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Kiwanis review: Harvest Fest draws record crowds, boosts economy
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — On most weekends, Inez is quiet enough that locals wave to one another from across the streets. But on Sept. 12 & 13, it transformed as music boomed from the stage on Court Street, children darted between carnival rides, and the line at the lemonade stand stretched into
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Harvest Fest to bring biggest carnival ever, music hitmaker CJ Solar
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The countdown is on to Martin County’s biggest festival of the year and organizers say the 2025 Harvest Festival is shaping up to be the most exciting yet. With two full days of live music headlined by country hitmaker CJ Solar, plus a jam-packed carnival with more rides
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First State Bank backs Harvest Fest with Kiwanis donation
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Kiwanis Club’s weekly luncheon at Giovanni’s turned into a celebration of community Thursday when James Ayers, assistant vice president/regional retail manager of First State Bank and a longtime Kiwanian, presented a donation in support of this year’s Harvest Festival. “Madam President, we’ve been built on belief since
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From Martin County to Oxford and med school: Kiwanis honors two rising stars
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Kiwanis Club of Greater Martin County awarded scholarships Thursday to two standout Martin County High School graduates whose ambitions stretch from the hills of eastern Kentucky to the halls of Oxford and medical school. Laura Hale and Brandi Jude each received $1,000 during a celebratory luncheon at
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Martin County Harvest Fest promises biggest carnival yet
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Warm weather and festivals are the perfect match. So get excited because the Martin County Harvest Festival is returning to Court Street in September with its biggest carnival yet. Set for Sept. 12 and 13, the festival will feature carnival rides, delicious food, a vendors market, live music
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County Attorney warns looters
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — In the wake of severe flooding, reports of looting and burglary have surfaced in Martin County, prompting a stern warning from County Attorney Melissa Phelps. As residents work to recover from the disaster, some have found their damaged homes and belongings targeted by thieves. Phelps addressed the situation
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A ‘Harvest Fest’ of joy and growth for community
This past weekend, Inez witnessed something truly extraordinary—the 27th Annual Martin County Harvest Festival. What was once a modest celebration has grown each year into a marquee event for our county and region. With thousands of attendees flocking to our streets for a weekend packed with attractions, music, fun and community spirit, this year’s festival
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New law cracks down on truancy: Parents and students face tough penalties
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — A hard-hitting new Kentucky law, in effect as of July 15, requires school districts to crack down on truancy by reporting unexcused absences directly to the county attorney. Martin County Attorney Melissa Phelps discussed the impact of the new truancy law on students, parents, the school district, and
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Martin County Kiwanis Club offers 50% off dues to boost membership
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Kiwanis Club is offering new members a 50% discount on annual dues in a bid to grow its membership. Kiwanis President Melissa Phelps announced Thursday that new members can join the club for $50, a significant reduction from the usual $100 fee. The offer is
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Hillbilly Breakfast brews bright futures: Scholarships awarded to Martin County stars
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Kiwanis Club’s Hillbilly Breakfast fundraiser yielded significant dividends Thursday, awarding scholarships to two outstanding graduates from Martin County High School: Lena Hale and Addison Duncan. The young scholars were honored guests at the Kiwanis luncheon held at Masterpiece Kitchen & Café, where each was presented with a
