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‘Rebuilding Joy’ brings toys and gifts to youngest flood survivors
BY LISA STAYTON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Following the devastating flood that swelled the Tug Fork River to a crest of 51.22 feet Feb. 17 in Kermit (its highest level since the record 54.5 feet on April 6, 1977), relief efforts in Martin County were swift. As the muddy water receded, individuals and organizations stepped…
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Martin County ‘cheated’ out of water and wastewater funding
BY LISA STAYTON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — When House Joint Resolution 30 came up for a vote in the state Legislature on Feb. 27, Representative Bobby McCool voted “no,” citing the bill’s failure to allocate funding to Martin County despite its long-standing water and wastewater issues. McCool congratulated the water and wastewater recipients listed in…
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Magistrates mock, ridicule mandatory settlement
BY LISA STAYTON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — In what might be a history-making first for Martin County, the Fiscal Court did something unexpected in a Feb. 26 special meeting: it turned down state-mandated excess fees from the Martin County Sheriff’s Office. Kentucky law requires Sheriff John Kirk to submit a “budget, quarterly report and annual…
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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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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…