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Chemtrails, trans athletes, book bans — Republican HD11 candidates address hot-button issues at Cullman forum

From chemtrails and book bans to transgender athletes and anti-Israel sentiment on college campuses, Republican candidates for House District 11, Don Fallin and Heath Allbright, addressed a bevy of hot-button issues at a forum Tuesday, less than five weeks before the special election primary.Members of the capacity crowd at the Cullman VFW hall asked questions covering various local and state issues. While many questions dealt with budgets or general policy, others touched on controversial issues.On removing sexually explicit books from children’s libraries:Fallin said, “I think that’s already a movement that’s in place. I think we’re doing a good job on making sure we have the right material… I think we’re making good progress, and I would certainly continue to support that as we move forward.””I would support book bans on a local level,” Allbright said. While on the Cullman County Board of Education, he said they would elect a book review committee comprised of teachers and administrators to analyze and determine what books are appropriate for students and what should be removed. “I think that needs to be pushed down to the local level,” Allbright outlined. “Power at the local level works, and I think that the people in Cullman and Blount County can decide what books we want in our schools.”On boys participating in girls’ sports:Allbright said he would do everything he could to protect his 14-year-old daughter and potential future granddaughters. “On the flip side of that, having a 16-year-old boy that’s 6’4″, 240 pounds, I would not want him playing football against a girl either,” he said.Fallin said, “Certainly, I support men being men, women being women, and that they’re in the sports they’re biologically associated with. I think it’s really simple.”On the dangers of chemtrails:Allbright said, “Obviously, there is a theory out there. I have done some reading on it. And there are some states that have passed legislation to not allow that to happen in their state. If the theory is true and there are people spraying stuff up in our atmosphere, and it’s causing harm to others, then I would push for that as well in Alabama. Obviously, I don’t know all the data of the stuff that’s coming out of those planes or if the theory is true, but I know there has been a lot of talk in several other states about passing legislation to prohibit that, and I would go along with that.”Fallin said, “I think the first thing you have to do is identify what are the legal pesticides or chemicals that are allowed to be used. Certainly, they’re not putting something out there that hasn’t had some kind of regulation on. Hopefully, that is not happening, but if it is, we’d have to do some research and certainly turn that off. But that’s the first I’ve heard of that one, too.”

Republican candidates for House District 11 Don Fallin (right) and Heath Allbright. (screengrab)

On the prevalence of anti-Israel sentiment on college campuses:Allbright said, “This started probably about 20 years ago when my wife was at the University of Auburn. I think it’s the indoctrination of liberal professors at our institutions that we’ve allowed to get in there. And that’s not the only one. You’ve seen it all over our district, where kids come from very conservative homes, and they go off to school, and they come back, and they’re not as conservative anymore. I think it comes from the indoctrination through our major universities.”Fallin said, “That’s a tricky one because it’s such a small percentage. The thing with media is you can have a small percentage of a population, and boom, it gets sensationalized. I don’t know how you would get into a kid’s head and say — you’re talking — that’s a major topic. Israel has been an ally and a part of the United States for years… I literally have a team deployed to Beruit right now that I will talk to first thing in the morning, so I am extremely familiar with both the Hezbollah fight that’s going on and the Syrian crisis that’s going on at the border. I was at the Syrian border less than six months ago…. But how that affects kids in school? Every aspect of our country and every socioeconomic status is represented across universities, so that’s a very difficult question to answer, but that’s my best.”On the deportation of illegal aliens:Fallin said, “It’s against the law to be an illegal immigrant, so the obvious answer is yes. My son-in-law is currently on the border supporting the illegal [alien] mission right now, so I know the impact on folks at this time. So yes, it’s against the law. It’s what we’re doing.”Allbright said, “Not only are they breaking the law, but they’re straining our resources through our local sheriff’s departments, our hospitals, our schools, even our insurance companies.”Allbright said his stepfather was recently involved in a wreck where a group of about “six or eight illegal aliens” were at fault. “I’m not sure who’s going to fix the bumper on his truck, but I’m pretty sure it’s not going to be them. So yeah, Cullman and District 11 should be a part of fighting against illegal immigration and aliens,” he said.To connect with the story’s author or comment, email [email protected] or find him on X and Facebook.Don’t miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.   

Carrollton’s Book Fest Inspired Readers and Writers This Past Weekend

Last weekend, readers and writers alike gathered at Carrollton’s Cultural Arts Center to support each other and celebrate local authors. The event, hosted by the Carrollton Writers Guild and the Arts Center, was split into two distinct sessions: Friday focused on workshops for aspiring authors, while Saturday centered on book sales and author meet-and-greets. The Guild invited several keynote speakers, including Tarah Shelton Harris, author of One Summer in Savannah and Long After We Are Gone, to share her insights and journey through the writing and publishing process.

I had the pleasure of attending one of Friday’s classes with Bren McClain, author of One Good Mama Bone. The dozen or so attendees came well-prepared: each had submitted their own work and reviewed excerpts from the others before arriving. McClain shared her experiences as a writer and made space for attendees to discuss one another’s work. The respectful dialogue helped participants think more critically—or even feel more confident—about their creations.

Throughout the workshop, McClain encouraged writers to explore their stories more deeply by offering simple yet thoughtful writing prompts. One such prompt was: “What baggage does your character have?”

Once the laughter subsided, pondering expressions filled the room.

“Your characters have baggage that informs their actions,” McClain smiled, “but it can also inform you!”

Many writers, after staring intently at the foam ceiling tiles or pacing the room, eagerly began to scribble notes or type away at their laptops.

Prompts like this—and the thoughtful feedback from peers—were exactly what many came for: inspiration, yes, but also training.

Other workshops included Pathways to Publication, moderated by authors George Weinstein and Kim Conrey, and The Craft of Writing a Marketable Children’s Book, where Lola M. Schaefer offered key insights.

Some attendees had already self-published and were seeking guidance on gaining visibility. During the lunch break, I spoke with a few of these authors who shared that the information they received gave them new tools to further their books’ reach. When I asked each about what they had written—or were currently working on—many blushed or cast their eyes down before shyly describing their projects. I’d argue Book Fest also doubled as a networking event; the number of pitches I heard and business cards slipped into my hand could fill a novelette.

One such author was Frank Rogers. Though he always knew he loved storytelling—thanks to his mother’s thoughtful reading sessions during childhood—he had several careers before finally settling behind the desk. His first novel, Upon a Crazy Horse, was published in 2009, and he hasn’t stopped since. Rogers shared with me and other attendees that while publishing can be a challenge, persistence is key.

“If you’ve dreamed of writing a novel, stop dreaming,” he urged. “Stop wishing. Stop waiting. Start writing.”

You can check out his work at www.franktheauthor.com.

His wife, Mary Rogers, also in attendance, illustrates all of his book covers.

The Arts Center buzzed with excited readers and listeners all Saturday morning. In the lobby, volunteers helped authors set up tables to display and sell their beloved books. Beverly Buemmer, author of at least three beautifully illustrated children’s books, was stationed at the first table in a long line showcasing local talent. Most authors were from West Georgia, though some came from Atlanta and even as far as Savannah.

One group from Atlanta, Sisters in Crime, set up shop in the eastern hallway. Their president, Tenesha Curtis, spoke about writing crime novels and the group’s tradition of challenging each other to explore different genres. Curtis, who typically writes crime and romance, was recently challenged to write something lighter—and had her holiday novel The Christmas Proof on display.

The group’s treasurer, Sharon Marchisello, writes cozy mysteries—a genre popular with many age groups. Her titles included Trap, Neuter, Die and Live Well, Grow Wealth. I pointed at the latter, curious.

“Yes, I wrote about my experience with personal finance,” she smiled. “I just wanted to share my thoughts!”

Clearly, Sisters in Crime isn’t tethered to just one genre!

Two other members, Mike Nemeth and Bob Rothman, also shared how the group offers opportunities to learn, grow, and network. You can find Nemeth’s and Rothman’s works online as well.

But you don’t have to drive to Atlanta to find a supportive writing group. The Carrollton Writers Guild meets several days a week right at the Carrollton Cultural Arts Center on Bankhead in downtown Carrollton. You can email them at [email protected] or visit www.carrolltonwritersguild.org for more info. They’ll happily welcome your company—and your contributions!

Who knows? Maybe your book will be featured at next year’s Carrollton Book Fest!

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Important Announcement USA Based Manufacturing vs Global Trade-Tariff Situation from Really Big Coloring Books® – Book Publishing Industry Today – EIN Presswire