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Photojournalist
Xavier Martin
Published Stories


Preparing for the worst
From left, Granite Falls police officers, T. Benning, Student Resource Officer A.R. Travis, A. Chester and M. Tackett practice clearing classrooms during an active shooter drill at Granite Falls Middle School on Aug. 5, 2025. A shotgun blast echoes through the halls of Granite Falls Middle School. The smell of gun powder penetrates its way through hall and into each classroom. Police officers, with weapons at the ready and donned in kevlar armor rush through the front doors,
Xavier Martin
Jan 182 min read


Sgt. Ruff’s Color Run unleashes an explosion of color
Sgt. Ruff’s Color Run, hosted by Shepherds for Sheepdogs, Inc., at the Lenoir Rotary Soccer Complex on Nov. 8, 2025. -Courtesy of Catherine Hartzler Green and yellow dust fills the air, like smoke over a battlefield. When the dust settles, a company of recruits comes into view, all eager to cross the front line. When their leader, dressed in OD green, gives the command, the mass of foot soldiers charge forward. Their white uniform shirts become soiled as they come under fire
Xavier Martin
Jan 182 min read


'It'll kick you straight between the legs': Hickory driver talks track champion dreams, racing realities
“It's well worth the investment just due to the experience that I'm gaining, the knowledge that I'm getting.”
Xavier Martin
Jun 23, 20255 min read


Female wrestlers from Alexander, Lincoln counties talk motivation, misconceptions
"“Y’all fight tooth and nail for every bit of this, every moment you get, every opportunity you get"
Xavier Martin
Mar 31, 20256 min read


After Hurricane Helene damage, cleanup efforts may reopen areas of Wilson Creek by summer
Caldwell Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Bryan Moore and Brown Mountain Beach Resort manager Kelsey Wallace discuss Wilson Creek...
Xavier Martin
Jan 21, 20253 min read
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