Xavier Martin

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, unaware of where...

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 from both sides,...

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