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Large space needed in Inez for Facing Hunger facility
The specter of food insecurity casts a long shadow over Appalachia. Here in Martin County and the City of Inez, it looms with a particularly stubborn persistence. In light of the forever ongoing challenge, Facing Hunger Foodbank’s proposal to establish a full-time food pantry in Inez is an opportunity that deserves vigorous local backing. Last…
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Public must speak out: HB 509 is still a threat to transparency
BY JON FLEISCHAKER and MICHAEL ABATE Repeatedly in recent weeks, Gov. Andy Beshear has come out in favor of HB 509, a bill that would dramatically weaken Kentucky’s Open Records laws. The governor has tried to assure citizens the bill would result in more transparency, not less. The governor is wrong; this bill will inevitably…
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High-dollar lobbyists are moving bills in Frankfort
BY JOHN SCHAAF As the last days of the Kentucky General Assembly unfold, big-dollar lobbyists in Frankfort are pushing their most controversial bills toward passage. Lobbyists recently shoved their private school voucher amendment across the finish line to set up a massive fight this fall between Kentucky taxpayers and a handful of multi-billionaires who probably…
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Easter: A time of renewal and hope
As we prepare to celebrate Easter, we reflect on the meaning this season holds for the faithful. Easter is not merely a commemoration of historical events; it is a testament to the enduring power of hope, renewal, and divine love that defines the Christian faith. At the heart of Easter is the resurrection of Jesus…
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Kentucky’s teacher shortage has reached critical proportions
BY RHONDA CALDWELL Every morning across the Commonwealth, children walk into our schools to engage in one of the greatest accomplishments in the history of mankind—a free public education. As children enter the classroom, their unique experiences accompany them. Yet, no matter the strength or opportunity for growth a child brings into that classroom, a…
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Kentucky can and should increase civic education
BY MICHAEL ADAMS KENTUCKY SECRETARY OF STATE The test results are in, and Kentucky is barely passing when it comes to civic health. Civic education is desperately needed in our schools, and our lawmakers need to act now to ensure our children will grow into adults capable of self-government. My office recently conducted a Civic…
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Martin County water woes: A cry for help unanswered by Kentucky legislators (CORRECTION)
Last week, the Mountain Citizen erroneously stated in the editorial space that State Representative Bobby McCool chose to “abstain from voting” on Gov. Andy Beshear’s $12 million budget allocation for water projects in Martin County. The following article corrects the use of the terms “abstain” and “abstention” by stating Representative McCool was “absent from the…
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Kentucky Press Association: HB 509 would turn public records upside down
For nearly 50 years, Kentucky has been a national leader in allowing its citizens to access government records. That legacy is due in large part to the broad—and prescient—definition of “public records” that has appeared in Kentucky’s Open Records Act since its inception. In one fell swoop, HB 509 would eviscerate that legacy and leave…
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Homelessness is not a crime and does not belong in KY HB 5
BY GINNY RAMSEY The Lexington Street Voice Council hosted a luncheon at the Capitol Annex for the Kentucky legislators on Feb. 7 to give the lawmakers the opportunity to see them as the people they are, to hear their stories and understand the reasons they are experiencing homelessness. Over 65 Kentucky legislators shared a meal…
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A call to action for Martin County
As Martin County grapples with a water crisis that has left residents facing unreliable access to clean, safe water, the importance of targeted infrastructure investment has never been clearer. Gov. Andy Beshear proposes a $12 million allocation specifically for Martin County water projects in his budget. However, getting it into the final state budget hinges…
Category: Editorial
