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Freedom Fest update
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary July 4 with a full day of Freedom Fest events, from pickleball and a parade to live music and fireworks in downtown Inez. The celebration will include activities at several locations before moving to Courthouse Square for the evening program. “We…
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Martin County students earn Morehead State dean’s list honors
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT Morehead State University named 11 Martin County students to its spring dean’s list. Students qualified for the dean’s list by completing at least 12 undergraduate credit hours and earning a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher for the semester. Among students in the Caudill College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, Kayla…
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Young black bears roaming: Officials urge residents to give them space
Kentucky wildlife officials are reminding residents not to panic if they spot a black bear this summer, saying recent sightings in neighborhoods, backyards and urban areas are a normal part of the animals’ seasonal behavior. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources said young male black bears leave their home ranges in eastern Kentucky…
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Hale, Robinson named MSU Community Engaged Eagles
Two Martin County students were among more than 100 students named to Morehead State University’s Spring 2026 Presidential Community Engaged Eagles list. Katelyn Hale of Inez and Hannah Robinson of Beauty earned the recognition, which honors students for their commitment to service through community and civic engagement. Throughout the semester, students participated in service projects…
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Protecting our community starts with immunizations
BY DOROTHY DILLON One of the most important steps parents can take to protect their children is keeping them up to date on recommended immunizations. Vaccines help prevent serious illnesses before children are exposed, giving them the best possible start to a healthy life. The first months of a baby’s life are especially important, as…
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Martin County seniors prove competitive spirit never gets old
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT INEZ — If there were a medal count for enthusiasm, the Martin County Senior Citizens Center might have swept that category, too. A group of local seniors traveled to the 39th annual Big Sandy Senior Games in May and returned home with an impressive collection of top finishes in everything from bowling…
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Summer Jam strikes note in Inez
Jack & The Postmen opened Martin County Tourism’s Summer Jam series Friday evening on Court Street in Inez, treating the crowd to a mix of country and pop favorites. The free music series continues July 17 at 5 p.m. with a bluegrass jam featuring the Stidham Old Time Music Association, Pick and Bow students and…
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Retired Teachers pay tribute to colleagues and friends
BY ROSSALENE COX The Martin County Retired Teachers Association held a memorial service May 29 in remembrance of educators who passed away in the last year. The meeting, held at the Collier Center in Inez, honored Billie Jean Fields, John Goble, Joe Hammond, Willis Ray Haws, Ardonis Muncy, Ruth Stepp, James Webb and Lutie Williams.…
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You Matter Appalachia partners with ARO for summer service
Submitted article This summer, one of You Matter Appalachia’s three cohorts joined forces with Appalachia Reach Out (ARO) to serve families across the region through a hands-on partnership rooted in community and compassion. The cohort spent the summer weeks alongside ARO volunteers, pitching in across several of the organization’s signature programs. Team members helped staff…
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Eastern Kentucky leader Sabrina Hayden receives prestigious Commonwealth Ambassador Award for leadership, youth advocacy, community impact
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT PAINTSVILLE — Sabrina Hayden, outreach and admissions manager for the Carl D. Perkins Job Corps Center, has been named a recipient of the Kentucky Commonwealth Ambassador Award, one of the Commonwealth’s highest honors for leadership, civic engagement and service. The award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, professional excellence and a commitment…










