Opelika Observer - 01-06-2021 E-edition

VOL. 13, NO. 14

Wednesday, January 6, 2021

Opelika, Alabama

pelika Observer O

“An award-winning publication for local people, by local people.”

March 26, 2021

Dough Pizzeria opens in Opelika Photos by Will Fairless / Opelika Observer

Former Hawaii resident moves to Opelika for cartooning, pickleball

By Will Fairless Associate Editor

Photo contributed by Dough Pizzeria "We have a traditional wood fire oven imported from Italy and do authentic Neapolitan pizzas as well as an American style pies," said Dough Pizzeria owner Graham Hage. "We have a huge beer selection and also serve wine." Dough is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and is located at 104 S. 8th St. in downtown Opelika.

Opelika Police Department announces spring 2021 citizens police academy Contributed By the OPD The Opelika Police Department invites citizens to join it for its Citizens Police Academy. The eight-week hands-on course will begin Thursday, March 25, 2021, and will cover various aspects of police work within the city of Opelika. This interactive course gives participants a chance to get to know officers

from every area of the OPD. Sessions cover patrol, traffic, investigations, SWAT, K-9 officers and FATS (fire arms training simulator).

The class is held every Thursday evening from 6-8 p.m. There is no cost to take the course and upon completion, a graduation event is held.

“The Citizens Police Academy is a great opportunity for resi-

dents to get real insight into our police department and receive hands on training similar to what our officers go through,” said Captain Shane Healey.

Due to social distancing, the class size is limited. Citizens can find more information and apply online at www.opelika-al. gov/230/Citizens-Police-Academy. The deadline for applications is Friday, Feb. 19.

John Bucko said that he wants to be the first thought for all of Opelika’s cartooning needs.

Bucko is originally from the Seattle area and has been living in Hawaii for the past five years. Perhaps evidence of that half-decade stint, he said that he likes Opelika’s “vibe” more than that of his island home.

“It was getting kind of sketchy, and al-

though I could have made it there, I didn’t like the vibe of it,” Bucko said. “The downtown [of Opelika] is vibrant, or trying to be, and there’s a really good spirit of, ‘Let’s make it.’”

As a freelance cartoonist, he does a lot of seasonal work, like at Christmas, for example.

A specific issue he had in Hawaii is that the business owners there were not as keen (as See ARTIST, page A6

Alabama Launchpad program reimagined Contributed by Alabama Launchpad Over its history, Alabama Launchpad has awarded $5.6 million to 100 Alabama companies, making it the most active early seed-stage fund in the state. As the program enters its 15th year, it is poised to generate even more impact.

Starting in 2021, Alabama Launchpad will place a greater focus on intensive and personalized support for the

Index OPINION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A4

SPORTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B1

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY. . . . . . . .A7

POLITICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B5

RELIGION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A11

PUBLIC NOTICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . B9

COMICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A14

CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B9

state’s entrepreneurs, boosting all participating companies, regardless of the competition’s outcome.

Launch advisors and presentation coaches will work individually with all Launchpad finalists, preparing them for a final-pitch competition in front of a panel

of volunteer judges, who will determine which concept and seed companies take home the prizes. Concept winners will receive $25,000 and seed-stage winners will receive $50,000. As always, this funding will remain See LAUNCHPAD 2020, page A3

A2 January 6, 2021

Working through a pandemic hlester@opelikaobserver.com

Almost all Auburn students, and their parents, know who Fred Kam is. Especially since the pandemic began and affected the lives of all Auburn residents.

Kam is the executive medical director of the Auburn Medical Clinic and he was busy enough before a global pandemic changed the course of his work.

Years before he was the face of Auburn medicine, Kam was a bit of a world traveler.

He grew up in Trinidad and Tobago, attended high school in England and attended the University of Miami for his college degree and medical school.

Kam decided he wanted to study medicine when he was young. He suffered from a disease as child that left his parents wondering if he would even survive the ordeal.

“I was very ill, and actually, I think in retrospect, they thought I was maybe going to die,” Kam said. “A family doctor, a GP, made a house call. He was a friend of the family and he took care of me, gave me some shots, sat with

my family for a couple hours — this was at night — and I made a remarkable recovery.

And I just distinctly remember how I felt, and I distinctly re-

pelika Observer

O

Phone: 334.749.8003 editor@opelikaobserver.com Michelle@opelikaobserver.com

member how quickly I got better and what an amazing gift that he had to do that.”

Fast forward to when Kam was nine and his mother had a similar

Publisher: Michelle Key Associate Editors: Will Fairless and Hannah Lester Marketing: Woody Ross Photojournalist: Robert Noles Associate Sports Editors: Wil Crews, Rick Lanier and D. Mark Mitchell

www.opelikaobserver.com 216 S. 8th Street, Opelika, AL 36801 Copyright 2009. All right reserved. Opelika Observer is published weekly by Opelika Observer, 216 S 8th St. Opelika, AL 36801. Periodicals postage is paid at Opelika, AL. USPS #025104 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Opelika Observer, 216 S. 8th Street, Opelika, AL 36801

CORRECTIONS

is history.” Kam attended medical school in Miami after that.

His wife, Charlene, is also from Trinidad, he said, and neither wanted to raise their future family in Miami.

“We wanted an environment for our children to grow up in that was pretty safe, a fair amount of freedom and nice people, nice neighbors, all of those things and Auburn fit all those criteria,” he said.

Now, Kam and his family have been in Auburn for 24 years.

Auburn was a lot smaller then than it is now.

“I remember when I had run it by my wife and I said, ‘I think you might like Auburn,’ and this is 1997 now.

And she said, ‘Well, are there any good sushi restaurants?' And I’m like ‘no, baby.’ Right, back then there was nothing. You couldn’t even get sushi in Kroger.”

Despite adjustments, Kam found a good job in Auburn.

Before the pandemic, life was a bit more normal. Kam saw patients, answered emails and attended meetings.

Now, he has more responsibilities and less

“The whole nine yards,” he said. “And I am an only child, and back in those days, children weren’t allowed to go into the hospital, especially a hospital run by Catholic nuns that was pretty strict. And so my dad sneaked me in and I remember sitting at the foot of the bed, looking at my mother, feeling totally helpless, totally helpless and thought to myself, ‘I never want to be in a situation like this again where I’m helpless.’”

These experiences set Kam on the path to his medical degree and eventual home in Auburn.

“That decision was made early and then I just worked toward it daily to get to where I became a doctor,” he said.

After finishing high school in England, Kam decided he needed a gap year before starting medical school, which, at the time, he also planned to attend in England.

Kam said his father didn’t want him to come home to Trinidad and Tobago for fear he would never finish his degree, so Kam settled on a gap year in Miami, Florida.

As he put it, “the rest

By Hannah Lester

experience. She needed surgery and the same doctor performed the operation. There were complications that led to more surgeries and blood transfusions.

See PANDEMIC, page A3

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A3 January 6, 2021

Lee County Humane Society launches pet owner outreach program

By Hannah Lester hlester@opelikaobserver.com

The Lee County Humane Society wants to be a place for pet owners to find help — even after they’ve adopted their new, furry family member. “Our pet owner outreach program is intended as a community outreach program for pet owners to be able to provide needed support, reputable information sources and really just put people in touch with the various resources that are out there, both in our community and also including national resources, grants and anything like that to assist pet owners that are having problems,�

LAUNCHPAD >> FROM A1

nondilutive.

The EDPA spoke to Alabama Launchpad judges, winners and finalists, as well as investors and entrepreneurs in the state,

PANDEMIC

said Kelly Daniel, the volunteer coordinator at the Lee County Humane Society.

The program was started in November, and Daniel said she wants pet owners to know that the society is ready to help with all kinds of concerns: financial problems, finding homes that accept animals or problems with a pet’s behavior. “We really just want to get the word out there and be able to help anyone who’s in need or just has any questions,� she said. “We understand that there is just a plethora of information available on the internet; some of it is much more reputable than

other sources of information, and we can help to really narrow that down.�

The program began in November with an email address that people can use to ask questions: pethelp@ leecountyhumane.org.

So far, people have asked questions about financial concerns or what to do if they need to re-home their pet.

If a pet owner is having financial problems, Daniel said that sometimes the shelter can help provide food for the animal. There are a lot of grants too that pet owners can apply for, she said.

If an owner is concerned that they may not be able to keep their pet, Daniel said

they should call the shelter for help first, before considering giving up the animal.

The shelter does not like to see an animal re-homed, Daniel said, so if a pet owner is requesting help with re-homing, the first step is seeing if there are other options. “We will try to help them find alternatives to that, but if that isn’t possible then we want to help the person find the lowest-anxiety, the lowest-stress, way to re-home both for them and the animal,� she said.

One way to do this is asking friends or family to adopt the pet, Daniel said. “That’s going to take the animal right from

one loving home to another trustworthy home for them and that can give the person re-homing some peace of mind,� she said.

Some people have asked what to do about problems with puppies — the animal chewing on everything, for instance.

Daniel said the shelter can provide training techniques or even point the pet owner toward a trainer who could help. “Of course, with the more advanced problems, the first thing that we say is get in touch with your vet ‌ really for any of the requests, that is one thing that we emphasize is to always consult your vet. We

are pet people, we love animals, but we aren’t certified veterinarians,� she said.

Daniel said the shelter pulls its information from sources like the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Best Friends Animal Society. “We just want to make sure that everyone is well informed of all their options,� she said.

In the future, Daniel said she hopes to see the program be able to provide even more resources to pet owners, such as no-cost, or low-cost, training for animals.

seeking feedback about the program over the past several months.

Under the leadership of EDPA’s new Executive Vice President of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Miller Girvin, Cycle 1 will begin on Feb. 1, 2021, with applications

opening on alabamalaunchpad.com. “We are focused on helping Alabama entrepreneurs succeed – and we know that Alabama Launchpad has done that for 15 years. We’re excited to build on that tradition and expand the support

that our program offers to early-stage companies around the state,� said Girvin. “Entrepreneurs are problem solvers and executers, but often a mentor or subject matter expert can illuminate the path to success. We look forward to helping our

innovators have access to those resources at a critical stage of their businesses.�

The Alabama Launchpad program has funded companies like BLOX, Immediate, Acclinate genetics and more by offering nondilutive prize money for

its pitch competition.

The EDPA is a private, nonprofit organization that supports business recruitment and expansion efforts in Alabama and promotes innovative and emerging startup companies through its Alabama Launchpad program.

doesn’t always have the information that they seek. “Not being able to give someone an answer to a question that they feel there should be an answer to,� he said. “So, ‘Am I immune?’ Well, we don’t know. ‘Am I going to be one of the first to get the vaccine?’ You know, not sure about that yet. “People don’t like uncertainty, and as physicians, we don’t like uncertainty either.

So, probably that’s the hardest part is when you don’t know, and you know you don’t know and you tell people you don’t know, then they need to respect that you’re just being honest.�

Sometimes people ask questions or have problems that Kam is able to deal with though. “This older woman whose husband needed to be tested before

he could be admitted into a nursing home and she called around to different places and nobody would do it [because he couldn’t leave his home] and she was stuck between a rock and a hard place, right?â€? Kam said. â€œâ€Ś So I was like, ‘Nope, we gotta do what we gotta do.’ So to make a long story short, we we went to his home, to his house, swabbed him, got the results, got it back to her so that he could be transferred.â€?

It is experiences like this that make the job worthwhile, Kam said.

Kam was one of six lamplighter award winners whom Auburn Mayor Ron Anders named during his state of the city address in November.

This is the fifth and final piece in a series that highlighted the work these lamplighter award winners have done for the city of Auburn.

>>

FROM A2

time to see patients. “It became very clear, very early, with all that was changing rapidly in the pandemic, my group and I, team here and I, talked and I needed to stop seeing patients because there was just so information and so much anxiety and so much planning and so much stuff that needed to happen,� Kam said. “So for the first few months I really gave up seeing patients so that I could focus on reading everything there was to know and helping make decisions and guiding entities or going out onto campus and doing quick walk-around tours to make sure that things were put in place to keep things safer.�

Now, 10 months into the pandemic, Kam begins his days early, at 6 a.m., with an hour of catching up on COVID-19-related news. “What I’m reading is information that’s been released overnight from Europe and Asia on COVID,� he said. “Because they’re on a different time zone so they’re releasing data overnight while I’m sleeping.�

Then, Kam heads into the office for a Zoom meeting to talk with Auburn officials.

The executive director said he has more time now to see patients than he did at the start of the pandemic, so he tries to see them in between meetings. “I’ve got patients that I’ve been seeing for 23

1 OUT OF 10 years, that I’ve been caring for,� he said. “So I continue to care for them.�

Kam said he tries to make himself available to answer questions from the general public, from businesses, from Auburn students and their families and from the city government.

Even after having been at the office for almost 12 hours, Kam finishes his day up at home by reading more COVID-19-related news that was released during the day.

“[My team is] busy caring for patients; they don’t have time to read all the data, so I have to read the data and then I have to communicate the most important points that they need to know so that they can take the best care of the patients that they can,� he said.

When the pandemic began, Kam was working seven days a week.

Now, he said he tries to take some time off on the weekends. “I’ve never felt overwhelmed mentally,� he said. “I knew this was

going to be a marathon, not a sprint, professionally. In my experience, I knew that there was going to be a lot of unknowns, but a lot of information coming.

Never in the history of medicine have we had this much information, this rapidly available and this many scientists focused on one subject like we’ve had.�

Part of the difficulty lies with the unknowns, however, Kam said. People want answers, and he

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A4 January 6, 2021

I

COVID for Christmas, or not?

got COVID for Christmas. I was preparing the way for my savior, and on my journey of caroling, gifts and Isaiah, I fell ill.

I first thought it was a simple head cold. I have been there, done that before; it felt just the same. Until it lingered with fever and left me thinking, “Hmm….”

Per the season of life, pandemic life, it was only normal to take a test for safe measure, and so began my 12 days of illness.

Everything changed; life came to a halt. For when Mother goose goes down, the whole family follows. Christmas bliss turned into Grinch punch.

I had mustered up the courage to be brave for days, but come Christmas morning,

bravery wasn’t there anymore.

I missed my kids opening their gifts from Santa. (I seriously could not get out of bed.)

I missed the expressions on their faces as they beamed with surprise.

When I finally forced myself to get up, tears began pouring down my face.

It was as if someone blew out the light I had been clinging to for nine sweet months. The reality of sickness in a hurting world pressed on me.

“It’s Christmas morning, pull it together,” I told myself from within.

But I simply could not.

All I know is that my family unraveled at their mothering

By Bradley Robertson sight to see Christmas morning. It was as if I snuck in, stole the tree and all the gifts, made a wreck of loveliness and shoved it into the

snow.

I was the Grinch who stole Christmas.

I crawled back to my lair to rest COVID away and to sulk in my

sickness; I did not ask to stay.

Then I heard my youngest offer some light to the others, “Christmas isn’t just one day a year, Christmas is every day.” And my heart did a flutter.

This child wasn’t sad.

He was glad.

Christmas was still here, whether we liked it or not. In sickness or sadness, Christmas could not be stopped.

And my little chum was right, Christmas as a person of Christ is something we celebrate every day. It’s not the one day that counts, it’s the other 364 that can really matter.

My boy brought me grace and a reason to grin. My family served me food, for my soul deep within.

I guess you could say COVID has been the Grinch of the year,

it took away lives and work and a sense of secure.

Or did it teach us something about this small life we live?

Perhaps it’s not what was taken, but what did COVID give?

My yucky COVID in all of its ill gave me a thought that boosted my will.

“My source is not sickness or sadness or anything bad, my source is the God that brings healing and glad.

Troubles will come, this year too, and I will be ready to create something new. For when there is darkness, there will always be a light to shine somewhere, there.”

I think me heart grew a little bigger in 2020.

Did yours too?

Blessings to all of you this New Year!

Love, Bradley

I want pop-stars to get less money. I want kids with cancer to get more.

I want young folks to know that success is a myth. I want people who claim they’ve attained success to stop claiming they’ve attained success. There’s no such thing.

You buy a 10-bedroom mansion, you immediately want 25 bedrooms. Being a millionaire might make you

feel like a bigshot for a week, but then you’ll meet billionaires.

I want my funeral to be well attended. I want it to be a bonfire party, a baseball game and I want my friends to eat barbecue.

That day, I want people to sip beer and say to themselves, “Wasn’t he a mess?”

I’ve always wanted to be a “mess.”

And not that you care about this, but I’m no journalist. The truth is, most of the time I don’t know what I am.

But I do know what I want. I want this pandemic to be a memory someday. I want to hug people again, instead of video-calling them.

I want to be someone who treats the homeless like royalty. I want to help women lift heavy wheelchairs.

I want you to know that your life matters. I want to be the one who puts those words into writing.

And most of all...

I never want to wear another necktie again.

I Want

A

newsroom.

I was in my mid-20s. Unruly red hair. Big nose. A necktie that was suffocating me. Don’t ask me how, but I had a job interview. I was pure nerves.

I had no business being there. But then, I have a well-documented history of being in places I shouldn’t be.

“No journalism degree?” the editor said, squinting at my resume which read like a Hardee’s breakfast menu.

“No ma’am.”

“So, what’s your degree in?”

I explained that, at the time, I was in my ninth year of community college. And I was showing true potential as a promising liberal arts major.

“Aren’t you a little old to be applying?” she said. “What exactly is it you want, here?”

Her question paralyzed me. I didn’t know how to answer.

She waited. I made no human-like sounds. She asked me to leave.

Goodnight, John Boy. Thanks for playing.

I loosened my necktie. I ordered three tacos from a Mexican dive downtown. The tacos came doused in a red sauce that would forever burn the protective lining from my lower gastrointestinal tract.

I sat on a curb. What DID I want?

I saw a group of young men, walking the street, wearing suits and neckties. They did not look like me. They were cleancut, perfect teeth.

They probably had vocabularies which did not contain words like, “y'all,” and “twelvepack.”

It was at this moment that I was interrupted.

Across the street, I saw a young woman struggling to lift a wheelchair from her trunk. I approached her and offered to help.

She asked if I’d lift her sister from the vehicle and place her into the chair. I did. I sort of had to bear-hug her sister to lift her out of the passenger seat.

By Sean Dietrich And this did something to me. I discovered what I wanted.

And I’ll share it with you, if I may: First: I want my friends to feel important. I want children to feel loved — all children. I want dogs to follow me for no reason. I want my mother to be proud.

I want to fish during the summer. I want to go entire decades with-

out washing my truck. I want to leave my family in better shape than I found them.

I want to notice anyone who feels invisible.

I want to make sad people laugh. Hurting people smile. I want to eat too much peanut butter.

I want to meet kids who’ve lost fathers — just like I lost mine. I want to tell them that there’s life after death.

On Being Mask-Shamed Michael J. Brooks I suppose it’s the modern equivalent of “You kids get off my lawn.” I’ve heard of “mask-shaming” in recent months but didn’t experience it until last week.

The senior adult didn’t introduce himself. He just walked by me and scowled, “You need to wear your mask!” Which I was. I entered the store with the mask on my chin since I was finishing off my soda and about to drop the bottle in a receptacle before picking up a

few items. I suppose my first reaction was shock that a total stranger would accost me. My second reaction was anger that he deigned to lecture me.

As a church leader I’ve been in the forefront with protocols based on our governor’s orders, and I constantly caution about distancing and intimate contact.

Fortunately, I pursed my lips and didn’t respond, though my first thought was to blast him and tell him to mind his own business. I could’ve quot-

ed scripture: “Who made you a judge over us?” (Exodus 2:14).

A few seconds later I saw a pastor friend in the store and thought how fortunate I was to have held my peace and not made a scene. If I’d blown up, my friend would’ve observed, and my preacher reputation would’ve been destroyed!

A few days before I perceived a similar judgment when the driver of the big truck behind me obviously wanted to drive faster than me. I was calm-

ly driving the speed limit. He got on my bumper and threw his hands in the air in a pantomime of “what are you doing?” This reminded me of the bumper sticker I sometimes see: “The closer you get, the slower I drive,” though I wasn’t intentionally trying to agitate. He zoomed around me when he could, but I had momentary satisfaction when we came alongside at the next traffic light. He wasted gasoline and was frustrated, and I was enjoying Christ-

mas music!

Our first reaction to stress is often to strike rather than to reflect. It occurred to me there’s wisdom in the old adage about counting to ten before reacting.

A former military officer got frustrated in a meeting in which I participated. He stood and said to our superior, “Sir, may I be excused?” He later told me this is the military way of stepping aside and cooling down for clearer thought. Not such a bad idea.

Solomon insist-

ed, “A soft answer turns away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1). This simple principle is a good life lesson. We should learn not to respond in kind to rude or demanding people.

We should take a little time to process things rather than making a little thing a big thing.

I’m still learning.

Reflections is a weekly devotional column written by Michael J. Brooks, pastor of the Siluria Baptist Church in Alabaster, Alabama. The church's website is siluriabaptist.com.

A5 January 6, 2021

Arbor Springs Health & Rehab Center begins administering COVID-19 vaccine Contributed by Arbor Springs Arbor Springs Health & Rehab Center hosted its first COVID Vaccine Clinic Monday, beginning a process that will ultimately provide an extra layer of protection against the virus for employees and residents alike.

“We’ve been waiting and praying for this day to arrive,” said Annie Swanson, the administrator of Arbor Springs. “Taking the vaccine today won’t immediately put an end to the pandemic, but it’s a step in the right direction, and it is the perfect way to start a new year.”

Those receiving the first shot today will receive the second shot Jan. 25. After the second dose, recipients should develop an immune response that will greatly reduce their chances of getting ill from COVID-19.

COVID-19 has had a significant impact on those who live and work in longterm care facilities around the country.

Older people and those with underlying health conditions are at higher risk for serious illness and death from the virus, and healthcare workers are at high risk of being exposed on the job. As a result, long-term care facilities are among the first to receive

Arbor Springs Administrator Annie Swanson gets vaccine.

the vaccine. For that, Swanson said, Arbor Springs is grateful.

“This has been a hard, hard year for our residents, their families, our staff and our community,” Swanson said. “We have mourned those lost to the virus, weathered infections and sacrificed so much to protect each other and maintain safe social distancing. Today’s vaccines get us one step closer to a time when we can all safely spend time with family and friends.”

The leaders of

Traylor-Porter Healthcare, which owns Arbor Springs, are taking the vaccine themselves and urging all residents and employees to join them.

“Our top priority is keeping our team and our residents safe,” said Mark Traylor, the president of Traylor-Porter Healthcare. “We are thrilled to have effective vaccines that can help us reduce the threat of COVID-19 for all the people who make up the Arbor Springs family.”

Eleanor Garrison gets vaccine at Arbor Springs

Arbor Springs Nursing Director Cheri Place-Chaffin

Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System holds inaugural Heroes Helping Heroes Food Drive Contributed to the Opelika Observer Central Alabama veterans Health Care System collected over 2,662 pounds of non-perishable food items during the inaugural Heroes Helping Heroes Food Drive to lend a helping hand to our Veteran community.

The outpour of support from our community for Central Alabama veterans during the pandemic has remarkable. Over the last year,

the partnerships formed are vital to the VA’s mission to provide high-quality care to more than 9 million veterans.

Equally important, CAVHCS health care workers have been on the front lines battling coronavirus and went above and beyond to show their commitment to veterans by donating to a worthy cause.

“Our inaugural and I hope annual Heroes Helping Heroes Food Drive has come to an

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outstanding end with CAVHCS having collected over 2,662 pounds of food for our veterans,” said Health System Director Amir Farooqi.

CAVHCS made this

event a friendly competition among the medical centers and our Community-Based Outpatient Clinics’ combined effort. Employees collected non-perishable food items high in

fiber and low in sugar and sodium, like grains, peanut butter, canned vegetables and fruits.

“I’m filled with emotion as I think about how many of our veterans in the com-

munity will be helped by this. Thank you all for donating to this very worthy cause. Their kindness and generosity is a big part of who we are as an organization, Farooqi said.”

A6 January 6, 2021

ARTIST >> FROM A1

those here) on Christmas-themed window cartoon work. Bucko said that it was a harder sale to make in Hawaii, and that the sales he made were usually of the Santa-in-boardshorts variety.

When COVID-19 started greatly affecting businesses this year, Bucko’s small-business clientele started to thin.

Bucko wasn’t the only one who lost work,

which contributed to his evaluation of the vibe.

“I have a friend that ran a surf shack – rented surf boards, boogie boards, all the kind of ocean stuff,” he said.

“He did it for 20 years, and he’s done with it.

There’s no tourism.”

He knew about Opelika because he listens to the sermons of Dean Odle, with Fire and Grace Church, on YouTube. He was convinced to come here after learning another fact about the community.

“You know how your phone just knows what you are doing,” Bucko said. “It showed me the Opelika pickleball facility, just built. 12 covered courts? I was so impressed.”

An avid pickleball player (he has been playing the sport off and on since the ‘70s), he was not happy with the facilities available to him in Hawaii, and he was discouraged at the lack of any response to his requests that the city and county back the sport.

He set out for the Southeast from Seattle in a car, taking an indirect route through the Southwest. After spending two weeks

and seeing four national parks, he arrived in East Alabama.

Bucko said, “You ever make a bet or take a hunch and it pays off? At a casino? I said, ‘Let’s take a chance and move to Opelika. And that’s what it feels like.

Like it paid off.”

It’s paid off in that Opelika small businesses have been supportive of Bucko’s freelance cartoon work. For the Christmas season, he painted the windows of many Opelika businesses, including Twice Baked, Jefferson’s, Rock ‘N Roll Pinball, Jim Bob’s, Element Hair Salon, Designer’s Warehouse and more.

Bucko has worked in media from wood carving to window paint. He said that he’s the man to find when clipart doesn’t have exactly the right image and that he’s the guy for a business that needs to make its sale announcement pop.

“What I like to say to people is, ‘How many cartoonists do you know?’ ‘None,’” Bucko said, “‘Well now you know one.’”

He can be reached by email (cartoon4food@ gmail.com) or phone (808-594-6221).

Opelika E vents, Society & Food

UPCOMING EVENTS

JAN. 15 Trey Lewis at Boggin’ On The Plains

Remembering chocolate delights as Beta Xi accepts scholarship donations ANN CIPPERLY

Southern

Hospitality

I

f you are a chocoholic, you will be missing the Taste of Chocolate event this year, which has been presented annually for the past 19 years for the Beta Xi’s Scholarship Fund. While the event has been canceled due to COVID-19, members are inviting the community to donate to the fund this year in order to continue the scholarships. As a reminder of how hard the members have worked to prepare chocolate delights over the years, they are sharing a selection of favorite recipes.

Beta Xi is a local chapter of Alabama Alpha Delta Kappa, an international organization of teachers. The chap-

ter was chartered April 27, 1972, in Opelika.

Currently, there are 25 members, and Pam Fourtenbary is president. One of the goals for Beta Xi is to provide at least one scholarship for a high school senior who will be majoring in education.

In 2002, Lib Foster, Kay Spriggs, Michele Matin and Pat May attended a Gulf Regional Conference where ideas for fundraising were presented. One of those fundraisers was “A Taste of Chocolate,” which was adopted as their annual scholarship fundraiser.

Each year in January, members have made 180 chocolate “pieces” of two or three selected

recipes. Members would buy or sell a minimum of 10 tickets each to the event, and walk-ins were welcome. The event has been held in the fellowship hall at Trinity United Methodist Church in Opelika.

Their signature dessert is a confection made to look like a chocolate mouse. Member Dee Coulter saw the mice being made and thought it was a great idea. Both Dee and Carolyn Moore have made the candy for the event over the years.

Proceeds from the Taste of Chocolate have gone toward the funding of scholarships. Scholarship applications are available at Opelika High, Beauregard, Beu-

Photo by Ann Cipperly Cake pops that were for sale during last year's event.

lah, Lee-Scott and most recently, Trinity Christian School.

Beta Xi has awarded

24 scholarships since the beginning of Taste of Chocolate in 2002. Two $1000 scholarships have

been awarded each year See CIPPERLY, page A8

Second Saturday at Pioneer Park. . . making hominy Contributed by Lee County Historical Society Ever tried to eat dried corn? Native Americans and settlers learned how to turn those hard kernels into a delicious and nutritious meal by making hominy, a slow, tedious process of cooking in a big iron pot. Weather permitting, the Second Saturday in January, Jan. 9, will feature a demonstration of hominy making at Pioneer Park. On

the second Saturday of every month, volunteers and re-enactors gather at Pioneer Park to demonstrate their arts and crafts.

Blacksmiths are usually working at the forge, spinners and weavers are upstairs in the Trade Center and someone is always cooking up a period meal in the Cook House or outdoors over an open fire. The Trade Center Museum and other museums are open on Second Saturdays, and the Whistle Stop Pickers gather to

practice their dulcimers at 1 p.m. What a great opportunity for visitors to explore the museum and enjoy a period meal from the Cook House at noon.

Special events and craft workshops are scheduled whenever possible. If you have ideas for Second Saturday events or would like to participate, contact Andrea Crowder (email: amchomemaker@yahoo. com; phone: (706) 5183609).

About Lee County Historical Society

Pioneer Park and Second Saturdays are hosted by the Lee County Historical Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, presentation and education about local history. All visitors are urged to wear masks and a keep social distance. Most activities will be outdoors, weather permitting. More information can be found at www. leecountyhistoricalsociety.org/.

Patty West and Charles Mitchell with the Lee Co. Historical Society prepare a batch of homemade hominy made over an open fire at Pioneer Park. They will try another batch on the Second Saturday in January.

A8 January 6, 2021

Pressure cooker safety, cooking tips Contributed By Mary Leigh Oliver After the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, many people do not want to spend a lot of time preparing labor-intensive meals.

Pressure cookers are a great way to speed up the process, saving time and energy. However, before pulling out the pressure cooker, take time to brush up on pressure cooking

dos and don'ts.

Alabama Cooperative Extension System regional food safety and quality agent Janice Hall said the most important part of cooking with any pressure cooker is following directions.

Basic Tips Instant Pots, Ninja Foodi and Pressure Cooker XL are all big brand names for pressure cookers. No

matter the pressure cooker brand name, it is essential for cooks to first read the manual to learn how to use it properly. For any model, Hall shares a few basic precautions. • Make sure all vents and valves are clean before and after use. • Never use less than the recommended amount of liquid the recipe requires. • Do not exceed the two-thirds full level.

• • •

•

The inner pot will have a maximumfill line.

Always use a recipe and double check cooking times.

Ensure the rubber gasket is in place before cooking.

Use the natural release and/or the quick release method as directed by the recipe.

Always be sure the pressure has dropped before opening the

CIPPERLY

>>

FROM A7

Happy New Year

for the past three years.

Alpha Delta Kappa was founded in 1947 for the purpose of giving recognition to outstanding women educators actively engaged in teaching, administration or some specialized field of the teaching profession.

The Beta Xi group has an emphasis on altruism.

Through their national organization, they support St. Jude's Hospital and the Alzheimer’s Association.

Locally, the chapter has supported a variety of charities and causes as they become aware of needs. They have supported DHR Clothea-Child, Kate's Angels, Lee County Youth Development Center, the Domestic Violence Awareness Program, adult literacy program, Mercy Clinic, Miracle Field, Big House and many others. “It is exciting to be able to assist the seniors who are pursuing the field of education,� said State President Kay Spriggs. “These young people are the future of what will happen to all of us as their students learn and make the world as we know it better. We could not provide this without the continued support of our wonderful community, many of whom have been with us since the first event. We appreciate them so much!�

Since the event is not being held this year because of COVID, members will help support the 2021 scholarships by donating the cost of ingredients for making chocolate desserts in lieu of actual preparation. They plan to have a festive celebration in January 2022 for their 20th year.

If you would like to donate to support the scholarships, you can send a check to Beta Xi Scholarship Fund, Claire Plott, 1115 Sawyer Drive, Opelika, Alabama, 36801.

Members appreciate any support.

On page A12 is a selection of recipes for decadent chocolate confections offered by the members over the years. If you were thinking about a diet this month, you will want to postpone it a few more days until

lid.

Also, as with almost any cooking device or utensil, Hall recommends making sure the pot is thoroughly clean before using.

Inner pots should be removed from the pressure cooker before cleaning. Most inner pots can be safely cleaned in a dishwasher; however, some should be hand washed with soap and water.

It's Cooking Time While many are familiar with the simplicity of a slow cooker, a pressure cooker is a more intensive cooking process.

Unlike a slow cooker, it is okay to cook meat from frozen with a pressure cooker.

Hall said she often cooks from frozen when she isn't able to plan ahead but recom-

you have had a chance to try one or two of these recipes.

Ann Cipperly can be reached at recipes@ cipperly.com.

See COOKING, page A12

A9 January 6, 2021

Smiths Station Holiday Express

Contributed by the city of Smiths Station

A10 January 6, 2021

CHOCOLATE BREAD PUDDING Kay Spriggs 1 lb. loaf French or Italian bread, cubed 3 cups milk 1/4 cup heavy cream 1/2 cup coffee flavored liqueur 1 cup sugar 1 cup packed light brown sugar 1/4 cup cocoa powder 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract 2 tsp. almond extract 1½ tsp. cinnamon 6 eggs, lightly beaten 8 oz. semisweet chocolate, grated Whipped cream (optional) Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Lightly grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish and place bread in the dish. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, cream and liqueur.

Using another bowl, combine sugar and cocoa powder and mix well. Add sugar mixture to milk mixture; mix well. Add vanilla and almond extract, and cinnamon to the beaten eggs. Combine egg mixture to milk mixture and mix well.

Stir grated chocolate into mixture. Pour mixture over cubed bread in pan. Let mixture stand, stirring occasionally for approximately 20 minutes or until bread absorbs most of milk mixture.

Bake pudding for 1 hour or until set. Check pudding by inserting a knife through the middle. and it should come out clean.

Serve pudding warm, or refrigerate and serve chilled with whipped cream, if desired.

CHOCOLATE PIE OR TARTS Jerry Barber Prepared piecrust ½ cup flour 1¼ cup sugar 3 Tbsp. cocoa Dash of salt 2 cups water, divided 3 eggs ½ stick butter or margarine 1 tsp. vanilla (I use almond extract) 3 Tbsp. sugar Dash of cream of tartar Bake piecrust according to directions and set aside to cool. For the Taste of Chocolate, I use mini-muffin pans and cut rolled piecrust to fit the pans.

Mix flour, sugar, cocoa, salt and 1 cup of water to make a paste.

Separate egg yolks to add to mixture and save egg whites for meringue.

Stir in egg yolks and the other cup of water.

Heat, stirring until mixture thickens. Remove from heat and add butter and vanilla. Pour into cooled piecrust.

On high speed, blend egg whites and 3 Tbsp. sugar and dash of cream of tartar to make meringue. Spread over filling. Bake at 350 until meringue is brown.

CHOCOLATE CREAM MINI MUFFINS Betty Letlow 1 cup boiling water 2 squares ( 2 oz.) unsweetened chocolate ½ cup butter, softened 1 tsp. vanilla 1¼ cups brown sugar, firmly packed 2 eggs 1 3/4 cups plus 2 Tbsp. flour 1 tsp. soda 1/4 tsp. salt 1/2 cup sour cream Pour boiling water over chocolate squares in bowl.

Let stand until cool.

Cream butter and vanilla. Add brown sugar and blend well.

Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Sift together flour, soda and salt.

Stir dry ingredients into creamed mixture.

Mix well. Blend in sour cream and chocolate/water mixture.

Pour into greased or paper lined mini muffin pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 16 minutes.

Remove from oven and let sit 10 minutes. Remove from muffin pan to wire rack. When cooled, frost with Peppermint Frosting.

Peppermint Frosting: 2 cups powdered sugar 1/4 cup melted butter 2 Tbsp. cream or milk 1 tsp. peppermint extract Mix all ingredients until smooth. Spread on cooled muffins.

For variety, melt 1 square semi-sweet chocolate with 1 Tbsp. butter and drizzle over white frosting.

CREAM CHEESE TRUFFLES Carolyn Moore 8 oz. cream cheese, softened 2 cups confectioner’s sugar 1/4 cup cocoa 4 dried apricots cut into about 30 pieces 4 or 5 blocks chocolate bark Mix cream cheese, cocoa and 1 cup confectioner’s sugar.

Chill. Make marble-sized balls and roll in second cup of sugar. Insert a piece of apricot in middle of ball. Freeze a couple of hours. Dip in chocolate bark and dry on waxed paper. Makes about 30.

ANDES MINT CHOCOLATE COOKIES Nancy Weatherman and Mary Ellen Edmondson 3/4 cup butter 1½ cup brown sugar 2 Tbsp. water 12 oz. bag chocolate chips 2 eggs

2 3/4 cup flour 1/2 tsp. salt 1 1/4 tsp. soda Melt together butter, brown sugar and water. Add chocolate chips and stir until melted. Let stand 10 minutes to cool. Add remaining ingredients. Chill dough at least 1 hour.

Roll into balls and place on lightly greased cookie sheet.

Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 9 minutes. Remove from oven and place 1/2 Andes mint on top of each cookie.

Put back in oven for about 10 seconds.

Swirl top of cookie with a spoon.

SWEET AND SALTY BARK Karen Stillwell 6 oz. Baker's SemiSweet Chocolate 6 oz. Baker's White Chocolate 1/3 cup chopped dry roasted peanuts 1 cup chopped pretzels Microwave both chocolates together 1½ to 2 minutes, stirring after 1 minute.

Mix nuts and pretzels well into completely melted chocolate.

Spread onto waxed paper-covered baking sheet.

Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm. Break into pieces. Makes 16 servings.

CHOCOLATE CHIP CHEESECAKE Pat May The original recipe is for a pie, but I make it in a 3-quart oblong pan so that I can cut it in small squares for the Taste of Chocolate.

3 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened 3/4 cup sugar 3 eggs 1 tsp. vanilla extract 2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) semisweet chocolate mini chips, divided 1 extra serving size packaged graham cracker crumb crust (9 oz.)

2 Tbsp. whipping cream Heat oven to 450 degrees.

Beat cream cheese and sugar in large bowl with mixer until well blended. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well. Stir in 1 2/3 cups small chocolate chips; pour into crust.

Bake 10 minutes.

Without opening oven door, reduce temperature to 250.

Continue baking 30 minutes or just until set. Remove from oven to wire rack.

Cool completely.

Cover; refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.

Place remaining 1/3 cup chocolate chips and whipping cream in small microwave safe bowl and microwave on high 20 to 30 seconds or just until chips are melted and mixture is smooth when stirred.

Cool slightly; spread over top of cheese pie.

Refrigerate 15 minutes or until topping is set.

TOFFEE CHEESECAKE BARS Susan Hagan 1 cup all-purpose flour 3/4 cup confectioner's sugar 1/3 cup cocoa 1/8 tsp. baking soda 1/2 cup cold butter 1 pkg. reduced-fat or regular cream cheese 1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk 2 eggs, lightly beaten 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 1/4 cups milk chocolate English toffee bits, divided In small bowl, combine flour, confectioner's sugar, cocoa and baking soda. Cut in the butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press onto bottom of an ungreased 13 x 9-inch baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes or until set.

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add milk, eggs and vanilla; beat until smooth. Stir in 3/4 cup toffee bits. Pour over crust. Bake 18 to 22 minutes longer or until center is almost set.

Cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining toffee bits; cool completely. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.

CARAMEL AND CHOCOLATE PECAN BARS Rebecca Sanderson For crust: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 1 cup pecan halves For topping: 2/3 cup unsalted butter 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips To make the crust: Combine flour, brown sugar and butter, beating at medium speed with an electric mixer until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.

Press onto bottom of ungreased 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking pan.

Place pecans evenly over top of crust.

To make the topping: Preheat oven to 350.

Combine butter and brown sugar in 1-quart saucepan.

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture begins to boil. Continue stirring and allow mixture to boil for 1 minute. Pour evenly over crust and pecans.

Bake 18 to 22 minutes, until caramel layer is bubbly. Be sure

not to over bake.

Remove from oven.

Sprinkle with chocolate chips and allow to melt slightly. Swirl chocolate chips over the crust. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

CHOCOLATE COVERED MINI OLIVE OIL CAKES Anne Henderson 2 cups flour ½ tsp. baking powder ½ tsp. salt 1½ Tbsp. finely chopped rosemary 1 cup sugar 3 large eggs 1 cup olive oil ½ cup fresh orange juice 1½ Tbsp. orange zest 2 Tbsp. whole milk Melted chocolate Sugar orange twist for garnish Rosemary leaves for garnish Combine dry ingredients in a medium bowl, then set aside.

Mix together wet ingredients.

Slowly add dry ingredients to wet ingredients until you have a consistent batter.

Oil a mini muffin tin. Spoon ½ full into muffin cups.

Bake 350 for 8 to 10 minutes.

Remove from oven and let cool at room temperature.

Dip each mini olive oil cake in melted chocolate.

Top with a sugar orange twist and a few rosemary leaves.

Allow chocolate to set.

RASPBERRYFILLED MOLTEN CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES Jerry Barber 1/2 cup granulated sugar 6 Tbsp. unsalted butter room temperature 4 large eggs 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled) Pinch of salt 11 oz. semisweet chocolate, melted (2½ cups chopped) 18 raspberries (36 if they are small) Confectioners' sugar, for serving Vanilla ice cream (optional) Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line 12 cup standard muffin tin cups with paper liners. In a large bowl with a mixer, beat butter and sugar on medium high until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. With mixer on low, beat in flour and salt. Beat in chocolate until just combined.

Divide half the batter among cups, add two raspberries to each, and top with remaining batter.

Bake until tops are just set and no longer

shiny, 10 to 11 minutes, let cool in pan on a wire rack, 10 minutes.

Remove from pans, dust with confectioners' sugar. Can serve with ice cream.

MISSISSIPPI MUD CAKE Betty Letlow 1 cup chopped pecans 1 cup butter 4 oz. chocolate baking bar, chopped 2 cups sugar 1½ cups all-purpose flour ½ cup unsweetened cocoa 4 large eggs 1 tsp. vanilla extract 3/4 tsp. salt 10.5 oz. bag miniature marshmallows Chocolate Frosting Place pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes. Watch carefully as not to burn.

Microwave 1 cup butter and semisweet chocolate in a large microwave-safe glass bowl on High 1 minute, or until melted and smooth, stirring every 30 seconds.

Whisk sugar and next five ingredients into chocolate mixture. Pour batter into greased 15 x 10 x 1-inch jelly roll pan or can use two 8 x 8 x 1 ½-inch disposable aluminum pans.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 22 minutes (until center is done).

Remove from oven and sprinkle evenly with miniature marshmallows. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and drizzle with Chocolate Frosting (recipe follows). Sprinkle evenly with toasted pecans. When cool, cut into squares.

CHOCOLATE FROSTING: ½ cup butter 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa 1/3 cup milk 16 oz. pkg. powdered sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract Stir together first 3 ingredients in medium saucepan over medium heat until butter is melted. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes or until slightly thickened.

Remove from heat.

Beat in powdered sugar and vanilla at medium high speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Drizzle over prepared cake.

Bake at 350 for 20 to 24 minutes or until set and crust is golden brown.

Cool completely on a wire rack for about 30 minutes or on granite for 15. Repeat using remaining piecrusts and chocolate mixture.

Note: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or in refrigerator longer. Top with whipped cream just before serving and dust with cocoa (optional).

A11 January 6, 2021

M

artha was scared of the stink.

When Jesus told them to “Take away the stone” from Lazarus’ tomb, Martha shot back with, “But Lord, by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days” (John 11:39).

But we do this godly woman a serious injustice if we take her words to reflect a lack of faith.

She had earlier told Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give You whatever You ask” (v. 21).

Notice how she was able to move from the tremendous disappointment of Jesus not showing up in time to save her brother (see v. 1-3), to the present — “even now

Church Calendar • Church of Christ at Cunningham - meeting at their building at 9:30 a.m. for Bible class, 10:30 a.m. for worship, 5 p.m. for evening worship and 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.

• St. Marys Catholic Church/ St. Michael’s Church SMCC is having Daily Mass on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 8 a.m. and on weekends they are distributing holy Communion on Sundays from 9:30 to 11 a.m. A Mass is also held on Sundays at 12:30 p.m. at St. Michael's Church over in Auburn. For more information people can call the office at 334-749-8359 or go to the parish website: stmarysopelika.org.

• Union Grove Baptist Church In-person gathering with social distancing. Masks are available.

Sunday worship is at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Wednesday worship is at 6:30 p.m.

Services are streamed live on Facebook — the page is UGBChurch • First Baptist Church Opelika The following are held in-person and online on Sundays.

8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship and Message at The Worship Center 9:45 a.m. Sunday School Hour 11 a.m. Contemporary Service at The 3:16 Center 6 p.m. Evening Worship and Message at The Worship Center 6:30 p.m. Church on Chadwick at Chadwick Lane in Auburn To watch services online, go to fbcopelika.com/media

Scared of the Stink God will give You whatever You ask.” She had that kind of faith in Him. It’s a faith that is reflected in her confession that “You are the Messiah, the Son of God” (v. 27).

This confession appears to occupy the same place in John’s gospel that Peter’s confession does in the synoptics.

No, I think Martha was like most of us — we believe God can do great things, and we want to be involved in what He’s doing — but we would also prefer that it be as far away from any stink as possible. After all, we might get it on us or even worse, we might start smelling that way ourselves.

Not only is this an impractical request, it’s an impossible one.

The stink Martha was trying to avoid was the

By Bruce Green Teaching Minister at 10th Street Church of Christ in Opelika

odor associated with a decomposing body. Bodies decompose because death puts an end to the regenerative processes.

Death occurs because of sin (Genesis 3). It’s a theological truth that sooner or later becomes part of everyone’s biography and yes, it stinks.

Jesus thought so.

We’re told three times in the account that He was deeply moved or weeping (v. 33, 35, 38). He wasn’t that way because

Lazarus had died — He was in control and knew Lazarus would be raised.

No, He was weeping because He was in the presence of the pain that sin brings. He was upset by the enormity of suffering and death sin has brought to our planet — the pediatric cancer units, Parkinson’s Disease, cystic fibrosis, Alzheimer’s, ALS, etc.

That is the stink of sin, and it’s everywhere.

But the good news is that Jesus is right in the middle of the stink.

And He’s not there as a passionless observer — He’s there as an involved Savior who is working out the redemption of humanity. So instead of trying to steer clear of the stink at all costs, why don’t we just decide to go wherever Jesus leads us?

ABOUT BRUCE GREEN

We received a holiday card recently lamenting the terrible year 2020 has been and speaking in more hopeful terms for 2021. I understand that — it’s been a difficult year in many ways, and I have no wish to minimize that. But next year, no matter what it brings, will have its share of stink — you can count on it. We won't get through by being scared of it. We will make it through by understanding that no matter how bad the odor gets, Jesus will be right there in the middle of the stink, working for the world’s good. After all, that's where He does His best work.

Just ask Lazarus.

You can find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: atasteofgracewithbrucegreen.com.

You can find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: atasteofgracewithbrucegreen.com.

Hunley Group Lambert Transfer & Storage An Interstate Agent for North American Van Lines 1102 Fox Trail Opelika, AL 36803 745-5706

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

— Romans 12:21

Church Directory APOSTOLIC HOLINESS God’s House of Prayers Holiness Church 301 HIghland Ave., Opelika 334-749-9672 True Deliverance Holiness Church 936 N. Donahue Dr., Auburn 334-502-4700 BAPTIST Beulah Baptist Church 5500 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-705-0538 Cooperative Baptist Fellowship 128 East Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-8506

ANGLICAN Anglican Church of the Good Shepherd 2312 Center Drive Unit D 334-758-6749 ASSEMBLY OF GOD Bridge Church 1000 Lee Road 263, Cusseta 334-742-0144 AME Mount Zion AME Church West Point Hwy 334-749-3916 St. Luke AME Church 1308 Auburn St. 334-749-1690 St. Paul AME Church 713 Powledge Ave. 334-745-6279 Thompson Chapel AME Zion 187 Columbus Pkwy 334-749-8676 BAPTIST Abundant Life Baptist Church 1220 Fox Run Ave. Suite B 706-4421464 Airview Baptist Church 2301 Airport Rd. 334-444-5148 Antioch Baptist Church 605 W. East Morton Ave 334-742-0696 Bethesda Baptist Church 201 S. 4th St. 334-745-7528 Bethel Baptist Church Hwy. 29 Sasser Rd 334-745-4865 Central Baptist Church 1611 2nd Ave. 334-745-2482 Community Baptist Church 154 N. 16th St. 334-745-6552 Cornerstone Missionary Baptist 500 N. Railroad Ave. 334-742-2008 Eastview Baptist Church 1208 Spring Dr 334-749-9595 Farmville Baptist Church 3607 Alabama Hwy N. 334-887-7361 First Baptist Church of Opelika 314 S. 9th St. 334-745-6143

Green Chapel Missionary Baptist 390 Lee Road 106, Auburn (334) 749-4184 Lakeview Baptist Church 1600 E. Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-7094 Pepperell Baptist 2702 2nd Ave., Opelika 334-745-3108 Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Road 166, Opelika 334-745-4608 Union Grove Baptist Church 4009 Lee Road 391, Opelika 334-749-0461 CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ at First Baptist Church 301 S. 8th St. 334-745-5715 First Baptist Church Impact 709 Avenue E 334-741-0624 First Freewill Baptist Church 103 19th St. 334-703-3333 Friendship Missionary Baptist 432 Maple Avenue 334-742-0105 Greater Peace Baptist Church 650 Jeter Ave. 334-749-9487 Heritage Baptist Church 1103 Glenn St. 334-363-8943 High Hope Baptist Church 227 Lee Road 673 Love Freewill Baptist Church 1113 Frederick Ave. 334-745-2905 Ridge Grove Missionary Baptist Church 1098 Lee Road 155 - 334-745-3600 Northside Baptist Church 3001 Lafayette Hwy 334-745-5340 Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Uniroyal Rd 334-749-2773 Purpose Baptist Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy #704-0302 St. James Baptist Church 1335 Auburn St. 334-745-3224 Union Grove Missionary Baptist 908 Huguley Rd 334-741-7770 BUDDHIST Buddha Heart Village 3170 Sandhill Rd. 334-821-7238 CATHOLIC St. Mary’s Catholic Church 1000 4th Ave. 334-749-8359 CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ 2215 Marvyn Pkwy 334-742-9721 Southside Church of Christ 405 Carver Ave. 334-745-6015 CHURCH OF GOD

Cunningham 2660 Cunningham Dr., Opelika 10th Street Church of Christ 500 N. 10th St., Opelika 334-745-5181 COMMUNITY OUTREACH Changing Hearts of Destiny Ministry 936 N. Donahue Dr., Auburn 334-502-4700

Church 5165 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-745-4755 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Church At Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy., Opelika 334-524-9148 St. Ellis Full Gospel Church 5267 US Hwy 80W, Opelika 334-298-4319

METHODIST Auburn United Methodist Church 137 South Gay St., Auburn 334-826-8800 Beulah United Methodist

PRESBYTERIAN Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Road, Opelika 334-745-4889

Airview Church of God 3015 Old Opelika Rd 334-749-9112 Church of God 114 17th Place 334-749-6432 Tabernacle Church of God 3 Oak Court 334-745-7979 CHURCH OF NAZARENE Opelika Church of Nazarene 1500 Bruce Ave. 334-749-1302 EPISCOPAL Emmanuel Episcopal Church 800 1st Ave. 334-745-2054 HOLINESS Eastside Emmanuel Holiness Church 86 Lee Road 186 JEWISH Beth Shalom Congregation 134 S. Cary Dr. 334-826-1050 LATTERDAY SAINTS Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints 510 Groce St. 334-742-9981 METHODIST First United Methodist Church of Opelika 702 Avenue A 334-745-7604 Hopewell United Methodist 1993 Lee Rd 136 334-745-0460 Pierce Chapel United Methodist 8685 AL Hwy. 51 334-749-4469 Pepperell United Methodist 200 26th St. 334-745-9334 Trinity United Methodist Church 800 Second Ave. 334-745-2632 Wesley Memorial United Methodist 2506 Marvyn Pkwy 334-745-2841 PENTECOSTAL Full Gospel Pentecostal Church Hwy. 29, PO Box 1691 334-7418675 Gateway Community Church 2715 Frederick Rd 334-745-6926 PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church of Opelika 900 2nd Ave. 334-745-3421

SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST Outreach Seventh-Day Adventist 1808 S. Long St. 334-749-3151 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Apostolic Holiness Church 610 Canton St. 334-749-6759 Auburn Opelika Korean Church 1800 Rocky Brook Rd 334-7495386 Beauregard Full Gospel Revival 2089 Lee Road 42 334-745-0455 Christ Church International 1311 2nd Ave. 334-745-0832 Fellowship Bible Church 2202 Hamilton Rd 334-749-1445 Ferguson Chapel Church 310 S. 4th St. 334-745-2913 First Assembly of God Church 510 Simmons St. 334- 749-3722 Garden of Gethsemane Fellowship 915 Old Columbus Rd #745-2686 Grace Heritage Church Opelika #559-0846 Holy Deliverance Church 831 S. Railroad 334-749-5682 Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1250 McCoy St. 334-737-1488 Living Way Ministries 1100 Old Columbus Rd 334-749-6241 Move of God Fellowship Church 1119 Old Columbus Rd 334-7411006 Connect Church 2900 Waverly Pkwy 334-749-3916 New Life Christian Center 2051 West Point Pkwy 334-741-7373 New Life Independent Church 10 Meadowview Estates Trailer 334-741-9001 Opelika’s First Seventh Day 2011 Columbus Pkwy 334-737-3222 Power of Praise, Inc. Church 3811 Marvyn Pkwy 334-745-6136 Shady Grove Christian Church West Point Hwy 334-745-7770

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Email: editor@opelika observer.com Call: 334-749-8003

A12 January 6, 2021

OBITUARIES Eileen Mary (Dionne) Beauchene Eileen Mary (Dionne) Beauchene, 75, of Opelika, Alabama passed away peacefully on Dec. 31, 2020 at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika.

She was born Sept. 14, 1945 in New Britain, Connecticut.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Pierre J. Dionne; her brother, John P. Dionne; and her sister, Janice L. Ross.

She is survived by her husband, John D. Beauchene; her sister Jacqueline M. Bezrutczyk and her husband Thomas of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; her three daughters, Marlene Highfill of Opelika, Kimberly (Kendall) Price of Auburn; and Michelle (Steve) Burt of Saint Peters, Missouri; and her son, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) David (Catherine) Beauchene of Jeffersonton, Virginia; seven grandchildren (oldest to youngest); Kenneth Bastian, Derrick Bastian, Troy Bastian, Storme Dodd, Andrew Highfill, Jordan Highfill, and Nathan Price; three great-grandchildren, Aaminah Dodd, Kenler Bastian, and Talan Bastian. She will be greatly missed by all that knew her.

Her memorial service was held at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home in Opelika on Monday, Jan. 4, at 11 a.m.

Robin Parker Robin Parker peacefully passed away the morning of December 31st.

She is survived by her husband; Stacey Parker, her oldest daughter Kelli Bright-

COOKING

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FROM A8

mends adding an extra five minutes per pound of meat when frozen.

“Pressure cookers cut the traditional cooking time down by one-third,” Hall said.

“It truly is fast cooking.”

Repid cooking retains nutrients and colors of vegetables.

This is another reason pressure cookers are often preferred over slow cookers.

Similar to a slow cooker, the question remains: is there anything that shouldn't be prepared in a pressure cooker? Hall recommends observing the size or thickness of foods before cook-

well (and son in law Russell), her youngest daughter Kimberly Smith (and son in law Steve), her son Christian Parker, her sisters Vicki Tiveron and Pam Bise, her brother Brian Bise (and wife Tina) and her parents Clifton & Shirley Bise.

She was an amazing wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend & was loved by so many.

She enjoyed life to the fullest and her favorite times were those spent with the ones she loved. We all share so many wonderful memories with her that we will hold in our hearts forever.

She surely will be missed, but never forgotten. May her sweet soul live on forever.

A graveside service was held on Jan. 3. At 2 p.m. at the Mt. Olive Baptist Church Cemetery.

Thomas Earl Gullatte, Sr. Thomas Earl Gullatte, Sr., 88, retired Lee County farmer, passed away Dec. 30, 2020, at Bethany House in Auburn.

He was born May 15, 1932 to the late George Thomas and Erma Julia Capps Gullatte and was the youngest of 5 children.

Earl loved getting together with family and friends to share stories about the past.

His joy was playing with the children and grandchildren. There were many special moments eating watermelon, homemade ice cream, taking hayrides and many gatherings with family, church and friends. He was ordained as a deacon at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Salem, Alabama. He served in the US Army.

Other than his parents, Earl was preceded in death by his three wives, Jamie Jenkins Gullatte, ing. She said thicker consistency foods tend to scorch in a pressure cooker.

The following are some of Hall’s favorite dishes to prepare in a pressure cooker: • Tender Ribs (25 minutes) • Cheesecake (five minutes) • Lima beans (four minutes) • Peas (four minutes) • Greens (three minutes) • Chicken and rice (times varying between 15-20 minutes) • Rice (four minutes) • Boiled eggs (four minutes) • Buffalo wings from frozen (10 minutes), then air fried 30 minutes or until desired crispiness and

Zelma Keaton Maddox Gullatte, and Margaret Lee Hodge Gullatte, brother, Bruce (Inez Walker) Gullatte, sister, Rhythma Gullatte (Raphael) Barnes, and infant brother, his son, Thomas (Tommy) Earl Gullatte, Jr. (Darlene Zenisek Gullatte Roberts), and niece Pat Barnes (Bob) Harmer.

Earl is survived by his daughter Angela Gullatte (Philip) Shenton of Phenix City, Alabama, step children, Randy Maddox of Powder Springs, Georgia, Anita Maddox Cantrell of Savannah, Georgia, Sherrie Maddox Clark of Springfield, Tennessee, Sharon Hodge Cook of Phenix City, his grandchildren, Samuel Gullatte of Salem, Kathryn Gullatte of Fort Collins, Colorado and Joel Shenton of Phenix City and one great granddaughter Maria Gullatte of Salem.

He is also survived by his sister Betty Jean Gullatte (Buddy) Pharris, nieces, Judy Barnes, Linda Gullatte (Charles) Herring, Sandra Gullatte Johnson (Quinton) Horne, Elaine Pharris, Emily Pharris and other family members.

Funeral services were officiated by Richie Ashburn and held in the Chapel of Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home in Opelika on Jan. 2, 2021 at 2 p.m.

Pallbearers were Philip Shenton, Joel Shenton, Samuel Gullatte, Michael Roberts, Chuck Gilmer and Quinton Horne Memorial contributions can be sent to: Pleasant Grove Baptist Church 5805 Lee Road 401 Salem, AL 36874

Melinda Elizabeth Rogers Meals

sauced • Beef and rice (times varying between 1520 minutes) • Italian soup and Venison Italian Soup (eight minutes) • Venison BBQ (50 minutes for a three pound marinated roast) • Boiled peanuts (one hour) • Last but not least…

Thanksgiving turkey (50 minutes) These times do not include the time it takes to build pressure and may vary by cooker model.

“Sometimes it may take up to seven minutes to build pressure then the dish will cook for the recommended time,” Hall said.

A recipe may call for a quick pressure

Melinda Elizabeth Rogers Meals, age 73, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Dec. 29, 2020, at her home in Opelika, Alabama. She passed away of natural causes.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John D Meals, and her parents, Frank H. Rogers, Jr. and Florene Coppedge Rogers.

She is survived by her son, John Ryan Meals (Cynthia) of Opelika, Alabama; and son, Michael Alan Meals (Hailee) of Medina, Tennessee; grandchildren: Madison Ann, John David, John Jesse and James Michael Meals; and sister, Suzanne Rogers Edwards (Jim) of Knoxville, Tennessee; and many close relatives.

In 1965 Melinda graduated from Jackson High School in Jackson, Tennessee, and then earned both a Bachelor's degree in Education from Athens College in Athens, Alabama, and a Master’s degree in Education from Auburn University, in Auburn, Alabama.

She was an elementary school teacher for 28 years before retiring from the Opelika City School system.

She was dedicated to volunteering at the Life Savers Ministry in Opelika, AL. She loved the Lord, had a strong faith in Jesus, and loved her family.

Melinda was a member of First Baptist Church Opelika, Alabama serving both as a Sunday school teacher and a faithful member.

A graveside service was held on Dec. 31, 2020 at Garden Hill Cemetery at 3 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Opelika Church- Missions 301 South 8th St. Opelika, AL 36801.

release or a natural release. For a quick release, release the pressure immediately to prevent overcooking.

For a natural release, allow the pressure to cool down and release naturally. The cooker will default to the warm setting during this natural release process.

Watch The Pot? Or Not? A common belief with pressure cookers is that they are safe to turn on and leave unattended throughout the day. Hall strongly believes in monitoring all electronic devices while in use for the possibility of unforeseen circumstances.

As always, follow the manufacturer’s pres-

Annie Grace Brand Annie Grace Brand of Jackson's Gap, Alabama was born in Opelika, Alabama on March 19, 1938 and passed away at her home with her precious sister, Shirley Strickland by her side.

She was a proud church member of Dadeville Church of Christ.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Verlon Brand who passed in 2013; son, Ronnie Brand who passed earlier this year.

She is survived by her grandchildren, Wendy Barber of Auburn, Amy Jackson of Alpharetta, Georgia.

Ben Brand of Hoover, Alabama. Seth Brand of Gardendale, Alabama. and Cary Brand of Lincoln, Alabama; great grandchildren, Ayden, and Brennan Barber, Cole Connor, Caden, Cooper, and Caleb Jackson, Anna Grace and Brooks Brand, Marley and Jake Brand, and Jared Hovatter; brother, Houston Foster; sister, Shirley Strickland, as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members.

A graveside service was held Jan. 2, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. in Garden Hills Cemetery in Opelika, Alabama with Pastor Chris Tidwell officiating.

James Albert Cooper James Albert Cooper of Lafayette, Alabama was born Nov. 5, 1949 and passed away at his home on Dec. 25, 2020. He was 71 years old.

Mr. Cooper was very proud of his time in the United States Army. He served in Vietnam and was very specialized in the training of service sure cooker directions while in use. However, in the event that a pressure cooker is left on and all settings are operating properly, most devices are programmed to default to a warm setting once cooking is complete.

This allows the cooker to stop pressuring and keep food warm until it is time to eat.

Leftovers After filling up on a delicious, pressure-cooked feast, it is important to properly store the leftovers.

It is crucial to let the food cool completely before storing in the refrigerator. Hall suggests dividing food into smaller portions, using stainless steel containers and placing

dogs.

A graveside service was held Jan. 5, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery in Fort Mitchell, Alabama.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.

David Duane Nash David Duane Nash, 53, was born on Dec. 8, 1967, to his father, Duane Nash, and his mother, the late Sara Jeanette Richardson Baggett, and passed away on Jan. 2, 2021, at his residence in Opelika, Alabama.

David was a longtime pressman for the Opelika-Auburn News.

David was preceded in death by his sister, Carol Pouncey; son, Jared Nash; and mother-in-law, Vivian Brown.

David is survived by his wife, Cynthia Rutledge Nash; daughter, Jessica Long (Trey); son, Kristopher Sanders (Katarina); daughter, Carly Nash; and sister, Sandy Nash; sister-in-law, Sherry Noble (Wayne); seven grandchildren, Destiny Long, Caleigh Long, Carson Long, Ansleigh Fulford, Nash Long, Kade Sanders, and Kyle Hinds.

Visitation will be held in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home on Jan. 6, 2021 from 4 until 6 p.m.

A funeral service will follow in the Chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home at 6 p.m.

A Graveside will be held in Garden Hills Cemetery on Jan. 11, 2021 at 2 p.m. the containers in an ice water bath. This will exponentially speed up the cooling process to begin storing. Stir the food frequently while it is in the ice bath to distribute the cold temperatures. As an alternative, simply add ice as an ingredient to the leftovers to cool them down.

More Information Don’t waste time slaving away in the kitchen. With proper care and instructions, people can prepare a safe and quick meal for the whole family within minutes. For more information on pressure cookers and food safety tips, visit the Alabama Extension website, www. aces.edu.

A13 January 6, 2021

Auburn University decked out in gingerbread

Photos by Robert Noles//Opelika Observer

A14 January 6, 2021

COMICS

“Life is worth living as long as there’s a laugh in it.” ― Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

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Opelika boys basketball coach abruptly resigns

By D. Mark Mitchell

On the Mark

By D. Mark Mitchell

O

OHS sports return from Christmas break

pelika City School students return to school this week after being off for Christmas and New Year’s.

While school was closed, athletics were quiet as well.

The OHS Boys Basketball team (0-5) played its last game Dec. 17 at Handley. OHS lost its fifth in a row, 80-76.

The Bulldogs played AHS in Auburn Tuesday night (1-5).

The results were not available at press time.

First year head coach Emmanuel Brown has had a tough start to his first year as head coach.

Brown is trying to get his team better despite only playing five games.

Hopefully, games scheduled in January will not be interrupted.

The Varsity Boys team hosts Pike Road Saturday at 5 p.m. in the Mainstreet gym.

OHS, Valley and Eufaula make up the threegame team area.

Opelika’s Area games: at Eufaula Jan. 12, at Valley Jan. 14, home

against Eufaula Jan. 19 and home against Valley Jan. 29.

The winner of the regular season area title hosts the area tournament and earns a playoff game.

The top two teams advance to the 6A playoffs.

The OHS Girls team, 4-4 under Head Coach Devin Booth, has been able to play three more games as the boys.

The Lady Bulldogs played Auburn High Tuesday night (Jan 5) at the AHS gym prior to the boys.

(No results were available at press time) The girls play the same area schedule as the boys.

OHS is trying to win the regular season title, earning them the right to host the tournament and ensuring a trip to the playoffs.

Coach Booth is trying to guide her team to the state finals for an unprecedented fourth time in as many seasons.

COVID and AHSAA The next few weeks See SPORTS , page B5

Inside • opelika schools • lee county schools • community sports

Jan. 12: Lee County School Board Meeting 2410 Society Hill Road

Prior to him leaving this summer to take a job at Enterprise High School, John Wadsworth led the Opelika High School Basketball program for 14 years.

OHS hired Emmanuel Brown as the new boys varsity coach over the summer.

Brown, despite not coaching basketball in 2018 and 2019, was hired by AD Mike Pugh to lead the boys basketball program.

Four games into the season, Brown abruptly resigned from his duties at OHS. Opelika Principal Dr. Farrell Seymore

confirmed the news Sunday night in an email.

Seymore thanked Brown and mentioned that the health of his family played a factor in his resignation.

“Coach Brown decided to step down and take care of his family. We understand the importance of placing family as priority and wish him the best,” Seymore wrote in an email. “Coach Wesley Button has been named interim coach and will assume all coaching duties."

No other information was made available by OHS or OCS. Brown hired his brother and two other assistants since he was hired at Opelika.

Button One of his assistants, his brother, left in the fall to take another job. The other two assistant coaches work at the Brown Center during the day.

Button is in his sixth season at OHS, teaching

math and coaching basketball. Button takes over the team in a difficult time. The Bulldogs played at AHS Tuesday and start area play this week. Stay tuned for more details.

Morris Avenue Intermediate temporarily moving to remote learning Contributed by OCS

Due to a positive COVID-19 test of a staff member, multiple close contact exposures of staff and the lack of available substitute teachers,

the decision has been made to quarantine the affected staff members and move Morris Avenue Intermediate School staff and students to remote learning for the next 10 days.

Students should not report to school and should do their classwork through Google Classroom at home on their assigned Chromebooks. Meals for the week will be available for pick up at

Jeter Primary School on Tuesday, Jan. 5 and Monday, Jan. 11 from 10-11 a.m. Students and teachers are scheduled to return to school on Jan. 14, 2021.

Updates will be posted on the school website.

Opelika Dawg Pound finishes 2020 season strong

By Wil Crews sportscrews@ opelikaobserver.com

The Opelika Dawg Pound saw a strong finish to its 2020 season when it competed in the Pensacola Hype Classic on Dec. 11-13 and Independent Nationals on Dec 18-20.

“I would like to thank everyone that

helped us throughout the year,” said Director of the Opelika Dawg Pound Anthony Bryant.

“Everyone who has donated, contributed to a fundraiser or just given anything to us, we just want to say we gladly appreciate that. It made a world of difference for the boys.”

The 8U, 10U and 12U teams participated

in the Pensacola Hype Classic in Pensacola, Florida – their third tournament of the season – and the 10U and 12U were crowned champions. The 8U failed to place, but it wasn’t all bad news.

Bryant said the director of the independent nationals was at the Pensacola Hype tournament and, based off

the gritty performance of the Dawg Pound’s 8U team, invited them to have a spot at Independent Nationals.

They, the 10U and the 12U teams all went to the tournament in Biloxi, Mississippi, and they did not waste the opportunity. “[The director] saw See DAWG POUND , page B5

B2 January 6, 2021

Turnovers mar the Tigers

Auburn 1-1 to open conference play, fall to 6-4 overall

By Wil Crews sportscrews@ opelikaobserver.com

Auburn opened its SEC conference schedule with a 97-85 home loss to Arkansas and followed that up three days later with a 68-66 loss on the road against the Texas A&M Aggies.

It was the last day of 2020, and Jamal Johnson’s career-high 21 points were not enough to overcome the undefeated Razorbacks.

Arkansas (9-0, 1-0) used a 10-0 run in the second half to take control after Allen Flanigan hit a pair of free throws to tie the game at 74-74 with 7:30 to play. Flanigan played well, contributing 19 points and a career-high 10 rebounds.

“Arkansas was fast and quick, and we just couldn’t keep them in front,” said Auburn Coach Bruce Pearl in his post-game press conference. “We did not do a very good job without individual defense and struggled to turn them over.”

While Auburn struggled to turn the Razorbacks over, Arkansas had no problem stifling the Tigers' offense down the stretch. Turnovers were killer for the young Auburn team.

The Tigers committed 19 turnovers while forcing only 10, leading to a 27-11 advantage for Arkansas in points off turnovers.

“They took better care of the basketball

than we did and that’s why they got out of here with a win,” Pearl said. “It’s great to have the size and the length that we have, but only if you can utilize that size and length by blocking shots or helping more defensively.”

Arkansas led 32-22 with 9:30 left in the half before Auburn went on a 14-2 run — their best stretch of the game.

Devan Cambridge, Justin Powell, Jaylin Williams and Johnson all contributed baskets to get the game to 34-34.

Led by Desi Sills, Arkansas ground out the final minutes of the first half to gain a fivepoint lead, 47-41, into halftime. Sills led all scorers with 23 points

Auburn’s Jamal Johnson rises up to shoot a three-pointer against Arkansas on Dec. 30. Photo courtesy of Shanna Lockwood/AU Athletics

for the Razorbacks.

For the Tigers, Johnson’s dead-eye shooting from behind the arc was practically matched by Cambridge.

The sophomore made 5-of-6 three pointers for a season-high 15 points.

Williams also reached double figures, scoring 13. Powell had half of Auburn’s assists, nine, and added six rebounds.

The Tigers shot 15-of29 from three (51.7%) and 28-of-54 overall (51.9%).

“Our main goal is to win the SEC regular season championship,” Johnson said. “The career high was great, but I want to win. Our whole team and our coaching staff want to win.”

Next up, the Tigers traveled to the longhorn state to face Texas A&M (6-2, 1-1) with the hopes of earning their first SEC win of the season on Saturday.

The end of the game saw both teams involved in a scintillating soiree of shot making.

A pair of Flanigan three pointers and another from Williams brought Auburn – after being down as much 14 in the second half – within three with 6:30 remaining.

Texas A&M then drilled back-to-back three pointers to extend their lead back to nine.

A&M held a 64-59 lead with 2:03 to go when Johnson hit his fifth three pointer of the night to cut Auburn’s

deficit to two. Next, after an A&M turnover, Cambridge finished a fast break layup to tie the game with 1:14 to go.

The Aggies then scored on a goaltending call with 45 seconds remaining and Johnson had a three-pointer go in-and-out on the next possession. Auburn fouled. Then, on the ensuing inbound, the Tigers forced an A&M turnover and JT Thor finished a dunk to deadlock the teams at 66 with 0:28 remaining.

Holding for the last shot, A&M’s Andre Gordon hit the dagger after he drove into the lane, pump faked two Auburn defenders and See TURNOVERS, page B5

Left to right: No. 44 freshman Dylan Cardwell, No. 22 sophomore Allen Flanigan, No. 4 junior Javon Franklin, No. 35 sophomore Devan Cambridge and No. 24 freshman Justin Powell huddle for a team talk versus Arkansas. Photo courtesy of Shanna Lockwood/ AU Athletics.

A look back on a semester of both virtual and in-person teaching

By Hannah Lester hlester@opelikaobserver. com

Another semester is over, and teachers have now been fully immersed in both in-person and online teaching during a pandemic.

Julie Worth has been teaching for 27 years,

but this is her first time to teach during a pandemic.

She currently teaches 9th grade English, two freshman orientation classes and a virtual block at Opelika High School.

Although teachers experienced a taste of virtual teaching in

March through the end of last semester, this semester has been a lot different.

Everything was new then. A lot of students didn’t have technology, Julie said, and she helped to distribute Chromebooks.

There were also a lot of questions about how

grading would take place.

“We just decided that the fairest thing to do, at the high school, would be, because we were in the home stretch of the last quarter, so we decided [that] if they were satisfied with their grade, they could take the grade

they had and if they were not satisfied with their grade, they could continue working and try to raise their grade,” Worth said.

When the semester began again in August, however, there had to be some semblance of normalcy. There were in-person classes again.

“The kids at school have really done well,” she said. “They’ve done well wearing their masks, they have to sit six feet apart at lunch, which is awful. They can’t even really socialize with their friends at lunch, but they’ve been See TEACHING, page B5

B3 January 6, 2021

January is International Creativity Month

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Ecclesiastes 3:1.

A

s a teacher of young children, I love to extend seasonal joy by celebrating creativity in the quietness of winter. We, as parents, teachers and caregivers, are like artists who paint on the heart and life of a young child. Too, like a potter who molds and sculptures clay into many different life-like shapes and masterpieces, we must remind ourselves that young children are moldable and bendable by the words we say to them as they express themselves creatively. From the Hand of the Creator, He knit every little cell of our being, our bodies, hearts,

emotions, spirits and personalities. Each of us — especially children — express themselves uniquely and differently.

As we have always heard, no two snowflakes are alike. No two people are the same.

In working with young children, I never cease to be amazed that I can give them a construction paper shape and they can draw houses, people, cars, rockets, etc., just around a simple shape. Every early childhood teacher can tell you they have quite an array of Kleenex flowers, masterpieces full of glue and different odds and ends made with love and many

teacher portraits signed or scribbled “I love you”.

When we think of children expressing their creativity, it’s just not drawing, cutting and gluing. Creativity is a foundation block for a child in solving problems, expressing their thoughts, using critical thinking skills as well as “thinking out of the box” or divergent thinking.

The seed of creativity begins when a child is an infant. When rocking a baby, one can notice how a young baby’s eyes are constantly looking around, exploring a person’s face or a room, grabbing a parent’s finger or object.

When children are toddlers, they explore their environment by touching, handling and looking at things. Free play is a wonderful avenue for children to express their creative skills. Children are not taught to be creative; this is expressed naturally. Children are already creative. We as teachers and parents have to provide materials and resources, time and encouragement young children need to express their creative skills.

Creative freedom in childhood leads to

creativity in adulthood. A person expresses creativity in areas they have interests and strengths in. A young child may lean toward music, language expression, art, math, etc.

If these strengths are encouraged, nourished and nurtured in childhood, then this same creativity is enhanced as an adult.

Tips that I have learned over the years as a teacher, mom and as from other teachers are: You cannot force creativity in a young child. When I give young children coloring sheets, if one asks me if they can turn their page over and draw and color their own picture, I do not stop them from doing this. Creativity is not coloring within the lines of prepared pictures. Coloring prepared pictures comes under “can my child follow directions?” When an adult tells a child what to do step by step in coloring, cutting and gluing, that is preventing a child from being creative.

This cramps creativity from a young child because they are dependent upon your directions and instructions. There is nothing wrong in doing this, but it is

a “follow direction” lesson, not a lesson on creativity. Too, how we let a child express creativity depends on their age and development.

Creativity is reinforced when a child is allowed to “link” or make connections from their bodies in touching, seeing and feeling things.

Drawing skills are developmental. When your toddler scribbles and loves to use different colors with lines, this is their way of expressing themselves. Sometimes we may find masterpieces on our wall or furniture so be sure you have washable crayons and markers around the house. As children turn ages three, four and five, encourage them to explain and tell stories of their pictures. Of course, keep in mind that children develop at different rates.

Again, I want to express that for children to build creativity, free play needs to be encouraged. Too, as parents and grandparents, we need to get down on the floor to play with our young child. Do pretend tea parties, roll cars and trains around a track, zoom off into the air with an airplane or rocket or

just lay flat on your back, look up at the sky and see pictures out of different cloud formations.

Always keep a supply of markers, crayons, paper, scraps of cloth, toilet tissue tubes, string, buttons, beans, seeds, old gift wrap, empty egg cartons, dress up clothes and other old items around the house that children can safely take apart and put back together. Old engines, radios and toasters are more great ideas.

Spending time with your children and talking to them ignites that spark of creativity.

Don’t criticize or evaluate a child’s free creation. Let them freely express themselves with creativity; children are allowed to make mistakes and break rules.

Have a spot in the corner of your house where children are allowed to make a mess. You can even title it “Kids’ Corner.”

It is so heartwarming to see a smile or twinkle in a young child’s eyes when they are encouraged and praised for just who they are and what they do.

Classroom Observer Beth Pinyerd

A message from a concerned Auburn fan

By Wil Crews sportscrews@ opelikaobserver.com

Auburn Head Coach Bryan Harsin and his wife, Kes, arrive on the Plains. Courtesy of Todd Van Emst/AU Athletics.

I believe in Bryan Harsin as Auburn University’s head football coach. But he’s got a lot of work to do.

In their 35-19 bowl game loss against Northwestern on Friday, I saw an Auburn team that looked listless and lifeless. Like a team with less talent than their opponent and even less direction. Yes, the Tigers were without star offensive playmakers Tank Bigsby and Anthony Schwartz. Yes,

they had nothing to play for while Northwestern had one of the best seasons in program history on the line. Yes, Auburn were without a head coach. But that doesn’t change how the Tigers looked as bad on Saturday as they’ve looked since a 3-9 season in 2012.

Although it was hard to watch, it seemed like a fitting culmination of the Gus Malzahn era at Auburn. One that started with such promise slowly disintegrated into mediocrity. And Saturday was mediocre.

Thankfully, however,

the fan base can now put that period behind them. The football team can move forward. But it won’t be easy. Going into 2021 with a clean slate, there are masses of questions facing the program and their new coach. There’s a good, bad and ugly reality facing the Tigers.

The Good This isn’t Star Wars, but there is a new hope.

The Tigers have a young, proven, successful and charismatic head coach who demands See AUBURN , page B6

B4 January 6, 2021

Mens AU golfer wins 2020 Patriot All-American Invitational Couresy of Cody Voga/ AU Athletics

Auburn senior Graysen Huff earned medalist honors at the 2020 Patriot AllAmerica Invitational Thursday at Wigwam Golf Resort.

Huff fired an 8-under (65-70-67--202) and won the amateur event by two strokes over Dan

Bradbury of Lincoln Memorial University and a field of 84 total participants.

The Eagle, Idaho, native rattled off 13 birdies and 37 pars in the annual 54-hole event.

Huff and the Tigers return to the course Feb. 12-14 when they travel to Gainesville, Florida, for the Gator Invitational.

About The Patriot All-America Invitational Featuring golf’s stars of tomorrow, The Patriot All-America is regarded as a top amateur event nationally, attracting PING AllAmerica golfers from all three NCAA Divisions, NAIA and NJCAA rankings as well as from universities outside the United States. The Arizona Golf Association (AGA), JDM Partners and the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA) partnering with the Folds of Honor Foundation to host the tournament. For more information visit patriotallamerica.com.

Courtesy of Au Athletics Mens Auburn golfer Grayson Huff competes at the 2020 All-American Invitational.

Women Tigers drop opening two SEC games

By Wil Crews sportscrews@ opelikaobserver.com

Unique Thompson was absent from the Auburn Women's basketball team’s first two SEC games of the season, as the Tigers fell to LSU and Georgia.

Thompson, a preseason First Team AllSEC selection, had been averaging 18.8 points and an SEChigh 15.3 rebounds per game this season before missing the last two games due to medical reasons.

On New Year’s Day, without their best player, Auburn opened its SEC schedule against LSU (3-4, 1-0). Auburn’s strong first-half effort was led by freshmen Romi Levy and Aicha Coulibaly, who combined for 20 points and 16 rebounds against the bayou Tigers.

Coulibaly led Auburn with a career high 12 points. Levy added eight points and a career-high 11 rebounds, along with five steals.

As a team, Auburn shot a season-low 28.3% from the field, and 3-of-18 on threes (16.7%). Auburn pulled down 39 rebounds to LSU’s 43 and forced LSU into 19 turnovers.

Levy and Coulibaly combined for more than half of Auburn’s first half points as they took a 27-19 lead into halftime.

In the second half, turnovers for Auburn were the difference in the game. Without the leadership and presence of Thompson, the Tigers were forced into turning it over 13 times, which turned into 17 LSU points. What was a seven-point half time lead quickly

Photo by Shanna Lockwood / AU Athletics Auburn senior Unique Thompson looks for a shot against North Florida on Dec. 17 evaporated and turned into a two-point deficit late in the third.

Auburn went nearly six minutes of game time without a basket and LSU turned up the pressure on defense as the “Tigahs” went on their run.

For the game, Khayla Pointer led LSU with 14 points, Tiara Young and Jailin Cherry added eight apiece.

Next, the lady Tigers looked to bounce back with a home game against Georgia (9-1, 1-1).

The Tigers were out matched by the size and depth of the

lady bulldogs, losing 76 - 44 in Aubur n A rena.

Auburn (5-5, 0-2) desperately missed Thompson’s veteran presence as the Tigers looked f lustered as they turned the ball over a season-high 27 times. Georgia converted those into 26 points.

“Georgia is very good at scoring quickly, especially off turnovers,” WilliamsFlournoy said. “And we’ve got to have people shoot better.

We have to be able to score. We knew (Georgia) was going to be very aggressive,

especially in the half court. Their defense is really good in the half court, so we knew we had to pop to get open.”

For the game, Auburn shot 30.8% from the field (1652) and hit just one three-pointer on 11 attempts. By comparison, Georgia shot 50% (31-62), splashed in 5-of-14 threes and outrebounded the Tigers by a 43-27 margin. It was a complete all-around game for the Lady Bulldogs as 12 of the 15 players who saw the f loor scored.

Junior Keya Patton

was the Auburn player who reached double figures with 12 points, going 6-of-7 from the free-throw line. Jala Jordan followed her with 9 points. Alaina Rice and Honesty Scott-Grayson were the Tigers’ top rebounders with four apiece. Romi Levy had a career-high six steals, the most by an Auburn player this season as the Tigers would go on to turn over Georgia 22 times.

The Lady Bulldogs were led by Jenna Staiti, who had 13 points and four blocks. Javyn

Nicholson was the Dawgs’ top rebounder with eight.

“I thought we had a lot of unforced turnovers, and it’s the unforced turnovers where we have to get better,” said Auburn Head Coach TerriWilliams Flournoy.

“We’ve got to have some people to step up.”

Auburn hits the road again for the third game of league play as they take on Ole Miss Thursday night.

Whether Thompson will return is unclear.

Game is scheduled for 6 p.m. CST at The Pavilion at Ole Miss.

B5 January 6, 2021

Former Auburn standout breaks NFL franchise record

By Wil Crews sportscrews@ opelikaobserver.com

Current Las Vegas Raiders and former Auburn Tigers kicker Daniel Carlson broke the single-season franchise record for most points scored in a single season on

TEACHING >> FROM B2 real troopers doing that. So we’ve really been proud of the kids who are here at school.

They’ve really done a good job.”

There were challenges that had to be addressed. Some classes were too large and had to be moved into bigger spaces, like the library, Worth said.

“In the first couple weeks we had some quarantines, we had some positive cases and we had to troubleshoot that,” she said.

There were still sev-

TURNOVERS >> FROM B2 converted the layup with 0.9 remaining to seal the 68-66 win for Texas A&M. Johnson was huge down the stretch and led all scorers with 20 points on 5-of-14 shooting from three.

“Jamal Johnson was incredible,” Pearl said. “Jamal just did a nice job moving the ball. He’s got really good length, he’s got good size and he’s got good range, so he can shoot over the top of

AUBURN >> FROM B3 excellence from his players. And he has a young team on which he can build No longer will “same ol’ Auburn,” be uttered from the mouths of Auburn fans. . . at least for a while. It’s a refreshing reset. Simply hiring an outsider like Harsin was an unorthodox move from the university and a signal of good things to come.

Harsin oozes the right mix of composure and ferocity. He brings a “no BS” mentality to a program that – let’s face it – has been surrounded by lots of “BS” recently.

Auburn is a cow college after all. But farm animal business aside, Auburn looks to have a leader on its hands.

Hopefully Harsin will

SPORTS >> FROM B1 go a long way determining the fate of athletics in Alabama.

The Alabama Department of Health and the CDC are worried about the spread of COVID in students. If we see a

Sunday.

To claim the record, Carlson passed Oakland legend Sebastian Janikowski, who played for the Raiders for 18 years from 2000-17.

Carlson was a sixth round pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2018, but was cut

just two games into the season after struggling early on.

Carlson was quickly picked up by the Raiders and has found a home in Las Vegas.

In his record breaking season this year, Carlson has made 33-of-35 field goals (94.3%), good enough

for the fourth best mark among kickers who have attempted at least 20 field goals this season. Carlson is 18-of-18 on field goals from 20-29 yards; 7-of-7 from 30-39 yards; 3-of-5 from 4049 yards; and 4-of-4 from 50 plus yards, with a long of 54.

eral students learning virtually. Of course, teachers had to prepare for the possibility that all students might end up learning virtually again.

“When we came back, we were not really sure how long we would be able to stay,” Worth said. “And we were very surprised that we have made it all the way to December, because I would have never thought we would still be here.”

Things were different than they were in the spring, Worth said.

Grading and tests were back up to par.

Worth has had to

become a jack of all trades, however, when it comes to virtual teaching. She may be called upon to help her students with Spanish, Algebra or History, even though she is an English teacher.

“I have a class full of virtual students; I have like 30 students,” she said. “And in the beginning, I was responsible for every single class each student took.”

For each class and each assignment, Worth grades their work and helps them when they get stuck, even though she has never taught some of these subjects before.

Over the semester, the school implemented changes to make things easier. Now, a Spanish teacher might grade the Spanish work since Worth is not fluent in the language.

If her virtual students come to her with questions that she cannot answer, Worth will direct the student to a teacher who may know the answer.

That comes with challenges of its own, however, since those teachers have full classes of in-person students.

“We’ve all really worked together well,” she said. “People un-

derstand that even though they’re not assigned a virtual class, they may be called on to help with something if it’s in their area of expertise.”

Part of the reason for these virtual blocks is so that teachers can focus on the in-person students in front of them. It could get difficult for a teacher if they have 30 in-person students, plus five more trying to learn along from computer screens at the same time.

A lot of students are having trouble with virtual learning, Worth said. Some didn’t understand how time-con-

suming or challenging virtual learning could be.

“That’s been challenging,” she said. “Just watching some of them just not do well at home and that’s kind of a helpless feeling.”

Worth said it was rewarding to see that students do actually want to be at school too.

There were students who were upset when they had to quarantine, and they did not want to have to learn virtually at home.

“That’s a good feeling to know that we’ve created a culture that they want to be here,” she said.

a defender. He led us in shots, he led us in 3-point shots and did a nice job.”

Flanigan was another catalyst in the near second-half comeback, adding 16 points on 54.5% shooting and 4-of-7 from three.

The Tigers struggled on offense early and 11 first-half turnovers, which turned into 12 Texas A&M points off turnovers, gave way to a 33-22 halftime lead for the Aggies.

“They put a lot of pressure on our point guards, and we were having to handle the

ball really far away from our basket,” Pearl said. “But even though we were terribly disrupted offensively in the first half, and give A&M credit for that, we continued to guard.

We turned them over 13 times. It was an ugly first half, but at least we competed.”

After a dreadful start, Auburn shot 9-of-15 from three in the second half and forced 19 total turnovers to claw back into the game. As a team, Auburn shot 42.1% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range.

“The second half, obviously, we started to be able to move the ball a little bit better, get the ball where we wanted to get it,” Pearl said. “We shot it obviously, making 10 3s in the second half alone.”

Thor scored 10 points and Cambridge led the team with six rebounds and contributed nine points himself. Williams and Powell — typical mainstays in the scoring column for Auburn — combined for just 5 points. Although Williams was active with a team-high seven

assists. Powell did pick up what looks to be a minor head injury in the second half.

“He banged his head there late in the first half,” Pearl said. “We didn’t start him in the second half because we were kind of still evaluating him a little bit.

He went in there and just didn’t look good, didn’t feel good. So he’s got a head injury, and he will be evaluated when we get back to Auburn.”

Auburn 6-4, 0-2 will stay on the road as they travel to Ole Miss on Wednesday.

The game is scheduled to tip at 8 p.m. CT and will be televised on the SEC network.

“I’m proud of my kids and the way they battled,” Pearl said.

“Texas A&M is an outstanding defensive team. They rattled our cages and pressured us and turned us over and made it really difficult for us to run the offense that we wanted to run.”

Auburn is scheduled to play at Ole Miss on Wednesday night at 8 p.m. but results were not available at the time of press.

be the coach who brings the consistency and class that Auburn needs to close their gap on their rivals and pacify a fan base with unrelenting high expectations.

The Bad Auburn is definitively behind the curve in terms of competing with their SEC rivals. The Tide look better than ever. A&M has stability with Jimbo Fisher.

Georgia has a strong recruiting basis with Kirby Smart. Despite a rough season, LSU underwent its culture change last year and appears confident in Orgeron. Dan Mullen may be crazy, but he’s the perfect fit for any unhinged “Florida Man” who wants to play for the Gators.

Harsin has to find a

way, without any Dixie connections, to compete with these rival coaches in recruiting the best of the best to Auburn. The first thing he needs to do to deal with that is fill out his staff. Auburn is losing a respected and reputable defensive coordinator in Kevin Steele, and a less proven offensive coordinator but a good recruiter in his own right, Chad Morris. Furthermore, the 2021 Auburn recruiting class has already fallen behind its typical marks to no fault of Harsin. Filling out his staff with young, innovative and polarizing assistant coaches will go a long way for the new head ball coach on the Plains. Retaining quality in-house recruiters like linebacker coach Travis Williams

and running back coach Cadillac Williams would be smart decision too in my opinion.

It will be an uphill battle as the “Auburn sells itself” mantra will be useless as long as COVID-19 restrictions prevent recruits from visiting campus. Harsin will have to sell his recruits on football alone.

Surrounding himself with the right company – quickly – will only ease that process.

The Ugly Auburn might be severely lacking talent in 2021. And there is nothing Harsin can do to change that. The NCAA’s decision to not count this season against any players’ eligibility could help the Tigers, but they’ve already had some surprise

declarations of intent to move on to the professional ranks.

The Tigers have already lost the fastest man in football, wide receiver Anthony Schwartz, to the NFL, along with his receiver counterparts, the Nos. 6 and 7 all-time reception-getters, respectively, in program history, Eli Stove and Seth Williams.

All-SEC linebacker K.J. Britt has been a forgone conclusion to go pro all season. Auburn likely loses No. 1 corner Roger McCreary, defensive end Big Kat Bryant and starting safety Jamien Sherwood.

It’s possible they lose starting defensive back/ safety Christian Tutt and this year's team-leading tackler Zakoby McClain. And. . . this is worst-case scenario.

. . Auburn could lose SEC Freshman of the Year Bigsby to the transfer portal after he mysteriously missed the team’s bowl game against Northwestern.

“UGGGG-LEE.” The Tigers desperately need a number of the aforementioned guys to return. But the unfortunate thing is: unless Bo Nix takes a huge leap going into his third season as the starter, none of it matters. Dematarius Davis, Auburn’s quarterback commit of the 2021 class, could enroll early in the spring and give Nix a competition, but no matter who’s taking snaps, the passing game has to improve for the Tigers to take the next step. If not, Auburn will do well to scratch and claw its way to a “good” season in 2021.

statewide spread of the virus in high school students, you may see some new guidelines from the AHSAA. Schools across Alabama are still learning to operate in the middle of a pandemic.

ON THE MARK ON RADIO

If you enjoy keeping up with local sports and news, tune into FOX Sports the Game 9101310 and listen to “On the Mark” presented by the Orthopaedic Clinic, 6-9 a.m. CST on weekdays.

Guest hosts include: Coach Dan Washburn,

Coach Joe Wilson, Coach Doug Barfield, James Cooper (Western Sizzlin), Derek Lee (Director of OPS), Dr. Jeff Meyers (Senior Pastor First Baptist Opelika), Chris Wood (NFL stats), Terry Rosenthal (CEO Orthopaedic Clinic) and former Alabama Head

Football Coach Gene Stallings.

You can keep up with local city governments too.

Lanett Mayor Kyle McCoy, Valley Mayor Leornard Riley, Auburn Mayor Ron Anders and Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller call “On

the Mark” the morning after each City Council Meeting.

Join Jeff Sasser and me (D.Mark) on the radio at 910am–1310am, online at foxsportsthegame.com and on the IHeartRadio app.

Weekdays 6-9 a.m.

CST.

Photo courtesy of Todd Van Emst / AU Athletics

B6 January 6, 2021

Ryan Bliss tabbed Perfect Game Preseason All-America Contributed by AU Athletics

Auburn shortstop Ryan Bliss has been named Perfect Game/ Rawlings Preseason Third Team All-America, the publication announced Tuesday.

The recognition comes after Bliss was also named Preseason Third Team All-America by Collegiate Baseball last month.

Bliss has accounted for 99 hits since the start of the 2019 season, the sixth most in the Southeastern Conference during that time and the second most among active players. He is tied with teammate Rankin Woley in

the category.

A native of LaGrange, Georgia, Bliss ranked second in the SEC and sixth in the country in hits (29) in 2020. He also appeared in the top 10 in the league in runs (21), doubles (seven), triples (two) and total bases (46).

Making the move from second base to shortstop prior to the season, Bliss started in all 18 games and didn’t commit an error in 58 chances en route to earning Third Team All-America honors from Collegiate Baseball at the position. He was also a threat on the base paths as he tied for the team lead with five stolen bases.

Photo contributed by Shanna Lockwood / AU Athletics

Auburn women’s tennis announces 2021 spring schedule Contributed by AU Athletics

Nine home matches and an early start to Southeastern Conference play highlight the 2021 Auburn women’s tennis spring schedule, which was announced Monday.

Auburn will begin play Sunday, Jan. 17, on the road at Furman, before playing at home for the first time on Friday, Jan. 22, against Samford.

The Tigers will then trek to Jacksonville to take on North Florida on Jan. 24, then return home for another Friday match against South Florida on Jan. 29. Non-conference

play wraps up the next weekend with road matches at Georgia Tech and Clemson.

The 2021 SEC schedule will have the same home/away designations as the 2020 season; only two weekends of league play were completed before last season was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition, two open weeks are built into the conference schedule this season in case of postponements.

Conference play opens Feb. 19-21 as the Tigers host South Carolina and Florida.

The next weekend (Feb. 26-28) sees a road trip to Vanderbilt

won the tournaDAWG POUND >> team ment (in their respec-

FROM B1

how good they played,” Bryant said of the 8U team. “Even though they didn’t win, he actually invited them as well.”

With less than a week’s rest after the tournament in Pensacola, the three Opelika Dawg Pound teams all placed at the Independent Nationals. The 8U team made the most of their personal invite and earned a second place finish. The 10

tive age group) and the 12U finished third after losing a highly-contested defensive game in the semifinals, 7-0.

“We lost a really, really hard-fought game,” Bryant said. “ For the 12U team, it was a bittersweet ending to a run that began, for some, four years ago. Many of the players on the 12U team were on the Opelika Dawg Pound’s original team that Bryant started in 2017. The difficulties that the original

and Kentucky. A three-match home stand follows, beginning with a showdown against rival Alabama on Saturday, March 6.

The next weekend will feature home contests against Mississippi State (March 11) and Ole Miss (March 13).

After an open week, the Tigers head to Arkansas (March 26) and Missouri (March 28), then return to Auburn for the final two home matches of the season against Texas A&M (April 1) and LSU (April 3). The regular season wraps up April 8-10 with matches at Tennessee and Georgia. The SEC Tournament begins

April 19 in Tuscaloosa.

Admission is free to all home tennis matches, which are played at the Yarbrough Tennis Center on Richland Road in Auburn. Fans are welcome to attend any matches played outdoors and must wear face coverings and maintain social distancing.

Head coach Caroline Lilley is in her second season at the helm of the Auburn women’s tennis program. The Tigers posted an 8-6 dual match record in the abbreviated 2020 season.

For the latest on Auburn women’s tennis, follow @

AuburnWTennis on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

2021 Auburn Women’s Tennis Schedule Jan. 17 – at Furman (11 a.m.)

Jan. 22 – Samford (Noon) Jan. 24 – at North Florida (Noon) Jan. 29 – South Florida (10 a.m.)

Feb. 5 – at Georgia Tech (TBA) Feb. 7 – at Clemson (Noon) *Feb. 19 – South Carolina (3 p.m.) *Feb. 21 – Florida (Noon) *Feb. 26 – at Vanderbilt (3 p.m.) *Feb. 28 – at Kentucky (11 a.m.)

*March 6 – Alabama (Noon) *March 11 – Mississippi State (3 p.m.) *March 13 – Ole Miss (Noon) *March 26 – at Arkansas (TBA) *March 28 – at Missouri (10 a.m.) *April 1 – Texas A&M (Noon) *April 3 – LSU (3 p.m.) *April 8 – at Tennessee (TBA) *April 10 – at Georgia (TBA) April 19-23 – SEC Tournament (at Tuscaloosa) *SEC Match All Times Central and subject to change

team faced in their first year – still learning the game and finishing with a 3-14 record – unknowingly prepared them for the difficulties they would face this year.

“This group of guys was a real special group for me,” Bryant said.

“They went through a lot of hardships.”

The season began in disappointing fashion as the 12U went 1-4 in league play. Bryant said he attributes the slow start to COVID-related shutdowns that led to practice cancellations

and hurt the teams’ ability to build confidence and chemistry.

“COVID shut us down,” Bryant said.

“We had a couple kids who got COVID, so we had to shut down and we missed out on a lot of practice. We were kind of at a disadvantage.”

Still, the Dawg Pound worked harder to finish the season strong, placing in all four of the tournaments they participated in – winning two – and finishing with a 9-2 record overall.

“They were putting up major points,” Bryant said about his 12U teams’ tournament performances. “They had a lot of shutouts.

They were scoring 20 plus points a game.

We had great leadership, great quarterback play. It was just a great feeling to see them win because they have been through so much. It’s kind of like a redemption story for those guys.”

Next, the Dawg Pound will have an end-of-season banquet to recognize the

accomplishments of the different teams on Jan. 9. Bryant said that none of those accomplishments would have been possible without the support of the community, and he is thankful for that.

Soon, the Dawg Pound will shift their focus to 2021. Tryouts for next year begin in February; conditioning and agility training begin in March; 7 on 7 football begins in April.

“Next year we’re looking for bigger and better things,” Bryant said.

Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics

B7

January 6, 2021

Wednesday, January 6, 2020

Reapportionment will be paramount issue with legislature

A

s we close the book on 2020, we will close the door on national politics and get back to the basics, good old Alabama politics. That’s my game. It is what I know and like to write and talk about. Some say my prognostications and observations on Alabama politics are sometimes accurate. However, not so much so on the national level.

About a decade ago there was an open presidential race and a spirited Republican battle for the nomination had begun. One of the entrants stood out to me. U.S. Senator Fred Thompson from Tennessee looked like the real thing to me. He was tall, tough, articulate, a movie star, and major player in the Watergate hearings. He looked like a president. He had a deep authoritative voice and gravitas and he had done a good job as a U.S. Senator from Tennessee. He actually had been born in Alabama.

So I wrote a glowing column about how he looked like presidential timber. I went out on a limb and boldly predicted that he was going to win the Republican nomination and would go on to win the presidency. My profuseness was so pronounced that soon after the column was printed it was picked up by his campaign and his wife called me from Nashville and thanked me for my comments. A week later Thompson dropped out of the race. So much for my presidential prognostications.

The Governor and Legislature have a myriad of issues to tackle as the new year begins. A good many issues have to be addressed in the upcoming regular session, which begins in less than a month. The most prevailing problem is the fact that the U.S. Justice Department has sued the state for our overcrowded prisons. They convene in Montgomery the first week of February.

STEVE FLOWERS Many of the leaders of the legislature were hoping and somewhat expecting the governor to call a Special Session or two prior to the Regular Session. There are a lot of issues that have to be addressed and are delinquent due to COVID cutting the 2020 Regular Session in half and there is concern that COVID could kill part of this year’s session. It will indeed make a precarious environment inside the Statehouse. There are economic development bills that need passing and a ton of local bills legislators need to pass for their districts and then there are big ticket items like the prison problems.

Regardless of how important all of the substantive state issues are, nothing will be as paramount to legislators as reapportionment or the redistricting of their own districts. Self-preservation will prevail. The United States Census is taken every 10 years for a reason.

The U.S. Constitution, and concurrently all state constitutions, mandate the count for one reason – to make all congressional and legislative districts have the same number of people. Thus the saying, “one person, one vote.” The power of the See FLOWERS, page B9

Alabama Free Legal Answers provides free online civil legal advice Contributed by Alabama Law Foundation

To help low-income Alabama residents navigate civil legal issues, Alabama Free Legal Answers program provides free qualified legal advice through the website https://alabama.freelegalanswers. org/. The website gives eligible users the ability to pose civil legal questions to volunteer attorneys and receive answers on the site. The users of the service must meet income eligibility guidelines that are available on the site. The

continuing COVID-19 pandemic impacts low-income people with unemployment, loss of income and housing issues that may present legal questions that could be answered on the website. For those who cannot afford an attorney and have nowhere else to turn, Alabama Free Legal Answers serves as a critical resource for qualified legal advice.

Examples of topics that may generate legal questions include: Landlord Tenant Issues Consumer Debt Problems Family and Children

Foreclosure Employment Estates and Wills While expanding access to legal services, Alabama Free Legal Answers also expands pro bono opportunities for attorneys in a convenient way to match their schedules. Alabama attorneys interested in volunteering should visit https://alabama. freelegalanswers.org/ and click on Volunteer Attorney Registration.

For more information on how the volunteering process works, contact Tracy Daniel at tdaniel@ alabamalawfoundation. org.

Sen. Doug Jones on end-of-senate term Contributed by Sen. Doug Jones Press Office

U.S. Sen. Doug Jones of Alabama released the following statement on the end of his term in the U.S. Senate: “To the people of Alabama: thank you.

When I was elected to this seat, I promised to

do my best to represent each of you whether or not you voted for me, and I’m proud of the work that we were able to accomplish together. From working to expand Medicaid in Alabama to supporting Alabama’s military through my seat on the Armed Services

Committee, fighting for civil rights and voting rights, advocating for small businesses and working families, to making a quality education more accessible, it has been the great honor of my life to serve as your United States Senator,” Jones said.

Alabama students and community members stage protest in opposition to Kay Ivey’s private prison construction plan Contributed By Alabama Students Against Prisons

Alabama Students Against Prisons, a coalition of college students from

universities across the state, are planning to organize at the state capitol in protest of Gov. Kay Ivey’s plan for three new privatelybuilt mega-prisons

in Alabama.

This protest will take place on Jan. 9 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. The protestors will be joined See STUDENTS, page B9

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B8 January 6, 2021

Kiwanis Club of Opelika enjoys busy December

Tiffany Simmon representing The Kiwanis Club of Opelika presented a check to Martha Henk, Executive Director of The Food Bank of East Alabama.

Brooke Bailey, Director of Infectious Disease at EAMC, spoke to the club back in December to discuss the probability of a spike in COVID-19 after every major holiday.

Dr. Mark Neighbors Superintendent of Opelika City Schools spoke to the club about the challenges of the school year and Covid-19.

Pictured are Mary Roberson, Neighbors and Bob Meadows.

Henk spoke with the Kiwanis club before Christmas to discuss how they stepped up to all of the challenges that 2020 brought to the food bank.

Photos contributed to the Opelika Observer

- For everyone's safety and to maximize attentiveness, please NO children.

- This is a hand-up program for hard-working partner families. Please visit our website webs to make sure you meet the income and willingness to partner guidelines.

- This meeting occurs only once a year. There are two meetings but you are required to attend only one.

B9 January 6, 2021

Governor Ivey Extends Alabama Broadband Connectivity for Students Program Contributed from the Office of the Governor

Gov. Kay Ivey on Monday announced that she has extended the successful Alabama Broadband Connectivity for Students program into 2021 thanks to a provision in the latest COVID-19 relief package passed

by Congress last week and signed by President Trump on Sunday evening.

Ivey’s goal is to ensure that the families currently benefiting from ABC for Students have continuity of service through the program, which has provided access to high-speed internet for about 200,000 Alabama students throughout the fall and was slated to end on the original CARES Act spending deadline of Dec. 30, 2020. The relief package included an extension into 2021 of the federal deadlines for states to spend CARES Act funds allocated earlier in 2020. The current funding is anticipated to cover the costs for current participants through the spring semester of 2021.

“Alabama has led nationally with this innovative program via CARES Act funding to ensure that students can participate in distance-learning during the pandemic,” Ivey said. “I am extremely grateful to President Trump and Congress for including the funding extension, and most of all, I am pleased that we will continue to offer this assistance

FLOWERS>> FROM B7 pencil is granted to the state legislature to draw their own lines and the power rests with them to draw the congressional lines for the state.

If indeed, we do lose a congressional seat, then that task becomes exponentially more difficult than if we had our current seven districts.

Drawing their own

to the families who are signed up for the program. My hope is that this extension is welcome news for both parents and students during an unusual and difficult school year.”

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is managing the ABC for Students program for the state and is working with its partner CTC Technology & Energy to notify participating internet service providers of the extension for current program participants with the goal of minimal disruption in service. Updated information for current participants will be posted in the near future to the program website at www.abcstudents. org or they may call the toll-free hotline at (888) 212-4998.

ADECA partnered with CTC to develop the ABC for Students program to implement the firstof-its-kind program statewide in a very short and accelerated timeframe in July and August. Back in the fall, families that qualified for the National School Lunch Program received vouchers to cover the cost of equipment, installation and internet service through 42 providers that partnered with the state for the program. ADECA also administers the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund, which provides grant funding to expand broadband service in the state. lines will be their primary interest. All 105 House members and all 35 State Senate districts will be drafted and designed by the legislature. Being on the Reapportionment Committee is a plum position at this time.

Like most pieces of a legislative puzzle, the resolution to a large degree is accomplished by and within a committee. Every district

Opelika Rotary makes donation to the Dawg Pound

Opelika Rotarian Robert Williams presents a check to Anthony Bryant of the Opelika Dawg Pound.

STUDENTS >> by representatives from several organizations across the state, to be announced. Protestors plan to gather at the Court Square Fountain- Artesian Basin at the beginning of Dexter Avenue then march to the steps of the Alabama State Capitol. At the Capitol, speakers will address the crowd with messages related to prison and justice reform in Alabama. This protest follows ASAP’s protest in front of Regions Bank in Birmingham, which has agreed to loan CoreCivic, who would manage the private prisons, the money necessary to construct them.

Ivey’s private prison plan involves a staggering cost of 2.6 billion dollars, and Alabama taxpayers would foot the bill of nearly $100 million annually for 30 years.

Her plan comes after

the Department of Justice declared that Alabama prisons are in violation of the 8th Amendment both in 2019 and 2020. In December 2020, the DOJ sued Alabama for failure to address these violations. The DOJ has plainly asserted that Alabama cannot build its way out of the addressing the issues of overcrowding, culture, corruption, mismanagement, violence, and abuse. Despite this, Ivey is pushing forward to create these three new prisons. The communities that will house these new prisons have expressed their frustrations and concerns, specifically surrounding how the community was left out of the decision-making process.

ASAP backs the concerns of local communities, adding that critical criminal justice reform is necessary to actually address the systemic issues that have led to the human rights violations evident in Alabama’s prisons.

To this point, they state: “We demand that Governor Ivey immediately cease the construction plans for these prisons; decline to sign a contract with CoreCivic or Alabama Transformation partners; and release any and all contractual, financial, and social impact research which has been conducted related to the proposed prisons.

“In addition, we demand Governor Ivey call a special session of the legislature dedicated to passing criminal justice reform policy which explicitly addresses the shameful and unconstitutional conditions existing in our state prisons including but not limited to repealing the Habitual Felony Offender Act and removing the overly harsh, mandatory sentencing minimums for drug offenses in the State, for example.

This special session should pass policy related to decarceration, and policy

which funds renovations to improve the current conditions of incarcerated people in Alabama’s prisons.

“We demand Governor Ivey and the Legislature address investing in our communities, rather than prison buildings, and boost funding for the sectors of education, mental health services, healthcare, infrastructure, and sanitation.”

ASAP is a coalition of student advocates from Auburn University, the University of Alabama, Tuskegee University, Birmingham Southern, Yale, UAB, University of North Alabama, Troy, Spring Hill, Montevallo, Harvard, and Samford. The group opposes Governor Ivey’s mega-prison construction plan and organizes tomorrow’s leaders to combat the racialized systems that perpetuate Alabama’s prison crisis.

will be reconfigured to some degree because people do move around and some locales change more than others. Therefore, there becomes a ripple effect all over the state. The Republicans have control of the majority and will use the legislative pencil to retain their super majority. However, protecting their own incumbency will supersede party loyalty.

Although, both can probably be achieved.

This 2021 reapportionment is much more pressing than 10 years ago in 2011. They had the luxury of casually passing congressional lines for the 2012 elections. However, legislators did not run until 2014. So the Legislature passed a congressional map in 2011, and legislative map in 2012 at a

leisurely pace.

They are under the gun to get both done this year, because the legislature and congress run in 2022. Indeed, they will have to get both done by June of this year, because fundraising for the June 2022 primaries begins this June.

Look for there to be two Special Sessions between now and June – one for congressional

redistricting and one for legislative reapportionment.

Let the games begin.

See you next week.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist.

His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers.

He served 16 years in the state legislature.

Steve may be reached at www.stevef lowers.us.

FROM B7

B10 January 6, 2021

City of Smiths Station to hold annual ‘MLK Citywide Clean-Up Day’ Contributed by the city of Smiths Station

The city of Smiths Station will hold its annual “MLK Citywide Clean-Up Day” on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2021.

This annual event is held to commemorate the service and legacy of civil

rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. by cleaning up roadside trash. There is a need for volunteers, and those who wish to participate can sign up by calling 334560-2034 or filling out a form online at www.smithsstational.gov under the “Upcoming Events”

tab.

At 9 a.m. EST, Mayor F. L. “Bubba” Copeland and the city council will welcome volunteers before organizing into groups and starting the cleanup. All necessary supplies, including gloves, grabbing tools, masks and trash bags, will

be provided, courtesy of Keep Alabama Beautiful. The cleanup is expected to last until 11:30 a.m. and volunteers will return to the Smiths Station Government Center, where they will receive a free lunch.

“Each year during this cleanup, our

goal is to honor Mr. King’s memory by making Smiths Station a healthier and cleaner place to live. We’re excited to host and lead these efforts once again,” Copeland said.

Contact city of Smiths Station Communications Director Lisa Deason

at (334-297-8771, Ext. 5) or Assistant Communications Director Morgan Bryce (334-297-8771, Ext. 6) for more information.

The Smiths Station Government Center is located at 2336 Lee Road 430 in downtown Smiths Station.

OPELIKA CITIZENS POLICE ACADEMY

LEARN HOW YOU CAN HELP MAINTAIN A SAFE COMMUNITY The Opelika Police Department invites Opelika citizens to join them for an eight week hands on learning course.

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B11 January 6, 2021

T

I was an eyewitness of Jimmy Carter’s inauguration

wo weeks from today (Jan. 20, 2021) Joe Biden will be inaugurated as U.S. president after winning a tough election against President Donald Trump. Biden will be the oldest man elected for the first time, at 78. He will also be the first president whose home is Delaware (but he was born in Pennsylvania).

Kamala Harris, 56, will be our country’s first female VP, the highest U.S. female elected official ever, and the first African American and first Asian American vice president. The event itself makes history too, as the mostscaled one in years, due to the pandemic. At 20 years old, I attended Jimmy Carter’s inauguration and wrote about it for my college newspaper. Next week I ref lect on Ronald Reagan’s first inaugural, which I also covered as a young reporter.

To pay for the nine-hour train trip to Washington, D.C., I took a job for the three weeks before my friend John and I departed for the nation’s capital. A big part of my workday was spent grabbing the gizzards from chickens and readying them for sale. It was not exactly a clean or fun job. But I was happy to be able to go to Washington, D.C., for the first time.

I had no idea so many consumers like chicken gizzards. After all, they are cut from the digestive tracts of chickens. The gizzard basically grinds up the foods the birds eat. Then the food proceeds to the stomach.

Gizzards are popular worldwide. I only dealt with chicken gizzards for 20 hours a week. After those three weeks, even if the new president asked me, I did not want to even see a chicken.

As college writers, we did not have access to the same media credentials that CBS’s Dan Rather and the Washington Post’s Bob Woodward had.

But we were inside the “rope line” and had good views of the inaugural parade. Nobody yelled out “Fake News” as they might now after seeing press passes. (They did that at a 1998 Judge Roy Moore rally in Montgomery.)

Georgia’s Carter became the 39th U.S. president, and Walter Mondale of Minnesota was sworn in as the 42nd vice president (Mondale, now 92, is regarded by historians as the most effective VP, while Dick Cheney is known as the most powerful). At noon, the temperature was 28 degrees, with a wind chill in the high teens. Not atypical for D.C. in mid-January.

I was pleased by Carter’s opening

sentence: “For myself and for our nation, I want to thank my predecessor for all he has done to heal our land.” Even Gerald Ford was astonished. Would that happen today, the winner praising the man or woman he defeated? The price for honoring your ex-foe would be too high, and hyenas in your own par ty would call you “soft on the enemy.”

Carter said, “Two centuries ago our nation’s birth was a milestone in the long quest for freedom, but the bold and brilliant dream which excited the founders of this nation still awaits its consummation. I have no new dream to set forth today, but rather urge a fresh faith in the old dream.”

Ten or so minutes into the inaugural parade, Carter’s wife Rosalynn and their four children got out of the car.

Apparently to the

By Greg Markley chagrin of the Secret Service, they did something that had never been done in an Inaugural. They walked from the Capitol to the White House. When they walked by, I was only 5 or 6 feet away from them, in an area cordoned off for the Press.

Carter thought, correctly, that openness and informality would be received by the public as a good sign. Before him, presidents had been shot out (Kennedy); haunted out (Johnson); pushed out (Nixon); and voted out (Ford).

So he took the big risk of facing danger,

because he wanted to show that a new presidency had dawned.

After the parade, we went to the National Press Club and met a star reporter for the Baltimore Sun. He said: “Oh, you are from Rhode Island. Do you know Providence College?” John said, “Yes, I f lunked out of there.” The Sun guy moved away. I missed an opportunity to connect with a top columnist. Fortythree years after his Inauguration, Jimmy Carter is still here, at age 96. (Next week: Ronald Reagan’s first inaugural.)

Markley has lived in Lee Count y for 21 years, on and off. He has master’s degrees in education and histor y. He taught politics as an adjunct in Georgia and Alabama. He was U.S. Army Europe Journalist of the Year (1993) for articles from Croatia, Germany and Macedonia.

COVID-19 Deaths Impact Community and EAMC Family Contributed By Laura Grill, EAMC President and CEO

While we don’t routinely share the number of COVID-19 deaths in our updates, we think this graphic is a powerful reminder of what our healthcare community has been through since March 2020. Just stop and think about this staggering number for a minute—139 lives lost to COVID-19 in just one organization (EAMC and EAMCLanier). And many more who have recovered will still have lingering, and even life-altering, effects from the virus.

Each of the 139 deaths represents someone’s beloved family member. Maybe a mother or father (sometimes both), or a son, a daughter, a husband, a wife, a grandparent or a beloved friend. Each of these souls lost to COVID-19 were cared for lovingly, compassionately, and with dignity and respect by our amazing staff members and physicians.

And when it was clear that a patient would not survive, our employees and physicians held the hands of the patients as they drew their last breath.

Of course, our team members were wearing gloves, masks and other necessary PPE, so unfortunately, this did not allow the patients

to fully have a human connection with our staff in the end. But I know each of the patients left an imprint on the hearts of our caregivers.

Our community has done so much to support our staff, with meals and prayers and cards and letters. And some of the 850 patients who have recovered have reached out to personally convey their gratitude.

However, I’m still blown away by how by so many people have become numb—and even belligerent—to COVID-19. Our clinical team is tired, but they press on. And I know health officials are tired of pleading with people about wearing a mask, social distancing and not gathering with people outside your immediate family. This is not hard to do, but people will fight you

over it. And then I am amazed how quickly these same people become believers in COVID when they are the person diagnosed, or when a family member is hospitalized with the virus and is fighting for air.

Imagine if 139 people were taken from our community in a natural disaster such as a tornado. We saw last year when we lost 23 residents to a tornado

how every local, state, and federal official went to the site to offer prayers and condolences. Hurricane-like death tools are taking place at hospitals across America, and yet we are still debating common sense measures.

This is not a political issue. This is a real life and death issue. This is science and medicine. I can assure you that no patient who enters our doors is asked if

they are a democrat or a republican (and vice versa). And we do not ask if you believe that masks work. We only see you as a patient—a patient who is scared and needs help. And we will do everything we can to take the best care of you. We just ask that you please help us help you, your family and your community so that we do not have to say goodbye to 139 more.

B12 January 6, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICES IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION PETITION OF JAMES AND DONNA SHORT CASE NO.: 2020-466 PUBLICATION NOTICE TO: Kristin Williams, address unknown.

Please take notice that a petition for adoption was filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama

by James and Donna Short on November 6, 2020, for the adoption of J.M.S. born on June 17, 2010 in Valley, Alabama to Kristen Annette Williams and Dustin Short.

A hearing has been set for the 11th day of February, 2021 at 9 o’clock am Central time in the Probate Court, Lee County Courthouse, 215 South 9th Street, Opelika, AL 36801. Should you intend to contest this adoption you must file a written response with the attorney for the petitioner, Hon. Ben Parr, 830-A Avenue A, Opelika, AL 36801 and with the Clerk of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, as soon as possible but no later than thirty (30) days from the last day this notice is published, or appear on the date of the hearing as set above to contest said Petition.

Dated on this the 30th day of November, 2020.

HON. BILL ENGLISH JUDGE OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Legal Run 12/16/20, 12/23/20, 12/30/20 & 01/06/21 -------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION PETITION OF JAMES AND DONNA SHORT CASE NO.: 2020-465 PUBLICATION NOTICE TO: Torrence Terrell Avery a/k/a Torrance LerreB Avery, address unknown.

Please take notice that a petition for adoption was filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama

by James and Donna Short on November 6, 2020, for the adoption of N.AA. born on February 5, 2008 in Valley, Alabama to Jessica Anne Short and Torrance Lerrell Avery, also known as Torrence Terrell Avery.

A hearing has been set for the 1 I th day of February, 2021 at 10 o’clock am Central time in the Probate Court, Lee County Courthouse, 215 South 9th Street, Opelika, AL 36801. Should you intend to contest this adoption you must file a written response with the attorney for the petitioner, Hon. Ben Parr, 830-A Avenue A, Opelika, AL 36801 and with the Clerk of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, as soon as possible but no later than thirty (30) days from the last day this notice is published, or appear on the date of the hearing as set above to contest said Petition.

Dated on this the 30th day of November, 2020.

HON. BILL ENGLISH JUDGE OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Legal Run 12/16/20, 12/23/20, 12/30/20 & 01/06/21 -------------IN RE THE ESTATE OF: ELLIS CLYDE JENKINS, Deceased.

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.2020-499 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 11th day of December, 2020, by Hon. Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

June E. Jenkins JUNE ELIZABETH JENKINS, Executrix Legal Run 12/23/20, 12/30/20 & 01/06/2021 -------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF SANDRA D. MCCORMICK, Deceased CASE NO. 2020-440 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT TO BE PUBLISHED BY PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 4th day of November, 2020,

by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

CONNOR DAVID MCCORMICK Legal Run 12/30/2020, 01/06/2021 & 01/13/2021 -------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA In the Matter of: David Sumners, an alleged incapacitated person TO: Any relatives or interested parties: Lee County DHR has filed a Petition to appoint a Legal Guardian for the person of David Sumners. It is ordered that the 26th day of January, 2021,at 1:00 p.m. be appointed a day on which to hear such a petition, at the Lee County Courthouse, 215 South 9th Street, Opelika, AL at which time all persons interested can file their notice of appearance and contest the said petition if they deem it proper. Done this the 21 day of December, 2020.

Bill English Probate Judge Margaret A. Mayfied Attorney for Lee County DHR Post Office Box 809 Opelika, AL 36803 (334) 745-0333 Legal Run 12/23/2020, 12/20/2020 & 01/06/2021 -------------IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: CAROL MOLAND AMOS, Deceased Case No.: 2020- 520 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Carol A. Crowley, Personal Representative on the 22nd day of December, 2020, by Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Carol A. Crowley Legal Run 12/30/20, 01/06/21 & 01/13/2021 -------------IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BRIAN CHIJIOKE ANYADIKE, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Letters of Administration of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 14th day of December, 2020, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

NJIDEKA C. OBIEKWE Administrator N. Riley Murphy Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 12/30/20, 01/06/2021, 01/13/2021 -------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF SANDRA D. MCCORMICK, Deceased CASE NO. 2020-440 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT TO BE PUBLISHED BY PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 4th day of November, 2020, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

CONNOR DAVID MCCORMICK Legal Run 12/30/20, 01/06/2021 & 01/13/2021 -------------CITY OF OPELIKA ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT JANUARY 12, 2021 9:00 A.M. MEETING CHAMBERS OPELIKA MUNICIPAL COURT 300 MLK BOULEVARD

A. VARIANCE 1. Tim Moore, 2802 Waverly Parkway, Requesting to allow an accessory structure on a vacant lot owned by the applicant and located next to the applicant’s home lot.

2. Claudette DeLoach, 1700 Ridge Road, Requesting a 16 foot variance from the 35 foot front yard setback requirement along Merle Circle.

NOTE: 1. The City of Opelika complies with the American with Disabilities Acts.

2. The City of Opelika will make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting.

3. If you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the ADA Coordinator 72 hours prior to the meeting at ADA@opelika-al.gov or (334)705-2083.

-------------NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: GATEWAY TIRE AND AUTOMOTIVE gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 02/15/2021 at 10:00 a.m. at 2023 PEPPERELL PKWY OPELIKA, AL 36801-5441, pursuant to subsection 32-13-3 of the Alabama Statutes.

GATEWAY TIRE AND AUTOMOTIVE reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.

1G1PCSSH8C7355069 2012 CHEVROLET CRUZE (BLACK) JM1BL1SF1Al254920 2010 MAZDA 3i SPORT (WHITE) GATEWAY TIRE AND AUTOMOTIVE 2023 PEPPERELL PKWY OPELIKA, AL 36801-5441 Legal Run 01/06/2021 & 01/13/2021 -------------NOTICE TO COURT PROCEEDING CASE NO: JEFFREY ALAN HALSTEAD IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution In the Estate of JEFFREY ALAN HALSTEAD, Deceased Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Sum-

mary Distribution has been filed in the LEE COUNTY Probate Office by Darlene Queen Halstead on December 30, 2020 pursuant to Section 43-2-690, Code of Alabama and that 30 days after the notice of publication hereof and pursuant to law the Court shall be requested to enter an Order directing Summary Distribution of the estate of said decedent.

BILL ENGLISH PROBATE JUDGE Legal Run 01/06/2021 -------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF: Valerie Hawkins, an alleged incapacitated person TO: Any interested party: Lee County DHR has filed a Petition to appoint a Legal Guardian and Conservator for the person of Valerie Hawkins. It is ordered that the 4th day of February, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. be appointed a day on which to hear such petition, at the Lee County Courthouse, 215 South 9th St. Opelika, AL at which time all persons interested can appear and contest the said petition if they deem it proper. Said hearing will be held electronically. Done this the 30 day of December, 2020/ Bill English Probate Judge Margaret A. Mayfield Attorney for Lee County DHR Post Office Box 809 Opelika, AL 36803 (334) 745-0333 Legal Run 01/06/2021, 01/13/2021, & 01/20/2021 -------------NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF SHIRLEY GENE HUEY, Deceased PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY CASE NO. 2020-515 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of the-Estate of SHIRLEY GENE HUEY are hereby granted to Linda H-.

Ledbetter on the 18th day of December, 2020, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Com1 of Lee County, Alabama.

Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

LINDA H. LEDBETTER Legal Run 01/06/2021, 01/13/2021, & 01/20/2021

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B13 January 6, 2021

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B14 January 6, 2021

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This week’s puzzle answers: