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Dream Appalachia Poverty Conference highlights challenges
BY PHILL BARNETT MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Dream Appalachia Poverty Conference convened Thursday and Friday in Inez, highlighting recent efforts to combat poverty and improve living conditions in the region. Organized by Addiction Recovery Care (ARC), Thrive Community Coalition, Appalachia Reach Out (ARO), and Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR), the event attracted community leaders,…
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Facing Hunger wants to establish a full-time food pantry in Inez
BY PHILL BARNETT MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Facing Hunger Foodbank is looking to establish a full-time food pantry in Inez. Cyndi Kirkhart, CEO of Facing Hunger Foodbank, spoke to the Inez City Commission Thursday about the nonprofit company’s goal to use such a building to aggregate USDA products, the Emergency Food Assistance Program and the…
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City of Inez will sponsor Appalachian Artist Festival
BY PHILL BARNETT MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Picking up where the special meeting March 26 left off, the Commission discussed and quickly approved a motion to sponsor the Appalachian Artist Festival. Given what the city will be responsible for covering, Daniels estimated the city would provide a sponsorship of around $4,000. The Appalachian Artist Festival…
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Martin County BOE renews RTI teacher positions
BY PHILL BARNETT MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Board of Education met Monday in the district central office to conduct routine business, spotlight exceptional student achievement, and discuss the district’s RTI program. The district employs three Response to Intervention (RTI) teachers, one at each elementary school. Each year, the board votes on whether…
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SOAR Innovation POWER team ignites entrepreneurial ecosystems in eastern Kentucky
BY PHILL BARNETT MOUNTAIN CITIZEN PIKEVILLE — In a significant development for the region, Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) unveiled its Innovation POWER team, poised to transform eastern Kentucky’s economy. Bolstered by a nearly $1.5 million Appalachian Regional Commission POWER grant awarded in October 2023, the team will develop a technology-focused entrepreneurial ecosystem across the…
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Woody and Bear’s House of Rhythm and Brews Opens in Louisa
BY BUGS DIXON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN LOUISA — Woody and Bear’s House of Rhythm and Brews, a new venue offering live music, BBQ cuisine and affordable drinks, held its soft opening this past weekend in Louisa. The establishment is set for its grand opening Friday. Local musicians Jason Jobe, Devin Moore and Phill Barnett performed during…
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Fill out Martin County Water District lead and copper survey before July 1
BY PHILL BARNETT MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — In a proactive step towards ensuring the safety and quality of drinking water, the Martin County Water District has initiated a Lead and Copper survey aimed at gathering critical information from its customers, which will remain open until July 1. The short survey, designed to be concise and…
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BOE spotlights Gifted & Talented, Science Fair winners
BY PHILL BARNETT MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — This month’s Board of Education meeting, which was postponed for the 15th Region tournament, featured a student spotlight highlighting the academic achievements of middle and elementary school students in Martin County. Superintendent Larry James recognized regional science fair winners, including McKenna Fletcher, who received first place in the…
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Martin County BOE discusses attendance crisis
Price named regional BOE chair, MCHS Solar bid rejected BY PHILL BARNETT MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Board of Education met March 13 at a rescheduled time due to the 15th Region Tournament last week. The top agenda items included staff and school reports as well as bids for various contracts with the district. After…
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Governor’s proposed budget allocates $12 million for Martin County water
BY PHILL BARNETT MOUNTAIN CITIZEN During Gov. Andy Beshear’s Team Kentucky update Jan. 18, the governor laid out the differences in the budgets proposed by his administration and the budget proposed by the House of Representatives. Gov. Beshear’s proposed budget allocated $12 million specifically for Martin County water projects, a significant and direct investment in…
