Opelika Observer 04-15-2020 E-edition

Wednesday, April 15, 2020

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Vol. 12, No. 28

Opelika, Alabama

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Lee County resident creates 3D face shields for EAMC workers

By Natalie Anderson Staff Reporter Lee County native Tristan Cairns has teamed up with Office Depot and generous community members to create 3D-printed face shields within his home for local hospital workers. With the original plan of creating the face shields for his friends, brother and sister, Matthew and Katie Walton both registered nurses at EAMC, Cairns realized he could create face shields for the entire hospital.

Thanks to overseas printing designers who displayed their creations for the public, Cairns became inspired to create the shields for hospital workers in Lee County.

After printing out a prototype and getting the approval of EAMC medical workers, the production was started.

Although Cairns has one 3D printer at home, and printing takes at least one hour per mask, on April 3, Cairns was able to drop off roughly 35 masks to EAMC for donation.

The informational post, which was shared on Cairns’s Facebook page, received incredible feedback within the first day and soon enough, donations started coming in.

While Cairns has one 3D printer at home at the moment, there have been three generous donations of 3D printers which will increase the production rate once received. He predicts printing will be increased to 30 to 40 masks per day and 400 to 500 per week.

Other generous donations have included rubber bands, filament and clear gloss binder sheets according to his post.

“Office Depot of

Tiger Town has been great… they started this, I went to them and they instantly got on board and started donating supplies, they also have been working with the online customers, they have just been wonderful,” Cairns said.

For more information and how to donate, visit Tristan’s Facebook post for direct links at https://www.facebook. com/tristan.cairns.

Photos provided by Tristan Cairns/Tristan Cairns Photography

EAMC leaders take Lee County ranks as one of most temporary pay reduction generous counties in Alabama Special to the Opelika Observer

Special to the Opelika Observer

The COVID-19 Coronavirus has had an impact on almost every person and every business, and East Alabama Medical Center is no exception. During this unprecedented event, the inability to do business as usual with surgical operaSee Pay, page A3

According to information gathered by SmartAdvisorMatch. com, Lee County ranks as the fourthmost generous county in Alabama in 2019 based on charitable contributions in a top-10 list compiling that data.

EAMC President and CEO Laura Grill

Index

OPINION.....................................A4 SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY..............A9 RELIGION..............................A11 CALENDAR..................................A13

See Generous, page A5

COMICS....................................A14 SPORTS..................................B1 PUBLIC NOTICES............................B5 POLITICS...................................B7

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer On April 10, Opelika City Schools posted that they were donating their extra cleaning supplies to East Alabama Medical Center, and thanked the hospital’s doctors, nurses and staff for “working tirelessly to treat patients and keep everyone safe and well.”

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Alabama Statewide COVID-19 statistics: 3,811 cases / 73 deaths | 250 cases in Lee Co. / 8 deaths

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A2 April 15, 2020

Alabama physician: ‘Stay Auburn’s CPAP-toat home, folks’ to save lives ventilator device passes

major test on live animals

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer

Special to the Opelika Observer We are in the midst of a historic and unprecedented event. The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 will be one for the history books. How will history judge our response to this crisis? Certainly we as a nation and as a health system were unprepared for a pandemic of this magnitude. It has exposed the flaws and weaknesses in our health system and pointed out the real need for expanded primary care in our country.

It has also been a stark reminder of the importance the social determinants of health play in an individual’s and communities’ overall health.

African Americans have been disproportionately at higher risk of contracting and even dying from COVID-19.

As I write this, Alabama now has over 2,000 cases of COVID-19, a doubling of cases in less than one week, with approximately 50 deaths

in our state. We now have cases in 66 of Alabama’s 67 counties, and the limited testing in Geneva County may well be the reason they have yet to confirm a case of COVID-19.

Our State Health Officer, Dr. Scott Harris, has been recommending selfisolation and social distancing for several weeks now. Gov. Kay Ivey issued the statewide Shelter in Place order that went info effect at 5 p.m. on April 4. For a contagious respiratory infection for which we have no treatment, isolation, social distancing and public avoidance are our only effective means to slow down the spread of his disease and save lives. Dr. Harris and Governor Ivey are to be commended for having the courage to make this difficult decision and to do what is right, what was needed, in the face of the political pressure against these measures.

The closing of schools and daycares,

the shuttering of nonessential businesses, the avoidance of large group meetings, the delaying of elective medical procedures are all disruptive and will cause economic hardships. But it will save lives. That has to take precedence.

Models predict between 500 and 1,000 Alabamians could die from COVID-19 in the next six months.

Between 100,000 and 2 million Americans could die from COVID-19 in the next six months. Even those lower-end numbers are frightening but the only way to keep the numbers on the low end instead of the upper end of that range is to strictly apply our only weapons against this disease: self isolation, social distancing and public avoidance.

Stay at home, folks.

The life you save may be your own, or mine, or someone you love.

John S. Meigs, Jr., MD President of the Medical Association of the State of Alabama

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CORRECTIONS

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer

device they’ve built into mass production. The innovative unit—which turns a CPAP machine into an emergency ventilator—was successfully tested on a live goat last Friday.

The device, named RE-InVENT, can be assembled using

Special to the Opelika Observer As life-saving ventilators grow scarcer worldwide in the fight against COVID-19, an Auburn University research team is racing against the clock to get a

approximately $700 in readily available components, in addition to a standard CPAP machine.

Continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, machines are commonly used to help people with See Vent, page A3

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A3 April 15, 2020

EAMC gives COVID-19 update Special to the Opelika Observer As of 3:30 p.m., Friday, April 10: In the Hospital: 51 – patients currently hospitalized at EAMC with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis.

37 – patients previously hospitalized with COVID-19 who have been discharged.

21 – patients currently hospitalized with suspected COVID-19.

18 – patients currently hospitalized who were previously suspected of COVID-19, but have since received a negative

test result.

EAMC COVID-19 Testing Statistics: 2191 – # of COVID-19 tests submitted by EAMC 1697 – # of COVID-19 tests that were NEGATIVE 140 – # of COVID-19 tests that are pending results 16.3% – percentage of EAMC test kits that have tested positive Confirmed COVID-19 cases by county in EAMC immediate service area as of 3:30 p.m. Friday: Lee County – 209 Chambers County –

168 Tallapoosa County – 53 Randolph County – 22 Russell County – 20 Clay County – 11 Macon County – 9 Bullock County – 4 EAMC’s Chief of Staff Michael Roberts, M.D. used the Penn Medicine CHIME tool last week to look at where East Alabama Medical Center—and its collective communities—stand regarding COVID-19 and social distancing.

We shared the resulting data with the public last week to illustrate the critical need for social

distancing. Dr. Roberts continues to use this tool each week to see where we stand as a community and the role of social distancing in the length of the virus. Read more at the link below and see the latest model, which we will continue to provide each week: https:// bit.ly/2VkFRHv. EAMC Public Relations Director John Atkinson sent media a mass email on Monday stating that updates would be released on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Because of advanced deadlines, Tuesday’s update was unable to run in this edi-

tion of the Observer.

Frontline Features Series

Howell

Continuing our Frontline Features series, this week we spoke with Lea Howell, RN, a clinical educator at EAMC

who has been working at the HealthPlus COVID-19 drive-thru testing site. Her story is available here: https:// bit.ly/2Xq9sSF, and is the third of an ongoing series to share firsthand experiences of our EAMC heroes.

Social Distancing during Easter Weekend Thank you to everyone in the community who has followed EAMC’s social distancing guidelines and the statewide stay-at-home order.

While we still have a long road ahead of us, we are slowing startSee EAMC, page A5

Opelika native and wife create prototype for locally sourced medical gowns

By Natalie Anderson Staff Reporter

David Bruce M.D., an Opelika native who graduated from LeeScott Academy and Auburn University and now lives in Chattanooga, has teamed up with his wife Lisa Ann Smith M.D. and manufacturers in that area to produce locally sourced medical gowns for hos-

pital workers amongst shortages because of COVID-19.

“The biggest impact was just gearing up for it (COVID-19) and with the shortage of supplies (it was) almost a perfect storm,” Bruce said.

“Cardinal Health has a supply area in Nashville and we got a double whammy ... they had a recall on a lot of gowns in the late fall which

Photos submitted to the Opelika Observer

had to be replenished... and subsequently a

Alabama pediatricians adapting care during COVID-19, offer guidance to parents

Pay, from A1 tions and physician office operations, coupled with tremendous added expenses related to COVID testing, screening expenses, increased staffing expenses, surge capacity planning and operational expenses has significantly impacted the organization’s ability to generate revenue.

EAMC President and CEO Laura Grill ad-

Special to the Opelika Observer Pediatricians across Alabama are, like most healthcare providers, adapting to continuing care in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. To address the safety and health of its families, primary care pediatricians have changed protocols for triaging and providing well and sick visits, instituted new practice guidelines for providing care via telehealth, and taken to social media now more than ever to communicate to their patients and families about the importance of staying healthy.

“The COVID-19 pandemic poses challenges to our healthcare, economic, and social systems unlike anything we have ever experienced in our lifetimes.

The social distancing orders have caused a significant decline in primary care visits,” said Wes Stubblefield, MD, FAAP, President of the Alabama ChapterAmerican Academy of Pediatrics. “My colleagues that I have spoken with

tornado hit the Nashville area destroying

are experiencing decreases of 50 to 80% of their normal patient visit volumes, even with the use of telehealth, and many of them have had to furlough staff.”

Pediatricians are adapting, however, with measures such as: -Maintaining specific hours to see patients for well child visits, many practices are seeing children during their morning hours for well child visits, while only seeing sick visits during the afternoon appointments.

-Meeting patients in the parking lot of the practice, pediatric practice staff go to the vehicle with a screening form and a sanitized pen. Once patients complete the forms, staff will come get the forms

and deliver it to the front desk staff.

Patients will wait in their vehicles until an exam room becomes available.

-Allowing only one caregiver to accompany a child into the exam room, practices are especially encouraging that the caregiver not be a grandparent due to their increased risks for illness.

-Cleaning and disinfecting exam rooms between patients.

Alabama pediatricians also want to provide families in Alabama with these guidelines to assure their children’s continued health: - Maintain consistent care with your child’s own doctor; your pediatrician is providing telehealth – allowing See Care, page A7

Vent, from A2 obstructive sleep apnea breathe more easily during sleep.

On April 3, a 200-pound male Boer goat was anesthetized and ventilated with a RE-InVENT system for approximately two hours in Auburn’s College of Veterinary Medicine’s Vaughan Large Animal Teaching Hospital. Goats of this size have lung capacity similar to that of humans.

“It went better than I expected in being able to ventilate the animal,” said anesthesiologist Glenn Woods, who is affiliated with multiple Alabama hospitals. “This test confirms RE-InVENT’s potential to meet the demand for desperately needed ventilators.”

Stuart Clark-Price, associate professor of

another medical supply warehouse that supplied gowns to our region... we went down to a low level of gowns and face masks."

Wade Verbal of Wise Manufacturing in Hermitage, Tennessee contacted a mutual friend and offered his assistance in creating and donating supplies such as booties and masks, however, the

idea of creating medical gowns came to life from this offer because of the evident shortage in the hospitals. Bruce and Smith quickly put their plan into action by creating a sketch and designing a pattern for the gowns, even placing a small prototype on a "Hannah Montana" doll within 24 hours. The next day, the couple met See Bruce, page A7

dressed this development with the following statement: “In an attempt to avoid impacting frontline staff as we are seeing elsewhere in Alabama and across the country, we are making some temporary pay cuts. I asked our senior leadership team to take the first cut and then we asked our employed physicians as well. Then, yesterday, we communicated a reduction in pay to the rest of our leadership team - our direc-

tors and managers. I am very hopeful that these cuts will be temporary and that business will return to normal in the near future. However, leadership starts with all of us. I am immensely proud of our team and entire organization, and thankful for the support of our community as we navigate these challenges.”

For more information and updates, follow the hospital’s social media pages for updates or visit www.eamc.org.

anesthesiology at the College of Veterinary Medicine, supervised the first animal test of the RE-InVENT device.

“A functioning ventilator is one of the most important tools hospitals have for helping COVID-19 patients,” Clark-Price said. “In our test we were able to ventilate the goat and safely maintain appropriate oxygen content his blood. Then he was brought out from under anesthesia and fully recovered to return to normal activity.”

Now that the team has successfully tested the new ventilator, its next step is to look for ways to increase the unit’s capacity.

“We knew in the beginning that even though our original concept was pressurelimited, it could serve many patients,” said Joe Ragan, a lecturer in mechanical engineering who handled computeraided modeling for

the RE-InVENT and assisted with its mechanical design. “Now we’re looking to boost pressure in order to narrow the gap between our machine and fully developed ventilators.”

The team is currently developing a peripheral “booster box” that would essentially double the device’s pressurization capacity by employing an additional CPAP machine.

“Essentially, we are using a CPAP machine to pressurize the air inside an air-tight compartment, and then another CPAP machine to pressurize that pressurized air,” said assistant mechanical engineering professor Michael Zabala, who is helping lead the REInVENT project. “We like the results we are seeing and believe this holds great promise.”

For more on the latest Re-InVENT test results, visit http://eng. auburn.edu/reinvent.

A4 April 15, 2020

A

Country Church

few years ago.

A secluded country highway. Lots of farms, silos and flat nothingness.

My wife was driving.

We were on our way home. We’d been out of town for days. We’d stayed in cheap hotels, ate crummy food, we were wearing and rewearing our clothes.

It was Easter Sunday morning. We were tired. We had almost forgotten it was a holiday because being on the road too long will do that to you.

That’s when we kept noticing all the country churches along the highway. At each one were swarms of automobiles in each parking lot. People in pastel colors.

My wife said, “Look at all the cars.”

And I felt very guilty.

My wife and I were both raised under a strict religious regime.

To forget Easter was like forgetting to buy your mother a greeting card for Billy Graham’s birthday.

So we pulled over at a church. The building sat next to a large soybean field. Church people were staring at our car.

“What’re we doing?”

I asked my wife.

“Well, we can’t skip Easter,” she said.

“We look like two hobos,” I said. “I’m wearing a T-shirt, I probably smell bad.”

“We can’t skip Easter,” she pointed out again.

So we hiked up the steps into the little chapel. An elderly greeter adjusted his hearing aid and handed us a bulletin. He glanced at my wife’s ratty attire. Tshirt. Jeans. Flops.

E

ven in ordinary times, the more than 760,000 unpaid family caregivers in Alabama face a daunting set of daily tasks.

Oftentimes with little or no training, they may be responsible for wound care, tube feedings, dressing, managing the finances and medical bills of their loved ones, transportation and more.

Of course, these are no ordinary times.

The coronavirus pandemic has complicated the lives of family caregivers, especially those with older loved ones who are most susceptible to COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus. It has added fear, anxiety and isolation to an already-stressful situation.

Here in Alabama, routines have been upended as communities cope with this disease.

Gov. Kay Ivey is urging all Alabam-

By Sean Dietrich

By Southern Baptist Convention rules, this was grounds for public execution. I’ve lost many good friends whose bodies were never found when they appeared in church without cuff links.

We wandered toward a pew. We sat in the back. The lady next to me was elderly.

She looked like every church woman you’ve ever known. Sky blue dress. White hair. I spoke to her to break the ice. She ignored me.

I felt so ashamed.

Was it the way I smelled? Did I offend?

I sniffed my armpits.

Truthfully, I would have rather been anywhere else than here.

I was tired. I wanted to be home, sitting on my sofa, eating takeout ribs, watching TV. A cold beer wouldn’t have hurt.

When the sanctuary filled up - maybe thirty-five people total - we stood. We sang.

I could feel everyone rubbernecking, looking at the young couple in T-shirts.

The old woman did not sing, nor did she look at me.

There was a big white screen behind the pulpit and a projector broadcasting the lyrics. There was a man on playing guitar with a headset mic, which was sort of bizarre. In my childhood, piano and organ ruled the world. There were no Garth Brooks microphones.

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When the singing ended, the old woman sat down and got her purse ready. I knew what was coming next.

The Offertory. This is the part of service where the most talented individual takes stage and sings their butt off.

If they are good at what they do, God willing, parishioners will put an extra ten in the plate.

The ushers passed plates. I put in a few ones. My wife gave me an angry look that could have killed small woodland creatures. So I tossed in a twenty.

The young lady who sang was high school age. She performed sign language along with her music. It took me back to the times when I used to sing in church.

I grew up singing for offertories. I was painfully shy. I was a bad singer. I hated crowds. I was a perfect fit.

I would close my eyes when I sang. I had a little body quirk when I sang. My eyes would roll back into my head and my eyelids would open so that all you could see the whites of my eyes.

When this happened, my friends on the front pew would whisper things like: “Look!

It’s the girl from the ‘Exorcist!’” And if any church ladies nearby heard this, these boys would disappear and never be seen again until their 45 birthday.

The girl singing was poised and beautiful.

Her song was done so well that a few people stood when she hit the final chorus. One man in the front row stood and lifted both hands.

We call these the Hallelujah Field Goal Hands.

See Dietrich, page A5

‘Figure Out What Makes Sense’ This is one small Alabama retailer’s story, but it is a story repeated throughout the state. Small businesses, which are crucial to all of Alabama’s communities, have upped their online and social presence, some have even completely repurposed their business models. Small, local retailers can’t survive and employ their staffs on 20 percent of their previous business for much longer. Please share this story and those of the small businesses in your community, so their voices are heard.

By George R. Wilder Owner and CEO, The Locker Room, Montgomery and Auburn

M

any years ago, I was fortunate to be in a board meeting with Jimmy Blanchard, then chairman and CEO of Synovus Bank.

Jimmy is the definition of a humble, servant leader. Answering a question during that meeting, Jimmy said: “We just want to figure out what makes sense and do that.”

With this COVID-19 pandemic, figuring out what makes sense is challenging to say the least. As a service driven specialty retailer, selling better men’s clothing, sportswear and shoes for the past 42 years, we sud-

denly find ourselves shut down. But we are not giving up. We are creating online business; we are contacting our clients weekly to take care of any needs they may have. With the slow down in business, our tailors are making masks for an adopted COVID-19 unit at Baptist Hospital. We have requests from Jackson Hospital as well and from individual nurses and emergency room doctor clients. All that to say, small business is important to our community.

The safety of our folks and our clients is foremost. We are not a high-traffic business. We are in the relationship business. We know our customers and their families. So, that Walmart, for example, which is a high-traffic, high-volume store can be open and sell clothes, and we can’t, does not exactly make sense.

Would you rather be in a small specialty store, with folks you know, and two or three customers at a time or a big chain store with folks you don’t know all around you? With most businesses closed, we now have the same number of consumers shopping in fewer stores, which does not lead to social distancing.

What our leaders are thinking but not saying out loud, is that the fallout from

the economic shutdown could turn out to be worse than the virus. Our business was down 50% in March. In April and May, we are conservatively projecting 80% decreases. Yes, 80%, and just six weeks ago, we were on track for our best spring season ever.

The only way specialty retail will survive is with the help we hope to get from our government and returning to business in a way that is safe yet allows us to create sales.

I am not faulting the big box stores.

Without the business they are doing, there would be virtually no sales tax created in our communities, which we must have.

This letter is about “figuring out what makes sense and doing that.”

Shop local and support small business. They are the backbone of our community, our county, our state and our country.

The Locker Room has been an Alabama Retail Association member since 1993. Its owner and chief executive officer, George Wilder, served as the association’s chairman from 2014 to 2015.

He remains an ex officio member of the association’s board of directors and serves as a trustee for Alabama Retail Comp, the self-insured workers’ compensation fund affiliated with the association.

Caregiving in the Era of COVID-19 ians to stay at home as much as possible, and nursing homes have been closed to visitors.

Since the outbreak of the virus, AARP has been urging family caregivers to develop a plan in case they get sick or their loved one does. Our recommendations include: Pull Together a Team Develop a list of family and friends who can perform daily caregiving tasks. If available, identify local caregiving services who may offer a respite for family and friends.

Caregiving in the era of COVID-19​. In response to the virus, many restaurants and pharmacies are adding or increasing their delivery services.

The federal government’s Eldercare Locator can help you find support services in your area. The new online AARP Community Connections

Candi Williams enables people to enter their zip codes and find informal groups of neighbors and friends offering help right in their own communities.

Inventory Essential Items Determine how much food, medication, and basic supplies your care recipient has on hand. We recommend a twoweek supply of food, water, household cleaning supplies and medical materials and equipment.

Get Prescriptions in Order Make sure you have a list of medications, medical contacts and important information about your loved one, such as drug allergies. If there are

upcoming routine medical appointments, reschedule those or, if possible, switch to a virtual visit. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommends having an extra 30day supply of essential medications on hand. Don’t forget over-the-counter medications such as cough suppressants and fever reducing drugs like acetaminophen.

Stay Connected Isolation is a big issue as we all follow the social distancing guidance from the CDC. However, social distancing doesn’t have to lead to social disconnection.

Develop a communication plan and identify times when members of the care team will check in on your loved one.

Skype, Zoom and Facetime are useful digital apps that can help, but so are lowertech options like email and telephone

calling.

To help fight the isolation, encourage people to send cards, letters, magazines, puzzles or other items a loved one would be happy to receive.

Protect Yourself Like they tell you on an airplane, “Put your own mask on first.”

Now more than ever, it is important for family caregivers to take care of themselves. Follow the CDC guidelines of washing hands frequently, avoiding crowds, practice social distancing and, by all means, if you feel sick stay home. If you develop the virus, you will be of little use to those who are counting on you.

To help caregivers, AARP has a dedicated, toll-free family caregiving line for people looking after a loved one. Agents are available to take calls Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Eastern time at 877-

333-5885. AARP also has a Facebook group where caregivers get tips from experts, share their own stories and sometimes just get a little encouragement from others in a similar situation. You can also find answers to many of your questions online at the AARP Caregiver Resource Center aarp. org/caregiving.

Though we would welcome your membership, our caregiving information and services are available to everyone.

Our founder Ethel Percy Andrus said, “What we do, we do for all.”

That has never been more important than in the face of this pandemic as we all pull together to find our way through it.

Williams is the State Director of AARP Alabama. For more information about the organization, visit https://states.aarp. org/aarp-in-yourstate.

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A5 April 15, 2020

What to do if you have a tax bill

ost taxpayers know by now that the Internal Revenue Service has provided an automatic filing and payment extension to July 15 for this year. Federal and state tax payments due by April 15 can be deferred for three months without penalty, but refunds are still being processed normally.

However, the temporary delays will not solve your underlying dilemma if you have a large tax bill for the year, face back taxes or have not filed in recent years for fear of the tax bill coming due.

No one likes to hear they have a large tax bill. As an accountant, I do not look forward to communicating large tax bills to a client.

However, once your tax return is pre-

Generous, from A1 To compile this list, researchers looked at two factors: how much people donate as a percentage of their net income, and the proportion of people in a given county who made charitable donations.

To determine the amount of money that people donate as a percentage of their income, we first calculated the net income of all people

EAMC, from A3 ing to see the results of residents making the commitment to shelter in place at home. With Easter weekend starting today, it is critically important that residents continue to shelter at home and not physically attend church or family gatherings. Easter is a sacred time for faith and family for many, however, this year we all must find creative ways to worship and celebrate with family virtually.

To stop the spread of the virus and save lives, remember that if you do not live with members of your family, you should not physically be with them, even on Easter.

Instead, residents are

Dietrich, from A4 When she finished, the applause lasted for maybe a full minute. Baptists support their own. The girl left the stage and sat next to the old lady.

They held each other’s arms. I didn’t even pay attention to the

date.

Taxpayers may often find themselves in a difficult situation in the event they owe significantly more than expected or are able to pay in a single payment. This may occur because of self-employment taxes (often the result of successfully operating a side job or moving from a W2 job to being an independent contractor), significant increases in compensation, a large capital gain or failing to withhold and remit sufficient taxes when you withdraw funds from a retirement account and cannot avoid the 10% early withdrawal penalty (although the 2020 CARES Act is providing relief on many of these fronts). Whatever the case may be, the most important thing to do in these situa-

tions is not to panic, and not ignore the situation!

Do not avoid filing your tax return in this situation – the IRS is much more lenient to taxpayers who file their taxes but don’t pay them immediately (0.5% late payment penalty for each month, plus 5% interest) as opposed to those who do not file their taxes at all (5% failure-tofile penalty for each month past the due date you don’t file, plus the late payment penalties and interest). The maximum penalty on your taxes can be quite substantial at 47.5%!

So, go ahead and file your tax return timely, and then deal with how to pay.

Several methods of dealing with large tax bills are available. First, pay as much as you can by

the due date. If you can and do pay off your tax bill within a few months, you will likely not hear from the IRS beyond a regular payment due letter with some penalties and interest tacked on.

If you need a longer period of time (more than 120 days), the IRS will generally let you set up an installment agreement through automatic bank withdrawals. It’s best not to use a credit card to pay your taxes – the interest you pay on most credit cards vastly exceeds the interest charged by the government. The IRS is typically very willing to work with you to pay off your tax bill, and you’ll find the best results occur if you stay in communication with them and regularly pay on your tax bill. Taxing

authorities will also keep your refund to offset any amounts due from prior years.

Lastly, you may be able to establish an offer in compromise, in which you settle with the government for a fraction of what you owe. This is a combined legal and accounting matter, and should typically only be used after you have exhausted other options.

Visit www.irs.gov/ payments for more information and resources on how to pay, or call a professional for help.

Justin Smith is a licensed certified public accountant in Opelika, specializing in individual and small business tax and accounting. He can be contacted at 334-400-9234 or Justin@JSmithCPA.net.

His website is www. jsmithcpa.net.

in each county. They looked at tax return data and accounted for federal, state and local taxes paid. They also accounted for deductible entries, including mortgage interest, mortgage points and mortgage insurance payments and then divided each county’s total charitable donations by its total net income to see how much county residents are donating relative to their income.

Next, they took the total number of tax returns with chari-

table contributions and divided them by the number of total tax returns for each county. This gave them the proportion of people in each county who make charitable donations.

We then indexed and equally weighted the two factors to yield their most charitable places index.

Following is a list of the other nine counties that made the list: 1) Shelby 2) Jefferson 3) Madison 5) Montgomery 6) Limestone

7) Tuscaloosa 8) Washington 9) St. Clair and 10) Macon.

Lee County’s generosity is on full display in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic also, as many businesses, individuals and organizations have stepped to the plate to fight the virus’s spread and help those facing medical or economic challenges.

Mama Mocha’s Coffee has temporarily closed its bodega in downtown Opelika, but there is a

box outside their shop with free food and supplies to those in need.

Businesses like Griff Goods and organizations like OLLI at Auburn are crafting masks for both the public and healthcare workers to use.

Local pastors have come together to form “Pray Lee County,” an online prayer room for the religious community to pray over those on the front lines fighting the virus or battling the disease.

Each day at 7 a.m.

and 7 p.m., community members park on the top floor of the East Alabama Medical Center, flashing their lights in support of the medical personnel who are coming off a shift.

This community’s generosity isn’t only monetary as these examples show - it is a generosity that goes beyond physical needs and addresses the emotional and mental challenges some in our area our facing.

Together, we are #LeeCountyStrong.

asked to shelter in place at home. That means staying at home with immediate family members only (that you normally live with) and not leaving your home except for essential activities such as food, medical care, or work. If you have to leave your home, you should maintain a 6-foot distance from other people, wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds each time, and frequently disinfect high-touch surfaces. We also encourage residents to wear a mask at the store or anywhere they will be in close proximity to someone not in their household.

Nutrition and Food Services Makes Easter Treats for Patients and Staff Nutrition and Food Services (NFS) dyed

Easter eggs and made cookie bags for the patients who will be in the hospital and staff who will be working on Easter Sunday. Thank you to NFS for this very fun and thoughtful gesture we appreciate everything you do for our patients and staff!

528-SICK Hotline Our 334-528-SICK screening hotline is open 24 hours a day, but we only schedule testing between 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Specimen collection will continue daily at HealthPlus and at EAMCLanier, but is based on available supplies.

As a reminder, appointments can only be made through the 334528-SICK hotline. For more information about when to seek screening, visit eamc.org/coronavirus.

sermon because I am a people-watcher, and these two fascinated me.

When service was over, the old woman stood onto shaky knees, the young singer held her for support. The lady began walking away and I stopped her. I just couldn’t let it go. So I wished the old woman a happy Easter.

The woman looked at me with a blank face. The young girl translated my words into sign language.

The woman smiled big. She said to me in a loud voice, “HE IS RISEN!” And I gave her the same Easter response I’ve been giving since I was a child. Then we hugged. It was like we’d known each

other all our lives. She was so tiny. And I was so underdressed.

Afterward, my wife and I crawled into our vehicle. We didn’t say anything for a few minutes. We had that sort of glow you have when you win a baseball game, or when you see the Grand Canyon for the first time.

“Happy Easter,” my

wife said to me.

“Yeah,” I said. “It sure was.”

Then my wife held my hand. With a gentle smile, she said, “I didn’t want to say this to you inside, but you smell like a billy goat.”

Sean Dietrich is a columnist, novelist, and podcast host, known for his commentary on life in the

American South. His work has appeared in Newsweek, Southern Living, Garden and Gun, The Tallahassee Democrat, Good Grit, South Magazine, Alabama Living, the Birmingham News, Thom Magazine, The Mobile Press Register, and he has authored nine books, and is the creator of the Sean of the South Podcast.

By Justin Smith pared, completed and filed with a payment due, you have several options available for consideration.

The first option is to pay the full amount due in a single payment. Be sure to send your payment with a payment voucher (Form 1040-V) to ensure it is properly credited to you. Taxes are technically due by Dec. 31 of the year in which you earn income, but April 15 (July 15 this year) is traditionally referred to as the formal due

pelika Opinion O

A6 April 15, 2020

Opelika’s Griff Goods Circles of Opelika in need of program allies joins local fight

By Morgan Bryce Editor Additional “allies” are needed to help Circles of Opelika further its long-term mission of eliminating poverty in the area.

Created in 2018, Circles of Opelika is modeled after the national program Circles USA. Those who enroll in the program are with an “Ally,” an middle to upper-class person who is willing to dedicate time and form an “intentional friendship” with a family or individual in poverty that lives, works or worships in Opelika.

After completing a short training session, Allies are paired with a Circles participant and will begin getting to know them and be able to provide support as they work through the program. They are also asked to attend two weekly meetings each month, which are normally held every Thursday evening at the Southside Center for the Performing Arts.

According to a flier posted on the Circles of Opelika Facebook page, “volunteers who serve as an Ally will have the opportunity to work closely with one family and make a

real difference in their own backyard. Allies have the unique chance to build meaningful relationships across class lines and witness the impact of their work firsthand. Allies become a part of the Circles community and can serve as individuals, couples or families.”

Because of COVID-19, all Circles events and programs have moved to being held virtually on Zoom.

For more information or more on how to get involved, call Circles of Opelika Director Regina Meadows at 334203-1860 or visit www. circlesopelika.org.

against COVID-19

By Morgan Bryce Editor Griff Goods, an upscale men’s clothing store in downtown Opelika, has begun manufacturing “sustainable fabric masks” for both the public and local healthcare professionals.

In an Instagram post April 5, owner Abby Griffin posted on her business page that she would start creating these masks to help curb the spread of CO-

VID-19.

“We are making a more sustainable fabric mask - one that can be washed and reused. It is a double layered mask with an interior pocket, intended to be used with a filter cut out of HEPA vacuum bag or coffee filters,” Griffin wrote.

Griffin added later in her post that this is a “Buy One, Give One” promotion, meaning that for every mask purchased by a con-

sumer, another will be donated to a local healthcare worker or professional.

On April 9, Griffin posted an update, saying that the promotion has been well received and that she and her team are working as fast as they can to keep up with orders.

“We are so grateful to have this opportunity to help our small business survive and give back to the community. Our first See Griff, page A8

Social Media Craze Addressed: Ivermectin Unproven as COVID-19 Treatment Special to the Opelika Observer Social media platforms are lighting up about a recent Australian study on the possible antiviral effects that the drug ivermectin may have on the COVID-19 virus. However, there is little known about the affects this treatment could have.

Not Recommended for Humans Soren Rodning, an Alabama Extension veterinarian, warns that people should not buy animal ivermectin products to self-medicate.

“There’s still a lot we don’t know about how effective a treatment of ivermectin really is for COVID-19 in humans,” said Rodning, who is also an Auburn University associate professor of animal sciences. “What we do know for certain is

that animal formulations of ivermectin are NOT recommended for human use.”

Rodning said the Food and Drug Administration requires labels on animal ivermectin products warning people not to ingest it.

“The concentration of ivermectin in these products or some of the inactive ingredients used in animal formulations may not be safe for human use,” he said.

“Specifically, these have not been proven safe for use by people through clinical drug trials. Bottom line— do notself-medicate with animal ivermectin products. I cannot emphasize this enough.”

Rodning said people commonly use ivermectin as an antiparasitic treatment in cattle, swine, sheep, goats, horses and pets such as dogs and cats.

“Developed in the 1970s, the drug is also used to treat a variety of human parasitic diseases, especially in developing countries,” Rodning said. “For example, it is currently used to treat a parasitic disease caused by roundworms that affects an estimated 30 to 100 million people worldwide.”

In Vitro v. In Vivo The Australian research circulating through social media conducted the study in vitro.

“In vitro means the research was performed outside of a living organism, such as in a petri dish,” Rodning said. “In vivo is conducted on a living organism, such as mice, rabbits, or people.”

Drug trials for infectious diseases typically begin in vitro. Compounds that demonstrate posi-

tive effects then progress to in vivo studies.

“One frustrating reality for researchers is that many drugs may show in vitro effects, but not show the same type of results once in vivo testing begins,” he said.

Ivermectin in recent years has shown to have antiviral activity against a broad range of viruses in vitro.

“Most notably, ivermectin has shown in vitro activity against Zika virus and dengue virus,” Rodning said. “But so far ivermectin has shown no antiviral effects against Zika virus in mice.”

Rodning said a human clinical trial in Thailand used the drug against the dengue virus, but it observed no clinical benefit in that re-

search.

“There is reason to hope that ivermectin could prove useful against COVID-19, but much more research needs to be done,” Rodning said.

“We are just not there yet.”

How to Fight COVID-19 Rodning said the best defenses are the simple steps already in place: -Practice good social distancing -Wash hands frequently

-Keep hands away from face, especially nose and mouth -Eat a healthy diet -Get adequate rest More Information Alabama Extension has the content piece Ivermectin Unproven as Treatment for COVID-19 that goes into greater detail about this study. For more information on the coronavirus and how it affects you, visit www.alabamaready. info or the Alabama Extension website, www.aces.edu.

Red Cross encourages blood donations Special to the Opelika Observer The American Red Cross has seen an outpouring of support from blood donors in response to the coronavirus outbreak. During this uncertain time, the Red Cross continues to encourage healthy individuals to schedule and keep donation appointments in the weeks ahead to ensure a stable supply throughout this pandemic.

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions have been implemented to ensure the health of Red Cross donors, employees and volunteers.

Blood donation is

essential to ensuring the health of our communities. The need for blood is constant, and volunteer donors are the only source of blood for those in need. With no known end date in this fight against the Coronavirus, the Red Cross needs the help of donors and blood drive hosts to maintain a sufficient blood supply for weeks to come.

This is the time to take care of one another. Healthy individuals who are feeling well are asked to make an appointment to donate later this month and after by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, calling 1-800-RED-CROSS or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

Donors are also asked to make an appointment to donate in order to help manage the flow of donors appropriately in support of social distancing practices.

How to donate blood Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor

App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood

donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.

High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their predonation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive.

To get started, follow

the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/ RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App. About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-forprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.

For more information, visit redcross. org or cruzrojaamericana.org or follow them on Twitter at @ RedCross.

pelika Observer O

A7 April 15, 2020

Alabama Extension encourages residents to be counted in 2020 Census Special to the Opelika Observer Be counted in the 2020 Census now through July. The Census determines state and federal legislative districts and is used to plan for local schools, roads and other projects.

To participate, call 334-330-2020 or visit my2020census. gov. Video and other material are available via the following links: www.census.gov/ library/video/2019/ shape-your-future. html www.census.gov/library/ video/2019/2020-census-psa-census-madesimple.html alabama2020census.com/resources Back 2 Basics Wednesdays: AWebinar Series This online educational series will provide basic gardening and landscaping training for clients in limited space urban areas. Join the Home Grounds team online this spring, which started on April 1, to learn about the basics of limited space gar-

dening.

These sessions are held each Wednesday at 10 a.m. via Zoom: https://auburn.zoom. us/j/8844877917 April 15 - Controlling Weeds In your Gardens with Marcus Garner April 22 - Container Gardens with Roosevelt Robinson April 29 - Herbs for Urban Gardens with Sallie Lee May 6 - Bioengineered Foods with Rudy Pacumbaba To attend the webinar, you must tune in with Zoom using the above link. If you are new to Zoom, follow this link to watch a video that will help you prepare to attend. www.support. zoom.us/hc/en-us/ articles/201362193Joining-a-Meeting Professional Development CreditsProfessional contact hours are being offered by the AAMU/UAH Regional In-service Center on the PowerSchool platform.

To register, please review the tutorial video online at: www. youtube.com/watch? v=aXw7g6D8brk&f eature=youtube, then go to: www.alsde.

truenorthlogic.com and register. You must register in order to receive contact hours. Course Title: UANNP/ACES – Urban Green B2B Webinar Series: Course Number: 24866 Section Number: 371712 Participants can earn up to three contact hours for the entire series. Call Jacqueline Rogers at 256-372-5771 if you have problems registering on PowerSchool. Contact Rudy Pacumbaba at rop0001@aces.edu for more information about this series or other Alabama Extension gardening and landscaping progra ms.

The Commercial Horticulture Extension Team is launching a weekly Facebook Live event called “Q&A FRIDAY!” that can be accessed through the team social media page, www.facebook. com/AlabamaExtensionCommercialHorticulture/. This event will be done every Friday 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; the Farming Basics Mobile App also con-

nects to the Facebook page via the “News” tab. This will be a year-round activity from the horticulture team with multiple speakers scheduled each week.

– I have attached the schedule for April and May 2020.

Webinar Series: Caring for trees, our landscape’s most valuable resources Join us for a free weekly one-hour webinar 1 ISA CEU available/webinar on April 16 at noon: “Preventing and Managing Herbicide Damage In Trees.”

It’s spring and we are all eager to get out landscape’s back in shape. Herbicides are useful tools for controlling unwanted weeds. However, if misapplied they can damage and kill trees in a matter of days. This seminar will review common mistakes, identifying herbicide damage and mitigation options. Registration is available via: www.auburn.zoom. us/meeting/regester/ uJAudOCtrjIrsN0jCLo4y8GQ29p4TBWaTQ Dr. Beau Brodbeck,

extension specialist in community forestry and arboriculture expert for Auburn University Extension, will give a talk on April 23 at noon titled: “April Crepe Myrtle Scale: Emerging Science on Treatment Considerations.” The Crepe Myrtle Bark Scale is a new and emerging landscape pest in the United States. Once infested, this pest can transform crepe myrtles into unsightly plants in the landscape. This webinar will cover how this insect develops, as well as how to diagnose and manage this important scale insect. Registration is available via: www.auburn.zoom. us/meeting/register/ uJwlcu2upj4sfZrjaThGpJFz58Rq4zjMBQ Speaker Dr. David Held, a professor of entomology at Auburn University, will speak on “Selecting Trees: Alternative Trees to Crepe Myrtle” on April 30 beginning at noon.

The Crepe Myrtle is one of the iconic southern landscape trees. The advent

of the Crepe Myrtle Bark Scale has begun to destroy the familiar crepes, so we need something new to stand it their place.

We’ll examine the trade-available small to medium flowering trees and consider their promise as replacements for Crepe Myrtles. Registration is available via www.auburn.zoom. us/meeting/register/ tJQqcuirqDMjgUI9o0HKdZSwVfTi2Ry uCw Jack Row of REA at Auburn University will speak on “Managing Pine Bark Beetle in Urban Landscapes” in a talk on May 7 beginning at noon. In light of last year’s drought pine bark beetles are expected to be a concern this summer. This seminar will discuss conditions that cause pine beetle outbreaks, bark beetle identification and management strategies for urban landscapes Registration is avaiable via www.auburn.zoom. us/meeting/register/ u50uceiprjwu2K31KgFiVu5vuzMF8LVivg.

Bruce, from A3 with Verbal along with the prototype and two days later, 50 life-sized gowns were made and ready to be delivered.

Three weeks into the manufacturing and more than 8,000 gowns a day are being made with orders from all over the country.

“The gown is unique… it’s made with the same material used in the operating room and (provides) that level of protection, the gown pops right on by putting it over your head and extending your arms while tying the side for full front and wrap around protection,” Bruce said.

An orthopedic surgeon, Bruce noted that the two local hospitals he works for, Erlanger and Parkridge Medical Center, were running through 300 to 500 extra gowns per day before production of the medical gowns. He credits social media for providing such a positive impact not only in the local community but around the country

Care, from A3 you to talk to a doctor via telephone or secure video - so that you can stay at home and get care when needed; this will reduce everyone’s risk of exposure. These visits are

as hospitals continue to place orders.

Through social media, other manufacturers such as Angiosystems and Southern Champion Tray reached out to the Bruces. Southern Champion Tray has started creating packages of their newlymade face shields and more than 200,000 of the shields have already been delivered to hospitals near the Bruces and in New England.

“All of this has been made in America, it’s been incredible to see.

A lot of people out similar to office visits.

Avoid using services such as Teladoc – use your own doctor, who has your history and can provide the best care for your child!

- If your child is sick or you need to make an appointment, please call the office (do not show up without an appointment) and they

there want to help, they want to stay in business and help those people who are helping the community," Bruce said.

“The thing that Lisa and I offered is that we knew what the needs were ... if local people such as nurses, physicians, etc. can think outside of the box, and say ‘Hey I know they don’t make these, but I bet that’s possible..,’ (you never know how far that idea may go)."

“I still love the people of Opelika and it’s still my hometown," Bruce added. will triage your care.

- Keep your appointments; simply call ahead to assure the steps you need to take. It is very important that your child be seen for regular vaccinations that are critical for his overall health and well-being.

- Most practices are limiting adults/other

Alabama Free Legal Answers provides free online legal advice to low-income Alabamians Special to the Opelika Observer

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

Users of this service

family members accompanying the child to one person (no grandparents). If your child has a well visit scheduled and develops a fever, please call to reschedule.

- If your child is showing symptoms and has been exposed to someone with COVID-19, please call

must meet income eligibility guidelines that are available on the site.

The current COVID-19 pandemic impacts under-served people with unemployment, loss of income and housing issues that may present legal questions that could be answered on the website.

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

-Employment -Estates and Wills While expanding access to legal services, Alabama Free Legal Answers also expands pro bono opportunities for attorneys in a convenient way to match their schedules.

Alabama attorneys interested in volunteering should visit https://alabama.freelegalanswers. org/Attorneys/Account/ Agreement. For more information on how the volunteering process works, contact Tracy Daniel at tdaniel@alabamalawfoundation.org.

your pediatrician’s office for instructions about where they can be tested.

-While some offices are doing COVID -19 testing, many are not.

Please understand that pediatricians are following very strict protocols from the CDC and the Alabama Department of Public

Health on who should be tested and this information may change as pediatricians receive new guidance.

- Understand that in some communities, your pediatrician’s office may have stricter guidelines for in-office visits due to local COVID-19 prevalence.

pelika Observer O

A8 April 15, 2020

Impact America’s ‘SaveFirst’ online initiative offers free tax services Special to the Opelika Observer The Birminghambased nonprofit Impact America is pleased to announce annual free tax preparation services are now available online for Alabama residents.

Their “SaveFirst Online” initiative is now providing free income tax preparation services online to households making up to $60,000 year in partnership with ASK Telemarketing and Code for America.

Interested individuals are encouraged to visit

ImpactAmerica.com/ savefirstonline or call 1-888-99-TAX-AL to have their taxes prepared virtually by an IRS-certified volunteer.

Even in times of stayat-home orders and social distancing, Impact America is committed to providing quality IRS-certified preparation to people in need, leading to the launch of this initiative, a virtual tax prep service. Now, more than ever, when many households across the state have been affected by the Coronavirus outbrea, SaveFirst

ensure hardworking families have access to free tax preparation and receive the greatest tax refund possible.

Though the federal and state tax deadlines have been moved to July 15, the need for tax preparation is still great. The IRS has recommended taxpayers to e-file as soon as

possible if they think they will be owed a refund and has specifically advised taxpayers not to wait until July 15.

Additionally, the IRS will use date from the most current tax returns or Social Security data to provide a rebate to Americans through the CARES Act either via direct deposit or

through a paper check in the mail to the last address on file.

The tax preparation service is aimed at assisting families eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit. The EITC is the federal government’s largest and most successful anti-poverty program for low-income, working families.

However, each year, Alabama families lose millions of dollars to commercial tax preparers simply to access this benefit.

Impact America’s SaveFirst initiative is in its 14th year of operation. In 2019, it served more than 9,700 families in Alabama, helping them claim more than $16.3 million in refunds and save nearly $3.9 million in commercial tax preparation fees.

For more information about this service, visit impactamerica.com/ savefirstonline.

Morgue Disaster Trailer deployed to Lee County Special to the Opelika Observer

Following is a statement from Coroner

Bill Harris on having the Morgue Disaster

Trailer deployed to the area in the event of a

surge of COVID-19 related deaths.

“In an abundance of proactive preparedness, East Alabama Medical Center requested through the Coroner’s office use of the Disaster Morgue trailer that is part of the State Mortuary Operations Response Team assets that are stationed in Lee County. The Coroner’s office made the official request through the Lee

Griff, from A6

Energy Savers is partnering with MEND of EAMC to assist with the tornado recovery of OUR LEE COUNTY NEIGHBORS.

round of donated masks will be going out this weekend to the investigators of Child Protective Services, along with masks for children,” Griffin wrote.

For more informa-

County Emergency Management Agency and the trailer was deployed. The trailer can hold a total of 18 bodies. It was strictly deployed in the event of a worst-case scenario if the hospital morgue becomes overwhelmed during the COVID-19 crisis we are in right now. We pray that its use is not needed but wanted to be ready in the event things progressed to the point it was.”

tion, to donate or connect Griffin with an organization in need of extra masks at this time, send email to griff@shopgriffgoods.com.

Updates and other pertinent information will be shared on the shop’s social media pages. It is located at 719 1st Ave.

During April, we will donate $50 for every residential and commercial service call that we run in Lee County.

PLEASE HELP OUR NEIGHBORS! CALL ENERGY SAVERS

Licenses: #GA-CN208697 #AL-97200

(334) 319-8795 OPELIKA/AUBURN

WWW.ENERGYSAVERSAIR.COM WW

Photos submitted to the Opelika Observer

Opelika E vents, Society, & Food

CALENDAR OF EVENTS: Nearly all scheduled events for the month of April have been canceled or pushed back because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Follow the Observer for updates on when community events will resume in our area.

Let the Kids Help Cook a Hearty Breakfast Ann Cipperly’s

Southern

Hospitality

W

hile the kids are out of school, let them help cook a hearty breakfast. Children are generally hungry in the morning. Instead of giving them cold cereal, let them help prepare waffles, pancakes and other breakfast favorites.

Nutritionists say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and research has shown that children perform better if they have eaten a good breakfast. After breakfast, they can get started on home schooling.

Many breakfast favorites can be prepared ahead. If your children want French toast for breakfast, let them help assemble a baked

French toast the night before, and bake it first thing in the morning.

If you prefer making French toast in the morning, Nell Samford’s recipe is easy to ensemble and then bake. With the French toast baked, everyone can eat at the same time instead of making a few slices at a time on the stove top.

Mary Skinner’s Breakfast Cupcakes are fun for children to help make. It is a tasty way to get kids to eat eggs.

Bacon is easier when baked in the oven. It also cuts down on stove top cleaning with grease splattered, especially if it is a glass stove top.

Instead of buying sugar loaded yogurts, select plain Greek yogurt and serve with fresh fruit or stir in a tablespoon or two of peanut butter. A teaspoon or two of local honey will also add a touch of sweetness to plain yogurt.

When buying peanut or almond butter, look for ones that use ground roasted nuts, and avoid any with sugar, palm oil and other added ingredients.

Almond or peanut butter also adds flavor to oatmeal.

It is just as easy to prepare regular oatmeal in the microwave as it to make the sweetened packages, and it is much healthier. If sweetness is desired, add

Photo by Ann Cipperly While the kids are home, let them help cook breakfast. A stack of Homemade waffles with syrup and Oven Baked Bacon create a hearty breakfast to start the day. fresh fruit. My father used to sweeten his oatmeal with a small amount of orange juice.

Granola is a tasty way to serve oatmeal. Bake a big batch and have enough for the week.

Pancakes can be prepared ahead and frozen. Single servings can be reheated in the microwave. Instead of syrup, top a sweet stack with blueberries or strawberries.

Teach the children how to make hearty, nutritious breads and muffins during

Alabama Cattlemen’s Association encourage cooking with beef during COVID-19 pandemic Special to the Opelika Observer Alabama beef cattle producers encourage consumers who are finding themselves in the kitchen more often than usual to utilize beef in their family meal plans during the “Stay at Home Order” issued

by Gov. Kay Ivey on April 3.

In response to growing concerns of COVID-19, consumer frenzy led to escalated retail buying, with beef sales at grocery stores up 75 to 95% in mid-March compared to a

2019 report, according to CattleFax. “It’s a reflection of the times,” said Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) Executive Vice

President Erin Beasley.

“Families would typically be eating out more often this time of year because of busy springtime schedules. With more meals

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prepared at home than usual, family meal planners are on the hunt for new recipes that change up the status quo.”

On April 3, Parade Magazine released an online article outlining 85 Ground Beef Recipes to Make Dinner a Whole Lot Easier. This article offers ideas for slow cookery, casseroles and even keto-friendly recipes.

Meals such as Grilled Cheeseburger Pizza, Chili Cornbread Casserole and Cheese-Stuffed Meatball Subs upcycle familiar favorites into new, excitSee Beef, page A12

the day to have for breakfast the next morning with fruit juice or a smoothie. Martha Tabor’s Glorious Morning Muffins are delicious embellished with grated carrots, chopped apples and pecans.

I remember when one of our sons wanted to make waffles from scratch without using a mix. He had flour flying (just like his mother), but he had fun measuring and mixing. Then, he savored his creation.

If you have fresh fruit on

hand, kids will enjoy decorating waffles or pancakes and making funny faces with berries.

On days when you don’t know what to cook for supper, breakfast foods can be good then too.

With the kids at home now, it is a good time to teach them to cook.

Look over the following recipes and create scrumptious breakfasts to give everyone in the family a See Cipperly, page A12

pelika Observer O

A10 April 15, 2020

OBITUARIES Lee Young Lamar Lee Young Lamar was born in Tuskegee, AL, on Feb. 4, 1927, the second son of John Howard and Elma Jane Roberts Lamar. He passed away on April 10, 2020. A graveside service for family will take place this week, and a celebration of life is planned for the future.

He attended Tuskegee City Schools and then the Marion Military Institute before joining the Navy right after graduation. He served on the USS New Mexico during the last year of World War II and was in Tokyo Bay when the Japanese surrendered.

After discharge, he returned to Alabama to attend Alabama Polytechnic Institute (Auburn University) on the GI Bill. He earned a degree in agriculture and made many lifelong friends (and good stories} as a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity After graduation, he returned to Tuskegee to farm and work with his father, a general contractor. Then he met the love of his life, Mary Gail Renfroe of Troy, AL, on a double date with a college buddy, and life was never the same.

After they married, Lee and Gail lived briefly in Alexandria, VA, before coming back to Tuskegee, where Lee joined the National Guard. They were stationed at Fort Sill, OK;

Fort Polk, LA; and Fort McClellan in Anniston before permanently settling in Auburn.

Lee retired from the Guard as a lieutenant colonel, then started a lawn service that over the years employed many young firefighters recruited by his son, fireman and later Auburn Fire Chief Lee Y. Lamar Jr. He also worked with his brother-in-law, Jake Renfroe of Pensacola, in the pecan business and subsequently established Lamar Pecan & Peanut, which has opened for the last 34 holiday seasons.

A man of character, integrity, and great charm, Lee read voraciously, staying impressively current on state, national, and world affairs. He was an astute observer of politics and culture and had a phenomenal memory for people, places, and history. He told great stories, and no one ever appreciated good company and good conversation more. He was our “face card” and will be sorely missed.

Lee is preceded in death by his parents; his beloved Gail and cherished son, Lee; and his niece, Susan Lamar.

He is survived by his brother, Howard Roberts Lamar, sister-in-law Shirley Lamar (Orange CT) and niece Sarah Lamar (Scott Gress; Savannah, GA); daughters, Mary Jane “Jay” Lamar (William B. Turner) and Catherine “Katie” Lamar Jackson (Kevin

Jackson); daughter-inlaw Anne Rose Streeter Lamar; grandchildren Darby Phillips (Patrick); Moriah Earnest (Chris); Anne Herbert (Wade MacDonald); Caston Smith (Caryn); Zachary Lee Lamar; William Turner (Angele Pelle); Elizabeth “Izzie” Turner, and grandson-of-theheart Drew Heisler, as well as great-grandchildren Clara Worley, Hueston Earnest, Judson Phillips, Emma Gail Earnest, Grayson Phillips, and Blakely Smith.

He is also survived by beloved cousins and extended family from Abbeville and Graball, AL, treasured Renfroe in-laws and nieces and nephews, and by his longtime friend and colleague Thomas Sullins of Tuskegee.

The family wishes to thank Dr. John Abrams and his staff for their long and superb care; Brenda Williams for her love, care, and great sense of humor; Carolyn Jordan, Jesse Strickland, Renee Booth, and Betty Wimberly for their friendship and enormous help over the last year; and the wonderful people at EAMC, especially on floor 2 Southwest, Encompass Health, and Bethany House.

Those wishing to make donations may give to the East Alabama Food Bank or to the charity of their choice.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory directing.

Tammy Henley McConnell The graveside service for Mrs. Tammy Henley McConnell of Beauregard will be Monday, April 13, 2020 at Garden Hills Cemetery.

Mrs. Tammy McConnell, who died Friday at her home, was born on October 27, 1969 in Opelika, AL. She was preceded in death by her father, Phillip Henley.

Lelia Ballard (née Thrasher) Wilson (“Lee”) Lelia Ballard (née Thrasher) Wilson (“Lee”) was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Sidney Madison Wilson of Camp Hill, Ala. (b. 1933, d. 2005); her sisters Joann Mann of Montgomery and Martha Harriett Ray of Montgomery; and, her parents, John Thomas Thrasher of Wetumpka, Ala., and Lelia Von Ballard of Bellmont, Illinois.

She is survived by three children: John C. Wilson (Peake) of Woodstock, Georgia; Ms. Lelia Leslie Wilson of Auburn; and, Joseph “Joe” T. Madelyn Funk Crim Madelyn Funk Crim, 89, of Lexington

She is survived by her husband, Bobby McConnell, her sons Neal (Tori Parker) McConnell of Beauregard, Adam (Audrey) McConnell of Commerce, GA, her Mother Margie (Ken) Matchen of Opelika, her sister, Lee Ann Henley of Opelika, her nephew Cole Waldrop of Benton, KY, her Mother-in-law, Francis Cousins and her grandchildren Kelli, Wyatt, Annabell,

and Dakota McConnell of GA, and her heart, Reagan Isabel McConnell of Beauregard.

Due to the Covid-19 sanctions, the family will not be allowed to have a visitation or service for Mrs. McConnell, but a celebration of life will be planned in the future to remember our sweet Tammy.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory directing.

Wilson (Jennifer) of Kennesaw, Georgia; and, survived by five grandchildren: Chaz Johnson and Sidney Wilson of Woodstock, Georgia; and, Emily Wilson, Abigail Wilson and Spencer Lewin of Kennesaw, Georgia. She is also survived by an extended family of nieces and nephews.

Lelia attended Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now Auburn University) in the 1950s. In the early 1970s, the Wilsons moved from Dadeville, Ala. to Auburn for a job opportunity and to raise their children.

Lelia worked for Diversified Products for more than 20 years in Opelika, before she

retired in the 1990s.

She was a member of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, Opelika. She enjoyed Red Hats, Bingo, Auburn University Football and spending time with her family.

A private graveside service was held April 8, 2020, at 2 p.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery in Auburn.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made in Lelia Wilson’s name to Lee County Humane Society, Auburn.

Pastor Paul S. Ferrell, Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, officiated.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed.

(formerly of Woodstock), passed away Sunday, April 5 , 2020 at Arbor Springs Nursing Home in Opelika, Alabama. Mrs. Crim was born Nov. 16, 1931 in Woodstock, daughter of the late Oliver Milton and Florence Fogle Funk.

A member of Bethany Lutheran Church, she was preceded in death by her husband, David Michael (Mike) Crim; sisters, Jeannie Heishman of Edinburg, Hazel Hisey of Front Royal, Vera Indermuehle of Morena, California, and Charlotte Chellini of Woodstock, and two brothers; Madison Funk

of Berryville and Carol Funk of Suffolk.

Madelyn is survived by her two children, sons; David Crim of Hahira, Georgia and Sam Crim of Auburn, Alabama, sisters; Muriel Martin of Front Royal, Virginia Henderson of Fort Valley, Nina Epard and Sandra Shirkey of Woodstock; 4 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

Madelyn was an extraordinary homemaker, artist and master gardener, loving wife and mother, known by many in the community See Obits, page A13

COVID-19 SAFETY PLAN In view of the rapidly spreading COVID-19 (Corona) virus, we are taking measures to protect our elderly and immunocompromised customers.

The pharmacy will serve the community through our drive-thru/curb side and delivery service only effective immediatly.

CALL OR TEXT US AND LET US KNOW WHAT YOU NEED. WE WILL SHOP FOR YOU.

We will not open our doors to allow customers inside the pharmacy but rather bring everything out to you in your vehicle or to your home by our free delivery service.

HOURS: 8 A.M. TO 6 P.M. MONDAY TO FRIDAY

Rebecca Rice Cell: 334-703-0801 rebecca@johnrice.info

Opelika

A11

Family & Religion

T

he wilderness is a humbling place. You don’t “impose your will upon it”- you learn how to survive it. Each day brings forth its own challenges that can quickly turn into dangers for those who are arrogant or unprepared. To survive, you must learn to be in the wilderness but not allow the wilderness to be in you.

Fear is the same way. We must have some to function in a healthy way. We fear running a red light or

Church Calendar COVID-19 Church News ª Airview Baptist Church Livestreams are being held on Facebook @ 11 a.m.

• First Baptist Church Of Opelika - Livestreams on Sunday, multiple worship sessions/ times on Facebook 8:30 & 11 a.m. Traditional Worship and Message 9:45 a.m. Contemporary Worship & Message 6 p.m. Evening Message “Drive-Up Service” this Sunday for their regular service times.

• St Mary’s Catholic Church - Mass will be held through livestreams • First United Methodist Church Of Opelika - Worship through livestreams on Facebook at 9:30 a.m.

Mission opportunities available such as casserole deliveries to healthcare workers and grocery deliveries.

•Lakeview Baptist Church Will livestream all services and events until further notice.

• Trinity United Methodist Church - 24/7 virtual prayer room, virtual communion on FB this upcoming Sunday • Wesley Memorial United Methodist -- Music/scripture being posted on FB for all to watch/ read. Updates on FB readily available such as worship sessions, updates with the church in general.

April 15, 2020

The Joy of Jesus putting our hand on a hot stove. We fear the consequences of not following directions when taking medication or not practicing proper hygienic procedures.

But when we allow fear to get in us and to us, that’s not good.

As I scanned the BBC homepage recently, I noticed it’s top ten stories (most read) all had the word “coronavirus” in them. (Sadly, an article on “Coronavirus Kindness” didn’t make the cut).

It’s bad to be igno-

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

rant. It’s good to be informed.

But there’s nothing healthy or good about being over-inflated with facts, statistics and negative news to the extent that it is all we can think about.

In the shadow

of the cross, John tells us not once, but twice that Jesus spoke of “My joy” (15:11, 17:13). Don’t you love that?

The weight of the world on His shoulders, His enemies bearing down on Him, His disciples fighting about who was greatest in the kingdom and Christ was going off about His joy. What kind of person does that? The kind of person who knows their Father’s love!

We know our Father’s love. News

ABOUT BRUCE GREEN cycles come and go.

Headlines appear and disappear. If joy was possible in the face of the cross, it is possible at any time.

Let’s look at nothing independent of our Father’s love!

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

(1 John 4:9-10)

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

Verse of the Week

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret - it leads only to evil. For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.

Psalm 37:7-9

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

ANGLICAN Anglican Church of the Good Shepherd 2312 Center Drive Unit D 334-758-6749 ASSEMBLY OF GOD Bridge Church 1000 Lee Road 263, Cusseta 334-742-0144 AME Mount Zion AME Church West Point Hwy 334-749-3916 St. Luke AME Church 1308 Auburn St. 334-749-1690 St. Paul AME Church 713 Powledge Ave. 334-745-6279 Thompson Chapel AME Zion 187 Columbus Pkwy 334-749-8676 BAPTIST Abundant Life Baptist Church 1220 Fox Run Ave. Suite B 706-4421464 Airview Baptist Church 2301 Airport Rd. 334-444-5148 Antioch Baptist Church 605 W. East Morton Ave 334-742-0696 Bethesda Baptist Church 201 S. 4th St. 334-745-7528 Bethel Baptist Church Hwy. 29 Sasser Rd 334-745-4865 Central Baptist Church 1611 2nd Ave. 334-745-2482 Community Baptist Church 154 N. 16th St. 334-745-6552 Cornerstone Missionary Baptist 500 N. Railroad Ave. 334-742-2008 Eastview Baptist Church 1208 Spring Dr 334-749-9595 Farmville Baptist Church 3607 Alabama Hwy N. 334-887-7361 First Baptist Church of Opelika 314 S. 9th St. 334-745-6143 First Baptist Church 301 S. 8th St. 334-745-5715 First Baptist Church Impact

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

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

CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ at Cunningham 2660 Cunningham Dr., Opelika

METHODIST Auburn United Methodist Church 137 South Gay St., Auburn 334-826-8800 Beulah United Methodist Church 5165 Lee Road 270, Valley

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 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 334-741-8675 Gateway Community Church 2715 Frederick Rd 334-745-6926 PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church of Opelika 900 2nd Ave. 334-745-3421 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST Outreach Seventh-Day Adventist 1808 S. Long St. 334-749-3151 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Apostolic Holiness Church 610 Canton St. 334-749-6759 Auburn Opelika Korean Church 1800 Rocky Brook Rd 334-749-5386 Beauregard Full Gospel Revival 2089 Lee Road 42 334-745-0455 Christ Church International 1311 2nd Ave. 334-745-0832

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

Church of the Harvest 2520 Society Hill Rd 334-745-2247 East Congregation of Jehovah Witnesses 1250 McCoy St. 334-737-1488 Emmanuel Temple of Deliverance 207 S. Railroad Ave. 334-745-6430 Faith Alliance Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy 334-749-9516 Faith Christian Center 600 S. 8th St. Faith Church 3920 Marvyn Pkwy 334-707-3922 Family Life Christian Center 601 S. 7th St. 334-741-7013 Father’s House Christian Fellowship 214 Morris Ave. 334-749-1070 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 334-741-1006 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 Mon- Sat7am 7am-8pm Mon-Sat - 8pm Sun12pm 12pm-6pm Sun - 6pm

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

pelika Observer O

A12 April 15, 2020

Cipperly, from A9 great start to the day.

Before going into the kitchen with children to help cook, cover these rules first: -Wash hands in warm, soapy water before and after handling food.

-Pull back long hair, off the shoulders.

-Keep counter tops and working surfaces clean.

-Teach children to wait until food is cooked before tasting. Don’t let them lick their fingers or put their hands in their mouths, especially when

Recipes Fruit Yogurt Smoothie 8 oz. container low fat vanilla yogurt 2 cups fat free milk ½ cup frozen pineappleorange juice concentrate, thawed 1 banana, chopped Combine all ingredients in a blender; process until smooth.

Breakfast Cupcakes Mary Skinner 6 eggs, beaten 1 lb. sausage, browned and drained 2 cups shredded cheese 1/3 cup milk Salt and pepper Hungry jack flaky biscuits (try to find regular size flaky biscuit if you can) Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Brown sausage. Remove from pan and let dry on paper towel to soak excess grease.

(Really pat it.)

Lightly beat eggs, milk, salt and pepper in small bowl.

Spray a muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Divide each biscuit into 3 pieces, putting one in each muffin tin.

Press into cup.

Take a scoop and fill each 3/4 full with egg mixture. Bake about 12 to 14 minutes or until they are firm on top.

Oven Baked French Toast Slices Nell Samford Baking the slices is a great way to prepare French toast for a crowd. Serve with syrup.

6 eggs Pinch of salt 1 tsp. vanilla 1/2 cup milk or more Optional—small amount of brown sugar and a dash of cinnamon 12 slices bread, stale or day old is best Combine eggs, salt, vanilla and milk, blending well. Add brown sugar and cinnamon, if desired.

Grease a large rimmed cookie sheet heavily with butter.

Dip each slice of bread in the egg mixture, coating well.

Lay on cookie sheet. If any egg mixture is left, pour over bread slices.

Bake at 425 degrees until lightly brown.

Melanie’s Homemade Granola The Granola will keep fresh up to two weeks stored in an airtight container.

2 cups regular oats 1/3 cup ground flaxseed 1/4 cup chopped walnuts 1/4 cup chopped slivered almonds 2 tsp. cinnamon 1/3 cup orange juice 1/3 cup honey 1/4 cup brown sugar 2 tsp. canola oil 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1/3 cup dried cranberries Preheat oven to 300.

Combine first 5 ingredients in a medium bowl. Combine orange juice, honey, and brown

working with raw foods such as cookie dough and raw meat or poultry.

-Avoid double dipping or putting spoons back into food after using them for tasting.

-Remember, young cooks need supervision.

-Follow the four simple steps: -Wash hands, surfaces and kitchen utensils.

-Keep raw meat, poultry and seafood separate from cooked and other ready-to-eat foods.

-Cook to proper temperatures.

-Refrigerate leftover food promptly.

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

sugar in a small saucepan.

Cook over medium heat just until sugar dissolves, stirring frequently.

Remove from heat; stir in oil and vanilla. Pour honey mixture over oat mixture, stirring to coat.

Spread mixture in a thin layer onto a jelly-roll pan coated with cooking spray.

Bake at 300 for 10 minutes; stir well. Bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes until golden brown. (If you want the granola to be crunchier, turn the oven off and let the granola cool in the oven). Spoon granola into a bowl and stir in dried cranberries.

Easy Cheese Grits Mary Skinner 1 cup grits 4 cups water 1 tsp. salt 1 stick butter 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire 8 oz. box Velveeta cheese Cook grits in water with salt, according to package directions.

Add butter, cheese and Worcestershire.

Stir until cheese and butter melt and mixture is smooth.

It is so easy and good.

We love them with any breakfast food.

Homemade Waffles 2 eggs 2 cups all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour 1 3/4 cups milk 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1 Tbsp. sugar 4 tsp. baking powder 1/4 tsp. salt 1 tsp. vanilla extract Preheat waffle iron. Beat eggs in large bowl with hand beater until fluffy.

Beat in flour, milk, vegetable oil, sugar, baking powder, salt and vanilla, just until smooth.

Spray preheated waffle iron with non-stick cooking spray. Pour mix onto hot waffle iron. Cook until golden brown. Serve hot.

Note: Batter can be kept covered in the refrigerator for several days. Whisk the batter good before using.

Oven Baked Bacon Line cookie sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Place bacon slices in one layer on cookie sheet.

Place in a cold oven and set temperature to 400 degrees for 18 minutes.

Time can vary if the bacon is thicker. If bacon contains sugar, lower oven temperature to 375 degrees.

Melanie’s Multi-Grain Buttermilk Pancakes 3/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour 1/2 cup whole wheat flour 2 Tbsp. sugar 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. baking soda 1/4 tsp. salt 1/4 cup rolled oats

Beef, from A9 ing dishes for families to enjoy.

“Great timing,” one River Region consumer noted. “We bought 10 pounds [of ground beef] last week when we couldn’t find other meat at the store. There were some things I haven’t done in ages like nachos with toppings, patty melts, meatball subs and a couple variations of recipes like stroganoff.”

On April 2, Alabamabased Registered Dieti1 cup plus 2 Tbsp. lowfat buttermilk 3 large eggs (or 3/4 cup liquid egg substitute) 3/4 cup (1/2 stick) melted butter Butter and maple syrup Preheat griddle for 5 minutes on high setting.

Into a medium bowl, sift flours, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Stir in oats. Add buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter.

Stir mixture only until dry ingredients are moistened.

Pour batter by 1/3 cupful onto griddle, forming about 6 pancakes at a time. Cook pancakes until golden brown, turning when bubbles appear and edges look dry. Repeat with remaining batter.

Serve hot with butter and maple syrup. Makes 10 pancakes.

Blueberry Pancakes To make Blueberry Pancakes, follow basic recipe, but stir in 1 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen (thawed and well-drained), and 1 tsp. grated lemon zest into batter.

Glorious Morning Muffins Martha Tabor In large mixing bowl, combine: 1 cup white flour 1 cup whole wheat flour 1 cup sugar 2 tsp. baking soda 2 tsp. cinnamon ½ tsp. salt ¾ cup oatmeal In another bowl combine: 1 ½ cups grated carrots 1 ½ cups grated apples 1 cup oil 3 beaten eggs 1 tsp. vanilla ½ cup pecans Add the second bowl into the dry ingredients and stir until moistened.

Bake at 375 degrees in greased muffin pans for 18-20 minutes. These freeze well. Can reheat in microwave.

Breakfast Parfait Granola Yogurt, any flavor Fresh fruit of your choice In a clear glass, layer ingredients.

Breakfast Burrito Flour tortillas Scrambled eggs Ham, sausage or bacon, optional Shredded cheese Salsa or taco sauce Warm tortillas in oven.

Spread with scrambled eggs, cheese and meat, if desired. Drizzle with salsa or taco sauce. Roll up and serve with extra sauce

Granola Bars 2 cups low fat granola cereal ¼ cup brown sugar 1/4 cup dried sweetened cranberries, cherries

tian, culinary instructor and cookbook author Dr. Carolyn Williams unveiled the first of her new 10 Minute Dinners Series on her blog and YouTube channel - a dish titled Oven Flank Steak. “This is one of my favorite go-to’s when I need an easy dinner and also a win that the kids will eat, and it’s so beyond simple that I had to share it,” she is quoted in her YouTube instructional video.

The dish only requires two ingredients, flank steak and seasoning, and can be served as-is or or blueberries 1 egg, beaten 1 tsp. vanilla ½ tsp. cinnamon Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all ingredients. Spray or grease an 8-inch square baking pan.

Press ingredients into pan.

Bake 15 minutes or until lightly brown.

Zesty Grits Casserole Joanne Woodall 1 lb. sausage 1 cup quick cooking grits 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar Cheese 1 stick butter 10 oz. can diced tomatoes with chilies (Rotel) 1 egg 1 tsp. salt or to taste Brown sausage until light brown. Cook grits according to package directions.

Stir into grits the cheese, butter, tomatoes with green chilies, egg, and salt.

Add sausage and stir well.

Bake at 350 for 35 to 40 minutes or until heated through.

This casserole may be prepared in advance and heated when ready to serve. Serves 8.

Sausage Balls Pat Dakin 1 lb. roll medium or hot sausage 1 bar white sharp cheddar cheese (I like the Kraft in the black wrapper) 3 cups Bisquick Melt cheese over a low heat. Mix in sausage; mix in Bisquick. Roll into small balls, walnut size.

Bake at 375 degrees for about 20-25 minutes until brown. Cooking time will depend on ovens. Can be rolled into balls and frozen, then place into plastic bags and bake as needed.

Beth’s Coffee Cake Mary Skinner Cake: 1 yellow cake mix 1 stick margarine, melted 8 oz. sour cream 1/4 cup vegetable oil 4 eggs 6-oz. pkg. vanilla instant pudding 1/2 cup water Nut Mixture: 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup chopped pecans 2 tsp. cinnamon Icing: 1 cup confectioners’ sugar 2 Tbsp. milk 1/2 tsp. vanilla 1/2 tsp. butter flavoring Spray three 8-inch or two 9-inch cake pans with Pam. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix first 7 ingredients in mixing bowl and beat on medium speed 3 minutes.

Prepare nut mixture by combining brown sugar, pecans and cinnamon.

Sprinkle nut mixture lightly in each pan, reserving half of mixture.

Pour 1/3 (if using 3 pans) or 1/2 (if using 2 pans) of batter into pans.

sliced to star in fajitas, sandwiches or quesadillas.

‘Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner’ is also a great tool for consumers who are looking for recipes or even an educational outlet for their new homeschoolers. The website, funded by the Beef Checkoff program, features thousands of unique beef recipes, explores the many cuts of beef, introduces viewers to America’s beef farmers and ranchers and is a tool for exploring beef’s bold nutrition.

While a majority of Sprinkle each top with remaining nut mixture.

Bake 30-40 minutes.

Pour Icing over warm cake.

Overnight French Toast 1 loaf French bread 8 eggs 2 cups milk 1 cup half and half 1 ½ Tbsp. sugar ¾ tsp. salt 2 Tbsp. vanilla Cinnamon 2 Tbsp. butter, softened Confectioner’s sugar, optional Slice French bread and place in a greased 9 by 13 inch pan. Mix eggs, milk, cream, sugar, salt, vanilla and two dashes of cinnamon. Pour over bread; cover and refrigerate overnight.

When ready to bake, spread softened butter over top. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Dust top with confectioner’s sugar if desired.

Quick Oatmeal Pancakes 2 cups pancake and waffle mix 1 ½ cups water ½ cup oatmeal (uncooked) 1 Tbsp. brown sugar ¾ tsp. cinnamon Heat griddle to 350 degrees. Grease lightly.

Combine all ingredients; mix just until large lumps of pancake mix disappear.

For each pancake, pour ¼ cup batter onto griddle.

Turn when pancakes begin to rise and edges looked cooked.

To freeze: Wrap pancakes in foil or place in freezer bag. Store in freezer up to three months. To reheat, stack three pancakes on plate; microwave for 1 ½ minutes.

Swiss and Cheddar Baked Grits Nell Samford 4 and 1/3 cups water 1/2 tsp. salt 1 1/4 cups quick-cooking grits, uncooked 1/4 cup butter 1 1/2 cups (6 oz.) shredded cheddar cheese, divided 1/4 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper 3 eggs, beaten 1 1/4 cups (5 oz.) shredded Swiss cheese Bring water and 1/2 tsp. salt to a boil in a heavy saucepan. Gradually stir in grits; return to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes or until cooked.

Remove saucepan from heat; stir in 1/4 cup butter, 1 1/4 cups cheddar cheese, 1/4 tsp. salt and pepper.

Set mixture aside, and let cool 15 minutes. Stir in beaten eggs.

Pour half of grits into a lightly greased 12 x 8 x 2-inch baking dish; sprinkle Swiss cheese over top.

consumers are largely navigating the new territory of working from home, Alabama farmers are still at work as agriculture was an industry deemed “essential” by the governor.

“Alabama’s cattlemen are working for you every day to ensure that your family can continue to enjoy a high-quality, safe and nutritious product at home,” said ACA President and Elba resident Larry Reeves.

For more information about beef or beef recipes, visit www.BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com.

Spoon remaining grits over cheese.

Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until set. Uncover and sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup cheddar cheese on top. Bake, uncovered, 5 minutes or until cheese melts. Makes 8 to 10 servings.

Muffin Frittatas 4 eggs ¼ cup milk or cream ½ tsp. salt Assorted optional toppings: shredded cheese, chopped spinach, cooked sausage, ham or bacon Parmesan cheese Whisk eggs, milk and salt.

Pour into greased 6-cup muffin tin. Add about two tablespoons toppings of your choice. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until set. May need to run knife around edge to loosen.

Make Ahead Egg and Sausage Casserole 1 lb. sausage, cooked 8 eggs, beaten 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 6 slices bread in bite-size pieces 2 cups milk 1 tsp. dry mustard 1 tsp. salt Combine all ingredients.

Pour into a greased 9 by 13 inch pan. Refrigerate overnight. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes.

Cheese Danish Pam Guyton 2 cans crescent rolls Two 8 oz. pkgs. cream cheese 1 cup sugar 1 tsp. vanilla 1 egg 1 egg white 1 cup powdered sugar 3 Tbsp. milk 1 tsp. vanilla Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9 x 13 pan with Pam nonstick spray.

Unroll one can of rolls and lay in bottom of pan. Beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla and egg until creamy. Spread evenly over rolls, then lay second can of rolls over top. Brush with egg white.

Whisk powdered sugar, milk and vanilla for glaze and set aside.

Bake 30 minutes until golden brown. Pour glaze over hot Danish and cool for 20 minutes.

Banana Bread Gail Swarthout 3-4 ripe bananas 1 cup sugar 1 egg 1/4 cup melted butter 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. salt 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup chopped pecans Combine all ingredients, mixing well. Pour into greased loaf pan and bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour.

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A13 April 15, 2020

Community Calendar: Events around town Ongoing: • Village Friends/Village Values is a nonprofit organization that supports seniors who prefer to stay in their own homes as they grow older. For info or to schedule a presentation to your group, call 334-209-4641.

For the website, Google “village friends village values.”

• The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR chapter is appealing for sweaters, jackets, trousers, shirts and socks, women’s clothing, soft soap in individual containers, shaving supplies, disposable razors, denture cleanser, toothpaste and toothbrushes, DVDs, games, books and magazines to take to veterans at the CAVHCS in Tuskegee. The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR Chapter regularly visits veterans living in assisted living, the homeless domiciliary and psych (trauma) ward in Tuskegee. Donations are tax deductible and will be much appreciated. Pick up is provided. Please call Linda Shabo at 887-6659 or at 256307-1449.

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

lika.

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

• The Touched by Suicide Support Group meets the first Monday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at the East Alabama Medical Center Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway. For more information, contact Deborah Owen, EAMC’s director of Psychiatric Services at deborahowen@ eamc.org.

• The fourth Monday of each month, a community grief support group meets from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center. No reservations are necessary; everyone is welcome. For more information, call 826-1899 or 502-0216.

• T.O.P.S (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly), a weight loss support group, meets every Monday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Covington Recreation Center, 213 Carver Ave., Opelika.

For more info contact Mary Johnson, 749-1584.

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

• The Commercial Horticulture Extension Team organizes webinars to provide quick updates for producers on vari-

ous topics of interest. Whether you are interested in the proper way to plant fruit trees or have questions in turf management, these webinars cover a wide range of subjects. Webinars are streamed live via Panopto on the last Monday of every month starting in January and ending in November. During the presentation, participants can send questions via email.

The webinars also are recorded and stored in the archive on the Beginning Farmer website.

Webinar topics include: trap cropping for reducing squash insect pests, cowpea curculio updates, nutsedge control, introduction to potting mixes in ornamental container production, dealing with drought in commercial horticulture crops and many more.

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

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

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

Tuesdays: • Ballroom Dance Classes at the Opelika SportsPlex from 7 to 8 p.m. every Tuesday. Instructor is Cody Wayne Foote.

For more info, call Diane at 749-6320.

• The East Alabama Old Car

Club meets every first Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Monarch Estates Clubhouse, located at 1550 East University Drive, Auburn.

A program of interest to the old car enthusiast is presented. Car ownership is not required.

• The Opelika City Council meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 7 p.m. Meetings are preceded by non-voting work sessions that typically begin between 6 and 6:45 p.m.

• Every second Tuesday, a country, gospel and bluegrass music jam session is held at Pierce Chapel United Methodist Church in Beauregard. The event is free and open to the public. Those who play an instrument should bring it and plan to join in. The jam session is held from 6 to 8 p.m. 8685 Alabama Highway 51.

• A Grief Support Group meets at Oak Bowery United Methodist Church Tuesdays at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. for anyone dealing with the pain of loss and feeling the need for support on their journey as they attempt to bring order and wholeness back into their life. Attendance and participation is strictly voluntary for any and all sessions.

There are no fees or charges involved. The church is located on U.S. Highway 431 – eight miles north from Southern Union State Community College and Opelika High School.

For more information, contact

Bill Parker at 459-0214 or 706518-9122.

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

• East Alabama Gem & Mineral Society meets the fourth Tuesday of every month at 5:45 p.m. Meetings are held at the Covington Rec. Center, located at 213 Carver Ave. in Opelika.

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

• The John Powell American Legion Post 18 and Auxiliary hosts Bingo every Wednesday at 6 p.m.

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

Thursdays:

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

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

• Opelika-Auburn Newcomers’ Club provides a variety of programs for the betterment of the Auburn/Opelika community to assist women transitioning into the area or to help women adjust to recent lifestyle changes. The club meets on the third Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. for a luncheon at various local restaurants. Please call or email Cheri Paradice at 850-212-5364. or cheri. paradice@gmail.com for more information or luncheon location of the month.

• T.O.U.C.H. Cancer Support Group meets the third Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. at EAMC’s Health Resource Center. This is a support group for people living with any type of cancer or their families and friends. Call 334-5281076 for more information.

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

Thinking outside the box during the outbreak

By Ken Ward For the Observer The ongoing COVID-19 outbreak has transformed the ways in which we shop and dine.

Downtown Opelika businesses are taking unique steps to meet the needs of our community while also adjusting to the ‘new normal’ we find ourselves in.

Obits, from A10 and past VMI cadets as "Mom Crim.”

She was a faithful servant of her church and Lutheran Church Women. She was always eager to help those in need of the community.

Due to the current Coronavirus details for a memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Many of our downtown eating and drinking establishments are taking steps to think outside the box.

During the outbreak, Red Clay Brewing Company has offered a wide array of different food options in addition to the traditional pizza and beer such as lasagna one week and chili mac the other.

Irish Bred Pub not only offers a takeout menu, but has also launched the “McBride Market” concept. This allows customers to buy fresh uncooked food to take home and prepare themselves, saving a trip to the grocery store while also supporting a local eatery.

The Bottling Plant Event Center is also

offering a wide take out selection ranging from comfort food to baby back ribs.

La Cantina is offering several different margarita and taco kits in addition to their traditional takeout menu options.

Also, as mentioned before in a previous column, John Emerald Distilling Company is helping provide hand sanitizer for the

Rosalie E. Parker

Alma Josephine Hall

Rosalie E. Parker of Opelika was born to the late George and Ruth Curl in on June 1, 1941 in Houston, Ohio and passed away in Opelika on April 9, 2020. She was 78 years old.

She was a Member of First Presbyterian Church in Opelika.

She was preceded in death by her son, Bobby Parker; brother, Dennis Curl; sister, Shirley Perkins.

She is survived by her daughter, Faye Smith (Carl); son, Edward McKinnon (Wanda); grandchildren, Robert James, Kristin, Katie, Jeffrey, and Gerald; brother, Fred Curl; sister, Betty Hornsby, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members.

A private family Graveside was held at Garden Hills Cemetery.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home directed.

Alma Josephine Hall was born Feb. 22, 1929 in Tallassee, Ala. to Thomas Jefferson Taylor and Florence Alma Taylor. Jesus took her hand and led her to her eternal home on April 7, 2020 at her home in Opelika while surrounded by her family. She was 91 years old.

She was married to the love of her life, Preston T. Hall, for more than 62 years. They spent their life together sharing their love for God, going to church, raising their family, reading the Bible, singing together, and spending time with family and friends. She also loved to bake and cook and her table was always full.

For years, Alma was a member of the First Emmanuel Holiness Church, and then in her later years, she was a longtime member of First Holiness Church of Tallassee. She was loved and adored by all who

area while also selling their famous beverages by the bottle.

Our local shops have also taken new approaches to the ways in which they cater to customers. For example, 10,000hz and Southern Crossing have both launched free local deliveries. When customers order on the phone, online or through social media-

knew and met her. Her beautiful smile, giving and caring ways, and her gentle touch were only a few of her noticeable traits. Her love for God, her family (including church family), and her friends was unlike any other. Her faithfulness to God led her to have a long, wonderful, happy life for more than 91 years.

She was the greatest Christian, wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great and great-great grandmother. Her warm hugs and loving kisses will truly be missed. She will always be loved and never forgotten. She fulfilled her promise to God and will rejoice for all eternity. Until we see you again...

She was preceded in death by her parents mentioned above, brother Calvin Taylor; son, Ronnie Gurganious; daughter-in-law, Nelda Gurganious, and son-in-law David Treadwell.

She is survived by her husband

staff are able to bring the item directly to their door.

Our businesses are not staying stagnate during this time.

Continue to support your local downtown economy.

Ward is the executive director of Opelika Main Street, a non profit dedicated to growing and enhancing historic downtown Opelika.

of 62 years, Preston T. Hall; her daughters, Faye Riddle (Kenny), Sherrie Dixon (Eugene), and Diane Lumpkin (Larry); grandchildren, Christy Leak (Jason), Holly Long (Wes), Tonya Bowen, James (Jessica) and Christopher Gurganious, Jason (Tracy) and Jonathan (Tarra) Dixon, Allen (Krissy) and Angela Treadwell (Fiancee George), and Tommy Sellers (Marsha), as well as a host of great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren, nieces, and a nephew.

Special thanks to COMPASSUS HOSPICE for giving her quality of life and more meaningful time spent with her family. She truly loved each of you. A graveside service was held at Garden Hills Cemetery on April 9, 2020. Because of COVID-19 guidelines a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home directed.

A14 April 15, 2020

pelika Observer O

COMICS

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

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

Per an order from Gov. Kay Ivey in late March, all K-12 public schools will move to alternate instruction for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.

Regions Bank, EVERFI expand financial education offerings to K-12 students Special to the Opelika Observer

On the Mark

By D. Mark Mitchell

When will life go back to normal?

I

f you’re like me, you cringe, shake your head or get frustrated when you hear “COVID-19.”

This infectious disease has effected all of us, no matter our gender or race.

During our “Stay at Home” or I as say “Stay Safe” time, I have been thinking (I know that’s dangerous ... LOL) how life and sports will be after we make it to the “other side,” say the experts.

Since my weekly column “On the Mark” is about local sports, I will stick with the athletics.

Normally, spring sports would be close to playoffs and championship play.

Recreational baseball and softball would be playing games and or practicing. These children would be wide-open, playing at local facilities or traveling to different venues for games. Those who choose to play on individual travel teams would be busy every weekend.

High school athletes would have football workouts and spring training. Studentathletes would

be preparing for summer workouts, camps, 7-on-7 competitions and summer games allowed by the AHSAA. That’s the normal way of sports life for our young adults.

Nothing is happening in the sports world today. No one is allowed to practice nor play games because of “socialdistancing” measures instituted by COVID-19’s presence.

The day President Donald Trump lifts all the orders relating to COVID-19 and the world is open for business... will sports pick up where we stopped? I understand high school athletes can’t go back and pick up where they left off, but will recreation sports and high school sports go back to the normal prior to COVID-19?

I do not have the answer, nor do you.

Time will tell if high schools continue to have the same workouts as before. Will student-athletes want a break between sports? Will they continue wanting to workout year round

See Sports, page B4

Regions Bank is pleased to announce it is working with social impact education innovator EVERFI to provide more than 20 no-cost digital courses to K-12 students across the Regions footprint, which includes East Alabama.

This builds upon the Regions, EVERFI relationship that impacted more than 17,000 high school learners, 8,000 college students and 40,000 adults through digital financial wellness during the 2018-19 school year.

Regions has a longstanding commitment to providing financial advice, guidance and

education to customers, associates and people in the communities it serves. For several years, Regions and its financial education and wellness program, Next Step, have sponsored EVERFI: Financial Literacy for High School coursework in 160 schools. For a limited time, during this period of social distancing and school building closures, students of all ages can access gradeappropriate resources at home, including a

two-week remote learning plan to help guide parents.

“COVID-19 has quickly made a huge impact on our daily lives and we recognize the complexity of what everyone is managing now, including students,” said Joye Hehn, Community Financial Education Manager for Regions. “As parents and caregivers are balancing work, childcare and taking on remote learning, Regions and EVERFI are proud to

provide quality at-home educational content on life’s most critical financial topics.”

The EVERFI coursework includes instruction on: - Responsible money choices - Income and careers - Planning and money management - Credit and borrowing - Insurance and safety management - Savings and investing See Regions, page B2

Local foundation announces scholarship giveaway for area seniors Special to the Opelika Observer The Knee High Foundation Inc. is committed to helping youth within the community. They strive to mentor, serve and uplift the youth with structure and guidance in a nurturing environment. In doing so, they are trusting and believing that youth are the future, which is why they must equip them with life skills and tools necessary to help them succeed in life.

In a 500 to 750 word essay, seniors are asked to describe a problem that they see within a community and devise

a plan to help fix it.

Essay content will be used as the main criteria for the awarding of scholarships. Grades and GPA will be used as secondary criteria.

Please submit an essay and last report card to dawgpoundcoordinator@gmail. com by April 30.

A total of four scholarships will be given away - two valued at $500 and the other two at $250.

For more information and updates, follow the nonprofit’s Facebook page or visit www.thekneehighfoundation.org.

pelika Observer O

B2 April 15, 2020

Lee County School Board holds abridged virtual meeting last Thursday

By Morgan Bryce Editor The Lee County School Board met for a special called meeting last Thursday that was held virtually because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

According to a summary of the meeting on the school system’s website, all members except District 5 Member Larry Patterson were present, enough

to establish a quorum.

Superintendent Dr. James McCoy introduced the lone agenda item, a resolution summarized in its entirety below: “Dr. McCoy recommended the resolution to suspend board policy. This resolution does not mean that board policies are suspended.

It gives the Board the flexibility to suspend policy if necessary and needs arise. A motion

to accept the superintendent’s recommendation was made by (District 7 Member) Brian Roberson and a second was given by (District 5 Member) Ralph Henderson. The vote was 6-0 to approve the recommendation by the superintendent.”

The summary shows that the meeting was adjourned at 6:10 Central time, making the meeting’s duration 10 minutes.

The Lee County School Board regularly meets on the second Tuesday of each month at the school system’s Central Office, which is located at 2410 Society Hill Road in Opelika. Full meeting schedules are available on their website, www. lee.k12.al.us.

For more information, follow the school system’s Facebook page or call 334-7056000.

334-528-6191

Regions, from B1 “Our hope in offering this expanded virtual coursework is that we can support one another as we navigate this new landscape and strive towards achieving our mission of making life better,” Hehn added.

Getting access to this content is easy; simply visit the EVERFI Family Portal, select your state and child’s school name, and you’ll receive the full catalog of age-appropriate courses for your child. You can visit Regions.com/NextStep to access additional educational tools and resources, including articles, podcasts, webinars, games, calculators,

worksheets and more.

About Regions Financial Corporation Regions Financial Corporation, with $126 billion in assets, is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation’s largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management, and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas, and through its subsidiary, Regions Bank, operates approximately 1,400 banking offices and 2,000 ATMs. Regions Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. Additional information about Regions and its full line of products and services can be found at www.regions. com.

www.eamcfoundation.org

Contact: Amy Thomas Amy.Thomas@eamc.org

pelika Observer O

B3 April 15, 2020

Celebrating your children each day of the week

O

ne idea I’ve gleaned from other teachers that I love to do in the early childhood classroom is choosing to celebrate a star student of the week.

I include all the children in my classroom in this positive encouragement celebration. Students are chosen in alphabetical order.

During the week a child is honored, he/she gets to sit in a special decorated desk decorated by their classmates.

Children draw pictures and send encouraging notes to the star student of the week.

Parents and grandparents of the star student are invited into the classroom to share what is so special about their child or grandchild along with his or her classmates.

It is very heartwarming to hear young children encouraging their friends! After so many years of teaching, this celebration of a young child’s life can help encourage them for a lifetime! It delights this teacher’s heart to receive letters and Facebook messages from my now-grown

students who are adults and have children of their own.

They share with me how much this program of celebration planted a seed of encouragement into their hearts!

Normally, our homes provide a place of refuge, security, peace and where we all can let down and sense we are loved and belong.

You have heard the expression “home is where the heart is.” This expression means so much to a child’s growth, development and life.

The home helps prepare a child emotionally, to learn new skills and rules of discipline as well as feel unconditionally loved and accepted.

During this time of being at home, this is a program celebration families can do with their own children!

Why wait till your child or children have their birthday?

Let’s get started and celebrate your children now!

Families this can be done weekly or daily.

Here are just a few suggestions. I know our families

are creative and will come up with many more ways of honoring their children! I hope these few suggestions help you get started: 1) Have a treasure hunt of things related to the child that is star child for the day or week. This game can include all ages. It can be baby pictures or family pictures of the child.

The star child can hide some of their favorite toys, games, etc. When coming back together after finding all the items, everyone can discuss why the items are so special.

2) Have the star child select their favorite food for the day. This does not have to be an expensive activity.

Spring is a perfect time to spread out the blanket and have an outside or indoor picnic!

3) Even though libraries are closed, children can find online reading resources or have a favorite story they have put to heart

and can share. The star child can choose what their favorite story is and it can be shared during family time. Special little rhymes or songs can be said and sung to fit the personality of the star child for the day or week. Stories, songs or rhymes can be illustrated by family hands!

4) Star children can choose their favorite television show or movie to watch. The family can celebrate this time together.

5) Children love different hobbies.

The star child can choose a hobby such as putting model cars or planes together, making Play-Doh objects, putting a chosen puzzle together, favorite crafts, etc.

6) Giving the star child handwritten notes or pictures is a memory maker they can keep forever! These can be displayed on the refrigerator or family board where all can see! With modern technology, videos of the star child can be forever documented

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and shared with family.

I love God’s Word in Psalm 139:14-“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made, Marvelous are your works, And that my soul knows very well.”

Going over this truth with your child or children speaks volumes to them of just how special they are!

During this time of drawing close together as family, relationships are the most important thing in our lives. For our children to appreciate the characteristics and personalities of family members sets up a lifetime of encouragement, hope and love.

Yes, this takes time and creativity, but it is well worth taking advantage of the time we have together right now. Coming together as families in looking for the best in each other can bring rainbows of promise for children’s lives!

Pinyerd has taught

young children in the early childhood classroom for 34 years as well as outreaching to the elderly in intergenerational settings.

She has taught and outreached in the schools in Opelika and Baldwin County.

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

Classroom Observer is here to serve the community in sharing the wonderful teaching programs in our local public schools, private schools, and homeschools. The column is provided to enrich the education of our children, youth, and families.

Classroom Observer welcomes educational news, school news, pictures, and events by e-mailing her at donnapinyerd@charter.net.

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

“I’ve tried cases in every county across this state, representing both individuals and businesses.”

Personal Injury - Business Litigation Criminal Law - Administrative Law -

www.baxleyjackson.com “No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.”

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

pelika Observer O

B4 April 15, 2020

Auburn University‘s OLLI helps produce 10,000 masks

East Alabama Medical Center and a number of health care facilities across the region.

“OLLI at Auburn has a dedicated and talented base of members who are eager to help during this public health crisis,” said organizer Scott Bishop, director of OLLI at Auburn.

“Where we saw a need was to provide support to these individual efforts with some collective assistance, and thus help ramp up the production of personal protective masks at this time of great need.”

The masks are designed to cover an indi-

vidual’s mouth and nose comfortably and fitted with ties so that one size fits all. Volunteers can sew the masks from cotton fabric templates to be available at Sunny Slope. The templates will have four pieces of fabric— two from quilting cotton and two from cotton knit— that will be pre-cut from the pattern in the instructions.

The sewing kit will also include instructions for how to sew the mask and tips for wearing and caring for a mask.

Instructions and the demonstration video will be available on the initiative’s website at

aub.ie/auoutreachmasks.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting high number of cases nationwide and in East Alabama have created a shortage of medical supplies, especially PPEs, or personal protective equipment. While not surgical-grade PPE, these volunteer-made masks are useful for a variety of health situations, saving commercial masks for where they are most needed.

“One of the most extraordinary aspects of the Auburn Family is its capacity and willingness to help the community in times

of need,” said Auburn University President Jay Gogue. “University Outreach and OLLI at Auburn represent the best of that spirit of service, and I appreciate their leadership in this initiative.”

Vice President for Development DiFalco Jane Parker announced the Auburn University Foundation will provide $20,000 in funding to support the acquisition of materials to produce the masks.

“Our fellow outreach offices and many other university units have provided much support as well,” Bishop said.

University Outreach is working with units across campus, including the Auburn University Medical Clinic, Media Production Group and faculty from the Department of Industrial and Graphic Design and the Department of Curriculum and Teaching. Medical Clinic Director Dr. Fred Kam advised on the design and applications for the masks; Science and Engineering Education Professor Christine Schnittka created prototypes and designed an instruc-

and make the sacrifices to play on a team?

Will parents allow their children to play

travel sports year round?

What about safety issues that were not thought about prior

to the virus?

It is common in some sports to share equipment, batting helmets, catching gear, gloves etc.

What changes will the adults overseeing sports adopt for safety?

What about simple things like high fives, jumping on a player that hits or makes a game-winning play?

What changes will be made to help insure the safety of players, coaches and officials?

All of these are unknown and only time will tell the answer.

The one thing

I know, life has changed! Hopefully when it’s all over, and we have a cure for COVID-19, our world will be a better place. No matter the changes that must take place, I Pray we are better after this pandemic!

I miss athletics, no matter the sport and can’t imagine how a child or young adult feels about not having sports.

The most important point to remember, we must keep the faith, stay positive and encourage each other.

As we have learned, life is pre-

Special to the Opelika Observer Medical facilities across the region in dire need of protective face masks soon will get a much-needed boost in supplies, thanks to a new Auburn University initiative. Through a coalition of university units and faculty led

by Auburn University Outreach’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, or OLLI at Auburn, plans are underway to produce 10,000 protective face masks to meet the growing demand because of COVID-19.

Several area volunteer groups, with OLLI at Auburn members who enjoy sewing as a hobby, are already making masks as part of church or other local service projects.

Completed masks will be made available to local clinics and community health providers to meet a growing need amid short supplies and the COVID-19 pandemic. Masks produced by volunteers will be collected at OLLI at Auburn’s Sunny Slope office for distribution to the Auburn University Medical Clinic,

Sports, from B1

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer

EFFICIENT ENERGY WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST. At Alabama Power, we want to do all we can to

tional plan; Industrial Design Department Head Clark Lundell provided laser-cut fabrication templates and MPG Director Bruce Kuerten produced an online video demonstration featuring sewing instructions.

“Auburn’s outreach mission and strategic purpose is to provide practical and innovative solutions to significant public needs, and this interdisciplinary initiative is a powerful example of that responsiveness,” said Royrickers Cook, vice president for University Outreach.

The enthusiasm generated by the collaboration is apparent, says Bishop, who encourages members of the community to join the effort.

“By making a mask, you can make a difference for our community, especially at this critical time—we welcome everyone’s help in this special initiative,” Bishop said.

For more information about the initiative and to learn how you can volunteer, visit aub.ie/ auoutreachmasks or call Scott Bishop at OLLI at Auburn at 334-8443146.

cious with or without athletics.

I am one that believe life is better with athletics!

Hopefully I will be writing about local sports sooner than later.

One thing I have grown to know...

God has a plan ... no matter what we believe.

Stay safe ... hopefully you will hear the phrase “play ball” soon.

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

support the communities we all call home. Spending more time at home has become the new normal for many of us, and we want to make it as simple as possible for our customers to be energy efficient while staying comfortable.

We invite you to visit our website to learn how you can save energy and money. Check out helpful resources like our energy usage tracker, easy online bill management programs and energy-saving tips.

Alabama Power is here to provide reliable energy you can count on so you can focus on the things

that matter most.

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pelika Observer O

B5 April 15, 2020

Public Notice for the City of Opelika CITY OF OPELIKA NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY FIVE DAY PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOR In response to the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19) the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) has notified the City of Opelika

that it will receive an allocation of $159,883 to be used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19. This allocation was authorized by the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), Public Law 116136, which was signed

by President Trump on March 27, 2020, to respond to the growing

effects of this historic public health crisis.

The City of Opelika Planning Department, Community Development Office, hereby request public comment from citizens within the community, private and profit enterprises, and not-for-profit organizations for assistance in determining the distribution of the 2020

CARES funding.

The total of $159,883 will be available for eligible activities meeting the national objecting to prevent and respond to the spread of COVID-19.

The 5-day public comment period will begin on Monday, April 20, 2020 and conclude on Friday, April 24, 2020 at 4 pm. Pub-

lic comments can be emailed to Lisa Thrift, CDBG Administrator or lthrift@opelika-al.gov or can be mailed to the City of Opelika, Community Development Administrator, 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, AL 36801.

If you would like to make a public comment by phone, please call (334) 705-5155

between the hours of 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. All public comments will be taken into consideration prior to the determining the use of these funds.

All request for ADA accommodations is considered and should be forwarded to Kevin Rice, ADA Coordinator, at 334-705-2083.

authorized representative of AU Hospitality, LLC, property owners, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Opelika Marketplace subdivision consisting of 4 lots accessed from Parker Way. 7. A public hearing on a request

by David Fichtner, authorized representative for Gwen Cooper Simon, property owner, 6 lots, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Willie Bryant subdivision accessed from 3800 block Hamilton Road.

8. A public hearing on a request

by Jeremy Clark, authorized representative of K Beam Investments, LLC, property owner, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Totten’s Map, Block 206, Redivision of Lot 8 subdivision, 4 lots, accessed at 1402 Fitzpatrick Avenue.

9. A public hearing on a request

by James L. McCrory, authorized representative for Michael Purser and Larry R. & Elizabeth G. Bailey, property owner, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Totten’s Map, Lot 16, Block 227 subdivision, one lot, accessed from 310 Hillcrest Court.

10. A public hearing on a request by James L. McCrory, authorized representative for Lonefeather Properties, LLC, property owners, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Rocky Brook Bailey-Purser Revision subdivision, one lot at the southeast corner of Columbus Parkway and McCoy Street.

11. A public hearing on a request by Blake Rice, authorized representative for Henry Gentry, property owner, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Wyndham Industrial Park Replat of Lot 5-B-1 subdivision, 2 lots accessed from Wyndham Industrial Drive.

12. A public hearing on a request by Blake Rice, authorized representative for Opelika Equities, LLC, property owners, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Falcon’s 30 th Street Division subdivision, 2 lots at the corner of Pepperell Pkwy and 30th Street.

13. A public hearing on a request by Blake Rice, authorized representative for SMB Land, LLC, property owners, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Cannon Gate Phase 2 subdivision, 2 lots at 1701, 1704, 1717 &1720 Cannon Gate Drive.

14. A public hearing on a request by Foresite Group, Inc., authorized representative for Century Park Apartments, LLC, property owner, for preliminary plat approval of the Century Park Townhomes subdivision, 53 lots accessed at 1901 Century Boulevard.

15. A public hearing on a request by Blake Rice, authorized representative for Cannon Timber and Land Company, property owners, for preliminary plat approval of the Cannon Gate Phase 3 subdivision, 85 lots accessed from the terminus of Cannon Gate Drive.

16. A public hearing on a request by Blake Rice, authorized representative for W. S. Newell & Sons, Inc., property owners, 102 lots, for preliminary plat approval of the Towne Lakes Phase 5 subdivision accessed from Towne Lake Parkway (Bush Creek Drive).

17. A public hearing on request

by Blake Rice, authorized representative of Gary L. Hunt, property owner, for preliminary plat approval of the Oak Bowery Pines Phase 2 subdivision consisting of 12 lots accessed at 3101 Oak Bowery Road.

18. A public hearing on a request by Brandon Bolt, authorized representative for Edgar Hughston Builder, Inc., property owner, for preliminary plat approval of the Drakes Landing Phase 1 subdivision, 65 lots accessed at 2015 South Uniroyal Road.

19. A public hearing on a request by Brandon Bolt, authorized representative for

KD Homes, LLC, property owner, for preliminary plat approval of the Pepper Mill Creek subdivision, 32 lots, accessed on Lowndes Street.

20. A request by Blake Rice, authorized representative of SMB Land, LLC, property owners, for final plat approval of the Trillium Phase 2-C subdivision consisting of 20 lots accessed from Baton Court.

21. A request by Alva T. Webb II , authorized representative of Donald & Melissa Allen, property owners, for final plat approval of Veterans Commercial Park subdivision consisting of 15 lots accessed from the 200 block of Veterans Parkway.

22. A request by Robin Weyant, authorized representative for Jan H. Weyant and Gregory C. Weyant, Co-Trustees, property owners, to ratify the Weyant subdivision, 2 lots, accessed at 2833 Sundance Road.

23. A public hearing on a request by Vic Patel and/or Arthur Nettles, authorized representative for AU Hospitality, property owners, for conditional use approval for an extended stay hotel (99 units) accessed from Parker Way. 24. A public hearing on a request by Okey Chidume, authorized representative for Temple Anderson, property owners, for conditional use approval for an auto sales lot and auto maintenance shop at 303 South Railroad Avenue.

25. A public hearing on a request by Brandon Bolt, authorized representative for KD Homes, LLC, property owner, for conditional use approval for a multi-family development of 18 duplexes accessed from Lowndes Street.

26. A public hearing on a request by Lean Engineering Service, LLC authorized representative for Donald W. Allen, property owner, for conditional use approval to design and fabricate partitions for shipping totes at property accessed from 200 block of Veterans Parkway.

27. A public hearing to consider a recommendation to the City Council on a request by BarrettSimpson, Inc. (Blake Rice), authorized representative for Keith Newell, W. S. Newell & Sons, property owners, for major revisions to the Towne Lake PUD (Planning Unit Development) Master Plan accessed from North Uniroyal Road and Towne Lake Parkway.

The revisions concern changing proposed commercial/office property to single family homes (45 acres) and commercial (14.5 acres).

28. A public hearing on a request by Blake Rice, authorized representative for Cannon Timber & Land, LLC, property owner, for major revisions to the Cannon Gate PUD (Planning Unit Development) Master Plan accessed from the terminus of Cannon Gate Drive. The plan revisions are from 67 single family home lots (estimate 31,250 square foot (sf) per lot) to 81 single family home lots (lots ranging from 10,358 sf to 53,560 sf).

29. (a) A public hearing to consider a recommendation to the City Council on a request by Clayton Howard, property owner, to rezone 1.9 acres at 1813 & 1801 Old Columbus Road, from a M-1 zoning district to a R-4 zoning district. (b) An agenda item related to the rezoning request concerns an amendment to the Future Land Use Map for the 1.9 acres at 1813 & 1801 Old Columbus Road from a manufacturing to medium density residential. If the Planning Commission votes to send a positive recommendation to the City Council to rezone the property and Council approves rezoning, then approval of said amendments to the Future Land Use map will be approved.

30. (a) A public hearing to consider a recommendation to

PUBLIC NOTICES IN RE: THE MARRIAGE OF: STEPHEN VAUGHN, Plaintiff, vs.

RACHEL JOYCE LAO, Defendant.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA FAMILY DIVISION CIVIL ACTION FILE NO.: DR20-900048.00 NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: RACHEL JOYCE LAO 121 W, EVANS AVE. PUEBLO, CO 81004 You are hereby notified that the above-styled action secking divorce was filed against you in said Court on February 17, 2020, and that by reason of an Order for Service of Summons

by Publication entered by the Court on March 9, 2020, you are hereby commanded and required to file with the Clerk of said Court and serve upon BRIAN A. RAMEY, Plaintiff’s attorney, whose address is P.O. BOX 1002, COLUMBUS, GA 31902, an Answer to the Complaint within sixty (60) days of 03/17/2020.

WITNESS in hand this 17th day of March, 2020.

MaryB. Roberson, CLERK, CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Legal Run 03/25/2020, 04/01/2020, 04/08/2020 & 04/15/2020

CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, AL FAMILY COURT DIVISION: JUVENILE IN THE MATTER OF: A.L.H., A minor child JU-2018-456.02 NOTICE TO: Britney Leigh Haggard and any unknown father of A.L.H. born 12/19/2012 to Britney Leigh Haggard at West GA Health System in Lagrange, GA. Custody of the minor child was vested with Lee County DHR on 12/04/2018.

Britney Leigh Haggard and any unknown father must answer the Petition to Terminate Parental Rights filed in the Family Court of Lee County, AL by Lee County DHR, within fourteen (14) days from the last date of publication of this notice, or a final judgment may be rendered in Juvenile Case Number JU-2018-456.02 in the Family Court of Lee County, AL terminating all parental rights to the minor child.

Mary Roberson, CIRCUIT CLERK Lee County Justice Center 2311 Gateway Dr. Opelika, AL 36801 Hon. Margaret A. Mayfield Attorney for Lee County DHR P.O. Box 809 Opelika, AL 36803 (334) 745-0333 Legal Run 03/25/20, 04/01/20, 04/08/20 & 04/15/20

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of Deas Archer Lamb, Jr. Deceased, Case Number: 2020-092 NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration have been granted to Terri Lamb as Administrator of the Estate of Deas Archer Lamb, Jr. deceased, on the 20th day of March, 2020 by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Terri Lamb Personal Representative of the Estate of Deas Archer Lamb, Jr. Legal Run 04/01/20, 04/08/20 & 04/15/2020

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF MICHAEL EVANS MURPH,

DECEASED COURT OF PROBATE Letters of Administration of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 20th day of March, 2020 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 20th day of March, 2020.

TERRY LAURE MURPH Legal Run 04/01/20, 04/08/20 & 04/15/2020

STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF LEE To: Charles Butler, whose whereabouts are unknown, and any known or unknown heirs of The Estate of Lillie Mae Avery, Deceased You will please take notice that on the 20th day of March, 2020, a certain paper in writing, purported to be the last Will and Testament of Lillie Mae Avery was filed in my office for Probate by Roger Lee Butler and that the 13th day of May, 2020 @ 10:00 a.m., CDT, was appointed the day and time for the hearing thereof, at which time you can appear and contest the same, if you see proper.

Given under my hand, this the 20th day of March, 2020.

BILL ENGLISH, Judge of Probate Legal Run 04/01/20, 04/08/20 & 04/15/2020

MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain Mortgage executed by Mary Carlton Wilson-Hinson, a married woman (“Mortgagor”), in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for SouthPoint Bank (the “Mortgagee”), dated February 21, 2018, and recorded on February 22, 2018, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama in Mortgage Book 4369, Page 550 (the “Mortgage”).

Said default continuing, notice is hereby given that the Mortgagee will, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in the Mortgage, offer for sale at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash during the legal hours of sale on May 6, 2020, at the main entrance to the Courthouse of Lee County, Alabama, the following described Real Property situated in Lee County, Alabama (the “Real Property”), to wit: Lots 11 and 12 Sunset Valley Subdivision, according to and as shown by that certain map or plat thereof of record in Town Plat Book 5, at Page 49, in Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama.

The Real Property and improvements will be sold “as is, where is” and subject to any rights of redemption existing under federal law, the laws of the State of Alabama or otherwise.

The sale is subject to ad valorem taxes.

The sale is subject to any easements, encumbrances or other matters of record which take priority over the Mortgage.

Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process.

An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process.

This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said Mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The Mortgagee

reserves the right to bid for and purchase the Real Property and, if it is the successful bidder, to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the Real Property. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation.

SouthPoint Bank Owner of Said Indebtedness MICHAEL B. ODOM McGLINCHEY STAFFORD PLLC 505 North 20 th Street, Suite 800 Birmingham, AL 35203 Telephone: (205) 725-6400 Attorney for Mortgagee Legal Run 04/08, 04/15 & 04/22/2020

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF HATTIE LAURA GRAHAM, DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Letters of Administration of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 20th day of March, 2020, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

CLIFFORD GRAHAM Administrator N. Riley Murphy Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 04/08, 04/15 & 04/22/2020

Kimberly McCord, whose whereabouts is unknown, must answer Gary Wycoff’s petition for divorce and other relief by May 29th, 2020, or thereafter, a judgment by default may be rendered against her in Case No. DR2020-900027, Circuit Court of Lee County.

Done this 30th day of March, 2020 MARY B. ROBERSON, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Lee County Shane Neese 501 Geneva Street Opelika, AL 36801 Attorney for Gary Wycoff Legal Run 04/08, 04/15, 04/22 & 04/29/2020

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT COURT OF PROBATE ESTATE OF SHIRLEY S. PERRY Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 31st day of march, 2020, 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 my hand, and dated this the 31st day of March, 2020/ DEBBIE PERRY BAKER Legal Run 04/08, 04/15 & 04/22/2020

SYNOPSIS OF AN ORDINANCE WHEREBY THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA, GRANTS TO SPIRE ALABAMA, INC., THE NON-EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO USE THE RIGHTS-OF-WAY TO CONSTRUCT, ERECT, INSTALL, RENEW, REPAIR, MAINTAIN AND OPERATE A PLANT OR SYSTEM FOR THE MANUFACTURE AND/ OR DISTRIBUTION AND/ OR SALE OF NATURAL GAS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS

AND CONDITIONS OF THE ORDINANCE 1. On April 7, 2020, the City Council of the City of Opelika, Alabama, adopted Ordinance No. 009-20, the purpose of which is to grant to Spire Alabama, Inc., an Alabama corporation (“Spire-A) for a thirty (30) year period from the effective date, the non-exclusive right to utilize the rights-of-way in the corporate limits of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) in order to construct, erect, install, renew, repair, maintain and operate a plant or system for the manufacture and/or distribution and/or sale of natural gas in accordance with and subject to the terms and conditions of the ordinance.

2. As compensation for the use of the public ways and rightsof-way, Spire-A is to pay to the City a franchise fee equal to one percent (1%) of its gross annual revenues for each calendar year so long as the ordinance shall be effective. Spire-A is also required, among other requirements, to indemnify the City and maintain certain types of insurance coverage.

3. A copy of Ordinance No. 009-20 may be obtained from the Office of the City Clerk of the City of Opelika, Alabama, during normal business hours.

Publication of this Synopsis is done by or at the direction of the City Clerk of the City of Opelika, Alabama, and at the expense of Spire Alabama, Inc. Legal 04/15/2020

CITY OF OPELIKA NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARINGS TO: RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA AND ALL OTHER INTERESTED CITIZENS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of Opelika, Alabama will hold a regular meeting and will be conducting public hearings on Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. Due to public health concerns the meeting will be held electronically. Interested parties may view or participate in the meeting by following the link at www.opelika-al.gov. The purpose of the public hearings is to receive public comment on the following: 1. A public hearing on a request

by James L. McCrory, authorized representative for Dora H. James, property owner, for preliminary and final plat approval of the James Second Revision subdivision, 3 lots accessed from 4200 Sedgefield Lane.

2. A public hearing on a request

by David Scott, property owner, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Tiger Town Corporate Park Redivision of Lot 2 subdivision, 2 lots at 2901 Interstate Drive.

3. A public hearing on a request

by Blake Rice, authorized representative for 280 Land Company, LLC, property owners, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Hidden Lake Phase 1 subdivision, 56 lots accessed from Sportsplex Drive & West Point Parkway.

(Tabled at February 25th Planning Commission meeting.)

4. A public hearing on a request

by James D. Miller, authorized representative for Dunlop Family Development, LLC, property owners, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Harwell Hills Sixth Addition subdivision, 6 lots accessed from Rustic Street.

5. A public hearing on a request

by Race Cannon, authorized representative for Cannon Gate Homeowners Association, Inc., property owners, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Cannon Gate Redivision of Parcel A-3 subdivision, 3 lots accessed from Oak Bowery Road and Blackhawk Drive.

6. A public hearing on request

by Vic Patel/Arthur Nettles,

See Notices, page B6

B6 April 15, 2020

pelika Observer O

Luminaries lined Laurel, Terracewood drives Saturday to lift spirits

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Notices, from B5 the City Council on a request

by Jeremy Clark, authorized representative for Chuck Beams, property owner, to rezone 2.87 acres accessed at 1402 Fitzpatrick Avenue from a R-2 zoning district to a C-2 zoning district. (b) An agenda item related to the rezoning request concerns an amendment to the Future Land Use Map for the 2.87acres at 1402 Fitzpatrick Avenue from a low density residential to light commercial.

If the Planning Commission votes to send a positive recommendation to the City Council to rezone the property and Council approves rezoning, then approval of said amendments to the Future Land Use map will be approved.

31. A public hearing to consider a recommendation to the City Council on a request by David Slocum, authorized representative for Rob Dibenedetto, property owner, to rezone 26.6 acres accessed at the Northeast corner of Waverly Parkway and Veterans Parkway from a R-1, R-3, & C-2 zoning district to a PUD (Planning Unit Development) zoning district consisting of townhomes and commercial. (b) An agenda item related to

the rezoning request concerns an amendment to the Future Land Use Map for the 26.6 acres at the Northeast corner of Waverly Parkway and Veterans Parkway from a low density residential to mixed use/planned unit development. If the Planning Commission votes to send a positive recommendation to the City Council and Council approves the rezoning, then the Future Land Use map will be approved.

32. (a) A public hearing to consider a recommendation to the City Council on a request by Brain Lee, authorized representative for Brandon Davis, property owner, to rezone 6.6 acres accessed at 3417 Dale Avenue from a R-5M zoning district to a C-3 zoning district. (b) An agenda item related to the rezoning request concerns an amendment to the Future Land Use Map for the 6.6 acres at 3417 Dale Avenue from a high density residential to general commercial.

If the Planning Commission votes to send a positive recommendation to the City Council and Council approves the rezoning, then the Future Land Use map will be approved.

33. A public hearing on proposed text amendments to the Subdivision Regulations: Amend Section 4.3 Preliminary Plat Review and Approval, E. Effect of Approval, Section 4.4 Final Plat Approval, A. General, and Section 4.11 Administra-

tive Subdivision, A. Purpose, B. Submission, C. Review and Approval 34. The following agenda item is included as “Other Business� at the April 28th Planning Commission meeting: a. David Slocum-representative, The Cottages at Providence, 19 condo units, 1150 block Fitzpatrick Avenue, C-2, Requesting extension of conditional use approval for one year or May 25, 2021 All interested persons are invited to attend the virtual meeting/ public hearings and be heard.

Written comments concerning the above matters may be mailed to the Planning Director at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama 36801 at any time prior to the meeting/public hearings or email comments to planning@ opelika-al.gov and may be further submitted to the Planning Commission at the meeting/public hearings.

The Planning Commission reserves the right to modify or alter any of the proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and to make its recommendations accordingly to the City Council.

Please contact Kevin Rice, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334705-5132 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability.

PLANNING DIRECTOR Legal Run 04/15/2020

Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Inside the Statehouse

A

llow me to share some more observations from the year.

One of my favorite people in the world and one of the finest gentlemen I have ever known is State Representative Steve Clouse of Ozark. My relationship with Steve goes under the category of Alabama is one Big Front Porch.

His sweet mother, Mrs. Ruth Price Clouse, passed away a month or so ago at 93. There was a nice church service at the First Methodist Church of Ozark. Afterwards, Steve and his lovely wife, Dianne, invited folks to come over to their house across the street from their church. It was a splendid gathering.

Our mamas grew up as best friends and Steve and I are close friends. Mama and Mrs. Ruth were friends through grade school and Troy High School.

Mrs. Ruth married Jimmy Clouse from Ozark. They had two children, Steve and Kay. I had a sister named Kay. I always wondered if that was just a coincidence.

Steve and I would play together as boys.

As we grew older, we both went to the University of Alabama and were fraternity brothers. Then I went to the Legislature at around 31. Steve was elected eight years later. We served together in the House for about a decade.

Our districts adjoined – my district was Pike County and part of Dale County. Steve’s

By Steve Flowers district was Dale County. Our names were so similar that people today get us confused. Whenever I stop in Ozark, invariably people will say to me, “I like the way you voted” on some measure thinking that I am Steve Clouse. He tells me the same thing happens to him; someone will say to him, “I liked your column this week.” However, that is where the similarities end. Steve is a better man that I am and, as he is quick to point out, he is five years younger.

If anyone knows the Katherine Tucker Windham adage, Alabama is just a Big Front Porch, it is Secretary of State John Merrill. He knows every crook and cranny of this state from one end to the other. He knows more people one-on-one than any other political figure in the state. He is by far the best retail politician in Alabama and has a tremendous grassroots organization in the Heart-of-Dixie.

Bradley Byrne worked hard in every county of the state in his race for the U.S. Senate. He has nothing to be ashamed of nor could he have done

anything differently.

He received 26% to Tommy Tuberville’s 33% and Jeff Sessions’ 32% in the March 3 primary. He could have won the race had Sessions not gotten in it at the last minute.

He still would have probably made the run-off if a Super PAC, called the Club of Growth, had not spent over a half-a-million dollars in negative ads against him.

Byrne seems to be snake-bit by third party interlopers getting into his race. He would have won the 2010 governor’s race had Dr. Paul Hubbert and the AEA not spent two million dollars in negative ads against him. Now the Club for Growth kicks him out of the Senate race.

Very few Alabamians are aware that one of Alabama’s finest ladies, Vicki Drummond, of Jasper is Secretary of the National Republican Party.

Mrs. Drummond was elected by her peers on the national committee to this prestigious and important post. She is the only Alabamian in state history to hold this position on the national political stage.

Vicki was a Republican before it was cool.

She has worked in the state and Republican vineyards her entire adult life. She and husband, Dr. Mike Drummond, a Jasper dentist, have been leaders in their community and church, as well as the Republican party.

They have two sons, Michael and Matthew,

Mayor Fuller closes all city parks and recreation facilities Special to the Opelika Observer Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller signed an Executive Order last week closing all city-owned and operated parks located within the City of Opelika to the public. This means that no person shall go upon or allow any child in his or her custody to go upon or otherwise use a city-owned park until the order is rescinded.

“This was not an easy decision to make. However, our health care professionals have recommended closing parks. We hope this measure and the customer limitations at local stores will help us recover sooner than later from

COVID-19,” Fuller said. “I know exercise is important to the health and wellbeing of everyone. I ask that you just stay close to home. Walk in your neighborhood or exercise in your yard. Let’s do what we need to do at this critical time.”

This includes any city-owned and operated area of land open to the public for

outdoor recreation, including baseball fields, softball fields, tennis courts, outdoor playgrounds, outdoor basketball courts, pickleball courts, golf disk courses, picnic areas, walking trails and dog parks. The parks closed, pursuant to this order, include, but are not limited to, See Parks, page B11

334-539-5140

See Flowers, page B9

Lee County Commission holds virtual meeting Monday night

Photo by Michelle Key/Opelika Observer

By Michelle Key Publisher Because of meet-

ing restrictions put in place by the Governor’s office, the Lee County Com-

missioners held their regularly scheduled meeting Monday See LCC, page B9

• Grocery Shopping and Delivery • Medication Pick-up • Meal Planning and Preparation • Personal Care and Companionship • Running Errands • Safety and Supervision We use PPE and offer contact-free delivery

pelika Observer O

B8 April 15, 2020

City of Smiths Station issues temporary curfew

By Morgan Bryce Editor Last Monday, Smiths Station Mayor F.L. “Bubba” Copeland took to Facebook Live to announce that he and Council President Pro Tem Morris Jackson were issuing a tem-

Copeland

porary curfew within city limits.

This development comes on the heels of a growing number of COVID-19 cases in Lee County, although at press time no cases had been reported from Smiths Station.

Copeland said this measure was enacted to curtail large social

gatherings which had been a recurring problem since Gov. Kay Ivey’s Shelter in Place Order went into effect on April 4.

“I’m not excited about having to do this, but it needed to be done,” Copeland said.

The curfew is from 10 p.m. to 5 p.m. East-

Opelika City Council livestreams meeting to public because of COVID-19

By Natalie Anderson Staff Reporter The Opelika City Council conducted a livestream of their regular meeting on the City of Opelika’s Facebook page Tuesday night for citizens to view from home to ensure the safety and health of the public.

“Due to COVID-19 we will only have the city council, mayor, city clerk, city attorney, city administrator and a few city essentials,” Opelika officials posted on Facebook.

“Little unusual set up for us tonight, but thank you all for being here tonight and taking

care of the business of the city,” said Mayor Gary Fuller.

In other business, the council also: -approved previous minutes from the 3-17-20 meeting -awarded a bid for installation of conduit systems by Open Trench Excavation Methods -awarded a bid for renovations to the Covington Recreation Center -approved expense reports from various departments -approved to designate city personal property surplus and authorize disposal -approved five ADECA grant

applications -approved an employee contract for Joey Motley as City Administrator -introduced and approved a granting franchise to Spire Alabama -reappointed Herbert Slaughter to the Opelika Utilities Board with the new term ending on May 4, 2026 and -reappointed Ward 1 Councilwoman Patricia Jones to the Opelika Utilities Board with the new term ending on Nov. 2.

The next Opelika City Council meeting will be held April 21.

ern time until further notice. This does not apply to essential workers or activities not restricted in Ivey’s order.

In his livestream, Copeland noted that the curfew will be enforced by members of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

First offenses will

result in a warning, second with a $500 fine and third offense is a sentence of up to 180 days in jail.

A copy of the proclamation with curfew details and information can be found on the City of Smiths Station’s Facebook page or online at www. smithsstational.gov.

Accepting Curbside City Market orders Special to the Opelika Observer Join Auburn Parks and Recreation for Curbside City Market on April 25. Curbside City Market will allow Auburn Parks and Recreation to provide an essential service while continuing to practice social distancing.

Anyone want-

ing to place an order from a local farmer must visit auburnalabama. org/parks/programs/city-market to download an order form. Forms and payment must be turned in

by April 21 at 5 p.m. to the Harris Center mailbox (425 Perry St.), or the form can be emailed to citymarket@

auburnalabama. org. The secure mailbox is located between the Harris Center and the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center.

All payments must be in the form of cash. Orders are not final until you have received a confirmation email.

The Curbside City Market pick See Market, page B9

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Alabama AG establishes Coronavirus Response Team Special to the Opelika Observer Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced the establishment of response teams within the Attorney General’s Office to provide authoritative answers to law enforcement, public officials, businesses, employees and Alabama residents concerning enforcement and compliance of the State Health Order relating to the coronavirus pandemic issued by Gov. Kay Ivey and State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris.

“Beginning today, the Alabama Attorney General’s Office has assembled response teams dedicated to answering questions of a legal nature from local law enforcement, city and county officials, business owners and management, employees and the general public about how to comply with the State Health Order concerning the coronavirus pandemic,” Attorney General Marshall said.

Marshall “(Alabama’s) stay-athome order, as well as additional local health orders, have raised questions about local enforcement and compliance. My office has established a dedicated toll-free phone line to take questions during business hours so that officials, businesses and the public have access to authoritative information.”

Those with questions may call 1-800-2328520 and select from five response teams depending on the nature of your inquiry. The choices include: Law Enforcement Response Team, Local and County Officials Re-

sponse Team, Consumer Response Team, Business Response Team and General Constituent Response Team.

None of the guidance is intended to constitute private legal advice, rather, it is offered to assist officials and the public with reaching a timely resolution to their issues, if possible. We hope this service will be of assistance to state residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Consumers with complaints about price gouging and or fraud related to the COVID-19 pandemic are still encouraged to file their complaints using a special link on the Attorney General’s website: https://www.alabamaag. gov/consumercomplaint.

The Attorney General’s website also contains recent COVID-19 related guidance to law enforcement and business. You can access the Attorney General’s website by visiting https://www. alabamaag.gov/.

B9 April 15, 2020

Marshall issues statement on Hubbard’s conviction Special to the Opelika Observer

Attorney General Steve Marshall issued the following statement Friday in response to the Alabama Supreme Court’s decision to uphold six counts of former Speaker Mike Hubbard’s conviction.

“Today, the Alabama Supreme Court delivered its opinion in the case of former speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives, Mike Hubbard,” Attorney General Marshall said. “The court’s decision reflects what we have argued from the beginning: Mike Hubbard’s actions were corrupt and betrayed the public trust. It is well past time for Mike Hubbard

to serve the time he has so richly earned.

“While I am pleased that the Supreme Court agreed that former Speaker Hubbard broke the law and will be held accountable for his abuse of power, I am also disappointed in the court’s interpretation of Alabama’s ethics law concerning the definition of a principal.

While I can live with the court’s insistence on a clearer definition of principal, going forward, that definition must also be strong.

“This case was not just a trial of former Speaker Hubbard’s misconduct, but also a test of our ethics law. Mr. Hubbard campaigned in 2010 on the mes-

sage that Alabama ‘sorely needed’ a stronger ethics law. As a state, we must now ask ourselves a serious question: Do we want the type of behavior that Hubbard got away with to be illegal?

If the answer is yes, then legislative action is again sorely needed and we must commit to strengthening our ethics law,” Marshall concluded.

Attorney General Marshall commended members of his staff, including Solicitor General Edmund LaCour, Assistant Attorney General Kyle Beckman, Deputy Attorney General James Houts, and many others whose hard work over many years made this victory possible.

Eighty-five days left to apply for absentee ballots Special to the Opelika Observer Ahead of Alabama’s July 14 Primary Runoff Election, Secretary of State John Merrill reminds voters that there are 85 days left to apply for an absentee ballot.

In order to protect the safety and well-being of our voters, Secretary Merrill encourages those who are concerned about

Flowers, from B7 who both worked in the George W. Bush White House.

Mike Cason continues to be the premier

contracting or spreading the coronavirus to apply for and cast an absentee ballot.

Absentee ballot applications can be downloaded online at https:// www.sos.alabama.gov/ alabama-votes/voter/absentee-voting or requested by visiting or calling the local Absentee Election Manager’s office.

Voters may also contact the Secretary of State’s political reporter in the state. The veteran follower of Alabama politics is concise and factual. You can take what he writes to the bank. He has taken the throne left by Phil Rawls as the best-on-the-block.

He is also a good writer.

Market, from B8

LCC, from B7

up location will be at the Harris Center (425 Perry St.) on April 25 from 8 to 11:30 a.m.

Anyone picking up an order should enter the parking lot from East Drake Avenue and pull under the awning in front of the Harris Center. Customers should open their trunk in order for the market coordinator to load orders into the vehicle.

Please stay in your car at all times and exit on Perry Street.

For more information, contact Market Coordinator Sarah Cook at scook@auburnalabama.org. For upto-date information, follow the City Market Facebook page @CityMarketAuburnAL.

night using Zoom.

The meeting was also livestreamed via Facebook and the community also had the option to call in to listen. Citizens that wished to address the commission had the opportunity to be scheduled to speak during the virtual event.

During the meeting, the commissioners voted to approve a request from County Administrator Roger Rendleman to implement a supplemental pay schedule for those county employees that are being required to come into their county offices or work places during the COVID-19

Office at 334-242-7210 to request an absentee ballot application.

Because of the de-

clared states of emergency, any qualified voter who determines it is impossible or unreasonable to vote at their polling place shall be eligible to check the box on the absentee ballot application that is most applicable to that individual. In the case none of the boxes are appropriate, voters can check the box which reads as follows: “I have a physical ill-

ness or infirmity which prevents my attendance at the polls. [ID REQUIRED]” For the Primary Runoff Election, the deadline to register to vote is June 29, the deadline to submit an absentee ballot application is July 9, the deadline to return an absentee ballot to the Absentee Election Manager is the close of business July 13 and the last day

to postmark an absentee ballot is July 13.

Voters who are eligible to vote pursuant to the Uniformed and Overseas Absentee Voting Act will have until July 14 to postmark an absentee ballot.

To learn more about testing locations and options related to the coronavirus, call 1-888264-2256 or visit CDC. gov.

Joe Reed’s day as the King of the Democratic Party is over. A new, young group of outstanding leaders have taken the state Democratic Party away from him. His Alabama Democratic Conference took a terrible beating in

the recent Democratic Presidential Primary in the state. Reed went out on a limb and endorsed Michael Bloomberg.

Joe Biden gave him a good old-fashioned whipping in Alabama.

Bloomberg only got 12 percent of the vote in the

state.

Former Gov. Don Siegelman has a new book out, Stealing Our Democracy. It is a memoir that reveals how the political assassination of a governor threatens our nation.

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.

Merrill

pandemic. The additional pay will be paid based on 8, 10 or 12 hour shifts that are completed. For every eight-hour shift completed, these workers will receive an added $12, for a 10-hour shift the additional amount is $15 and 12-hour shifts will be compensated at a rate of $18.

Rendleman also notified the commission that the county has received $1.345 million in federal reimbursements for expenditures made during the March 2019 tornado clean-up efforts.

The commission voted to approved Rendleman’s recommendations to allocate $600,000 to a COVID-19 recovery fund to cover the cost of the supplemental pay previously

mentioned and to help cover the cost that EMA has incurred. The remaining $745,000 will be allocated to general projects.

Commissioner Johnny Lawrence offered his thanks to those involved in the recovery of those funds.

“It is extraordinary that we have been able to get this money back as quickly as we did, and also to have recovered many of the dollars that we spent. Kudos to the EMA staff, Mr. Hardee’s staff and Mr. Rendleman’s staff for making sure that they chased all those documents to make sure that we got paid in a timely way and to get back the dollars we were due.

Thank each of you for all those efforts,”

Lawrence said.

In other business, the commission voted to: - ratify and approve claims and various procurement transactions from March - approved the preliminary plat for the Hall Tree Home Sites Subdivision. According the plans, approximately 40 acres will be subdivided into 12 lots of sizes ranging from 1.5 to 5 acres.

Lee County resident Linda Kerr lives near the proposed development and voiced her concerns about the likelihood of increased noise, traffic, the potential for increased crime and other problems via a phone call.

Commissioner Sheila Eckman addressed her concerns and stated that there is nothing in the law

that offers protections from those concerns.

There is nothing in the law or regulations would address Kerr’s specific concerns or that would prohibit a new subdivision from being developed as long as the plat meets the county regulations according to County Engineer Justin Hardee.

Following the adjournment of the official meeting, Chairman Judge Bill English presented a slide presentation detailing statistics of Lee County’s COVID-19 cases.

A recording of the meeting and the slide presentation can be found online at the county’s website www.leeco.us.

The next Lee County Commission meeting is scheduled for April 27 at 5 p.m.

B10 April 15, 2020

pelika O Observer

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Play online at www.opelikaobserver.com/puzzles/

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B11 April 15, 2020

Incentives matter

By Zach Alsobrook Special to the Opelika Observer

I

ncentives matter.

To understand human behavior, there is no greater truth.

When a choice becomes more costly, people will be less likely to choose this option. At the same time, when benefits derived from a choice increase, people are more likely to choose it.

This most basic economic postulate can explain almost anything about human behavior if all natural incentives are studied and understood.

We make our daily choices at the margins of the benefits and costs before us. Almost all decisions in a private free market involve small additions or subtractions from current economic conditions. We generally try to avoid “all or nothing” strategies.

In a perfect world, government policy would similarly make decisions at the costbenefit margin.

Government, however, does not operate with the same incentives as the private sector.

Governments tend to stress short-term benefits of a policy while ignoring the longer term consequences.

The COVID-19 epidemic is highlighting this tendency.

To be certain, government is comprised

of people and people act upon incentive. The first natural incentive for our elected government officials is to be re-elected. The second natural incentive is to increase the power of their office.

It follows then that in times of crisis, government tends to overcompensate for risk.

This happens because in times of crisis, people become afraid.

Fear grants politicians capital to accomplish the second incentive because the emotional winds of the moment means the first incentive is secure. As such, when new found risk presents itself, government will almost always act because that is what we expect when we feel powerless and afraid.

Historically, fear has always been the greatest factor in the increase of governmental power. Fear drove Germans to follow a murderous mad man to total destruction. Fear maintained Communist control of the Soviet Union throughout the majority of the 20th century. Fear justified the rapid expansion of our Federal Administrative State in the 1930s.

This does not mean that fear is never justified. COVID-19 is certainly a crisis that justifies some level of fear. COVID-19, as of this writing, has already taken 18,000plus lives in the United

States and 60 in the state of Alabama. Our local doctors and health care workers are under a level of stress that they have never experienced in their careers.

Every single life taken is a painful loss to a family. Every life lost matters.

This virus, as its name implies, is novel.

This means our medical professionals lack the necessary information so that we can best weigh the costs and benefits of what government action is needed. Important information such as transmissibility, mortality rate, degree of criticality, and treatment remain to this day unknown. Exacerbating this feeling of uncertainty has been the news media. Fox News Channel and CNN have had their highest ratings in their respective companies’ history over the past month.

Bad news sells. Fear sells.

In turn, this persistent news coverage has influenced politicians to act irrationally. We all heard the apocalyptic notion from both the media and our officials that if we do not abide by absolute social distancing by staying at home then we will all be complicit in the death of millions.

Incentives matter.

We must also understand the incentive of our medical professionals. Their natural incentive is to save

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lives and to limit the stress of their medical centers. Doctors, infectious disease specialists, epidemiologists, all know more about diseases, their courses, their patterns and so on than the rest of us.

We would be ignorant to ignore their advice during this crisis.

With COVID-19, we must remember that limited and imperfect testing means that available statistics vary and can be misleading. To the extent that COVID-19’s characteristics are unique, no one knows exactly what will happen. This is also what makes our current shelter in place orders all the less compelling. This is what makes our sudden loss of individual freedom and liberty all the more shocking.

Our government, on the federal and state levels, have issued policy based on models estimating deaths and medical needs. These models have been wrong. On April 2, the official model being followed by the White House estimated between 100,000 and 240,000 deaths to COVID-19 in the United States “assuming full social distancing through May 2020.” In Alabama, the following day, Governor Ivey issued our Shelter-in-Place Order. Admittedly, this second major directive did almost nothing substantively different from her Order one week before. But she calmed the voices in panic by joining all of See Alsobrook, page B12

ALGOP Chairman issues statement on Sen. Jones's MSNBC appearance Alabama Republican Party Chairman Terry Lathan issued the following statement in response to Senator Jones's appearance on MSNBC:

Special to the Opelika Observer "During these unprecedented threatening times in our state and nation, Senator Doug Jones chose to go on MSNBC to attack Republicans for introducing a bill that would help small business owners who are negatively impacted by the Coronavirus epidemic – some who will permanently lose their entire livelihood for their families. He called the Senate bill 'a political stunt'.

"Senator Jones, this is not a 'political stunt'. This 'thing' – as you called it – is relief for our people who are suffering

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from the negative economic impact this crisis is having on our state and nation.

They need it fast and they need it now.

"It's time for Senator Jones to join in President Trump's 'Whole of America' response to the pandemic – with everyone working together – instead of being Chuck Schumer's partisan knee jerk messenger on liberal MSNBC. “His use of time on MSNBC instead of working on this problem is the perfect example of a 'political stunt.’”

Terry Lathan Chairman, Alabama Republican Party

Recreation Center (including playground and picnic tables with grills), Denson Drive Recreation Center (including outdoor green space), Bandy Park (including ballfields, basketball courts and picnic areas), Floral Park (including softball fields, picnic area and dog park), Miles Thomas Field, Municipal Park (including playgrounds and picnic areas), Moore Stadium, Ray Ward Park, Shady Park, West Ridge Park (including ballfields, playgrounds, picnic areas and walking trails), Wood Duck Heritage Siddique Nature Park, Stern Park (including dog park) and Springvilla Park (except Springvilla Campground which shall remain open).

For more information, contact Community Relations Officer Leigh G. Krehling at 334-705-5136.

pelika O Observer

B12 April 15, 2020

Auburn Water Works Board extends grace period through April 30 Special to the Opelika Observer The Water Works Board of the City of Auburn will continue waiving late fees or delinquent account fees through April 30.

The board will not disrupt services for late payments during

Alsobrook, from B11 the other Governors that had issued such edicts.

On April 5, the same model decreased to between 80,000 and

this period.

If a customer is unable to pay their bill, the AWWB will not disrupt services for late payments and will not charge late fees or delinquent account fees. These temporary procedures are in place until April 30, and will be evaluated at that time

94,000.

On April 8, the estimated deaths had decreased to 60,000.

Naturally, government officials began praising their swift mandates and our private efforts at social distancing for the dramatically decreasing

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer numbers. One glaring problem exists with this narrative: the April 2 model specifically assumed “full social distancing.”

The only explanation for the dramatic change in the estimated death rate is the original

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models were grossly inaccurate. Similarly, the estimates for needed hospital beds, ICU space and ventilators were just as unacceptably overestimated.

Certainly models change when new information comes about.

The question remains, should we be coercively shut down by our government while it quite literally knows nothing?

The tragic number of deaths now estimated

by COVID-19 will pale in comparison to the tragic damage our government’s shelter orders are doing to our economy. To date, more than 16 million people have filed for unemployment. Many other jobs have furloughed en masse. Far more than 16 million are becoming dependent on the federal government to survive.

Perhaps just as depressing has been the loss of human affection and interaction. The very sight of people pouring into grocery stores avoiding every person like the enemy.

Neighbors calling authorities if they see too many children playing together outside. Human affection, interaction and common decency have been wholly abdicated by fear and unlawful governmental edicts issued for a virus that is now expected to cause fewer deaths than the seasonal flu caused in 2018.

It is our duty and our calling to understand the incentives around us as we process what we are living through.

We, the free people of Alabama, are more than capable of knowing how to live in freedom even during perilous times.

At the Financial Times, Yuval Noah Harari writes, “When people are told the scientific facts, and when people trust public authorities

to determine if an additional grace period is needed.

All inquiries may be made by calling the Utility Billing Office at 334-5013050 or by emailing serviceorders@ auburnalabama.org.

The AWWB has two drive-thru lanes to accommodate cus-

tomer needs.

Operating hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Customers can request changes to an account, pay a bill, check an account balance and view transaction history by visiting ubservices. auburnalabama.org.

to tell them these facts, citizens can do the right thing … a self-motivated and well-informed population is usually far more powerful and effective than a policed, ignorant population.”

This crisis has presented an opportunity for our elected officials to demonstrate their true character and willingness to fight for our liberties and freedoms.

It is their duty to immediately and steadfastly study the ever-moving data and act immediately to free our economy.

This economic crisis is entirely of a government mandate. A mandate based on faulty models and emotional cries from a people that has been driven to hysteria by the persistent negative news coverage.

We must remember that incentives matter and we must remember that liberty and freedom can have no greater priority if we want to truly remain free.

As COVID-19 surfaced here, some of the private sector voluntarily closed operations to protect the public health. Others quickly followed suit as a result of CDC and other public health expert advice. To alleviate the sudden shock to our medical system and its supply chain, private enterprise has mobilized en masse to overfill the gap between production and demand.

As free enterprise mitigates the public health risks of the virus, government should use this opportunity to learn that the best path forward is to provide leadership and guidance rather than coercion.

Economic depressions cause death. The number of suicides from 2008-2010 were higher than the previous 10 years combined in the United States. The

trade-off then is not just between the number of COVID-19 deaths and our economy. It is a trade-off with the number of lives lost due to governmental policy in “curing” COVID-19.

We are in uncharted territories. We must understand, as did F.A. Hayek in his masterpiece, The Road to Serfdom, that central planning always fails. It fails because it cannot do what an incentive based free market can do.

It fails because incentives matter.

It fails because freedom and liberty matter.

A parable tells of a rich doctor who went out west in the early twentieth century. This doctor owned a large acreage of land and many horses. One day he purchased a fine black stallion at auction. The horse was a gorgeous beast but had a wild, rebellious spirit.

The doctor decided he was going to break the horse himself, even though he lacked knowledge in horse training.

The first thing he did was separate the horse from the other horses into a small corral where the horse could not see others of his kind. He did not let the horse out of this small corral at all unless he did exactly as he, the doctor, ordered. Then he cut its water and feed ration so drastically that the horse almost starved. The doctor slowly increased the horse’s ration as he began to obey. Eventually he allowed the stallion out of its solitary confinement to join the other horses.

The doctor broke the horse’s rebellious spirit, and it became completely willing to do whatever the doctor demanded.

This week’s puzzle answers: