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An interview with ChatGPT: How AI can benefit small towns
BY BUGS DIXON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN In an increasingly digital world, small towns like those in Eastern Kentucky are finding innovative ways to stay connected and solve problems. One such advancement is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) systems, like ChatGPT, into various aspects of community life. I interviewed ChatGPT to see what it thought about…
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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Kentucky’s rich history of veterans
BY REP. BOBBY MCCOOL “I hope to have God on our side, but I must have Kentucky.” These are the words of President Abraham Lincoln, one of Kentucky’s favorite sons and the man who led our nation from division to unity during the Civil War. His words echo a common theme, the need for not…
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Adapting and growing to respond to the evolving needs of Kentucky
BY ELI CAPILOUTO The following is an opinion piece by University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto, and based on his remarks to the UK Board of Trustees during the annual retreat held Oct. 19-20. Over the last few weeks, you have read and heard directly about Kentucky’s significant opportunities and still considerable challenges. Of course,…
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The unintended consequences of prohibiting homeless encampments in small towns
In a recent meeting, the Warfield City Commission discussed the formulation of an ordinance aimed at prohibiting homeless encampments and will be discussing the ordinance this Thursday. While the concerns of the commissioners and the community are understandable, it’s crucial to consider the unintended consequences such a move could have on both the town and…
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Autumn is a special time of year
Autumn is one of my favorite times of the year. I am sure many of you feel the same way. The temperatures are nearly perfect. The days are still warm enough to get outside, but the nights start getting cooler. Perfect sleeping weather, according to many. There is a certain “feel” when those summer evenings…
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Legislative Update: Why We Vote
BY REPRESENTATIVE BOBBY MCCOOL “The most important office, and the one which all of us can and should fill, is that of private citizen.” Louis Brandeis, Kentuckian and Associate Supreme Court Justice Nov. 7 is Election Day and while most of the nation’s attention is turned to next year’s presidential election, Kentuckians will vote this…
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Hell’s fire, treat others the way you want to be treated
Do you worry about going to hell? Will you burn there in hell’s fire? Will you be in the hands of the Devil? Hell may be a place where people are locked into a room with endless Presidential candidates hollering and speaking over each other to the point that nothing makes much sense, and everybody…
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Growing up country was special
There was something special about growing up in rural Appalachia. It might be hard for those who lived and grew up in larger urban areas to understand this. It is even harder for those younger folks who are growing up today with the internet, computers, cell phones and other electronics to understand. Getting to know…
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Letter to the Editor: Trash ordinance ‘injustice’
Editor: Regarding the new Martin County trash ordinance, respectfully, I have a personal feeling of injustice here. It appears that our county’s form of government is weaponizing constables and certain people to come uninvited upon one’s property and deem what you may or may not have. Now, I am all for health hazards to be…
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Rockcastle Pedway project lost in bureaucratic inertia
It has been more than 14 years since the initiation of the Rockcastle Pedway project, and the City of Inez is caught in the tangle of bureaucracy, miscommunication and unanticipated obstacles. What was initially seen as a promising venture to construct a pedestrian bridge has become marred by delays, budget overshoots and a loss of…
Category: OPED
