judge John T. Chafin says is his “most favorite” part of the job. “This distinguished…
-
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…
-
Martin County Water has not secured project permits; Warfield braces amid concerns
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN WARFIELD — Tensions surfaced in Warfield as the city prepares for significant water infrastructure construction along Collins Creek Road, slated to start June 10. The Martin County Water District (MCWD), responsible for the project, has not yet secured the necessary permits required by the City of Warfield, sparking concerns among…
-
Martin County High School hires new principal
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County High School announced Friday that Dr. Michelle Harless has been hired as the new principal. Harless fills a vacancy left by the untimely death of principal Brian Charles in November 2023. A 23-year veteran educator, Harless shared her excitement in a social media post, saying, “I…