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Inez psychologist discusses burnout, balance, boundaries
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Dr. Bethany Mills stood before the Kiwanis Club in Inez with a simple message for people who carry too much: Burnout is not weakness. It is a warning. “Burnout doesn’t mean you’re weak,” Mills told Kiwanians during Thursday’s luncheon. “It usually means that you’ve been strong for too…
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National Nursing Home Week turns sweet
INEZ — Residents and staff at the Martin County Health Care Facility turned back the clock to a world of sweet treats and childhood memories as they celebrated National Nursing Home Week with a Candyland-themed week full of games, music and laughter. The facility transformed ordinary days into a colorful celebration packed with activities that…
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Haley Robinson earns Donate Life Kentucky scholarship
INEZ — Martin Circuit Clerk Denise Gauze praised local scholarship winner Haley Robinson as Kentucky’s Circuit Court Clerks announced the recipients of the 2026 Donate Life Kentucky Scholarship Program. Robinson was among 20 students statewide selected to receive a $1,000 scholarship for promoting organ donation awareness through public education and outreach efforts. “The students of…
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‘Let’s Taco ‘Bout Breastfeeding’
BY DOROTHY DILLON Our HANDS Program recently hosted a fun and informative “Let’s Taco ‘Bout Breastfeeding” event here at the Martin County Health Department. This special event brought families together to learn more about breastfeeding support, connect with other moms, enjoy great food and celebrate the importance of healthy beginnings for babies and families. From…
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A mother’s legacy: Reflections from her daughters
Editor’s Note: In celebration of Rachel Stepp’s birthday, her daughters shared reflections on growing up under the care and instruction of a mother whose influence shaped their faith, character and lives. The tribute was inspired and coordinated by her husband, Thurrel Stepp, as an expression of gratitude and appreciation. Mashal Varney Mom influenced the woman…
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Local businesses shower Inez mom with giveaway surprises
BY DIANE SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — There are moments when an ordinary phone call becomes something unforgettable. For Tracie Maynard of Inez, this year’s Mother’s Day Giveaway from the Mountain Citizen delivered that kind of surprise. When Maynard learned she had won the overflowing basket of gifts, excitement quickly turned to emotion. “I’ve never…
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Lawson graduates from MSU with exceptional distinction
Vincent Robert Lawson of Louisa, a graduate of Martin County High School, will graduate from Morehead State University with exceptional distinction. He earned double majors in legal studies and sociology along with a minor in gender studies. A member of Phi Eta Sigma, Lawson completed 145 credit hours in six semesters. He was named Outstanding…
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Martin County JAG students earn national honors in Utah
Martin County students once again proved they can compete with the best in the nation. Students from Martin County High School and Martin County Middle School earned national recognition at the Jobs for America’s Graduates National Career Development Conference held April 30-May 2 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Martin County High School placed in two…
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Inez Elementary honors April 2026 Students & Staff of the Month
INEZ — Principal Amanda Fields, teachers and staff recently recognized the April 2026 Students & Staff of the Month at Inez Elementary School. Honorees include: Kindergarten Mrs. Cain: Nicholas Cook Mrs. Moore: Maci Griffith First Grade Mrs. Haney-Griffith: Kyson Endicott Second Grade Mrs. Mills: Lydia Howard Third Grade Mrs. Wilson: Athena Todd Fourth Grade Ms.…
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West Virginia Hot Dog Festival returns to Huntington June 6
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — The 22nd Annual West Virginia Hot Dog Festival will return to downtown Huntington on June 6, bringing together some of the region’s best-known hot dog vendors for a daylong celebration benefiting Hoops Family Children’s Hospital. The festival will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Pullman Square and along several blocks…










