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State halts funding to three county boards for violating ‘transparency’ laws
BY LISA STAYTON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — State officials suspended public funding for three Martin County agencies for violating a state law meant to ensure financial transparency. Funding will be withheld from the Martin County Tourism Commission, Martin County Housing Authority, and Big Sandy Regional Airport Authority due to their failure to submit required financial…
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‘This is not allowed’: Grieving dog owner’s plea goes unanswered
BY LISA STAYTON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — A plea born of loss and frustration went unanswered Thursday in the Martin County Fiscal Court meeting. Beauty resident Cathy Fitzpatrick Sparks, standing before the county government, grieved for beloved dog Henry. Two days earlier, Henry was killed in a violent attack by a pit bull that wandered…
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State approves second solar project in Martin County; only 47 locals hired for first project
BY LISA STAYTON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Kentucky State Board on Electric Generation and Transmission Siting has approved a second solar plant in Martin County, giving developer Savion LLC the go-ahead despite scrutiny over the company’s local hiring record. The board’s Nov. 27 decision allows for the construction of the Lynn Bark Energy Center,…
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Popular Inez eatery ‘temporarily closing’
BY LISA STAYTON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Masterpiece Kitchen & Café announced Saturday it would be “temporarily closing for a few months” starting Dec. 20 as it undergoes revitalization. The popular eatery shared the news with customers on social media. “During this time, we will be reworking our menu and adjusting our hours to line…
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Pump rental drains Martin County Water District again
BY LISA STAYTON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County Water District hopes to resolve an issue that has become an ongoing financial drain on its resources and patience. The district is pressing for reimbursement of the steep costs of renting and fueling a raw water intake pump—expenses MCWD says are tied to Xylem Water Solution’s…
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Library board grapples with $306k deficit in Martin County
BY LISA STAYTON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Public Library found itself facing a financial deficit of $306,511 through the first four months of the fiscal year. In a Nov. 25 meeting, the library board presented a financial statement outlining income of $162,801 and expenditures totaling $469,312 through Oct. 31. Although not reflected…
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Horn makes history with McTeggart Irish Dancers
BY LISA STAYTON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN Inez native Lyndsey Horn, performing with McTeggart Irish Dancers-Kentucky at the 2024 Mid-America Oireachtas near Chicago, finished first. Horn’s Ceilidh 8-hand team made history as the first all-women’s team from McTeggarts to win the competition. Her team was also the first to win the competition while performing Lannigan’s Ball. Horn’s…
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Martin County Water elects new chair, reports record-low water loss
BY LISA STAYTON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Water District reported encouraging improvements in its meeting Oct. 22, including the lowest water loss rate recorded in the last several years. In a unanimous decision, the board elected Tim Thoma as its new chair. “I moved to this community two years ago and I…
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Disabled veteran faces $3,400 fine as Martin County board declines leniency
BY LISA STAYTON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — A $100-per-day fine levied last month by the Martin County Solid Waste Board against a disabled resident has surpassed $3,400, but the board showed no leniency at its meeting Thursday. Martin County Code Enforcement Officer Paul McCoy informed the board that he had spoken with Dwayne Mills, director…
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Against the odds: Martin County Water chairman bids farewell after years of service
BY LISA STAYTON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — It is a Tuesday night in mid-September. Martin County Utility Board’s outgoing chairman, Jimmy Don Kerr, is delivering a farewell speech in the same room where he spent years navigating the complexities of the public water and sewer systems. It is a job he was initially reluctant to…
Tag: Lisa Stayton
