Laurel to the city of Salisbury’s forgivable lien program for spurring improvements in the West End neighborhood.

The city’s program provides up to $20,000 for upgrades and the opportunity for all debt to be forgiven after five years.

Already the Community Development Corporation has completed 17 homes. And two are being inspected to begin rehabilitation.

As reporter Liz Moomey’s story published Sunday (“Forgivable liens spur upgrades in West End”) found, some residents of the West End have taken note of the changes and begun fixing up the exterior of their homes without the lien’s help.

We hope the city will look for more opportunities to create programs that spur improvements within neighborhoods in Salisbury, particularly those that compel homeowners and landlords to make upgrades on their own accord.

Laurel to new chapters in life and the possibilities in front of fresh graduates from local high schools and colleges.

Already, Catawba College, Livingstone, North Rowan, Rowan County Early College and North Hills Christian Schools have held their graduations. A majority of Rowan-Salisbury high schools will hold graduation on June 8.

Those who have already turned their tassels and others who have yet to walk across the stage should view the next stage of life as an opportunity to continue learning rather than the end of their education.

Laurel to the celebration that Martin Marietta put together for longtime employee Donnie Barger last week.

Martin Marietta’s Salisbury Shop brought in a helicopter, served a hearty steak lunch and arranged a big retirement luncheon for Barger, who started working for the company in 1973  — before many employees at the shop were born.

As Production Services Manager Damon Allen said, Barger was a turtle in a rabbit’s race. He just kept going and going and getting things done. Don Mahaffey, Barger’s supervisor, said the longtime employee was dedicated and faithful.

For the many employees like Barger across Rowan and the companies for which they work, there’s value in showing public appreciation for those who are dedicated and hard-working.

And, while most companies can’t bring in a helicopter, we hope others can use Martin Marietta as an example of how to honor valuable employees.