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The silent crisis of education funding in Kentucky
In Kentucky, the educational promise to our children is dimming. A disturbing report from the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy paints a bleak picture: the chasm in per-pupil funding between the state’s wealthiest and poorest districts is not just widening—it’s reaching a level that was deemed unconstitutional three decades ago. Yet, here we are, facing…
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You can’t beat beans and cornbread
BY KYLE LOVERN My wife Vicki and I had what I like to call our Appalachian or hillbilly dinner one evening last week. It included pinto beans and cornbread. I had recently gotten a new iron skillet and seasoned it correctly so I could make that crisp, brown cornbread like we grew up with. It…
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Mitch McConnell: Does he really feel like working?
BY DR. GLENN MOLLETTE Is Senator Mitch McConnell too old to serve in the United States Senate? The same question is being asked of California U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, President Joe Biden, and even former President Donald Trump. How old is too old? Some people are old and sickly by the time they are 50…
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Resurgence of Warfield Park is a testament
The decision of Martin County officials to revitalize Warfield Park was welcome news last week. Martin County Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty and District 5 Magistrate Ronald Workman’s announcement about sweeping renovations reminds us of the park’s importance in the lives of Martin County’s residents. Warfield Park, once the “jewel of Eastern Kentucky,” as the judge called…
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Barker, Buffett, Richardson and extraordinary lives
BY DR. GLENN MOLLETTE Jimmy Buffett, Bob Barker and Bill Richardson all died recently. They all had one thing in common. They lived extraordinary lives. Buffett had become a billionaire. He had amassed his fortune by capitalizing on his song, “Margaritaville.” His hotels, restaurants, resorts and even retirement communities were hugely successful. In his later…
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The perspective of getting older
BY KYLE LOVERN As we get older it seems like we look at things a bit differently. My dad was older when he and my mother brought me into this world. I remember him telling me when I was a young teenager that if he had one wish it would be for good health. Of…
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Mural is more than paint on a wall
In downtown Inez, a captivating mural has emerged on the outer walls of the old jailhouse, drawing locals and tourists alike to what is now termed “Umbrella Alley.” A story of passion, talent and the will to beautify a community is painted upon that wall, and at the center of this tale stands Inez artist…
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Biden, Trump and world issues: Fervor or fever?
BY DR. GLENN MOLLETTE Every day in America we hear the names of Biden and Trump mentioned on various news television or radio stations. We daily hear about the struggles of Ukraine and Russia. Border security, illegal immigrants, inner city issues and China are almost daily themes. How could we ever get through a day…
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Appalachian linguistics and terms some may not understand
BY KYLE LOVERN In Appalachia we have a certain language – or linguistics and a way we say certain words that those city slickers may not completely understand. It’s a long tradition passed down through the years. I’m afraid we’re starting to lose these quaint terms or phrases with our younger generation. But we need…
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Solar hiring fair gives Martin Countians golden opportunity
In the face of economic challenges, Martin County residents stand at the cusp of a transformative chapter. With the upcoming hiring fair for the Martin County Solar Project set for Sept. 7 at the Collier Center in Inez, the opportunity for residents to reshape their own economic fabric beckons. With as many as 300 positions offering an…
Category: Opinion
