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After son’s overdose death, mother seeks investigation of Vivitrol’s use in Kentucky
by Deborah Yetter, Kentucky Lantern November 18, 2024 Striving to stay sober, Hal Pyzyna succeeded for nearly a decade until the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020 — the stress causing him to relapse into drug use, said his mother, Kristine Pyzyna. She hoped he would get help through a court diversion program that in 2022 referred…
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‘Overwhelmed and frustrated,’ Louisville woman sues to overturn Kentucky’s abortion ban
by Sarah Ladd, Kentucky Lantern November 12, 2024 LOUISVILLE — A pregnant woman who wants an abortion is suing in Jefferson Circuit Court to challenge Kentucky laws banning the procedure, the American Civil Liberties Union announced Tuesday. The plaintiff, identified by the pseudonym Mary Poe in the lawsuit, said in a statement that “ending my pregnancy…
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Martin County Fiscal Court conducts October meeting
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Fiscal Court convened for its monthly meeting Oct. 17, addressing key appointments, funding allocations for vital water infrastructure, and fire department projects. During the session, magistrates approved Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty’s recommendation to appoint Colby Kirk of Inez to the Martin County Water Board. Kirk, the…
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Morehead State receives nearly $10 million for space network expansion
MOREHEAD — Morehead State University’s Space Science Center continues to attract top names in aerospace, and now the federal government is making a significant investment in its future. During a ceremony Thursday at the Space Science Center, U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (R-Ky.) announced a federal earmark totaling nearly $10 million in Community Project Funding…
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Billionaire gives $5 million to PAC trying to sway Kentuckians to vote for school amendment
by Tom Loftus, Kentucky Lantern October 16, 2024 FRANKFORT — A multimillion-dollar television advertising campaign supporting the so-called “school choice” amendment on the November ballot is being single-handedly funded by Jeff Yass, a Pennsylvania billionaire and Republican mega donor. In early September a political action committee called Protect Freedom began running television ads advocating passage of…
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Moss eyes $19.8 million grant to develop Tug River
Barefoot Festival to debut in Lovely BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN WARFIELD — Blake Moss with the Big Sandy Area Development District announced in the Warfield City Commission meeting that he is working on a $19.8 million Community Change Grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to develop the Tug River in Martin and Pike counties.…
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Think carefully about the unintended consequences
Let us break it down. Kentucky’s public schools are what they have always done—educating every kid, no matter the challenges. Disabilities, language barriers, race, creed—all are welcome, no questions asked. Enter Amendment 2, which is being sold as a way to give families more choices in education. Sounds good, right? But wait—it is not the…
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Judge shakes up water board leadership
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — In a major shift, Martin County Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty appointed two new faces to the Martin County Utility Board, replacing members Jimmy Don Kerr, the chairman, and BJ Slone. The move signals a new chapter for the county as it navigates critical infrastructure challenges. Lafferty announced the appointments…
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New bridge on Murray Road completed thanks to emergency funds
BY ROGER SMTIH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Residents of Murray Road in Inez can now travel safely over a newly completed bridge funded by emergency road assistance from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. The project, which cost approximately $110,672, was completed with an 80/20 funding match, leaving Martin County responsible for $22,134. Eric Phelps, Martin County’s…