Democratic gubernatorial candidate Ron Sparks, right, chats with Limestone County Sheriff Mike Blakely and Athens City Councilwoman Mignon Bowers while in town Thursday for a reception at the Sheriff’s Rodeo Arena. Sparks, second term Commissioner of Agriculture, touted what he calls the “Life Start Education Lottery,” which he says would fund college educations for most Alabama students. He vowed to not raise taxes on working men and women.
— News Courier/Karen Middleton
