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Commentary: HPV cancer rates are higher in Appalachia. Wish I had known.
BY SKYLAR BAKER-JORDAN There was no privacy when I was told I might die. In November, I complained about a sore throat during my annual physical with my primary care physician. She saw nothing of concern. By early February, that sore throat had become unbearable, a sharp pain radiating up my neck and into my
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Nominations open for East Kentucky Leadership awards
East Kentucky is full of people who look out for others and step up to support their communities. The East Kentucky Leadership Foundation each year honors leaders throughout eastern Kentucky counties who find ways to make a difference. The organization is now seeking nominations for the 2025 annual awards to be hosted by the City
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New federal rule aims to prevent coal operators from shifting black lung liabilities to taxpayers
by Caity Coyne, Kentucky LanternDecember 30, 2024 A new final rule was issued by the federal Department of Labor earlier this month that will require coal operators who self-insure to post adequate security bonds that cover all of their black lung benefit liabilities. The rule comes as a protection for coal miners who currently or could
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Not all expectant moms can reach a doctor’s office. This Kentucky clinic travels to them.
by Sarah Ladd, Kentucky LanternDecember 24, 2024 This story mentions miscarriage. PRESTONSBURG — Brooke Thacker tried for years to have a baby, having miscarriage after miscarriage along the way. Finally, her dream came true and she gave birth to a baby boy this fall. She believes her smooth birth wouldn’t have been possible without the
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Appalachian filmmaker brings opioid crisis drama ‘Hazard’ to theaters this month
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT Eddie Mensore, an Appalachian-born filmmaker, unveils his latest drama, “Hazard,” a searing exploration of addiction and resilience set against the backdrop of a mining town gripped by the opioid crisis. The film, featuring a talented cast that includes Sosie Bacon, Alex Roe, Dave Davis, Steven Ogg, and West Virginia native Kevin Sizemore,
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Donation is nothing to what Shell will extract from our county
When Martin County officials negotiated with Savion LLC for the construction of its first solar project, the community was promised prosperity. Hundreds of temporary local, high-paying jobs were touted—200 to 300 positions paying around $30 an hour. It was the kind of promise that sparked hope in a region yearning for economic revival. Yet, the
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Martin County Water elects new chair, reports record-low water loss
BY LISA STAYTON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Water District reported encouraging improvements in its meeting Oct. 22, including the lowest water loss rate recorded in the last several years. In a unanimous decision, the board elected Tim Thoma as its new chair. “I moved to this community two years ago and I
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Barefoot Festival to debut in Lovely
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN LOVELY — Get ready for the Barefoot Festival to debut in Martin County on Nov. 1 and 2, bringing music, community and culture together on a reclaimed strip mine on North Wolf Creek Road in Lovely. The two-day event promises to be like nothing you have experienced. With live performances
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Heritage Day set for Oct. 19: Event pays homage to old ways of Appalachia
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County residents come together each year to celebrate roots, culture and community at Martin County Heritage Day. The event pays homage to the old ways of life, honoring the grit and traditions of ancestors who called these Appalachian hills home. Set for Oct. 19, Heritage Day will
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Martin County Historical & Genealogical Society hosts scholars for coal mining research collaboration
INEZ — On Sept. 24, the Martin County Historical & Genealogical Society welcomed Anna Fenyvesi from Hungary and Briane Turley and his wife Anne from West Virginia State University. Professor Turley has done extensive research on the effects of coal mining in rural areas of Kentucky and West Virginia. He has also examined the influence
