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Martin County EDA seeks grant to empower ‘tourism industry’
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Economic Development Authority (EDA) approved a grant application that could provide micro-grants and training to local entrepreneurs. EDA Director Carolea Mills presented the proposal during a Feb. 11 meeting. Mills asked the board to authorize her to apply to the Appalachian Kentucky Civic Experiment Grant
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State announces $20,000 for Martin County heritage exhibits
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN Martin County Fiscal Court will receive $20,000 in state grant funding to create interpretive exhibits on President Lyndon B. Johnson’s historic “War on Poverty” visit to Inez in 1964, the Kentucky Heritage Council (KHC) announced Friday. The KHC said the second and final round of America250KY Sub-Grant Awards will provide
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Sheriff’s Office seizes over 86 grams of suspected meth in traffic stop
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN TOMAHAWK — Martin County Sheriff John Kirk and deputies seized more than 86 grams of suspected methamphetamine during a traffic stop Thursday night on Milo Road in Tomahawk. Authorities arrested Brandi Moore, 35, and Larry Joe Horn Jr., 58, both of Inez, following a consent search that also turned up
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Two arrested on criminal abuse, manslaughter charges in child death
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN Two Martin County residents are in jail facing felony charges in connection with the death of an 11-year-old boy Aug. 13, 2025, in Beauty. Patrick Speer, 34, of Warfield, and Christina Chapman, 40, of Beauty, were arrested following their indictment by a Martin County grand jury Feb. 5. Their charges
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Tennessee man to pay nearly $10K for hunting violations in Martin County
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — A Tennessee man will pay nearly $10,000 in fines, court costs and restitution after pleading guilty Feb. 2 in Martin Circuit Court to five hunting-related offenses in Martin County last fall. Court records show Tanner Smelcer, 24, of Beas Lane Hollow Road in Sevierville, Tennessee, pleaded guilty to
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Protective order lifted for Wayne water supply after mineral oil release
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN WAYNE, W.Va. — Town officials lifted the protective order on Wayne’s drinking water supply Friday following three weeks of disruption tied to a mineral oil release at an Appalachian Power facility. Wayne Mayor Danny Grace officially ended the order at approximately 2:30 p.m. Feb. 7, according to the West Virginia
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Eden Elementary wins District Governor’s Cup title
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Eden Elementary School claimed the championship in the 2026 District 116 Governor’s Cup Academic Competition that wrapped up Sunday at Inez Elementary School. Eden finished first in the final standings with 52.5 points. Porter Elementary earned second place with 32 points. Inez Elementary followed with 18.5 points, while
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School board recognizes Eden teams for achievements
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Board of Education’s spotlight was on Eden Elementary’s Junior Future Problem Solving team and Sixth Grade Academic team for recent achievements. Superintendent Larry James praised the students and their coaches Monday before the BOE meeting at the district’s central office. Eden’s Junior FPS team placed
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School board honors FRYSC coordinators during Appreciation Month
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — February is Family Resource and Youth Services Centers (FRYSC) Appreciation Month, honoring the work of coordinators who help remove non-academic barriers to student success. FRYSC programs support students and families through services such as basic needs assistance, community referrals, family engagement programs and resources that help children stay
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Martin County grand jury returns indictments
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — A Martin County grand jury returned several indictments Feb. 5, including felony charges involving child abuse, property damage and bail jumping. Kevin Michael Litton, 27, of Tomahawk, stands accused of first-degree criminal abuse involving a victim under 12 years of age. The indictment alleges that on April 19,
