BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

Officials unveiled the first-ever “Welcome to Martin County” sign Tuesday afternoon at the county line on Kentucky Route 645.

Martin County Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty, tourism chairman Nita Collier, and deputy judge/economic development director Carolea Mills attended the unveiling ceremony.

The new sign is strategically placed to greet travelers entering the county from Lawrence County.

“It’s a beautiful sign to welcome people home,” Judge Lafferty said. “We couldn’t be more excited. …Things are happening in Martin County; things are growing.”

The sign features the message “Welcome to Martin County” against a backdrop of local landscapes photographed by Andrew Gess of the Lovely-based Ace Images. The display is anchored on a stone monument-style base with custom pillars constructed by Chris Blackburn.