Mount Hope Mayor Michael Martin is staying on the job.
The Register-Herald learned late Friday afternoon that a special three-judge panel had dismissed a petition to have Martin and city council members removed from office.
Martin confirmed he was notified earlier Friday by his attorney, Christopher Moorehead, that the petition had been dismissed.
But Martin said he had not seen the judges’ order and declined further comment.
Moorehead could not be reached for comment.
George F. Smith, who lost last May’s mayoral election to Martin, had leveled several allegations against Martin and council members. Among other things, Smith accused Martin and council of illegally paying out Christmas bonuses totaling more than $3,100 to city employees and contended an executive session regarding a settlement in a civil dispute with a dismissed Mount Hope police officer should not have taken place.
Smith lost last May’s election by 37 votes out of 421 cast and almost immediately contested the results to Fayette County Circuit Judge Paul Blake. In December, Blake forwarded the case, which then contained additional allegations, to the state Supreme Court, which appointed a three-judge panel to hear the case.
The three circuit judges — Gary Johnson of Nicholas County, Robert Waters of Wood County and David Janes of Marion County — heard testimony in March.
Local News
Petition against mayor of Mount Hope dismissed
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Lake Stephens plans beach blast
Ring in the summer fun with food, friends, local musicians and a beachfront atmosphere June 2 at the fifth annual Lake Stephens Beach Blast.
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Rahall speaks at Meadow Bridge graduation event
Representative Nick J. Rahall spoke at the Meadow Bridge High School graduation Saturday, commending the school and graduates on their decade-long 100 percent voter registration.
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Boating accident claims man during camping trip
A Fayette County man is dead after a boating accident during a family camping trip Saturday, reported Jeff West, Chief Ranger for the New River Gorge National River.
- Calendar — Sunday, May 27, 2012
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A fun day at school
Students who participated in a school fundraiser at Cranberry-Prosperity Elementary School sprayed their principal Becky Smith during a hot Friday. Smith was decked out in flippers, goggles and floaties during the fun. Smith paraded past students as they drenched her with water guns.
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Mount Hope woman aims to help youths live better lives
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