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Anger does not rise in a vacuum
A community does not become angry and disrespectful for no reason. It happens when trust breaks down and frustration goes unanswered long enough to harden into resentment. People who feel heard do not usually lash out. People who believe the system is fair do not automatically assume the worst. But when residents feel ignored by…
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Warfield kindergarteners steal show at Fiscal Court
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — A field trip to the Martin County Fiscal Court turned into a memorable honor for Warfield kindergarten students April 17. They led the Pledge of Allegiance, received a county proclamation and earned a standing ovation from those in attendance. During the special meeting Martin County Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty…
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All eyes on Stokes
The transfer portal has been a struggle for the Cats thus far. Mark Pope has had some swings and misses. As of this writing, Tyran Stokes has not announced his commitment between Kentucky, Kansas and Oregon. The Crystal Ball still has the nation’s top recruit trending toward the Jayhawks. I am hoping that by the…
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Martin County deserves funds for clean water
Martin County Judge Executive Lon Lafferty and his staff deserve a huge congratulations for securing nearly $26 million in funding for water and sewer improvements in this rural eastern Kentucky county. For years, Martin County residents have suffered through terrible and outdated infrastructure – brown, murky water coming from faucets. And sometimes there is little…
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Allman Maynard Obituary
Allman Maynard 1969—2026 Allman Maynard, age 56, of Inez, passed away Monday, April 27, 2026, at his home. Born Aug. 22, 1969, in Martin County, he was the son of the late Kelly Maynard and Estella (Bowen) Maynard. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by one daughter, Trista Kay Maynard. Survivors…
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Alvis Ray Setser Obituary
Alvis Ray Setser 1960—2026 Alvis Ray Setser, age 65, formerly of Inez, went to his heavenly home April 26, 2026, while surrounded by his loving family. Born July 10, 1960, in Tomahawk, he was the son of the late Buford and Betty Fraley Setser. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by…
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Katrina Guinn (Fugate) Muncy Obituary
Katrina Guinn (Fugate) Muncy 1964—2026 Katrina Guinn (Fugate) Muncy, age 61, of Inez, passed away April 20, 2026, at Three Rivers Medical Center in Louisa. Born July 6, 1964, in Williamson, West Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Henry and Edna (Evans) Fugate. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death…
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Martin County lands historic $26M WWATERS funding
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — For years, Martin County’s water crisis was measured in indignities. Brown water in bathtubs. Buckets carried up hillsides. Faucets that could not be trusted. A community forced to document its own hardship again and again, hoping that somewhere beyond the mountains, someone in power would finally pay attention.…
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Volunteers needed to review foster care cases
Residents have a chance to make a direct difference in the lives of abused and neglected children as Kentucky recruits volunteers for its Citizen Foster Care Review Board. The recruitment effort comes during National Child Abuse Prevention Month, observed each April to raise awareness about abuse and neglect and to highlight the role communities play…
