-
A ‘Harvest Fest’ of joy and growth for community
This past weekend, Inez witnessed something truly extraordinary—the 27th Annual Martin County Harvest Festival. What was once a modest celebration has grown each year into a marquee event for our county and region. With thousands of attendees flocking to our streets for a weekend packed with attractions, music, fun and community spirit, this year’s festival…
-
Remembering 9/11: Honoring the past, building the future
Sept. 11, 2024 — Twenty-three years ago today a nation watched in horror as the world changed forever. The attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, etched themselves into the hearts of every American, a moment of unparalleled tragedy. But they also sparked something deeper, a profound sense of unity, resolve, and shared grief that transcended politics,…
-
Martin County’s fight for safe drinking water deserves state support
Martin County’s plea for water and sewer funding has never been more urgent, and the county’s pursuit of state assistance through the Kentucky Water and Wastewater Assistance for Troubled or Economically Restrained Systems program is justified. For decades, residents have endured a failing water and sewer system—an issue that not only threatens public health but…
-
Blazing trails in Inez
On Sept. 14, Inez will host a parade and a celebration of the thrilling promise of a new chapter in Eastern Kentucky’s outdoor adventure scene. The First Frontier Appalachian Trails (FFAT) is set to open its first adventure trail in Martin County. The Fall Hill Crawl and the Martin County Harvest Fest will help to…
-
Strengthening support for senior citizens through meal delivery
The Martin County Senior Citizens Center (MCSCC) is making a move to better serve the community’s senior residents by adding new vehicles to its meal delivery program. This is thanks to support from the Martin County Fiscal Court. This expansion will allow the center to reach more seniors who depend on these meals for their…
-
Protecting public education: Vote ‘No’ on Amendment 2
Kentucky voters are facing a decision this November that could fundamentally alter the future of public education in the state. Amendment 2, a proposed change to the Kentucky Constitution, seeks to give the Legislature the power to divert public tax dollars away from public schools and direct them toward private institutions. The implications of this…
-
Cheers to Inez and the Appalachian Artist Festival
The Appalachian Artist Festival in Inez set a high standard on Saturday, Aug. 3. Its success was marked by incredible artistry, phenomenal music and responsible enjoyment, making it a model for other festivals. One notable aspect of this year’s festival was the inclusion of alcohol sales. Introducing such an element to public events naturally raises…
-
Library should be a library
The library needs to move out of the community center building and back into the library building. Why? Simple. The library cannot afford the upkeep of the community center building. The library moved into the Roy F. Collier Community Center in 2020. In 2019, the library finished the year with $914,000 in cash in the…
-
Ageism is disgusting and dangerous
BY ELLEN J. HAHN (AGE 71) The blatant ageism encircling the 2024 Presidential campaign is disgusting and dangerous. Age has taken center stage in our political discourse. A recent opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal, “Trump and Biden, Two Old Men Facing Armageddon,” is symbolic of the persistent bias against aging in our society.…
-
Louisa CMH Tribute Show: A remarkable Appalachian affair
The Country Music Highway Tribute Show in Louisa this past weekend was a remarkable Appalachian affair. Organized by Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR), it was the essence of Appalachian spirit, kinship and talent. At the heart of the event was the symbolic passing of the torch from the legendary Ricky Skaggs to the 12-year-old prodigy Adalyn Ramey.…