-
PSC sets informal conference in Martin County Water monitoring case
The Kentucky Public Service Commission has announced an informal conference to address “a recent filing” in case 2020-00154 in which it monitors the Martin County Water District. Scheduled for Nov. 21 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., the meeting will be conducted via videoconference “to discuss issues presented in this matter.” According to a notice…
-
Martin County Water elects new chair, reports record-low water loss
BY LISA STAYTON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Water District reported encouraging improvements in its meeting Oct. 22, including the lowest water loss rate recorded in the last several years. In a unanimous decision, the board elected Tim Thoma as its new chair. “I moved to this community two years ago and I…
-
Level 1 drought declared in all Kentucky counties
FRANKFORT — The Office of the State Climatologist and the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, in coordination with the Kentucky Drought Mitigation Team, are issuing a Level 1 Drought Declaration for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. A Level 1 Drought signifies moderate to severe drought conditions mainly affecting soil moisture and vegetative health. Serious impacts to…
-
As drought lowers Tug River, Kermit takes measures to maintain water supply
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN KERMIT, W.Va. — The Tug River, strained by ongoing drought conditions, has receded to levels that have forced the Town of Kermit to resort to emergency measures to pump water to the treatment plant. In a town meeting Sept. 9, Mayor Charles Sparks outlined plans to employ a loaner pump…
-
Family denied water service for new home in Martin County
BY LISA STAYTON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — After relocating from their 11-year residence at Eden West a month ago, Kenneth Daniels and his family are facing unexpected challenges securing water service for their new home on Rocky Top Hill. The Martin County Water District denied Daniels’ request for service. Daniels shared his exasperation with water…
-
McCoy brings water district construction issues to light in Martin County: Leaky clarifier, failed pumps, low reservoir, no storage tank cleaning
Budget, management contract, record low water loss in June BY LISA STAYTON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County Water Board member Nina McCoy questioned a series of water district issues in a board meeting July 25. Her questions brought to light current issues and potential future trouble, including leaking clarifiers, failed pumps, a low reservoir…
-
A step forward but a long road ahead for water
The plight of Martin County’s water system is a grave reminder of the critical condition of infrastructure in the region and Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District. The recent request by U.S. Representative Harold “Hal” Rogers for $5 million in funding for Martin County, part of an $85.85 million Community Project Funding package, is a step in…
-
Residents can apply for utility bill payment assistance starting July 25
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT INEZ — Big Sandy Area Community Action Program (BSACAP) announced that residents in need could apply for help with their electricity, water and sewer bill payments starting July 25. The organization will accept applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Low-Income Home Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) Summer Subsidy Programs…
-
Martin County Water District grapples with depleted reservoir, project setbacks
Pump costs $1,000 a day for fuel plus $8,000 monthly rent BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County Water District is spending $1,000 a day for fuel and 8,000 a month on a pump to transfer water from the river to the critically low Curtis Crum Reservoir. Meanwhile, the water district has encountered…