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Tourism, talent and trust all begin with clean water
Martin County has spent years talking about growth. We have talked about tourism, beautification, workforce development, small-business incubation and reversing population loss. We celebrate our students, athletes, artists and entrepreneurs. And we take pride in our mountains, rivers and resilience. But there is one question that refuses to go away: Can we promise clean, reliable
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The way we respond to a storm defines us
Winter Storm Blair left an icy grip on Martin County this week, paralyzing roadways and disrupting power. Yet, in the chaos and cold, we are reminded of what makes Martin County a remarkable place to live. Major snowstorms like this one test our infrastructure, strain emergency services, and, most importantly, challenge our collective spirit. For
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The heartbeat of rural America: The unwavering importance of local newspapers
In an era dominated by the flashing headlines of national news outlets and the rapid-fire tempo of social media updates, the humble local newspaper remains a steadfast pillar in rural communities across America. While it is easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of global events, the stories from our own backyard often have
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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
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Crum Reservoir crisis demands urgent action
The current state of Crum Reservoir in Martin County is a cause for serious concern. The reservoir has reached a possibly all-time low level, with dead fish strewn along its banks, painting a grim picture of the severity of the situation. The absence of an intake pump at the river has become a primary concern
