September 1, 2018
INEZ, Ky. — After nearly 20 years as Martin County Attorney Kennis Maynard retired earlier this week and handed over the reins four months before his present term ends to Melissa Fannin Phelps.
Phelps was sworn in August 29 in the District Courtroom that has been named in Kennis Maynard’s honor. Phelps is the first female county attorney in Martin County history and ran unopposed in this year’s Primary.
Kennis Maynard, who has been struggling with health issues for the past several months decided to step down four months early because of his health and the desire to spend more time with his family. He has served four terms making him one of the longest serving county attorneys in county history.
Maynard, 66, is perhaps best known for his epic battles with three term county attorney Drewie Muncy, who he lost to twice but defeated in 1989 in an upset win. Maynard always ran as a ‘voice for the people and not the companies’.
He was named ‘Outstanding County Attorney of the Year’ by Kentucky Attorney General Steve Beshear on the day of his retirement.
Here is a FB statement by Kennis’ brother James Maynard:
“…Congratulation to brother Kennis Maynard. He was presented with the ‘Outstanding County Attorney of the Year by Attorney General Andy Beshear at the 2018 Ky Prosecutor’s Conference in Frankfort, Ky. today. Also the Martin County District Courtroom was renamed and will now be called the Kennis Maynard District Courtroom. Kennis will retire from public service tomorrow and will enter retirement. I pray to God that he will heal Kennis’ body and give him and Marsha many more happy years on earth. I am proud of Kennis for all his years of dedication to the people of Martin County. I am also proud to call him my oldest brother but more importantly my brother in Christ.”
Mrs. Phelps was sworn in by County Judge-Executive Kelly Callaham after the Maynard retirement ceremony. She is a popular figure in Martin County politics who has been described as an attorney ‘with a keen sense of the law and also compassion for the people’.
Here is her statement after the swearing in.
“…I am so thankful for the opportunity to serve our community in this new role as County Attorney. My family is my rock and have been right by my side, cheering me on in everything I have ever done – and today was no different! I am especially grateful that my beautiful momma was able to be there today – everything I know about hard work and determination comes from growing up watching her journey through this life.
To my husband – thank you for agreeing to come along with me as I chased this dream.
To everyone who has messaged, commented, stopped by or called today – I love you all and sincerely appreciate the love, prayers, and well wishes you have sent. I am genuinely excited to embark on this journey and will work as hard as I can for this County and it’s people.”
Kennis is my brother-in-law and I have to say that he is a wonderful person. If he wasn’t my family I would still say this. I have known Kennis for many, many years…more than I wish to count and he has always been a wonderful person. I do wish him lots of luck on his retirement and continued prayers for his health. I’m sure Melissa will do a wonderful job. She is a great person.
congrats im so happy for u you was always fair and wanted to help ppl and not judge them aunt linda and my dad donnie stacy loved u to death and she always knew who to call when she need help with brad mills her son in his teenage years and even helped me out gave me a second chance told me crystal lynn i better not see u in here again ur aunt linda would be so upset with u ur to smart and better then this getting in trouble and i never did get in trouble agian for a long time ive been in trouble one another time in 20 years and got a dui ticket about 8 years never was took to jail but i never went to court over the ticket and i need to get it took care of my old man has cancer and has to have chemo in huntington twice every two weeks and he gets to weak to drive and i need to get them back so i can drive for him but worried about going in and them putting me in jail right now and leaving him to not having anyone take care of him and the kids but i need to and get it and i know that if u was there u would help me but the ticket is in wv u always would help when u could but when u need to be strict u would u are a great man and i hope u are enjoying ur life and relaxing u deserve it sorry i just found this out i moved away and got my life together own my hoime an dtaken car my kids his kids and our grandkids and him i stay to busy to get in trouble which good hopefully ill see ya around when im over that way sometimes