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Over 300,000 Kentuckians charged for cannabis since 2002
Higher conviction rate in Appalachian region BY PHILL BARNETT MOUNTAIN CITIZEN FRANKFORT — Despite a nationwide shift towards the decriminalization and legalization of cannabis, Kentucky and only 17 other states remain outliers. A recent report from the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy (KCEP) reveals that Kentucky’s approach to cannabis criminalization not only runs counter to…
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Kentucky school funding gap widens, educators call for legislative action
BY PHILL BARNETT MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — A recent report from the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy reveals a widening gap in per-pupil funding between the state’s wealthiest and poorest school districts, surpassing levels deemed unconstitutional over 30 years ago. Educators on the ground are feeling the pinch, hoping the report will be an “eye-opener”…
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Arm Drop Revival 2023: A tribute to Kent Rose and a boost for local youth
Combs Airport to host two-day drag racing event organized by Kent Rose Foundation BY PHILL BARNETT MOUNTAIN CITIZEN PAINTSVILLE — The Paintsville-Prestonsburg Combs Airport is set to host the Arm Drop Revival 2023 on Sept. 1 and 2. Organized by the Kent Rose Foundation (KRF), this two-day street-style drag racing event aims to honor the…
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Tomahawk concert attracts folks from all over
Webb shop to host Stidham Old Time Music Gathering July 28 and 29 BY BUGS DIXON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN TOMAHAWK — This past Sunday at James Webb Musical Repair & Sales in Tomahawk, Phill Barnett and Tob Branham of Lawrence County played an acoustic concert that was followed by an open jam. Tob Branham, with his…
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Appalachian Artist Festival set for Aug 4
BY BUGS DIXON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Recently appointed Inez city commissioner Jennifer Wells is leading the charge on organizing the upcoming Appalachian Artist Festival set for Friday, Aug. 4. The festival will be free and open to the public, last all day and showcase local musicians, visual artists, authors, businesses and food vendors. Music…
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Stories of Place: LiKEN begins family cemeteries project in Martin County
BY PHILL BARNETT MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Madison Mooney and Karen Rignall were the guest speakers at last week’s Kiwanis meeting in Inez. Mooney and Rignall represented the Livelihoods Knowledge Exchange Network (LiKEN) and presented an update on the nonprofit’s Stories of Place project in Martin County. Stories of Place, a LiKEN storytelling project, highlights…
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Nomadic roots, artistic routes: Pamela Henry draws on a lifetime of experience
BY PHILL BARNETT MOUNTAIN CITIZEN LOUISA — In the verdant landscapes of eastern Kentucky, a unique artistic talent has unceasingly cultivated her craft. Pamela Henry, renowned for her blend of impressionistic realism and pop art in bright acrylic hues, has been painting her way into the hearts of communities. Henry’s work, distinguished by vibrant colors and…
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Tourism board discusses updates, ‘big news coming up’ for trail system
BY PHILL BARNETT MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County Tourism Board chair Nita Collier started Monday’s meeting by adjusting the agenda. “I would like to add an executive session,” Collier said. “There are some private property owners and we need to discuss a couple of situations. I think that’s best in executive session. Can I…
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Donnie Bowling’s ‘Work Yourself Out’ – An Odyssey of Self-discovery
BY PHILL BARNETT MOUNTAIN CITIZEN LEXINGTON — The raw and heartfelt musings of Pike County native Donnie Bowling can be heard in his newly released album “Work Yourself Out,” which became available on all major platforms May 16. Traveling nurse by profession and musician by passion, Bowling, now residing in Lexington, presents an unapologetically honest…
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Strong gathering for Fallsburg Summer Stage [GALLERY]
BY BUGS DIXON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN FALLSBURG — Fallsburg Summer Stage returned to the Creekside Cabin and RV Park for a strong 2023 gathering Friday and Saturday. Despite rain on the main day of the festival, hundreds turned out to watch some of the biggest names in the region perform. The lineup for 2023 included regional…