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In the wake of the flood, Martin County rebuilds joy
When disaster strikes, it reveals the character of a community. In Martin County, the Tug Fork spilled its banks and forced families to flee by helicopter from riverfront homes. But when the muddy water receded, compassion rose. The flood that hit our county in February—cresting at 51.22 feet in Kermit, the highest in nearly 50…
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Celebrating agriculture in the classroom
BY DR. ROBBIE FLETCHER KENTUCKY COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION Getting the chance to speak with students involved in agriculture programs earlier this year, I saw just how eager students can be for education when it involves vibrant learning experiences that are relevant to the community and the world around them. One of the key pillars of…
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Supporting local newspapers puts community first; HB 368 will harm communities and newspapers
BY JANE ASHLEY PACE 2024 KPA PRESIDENT Every county in Kentucky has one local business that has been there longer than any other, most more than a century – while some are even closing in on two centuries. In many of these counties, that business is their local newspaper. I manage two of those local…
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A time for strength and prayer
The people of our area have faced hardship before, but the devastation and mud left in the wake of the recent flood is beyond what most have seen in a lifetime. Homes and businesses flooded, roads washed away and families displaced. Some have lost everything but their faith, while others have lost far more. Our…
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Kentucky legislators’ latest power grab is a direct attack on transparency
Ever get the feeling politicians would prefer you did not know what they are up to? Well, House Bill 368 basically is that. The bill, introduced Feb. 5, would allow government agencies to ditch independent newspapers and publish public notices exclusively on their own websites. Sponsored by Rep. Jennifer Decker (R-Shelbyville) and backed by a…
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Compliance is where you find the ‘light’
Public trust is the foundation of good governance. When agencies handle taxpayer money, they owe the public full transparency and accountability. That is precisely what lawmakers intended when they enacted KRS 65A in 2013. With the recent suspension of state funding for three Martin County entities—the Tourism Commission, Housing Authority, and Big Sandy Regional Airport…
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Prescription for Kentucky: EKU’s proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine
BY DAVID MCFADDIN EKU PRESIDENT For many Kentuckians including myself, the mission to improve access to quality healthcare across our state—especially in rural areas—is deeply personal. As an Eastern Kentuckian and the president of a university serving the state’s most underserved communities, I feel a profound responsibility to help our friends and neighbors get the…
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Message from Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher
Following a detailed review of preliminary data, the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) currently estimates there will be a funding shortfall for the Supporting Education Excellence in Kentucky (SEEK) fund for the 2024-2025 school year. The SEEK funding program is a formula-driven allocation of state-provided funds to Kentucky’s 171 public school districts. The formula includes…
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The way we respond to a storm defines us
Winter Storm Blair left an icy grip on Martin County this week, paralyzing roadways and disrupting power. Yet, in the chaos and cold, we are reminded of what makes Martin County a remarkable place to live. Major snowstorms like this one test our infrastructure, strain emergency services, and, most importantly, challenge our collective spirit. For…
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Happy New Year, Martin County
As the sun rises on the year 2025, a new chapter unfolds for our community. The New Year is a time for reflection, renewal and hope—a moment to celebrate our achievements and recommit to the work ahead. Looking back on 2024, we are proud of our community. Looking ahead we are eager for the opportunities…
Category: Editorial
