-
City explores ban on homeless encampments; announces festive events
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN WARFIELD — In a meeting Thursday, the Warfield City Commission discussed the formulation of an ordinance aimed at prohibiting homeless encampments in response to the growing homeless population in the city. Commissioner John Sammons emphasized the need for a draft to be ready by the next meeting. Mayor Mike Hinkle,…
-
Martin County introduces strict new garbage and nuisance ordinance
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County Fiscal Court unveiled a new solid waste and nuisance ordinance in its meeting Thursday. The 22-page ordinance implements stricter fines and penalties for violators, empowers code enforcement officers with extended authority, and establishes a code enforcement board to oversee legal proceedings. Before delving into the first…
-
Harvest Festival boosts local businesses, economy
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Kiwanis Club gathered Thursday at Shufflin Café in Inez to reflect on the overwhelming success of the 2023 Harvest Festival and announce plans for next year. “It was a great turnout. I’ve never seen so many people in the county out and about,” Kiwanis president Melissa Phelps…
-
Grassy School fated for demolition amid asbestos and lead paint concern
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The old Grassy School is fated for demolition, but the Martin County Fiscal Court must first remove asbestos, lead paint and other hazardous materials from the structure. Martin County Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty recently discussed the results of the June 16-21 survey conducted by Tetra Tech Inc., confirming the…
-
Election 2023: Voter deadlines and dates to remember
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — As the Nov. 7 General Election draws nearer, Martin County Clerk and Board of Elections Chairman Susie Skyle has issued reminders for all residents intending to cast their ballots. “Mark your calendars with these dates so you can participate in the election,” Skyles said. Deadline to register Skyles…
-
Martin County advertises hearing on tax rate, approves loans for Riverside residents
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County Fiscal Court announced a public hearing on the real property tax rate, approved HUD loans for Riverside residents and advanced several development projects in a meeting Thursday. The court voted to advertise a public hearing on the real property tax rate for 1 p.m. Oct. 12…
-
Martin County magisterial districts unchanged by reapportionment
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County’s five magisterial districts will retain their current boundaries following a recent reapportionment study. The news was confirmed Thursday by Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty during a Martin County Fiscal Court meeting. “The reapportionment plan makes no changes,” Lafferty stated before carrying out the initial reading of an ordinance…
-
Inez City Commission supports Christmas in the Mountains with $4,500
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Inez City Commission, in a special city meeting Sept. 12, pledged $4,500 to the upcoming Christmas in the Mountains festival. They will also provide a street worker to assist with the decorations. Several Christmas in the Mountains committee members attended the meeting to outline their remaining budgetary…
-
City of Inez on solid financial footing, says auditor
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Financial auditor Jim Bryant from Wells & Company presented the City of Inez with audits for 2021 and 2022, stating the audits were clean and the city was on solid financial footing. Bryant brought his report to the Inez Commission’s special meeting Sept. 12 at City Hall, which…
-
Harvest Fest has record attendance
INEZ — The Martin County Harvest Fest brought out the largest crowd many folks have seen in decades. “To say the Harvest Fest was a success would be an understatement,” Inez business owner Stephanie May said. “There were more people there both Friday and Saturday nights than I believe I’ve ever seen before. The street…
Tag: Roger Smith
