Opelika Observer 03-24-2021 E-edition

Vol. 13, No. 25

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

pelika Observer O

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

Opelika, Alabama

MARCH 26, 2021 11:30 A.M.

Opelika announces Pharmavite expansion

Photo contributed to the Opelika Observer Contributed by the Opelika Chamber of Commerce

Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller announced last week that an existing Opelika manufacturing company will be expanding. Pharmavite

LLC will be investing more capital into its facility in Opelika to establish additional manufacturing capacity.

Pharmavite is one of the nation’s largest manufacturers of high-quality vitamins, minerals and other

dietary supplements.

The company currently employs 460 employees and now plans to invest an additional $7.9 million in capital which will create 81 new jobs this year.

“I’m thrilled to see additional jobs coming

CFEA to host third annual Opelika Giving Day

By Kayla Evans For the Opelika Observer The Community Foundation of East Alabama is celebrating its third annual Opelika Giving Day on Wednesday, May 5. The application deadline for Opelika Giving Day is March 31.

On the application, organizations are required to list the organization name, project title and leaders, a summary of the project, how the project benefits the Opelika community or

its citizens, the project start and end date, the goal amount and the project budget.

Opelika Giving Day is a 24-hour online fundraising event that supports local nonprofits who are making a difference in the community.

“Opelika Giving Day started two years ago in 2018,” said CFEA Vice President Todd Rauch.

“It is a 24-hour online fundraising event where we select usually about 10 nonprofits in the city of Opelika, and we not only help them fundraise towards a goal for a project

that they may have on their list within their organization, but we also provide training opportunities before Opelika Giving Day to help make their organization more sustainable and successful after Opelika Giving Day ends.”

During the month leading up to May 5, they provide training for the organizations.

They teach them how to create and promote ads on Facebook, schedule posts and provide the organization a list of everyone who See GIVING DAY, page A3

to our community," Fuller said. "Good paying jobs build prosperity and improve the quality of life for our residents. Pharmavite is one of our top industry leaders, and we are grateful for their continued support and

for continuing to call Opelika home,” Fuller said.

City of Opelika Economic Development Director, Lori Huguley added, “Pharmavite is a great community partner. It is a great testament to their workforce

and the business climate in Opelika that they continue to invest and grow here.”

For more information, please contact John Sweatman, economic development project manager for Opelika, at 334-705-5115.

Lee-Scott Academy hosts ‘Maddie McClendon Night’

By Robert Noles Photojournalist Class of 2020 Lee-Scott Academy

Contents OPINION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A4

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

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY. . . . . A7

POLITICS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B9

RELIGION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A13

PUBLIC NOTICES. . . . . . . . . . . . B10

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

CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B11

graduate, Maddie McClendon, was honored last Thursday as the baseball, softball and soccer teams dressed

out in teal color jerseys for “Maddie McClendon Night.” McClendon was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in October 2020 See ACADEMY, page A2

A2 March 24, 2021

Paige Dirksen joins The Well

By Hannah Lester hlester@opelikaobserver.com Photos by Robert Noles / Opelika Observer

ACADEMY >>

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and is now being treated in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The proceeds from all the games on Thursday will be donated to the McClendon family. In

addition to the money raised, an Alabama State Trooper helicopter flew in at halftime of the Varsity Girls’ soccer game to make a presentation to the McClendon family.

Mark McClendon,

pelika Observer

O

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

Maddie’s father, accepted the gift from the state trooper. Maddie was able to view the event from her hospital room via Facetime.

The family said that one of the best things about the event was to

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

www.opelikaobserver.com

207 N. 3rd St. Unit B, 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, 207 N. 3rd St. Unit B, 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.

'Art has always been

see Maddie smile as she viewed her friends giving her support.

Maddie was a co-head of the varsity cheerleading squad and also participated in track and softball at Lee-Scott Academy.

about community'

Paige Dirksen, a local printmaker, is the owner of one of the pioneer businesses located inside The Well.

The Well is Opelika’s newest venture — incorporating See THE WELL, page A3

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A3 March 24, 2021

Opelika Main Street installs new downtown pole banners Contributed by Opelika Main Street Opelika Main Street has installed new pole banners throughout Historic Downtown Opelika.

The new banners replaced aging ones installed several years back. Designed by downtown-based ad agency Baker Street Digital, the new banners will be changed out throughout the year to promote different holidays and seasons.

“These new banners will enhance the look of our downtown while also promoting the community,” said Opelika Main Street Executive Director Ken Ward. “Beautification projects such as these help us attract new businesses and visitors into downtown Opelika.”

The banners were funded by grants from the Alabama Power Foundation and the City of Opelika.

About Opelika

Main Street: Founded in 1987, Opelika Main Street helps assist in the revitalization of historic downtown Opelika through facade grants, beautification projects, economic development efforts, business professional development programs and various community events.

Learn more about Opelika Main Street by going to opelikamainstreet.org or by following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Governor Ivey proclaims March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month Contributed by the Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities

The state of Alabama has officially recognized March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month as of March 1, 2021.

Gov. Kay Ivey signed a proclamation designating the month to “promote greater understanding of the issues affecting people with developmental disabilities” and “educate our communities, policymakers, friends and family members, health care providers and businesses that the movement towards full inclusion in community life for persons with developmental disabilities is a positive and worthy goal.”

“We’re glad for the proclamation,” said

THE WELL >>

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women-run businesses and products into one inclusive experience on Avenue A. The space opened on March 20 and includes 15 to 20 newlylaunched businesses inside the building, one of which is Dirksen’s.

“I’m a print maker and artist,” she said. “… I primarily work in printmaking but I like to explore a lot of different media. I like painting. Woodcuts are particularly meditative for me.”

Executive Director of the Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities (ACDD) Darryle Powell. “We want to raise awareness of the estimated 110,640 Alabamians born with developmental disabilities — as well as raise expectations. This helps shine a spotlight on our mission of independence, advocacy, productivity and inclusion.”

Kimberly Boswell, commissioner of the Alabama Department of Mental Health, said, “It’s important for the state as a whole to recognize the achievements of those with developmental disabilities. Every day, they prove how much they contribute to the work and the communities we share.”

Powell added, “This month is also an opportunity to let more people know about the

As it was for many, 2020 was a year of quarantine for the artist. But the extra time at home was what pushed Dirksen to begin marketing herself with a website, she said.

Dirksen sells her art on her website, www. paigedirksen.com, but now she is also located in The Well.

The owner of the building, The Well, reached out to Dirksen to see if she would be interested in becoming part of the collaborative space.

“For me, art has

Photo courtesy of the ACDD Pictured from left to right are: Melissa Sylvester, ACDD Director of Planning, Research and Evaluation; Johnna Breland, ACDD Chairperson; Kimberly Boswell, Commissioner ADMH; Darryle Powell, ACDD Executive Director; Felica Dumas, ACDD Fiscal Manager and Holli Cawthorne , ACDD Contract Manager.

many, many resources we have available to assist people in learning, living independently and pursuing fulfilling jobs and social lives. The

more we can educate, the more we can achieve together.”

For more information, contact the Alabama Council

on Developmental Disabilities at 334-2423973 or visit www.acdd. org.

ABOUT THE ALABAMA

always been about community and kind of been the bridge I’ve personally needed in times of isolation,” Dirksen said. “And obviously, none of us are strangers to that in the past year. And so I’m happy to have some community around me to keep me moving forward.”

One unique aspect of The Well is that everything is for sale — the art on the wall, the rug beneath your feet, everything.

So, Dirksen’s art will be for sale in the space, while also being

displayed.

Many in Opelika will recognize Dirksen’s work — she’s the artist of the umbrella mural located on 8th Avenue.

Her main focus currently, however, is botanical print making.

“I became really interested in the flora of this area,” she said.

“Just because there’s a

lot of tradition around it and I think it’s beautiful. But I like displaying them in a different way than a lot of people are used to seeing them.”

“I’m so excited to see where this takes me,” Dirksen said.

The Well is located at 824 Ave. A and is open:

Photos contributed to the Opelika Observer

COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES The Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities (ACDD) is comprised of 36 governor-appointed volunteer members, including people with developmental disabilities, family members and representatives of public agencies that serve them.

The organization is dedicated to the vision that all Alabamians, regardless of disability, will live, learn, work and play in inclusive communities. To that end, ACDD works towards system changes in aspects of service/ support to promote better lives for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. For more information, visit www. acdd.org.

Monday: 2 - 7 p.m.

Tuesdays - Thursday: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Friday - Saturday: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

This is the second in a series of articles on the different businesses that will be located inside The Well.

GIVING DAY >>

FROM A1

donates, so they can keep in contact, Rauch said. They help them and teach them how to be a successful organization.

For more information, contact info@ opelikagivingday.com, and to submit an application, visit https:// www.opelikagivingday.org/?fbclid=IwAR2HFaDVjYRmwlK9Gg5VgTlSVJG4PURkI2cMgoRNO3e6sGuLcR1cs_FpmJo.

A4 March 24, 2021

Eggs and Bacon

I

was a young man.

Four of us guys walked into an average Florida Panhandle Waffle House before sunrise. We did this every morning before heading to a construction jobsite.

Our routine never changed. First we visited the gas station to buy newspapers, scratch-off tickets and Gatorades. Then we went to Waffle House.

And we did most of this in silence because that’s just how guys are.

Guys aren’t big talkers. Especially at breakfast. They keep conversations to a minimum in the mornings.

Many women, of course, manage to discuss every biographical event since middle school. Whereas most males use two-word sentences to discuss

the importance of a strong bullpen, then they clam up until their next birthday. Like I said: that’s how some guys operate.

Our waitress was young, lean, a happy person. There were traces of tattoos climbing her neck, and she had a sweet face. She couldn’t have been taller than five foot.

Four of us piled into her booth. She doled out silverware and menu-placemats.

She took our beverage orders then announced, “four coffees, coming up.”

Old-school waitresses are a dying breed, but Waffle House never seems to be short on them. I have traveled a lot during my halfcocked career as a writer; Waffle House always has great service.

By Sean Dietrich Elsewhere in the world, food service workers are not always so amiable. And believe me, I am not being critical because I once worked in food service.

I’ve worked kitchen duty, manning fryers, scrubbing flat-tops, washing stacks of filthy dishes that were roughly the same height as the Space Needle. I’ve also

worked front of the house—bussing, refilling glasses and serving customers who INSIST on having their salad dressing served “on the side” only so they can dump the whole thing on their salad three seconds after you deliver it.

I read somewhere that one out of five food service workers develops a drug or alcohol problem. I would

bet the true percentage is higher. The food service industry is a hard life.

But our waitress was so cheery. It was as though she was glad to be here. You don’t see that much anymore.

After we ordered our breakfasts, she hollered in Waffle-House-speak to the cook using a perky voice. And when our breakfasts arrived, she obsessed over our plates, making sure our orders were correct.

Our coffees never fell below the rims.

That’s when she started telling us about her family, and about her kids. She talked about her day-to-day life as a devoted mother.

I think she just needed to talk to someone because to me she suddenly seemed lonely and exhausted beneath

her Pollyanna exterior.

Sadly, she picked the wrong group of roughnecks for morning conversation. None of my constituents felt like a discussion. Their responses were polite, but short. Again: these are guys we’re talking about.

She finally gave up trying and left us. I could see her feelings were a little hurt by the lack of interest.

We finished eating in silence. One of the guys read his paper.

Two of us buttered toast. Another played his scratch-off tickets like every morning.

Johnny Paycheck was on the jukebox.

The sound of a flat-top grill hissed.

We savored the stillness because our whole day would be See DIETRICH, page A5

Cheers to Gladys!

G

ladys was all things you would want in a friend, loads of fun, adventurous, a cackling laugh and you never quite knew what was going to roll off her tongue. She was a mystery of a woman. She was a thrill and in 1989, she was my grandmother, Gaga.

My family and I spent our summers with her in a large apartment complex on a lake in Winter Park, Florida. We spent our time swimming in her pool and catching fish with cane poles using cold hot dogs as bait. In the afternoon we would stroll through canopies of weeping willows to shop at the ‘Bargain Box’ and grab a curbside hotdog on the way home. She was all the whimsy and pleasure I needed as a child.

But the thing that has stuck with me the most, since she passed away when I was 12, was her refined use of foul language. I remember it because it always made me laugh and because

W

hen I was young and just a bad

little kid, My momma noticed funny things I did.

Like shooting puppies with a BB gun.

She said, “My boy, I think some day You’ll find a way to make your natural tendencies pay.

You’ll be a dentist.

“You’ll be a dentist.”

Little Shop of Horrors Dentists often get a bad rap.

I can say this now.

In my youth I could not.

The dentist I went to in my youth was, well,

I knew most grandmothers didn’t cuss.

But Gladys was not like most grandmothers.

I loved her potty mouth.

She was the only woman I ever heard say the words “piss it”.

And when I heard her say it for the first time, I quickly swung my red ponytail around in complete awe. She just grinned at me like it was some sort of silly game.

I remember laughing, knowing I had the funniest and most awesome grandmother in all of the world.

It’s like she knew she was being bad in the eyes of a child, but she really didn’t care, so we might as well enjoy it.

She never aimed her wordy pleasures at other people, unless in sarcasm towards her own grown children.

She was a delight to strangers and made fun and easy conversation wherever she went.

She loved people, and people loved her.

Her mouth and her ways of life were not

like most. She was exactly who she wanted to be and I admired her for her wild and playful ways. She smoked Pall Mall’s in my early years and was a huge fan of cocktails. She was an avid bridge player and she was a champion at serving us kids condensed chicken noodle soup.

It was the tastiest soup I ever ate.

My favorite phrase of hers was always directed at my mother.

My mother could say anything and nothing at all and dear old Gladys would come back with “oh, hell Jane.”

She must have said it a thousand times, and every time we grinned and loved her more.

I once found a tee shirt online that had a bull on the front breast pocket and on the back it read “Bull Shirt.” When I saw it, I broke into laughter and immediately thought of Gaga. She would have loved it, and I imagined she would have bought one for me and my

By Bradley Robertson sister too. And for kicks and honor, I bought the shirts.

Upon arrival, we put on our new “Bull Shirts,” took a few fantastic pictures and talked of times past and how thankful we were for a grandmother who taught us to swear and to laugh.

My Gaga passed away quickly in my preteen years, after being diagnosed with cancer.

The doctors gave her 30 days and she lived exactly 30 days. We were fortunate to get to see her in the end and spend a week loving her and

listening to her pleasantries. Even then, she was enjoying life. She knew it was the closing chapter, as did all of us.

Amongst all her joy however, I have had one tiny hole I’ve covered up since her passing.

I left her side without telling her how much I enjoyed all our silly times together. I was too fearful to cry, too emotional to sit by her side and recall all of our happy stories together.

Too young to tell her I adored her and that I was going to miss her for the rest of my life. I hugged her and walked away, speechless.

Today, I imagine her sitting with me, laughing and playing cards.

I think of how a small amount of my lifetime spent with her had such a large and happy impact on me.

So this story is for you Gaga! It is for all the glorious days you gave me when I was young. And If I can go back at your feet, the last day I saw you, this is what I would say…

“You are the most amazing, hysterical human I have ever known.

You taught me to float in the Atlantic Ocean and today, floating is the most peaceful place to be. You also told me you put the salt in that ocean, and I believe you did. I can still hear your keys hanging from your pocket, rattling together as you walked. You taught me to always breast my cards when playing a late-night round of spades. You saw the good stuff in the thrift stores; you bought it for us and we enjoyed it for months.

You loved to go for a walk and to make people laugh. I’ve never met anyone else that had a one-eyed pet fish in their lake and had their own Heron that came to visit. Thank you for your perfect mouth Gaga, for I know that it was full of love.

Cheers to you Gladys!

You were simply the greatest for being You. And today I thank you for teaching me to just be me.”

A tribute to the Dentist sadistic.

He was also a distant cousin.

Today, I believe he was our dentist because he gave us a discount.

I also believe that to recoup the money he lost treating us, he cut corners in various ways – like not giving me Novocain before drilling and filling.

A visit to him was, well, painful.

His crowning (no pun intended) achievement was the in-house root canal he performed on me when I was in college. I had a fraternity party to go to the following weekend, but

after packing the tooth with something that was supposed to kill all the bad stuff (memory supported by a lack of dental knowledge comes into play here) my dentist-cousin assured me that it was safe to attend the event, which was to be held in Birmingham, 150 miles away.

He lied.

The tooth abcessed, and as I cursed dentistry and dentists, a fraternity brother drove me across town to his dentist who opened the office (it was Saturday night), shot me full of Novocain and with my friend acting as his dental assistant – at

Harvey H. Jackson one point he stuck the suction-thingy to my tongue and nearly pulled it out – the dentist saved my life, or at least I felt he did.

At that point my whole opinion of dentists changed, and over

the years I sat in the chair of many a talented tooth master.

But it was not what a dentist did to/for me that confirmed my high regard of the profession and those who practice it. It was what one did for my son.

When a lad, my boy was, to put it mildly, rambunctious. At the tender age of five, he was at the height of his rambunctiousosity (it ain’t a word, but it will do till I think of another). One day, playing “George of the Jungle,” he attempted to leap from one part of the sofa to another, lost his bal-

ance and came crashing down, mouth first, on the one part of the furniture that was not heavily padded. When he came up, two or three of his front teeth were missing and another hung by a thread.

Blood was everywhere.

My wife called me at work.

Now usually my helpmate is far more competent than I at handling a crisis, but having heeded the commandment to be fruitful and multiply, we had a babe-in-arms at the time so she had her See JACKSON, page A5

A5 March 24, 2021

Alabama Department of Revenue offers free business tax webinars Contributed to the Opelika Observer The Alabama Department of Revenue is offering a series of webinars for new and existing business owners called Business Essentials for State Taxpayers (B.E.S.T.) Webinars.

The state’s tax structure and filing requirements can appear complicated and confusing to business owners. The B.E.S.T. Webinar Series, hosted live

by Revenue representatives, provides business taxpayers with brief but comprehensive overviews of Alabama’s various business taxes, covering items such as tax types and definitions, tax obligations, forms required, information on electronic filing and other requirements. Webinar topics include:

DIETRICH >>

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spent zipping up sheetrock, operating jigsaws, shouting to each other from different floors.

Silence was a privilege afforded us infrequently.

But my friend James broke the stillness.

“Hey!” he said, still using a penny to scratch his ticket.

“Hey, look!”

We craned forward to see what he was grinning at.

“I won!” he said. “I can’t believe I actually

JACKSON >>

FROM A4

hands full, so to speak.

I rushed over and took the bloody, bawling boy to his T-ball coach, who was also his dentist.

(One of the advantages of small-town living is that you come in contact with people in many guises, so finding a den-

• Resources for Starting a New Business • Business Personal Property Tax • Business Privilege Licenses • Recordkeeping and Business Expenses • Sales, Use, Lodgings and Rental Taxes And the best thing about B.E.S.T. webinars? They’re free!

To see a schedule of upcoming webinars, what you’ll learn in each one, and how to register, visit: https://revenue. alabama.gov/taxpayer-advocacy/b-e-s-tseminars/b-e-s-t-webinar-schedule/.

For more information on the B.E.S.T. program, including helpful resources and learning modules you can view online, visit https:// revenue.alabama. gov/taxpayer-advocacy/b-e-s-t-seminars/.

IRS delays filing deadline

By Justin Smith For the Opelika Observer

The Internal Revenue Service announced that it will delay this year’s filing deadline by one month from April 15 to May 17. This is the second year the IRS has delayed the filing deadline, following last year’s three-month delay resulting from COVID-19. The tax payment deadline has also been delayed to May 17 to provide taxpayers with relief related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The announcement further provided that no interest, penalties or addition to tax for failure to pay federal income taxes will occur between April 15 and May 17, 2021.

The Alabama Department of Revenue also announced that it will follow the IRS extension, although interest will accrue beginning after April 15 for unpaid accounts.

Taxpayers typically

file Form 4868 (often electronically) to request an extension to Oct. 15, which is the final deadline most years. It is still highly recommended that taxpayers wishing to delay their filing until later in the year still file for their extension by April 15.

Typically, requesting an extension to file does not provide an extension to pay your taxes. Interest and penalties begin accruing no later than April 16 most years, even for taxpayers who extend their filing date.

Further, the filing extension does not extend to corporations and partnerships, which must still adhere to the recently-passed March 15 deadline (or Sept.

15, if extended).

As of the most recent March 12 report from the IRS, 66 million returns had been filed, down 13% from 76.1 million filed through the same timeframe in 2020. Of the returns processed to date, 42 million (down from

59 million in 2020) returns had refunds totaling $126 billion, or approximately $2,967 per turn (approximately on par with 2020).

In addition to the later start for the IRS to begin processing returns this year, taxpayers are also evaluating delaying their filings in light of the recently-passed American Rescue Plan Act, which provides up to $1,400 per individual in a third round of stimulus payments.

My advice is that taxpayers who normally receive a tax return should proceed with filing their tax returns as soon as possible, as no delays have been announced in the processing of returns or distribution of tax refunds. This is especially true for taxpayers who have received their stimulus payments already.

Taxpayers who normally face a tax bill (or who expect to) should also consider filing their tax returns promptly so that they can plan for

their taxes due, but still have additional time to actually remit payments.

Taxpayers should keep in mind that many accountants, including me, have multiple options available to clients to help them file their taxes. We can conduct virtual meetings, use secure online portals to collect and obtain tax documents, collaborate via email, exchange text messages and deliver invoices electronically for payment. Those who prefer to provide paper tax documents can still do so.

Please reach out to me or your tax professional if you have further questions about your specific tax situation during this time.

Justin Smith is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in Opelika, specializing in individual and small business tax and accounting. He can be contacted at 251-209-2579 or Justin@JSmithCPA.net.

His Web site is www. jsmithcpa.net.

won!”

“What?”

“No way.”

“You’re a lie. How much?”

“I won three hundred bucks!”

“Nuh-uh.”

“Gimme that ticket.”

This caused a stir among us. Manual laborers, you see, rarely win things like other members of society.

Journalists win awards. Hollywood actors win little golden naked-people statues. High-school kids are awarded athletic scholarships. Lit-

tle-Leaguers win trophies. Men who wear toolbelts win squat.

We passed around the winning ticket as if it were a fragment from the Dead Sea Scrolls. He won. He actually won. Three hundred smackers. I almost wanted to cheer.

Truthfully, I’m not sure why I was excited. They weren’t my winnings. Maybe it’s because I grew up in a way that was not always hopeful. Maybe it was because from a young age I believed that the proverbial

glass was not only half empty, but filled with fertilizer.

Life is not easy for everyone, it certainly isn’t easy for those born on the wrong side of the status line.

But this lotto ticket.

It was proof that ordinary people sometimes win. And if James could win, any one of us could.

We suddenly became as chatty as a flock of hens. Our silence had evaporated completely.

James offered to buy everyone’s meal. We let him.

After breakfast we stood, tipped our waitress, left James standing at the cash register and exited the restaurant into the drizzly, gray, Floridian morning.

We all turned to watch James pay our ticket through the plate glass windows.

And what we saw was something I’ll never unsee.

We saw James hand the waitress cash.

We saw him collect change. We saw him smile. Then we watched him reach into

his pocket to remove a winning scratch-off ticket and give it to her. We all saw the young woman’s hand fly over her mouth. We all saw James blush.

And when James emerged onto the sidewalk, we were all cheesing so big it hurt our cheeks. One of us might have even picked some dust from our eyes. But nobody ever said a word about it. No. We kept very quiet.

Because, you see, that’s just how guys are.

tist through the Recreation Department is not out of the ordinary.)

The good doctor rushed the boy past waiting patients who, seeing the blood and hearing his whimpering, made no protest over our breaking in line.

Calmly he assured my boy that he was not going to die, then, with fears quieted, examined

the situation, removed the remaining front tooth and told his patient (and his anxious father) that since they were “baby teeth,” there was no permanent damage done.

Instead, he would be the first among his friends to lose his teeth – a mark of maturity at his age.

He also (looking at me) observed that when all the teeth were col-

lected, the “tooth fairy” would have to take out a loan to cover the cost.

Sure enough, in the fullness of time, the “permanent” teeth came in and today, thanks to yet another dentist – the one who braces and straightens – my son’s toothy smile brightens my day.

So, consider this column my tribute to

dentistry and those who practice it.

I recently saw on a Dentist’s “patient questionnaire” a list of “how do you feel about being here” responses. Included in the choices was “I’d just like to get up and run away.” I suspect some people, scarred for life by a sadist like my dentist-cousin, did not see the humor in that

choice, but I did.

So, let’s pay tribute to the person who puts their hands in your mouth. And remember to brush after every meal.

Harvey H. (“Hardy”) Jackson Professor Emeritus of History at Jacksonville State University. He can be reached at hjackson@ cableone.net.

1 OUT OF 10 ELDERLY PERSONS AND ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES ARE BEING: Abused, Neglected or Exploited If you suspect this is happening to someone you know, please report it to Adult Protective Services by contacting your local DHR office or calling the

ADULT ABUSE HOTLINE at 1-800-458-7214

HELP STOP THE ABUSE

IF YOU SEE IT, REPORT IT

Thereʼs no excuse for

ELDER ABUSE

“This project was supported by Subgrant #18-VA-VS-050 #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.”

Protect with 3! ✔ Tdap ✔ HPV ✔ MCV4 Protect your patients against vaccine preventable diseases.

As healthcare professionals, it is up to you to ensure your patients remain up to date with their vaccines.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) recommend the following vaccines for adolescents: • • • •

Tetanus, Diptheria, Pertussis Human papillomavirus Meningococcal disease Influenza

For more information, please visit alabamapublichealth.gov/imm

Alabama Department of Public Health Announces...

CALL FOR PROPOSALS DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MARCH 31ST For coronavirus vaccine activities to support broad-based distribution access and vaccine coverage for high risk and underserved populations including racial and ethnic minority populations and rural communities.

TARGET POPULATIONS: AFRICAN AMERICANS, HISPANICS AND TRIBAL NATIONS Each proposal must be submitted in Times New Roman or Arial font, 12 font size, 1.5 paragraph spacing and include: ✔ Cover Sheet ✔ Scope of Work and Activities ✔ Rationale ✔ Program Evaluation and Measurement Plan ✔ Budget

Proposals must be submitted online no later than Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at ImmProposals@adph.state.al.us

For more information visit https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/immunization/call-for-proposals.html

A6 March 24, 2021

Toomer’s Sit In Celebration on Saturday Contributed by Kelli Thompson For nearly 300 days, a small group of people have been holding a daily demonstration for racial reconciliation in Auburn, known as the Toomer’s Corner Sit-In. It all started on June 1, with one person holding a “Stop Racism Now” sign. The same person returned to the same spot at the same time the next day. In the days and weeks that followed, others joined her and the “sit-in” has grown into a daily practice of civil discourse — rain, shine or whatever.

The group has been collecting data about the positive vs. negative responses from the community over time.

Hundreds of people have stopped by for conversations

or driven by with comments.

Thousands of people have shown their support by honking or waving or other random acts of kindness The group will be celebrating Day 300 on Saturday, from 5 to 7 p.m. on Toomer’s Corner. Local artists and musicians who have supported the sit-in since its beginning will be joining.

We hope you can join our community to recognize the dedication and commitment this small group of local people have paid to a much larger social issue unfolding in our country. Please contact the group on Instagram @ toomerssitin or contact Kelli Thompson directly at 334663-6331.

Photo by Robert Noles / Opelika Observer

JOIN US FOR SLAM DUNK THE JUNK

A community wide clean up and

fun day!

TRASH PICK-UP, FOLLOWED BY: FREE THROW COMPETITION SLAM DUNK CONTEST

COVINGTON CENTER

APRIL 24, 2021 Photos contributed by Vicky Yarbrough Jewel Thompson of Opelika exhibited the grand champion Alabama Bred & Owned heifer at the Jr. Beef Expo Heifer Show. It was also champion Alabama Bred & Owned Shorthorn. The contest was held March 20 at the Teague Arena in Montgomery. She receives a scholarship from Alabama Farm Credit. Alabama Farmers Federation coordinates the show, which is presented by Alfa Insurance. Thompson is pictured with her sister, Victoria, judge Jim Bloomberg of Illinois and Federation Executive Director Paul Pinyan.

9 a.m.

Pick up your supplies 9- 11 a.m. Litter/Trash pick-up 11:30 a.m. Return to Covington with trash and unused supplies 12- 2 p.m. Free Throw & Slam Dunk competitions

itter...

sers L Only Lo

An e B t ’ n Do r! e s o l e Op

Prizes include an autographed basketball from AU Coach Bruce Pearl and various gift cards.

Hotdog, Chips & Drink : $5 Proceeds go to Keep Opelika Beautiful.

3 Ways to Register: • • •

Online at www.opelika-al.gov Fill out form on back of flier and return to lkrehling@opelika-al.gov Show up day of event

SEE WEBSITE FOR RULES.

Jay Collins of Cusseta in Chambers County exhibited the reserve champion Performance Documented animal at the Jr. Beef Expo. The contest was held March 19 at the Teague Arena in Montgomery. The Alabama Farmers Federation coordinates the show, which is presented by Alfa Insurance. He is pictured with his father, Jim.

Jewel Thompson of Lee County won Supreme Senior Showman of the Alabama Jr. Beef Expo in Montgomery, Alabama. Her sister, Victoria Thompson, is holding her awards.

Not pictured: Gus Ashley won reserve Champion Maintainer of the Beef in Montgomery, Alabama at the Alabama Jr. Beef EXPO.

e thJUNK

Opelika E vents, Society & Food

March 26, 27, 28 & April 2, 3 - OTC presents Godspell

Prepare scrumptious dishes for leisurely weekend brunch Ann Cipperly

Southern

Hospitality

A

s azaleas and dogwoods begin to bloom, plan on serving a leisurely weekend brunch on the patio or porch for enjoying spring days with fragrant warm breezes.

Brunch is also ideal for Easter, Mother’s Day and other spring occasions. Plan a make-ahead menu to enjoy more time with family outdoors, rather than in the kitchen.

When I was growing up in Opelika, brunch was not as popular as it is now. The first brunch I remember was at Don’s parents’ home. His mother was in the kitchen cooking bacon and grating cheese for a Quiche Lorraine that she had tried on a trip to

Europe. As the quiche was baking, the house filled with a tantalizing aroma.

Quiche is a tasty dish for brunch, as well as being good for lunch or supper. While quiche is really good baked in pastry, they are also good baked without the pie crust.

Serve quiche with a fruit or green salad and muffins.

Over the years, we have enjoyed many interesting brunches at hotels, restaurants and inns. I will request recipes or try to recreate some of the dishes after we return home.

Shrimp and grits dishes are popular for brunch throughout the South, not just in Charleston. JoAnn Woodall makes a

delicious version that is so easy. The shrimp are sautéed in butter with garlic and a sprinkling of red pepper flakes, which are optional. For an attractive presentation, the grits are placed in martini glasses and topped with a generous serving of the shrimp. It will be scrumptious however you choose to serve it.

Jessica Nicholson makes a delectable version too on special occasions for her family. Shrimp Florentine with spinach is served over Tomato Grits.

This grits casserole is also good by itself or as an accompaniment with eggs and sausage or bacon.

When selecting grits, look for the

Opelika Songwriters Festival announces new dates Contributed by Skye Media Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the annual Opelika Songwriters Festival, originally scheduled to take place in Opelika on March 26 - 28, 2021, has been rescheduled and will now take place Oct. 15 - 17, 2021.

All details, including

performer lineup, participating venues and ticket on-sale date for the three-day festival will be announced soon.

“It’s been a tough year for everyone, and we are excited to bring the festival back for all of us to enjoy the energy of live music once again,” said event co-producer and

owner of The Sound Wall in Opelika, Rob Slocumb.

About the Opelika Songwriters Festival: The Opelika Songwriters Festival consists of multiple venues in Historic Downtown Opelika that are transformed into listening rooms and host over 40 singer-songwriters, See FESTIVAL, page A9

Photo by Ann Cipperly Easy Shrimp and Grits makes an attractive presentation when served in martini glasses or sherbet dishes. The shrimp are simply sauteed in butter with garlic and a sprinkling of red pepper flakes. Shrimp and grits are a popular brunch dish across the South.

stone ground type.

I have been using Oakview Farms grits from their granary in Wetumpka. I visited the granary and their retail shop a few years ago with friends.

Owners Patty and Joe Lambrecht started the granary about 20 years ago. The business has been featured in “Southern Living” and other publications.

Oakview Farms’ products have been served locally at Acre, Cafe 123, Zazu, AU Club and Springhouse.

At one time, Chef Da-

vid Bancroft had the grits for sale at Acre.

I contacted the Lambrechts to let them know I was mentioning them in an article.

They said that they still own the business, but COVID-19 essentially shut them down since their customers were high-end restaurants, some specialty markets and their small shop where people could not socially distance.

The Lambrechts have the business for sale and are reducing their inventory to

restaurants that survived the pandemic closedown. They are keeping their strawberry u-pick farm, which is expected to open by the end of March.

If you find Oakview Farms grits, you will want to stock up. I am glad I have a bunch in the freezer.

Callaway Gardens’ stone ground grits are good too. If you visit the Gardens this spring, stop by the Country Store to pick See CIPPERLY, page A11

Hunting for Easter treasure in the dark

By Kayla Evans For the Opelika Observer Easter is right around the corner.

There are few better ways to celebrate it than at the Flashlight Egg Hunt. The city of Opelika Parks and Recreation is hosting its’ annual Flashlight Egg Hunt on Thursday, April 1.

The event, located

at Moore Stadium from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., is for students in third through fifth grade. Parents will be watching from the stands. Flashlight Egg Hunt is free to the public and no registration is required.

“It does get pitch black out there,” public relations coordinator Laura Leigh Chesser said. “We turn off every single

light and flashlights are all they have.

That is why it starts at third grade instead of younger.”

Bring a flashlight and a basket and get ready to look for the eggs. Certain eggs will have special prizes in them, and golden eggs are traded in for cash prizes. There will be two different See EASTER, page A9

A8 March 24, 2021

Making the Grade –– Susie K’s Country Cooking

By Stacey Patton Wallace As I have mentioned before in this column, I am an Alabama girl who LOVES chicken on the bone. There. Is. No. Substitute. However, other than fast-food establishments, which can do in a pinch, I hadn’t been able to find a local restaurant which served the chicken of my dreams.

Not long ago, I discovered Susie K’s Country Cooking on Second Avenue in Opelika, a mere two blocks from my church, Central Baptist. Thank the Good Lord! Now after church, my husband Mike and I can drive over there for a REAL Southern meal.

My friend Lynda, who has lived in Opelika for 45 years, said that the restaurant had originally been Sara Jay’s; however, that restaurant closed a few years ago. Then

Suzanne Lowery came to my rescue and opened up Susie K’s Country Cooking in 2017.

On Sundays, Susie K’s offers a choice of three meats; for instance, last week, you could choose from meatloaf, fried chicken breast (bone in) or grilled chicken breast (bone out). Diners then choose two sides, which may include: broccoli and rice casserole, field peas, turnip greens, cream corn, peach cobbler, strawberry cobbler or rutabagas. The sides change each week, but macaroni and cheese is available weekly.

In addition to meats and vegetables, a burger of the week is featured.

Last week’s burger was an 11-ounce patty with homemade pimento cheese, fried green tomatoes and a choice of fries or onion rings.

You could get both your Southern cooking and

Photo by Mike Wallace

fast food fixes in one sitting. How great is that!

In addition, Susie K’s has weekday lunch specials on Tuesday through Friday. A meat with three sides is $7.99 and a meat with two sides is just $6.99. This is really a bargain in this day and time; you get a delicious, complete meal for under $10, which, as I’ve stated before, really helps the economically challenged people such as myself, particularly at the end of the month.

A variety of meats are

offered during the week, including fried pork chop, salmon patties, hamburger steak, beef tips and rice, chicken livers, fried chicken (dark), country fried steak and fried catfish filets. The old cliché is true: there is something for everyone.

My favorite Sunday lunch (Again, dinner for Southerners) is chicken on the bone (no kidding), turnip greens, macaroni and cheese and a cornbread muffin. To me, no South-

ern meal is complete without cornbread. Also, no one should eat any greens, turnip or collard, without a bottle of hot pepper sauce. I am ashamed to admit that I didn’t have the required sauce in my pantry the first time. However, I am proud to say that my sweet husband Mike found a bottle of hot pepper sauce for me at “the Pig” in Opelika.

My turnip greens were complete. Once, Susie K’s had dressing as a side; it was wonderful, and I have requested that it make a comeback.

I haven’t tried breakfast at Susie K’s yet because now that I’m retired, early mornings are now foreign to me.

However, the breakfast platters, biscuits, sandwiches and sides sound very tempting.

Susie K’s is open for dine in or carry out from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Sunday and from 6 a.m.

until 2 p.m. on Tuesday through Saturday.

Breakfast is served from 6 until 10:30 a.m. and lunch from 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. (3 p.m. on Sunday). If you haven’t tried this restaurant, you need to do so; I am a regular customer. It’s important that we all support our local businesses in Lee County.

Susie K’s Country Cooking makes the grade with an A+ from this retired English teacher. Remember, “Pooh-sized” people NEVER lie about food.

Enjoy!

Stacey Patton Wallace, who retired from teaching language arts for 30 years, is a professional diner. Her column, “Making the Grade,” will appear each week in the Observer. Stacey may be reached at retiredlangartsteacher2020@ gmail.com

Serve to Lead 2: leading high school baseball coach shares his story, despite the odds.

By Wil Crews sportscrews@ opelikaobserver.com Written by Glenwood Athletic Director and Head Baseball Coach Tim Fanning, “Serve to Lead 2” is part memoir, part travel book, part baseball coaching instruction and 100% lessons learned through a life of service.

“I just started thinking about all the experiences I’ve had as a coach and the beautiful things I’ve seen, and felt like sharing that can impact a lot of lives,” Fanning said on his inspiration behind writing the book.

“Finding a way to tie this thing together to make it common for all people was important to me.”

Fanning has been the baseball coach at Glenwood High School for 17 years now, winning eight state championships and coaching numerous All-Americans.

He is also the founder of “Serve to Lead,” a non-profit that shares a name with his first book and uses Christ to impact lives around the world through field construction, equipment donations, how-to clinics, Bible distribution and helping communities.

“My whole goal is to inspire kids to be servants in this world,” Fanning said.

“Serve to Lead,” garnered praise and accolades when it was released in 2017. Since that time, Fanning was faced with his greatest challenge in life yet when he was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer.

“I had to fight a lot when it came to that,

and one great way I found to do it was to write,” Fanning said.

While “Serve to Lead 2” is not intended to be about "How-To's," the book explores a way of being for a coach, a parent and a Christian man. Fanning tells a story of humble beginnings, unfortunate circumstances and adversity — and how overcome those things through a servant’s mentality.

According to the book’s website, “Serve to Lead 2” will let you: lead by serving others, help your players mature from teenagers, get rid of the world’s perception of you, reach your potential as a servant leader, get parenting lessons and learn from game situation stories and examples.

Furthermore, the book will help you learn: the “un-sexy” secret to waking up chock full of inspiration each morning, one thing you must never do if you want to show up as the best version of yourself, the single biggest thing Fanning learned in his first six months battling cancer, how to use mission trips to mold young people into servant leaders, what most doctors believe is the No. 1 key to recovery from illness, how to win games … the right way, what to say in your end of year speeches, why it’s a must for coaches to attend conventions, one of the biggest problems crippling our country today, Fanning’s simple philosophy of “Raw Love,” what you must do with your kids to teach them a love of serving others and a

simple way to enjoy greater peace of mind as soon as today.

That’s just a taste of the knowledge and experience readers will get when they dive into “Serve to Lead 2.”

Gene Stephenson, the third winningest coach in NCAA D1 history (seven college world series appearances with Wichita State University between 1978 and 2013) said, “Coach Fanning has hit a ‘home run’ with this book.”

Auburn University Head Baseball Coach Butch Thompson quoted it saying the book “refocused my intention to be a better servant.”

Seventeen-year MLB veteran and former Auburn University player Tim Hudson said it “shines light on who and what is important in life.”

The hard copy of “Serve to Lead 2” sells for $35. However, customers can receive the book for a special $25 pre-order price, which includes an e-edition of the book too. Additionally, if customers are unsatisfied with their purchase at any time, they can email Fanning at Admin@ servetolead2.com and promptly get a refund — plus keep the book.

To learn more about “Serve to Lead 2” or to get your copy, go to servetolead2.com.

“It’s so easy to be wrapped up in yourself and lose sight of what is beautiful around you,” Fanning said. “And that’s the whole goal: to honestly wake people up to quit worrying about what the world thinks of you and what the world is telling you is important.”

Call me for all your real estate needs!

1810 E. Glenn Ave. Suite 130 Auburn, AL 36830 Cell 334.444.8041 duffystewartrealtor@gmail.com www.BHHSPreferredAuburn.com A member of the franchise system of BHH Affliates, LLC

A9 March 24, 2021

Learn about Azaleas with Alabama Extension

By Justin Miller Contributed to the Opelika Observer With their stunning colors and ability to grow almost anywhere, it is no surprise that azaleas are known as the royalty of the garden.

In Alabama, these beautiful shrubs are the most popular shrubs used in landscaping. Because of their immense popularity, members of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s commercial horticulture and home grounds teams have developed an online opportunity for residents to learn more about them. The All About Azaleas webinar series will allow people to learn from the comfort of their own home.

Shane Harris, an Alabama Extension county coordinator for Tallapoosa County, said the team is excited to provide this learning opportunity to residents.

“We are pleased to partner with the

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from local artists to Grammy Award-winning performers, drawing attendees from across the Southeast. A festival pass gets fans access to every venue, giving them the opportunity to experience many different locations

Alabamanese Chapter of the Azalea Society of America in this venture,” Harris said. “With COVID-19 restrictions continuing and most in-person conferences, workshops and garden tours on hold, we hope this will be a welcoming and beneficial alternative to our normal in-person programing.”

What to Expect The All About Azaleas webinar series will consist of four parts presented via Zoom. Extension agents and specialists, local Azalea Society members and azalea enthusiasts will conduct these presentations. Topics will range from basic introductory information to more specific information on care and maintenance.

“The overall goal of this series is to increase the appreciation and knowledge of azaleas,” he said.

“Also, with the partnership of the Azalea Society of America, we hope this series

builds an interest in membership and fellowship.”

The following are the dates and corresponding topics for the series: • March 25: Introduction to Evergreen Azaleas; Introduction to Native Azaleas • April 22: Planting Azaleas; Care and Maintenance • May 20: Propagating Evergreen Azaleas; Propagating Native Azaleas • June 10: Insect Pests, Diseases and Disorders; Azalea Society Opportunities.

Register Today The All About Azaleas webinar series will air once a month on Thursdays, from March through June.

Each presentation will begin at 6 p.m. C.S.T. While the webinars are free to attend, people must register ahead of time. Visit www.aces.edu/go/ AllAboutAzaleas to register. For more information about the webinar series, contact Harris at 256825-1050 or harria5@ auburn.edu.

and songwriters over the weekend, as well as the quaint downtown area of Opelika.

Rob and Jen Slocumb (a.k.a. Martha’s Trouble, and owners of The Sound Wall) founded the Opelika Songwriters Festival, which debuted Memorial Day Weekend 2019 in downtown Opelika.

The Opelika Song-

writers Festival is produced by The Sound Wall and Russell Carter Artist Management (RCAM). RCAM has co-produced the prestigious 30A Songwriters Festival for over a decade on the northwest Florida coast. www.opelikasongwritersfestival.com/

Sweet Corn

Contributed by Dr. Chip East and Dr. Joe Kemble Alabama Cooperative Extension System

Sweet corn is a great crop in a home garden and a very popular crop at the local farmers markets. This article discusses the different types of sweet corn and things to know before you grow them. The sweetness of corn is basically controlled by three different genes in the corn. The three types of corn discussed here are regular sweet corn (su), sugar enhanced (se) and supersweet (sh2). Synergistic seeds — a mixture of sugar enhanced and supersweet — are also available.

The industry uses the letters such as su, se, and sh2 to describe the types of sweet corn. As an example, you might see corn seed in a vegetable catalog listed as ‘Double Standard’ (su), or ‘Xtra-Tender 3473’ (sh2).

Normal sugary sweet corn (su) is commonly planted by home gardeners. It would be best if these types of corn were cooked the day of harvest. This corn quickly turns starchy after harvest even if stored in refrigeration.

Some popular examples of normal sugary sweet corn are "Silver Queen," "Merit" and "Sweet G90." Sugar enhanced sweet corn (se) is sweeter than nor-

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hunt areas: one for third graders and one for fourth and fifth graders.

“We will have tons of eggs, prizes and candy within the grass at Moore Stadium,” Chesser said. “We will still have our golden eggs which are worth cash money. If you find one of those, you bring it to us at the end of the egg hunt, and we’ll send you

mal sugary corn. It also holds its sweetness longer than regular sweet corn. This gives it a longer shelf life. "Silver King" is a popular type of sugar enhanced corn.

Supersweet corn (sh2) holds its sweetness longer than regular and sugar enhanced sweet corn. It can be stored for up to 10 to 14 days after harvest with little reduction in sugars.

Supersweet corn has a shrunken look to the seed. The more sugar in a kernel of corn the more it draws up or shrinks as it dries.

Think of field corn that shrinks very little when dried. The supersweet corn seed are smaller than regular sugary corn and therefore are not as hardy. These seeds are more expensive than normal sugary corn seed by the pound.

But because the seeds are smaller, it does not take as many seeds to plant the same size area.

Planting time is important in regard to supersweet corn. You may not get a good stand if the soil temperatures fall below 60 degrees after planting.

For this reason, many growers will plant sugar enhanced early in the year and super sweet at later plantings when the ground is warmer.

The synergistic corn will do better in cooler temperatures than the supersweet. Many seed catalogs list tempera-

tures for good seed germination. Many people plant too early trying to make an early crop. Different corn has different days to maturity. I would suggest not planting too early, but planting an earlier maturing corn. The seed catalogs, seed packet or both will list the days to maturity. You should avoid regular and sugar enhanced corn cross-pollinating with supersweet corn. For this reason, supersweet corn should be planted 300 feet or more from regular sugar or sugar enhanced corn. If you cannot separate them by distance, find out the days to maturity for the different corns and plant them so that they will silk two weeks apart. Corn begins to show silks at 18 to 22 days before it is mature and ready to harvest.

The planting distance is not as important with the regular sugary and sugar enhanced corn, but they should be separated if possible.

I will list a few sugar enhanced and supersweet corn varieties, but there are so many from which to choose. You can find yellow, white or bicolor in the su, se and sh2 corn types. We sometimes use the word variety when discussing all seeds, but cultivar is the correct term when discussing hybrid seed.

Keep in mind that you

home with some money.”

To make it as safe as possible, masks are required, and everyone is to socially distance prior to the hunt. Starting points will originate from all four sides of each age group’s hunt area. Normally, the Easter Bunny and Easter Chicken would make an appearance, but this year, they will not be because of COVID-19.

“The Flashlight Egg Hunt is kind of lucky in that it al-

ready followed most COVID guidelines by its original nature,” Chesser said. “It is held outside; we don’t have a lot of contact within the egg hunt itself, so we just had to make minor changes … I will be social distancing parents in the stands and asking them to spread out and stay a part.”

The address for the Flashlight Egg Hunt is: 795 West Samford Avenue. For more information, visit www. opelika-al.gov/713/ Flashlight-Egg-Hunt.

See CORN, page A11

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• No weekend service or after hours markups.

Regular weekly rates any day.

A10 March 24, 2021

Free Dog Biscuits!

City of Auburn hosted Bark In The Park

By Hannah Lester hlester@ opelikaobserver.com Kiesel Park was filled with wagging tails, lots of puppy kisses and some free dog biscuits Saturday for the city of Auburn’s Bark In The Park event.

This was Auburn’s ninth year to host Bark In The Park, since it was canceled last year due to COVID-19.

“We’re just glad we could provide this for the community,” said Sarah Cook, community programs coordinator for the city of Auburn.

“It’s all about responsible dog ownership.”

There were 30 vendors and organizations at the event, including Nature’s Oasis Animal Hospital, Crafts by Lauren, Lee County Youth Development Center, city of Auburn animal control, Pet Vet and a new company — Attaboy Dog Treats.

Bark In The Park was

Attaboy Dog Treats first day in business.

“We make all natural, high-quality-ingredient dog treats,” said Pam Prince, one of the owners of Attaboy Dog Treats.

The business has three treats right now, bacon peanut butter, called “fiesty boy;” a pumpkin peanut butter, called “peppy boy” and a chicken heart treat, called “hearty boy.”

Attaboy Dog Treats was going to launch last year at Bark In The Park, but because of COVID-19 was unable to.

“We’re hopeful that eventually we will start a dog food truck,” Prince said.

There were groups present that were focused on adoption or fostering of dogs, including the Lee County Humane Society and Pups on the Plains.

“We adopt dogs off See PARK, page A11

Photos by Hannah Lester / Opelika Observer

Franky June’s Weeny Wagon open and ready to serve Lee County

By Lofton Wheeles For the Opelika Observer

Photo by Emily Key / For the Opelika Observer

Franky June’s Weeny Wagon opened last month and is now serving the Opelika area. You can often find Franky June’s food truck at the Firing Pin, Bubba’s Medicine Shop and Southern Union State Community College.

Karen Lanier opened the food truck after being inspired by her northeastern upbringing and the food she remembered from her youth.

“I’m from New Jersey up in the Northeast and our hot dogs there are a lot different than what they are anywhere else,” she said. “I was also in the Navy for 20 years and I’ve had different kinds of hot dogs all around. So, we wanted to come up with all different kinds of hot dogs because you can put anything on a hot dog and we did some research, put together a menu and that was that.

“We also wanted a good hot dog that we couldn’t find [in the area].”

Lanier had a business

prior to opening Franky June’s and wanted to start a new venture after missing a significant part about running a business.

“We had a business before and the one thing we missed about it was meeting people,” she said. “So, we were like ‘We don’t want to open up a storefront, so let’s try a food truck.’

That way we can work around [the Opelika area] and take it to all different events and all different locations so we can meet all different kinds of people.”

Franky June’s also

can boast of an important detail regarding the quality of the food they create.

“We have hot dogs and tater tots and it’s fun because you can put anything on both,” Lanier said. “And most of everything we make is homemade so we can control [everything] a lot better. For example, we can control whether something has the right amount of salt or the right amount of sweetness, all those kinds of things.”

Lanier also hopes See WAGON, page A11

The city of Auburn to host Empty Bowls event

By Lofton Wheeles For the Opelika Observer

The city of Auburn will host its eight annual Empty Bowls event on March 27 at 5 p.m. at Kiesel Park.

Empty Bowls is an event held by the Dean Road Ceramics Studio and the Denson Drive Recreation Center.

The event showcases hand-crafted bowls created by local people while the proceeds for the event go to the Food Bank of East Alabama.

Art Education Specialist for Auburn Parks and Recreation and Empty Bowls Event Coordinator Emillie Dombrowski discussed the origin of Empty Bowls and how it helps

out communities.

“Empty Bowls came from a group of teachers and art students and local artists from an area in Michigan and it got started by the Imagine-Render Group in 1991,” she said. “It got started as a grass roots movement so they could find a way for them and their communities as artists to give money to the local food bank and since 1991, it has grown and grown and now it is this worldwide movement.

“The cool thing about it is that each community can make the program work for themselves as long as they provide handmade bowls and then provide a dinner or a soup and then donate that money to their local food bank.

Photo by Robert Noles / Opelika Observer

They can work around and change their event, but each community can make the event

their own.”

Local restaurants across the Auburn-Opelika area are coming to-

gether to help the cause of Empty Bowls.

“We’re going to have soups [at the event]

so we’re working with Niffer’s, Bow and Arrow, Acre, The Waverly Local and The Plaza and those companies are providing our soups for us and they’re going to be in to-go containers this time because of COVID,” Dombrowski said. “So [the participants] will select the bowls and then they’re going to select their take home soup and we’re also working with the Lee County Master Gardeners and they’ve created dry soups.”

The event will also include prizes to help with the donation to the food bank along with ticket purchases.

“We also have a large raffle table and See BOWLS page A11

A11 March 24, 2021

“Prepare Ye the Way!”: Opelika Theatre Company to open “Godspell” this weekend

By Lofton Wheeles For the Opelika Observer Opelika Theatre Company is performing the musical “Godspell,” a musical based around the Book of Matthew in the Christian Bible and depicts parts of the life of Jesus Christ and his disciples.

The musical was originally premiered in the early 1970s and was written by John Michael Tebelak and composed

by Stephen Schwartz, who is known for composing musicals such as “Wicked,” “Pippin” and “Children of Eden."

Members of the community have also come out to help with the production. Beauregard native Abby Freeman is choreographer for the

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of death row from kill shelters, fully vet them then adopt them out locally,” said one Pups on the Plains member, Claire Brewton said.

Pups on the Plains is

CORN >>

FROM A9

can find some GMO corn seeds, but none of the corn cultivars listed in this article are GMO. Some recommended sugar enhanced corn varieties include "Silver Princess", "Sweet Ice", "Silver King", "Honey Select", "Precious Gem", "Sweet Chorus" and "Sweet Rhythm". Some recommended supersweet corn cultivars include "Affection", "Awesome XR", "Coastal", "Everglades", "Seminole Sweet XR" and "Superb MXR" just to name a few. Many

WAGON >>

FROM A10

that people that have come to Opelika from many different places can have a little taste of their hometown when they come visit the food truck.

“We’re just happy about the different kinds of people that are continuing to come to Opelika from all around the country,” she said. “We’re hoping that with our hot dogs, [such as] our ‘Manhattans’ with the sauerkraut and the mustard, that the peo-

show; Martha Leigh Butz, a former music teacher for Opelika City Schools, is musical director and Carolyn Boone, a music teacher for Trinity Christian School, serves as pianist and musical arranger for the show.

Opelika Theatre Company Executive Director Marty Moore said she is also proud and excited that they have the opportunity to put on a production like “Godspell." “[Opelika Theatre Company] is a young community theatre. We pride ourselves in being an actively progressive theatre company with our choice of stage productions. We have proven to be a viable and measurable asset to the community.”

There are many expectations from the cast and crew of the musical.

Alysa Richards, the musical’s director, is no different as this is the first production she has directed solo.

“My expectations for my cast is to tell the stories from the Bible in a respectful, yet fun way that people understand and that they would understand the stories better than in a normal church service,” she said. “My expectations for anyone coming to see the show is that they come with an open mind, open ears and an open heart and be willing to learn a few things, laugh and cry.”

The production was also the first time some See THEATRE, page A14

CIPPERLY >>

an Auburn University organization that is student-run. “[Bark In The Park] a great way for different shelters and rescues to get their name out there and promote the ‘adopt don’t shop narrative,’” said Anna Deaton, another Pups on the Plains member.

other cultivars of sugar enhanced and supersweet corn are available. If you want to try a new corn and cannot find one of the recommended cultivars, do not be afraid to try another cultivar. I opened a popular seed catalog and found many corn cultivars that are not even on this list, and I would not be concerned about trying any of them on a small scale.

If you want to try some of these different types of corn, remember to plant a little at first to see if you like it before you plant your entire garden or field. The supersweet ple from the Northeast can have a hot dog that they remember. And people from Chicago can enjoy a ‘Chicago dog’ or people from California can enjoy a hot dog with jalapenos and pico de gallo on it.

So, we’re hoping that all the different kinds of hot dogs help people bring back their memories of their childhood and their life.”

To get updates for when the food truck will set up shop and on the business, please go to their Facebook page www.facebook.com/ FrankyJunes.

32 degrees.

One of the first things that should be done in the garden is to have a soil test performed on the site. The soil test gives you an analysis of the nutrients that are in your soil and what you may or may not need to add.

Sweet corn grows best at a pH between 6.0 and 6.5.

Your soil test will tell you what your pH is and what other elements to apply and when to apply them.

If you have not been testing your soil and you need more information about it, you should contact your local county Extension office.

up a couple of bags.

If you find any other stone-ground grits, let me know.

The basic recipe for cooking grits is 4 cups water, 1 tsp. salt and 1 cup grits.

Instead of water, I prefer to use 2 cups chicken broth and 2 cups milk. I add 2 Tbsp. butter after they are cooked and sometimes a little heavy cream.

You can add a cup or more shredded cheddar cheese or smoked Gouda. I generally double the recipe and freeze one pan.

For a brunch dessert, the Crème Brulee French Toast is one of our favorites. The top is not torched like a crème brulee. It receives its name from the caramel sauce baked on the bottom, and the dish can be inverted after baking to have the caramel on top. It can also be cut into squares then inverted onto a plate. The dish is just as yummy served with the sauce on the bottom.

Once when I was inverting an entire dish of Crème Brulee

French Toast onto a platter, I almost dropped it as it began sliding. Of course, there were houseguests sitting nearby to see this activity going on. (Thankfully, no photos!)

Another delicious baked French Toast is one from Fountainview Mansion in Auburn. The French toast is baked with a cheesecake type filling. Fresh or canned fruit can be added.

I made it once with canned peaches. It was good, but fresh would be better.

Treat your family to a brunch on a Saturday morning before heading to activities or for relaxing leisurely after church on Sundays.

After Easter services at church, brunch dishes can be waiting in the refrigerator to quickly warm and serve. Decorate the table the day before with spring flowers and colored eggs.

Look over the following recipes and plan a brunch to savor with your family while enjoying azaleas and other spring blooms.

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

event, but according to Dombrowski, there are two that stick out the most.

“I think the best part about planning the event is when you finally get to the day of the event and you just see everyone enjoying it and you see everything working the way you planned and it really makes all the months that go into planning an event all worth it,” she said. “The other best part of this event is being able to hand a really nice check to the [Food Bank of East Alabama].”

With Empty Bowls, Dombrowski hopes that the community doesn’t look at the event as just a way to help the food bank, but also as a way to help out the AuburnOpelika community.

“With COVID, the rise in people in our community that have food insecurities is higher than it’s been in a really long time, or ever,” she said. “I just want people to know that people in our community need help and this is a good way to help out. We still have some tickets left [for the event].”

Tickets for the event are $20 and can be purchased at either the Dean Road Ceramics Studio in Auburn or the Denson Drive Recreation Center in Opelika. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go to the Food Bank of East Alabama. The event will also follow CDC guidelines regarding social distancing and sanitation.

For more information regarding the event, please go to auburnal.org/ parks or call Emillie Dombrowski at (334) 501-2944.

FROM A7

seeds do cost more money to plant and may not be available from every seed supplier. However, they can be found in many places and might be something worth trying on a small scale. Different types of sweet corn have different tastes, shelf life and require different management inputs. You need to pick which corn is best for your needs.

To maintain the sweetness of your sweet corn, cool it quickly after you harvest it. You can place the corn in an ice bath then place the cooled corn in your refrigerator. Sweet corn stores best at around

BOWLS >>

FROM A10

so people will able to give more money to the Food Bank through purchasing tickets and trying to win [prizes],” Dombrowski said. “Now these raffle baskets are awesome they’re put together by the Universities Fighting World Hunger group and they are really spectacular.”

Dombrowski said.

There are many rewarding parts about the Empty Bowls

A12 March 24, 2021

RECIPES

>>

EASY SHRIMP AND GRITS JoAnne Woodall This recipe is so easy, but it always gets rave reviews!

The dish looks attractive served in martini glasses or other wide rimmed glassware as a first course or for a buffet.

2 cups uncooked stone ground grits or regular grits 1 stick butter 3-4 cloves of garlic or more, minced 1-1 ½ lbs. shrimp, peeled Dash of red pepper flakes (if you like spicy) Salt to taste Prepare grits according to package directions. In a skillet, melt butter on low heat; add garlic and sauté on low heat for several minutes. Add shrimp, red pepper flakes and salt; cook on medium heat until shrimp are done (do not overcook). Makes four main dish servings.

FOUNTAINVIEW MANSION’S BAKED FRENCH TOAST Gary Klarenbeek Fresh or canned peaches or another fruit can be substituted for the apples or the fruit may be omitted.

3 large green apples ½ cup butter ½ cup or more brown sugar 12 oz. cream cheese 12 slices firm bread (your choice plain white, wheat, French, sourdough, cinnamon or your favorite) 8 eggs 2 cups milk 2 Tbsp. vanilla Cinnamon Butter a 13-by9-inch baking pan.

Slice apples into wedges (may remove skin). In a skillet, melt butter with brown sugar and 1 tablespoon water.

Add apples and stir for two minutes.

Place apples in baking dish; cool.

Cut cream cheese into cubes. Arrange evenly over apples.

Cut bread slices diagonally; place over apples to cover dish.

In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs, milk and vanilla.

Pour over bread.

Sprinkle cinnamon on top.

Dish can be baked immediately or covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated overnight.

Place rack on lower third of oven and preheat to 350 degrees. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes until golden and puffed.

Let cool 10 minutes.

Reheats well.

TOMATO GRITS CASSEROLE WITH SHRIMP FLORENTINE Jessica Nicholson 2 cups water 3/4 cup milk 1 tsp. salt 1 cup quick cooking grits 1 stick, plus 1 Tbsp. butter 1/3 cup green onions, diced 1/4 tsp. garlic powder 2 cups cheddar, shredded, divided 10 oz. can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies 2 eggs, lightly beaten Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

To make the tomato grits, in a saucepan, bring water and milk to a boil. Add salt.

Slowly add grits and return to a boil; stir for one full minute. (The secret to preparing good grits is the initial stirring of the pot.) Reduce the heat, cover, and cook for three minutes.

Stir the grits and add one stick of butter, stirring until it has melted.

Cover and cook for three to five minutes, or until the grits are thick and creamy. Remove from the heat and set aside. Sauté onions in the remaining 1 Tbsp. butter for one minute. Add garlic powder, 1 1/2 cups cheddar and onions to the grits, and stir until the cheese is melted.

Add tomatoes and green chilies and mix well; stir in the beaten eggs.

Pour grits into a greased 8-by-11by-2-inch casserole dish. Bake for 40 minutes.

Sprinkle remaining cheese over casserole for the last five minutes of cooking time.

SHRIMP FLORENTINE 2 Tbsp. butter 1 clove garlic, minced 12 shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 to 2 lemons, juiced White wine, for deglazing 1 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup grated Parmesan 2 cups fresh spinach, packed down 1 dash ground nutmeg Salt and pepper Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Start with 1 Tbsp. butter in a sauté pan. Add minced garlic and shrimp. Deglaze with lemon and

wine. Add cream, cheese and spinach. Reduce, add nutmeg, season to taste with salt and pepper, and pour over grits.

CREAMY HAM WITH ARTICHOKES AND MUSHROOMS JoAnne Woodall The filling can be prepared a day ahead. This is delicious served in hollowed-out brioches, pastry shells, popovers or on thick slices of toasted French bread.

6 Tbsp. butter, divided ½ lb. mushrooms, sliced 1/4 tsp. each dry mustard and thyme leaves, chopped 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour 1 ½ cups milk 2 ½ cups (10 oz.) shredded cheddar cheese (can use Swiss or Parmesan) 1/8 tsp. pepper 1 Tbsp. sherry, optional 1 can quartered artichokes, drained 2-3 cups cooked ham, cubed Salt to taste 6 to 8 pastry shells or toasted French bread slices Over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter; add mushrooms and cook until liquid evaporates.

Add remaining 4 tablespoons butter, thyme and mustard. When butter melts, stir in flour and cook until bubbly.

Gradually stir in milk and cook, stirring constantly until sauce boils and thickens.

Add cheese, pepper and sherry; stir until cheese melts. Remove from heat; stir in artichokes and ham. Season to taste with salt. If preparing ahead, cool, cover and refrigerate.

To serve, reheat stirring gently over medium-low heat. Spoon filling into shells or transfer to chafing dish and let everyone serve themselves. Serves six to eight.

CRÈME BRULEE FRENCH TOAST Assemble the night before.

1 stick butter 1 cup packed brown sugar 2 Tbsp. corn syrup French bread 5 eggs 1 ½ cups half and half 1 tsp. vanilla ¼ tsp. salt

In a small saucepan, melt butter with brown sugar and corn syrup over medium heat, stirring until smooth. Pour into a 13-by-9inch baking dish.

Slice center part of bread into one-inch slices.

Arrange bread slices in one layer over brown sugar mixture.

Whisk eggs, half and half, vanilla and salt until blended. Pour over bread. Cover and chill overnight.

Bake uncovered in a 350-degree oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until puffy and lightly brown.

Serve with the sauce on the bottom or inverted onto a platter with caramel topping drizzling over sides.

It can also be cut into squares and inverted onto individual plates.

Can be prepared in two small pans or served without inverting onto a platter.

EASY CRAB QUICHE A family favorite 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese 1 partially baked 9 or 10-inch pastry shell or individual shells 6 or 8 oz. fresh or canned crabmeat, drained 2 green onions, sliced 3 beaten eggs 1 cup half and half ¼ tsp. dry mustard Sprinkle cheese evenly over bottom of pastry shell in a tart or pie pan. Top with crabmeat; sprinkle with green onions.

In a medium bowl combine eggs, half and half and dry mustard.

Pour evenly over crab. Bake in a 325-degree oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. For individual tarts, bake 25 minutes or until set. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Can prepare ahead and reheat. Makes six to eight servings.

QUICHE LORRAINE WITH MUSHROOMS, SPINACH AND HAM Nancy Smith 9-inch pie crust 7 eggs 2/3 cup half and half cream Salt and pepper to taste 1 cup or more ham, finely

chopped ½ cup spinach, frozen, welldrained or fresh, cooked and well drained ½ - ¾ cup onion, chopped 3/4 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced 2/3 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine eggs and half and half and beat with a whisk until frothy.

Add salt and pepper to egg mixture and set aside. Place ham into a food processor and pulse to finely chop.

In the uncooked pie crust, layer spinach, onions, ham, mushrooms and cheddar into two layers.

Top with Parmesan cheese and bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until quiche is browned and center is almost set. Remove from oven and allow quiche to finish setting. May cover with foil loosely.

Cut into six or eight slices.

CHELSEA’S CRUSTLESS QUICHE June Cutchins Former Chelsea’s and the Village Tea Room, Biltmore Village, Asheville, North Carolina 6 eggs 1 can cream of celery soup 2 Tbsp. heavy cream 1 cup provolone cheese, grated 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated 2 cups cooked quiche filling (choice of ham and Swiss; tomato and basil; feta and spinach; or onion and bacon Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat eggs in a mixing bowl with a wire whisk until well combined. Add other ingredients along with filling of choice and combine well.

Spray a highrimmed pie dish/ quiche pan with cooking spray.

Pour in quiche mixture. Bake for 1 hour or until the quiche is set on top.

Remove from the oven. Cool for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve hot.

CHOOSE-AFLAVOR QUICHE Traci Meyers Piecrust (homemade, frozen, or refrigerated) 3 beaten eggs

1 1/2 cups milk 1/4 cup sliced green onions 1/4 tsp. salt 1/8 tsp. pepper Dash of ground nutmeg 3/4 cup cooked chicken, crabmeat or ham 1 1/2 cups (6 oz.) shredded Swiss, cheddar, Monterey Jack or Havarti cheese 1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour Precook piecrust according to directions.

In a bowl, stir together eggs, milk, onion, salt, pepper and nutmeg. Stir in meat. Toss together shredded cheese and flour. Pour egg mixture into hot pastry shell.

Bake in a 325-degree oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until knife inserted near the center comes out clean.

If necessary, cover edge of crust with foil to prevent over browning. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

MAKE AHEAD BREAKFAST PIZZA Angie Dyer 1 can refrigerated crescent rolls 1 lb. hot ground sausage 28 oz. pkg. frozen hash browns with onions and peppers 1 cup grated cheddar cheese 4 eggs 1/2 cup milk 1 tsp. salt 12 tsp. pepper Unroll crescent roll dough and press on the bottom and partially up sides of 13-by9-inch pan (or 12-inch-deep pizza pan). Press perforations to seal. Bake at 375 degrees for five minutes.

Cook sausage in skillet, stirring until sausage crumbles and is no longer pink. Drain well, sprinkle over crust.

POTATO, SAUSAGE AND EGG CASSEROLE 4 baking potatoes or 2 1/2 lb. red potatoes, cubed 2 large red or yellow peppers 1 large onion, chopped Olive oil 1/2 lb. smoked sausage, chopped 8 eggs ½ lb. shredded cheddar cheese Parboil potatoes.

Sauté peppers and onion in olive oil; set aside. Sauté potatoes and sausage; drain. Combine both mixtures and spread into a greased 13-by9-inch dish. Make eight holes in mixture. Break eggs into holes. Cover with cheese and bake at 350 degrees until set.

A13 March 24, 2021

“H

Jesus, John and Mary

ere is your son” (v.

26), Jesus said to His mother. In contrast to Pilate’s abdication of his responsibility to Jesus and justice (“Here is the man” – v. 5, “Here is your king” – v. 14), Christ took control regarding His mother’s care. It’s an interesting situation we don’t know as much about as we’d like, but it’s worth exploring.

Crucifixions were ghastly, horrid executions performed in open air so they could be in full view of family, friends, and everyone else. It was Rome thrusting its chest out to say this is what happens if you have the audacity to oppose us. There were plenty of ways to take a person’s life, but it was the ultimate in cruelty, shame, and humiliation.

Christ had earlier made the choice not to drink the wine and gall (Matthew 27:34)—the first century equivalent of general anesthesia and it enabled Him

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

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

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

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

Wednesday worship is at 6:30 p.m.

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

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

to remain alert and lucid. Still, it’s remarkable that in the midst of His pain and suffering He was able to focus on His mother’s care, but it’s so in line with who He was and the way He lived that at another level it doesn’t surprise us.

As for Mary, the aged Simeon had told her over three decades before regarding Jesus that a sword would pierce her soul (Luke 2:35). Whether she had experienced this before is debatable (Mark 3:20-21,3135); whether she experienced this at the cross is indisputable. No parent is supposed to see their child die—much less in this manner. We can only imagine what she was going through. But this is what happens when you get involved in the redemption of the world (Colossians 1:24).

It’s apparent that Joseph has died. Although Jesus has at least half a dozen siblings (Mark 6:3), He does not leave Mary in their care. At this time,

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

none of them are believers in Him (John 7: 5). By first century standards (or even 21st century standards), this is unusual and underscores that as important as fleshly ties might be, the bonds of faith are stronger and of greater importance.

Finally, there’s John. Jesus says to him, “Here is your mother” (v. 27). If it was unusual that Jesus entrusted Mary to John’s care rather than one of his siblings, it’s even more striking that he refers to Mary as his mother since John’s mother (Salome) was

still very much alive (Matthew 20:20). She was there at the cross (Mark 15:40) and would be present at His tomb (Mark 16:1). She was one of a group of women who had come up from Galilee and “had followed Him and cared for His needs” (Mark 15:40-41).

But there’s more.

Salome appears to have been Mary’s sister (compare the accounts of the women at the cross in Matthew 27:56; Mark 15:40 and John 19:25). This would make John and James cousins of Jesus. Things start to come together a little more now. Although Jesus’ siblings were bypassed for Mary’s care, by choosing John, He stayed within the larger family.

This also helps us to understand what Jesus means when He speaks of them having a mother/son relationship.

Mary is not replacing Salome as John’s mother any more than John is replacing Jesus as Mary’s son. However, Christ

has chosen a trusted friend and follower from His extended (physical) family to take care of Mary. Furthermore, the time John has spent with Jesus and his consciousness of Christ’s love for him to the point that he identifies himself as “the disciple Jesus loved,” qualify him, perhaps uniquely so, to be “son” to the woman who has so much from Jesus’ earlier life to share with him.

Finally, all of this is put into further context by passages like Mark 10:29-30 and 1 Timothy 5:1-2 which give us a look at how relationships in Christ become reordered. Most of us can think of godly men and women who been like fathers and mothers to us as well as younger people who’ve become like sons and daughters. To be in Christ is to be blessed with a family like no other!

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

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

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

The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of judgment. — Proverbs 10:21 APOSTOLIC HOLINESS God’s House of Prayers Holiness Church 301 Highland Ave., Opelika 334-749-9672 True Deliverance Holiness Church 936 N. Donahue Dr., Auburn 334-502-4700 BAPTIST Beulah Baptist Church 5500 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-705-0538 Cooperative Baptist Fellowship 128 East Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-8506

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

Church Directory

Green Chapel Missionary Baptist 390 Lee Road 106, Auburn (334) 749-4184 Lakeview Baptist Church 1600 E. Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-7094 Pepperell Baptist 2702 2nd Ave., Opelika 334-745-3108 Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Road 166, Opelika 334-745-4608 Union Grove Baptist Church 4009 Lee Road 391, Opelika 334-749-0461 CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ at

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

Cunningham 2660 Cunningham Dr., Opelika 10th Street Church of Christ 500 N. 10th St., Opelika 334-745-5181 COMMUNITY OUTREACH Changing Hearts of Destiny Ministry 936 N. Donahue Dr., Auburn 334-502-4700 METHODIST Auburn United Methodist Church 137 South Gay St., Auburn 334-826-8800 Beulah United Methodist

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

Church 5165 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-745-4755 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Church At Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy., Opelika 334-524-9148 St. Ellis Full Gospel Church 5267 US Hwy 80W, Opelika 334-298-4319 PRESBYTERIAN Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Road, Opelika 334-745-4889

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

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603 Pleasant Pleasant Drive 603 Drive Opelika, Opelika, ALAL 36801 749-1333 749-1333 Mon-Sat - 8pm Mon- Sat7am 7am-8pm Sun12pm 12pm-6pm Sun - 6pm

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

A14 March 24, 2021

OBITUARIES Ronny W. Freeman Ronny Freeman, a life-long resident of Lee County, was born on Aug. 17, 1950 and passed away on March 15, 2021. He was 70 years old.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne D. Freeman and C. Juanita Freeman and his special dog, Sam. He is survived by his sister, Brenda Faye Mullins (Bobby); brother, Ervin (Runt) Freeman (Lynn); nieces, Little Lynn Hansen, Kimberly Owens, and Ashlee Sierra Butler; nephews, Greg Schlieker and Joshua Ryan Freeman; numerous great nieces and nephews, and a special friend, Ms. Jean McElroy.

Visitation was held Friday, March 19, 2021 in the Chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home from 3 to 4 p.m.

The funeral service was held in the Chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home on March 19, at 4 p.m. with Pastor Thad Endicott officiating.

Lexie Carroll Lexie Carroll, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend to many, passed away peacefully at the age of 100 on March 15, 2021. Lexie was born on June 16, 1920, the eighth of eight children of Oscar and Zane Nolen.

She was predeceased by her husband, Earlie Carroll, seven older siblings, son-in-law

THEATRE >>

FROM A11

of the cast members have participated in an Opelika Theatre Company production, especially for Morgan Jones, who portrays one of the disciples in the show.

“This is my first show and my first experience with Opelika Theatre Company and I’ve met a lot of new people and they’ve all become my friends,” she said. “I love being able to express myself through the show and learning the dances and the lines. It’s all really fun.”

The production’s numbers also have a rock-infused tone and one of the songs, “Day by Day,” was a top-20 hit on the U.S. pop charts in 1972. Many of the cast members, however, have their own preferences for their favorite song from the production.

“My favorite number is probably ‘All for the Best’ because it’s [my character and Jesus’] number together,” said Josh Kroll, who portrays Judas in the show’s first weekend. “To

Larry Nobles, Sr. and her youngest grandson, Michael Nobles.

Lexie lived most of her life in Opelika, attended Pepperell Baptist Church and worked at Pepperell Mill until she “retired” and went to work for Opelika City Schools primarily at Opelika Junior High in the cafeteria.

Seventeen years ago, Lexie moved to North Carolina and enjoyed forming many new friendships, playing cards with neighbors, spending time at the lake and going back to Opelika to visit her friends and family.

Lexie is survived by her daughter, Nancy Nobles of Prattville, Alabama and her three grandchildren, Larry (Carol) Nobles of Raleigh, North Carolina, Robin (Danny) Dennis of Prattville, Alabama and Courtney (Jim) Kilpatrick of Summerfield, North Carolina; She is also survived by her five Great Grandchildren, Christopher Dennis, Savannah Nobles, Nicholas Nobles, Carson Kilpatrick and Jordan Kilpatrick.

Services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Authora Care Hospice & Palliative Care of Greensboro, 2500 Summit Ave. Greensboro, North Carolina 27405.

Medical Center on March 15, 2021.

Ben loved Auburn Football…… War Eagle! He had an excellent memory and enjoyed playing the bass guitar.

Ben was of the Baptist Faith.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sheila Shoffeitt; parents, Luther and Maudie Shoffeitt; brother, Homer Lee Shoffeitt, and niece Vicky Wood Coxwell.

Ben is survived by his sisters, Nellie S. Wood and Lollie Mae Taylor (Preston “P.T.”), as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service was held at Restoration House on March 21, 2021 at 3 p.m. with Reverend Johnny Hamby and nephew, Channing “Chan” Wood officiating.

Myrlene Foreman Gray

Benjamin “Ben” Shoffeitt, Jr. was born in Opelika on July 17, 1943 and passed away at East Alabama

On the morning of March 20, 2021, Myrlene Foreman Gray entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Mrs. Gray was born Jan. 13, 1931 and celebrated her 90th birthday earlier this year.

She was a resident of Birmingham but lived most of her life in Opelika. She was an active member of First Baptist Church in Opelika, where she served over the years as a church secretary, a teacher, and a visitor to elderly and homebound members. She even met her husband, Bill,

me, it’s probably the most upbeat one and the most fast-paced. It’s like not a rap, but it feels like a rap.”

There are many reasons why Opelika Theatre Company want people to come out and see the show. Garrison Brown, who portrays Jesus Christ in the show, gave his own explanation of why.

“I think people should come to watch it because it’s very fun and enjoyable,” he said. “It’s also very informational and it’ll help people because I know some people have a hard time trying to find God and this is a different play and it’ll help a lot if they came to watch it. It’s just great all around.”

Moore also has her own reasons as to why people should come and see the production. “’Godspell’ is truly a labor of love and exemplifies everything that [Opelika Theatre Company] represents,” she said. “Don’t miss this amazing show on the life of Jesus told in song and parables. What better way to start the 2021

spring season?”

“Godspell” is a large production and, as Moore puts it, “it takes a community effort [to do the show]." The City of Opelika is a corporate sponsor for the production and the directors would like to thank Gary Fuller for this sponsorship.

The musical will be performed at the Southside Center for the Arts on March 26 at 7 p.m., March 27 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m and March 28 at 3 p.m. There will also be dates for next weekend, including a special outdoor performance at Opelika Sportsplex on April 2 at 7 p.m.

Tickets for the program are $15 or $50 for a four-ticket bundle. Opelika Theatre Company’s Venmo is @opelikatheatrecompany and their PayPal is opelikatheatrecompany1@gmail.com. All shows will follow social distancing guidelines set by the CDC regarding seating, face coverings and sanitation. For more information, call 334-6632593.

Benjamin “Ben” Shoffeitt, Jr.

at church, where they both were faithful singers in the choir.

She and Bill became part owners of Davis Machine Works, where she worked alongside him as receptionist and bookkeeper.

Each summer they generously shared with others from the bounty of their zinnias and vegetable garden. She relished having family and friends in their home and cooking special dishes for them.

She is preceded in death by her husband, William F. “Bill” Gray, father and mother, Houston and Myrtle Foreman, brothers, Howard Foreman and Byron Foreman, and sister, Wendy Simmons.

She is survived by her daughter, Jane Gray Sides (Keith); grandchildren, Katie Beaugez (Joe), Trey Sides and David Sides; and siblings, Elna Brown, Douglas Foreman (Patsy), Paity Wallace, Tim Foreman (June), Ted Foreman (Chrys) and Luther Foreman (Charlotte).

Memorials may be sent to: Restoration Academy, P. O. Box 30, Fairfield, Alabama 35064, or Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes, Attn: Ministry Development 2681 Rocky Ridge Lane Birmingham, Alabama 35216.

A public viewing will be held Thursday, March 25, 2021, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home in Opelika.

A graveside will be 2 p.m.Thursday, March 25, 2021 at Garden Hills Cemetery, with visitation following

the service in the cemetery. Mrs. Gray’s brother Minister Luther Foreman will be officiating the service.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory is directing.

James Fredrick “Freddie” Wilhite James Fredrick “Freddie” Wilhite of Opelika, passed away Friday, March 19, 2021. He was 74 years old.

He is survived by his daughter, Candy Wilhite Lanier (Chad), his grandson, (who happens to be named after him) Jameson “Quinn” Lanier, his only barking daughter, Brynn Wilhite, his brothers Jerry Wilhite and Robbin Wilhite.

Freddie was a lifelong resident of Lee County, Alabama.

With bold and broad strokes, he painted his mark as resourceful and successful businessman and entrepreneur, all over the canvas of Opelika and Auburn. His endeavors included gas stations (Wilhite Shell, Glenndean Shell), serving as an officer on the Auburn Police Dept., a wrecker service, a car dealership (Wilhite Auto Sales), a John Deere dealership, heavy equipment and construction (Wilhite Equipment & Construction), a convenience store (Bread and Buggy), and equipment & utility trailer sales (Wilhite Trailer Sales). Many of those businesses became places where people gathered not only for products or services,

but also for company, companionship, and a whole lot of coffee. A whole lot of coffee.

Freddie was an avid car enthusiast and collector. If it had a motor, it was a safe bet that he would find the joy and appeal in it. He loved the beauty of cars in pristine condition but he also saw the possibility that lived in cars that needed some knowledgeable TLC. With his devotion to their care, countless vehicles saw their former glory restored and their appeal expanded. He had things ranging from 1930’s Fords, a variety of 1950’s Chevys, a gorgeous assortment of 1960’s Corvettes, and always a few late model Chevy trucks, in his signature white color. He loved music from the 50’s and 60’s which could apparently only be listened to at high volume for reasons only he understood.

He also had his rebellious phase where he listened to a lot of epically twangy, country music. It was a period decorated with big hats, pointy boots, and other questionable clothing choices.

Luckily for everyone with ears and eyes, he was delivered out of that time and into the Carhartt era where he remained comfortably for the rest of his life.

A graveside funeral service was held Tuesday, March 23 at 11 a.m. at Garden Hills Cemetery in Opelika. Jeffcoat Trant Funeral home directed the service.

The family suggests that any memorial donations be made to Lee County Humane Society.

Christ Is Alive Community Sunrise Service Easter Sunday, April 4th Garden Hills Cemetery 6:15 AM CDT 1218 Frederick Road, Opelika

Message From: Dr. George Mathison

Pastor Emeritus, Auburn United Methodist Church

Special Music and Congregational Singing Free Refreshments Served Before and After the Service

Social Distancing and Masks Required Handicapped Parking Available Sponsored by The Kiwanis Club of Opelika

With Assistance from the Lee County Interdenominational Ministers Alliance, City of Opelika Parks & Recreation, City of Opelika Public Works Cemetery and other areas, ESG, A-O Emblem Club, Pilot Club of Lee County, Frederick-Dean Funeral Home, Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home, Opelika-Auburn News, iHeart Media, Inc., Opelika Observer, Tom Beard, Trinity United Methodist Church and other local groups.

A15 March 24, 2021

Cornerstone Family Chiropractic opens office in Phenix City

By Kayla Evans For the Opelika Observer Cornerstone Family Chiropractic has expanded and added a new location in Phenix City, Alabama. The business held its ribbon cutting on Friday, March 12, and its first day open was Monday, March 15.

“Our main branch is in Auburn,” said Dr. Logan Pastor, head physician at the Phenix City location. “Dr. Rusty Herring is the mastermind behind Cornerstone Family Chiropractic, and Cornerstone will be 10 years old in August. Obviously, it has grown and become an amazing place to

Photo contributed by Cornerstone Family Chiropractic

receive chiropractic care over there in Auburn, so it has kind of been on his heart to continue to expand and increase the impact of chiropractic care in the state of Alabama.

Open Monday through Thursday each week, Pastor is leading the office in Phenix City. Pastor had been

at the Auburn location since April before getting the opportunity to move to the Phenix City location.

“I was an associate doc at the Auburn office,” Pastor said. “I was given the opportunity to lead this office over here in Phenix City. It has been a really cool opportunity.”

Cornerstone Family Chiropractic in Phenix City has partnered with a local nonprofit organization called The Village. Cornerstone wants to give back to the community and have figured out the best way to do that. A deposit from each visit scheduled leading up to the ribbon cutting was

given as a donation to The Village.

“It is an organization that supports foster and adoptive families in the East Alabama area,” Pastor said. “So, basically what we did was any appointment that we scheduled leading up to and at the ribbon cutting, we would take a deposit for that visit and then make a donation for the village for each and every visit we had scheduled leading up to that ribbon cutting.”

The Auburn location is partnered with the Big House Foundation that also supports foster and adoptive families.

It wanted to find a local organization in Phenix city, and with Pastor’s networking within the last four weeks, she was connected with the founder of The Village, she said.

“We look forward to being able to support their organization going forward,” Pastor said.

The Phenix City office is located at 5415 Summerville Road in Suite A. For more information, visit auburncornerstonefamilychiropractic.com.

A16 March 24, 2021

COMICS

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

S On the Mark

By D. Mark Mitchell

OHS Track running past its competition

T

he Opelika girls track and field team participated in the “Auburn Early Bird” meet at Auburn High School on Friday, March 5, and the “Glenn Copeland Invitational,” hosted

by Beauregard High School, on Friday, March 13.

The following Lady Bulldog individuals finished in the top five at “Auburn High Early Bird Invitational” on the AHS campus.

Haley Sanders won the 100 meter and 200 meter dash; Wai’yunna Davis placed fourth in the 100 meter dash; Indiana Holloway finished third in the 400 meter dash; Breckin Gould won the 800 meter dash and the 1,600 meter run; Paola Torres finished fourth in the 1,600 meter run; Aryel Crittenden won the 100 meter hurdles and finished fourth in the 300 meter hurdles; Niya Walton won the 300 meter hurdles; De’leah Huntly won high jump; Kele Ferrell and Emma McSpadden tied for third in triple jump and finished third and fourth in long jump, respectively; Sabrina Jeri Hansen finished second in pole vault, Trinity Love won discuss and shot put and

finished second in javelin; Trinity Rooks finished second in discus; and Ashanti Thomas finished fourth in shot put.

As far as the varsity girls’ team performances go, Johnson, Davis, Walton and Sanders won the 4 x 100 relay; Holloway, Johnson, Walton and Frazier won the 4 x 400 relay; and Gould, Torres, Alcorn and Bice won the 4 x 800 relay.

The following runners finished in the top five in their respective event at the Glenn Copeland Invitational: Sanders won the 100 meter dash and 200 meter dash; Raven Johnson finished second in the 200 meter dash; Holloway finished third in 200 meter dash and won the 400 meter dash; Torres finished third in the 800 meter run and second in the 1,600 meter run; Margaret Bice finished third in the 1,600 meter; Violett Alcorn finished fifth in the 1,600 meter run; Gould won the 3,200 meter run; Ferrell won high jump; Walton won triple jump; Hansen won pole vault; Rooks finished fourth in discus; Love won discus, finished second in shot put and finished fourth See SPORTS , page B4

S

School Board meetings

INSIDE • OPELIKA SCHOOLS • LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS • COMMUNITY SPORTS

Opelika: March 30 at 4:30 p.m. at 300 Simmons St. in Opelika Lee County: April 13 at 6 p.m. at 2410 Society Hill Road in Opelika Auburn: April 13 at 6:00 p.m. at 405 S Dean Rd. in Auburn

Smiths Station beats Auburn on penalty kicks

By JD McCarthy For the Opelika Observer All season, the Smiths Station girls’ soccer team has been looking forward to its game with Auburn.

The team got its chance Friday and did not disappoint, winning 2-1 on penalty kicks.

As they have most of the season, the Panthers relied on their defense and generated just enough to get the win.

Auburn was in conPhoto by Josh Fisher / For the Opelika Observer trol for most of the Sarah Bruce makes a penalty kick in Smiths Station 2-1 win over Auburn High Friday game as it controlled night. about 80% of the ball and were able to take played “superbly” from other team is totally Jones. “My defense advantage in the first there and prevented in control, but they let played really well, they half, scoring the first the Tigers from pulling us hang around they couldn’t score on us goal to pull ahead 1-0. away. couldn’t put us away,” again and they just let However, the “It was one of those said Smiths Station Panthers defense games where the Head Coach Dennis See SOCCER , page B4

Auburn High student honored with national award Contributed by Auburn City Schools

The National WWII Museum in New Orleans has named local student Izzy Seidman of Auburn High School as a 2021 Billy Michal Student Leadership Award recipient. The national honor is awarded annually to one student in every state who has maintained a strong record of volunteerism, demonstrates school and community activism and helps implement creative

Photo by Mindy Seidman

solutions to recognized problems. Each honoree will be virtually recognized at the Museum’s American

Spirit Awards program taking place June 18, 2021.

The leadership award, which the

museum first presented in 2017, was created in honor of Billy Michal, who was a child living in Louisiana during World War II. At only six years old, Michal helped his one-room school win a statewide scrap metal-collection contest during the war, proving that every citizen could contribute to victory. Michal’s achievement demonstrated the positive impact the American spirit could have on the home front war efforts, and he continues to inspire students across See STUDENT , page B5

B2 March 24, 2021

Youth for Christ Annual Golf Classic Set for June Contributed By East Alabama Youth For Christ

The W. James Samford, Jr. Foundation will present East Alabama Youth for Christ’s 36th Annual Golf Classic on Monday, June 7 at Auburn University Club. Local businesses and community supporters are encouraged to participate by registering for a sponsorship package.

All proceeds from the tournament will go to

support East Alabama Youth for Christ.

Registrations include lunch, a goody bag and entry for door prizes for each participating golfer. There will also be a hole-in-one contest. A new exciting feature for this year’s tournament is Taste of the Town. All participating golfers can enjoy samples from some of the area’s finest restaurants along the golf course. “About a third of the funding for Youth for Christ comes from this tournament,”

said Rusty Sheehan, EAYFC volunteer and participating golfer.

“It’s presented by businessmen and local golfers who want to be part of an event that is important in this community and has been important for many years.” For more information about sponsorship levels or to register, visit www. insideyfc.com/36th_ annual_golf_classic or contact Bre-A’nna at breanna@insideyfc.com.

Local Families Needed to Host International Students Contributed by Gretchen Mitchell

International Student Exchange (ISE), a non-profit organization, is looking for volunteer families to host international high school students for the upcoming 202122 academic school year. Host families can expect to gain a new family member, experience a new culture, create lifelong friendships and make a positive impact locally and globally.

The international exchange students are between the ages of 15 and 18 and come from countries such as Denmark,

Spain, Belgium, Germany, Thailand, Brazil, Italy, Norway and others.

“The exchange program focuses on bringing the people of the world closer together while educating the leaders of tomorrow through student exchange,” said Wayne Brewer, CEO of International Student Exchange.

American teenagers can also study abroad through International Student Exchange.

Families can select an international student based on shared interests, hobbies, gender, etc. Family screening includes a background check, an in-home

interview and a verification of personal references. The international students are Englishspeaking, have their own spending money and medical insurance. Americans provide the caring environment, room and daily meals.

Families who host ISE students are eligible to claim a $50 charitable contribution deduction on their itemized tax returns for each month they host a student. For information, contact ISE Regional Advisor Gretchen Mitchell, at 731-607-1064, or visit their website at smokymountains.iseusa.org.

Contributed by Kayla Jackson, Jackson Perspectives Barry Whatley (EAYFC BOD) and Race Cannon from the W. James Samford, Jr. Foundation, presenting sponsor from the EAYFC Golf Classic in 2020.

To learn more contact Gretchen Mitchell (731) 607-1064 gretchenmitchell@rocketmail.com smokymountains.iseusa.org

AU Club Carts. Photo by Kayla Jackson

B3 March 24, 2021

Experience The Joy of Reading To Young Children

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

Y

oung children have so many visual aids to enhance the learning process such as videos, DVDs and computers just to mention a few. Reading books to young children, infants, toddlers, twos, threes, fours and fives is so beneficial in a child’s love of learning. Young children tune into words and pictures in books.

I share books with preschoolers each week and this brings joy to young students and to us as teachers.

As they begin to search and explore life all around them, I begin to think of all the many avenues of learning.

Reading to young children is understood by the young mind more than you know. It amazes teachers and parents just how quickly these little minds begin to absorb. Young minds are like sponges!

Why wait to reap the benefits of beginning to read when your child is four or five years old? Don’t miss a moment or opportunity to

encourage your child to read and succeed.

Reading to even the youngest of children helps them to focus and concentrate on what you are reading through with content and pictures. Because of different ages and stages of development, length of reading times needs to be modified to meet their attention needs.

The benefits of reading to your children early in their lives are to develop listening skills, to explore the world around them, to learn about themselves and others around them. Too, children are encouraged to learn meanings of words as well as memorizing words and phrases.

This encourages language development.

Too, young children are encouraged to use their imagination. Too, spending time reading to your child makes him/her feel secure and loved. Reading to your young child establishes a special bond between parents and child. With infants, bonding is established as parents read to their newborns calmly. This can be

SUSCC Celebrates Homecoming Contributed by Shondae Brown/SUSCC

The Southern Union State Community College (SUSCC) Student Government Association (SGA) planned full week of activities to celebrate Homecoming 2021 at SUSCC. Alumni and friends of the college are invited to visit campus and enjoy the home athletic events on the schedule.

The week kicked off on March 19 as the Men’s basketball team played against Marion Military at home at 7 p.m. On March 21,

SU Volleyball hosted Wallace State and softball took the mound against the Lady Lions from Wallace State in a doubleheader that started at 2 p.m. March 23 featured a pep rally on the Arena Patio prior to the tip-off of Lady Bison Basketball vs.

Coastal Alabama North.

The men followed at 7:30 p.m.

During halftime of the men’s game, the Homecoming Queen and King were crowned. Candidates for the Homecoming Court were nominated by members of the student body. The queen

and king were selected based on popular vote among the students.

Candidates for Queen were: Erica Lovvorn of Ranburne, Ruth Ellen Mock of Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Daleya Scaife of Auburn.

Homecoming King candidates are Brock Young of Ranburne, Will Hyche of Phenix City and Camell Looney of Leeds.

To finish the week’s activities, baseball will take on Lawson State on March 25 at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The first pitch will be thrown by the Homecoming King and Queen.

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done with a nightly bedtime story.

In reading to your babies from birth to 11 months, search for books that may be easy to wash and clean such as vinyl books, cloth, or thick cardboard books.

Set books up where they can be seen and enjoyed.

Point and tap the pages so the baby will focus on what is being read and keep the baby’s attention. Too, sitting with your young baby in your lap and looking at books will open the mind of a young child. Older babies like to hold books, point to pictures and turn pages. Be sure to name the objects and items the baby may see on each page.

With your one-yearold child, he/she can point and express a choice of the books they want to read. Putting books out with textures or those that make sound with sound devices are very motivating for your child in reading readiness. Having your child point to pictures, naming them and using a lot of expression in making sounds begins the interactive reading readiness process.

Those wonderful two-year-old’s will want mom, dad or grandparents to read their favorite books again and again! They will memorize it and you will too! Have a bookmarker or use your finger to point so your two-year-old can follow the words. Have your child act out the story or retell the story in their own words. Too, both of you can just sketch out pictures, of course, “two-year-old directed” of what they remembered and enjoyed of the story. Display the story recalled pictures around the house as they tell others what they have read in explaining what they have drawn. Ask your young two-year-old how this story relates to their lives and this is readiness for comprehension.

Three, fours and fives love to joyfully imagine during the reading of stories.

Reading a book to them engages them to use their imagination as they relate to each character in the story and what is happening!

Reading and spending

time with your preschool children of this age encourages their creativity. Don’t we all love to see young children lean into the story and they get so excited as they predict what will happen next.

Young children put themselves in the story because they identify with the characters.

This contributes to emotional development and understanding others.

It doesn’t take a lot of time to read to your young child. Make it a celebration by eating your favorite snack while reading together. Make reading a book a day a top priority in your young child’s life. Our community libraries are wonderful in helping teachers and parents to find and pull books on different topics and are age appropriate.

Embark on the journey of reading early in your child’s life as they learn, grow, apply and succeed. You will never regret the time you spent reading to your child.

Beth Pinyerd Classroom Observer

Unity Stampede Scheduled for May 22 Contributed by Shondae Brown/SUSCC

Registration is now open for the annual Unity Stampede, a unique community event with a mission of strengthening relationships among citizens of all cultures in our community.

The Unity Stampede is scheduled for Saturday, May 22, at Opelika Sportsplex. Proceeds from the 5K/1 Mile Fun Walk/Wheel event will be used to fund character education through the Community

Foundation of East Alabama and benefit projects by Keep Opelika Beautiful, provide scholarships for students to Southern Union State Community College and to promote wellness and healthy lifestyles in the community through the SU Health and Wellness Department.

Registration fees for the event are $25 for the 5K and $16 for the one-mile walk. Preregistration is highly encouraged, and race t-shirts are guaranteed if registration is

received by Friday, April 30, 2021.

“The event will feature a variety of activities that people of all ages can enjoy.

People are encouraged to bring chairs and enjoy the festivities,” said Dr. Amy Rogers, Southern Union’s health and wellness coordinator and race organizer.

Event festivities begin at 4:00 p.m. and the races begin at 5:30 p.m. CST. Registration is open for the event on runsignup.com; simply search for See UNITY, page B6

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B4 March 24, 2021

Smiths Station looking to change up defense after loss to Auburn

After falling behind 4-0, freshman Jax Wood subbed in and scored a goal, which Carrero thought “led to the boys getting more relaxed and made the game a little more competitive.”

Even though the Tigers answered back, the Panthers did as well

and Carreo was pleased with how his team competed at the end of the game, even when the outcome was inevitable.

“We were down 5-2 and we were scrapping to get that third goal, we knew we were gonna lose but we continued to play hard to score

another goal,” he said.

The loss had a much different feel than the 4-0 loss to Trinity Presbyterian last Monday.

“I got very distraught because we did not play well,” Carrero said of the loss. “[Trinity Presbyterian] Is a team

we should have competed well against and we did not, we played poorly and that was very upsetting.”

That was a much different loss than the Auburn one, where Carrero thought his boys “played hard” but Auburn was “on us” and admitted “they were the better team.”

With just a third of the season remaining, Carrero is hoping his team will play more consistent in the coming games.

“I’m looking forward to this last third of the season and hopefully we can just find some more consistency in our play,” he said. He’s also looking for his team to “have fun” and “enjoy the game.”

In fact, they did just that on Monday night, beating Eufala 1-0 on senior night. The only goal of the night came from David Ramirez.

“We played well and controlled the tempo but, could not break Eufaula's defense down,” Carrero said.

“They played conservative and relied on the long ball for offense. I was happy we worked the ball around a lot and

game at 1-1.

“My team never got down or hung their head, they kept going and going and eventually it paid off,” Jones said. “This is my best no-quit team ever, there is no quit.”

That would be the last goal for quite some time as neither team was able to score in the rest of regulation or the 10 minutes of overtime,

sending the game to one of the most exciting events in sports: penalty kicks.

The drama wasn’t done yet as it took until their fifth attempt for the Panthers to win the game and hand a “very talented” Auburn team their first loss of the season.

“Basically, what it comes down to is everybody did their job. If

they were supposed to do it Friday night, they did it,” Jones said.

With the win the Panthers improved to 8-1-2 overall and 2-0 in the area, which they are now halfway to winning.

Jones described it as a team effort on defense as he struggled to signal out one girl who stood out above the rest.

“Really, the defense as

a whole, my whole back line really played well,” he said.

Jones has not shied away from his teams’ lofty goals, as they hope to reach the Final Four of the state playoffs, something the program has never accomplished.

This win served as proof that his team can compete with the most talented teams in the state.

“It was good for my

team to see that even against a talented team as long as you can play smartly, play calm, just keep the score close anything can happen at the end,” Jones said.

“That’s a good confidence booster. They know that as long as they play their game and do what they are supposed to do, they got a chance to beat anybody.”

tin Shorter won the 110 meter and 300 meter hurdles; Tykell Thomas finished second in the 100 meter hurdles and fifth in 300 meter hurdles; Qualik Harry finished fourth in 110 meter hurdles and 300 meter hurdles; Ant McGuire won triple jump, finished fourth in high jump and fifth in the 400 meter; Kaden Cooper finished second in triple jump; Ben Royal finished third in pole vault, Trevon Moore won shot put and finished second in discus; LaJadan Tolbert finished third in shot put, fourth in discus and second in javelin; Anthony Edwards finished third in javelin; In pole vault, LeDamian Rowell finished second, Dontarius Alvis finished fourth and Kylin Fears finished fifth and Rowell finished third in long jump as well.

The boys also performed well in the team performances. Marsiah Collins, Cooper, Davian Jones and Kylin

Perry finished third in the 4 x 100 relay; Brennan Reese-Williams, Harry, Thomas and Jakori Thornton finished fourth. In the 4 x 400 relay, the team of Cooper, Kyrian Moss, Reese-Williams and Harry finished third; Royal, Collins, Fears and Perry finished fourth. In the 4 x 800 relay, Brewer, Moss, Michael Hart and Mitch McCullough finished fourth; Tremozes Foreman, Reese-Williams, Zalen Shaw and Peyton Weston finished fifth.

“King of the Mountain” top five qualifiers: Stinson won the 200 meter and 400 meter dash; Shorter finished second in the 110 meter hurdles; Watts finished fourth in the 100 meter dash; Moss finished fifth in the 800 meter; Rowell won triple jump, finished fifth in high jump; and Cooper finished fourth in triple jump.

OHS BASEBALL The Bulldog baseball team (6-11 overall)

swept a doubleheader against the Beauregard Hornets over the weekend, winning 3-1 and 8-5. Game one was dominated by Brantley Davis on the mound.

Davis pitched a complete game, throwing seven innings without allowing an earned run, striking out eight. Harrison Long led the offense with two hits. In game two, Jonathan Chase led the Dogs at the plate with two hits. Jackson Harris, Paul Goodman and Smith added hits.

Kydylan Ligon pitched five complete innings, allowing three runs on three hits. Long finished the game in relief.

Dadeville beat OHS on Friday 6-3 behind nine Tiger hits, allowing only one OHS hit.

REGISTRATION UNDERWAY FOR OPELIKA DIXIE BOYS BASEBALL, AGES 13, 14 AND 15 Registration is underway for Opelika Dixie Boys baseball summer league for 13-through-15 year-olds

at the Sportsplex. Anyone interested in playing should register at the Opelika Sportsplex prior to April 9. Registration fee is $45 for Opelika residents and $50 for those outside the city limits. The fee covers your jersey and cap. All players will be on a team.

The 13u and 14u state tournament will be held at West Ridge Park, starting July 9.

Opelika all-stars receive an automatic bid in the tournament as host. For questions or more info, email D. Mark Mitchell (foxonthemark@yahoo. com) or call 334-7871514.

OPELIKA BEGINS SEARCH FOR BASKETBALL HEAD COACH OHS principal Dr. Farrell Seymore confirmed last week that the school would open a search for the boys basketball head coaching position. This will be the second search in two years due to last year’s coach Emman-

uel Brown resigning in December after a 1-7 record.

Brown never moved his family from Dothan to Opelika. This was a red flag in the beginning, as most coaches move to the city where the school is located.

Opelika allowed Brown to hire three additional coaches on top of the two assistants on staff.

Former coach John Wadsworth was not allowed to hire more coaches.

I hope OCS Superintendent Mark Neighbors hires the best man for the job, while making it mandatory for the new coach to live in Opelika. No timetable was given.

D. Mark Mitchell is the sports director at iHeart Media, host of "On The Mark" on Fox Sports the Game 910-1310, Co-chair of the Auburn-Opelika Sports Council, chairman of the Super 7 and Dixie Boys Baseball state coordinator.

By JD McCarthy For the Opelika Observer

Following Smiths Station’s 5-2 loss to Auburn High, head coach Jeff Carrero knows his team needs to make defensive adjustments ahead of the final third of the season.

“We just have to make some adjustments, now that we know how Auburn is, I have to make some defensive adjustments,” Carrero said. “We’re definitely going to have to change our defense to meet their attack. We have to close that back door, they exposed our back door, so now I have to close that back door.”

Despite the Panthers loss, Carrero thought his team ended the game on a positive note and was not disappointed.

“I was not disappointed with how we played, I thought the boys gave 100 percent effort and they played within the game. We just have some things that we need to adjust for that style of play, and I have to give credit to Auburn, they are well coached, and they understood what they had to do.”

SOCCER >>

FROM B1

us stay to close.”

The Panthers were able to claw their way back into the game in the second half thanks to the Bruce sisters.

Jenna Bruce was fouled inside the Auburn box and her sister, Sarah, made the ensuing penalty kick to tie the

SPORTS >>

FROM B1

in javelin; and Cherdi Daniels finished fifth in shot put.

The OHS boys Track and field team participated in the “Auburn High Early Bird Invitation” on Saturday, March 6, and the “King of the Mountain” Invitational at Vestavia Hills High School on March 13.

The following Opelika runners finished in the top five in their event in the “AHS Early Bird”: Jarell Stinson finished second in 100 meter dash and first in 200 meter dash; Eric Watts finished fourth in the 100 meter dash, second in the 300 meter hurdles, won high jump and finished second in long jump; Caleb Phillips won 400 meter dash, finished third in high jump and fourth in the 200 meter dash; Charles Brewer finished fourth in the 1,600 meter and third in the 3,200 meter; Jus-

Photo by Josh Fisher / For the Opelika Observer Lukas Rouf passes the ball in the Panthers game against Auburn on March 19.

spread the field out, but did not get the results on offense I expected.”

The win improved the Panthers to 7-4-2 on the season and snapped their two-game losing streak. “It was a good win against an area opponent that always plays their best against us,” Carrero said.

The Panthers will be competing in the Dawg Pound Classic Soccer Tournament this weekend and will look to string a couple of good performances together against three familiar opponents. They will face Dothan on Friday and on Saturday they will play Benjamin Russell in the morning and Opelika in the afternoon. They beat Benjamin Russell 2-0 to open their season and tied Dothan and Opelika in the second week of the season.

For the Panthers to get back to their winning ways they will need to have some big performances from the likes of Tyler Skaggs, Lukas Ruof, Ayden Green, Latham Girona and Ramirez, who are all having “great” seasons, according to Carrero.

B5 March 24, 2021

Glenwood looks to take control of region

By Wil Crews sportscrews@ opelikaobsever.com The Glenwood Gators Varsity Boys baseball team (19-4, 3-0) can put a stranglehold on the region by winning a home double-header against Lee-Scott Academy on Tuesday.

Results were not available at press time but Glenwood coach Tim Fanning called it “the biggest game of the year.”

Fanning said he plans to throw his big guns — seniors Trevor Horne and Colton Dempsey — for the two pivotal games against their regional foe.

“Lee-Scott, they always do a good job of controlling the game on the mound,” Fanning said. “I just

want out guys focused and ready. This is what you want.”

The Gators have built up some decent momentum heading into Tuesday’s action, winning two of their last three games.

The one loss came when Glenwood played Friday against East Coweta High School of Sharpsburg, Georgia.

The Gators ultimately fell 6-4, thanks in part to a few costly errors.

Although Fanning said he pitched well, Horne was dealt his first loss of the year on the mound.

“He didn’t pitch bad or give up a ton of hits,” Fanning said. “I mean they are really good; you can’t give them extra outs; and we did that in a big inning where they scored four runs and I thought they should have

scored one.

“To win big games like that you’ve got to make plays. And they made more than we did.”

In what was a rather pedestrian hitting day for the Gators, Kody Bence led the way, going 2-for-3. Dempsey also had a day of note, going 1-for-3 with a double.

While the Gators struggled to make plays in their first game of the week, their next game — a 29-run thriller against Southland — was the complete opposite. Coming out of the gates slowly, Glenwood quickly fell behind 9-2 after three innings.

That’s when senior Devin Denny came in to pitch and stopped the bleeding enough for the Gators to get back into the game.

“Denny righted the

ship there; He gave us a chance to come back and we did,” Fanning said. “We didn’t fold up the tent.”

Four runs in the fourth and six runs in the sixth gave Glenwood a 12-9 lead.

Southland then answered with five more runs in the bottom of the sixth as Denny began to fatigue on the mound.

“I probably left him in too long, he’s a short relief guy,” Fanning said.

Down 14-12, Glenwood scored three more runs in the seventh to take a 15-14 lead. Sophomore Jacob Page, who had the game winning hit on offense, closed things on the mound to earn the win.

Horne led the way for a number of standout Glenwood hitters, going 2-for-5 with two home

runs — including a grand slam in the sixth inning — and six RBI. Page went 3-for-4 with a double and two RBI. Cam Carpenter went 3-for-6 with three RBI. Dempsey had a home run and one RBI, reaching base on two-of-five at bats. And lastly, Trent Edwards deserves some love, going 2-for-3 with two runs scored and a double.

Glenwood continued its winning ways on Monday with a 6-2 victory over Evangel.

Another sophomore, Jackson Kennon, threw a four-hit complete game on the mound to earn the win.

“He’s doing well,” Fanning said of Kennon.

The Gators scored two runs in the first and two more in the second, holding on to control of the game throughout.

The two runs surrendered to Evangel were unearned.

The Gators are about halfway through the season now, and the two games against Lee-Scott on Tuesday could springboard the team towards its ultimate goals. After Tuesday, Glenwood will play double-header, round-robin games against Social Circle and Bremen High Schools this week.

“We gotta keep grinding,” Fanning said of his team’s mentality heading into the second half of the season.

“Regardless of who is on the mound, what the weather is, where we are going, if we are on the road or at home, you’ve got to be able to grind to be a successful baseball team. That’s what we are working on.”

Takeaways from Auburn’s open practice

By JD McCarthy For the Opelika Observer

The Brian Harsin era may have just begun at Auburn, but he’s already done something Gus Malzahn or Gene Chizik never did, open up practice to the public.

On Saturday, Auburn fans were able to enter JordanHare Stadium and spend about two hours of their afternoon watching the football team conduct their practice.

The practice, just the third of the spring, consisted of about 20 different periods of work and had both team and position-specific drills. While it is still early in the offseason and things are bound to change, the rare peek behind the curtain provided plenty of information.

Here are the Observer’s takeaways for every position

STUDENT >>

FROM B1

America today.

“It’s extremely gratifying to recognize students throughout the nation for the wonderful contributions they make to their local communities,” said Stephen J. Watson, president and CEO at The National WWII Museum.

“During World War II, our country needed everyone to come together for a common goal of securing freedom and democracy around the world. Much like Billy Michal’s contribution over 75 years ago, our student honorees prove that their positive

group.

Offensive line The offensive line is the group that will likely have the most interest over the next several months and is a good place to start.

The first-team was the same that was used most of last year with Alec Jackson, Tashawn Manning, Nick Brahms, Keiondre Jones and Brodarious Hamm lining up from left to right.

The second-team was, from left to right, Austin Troxell, Tate Johnson, Jalil Irvin, Kameron Stutts and Brenden Coffey.

Quarterback Unsurprisingly, this group was led by Bo Nix, who made some good plays with his legs and arm but also missed some open receivers. When he wasn’t taking snaps, Nix was usually next to Harsin receiving personal instruction – surely an encouraging sign.

actions, no matter how big or small, can make a difference in their communities. We are proud to honor their accomplishments.”

Seidman is a senior at Auburn High School and will graduate in May. She plans to study public health in college. When confronted with antisemitism in her English class, Izzy chose to take her pain and generate change.

She knew she was not the only one who felt marginalized; she wanted to give voice to all the students who needed one. She created the first-ever Diversity Council at her school.

In the short time since its creation, the council,

Behind Nix, walkon Trey Lindsey received most of the second-team reps with Dematrius Davis also seeing some action. Davis has some impressive zip on his throws despite his size. Grant Loy was at practice but did not participate with what appears to be a hamstring injury.

through Izzy’s leadership, has put Auburn High on the path to become the first No Place for Hate school in Alabama, brought the ADL in for a teacher training and secured a five-year diversity action plan from the district.

The National WWII Museum’s American Spirit Awards — presented by Hancock Whitney — is a multiday event consisting of a patron reception, premier gala and awards luncheon and leadership forum, which is where the Billy Michal students will receive their awards. In addition to the Billy Michal winners, the recipients

knee injury.

Wide receiver With the losses of Seth Williams, Eli Stove and Anthony Schwartz this group looked the most different than it had in years.

Kobe Hudson, Elijah Canion and Malcolm Johnson Jr. received the most first-team reps but Caylin Newton and Ja’Varrius Johnson also received time with the first-team.

Unfortunately, both Shedrick Jackson and Ze’vian Capers were limited with injuries so we did not get to Photos by Todd Van Emst / AU Athletics see how the rotation will work out when everyone is at full and looks like the Both of Nix and health. best player on the Davis spent time Tight end team. under center and The Tigers are Shaun Shivers was while neither one of absolutely loaded at the No. 2 back and them looked very looked as explosive as tight end and it looks comfortable, it will like they will use a ever despite gaining be interesting to see lot of two-tight end 10 pounds according how that is added to sets to take advantage to the roster. the offence as they of any mismatches Devan Barrett was get more comfortable they can create. This limited Saturday but under center.

Harsin said afterward group rotated heavily Running back throughout the that he was still Tank Bigsby is still coming back from a quite good at football

See AUBURN, page B6

of the Museum’s American Spirit Award, American Spirit Medallion and Silver Service Medallion will be honored throughout the event. The 2021 American Spirit Award honorees include World War II veteran Richard Duchossois, world-renowned presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and Harvard University professor Henry Louis Gates Jr., Ph.D., Military Historian Victor Davis Hanson, Ph.D. and former Secretary of State and National Security Advisor the Honorable Henry Kissinger.

Proceeds from the

American Spirit Awards will support educational programming at The National WWII Museum, including the ongoing development of classroom materials and professional development opportunities for teachers in schools across the country, as well as online experiences that bring the museum and its resources to students around the world.

For American Spirit Awards ticket information and additional event details, visit americanspiritawards.org or call 504-528-1944 ext. 334.

The National WWII Museum tells the story of the American experience in the war that

changed the world — why it was fought, how it was won and what it means today — so that future generations will know the price of freedom and be inspired by what they learn.

Dedicated in 2000 as The National D-Day Museum and now designated by Congress as America’s National WWII Museum, it celebrates the American spirit, the teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifices of the men and women who fought on the battlefront and served on the Home Front. For more information, call 877-8133329 or 504-528-1944 or visit nationalww2museum.org.

B6 March 24, 2021

It's all about that bass

Take a chance and catch a million-dollar fish

By JD McCarthy For the Opelika Observer

Lake Martin is known for its great bass fishing but now there is one unique bass, the million-dollar bass.

The bass is part of 200 tagged bass that have been released into the lake as part of the Crank 4 Bank fishing event that will take place from April 1 to July 4. The event is put on by OGS Tournaments and will allow anglers who have registered a chance to win not only the million-dollar grand prize, but $1,500 cash, boats

or a truck.

Unlike your typical tournament, this is designed to allow everybody to participate because it is about catching one of the tagged fish, not the biggest fish or the most fish, said Vivian Autry, who owns OGS Tournaments with her husband Mike.

“The whole concept is if you are in one of our fishing tournaments you basically have to have a really nice bass boat and it’s $130 for that one day. So, this tagged fishing event is really to entitle everybody to fish – the

whole point is it’s for everybody and to bring families together.”

The only requirement for participation is that people register two hours before catching a fish and you must have an Alabama fishing license. Registration costs $75 or $100, depending on the ticket you choose. If you buy the $75 ticket, then each prize-fish is worth $1,000 and you are eligible for the boats and the truck.

The $100 ticket makes each fish worth $1,500 and you are eligible for all of the prizes, including the $1 million

grand prize and you will be entered into the virtual tournament.

Participants can register at Crank4bank.com.

The most important part of the tournament is to ensure you are registered before you catch any fish, something 10 people learned the hard way a season ago, Vivian stressed.

The virtual tournament is another way the event will allow more people to compete. As the competitors catch untagged fish, they will take a picture using the Fishing Chaos app against a bump board to measure the

Auburn’s not dancing, but the madness is still to come

By Wil Crews sportscrews@ opelikaobserver.com In the grand scheme of things, the 2021 Auburn men’s basketball season was always going to be a wash.

Some fans’ interest levels may have dipped with the Tigers’ self-imposed post-season ban promising to keep them out of the SEC Tournament and “The Big Dance.”

However, for those of us who were watching intently, this season possessed as many thrills, disappointments and surprises as any other year.

It’s never too early to look ahead to next season and with Auburn out of the ensuing ‘March Madness,’ the Observer thought it would be a good time to look ahead at the Tigers’ 2021 prospects.

Auburn was one of the least experienced teams in the nation in 2020-21. They were also one of the deepest and tallest, regularly playing a nine-to-tenman rotation and averaging a national-best six blocks per game.

They had one of the best freshmen – if not players – in the country in point guard Sharife Cooper. And despite him missing essentially half the season due to what can be politely describe as “questionable” reasons, Bruce Pearl’s Tigers still gave “intent” fans something to look forward to next year.

Now, with the recent news of guards Justin Powell and Jamal Johnson entering the transfer portal, and the foreseeable departure of Cooper by way of the NBA draft, Auburn’s ambitions for next year may need to be tempered. Or do they?

The loss of Cooper will hurt. But the Tigers played half a

length of the fish. There will be first through third place prizes for overall big fish as well a big fish prize each week.

The virtual tournament is just one addition from the inaugural event a season ago, they also increased the fish count from 102 to 200 and added the million-dollar grand prize, which Autry hopes will increase participation after being “pleasantly surprised” by last years.

There were 14 winners who all caught $1,500 fish last year, but no one was able to win any of the grand prizes.

UNITY >>

FROM B3

Unity Stampede 5K. Registration forms are also available by contacting Rogers at 334-745-6437, ext.

5530.

The event is made possible by the following sponsors: Dr. Carol Knight, Miller Housing, Winston Smith T Building Supply,

AUBURN >>

FROM B5

Photo by Shanna Lockwood/AU Athletics Dec. 4, 2020, Auburn Arena; Bruce Pearl talks to the team during the game between Auburn and South Alabama.

year without him anyways – guys were there before and will be there after. Fans need to assume Cooper is gone to the NBA; if he comes back, Auburn is a shoe-in for a deep tournament run. Plan accordingly…

The surprisingly hurtful loses are that of Powell and Johnson.

Powell was unexpectedly Auburn’s best player to begin the season, admirably and adequately handling the point guard duties in Coopers stead.

Johnson played a similar role down the stretch when Cooper was out; he was slated to be sixth man and the only senior on the team next season. All of his experience, perimeter defense, timely shot-making and basketball IQ will be missed.

Even so, the Tigers – sans Cooper, Powell and Johnson – are poised to be SEC contenders in 2021.

The Tigers return Allen Flanigan, Jaylin Williams, JT Thor*, Devan Cambridge, Chris Moore, Dylan Cardwell and Stretch Akingbola.

The soon-to-be junior trio of Flanigan, Williams and Cambridge were as

consistent as the USA and debt this season, often carrying the Tigers through dry spells both offensively and defensively, picking each other up on their off days. All three improved in the right areas in one humble sports journalist’s opinion.

Then there’s Thor, who’s name speaks for itself. If he bulks up in the offseason and gains more confidence off the dribble, the fury of 1,000 Mjölnir’s will come crashing down on the SEC. Cardwell has shown flashes – think young Austin Wiley with the energy levels of a kid after 12 Reese’s cups on Halloween night.

Moore and Akingbola will serve just fine as energy players off the bench too.

Point is: the bones are there with this team.

And if the bones are already there, the incomers can be considered the muscle.

The Tigers have two highly-rated freshmen in the 2021 class.

Smith is a 6-foot-10, do-it-all power forward, rated as the fifth best prospect in the nation according to 247 Sports. Alexander is a 6-foot-4 shooting

guard and is a fourstar, but the No. 1 prospect at his position in his state. Smith alone would be an outrageous get for the Tigers, but with such a thin backcourt rotation, Alexander may be just as crucial to the teams’ success.

College of Charleston transfer point guard Zep Jasper – a contender for the all-name national team and Auburn’s starting point guard position should Cooper leave – figures to play a key role in the 2021 backcourt as well.

With three unexpected scholarship positions available (forward Javon Franklin entered the portal last week) Pearl and his staff will be aggressively pursuing more players to fill the teams’ needs. If he picks up a few more pieces, Auburn will be officially re-loaded. But hey, if Cooper comes back, at least one humble sports journalist will be buying his plane ticket to the Final Four in New Orleans on April 2, 2021 – expecting madness, of course. * Thor has entered his name for the NBA draft and can now sign a NCAA-certified agent, receive feedback and still return to school.

practice, and it looks like each one will be used to maximize their abilities.

J.J. Pegues and Luke Deal both lined up at full back, and made nice blocks, and Pegues ran a few routes out of the slot. Brandon Frazier looks like he may be a constant mismatch in the passing game. Tyler Fromm worked with the first-team a fair amount, which comes as a surprise after having limited action up to this point.

John Samuel Shenker was with the baseball team at Ole Miss and did not participate.

Defensive line The first-team defense started in a 3-4 defense for the practice even though they logged reps at several other fronts, something they are expected to do throughout the season. The firstteam consisted of Jeremiah Wright and Tyrone Truesdale on the inside and Colby Wooden along the edge.

Dre Butler, Lee Hunter, Marquis Burks, Caleb Johnson, Zykeivous Walker and Jaren Handy all got work with the second-team.

Linebacker There were no surprises at linebacker with Owen Pappoe and ZaKoby in the

The event is also a way for the couple to give back to the community as they have partnered with nine local high schools to help raise money for their bass fishing teams.

For every ticket they sell they get to keep $10 which helps support the often-under-funded teams.

“Really it’s our way of giving back to the community to support a sport that we very much believe in,” Vivian said.

To learn more, visit Crank4Bank.com, or contact Autry at 678-427-5488.

Associated Realty, State Farm Agent Rusty Sheehan, Lee County Youth Development, Opelika City Schools and the City of Opelika.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information on that or race registration, contact Rogers at the number above.

middle and Derrick Hall and T.D. Moultry flanking them. Chandler Wooten is back and, along with Wesley Steiner, served as the second-team for the middle linebackers.

Defensive back One of the thinnest spots on Auburn’s roster right now is the safety position. One spot is locked down by Smoke Monday but the other is up for grabs.

Ladarious Tennison came out as the starting safety alongside Monday and may have a path to earning that starting spot.

Freshman Ahmari Harvey was limited and looks to figure into the battle when healthy.

The starting corners were Roger McCreary and Jaylin Simpson with Nehemiah Pritchett serving as the nickelback.

If the moves of Tennison to safety and Pritchett to nickel stick, then the growth of Simpson will be huge.

The second-team consisted of Eric Reed Jr. and Kamal Hadden at corner and Chris Thompson Jr. and Trey Elston at safety. Elston is a walk-on from Auburn and may serve a key role due to the lack of depth at safety.

For photos of the Tigers throughout spring practice thus far, turn to page B7.

B7 March 24, 2021

Tigers trekking through spring practice

Bo Nix

Devan Barrett

Offensive conditioning

Shaun Shivers

Nehemiah Pritchett

Jaylin Simpson Photos by Todd Van Emst / AU Athletics

Panthers, Tigers duel in apex showdown

Photos by Josh Fisher / For the Opelika Observer

B8 March 24, 2021

LSA teams in action for 'Maddie McClendon Night'

Photos by Robert Noles / Opelika Observer LSA girls’ soccer won 6-0 behind Delaney Fairson’s hat trick.

Photos by Robert Noles / Opelika Observer The baseball team made short work of the Springwood baseball team, winning game one 11-0 and the second game 13-1. Jim Lyle was the star in game one, throwing a complete game three-hitter and striking out nine batters over five innings. Pearson Little went 2.2 innings in game two and struck out seven batters. Jackson Harrison and John Allers each had three RBI in the game.

Photos by Robert Noles / Opelika Observer The softball team won game one of the double header 5-3, behind Lindsey Joiner’s three RBI performance before falling 8-6 in game two.

Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics

B9

March 24, 2021

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

IN THE STATEHOUSE 2022 Will be a big year for Alabama politics

A

ll signs point to a Titanic political year in 2022. In fact, as I look back over the last six decades of my observations of Alabama politics, next year may be the most momentous.

Most states elect their governors and legislators in presidential years.

However, in the Heart of Dixie, we have our big election year in non-presidential years. Not only will we elect our governor to a four-year term, we will elect all of our constitutional officers like attorney general, agriculture commissioner, secretary of state, state treasurer, state auditor and lieutenant governor, as well as two seats on the State Public Service Commission and several seats on the State Supreme Court. More importantly, all 140 members of the Alabama State Legislature will be up for reelection. We have 105 members of the Alabama House of Representatives and 35 State Senators. In addition, all 67 sheriffs in the state are on the ballot in 2022. In many counties this is the most important race and the reason folks will show up to vote. All politics are local.

Most campaign money spent in the 2022 elections by special interests will be spent in state legislative races. The Legislative Branch is inherently more powerful in Alabama than the Executive or Judicial Branches.

All of our constitutional office holders are Republican. Attorney General Steve Marshall, hails from Marshall County. He is in his first four-year-term.

Therefore, he can and probably will run for a second term. He would be hard to beat in his bid for reelection in 2022.

John McMillan can run for a second term as State Treasurer. However, he will be over 80 years old. He has had an illustrious career in state politics. First, as a state representative from Baldwin County, then as head of the Forestry Association, the state conservation director, then two terms as state agriculture commissioner, before being elected as state treasurer.

Speaking of Agriculture Commissioner, Rick Pate is doing a very good job in his first term and should have very little trouble being elected to a second term in 2022. This post is the most prominent and important office in the constitutional ranks besides governor. It oversees a large department with numerous duties. Agriculture is still Alabama’s number one economic industry.

Secretary of State John Merrill, is precluded from running for a third

Opelika to fund new senior center

By Michelle Key Publisher

STEVE FLOWERS term. Merrill is the best retail politician in the state and has by far the best grassroots organization of any political figure.

Merrill will probably join the fray of candidates vying for the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by Richard Shelby. If he has to drop back, he could move to either state treasurer or lieutenant governor.

The job of state auditor will be on the ballot. Jim Zeigler, the current state auditor, is thought of as somewhat of a maverick by Montgomery insiders. However, he is sly as a fox.

Even though he knows the state auditor has no real role in policy issues, he grabs headlines with his grandstanding. He is limited from running for auditor again. It will be interesting to see if he chooses to run for something else at age 75.

Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth is only 38 years old. The job of lieutenant governor has few duties other than to preside over the state senate. Most state senators think Ainsworth has been a quick study in learning the Senate Rules and they like him. There is no doubt that Ainsworth desires to run for governor of Alabama.

The biggest question of the upcoming 2022 momentous political year is whether Gov. Kay Ivey will run for reelection. One school of thought has her going to the house at 78. The other is will she run and can she win? My prognostication is she will run and if she does, polls indicate she will win overwhelmingly.

Again, it will be fun to watch.

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.

The Opelika City Council voted to approve the expenditure of $400,000 of grant funds received from Alabama Department Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) to renovate a portion of the Southside Center for the Arts into an approximate 2,300 square foot senior center. The new facility will include two large classrooms, an office, three ADA bathrooms and a warming kitchen. This will provide ample space for seniors to socially distance while re-

ceiving social interaction, enrichment activities and daily meals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Out of the remaining grant funds, $54,000 will be used to support Opelika Main Street programs designed to support downtown local businesses. Activities will include: • COVID recovery supplies for businesses (masks, gloves, HEPA filters, cleaning supplies, plexiglass barriers, stepn-pull door openers, social distancing sign/ stickers, etc.)

• A-frame signs for advertising • Hand sanitizer sta-

tions and refills throughout downtown • Grants for e-commerce operations and/or telework equipment • Grants to enhance outdoor dining areas and/ or takeout operations • Additional tents and folding tables for events to social distance and promote businesses • Expansion of sound system to cover additional area for social distancing and $46,000 will be used to install benches, tables and chairs strategically placed to encourage soSee CENTER, page B13

Auburn City Council makes decision on short-term rentals

By Hannah Lester hlester@ opelikaobserver.com

The Auburn City Council voted on short-term rental regulations during its meeting on Tuesday. The regulations have been under debate for quite a while, and have been amended twice by the council.

The ordinance: A homestay, defined by the city, is: “A home occupation in which an individual who owns a dwelling unit and uses it as his or her permanent residence hires out such dwelling, or any por-

NOW OPEN

tion thereof, as lodging.”

A short-term, non-primary rental, defined by the city, is: “A dwelling unit that is not a permanent residence and that is leased in its entirety to one party for periods of less than 30 consecutive days. The term party as used in this definition shall mean one or more persons who as a single group rent a short-term non-primary rental pursuant to a single reservation and payment.”

Homestays and Short-Term Rentals will be allowed, based upon the ordinance

voted on Tuesday, in the following zones: • Comprehensive Development District (CDD) • Corridor Redevelopment District-urban, Suburban, Easts and West (CRD-U, CRD-S, CRD-E, CRD-W) • Medium Density Residential District (MDRD) • Neighborhood Redevelopment District in the portion east of north Donahue drive (NRD) • Redevelopment District (RDD) • Rural District (R) • Urban Core (UC) See CITY, page B11

Indoor shooting range is open to the public

2195 FIRST AVENUE • OPELIKA

B10 March 24, 2021

I

My second home: Celebrating 40 years of adventure at Hartsfield-Jackson

do not come from a family of frequent flyers. Air travel was rarer and costlier in the 1960s and 1970s when I was a child. A brother and my sister never flew.

Neither did my mother.

My father rode planes in WWII, in the Army Air Corps. Another brother traveled in the Army to and from Vietnam and later on vacations.

My first flight came courtesy of American taxpayers.

On July 5, 1980, I took Delta from Providence, Rhode Island to Atlanta.

Opened in 1925 as Candler Field, the airport had expanded immensely by mid-1980. It was called “the world’s largest terminal complex," designed to handle 55 million passengers a year. I believed this airport could handle millions of passengers.

And, I thought South Carolina would be no more humid than coastal Rhode Island in the summer. On that, I was wrong.

Little would I know then that I would spend a lot of time at this airport, especially

as I lived in Atlanta from 1984-1988. For Christmas seasons, I was a monitor to keep an eye on trainees from Fort Benning and elsewhere. Not only was the USO open but Delta and Eastern Airlines had “hospitality rooms” where military personnel could get cookies and refreshments.

As a sergeant, I had monitoring duty with a master sergeant. He showed up without his nametag, and I was horrified. Our work at the airport was to tell junior soldiers there was no need to sleep on a chair, ruining their dress uniforms. We should at least set the example.

If a soldier was talking to a solicitor, for charities or subscriptions, we could not intervene.

This was the era of Lyndon LaRouche, cult leader later convicted of fraud.

Before smoking on domestic airlines was outlawed, I had a boss who loved to smoke, so I assumed he would go to the rear of the plane that was leaving Hartsfield.

But no, he said, "I don't

to get stuck in the back of the plane when it arrives in Washington, DC.” I will just sit here in the front for an hour and a half without a cigarette, I can handle that.

By the time the plane landed, my boss was ready to get his luggage and skip over any obstacles on his way out, reminiscent of a 1978 Hertz ad featuring O.J. Simpson. Many flyers today may not recall that smoking was allowed for a while, but on Feb. 25, 1990 that ended.

Smoking on almost all domestic flights was banned by federal law.

It was a major move for supporters of improved public health by cutting smoking and “second hand smoke.”

In 1984, I was in my first winter in Atlanta, so I just wore a pair of short pants and t-shirt on an Air Florida flight from Central America.

I was surprised that it was nearly freezing (perhaps 33-37 degrees) when I arrived at the airport parking lot.

Unfortunately, I forgot where I parked, having misplaced the ticket stub

By Greg Markley a week before. I started looking for my Isuzu hatchback.

After not locating the car, in the cold weather, I asked a security guard for a ride around, and I found my car quickly. Before getting in, I asked: “Sir, do you know how many car spaces there are in this airport?” He pondered and said, “About 40,000.” Without the ride, I would have been there many hours in my light clothing amid February cold in my new home in the South.

I sometimes ask airplane passengers, even those who travel thru the Atlanta International Airport a lot, who the facility is named for.

Many are not even curious but some are. It was first named for William B. Hartsfield, a mayor of Atlanta who founded the airport and became its commissioner. He was mayor for 24 years, longer than anyone. Even in the 1950s, he was moderate on civil rights.

In 1957, he defeated the segregationist Lester Maddox.

Maynard Jackson Jr. was elected in 1973 at age 35 as the first black mayor of Atlanta.

He served three terms and is noted for public works projects, especially with the International terminal that carries his name. Ironically, he suffered a cardiac arrest at another airport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and later died at a Virginia hospital, in 2003.

In less than 10 years, I may celebrate my 50th Anniversary at the Atlanta Airport. I would be 74 years old. This relationship has brought me great memories, both on trips emanating from the airport and on the lively and character-rich concourses. A

number of patrons don’t like this airport, or even any airport, because they don’t like anything that interferes with their “digital caves” (electronic devices). Some avoid talking to any new people. That’s their problem.

You see so many harried, angry people at airports these days that the fun of flying of years past is nowhere evident.

As my time at HartsfieldJackson dwindles with age, I may adapt the classic poem by Welsh poet Dylan Thomas. “Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the cancellation of my flight.”

Greg Markley first moved to Lee County in 1996. He has Masters’ in education and history. He taught politics as an adjunct in Georgia and Alabama. An award-winning writer in the Army and civilian life, he has contributed to the Observer for 8 years. Greg can be reached by email at gm.markley@charter.net.

B11 March 24, 2021

Whitmire: Different year, same old fight, but a new champion for open government

By Kyle Whitmire kwhitmire@al.com

This is an opinion column.

Alabama doesn’t work like other states on a lot of things, but especially when it comes to public records.

Last year, my colleague Amy Yurkanin had a question: How much was the University of Alabama at Birmingham paying a private company to recruit students from foreign countries?

Her question led to a public information request to the university.

She would like to see the contract, she said.

Only UAB didn’t want to show it to her. At least not all of it.

After Yurkanin pushed some more, she got back a redacted version with those big black boxes over the type, like something you’d get from the CIA. The most important information — how much a public institution was paying a private company — was still secret.

A lot of times, this would be the dead end.

Alabama law says all the state’s citizens are entitled to inspect public

CITY >>

FROM B9

• Urban Neighborhoods - West, East and South (UN-W, UN-E, UN-S) The regulations imposed on homestays in the ordinance include: • A homestay can only be used for eating and sleeping.

• If the owner is not present, the homestay cannot operate more than 90 days.

• Food cannot be prepared by the owner for the guests.

• Zoning certificates will begin on Jan. 1 and end on Dec. 31.

• The planning director has the ability and authority to revoke a zoning perfect home occupation if the city receives two or more substantiated complaints.

The regulations imposed on short-term non-primary rentals in the ordinance include: • A short-term non-primary rental will be allowed to operate for 240 days each year.

• Zoning certificates will begin on Jan. 1 and end on Dec. 31.

• The planning director has the ability and authority to revoke a zoning perfect home occupation if the city receives two or more substantiated complains.

The discussion: Short-term rental complaints began in 2013, and conversations regarding regulations began four years later, in 2017, said Katie Robison, acting planning director at a previous work session to discuss short term

records and take copies upon request, but the law is weak. It doesn’t set deadlines for when state and local governments must respond. It allows government agencies to charge ridiculously high and often prohibitively expensive fees for copies and “research” costs.

And it doesn’t penalize public officials who flatly refuse to obey the law.

Often, the only recourse is to sue, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars, as it did one company in 2019.

When Central Alabama Radiation Oncology fought a public board all the way to the Alabama Supreme Court to get, among other documents, minutes of its meetings, it won the fight and got the docs — after spending $70,000 in legal fees.

Last year, a national ranking of states by open records compliance put Alabama where it often finds itself — dead last.

Not only are some public officials too lazy to look for records, but they’ll use that as an excuse.

When environmental activist Daniel Tait asked the city of Troy for records regarding a local

gas utility, the city told him Alabama law didn’t require them to look for the records he requested.

That’s right. A city attorney argued that state law doesn’t actually require public officials to look for records.

It’s easy for government officials here to say no. The law be damned.

But with Yurkanin’s request to UAB, she lucked into something different.

She didn’t have Alabama law on her side, but she did have Florida law on her side.

As it turned out, the University of South Florida had contracted with the same company to do the same kind of work, so Yurkanin filed a public information request in the Sunshine State. With it, she drew an interesting side-by-side comparison of Florida’s law and Alabama’s.

The Florida request gave her the documents she asked for in six days.

Six days.

This is how an open records law works in a state where the open records law works. No fussing by bureaucrats. No broad redactions that make the whole task pointless. Just

a request and a prompt reply.

This is how the law should work in Alabama.

(After I wrote about Amy’s accidental compare-and-contrast, UAB relented and gave her the unredacted records.

Sometimes public embarrassment works, too.)

For the last two years, state Sen. Cam Ward has proposed a top-to-bottom rewrite of Alabama’s open records law, and both years his bill died in committee. Lobbyists from county commissions, municipalities and school boards have fought the bill, arguing that a law largely copied and pasted from other states would be too burdensome for Alabama.

Last year, Ward left the Senate to become director of pardons of paroles, because in Alabama it’s easier to give prisoners their freedom than it is to free public records.

When he left, I worried he’d taken any hope of a real open records law with him.

But as it turns out, the bill isn’t dead.

State Sen. Arthur Orr has now taken up the cause where Ward left off.

Orr, a Republican from Decatur, is no slouch in the Alabama Senate hierarchy. As chairman of the Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee, he wields substantial influence in the Legislature. Before taking on this crusade, Orr sponsored legislation to put the state checkbooks online for all to see.

Orr said he hears a lot of the same bellyaching then as now, but not since that law passed.

“No one has complained that it’s too expensive or to hard,” he said.

He said he took on this cause because it’s the right thing to do.

The bill would do the simple things that work in other states. It sets deadlines and caps fees.

But most importantly it would create an affordable appeals process through a state public records ombudsman.

“I fear that some organizations don’t want the bill to pass at all,” Orr said when I spoke with him this week. “They like the way things work today. They don’t want to meet in the middle.”

Orr said that won’t deter him and he intends to bring the bill back

up in committee on Wednesday.

Public records are not a media privilege any more than they are the private property of public officials. Public records belong to you.

And you, your neighbor, you nosy uncle — anybody — should be able to see them. Because public records are the best — sometimes, the only — tool the public has to hold government accountable.

And a public official’s attitude on this subject is telling.

So, good for Orr. But it’s time for the rest of the Alabama Legislature to get with the program and return to the public what’s rightfully ours.

Kyle Whitmire is the state political columnist for the Alabama Media Group.

You can follow his work on his Facebook page, The War on Dumb. And on Twitter.

And on Instagram.

Correction: A previous version of this column said Orr chairs the Senate General Fund Committee. He now chairs the Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee.

rentals.

Soon after Mayor Ron Anders was elected in October 2018, he formed the short-term rental task force.

The task force created recommendations, which were then approved by the planning commission and brought before the city council on Feb. 16.

The short-term rental ordinance was amended

by Ward 3 Council Member Beth Witten during the Feb. 16 council meeting, which prompted the city to re-advertise the ordinance and hold a second public hearing on March 16.

The amended ordinance proposed adding short-term rentals into the Neighborhood Conservation zone, among other changes.

There was significant public input at both council meetings on this topic.

Opposition: “The amendment that was offered to the planning commission’s proposed ordinance basically removed the, what I call the cover, for the NC zone from commercialization,” said one resident, Ray Askew.

“What concerns me is that when you remove the cover that exists in the ordinance, the current ordinance for the zoning of NC, and for that matter, from my point of view, should cover all family-housing neighborhoods, you remove that cover and you, in essence, have opened a Pandora’s box for any commercialization.”

Jones, who lives on Payne Street, said that she has been renovating a

house that her grandparents built in 1940. However, she has been under city restrictions on the work she could do.

She said she understands these restrictions because it is a Neighborhood Conservation Zone.

Long-term rentals do not bother Jones, she said, because they are long-term neighbors.

She referenced a petition of over 500 signatures that has been provided to the council by those who did not want short-term rentals in the neighborhood conservation zone.

“How many people have been willing to indicate in writing that they are an Auburn resident and that they live in a neighborhood conservation area and they are willing to let the shortterm rentals in?” she asked.

Support: Although many opposed short-term rentals, there were those in favor of Witten’s amendment.

Brian Mitchell said he supports short-term rentals, because, for one reason, they help bring revenue to the city.

“We need those people in town spending their money here,” he said. “… Having the ability to keep people in town whether it’s in a multiple-family rated zone, or in an NC-rated neighborhood or LLD or whatever, it’s a short stay. Typically, these people are staying a lot of money to stay in those places. They’re staying in somebody’s home that does not want it trashed.”

William Lowry said

that he feels it is against the Auburn spirit to keep people out of certain zones.

“A lot of this is just not hospitable,” he said. “I think the signs up, ‘don’t hotel my neighborhood’ are inhospitable to people that are visiting.”

The vote: Anders proposed an amendment to the ordinance Tuesday night which returned the regulation back to where it was before Witten’s Feb. 16 amendment. This means that there will not be short-term rentals allowed in Neighborhood Conservation Zones.

Ultimately the ordinance, with its new amendment, was passed 5 to 3, with one council member, Ward 5, Steven Dixon, recusing himself from the vote.

“Over the last several years, and particularly the last four weeks, many of you have spoken and I have tried to listen,” Anders said. “Some of you have reminded me of the months-long discussion held in 1984 when Neighborhood Conservation Districts were created and subsequent promises of elected officials always to protect single family neighborhoods zoned NC. Over the years, [city councils] have adhered to the commitment to protect neighborhood conservation neighborhoods. I appreciate that commitment and pledge to do my best to adhere to it as well.”

Anders said that while he did originally support Witten’s amendment, he decided it was not the best choice moving for-

ward.

Council Members who voted against the ordinance were Witten, (Ward 4) Brett Smith and (Ward 7) Jay Hovey.

Smith said he had a problem supporting the ordinance as a whole, not just because of the NC issue. Similar neighborhoods were being treated differently, he said. They may look the same, but when you crossing a zoning line, some neighborhoods can have short term rentals and others cannot.

“I just want each of you as council members to understand, especially in my ward, if you accept the position that this is a nuisance and this is a problem for some neighborhoods, but you’re going to vote for it in other neighborhoods, you’re treating these like neighborhoods unequal,” he said. “You’re saying one gets preferential treatment, while the other doesn’t. That’s why I could not support the amendment and I can’t support the ordinance.”

There will be a 90-day period, City Manager Megan Crouch said, before any enforcement takes place to fine those running short-term rentals in zones they are no longer allowed in.

Other Business: • The council approved alcohol beverage licenses for The Hotel at Auburn University and Rob’s Ribs.

• The council approved an application submission for the State of Alabama Community Development Block Grant - CV Program FY 2020

application.

• The council approved a contract with Alabama EMA Division D to adopt the East Alabama Regional Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan: Phase One. • The Council approved the purchase of a Stivers Ford for the parks and recreation department.

• The council approved Section 108 Loan Authorization for the Auburn Housing Authority.

• The council approved easements for properties

by Eastbrook Homes Southern, Inc. and Links Crossing, LLC. • The council approved board appointments for the East Alabama Mental Health Center Board of Directors, the Auburn Public Library Board and the West Pace Village Improvement District Board of Directors.

• The council established stop signs in the Brentwood Subdivision, Farmville Lakes Subdivision, The Preserve Subdivision, The Wimberly Station Subdivision, Woodward Oaks Subdivision and Owens Crossing.

• The council approved ad valorem property taxes.

• The council approved two annexations.

• The council approved a conditional use approval for a performance residential development at 160 East Veterans Boulevard.

• The council approved a conditional use approval for an institutional use and office use for a building at 945 North Donahue Drive.

B12 March 24, 2021

Attorney General Steve Marshall joins suit to block cancellation of Keystone XL Pipeline Contributed by the office of the Attorney General

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall joined 20 other state attorneys general in filing suit to block President Joe Biden’s unconstitutional attempt to kill the Keystone XL pipeline. The multistate lawsuit led by Montana and Texas was filed Wednesday in the U.S. District Court for the

Southern District of Texas.

“Hours after being sworn into office, President Biden revoked the Keystone XL pipeline permit through an executive order despite having no legal grounds to do so,” said Attorney General Marshall. “The president is not constitutionally empowered to cancel the international contract, and his illegal action will cost numerous jobs in Alabama and

over 40,000 jobs nationwide, needlessly harming our nation’s workers, energy independence, and security.”

The multistate lawsuit makes clear that only Congress has the legal authority to approve or cancel the pipeline permit. “The decision to provide or withhold permission to construct and operate an oil pipeline across the international border with Canada is a

regulation of international and interstate commerce.

Under the Constitution, this power resides with Congress.” It follows that “President Biden’s decision to revoke the Keystone XL permit exceeded the scope of his authority under Article II of the Constitution.”

The attempt to block the construction and operation of the pipeline is also “contrary to law and an affront to

the Constitution’s separation of powers,” as Congress expressly permitted the project in the Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011. The act required President Obama to grant the application to construct and operate the cross-border facilities or report within 60 days to Congress why he thought the pipeline disserved the national interest. If he failed to grant the

permit or make a negative national interest determination within that time, the act provided that the Keystone XL permit “shall be in effect by operation of law.”

Obama signed the bill into law, but then denied the permit because, he complained, Congress had not given him enough time to consider the matter. He did not, however, report to Congress why he thought

PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF ELMER L. POTTS, DECEASED COURT OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY Letters of Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 3rd day of March, 2021, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate of Lee County notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Witness our hands, and dated this the 3rd day of March, 2021 SALLY LANKFORD Legal Run 03/10/21, 03/17/21 & 03/24/2021 -------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE:THE ESTATE OF THOMAS PRESTON, DECEASED. TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Barbara Menifield, as Executrix of the Estate of Thomas Preston, deceased, on the 3rd day of March, 2021, by the Honorable Bill English.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same be barred.

Barbara Menifield, Executrix Of the Estate of Thomas Preston, Deceased Marrell J. McNeal, Attorney at Law, PC PO Box 308 Opelika, AL 36803 334-745-7033 Legal Run 03/10/21, 03/17/21 & 03/24/21 -------------STATE OF ALABAMA CASE NO. 2021-126 LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT ESTATE OF W. J. CASH, DECEASED

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Letters Testamentary of said W. J. Cash, deceased, having been granted to Robert Kevin Cash, this 5th day of March 2021, 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 the law or the same will be barred.

Robert Kevin Cash, Personal Representative Jeffery A. Hilyer 334-745-2564 Attorney at Law P.O. Box 30 Opelika, Alabama 36803-0030.

Legal run 3/17/21, 3/24/21 & 3/31/21 -------------NOTICE OF DOMESTIC RELATIONS ACTION NAPIER CANDICE whose whereabouts is unknown, must answer NAPIER MICHAEL Petition for Contempt

by May 8th, 2021 or thereafter, a Judgment by default may be rendered against her in Case No: DR2015-900172.02, in the Circuit Court of Russell County, Alabama.

Done this the 16th day of March, 2021.

JODY SELLERS CLERK OF CIRCUIT COURT PUBLICATION DATES: March 17th, 24th, 31st - April, 8th 2021 LAST DAY TO ANSWER: May 8th, 2021 -------------Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location

indicated: 1242 N. Dean Rd, Auburn, AL 36830 Thursday, April 15th, 2021 at 10:00AM Margo Veal unit #603 707 York Apt 1123 Towson, MD 1204 Boxes,bikes,and garage items The auction will be listed and advertised on www. storagetreasures.com.

Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

Legal Run 03/24/21 & 03/31/21 -------------Notice to Contractors Lee County Project No. LCP 41-RALR-21 Lee County, Alabama Sealed bids will be received by the Lee County Commission at 215 S. 9th Street, Opelika, AL 36801 or mailed to P.O. Box 666, Opelika, AL 36803-0666 until 10:00 AM on April 21, 2021 and at that time publicly opened at the Lee County Courthouse, 215 S. 9th Street, Opelika, AL 36801, for constructing the Full Depth Reclamation, Resurfacing, and Traffic Stripe on various public roads in Lee County, AL. Minimum Length – 8.5 miles.

The Entire Project Shall Be Completed in Sixty-Five (65) Working Days.

Plans and Proposals are available online at http://www. leeco.us/business/ commission_office/ current_bids.php, or at the Lee County Highway Department (ph. 334-737-7011), 100 Orr Avenue, Opelika, AL 36803.

A Bidding Proposal may be purchased for $5.00. Plans may be

purchased for $2.00 per set. Checks should be made payable to the Lee County Commission. Plans and Proposals will be mailed only upon receipt of remittance.

Cashier’s check or bid bond for 5% of bid (maximum $10,000.00) made payable to the Lee County Commission must accompany each bid as evidence of good faith. Bids will not be considered unless the bid bond form provided in the proposal is used.

The bracket range is shown only to provide general financial information to contractors and bonding companies concerning the project’s complexity and size. This Bracket should not be used in preparing a bid, nor will this bracket have any bearing on the decision to award this contract.

The bracket estimate on this project is from $1,632,218.00 to $1,994,933.00.

The bidder’s proposal must be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished him or her by the Lee County Highway Department.

Prequalification is not required.

The right to reject any or all bids is reserved

by Lee County, AL. Ala. Code § 39-3-5 applies to this project.

In accordance with Ala. Code § 39-3-5(a), “…. preference shall be given to resident contractors, and a nonresident bidder domiciled in a state having laws granting preference to local contractors shall be awarded Alabama public contracts only on the same basis as the nonresident bidder’s state awards contracts to Alabama contractors bidding under similar circumstances; and resident contractors in Alabama, as defined in Section 392-12, be they corporate, individuals, or partnerships, are to be granted preference

over nonresidents in awarding of contracts in the same manner and to the same extent as provided by the laws of the state of domicile of the nonresident.”

Legal run 3/24/21 & 04/08/21 -------------In the Probate Court Of Lee County Alabama In Re: The Estate of Johnnie C. Kelly, Sr. Deceased TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to: Johnnie C. Kelly, Jr., as Executrix of the Estate of: Johnnie C. Kelly, Sr., Deceased on the 16th day of February, 2021, by the Honorable Bill English.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same with in the time allowed by law of the same will be barred.

JOHNNIE C. KELLY JR. EXECUTOR Legal Run 3/24/21, 3/31/21 & 04/08/21 -------------NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF MARGARET BAUCOM LUCAS, DECEASED COURT OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 19th day of March, 2021, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Witness our hands, and dated this the 19th day of March, 2021.

ANDREA LEE LUCAS Legal Run 03/24/21,

03/31/21 & 04/08.21 -------------STATE OF ALABAMA CASE NO. 2021-150 LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT ESTATE OF CHARLES W. PIERCE, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Letters Testamentary of said Charles W. Pierce, deceased, having been granted to Sharon L. Pierce, this 22nd day of March 2021, 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 the law or the same will be barred.

Sharon L. Pierce, Personal Representative Jeffery A. Hilyer 334-745-2564 Attorney at Law P.O. Box 30 Opelika, Alabama 368030030.

Legal Run 03/24/21, 03/31/21 & 04/08/21 -------------IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF KENNETH E. EASTERDAY, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No: 2021-162 Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 22nd day of March, 2021, 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.

NORMAN E. EASTERDAY Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 Legal 03/24/21, 03/31/21, 04/08/21

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B13 March 24, 2021

Safer at Home Order amended again Contributed by the office of Gov. Kay Ivey

Gov. Kay Ivey issued her 25th supplemental emergency proclamation to further amend the recently extended Safer at Home order.

Apart from the technical revisions made earlier this week on Monday and on March 12, 2021, the health order remains identical to the order issued

by Ivey and Dr. Scott Harris on March 4, 2021.

Monday’s order amends paragraph 14 (“Educational institutions”) to reflect updated recommendations from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) concerning social distancing in elementary, middle and high schools. Under the previous order, all

schools were required to take reasonable steps, where practicable, to maintain six feet of separation between persons of different households. The new language provides an exception to that rule for K-12 schools: These schools will be required to take reasonable steps to keep students from different households three feet apart from one another.

In amending her Safer at Home order, Ivey issued the following statement: “Alabama continues moving in the right direction, and we feel very optimistic that COVID-19 will soon be in our rearview mirrors. Until then, we want to ensure that we are doing what we know is right in Alabama, based on recommendations by

Bi-partisan School Tax Savings Bill passes both houses Contributed by Alabama House Democratic Caucus

Alabama House of Representatives Minority Leader Anthony Daniels (D-Madison), led the final passage of SB40 sponsored by Sen. Sam Givhan (R-Madison).

After receiving approval from the House, the bill was sent to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.

The bill saves state resources by allowing the Alabama School of Fine Arts Foundation, the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind, the Alabama High School of Mathematics and Science Foundation and the Alabama School of

MARSHALL >>

FROM B12

the Keystone XL pipeline disserved the national interest—which means the pipeline was authorized by default rule.

The states’ lawsuit asks the court to declare the section of Executive Order 13990 cancelling the Keystone XL

CENTER >>

FROM B9

cial distancing and support downtown businesses.

In other business, the council - Voted to approve requests from Opelika Main Street for the On Tap Craft Beer Event to be held on May 8, the Touch-A-Truck event on June 5 and Burg-

Cyber Technology and Engineering Foundation to be exempt from the payment of all state, county and municipal sales and use taxes.

The projected effect of the legislation would be to allow these institutions to reinvest tens of thousands of dollars that they would otherwise pay in taxes into public education.

According to Rep. Anthony Daniels, “This is common sense legislation that will help valuable schools and their charitable organizations continue to put more resources into educating Alabama’s children. It’s a great example of the positive results we can achieve when we work together.”

the CDC and other experts. That also means that we can continue taking reasonable steps to return to normal.

“Alabama schools, for the most part, are setting the example for the rest of the nation, because the majority of our students and teachers are back in the classroom. These latest guidelines from the CDC make the return to the classroom even easier for our schools, and I hope that districts here in Alabama and around the country follow the science and get our kids back in the classroom. Students have not had a voice during the pandemic, and I think we can all agree that it is past time for students and teachers to have the opportunity to be back in the classroom.”

Auburn Chamber of Commerce holds ribbon cuttings last week

Photo contributed by the Auburn Chamber of Commerce The Auburn Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting at Amour Boutique Auburn last week. The address is 600 Suite A Mainstreet in Auburn, located in the Midtown Auburn Development. Amour is a women’s clothing boutique offering stylish, affordable clothing, shoes, purses and accessories.

Photo contributed by the Auburn Chamber of Commerce The Auburn Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting celebrating Maid Safe Confidentially Clean.

This company is based out of Columbus, Georgia, and the Auburn Team is available to provide added security and safety to their cleaning service. Information is available on their website at https://maid-safe. business.site/

Alabama House Democrats find success during challenging legislative week Contributed by Alabama House Democratic Caucus

During a challenging week in the Alabama House of Representatives, Democrats were able to find success with the passage of HB441, sponsored by Rep. Artis “A.J.” McCampbell (D-Marengo) which, if enacted, would be a first step toward increased police accountability in Alabama. The bill would establish a law enforcement employer database.

Included data would be useful in ensuring early intervention to identify potentially problematic officers

and to support those officers with training or other resources to avoid major issues in the future. The database also offers important information on disciplinary actions to guide law enforcement agencies making employment decisions.

Rep. Tashina Morris (D-Montgomery) passed her first sponsored bill, HB97, which would provide mental health awareness training for K-12 educators. This legislation would make schools safer by ensuring that guidelines and protocols are observed and followed when dealing with people, especially

children, who may present symptoms of mental illness.

Alabama House Democrats voiced strong objections to several Republican bills that were passed along party lines in the House yesterday.

House Democrats opposed: HB391, which would ban transgender students from participating in school sports; HB237, which would criminalize abortion doctors in extremely rare medical situations; HB445, which would give police broad, subjective authority to arrest protestors; and HB285, which would ban curbside voting in Alabama.

Alabama House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels commented, “The most concerning thing about this session has been the efforts of the majority party to fast-track voting bills that will either have the effect of suppressing votes or may have unintended consequences in the future. We simply don’t understand why Republicans are trying to make voting more difficult for people, especially in the context of COVID-19.

Democrats will continue to fight to make voting in Alabama more accessible, secure, and safer for everyone.”

pipeline’s cross-border permit unconstitutional and unlawful and seeks to prevent the Biden administration from taking any action to enforce the permit revocation.

The Keystone XL pipeline would cross into the United States in northern Montana, proceed through South Dakota and terminate in

Nebraska where it would connect to other existing pipelines that travel to state-of-the-art refining centers, predominantly along the Gulf Coast.

Approximately 830,000 barrels of crude oil per day would be transported through the pipeline, ensuring a reliable domestic and global energy source, bolstering U.S.

energy independence and global leadership.

An estimated 42,100 jobs with $2 billion in associated earnings throughout the United States would be created. Additionally, communities along the pipeline’s path would be infused with tens of millions of dollars in tax revenue. And workers like those at Berg Pipe in

Mobile, Alabama, would benefit from work manufacturing supplies needed to complete the pipeline.

In addition to Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio,

Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, West Virginia and Wyoming have joined the lawsuit as plaintiffs.

A copy of the lawsuit can be found at www.alabamaag.gov/ Documents/news/ Keystone%20XL%20 Pipeline%20Lawsuit. pdf.

er Wars also to be held on June 5 - Voted to approve a bid for the downtown streetscape project awarded to the Stuart C. Irby Company - Voted to approve as an emergency purchase new pumps and control panel for the Wyndham Pumps and Lift Station - Voted to approve the purchase of police equip-

ment for 2021 police package automobile - Voted to approve the purchase of a 2020 John Deere 325G compact track loader and severe duty pallet fork - Voted to approve the purchase of a 2022 Ford F350 Super Cab and Chassis - Voted to approve the Construction of Subdivision entrance sign for Fox

Run Village - Voted to approve an extension of the tax abatement of sales and use taxes for Pharmavite, LLC - Voted to approve Pharmavite, LLC tax abatements and exemptions in relationship to a new project with a capital investment of $3,390.000, and an anticipated 81 new jobs - Voted to approve a request for the letter autho-

rizing an agreement for an ATRIP Grant for Columbus Parkway project - Held the first reading of an ordinance regarding the leasing of a portion of the property located at 1103 Glenn St. to Envision Opelika Foundation, Inc. - Voted to reappoint Antione Harvis to the Board of Education for a new term ending April 1, 2026 - Voted to appoint Den-

nis Davis to the Mental Health Center Board for a term ending April 1, 2027.

The Opelika City Council meets on the first and third Tuesday night of every month. Meetings are held in the municipal court located at 300 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Work sessions are held before the meeting and both meetings are open to the public.

Meetings start at 7 p.m.

B14 March 24, 2021

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B15 March 24, 2021

A year into a pandemic, truckers continue to deliver for Alabama

By Tom McLeod

I

t’s difficult to believe that it has been a year since the COVID-19 pandemic hit America, closing businesses, stalling commerce and keeping people home.

For frontline workers, like truck drivers, the pandemic has only intensified their work, and one year may seem like two. Truck drivers are in harm’s way every day in the middle of a devastating viral disease.

Despite the dangers, the trucking industry remains resilient during this pandemic at every stage. During the early weeks of the outbreak, America’s 3.6 million truck drivers ensured stores were stocked, hospitals were supplied, and first responders were equipped. While some

Americans have taken steps to show their appreciation for truck drivers, most do not realize how essential the industry is to their daily lives until a crisis hits.

The trucking industry is the backbone of America — keeping our lives, businesses and economy moving forward every day by safely delivering everything we rely on.

From the delivery of today’s most critical supplies, such as the coronavirus vaccine, to the delivery of daily essential goods, including the food on your table, clothes on your back and fuel in your car, all of these items were brought to our communities by a truck. As a matter of fact, nearly every good that is consumed in the U.S. was put on a truck at some point. The

& Flea Mall

critical link between a stocked grocery store or pharmacy, and a consumer, is an American truck driver.

From every product to every place, trucking delivers to every corner of America.

In fact, 80 percent of American communities rely solely on trucking for their deliveries. And now, with online shopping more prevalent than ever as consumers limit their trips to the store, more Americans are relying on deliveries made directly to their doorstep.

From every place to every sector, trucking is vital to the U.S. and global supply chain serving as the last mile of deliveries from every industry: retail, agriculture, manufacturing and healthcare.

Trucking is the prime mover of our

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nation’s freight. In 2019 alone, the trucking industry hauled over 72 percent of all freight, which equates to over 11.8 billion tons.

At a time, when jobs have been diminished, the trucking industry also contributes greatly to the American workforce and economy, creating millions of jobs and career opportunities in communities small and large. In Alabama, trucking provides 109,980 jobs. Today, the trucking industry is supported by nearly 8 million professionals nationwide, including drivers, technicians, vendors and partners.

Overall, the industry contributes over $791 billion in revenue to our nation’s economy each year. Meanwhile, Alabama trucking businesses contribute

$629 million in taxes to state coffers.

As we enter year two of the pandemic, truck drivers will continue to load up and transport the COVID-19 vaccines, PPE and hand sanitizer to America’s stores along with consumers’ favorite items such as smartphones, puzzles, personal grooming products, beverages and snacks, to their homes. It’s times like these, I feel especially proud to be a part of the trucking industry and working alongside America’s professional truck drivers, our country’s unsung heroes.

One year ago, at the start of the pandemic in the U.S., trucking never stopped. With continual new factors emerging, such as new virus variants and the many vaccine distribution challenges, times

will remain uncertain.

But one thing’s for certain: The trucking industry will continue to be there for Americans like we always have.

Be sure to thank a trucker today.

Tom McLeod is the founder and president of McLeod Software, a leading supplier of transportation management and trucking software for carriers, brokers and shippers. He is also the current Chairman of the Board for the Alabama Trucking Association, which supports and promotes Alabama’s trucking industry through advocacy, training, and the successful implementation of programs including the ATA Comp Fund, Safety & Maintenance Management Council, TRUK PAC, and the ATA Foundation.

B16 March 24, 2021

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This week’s puzzle answers: