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From struggle to strength: How Justin Muncy learned to thrive after addiction
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Members of the Kiwanis Club leaned in as Justin Muncy, a wellness coach with the Thrive Community Coalition, took the floor Thursday during a club luncheon at Giovanni’s in Inez. The guest speaker shared the story of his journey from addiction to redemption. Muncy’s role at Thrive is clear-cut.…
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Valentine’s cards bring joy to nursing home
INEZ — A group of ladies from White Oak Hill had the privilege and honor of creating and delivering handmade Valentine’s Day cards to residents at the Martin County Healthcare Facility on Feb. 14. Their heartfelt gesture brought joy to the residents, making Valentine’s Day extra special. The group expressed their gratitude for the opportunity…
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Request replacement SNAP by Feb. 25
Households that lost food purchased with their SNAP benefits due to the Feb. 15 storms and flooding have until Feb. 25 to request replacement benefits, the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services announced. Recipients who lost food bought with SNAP due to a power outage of at least four hours or flooding can call…
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Two sides of Ozempic: Weight loss success and health nightmares
BY MELISSA PATRICK KENTUCKY HEALTH For some, the weight loss drug Ozempic “is life-changing,” but for others, ‘it’s a nightmare,” Valerie Chinn reports for WDRB. Lucinda Mason, a Mt. Washington resident who has lost 100 pounds and kept it off, told Chinn that her experience with the drug has been positive and has dramatically improved…
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Christian Help collecting donations for flood relief
KERMIT — Christian Help of Mingo County began accepting donations to assist flood victims on Tuesday at their location at 100 Lincoln Street in Kermit. Pressing needs included bottled water, blankets, nonperishable foods, diapers, cleaning supplies, dog/cat food and financial donations. “Prayer is the most powerful blessing,” the organization said. “We are stronger together.” For financial…
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FAFSA February: Do not leave free money on the table
February is Financial Aid Awareness Month, and the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority’s FAFSA February campaign reminds students to submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Do not leave free money on the table. Completing the FAFSA is the first step to unlocking financial aid for college, technical school or career training. Some financial…
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IES Academic team advances to regional Governor’s Cup
INEZ — The Inez Elementary Academic team secured the overall runner-up title at the District Governor’s Cup , earning a spot in the regional competition. The team showcased its strength across multiple categories, with standout performances in Quick Recall, Future Problem-Solving and individual written assessments. In the Quick Recall event, the team finished as runner-up,…
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KCTCS president launches search for next Big Sandy president
PRESTONSBURG — Dr. Ryan Quarles, president of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, recently visited Big Sandy Community and Technical College (BSCTC) to launch the search for the college’s next president. During his visit, Dr. Quarles hosted a public forum, inviting community members, faculty and staff to share their perspectives on the qualities and…
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UPIKE introduces music education major
PIKEVILLE — The University of Pikeville has introduced a new major in music education, a program designed to prepare students for teacher certification in Kentucky and equip them with the skills necessary to teach music across all grade levels. A collaboration between the university’s Department of Music and the Patton College of Education, the program…
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Healthy Happenings: You have the power to quit
BY DOROTHY DILLON Smoking and tobacco use increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure. But here’s the good news—you have the power to change that. Quitting tobacco improves heart health and lowers your risk of serious health conditions. Quit Now Kentucky provides: This American Heart Month, make a commitment to a…