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Williamson Mayor Charles Hatfield resigns, federal investigation underway
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT WILLIAMSON, W.Va. — Mayor Charles Hatfield of the City of Williamson resigned Friday afternoon after an emergency Williamson City Council meeting. The meeting was held at 4:30 p.m. Hatfield’s replacement has not been named, but an appointment is scheduled next week. The resignation comes as Hatfield stands accused of stealing federal funds…
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Kentucky’s 2024 Legislative Session recap
The 2024 Legislative Session adjourned April 15 sine die until Jan. 7, 2025, unless otherwise called into extraordinary session by the governor. During this 60-day session, there were 1,220 bills introduced with the House having filed 838 bills and the Senate filing 383. This is the highest number of bills filed since 2000. Of the…
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U.S. Department of Commerce invests $752,000 to support apple sorting facility in Martin County
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced Wednesday that it is awarding a $752,000 grant to the Martin County nonprofit Community at the Core Inc. in Debord. The EDA stated in a press release that this grant will support the procurement of production equipment at a new apple sorting facility.…
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High-dollar lobbyists are moving bills in Frankfort
BY JOHN SCHAAF As the last days of the Kentucky General Assembly unfold, big-dollar lobbyists in Frankfort are pushing their most controversial bills toward passage. Lobbyists recently shoved their private school voucher amendment across the finish line to set up a massive fight this fall between Kentucky taxpayers and a handful of multi-billionaires who probably…
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Martin County ushers in 2024 with major water infrastructure developments
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County starts 2024 with the operational success of the Saltwell sewer lift station and a major announcement that Gov. Andy Beshear’s proposed state budget includes a substantial allocation for water projects in Martin County. During a Martin County Water District meeting Thursday, Alliance Water Resources manager Craig…
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Keep working—somebody has to pay for all this
Prayers for the devastated people in the Middle East. Prayers for the families who have had loved ones murdered before their very eyes. Prayers for the families who have loved ones held as hostages. We pray for their safety and release. Prayers that hate-filled terrorists may be overcome. Why do we have such evil on…
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City explores ban on homeless encampments; announces festive events
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN WARFIELD — In a meeting Thursday, the Warfield City Commission discussed the formulation of an ordinance aimed at prohibiting homeless encampments in response to the growing homeless population in the city. Commissioner John Sammons emphasized the need for a draft to be ready by the next meeting. Mayor Mike Hinkle,…
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Martin County Health Department explores solar energy for cost savings
BY RACHEL DOVE MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County Health Department director Eric Mills is focusing on driving the department forward in a rapidly changing technological landscape. One of his key initiatives is to explore cost-saving via solar panel installation. “There’s a common saying, ‘If it’s not broken – don’t fix it,’” Mills stated. “I…
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Gov. Beshear announces nearly $322,000 to benefit development projects in Martin and Daviess counties
FRANKFORT — Thursday, Gov. Andy Beshear announced nearly $322,000 in Kentucky Product Development Initiative (KPDI) funding to support land and building development and encourage economic growth and quality jobs across two sites in Martin and Daviess counties. “When it comes to setting up Kentucky for continued and future long-term economic success, this program is crucial,”…
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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…
Tag: Government
