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Wednesday, February 12, 2020 - $1.00
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Vol. 139, No. 52 - Waynesboro, Ga. 30830
With Valentine’s Day approaching, we sat down with two local couples to get their take on love and marriage. Abi and Adam Johnson,
newlyweds approaching their eight-month anniversary, told us what married life is really like, while Toni and Michael “Cowboy Mike”
Searles shared the wisdom they’ve gained over the last 56 years together.
ABI & ADAM
TONI & COWBOY MIKE
How did you know he/she was the one?
ADAM: We dated for 7 Vi years, all through high school and through
college, and were 2 V2 hours away from each other for five years of
college. I prayed about it, and I know she is the one. Plus, I knew if
she put up with me for that long then I’d better hurry up before she
came to her senses.
ABI: We had been dating a little over five years when he was in his
car accident in 2017, and for a few days it was really scary. I wasn’t
sure what his future would look like regarding his health, and I just
realized then that I really didn’t want to walk through life without
him! That was really the moment where things went from high school
boyfriend to okay he is really forever for me.
What is the biggest difference in dating vs. marriage?
ADAM: You are together all the time and learn more about each
other.
ABI: The biggest difference to me is being in the same zip code.
Long distance was tough, and I’m just grateful we get to wake up
together every day and not live off FaceTime and texts.
How do you deal with conflict?
ADAM: With conversation
ABI: I’ll be honest, there truly hasn’t been a ton of conflict. If
something comes up we just talk it through until it’s resolved. We
pray about things together, and we really seek out what God says
on the matter as well. It’s all about communicating with each other.
Do you remember your first date?
MIKE: It wasn’t a real date. I was with someone else and was
immediately attracted to Toni.
TONI: It was seeing Dick Gregory at a Southern Illinois University.
What was it that attracted you to each other?
MIKE: Her pleasant smile and demeanor
TONI: His smile and hardy laugh
What do young people today not seem to understand about love?
MIKE: It’s more than infatuation and physical beauty. The
attraction needs to be deeper than superficial.
TONI: Ditto
How do you deal with a disagreement?
TONI: By not holding a grudge for a long time
MIKE: Being able to admit when you are wrong and say you are
sorry.
What is your spouse’s best quality?
TONI: His good humor, intellect and eternal optimism
MIKE: Toni has a sweet and loving nature.
What do you do that gets on each other’s nerves?
TONI: Mike’s eternal optimism
MIKE: (smiling): I just take a trip out West.
In what ways are you growing in your marriage?
ADAM: We talk about everything, and we are constantly learning
more about each other.
ABI: I think I am growing in the Lord more because I’m constantly
seeking and praying to be a better wife, to love Adam like Christ
loves the church and to have more patience with him. Our faith is
not something we take lightly at all, and he’s been right beside me
answering questions about the Word
if he can, or finding the answers, |_qve
reading with me, dragging me out ’
What is one of the most difficult obstacles you overcame
together?
TONI: My mom’s illness
MIKE: Just seeing the world differently
What is the best gift you ever received from your spouse?
TONI: A trip to Charlotte, North Carolina, to see a museum exhibit
only to find that he had secretly invited my college roommate and
her husband.
SEE LOVE,
2A
MIKE: Her love
Sen. Stone
will not seek
re-election
State Senator Jesse Stone is not running
for re-election. The five-
term veteran legislator,
who is currently serving
as chairman of the Senate
Judiciary Committee,
confirmed reports that he
had decided to step down.
He is a former mayor of
Waynesboro and a finalist
for the Superior Court
judgeship being vacated by
Judge Michael Annis.
Stone issued the following statement
Tuesday: “Last week, after prayerful
consideration with my family, I decided not to
qualify for re-election to a sixth term for State
senate district 23. I believe in limiting terms of
office, something I did as mayor. I hope to find
future avenues of public service. I appreciate
the opportunities and confidence that the voters
have entrusted with me over the years. It has
truly been a humbling experience.”
Scott enters run
for county sheriff
Wayne Scott announced this week that he
intends to qualify to run
for Burke County Sheriff.
Scott, born and raised
in Burke County, is a
graduate of Waynesboro
High School. Upon
graduation, he joined the
319th Army reserve unit
where he served three
years before joining the
United States Air Force.
He served in a combat role SEE
in Desert Storm and graduated SCOTT,
from Non Commissioned Officer S a
Wayne Scott
Jesse Stone
Lively announces
run for District 5
Burke County
entrepreneur Q.U. “Art”
Lively III has announced his
candidacy for the District 5
county commission seat
currently held by George
DeLoach.
Lively, 45, a native of
Waynesboro, graduated
from Burke County
Comprehensive High
School in 1992 and attended
several colleges. He has been
a successful businessman in
the county and was formerly
an agent for Farm Bureau
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Art Lively
SEE
LIVELY,
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Let’s talk about L-O-V-E
K ellyn Alexander, a student at Faith
Christian Academy, was quiet when we
asked her about Valentine’s Day, but
she wasn’t shy at all when giving her
own definition of love. “That’s my mommy!” the
three-year-old exclaimed confidently. Other chil
dren around the county told us about their dream
dates and what to wear to impress a suitor. Check
out their responses on pages IB, 2B and 12B.
A southern shindig
A large crowd gathered Saturday for a true
southern soiree as everyone celebrated the
2020 Taste of Burke County. The event, which
raises money for the Wimberly House Minis
tries, featured 13 vendors who brought in their best dishes
and desserts for sampling while those in attendance
danced the night away. Live and silent auctions were
also held and Elvis Presley made a special appearance.
Ingevity presented the local ministry with $30,000 in or
der to help continue providing the many services offered at
Wimberly House. See page 10A for pictures from the event.
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