
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — With weddings on the calendar, summer concerts taking shape and a longtime courthouse venue drawing steady bookings, the Martin County Tourism Commission painted a picture of a tourism season beginning to fill in. During its April 20 meeting, the commission welcomed Karen Thoma as its newest member, approved

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

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


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






