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Trump and I agree – believe it or not – on lowering gas taxes; Kentucky’s Republican legislators do not
Americans – including right here in Kentucky – are struggling to pay the bills due to rising prices brought on by bad federal policy, unlawful tariffs and the war with Iran. Families are having a hard time paying rent, buying groceries or filling up the gas tank, let alone the occasional dinner out or that…
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33 Kentucky jurisdictions to see extension of gas tax cut through June
by Sarah Ladd, Kentucky LanternJune 9, 2026 Gov. Andy Beshear on Tuesday extended a May executive order that reduced the gasoline tax by 10 cents for 33 cities and counties whose local officials requested an extension. In order to obtain an extension of the May 5 executive order past the 30-day mark of June 10,…
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Funding debate turns tense at Big Sandy regional jail
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN PAINTSVILLE — A request for Martin County and three neighboring counties to help pay a $227,374 liability and workers’ compensation insurance premium for the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center opened a wider discussion about the jail’s finances, operating costs and what could happen if a county refused to contribute. During…
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Martin County’s proposed budget jumps to $19.8M with flood buyout
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County Fiscal Court gave a first reading Thursday to a proposed FY2027 budget that grows to approximately $19.8 million from $11.3 million in FY2026, driven by a $6.18 million flood buyout fund while also directing around $1.5 million toward community amenities, tourism and public facilities, including the…
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Warfield appoints Ward, welcomes community garden
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN WARFIELD — The Warfield City Commission accepted the resignation of a commissioner, appointed Jeff Ward to fill the vacant seat and approved plans for a new community garden during its meeting Thursday. Commissioners also heard from a county tourism official about plans for a Warfield Liberty Celebration. Ward was appointed…
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Legislative Update: Lawmakers move to protect property owners with eminent domain changes
Private property rights have long been a cornerstone of Kentucky’s identity, shaping not only our economy, but our culture and way of life. In fact, the first settlers to blaze a trail and build a life here did so because they wanted to own property and be able to build a life. From family farms…
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Dempsey lease, water upgrades, board appointments top Martin County agenda
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Fiscal Court moved through a wide-ranging agenda at its April 17 special meeting. Magistrates approved a lease transfer for Dempsey Housing, a resolution joining a regional push for emergency radio upgrades, the appointment of water and library board members and a $1.24 million budget amendment…
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Inez advances Creek Walk extension, eyes bridge upgrades
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — City officials used a special meeting April 14 to outline a slate of practical and cosmetic projects. They set a timetable for the next budget, reviewed repairs to the city’s quilt-block sidewalk decals, advanced plans to extend the Creek Walk and discussed bridge washing and painting. Mayor Ed…
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Kermit water project advances in federal funding process
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN KERMIT, W.Va. — The Kermit Town Council learned Monday that the town is one step closer to securing $2.9 million for water and sewer improvements after its funding request advanced in Congresswoman Carol Miller’s Community Project Funding process. The project is one of 20 requests selected to move forward from…
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Water chairman questions vacant AWR manager post
District pays Alliance $181,550 monthly BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The search for a district water manager remains stalled nearly four months after the position became vacant, prompting Martin County Water District (MCWD) board members March 24 to question why the utility continues paying for the role through its $181,575-a-month management contract with…
