-
Christmas in the Mountains counts its blessings after a successful year
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — By the time Martin County Tourism officials gathered in the government center Jan. 20, the lights of Christmas in the Mountains had been packed away, the displays dismantled, the last checks still moving slowly through the mail. What remained was a ledger that balanced, a downtown that had
-
Aging in the mountains: Regional plan takes shape
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN In the hills of the Big Sandy region, many homes are old, family networks are thin and wages are low. Aging often unfolds far from hospitals, grocery stores and public transit lines. A loose step on a front porch can become a medical emergency. A missed ride can mean a
-
Auditor announces annual drawing contest
Kentucky Auditor Allison Ball’s Commonwealth Office of the Ombudsman announced its annual statewide drawing contest in celebration of Read Across America Day, March 2. The contest invites Kentucky students ages 13 and under to participate by creating a bookmark-sized drawing that features their favorite storybook character discovering the joy of reading. Entries will be accepted
-
Inez Knife & Gun Expo set for March 13–14
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT INEZ — The second annual Inez Knife and Gun Expo will bring vendors and collectors from across Kentucky and neighboring states to downtown Inez, March 13 and 14. The show will run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days at the Collier Center and is expected to draw vendors and collectors
-
Pick and Bow brings free after-school music lessons
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT Martin County Pick and Bow, presented by South Arts, meets each Friday after school at Martin County High School, opening the stage to students ages 9 to 18 who want to learn the music of the mountains one note at a time. Local organizer James L. Webb of the Stidham Old Time
-
Prison education program artwork on display at Mountain Arts Center
PRESTONSBURG — Artwork created behind prison walls is now on public display at the Mountain Arts Center (MAC). Twenty-five pieces by incarcerated artists and students in the Big Sandy Community and Technical College (BSCTC) Prison Education Program are being exhibited throughout January. The exhibition features a variety of styles and media and includes work by
-
Scholarships for students to study engineering, construction and build careers with KYTC
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is accepting applications through Feb. 1 for engineering and construction management scholarships that include paid summer employment and post-graduation job placement. Three types of higher education scholarships are offered for current or upcoming Kentucky university and college students who apply by Feb. 1. Up to 25 scholarships will be awarded for
-
Martin County students named to Morehead State Dean’s List
Morehead State University has announced its Fall 2025 Dean’s List, including 18 students from Martin County. To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must complete at least 12 undergraduate credit hours and earn a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher for the semester. The honorees from Martin County represent three academic colleges at the university:
-
HANDS program supports new families
BY DOROTHY DILLON The Martin County Health Department HANDS program is here to support expecting parents and families with children under the age of 3 months. HANDS is a free, voluntary program that offers education, guidance, and encouragement to help families build a strong and healthy start for their children. We are proud to walk
-
Pet blessing box opens in Inez
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — On a sunny but cool Monday in Inez, a small wooden structure shaped like a doghouse became the focus of an unusually warm gathering. Students from Martin County High School stood beside local officials and neighbors outside Inez City Hall as a ribbon was cut for the town’s
