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IGA faces total loss in devastating flood
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN WARFIELD — The IGA grocery store in Warfield is facing a total loss after floodwaters surged through its walls rising 5 feet inside the building between Feb. 16 and 17 and leaving behind a trail of destruction. On Monday, co-owner Judy Ousley stood inside the store, where employees had begun
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When cable becomes Cupid: Valentine’s Day heist goes off the rails in Warfield
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN WARFIELD — Some celebrate Valentine’s Day with roses. Others with chocolates. But for four visitors to Martin County, dragging stolen cable behind their car like a wedding getaway gone wrong landed them behind bars Feb. 14. The ill-fated caper unraveled when police responded to a call about a car spotted
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Appalachian Artist Festival returns with new twists and hometown headliner
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Appalachian Artist Festival returns for its third year on Saturday, Aug. 2, bringing a full day of live music, visual arts, vendors, and interactive experiences to downtown Inez. Organizer Jennifer Wells recently unveiled the musical lineup for this year’s event—a blend of tradition and creativity—and a highly
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County Attorney warns looters
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — In the wake of severe flooding, reports of looting and burglary have surfaced in Martin County, prompting a stern warning from County Attorney Melissa Phelps. As residents work to recover from the disaster, some have found their damaged homes and belongings targeted by thieves. Phelps addressed the situation
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Eleven Martin County wrestlers headed to state championships
Cards finish as Region 8 runner-up, crown three champions BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN ASHLAND – Martin County’s wrestling team delivered a powerhouse performance to finish as runner-up at the KHSAA Region 8 Championships. The event took place Saturday at Boyd County High School. The Cardinals amassed 267.5 points, finishing behind only Johnson Central (336
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Tug Valley reels from major flood
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN MARTIN COUNTY — Homes submerged, roads washed away and families stranded—this was the scene across the Tug Valley after floodwaters surged through the region over the weekend, cutting off communities and leaving thousands without power. In Kermit, the Tug Fork River crested at 51.22 feet at 12:30 a.m. on Feb.
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From struggle to strength: How Justin Muncy learned to thrive after addiction
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Members of the Kiwanis Club leaned in as Justin Muncy, a wellness coach with the Thrive Community Coalition, took the floor Thursday during a club luncheon at Giovanni’s in Inez. The guest speaker shared the story of his journey from addiction to redemption. Muncy’s role at Thrive is clear-cut.
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Martin County Youth Wrestling battles at state duals
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN LAGRANGE — Four grapplers from Martin County Youth Wrestling took to the mats Sunday at the KYUSAW State Duals to face off against some of the top programs in the state. The event took place at Oldham County High School. Martin County opened action with a determined effort against Derby
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Judge tosses case accusing Inez man of threatening water managers with hammer
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — A judge last week tossed a case in Martin County where the local water district’s contract managers accused Clarence “Edd” Kazee of threatening to beat them with a hammer. Martin District Judge Brett Butcher signed the order dismissing the case Feb. 3. Kazee, the 58-year-old owner of Eddie’s
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Fugitive on the run: Wanted man flees as accomplices land in jail
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN LOVELY — An anonymous tip led officers from the Martin County Sheriff’s Office to a home in Lovely, where a wanted fugitive’s attempted capture turned into a tense confrontation Feb. 5. While three individuals were arrested for aiding the suspect, the fugitive himself managed to escape, leading officers on a
