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Residents plead for help getting access to cemeteries blocked by gates
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — A group of Martin County residents pressed the Fiscal Court on Thursday to intervene in what they say is an unlawful closure of the only road to multiple family cemeteries on a reclaimed strip mine in Pilgrim. Minnie Maynard of Pilgrim told magistrates that she had spent months…
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County honors former code enforcement officer Paul McCoy for service
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Fiscal Court honored former code enforcement officer Paul McCoy on Thursday. Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty and magistrates presented him with a certificate of appreciation for his service to the county. Lafferty praised McCoy for his wide-ranging contributions. He noted McCoy’s efforts in code enforcement, festival support,…
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Woman allegedly tried to run over social workers
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN LOVELY — A woman is facing multiple charges after authorities say she threatened state social workers and tried to ram their vehicle. Police arrested Garnet Scott, 36, of Lovely, on Aug. 20 on North Wolf Creek in Lovely on charges of first-degree wanton endangerment and third-degree terroristic threatening. According to…
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Marker honors legacy of Inez High School
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Hall of Fame and Museum, in partnership with the City of Inez, unveiled a memorial marker Aug. 13 honoring the former Inez High School. The marker stands on Main Street in front of the Martin County Business Center, the site of the school that educated…
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Native son steps into agriculture agent role
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County has a new agriculture agent at the extension office—and for the first time, he is a native son determined to stay. Dan Howard, who accepted the position in May, introduced himself and his plans Thursday during a Kiwanis Club lunch at Giovanni’s in Inez. “I am…
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Martin County BOE reports enrollment figures
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Board of Education conducted its first meeting of the new school year Aug. 11 with an enrollment report and regular business. Superintendent Larry James presented the enrollment figures showing the district has 1,552 students for 2025–26, a decrease of 21 from last year. Martin County…
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Inez keeps real property tax rate flat
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Inez City Commission kept its property tax rate flat for the coming fiscal year, advanced work with FEMA and endorsed stronger federal black lung benefits during its Thursday meeting. Commissioners conducted the first reading of the property tax ordinance for fiscal year 2025-26. Unchanged from last year,…
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BOE honors Martin County FCCLA students for national wins
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Board of Education opened its Aug. 11 meeting by celebrating four FCCLA students who earned top honors at the National Leadership Conference in Orlando. Superintendent Larry James praised the student’s achievements, noting that longtime FCCLA adviser Connie Harless recently retired. Her successor Nicole Hinkle, he…
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Martin County seeks grant to renovate Collier Center: Public hearing Aug. 22
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Fiscal Court plans to apply for federal funding to renovate the Roy F. Collier Community Center and will hold a public hearing to gather input from residents before submitting the application. The hearing is on the calendar for noon Friday, Aug. 22, in the Martin…
