Opelika Observer 02-05-2020 E-edition

pelika Observer O

Wednesday, Feb. 05, 2020

Vol. 12, No. 18

Opelika, Alabama

Hosted by the Opelika Chamber of Commerce

February 7 11:30 a.m.

“By local people, for local people.”

Community members speak out against proposed quarry site

By Natalie Anderson Staff Reporter

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Rusty Sowell presented with FBI’s ‘Director’s Community Leadership Award’ last Friday

During a specially called meeting held at City Hall last Friday, community homeowners and business owners were invited to a hearing in regards to a proposal by Creekwood Resources for a quarry site located 0.6 miles from the intersection of Lee County Road 168 and US Highway 431.

“The purpose of this

By Morgan Bryce Editor Pastor Rusty Sowell of Providence Baptist Church was recognized

See Quarry, page A3

with an FBI “Director’s Community Leadership Award” Friday morning in a See Sowell, page A3

Baker Street Digital relocates, opens office Empty Bowls welcomed a full in the heart of downtown Opelika house during Saturday’s event

By Morgan Bryce Editor Enticed by the growing arts scene and creative feel of downtown Opelika, Trey Gafford of Baker Street Digital has relocated his marketing agency to the second floor of the old Timmerman Building and is open for business.

Baker Street, formerly known as the Gafford Design Group and Northstar Integrated Advertising, Inc., has been in existence since 1998.

Originally focused on graphic design work, the business has shifted its services to becoming a full-

service advertising agency.

“Obviously, our name draws inspiration from the Sherlock Holmes stories.

When we’re working on a campaign, we’re backtracking and using deductive

reasoning ... we start at the end to get to the beginning,” Trey said. “The suspect is a lead or a prospect and what we’re doing is really figuring out how to talk to them, figure out what they See Baker Street, page A3

Index

OPINION.....................................A4 SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY..............A7 RELIGION..............................A13 CALENDAR..................................A14

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Submitted to the Opelika Observer Hundreds of Opelika residents flocked

COMICS.....................................A16 SPORTS..................................B1 POLITICS...................................B7 PUBLIC NOTICES..........................B13

to the Denson Drive Recreation Center for the annual “Empty Bowls” fundraiser for the Food Bank

of East Alabama last Saturday. Bowls made by local artisans were for sale See Bowls, page A2

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Turn to B16 for a sample letter to ADEM, to voice your concerns about the proposed quarry in Lee County

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A2 Feb. 05, 2020

City of Smiths Station gifted quilt in remembrance of last year’s storms Special to the Opelika Observer On Jan. 24, members of the Phenix City-based GALA Quilter’s Guild of Phenix City donated a quilt to the city of Smiths Station in honor and remembrance of those who were deeply affected by last year’s storms.

The presentation took place inside the council chambers of the Smiths Station Government Center, with Mayor F.L.

“Bubba” Copeland serving as the city’s official representative. Juanita Christian addressed Copeland and shared with those gathered why her group decided to create and gift the quilt to the city.

“As residents, we were so pleased how everybody came together after the events of March 3 (2019). This quilt is designed as a way to recognize those survivors and hang here inside City Hall as a re-

membrance of that day,” Christian said.

Along with the quilt that Christian presented Copeland was a plaque with the inscription: “In Appreciation of All First Responders, Government Officials and Volunteers For Handling emergencies with uncompromised competence and integrity, Having a steady voice in the storm, Using courage and compassion, Providing such a meaningful Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer

See Quilt, page A6

Bowls, from A1

with soup from some of the area’s best chefs. In addition to the bowls were other pieces of available for

which could be filled

purchase and raffle tickets for large-scale prizes. Next year’s event will be held in Auburn.

Subscribe to the Opelika Observer Today!

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Lee County Strong is a magazine being published by the Opelika Observer. This special publication is dedicated to honoring the victims and survivors of the March 3, 2019 tornadoes that claimed 23 lives.

We are taking pre-orders now and anticipate a March 1, 2020 release date. To order your copy, complete the order form below and send it to the Observer at 216 S. 8th Street, Opelika, AL 36801.

Online ordering is also available on the Observerʼs website, www.opelikaobserver.com.

Proceeds from this publication will be used to help the recovery efforts in Beauregard and Smiths Station.

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pelika Observer

Publisher: Michelle Key Editor: Morgan Bryce Marketing: Doug Horn and Woody Ross Photojournalist: Robert Noles Phone: 334.749.8003 editor@opelikaobserver.com Sports Writers: Rick Lanier and Michelle@opelikaobserver.com D. Mark Mitchell

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w w w. o p e l i k a o b s e r v e r . c o m 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 The Opelika Observer will correct any errors, omissions or inaccuracies deemed to be substantive. Corrections may be requested by contacting the Editor at (334) 749-8003.

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A3 Feb. 05, 2020

Acclaimed author, columnist Sean Dietrich to hold book signing in Opelika on March 16 Special to the Opelika Observer Meet author Sean Dietrich at the Opelika Books-A-Million location for a book signing event featuring his new book “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” on March 16 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

From celebrated storyteller “Sean of the South” comes an unforgettable memoir of love, loss, the friction of family memories and the unlikely hope “that one will be alright.”

Quarry, from A1 meeting is to provide information about what is happening and where we are in the process,” said City Attorney Guy Gunter in his opening statement. “A place where rocks are dug out of the ground and is essentially an open-pit mine where products are produced for construction and building industries.”

According to Gunter, the Opelika area was chosen as a proposal site because of geographical reasons, proximity to a major highway for rock transportation and the projection of the quarry site being outside of city limits, eliminating any issues a quarry operator may face in regards to city zoning permits.

Following the plan of the projected site, an engineering firm out of Montgomery has established further steps in terms of development. The plan has since been

Baker Street, from A1 do and how to get someone interested in what they do.”

Baker Street’s reach extends as far as Indiana, Louisiana and Ohio, but the bulk of their clientele are local businesses, institutions and organizations. Among the list of current and past local clients are several recognizable names, including Envy Salon, Opelika Main Street, Southern Preparatory Academy (formerly Lyman Ward Academy) and Tuskegee University.

Jamie Johnson, a member of Baker Street’s graphic design team, discussed a particular project which involved helping Red Clay Brewing Company launch their canned craft beer line in early 2018.

“We worked to take

Dietrich was 12 years old when he scattered his father’s ashes from the mountain range.

His father was a man who lived for baseball, a steel worker with a ready wink and once scaled a 50-foot tree just to hang a tire swing for his son. He was also the stranger who tried to kidnap and kill Sean’s mother before pulling the trigger on himself.

He was a childhood hero, now reduced to a man in a box.

Will the Circle Be developed and Creekwood Resources has applied for state permit(s) through the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM). During this process, it takes two permits to operate a quarry, a water permit and an air/pollution permit.

From information supplied to ADEM, Gunter addressed the file records.

“The quarry will employ 20 individuals from Lee County and surrounding areas. The hours of operation will be from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday as well as on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. However, other hours may include 24 hours, 7 days a week depending on the facility and demand for rock,” Gunter said.

The quarry site is expected to operate for 50 or more years.

Once production reaches full capacity, the mining operation will have an average of 60 trucks per day entering and exiting US Highway 431.

(Red Clay’s) identity and create a cohesive system for each (flavor) which allowed for it to have its own identity, but tie in to each other and be part of one brand when you looked at them side-by-side. That’s one of my biggest personal accomplishments because it took something from a taproom to being sold regionally throughout the United States,” Johnson said.

There are six employees who work out of the Opelika office, including Trey and his wife Dana. They have an independent sales representative based in Birmingham.

Currently, Trey and building owner Deke Hilyer are collaborating on finishing the build-out of out their space at 207 S. 8th St., Suite 210, to include larger work stations for employees.

Once finished, Trey said they plan to start

Unbroken? is the story of what happens after the unthinkable, and the journey we all must make in finding Opelika citizens and council members expressed their concerns over the quarry with the reasoning of environmental impacts such as dust and air quality, noise and vibration and possible damage to local drinking water.

Gunter explained that ADEM will primarily listen and respond to concerns addressed towards air pollution and water resources. Citizens have 30 days from the date of publication, in this case, until Feb. 20, to address any comments and concerns. Written comments and concerns to ADEM are encouraged to be personal and as technical as possible in relation to the prospective site and impacts.

Dena Little, Storybook Farms founder, expressed her concerns over the projected site as Storybook would be fewer than 1,000 yards from the quarry.

Storybook has been a source of hope for more than 18 years for kids facing chal-

a monthly “Baker Street Academy” to help answer questions that individuals may have advertising or marketing-related topics.

The secret to staying open in business for more than 20 years is simple, according to Trey: follow through with commitments to customers.

“We’re going to do what we said we’re going to do, and we’re going to do it for the price that we agreed on and we’re never going to miss a deadline,” Trey said.

Digital Analyst Gage Morrison added that the company brings a human touch to their work, something he said is missing from most of today’s most commonly employed marketing strategies.

“What we offer is genuine communication. We’re not just another digital voice

the courage to stop the cycles of the past from laying claim to one’s future.

Tickets cost $27.50 lenges in their daily lives by providing positive relationships between human and animal. “The proposed quarry is going to replace our ‘hope on horseback’ (slogan) with doubt and that’s going to come in a lot of forms, and it’s going to come a zillion times,” Little said.

Opelika City Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Neighbors expressed his concerns not only for the citizens of Opelika, but the students.

“I assure you we will do everything we can to protect the children,” Neighbors said.

Before Feb. 20, concerned stakeholders and Opelika citizens may file a written request with reasoning to ADEM for a Public Hearing.

For more information and an example of a written statement of concern, citizens are encouraged to visit opelika-al.gov.

Publisher’s note: A printed sample letter can be found on page B16.

and can be purchased via www.eventbrite.com.

They include the cost of attending the event and one copy of the book.

Sowell, from A1 ceremony held at the Lee County Justice Center.

Sowell quickly became the face of the recovery efforts in Beauregard following the March 3, 2019 tornado that ravaged the community. Through he and his church’s efforts, the western campus of Providence served as a control center and a place where survivors could pick up supplies in the days after the storm.

Sheriff Jay Jones acknowledged those facts in kicking off Friday’s ceremony.

“We are recognizing someone with this award that was of so much help and comfort to the citizens here in Lee County, especially in Beauregard,” Jones said.

James Jewell, special agent in-charge of Mobile’s FBI Dvision, presented Sowell with the award, which was given recognition of “(Sowell’s) outstanding service to the local community and his enduring contributions” and signed

For more information, call 334-741-8554. The bookstore is located at 2243 Tigertown Parkway. by current FBI Director Christopher Wray.

After accepting the award, Sowell took a moment to express his gratitude and thanks to those who contributed their time and efforts to assist in the recovery process.

“I feel very overwhelmed and humbled, somewhat stunned,” Sowell said. “But really, in terms of response, it worked because we all came together. Law enforcement came from all over the state ... and I was also overwhelmed by the response of our faith community who came from places as far away as Louisiana and Texas to help.”

Sowell concluded his acceptance speech by informing the audience of an event that will be held on March 3 to honor that infamous day in both Beauregard’s and Lee County’s history.

“It’s going to be a time to remember and focus on the fact that everybody was on level ground that day, and from that day on,” Sowell said.

To learn more about the award, visit www.fbi. gov/about/communityoutreach/dcla.

Photo by Morgan Bryce/Opelika Observer Pictured from left to right: Trey, Shelby (office mascot), Dana, Johnson and Morrison. Not pictured are team members Tressa Landry and Megan Vail. being thrown out there or part of the static of monotonous advertising, but we will rise above and actually break through to reach people,”

Morrison said.

For more information or to view a full list of services that Baker Street Digital provides, call 334787-9605, like and

follow their social media pages or visit www.bakerstreetdigital.com. Their business hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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A4 Feb. 05, 2020

HELP

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his morning, I woke up to an inbox flooded with emails regarding something I wrote yesterday about hope. These were all deeply personal, heartfelt messages.

There were a few emails about divorce. Three were from people losing spouses to dementia. One older lady even sent an email detailing the many orthopedic benefits of going without a bra.

And 42 emails were about suicide.

Here are a few sample sentences from the letters: “I was gonna take my own life when I was sixteen… But my best friend called and told me she was thinking of me.”

“My father died by his own doing and I almost died the same way when I was depressed, but my family stepped in… I’m on medication now.”

“We never said the word suicide in my house after my brother died…”

“Well, personally, I’ve always had a love-hate relationship with my bra. For me, the benefits of going braless are simple, no indents from painful wires or straps on your back fat…”

The truth is, I don’t like talking about suicide any more than I like talking about underwire bras and back fat. For one thing:

By Sean Dietrich I’m male. For two: My life has been tinted by suicide.

My father took his life when I was a kid. I grew up thinking about this issue a lot and it got to a point where I wanted not to think about suicide ever again.

In fact, this is the reason I spent a lot of time reading humor when I was a boy.

Humor is not just slinging jokes and one-liners. It’s a way of looking at the world without losing your mind. It’s sharing the worst moment in your existence in story form, then breaking the tension in the room with a flippant remark about not wearing a bra.

I say all this to tell you that suicide is a very personal subject to me. And even though I know a lot of people cringe when I use this word, 42 people need to talk about it. And I’ll bet there’s more.

Nobody ever talked about it when I was growing up. And I mean nobody. When people saw us in the supermarket, they gave us looks of incred-

ible pity but said nothing.

Several childhood friends dropped off the radar.

Family members, too.

And who can blame them? Nobody knows how to deal with suicide. Least of all those who survive it. When my father died it was a different era. Suicide was a foul thing. It wasn’t like today. You would have never heard the topic discussed on the nightly news or daytime television.

Thus, many of us who went through a suicide were sort of ostracized. I remember once working up the courage to talk to a pretty girl only to have her look at me like I had cockroaches crawling from my nostrils. I realized that she didn’t want to associate with someone like me.

Maybe if my father would’ve died in a car wreck it would have been different. But he didn’t.

So I know it’s a dirty word. In fact, you’re probably wincing each time I use it. Then again, maybe you’re not. The word is used more often today than it used to be, but in a sort of desensitized way.

Television journalists throw the term around while wearing big frowny faces, perhaps because it boosts ratings. And it’s even weirder to watch See Dietrich, page A6

The place of a thousand drips

T

here is a place hidden away between the mountain tops of eastern Tennessee, many have explored and yet there are many more who unknowingly pass her by.

Off the beaten path there is a winding, one way mountain road known as the Historic Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.

On many a summer or an early autumn day, I’ve begun my adventures by departing from Gatlinburg, Tennessee (a tourist destination nestled between the peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park).

As one makes a north easterly turn at traffic light #8 out of downtown Gatlinburg, the road winds steadily increasing in incline as the car climbs higher above and father away from town. The trees canopy overhead. In summer the canopy creates a nearly tropic scene and in late autumn, trees put on an brilliant color parade.

They sparkle as the sunlight pours through, while fallen leaves blow about in crisp breezes.

Black bear and American White-tail Deer can often

be seen throughout the forest, with the rumble of woodpeckers echoing above. Along this route, many hikers choose the trail to Rainbow Falls to begin their trek to Mt. LeConte, the third highest peak in the Smoky Mountains with an elevation of 6,593 feet. Some select Mt. Le Conte as a day-hike destination, while others hike in for an overnight stay at the LeConte Lodge near Cliff Top, a point which boasts spectacular sunset views throughout the year.

Although, Roaring Fork isn’t a secret at all, when one explores further, the forest and streams which surround seem to close in, providing one with a sense that you have just discovered a place for the very first time. You feel as though you have just become a keeper of the mountains best kept secrets. Old settlements like the Ogle Cabins, Bales Place and Alfred Reagan’s Mill provide one with insight into how these mountain families lived for generations.

I adore exploring these old structures in the

By Sarah West autumn as the sun creeps through the trees burning away heavy frost.

Also, the autumn season doesn’t present as great a risk of making unpleasant acquaintances with natives such as the rattlesnake (beware: they like the cabins which provide cooler shade during the summer months). Mist rises from the streams which flow along defining the contour of the trail. Moss envelopes stones along creek beds and mushrooms glow in hues of yellow, green and white. The Great Smoky Mountains region is home to more than 450 species of non-flowering plants such as ferns and mosses, and here along Roaring Fork they thrive.

After a summers rain, See West, page A6

YOUR DESTINATION for CONTINUED FINE ARTS EDUCATION STUDIO CLASSES | DRAWING, PAINTING & MORE for ALL AGES www.thesarahwestgalleryoffineart.com

‘Safe spaces,’ triggers and political correctness: Try common decency, instead

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y experience having taught at Fort Benning, GA for eight years is that there are two words that soldier-students do not want to hear.

No, not “Pop Quiz!”

Instead, the answer is: “Jane Fonda!”

Those words surely get students’ attention, but may result in nonlethal weapons such as pens coming your way. The actress, age 82, still gets arrested for protesting this and that.

Her infamy comes from jumping on a North Vietnamese anti-aircraft gun in Hanoi, in 1972. That’s right: Carousing in an enemy country with the very people we were fighting against!

Many of today’s soldiers have fathers or grandfathers who served honorably in Vietnam.

This is why her name is a “trigger” for them.

Being “triggered” means you can be easily ticked off by something that upsets your value system. In this

By Greg Markley case, Jane Fonda is an anathema to many people, decades after her foolish actions in Vietnam. Getting triggered means you have a personality that is easily agitated about some word or thing.

You may be on the verge of getting hotheaded about whatever your trigger is.

For the last 10 years or so, “triggering” has referred mostly to college and university students.

Or, to the occasional high school students (like Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, age 17). The documentary called “No Safe Spaces” highlights things like “triggering,” “snowflakes” and the well-worn First Amendment. A

human snowflake is very sensitive or easily offended.

Also, a “snowflake” believes he or she is entitled to special treatment because they (supposedly) have unique characteristics. Oddly, this movie was never shown on any of the 27 AMC screens in the Auburn-Opelika area. But its bipartisan message is worth presenting. Its thesis is that identity politics and challenges to free speech are plentiful and must be addressed.

The film stars Dennis Prager, an American conservative radio talk show host and writer.

He developed a large series of YouTube videos called PragerU, on “hot” topics. The costar is Adam Carolla. He is an American comedian, actor and libertarian. His podcast set the record as the “most downloaded podcast” in 2011, according to the Guinness Book of See Markley, page A6

The devil behind me

I

t is a Friday, and it’s raining.

Again. January has lasted at least two months now, and there is not a single holiday on the horizon. The winter blahs are knocking on my door. I’m putting up a good fight, but today is not going to be an easy day. A co-worker is moving on to a new job, and today is his last day.

And he didn’t even ask my permission.

As much as I like rearranging furniture and traveling to new places, I am not a fan of change.

Knowing this is my work buddy’s last day is the kind of change that makes my heart hurt. He clocked in this morning and all I could think about was how this was the last time I would say good morning to him and hear his groggy, half-hearted reply. (He is not a morning person.)

After lunch today, there will be no more meals together. And when we call out “Byyyyeeeee!” in our sheep-like imitation at the end of the afternoon, that will be the last time I hear his voice ringing out through the office. I will miss his hearty laugh and his frequent beard grooming. I will miss his “That’s what she said” jokes and his unflappable manner.

One of our circle of work friends has made a farewell scrapbook with pictures of all of us from the last several years. There’s the time

By Wendy Hodge

they pranked me and moved my desk right in front of the fax machine. And the night we all went out for drinks and ended up with a man down by the end of the night. There are ball gowns and tuxedos and zombie makeup and Game of Thrones costumes. There are Snap Chat filters and Facebook collages. So much laughter, frozen in place on the pages of a book. And on the inside back cover is my favorite quote from ‘The Office’ – “I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days before you’ve actually left them.” And that just about killed me.

Sigh.

There’s another change ahead. My best friend is moving to a new house. He and his girls and I have been house hunting. Empty boxes are stacking up, ready to be packed.

They are all so excited.

And I’m excited for them. I truly am. But I know there will be a day when we walk out of that house for the last time, and I will be sad to leave it behind.

It’s the house where I fell in love with them all. We have laughed and cooked and bingewatched Netflix shows and cleaned and played

and gotten to know each other within its walls. It is where I feel at home, and I will miss it.

Sigh.

And just now, an upset patient called the office and said some ugly things and called me a name and hung up on me. Because they missed their appointment. Six months ago.

Sigh.

And just like that, I can hear my grandmother saying, “Get thee behind me, Satan!” That phrase used to scare me when I was young. Was Satan actually standing in front of her? And why would you want the devil behind you where you can’t see him at all??

As an adult, though, I have learned the value of stating out loud your refusal to let whatever is bedeviling you stand in your way.

So today I will channel my grandmother Gussie and refuse to look at the gloomy January sky.

Instead, I will focus on the picture sitting on my desk of the sun sparkling on the Gulf of Mexico.

This weekend, I will tour more empty houses and pack boxes with my best friend and make more lovely memories to take with me to a new neighborhood. And today, at lunch, I will laugh and talk about all the embarrassing and silly talks my work friend and I have had and the crazy patients who See Hodge, page A6

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A5 Feb. 05, 2020

Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library holds mini-golf fundraiser last weekend

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Jason Ross from American Junior Golf Dr. William Whatley, Association spoke to Opelika Kiwanis Club III honored during Photo special to the Opelika Observer Jason Ross, chief tournament business officer with the American Junior Golf Association, spoke today to the club last week about an upcoming AJGA tournament coming to our area.

Pictured right are Anthony Terling, Ross, Shannon Dudzinski with the AJGA and Bob Harris.

the 8th Annual J.W. Darden Black Tie Gala

Prophetic Outreach Ministries held ‘4th Annual MLK Jr. Dream Awards Dinner’ last month Dr. William B. Whatley, III

By Michelle Key Publisher

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer Prophetic Outreach Ministries presented the “4th Annual MLK Jr. Dream Awards Dinner” on Jan. 20, hosted by Pastor Carolyn Morton. Morton is pictured with Rev. John and Alberta Pink.

Local DAR Chapter honors Flags for Vets founder Jamie Popwell with ‘Excellence in Community Service Award’ last month Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer The Martha Wayles Jefferson Chapter, NSDAR honored Jamie Popwell, founder of Flags for Vets, with a NSDAR Excellence in Community Service Award at their January meeting at Saugahatchee Country Club. Popwell presented a program explaining the purpose of Flags for Vets and shared some of his experiences. Pictured are Dora James, Molly Miller-Beard, Popwell with his service dog Sona Jean and Carol Wilbanks, Chapter Regent.

The 8th Annual J. W Darden Black Tie Legacy Gala was held at the Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa at Grand National last Saturday night.

The yearly event is held to honor a local member of the medical community and to recognize scholarship recipient winners.

Dr. William B. Whatley, III of Opelika’s Family Medicine Associates was honored as this year’s Legacy Award recipient.

Four scholarships were awarded to students training in the medical field, during the event. Recipients of this year’s scholarships were: Ashley Murphy, Jewels Knight, Alana Jones and Kevin Wortman II.

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A6 Feb. 05, 2020

Key documents to maximize your 2019 refund

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he 2020 tax filing season has opened!

The Internal Revenue Service expects more than 150 million returns will be filed this year, and almost 75% of those are likely to receive a tax refund. The IRS indicated that the average tax refund in 2019 was $2,869, and statistics should be published soon to provide information on what 2020 tax refunds look like.

Now that filing season is underway, it’s important to obtain your critical tax documents to ensure you get the very best result possible, especially if you engage a professional to prepare your return. Each taxpayer has a unique situation, and no single checklist can serve everyone’s needs. However, the documents outlined below should cover the majority of many taxpayers’ needs.

If you have questions, it’s best to bring the document with you. It is better to identify a few extra nondeductible expenses rather than forget to include a legitimate deduction that could have increased your refund.

Personal Information: 1. Driver licenses 2. Social Security Number / date of birth for all dependents listed on the return 3. Bank account information to direct deposit your refund into 4. Prior year tax return(s).

5. Estimated federal and state tax payments made throughout the year Income Information 1. W-2 forms from your

Quilt, from A2 service to the citizens of Beauregard and Smiths Station, Alabama.”

“This quilt is so symbolic to me. I’m sure others will too,”

Hodge, from A4 West, from A4 this place’s named sake seems only right.

Around every bend of this 6-mile mountain road, one finds aesthetic delight. Nature roams free and in such a place as this, one’s

employer 2. K-1 schedules to report income from partnerships and S Corporations 3. 1099-MISC forms to report income for independent contractors and real estate landlords 4. 1099-INT, 1099-DIV and 1099-B forms to report interest, dividends and capital gains/losses 5. 1099-R and 1099SSA forms to report retirement income such as Social Security, pensions or 401k/IRA distributions 6. 1099-G forms to report governmental payments such as unemployment or state tax refunds Adjustments to Income 1. Contributions to Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) 2. Student loan interest (up to $2,500 per year is typically deductible, with income limits) 3. Educator expenses (up to $250, or $500 if both spouses are educators) 4. Self-employment taxes 5. Self-employed health insurance premiums Itemized Deductions and Credits 1. Mortgage interest (including mortgage insurance premiums and

origination points) 2. Records of charitable contributions (cash and noncash) – be careful; gifts to individuals such as through GoFundMe campaigns are not deductible. Only contributions to qualified recipients such as 501(c)3 non-profits are deductible 3. State and local income taxes paid 4. Automobile ad valorem taxes 5. Real estate taxes (typically for your home) 6. Child care expenses 7. Higher education expenses such as college tuition and fees (the tuition and fees deduction is back, along with the American Opportunity Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit) Many taxpayers have other forms of income and expenses resulting from sources such as royalties, rental property, side jobs and self-employment such as driving for Uber/Lyft or running a small homebased business. These are typically handled as part of your individual tax return and should be discussed with your tax preparer.

The IRS typically takes about 3-4 weeks upon submission to process and direct deposit refunds to your bank account, so keep that timeline in mind as you are planning what to do with your refund.

Justin Smith is a licensed certified public accountant in Opelika, specializing in individual and small business tax and accounting.

He can be contacted at 334-400-9234 or Justin@ JSmithCPA.net. His web site is www.jsmithcpa.net.

Copeland said. “The quilt (and plaque) will be given a prominent place in our City Hall to serve as a reminder of that day for many more years to come.”

The quilt and plaque are hanging on a wall inside the main lobby of the Smiths Station

Government Center, which is located at 2336 Lee Road 430. It can be viewed during regular business hours between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Monday through Friday.

To learn more about the quilter’s guild, visit www.galaquiltguild. com.

make us want to cuss, and I will carry the sound of his laughter with me through the next months and years of working

with a new co-worker.

And I’ll keep the devil firmly in place behind me, right where he belongs.

spirit bears a striking resemblance to nature.

Here all things seem to breathe in perfect unison. Water flows from the peaks above and the springs below, and as one reaches the end of this journey, you can hardly believe your eyes. Just before civilization closes in, just before the roads

end one arrives at The Place of a Thousand Drips. The Place of a Thousand Drips seemingly other-worldly rises high above and reaches to the depths far below. Hikers pass by ascending while others descend natures wonderland. Many stop to take photographs and some simply stand with

Justin Smith

Markley, from A4 World Records.

“The type of diversity they (the Left) hate is diversity of thought,” said David Rubin, a famous progressive who several years ago morphed into a classical liberal, in No Safe Spaces.

As far as the “snowflakes” go, “You can’t always protect them, so the best you can do is make them strong.”

So said Canadian psychologist Jordan Peterson; author of the bestseller 12 Rules for Life.

Van Jones, a CNN commentator and former official in the Obama administration, complains in the movie that “too many young people have not learned how to defend their views.” Also in the film, former U.S. President Barack Obama says to students “Anybody who comes to speak to you, and you disagree with, you should have an argument with them.

But you shouldn’t silence them.”

Another current

Dietrich, from A4 celebrities “speak out” against suicide on various televised award ceremonies.

Celebrities love to crusade for stuff. They can’t wake up in the morning without going on a few groundbreaking crusades before lunch. Times have changed. You rarely ever saw Humphrey Bogart on the red carpet crusading for anything but another Jack and Coke.

But this “speaking out” has become trendy, and at first glance it looks like the pretty faces on TV are actually ringing all the right bells. And maybe they are.

mouths wide open as they gaze in awe of this natural marvel. Mist fills the air on humid days. After much rain only drips fall, tranquil and soft, one after the other. This place is quiet yet loud. It seems to have so very much to tell to those willing to stop and listen. From places like this there is

trend that is ticking upward is “Political Correctness.” Though it has been around for decades, and a strong conservative opposition has emerged against it, political correctness is still the modus operandi of many college or university students. The term describes language and measures meant to avoid offense or disadvantage to particular sectors in society. In public discourse and the media, the term is generally seen as a negative.

The interesting thing about political correction is, I believe, that in many cases a better term could be used: “common decency.”

When people do something because of “political correctness,” they are often doing it for show. And in private we get something much different, such as I noticed in the 1988 Georgia primary for the U.S. presidential election.

Perhaps the most disturbing incident mentioned in No Safe Spaces is the case of Bret Weinstein, a biology professor at Evergreen State College, in

Olympia, Washington.

He resigned after he was lambasted for showing up for work on a “Day of Absence.” The special day was a tradition in which ethnic minorities would voluntarily stay home to shed light on the role they play at the college.

But Weinstein objected to a change made that year, which included asking whites to go to off-campus programs that day.

Weinstein and his wife, Heather Heyling, also a professor, resigned as a result of hostility because they refused to participate in the “Day of Absence.” It was a perfect case where political correctness ran amuck. It paralyzed Weinstein’s career and his wife’s. All because a situation that may have worked thru common decency fell prey to rigidity.

Greg Markley has lived in Lee County for 18 of the last 23 years. An awardwinning journalist, he has master’s degrees in education and history. He has taught as an adjunct in Georgia and Alabama.

But you take a guy like my father. He would have seen a pop-star on an award ceremony accepting the Golden Statue For Whatever Big-Budget Movie They Were In, and when the star “spoke out” against depression, suicide or whatever the issue du jour was, Daddy would have simply gotten another beer.

This isn’t the kind of open talking I mean.

The reason I’m writing this is because I want anyone out there who is thinking of doing a terrible deed to know something: You can tell someone about it.

During the years, I have spoken with a lot of suicide survivors at various awareness conventions and events, and do you know what the

most common thing I hear is?

“I had no idea. I wish I would’ve known.”

What I’m telling you is—and by “you” I mean you—that your friends are only a button-click away, and they actually want you to call them. Right now. Just call. Even if you don’t know what to say.

I’ll stop here because I’m running out of room. I’m truly sorry for today’s downer column.

I didn’t mean to make you sad. So since I don’t want to leave you with a feeling of dread, I would like to remind you about the many orthopedic benefits of going without a bra.

One lady told me it feels like being set free.

Which is what I sincerely hope for anyone who suffers.

so much that we might learn. Out of a classic storybook or modern Jurassic tale, this place enchants all. It tugs at one’s imagination and inspires. It encourages us and places conviction upon our hearts to do more to protect the rare untamed places.

May we not only share tales of these places

with future generations, but may we take them to these places so that they might gain appreciation and learn to care for them. So that young and old alike may continue to find both intrigue, peace and adventure in natural hidden treasures like The Place of a Thousand Drips.

Opelika E vents, Society, & Food

CALENDAR OF EVENTS: • Feb. 8 - Haddie’s Home Dessert Tasing • Feb. 14 - OTC’s Murder Mystery Dinner Theater • Feb. 14 - Valentine’s Day Supp er Club at The Sound Wall • Feb. 14 and 15 - Daddy-Daughter Dance at the Opelika SportsPlex

Former educator enjoying retirement, helping others in community Ann Cipperly’s

Southern

Hospitality

A

former National Teacher of the Year and educator for 40 years, Opelika’s Marion Sankey is enjoying being busy in retirement helping others. Marion is also the founder of the Dream Day Foundation, which produces the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. She has served as coordinator for all of the 21 events.

This year’s celebration was held Jan. 20 at the Performing Arts Center, with the theme “Nonviolence Is Love.”

“When Larry and I first moved to Opelika,”

Marion said, “there was a Dr. King celebration, but there was nothing in Opelika for young people. We would gather our children and go to the events at various churches in Auburn. The programs were great but long and not tailored for young people. The children did not understand what was going on.

“It just came to mind that we needed to do something that was local,” she added. “The first celebration was held at Greater Peace Church in 2000. There were so many who wanted to come that we outgrew

the space at Greater Peace and moved to the Opelika Performing Arts Center in 2009.

“With the theme ‘Nonviolence Is Love’,” Marion said, “we wanted the children to understand that violence is not the solution. Dr. King was all about loving people.”

Marion grew up in Greer, South Carolina, outside Greenville.

When she was in the fourth grade, her father passed away, leaving seven children for her mother to raise. While her mother worked in a factory, she managed

Photo by Ann Cipperly As an educator, Marion Sankey was named National Teacher of the Year in the Read 180 program. She is also the founder of the Dream Day Foundation, which produces the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. Marion has enjoyed cooking for her husband Larry and their four children over the years. Since retiring, she enjoys helping others and baby sitting grandchildren.

to cook a big breakfast before getting the children off to school.

She cooked dinner every night with the biggest meal being Sunday dinner after church.

“My mom taught me to cook to help out when she was so tired from working in a factory all day,” says Marion. The first dish she made was

her mother’s Mac and Cheese, which became a traditional favorite.

Education was important to the family. Five of the seven children attended college.

Marion’s grandmother taught in a one room schoolhouse. Several members of Marion’s family were schoolteachers. While she thought

about being a nurse, Marion decided to be a teacher since she was inspired by her elementary teachers and teachers in her family.

After graduating from Winthrop College, she taught fourth grade for a year in Rockingham, North Carolina. When Marion and Larry marSee Recipes, page A11

Up-and-coming folk artist Nashville singer-songwriter Darrin Bradbury to perform Sarah Clanton to make her in Waverly on Feb. 7

Sundilla debut on Feb. 21

Special to the Opelika Observer Treat yourself to a show by Darrin Bradbury at Standard Deluxe’s Little House stage on Feb. 7, which starts at 7:30 p.m.

Bradbury writes about the way things really are in America – a singular perspective shaped by a natural gift for storytelling, a lingering battle with depression and a sly sense of humor. A self-described folk satirist who has toured the country for more than a decade, he collects his oddball observations in Talking Dogs & Atom Bombs, his first album for ANTI-Records.

“To be able to see the humor in the hard things in life has always been my goal,” Bradbury said. “I think the point of the songs is to make you feel better. Hopefully it’s the kind of record that if things are going really wrong in your life, it would be there for you in a way that you’re like, ‘Man, I’m glad this thing exists because it gets me.’”

See Bradbury, page A8

Special to the Opelika Observer Sarah Clanton will be bringing her cello-playing talents to Sundilla in her inaugural performance on Feb. 21 at the Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.

Known for her fusing of the classical

Clanton

See Clanton, page A8

Bradbury

DAILY SPECIALS

pelika O Observer

A8 Feb. 05, 2020

Grave in Salem’s Flint Hill Cemetery recently vandalized Report submitted by the Lee County Cemetery Preservation Commission During the holiday season, Flint Hill Cemetery near Salem was vandalized, with an obelisk of a grave belonging to Samuel Jones being toppled to the ground.

In the 1840s, Jones, his first wife Sarah and 11 of their 14 children moved from South Carolina to northern Russell County (which became Lee County in 1866). In December 1854 at 51 years old, Sarah died. In September 1855, Samuel and Frances W. Moore were married in Russell County. This marriage was blessed with six more children, giving Samuel a total of 20 children from his two wives.

In 1881, after a long life of 83 years, Samuel Jones died and was interred at Flint Hill. At some point, his children erected the obelisk over his grave.

Frances died in 1883.

Samuel’s grave lies between the graves of his wives Sarah and Frances.

According to Jones family lore, Samuel had walked about 20 miles

Clanton, from A7 and pop genres, Clanton shows flashes of the classically-trained pop sensibility of Regina Spektor to the sultry jazzitude of Amy Winehouse.

Born and raised in a traditional Southern household and unable to enjoy most entertainment found on radio or television, Clanton started taking cello lessons at age 9. In college, she discovered holistic alternatives to calm her life-long anxiety, and the new sounds of the Greenville, South Carolina openmic scene.

“It opened up this whole world to me,” Clanton said.

Clanton’s path to becoming a renowned cello player started after a 2008 performance at the Bonaroo Music & Arts Festival.

Bradbury, from A7 This is a bringyour-own-beer event, and no glass is allowed inside the venue.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased via www.standarddeluxe. com.

For more information, call 334-8266423. The Standard Deluxe is located at 1015 Mayberry Ave. in downtown Waverly.

from his home to Opelika and back a few weeks before he died.

The walk caused blisters on his feet, which paired with his diabetes and an eventual infection, ended up being one of the primary contributors of his death. From the walk he had blisters on his feet.

Several of Samuel’s children and grandchildren are buried at Flint Hill. One greatgranddaughter, Mary Lee Jones, was a daughter of W. S. “Buck” Jones, a grandson.

W. S. “Buck” Jones, a Lee County’s Sheriff, was the son of DeKalb Jones, and a grandson of Samuel’s. Buck died on June 29, 1932 from gunshot wounds suffered while attempting to make an arrest. The Lee County Detention Center is named in honor of him.

More than 140 years old, Flint Hill is located off Lee Road 254, four miles north of the Salem community. Once nestled in a grove of protective hardwood trees, the cemetery contains the graves of several prominent citizens, some of which date back to the 1850s.

For a number of years, “I saw this guy plucking cello and playing Fiona Apple and Gnarles Barkley, and I was like, ‘Oh my God’… I’d never thought about singing and playing cello at the same time,” Clanton said.

Things moved quickly from there.

Claton attended The Swannanoa Gathering, folk music and songwriting workshop near Asheville, North Carolina where she was taught how to strum chords.

She found herself performing more frequently, and even organizing a couple of festivals of her own like Music in the Woods - a weekly solar powered festival at Paris Mountain State Park in Greenville, South Carolina.

By the time she left Greenville for Nashville in 2014, she had already recorded her first album, and was doing 200 engagements a year, playing

Photos submitted to the Opelika Observer

the land surrounding Flint Hill was owned by MeadWestvaco, a national timber and wood products corporation with a record of respecting the old cemeteries on its properties. Several years ago, Weyerhaeuser, another national timber conglomerate, bought the land.

During a routine check of the cemetery in 2016, most, if not all of the hardwood trees there

were dead or dying. After the protective leaf canopy no longer existed, undergrowth had an opportunity to multiply unchecked.

Now, there is the possibility of further damage from falling dead limbs and trees. And now, this senseless vandalism has happened.

“Why on earth people would want to cause not only destruction, but also bring pain to oth-

ers by doing something like vandalizing a tomb?

Sure does baffle me,” said Lindsay Holland, one of the volunteers who recently helped remove much of the overgrowth in the cemetery and is committed to keeping it clean in the future.

“The (Lee County) Sheriff’s Office is concerned about the vandalism that has been visited upon cemeteries in rural

areas of Lee County.

It is a matter of basic respect,” said Sheriff Jay Jones. “Families should not have to worry about the final resting place of their loved ones being disturbed. We appreciate and will continue to work with our (Lee County) Cemetery Preservation Commission to identify and apprehend anyone involved in these offenses.”

at bars, weddings and other events.

In spring 2017, Clanton was selected as an Official Showcase Artist at the South Eastern Regional Folk Alliance in Montreat, North Carolina. Then, in late 2017, No Depression and Elmore Magazine premiered her single “Silver Lining” (co-written with Mary Bragg), the first single from Here “We Are,” her first studio-length release.

Free coffee, tea, water and food will be available, and attendees are welcome to bring their own favorite food or beverage.

Advance tickets are $15 and can be found at Spicer’s Music, Ross House Coffee and online at www. sundillamusic.com.

Admission at the door will be $20.

The venue is located at 450 E. Thach Ave.

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pelika O Opinion

A9 Feb. 05, 2020

‘12th Annual AACT’s Young Performers’ to present Kentucky Derby smash hit movie musical on stage: Day’ to be May 2

By Sara Wilson For the Opelika Observer Storybook Farm’s 12th annual Kentucky Derby Day will be held on the grounds of the farm on May 2.

Guests are invited to don their Kentucky Derby attire while enjoying food, games, music and fun.

This year’s event is presented by Stone Martin Builders, and sponsors include F.L.I. properties and WLTZ. Guests will have the opportunity to participate in a silent and live auction that will continue throughout the afternoon.

For the ladies, there will be a spectacular hat contest. The winner of that contest will receive a piece of jewelry from Diamonds Direct. The men will have the opportunity to participate in a Dapper Dan Shuffle sponsored by the Locker Room, with the winner receiving merchandise from there.

The event will give attendees the chance to sample several of Lee County’s favorite restau-

rants.

Guests will vote for their favorite restaurant of the day, and a trophy will be awarded to the winner.

“The farm is captivating on an everyday basis, but when we have the derby, it is morphed into an unbelievable showcase,” said Dena Little, founder and president of Storybook Farm.

Eighteen years ago, Little founded Storybook Farm with the hope to bridge the gap between hope and hardship. In those 18 years, the farm has served more than 10,000 children in the community who are emotionally and medically fragile.

Storybook Farm offers its services free of charge.

The funds raised by the Kentucky Derby Day will help cover various expenses the farm has throughout the year.

General admission tickets can be purchased for $115, or a table of 10 seats can be purchased for $1,250. For more information, visit www. hopeonhorseback.org.

‘Disney’s High School Musical Jr.’ Special to the Opelika Observer Auburn Area Community Theatre’s Young Performers are excited to present the smash hit movie musical come to life on stage: Disney’s High School Musical Jr. It’s the first day after winter break at East High. The Jocks, Brainiacs, Thespians and Skater Dudes all find their cliques. Basketball team captain and resident jock, Troy, discovers that the brainy Gabriella, a girl he met singing karaoke on his ski trip, has just enrolled at East High. The couple cause an upheaval when they decide to audition for the high school musical.

Although many students resent the threat posed to the status quo, Troy and Gabriella’s alliance might just open the door for others to shine as well.

With memorable, danceable songs, this 26-member cast of 13

to 18-year-olds is sure to delight audiences of all ages. The cast and all teen stage crew, representing seven local schools, is under the direction of Auburn University Theatre majors Bailey Murphy and assistant Brantley Waller. Choreography is

by Lexi Scarbrough and musical direction is by Auburn University Theatre alum Rachel Pair.

Performances will take place at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center located at 222 E Drake Ave in Auburn on Feb. 28. 29, March 2, 5, 6 and 7 at 6:30 p.m. with matinees on Feb. 29 and March 7 at 2 p.m. Runtime is approximately 1 hour with no intermission.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors. Monday March 2 is Family Night and all tickets are $8. Call 334-246-1084 or visit www.auburnact. org for ticket purchases and more information.

Email info@auburnact. org for group rate information.

Disney’s High School Musical Jr. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theater International (MTI).

About the AACT Auburn Area Community Theatre is a non-profit organization that exists to serve the Auburn/Opelika Community. Its purpose is to provide an opportunity

for education and participation in the world of theatre and present a quality, entertaining, and thought-provoking theatre experience. AACT is actively soliciting new members who have an interest in helping the growth of community theatre.

AACT members and the community-atlarge are encouraged to participate. For more information, visit www. auburnact.org.

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pelika Observer O

A10 Feb. 05, 2020

Plaid Enterprises works with Art Haus and noted Opelika artist on new paint formula Special to the Opelika Observer Plaid Enterprises, Inc., one of the world’s leading small batch paint manufacturers, recently sent artist in residence and lead painting instructor Andy Jones to work with noted Opelika artist Jo Ann Williams Walker. The pair worked on final testing and formulation of a new paint line for the company called FolkArt Pure Artist Pigments. Jones and Walker set up shop at Opelika’s Art Haus Studio, a nonprofit organization that provides studio space in the Opelika area.

FolkArt Pure Artist Pigments is a line of premium acrylic paint, specifically formu-

Photos submitted to the Opelika Observer lated with the artist in mind. Its heavybodied formulation is highly pigmented and blendable, and comes in a beautiful range of traditional artist colors. Pure Pigments will be available this spring both online and at leading retailers to consumers worldwide.

“It was an absolute privilege to work with Jo Ann Williams

Walker on this project.

I have known her for many years and have always had a deep admiration for her work – she is a truly talented artist. And a special thank you is owed to Art Haus Studio for use of their stunning work space. It truly is an inspiring place to paint,” Jones said.

About Plaid Enterprises, Inc.

Founded in 1976 by David Cunningham, Plaid Enterprises, Inc., is one of the world’s largest, most diverse manufacturers of creative do-it-yourself products. Plaid’s product innovation and dedication to the ever-changing needs of consumers have made the Plaid family of products among the most recognized and

desired brands worldwide. Notable brands in Plaid’s portfolio include FolkArt, Apple Barrel, Delta, Bucilla, Martha Stewart Crafts, and one of the industry’s best known, Mod Podge, a favorite since 1967.

About Jo Ann Williams Walker Walker is an American impressionist painter whose art im-

merses viewers in the profound beauty of the world. Her plein air presentations and her still lifes transform ordinary images into exuberant reflections of color and light. Jo Ann has been involved in art since the 70’s, working with many of the leading companies in the industry.

About Art Haus Studio Completed in 2019, Opelika Art Haus is a nonprofit organization located in Opelika, Alabama that operates by partnering with local and regional artists to build art as a foundation for community.

The Art Haus vision is to create working studio space, gallery exhibits and educational opportunities for those who love and appreciate the arts.

Montenegrin solo guitarist Miloš Karadaglic to perform at the OPAC on Feb. 27 Special to the Opelika Observer Montenegro native and solo guitarist Miloš Karadaglic will perform at the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts on Feb.

27 at 7:30 p.m.

When Karadaglic steps out from behind the big curtain and onto the stage, magic is in the air.

Only a conjurer could so exquisitely play a solo guitar, and mesmerize his

audience with personality, technique, and intensity of focus.

Karadaglic waves his fretted wand, and the sheer beauty of the music makes the vastness of the concert hall vanish into

just the spotlight that surrounds him.

As one is drawn into that space, you are the only other person in the room, under the spell of music from J.S. Bach to the Beatles.

Top hats and long black capes are the evening’s suggested attire.

This event is being hosted by the Arts Association of East Alabama.

Tickets are $30 each and can be purchased via

www.eastalabamaarts. org or by calling 334-7498105. The OPAC is located within Opelika High School at 1700 Lafayette Parkway.

See Karadaglic, page A11

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pelika O Observer Cipperly, from A7 ried in 1979, he was transferred to Dothan to open the Michelin plant there. Marion taught school in Dothan for 12 years.

The Sankeys moved to Opelika in 1991 when Michelin purchased Uniroyal. Marion started teaching at Carver and then worked at West Forest as a teacher for the gifted and talented. After 15 years, she retired from Opelika City Schools in 2006.

Marion went to work in LaGrange, where she held several positions in the Troup County System as teacher, Title

Recipes Mama’s Mac and Cheese 3 cups small elbow macaroni 2 Tbsp. butter or margarine 2 eggs 2 cups milk (2% or whole) 3 cups shredded sharp cheese, divided ½ tsp. salt 1 tsp. black pepper Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bring water to boil in a medium size pot. Slowly add macaroni and stir consistently until noodles are soft and tender. Drain and rinse well in hot water.

Pour macaroni in medium size casserole dish.

Stir in butter or margarine until almost melted. Beat eggs well and add to macaroni.

Stir in milk and 2 cups shredded cheese. Add salt and pepper. Mix all ingredients very well.

Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Bake until bubbling around edges or about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Mama’s Country Vegetable Soup Two bags of frozen mixed vegetables can be substituted for can vegetables.

1 small pkg. beef neckbones or ground beef (see directions) 2 (14 oz.) cans stewed or diced tomatoes 2 pkg. frozen chopped okra 2 (14 oz.) cans whole kernel corn 1 (14 oz.) can green beans 8 oz. can tomato

I specialist, instructional specialist and reading teacher.

She became a reading specialist for third, fourth and fifth grades in the Read 180 program.

Marion became the National Teacher of the Year in the program in 2018. She was honored in Orlando.

Marion retired in May last year after working 13 years in LaGrange and a total of 40 years as an educator.

“I tell people it is God’s plan,” Marion said. “You retire from one career, but then you have to serve other people. I love serving people in my church and community, especially the children in any way I can.”

sauce 3 cups diced onions 6 oz. can tomato paste Salt and pepper to taste 1 Tbsp. sugar, if desired In large soup pot, cover bone with water and boil until meat falls off bones, or if using ground beef, brown and drain. Add remaining ingredients except salt, pepper and sugar.

Bring to boil and cook at medium-high 1 hour.

Add tomato paste to thicken. Add salt, pepper to taste and sugar. Simmer at least 3 to 5 hours. Serves 18 to 20.

Note: Two bags of frozen mixed vegetables can be substituted for can vegetables.

Southwestern Chicken Casserole 12 oz. boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut into strips 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp. chili powder 2 tsp. canola oil 1 onion, halved and thinly sliced 1 red or green bell pepper, chopped 1 (10-oz.) pkg. frozen chopped spinach, thawed, squeezed dry 1½ cups salsa 4 (6-inch) no-addedsalt corn tortillas, torn into pieces 3/4 cup reduced-fat, shredded Jack cheese 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped 1/2 avocado, pitted, peeled and chopped

Feb. 05, 2020

Larry is working as a substitute teacher at Opelika and Auburn schools in middle, junior high and high school.

The Sankeys serve in various ministries at Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church .

Larry also serves as a deacon, while Marion serves in the matrons, grief and greeters ministries, among others.

They also enjoy helping with their grandchildren. The Sankeys have four children. Their oldest son, Jamaal, and his wife, LaShunda, live in Opelika and own the Distinguished Barber and Hair Salon. They have two children, Jordan (Piper), 13, who attends Opelika Middle School, and C.J., 11, who is a

student at West Forest.

Their youngest son, Darren, an attorney, and his wife, Andrea, have a daughter, Sydney Ann, 1 year old, and they reside in Houston, Texas. Youngest daughter Mariah also resides in Houston and is in her first year of residence as an OB/GYN doctor.

The oldest daughter, Ashley, lives in New Orleans, and works at Ochsner Hospital Systems in research and is also in real estate.

Marion enjoyed cooking for their children when they were growing up. She prepared a good breakfast like her mother did when she was growing up.

“It was important for me to cook for my

children and for them to establish those traditions,” Marion says.

She has taught her daughters to cook, with the Mac and Cheese being their favorite. It is also a favorite for Larry’s family.

Other family favorites include Oven Candied Yams, Hot Dog Chili and her mother’s Vegetable Soup. The yummy Peach Cobbler is baked in a pie crust, topped with a lattice crust and baked until golden. The Southwestern Chicken Casserole is also popular.

She feels it was important for them to have dinner at the table and talk about the day at school.

When the children

were growing up, Marion and Larry were involved in their activities.

“We kept our children in church,” she said, “and we were involved in everything they did, whether it was scouts, piano lessons or sports.

“My upbringing had a lot to do with the upbringing of our children,” says Marion.

“My siblings are close, and our children are close and stay in touch with each other. It is important to be involved in your children’s lives and share time together at the table. Now we are enjoying time with them and our grandchildren.”

Cipperly can be reached at recipes@cipperly. com.

Cilantro leaves, for garnish Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a large, nonstick skillet with cooking spray.

In a medium bowl, combine chicken, garlic and chili powder. Add to skillet and cook over mediumhigh heat for 4-6 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and no longer pink, stirring frequently.

Remove chicken from skillet; set aside.

Add oil to hot skillet. Add onion and pepper, cook over medium heat about 5 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in spinach.

Coat a 2-qt. baking dish with cooking spray. Spread about 1/2 cup salsa in bottom of dish.

Top with half the tortilla pieces, half of chicken mixture and half of vegetable mixture.

Pour half of remaining salsa over vegetables and top with half the cheese. Repeat layers once, except cheese.

Bake, covered, for 30 to 35 minutes, or until heated through.

Sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Garnish with cherry tomatoes, chopped avocado and fresh cilantro.

1 box Pillsbury Pie Crusts ( 2 pie crusts in box) 1 tsp. vanilla flavor 1 tsp. cinnamon 1 cup sugar 1 stick butter or margarine, divided 1/3 cup all-purpose flour ½ cup milk 1 tsp. nutmeg Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine peaches, sugar, milk, flour, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon and half stick of melted butter in bowl. Unroll one pie crust and spread in medium size baking dish. Pour mixture in dish on top of pie crust.

Unroll and slice other pie crust into strips; place on top in a lattice design. Slice other half stick of butter (can use less) in small slices and put on top throughout. Bake 45 minutes or until filling is bubble and pastry is lightly browned.

Place lid on top and bake for 3 hours. Remove lid and stir up once or twice during baking.

tard, brown sugar and hot sauce. Layer bacon on top of baked beans.

Bake 45 minutes to 1 hour or until bacon is cooked on top.

Easy Bake Peach Cobbler 2 (15 oz.) cans sliced peaches in heavy syrup

Oven Candied Yams 5 medium sweet potatoes 1 Tbsp. nutmeg 2 cups sugar 1 stick butter or margarine 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 tsp. lemon extract 1 tsp. cinnamon Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Peel and slice potatoes and put into a medium deep dish.

Sprinkle nutmeg, sugar, vanilla flavor, lemon flavor and cinnamon throughaout potatoes.

Slice stick of butter into small patties and place on top all over.

Easy Homemade Hotdog Chili 1 lb. lean ground beef Dash of salt and pepper 1 tsp. hot sauce ½ tsp. chili powder 1 tsp. sugar 1½ cups catsup Brown ground beef in medium size saucepan until well done on medium high. Add dash of black pepper and salt and hot sauce.

Add chili powder and sugar; mix very well.

Stir consistently to keep from scorching.

Add catsup and continue to stir until comes to boil. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 5 minutes while consistently stirring. Let simmer for about 5 minutes.

Baked Beans 2 (28 oz.) cans Bush’s Original Baked Beans ½ cup bell pepper, chopped 1 medium chopped onion 2/3 cup catsup 3 tsp. yellow mustard 1 cup dark brown sugar 1 Tbsp. hot sauce 6 slices bacon Pour baked beans in a medium baking dish or pan. Add chopped bell pepper and chopped onion.

Stir in catsup, mus-

Broccoli and Rice Casserole 1 box frozen chopped broccoli (thawed) 1 cup minute rice 1 can cream of mushroom soup 1 cup chopped onions 8 oz. jar of cheese whiz 1 cup melted margarine Mix broccoli, rice, onions, mushroom soup, cheese whiz and margarine thoroughly and cook in a covered casserole dish for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.

About halfway through cooking time, remove from oven and stir. Return to oven and continue the cooking time.

Breakfast Casserole 5 eggs 2 cups half & half 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. mustard 6 slices bread, buttered liberally and crust removed 1 lb. cooked scrambled sausage 2 cups shredded cheese Beat together eggs. half & half, salt and mustard. Put bread in baking dish. Then sausage and cheese. Next pour in egg mixture.

Refrigerate overnight.

Cook at 350 degrees for 45 to 60 minutes.

Food Ratings

Karadaglic, from A10 About the Arts Association of East Alabama The mission of The Arts Association of East Alabama is to provide rewarding and exciting experiences for the citizens of this area by developing innovative programming that will stimulate interest in the arts, eagerness to learn through the arts, and broader participation in and support of the arts.

A11

Karadraglic

Greens and Beans 2140 E. University Drive Auburn Score: 100

Waffle House 1738 Opelika Road, Auburn Score: 97

Publix Deli #1294 2415 Moore’s Mill Road Auburn Score: 100

Sonic Drive-In 322 N. Dean Road Auburn Score: 97

Whimsy 109 S. 8th St. Opelika Score: 99

Hardee’s 1902 Marvyn Parkway Opelika Score: 97

Village Wok Chinese Restaurant 1100 S. College St. Auburn Score: 98

Bizilia’s Cafe 2000 Pepperell Parkway Opelika Score: 96

pelika O Observer

A12 Feb. 05, 2020

An American in Cuba: Seek and you shall find…

G

od is everywhere, in all people. This is a fact. For I see it with my eyes, I feel it and it is real.

I have yet to visit one place where God’s presence and existence isn’t found.

I’ve seen him in prison.

I have felt him at sunrise, singing worship with 400 children in Honduras. I saw him in a mother in Los Angeles, holding her two small children close and smiling, on a sidewalk, in a poor neighborhood. I see him at the local coffee shop and in the sunrise on our farm, holding hands with my daughter.

He is all things and is in all things, and the farther I seek, the more God becomes real.

My journey to Cuba with Third Lens Ministries was no different than any other. I knew I was to be amazed. Perhaps this is why I’m always so eager to go. It’s one thing to read about God’s greatness and hear of it, but when you meet the Lord face to face, there is nothing more marvelous on this Earth.

For when you have felt the closeness of the Lord, as if his hands are upon your shoulder, you will do anything to receive that all over again.

And so I found God; on a plane, into the city, on a bus, on a ship, across the ocean, onto an island, into a town, riding upon a horse-n-buggy, into a vil-

lage and down a desolate dirt road.

The Lord was there. I saw him, I touched him and gazed deep into his being.

I was led there by a tall, striking, very young Cuban gentlemen, Yusniel. He was once a boxer, who towered over my husband and I, and carried a gorgeous grin upon his face, warm and powerful.

His demeaner was gracious and kind. He was a Methodist pastor, part of a church family that sought out its people and showed up to greet them.

In our group was also another young pastor, Emmanuel, barely 20, smaller and more youthful than Yusniel. He was a local teacher in a small elementary school. He was a delight among all the children in his village. He knew them each by name and they knew him.

Our English-speaking friend, and senior pastor of their Methodist church, was Enrique. He was a jolly man and made us feel at home every minute we were with him. He was born and raised in Cuba and looked to be about my fathers age. He was a doctor, currently teaching one day a week and tending to his Pastor duties the rest of the week; his family living on an estimated $1,400 a year in USD. These three disciples, along with our driver, Chica, escorted us away from the village, down

Bradley Robertson multiple dirt roads to what appeared to be an old compound. A large concrete, 4 story building, with steps leading in all sorts of directions, probably built in the 1960s and hadn’t been touched since.

Out front, in the tall grass, laid an oxen. He had a chain around his neck that led to a stake in the ground.

He was thin and napping. I imagined he had been working all week, the only hope the farmer had for keeping himself alive and sustainable.

Behind the grass and the ox, was a large concrete court, and to each side, old and rusted basketball goals. I could tell this used to be a vibrant place, once alive and active. Enrique began to tell us that this used to be a school. A place for Cubans and other nationalities to further their education beyond the age of 18. Teachers once lived here, along with

students.

Our gentlemen lead us into the complex and I was stunned at the view of a rain forest growing smack dab in the middle of cold concrete steps and walls. I was taken back. I kept staring at the massive and marvelous trees and was in awe of them to be found in the oddest of a place. Beauty and grandeur, surrounded by old and grey.

We walked up a labyrinth of steps and onto a platform where an old Cuban woman was cooking outside.

She nodded and smiled at us, speaking no English but carrying on with her work.

Before I stepped inside, I could hear shouts of joy and laughter from a ladies voice full of spirit. The gentlemen all erupted in beautiful Spanish conversation with the woman on the other side of the wall.

My husband and I trailed behind and could not wait to behold the sight of which our ears heard.

It was as if we stepped into a Bible story. A lone grey room, bare and cool, with one tiny window looking into Cuban space, and one bed, holding a blind and lame woman. She was sitting upright and was speaking loudly in her sweet, native language. The grin on her face and the joy which leapt from her body could not be withheld.

She stared blankly into the distance but was saying profound things to her pastors who had come to visit with her.

They were all laughing and chatting in hysteria and Isaac and I just stood back, amazed and taken back by the experience we were living in. Pastor Enrique finally spoke up in English, “She is saying she is so happy to see her Pastor. She is joking as to which one of us is the better pastor for her. We have never visited her together at the same time, she is full of joy because we are here.”

My heart was filled with the sight of complete gladness in this woman. She was reaching and touching Pastor Enrique, he returning the gesture by holding her hand and rubbing her grey head.

Enrique picked up a tiny black remote that looked similar to an iPod, he held it up in the air. “The Methodist church in Auburn bought this for her. It has the entire bible in it, and she can listen to it through her day and know the word of God.” Not only did she know the word of God, she was the word of God. She was His and she felt it and believed it on all accounts. She kept repeating something over and over, I asked Enrique what she was saying with such enthusiasm, “The Lord is my strength. She is saying the Lord is her strength and

she is full of joy.”

There was no doubt.

She had nothing of possessions, but a tiny recorder of the Bible. She could only see darkness and she could not walk, yet she was “filled with joy.”

I touched her on my way out. I held her hand.

I wanted to sit at the foot of her bed and stay, but I knew this wasn’t my place. God was there. It was my job to see and then to share what I had witnessed.

I was speechless upon leaving. I could not say anything at all. Experiences like this leave me stunned.

Isaac spoke up, as he’s not afraid to do, “You’re definitely going to have to write about that…” I chuckled and agreed. We piled back into Chica’s 70’s model car and made our way back towards town.

What I have learned through my work is that God shows us glimpses of himself and then asks us to go.

Go and do likewise. Go and serve others. Go and be the light. Go and share the good news.

We can encounter God wherever we choose to encounter Him. Whether that be in our home or on a tiny Cuban island. When is the last time you felt the Lord?

I encourage you to find him, at all costs. Seek his face. He is there, alive and present in all of us.

OBITUARIES Dale “Papa” Eugene Tarnowski Dale “Papa” Eugene Tarnowski, originally from Garfield Heights, Ohio, was born on September 29th, 1954. He worked as a dedicated tool and die maker with Kendale and KD Industries for some 40 years.

Dale is preceded in death by his parents Eugene and Stephie Tarnowski.

Dale was united in holy matrimony to the love of his life, Terri,

on October 9th, 1976.

This union blessed them with 3 children, and 5 grandchildren. Dale and Terri shared a passion for camping and traveling.

They often journeyed with their sidekicks: grandson Alex, and faithful Golden Retriever Zeke. Through their adventures Dale and Terri traveled the South visiting friends and family and enjoying the magical world of Disney, to Ohio reliving the early years of

life together, and to the mountains of Tennessee celebrating the majestic views of God’s great creation. On their travels they met innumerable friends that they consider to be family, and love just the same. Dale was a beloved family man who reveled in hosting Sunday dinners, standing over the grill, restoring his Vintage Corvette, and cheering for the Auburn Tigers all while drinking his Miller Lite.

Surrounded by his family on January 31st, Dale went to be with the Lord.

The family would like to send special thanks and adoration to the Spencer Cancer Center for their dedication, compassion, care, and support during Dale’s battle.

Dale is survived in death by his devoted wife Terri Tarnowski of 43 years, his loving siblings Beverly (Tarnowski) Baker and husband David

Wesley H. Roland

Tammy Kolb (Steve), Richard Thomas (Lisa), James Thomas; brother: Abner Roland (Linda); 25 grandchildren; and 28 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded by his mother and father, Jesse Mae and Joseph Roland; son James Roland; 3 brothers and 5 sisters.

Services were held 2pm, Sunday, February 2, 2020 at JeffcoatTrant Funeral Home, 1500 Frederick Rd, Opelika, AL 36801, with a viewing beginning at 1pm prior to the service, Reverend Steven Kolb officiated.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed.

Richard “Rick” L. Shockley

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Ann Shockley; children, Wayne White (Melissa), Kim Simpson (Steve), and Damon White; father, James Thrash; sister, Carol McCoy; 14 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members.

Visitation was held Feb. 3, 2020 in the Parlor at FrederickDean Funeral Home with the funeral service following in the Chapel at Noon.

Interment followed at Garden Hills Cemetery.

Wesley H. Roland was born on March 3, 1939 in Eastman, GA. He passed away on January 29, 2020 at his home in Camp Hill, AL. He was a carpenter by trade. He loved the outdoors and had a passion for hunting and fishing. Mr. Roland loved to spend time with his friends and family and was respected and loved by all that knew him.

Mr. Roland is survived by his loving wife Patricia Roland; children: Timothy Pruette, Jonathan Zabel, Kimberley Osborne (Jonathan), Robert Zabel,

Richard “Rick” L. Shockley of Opelika, Alabama was born in Lanett, Alabama on Oct. 20, 1952 and passed away at UAB Hospital on Jan. 30, 2020. He was 67 years old.

He attended the Baptist Church and proudly served in the United States Navy.

He loved his family, especially his grandchildren. He was an avid Alabama Football Fan.... Roll Tide!

He was preceded in death by his mother, Sarah Laney Thrash.

Baker of Garfield Heights OH, Charlotte (Tarnowski) Schuman and partner Richard Walker Fairplay SC, Allen Tarnowski and wife Sue Tarnowski Cleveland OH, their three faithful children Kevin Tarnowski and wife Jennifer Tarnowski of Atlanta GA, Stacey TarnowskiJones and husband Josh Jones Beauregard AL, and Christopher Tarnowski-Thorne and husband Jason Tarnowski -Thorne of Columbus GA, and

five spirited grandchildren Alex, Abigail, Madeline, Jacob, and Laura.

Visitation was held Sunday, February 2, 2020 in the Parlor at FrederickDean Funeral Home from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Michaels Catholic Church Monday, February 3, 2020 at 2:00 p.m.

Flowers are welcome.

Contributions may be made to the Spencer Cancer Center.

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To have your loved one’s obituary published in the Opelika Observer, email us at: editor@opelikaobserver.com or call 334-749-8003

Opelika

A13

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M

y wife Janice is watching The Crown and is somewhere in the third season.

There was an episode she wanted me to watch (Moondust) that was about Prince Philip experiencing a crisis of faith. Anytime you watch something based on history, there is usually a fair share of artistic license exercised and this episode was no different.

That said, Philip’s crisis seemed real enough. His mother had recently passed away and he was reflecting on his life and didn’t like some of the things he saw. In particular, he wasn’t pleased with what was happen-

Letting God be God

ing (or actually what wasn’t happening) at church, so he stopped attending. He was particularly enamored with the astronauts, the moon landing and the space program. These men were boldly going where no man had gone before, challenging and stretching the barriers of human existence.

He was not. His life was filled with boring official duties (visiting a dental facility, a concrete plant, and speaking to the Wool Textile Delegation).

The pivot point in the episode occurs when the three Apollo 11 astronauts visit Buckingham Palace and Philip gets to meet with them privately. To his dismay, he finds out

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

that they don’t have any more answers than he does.

After a time, he comes to realize that while space exploration is wonderful, meaning and purpose in life are not found through reaching for the stars but by trusting in the One who made them.

The episode was a breath of fresh air as it is at odds with so much of what is cranked out

Calendar of Church Events • Feb. 8 - Dr. Brennan Breed, an expert in Old Testament history, will speak at First Presbyterian Church in Auburn’s morning services on Feb. 8.

• Feb. 12 - Opelika native and stand-up comedian Jody Fuller will speak at Farmville Baptist Church on Feb. 12. Reservations for this event can be made via www.allevents.in. The

Feb. 05, 2020

church is located at 3607 Alabama Highway 147 N in Auburn.

• Feb. 21 - Lakeview Baptist Church will be hosting the “Near His Heart” dinner on Feb. 21 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

This event is for children with special needs and their families. For more information, call 334887-7094. The church is

located at 1600 E. Glenn Ave. • Feb. 21-22 - Church of the Highlands will host its annual marriage conference at its Auburn campus on Feb. 21 and 22. Couples interested in attending can sign up via www.churchofthehighlands.com. The church is located at 2001 E. Samford Ave.

by the entertainment industry. More to the point, it showed what happens whenever we downsize God and maximize ourselves— we lose our anchor and begin to drift aimlessly.

It is only when we humble ourselves and let God be God that we find life. Peter tells disciples to “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6). If you look at these words carefully, it is a power text.

Yet it is out-of-sync with what we usually hear about it regard to power. Typically, we are told we need to take charge, be the loudest voice in the room and seize control. Peter

pushes us away from that kind of thinking and tells us how to act in the face of real power as he urges us to humble ourselves “under God’s mighty hand.”

He promises that God will lift us up in due time. More times than not, isn’t that what gets us into trouble—our attempts to lift ourselves up? Regardless of what we weigh, that’s heavy lifting and we’re not very good at it so it is best to leave it to God. He knows the right time and the time place.

Humble yourself and let God be God. You can find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: atasteofgracewithbrucegreen.com.

Verse of the Week “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”

2 Timothy 1:7

Local Eastern Star organization to celebrate 20-year milestone on Feb. 9 Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer Sister's of Promise Chapter #442 Order of the Eastern Star will be celebrating 20 years of service on Feb. 9, 2020 at Butler Chapel A.M.E. Church, located at 1002 N. Church St. in Tuskegee. The event is open to the public to attend.

Catch ‘On the Mark’ with D. Mark Mitchell and Jeff Sasser weekday mornings from 7-9 a.m.

ANGLICAN Anglican Church of the Good Shepherd 2312 Center Drive Unit D #758-6749 ASSEMBLY OF GOD Bridge Church 1000 Lee Road 263, Cusseta #742-0144 AME Mount Zion AME Church West Point Hwy #749-3916 St. Luke AME Church 1308 Auburn St. #749-1690 St. Paul AME Church 713 Powledge Ave. #745-6279 Thompson Chapel AME Zion 187 Columbus Pkwy #749-8676 BAPTIST Abundant Life Baptist Church 1220 Fox Run Ave. Suite B #7064421464 Airview Baptist Church 2301 Airport Rd. #444-5148 Antioch Baptist Church 605 W. East Morton Ave #742-0696 Bethesda Baptist Church 201 S. 4th St. #745-7528 Bethel Baptist Church Hwy. 29 Sasser Rd #745-4865 Central Baptist Church 1611 2nd Ave. #745-2482 Community Baptist Church 154 N. 16th St. #745-6552 Cornerstone Missionary Baptist 500 N. Railroad Ave. #742-2008 Eastview Baptist Church 1208 Spring Dr #749-9595 Farmville Baptist Church 3607 Alabama Hwy N. #887-7361 First Baptist Church of Opelika

314 S. 9th St. #745-6143 First Baptist Church 301 S. 8th St. #745-5715 First Baptist Church Impact 709 Avenue E #741-0624 First Freewill Baptist Church 103 19th St. #703-3333 Friendship Missionary Baptist 432 Maple Avenue #742-0105 Greater Peace Baptist Church 650 Jeter Ave. #749-9487 Heritage Baptist Church 1103 Glenn St. #363-8943 High Hope Baptist Church 227 Lee Road 673 Liberty Baptist Church 2701 West Point Pkwy #749-9632 Love Freewill Baptist Church 1113 Frederick Ave. #745-2905 Ridge Grove Missionary Baptist Church 1098 Lee Road 155 #334-745-3600 Northside Baptist Church 3001 Lafayette Hwy #745-5340 Pepperell Baptist Church 2702 2nd Ave. #745-3108 Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Uniroyal Rd #749-2773 Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Rd 166 #745-0807 Purpose Baptist Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy #704-0302 St. James Baptist Church 1335 Auburn St. #745-3224 Union Grove Missionary Baptist 908 Huguley Rd #741-7770 BUDDHIST Buddha Heart Village 3170 Sandhill Rd. #821-7238

CATHOLIC St. Mary’s Catholic Church 1000 4th Ave. #749-8359 CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ 2215 Marvyn Pkwy #742-9721 10th Street Church of Christ 500 N. 10th St. #745-5181 Southside Church of Christ 405 Carver Ave. #745-6015 Church of Christ 2660 Cunningham Drive CHURCH OF GOD Airview Church of God 3015 Old Opelika Rd #749-9112 Church of God 114 17th Place #7496432 Tabernacle Church of God 3 Oak Court #745-7979 CHURCH OF NAZARENE Opelika Church of Nazarene 1500 Bruce Ave. #749-1302 EPISCOPAL Emmanuel Episcopal Church 800 1st Ave. #745-2054 HOLINESS Eastside Emmanuel Holiness Church 86 Lee Road 186 Opelika, Ala. 36804 JEWISH Beth Shalom Congregation 134 S. Cary Dr. #826-1050 LATTERDAY SAINTS Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints 510 Groce St. #742-9981 METHODIST First United Methodist Church of Opelika 702 Avenue A #745-7604 Hopewell United Methodist 1993 Lee Rd 136 #745-0460 Pierce Chapel United Methodist

8685 AL Hwy. 51 #749-4469 Pepperell United Methodist 200 26th St. #745-9334 Trinity United Methodist Church 800 Second Ave. #745-2632 Wesley Memorial United Methodist 2506 Marvyn Pkwy #745-2841 PENTECOSTAL Full Gospel Pentecostal Church Hwy. 29, PO Box 1691 #741-8675 Gateway Community Church 2715 Frederick Rd #745-6926 PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church of Opelika 900 2nd Ave. #745-3421 Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Rd #745-4889 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST Outreach Seventh-Day Adventist 1808 S. Long St. #749-3151 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Apostolic Holiness Church 610 Canton St. #749-6759 Auburn Opelika Korean Church 1800 Rocky Brook Rd #749-5386 Beauregard Full Gospel Revival 2089 Lee Road 42 #745-0455 Christ Church International 1311 2nd Ave. #745-0832 Church of the Harvest 2520 Society Hill Rd #745-2247 Church at Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy #705-0505 East Congregation of Jehovah Witnesses 1250 McCoy St. #737-1488 Emmanuel Temple of Deliverance 207 S. Railroad Ave. #745-6430 Faith Alliance Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy #749-9516 Faith Christian Center 600 S. 8th St. Faith Church 3920 Marvyn Pkwy #707-3922 Family Life Christian Center

601 S. 7th St. #741-7013 Father’s House Christian Fellowship 214 Morris Ave. #749-1070 Fellowship Bible Church 2202 Hamilton Rd #749-1445 Ferguson Chapel Church 310 S. 4th St. #745-2913 First Assembly of God Church 510 Simmons St. #749-3722 Garden of Gethsemane Fellowship 915 Old Columbus Rd #745-2686 Grace Heritage Church Opelika #559-0846 Holy Deliverance Church 831 S. Railroad #749-5682 Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1250 McCoy St. #737-1488 Living Way Ministries 1100 Old Columbus Rd #749-6241 Move of God Fellowship Church 1119 Old Columbus Rd #741-1006 Connect Church 2900 Waverly Pkwy #749-3916 New Life Christian Center 2051 West Point Pkwy #741-7373 New Life Independent Church 10 Meadowview Estates Trailer 741-9001 Opelika’s First Seventh Day 2011 Columbus Pkwy #737-3222 Power of Praise, Inc. Church 3811 Marvyn Pkwy #745-6136 Shady Grove Christian Church West Point Hwy #745-7770

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pelika Observer O

A14 Feb. 05, 2020

Local businesses, dignitaries and organizations provide key support in Opelika’s annual ‘Special Needs Christmas Party’

By Morgan Bryce Editor Nearly 24 years ago, Harold Watts made the more than two-hour trek from Opelika to Gadsden to attend the city’s annual Special Needs Christmas Party that has been in existence since

1952.

Funded by Local 12 of the United Steelworkers Union, their event is staged each year by the Etowah County Board of Education, and brings in hundreds of special education students from the area.

Recognizing the need

for a similar event in Lee County, Watts decided to use his platform as member of the United Rubber Workers tied to the Uniroyal/Goodrich Plant and helped organize Lee County’s first “Special Needs Christmas Party” in 1997.

“What was important

back then when we first started and is still important today is to give back to the community and hopefully make it a better place. That’s the gist of how and why Harold decided to help start this,” said longtime volunteer and fellow retiree Paschal Prickett,

who worked at the plant for more than 46 years.

The party through the years The inaugural party was held in Smiths Station before being moved to Opelika, where it has remained since.

Venues have varied, but Opelika’s Alabama

National Guard Armory and SportsPlex have served as the most recent venues for the event.

Prickett has been involved with the party each year since its inception, but took an expanded role in helping organize the event 2009 See Party, page A15

Community Calendar: Events around town

• Feb. 7 - Mayor Gary Fuller’s Mayoral Address, presented by ESG and Point Broadband • Feb. 11 - Ribbon Cutting at 1o a.m. - Anytime Workout • Feb. 11 -Business After Hours 5 to 7 p.m. at River Bank & Trust • Feb. 12 - Member Appreciation Lunch Ongoing: • Village Friends/Village Values is a nonprofit organization that supports seniors who prefer to stay in their own homes as they grow older. For info or to schedule a presentation to your group, call 334-209-4641. For the website, Google “village friends village values.”

• The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR chapter is appealing for sweaters, jackets, trousers, shirts and socks, women’s clothing, soft soap in individual containers, shaving supplies, disposable razors, denture cleanser, toothpaste and toothbrushes, DVDs, games, books and magazines to take to veterans at the CAVHCS in Tuskegee.

The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR Chapter regularly visits veterans living in assisted living, the homeless domiciliary and psych (trauma) ward in Tuskegee. Donations are tax deductible and will be much appreciated. Pick up is provided.

Please call Linda Shabo at 887-6659 or at 256307-1449.

Mondays: • The Lee County Voters League meets the first Mondays of the month at

6 p.m. at Bethesda Baptist Church located at 201 S. 4th St. Opelika • The John Powell American Legion Post 18 and Auxiliary meets the third Monday of every month at 7 p.m. at 910 West Point Parkway in Opelika.

• The Opelika Community Band practices from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Auburn High School band room. Everyone is welcome, amateurs and professionals alike.

• The Touched by Suicide Support Group meets the first Monday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at the East Alabama Medical Center Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway.

For more information, contact Deborah Owen, EAMC’s director of Psychiatric Services at deborahowen@eamc.org.

• The fourth Monday of each month, a community grief support group meets from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center. No reservations are necessary; everyone is welcome.

For more information, call 826-1899 or 5020216.

• T.O.P.S (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly), a weight loss support

group, meets every Monday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Covington Recreation Center, 213 Carver Ave., Opelika. For more info contact Mary Johnson, 749-1584.

• The Lee County Commission meets the second and last Mondays of each month at the courthouse beginning at 5 p.m.

• The Commercial Horticulture Extension Team organizes webinars to provide quick updates for producers on various topics of interest. Whether you are interested in the proper way to plant fruit trees or have questions in turf management, these webinars cover a wide range of subjects. Webinars are streamed live via Panopto on the last Monday of every month starting in January and ending in November. During the presentation, participants can send questions via email. The webinars also are recorded and stored in the archive on the Beginning Farmer website.

Webinar topics include: trap cropping for reducing squash insect pests, cowpea curculio updates, nutsedge control, introduction to potting mixes in ornamental

container production, dealing with drought in commercial horticulture crops and many more.

To view the full schedule, please visit www. aces.edu/anr/beginningfarms/webinars.php.

Please send questions during the presentations to Ann Chambliss, thameae@auburn.edu.

For questions regarding the webinar series or for providing suggestions, please email Dr. Ayanava Majumdar at bugdoctor@auburn.edu.

Tuesdays: • Ballroom Dance Classes at the Opelika SportsPlex from 7 to 8 p.m. every Tuesday. Instructor is Cody Wayne Foote. For more info, call Diane at 749-6320.

• The East Alabama Old Car Club meets every first Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Monarch Estates Clubhouse, located at 1550 East University Drive, Auburn. A program of interest to the old car enthusiast is presented. Car ownership is not required.

• The Opelika City Council meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 7 p.m.

Meetings are preceded by non-voting work sessions that typically begin between 6 and 6:45 p.m.

• Every second Tuesday, a country, gospel and bluegrass music jam session is held at Pierce Chapel United Methodist Church in Beauregard.

The event is free and open to the public. Those who play an instrument should bring it and plan to join in. The jam session is held from 6 to 8 p.m. 8685 Alabama Highway 51.

• A Grief Support Group meets at Oak Bowery United Methodist Church Tuesdays at 2

Soaring South 8th Street

By Ken Ward Special to the Opelika Observer While all of downtown Opelika has seen growth, recently new developments have drawn fresh traffic to a portion of South 8th Street.

Baker Street Digital has relocated their well-established ad and branding agency into the upper floor of the historic Timmermann Building.

With a focus of preserving the historic nature of the building while also installing a modern twist, this office space brings new life to one of downtown’s largest historic

buildings.

Also making their home on this street of downtown is the new Davis Mann & Co Salon and Spa. A recipient of an Opelika Main Street facade enhancement grant, this new salon takes the place of the former Top Hat Chimney Sweep office.

With high open ceilings and a modern decor, this salon mirrors those seen in Atlanta and Nashville. While much of the focus here has been on our new businesses, we must not forget the many great existing establishments that call this part of downtown home: The Collaboration Station, Ope-

lika Observer, The Breezeway, Maria Jewelers, Four Corners Ministries, Wakefield Home/ Alabama Office Supply, Raymond James Financial, Railroad Investment Group, State Beauty Supply, Sassy Salon, Downtown Barbershop, Auburn Fencing, Nerd Torch Cafe and Edward James.

We look forward to seeing this part of downtown grow and prosper for years to come!

Ward is the Executive Director of Opelika Main Street, a nonprofit dedicated to growing downtown Opelika.

p.m. and 6 p.m. for anyone dealing with the pain of loss and feeling the need for support on their journey as they attempt to bring order and wholeness back into their life.

Attendance and participation is strictly voluntary for any and all sessions. There are no fees or charges involved. The church is located on U.S. Highway 431 – eight miles north from Southern Union State Community College and Opelika High School. For more information, contact Bill Parker at 459-0214 or 706-518-9122.

• The Auburn Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol meets every Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Auburn University Regional Airport. The Civil Air Patrol is a nonprofit organization that is Congressionally chartered to be the civilian auxiliary of the Air Force and focuses on three missions: aerospace education, cadet programs and emergency services. For more information visit www.auburncap.org or find the organization on Facebook.

• East Alabama Gem & Mineral Society meets the fourth Tuesday of every month at 5:45 p.m.

Meetings are held at the Covington Rec. Center, located at 213 Carver Ave. in Opelika.

Wednesdays: • The second Wednesday of each month, a Community Grief Support Group meets from 10 to 11 a.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center. No reservations are necessary. For more info call 826-1899 or 502-0216.

• The John Powell American Legion Post 18 and Auxiliary hosts

Bingo every Wednesday at 6 p.m.

• Every Wednesday is Wine Down Wednesday at the Bottling Plant Event Center from 5 to 8 p.m.

Thursdays: • American Legion Auxiliary Unit 152 meets the first Thursday of every month at 11 a.m. at Niffer’s Place, 917 S. Railroad Ave. in Opelika.

• The Teal Magnolias Gynecological Cancer Support Group meets the second Thursday of every third month at 6 p.m. at EAMC Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway. For more information on the Teal Magnolias, email tealmagnoliasAL@yahoo.com or find them on Facebook.

• Opelika-Auburn Newcomers’ Club provides a variety of programs for the betterment of the Auburn/ Opelika community to assist women transitioning into the area or to help women adjust to recent lifestyle changes.

The club meets on the third Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. for a luncheon at various local restaurants. Please call or email Cheri Paradice at 850-212-5364. or cheri. paradice@gmail.com for more information or luncheon location of the month.

• T.O.U.C.H. Cancer Support Group meets the third Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. at EAMC’s Health Resource Center. This is a support group for people living with any type of cancer or their families and friends. Call 334528-1076 for more information.

Email editor@opelikaobserver.com to place your community events.

Upcoming Events • Feb. 14 - Grab your partner(s), friends, sister brother, or whoever and help us celebrate love and join Unity Wellness Center this Valentine’s Day for free HIV testing, treats, giveaways and raffle prizes.

Let us help you ‘Love Responsibly’ this year and learn your HIV status in as little as a minute, pick up some free condoms and arm yourself with the correct information about HIV. Call 334-749-3593 with any questions.

• Feb. 18 - The February meeting of

NAMI East Alabama, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), will take place at 7 p.m. at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce located at 714 East Glenn Ave. in Auburn. NAMI supports families dealing with mental illness through mutual support, education and advocacy. There will be a time for sharing. The public is invited • March 28 - 30 - The Friends of the Auburn Public Library will hold their Big Book Sale at the

Library on March 28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 29 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and March 30 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This sale is open to the public, and hundreds of gently used books will be available for purchase, including bestsellers, classics, fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books. All proceeds benefit the programs and services at the Auburn Public Library. For more information, or to volunteer with the Friends of the Auburn Public Library, contact 334-332-1874 or email boosiml@auburn.edu.

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A15 Feb. 05, 2020

Photos by Robert Noles and Michelle Key/Opelika Observer

Party, from A14 after the plant shut down.

Facing the possibility of lacking the funding to stage the event that year, Prickett said longtime personal friend and former Alabama football star Steadman Shealy of the Shealy, Crum & Pike Law Firm in Dothan intervened and helped provide crucial aid through a lean five-year stretch until 2014, when more local donors and partners joined the cause.

While some businesses, individuals and organizations donate monetarily, others donate their services, with examples Cameragraphics offering free portraits with Santa and Mrs. Clause and Bi-City Produce and Givorns Foods donating fruit to give out to event attendees.

Following are other major donors past and present that Prickett and fellow volunteer Beth Welcher acknowledged: - American Income Life (George Murray)

- American Legion Post 18 - Chick-fil-a Tiger Town - Coca-Cola United of West Point - Dale Jackson - Dr. Chris Padgett - Dr. Gregory Sepanski - Dr. Raymond Bolt - Dr. Robert and Barbara Patton - Dr. Todd Sheils - East Alabama Medical Center - Envision Opelika Foundation (accepts donations on behalf of Prickett and Welcher for the party) - Fairway Auto Brokers LLC - Gerry Potter and Glynn Smith (Glynn Smith Chevrolet) - Hudson Family Foundation - James Sellars - Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home (Bill and Coley Trant) - Jerry Twigs - Lambert Transfer & Storage - L.C Ligon - Mary Burt - Opelika’s Walmart Supercenter - Party City - Pepsi (Buffalo Rock Distributors)

- Robert Williams (Bancorp South) - Ronnie Lipham of Four Seasons Credit Union - Ruth Erb - Sun Self Storage - VFW Post 5404 - Walmart Distribution Center - Wilbur and Karol Prickett Party attendees, volunteers and dignitaries On average, 360 special education students, 125 teachers and 100 cheerleaders attend the party each year. Students from Lee and Russell counties, as well as Valley Haven School in Chambers County.

Cheerleaders from those schools along with the Clauses, Deejay Jerry Welcher and Opelika High School’s Ovations group, are regulars at the party, helping students get into the festive spirit through music, dancing and other Christmasthemed activities. However, special guests in the past have included the Chick-fil-a cows, Opelika Fire and Police department mascots “Sparky” and “McGruff” as well as Auburn University’s

beloved mascot, Aubie.

“These kids represent a mostly forgotten segment of the population. A lot of these kids would never get the chance to see Aubie or Batman, who’s portrayed by Andrew Barnes (owner/operator of Chick-fil-a Tiger Town),” Prickett said.

While the group is aging, volunteers consist of a large chunk of union members. Some constants of the party include Travis Pugh as Santa Clause, who has been involved with the party for more than 21 years. His wife Nancy, along with Jane Holloway and the late Anne Newton, have portrayed Mrs. Clause through the years.

Prickett said another critical pillar of support for the party has always come from the Opelika Mayor’s Office.

Mayor Gary Fuller, along with Administrative Assistant Barbara Arrington and ESG/Public Works Director Mike Hilyer, help with the location and logistics for the party each year, with Hilyer and his family also contributing

by dressing up as “The Incredibles” from the beloved set of Pixar films.

“This (is a) big event (that) touches a lot of special children. I always enjoy attending and seeing the pure joy on those beautiful faces ... this one event makes my Christmas,” Fuller said.

Many local dignitaries, including Opelika City Council members and individuals like Rep. Debbie Wood from House of Representatives District 38 and Adjutant Gen. Sheryl Gordon of the Alabama National Guard, attend each year.

Local law enforcement officials also participate in the party, greeting and talking with students to cultivate lasting, meaningful relationships. ”The Christmas season is about joy and you won’t find it anywhere more than in the hearts of these children. Attending the party has become one of my favorite holiday traditions; I am inspired and uplifted by them every year and I always hope my presence can, in some small way, inspire them in return,” Gordon said in an emailed statement.

“I have always had a place in my heart for special needs children and I love getting to see them have fun and dance and enjoy life,” said Russell County Sheriff Heath Taylor.

“Seeing the faces of these kids light up while they’re having a great time really touches you deep down in your heart,” added Chambers County Sheriff Sid Lockhart.

Future of the party As time wears on, Prickett and Welcher are both unsure of how long they will be able to continue organizing the party.

Through their connection with Williams, who is a member of the Happy Hour Rotary Club, Prickett said he, Welcher and fellow union workers are prepared to pass it down to that organization when they can no longer take on the challenge.

“Even when we’ve stopped doing this ... at the heart of what this event about is giving back to the community and putting a smile on the faces of children,” Welcher said.

A16 Feb. 05, 2020

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COMICS

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

Opelika Schools ports &S Inside • opelika schools • lee county schools • community sports

School Board Meeting Schedule • Feb. 11 - Lee County School Board Meeting - 2410 Society Hill Road • Feb. 25 - Opelika City School Board Meeting - 300 Simmons St.

Registration for Opelika Pre-K Program now open

On the Mark

By D. Mark Mitchell

Opelika basketball splits games with Auburn last week

T

he Opelika Lady Bulldog Basketball Team (24-6) split games last week, losing 70-52 at G.W. Carver-Montgomery and beating rival Auburn at the new AHS Gym. The Lady Wolverines beat Opelika 70-52, one of the worse defeats of the season. Ananda Hughley was a bright spot offensively with 21 points.

OHS rebounded with a huge 61-38 win over rival Auburn Thursday.

Four Lady Bulldogs scored in double digits: Haley Sanders 16 points, Kaitlyn Bryant 15 points, Ladajah Hughley 10 points and Claire Worth added 10 points.

Coach Devin Booth was pleased with her team’s defensive play.

OHS won the 6A area regular season title and hosted the area tournament. Russell County and Benjamin Russell played Tuesday night at the Mainstreet Gym in the first round of the area tournament. The winner plays Opelika on Thursday at 6 p.m. in the Mainstreet Gym. Opelika will be playing for a sub-regional game at home. Thursday results were not available

at press time.

BOYS Coach John Wadsworth schedules tough teams on his schedule, and this week the Bulldogs played 6A powerhouse Carver and 7A rival Auburn. They ended up losing both games on the road.

Carver defeated Opelika 64-52 last week in Montgomery. Ja Carr scored 12 points to lead Opelika, while Ant MacGuire added 10 points and teammate Brandon Howard contributed 8.

Last Thursday, Auburn avenged an earlier loss to Opelika with a 67-58 win over the Bulldogs. Brandon Howard led Opelika with 14 points.

The OHS boys will travel to Seale Wednesday at 5 p.m. to take on Benjamin Russell. The winner will advance to the area tournament finals on Friday at 5 p.m. The winner of the area tournament will host the sub-regional game, while the loser will travel.

WRESTLING Last weekend, the OHS wrestling team participated in the “Hornet Slam,” an invitaSee Sports, page B5

By Sara Wilson For the Opelika Observer Pre-registration for a new pre-k program in Opelika opened on Feb. 3 and will continue until the end of the school year.

Alabama’s FirstClass Pre-K program, a state funded voluntary program for 4-year-old children, has provided the opportunity for pre-k

education programs all over the state. The city of Opelika has two of these programs in place as well as a third in the works.

Program director Jolene Clark said that this Feb. 3 registration is a preliminary paper registration to help gauge the community’s interest.

Seeing the public’s interest in this program will help when applying for a grant,

which the program has not yet received.

Once the grant is received, registration will stay open for one month during which parents can apply online. When that registration closes, there will be a public lottery drawing to select students.

The program, opening fall 2020, will be located in Opelika High School at the Media Center en-

trance. Registration is also located at the high school.

In order to register for the program, one must be a resident of Opelika. There are no registration or enrollment fees. Students must be 4 years old on or before Sept. 2, 2020 to participate in the program.

For more information, visit www. opelikaschools.org or call 334-741-5623.

Opelika City School board hears resident’s concern regarding incident during Opelika Middle School assembly last December

By Natalie Anderson Staff Reporter During last Tuesday’s school board meeting the Opelika City School Board heard from concerned Opelika resident Oscar Penn in regards to a incident at Opelika Middle School late last year. According to him, a student skit was led by a group of girls who began their performance and were interrupted by a group of boys in black masks.

Penn brought printed documents to the meeting including photos from the assembly at Opelika Middle School and photos of the masks from 2013‘s first installment of “The Purge” saga. “(I’m) not upset at the students for them

doing what they were told to do or given an opportunity to do, but as you can see for yourself, there’s a total difference (between the masks used from The Purge and the masks brought out to the assembly),” Penn said. Penn’s concern was the possible use of “blackface” during a school assembly.

While the board took no immediate action, Chairwoman Patsy Parker thanked Penn for coming to them with his concerns and for caring about the community.

Also, the board recognized OCS “Teachers of the Year” during their meeting. Teachers’ families attended the ceremony and were introduced as each individual was honored for their outstanding

dedication and hard work in the teaching profession.

Each teacher was awarded with a silver platter handed out by local principals.

According to school administrators and OCS Superintendent Dr. Mark Neighbors, the select teachers were chosen because “they care about children and care that they learn.”

The following are the 2019-20 OCS Teachers of the Year: Carver Primary Lauren Lee Jeter Primary - Mary Fleming Southview Primary Amy Blackburn Morris Avenue Intermediate - Kelly Cain West Forest Intermediate - Sydney Hinkle Opelika Middle School - Cara Burnett

OCS Elementary Teacher of the Year Danielle Rosener and OCS Secondary Teacher of the Year Mandi Edwards.

In other business, the board: - approved personnel recommendations - approved a decrease in the state per-mile travel reimbursement rate for use of personal cars - approved an out-ofstate field trip request - approved surplus of promethean boards and projectors for donations/recycling - heard regular reports on financial and child nutrition The next board meeting is scheduled for Feb. 25. Their meetings are held at OCS Board of Education facility located at 300 Simmons St.

B2 Feb. 05, 2020

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Seniors on Opelika High School’s wrestling team recognized prior to last week’s matches v. Jefferson Davis, Prattville

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Senior members of Opelika High School’s 2019-2020 wrestling team were recognized prior to last week’s matches against Jefferson Davis and Prattville. Pictured are Billy Daughtry, James Dawson, Julian Favors, Jackson Shoemaker, Chris Willett, Cameron Williams and Coach Jim Davis.

OZONE trampoline and tumbling teams Community members take a ‘Polar Plunge’ for Special Olymipians participate in regional competition

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer The Opelika Trampoline and Tumbling teams in levels 3 to 10 competed on floor, trampoline and the double mini trampoline at a recent competition in Knoxville, Tennessee from Jan. 18 to 19 against teams from Alabama, Georgia, Minnesota, North Carolina and Tennessee. Pictured bottom left to right: Genesis Harvis, Olivia Battle, Haiden Hamilton, Jordynn Lewis and Brynlee Yarbrough. Pictured left to right: Maya Billingslea, Ty Barnes and Alex Crowley. Not pictured are Carrington Allen and Baylee Smith.

TEXTILE MILLS ASBESTOS CLAIMS If you began working in a Textile Mill, Tire Plant, Paper Mill, Steel Mill or any other industrial setting before 1980: You may have a claim against the asbestos manufacturers.

Call now for your free evaluation.

1-(888)432-6020 Asbestos Claims, LLC, Jubal L. Hamil Attorney at Law ARPC 7.2.(e) “No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.”

Photos and report submitted by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer More than 100 people dived into Auburn’s Samford Pool to raise money for the Lee County Special Olympics group on Saturday, including Auburn Mayor Ron Anders. “It was horrible but great. There was not way to prepare for when you touch the water for the first time – but what a great cause to make the sacrifice,” Anders said. This year’s fundraising efforts raised $14,173, funding which Lee County Special Olympics Director said will help “support (more than) 300 athletic expenses during the year.”

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B3 Feb. 05, 2020

Notes spell ‘LOVE’

Beth Pinyerd

A

s an early childhood teacher, I look forward to the month of February because of the many creative opportunities it offers for children to express love on Valentine’s Day! Beautiful lace doilies, heart stickers, drawing and cutting out paper hearts to celebrate in the classroom and at home is an annual winter holiday we look forward to! Why wait

H

ow we live day to day and the “posture” of which we approach life can make us or break us. We have a daily choice, to seek out the positive in our day to day or to simply not. I choose to seek. I chose to find the joy in my midst and create the good I want to see.

We all have this ability.

The life we lead and the behavior in which we lead it, is in our hands. Do you choose the positive outlook, or do you choose to be frazzled and disturbed?

The power is within us. It’s a choice.

We will all encounter difficult days and troublesome times, but if we can train ourselves in the good times, to see the good all around us, then when hardship strikes, we will be prepared.

I’m going to give you a few, simple daily tricks to boost your own positivity.

These are daily practices I have worked with for

to Valentine’s Day to send love notes? Let’s celebrate every day in sending notes of love to our children!

I know we have email, text and Twitter to send quick notes to our children, but one way to send love and encouragement to your children is by handwritten notes.

Yes, drawing a note for a child does take time, but the heartfelt gratitude that this brings will result in a lifetime of memories

and benefits. Time spent doing this spells LOVE! When a child realizes they got a note from mom, dad or a grandparent, as a teacher I see firsthand how this encourages a young child! I have seen little fellows cling on to a simple yellow Post-it note from mom or dad all day long. It brings joy and security from home to school.

Young students love to get simple notes from their teachers as well!

In sending a love note, let your children know that you unconditionally love them for “who they are” and how God made them with their personalities and gifts! As we all know, praise and compliments go a long way in encouraging young hearts. In fact, adults are given a boost of confidence and happiness when we are praised for our efforts in our work or when we are serving.

This same expression of praise goes a long way with children too. In a love note, specifically note how your child may have helped you by cleaning their rooms, helping to set the table for a meal, clean up after a meal, feeding and taking care of their pets, picking up paper off the floor, etc.

Express feelings and gratitude to your child - we all feel the need to be appreciated.

Notes of encouragement are also important. If a child is facing weekly tests at school or other challenges, a note to let them know that you are praying and pulling for them to do well goes a long way!

Our world is so busy and raising children can be a challenge.

We all make mistakes. A verbal “will you forgive me” is good but this is done quickly and we go on with our day. A written “will you forgive

me note” is one that a child will absolutely learn from.

Children love to find surprise notes in unexpected places. As a teacher, I love to stick encouragement notes under desktops, chairs, student folders, etc.

As a parent, you can slip notes in lunch boxes, backpacks, Post-it notes on bathroom mirrors, a child’s pillow when they wake up in the morning, by their breakfast plate and even in their clothes or shoes.

One of the greatest book of love notes that we receive from our Heavenly Father is the Bible! What a wonderful book of truthful notes that map out how we should live our lives. What a loving God we have whom sends us notes everyday in His Word as well as His World!

Pinyerd has taught young children in the early childhood classroom for 34 years as well as outreach-

ing to the elderly in intergenerational settings. She has taught and outreached in the schools in Opelika and Baldwin County.

She holds a master’s degree in early childhood education as well as a bachelor’s degree in family and child development both from Auburn University. Her husband is the late Carl Pinyerd and she has one son, Gus Pinyerd, who has taught her so much about learning.

Classroom Observer is here to serve the community in sharing the wonderful teaching programs in our local public schools, private schools, and homeschools. The column is provided to enrich the education of our children, youth, and families. Classroom Observer welcomes educational news, school news, pictures and events by e-mailing her at donnapinyerd@ charter.net.

The Power of Positivity years. They have evolved and changed slightly over time but are still as basic as the day I began them.

1. Feed your soul first: Before I begin my day, I feed my soul. I sit still in bed with my cup of coffee and I feed me. It usually consists of calming worship music, reading a bit of an inspiring book or the bible, praying or journaling. I don’t do them all at the same time. It changes from day to day.

Whichever sparks my interest that morning. It’s a time for me to be still and love me.

2. Smiles and Hugs around the House: All three of my kids and Isaac get a hug and a smile from me as soon as I see them in the morning. No matter what’s on my mind or what the day holds, they get my best, first thing. It feeds into their hearts. They are all more likely to seek the positive, if I can show it to them at the very beginning

Bradley Robertson of their day.

3. Exercise: Getting your body moving for 30 minutes a day has huge positive benefits. Walking, hiking, aerobics, running, playing with your kids. It can be whatever you enjoy. We need the natural endorphins released that bring about happiness and relieve any stress. It will positively affect your mood which will in turn, positively affect all the people around you.

4. Spend time outside: Find some way amongst your work and daily living to be outdoors. This may be your exercise, this could be eating lunch outside your office building, drinking your coffee outdoors, taking an evening stroll before sunset. Find a specific time in your day to be outside.

There is nothing better than mother nature to feed our bodies and souls. Breath in all the good oxygen

and soak in the beauty of creation.

5. Surround yourself with positive people: This is a biggie for me. When people feed good vibes into you, it’s going to spread into your entire life. Are the people in your circle lifting you up or tearing you down? Stay close to the ones who lift you up. You need them and chances are, they need you too. It is okay to walk away from relationships that are not bringing you Joy. 6. Do something fun every day. This can be simple or this can be grand. This is often a dance party in my kitchen at night or going on a sunset walk with my kids.

Sometimes it’s listening to my kids tell ridiculous jokes and laughing at each other. I’m taking Braxton out to dinner this week. I can’t wait to take Shep to an AU Baseball game. Find the fun! Life is too short to ditch the fun, my friends!

7. Stoop below others

and be their Light: What you get in return when you can stop in your tracks for someone else, is huge.

A smile. A hug. A word of compassion. A phone call. A simple text message. Giving positivity to someone else, will only fill up your positive tank too.

It’s a beautiful circle that never ends.

One of my favorite authors is Ann Voskamp.

She has said a lot of things that have stuck with me, but my all-time favorite is “Be the Blessing.” Be the positive for others. Be the positive for your kids. Be the positive for the random woman in Target. Be the positive for you! Create the good the world needs to see, there can never be enough of it.

I’d love to hear from you too! Feel free to email me with questions or comments to bradley@passionandtruth.com.

Letter to the Editor: Amendment 1 aims to eliminate voting for the SBOE represenatives Dear Editor, On March 3, 2020, Alabamians will go to the polls to vote on statewide Amendment 1. The proponents of this amendment have designed the wording to deceive the voter into thinking we are voting mainly to change the name of the State Board of Education (SBOE) and the title of the State Superintendent of Education. However, this is far from the truth of the full wording of the amendment.

Here is the truth about SB397, which defines the full Amendment 1: 1. Amendment 1, if passed, will take away your right to vote for your State Board of Education representatives in the future and allow the politicians to decide who they want to appoint to the State Board of Education.

Do you want to lose your right to vote for your SBOE representative? Then VOTE NO! 2. Amendment 1 is worded to deceive the voter into thinking it

is all about renaming the SBOE. It is not!

Do you like the idea of politicians trying to deceive you into voting for this amendment?

Then VOTE NO! 3. The proponents of Amendment 1, if passed, state that it will remove Common Core State Standards from the public schools.

It will NOT! All the politicians have to do is to rename Common Core State Standards to some other title and Alabama will be stuck with the worst national education standards,

which is Common Core State Standards.

Do you want your Alabama Constitution to continue to allow the federal government to set the standards for what Alabama children are taught? Then VOTE NO! 4. The proponents state that Amendment 1 should pass because most other states in the USA appoint their State Board of Education members and have better test scores than Alabama.

Based on the 2019 National Assessment

of Education Progress, as rated by U.S. News and World Report, three of the top-10 states have elected state school board members; six of the bottom 10 states have appointed state board members. Do you want these politicians to deceive the voters into passing this amendment to give them more power? Then VOTE NO! 5. Amendment 1, if passed, parents would have no voice in your children’s education.

The politicians would

control education in Alabama. Then VOTE NO! If Amendment 1 is suppose to be good for Alabamians and our children, why do the politicians have to deceive the voter by using deceptive language, instead of being forthright about what it really means. I hope you the voter will tell these politicians you do not like being deceived and on March 3, 2020, VOTE NO on Amendment 1.

Danny Hubbard of Oxford

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Warning signs of bullying Smiths Station Special to the Opelika Observer

By Maggie Lawrence Bullying is common in children and youth.

Research shows that one in three young people admit to bullying others. An Alabama Extension family and child development specialist said it is important parents be alert for warning signs that their child is bullying others.

“How young people behave at home is often a reflection of how they behave with others at school,” said Adrienne Duke. “Children who bully others tend to feel a need to have control over situations, push boundaries, and are often unaware of the consequences of violent behaviors.”

Warning Signs of Bullying Duke, who is also an associate professor in Auburn University’s Department of Human Development and Family Studies, said when youth have a high need for control, it may indicate they are exhib-

iting bullying behaviors toward others.

“Most teens like to have some sense of control, but it can become a problem when they want to control all situations at home, school and with their friends,” she said.

Teens can display this control as aggression and manipulation with peers. A child may display anger and violence to gain attention.

Youth who bully others also may want to gain social status and control others to gain social dominance in school or within their peer group.

Bullies often challenge boundaries given by parents, teachers, coaches and authority figures. These youth may continue to act unacceptably, even when they know it is wrong or after being corrected.

“Some bullies may not understand the problems associated with their behavior,” Duke said. “They may not even consider how their behaviors affect others or themselves.”

For parents who think

their child is showing signs of bullying, Duke offers these tips for following up these suspicions.

Communicate with school staff. Teachers and other school staff interact with children and observe their interactions with other students. Use parentteacher conferences, email and phone calls.

Talk with adults that interact with the child outside of school.

This is a good way to determine if bullying behaviors are happening outside of school and with friends.

“Having multiple information sources can provide useful insights about your child’s behavior away from home,” Duke said.

Addressing Bullying Research shows that children benefit from parents and guardians who are warm and open to communication, and who set appropriate boundaries for their child’s behaviors.

“Show your teen that you take bullying seriously by creating rules

and consequences for these behaviors,” Duke said. “A consistent set of rules, behavioral expectations, and discipline are effective in correcting problem behaviors.”

Additionally, she encourages parents to seek out school activities and resources that support positive behaviors. In particular, ask about after-school activities or sports programs that can help youth improve how they relate to other teens and adults.

Students who participate in extracurricular activities tend to be less involved in bullying.

Duke offers these points to remember.

Traumatic events sometimes increase aggression in teens. If a teen has experienced a traumatic event and is displaying aggressive or bullying behaviors, consider taking him/her to a licensed counselor or therapist to help learn how to cope with the experience.

If a teen becomes agSee Bullying, page B5

High School’s Department of Theatre to stage three shows of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ Feb. 27, 28, 29 Special to the Opelika Observer Smiths Station High School’s Theatre Department will proudly present “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” to audiences Feb. 27 to 29 at the school’s studio theater.

According to a press release from the school, the play’s story will focus on “groups of actors, lovers and magical creatures will work toward different

goals in a magical forest near Athens” but possess an 80s twist that will give audiences a unique perspective on the Shakespearean classic.

Tickets will cost $7 each. The box office will open each evening at 6:30 p.m. E.S.T. followed by the show at 7 p.m.

For more information, call 334-664-4060 or visit www.sshstheatre.com.

The school is located at 4228 Lee Road 430.

Wes Kinsey Memorial Scholarship established through SUSCC Foundation Special to the Opelika Observer The Southern Union State Community College Foundation is pleased to announce the establishment of

the Wes Kinsey Memorial Scholarship.

Established by his wife, Donna, and his colleagues at iSchoolSports Network, the scholarship fund honors the memory of the

late Wes Kinsey.

“We are so honored to be the avenue through which this scholarship honoring Wes is made possible,” said Shondae Brown, Southern

Union’s director of public relations. “He was a true friend to our college; a strong advocate for Southern Union, and we are glad to help the good things that he stood

for to live on.”

A total of four scholarships in the amount of $250 each shall be awarded to students from each of the four high schools in Randolph County (Wood-

land High School, Wadley High School, Randolph County High School and Handley High School) who display an interSee Scholarship, page B5

Bob Weidenbach to speak on Auburn history at Feb. 12 OLLI ‘Brown Bag Lunch and Learn’ at Boykin Community Center Special to the Opelika Observer Auburn native Bob Weidenbach will present Old Auburn: A Pictorial History of Auburn at OLLI’s Alabama Bicentennial Brown Bag Lunch & Lecture Series. He will explore Auburn’s history through photographs.

Weidenbach’s fam-

ily is true Auburn. Both his parents graduated from Auburn, where his father later served as the assistant to the Dean of Agriculture. Weidenbach and both of his sons also graduated from Auburn, and his grandchildren are now students. That makes four generations of Weidenbach’s at Auburn. He left after graduation to live and work in Georgia, where

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“This project was supported by Subgrant #16-VA-VS-076 awarded by the Law Enforcement / Traffic Safety Division of ADECA and the U.S. Department of Justice.” The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice or grant-making component.”

he served as planner for the Georgia Department of Education. After retiring, Weidenbach and his wife returned to Auburn, where he now operates a piano tuning business and indulges his hobby of collecting historical photos of his home town.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Auburn University (OLLI at Auburn) hosts

its Alabama Bicentennial Brown Bag Lunch and Lecture Series from 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Boykin Community Center, located at 400 Boykin St. in Auburn.

The bring-your-ownlunch begins at 11:45 and complimentary coffee, tea and cookies will be provided.

The program begins at 12:15 p.m. The series is cosponsored by the

Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts and Humanities and City of Auburn’s Boykin Community Center. The program is open to the public at no charge.

OLLI at Auburn is a program of the Office of the Vice President for University Outreach at Auburn University.

OLLI administrative offices and select classes are located at the historic

Sunny Slope property at 1031 South College St. in Auburn.

For more information regarding this event or to learn about becoming a volunteer faculty member, volunteer service assistant, or sponsor, please contact Shawnee McKee, OLLI Administrative Support, at 334844-3146, olli@auburn. edu. or visit the website www.olliatauburn.org.

Register for the First Ride and Seek: A Bicycle Safety Adventure Special to the Opelika Observer The first Ride and Seek: A Bicycle Safety Adventure will take place on April 4, at the Parks and Recreation Complex located at 425 Perry St. in Auburn. For those who would like a T-shirt, registration is going on now through March 20.

Walk-up registration will also be accepted

on the day of the event, but no T-shirts will be available at that time.

The event will begin at 9 a.m., with stations on-site covering various bike safety topics such as helmet fitting, bike fitting, lights and reflectors as well as proper hand signaling.

3-mile rides will depart intermittently with opportunities to win prizes along the route.

Tickets are $5 without

a T-shirt or $10 with a T-shirt. Visit www. auburnalabama.org/ rideandseek to register in advance.

Ride and Seek is sponsored by the Auburn Bicycle Committee and the City of Auburn. The Bicycle Committee seeks to encourage biking activities, endorse bicycle safety, promote the health benefits of this great leisure sport

and emphasize local, bike-friendly neighborhoods. The event will include live music as well as breakfast and lunch for purchase from Drive-By Tacos.

The door prize drawing will take place at 11:30 a.m.

For more information or to inquire about sponsor, send email to Gabby Filgo at gfilgo@auburnalabama. org.

pelika O Observer

B5 Feb. 05, 2020

Trinity Christian School Beauregard High School students looking to improve overall created business ideas for competition record in final two games modeled after ABC’s ‘Shark Tank’ Report submitted

by Jason Scott Trinity Christian lost 51-50 to The Campus at home on Jan. 23. This game was Trinity’s last region game and their only loss in region play.

Unable to get his play into the paint against a dominant 6’8” center from Peachtree City, Coach Richard Oliver went to his outside game but had little success there either. The story of the night was the combined 26-for-79 shooting attempts for both teams. Jaxxon Scott had 13 points and only 8 rebounds for the game.

Daniel Adams scored 9 points and pulled down 6

boards while senior point guard Lane Starling led the Eagles with 15 points, 7 rebounds and 5 steals.

On Jan. 27, Lafayette Christian came to Opelika to face Trinity. The Eagles’ junior varsity squad won 45-41 but varsity fell 69-49.

Scott led his team with 21 points and 13 boards.

Jackson Washburn added 12 rebounds and Lane Starling put up 11 points.

Trinity lost to Southern Prep Academy 70-65 on Jan. 28. Jackson Washburn had 9 points and 15 rebounds, Starling added 8 points and 9 assists and Scott had a big night with 30 points,

23 rebounds and 7 steals.

The Eagles were leading 36 to 29 at halftime but could not keep up with the Rangers’ deep bench.

No report was provided for Trinity’s game against Grace of Columbus on Jan. 31.

Trinity dropped a tough 66-62 contest to LaGrange Academy on Feb. 3, falling to 5-8 overall.

On Feb. 6, Trinity will host Ezekiel Academy of Montgomery for its final regular season home game and will travel to Camp Hill on Feb. 11 to play Southern Prep Academy for a second time this season and its last regular season game.

Photos special to the Opelika Observer

Rebecca Wilson wins Good Citizen Scholarship from local DAR Chapter

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer Opelika High School student Rebecca Wilson was selected as the Martha Wayless Jefferson DAR Chapter First Place Good Citizen Scholarship Winner.

She is pictured here with her parents, Robin and Jeff, DAR Representatives Linda Shabo and Vicki Ravis and Opelika High School Principal Dr. Farrell Seymore and Guidance Counselor Meredith Mitchell. The DAR Good Citizen Scholarship is intended to encourage and reward the qualities of Good Citizenship. The student selected to represent their high school should show the qualities of “Dependability, Service, Leadership and Patriotism” and write an essay on a topic provided by the DAR Good Citizen Committee. This year’s topic was “You and Your Peers are our nation’s leaders of tomorrow.

How would You energize America’s youth to fully engage as effective citizens?” For more information, visit marthawaylesjefferson.alabamadar.com/.

Sports from B1 tional tournament with 16 teams. The following Bulldog Grapplers made it to the podium for medal presentation: Joey Baker - 120 pounds (4-1 and 3rd place), Tharra Brunson - 126 pounds (4th place) was fourth and Cameron Williams - 132 pounds (4-1 and 3rd place).

Opelika is preparing for the sectional meet and is hoping to advance to the State Meet.

SPRING SPORTS - TENNIS The Opelika boys and girls tennis teams opened the 2020 season against Benjamin Russell. The boys swept the Widcats while the girls lost 6-3. The following players won matches; 9-0. Gray Walker (1) won 8-0, Parker McKay (2) won 8-0, Dawson Rush (3) won 8-1, Ben Estes (4) won 8-2, Connor Mullins (5) won 8-0, Andrew

Hudson won by forfeit and girls No. 2 Laney McTier won 8-5.

Doubles teams of McKay/Estes, Walker/ Rowton, McTier/Long and Hope Beardon/ Vera Smith T won matches.

OHS FOOTBALL SIGNEES Opelika High School’s football team held a signing ceremony for players signing football scholarships on the morning of Feb. 5. Among those signing are Brody Davis, Nate Evans, Julian Favors, Omar Holloway, Kory McCoy, Jamius Mitchell and Marshall Myers.

James Dawson and Jaylen Stinson signed during the early signing period but were not allowed to sign on the OHS campus.

They signed at places around the community, including Mayor Gary Fuller’s office.

OMS ATHLETICS I do not have any athletic news to report from OMS. The seventh grade basketball team only played

a seven-game season.

I wrote about the OMS seventh graders in a prior addition.

No results or information is available.

I reached out by email to OMS Principal Keith York and Athletics Director Craig Montel for help with information.

The seventh grade basketball summary was the only information sent.

If you have scores or other information pertaining to OMS athletics, send email to foxonthemark@ yahoo.com ON THE MARK/ FOX SPORTS THE GAME 910-1310 I am inviting you to listen to “On the Mark” airing on Fox Sports the Game 910 and 1310 AM each weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. The LOCAL Sports radio show airs on two radio stations 910 AM locally and 1310 AM in Valley, West Point, Lanett, essentially covering East Alabama and West Georgia.

Jeff Sasser and I

co-host, with a guest host list including Dan Washburn, Larry Gore, Derek Lee, Dr. Jeff Meyers, James Cooper, Chris Wood, Joe Wilson and Doug Barfield among guest callers Coaches Pat Dye and Gene Stallings. Local coaches will call in as well as ones from Auburn University.

We keep you informed with the cities of Opelika, Auburn, Lanett and Valley. Mayor Gary Fuller, Mayor Ron Anders, Mayor Kyle McCoy and Mayor Leonard Riley call the show following city council meetings.

Tune into “On the Mark” radio version on Fox Sports the Game 910 and 1310 AM on the radio dial or download the iHeartRadio app or online at foxsportsthegame.com.

Mitchell is sports director for iHeart Media, Alabama Dixie Boys State Director and vice president of the A-O Sports Council.

Photo by Abra Camp Submitted to the Opelika Observer Donna Kinsey and Adam Slay make an initial donation to establish the Wes Kinsey Memorial Scholarship through the SU Foundation. Receiving the donation is Shondae Brown of Southern Union.

Scholarship, from B4 est in the fine arts.

Anyone interested in helping sustain the scholarship can make a contribution to the Scholarship Fund in Kinsey’s memory.

Donations should be sent to Southern Union Foundation, PO Box 1000, Wadley, AL 36276. Please earmark donations for the Wes Kinsey Scholarship.

The Southern Union Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that was established to sup-

Bullying, from B4 gressive or behaves inappropriately, consider why they are behaving that way. Teens act out for various reasons, so it is important for parents to consider a teen’s experiences. Talking to the teen could lead to a teachable moment resulting in better behavior.

Youth learn through observations. Parents should model positive behaviors and be cautious of aggressive language and behaviors.

Choose involvement.

port and foster the educational and service programs and activities of SUSCC. The Foundation increases educational access for students through financial support and enables the college to initiate innovative projects to enhance the quality of education.

Scholarship applications can be found by visiting the Foundation page on the SU website, suscc.edu.

For more information on this scholarship, or giving opportunities, please contact Brown at 256-395-2211, ext.

5145 or sbrown@suscc. edu.

Meeting teachers and participating in PTA/PTO and other school activities can help to improve a teen’s behaviors at school. Youth tend to have less behavioral problems when their parents are involved in the school system.

More Information More information on dealing with bullying is in the publication Advancing Bullying Awareness: Parenting Strategies for Teens Who Bully Others.

For further information, visit www.aces.edu to read other Extension’s resources on bullying and other parenting information.

B6 Feb. 05, 2019

pelika Observer O

Opelika High School’s varsity basketball teams split v. Auburn; boys fall 54-43 girls win 61-38

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics Wednesday, Feb. 05, 2020

Inside the Statehouse Smiths Station City Council hear, approve Legislative session begins this week; clean opinion on city’s 2019 audit report Legislator abolishes his own county

T

he 2020 Legislative Session begins this week. It will be an interesting threeand-a-half months.

There are a myriad of important issues that legislators have to address this year, as always.

However, standing in the way of substantive state issues each year is the necessity to address local bills.

Our 1901 Constitution is archaic in many aspects. One of which is that those men who drafted the act were reluctant to give home rule to local counties for various reasons.

Therefore, county governments and county commissions must come with hat in hand to their legislator to even take care of mundane matters.

Many of you have asked with dismay, after journeying to the legislature for a view of the House and Senate in action, what is happening?

They are astounded and oftentimes outraged at the scene on the floor. It appears that one legislator is at the microphone and nobody is paying attention to him. The other 100 legislators are milling around visiting with each other laughing, eating, talking on cell phones, doing everything under the sun but paying attention to the pertinent issue being introduced. In the other chamber

By Steve Flowers they may see or hear a clerk reading a bill aloud and no senator is even present on the floor. This display of disorganization, disarray and lack of decorum is difficult to explain to school children who come to the Capitol for the day.

The reason is that the issue up front for debate and passage is whether Fayette County can buy a tractor or Walker County wants to change the number of seats on a local water board. The bill does not affect but one county and the local legislative delegation is the only one that needs to vote on it.

This brings me to a pertinent point – the Legislature is not a good steppingstone to higher elective office. First, legislators get no statewide name identification.

Second, legislators have a very extensive record of casting hundreds of votes. These votes can be scrutinized and distorted.

If a legislator takes the position that they choose to abstain from voting on the

other counties’ local bills, then they are recorded as not voting on more than 100 votes in a session. An opponent can run an ad accusing them of going to Montgomery and not even showing up to vote. On the other hand, a good number of these local bills are not as benign as just buying a tractor.

A county commission may be asking for local legislation to raise the local fuel tax to buy a fleet of tractors. Therefore, if you vote a complimentary yes as a courtesy to your legislative colleague, you are recorded as voting for millions of dollars in taxes.

Then you have to run on that record.

There has been a lot of trickery over the years with local legislation. Therefore, legislators need to be aware of what may be hidden in these innocuous local acts their fellow legislators ask then to vote for. A legendary, masterful act of deceit played on a legislator by a fellow legislator still reverberates almost 60 years later. It occurred during the second Big Jim Folsom administration during the late 1950s. Legislators Emmett Oden of Franklin County and Jack Huddleston of Colbert County despised each other.

These two counties adjoin each other in See Flowers, page B11

Photo by Morgan Bryce/Opelika Observer

By Morgan Bryce Editor Mayor F.L. “Bubba” Copeland and the Smiths Station City Council were all smiles after hearing the annual audit report from Larry

Young, a senior partner of the Columbus-based accounting firm Albright, Fortenberry and Ninas LLP. Young thoroughly covered each detail of the report with the council. The most

notable statistic was the nearly 14 full months of operating expenses covered by the city’s current financial reserves, which far exceeds the 3 to 6 month average See Council, page B9

Secretary Merrill issues clarification on voting in Alabama related to ‘STAR IDs’ Special to the Opelika Observer Following numerous constituency concerns related to the use of STAR IDs, Secretary of State John H. Merrill issued the following clarification on voting in Alabama: Recently, the Office of the Secretary of State has received numerous calls from misinformed citizens about the correct forms of photo identification accepted at the polls on Election Day. Acceptable forms of photo ID required to vote include: • Valid Alabama Driver’s License (not expired or has been expired less than 60

NOW OPEN

Merrill days) • Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Digital Driver’s License • Valid Alabama Nondriver ID (not expired or has been expired less than 60 days) • Alabama Law Enforcement Agency

Digital Nondriver ID • Valid Alabama Photo Voter ID Card • Valid State-Issued (Alabama or any other state) ID (Valid AL Department of Corrections Release Temporary ID [Photo Required], Valid AL Movement/Booking See Voting, page B9

Indoor shooting range is open to the public

2195 FIRST AVENUE • OPELIKA

pelika Observer O

B8 Feb. 05, 2019

Bradley Byrne expresses confidence in Senate primary, discusses issues

By Will Fairless For the Opelika Observer Congressman Bradley Byrne visited with Opelika Observer staff last week to discuss the 2020 senate race and the issues he hopes to tackle if elected.

Byrne was born in Mobile, and attended Duke University for his undergraduate studies. He returned to his home state to attend the University of Alabama’s law school.

At the same time as he was practicing law, he became very involved in efforts to try to improve the public education system in Mobile county. He eventually became a member of the state school board in that district.

“It was a part-time position, which would allow me to practice law and, at the same time,

perform this public service,” Byrne said.

He would continue his career of public service in the Alabama Senate, to which he was elected in 2002. In 2007, Byrne became the Chancellor of the Alabama Community College System.

In 2014, he assumed his current office.

Byrne is currently polling behind Jeff Sessions in the senate primary, but feels confident that the two will have a runoff election.

His confidence comes from recent polls and the fact that he has visited all 67 of Alabama’s counties during his campaign. He is proud of the grassroots organization he has working in every one of those counties.

“I don’t see any other campaign in this race that has anything like that,” Byrne said.

Bradley and Rebecca Byrne On the potential runoff between him and Sessions, Byrne admits it is too early to speculate, but he is encouraged by the fact that the race is so close despite the electorate’s familiarity with Sessions. “If 100 percent of the voters already know who you are, they already have a formed opinion about you, and you get taken to a runoff, that’s a bad sign,” Byrne said.

Byrne identified a growing divide in America as the most pressing domestic threat to the nation.

He attributed the trend toward animosity and heel-digging to a vocal minority whose aim it is to separate the country. “All of us need to realize that we have far more in common than we don’t; the vast majority of people in America are hard-

working, good people, they love their families, they have strong faith, they are good patriots,” Byrne said, “We’ve got to push back against the minority that’s trying to take us to a place that the majority doesn’t want to go.”

He added that this split (and laziness) contribute to the procrastination in congress of a discussion about where the governments priorities lie with regard to spending. Byrne’s foremost goal, if elected (he emphasizes that there is yet a lot of work to be done before this hypothetical can be realized), is to have that long-delayed discussion and balance the federal budget. “There’s a way to get our fiscal house in order and not only no longer add to the debt but even start paying it down, as we did in the

late 90’s,” Byrne said.

Among the priorities Byrne listed is national defense, which is “right in [his] wheelhouse.”

He named China as the greatest external threat to the United States because of its enormous population, growing economy and worlddomination-focused ideology. Another priority of his is that Alabama gets its fair share of any economic stimulus package or infrastructure plan. He said those three areas and more can be prioritized while cutting down the federal budget.

Another push Byrne would make, if elected, would be towards a retooling of the education system to prepare people for the changing work place and job market. He is concerned See Byrne, page B9

s l o o h c S y t i C 0 2 a 0 k i 2 l l e l p a O F ming o C • K e r P

• Pre-registration will open February 3, 2020 at Opelika High School (Media Center Entrance) • Selected by Lottery System • Must reside in the City of Opelika • Required information: 2 current proofs of residency (water, power, gas) and original birth certificate • No registration or enrollment fees • Students must be four years-old on or before September 2, 2020 • Hours will be Monday-Friday from 8:15 a.m. 2:45 p.m.

• Classrooms located at Opelika High School • For more details, visit www.opelikaschools.org or call 334.741-5623

Opelika City Schools

in partnership with the

City of Opelika

pelika O Observer

B9 Feb. 05, 2020

Free Valentine’s concert planned for veterans, families on Feb. 7 in Tuskegee Special to the Opelika Observer The Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (CAVHCS) is holding a “Valentines for Veterans Concert” for veterans and their

Council, from B7 of most municipalities in Alabama.

“We are happy to give the city of Smiths Station a clean report on its annual audit. Everything here is ‘fairly presented,’ which means all the financial paperwork presented requires no changes or corrections,” Young said.

Following Young’s remarks, Copeland took a moment to thank the city’s Chief Financial Officer Shelby Branton.

“Ms. Shelby, you are a one-woman depart-

Byrne, from B8 that the country is not ready for the transition to machine learning and artificial intelligence,

families. The concert will take place on Feb. 7 at the Tuskegee Campus, Building 90 located at 2400 Hospital Road in Tuskegee at 7 p.m.

The concert will feature “Elvis of Montgomery” along with Fat

Daddy Party and the Dance Band at no cost to veterans and their families. Veterans interested in attending should contact CAVHCS Voluntary Service for ticket information. Voluntary services can be reached

ment and this clean report would not have been possible without you. You don’t know how much your efforts mean to our city,” Copeland said.

The council heard a second reading of an annexation petition and pre-zoning of property found on Lee Road 293 owned by Allyson Patten and voted to approve this measure. The property is now classified as R-1 residential, single family.

In other business, the council: -approved the renewing of annual contract with Parks and Recreation Assistant Larry Hart -approved a resolution authorizing Copeland to which will create new jobs while destroying old ones. “We had better make sure that we’ve got a system to provide that workforce education and training that it can happen rapidly,” Byrne said.

accept bonds on behalf of the city and -approved the general and environmental fund budgets for December.

The Smiths Station City Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month with a work session that regularly begins at 5:30 p.m. E.S.T. followed by the regular meeting at 6 p.m.

Meetings are held within the council chambers of the Smiths Station Government Center, which is located at 2336 Lee Road 430. For more information, call 334297-8771 or visit www. smithsstational.gov.

Following are some other goals Byrne said he will work toward if elected: - Work toward a constitutional amendment that would require congress to balance its budget annually

Located in Historic Downtown Opelika

334-745-4618

at 334-272-4670, ext.

4746.

About Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System exists to provide excellent services

to Veterans across the continuum of healthcare. We take pride in providing delivery of timely quality care by staff members who demonstrate outstanding customer service; the advancement of health

Voting, from B7 Sheet from Prison/ Jail System [Photo Required], or Valid Pistol Permit [Photo Required]) • Valid FederalIssued ID • Valid US passport • Valid Employee ID from Federal Government, State of Alabama, County, Municipality, Board, or other entity of this state • Valid student or employee ID from

- Cut down the national debt, which he said is unfair to the generation following his and puts the country’s destiny in the hands of its creditors - Crack down on immigration, not just

care through research and the education of tomorrow’s health care providers. Achieving the best possible outcomes for Veterans is our top priority.

Stay connected with them on Facebook.

a public or private college or university in the State of Alabama (including postgraduate technical or professional schools) • Valid student or employee ID issued by a state institution of higher learning in any other state • Valid Military ID • Valid Tribal ID If a voter does not possess one of these, he or she may receive a free Alabama photo voter ID from their local board of registrars or from

at the border, but in reform of the current asylum system and the process for handling claims for asylum under this system - A national infrastructure plan that includes not only roads

visiting one of our mobile photo ID units.

To be clear, a STAR ID is not necessary to vote in Alabama. Information related to STAR ID’s can be found on the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s website or by calling their office at 334-242-4400.

Questions or concerns related to voting in Alabama can be answered by visiting the Secretary of State’s website or by calling their office at 334-242-7210.

and bridges, but the subsidization of rural broadband to prevent the exclusion of rural America from broadband access For more information, visit bradleybyrne. com.

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B10 Feb. 05, 2019

State Rep. Jeremy Gray talks about mental health, prison reform at town hall meeting

By Will Fairless For the Opelika Observer Last Thursday in the Greater Peace Family Life Center in Opelika, State Rep. Jeremy Gray held a legislative town hall to address the concerns of the citizens of Lee County in attendance.

Rep. Pebblin Warren had planned to attend, but an unforeseen conflict left Gray to run the town hall himself.

Gray began by emphasizing the issue of mental health and the attention the state will be giving it.

“For the first time in a long time, state dollars, coming out of the state fund, will be going toward mental health,” Gray said. The goal of that funding is to have a mental health professional in every public school system in Alabama.

Gray later added that a focus on mental health would help alleviate the problems he sees in the state’s prisons (namely overcrowding leading to poor living conditions). He explained that addressing mental health problems early in people’s lives will pre-

Gray vent some of them from ever going to prison in the first place and getting caught in a vicious cycle that leads them back to a cell. “What if someone has a mental health issue or drug [issue]? They go to mental health court,” Gray said, “and they never go to jail in the first place. Once you’re in the system, it’s hard to get out.”

That reform includes retroactively shortening prisoners’ sentences to reflect new laws with regard to the possession of marijuana or crack cocaine. “At this point, I would be strongly against building more prisons, especially before we address reform,” Gray said.

An issue that was top of mind for several of the attendees of Thursday’s town hall was a proposition for a rock quarry to be located within two miles of Saugahatchee Lake.

CreekWood Resources has applied for permits for the proposed granite quarry. Gray would not give a definitive statement on the proposition as he explained it is in the very early stages.

However, a statement was made by the approximately 50 in attendance, most of whom signed a petition opposing the quarry.

Gray also addressed the issue of a similarly infant proposal by the Poarch Creek for a casino (of which his present constituents were in favor), responded to a concern about more relaxed gun control laws and stated his desire for environmental responsibility by the state. “I can tell you, we’re not doing much,” Gray said, “we’re not doing much from a state point of view, and we’re not doing much as citizens.

We recycle at a very low rate.”

City Of Opelika announces new recycling campaign, superhero Special to the Opelika Observer The city of Opelika and the Opelika Environmental Services Department are excited to rollout a new recycling campaign in hopes to grow local recycling participation and encourage citizens to ‘Recycle Right’ in Opelika.

As part of the campaign, a new superhero is flying into town. Captain R2O (Recycle Right Opelika) is strong enough to take on stinky garbage, determined enough to teach everyone how to recycle right and handsome enough to win your hearts. His motto is, “when in doubt, throw it out!”

The city offers two ways to recycle: curbside and recycling center. Curbside is the most convenient way to recycle and it’s picked up every other week.

This service is offered to Opelika citizens at only $10 a month with your first two months free.

Opelika has two full-service recycling centers on Jeter Avenue and 8th Avenue.

During the last year, the city has upgraded its

Captain R2O recycling center on 8th Avenue to also accept appliances, electronics, glass, used cooking oil, batteries, tires and paint.

For more information, on service days and hours make sure to visit www.opelika-al. gov/729/Recycle-RightOpelika.

“Recycling volume is up at our centers and we are now at more than 1,000 curbside recycling customers.

This is great news, but we can always do more.

Contamination continues to be a problem, so we are working to communicate what and where citizens can recycle,” said Opelika

Environmental Services Director Terry White.

In an effort to clean up our beautiful city and help educate our citizens, Captain R20 and Opelika Environmental Services employees will be making appearances at various community organizations, schools and neighborhoods.

Look for more information in the coming months on our social media pages, website and in the paper. To have Captain R2O visit your organization, or for more information, contact the Community Relations Department at 334-705-5136.

HEY OPELIKA. THERE’S A NEW HERO IN TOWN AND HE’S READY TO SAVE OUR CITY. ONE HOUSE AT A TIME. Meet Captain R2O. He’s strong enough to take on stinky garbage, determined enough to teach you how to recycle, powerful enough to persuade citizens to GO GREEN and handsome enough to win your heart.

If you recycle now, then you are already part of our fantastical League of Environmental Champions. If you do not, no worries. You can sign up for Curbside Recycling or fly over to one of our convenient recycling centers.

Recycling unleashes the super hero in all of us. Join Captain R2O today in his fight to Recycle Right Opelika. And remember, when in doubt, throw it out. For more information on how you can help save our city, visit www.opelika-al.gov.

700 Fox Trail • Opelika, AL 36801 334.705.5480 • www.opelika-al.gov

pelika O Observer Alabama Extension partners to promote ‘Census 2020’ B11

Feb. 05, 2020

Special to the Opelika Observer

By Katie Nichols A partnership between the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) will allow county residents to complete 2020 census forms online in Extension offices.

Grant funding allocated through ADECA

by Gov. Kay Ivey will equip Alabama Extension offices to offer the use of Chromebooks in each county for local residents to complete census forms online.

Gary Lemme, director of Alabama Extension, said extension has the ability to reach broad audiences to make sure each family in Alabama is properly accounted for.

“This partnership with ADECA is an excellent opportunity for Alabama Extension on the state level, but especially within individual counties,”

Flowers, from B7 Northwest Alabama.

These two men were constantly at odds.

Oden introduced a local bill for Franklin County that repealed another local bill passed in December of 1869.

His brief explanation to the House of Representatives when the measure came up for a vote was that it was simply a housekeeping bill, “It corrects an error when the original bill was passed.”

Through the custom of local courtesy, the local bill passed unanimously. Even Representative Jack Huddleston voted for the bill.

After passage of the measure, Represen-

Lemme said. “County Coordinators have relationships with community members that will hopefully provide insight into the importance of the census, as well as provide more opportunities for community partnership in the future.”

Why It Matters Every 10 years the U.S. Census Bureau conducts a nationwide census. Most citizens are aware of the funding allotted

based on the number of individuals counted in a given area. Others know about the money set aside for infrastructure. However, many are unaware that census numbers affect much more than federal funding and county infrastructure.

According to ADECA, there is much at stake for the state with the completion of the 2020 census. ADECA reports that the state’s slowed population

tative Oden told the press what his local bill actually did.

The 1869 law, which he was repealing, was the law that had created Colbert County out of Franklin County.

Representative Huddleston had just voted to abolish his own county.

That one vote ended Huddleston’s political career. His constituents in Colbert County could not forgive that he had voted to abolish his own county.

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.steveflowers. us.

growth puts Alabama in danger of losing at least one of the seven congressional seats.

There is the potential to lose more.

The risk of loss of federal funding that benefits families, children and communities is also high on the list.

Participation in the census can help Alabamians take a stand to protect valuable resources, including: -hospitals -police and fire de-

partments -schools -roads and bridges How is Alabama Extension Helping Alabama Extension is committed to helping the upcoming census be the most successful and accurate in Alabama history.

Matthew Ulmer, an Alabama Extension community workforce, leadership and development specialist, said Alabama has

an abundance of areas considered “hard to reach” by census officials.

“We plan to work with county coordinators to conduct county-specific programming and campaigns throughout the duration of the census collection period,” Ulmer said. “The use of a Chromebook in each county office will ensure a private spot for community members to come and participate in the census in a secure environment.”

County-specific details may not be immediately available.

However, each county will begin advertising local census events when details are finalized.

More Information Contact your county Extension office for more information about the Census kick-off event in your area.

Interested citizens may also find additional information about the census by visiting www.census. alabama.gov.

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pelika Observer O Opelika Police Department Rep. Mike Rogers issues investigating armed car statement on the Iranian theft and assault; witness Appeasement Resolutions comes to victims aid B12

Feb. 05, 2020

Special to the Opelika Observer

A robbery occurred at approximately 9:55 p.m. on Feb. 1 at the Marathan Gas Station, located at 1001 Columbus Parkway.

The suspect was described as a 47-year-old white male, 5’11” weighing 210 pounds, last seen wearing a camouflage jacket and blue jeans. The suspect was armed with a

handgun.

After struggling with the 60-year-old victim, the suspect stole the victim’s car, a white 2015 Toyota Highlander with a Georgia license plate.

The victim was not injured. A witness, who assisted the victim in getting away from the suspect, was able to grab the suspect’s backpack, which contained some of his personal information.

The suspect has been tentatively identified.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the Opelika Police Department Detective Division at 334-705-5220 or the Secret Witness Hotline at 334745- 8665. You may remain anonymous.

For more information about OPD, visit www.opelika-al.gov.

Special to the Opelika Observer Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), House Homeland Security Committee ranking member, released the following statement last week after the House voted to allow for Iranian aggression in the Middle East.

“Today’s action

by House Democrats is perplexing. Four

weeks ago, President Trump acted legally and judiciously to terminate a terrorist. Soleimani was an enemy combatant in a theater of war. He was responsible for the deaths of over 600 American troops and continued to plot more attacks. This vote today would prevent the president from carrying out a similar opera-

tion in the future. I don’t understand how this became the reaction from House Democrats. Today’s vote is proof positive that Democrats are more concerned with scoring political points against President Trump than protecting American lives.”

For more information about Rogers, visit www.mikerogers.house.gov.

Rogers: ‘President Trump HPV VACCINE FACTS: keeping promise to America’ Special to the Opelika Observer Rep. Mike Rogers made the following statement last week after President Donald Trump signed the United States Mexica Canada (USMCA) trade agreement into law.

“I was thrilled today to see President Trump keep a promise to the American people. The USMCA will create jobs and help small

ship. Rebusinesses publicans across East have been Alabama and focused our nation. on getting The this critical USMCA will legislation also help our passed agriculture through industry and the House our hardRogers and working farm Senate families. It’s even while Congress has a huge win for our country and I deeply appreciate been at a standstill as the President Trump’s leader- Democrats continue to try

to undo the outcome of the 2016 presidential election,” Rogers said.

“President Trump is working hard to keep our economy thriving and I stand behind him all the way,” Rogers added.

Rogers serves as Ranking Member on the Committee on Homeland Security and a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee.

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pelika O Observer

B13 Feb. 05, 2020

PUBLIC NOTICES IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA DOMESTIC RELATIONS DIVISION IN RE: THE MARRIAGE OF BRIAN T. CASWELL, Plaintiff, vs. ANGELA LEE CASWELL, Defendant.

CASE NO.: DR-2019900270.00 To: Angela Lee Caswell IN THE FAMILY COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA; FAMILY DIVISION DR2019-9000270.00 IN RE: BRIAN T. CASWELL NOTICE OF PETITION FILED AND SERVICE BY PUBLICATION Notice to: Angela Lee Caswell ANGELA LEE CASWELL must answer the Complaint for Divorce in the Family Court of Lee County, Alabama, on August 15, 2019, by the Honorable Zachary D. Alsobrook for the Petitioner Brian T. Caswell within fourteen (14) days from the last date of Publication of this notice or a final judgment may be rendered in Case Number DR-2019-900270.00 in the Family Court of Lee County, Alabama. Answer must be filed at: Lee County Justice Center, 2311 Gateway Drive, Opelika, Alabama 36801.

ATTORNEY: Honorable Zachary D. Alsobrook 114 North 9th Street Opelika, AL 36801 (334) 737.3718 Legal Run 01/22/2020, 01/29/2020, 02/05/2020 & 02/12/2020

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF J. MILES THOMAS, DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 10th day of January, 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.

KENNETH J. THOMAS Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 01/22/2020, 01/29/2020 & 02/05/2020

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF ROBERT GUY WHATLEY, III a/k/a ROBERT GUY WHATLEY, DECEASED PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION decesed having been granted to Jacob L. Whatley on the 4th day of December 2019, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge ofthe Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama.

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

Jacob L. Whatley Legal Run 01/22/2020, 01/29/2020 & 02/05/2020

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF HOUSTON COUNTY STATE OF GEORGIA CASE NO.: 2019-V-120923-L DONA HODGE, Plaintiff VS. REGINALDO VALERIANO AND KASSIE THORPE, Defendants, NOTICE OF SUMMONSSERVICE BY PUBLICAITON TO: REGINALDO VALERIANO, Defendant named above: You are hereby notified that the above-styled action seeking custody was filed against you in said Court on September 11, 2019, and that by reason of an order for service of summons by publication entered by the court on December 13. 2019 you are hereby commanded and required to file with the clerk of said court and serve upon Attorney Clarence Williams, III, whose address is 1200 Green Street, Warren Robbins, Georgia, 31093, an answer to the complaint within sixty (60) days of the date of the order for service by publication. If you fail to do so, judgment by default will be taken against you for the relief demanded in the complaint.

WITNESS the Honorable Clerk of Court, this 10th day of Janu-

ary, 2020.

Carolyn V. Sullivan Clerk/Deputy Clerk Superior Court of Houston County WILLIAMS LAW GROUP 1200 Green Street Warner Robins, Georgia 31093 (478) 922-9110/telephone (478) 922-9171/facsimile Legal Run 01/15/2020, 01/22, 01/29 & 02/05/2020

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JOHN C. EDGAR, JR., DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE No. 2020- 022 NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to John B. Edgar, on the 23rd day of January, 2020, by the Honorable 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 the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

John B. Edgar, Executor Legal Run 01/29/20, 02/05/20 & 02/12/2020

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No.: CV-2019-900427 VanDenBerg Custom Carpentry, LLC, Plaintiff, v. A Parcel of Real Property described as: Lot 26, Shelton Woods Subdivision, according to and as shown by that certain map or plat of record in Town Plat Book 6, at Page 118, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, Defendant.

NOTICE OF ACTION To: All Defendants herein, whose whereabouts are unknown and which cannot be ascertained after the exercise of reasonable diligence.

You are hereby notified that on the 22 nd day of July, 2019, a complaint to quiet title was filed in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama, and the following are the names of all parties to the action: Van Den Berg Custom Carpentry, LLC, as Plaintiff; A parcel of real property, as Defendant, said real property being described as: Lot 26, Shelton Woods Subdivision, according to and as shown by that certain map or plat of record in Town Plat Book 6, at Page 118, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama.

All persons having an interest in said lands or any portion thereof, claiming any title thereto or any encumbrance or lien thereon, are hereby directed to plead, answer, or otherwise respond to the Complaint on or before the expiration of 30 days after the last publication of this notice, or thereafter suffer judgment by default to be rendered against them, it being intended that this notice shall be used to perfect service against all parties who cannot be personally served with a copy of the Complaint.

Done this the 22nd day of January, 2020. _/s/ Mary Roberson Circuit Court Clerk, Lee County J. Brandon Rice Attorney for Plaintiff Rice & Parr 830 Avenue A, Suite A Opelika, Alabama 36801 Legal Run 01/29/20, 02/05/20, 02/12/20, & 02/19/2020

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No.: CV-2019-900619.00 Hardwood, LLC, Plaintiff, v. A Parcel of Real Property, And DOROTHY WILLIAMS EWING and/or the Unknown Heirs of DOROTHY WILLIAMS EWING, Defendants.

NOTICE OF ACTION To: All Defendants herein, whose whereabouts are unknown and which cannot be ascertained after the exercise of reasonable diligence.

You are hereby notified that on the 16 th day of October, 2019, a complaint to quiet title was filed in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama, and the following are the names of all parties to the action: Hardwood, LLC, as Plaintiff; Dorothy Williams Ewing, as Defendant, whose heirs, executors and/ or administrators are unknown and cannot be ascertained after the exercise of due diligence, and which are believed to have claimed some right, title, interest or claim in and to the property described as follows:

Commence at the Northwest corner of Section 35, Township 18 North, Range 29 East, and run North 86 degrees 57 minutes East for 655.45 feet; thence South 03 degrees 09 minutes East for 1301.82 feet to the Southern margin of McBride Road; thence 101.42 feet Southwesterly along a curve the radius of which is 1874.49 feet; thence South 03 degrees 37 minutes West for 79.38 feet; thence South 14 degrees 58 minutes East for 123.41 feet; thence South 16 degrees 25 minutes West for 86.86 feet; thence South 03 degrees 24 minutes West for 161.06 feet to the point of beginning; from said point of beginning run North 53 degrees 10 minutes East for 174.24 feet thence South 36 degrees 50 minutes East for 175.0 feet; thence South 53 degrees 10 minutes West for 174.24 feet; thence North 36 degrees 50 minutes East for 175.0 feet; to the point of Beginning. Compromising of 0.70 acres, more or less.

All persons having an interest in said lands or any portion thereof, claiming any title thereto or any encumbrance or lien thereon, are hereby directed to plead, answer, or otherwise respond to the Complaint on or before the expiration of 30 days after the last publication of this notice, or thereafter suffer judgment by default to be rendered against them, it being intended that this notice shall be used to perfect service against all parties who cannot be personally served with a copy of the Complaint.

Done this the 22nd day of January, 2020. /s/ Mary Roberson Circuit Court Clerk, Lee County J. Brandon Rice Attorney for Plaintiff Rice & Parr 830 Avenue A, Suite A Opelika, Alabama 36801 Legal Run 01/29/20, 02/05/20, 02/12/20, & 02/19/2020

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of CHARLES EUGENE PARKER SR., Deceased Case no. 2019-C-085 NOTICE OF CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration having been granted to LORI KERN, as Administrator of the Estate of CHARLES EUGENE PARKER, SR., deceased on the 22nd day of January, 2020, by the Honorable BILL ENGLISH Judge of Probate.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against said Estate of hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

HON. BILL ENGLISH JUDGE OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA /s/ LORI KERN Administrator of the Estate of CHARLES EUGENE PARKER, SR., deceased.

Legal Run 01/29, 02/05 & 02/12

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: JAMES A. SCOTT, Deceased. Case No.:2020-024 Take Notice that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION of said deceased having been granted to WILLIAM F. SCOTT on the 24th day of January 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 requried to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

William F. Scott Legal Run 01/29/2020, 02/05/2020 & 02/12/2020

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF KENTAVIOUS ROBINSON, Deceased PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION of said deceased having been granted to Monica Gaffney on the 25th day of February, 2019, by the Honorable 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.

Monica Gaffney Legal Run 01/29/2020, 02/05/2020 & 02/12/2020

\

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: GATEWAY TIRE AND AUTOMOTIVE gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 03/25/2020, 08:00 am 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.

2MEFM75W45X616683 2005 Mercury GRAND MARQUIS 4JGAB54E92A296971 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML Legal Run 02/02/20 & 02/12/2020

MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Gary L. Jones, an unmarried man, on December 10, 2010, to Frontier Bank now known as Renasant Bank, which mortgage is recorded in Mortgage Book 3774, Page 819, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, the undersigned, as Mortgagee or Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in the said mortgage will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash in front of the main entrance of the Lee County Courthouse in Opelika, Alabama, on February 26, 2020, during the legal hours of sale the following real estate situated in Lee County, Alabama, to wit: Lot Number One (#1) of a plat of survey, stated August 8, 1984, prepared for Peggy Jones Newsome by Zack D. Sprayberry, III, AL L.S. Reg. No. 12933, which real property maybe more particularly described as follows: From the Southwest corner of the Northwest quarter of Section 6, Township 19 North, Range 29 East in Lee County, Alabama, run thence North for 1605.1 feet; thence East for 2014.1 feet to appoint on the southerly margin of Lee County Highway No. 79; thence along the southerly margin of said highway, South 64° 08’ East, for 33.5 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING, From this beginning point, continue South 64° 08’ East, along the southerly margin of said highway for 38.1 feet to a concrete monument; thence South 64° 03’ East for 335.4 feet to an iron pin; thence leaving said highway , run South 34° 42’ West for 543.2 feet to an iron pin thence North 64° 08’ West for 391.8 feet; thence North 29° 34’ East for 238.4 feet to an iron pin; thence North 35° 52’ East for 240.9 feet to an iron pin; thence North 61° 27’ East for 76.4 feet to the iron pin at the POINT OF BEGINNING. LESS AND EXCEPT: Lot Number One-B (#1-B) of a plat of survey dated November 15, 1996, prepared for Richard W. Waites and Tammy R. Waites by Zack Sprayberry, PLS AL Reg. No. 12933, a copy of said plat having been marked Exhibit “A” and attached to Warranty Deed Record in Deed Book 2113 at Page 323 and made a part hereof by reference, and said real property being more fully described as follows: From the Southwest corner of Section 6, Township 19 North, Range 29 East, Lee County, Alabama; run thence North 3765.0 feet; thence run East 1366.4 feet to an iron pin found being the POINT OF BEGINNING. From said point of beginning, run North 29° 34’ East for a distance of 238.4 feet to an iron pin found; thence run North 35° 52’ East for a distance of 240.9 feet to an iron pin found; thence run North 61° 27’ East for 76.4 feet to an iron pin found; thence run South 64° 08’ East along the Southerly margin of Lee Road 279 for a distance of 38.1 feet to a concrete monument found; thence run South 64° 03’ East along the Southerly margin of Lee Road 279 for a distance of 71.9 feet to an iron pin set; thence run South 30° 25’ West for a distance of 538.9 feet to an iron pin set; thence run North 64° 08’ West for a distance of 169.0 feet to an iron pin found and being the POINT OF BEGINNING. Together with the hereditaments and appurtenances thereunto belonging. Said property will be sold on an “AS

IS, WHERE IS” basis subject to the right of way easements and restrictions of record in the Probate Office of Lee County, Alabama, and will be subject to existing special assessments, if any, which might adversely affect the title to the subject property.

This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure.

This Mortgage Foreclosure sale will be held on February 26, 2020, at the Lee County Courthouse in Opelika, Alabama.

Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process.

Renasant Bank, f/k/a Frontier Bank Mortgagee or Transferee This Instrument Prepared By: Burt W. Newsome P.O. Box 382753 Birmingham, AL 35238 Attorney for Mortgagee or Transferee Legal Run 2/5, 2/12, 2/19/2020

Marianne Flanagan on February 3, 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 Notice: 02/05/2020

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA In the Matter of: Deborah Shotts McMahan, an incapacitated person TO: Any interested party: Whereas, Lee County Sheriff, Jay Jones, Conservator, has filed a Petition in writing, for the Final Settlement/Accounting and to Dissolve the Conservatorship of DEBORAH SHOTTS MCMAHAN. It is ordered that Tuesday the 25th day of February, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. be appointed a day on which to hear such petition, at the Lee County Courthouse, 215 South 9th Street, Opelika, Alabama at which time all persons interested can appear and contest the said petition if they deem it proper. Done this the 31st day of January, 2020.

Bill English- Probate Judge Margaret A. Mayfield Attorney for Conservator Post Office Box 809 Opelika, AL 36803 (334) 745-0333 Legal Run 2/5, 2/12, 2/19/2020

In the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama In Re: Estate of Russel Earl Hodges, Deceased Petition to Probate Will NOTICE Letters of Testamentary for the Estate of RUSSEL EARL HODGES, deceased, having been granted to MICHELLE JEAN HODGES, on the 29th day of January 2020, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claim against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. s/Raymond L. Jackson, Jr./ Raymond L. Jackson, Jr. Attorney for MICHELLE JEAN HODGES Executor of the Estate of RUSSEL EARL HODGES Legal notice: 02/05/2020, 02/12/2020, 02/19/2020

NOTICE OF COURT PROCEEDING Case No. 2020-034 IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution In the Estate of TOMMY RAY TUMLIN, deceased Notice is hereby given that a petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the LEE COUNTY Probate Office

by Linda Moore Tumlin on January, 31, 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 02/05/2020

NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE UTILITIES BOARD OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the regular May 2020 meeting of the board of directors of The Utilities Board of the City of Opelika will be held on May 18, 2020 beginning at 3:00 PM, in the board room of the Administrative Building located in the W. Warner Williams Water Resource Park, 4055 Water Street, Opelika, Alabama.

The meeting agenda will be posted as specified in State law.

This is further to advise that the regular scheduled meeting of the Board for May 25, 2020 has been cancelled.

DATED this the 27th day of January, 2020.

Herbert Slaughter SECRETARY OF THE UTILITIES BOARD OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 02/05/2020

NOTICE OF COURT PROCEEDING Case No. 2020-029 IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution In the Estate of MARGARET VIRGINIA MERZ, deceased Notice is hereby given that a petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the LEE COUNTY Probate Office by

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of Marcia S. Smith, Deceased NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration have been granted to Denver Smith, as Administrator of the Estate of Marcia S. Smith deceased, on the 17th day of June, 2019, by the Hon. Bill English.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

James E. Hall, Attorney for Administrator Legal Run 01/15/2020, 01/22/2020 & 01/29/2020

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF EUGENE BROWN, Deceased PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY CASE NO. 2020-017 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of the Estate of EUGENE BROWN deceased having been granted to Susan Lee, on the 17th day of January, 2020, by the Honorable 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.

Susan Lee Legal Run 01/29/20, 02/05/20 & 02/12/2020

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B16 Feb. 05, 2020

Sample letter to voice concerns regarding proposed rock quarry February , 2020 Russell A. Kelly, Chief Permits and Services Division Alabama Department of Environmental Management PO Box 301463 Montgomery, AL 36130-1463 Re: Proposed Quarry

NPDES Permit Number: AL0084018

Air Permit, Facility Number: 2006-0050 Dear. Mr. Kelly,

I am writing this letter to voice my opposition to the Air Quality and NPDES permit applications for a proposed granite quarry, known as Creekwood Resources, to be located 0.16 miles from the intersection of Lee Road 168 and U.S. Highway 431 in Lee County, Alabama. My home is located at ________________________{Address}, approximately ____ miles from the proposed quarry. I bought my property years ago because the Opelika community is a good place to raise a family. The proposed quarry will have large negative impacts on the residents of Opelika and the nearby unincorporated areas of Lee County.

A granite rock quarry located in close proximity to the residential neighborhoods of Opelika will ruin the quality of life that we and our neighbors enjoy so much. We would like for you take into consideration the enormous negative impacts such an operation will have on the community and the environment in which we live.

My first concern is water quality. The proposed quarry is located less than two miles from Saugahatchee Lake which is Opelika’s primary source of drinking water. The quarry operator proposes to discharge “treated drainage” into unnamed tributaries that eventually flow into Saugahatchee Lake.

Quarries can affect groundwater and surface-water systems in various ways. Quarries must be dewatered. Dewatering can depress the water table, altering ground water flow paths and affecting nearby wells, springs and surface-water bodies, such as Saugahatchee Lake.

Changes in the surface-water basin may increase flows into Saugahatchee Lake. Blasting and quarry operations will increase turbidity levels in ground water. Discharges from the quarry will increase sedimentation in Saugahatchee Lake, thereby negatively impacting the quality of water. Open-water ponds created by the quarry can also change groundwater temperatures. The magnitude and the extent of those changes are not yet known.

My second concern is dust and air quality. Quarry operations create dust—from extraction, from moving the aggregate, from screening and crushing, and from trucks entering and exiting the processing area. Fine particulate matter is a respiratory hazard. Airborne silica, a byproduct of aggregate processing, is a known carcinogen. A serious health hazard is the development of silicosis, which is a disease brought from the overexposure to crystalline silica found in dust from rock crushing and grinding.

Suppression equipment and processes can reduce the release of dust and fine particulate matter into the air, but they cannot eliminate it. Diesel fumes from trucks and equipment can also have significant respiratory impacts.

Dust emissions settle on vehicles during loading operations and is then blown off as the truck moves down the highway. This fugitive dust is then deposited on the highway where it is spread by all vehicles in the air as the tires pick it up. The dust is then in the air to be spread by the wind and is deposited on the surrounding environment where it can kill both vegetation and aquatic life depending on the formulation of the compound and its toxicity level.

My third concern is noise pollution. Obviously, the addition of the number of vehicles to the area will result in huge noise increase from engines, air brakes, gear changes, back alarms, etc. This will destroy the quiet environment of all residents.

Blasting, extracting, crushing and conveying equipment will produce sound levels which will affect the wildlife habitat and the quiet enjoyment of surrounding properties. Low frequency sound as well as blasting shockwaves will be transmitted into fish spawning areas.

My fourth concern is traffic and safety. A large aggregate operation can require dozens of heavy trucks per hour to enter and exit the pit to carry aggregate to its destination. This heavy truck traffic in some cases can totally alter traffic patterns many miles from the quarry and can have a negative impact on road safety. Opelika High School, Morris Avenue Intermediate School and Southern Union State Community College are all located on U.S. Highway 431 in close proximity to the quarry. Because these schools and residential areas are located along the haul route, safety issues will be magnified.

My fifth concern is the impact of the quarry on property values. A study conducted by Auburn University Professor Emeritus Dr. Diane Hite verified that quarries have a negative impact on the value of nearby residential properties, and that these impacts can be substantial. A property immediately adjacent to a quarry could experience a loss of value over 30% while a property even as much as three miles away could experience a 5% loss. Moreover, Dr. Hite found that these impacts were immediate on the application for the quarry being filed; they were not contingent on the quarry actually being in operation.

The proposed quarry will affect our ability to enjoy our properties that we have invested so much money and time into, decrease our property values by as much as 30% and destroy the quiet, peaceful community in which we live. If the permits are granted, the negative impact that this quarry would have on the environment is irreversible. It would compromise the health and safety of our community and ruin the character of this community.

Finally, I am requesting that a public hearing be held by ADEM to consider the issues addressed above, i.e, water quality, dust and air quality, noise pollution, traffic and safety and property values. ADEM should fully assess, both immediate and cumulative, impacts on water quality, air quality, community health issues and community safety.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment, and I hope you will take our concerns into consideration when making your decisions about the permit applications and the future of our community.

Yours truly, _____________________________ (Signature)

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