The Mountain Citizen

09/01/2025

Residents are blocked out of cemeteries

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. Sharon Staton of Pilgrim told magistrates that ...

08/31/2025

Bryson Elia was a first-team All-State selection the last two seasons. The versatile Tug Valley running back had impressive stats on both sides of the football. He rushed for 1,478 yards on 196 carries, scored 20 touchdowns and grabbed 32 passes out of the backfield for 379 yards and six touchdowns. On defense, Elia had 52 tackles, six interceptions and two fumble recoveries. He is a team player who helped the Panthers to the best record in school history last season but has some things he would like to do in his final campaign.

BY KYLE LOVERN MOUNTAIN  CITIZEN NAUGATUCK, W.Va. — There is no doubt that Tug Valley High School fans have enjoyed watching Bryson Elia perform on the football field the last three years. Now, as he heads into his senior season, the speedy two-way player is ready to lead the Panthers again. .....

08/31/2025

Coach Gauze: The girls played very well moving the ball fast and getting shots

BY BRITTNI MCCOY MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County High School girls soccer picked up a pair of wins last week defeating Boyd County 2-1 on Aug. 21 in Ashland and blanking Lawrence County 8-0 two nights before. Faith Caldwell scored on a 40-yard free kick that sailed perfectly over the goalie....

08/31/2025

America's Quickmart Player of the Week Faith Caldwell led Martin County to two wins last week.

A 40-yard free kick sailed perfectly past the outstretched hands of Boyd’s goalie for one score Aug. 21. Her next goal was a similar kick that found Annaleigh Davis for a score and a 2-1 win.

In an 8-0 shutout of Lawrence County two nights before, Caldwell was involved in every play. She led the way with four goals and four assists.

Congratulations to Faith Caldwell.

BY BRITTNI MCCOY MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Faith Caldwell is the America’s Quickmart of Blacklog Player of the Week. Caldwell led the Martin County High School soccer team to two wins last week. A 40-yard free kick sailed perfectly past the outstretched hands of Boyd’s goalie for one score Aug. ...

08/31/2025

The “Battle of Mingo" happened Thursday in front of a sellout, standing-room-only crowd at Bob Brewer Stadium in Naugatuck.

BY KYLE LOVERN MOUNTAIN CITIZEN NAUGATUCK, W.Va. — What an epic high school football game to start a season. When all was said and done, Mingo Central held on to defeat county rival Tug Valley 35-30 in the season opener for both schools to win the “Battle of Mingo.” The game was played in fron...

08/31/2025