The Appalachian 2/27/20

The Appalachian

FEB. 27, 2020

Faculty meeting: state budget update

Cosplayers spread joy to Boone

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mambacita

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Special Section: election ballots Page 9-12

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Kobe Bryant: impacting communities from west to east

Dan Davidson | Associate Sports Editor

The entire world was flipped upside down on Jan. 26 when news spread that NBA legend Kobe Bryant died in a tragic helicopter crash.

“I was in denial and in shock. I was heartbroken and could not believe that the world was losing someone so impactful. I literally thought to myself, ‘Kobe was never supposed to die,’” junior women’s basketball player Michaela Porter said.

A memorial for Kobe and Gianna Bryant was held Feb. 24 at the Staples Center. The date, 2/24/20, was intentionally chosen as Gianna wore no. 2, Kobe wore no. 24, and Kobe and his wife Vanessa were together for 20 years.

At the televised event, a myriad of NBA stars littered the crowd as former greats like Michael Jordan and Shaquille O’Neal shared remarks on their close friend.

“He inspired people to be the best basketball players they can be on the court and be the best people they could be off the court...”

In the wake of Bryant’s unexpected death, outpourings of love and appreciation came from inside and outside the sports world. In Boone, the news hit home with basketball players on both of App State’s basketball teams.

“He was my idol. I looked up to him since I was younger and just admired his game and his work ethic and how dedicated he was. He was an inspiration to me to go out and go harder,” freshman men’s basketball player Donovan Gregory said.

After retiring, Bryant became known as an Oscar-winning storyteller and family man. He coached his daughter Gianna Bryant’s basketball team, and helped bring more popularity to women’s basketball. She also died in the crash.

“Kobe, to me, was the true voice of women’s basketball. He was trying to change the game for his daughter, and in doing so, he was changing it for everyone else,” sophoGraphic by Efrain Arias-Medina Jr.

Continued on page 14

News

Feb. 27, 2020

App State Police hopes to continue growth Hard hat tour shows progress of Sanford Hall construction after top 25 ranking

Despite awards and recognitions the App State Police Department has received over the last year, Police Chief and Director of Public Safety Andy Stephenson looks to improve in the future. Stephenson believes traditional policing does not work and promotes “a more proactive rather than reactive style of law enforcement.”

Tucker Wulff

Tucker Wulff | Reporter

The App State Police Department was listed 18th in the Top 25 University Departments in the Country by the National Campus Safety Summit, but Police Chief and Director of Public Safety Andy Stephenson wants to climb even higher.

The rank comes after the North Carolina Police Executives Assiciation awarded the department Law Enforcement Agency of the Year in 2019.

“We appreciate the recognition, obviously. Our employees work hard, and they deserve recognition for the work that they do,” Stephenson said, but sitting at 18th in the nation is “absolutely not good enough for us.”

While recognition at the summit is an honor to the department, Stephenson said how the students, faculty and staff perceive App State Police is what really matters.

“What’s far more important to us is how our community would rank us,” Stephenson said.

App State Police is working on several projects to increase its involvement in the community and

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improve the connection between the department and the student body, Stephenson said.

“We are doing a lot of good things. I’ve been here two years, and we’re not where we want to be yet,” Stephenson said.

One of the biggest changes, Stephenson said, is implementing their police work style.

Traditional policing is a reactive form of police work that focuses on enforcement and quantifiable statistics such as the number of tickets an officer writes or the number of arrests an officer makes, Stephenson said.

“I am a believer that traditional policing does not work,” Stephenson said.“The officer who makes the most arrests and writes the most tickets is not necessarily the best officer.”

Instead, Stephenson said he encourages App State Police officers to practice a more proactive, rather than reactive, style of law enforcement.

Bryce Helms, a patrol officer with APD, attributes the department’s success to the connection that the officers have built with one another.

“We spend 12 hours a day, four days a week with our shift mates,” Helms said. “You really grow a connection, a bond, with the people you work with.”

That strong connection, Helms said, allows a level of trust among coworkers that enables them to do their job to the best of their ability.

“When we go to a call, I know that if I need somebody, they’re going to be there in a minute,” Helms said.

The officers are all working toward a common goal that each of them understands, Helms said.

“We’re all working for the safety of the campus, of the students, the professors and any faculty and staff,” Helms said.

The National Campus Safety Summit is put on by Safe Campus, “the premier conference on university and college safety,” according to its website According to the website, nominated departments are chosen by a selection committee based on a list of criteria. Multiple criteria focus on actions, policies and proof that the department is improving campus safety.

The conference took place Feb. 26 and 27 in Las Vegas, though App State did not send a representative to the summit, largely due to travel expenses, Stephenson said.

The recognition is something to be proud of and makes App State Police officers want to work harder, Helms said.

“There’s a standard, but we try to go above the standard,” Helms said. “People are looking at us now like, ‘What is APD doing different, and how can we be like APD?’”

Connor Davidson | Reporter On Feb. 19, Nick Katers, associate vice chancellor for facilities management, took university officials on a tour of Sanford Hall to bring them up to speed on where the project is in its development, and what can be expected when construction is completed.

“The Sanford Hall renovation is an $18 million project to take a 1960s-era building and put another 25-40 years of life into it,” Katers said. “It’s a holistic renovation of all floors to include a complete redesign of office spaces and classrooms, allnew utilities and all upgraded HVAC and other systems inside the building.”

Student fees funded the project, meaning students are supporting the revamping of the building. Katers said Sanford Hall is an important building for App State, and all students are likely to find themselves in the building at some point.

“Most freshmen and sophomores take at least one class in Sanford Hall, so it’s one of the anchor-point buildings for the university and widely used,” Katers said. “I don’t think there are too many students that go

four years without having at least one class here.”

The construction, which began in July, is now in the framing stage. The layout of classrooms and office spaces are now visible from inside the building.

“We have another couple of months of framing to do, and then we’ll start putting in conduit, electrical, automation, a new HVAC system and starting to push drywall in,” Katers said.

For those walking by, the new elevator system will be the most obvious improvement from the outside with two elevators, which is one more than the building had.

“The old elevator had frequent maintenance issues, so I think this will make everyone a lot happier being able to get in and out of the building a lot faster,” Katers said.

The classrooms will be ready for use by spring 2021, and faculty will move into the office spaces shortly after.

University officials make their way through Sanford Hall as it currently stands on Feb. 19.

Nick Katers, associate vice chancellor for facilities management, said that the building already had a good structure and base and “there was a lot of benefit to renewing this building rather than tearing it down and starting over.”

Connor Davidson

News

Feb. 27, 2020

Faculty discuss impact of state budget on salaries with local representatives Gianna Holiday | Reporter

The Republican majority General Assembly and Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper’s inability to agree on 14 bills stalled the adoption of a new state budget and has the state retracing last year’s spending plan.

During a faculty meeting in Grandfather Mountain Ballroom Feb. 14, one of the main concerns raised was the lack of a current state budget, which is preventing faculty from receiving a raise. Faculty Senate Chair Michael Behrent announced that a group of about 10 faculty members, including Director of External Affairs and Community Relations Matthew Dockham, met with State Senator Deanna Ballard (D) Feb. 17.

“What we talked about primarily was concern about the lack of a state budget and the impact that that is having on the UNC System and specifically our institution,” Behrent said.

“While we are specifically concerned with the lack of a state budget, we are also concerned with the decade-long trend with virtually stagnant compensation for faculty.”

Ballard is the chair of the Education Committee and the Higher Education Committee in the North Carolina Senate.

“I voted in support of the UNC System’s budget requests, including further support of the UNC Laboratory School program, increased funding for faculty recruitment and retention, along with about 4% raises for UNC System employees,” Ballard said. “I was able to meet with nearly a dozen ASU faculty members this week to again affirm my support for these critical needs and increased dollars while

listening and discussing how best to advocate specifically for ASU within the UNC System.”

North Carolina has a law that maintains the prior year’s level of spending if no new state budget passes. The law is currently in effect because the General Assembly does not reconvene until April.

“The fact that a state budget was not passed does specifically mean that there will be no raises coming from state money since we revert to last year’s budget, but last year there was no such money,” Behrent said.

However, a lack of a budget comes with other issues. No state

to encourage the General Assembly and the Governor’s office to reach an agreement on the state budget,” Dockham said. “In addition to these efforts and with a budget agreement at the forefront, the UNC board of governors is in the process of developing a legislative policy agenda for the upcoming short session.”

Dockham said if a budget agreement cannot be reached, there is discussion that an education “mini budget” could be approved and signed by the governor. The mini budget includes meaningful salary increases for faculty and staff, repairs and renovations on campus, funding for faculty recruitment and retention, and capital to renew Wey Hall.

Ballard said the Education Oversight Committee will review critical issues, like the educator preparation program, career and technical education and coding programs for students.

“My argument is that I don’t care what suffers or what doesn’t get built, the priority is the faculty. If you don’t have good-quality, good faculty, you don’t have anything,” said James Goff, history department chair. “If we really want to tell our parents and taxpayers out there that we have the best, then let’s treat them like that they’re the best. Don’t treat them like they’re expendable.”

“...If you don’t have good-quality, good faculty, you don’t have anything...” budget means there are no new state services, like after-school care or opioid treatment, because the budget includes grants for those services.

“Our goal in the Faculty Senate is to contact our state legislators, and other leadership bodies in the UNC System have been in touch with the legislature,” Behrent said.

“It [the meetings] also encouraged local boards and boards of trustees because there is a sort of nudge to the state legislature to fund our campuses appropriately.”

Roughly the same group from the Faculty Senate who met with Ballard discussed similar concerns with House Representative Ray Russell (D) Feb. 24.

“Efforts continue to be made

AppalCart review recommends more buses, transit center Cole Elledge | Reporter A comprehensive review on AppalCart addressed issues such as increased ridership, funding and infrastructure needs, for the 2020 financial year in a presentation Feb. 18.

Craig Hughes, director of AppalCart, said one significant issue facing AppalCart is overcrowding on buses.

“We’ve kind of reached the point, or close to the point, of where our system is about saturated, as far as the number of riders we can carry,” Hughes said.

According to the review, the 2020 financial year has seen a 19% increase in ridership.

AppalCart plans to add buses to the Blue and Express routes in 2021.

Hughes said that 10 new buses are recommended over the next five years. However, adding new buses requires additional parking and employees. The expansion and replacement of buses will cost $13.5 million.

“I think it’s going to be necessary to find answers to these transportation problems as we move along, or we can suffer economically...”

The review also recommended constructing a transit center on Rivers Street. The center would ease difficulties bus drivers face turning around at Rivers Street. The transit center would replace Peacock Circle, and would cost $2.2 million.

Hughes said that outside funding is needed to complete these recommendations.

Quint David, chair of the AppalCart board, said AppalCart already relies on outside sources for funding.

“We don’t have taxes. We get funding from App State, the state of North Carolina, Boone, Watauga County,” David said.

Federal and state grants for AppalCart total $2 million annually, and additional grants are unlikely. Total local funding stands at $1.7 million. According to the review, $25.4 million is required between 2020 and 2030 to meet the recommendations for AppalCart.

David said the board typically meets in the summer to decide what routes will be maintained or removed. Decisions on routes depend on funding from outside sources.

Hughes said while AppalCart services are costly, they benefit Boone by reducing traffic.

“I think it’s going to be necessary to find answers to these transportation problems as we move along, or we can suffer economically. But I would say, you know, as far as AppalCart goes, the more trips we can get off the road and, on a bus, the better off it is for everybody,” Hughes said.

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News

Feb. 27, 2020

Board of Elections hopes Energy summit discusses campus, regional largest voting population energy use with students and community in county votes in primary Rachel Greenland | Reporter

Michael Lillywhite | Reporter Unaffiliated voters have a history of not voting in primary elections, even though three parties in the state allow them to vote.

“The largest group of voters in Watauga County are unaffiliated voters, which is getting to be the trend for the whole country,” said Matt Snyder, director of the Watauga County Board of Elections. “So, we hope they participate.”

In Watauga County, 19,652 citizens are unaffiliated voters, compared to 13,434 registered Republicans and 11,950 registered Democrats.

Snyder said in the 2016 presidential primary, 4,432 unaffiliated voters voted. In March of that year, there were 17,490 voters registered as unaffiliated in Watauga County.

Despite the fact there is not a nonpartisan ballot, the partially-closed primary permits unaffiliated voters to vote on the Republican, Democratic or Libertarian ballot.

“By being an unaffiliated voter, you’re still allowed to participate in the primary, and it’s important that you do so,” Snyder said.

Snyder suggested that those who want their opinion heard should get out and vote.

“In order for Watauga County, at least, and North Carolina, to have representative outcomes, it’s important that the unaffiliated voters participate in that and help shape the choices of the candidates that we see in the fall,” Snyder said.

Junior Gage King said he approves of the partially closed primary.

“I don’t feel like it was intended that we have a two-party system,” said King, a gender, women’s and sexuality studies major. “I think that’s definitely something that should be a thing.”

Seven one-stop sites are available all across the county for early voting, which lasts until Feb. 29. The Blue Ridge Ballroom in the Plemmons Student Union is one of these sites.

“It’s important that everybody who is eligible to vote, votes,” Snyder said.

Junior Connor Beatty agrees.

“I think voting is something we take for granted, and the voice of the people should always determine who is in charge,” said Beatty, an electronic media and broadcasting major.

In the case of a runoff election after the primary, unaffiliated voters must stick with the ballot they chose in the primary.

“It’s kind of like picking a lane,” Snyder said.

The Green and Constitution parties do not open up their primaries to unaffiliated voters. Democratic and Republican ballots include United States Senate and State office positions, while the Libertarian ballot is limited to only presidential candidates.

Sample ballots are available on the Watauga County website.

“...the voice of the people should always determine who is in charge...”

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Students, residents and retirees joined forces at the High Country Energy Justice Summit to create a “people’s vision” for the future of energy sources in the areas surrounding Boone and App State’s campus Feb. 22.

Madeline Parker is a youth climate justice organizer for NC WARN, an energy justice nonprofit that works with Energy Justice NC Coalition, Appalachian Voices and 12 other organizations to host events like the summit, which took place at Harvest House, across North Carolina.

“Using it as both a networking and community building tool, but also to learn more about the different pieces that the presenters and breakout groups are going to talk about,” Parker said.

The summit was one of EJNCC’s six Energy Justice tour stops across the state with the goal to end the “Duke Energy monopoly” in the state. The High Country summit was co-hosted by five local and state organizations, including Appalachian Voices, Climate Action Collaborative, Climate/ Transition Blue Ridge, EJNCC and Sunrise Boone.

In the High Country, a large portion of residents’ energy comes from Duke Energy’s natural gas. On App State’s campus, energy is provided

by New River Light and Power, which purchases energy from Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation.

BREMCO in turn procures energy from Duke Energy, according to App State’s 2019-20 Strategic Energy and Water Plan.

“New River Light and Power is our local utility that is university owned, but not necessarily university regulated,” said Caitlyn Daas, a senior advertising major and CAC organizer. “There’s a lot of outside entities that have a say in what New River Light and Power can do, what kind of services they can offer and things like that.”

In 2018-19, the Strategic Energy and Water Management Plan also stated that 0.151% of App State’s energy came from renewable sources, such as wind, solar and hydroelectricity.

But, Patrick Richardson, App State’s energy analyst, said it isn’t all

“grim.”

“We are 40% more efficient at using energy than we were in 2002-03.

The campus is 46% larger and even being larger, we hit a record low energy use in 2016-17,” Richardson said.

The Southern Environmental Law Center ranked North Carolina third nationwide in renewable energy development, but the High Country is one of the less-developed areas in the state. Parker said youth leadership has drawn more attention to the energy issue in the High Country.

“It is not just important, but imperative to have youth not only at the table, but really with the mic in their hands and able to hear some of these conversations, especially the ones that are really timely (like) looking at the energy future 10, 20 years from now,” Parker said.

Max Johnson graduated from App State in August and is returning for graduate school in the fall. They said they have attended a few Sunrise Boone meetings and were interested in the summit because of their frustration with the “Duke monopoly.” Johnson said they are worried about apartment renters’ voices going unheard.

“I’ve lived in Boone for a while now, and I can see that there is potential to get to renewable energy,” Johnson said.

During breakout sessions at the summit, Johnson shared with the other full-time residents in their discussion group that they would like to see better

energy options for renters in the High Country, for their economic health and the collective ecological footprint.

Despite the age range in the audience, many guests resonated with one woman, who said she felt “powerlessness.”

Terry Carroll, a former App State sustainable development professor, had a different take on solving the group’s feeling of powerlessness. He said corporations are not going to fix problems affecting the climate themselves.

“We fall into the corporate discussion by having these same conversations, just changing out windmills versus coal plants. It is still large, centralized, mega-corporation production and distribution,” Carroll said. “Isn’t that the problem already?”

Carroll proposed power meters with priority levels, cut consumption and living “off the grid lifestyles” as alternative solutions.

Carroll has fought for climate justice for over 40 years, but others at the summit just joined the fight.

Matt Wasson, director of programs at Appalachian Voices, said the young voices who will be most affected by climate change are moving this conversation.

“Of all the things that are going kind of wrong with the climate crisis right now, one of the few things that’s going right is this emerging youth leadership,” Wasson said.

On Feb. 22, the High Country Energy Justice Summit took place and served as an outlet for individuals and groups to network and connect to discuss energy sourcing in the area. The event was hosted at Harvest House and involved breakout sessions and presentations.

Xanayra Marin-Lopez

News

Feb. 27, 2020

Visiting Writers Series dedicated to former board of trustees member, brings authors to campus Hadasa Rivera Marin | Reporter Every year, authors are brought to campus to share their creative work and talk about their experiences to students, faculty and the community.

However, a series started in 1989 took on a new meaning this spring.

The 2019-20 Visiting Writers Series is dedicated in memory of Hughlene Bostian Frank, a member of App State’s board of trustees and foundation board of directors, and her late husband, William Frank.

“We want our students to benefit, and we’re not just talking English majors...”

“It’s a matter of providing access to great writers, great poets, to come to our institution and be able to enrich the creative writing program as well as the culture on this campus,” said Leonardo Flores, English department chair.

Invited writers this spring include novelist Kayla Rae Whitaker, creative non-fiction author Graham Hoppe, and poets Nickole Brown and Jacinta White.

English department associate professor Mark Powell said the goal is diversity “in every sense.”

“All of these writers are remarkably unique. Attendees can expect to hear about African-American churches and cemeteries in the South, eco-criticism in the Anthropocene, the publication process, and how we relate to certain spaces,” Powell said.

Susan Weinberg, coordinator of the series, said faculty members suggest authors to the visiting writers series committee.

She said faculty members who make suggestions are usually familiar with the nominated writer’s work because it’s taught in class, they’re passionate about it or they have a personal connection to the author.

Each author reads from one of their works, and leads a talk on the craft of writing. The talks aim to give aspiring writers examples of techniques and a greater understanding of the work that goes into the process.

“We want our students to benefit, and we’re not just talking English majors. Love of literature, stories, art and poetry should be part of anyone and everyone’s education,” Flores said.

All events in the series are free and open to the public. Book sales and signings will be available after the talks and readings.

“You go to a reading, and here you have a living, breathing author reading from their work. They’re giving you a little context, a taste, and it’s usually one of the good parts,” Flores said.

“This is a great opportunity, so I hope people take advantage of it and are able to enjoy it,” The first author to attend App State’s campus in this 2020 spring series is Kayla Rae Whitaker. Her craft talk titled “Five Things You Need to Know Before You Publish” happened on the afternoon of Feb 27.

Whitaker’s reading will take place that evening in Three Top Mountain Room 169, PSU at 7:30 p.m.

Freshmen face search for housing on and off campus Xanayra Marin-Lopez | Reporter apartment, a route she feels is more Many students start seeking housing for their next academic year in their first fall semester. Freshmen can feel overwhelmed by suddenly going through the rental process within their first few months of coming.

All incoming first-year students are required to live on campus and guaranteed housing.

“The communities our students become a part of, and the educational components provided to them in residence halls during their first year as Mountaineers, is one factor that contributes to Appalachian’s exceptional retention and graduation rates, which far exceed national averages. For this reason, we prioritize housing firstyear students,” said Megan Hayes, vice chancellor and chief communications officer.

Maddie Vargas, director of external affairs for the Student Government Association, said applying for housing as early as October isn’t as urgent as students may think.

“Some of it has to do with realtors promoting and sending advertising out so early. Applications are opening much earlier now,” Vargas said.

Because applications are opening earlier, students feel that they have to secure a spot quicker. Vargas said there are still spaces available after October and there is no need to apply so early.

Ana Lopez, a first-year student, found her future home off-campus, but it came with more work than she expected.

“Everyone was telling me that you have to look at all of this a year ahead, so I was stressing. Over winter break I worked two shifts a day every day, except for on Christmas, just to pay the security deposit,” Lopez said.

Lopez plans to live with three roommates in a house rather than an

cost-effective. According to ResidentShield.com, houses cost less than apartments in rural areas.

Transfer students, students with housing scholarships, and those who belong to programs such as the Honors College and Watauga Residential College also receive priority for on-campus housing.

Students who currently live on campus and want to again next year reapplied through University Housing’s lottery system. The online application closed Jan. 31.

However, no upperclassmen are guaranteed a space in a residence hall.

University Housing’s website reads, “Completing the housing application

“They had a policy last year where you could choose your roommate, but now they’ve changed it to where both of the roommates have to have reapplied. It just makes a lot more trouble for people who want to live on campus and be with someone who they’re comfortable with,” Graham said.

Graham said that last year it was easier to request a roommate when reapplying for on-campus housing. This year, both students have to be invited to select each other as roommates.

Students not invited to receive on-campus housing have the option to appeal. A student may choose to appeal if they hold a significant need to be housed on campus, usually for financial reasons.

When reviewing financial appeals, University Housing focuses on those with a higher financial need in cooperation with the Office of Financial Aid. It is possible to appeal for reasons other than money, and these are reviewed on a caseby-case basis. Appeals are granted based on the number of beds left.

In January, University Housing presented SGA with data about on-campus beds. There are 5,674 beds on campus. With the construction of new residence halls, 6,170 beds are expected to be available in fall 2020 and projected 3,900 incoming freshmen.

This leaves approximately 2,000 spaces for students other than freshmen.

Off-Campus Student Services is a part of the Division of Student Affairs and a partner program of the Student Legal Clinic.

Read more online at www.theappalachianonline.com

“...It just makes a lot more trouble for people who want to live on campus and be with someone who they’re comfortable with...” does not obligate you to live on campus; it gives you the opportunity to select on-campus housing if you receive an invitation to do so later in the reapplication process.”

Students received invitations to live on campus beginning mid-February. If a student receives an invitation, they have 48 hours to log in to the online portal, select a room and confirm their space for next year. If not done within that time frame, the invitation will expire. Students without luck receive a notice indicating they were not selected.

Sophomore Imajin Graham currently lives in Lovill Hall and was successful in reapplying for housing for her junior year. Graham received an invitation to live in Mountaineer Hall and plans to accept, despite one drawback.

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News

Feb. 27, 2020

Appalachian Nails: a new place for hand care in the High Country Emily Broyles | Associate News Editor Lily Nguyen and her family decided to open a nail salon when students came back from winter break.

The first couple of weeks, no one came. By the middle of the month, social media posts, online reviews and gossip in between classes had welcomed the Boston natives and their work to the mountain.

“I just want to say thank you so much for all the support and love that we’ve been getting,” said Lily Nguyen, co-owner of Appalachian Nails.

“We’re really, really excited to be here and meet everyone and do everyone’s nails. And we’re really excited to show them the right way to be treated at a nail salon.”

Lily Nguyen opened the salon with her sister and mother in early January at 324 NC-105 Extension Suite 6. The salon offers manicures, pedicures, waxing, and additional services, such as kids’ prices and color changes, according to its website.

“We have worked at other nail salons, and we kind of just thought, ‘Well, we all do nails — me, my mom and sister — why not just open one?’” Lily Nguyen said.

The daughters-and-mother trio first moved to Charlotte, but saw Boone as “somewhere more chill and calm” to raise their big family.

“Doing nails here is way different than Boston because we get a lot of business city people there, and more of a local vibe here with our customers,” co-owner Lisa Nguyen said. “People are much friendlier here.”

After working at salons in the city and in the local area, the Nguyen sisters said they saw certain things at other salons, such as treatment of customers and prices, that rubbed them the wrong way. Lily Nguyen said pricing at Appalachian Nails is different

than other salons.

“Our prices are pretty low already compared to other places, it’s very affordable,” Lily Nuguyen said.“It’s just based on how much work we have to put in. I don’t feel like we should be charging someone $40, $50, especially students, or anyone. It’s pretty expensive.”

The salon offers a full set of acrylic nails for $27. The average price for a set of acrylics in the United States is $46.01 according to Statistica.com.

Appalachian Nails offers a 10% discount to students, active members or veterans of the military and

trition and public health major, said she has paid as much as $60 for a set of acrylic or SNS nails she calls “her favorite accessory.” She said at Appalachian Nails, she can express her personality through her “fun” nails without breaking the bank.

“I’ll go in there and be like, ‘Oh, yeah I want to do a different color on every nail’ and they don’t dread it. They’ll help me pick out my color and do an amazing job,” Moore said.

Williams said when getting her nails fixed from a prior fluke from the salon, she felt rushed by the technicians. She said she left the salon with dust on her hands she had to wash off at home.

Junior psychology major Audrey Hudson said she was turned away and asked to make an appointment, though the salon labels itselfs as “walk-in.”

“We are a walk-in salon, but we do prefer appointments just because right now we’re pretty booked, and we want to take our time. We always book for an hour,” Lily Nguyen said. “We take pride in our work. We don’t want to just rush you in and out.

It’s more of just quality over quantity, that’s very important to us.”

Lily Nguyen said while she understands the salon’s growth can be an inconvenience to some, the women are trying their best, especially as first-time business owners.

“We would like to hire more technicians because of the traffic that we’re getting. We want to be able to help everyone, we really do. But it’s just me, my mom and my sister and another technician, but she’s parttime,” Lily Nguyen said.

Lisa Nguyen said she has done nails “her whole life.” She has been a nail technician for 10 years, her sister Lily for 15 years and their mother Kim for 25 years.

“We pour our heart and soul into every client we do here, and we all work about 70-80 hours a week from opening to closing to prepping the salon,” Lisa Nguyen said.

The sisters said that while they’re “making it happen” as a trio, on the technical side, their favorite thing about the business is meeting new people and seeing returning clients.

“Lily is like my therapist. I go in and we talk about all sorts of stuff, and it’s such a relaxing hour out of my week, and I really look forward to it,” Moore said. “We’re always tex-

ting, sending messages. They’re always like, ‘We love you, we miss you, please come in and just hang out whenever you want.’”

The sisters said they want their customers to feel at home when they come in, just as the Nguyen family has learned through their business journey in Boone.

“We live together, and then we come to work, and we are together just all the time. There is definitely (a) fight here and there, but at the end of the day we know we’re all family,” Lily Nguyen said.

“We take pride in our work. We don’t want to just rush you in and out...”

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teachers. Lily Nguyen said the Boone community inspired the three to add teachers to the discount, as many educators have come in to get their nails done.

Kate Williams, a senior interdisciplinary studies major, wrote in an email that while she was interested in the student discount, she was met with confusion on pricing at the salon.

“Their prices are not readily displayed when you walk in, so what I thought would be a $25 manicure ended up being closer to $35 (including tip and with the student discount),” Williams wrote.

Lisa Nguyen said the salon made a change in its student discount this month, and it was 15% in January for the salon’s opening.

Marley Moore, a sophomore nu-

Appalachian Nails is the High Country’s newest nail salon, located at 324 NC-105 Extension Suite 6. The salon opened in January and it is family-owned and operated.

Courtesy of Appalachian Nails Facebook page

A&C

Feb. 27, 2020

Ice Sisters: two friends cosplay for children in the High Country Harley Nefe | Managing Editor Queen Elsa and Princess Anna from Arendelle have made their way to Boone as two best friends and roommates cosplay the characters from Disney’s “Frozen” at different community events, such as Boone BOO!, the Boone Christmas Parade and the Blowing Rock WinterFest.

Emily Rayner, 25, and Moriah McKinney, 28, met when they went to Watauga High School, when Emily Rayner was a freshman and Moriah McKinney was a sophomore.

“They both share a love for costumes — Emily out of her interest in cosplay and drama, and Moriah more from costumes for costumes sake,” Moriah McKinney’s mom, Cathy McKinney, wrote in an email. “They would have sleepovers at each other’s houses, and inevitably, when they were at my house, I would be digging out materials that could help create the desired look. Emily would assign a role, and Moriah would happily assume it.”

Emily Rayner and Moriah McKinney both said they enjoy dressing up as characters and greeting and taking photos with kids. “(Emily’s) face just breaks into a huge smile when the kids come up for a hug, a photo or just to talk,” Emily Rayners’s mom, Karen Rayner, wrote in an email. “(Emily) just loves interacting with the children and their parents.”

The duo also participated in Frozen Days at Watauga County Public Library, where they played “Frozen” and sang some of the songs from the movie, Emily Rayner said. They volunteer on a weekly basis at the library.

The friends dress up as other characters including Disney princesses Snow White and Cinderella.

“Disney princesses are our favorite to do, especially when we’re around all the little kids, and they love it,” Emily Rayner said.

Elsa and Anna are the main characters they dress up as.

“I love dressing up as Anna because she has the same attitude that I do,” Emily Rayner said. “We do it mainly for all the little kids because they love seeing all of their princesses come to life and thinking we’re actually real.”

Emily Rayner recounted when they went to Boone Mall last year dressed as Anna and Elsa for children.

“They were going trick-or-treating around the mall, and this lady came up with her daughter and said, ‘Hey, can my daughter have a picture with you guys? She thinks you guys are the real thing,’” Emily Rayner said. “It makes us very happy.”

After Emily Rayner and Moriah McKinney began cosplaying the “Frozen” characters, Karen Rayner named them the Ice Sisters.

“Their friendship is like that of two sisters — they have their ups and

downs, but they are always there to support each other,” Karen Rayner wrote.

Moriah McKinney said she chose Elsa because she’s older and because she loves the character’s attitude.

“I think they feel like they are giving back to the community, and in such a wonderful, supporting way.”

“She is sassy like me and serious like I am,” Moriah McKinney said. “I just want to be like her.”

Cathy McKinney wrote that Moriah loves fashion and has a good eye for style.

“She has let me know more than once that the outfit I had put on was not acceptable,” wrote Cathy McKin-

ney, who is a professor and director of music therapy at App State.

Emily Rayner said she wants to be a lot like Anna because “she’s very brave, and she never gives up. She keeps going.”

Karen Rayner wrote that Emily is “a very happy, confident and resilient young lady,” who loves her life in Boone.

Inspiration for their time cosplaying comes from merciless bullying they both faced at school growing up, Karen Rayner wrote.

“This warms my heart so much because the girls are so positive and encouraging with all the kids,” Karen Rayner wrote. “I think they feel like they are giving back to the community, and in such a wonderful, supporting way. They are negating all that bullying by turning it around.”

Emily Rayner and Moriah McKinney are both App State alum-

Emily Rayner and Moriah McKinney pose in their costumes as “Anna” and “Elsa” respectively, both of which are characters from the Disney series “Frozen”. The two are best friends and roommates and are commonly seen around Boone at community events sporting their costumes to greet locals and take pictures.

Anna Muckenfuss

nae and graduated from the Scholars with Diverse Abilities Program, which “aims to prepare college-aged students with intellectual disabilities for personal growth and occupational success,” according to the SDAP website.

“Our goals as a program (are) to provide students with an opportunity to take classes and experience college life as neurotypical students do, with an emphasis on helping them develop their strengths and skills,” wrote Anna Ward, SDAP director.

Emily Rayner and Moriah McKinney graduated from SDAP in 2016 and 2015, respectively; however, they both chose to continue their education by auditing classes at App State, meaning they take courses without receiving assessment.

“Now that we’re in college, (bullying) doesn’t happen anymore, which makes us happier,” Emily Rayner said. “College is way better because we have more friends, and there are more clubs you can join and so many different things that are there, and we just think of App State as another home.”

Emily Rayner and Moriah McKinney have participated in classes involving theater, dancing and the arts. Ward wrote their choices in classes helped develop their interest in cosplay. “(Moriah) took cosmetology classes in high school and can give an awesome head massage during shampooing. For years she did her nails every night to match the outfit she had planned for the next day,” Cathy McKinney wrote. “This and her interest in fashion evolved into her focus on theater — especially costumes, makeup and hair — during her time in SDAP.”

Read more online at www.theappalachianonline.com

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A&C

BOONE

PEOPLE OF

Feb. 27, 2020

Turchin Center workshop introduces children to

Art appreciation

Ethan Murphy | Reporter Turchin Center for the Visual Arts puts paint brushes and paper in the hands of children. On the first Friday of each month at 3 p.m., the center invites children to explore their creativity through its workshop Blazing Easels.

Free to attend, the workshop allows children to develop their artistic skills and learn more about creative media. For Lily Crum, a workshop instructor and junior art education major, this environment serves a larger purpose.

“Being able to introduce them to the arts is so vital to their lives and bringing about larger ideas,” Crum said.

“It isn’t just art, it’s a message.

They’re able to start to look at the world through a different lense, and get a more creative sense of themselves as people.”

From colored pencils and paint found everywhere to an octopus mural on a wall, imagination fills the room.

“I feel like because it isn’t the traditional inschool art class, (children) can get a little more individual attention here and can do different kinds of projects they just couldn’t do in schools,” Crum said.

Greg Snodgrass, a parent of one of the children at the workshop, stopped in to see what kind of art the kids created in the workshop.

“We signed her up for it because she really likes art, and being a creatively-oriented family, we’ve always tried to encourage that. We were looking for

alternatives to the traditional route and thought she would like this better,” Snodgrass said.

He also reflected on how art education can change the world people live in.

“Programs like this spur on their interest and make the community a better place to live in because that creativity and passion stays with them as they get older,” Snodgrass said.

Blazing Easels also allows aspiring educators a chance to learn how to teach through practice. BreeAnna Duell, a senior art education major, works with Crum to teach the children and provide a comfortable environment.

“I’ve wanted to teach since I was young, and in high school, I realized I wanted to teach art,” Duell said. “It’s a really good way to give back to the community, and I’ve always wanted to help others as best as I can.

Teaching the kids like this is a wonderful way to guide the kids as they grow and develop.”

Duell said she noticed how the environment kids grow up in can shape who they become and their view on art later in life.

“I think an appreciation for art depends a lot on where you grow up. It’s really shaped by those around you, and as you grow up, you start to realize that. I’m happy to be a part of that in my own way,” Duell said.

“...the workshop allows children to develop their artistic skills and learn more about creative media...”

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Malea Massey Elaina Woodlief | Reporter “Comfort” is a word junior communication studies major Malea Massey would use to describe how she lives her life. She said she values how comfortable she is in a place and how comfortable other people are.

After spending two years at East Carolina University, she transferred to App State because it was a place she felt most at ease.

“It’s a comforting feeling looking outside and seeing the mountains,” Massey said.

Growing up, she spent summers in Helena, Montana, with her family and lived in Morganton, North Carolina, the rest of the year. Spending time in mountainous areas as a child influenced how she thought about home.

“People are so friendly here and open to doing different activities,” Massey said.

Massey said she feels comfortable in Boone because she is surrounded by people who are more extroverted than she is.

“I’m an introverted person, so I don’t get much out of social situations unless it’s very personal,” Massey said.

That is why she is interning for High Country Doulas and plans to become a certified doula by her graduation in May 2021.

Doulas offer strong maternal support to people who are pregnant.

High Country Doula is the only business of its kind in Boone and the doulas travel to the surrounding counties and states. Massey said doulas are there for people during their pregnancies to make it “peaceful and enjoyable.”

Massey works with High Country Doula on its business, but also makes a direct impact on her 4-year-old German shorthaired pointer, who lives with her on a farm.

“Playing with my dog is pretty much all I do in my free time,” Massey said. Massey said she considers it a gift to her high-energy dog to run around the farm with horses and chickens.

Whether it impacts a dog’s day or a potential client’s pregnancy, Massey said works to make those around her comfortable. It all begins in the place where she is most comfortable: the mountains.

APP VOTES

2020 Election Special Section

Election

Feb. 27, 2020

Feb. 27, 2020

Election

A&C

Feb. 27, 2020

Cultural ambassador panel discusses international student experiences on campus

App State students quietly listen to cultural ambassadors explain their lives as students and give advice on how to respectfully ask questions to the many international students on campus.

Efrain Arias-Medina Jr.

Marlen Cardenas | Reporter Through a panel of cultural ambassadors answering questions and small group discussions, domestic students learned about what being an international student is like at App State at this month’s Taste of Dialogue.

The panel consisted of seven cultural ambassadors from Israel, Germany, Guatemala, Ghana, France and the United Arab Emirates.

Taste of Dialogue: An International Student Experience at App was presented by the Appalachian Popular Programming Society Feb. 18 in Parkway Ballroom in Plemmons Student Union.

Social work graduate student Asaf Zemah is an international student from Israel and said he wanted to represent his country through cultural events like these as a cultural ambassador.

“I feel like App State does not have many students from Israel, so I felt like I would be a good resource for people,” Zemah said. “I feel like people have a lot of misconceptions of where I come from, and I feel like I can talk in a balanced voice and represent my country and hope people learn more about it.”

Audrey Patterson, chairperson of the Cultural Awareness and Student Engagement council, asked questions such as if panel members experienced culture shock when they came to Boone, and what the main differences between App State and their home university is.

One of the questions asked was what domestic students should avoid asking international students.

A common answer from the international students was not to ask how international students speak English so well. For some students, it was their first language.

“The reason I am a cultural ambassador is be-

cause I want people to learn, I appreciate people that come to me and ask me dumb questions, because they admit ‘I do not know anything,’” Zemah said. “I do not take these things personally; I am not offended by it. If someone comes up to me and asks me a super stupid question, I appreciate that becuase I do not do it myself a lot.”

After the panel, students broke up into small groups to have discussions and answer questions.

One of the questions asked was whether or not domestic students feel like international students are an inconvenience. Suwatida Wuttijareelertsakun, junior international business major and exchange student from Thailand, said she was relieved to hear that students do not think she is an inconvenience.

“I left my country, I left my people behind to come to America and learn not just in classes but socially and learn about other cultures,” Wuttijareelertsakun said. “I appreciate when people here say they are happy to have us here.

It makes me feel at home.”

Maggie Todd, junior recreation management and special education major, is a domestic student that came to Taste of Dialogue after her roommate, one of the panelists from the United Arab Emirates, invited her.

“I studied abroad my first semester out of high school, and I almost put that chapter behind me,” Todd said. “It was hard for me to imagine App being an international spot for people to go to, so knowing there are events like this really inspired me to get more involved.”

Read more online at www.theappalachianonline.com

Lutheran Council House offers welcoming environment for congregates Camryn Collier | Associate A&C Editor Inside a small, white room sits a collection of mismatched memories: board games, a blue couch, books, a rocking chair and a banner that hangs on the wall with colorful handprints surrounding the words “Lutheran Students of Appalachian.”

The room, part of the Lutheran Council House at 139 Tracy Circle, is the campus ministry LSA’s home, a space where the ministry makes connections and feels comfortable. On Wednesdays, about 20 members of the ministry join together to celebrate God’s word and love, LSA president Faith Goyne said.

Vice president of communication for the group, Matthew Chapman, said the small-group atmosphere brings a family aspect that is hard to find elsewhere.

“Being able to come to a place where you know who’s going to be there week in and week out allows you to open yourself more to talk about whatever may be going on in your personal life,” Chapman said.

Together, the students go through a rotation of activities from week to week that mimics the pattern of Sunday church services: gathering, word, meal and sending.

The group does activities such as cook meals together, play games, study the Bible with a church pastor or bake cookies to give back to the community, junior recreation management major Chapman said.

Beyond the small, tight-knit feel of LSA, the group is also open and affirming. The ministry aims to share their experience with everyone regardless of sexuality, race, age, physical and mental abilities and beyond, junior biology major Goyne said.

The ministry currently has multiple denominations in the group, including Lutheran, Baptist and Presbyterian, and is always open for more diversity, Goyne said.

“What’s more important to us is the relationships that we build together, whether that be Lutheran to Lutheran or Lutheran to whoever you might be,” Chapman said. “We just want to have a safe space where we are all Christ-centered.”

LSA officially became open and affirming around fall 2018. This inclusivity is especially important as App State grows to almost 20,000 next year, Goyne said.

“App is a condensed campus, but we are still a large school,” Goyne said. “You can get lost in a sea of people, and having a religious group to go to is something a lot of people can connect with.”

Campus Ministry Coordinator Deacon Stacey Troisi works closely with LSA. She said the welcoming nature of LSA is noteworthy because making the transition from high school Lutheran organizations to college can be difficult.

Often, local Lutheran churches have prominent youth ministries. North Carolina also has a large youth presence in the NC Synod, an organization affiliated with the national Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, which holds conventions and events.

“It’s nice to have a place where you feel welcome and you belong,” Troisi said. “A place where you can be part of the daily life of the church and you’re not just some young person showing up to church on Sunday morning.”

While the young ministries have large numbers, many Protestant denominations are seeing their congregations decrease across the nation, Troisi said, and LSA has always been a relatively small ministry at App State.

“Across the board, less and less people are joining the church, and more and more people are leaving the church,” Troisi said. “Going to church, I guess, is not as important as it used to be.”

The Lutheran church’s affiliation with App State has a long history, with an estimate from office documents showing documentation from 1923 when App State was a teachers’ college. In the future, LSA hopes to continue building relations through working with other campus ministries and organizations, including the Women’s Center and LGBT Center, Goyne said.

Stacey Troisi works as a campus minister for Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Jesse Barber

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Sports

Feb. 27, 2020

◊ Kobe’s Death continued from page 1

more women’s player Haile McDonald said. “It was more of his mission than anyone else.”

Junior men’s guard Michael Bibby had a connection to Bryant that was deeper than most others’ because of his father’s career in the NBA. “I grew up watching him play a little bit against my dad, and honestly, I hated the dude.

He took my dad out of the Western Conference Finals. But at the same time, I had a lot of respect for him. The way he competed every night, every practice, he just wanted to keep that competitive edge up on anybody in the league,” Bibby said.

When Bibby received the news of Bryant’s death, he was devastated.

“I met Kobe a couple of times. I wasn’t really too close with him, but it was a little bit deeper for me because I personally knew him,” Bibby said. “My mom called me and told me that it happened, and I didn’t believe it at first. I don’t think anyone really did. I kept refreshing Twitter, and did that for about two to three hours. Then, when a lot of sources started confirming it, I just felt very sick. I couldn’t think straight. I was crying a little bit.”

When asked about their favorite Bryant memory or moment, most of the players quickly pointed to one of two particularly memorable games: The “Achilles Game” versus Golden State, and Bryant’s farewell game versus Utah.

On April 12, 2013, the Los Angeles Lakers played the Golden State Warriors in the 80th game of the regular season. With just three minutes and eight seconds remaining in a two-point ball game, Bryant attempted to drive past Harrison Barnes before buckling and falling to the ground. He had ruptured his Achilles’ tendon.

Despite suffering the devastating injury just moments before, Bryant hobbled to the line and sank two game-tying free throws before leaving the court.

“That just showed who he was as a person.

He was going to be strong and fight no matter the circumstance,” freshman men’s player J.C. Tharrington said.

Senior Hunter Seacat said, “That just goes to show you no matter how much pain or suffering he was in, he was going to give everything he could to be out there and give it his all.”

Nearly exactly three years later, April 13, 2016, the Black Mamba had one game left to play. The final game took place in the “House that Kobe Built:” the Staples Center. Tired, drained and worn down, Kobe gave all he had on the court one last time, putting up a staggering 60 points at 37 years old.

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“No one really thought he could pull that off. Even Shaq said, ‘I dare you to go get 50,’ and he went and got 60. It’s just the way he is, his mindset. He wanted to go out on a bang, and he did,” Bibby said.

Bryant finished his NBA career with 33,643 points, 6,306 assists, and 1,944 steals. He ranks in the top 10 of all time for minutes played, points scored, field goals made and free throws made.

His 1,944 steals rank 16th best of all-time, and 6,306 assists are good for 31st best in league history.

“That last game showed me how amazing he was and how people loved him. He dropped 60 points effortlessly as if it wasn’t hard to do, and a lot of players in the NBA have never gotten close to that many points,” junior women’s player Maya Calder said. “His speech after the game was also funny and memorable when he said, ‘Everyone always tells me to pass, but tonight they were saying shoot.’”

While Bryant provided enough memorable moments to last a lifetime, many of the players wish they could have just one more with him to thank him.

“Thank you for everything that you’ve done for basketball and the things that he was beginning to do for women’s basketball,” Porter said.

Maya Calder was most impacted by the example Bryant set for not only athletes, but all people. “(Bryant) created the ‘Mamba Mentality’ that is a standard that people can live by if they need a recipe for success in any field of work.

You’re one of the greatest because you put yourself in that position, and I respect you even more for that,” Calder said. “Thank you, Kobe. We all love you.”

Bryant’s life away from basketball inspired Seacat as much as his on-court success did.

“I mean, he retired so that he could spend more time with his family,” Seacat said. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for the younger athletes that are aspiring to be professionals one day.”

While Bryant may be gone, the lessons he taught by example will continue to live on and impact people for years to come.

“I hope everything he has done never gets forgotten, and he continues to be thanked for his dedication, and persistence throughout the years,” McDonald said. “Thank you, Kobe, thank you.”

Women’s soccer adds two assistant coaches

Kelsey Wys and Mitch Williams are making their way from Florida State University to Boone to assist in coaching the women’s soccer team. The spring season opener is approaching Feb. 29.

Courtesy of App State Athletics

Zack Antrum | Senior Reporter App State women’s soccer has announced the addition of two new members to its coaching staff. Assistants Kelsey Wys and Mitch Williams are joining head coach Sarah Strickland on the Mountaineers’ staff.

Wys will take over goalkeeping responsibilities and Williams will take over as recruiting coordinator.

Wys played at Florida State for four years and spent time with the U.S. women’s national team and several professional teams. Her decorated collegiate career included multiple Atlantic Coast Conference championships, and an NCAA championship game appearance in 2013.

As an individual, she was named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America All-American third team in 2012, All-ACC first team in 2012, second team in 2013 and ACC tournament MVP in 2011. She also received several weekly awards during her time as a Seminole. She currently holds 17 school goalkeeping records, including minutes played, wins and shutouts.

“From the time I stepped on campus for my interview, it was clear that App State is a place people wanted to be,” Wys told AppStateSports.

com. “I’m looking forward to building relationships within our program and having a positive impact on the community.”

Williams was a graduate assistant and a volunteer assistant for Florida State women’s soccer from 2017 to 2019. As an assistant, his teams made several deep postseason runs, including an ACC title and a National Championship in 2018, an Elite 8 appearance in 2019, and a Sweet 16 appearance in 2017.

Williams played college ball at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville for two years before transferring to the University of Mary Washington to finish his playing career and degree. Williams also earned a master’s degree in public health from Florida State in fall 2019.

“I want to thank coach Sarah Strickland, Jonathan Reeder, Makini Thompson and Doug Gillin for this tremendous opportunity,” Williams told AppStateSports.com. “I am excited to get started with the staff, team and to help foster a culture of success on and off the field.”

The Mountaineers begin their spring season Feb. 29 when they travel to NC State.

Sports

Feb. 27, 2020

What to watch for as App State football preps for 2020 in spring practices

Head coach Shawn Clark watches players as they stretch at one of their spring practices. Clark has high hopes for the team so far, with the team “running the ball really well.”

Courtesy of App State Athletics

Silas Albright | Sports Editor App State football began preparing for the 2020 season with the start of spring practice on Feb. 18.

After a historic 2019 in which the Mountaineers went 13-1, won their fourth straight Sun Belt title and fifth straight bowl game, first-year head coach Shawn Clark and his team have shifted their focus to 2020.

“I’ve been satisfied so far with our effort,” Clark said. “We had a lot of enthusiasm. Every day, someone (is) coming out and improving their craft.”

After winning the New Orleans Bowl on Dec. 21, the Mountaineers enjoyed some time off, but junior wide receiver Thomas Hennigan is happy he’s back on the field with his teammates.

“It definitely snuck up on me, I feel like just yesterday we were back in New Orleans playing the last game,” Hennigan said. “Now, quick turnaround, new staff, but I’ve always loved practice, so I’m excited to be back out there.”

This spring, keep an eye on the battle for App State’s starting running back position. The opening was created after junior Darrynton Evans, the 2019 Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year, declared for the NFL Draft in December.

Junior Marcus Williams Jr. and sophomore Daetrich Harrington served as Evans’ primary backups in 2019 and are both expected to take on larger roles in the Mountaineer offense in 2020. Redshirt freshman Camerun Peoples is also expected to play a key role out of the backfield in 2020, but is sidelined for the spring as he continues to rehab a season-ending knee injury that occurred in the team’s 2019 opener vs.

ETSU. “I think we’re running the ball really well with the first group, which we should. We’re an experienced group with five starters up front (and) two really good running backs,” Clark said.

All five starters on App State’s offensive line are set to return in 2020 and Harrington is impressed with what he’s seen from them this spring.

“The O-line, they’re doing awesome,” Harrington said. “They handle everything up front, make huge holes for the running backs to just do what they can do.”

As for the battle for the starting running back position, Harrington stressed the importance of controlling what he can and supporting his teammates.

“It’s all love at the end of the day,” Har-

rington said. “We really don’t (talk) too much about it. Whoever gets it is gonna get it, (we) just continue to work.”

After suffering a torn ACL in the spring of 2018 that forced him to miss the first nine games in 2018 and a lower-body injury in 2019 that sidelined him for six games, Harrington is happy he’s back on the field and healthy.

“It feels great,” the Douglasville, Georgia, native said. “I feel like God got a bigger plan for me, everything happens for a reason, so I don’t even dwell on the things that happened in the past. I just continue to move forward and just think about how I can become better and keep working hard and keep my head down no matter what happens.”

Another position group to keep an eye on this spring is the defensive backs. The Mountaineers lost all-Sun Belt safeties Josh Thomas and Desmond Franklin to graduation, but return first team all-Sun Belt selection cornerback Shaun Jolly and starting cornerback Shemar Jean-Charles.

“Us players, we push each other, so when we maximize the competition within each other, it kind of brings out the best in us,” Jean-Charles said. “If we think one guy is slipping, the next man steps up and pushes him and vice versa.

That inner-competition is a big thing for us, to just block out outside noise and focus on us as a group.”

For the third year in a row, the start of spring ball is also a time to adjust to a new coaching staff and playbook. Former head coach Scott Satterfield left App State to take over at Louisville in 2018 and Eliah Drinkwitz left for Missouri in 2019.

“This is a player-led team,” Jean-Charles said. “We respect our coaches, we give a lot of praise to our coaches, but we understand that we’re the ones that get it going at the end of the day. We understand that no matter who comes in, we have to execute, and we have to push each other and we have to stay together regardless because that’s how you win championships.”

Even after accomplishing so much in 2019, the Mountaineers are heading toward the 2020 season hungry as ever.

“Basically, we just gotta forget about last year and set our new goals for this year and work toward those,” Harrington said.

He said the team’s goals for 2020 are to go 14-0 and earn a New Year’s Six bowl appearance as the top ranked Group of Five school in the country.

For Jean-Charles, his goal is simple.

“Just to win,” Jean-Charles said. “That’s my only goal.”

Sophomore running back Daetrich Harrington will help fill the hole left by Darrynton Evans’ departure for the NFL in 2020. Harrington said to be back “feels great,” and that he’s looking to keep his head down this season and stay focused.

Courtesy of App State Athletics

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Opinion

Feb. 27, 2020

Free Market: Invisible Ownership Ethan Murphy | Reporter The world has long equated capitalism with liberty, relying on its trademark “economic freedom.” Despite this association, evidence shows that capitalism fosters a form of economic entrapment and widespread inequality.

According to Equitable Growth, the richest 1% of American families owns 40% of the nation’s money, while the bottom 90% owns 25%. A large wealth gap exists today in America, but it did not always. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, income only began to radically diverge toward the end of the 1970s. Before this, all Americans enjoyed relatively stable income growth.

Meanwhile, the U.S. dollar’s value has fallen over time: $100 20 years ago is worth $150 today. While $50 may not sound like much over 20 years, realizing the dollar has depreciated by 50% in this time makes all the difference.

This means that as wealth continually concentrates in America, the value of the comparatively little money belonging to the lower 90% depreciates. As money loses its value, the cost of living for those in the majority increases; thus, the average American worker must work more to earn the same amount of money.

This creates a dependence on businesses that has not occurred since the early 20th century. Though markets share wealth better than the Gilded Age, large corporations continue to stifle independent development, according to The Atlantic. As a result, the working class barrels

ever closer to economic imprisonment. With most money in the hands of a rarified few, the wealthy control too much of the country’s fate.

Since the abolition of the gold standard, money has nothing to back it, deriving the entirety of its value from public faith. In fact, only $1.75 trillion has a physical form, according to the Federal Reserve, with the rest residing in computers. For example, if everyone in America today decided to go to their bank and withdraw money that supposedly belongs to them, the lack of physical money would prevent this. So, if this system does in fact result in power at the top, it’s made worse by the fact that the victims make this possible.

So, how has the free market resulted in this? Because the market was never free. The government doesn’t control the entirety of the currency used to trade and interact in the United States. A private institution separate from an institution owing no allegiance to the American people does, and the lives of many have become a game in which the house holds all the cards. How does one win? They don’t; they can only borrow the time they’ve been stripped of.

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caleb’s

CONCEPTS How to Win a Political Argument Caleb Garbuio | Opinion Editor The 2020 Democratic primaries are in full swing, and candidates need supporters. Thus, Democratic voters are obligated to research core issues and vote for the candidates who address them.

These voters must convince their friends and family to vote for the right candidate because if the wrong candidate is nominated, Donald Trump may win the general election.

There are two types of arguments: inductive arguments and deductive arguments. Inductive arguments generalize what is seen and felt, while deductive arguments discover lesser known truths from generally accepted information.

For example, during the Nevada Democratic Debate, Michael Bloomberg told Bernie Sanders a communist will never win the presidency. This is an inductive argument, because Bloomberg feels that Sanders is a communist and a communist cannot become president.

Should anyone encounter someone who does not like Sanders on these grounds, convincing this person requires disproving Sanders being a communist. When discussing subjective interpretations to inductive arguments, people mistakenly attack the conclusion instead of the induction. Thus, attacking Bloomberg’s conclusion is folly because a communist cannot win the presidency. However, his argument is discredited should Sanders prove that he isn’t a communist.

It is easier to discredit inductive arguments because deductive arguments use generally accepted information to form conclusions.

Thus, should deductive premises hold true, the conclusion logically follows.

For example, Marxist scholars contend that humans are naturally collective. Thus, if Person A is a human, then Person A is collective.

When dealing with deductive arguments, always attack the generally accepted information. Thus, to defeat Marxist arguments, one must prove humans are individualistic, not collective.

While every voter has an opinion, not all are well-informed. Given enough time, truth will prevail. People who are exposed to the truth must share it. Thus, the failure to explain truth properly is the fault of the person with the information.

A convincing presentation of truthful information requires knowledge pertaining to both sides of an issue. It is easy to convince an agreeing audience. However, it is impossible to convince people who disagree with you without sufficient knowledge about others’ perspectives.

Opinion

Feb. 27, 2020

Trump and the Pursuit of Saving Stone Stephen Leverton II | Opinion Writer President Donald Trump’s politicalization of the Department of Justice is tyrannical and unprecedented. Feb. 12, Trump tweeted “Congratulations to Attorney General Bill Barr for taking charge of a case that was totally out of control and perhaps should not have even been brought,” referring to the ongoing case involving one of the president’s allies, Roger Stone. Trump said during a White House press conference Feb. 12 that he has “the absolute right to do it.”

Trump proves time and again that he’s in it for himself., from suggesting hosting the 2020 G7 summit at his Florida resort Mar-a-Lago to profiting off taxpayers by staying in his own hotels while traveling from Las Vegas to Ireland. Using the DOJ to his advantage is no exception. The DOJ was created to be impartial, like the Supreme Court. By politicizing the Justice Department, Trump can impact any court decision.

The president also aims to assist his allies, including those currently in trial. Prosecutors also recommended Roger Stone — a Trump ally convicted of witness tampering, false state-

ments and obstruction of justice — spend up to nine years in prison, according to the New York Times. After Trump’s intervention, Stone’s final sentence was decided on Feb. 20: he would serve just 40 months in jail. The sheer fact that a president can pressure a court’s sentencing decision shows he rules with an iron fist. It’s either his way or the high way.

Trump is setting a dangerous precedent by expanding the definition of executive privilege to include “the Chief Law Enforcement Officer of the Country,” intervening in federal court cases that negatively affect the president. Nixon claimed he could withhold communication information from Congress and the American people. Like Richard Nixon, Trump is focused on protecting his best interests with his expanded definition of executive privilege, setting the precedent that this behavior is presidential.

Both federal and state cases can be affected, including cases such as North Carolina’s infamous the Bathroom Bill passed in 2016. Should the state courts determine this statute’s consti-

tutionality, Trump’s use of intervention would encourage future presidents to intervene.

History paints presidents negatively when they tamper with the judicial system. Andrew Jackson blatantly ignored Worcester v. Georgia (1832), a Supreme Court case that determined states don’t have the power to regulate Native Americans. Richard Nixon ignored Congress when asked to release information pertaining to Watergate. Now, Trump is pressuring Barr into warping a DOJ decision. Like Jackson, Trump establishes a precedent that encourages this behavior. He believes he has the power to bend the courts at his will. If not kept in check, Trump will send the country down a route it can never return from.

The Caucus Surprise Ricky Barker | Opinion Writer To say that the Iowa Caucus and New Hampshire primaries have been surprising is an understatement. Many of the establishment frontrunners have been pushed aside in these first two tests.

Surprisingly, Pete Buttigieg, the young upand-comer, came out as the moderate winner in two states: coming first in Iowa and a close second in New Hampshire. Topping both of his major moderate competitors, Joe Biden and Elizabeth Warren, this gives promise for Buttigieg’s results in the rest of the country.

Speaking of Biden, the former national leader in the polls and Barack Obavice president took major hits from these two states. He finished fourth in Iowa and fifth in New Hampshire. This further depresses what looked like the most promising Democratic nominee early on.

Biden will likely shift his focus to South Carolina and states where he has the most support. In a talk with “Face The Nation,” Biden said that he must do well in South Carolina to keep his campaign running.

Warren did not see positive results from her energized campaign. She rose to the top as a frontrunner, but her results tampered with that excitement. She did not do as poorly as Biden,

but still ended up third in Iowa and fourth in New Hampshire. It is not a great look for the candidate, and she must do better to have a chance at winning the Democratic presidential nomination.

Bernie Sanders had an excellent showing in both Iowa and New Hampshire, coming out as the real winner from both events. He took a close second in Iowa right behind Buttigieg and first in New Hampshire. Sanders is a far from establishment candidate, and identifies himself as a Democratic Socialist. The results from these two states show that the voters are not intimidated by his far-left policies, and he may have a serious chance at the nominee for the Democrats.

Elections are volatile and change often as each state picks its winners. The leaders may not be the same for very long. However, these are surprising results from the first real test for the presidency. If you asked me before these two states’ primaries “who would be the Democratic frontrunners?” I would have said Biden and Warren. Clearly, the safe answer might be wrong. Hopefully, more surprises are to come, as these may not be the only expectations broken in this race.

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Et Cetera

Feb. 27, 2020

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ACROSS 1. Canvas 5. Among 9. Large 13. “What a shame!”

14. Relating to audible sound 16. Nights before 17. Delicate 18. Sack 19. Focusing glass 20. Construct 22. Excite pleasurably 24. Dull explosive noise 26. Loose fitting cloak 27. Impassive 30. Rattle 33. Chortled 35. Coral island 37. Arrive (abbrev.)

38. Enlighten 41. 52 in Roman numerals 42. Autocratic 45. Bounces 48. Deaden 51. Luxurious 52. Loudly 54. Catch 55. Favored 59. Jackets and trousers

62. Unit of bread 63. Radiant 65. Exposed 66. Nobleman 67. Embankment 68. Ear-related 69. Backside 70. A musical pause 71. Retained DOWN 1. Story 2. Winglike 3. Circuit 4. Clairvoyant 5. Venomous snake 6. Debatable 7. A northern people 8. An authoritative declaration 9. Vixen 10. Eye layer 11. Lady’s escort 12. Anagram of “Sees” 15. Fine dinnerware 21. Fit snugly into 23. Former Italian currency 25. Storm 27. It forms on a wound 28. Pulsate

29. Directed 31. Resembling a college 32. Extraterrestrial 34. Accomplished 36. Enumerate 39. To and ___ 40. Puppy sounds 43. Type of horse bit 44. Christmas season 46. Backside 47. Antelope 49. Virtuous

50. Ground beef patty 53. Look closely 55. Urgent request 56. Lion sound 57. Hearing organs 58. Accomplishes 60. Journey 61. Religious offshoot 64. Damp

Feb. 27, 2020

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App State Women’s Basketball vs Loisiana Holmes Convocation Center 6:30-8:30 p.m.

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The Hughlene Bostian Frank Visiting Writers Series

Five Mile Lake by Rachel Bonds Valborg Theatre 7-9 p.m.

Kayla Rae Whitaker (novelist) Feb. 27, 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Craft Talk: on Publishing 3:30-4:45 p.m. Attic Window Room 137C, Plemmons Student Union Reading: 7:30 p.m. Three Top Room 169 2019-20 Rachel Rivers-Coffey Distinguished Professor of Creative Writing Kayla Rae Whitaker returns following her fall residency to speak about her experiences in publishing and to read from her novel-in-progress. Kayla Rae Whitaker was born and raised in Kentucky.

Her first novel, The Animators, was named a best debut novel of 2017 by Entertainment Weekly and a best book of 2017 by NPR, Kirkus Reviews, and BookPage. Her work has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Lenny, Buzzfeed, Literary Hub, and elsewhere. She is a graduate of the University of Kentucky and of New York University’s MFA program, which she attended as a Jack Kent Cooke Graduate Scholar. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.