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Christmas is God’s extraordinary opportunity
Christmas was bleak when I was 14 years old. My father had fallen off the roof of our barn while trying to make a repair. He was severely injured. His hospital and home recovery took months. As a coal mining family, we lived financially tight in the best of times, although farming and gardening often…
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Celebrating the true essence of Christmas in our community
As the festive lights adorn our streets and homes, our community is embraced by the warmth of the Christmas spirit. This special season, rooted in the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, reminds us of love, hope and the beauty of giving. In our close-knit community, Christmas means more than just decorations and gifts.…
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We urge legislators to act upon critical need
BY LARRY JAMES SUPERINTENDENT MARTIN COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT At a time when education shapes the future, Martin County School District emerges as a pivotal force in advocating for an increase in state SEEK (Support Education Excellence in Kentucky) funding. Driven by the insights from the “Back on Track” report, this campaign transcends a mere request…
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Kentucky Power rate request and proposed settlement still open for comment
BY CARRIE RAY Kentucky Power (KP), a utility serving 20 of Kentucky’s poorest counties, has asked for an increase in electricity rates for homeowners, renters and small businesses – the fourth in eight years. The increase, currently in a settlement agreement under review by the Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC), could bring in $74 million…
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More old sayings and what they mean
Last week I wrote about old sayings and their meanings or origins. I could not put all of them in that column, so I thought I would write a follow-up. I’ve received a couple of messages about sayings that others have heard through the years. One was “crooked as a dog’s hind leg.” Which means…
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Our ever-changing Christmas story
Christmas is always changing. The biblical story never changes, but your story is always changing. How we celebrate and view the story of Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus may change throughout life. We view the story one way as children but then the story matures as we age. We all have a lot…
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The most significant part of your Christmas story
We often reflect on past Christmases. We look back to the past because we have experienced the past. We haven’t experienced the future. We have hopes and dreams for the future, but we don’t know what the future will bring. Each day we create new memories. What you will remember next Christmas is happening now.…
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Old sayings and what they mean
Many of us grew up hearing old sayings, and as we aged, we learned what they really meant. I’m sure we “baby boomers” have heard most of these. But the younger generation may look at you with a puzzled expression. Here are a few of those sayings and what they mean and even some of…
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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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Judge Lafferty: Unity defines community
In a ceremony at the All-Sports Hall of Fame induction, Martin County Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty, a longtime Inez doctor, summed up the spirit of Martin County in his welcoming remarks. The judge’s speech celebrated the achievements of sports luminaries and portrayed an image of a community united by shared values and strengths in the face of adversity.…
Category: Opinion
