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Biggest fireworks show in Martin County history July 4 in Inez
Freedom Fest to celebrate America’s 250th birthday BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County residents will have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to celebrate Independence Day and America’s 250th birthday during Martin County Freedom Fest on Saturday, July 4. To commemorate the nation’s Semiquincentennial, Martin County officials are joining festival organizers to transform the community…
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Legislation heads to governor with nearly $26 million for Martin County water, sewer projects
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN FRANKFORT — Legislation that would release $25.8 million for eight Martin County water and sewer projects cleared the Kentucky General Assembly on Tuesday, moving to Gov. Andy Beshear. The measure, House Joint Resolution 81, would release $52,502,260 statewide in previously appropriated funding through Kentucky’s Water and Wastewater Assistance for Troubled…
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State awards replacement of Mollett Branch bridge
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN TOMAHAWK — A narrow one-lane bridge over Rockhouse Fork in Tomahawk that officials say is unsafe for emergency vehicles is slated for replacement at no cost to Martin County. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet notified Martin County Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty in a letter that the Mollett Branch bridge “has been awarded…
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Work to begin Monday on Big Lick Road repairs
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT JOB — Work will begin Monday on Big Lick Road to repair a section that partially collapsed last winter. Officials said in a press release Tuesday that the job should take about two weeks to complete. Drivers can expect delays of up to 20 minutes. Motorists traveling Big Lick Road during this time…
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Flash floods batter Martin County
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN MARTIN COUNTY, Ky. — Storms quickly caused a crisis across Martin County as they did across Kentucky, the Midwest and the Midsouth over the weekend. Louisville, Frankfort and Owensboro saw catastrophic flooding, while there were 93 tornadoes in the affected areas of the country. In Martin County, from the head…
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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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Martin County unveils new emergency tools to tackle disasters
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Preparedness is paramount when disaster strikes and Martin County is stepping up to meet the challenge. Last week the county’s Emergency Management Services (EMS) added a new mobile LED light plant and cargo trailer to its arsenal. These tools, according to Martin County Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty, will enhance…
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Festival founders honored with ‘Angels of Christmas’ awards
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Linda Lou Webb, Barry Webb and Brenda Evans Davis found themselves in the spotlight Sunday during the Christmas in the Mountains Merry Little Christmas Party. The festival founders received a surprise honor: the “Angels of Christmas in the Mountains” award. The recognition, presented by Martin County Judge/Executive Lon…
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Martin County calls for citizens to join emergency response team
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County officials are rallying residents to join a newly formed citizen emergency response team to prepare the community for potential disasters. County Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty and Emergency Management Director Clyde Adams issued the call for volunteers on Friday. They emphasized that last year’s tragic collapse of the…
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Celebrating excellence: Wrestlers honored at Martin County Fiscal Court meeting
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Three Martin County wrestlers were in the spotlight during the Martin County Fiscal Court meeting. Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty introduced Cole Jewell, Brody Jewell and Parker Maynard and awarded them certificates for their achievements this season. “We couldn’t be prouder of you,” Lafferty told the trio. “We have some…
