Kirk named interim Martin County judge

Colby Kirk was administered the oath office as interim Martin County judge-executive by County Attorney Melissa Fannin-Phelps as his wife, Cori, looked on.

By Lilly Adkins

BSN Associate Editor

INEZ —Colby Kirk was sworn in Monday as the interim Martin County judge-executive to fill the unexpired term of Victor Slone, who died Jan. 2 of cancer.

Kirk, previously the deputy judge-executive, was appointed to the position by Gov. Andy Beshear.

“Today I am honored to have been appointed by Governor Beshear to the office of Martin County Judge/Executive,” Kirk said on his Facebook page. “Having worked as Deputy Judge under Victor Slone, I am ready to carry on the work he started. I promise to work hard for the people of Martin County. I want to see our community grow and prosper as much as anyone.”

Kirk said he plans to “prioritize public safety, develop adventure tourism opportunities, and make investments with our tax dollars that encourage economic growth and new jobs.”

“I'm looking forward to serving the community which I so dearly love,” he said.

Kirk has also filed to run for judge-executive in the May primary election.

Kirk is the third person to serve as judge-executive since 2021. Slone, formerly a District 5 magistrate, was appointed by Beshear on April 6, 2021, to fill the unexpired term of William Davis, who resigned on March 26, 2021. Slone was officially sworn in on May 9, 2021.