Staff Report

The Tribune announces the addition of two new writers to the news staff and transfer of one to the Yadkin County beat.

Thomas Smith, a graduate of East Surry High School and the University of North Carolina - Wilmington, joined The Tribune staff in August and has developed contacts in Elkin, Ronda, Jonesville, Boonville and Yadkinville quickly.

"He has a very approachable nature. That is what I liked about Thomas from the start," Managing Editor Lonnie Adamson said. "He seems willing to talk to anyone about any topic of local interest. He is persistent about getting the story straight."

Smith will take over primary coverage of Yadkin County happenings for The Tribune and The Yadkin Ripple. He will cover East Bend, Yadkinville and Courtney-Huntsville primarily in addition to the very busy Yadkin County government beat.

Julia Bank will replace Smith in the Jonesville, Boonville, Hamptonville and Ronda beats. She lives in Ronda with her husband, Justin Lanier, two dogs and four cats.

"Julia is an intelligent concerned reporter who does lots of research and is not afraid to try something new," Adamson said. A graduate of the North Carolina School of the Arts, Bank has an interest in the arts, particularly filmmaking and got to know the area in part through a documentary film she did on Horne Creek Farm at Pilot Mountain State Park.

She is knowledgeable of the wine industry, having worked as tasting room manager at Raffaldini Vineyards.

Karen Martin brings organization, a love for reading and a talent in creative writing to the Lifestyles desk. "Karen is a dedicated worker who will try her best to handle all the calendar items, weddings, engagements and school news," Adamson said. "It is a difficult job to keep all the short bits of important information flowing in a timely manner," Adamson said. "We are glad to have Karen here to help keep those things organized. She has focus and understands the importance of what she does."