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Experts: Loss of federal mining program could harm workers, researchers
BY NADIA RAMLAGAN PUBLIC NEWS SERVICE Loss of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Mining Program will reverse decades of progress in preventing disease, injury and death among miners, experts said. Around 150 researchers are expected to be laid off next month, effectively shuttering the program. Steve Schafrik, associate professor of mine engineering
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Martin County Pool to reopen June 1 after eight-year closure
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Pool will reopen June 1 after an eight-year closure. Assuming a contractor discovers no underground damage this week and finishes repairs on schedule. Officials are already taking applications for lifeguard positions in anticipation of the reopening. Martin County Deputy Judge/Executive Carolea Mills said Aquatics Construction
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At least 19 dead as tornadoes, severe storms tear through Kentucky
by Liam Niemeyer and Jamie Lucke, Kentucky LanternMay 17, 2025 The death toll from recent severe weather in Kentucky has reached 19, Gov. Andy Beshear said Sunday. Saying “we’ve got more tough news, Kentucky,” Beshear in a social media post confirmed the death of a woman in Russell County. Already confirmed were the deaths of
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Warfield officials discuss maintenance, Horizon lease
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN WARFIELD — The Warfield City Commission addressed maintenance issues and lease negotiations for the former Warfield Community Center during its April meeting. Commissioners are in the process of drafting a new lease agreement with Horizon Recovery, which currently occupies the city-owned building beside Warfield City Hall. Clerk Rhonda Price said
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Long-stalled Rockcastle Creek pedway project gains new momentum
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Sixteen years after engineers drew plans for a pedestrian bridge across Rockcastle Creek, Inez officials are laying the groundwork for a second attempt. This time they have a fresh strategy, hope for a new source of funding, and determination to sidestep the bureaucratic hurdles that doomed the project
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Martin County discusses flood damage, pushes for federal assistance
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Fiscal Court discussed significant damage to roads and bridges from April storms and flash floods during an April 17 meeting. Magistrates pointed to dozens of problem sites and the urgent need for repairs, outside contractors and federal disaster assistance. District 1 Magistrate Cody Slone said
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Study in contrasts: Racing, breeding shine in Kentucky as sport dims across America
BY TIM SULLIVAN Kentucky Lantern Beyond Kentucky’s borders, horse racing is a sport in steep decline. Within the commonwealth, however, wealth is common. Though no fewer than 48 American racetracks have closed since 2000, Kentucky operators continue to invest hundreds of millions in their facilities and are reaping an outsized return, and not only on
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Unions: NIOSH cuts will harm Kentucky workers
BY NADIA RAMLAGAN KY NEWS CONNECTION Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s decision to cut a majority of jobs at the federal agency responsible for worker health and safety is seen as a direct attack on Kentucky workers by labor unions in the state. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
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Coal miners could pay if inspectors lose offices on DOGE list
BY NADIA RAMLAGAN KY NEWS CONNECTION Dozens of mine safety field offices in Kentucky and across the country would close under a proposal by the federal Department of Government Efficiency. According to an analysis by the nonprofit Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center, offices in Barbourville and Harlan are on a list of seven in Kentucky slated
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KY education commissioner sounds alarm about sudden halt in federal COVID payments to schools
by McKenna Horsley, Kentucky LanternApril 1, 2025 Kentucky Education Commissioner Robbie Fletcher on Tuesday urged school superintendents to contact their lawmakers in Congress about a sudden halt in payments from federal pandemic relief funds. His call to action comes after U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon notified state education departments on March 28 that they
