Vol. 14, No. 28
Thursday April 21, 2022
Opelika, Alabama
FARRIS BONDURANT
Covering Lee County, Alabama
An award-winning publication created 'For local people, by local people.'
166 N Gay Street, Suite 12, Auburn, AL 36830 334-821-5050
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CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF AUBURN
AUBURN – Congressman Mike Rogers visited with
Auburn city officials this week following the recent approval of a $3 million federal appropriation that will fund an expansion of the Auburn Center for
Developing Industries (ACDI). Rogers requested the funding on behalf of East Alabama communities, and Congress approved it on March 15
Opelika Main Street to Launch Retail Incubator, Downtown Resource Center CONTRIBUTED BY OPELIKA MAIN STREET
OPELIKA – Opelika Main Street has begun construction on a downtown retail incubator and resource center in the former Heritage Gifts and Gourmet building. The building, located at 108 S. 8th St., was constructed in 1920 and has had many uses over the years including being home to a pet store and book shop. Over the next several months the property will undergo an over $200,000 renovation and restoration. Utilizing the demising wall concept, the front half of the property will be home to the retail incubator and the back half will include: the Opelika
Main Street office, a multipurpose meeting space and public restrooms that will be open during normal business hours and during downtown events. In addition to the retail and office space, the renovation will also include the restoration of the building’s historic ceiling along with front and back facade enhancements. “This new property will be a game changer for downtown Ope-
lika,” said Opelika Main Street Executive Director Ken Ward. “The new Downtown Resource Center will provide a quality start up space for new downtown businesses while also serving as an example for how downtown buildings can have multiple uses.” The project is set to be completed in the fall. ABOUT OPELIKA MAIN STREET: Founded in 1987, Opelika Main Street has helped assist in the growth of historic downtown Opelika through facade grants, beatification projects, small business assistance efforts and various community events. Learn more about Opelika Main Street by going to opelikamainstreet.org.
RE-ELECT
Richard LaGrand Sr. for District 5 Commissioner
on May 24
2900 WATSON ST., OPELIKA, AL, 36801
EAMC Listed Among Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals for 2022 PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
Auburn Receives $3M in Federal Funding to Expand ACDI Complex
as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act. “I am proud to have fought for $3 million in funding for the Auburn
CONTRIBUTED BY EAH
OPELIKA – Newsweek released its list of The World’s Best Hospitals for 2022 and East Alabama Medical Center (EAMC) was one of just three Alabama hospitals to make the list — the other two were UAB and Fayette Medical Center, which is part of the DCH system. The list is derived from the evaluation of hospitals in three key areas: recommendation from peers,
See AUBURN, page A3
patient experience and key performance indicators. Peer recommendations were taken from results of a survey of doctors and other health care professionals. Patient experience data looked at patient survey topics such as overall satisfaction, likelihood to recommend the hospital to others and satisfaction with quality of care and service. Key performance indicator data reviewed included quality of care and patient See EAMC, page A5
Opelika Power Services, AMEA Announce 2022 Scholarship Winners CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF OPELIKA
OPELIKA – Opelika Power Services and the Alabama Municipal Electric Authority (AMEA) are pleased to announce the local winners of the 2022 AMEA Scholarship. Each year, AMEA helps 40 high school seniors across the state who plan to enroll in a fouryear college/university, community college and/ or vocational school in Alabama. Each of the 40 scholarship recipients will receive a $2,500 scholarship for a total of $100,000 awarded in this year’s program. AMEA received 156 scholarship applications in the 2022 program. “I truly appreciate AMEA for supporting our local students," said Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller." This scholarship will take some financial pressure off
of students and parents, and be an added incentive for these students to continue their good work. We are proud of each student for achieving academic success and wish them the best of luck." This year’s AMEA Academic Scholarship recipients from Opelika include: • Hannah Grace Blackstock, Trinity Christian School, Opelika • Georgia Lorainne Duncan, Trinity Christian School, Opelika • Kerry Louisa Nell, Trinity Christian School, Opelika • Orah Makai Preston, Opelika High School, Opelika. Since 1992, AMEA and its members have provided over $3 million in scholarships to the graduating high school seniors who receive their electric service from AMEA Members. To be eligible for the AMEA scholarships,
Keep Progress Moving Lee County
Your VOTE is important. Paid for by Friends of Richard LaGrand Sr.
a student’s family must receive electric service from an AMEA Member city electric utility and the student must attend an Alabama college/university or vocational school. “We take our role as a good corporate citizen seriously,” said Fred D. Clark, Jr., AMEA president & CEO. “That’s why we, along with our members, support education initiatives, like the AMEA Scholarship Program, that contribute to making our state economically competitive. We congratulate this year’s scholarship winners.” AMEA, a joint action agency formed in 1981, is the wholesale power provider for 11 public power utilities in Alabama, which serve approximately 350,000 customers in the cities of Alexander City, Dothan, Fairhope, Foley, LaFayette, Lanett, Luverne, Opelika, Piedmont, Sylacauga and Tuskegee.
CONTENTS
OPINION ..................... A4 ENTERTAINMENT ........... A7 RELIGION ................... A14 OBITUARIES ............... A15 COMICS ....................... A16 SPORTS ........................ B1 POLITICS ...................... B9 CLASSIFIEDS ................ B10 PUBLIC NOTICES ........... B13 PUZZLES ..................... B15
A2 April 21, 2022
Opelika Celebrates Month of the Military Child With #PURPLEUPDAY
CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF OPELIKA
OPELIKA – On Tuesday, April 19, 2022, the city of Opelika is wearing purple to celebrate the Month of the Military Child (MOMC). The month of April is set aside to show appreciation for military children in the United States, officially known as the Month of the Military Child. The city of Opelika is a strong supporter of all branches of the military including all of
with various companies and organizations within the City of Opelika. Several months ago, Opelika was awarded approval to become part of a bigger program called Career Skills Program from the U.S. Department of the Army. Opelika is the first in the region to offer this amazing opportunity to our veterans. To learn more about Month of the Military Child, visit https://www. militarychild.org/about/ mission-vision.
social media platforms using #PurpleUp. “I hope everyone in Opelika takes part in this day to honor these wonderful children who are a part of the amazing families that serve our country,” said Mayor Gary Fuller. “We also support military service members and their families through our Career Path Internship Program.” The Career Path Internships (CPI) Program provides soldiers a direct pathway to internships
the selfless family members left at home while loved ones are serving our country around the world. Opelika did two things to celebrate MOMC as a community this past Tuesday, April 19. The city wants all citizens and employees to wear purple to support MOMC. The color purple is chosen for MOMC because it is the combination of all the colors of the military service branches. Opelika is also encouraging everyone to post MOMC graphics and logos on all
CWJC Holds Graduation Ceremony for Spring Session LEE COUNTY After eight weeks of classes, from Communications to Health and Wholeness to Career Direction and many others, five local women were pinned as graduates of the Christian Women’s Job Corps of Lee County: Hyunji Ahn, Yoonhee Jung, Dong Hwa Kang, Yunyui Kang, and Yuhwa Kim. This spring, CWJC began a partnership with Lakeview Baptist Church in Auburn for weekly classes in Conversational English. During the ceremony held in the Chapel at Auburn United Methodist Church, graduates gave their speeches on their experiences during the session and what
they will carry into their lives. These excerpts reveal how impactful their time in the spring session was. “Every morning, I look forward to CWJC because it makes my day,” one graduate said. “Through this program, I learned so much and recovered my confidence. I am thankful to God for giving me every day that I can come here.” “Through the class on Living from the Inside Out, I discovered my association with God was broken,” another graduate said. “I will always think about forgiveness, gratitude and loving and accepting myself.” “I made my resume for the first time in America,” one graduate proudly said. “The most challenging
class for me was Sell me Something,” a graduate said. “I gave a persuasive speech to the class. I got a great sense of achievement when I finished. Communications class helps me listen carefully and speak politely. “Living from the Inside Out Class taught me how to live as a Child of God. Quiet Time every morning and Bible Study each Tuesday were precious time to make the day more worthwhile. Teachers taught us with passion patience, and kindness. You can’t do this without love.” For more information on becoming a participant or volunteer, contact neeley@ cwjclc.com or 334-8210591. Fall Session starts in September.
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
Pictured from bottom row to top row: Dong Hwa Kang, Hyunji Ahn, Yoonhee Jung, Yuhwa Kim, Yunyui Kang.
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A3 April 21, 2022
Number of Unemployed Hits New Record Low
CONTRIBUTED BY THE OFFICE OF GOV. KAY IVEY
ALABAMA — Gov. Kay Ivey announced last week that Alabama’s preliminary, seasonally adjusted March unemployment rate is 2.9%, down from February’s rate of 3.0% and below March 2021’s rate of 3.7%. This unemployment rate ties the all-time record low unemployment rate previously registered in September 2019. “Alabama has been on a roll as our folks have been eager to get to work, and the fact that we have once again hit our record low unemployment rate is proof positive of that,” Ivey said. “We are not relenting our efforts, and I am confident Alabama will continue powering in the right direction because of our hardworking men and women. Truly, the best is yet to come.” March’s rate represents 65,485 unemployed persons, the lowest ever on record, compared to 68,663 in February and 82,443 in March 2021. “At no point in Alabama’s history have we recorded fewer people as unemployed,” said Alabama Department of Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington. “Alabamians are working, businesses are hiring and we are getting back to normal with every passing month.” The civilian labor force increased by 9,901 over the month to 2,270,463. The number
AUBURN >>
FROM A1
Center for Developing Industries,” Rogers said. “It is critical that Alabama businesses have all the tools they need to thrive. I am honored to continue my fight to create more job opportunities across Alabama’s Third Congressional District.” ACDI currently provides startups with incubator space and houses the Advanced Manufacturing Training Center, which helps develop the skills of Auburn’s existing industries. In the same facility, the city collaborates with Auburn University’s Interdisciplinary Center for Advanced Manufacturing Systems (ICAMS). This
funding will help expand the center’s training capabilities by adding classroom training and conference room space called the ACDI Business Center. “This new addition will help strengthen and equip Auburn’s workforce, allowing Auburn to better compete in the global market,” said Auburn City Manager Megan McGowen Crouch. “This greatly needed expansion will give us another tool to prepare our industries for technological changes and will help us recruit value-added, technology-based industries to our community going forward.” The new space will be a comprehensive center for business innovation
CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
LEE COUNTY Pythoge LLC was a finalist in the category of Custom Home $500,000 to $1 Million at the 2022 Alabama Remodeling Excellence Awards. The Alabama Remodeling Excellence Awards are presented annually to remodelers, contractors, designers and other building professionals who exhibited outstanding craftsmanship and attention to detail
in projects throughout Alabama. Pythoge’s featured home, a beautifully crafted farmhouse located within Annalue Ridge in Auburn, showcased custom finishes such as rough-sawn cedar beams, bronzewrapped cabinetry accents and imported Italian appliances. Photos of the winning project may be viewed at www. annalueridge.com. Pythoge LLC is an award-winning, local
construction firm that specializes in home renovations and custom, new construction homes within Auburn, Opelika and surrounding areas. For more information on Pythoge LLC, contact Chris Taylor at 334-
750-5271 or visit www. pythoge.com. For details on the custom homes of Annalue Ridge and remaining lots, contact Haley Zeigler with The Talons Group at 334707-2117. PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
IVEY
of people counted as employed rose by 36,734 over the year to 2,204,978. Over the year, wage and salary employment increased 40,100, with gains in the trade, transportation, and utilities sector (+11,900), the leisure and hospitality sector (+10,500) and the construction sector (+4,500), among others. Wage and salary employment increased in March by 3,800. Monthly gains were seen in the government sector (+2,500), the construction sector (+2,200) and the leisure and hospitality sector (+2,200), among others. “We are continuing to see healthy job growth, with more than 40,000 jobs gained since last year,” Washington said. “Wages in several sectors saw growth again this month, and two sectors reached an even higher record since last month.” The construction sector and the professional and business services sector once again attained new record high weekly wages, with yearly increases of $104.19 and $124.52, respectively. Counties with the lowest unemployment rates are: Shelby County at 1.7%, Cullman County at 1.8% and Morgan, Marshall and Limestone Counties at 1.9%. Counties with the highest unemployment rates are: Wilcox County at 8.8%, Lowndes County at 6.5% and Perry County at 6.3%. Major cities with the lowest unemployment rates are: Alabaster and Vestavia Hills at 1.4%, Homewood at 1.5% and Hoover and Trussville at 1.6%. Major cities with the highest unemployment rates are: Selma at 6.9%, Prichard at 5.0% and Anniston at 4.7%.
Lee County Builder Honored With State Award
4th Annual “Opelika Giving Day” Now Accepting Applications CONTRIBUTED BY CFEA
OPELIKA – The Community Foundation of East Alabama announced that it is accepting applications from nonprofits serving Opelika for its 4th Annual “Opelika Giving Day,” scheduled for June 15. Opelika Giving Day is a 24-hour online fundraising challenge that provides an easy and exciting way for people to support their local nonprofits serving Opelika. Since its inception, Opelika Giving Day has helped raise over $125,000 for more than 25 nonprofits serving Opelika. “Opelika Giving Day is a way to support special projects within our community giving everyone an opportunity to contribute to their favorite nonprofit project, or possibly multiple projects, that impact Opelika," said President Barbara Patton.
“Individuals, companies and organizations are all invited to participate in this special day of giving.” To fill out your application for Opelika Giving Day visit: www.opelikagivingday.org or email info@opelikagivingday.org. Applications are due May 11 and the selections will be made the following day. On average, 10 nonprofit organizations that service the Opelika area are selected based on the strength and scope of their applications. Each nonprofit must commit to designating a nonprofit
project contact to lead its social media campaign, participate in training sessions and build engagement with their prospective donors leading up to the day of Opelika Giving Day. Spotlight your nonprofit project this year and raise funds to make it a reality. This year the 24-hour period will begin on noon June 15 and run through noon on June 16. ABOUT THE CFEA The Community Foundation of East Alabama was incorporated in 2007 as a 501 (c ) (3) tax-exempt
organization. As a local center for philanthropy, the Community Foundation works with individuals, families, corporations, private foundations and nonprofit organizations to help them carry out their charitable objectives and address emerging community issues. Donors to the Community Foundation also benefit from the Foundation’s combined assets which greatly reduce investment and administrative fees. Our five-county region includes Lee, Chambers, Macon, Russell and Tallapoosa Counties.
and training in areas greatly needed by our pioneering startups and industry partners. The new facility will create space for collaboration and training between technology providers, industries and academia. Some of the focus areas will include multi-axis machining, industrial automation, digitalization of manufacturing processes, metrology as well as tool and die. The center will also serve as an education tool to teach students about advanced manufacturing and provide pre-graduation job training. “I know I can speak for our Economic Development staff in thanking Congressman Rogers for championing this cause and for everything he
does for Auburn and East Alabama,” said Auburn Mayor Ron Anders. “Each congressperson has limited opportunities to influence such funding, especially of this significance. We appreciate Congressman Rogers’ support of all we do in collaboration with Auburn University to support industries and modern jobs in our community.” ACDI has long served the Auburn community as a space to help fledgling companies grow and provide support for Auburn industries. The center is a partnership between the city of Auburn and its Industrial Development Board. It provides space and programming to collaborate with Auburn University,
the Alabama Technology Network, Alabama Industrial Development
Training and Southern Union State Community College.
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A4 April 21, 2022
Ghost
SEAN DIETRICH
I
thought I saw you today. I was walking through a crowded place. A Trader Joe’s, if you can imagine. You bumped into my shoulder. Then you walked past me. It was you. I was momentarily stunned. I thought to myself, “Hey, that looked like my…” But no. It couldn’t be. There’s no way. So I followed you through the store. I pushed my buggy around, skulking behind aisles, pretending to read labels on ridiculous products that no sane person would ever buy. Such as a package of gluten-free barbecueflavored seaweed.
I stole glimpses of you. I peeked around corners. I stalked. And well, you turned out to be — big surprise — someone else. As it happened, you were just some random shopper filling their cart with cheap wine and obscene quantities of cheese. When you walked past me again, I felt like a Grade-A fool when I said, “Hi.” The person who looked like you sort of glared at me like I was Kathy Bates from the 1990 movie “Misery.” Writing this now, I know I was foolish to follow some poor sap around a supermarket like an Amway
representative. But sometimes you can’t help yourself. Sometimes the memory of the dead is so precious that you’ll do anything to keep it alive. You’ve been dead for a long time. You’re Up There. I’m down here. And I still grieve you, although you’ve probably forgotten all about me. I wouldn’t blame you for forgetting me. Life on earth isn’t nearly as memorable as what you’re doing. You’re probably happily taking in the sights, playing bingo at Heaven’s Community Center, drinking fruity drinks festooned with ginormous chunks of pineapple, umbrellas and live parrots. You’re attending huge potlucks beside the River of Life, making new friends, eating potato salad alongside Henry Ford, Don Knotts, Abraham Lincoln, Bud Abbot, Lou Costello, Hank Aaron and Mickey Mantle. But I still think of you. And whenever I replay our memories, I’m still a child who speaks with a high-pitched voice,
who is afraid of the dark and who occasionally, but not very often, pees the bed. My memories are like home movies. In my movies, you’re still beautiful. One time, I thought I heard you call my name. Isn’t that silly? I actually thought I heard your voice in a public park when I was walking my dogs. I just knew it was you because your voice had that familiar lilt. I remember your voice. It used to have this “I never met a stranger” tonality to it. Which is probably why everyone at your funeral sincerely believed they were your best friend. You made them feel that way with your voice. So anyway, I looked around the entire Avondale park for you. High and low. But I never found the familiar voice. I finally gave up and sat on a bench beside the sculpture of an elephant and I felt pretty stupid. I watched a dad play baseball with his son. I watched a mother and her daughter feed mallards,
tossing smooshed pieces of Colonial bread into a pond. I watched two young parents teach their son to ride a bike without training wheels. After the boy fell onto the sidewalk and split his eyebrow open, his mother helpfully rushed to her son and, in a moment of pure maternal love, videoed the whole thing on her iPhone. And I thought about our lives together. I thought about how our paths intersected briefly, here in the medium of time and space. And I realize how little I knew about you. In the great scheme of existence, within the scope of history, nobody really knows each other. Not fully. We don’t have enough time to know one another entirely. We’re like fireflies who spend one amazing summer together, and then, poof, it’s all over. Moreover, the older I get, the more I realize that I am forgetting even what I did know. I forget the way your hair smelled. I forget the way you’d politely laugh
Won't You Be My Neighbor
WENDY HODGE
T
his morning, around 3:30 a.m., when I could not sleep and found myself standing in the kitchen reading a magazine by the glow of the light above the stove, I heard a mournful cry. Drifting on the wind that had brought in yet another rainstorm, came the sound many farmers would call a lullabye… the sound of at least a dozen cows mooing at the moon. Can you imagine that?
Cows talking to each other right here in the middle of town. There is a farm one block away where the cows live. The humans dwell in a huge house with a wraparound porch and a hay bale at the entrance of the driveway which sports a sign that changes with the seasons — an Easter egg this time of year, the American flag during July, and a proud orange and blue War Eagle for the entire football season. Just beyond the farm house and around the curve in the road is a house that sits on top of a hill. I am told this used to be the clubhouse for the original golf course. Apparently long before Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail came to town and Opelika was blessed with our very own Grand National course, these acres in
our neighborhood were THE place to play “the gentleman’s game.” This home now is owned by a very gracious couple who put up welcome signs with an arrow pointing straight up their circular driveway every year at this time, inviting everyone to drive through and see the many dozens of azaleas that bloom on the property. They line the drive like southern belles with their hoop skirts of blooms and sway slightly in the breeze. We have driven through so many times now, just inhaling the scent and taking picture after picture. It’s a delicious assault on the senses, all of this beauty covering those couple of acres like a blanket. Our own house, one block away, sits on what used to be hole seven ... which explains the slope of the ground and the
abundant grass that feels like a carpet beneath our feet. From the backyard, you can hear the babble of a creek that bisects the neighborhood, and trees are everywhere you look. There are young families in the neighborhood and older retired couples. And there are people like us - living somewhere in between grade school car-pooling and the freedom I’ve been told retirement will bring. People have pets and ride bikes and take power walks and afternoon strolls. We all greet each other with friendly waves and remarks on the weather and how our own gardens are doing this year. The man a few houses down from us can often be seen standing in his front yard, his cat on a leash, staring off into the distance. Pondering what, I wonder? Perhaps
waiting for the sound of the cows The neighbors directly behind us happen to be my employers. They are the perfect neighbors always there if we need them, but never nosy or intrusive. They have shared tomato plants that keep us in Sunday morning BLT’s for the entire summer. To the left of us is our “Walmart couple.” They both work at the same Walmart here in town and are often seen with their blue vests on, climbing out of their car at the end of what I can only imagine to be an incredibly stressful day. But they are always smiling and pleasant. Their small dogs, Freddie and Reba, run across the road into our yard every chance they get because they know I cannot resist rubbing their furry bellies.
during conversation with people who told nonfunny jokes. The way you loved black licorice. The way you sang louder than anyone during the national anthem. The way you always answered, “Sir?” after each question because you were 90% deaf in your left ear. The striped shirt you wore on the last night I hugged you. Your reading glasses. The way your chin stubble felt on my face when you kissed me, your son, goodnight. The dead are always alive in your thoughts. You dream of them. You hear them speaking. You feel as though you could touch them. Sometimes you smell them. On a clear night, sometimes you feel them standing behind you. Sometimes you see them in your mind. Or in your heart. Or in your feebly written sentences. Other times you’d swear on your mother’s eyes you saw your father in the grocery store.
On the other side of us is a couple with a full house — a sister and a grown son or two who live on the various levels of the house. They have loaned us sugar, and we have loaned them eggs. Their dogs and ours pretend to hate each other, barking viciously every time they spy each other over the fence. But when no one is looking, they wag their tails at each other and long desperately to jump that fence and hang out like the humans do. Across the street is a single man who keeps vigilant watch on the comings and goings on our street. He isn’t menacing in any way, but he is vigilant. “There was a white car that slowed down in front of your house this morning,” he will report when he and Tim happen to meet at See HODGE, page A5
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A5 April 21, 2022
Cops on Top Raises Money for Special Olympics PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER
First repsonders from Opelika and Auburn got on top of each city's respective Kroger's on Friday to raise money for Lee County Special Olympics. The money raised will provide funding for equipment, traveling supplies, uniforms and other necesecities for the athletes.
EAMC >>
FROM A1
safety. In the announcement, Newsweek’s Global Editor in Chief Nancy Cooper said, “The world’s hospitals have been the front line in medicine’s constantly evolving war against COVID-19 for two years now. According to the experts who helped guide the results of our annual ranking of the World’s Best Hospitals, that has meant learning to
HODGE >>
FROM A4
the mailbox. “Yeah, that was daughter’s friend looking to see if she was here,” Tim will answer. And then they will compare their job woes and the latest basketball game and promise to get together for a beer soon. It is comforting to know we have someone looking out for us. And there’s the neighbor Tim refers to as “2404”... as if
adapt to new and existing challenges quickly and improvising on the fly.” Cooper went on to say, “How do the leading hospitals maintain their top status in the midst of a global pandemic that has turned the medical world upside down? The ability and drive to continually innovate is key — and top talent is at the heart of that.” EAMC President and CEO Laura Grill lauded the hospital’s employees and physicians for this accomplishment.
“While this recognition mentions East Alabama Medical Center, it’s really a tribute to our employees and physicians throughout the organization. The past two years have brought many challenges, but our East Alabama Health family as a whole met each challenge head on, proving to residents in our region the resolve we have to be provide high-quality, compassionate health care — even in a pandemic. I cannot thank our em-
ployees and physicians enough for the sacrifices they’ve made the past two years.” The top five hospitals in the United States were Mayo Clinic-Rochester, Cleveland Clinic, Massachusetts General Hospital, The Johns Hopkins Hospital and UCLA Health — Ronald Reagan Medical Center. In Alabama, UAB Hospital came in at 49, while Fayette Medical Center was #239 and EAMC was #286 (in 2021, EAMC was #331). Of the seven
Georgia hospitals listed, six were in the Atlanta area and the other in Dublin, east of Macon. To see the complete list, visit www.newsweek. com/worlds-best-hospitals-2022/united-states. ABOUT EAH: East Alabama Health encompasses East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, EAMC-Lanier in Valley, the Spencer Cancer Center in Opelika, the Auburn Medical Pavilion and a host of other key medical clinic and practices that help
provide a continuum of care to patients throughout an 11-county area. EAMC is a 340-bed regional referral hospital, while EAMC-Lanier provides inpatient services as well as a nursing home, an acute rehab unit and an ambulatory surgery center. East Alabama Health employs about 3,500 employees and is the second largest employer in the region, trailing only Auburn University. For more information, visit www. eamc.org.
he is an inmate in a prison camp. 2404 is a solitary kind of guy — no visitors, no pets. It is rumored there was a girlfriend once, but she has “disappeared.” Occasionally 2404 will be spotted in the yard, mowing the grass or tending to his lone azalea. He never waves when we wave first, and we have long since given up trying. None of the other neighbors know much about him and don’t seem to particularly
like him. “He’s just not ... neighborly," Mrs. Walmart neighbor said to me once. I don’t mind him, though. He is constant in his lack of concern for the rest of us, and somehow that seems quite reasonable and appropriate, even reassuring. There’s the house on the corner with the politician who just won a local race, and down the street is a lady who used to work at the city library. She was the person to give me my
very first library card, and she gave one to my children too. One street over is a couple who go to the church my parents always attended. They’ve known me and my family for decades, and they wave as they walk their dog several times a day. And there are so many more families in homes on streets radiating out from our spot here on hole seven… folks who live here and love this area and are genuinely kind to each other and to us.
And so, this morning at 3:30 a.m., I listened to the cows and smiled to myself. If I have to be awake at such an unholy hour, I cannot think of a better spot to be standing
in — hole seven/our house where all is safe and well. And ... just maybe ... I heard the ghostly echo of a “Fore!” mixing in with the “moos”....
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The Premier Fine Art and Craft Festival for the Central Alabama Region
AlabamaUnites.com. Join us at this year’s festivities in Downtown Troy, AL!
A6 April 21, 2022
E vents, Food, & SocietyNews
UPCOMING EVENTS: APRIL 21 - 24: TOPGOLF AT JORDAN-HARE STADIUM APRIL 23: BO BIKES BAMA APRIL 23: OLD 280 BOOGIE APRIL 24: BBQ 101 CLASS WITH BUTCHER PAPER BBQ
Trish Toomer Enjoys Cooking At Home, For Coffee Shop
Southern
Hospitality
W
ith a love of cooking, Trish Toomer not only prepares delicious meals for her family but uses her culinary skills to create yummy pastries for Toomer’s Coffee Roasters in Opelika, which she and her husband Sandy own. Three and a half years ago the former missionaries opened their coffee roasting and shop under one roof, roasting low acid coffee beans from around the globe that are shipped to nearly every state in the country. Trish learned to cook from her mother and grandmother, who were
both excellent cooks. Trish’s Grandmother Iva lived in Cabin Creek, West Virginia, which was a coal mining town. She sold hot dogs and homemade chili at lunch time to coal workers. After she moved to Charleston, West Virginia, she managed and cooked in a restaurant nearby in St. Albans. When she was growing up, Trish and her family lived in Hurricane, West Virginia. “My mother was a fabulous cook,” Trish said. “She made delicious roast and potatoes, fried chicken, homemade biscuits
with sausage gravy and other downhome recipes. I have never been able to make fried chicken like my mother.” Her mother always had a hearty Sunday dinner after church, as it was a time everyone in the family gathered together. Her father was a shift worker for Union Carbide in Charleston, West Virginia. Trish’s three older brothers were involved in football and other sports, and they had jobs during summer. Sunday dinner was time for the family to all be together There was always a roast or fried chicken served.
Trish Toomer has a love of cooking like her mother and grandmother. She enjoys cooking for her family and making pastries and biscuits for Toomer’s Coffee Roasters in Opelika, which she and her husband Sandy own. The Toomers enjoy traveling. Trish is pictured enjoying pasta on a trip to Italy.
born. While they were living in Conyers, the Toomers felt God leading them to be missionaries. Growing up, Trish never thought of being a missionary.
“It was just brought to us,” she said. “As you follow the Lord, He leads and that is where He led us.” See CIPPERLY, page A10
Date Set for Standing Rock Fish Fry PHOTO USED WITH PERMISSSION
Sundilla Presents
PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE OBSERVER
Ann Cipperly
Trish remembers many Sundays her mother looked like June Cleaver from “Leave It To Beaver” standing at the stove wearing her church dress and high heels finishing up Sunday dinner. Her mother was known in the family for her pies and cobblers. She made blackberry cobblers using piecrust in a 9 by 13 pan with a piecrust on the top. “My mother loved to cook and care for her family,” Trish said. “I inherited all of that.” Trish met Sandy when she moved to Birmingham in the late 70s for a job in the banking industry. Sandy grew up in Vestavia Hills in Birmingham. He was a student at the University of Alabama when he and Trish met. They married a year later in 1979 before his last semester. After he graduated, they moved to Houston, Texas, in 1980. Trish continued to work in the banking industry. While there, their first child, Harrison, was born. In 1986, they moved to Conyers, Gorgia, where Sarah was
The Randall Bramblett Band
CONTRIBUTED BY SUNDILLA
AUBURN — The Randall Bramblett Band, along with special guests Geezer, will be performing an outdoor Sundilla concert on Friday, April 22. The location is Pebble Hill, 101 S. Debardeleben in Auburn. Geezer, featuring the legendary Wildman Steve, will take the stage at 7 p.m. for an opening set, to be immediately followed by The Randall Bramblett Band. Advance tickets are just $20 and can be found at Spicer’s Music, Ross House Coffee and online at sundillamusic.com; admission at the gate will
be $25. There will be free coffee, tea and water, and The Chill Spot will be on hand selling hot dogs, tacos and frozen treats. Attendees are welcome to bring whatever food or beverage they prefer (But no glass, please.). Some folding chairs will be available, but it is suggested that you bring a chair if you have one. (Collapsible tailgate chairs are perfect for this sort of thing.) “Randall Bramblett at Sundilla has become an every-other-year tradition” said Sundilla organizer Bailey Jones. “But those were always solo shows. A few years ago we had the opportunity
to book Randall and his band, and was no way we could turn it down. Randall playing solo acoustic is a wonderful thing to experience, but the full band experience — electric guitar, drums, keyboards and even Randall on saxophone — was so good that we knew we’d be doing it again. “And adding Geezer to the bill adds another level of excitement; every band that Wildman Steve has been in, such as Blackberry Possum and The Bibb City Ramblers, has always been great, so we’re excited to introduce See SUNDILLA, page A8
The Standing Rock, Alabama Fish Fry & Bake Sale is set for May 14, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. CST at the Standing Rock Community Center on Chambers County Road 278 in downtown Standing Rock. Tickets are $10 and consist of fried catfish fillets, French fries, hush puppies, coleslaw, lemons, pickles and onions. For tickets call 706-333-8559 or 706-5860252. Proceeds benefit the Standing Rock, Alabama Community Center Building Project.
VIDEO GAMES • COMICS • POSTERS ART • ANTIQUES • COINS VINTAGE JEWELRY • TOYS POKEMON • MTG • SPORTS CARDS
221 9th St, Opelika • 334.741.0808
A8 April 21, 2022
Making the Grade: Agave Loco Mexican Grill
R
ecently, our good friend Jack, whom I’ve mentioned many times, adopted Buddy, an adorable mixed breed dog from the Lee County Humane Society. Buddy is approximately four years old, white with freckles and has black ears and eyes. He’s certainly a sweet, lively and welcome addition to Jack’s home. I really admire Jack for giving Buddy a forever home. Also, I give an A+ to the Lee County Humane Society for taking care of homeless pets in our community. Just before Mike and I had the pleasure of meeting Buddy, we met Jack and Thomas at Agave Loco Mexican Grill at 1032 Opelika Road in Auburn. The parking lot had a lot of cars; that’s always a good sign. We jokingly reintroduced ourselves to Thomas since we hadn’t seen him in a long time. As a teacher, Thomas
helpful. As is our custom in Mexican restaurants, Mike and I ordered cheese dip. It was really good. Also, miraculously, I didn’t drip all over myself or our table. Mike was really im-
PHOTOS BY MIKE WALLACE
STACEY PATTON WALLACE
has been very busy with school-related activities. As retired teachers, Mike and I understand completely. William couldn’t join us because he was in Atlanta for the day. Having taken two whole years of Spanish in school, I thought that “Agave Loco” meant “Crazy Cactus.” However, I was only half correct. “Loco” does mean “crazy.” But according to Google (Thank you, Jack.), an “agave” is a “sweet succulent that is related to the lily.” There you go. It’s important to learn something new every day. When we were seated, Jose, our server, came to take our orders. He was very kind, patient and
pressed, too. For his entrée, Mike ordered a carne asada burrito, which was a tender grilled steak and onion burrito, served with pico de gallo and rice. In addition, he ordered more of that delicious cheese dip to pour on it. Remember, you can never have too much cheese. I chose the quesadilla patron, which was a grilled flour tortilla filled with grilled chicken (Diners may choose steak.) cut in four pieces with lettuce, sour cream and pico de gallo on the side. I also added
a side of guacamole dip; it tasted so fresh and homemade. Jack selected enchiladas supremas, which was a supreme combination consisting of one chicken, one bean, one cheese and one beef enchilada, topped with enchilada sauce, lettuce, tomatoes and sour cream. Last, Thomas chose the tacos de carne asada, which were three folded corn tortillas filled with tender sliced beef and served with tomatillo sauce, pico de gallo and beans. Everything was really delicious. Again, silence descended as we consumed mass quantities of cheese, chicken, beef, tortillas, pico de gallo,
AUBURN Worthy2 Advocates for those who have been exploited through sex trafficking or commercial sex so they may reclaim their dignity and self-worth. Its team compassionately guides survivors as they discover freedom from exploitation. Worthy2 is a program that is under the umbrella of Envision Opelika which helps to integrate men, women and children back into safety and help them adjust to a new life when they are rescued from sex trafficking. They provide housing, food, clothes and safety as well as training through continued schooling or help with a career. St. Dun’s Buns is a baking for a donation group using donations to distribute to worthy organizations in our area. The organization may be connected through its Facebook page at St. Dun’s Buns
SUNDILLA >>
FROM A7
people to Geezer.” Bramblett hasn’t been around forever; it only seems that way. In addition to his solo work and his shows with his band, he also was a major
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
St. Duns Buns Donates to WORTHY2
St. Duns Buns of St. Dunstans Episcopal Church in Auburn (136 E. Magnolia Ave.) donated to Worthy2 this month. Worthy2 was represented by founder Katheryn Guthrie (pictured front right).
and orders may be made through the sign-up genius at: www.signupgenius.
com/go/805084dadae2ea5f58-stduns. All proceeds from the donation for baked goods
go toward community outreach through St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church.
part of the seminal jazz-rock group Sea Level, has toured and recorded with The Allman Brothers, Traffic, Levon Helm, Elvin Bishop, Steve Winwood, Govt. Mule, Widespread Panic and more. Rolling Stone calls
Bramblett “One of the South’s most lyrical and literate songwriters.” “Randall is the most talented and prolific songwriter I have the privilege of knowing,” said Bill Berry of REM. “Randall is the most gifted and talented
southern singer-songwriter musicians of the past several decades,” Said Chuck Leavell of The Rolling Stones and The Allman Brothers. And Hittin’ the Note puts it succinctly: “Randall Bramblett is the William Faulkner
sour cream, etc. No wonder Agave Loco had a full parking lot. This restaurant is a DEFINITE do-over. Besides our tasty cheese dip and chips, Agave Loco offers diners a long list of other appetizers, some of which include: fajita nachos, queso fries, nachos supremos with chicken or beef, cheese dip with carne and jalapenos. The restaurant also has an extensive list of beef, pork, chicken and seafood entrees. Desserts offered include churros, fried ice cream, flan and sopapillas. Agave Loco has many delectable dishes for both lunch and dinner. Believe me, you won’t run out of choices
for a very long time. Jack and Buddy, this review was for you. May you have many happy years together. Agave Loco is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Agave Loco Mexican Grill makes the grade with an A+ from this retired English teacher. Remember, “Poohsized” people NEVER lie about food. Enjoy! Stacey Patton Wallace, who retired from teaching language arts for 30 years, is a professional diner. Her column, “Making the Grade,” will appear each week in The Observer. Stacey may be reached at retiredlangartsteacher2020.com
Auburn CityFest 2022: "Totally Excellent 80's" set for April 30
AUBURN — The 21st annual Auburn CityFest will take place Saturday, April 30, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kiesel Park. Local residents, students and community members of all ages are invited to spend the day shopping from more than 100 arts and crafts, food and nonprofit vendors, enjoying live music and participating in a variety of interactive events and performances. This year’s theme is “Totally Excellent '80s” with headlining entertainment provided by Dialed Action Sports Team, which will be showing off its incredible athletic skills with BMX stunts. The Children’s Imagination Station will feature stilt walker Todd Key, the Bama Air Dogs, the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center, Boy Scouts of America, AU Raptor Center and Auburn’s very own Batman. In between these fun appearances, children can enjoy crafts at the ArtFest tent sponsored by Auburn Parks and Recreation. Auburn Therapy and Learning Center will also provide a Sense Tent for people with sensory processing disorders to make Auburn CityFest enjoyable for all guests. CityFest attendees will also have the pleasure of enjoying music from See CITYFEST, page A11 several artists throughout
of Southern music.” The Randall Bramblett Band, with special guests Geezer, will be appearing at Sundilla on Friday, April 22; showtime at Pebble Hill is 7 p.m. Admission at the door will be $25, but $20 tickets are available at Spicer’s
Music, Ross House Coffee and online at www.sundillamusic. com. Folding chairs will be available, but if you have a comfortable chair of your own, please bring it. For more information, go to www.sundillamusic.com.
A9 April 21, 2022
I
Letter to Editor:
recently saw someone post on social media that we needed some kind of theatre opportunity in Opelika, and I was pretty surprised that the poster hadn’t heard of the Opelika Theatre Company (OTC). OTC was founded in 2015 by several friends who thought a community theatre would be a tremendous benefit to Opelika. They put their heads together, formed a board, became a 501-c non-profit and have been producing fantastic musical and theatrical productions, utilizing the Southside Center for the Arts, ever since. Over the past seven years, OTC has grown by leaps and bounds, but the core group who envisioned a theater that invited the entire community to participate in, is still going strong. Productions have included dramas such as Daddy’s Dyin’ — Whos Got the Will, Arsenic and Old Lace, and Steel Magnolias, musicals like Godspell and Nunsense, children’s productions like Adams Family Jr. and Disney’s Descendants and have produced many audience interactive Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre experiences. Over the years, children’s theatre classes, musical showcases and a children’s theatre summer camp have been developed. Recently Opelika Theatre Company participated in the Global Community Theatre Event — All Together Now, joining thousands of community theaters across the world and partnered with R.E.A.C.H and the NAACP/ACT-SO
to present a fantastic Black History Month Showcase. I must admit, I’m a little partial to OTC, I call it — The Little Theatre Company That Could. Its first production used a borrowed script, props that members found in their closets because they didn’t have two nickels to rub together and pulled off a very entertaining Murder Mystery called Creature Feature at The Irish Bred Pub. In fact, this August it will stage NEWSIES, Disney’s smash Broadway hit. I’ve seen a few practice videos and once again am so thoroughly impressed with the talent and dedication found in Opelika and the surrounding communities. And it is presenting another Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre in May, written by an Opelika native. How’s that for local talent. There are so many different opportunities to get involved, from set building and painting, helping make costumes and find props, working with the lighting and sound, keeping things running smoothly backstage and even just helping with the concession stand. OTC has a knack for finding a person’s talents and nurturing them. And it’s fun, there is just something about being involved in something bigger than yourself. And then. The absolute thrill of hearing the words ``Please take your seats, the show is about to begin” and knowing that you had a small role in bringing a diverse group of people together to present a complete,
professional quality show, well, you just have to experience that for yourself. There just isn’t anything like it. These volunteer opportunities are part of what makes Opelika special, the willingness of people from all walks of life to chip in, to help where needed, we truly are ‘Better Together’. And speaking of memorization skills, O-ACTS is OTCs Children's Theatre Academy. These classes teach valuable life skills like public speaking, memorization and working as a team. Lifetime friendships are formed while building self confidence, advancing reading skills and being introduced to various forms of performance arts. And it is all done through theatre activities like learning basic tap steps, character development, script writing and even learning how to direct a show. How useful is that for children. Leadership skills are taught. The classes are broken down into age groups, and the skills being taught grow as the children do. There is also a week-long summer theatre camp offered. I suppose I’m writing to the paper somewhat selfishly, I enjoy the many things Opelika Theatre Company offers and hope this brings more awareness to those who didn’t know about this gem in Opelika. I would love to see it continue to grow and thrive for many years to come. Just thought readers should know, Renee Messing Opelika
CITY FEST >>
FROM A8
the day at the pavilion. Mac Cone, a local acoustic artist, will be playing everyone’s favorite tunes and local rock band Outside the Inside will be rocking out Kiesel Park too. In addition, attendees will get to hear music from Auburn University’s Jazz Band. The Auburn CityFest
Committee is grateful to all sponsors for making this year’s event possible, including Community Sponsor: Max Credit Union, Media Sponsor: Opelika-Auburn News, Official Sponsors: Praise 88.7, ShirtWorks, Auburn Arts Association, Kate 99.9 FM, Dixie Electric, iHeartRadio, WSFA News, Alabama Power Foundation, Wings 94.3, Jeffcoat Trant, Auburn-Opelika Tourism,
On the Mark, Smartcitti and ALFA Insurance and Patron Sponsors: AuburnBank, Starwalk Enterprises, Tailgate Guys, JLD Enterprises and Grab-a-Cart. Auburn CityFest Committee also thanks Auburn VCOM for sponsoring the official first aid tent. Auburn CityFest is free to the public and is a rain or shine event. For more information about this year’s event, visit auburncityfest.com.
St. Stephens Episcopal Church ECW 1st annual Crawfish Boil! Fresh Crawfish from Louisiana cooked by our own Cajun, Don Sorjonen
Pick- up April 23rd 2022 From 11am – 1pm eastern time To order call Bonnie @706-442-4723 Please pre-order!! Pick up at St Stephens Episcopal Church 45 Lee Rd 567 Smiths Station, AL 36877 (one-half mile north of Loves Truck stop on Hwy. 431) Crawfish (1lb) plus Potatoes, Corn, Sausage - $12 Family size: Gumbo -$16 QT - Red Beans & Rice - $12 QT
A10 April 21, 2022
CIPPERLY >>
FROM A7
The family lived in Costa Rica for a year while Trish and Sandy were in language study, and their children attended school there. After three years of training, Sandy became a missionary pilot, flying small planes in and out of the jungles of Ecuador with a group called Mission Aviation Fellowship. They spent eight years serving in Latin America. Cooking in Ecuador included an abundance of fruits and vegetables. Tasty fresh fruit juices, including passion fruit and mora berries, which are similar to blackberries, were their favorites. The Shrimp Pastaza is an Ecuadorian family favorite. When Sandy was selected as a recruiter for Mission Aviation Fellowship in 2002, they decided to live in the Opelika-Auburn area since Trinity United Methodist was a supporter of their mission work, and they had friends here. The area was also near Birmingham where Sandy’s father lives and the Atlanta airport.
CIPPERLY RECIPES >> SALMON BURGERS 1 ¼ lbs. center-cut salmon fillet, skin and bones removed 2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard 1 Tbsp. mayonnaise 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice ½ tsp. grated lemon zest Pinch cayenne pepper 2 scallions, chopped 1 cup plus 2 Tbsp. panko breadcrumbs Salt and fresh ground pepper 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil Tartar sauce and arugula for topping 4 Brioche Buns Cut ¾ of salmon into ¼ inch pieces. Put in a large bowl. Cut remaining salmon into chunks: transfer chunks to a food processor along with mustard, mayonnaise, lemon juice, zest and cayenne. Pulse to make a paste. Add pureed salmon to the bowl of diced salmon. Add scallions, 2 Tbsp. of panko, ½ tsp. salt and black pepper to taste. Gently mix until combined. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and brush with olive oil. Divide salmon mixture into 4 burgers and place on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Spread remaining panko onto a plate, and press both sides of the salmon burgers into the breadcrumbs. Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add patties and cook until browned on the bottom (3 to 4 minutes), adjusting heat as necessary. Turn and cook until the other side is browned and patties feel springy in the center (3 to 4 minutes). Transfer to a paper towel lined plate and drain. Meanwhile place buns cut side up under the broiler until toasted.
Harrison had finished the 10th grade and Sarah the 8th grade in Shell, Ecuador, when they returned to the states. While the Toomers were deciding what to do next, they visited a friend from mission training days and learned he had started a coffee shop in 2003. The friend was buying and selling coffee shop equipment, as well as teaching how to roast coffee. The Toomers became interested and decided to open a coffee shop. They opened their first shop in the back of Courthouse Antiques in 2004, which was in the previous Johnson Galleries building. Since there was not a coffee shop in Auburn at the time, they opened Toomer’s Coffee a year later at University Village Shopping Center on South College. In 2006, they purchased a coffee roaster, and Sandy attended training from the company president at their headquarters. Soon after he began roasting coffee beans they began selling their coffee beans online, and the wholesale business continued to grow. They sold the Auburn coffee shop in 2013 to foServe salmon burgers with tartar sauce and arugula.
ITALIAN SAUSAGE AND CABBAGE DINNER Trish’s One Pot Quick Meal 1 head green cabbage 1 lb. Italian sausage (hot or mild) 1 sweet onion chopped 1 red bell pepper, chopped Olive oil 2 cups chicken broth 2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar Salt and fresh ground pepper Hot chili pepper flakes, to taste Crumble and cook Italian sausage in olive oil using a large Dutch oven over medium heat until fully cooked. Add onion and bell pepper, salt and pepper, cook and stir for about 3 minutes until browned. Rough chop the head of cabbage and place on top of sausage, add 2 cups of broth and stir. Cover with a lid and steam until cabbage is slightly crisp tender. Add balsamic vinegar, red pepper flakes (about a tsp. for me) and taste. Add more salt and pepper to taste. Serve in shallow bowls. TEX-MEX PORK WRAPS 1-2½ lb. boneless pork loin roast (trimmed) 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce 1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce 1 medium onion, thinly sliced 2 (4.5 oz.) cans diced green chilies ¼ cup chili powder 2 tsp. ground cumin 1 tsp. dried oregano ¼ tsp. ground cinnamon ½ cup cilantro Flour tortillas Mix sauce ingredients
cus on their wholesale business selling to other shops around the country, which was quickly growing. Their next step was purchasing a building rather than renting. When the building at 1619 Thomason Drive in Opelika became available, they purchased it in 2018. After painting and sprucing up the space, they moved their roaster to the new location. They left the front room of the building open. The wholesale business was doing well. People began knocking on the door to buy their coffee once they heard the Toomers were there. They had purchased coffee at their previous location. Since the building was in a good spot between Tiger Town and the hospital, Sandy and Trish decided that they needed to open Toomer’s Coffee Roasters to serve coffee again. Trish found an espresso machine and equipment for sale in Louisiana that was only six months old. They opened in November 2019 selling espressos, lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos, as well as regular brews. They also sell bags of coffee beans and ground coffee.
They use coffee beans roasted with infrared heat. Ninety-eight percent of coffee is roasted using a flame bed, which tends to “burn” the beans. The infrared method roasts the beans from the inside out. It keeps down the bitterness and acids. All of their coffee beans, even the light roasted, have low acid. Trish prepares food for the coffee shop. She keeps it fairly simple and fresh with blueberry scones, Italian sausage and cheddar cheese biscuits, assorted baked oatmeal bars and two small cakes, a chocolate cake with an espresso filling and a pound cake. They are called “cakes for two” since they are the perfect size for sharing. Trish’s recipe for the baked oatmeal, which was the signature baked item at their Auburn shop, is a whole oat, gluten free product without flour that is a cross between a cake and cookie. A square of the baked oatmeal is delicious by itself, or it can be put into a cup with hot steamed milk poured over it, then topped with cinnamon, dried cranberries and pecans. Generally, Trish will
in a slow cooker. Add pork and spoon sauce over pork just to cover. Cover the cooker and cook on high for 3 ½ hours or until pork is fork tender. Remove pork to a cutting board and shred. Pour sauce into a serving bowl; stir in cilantro and shredded pork. Serve with flour tortillas. Makes 8 servings.
sauce, garlic, red pepper and mustard. Sauté shrimp in olive oil for about 3 minutes, flip shrimp and add sauce ingredients. Cook about 3 minutes more, remove shrimp, so not to overcook. Add wine and reduce sauce slightly, add shrimp back along with 2 Tbsp. of butter. Salt to taste. Serve over rice or with buttered noodles.
TRISH’S SUNDAY BREAKFAST BOWL In an iron skillet: Cook in 2 Tbsp. olive oil over medium heat: 1 large sweet potato cut into small cubes (leave the skins on) Stir and place the lid on the skillet. Stir often, until the sweet potato is fully cooked. Add to the skillet: Half an onion, chopped 1 red bell pepper, chopped 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped Crushed red pepper (just a little) Cook and stir until the vegetables are crisp tender and browned on the edges. Salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat. Divide into 2 large shallow bowls and top each with a fried egg (or 2) cooked over medium is best and a sprinkle of your favorite shredded cheese. SHRIMP PASTAZA An Ecuadorian Favorite 1 lb. extra large wild caught shrimp (raw, peeled and deveined) 2 Tbsp. olive oil 1½ cups orange juice ½ cup white wine ⅛ cup Worcestershire sauce 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tsp. yellow mustard 2 Tbsp. butter Pinch of red pepper flakes Stir together orange juice, Worcestershire
SARAH’S BRUSSEL SPROUTS 1 bag Brussel sprouts, trimmed and halved ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil ½ tsp. salt Freshly ground black pepper Sauce: ¼ cup honey ⅓ cup sherry vinegar 3/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter 3 scallions, chopped 1 tsp. grated lemon zest Preheat oven to 450 and heat baking sheet. Toss sprouts in extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper. Place sprouts on hot baking sheet cut side down. Roast 20 to 25 minutes until browned. While roasting, bring honey to a simmer in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir often until honey is a deep amber and caramelized. Foamy is alright but do not burn. Remove from heat and add vinegar and red pepper and whisk until smooth. Return to heat and add butter and salt, whisking constantly until glaze is glossy and slightly thickened, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer sprouts to a large serving bowl and add glaze, scallions and lemon zest. Toss to combine and serve.
prepare more than one flavor, which includes apple cinnamon, pumpkin pecan and a dried sweet cherry with chocolate and dried cranberries with pecans. Since the coffee shop closes at four in the afternoon, it gives Trish time to grocery shop and prepare a meal at home. One favorite is the salmon burgers. They can be mixed up and frozen or cooked and frozen. She plans to have something ready to prepare quickly on busy days. Cabbage and sausage is a another favorite and helps keep them on their low carb and keto diets. She will make an Italian “stew” that is blend of different meats, such as grass fed ground beef, Italian sausage and leftover steak, if she has it. She adds onions and peppers, and then a jarred pasta sauce. She serves it in bowls without pasta, more like a stew with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese on the top. Being on a keto diet, Trish will make Italian and Mexican meat sauces and serves them in bowls instead of using pasta and rice. The Tex-Mex Pork Wraps can be served on top of riced cauliflower rather
HONEY TARTS This is a family favorite recipe given to Trish by her friend Lucy. Pastry: 3 oz. pkg. cream cheese ½ cup butter 1 cup sifted flour ¼ tsp. salt Filling: 1 egg ½ cup honey 1 Tbsp. melted butter 1 tsp. vanilla ⅔ cup pecans, chopped small For pastry: Let cream cheese and butter soften to room temperature and blend. Stir in flour and salt and chill. Pinch into small balls and mold into tart tins. For filling: In a medium bowl, beat eggs; blend in remaining ingredients. Fill each tart ¾ full. Bake at 375 degrees. Makes 24 tiny tarts. BUTTERMILK COOKIES Trish’s mother's recipe and Sandy’s favorite 1 1/2 cups butter, room temperature 2 cups sugar 4 eggs 1 cup buttermilk 2 tsp. baking soda 2 tsp. baking powder 4 cups sifted all-purpose flour (sift with the baking powder and salt) Dash of salt 1 tsp vanilla Extra flour Cream butter and sugar; add eggs (1 at a time) and beat well. Mix soda with buttermilk and add alternately with flour mixture. Beat well and add vanilla. Drop 1 spoon of dough at a time into a small separate bowl of flour. Cover the dough ball with flour and then shake off excess. Gently place the dough ball on a greased baking sheet.
than tortillas. While she will sometimes make riced cauliflower, she has found it in the frozen section of the grocery store for quick meals. Sarah is following in her mother’s footsteps with a love of cooking. She is now a superb cook and baker and currently working in food service. The Toomers are now in their 18th year in business in Lee County, and most people know them for their coffee, although 80% of their business is bags of coffee shipped around the country. They are consulting with churches on opening coffee shops for outreach and sell their coffee wholesale to churches. A percentage of everything they sell is given to missions. Trish and Sandy are glad to have settled in the area and with their coffee shop in Opelika. Any time of day, the aroma of coffee drifts throughout the building, and sometimes it is mingled with the sweet aroma of one of Trish’s fresh pastries being baked. Check the recipes for Trish’s scrumptious dishes that she enjoys preparing at home. Repeat with all the cookie dough. Bake at 375 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes.
BLACKBERRY PIE 3 cups fresh blackberries 1 cup sugar 2 Tbsp. flour 2 Tbsp. lemon juice 1/8 tsp. salt 1 recipe of plain pastry 1 Tbsp. butter Combine berries, sugar, flour, lemon juice and salt. Line pie pan with pastry; add filling. Dot with butter and cover with top crust. Bake in a very hot 450 degree oven for 10 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350 degrees and bake 25 to 30 minutes longer. Makes one 9 inch pie. TOMATO CHUTNEY This is good served with greens or roasted green beans. 14 oz. can tomatoes, whole, chopped but not drained 1 cup turbinado sugar 1/2 cup brown sugar 2 green bell peppers chopped fine 1 medium onion, finely chopped 2 Tbsp. ketchup 6 drops Tabasco sauce 1 tsp. black pepper Mix all ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil then lower heat. Allow to simmer for 2 hours or until cooked to a thick sauce. DARK SWEET CHERRY PIE This is a family favorite any time of year, but it especially looks great on a holiday table. Two 1 lb. bags frozen dark sweet cherries 3/4 cup sugar 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour 1/4 tsp. salt 2 Tbsp. butter 1 oz. Amaretto liqueur Pastry for a 9-inch pie and extra for lattice top Place frozen cherries in a saucepan over low heat. As cherries begin to thaw, they will become juicy. If need-
A11 April 21, 2022
Plant It, They Will Come PHOTOS BY ED SIKORA / FOR THE OBSERVER
Although some of the events were canceled due to rainy weather, volunteers planted pine trees and a white oak tree in the Davis Arboretum during Auburn's Azaela Festival last weekend.
CIPPERLY RECIPES >> ed, add 1/4 cup of water to cherries. Combine sugar, flour and salt; add to cherries. Cook and stir over medium heat until thick and bubbly. Add Amaretto and cook for 2 minutes longer. Remove from heat and add butter, let stand while preparing pastry. Line 9-inch pie pan with pastry. Fill with cherry filling. Cover top with strips of pastry in a lattice pattern. Seal and flute edge of pastry. Sprinkle top with sanding sugar (a large crystal sugar).
Bake at 400 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes or until bubbly in center and lightly browned on top. Let rest on a baking rack.
MAXINE’S PECAN PIE Mix in a 1½ quart bowl: ¾ cup sugar 2 Tbsp. flour 1 tsp. salt Stir in: 1 cup dark corn syrup Beat in: 2 eggs (one at a time) Mix in: ½ cup evaporated milk 1 cup pecans 1 tsp. vanilla Pour mixture into a 9 inch unbaked pie crust. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 50 minutes or until firm. Cool before serving.
A12 April 21, 2022
Opelika SportsPlex Shells Out the Fun
PHTOOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER
Diving For Eggs - Opelika Hosts Underwater Egg Hunt PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER
A13 April 21, 2022
Auburn's Eggs'cellent Hunt PHOTOS BY JOHN HILLSMAN / FOR THE OBSERVER
Eggs-citing Flashlight Hunt Lights Up Sportsplex PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER
A14 April 21, 2022
Receiving the Kingdom Like a Child
BRUCE GREEN Teaching Minister at 10th Street Church of Christ in Opelika
“T
ruly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (Mark 10:15) Wessel and Strauss note that the phrase, “Truly I tell you,” is
used by Jesus 13 times in Mark’s gospel. It functions as a signal to let us know that something important is about to come. In this case, it’s the truth that we must receive the kingdom as a child. But what exactly did Jesus have in mind when He said this? The child part is clear enough — but what particular aspect of a child did He have in mind? Since He didn’t specify, we have to work with the passage a bit to find some meaningful specifics. He spoke these words in response to the disciples’ impudent behavior (v. 13-14), so a good
place to start would be to identify the attitudes they displayed. They had been arguing about which of them “was the greatest” (9:34). Then they had exhibited a narrow, exclusionary spirit in complaining to Christ about the person driving out demons in Jesus’ name because he was not “one of us” (v. 38). The coup-de-grace was trying to prohibit the little children from coming to Jesus. Putting it all together, they were calculating, controlling, self-centered, exclusive and prideful. Little children, generally speaking, are not these things. But we
can do better than what they are not. Jesus is specifically addressing how little children receive things. 1) Little children receive with a sense of awe, wonder and joy. Who doesn’t love to watch a small child open a gift? They are the definition of delighted. This is how we are to receive the kingdom — not in a lukewarm fashion because are too busy comparing ourselves to others but with deep gratitude. 2) Little children receive in simple trust and complete dependency. The Life Application Bible Commentary says, “Children do not
feel supremely powerful, perfectly righteous or totally autonomous. These are adult fantasies.” So true. Children are well acquainted with their helplessness and need for others. 3) Little children receive with no pretentiousness. Children are who they are — they don’t overcomplicate or overthink things. We are in God’s kingdom not because we’re great, but because He is. This is how we are to receive the kingdom of God. You can find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: a-tasteof-grace-with-brucegreen.com
ABOUT BRUCE GREEN You can find more of Bruce’s writings at his website:www. a-taste-of-gracewith-bruce-green.com
Hunley Group Lambert Transfer & Storage An Interstate Agent for North American Van Lines 1102 Fox Trail Opelika, AL 36803 745-5706
BIBLE VERSE OF THE WEEK Christ has indeed been raised, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. — 1 Corinthians 15:20-22
CHURCH DIRECTORY APOSTOLIC HOLINESS Emmanuel Temple of Deliverance Inc. 28 Sanford Ave., Opelika 334-745-0210 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 Bethesda Baptist Church 201 S. 4th St., Opelika 334-745-7528 Beulah Baptist Church 5500 Lee Road 270,
Valley 334-705-0538 Cooperative Baptist Fellowship 128 East Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-8506 Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 3089 Judge Brown Rd., Valley 334-710-2117 Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church 650 Jeter Ave., Opelika 334-749-9487 Green Chapel Missionary Baptist 390 Lee Road 106, Auburn (334) 749-4184
Got Questions? Come Study With Us
THE CHURCH OF CHRIST AT CUNNINGHAM DRIVE 2660 CUNNINGHAM DR., OPELIKA SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY 9:30 A.M. SUNDAY WORSHIP 10:30 A.M. / 5 P.M. WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY 6:30 P.M.
High Hope Baptist Church 227 Lee Road 673 334-524-8750 Lakeview Baptist Church 1600 E. Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-7094 Pepperell Baptist 2702 2nd Ave., Opelika 334-745-3108 Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Road 166, Opelika 334-745-4608 Union Grove Baptist Church 4009 Lee Road 391, Opelika 334-749-0461 CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ at Cunningham 2660 Cunningham Dr., Opelika 10th Street Church Of Christ 500 N. 10th St., Opelika
334-745-5181 Church Of Christ 2215 Marvyn Pkwy., Opelika 334-742-9721 Southside Church Of Christ 405 Carver Ave., Opelika 334-745-6015 COMMUNITY OUTREACH Good Sheperd Anglican Church 3015 Opelika Road, Opelika EPISCOPAL Emmanuel Episcopal Church 800 1st Ave., Opelika 334-745-2054 METHODIST Auburn United Methodist Church 137 South Gay St., Auburn 334-826-8800 Beulah United Methodist Church 5165 Lee Road 270, Valley
334-745-4755 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Church At Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy., Opelika 334-524-9148 Connect Church 2015 West Point Pkwy., Opelika 334-707-3949 St. Ellis Full Gospel Church 5267 US Hwy 80W, Opelika 334-298-4319 PRESBYTERIAN Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Road, Opelika 334-745-4889 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST Opelika Outreach S.D.A. Church P.O. Box 386, Opelika 334-749-3151
“EXALT THE LORD WHO HAS ESTABLISHED US” Colossians 2:6-7 71st NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER Thursday, May 5, 2022 12 noon Lee County Courthouse Square Rain site- 1st Baptist Church 3:16 Center- Ave. C Broadcast live on Halleluiah 1520 AM & Praise 88.7 FM NON DENOMINATIONAL PRAYER & PRAISE GATHERING ALL INVITED
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A15 April 21, 2022
Watch That Stone Roll Away
WALTER ALBRITTON
E
aster is much more than an annual day on the calendar. It’s a remarkable experience. It’s a celebration of God’s victory over evil. You can do more than read about it. You can turn off your
cell phone and go stand in front of that stonesealed tomb. There you can watch God at work. You feel the earth shaking beneath your feet. Your eyes are fastened on the angel who suddenly appears in dazzling white clothes. You hear the crunching sound of that huge stone rolling aside when the angel touches it. You see the fear in the eyes of the Roman guards as they fall to the ground like dead men. You hear someone running and turning, you see Peter and John rush up to the open tomb. John
hesitates. Peter walks right in. Curious, you peer inside and see what Peter sees. The body of Jesus is not there, only the linens and the cloth that had been on his head. You say nothing as Peter and John walk away in stunned amazement. You hear someone crying. It’s Mary and other women arriving. You can hardly believe what you see before you as the women enter the tomb. Two mighty angels suddenly appear. And with a voice like none you ever heard before, one angel says to the women, “Do
not fear. I know you are looking for Jesus. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.” The women stop weeping but are speechless. Then the angel tells the women, “Go quickly and tell his disciples he has risen from the dead and will meet you in Galilee.” You stand there, amazed at the change in the women. Though still fearful, they now seemed filled with joy. Then as the women hurry away to obey the angel, your knees buckle as Jesus, alive and well, suddenly appears before you and the women. You
recognize him immediately although Mary thinks Jesus is the gardener. But when Jesus quietly says, “Mary,” she realizes it is Jesus speaking to her. Her despair turns into joy as Jesus says, “Don’t be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to meet me in Galilee.” What happened to Mary can happen to you when you believe what you have witnessed on that resurrection morning. Mary was convinced Jesus was alive, so convinced that she said breathlessly to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!”
Standing there, before that empty tomb, you too can believe God raised Jesus from the dead. And once you believe that, you will soon see evidence daily that he is still alive and changing people like he changed Mary and the disciples back then. The most telling evidence, however, will be the change he makes in you when he turns your despair into gladness and fills you with such joy that you feel compelled to tell others, “I too have seen the Lord!” He is Risen! Hallelujah!
donation is in memory of Jeff. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home is directing. –––––––
at Fredrick-Dean Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, from 5 to 7 p.m. Following the visitation, a private service will be held for family members at a later date. –––––––
OBITUARIES JERRY “CISCO” KING Jerry “Cisco” King passed away on April 9, 2022, at the age of 71. Cisco is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Debbie Parrish King. He is also survived by his son Rodney (Mary Ann) and two grandsons that were the love of his life, Beau and Joseph King; and his sisters Betty Duke and Frances Campbell (Tommy), sister-in-law Linda Hayes (Randy), and many extended family members. Cisco was born in Sylacauga, Alabama, graduated from B.B. Comer School and got his BS degree from Auburn University. He worked at Avondale Mills in Sylacauga. He retired from Briggs and Stratton in Auburn. He then continued to work part time for Southern Union State Community College in Opelika. He served as a faithful usher at Church of the Highlands for over 19 years. After Cisco retired, he spent his time traveling with Debbie to all of his grandsons sporting events and school programs. He never missed an opportunity to be with them. The family would like to thank friends, family and neighbors for helping to take care of Cisco with any need that arose. The family would also like to thank Compassus Hospice, Bethany House and all other health care workers for the love and compassion they gave to Cisco. A Celebration of Life was held on Friday, April 15 at 11 a.m. at Church of the Highlands Auburn East Campus. The family greeted friends after the service at a tailgate experience on the lawn. Cisco loved God, family and Auburn. Everyone was encouraged to wear Auburn colors. It was Cisco’s wish that any memorial tributes be made in the form of charitable donations to “99 For the 1 Ministries Inc.”. Please go to https:// gofund.me/f139f05e to donate and learn more about the ministry. ––––––– ANGELA PENN (ANGIE) LOWRY
Angela Penn (Angie) Lowry of Auburn, who had a three-decade career in journalism and public relations, died Wednesday at her home. She was 74. A native of Tuscaloosa and a graduate of the University of Alabama, Lowry began her career as a reporter for The Decatur Daily in 1971 and later covered a variety of assignments, including the state Capitol, for The Tuscaloosa News. After a stint in media relations for the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., she was named deputy press secretary for Texas Gov. Mark White in Austin, Texas in 1982. She also worked in media relations for the Texas Senate and Lt. Gov. William Hobby. On returning to Alabama in 1991, Lowry became an analyst for the Southern Poverty Law Center in Montgomery. She joined the staff of Auburn Magazine in 1997 and wrote about noted Auburn University alumni from New York to California. She is survived by her husband, Bob Lowry of Auburn; daughter Kathleen Lowry of Seattle; step-daughter, Mara Jacobson of Marietta, Ga.; sister, Siouxsie Frederick of Northport; and brother, Gary Holemon of Demopolis. ––––––– JAMES W. “JIM” KING James W. “Jim” King of Opelika was born to the late James and Mary Potts King on Feb. 10, 1941 and passed away at East Alabama Medical Center on April 13, 2022. He was 81 years old. He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years Sandra J. King. Jim is survived by his children, Michelle King Adams, Chris King (Mona), and Jeremy King (Faith); grandchildren, Sydney Carter (Mack), Marshall King (Alex), Claire King, and Jane Ellen King; great grandchildren, Truly and Triston, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members.
Visitation was held Tuesday, April 19, 2022 in the Parlor at FrederickDean Funeral Home from 1 until 2:45 p.m. A funeral service was held in the Chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at 3 p.m. with Dr. Rusty Sowell officiating. ––––––– JEFFREY DAVID KLEIN Jeffrey David Klein, of Auburn, passed away on Wednesday, April 13 at UAB hospital after suffering a series of ministrokes early the previous morning; preceded by a stage IV cancer diagnosis just the week before at Piedmont Regional Hospital in Columbus, Georgia. Jeff was born on Sept. 27, 1979, in Atlanta. A believer and follower of Christ at an early age, Jeff was a devoted, godly husband to his wife Adrienne and father to their three boys. His love of coaching was inspired by his first love … football. After a very successful high school football career, serving as Chattahoochee High School’s starting varsity quarterback all four years, Jeff fielded many scholarship offers to play college football. He was prayerfully led to Auburn in 1998, where he was granted a full scholarship to play quarterback, second to Auburn’s starting quarterback, Ben Leard. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Auburn University in 2001, Jeff went on to play starting quarterback for the 2002 season at The Citadel. Jeff was employed with Lee County Schools since 2017 and taught TV Production at Loachapoka High School. He also took great pride in serving as an offensive coordinator and quarterback coach for the LHS football team. Jeff was also a dedicated head coach for the varsity baseball team during his time at Loachapoka High School. His love for coaching began in his hometown of Alpharetta, Georgia, where he worked
with quarterbacks at Alpharetta High School. His coaching career also led him to serve on the football coaching staff at Chamblee High School, Peachtree Ridge High School and Lakeside High School. He is survived by his wife Adrienne Coley Klein and their three sons Cannon (5), Coley (4) and Clayton (11 mos.) of Auburn; parents JD and Diana Klein of Atlanta; brother Chris Klein and wife Danielle and their children Evan, Brennan, Aidan and Coltan of Phoenix, Arizona; sister Brittany McDonald and husband Joe and their children Sarah, Coleman, Michael and Gillian of Atlanta. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. CST, Friday, April, 22, 2022, at Lakeview Baptist Church, with the funeral service beginning at 2:30 p.m. with Reverends Rodney Minor, Cliff Knight, Chette Williams, Melvin Williams officiating. Burial will follow at Town Creek Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider donating to The Hudson Family Foundation, which supports children and families in need: www. hudsonfamilyfoundation. com 300 N. Dean Road Auburn, AL 36830. Please note that your
PATRICIA EVELYN SMITH Patricia Evelyn Smith, 72, of Opelika, passed away Friday, April 15, 2022, at Bethany House. She was born in Jacksonville, Florida, and graduated from Sydney Lanier High School (1968), Montgomery, Alabama. She was the daughter of CAPT Allie Willis Callan Jr., USN (Retired) and Emily Sue Callan. She retired from Auburn University after 28 years of service. She enjoyed spending time with her family, watching Auburn football and anything with nature. She had a deep passion for butterflies, birds and flowers. Her family will remember her spirit for life, laughter, music and dancing. Patricia was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Harold Smith. Patricia is survived by her three children: Jennifer Suzanne Sweeney, Jeannine Morton-Brown (Tyler) and Michelle Rhodes Thompson (Billy); three grandchildren: Amanda Rhodes Kennedy (Eric), Jay William Thompson and Hunter Heath Morton; and greatgranddaughter, Jenna Rhodes Kennedy. Visitation will be held
Pre-Need Services Available Call 334-749-8700 for an appointment. Your Full-Service Funeral Home
DAVID CHASE PULSIFER David Chase Pulsifer of Opelika was born in East Alabama Medical Center on Oct. 2, 1991, and passed away in Auburn on April 15, 2022. He was 30 years old. He attended Union Grove Baptist Church. Chase was preceded in death by his grandparents, Charles L. Patterson, Sr. and Mary Jo Patterson. Chase is survived by his father, Joseph Gregory Patterson; mother, Tammy Ann Sorrells (Todd) one daughter, Marley Rayne Pulsifer; brothers, Philip Blake Pulsifer (Casie), Jeremy Sorrells, Shane Brewer (Megan), Shawn Patterson; grandparents, Ralph Pulsifer and Diana Botsford (James), Cheryl and David Sorrells; good friends, Jonathan Denton and Steve-O; nieces, Sara Mustillo, Kenzleigh Pulsifer, Karslee Sorrells and Madilyn Brewer; and nephew, Ian Mustillo. Visitation will be held in the Parlor at FrederickDean Funeral Home Thursday, April 21, 2022, from 5 to 7 p.m. Memorial service to be announced at a later date.
A16 April 21, 2022
COMICS
“Life is worth living as long as there’s a laugh in it.” ― Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
S
INSIDE B1 - B8:
S
• AUBURN CITY SCHOOLS • AUBURN UNIVERSITY • COMMUNITY SPORTS • LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS • OPELIKA CITY SCHOOLS • SUSSC
SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS LEE COUNTY: MAY 10 AT 6 P.M. AUBURN: MAY 10 AT 6 P.M. OPELIKA: MAY 17 AT 4:30 P.M.
History in the Making: Beulah Softball Ready for Postseason Run PHOTOS BY JERRY BALLAS / FOR THE OBSERVER
BY HARRISON TARR FOR THE OBSERVER
ON THE MARK D. MARK MITCHELL
OHS Claims Several Area Titles
F
The Dogs lost at Smiths Station, 0-2, last Thursday on the road to end the week. JV GIRLS SOCCER The OHS girls’ JV soccer team beat Central, 3-1, last week. The Lady JV Dogs received goals from Gabi Ramirez, Collier Bradshaw and Maricele Cruz. Penelope Posadas assisted in all three goals. BASEBALL The Opelika Bulldog Baseball team (18-8) won its second straight regular season area championship after beating Valley in a twogame sweep last week. Game one of the two game series was at Crestview Park in Fairfax last Tuesday. Opelika scored five runs in the top of the first inning, including a grand slam from JD Chase. Chase added two more hits to finish with three hits, four RBI and a run scored. Jackson Harris, Harrison Long, Taylor Fields and Kydyian Ligon added hits for OHS. JT McArdle continued to dominate on the mound, pitching a complete game, seven innings. The senior allowed three runs on seven hits, striking out seven Ram batters to earn the win. Two days later, the Bulldogs thumped the Rams, 16-2, in a five inning mercy rule game at Bulldog Park. OHS scored eight runs in the first inning, six runs in the third and two runs in the See SPORTS, page B2
Pepper’s squad sits at 32-6 and is poised to be a serious factor in the AHSAA state tournament. Although senior night is always a game to remember, Pepper expressed that the 2022 campaign has been a special opportunity to send off what has been a remarkably dedicated
group. “It’s a special group,” Pepper said. “You hear coaches say that all the time but this group truly is special. I think back to the pandemic a couple of years ago, we had just started playing well. They were sophomores and we thought the team could possibly go to the state playoffs
three years in a row.” According to their head coach, Beulah’s trio of seniors — Kassidy Kirby, Katie Morris and Shelby Owsley — have been textbook examples of hard work and dedication. “Kassidy Kirby and See BEULAH, page B3
Sunisa Lee named Honda Award Nominee CONTRIBUTED BY AU ATHLETICS
AUBURN – Freshman Sunisa Lee was named one of four final candidates for gymnastics’ Honda Award. The Honda Award goes to the top collegiate female athlete in 12 different sports each season. Lee is coming off a successful NCAA Championship where she helped lead the Tigers to the program’s first appearance in the NCAA Final Four. She earned an NCAA beam individual championship after scoring a 9.9625 in the event. She was also runner-up in the all-around with a 39.675. Lee totaled four AllAmerica honors at the
PHOTOS FROM THE SEC MEDIA PORTAL
our Opelika High School spring sport teams — varsity girls’ and boys’ soccer team, varsity softball and varsity baseball — won the Area regular season area championship last week. SOCCER The Lady Bulldog soccer team (11-3) beat Valley, 11-1, on senior night, capturing the Area 4 Regular Season Championship. All three seniors, Phoebe Darcey, Arizela Ambrocio and Fatima Santamaria, scored one goal apiece. Three Lady Bulldogs, Amiya Brown, Karly Phatsadavong and Scarlet Posadas, scored two goals apiece, while Ashley Hilyer and Maelee Story scored single goals. The girls won their second game of the week by beating Smiths Station 1-0 on a goal from Brown. Posadas recorded the assist. Opelika now advances to the second round of the playoffs, due to Montgomery High Schools not having soccer teams. Opelika’s varsity boys soccer team (8-4-1) won the Area 4 Regular Season Championship after beating Valley, 9-0, at the W. James Samford Soccer Complex. George Meyers, Moe Forbes and Dexter Graham scored two goals apiece. Three players scored single goals: Charlie McCullough, Said Rujana and Nathan Faison. Assist were from Luke Roberts (two), Faison (two), Rujana (two), Meyers and McCullough.
BEULAH — From the first time the Beulah Bobcats’ softball program stepped onto the diamond in February, expectations were high; fresh off a state runner-up campaign in 2021 and returning the entirety of the roster from the previous season, fans of the black and gold expected this year’s team to be special. Head coach Stan Pepper’s group has not only lived up to expectations, they’ve shattered them. Pitching has continued to dominate, the bats came to life down the stretch and the Bobcats won their 30th game with five contests remaining for the regular season. After a senior-night victory over Handley on Tuesday,
NCAA Championships. She was first team in the allaround, beam and floor and second team on bars. The 2022 WCGA Regional Gymnast of the Year also was named the
SEC Freshman of the Year earlier this season and garnered four regular season All-America honors. She was a first team selection in the all-around, bars and beam and was second team
on floor. In addition, she was placed on the All-SEC and SEC All-Freshman teams. Lee became Auburn’s See GYMNASTICS, page B3
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B2 April 21, 2022
Glenwood Has the Flexibility, Experience to Reach Its Goals BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM SMITHS STATION — From an outward perspective, the Glenwood varsity baseball team, sitting at 34-4 on the season, is becoming a stranger to adversity. However, through injuries and a relentless slate of games, the Gators have faced a slew of internal battles. “We have suffered some injuries and we have played a lot of games, and haven’t had a lot of times to practice,” said head coach Tim Fanning. The limited roster availability at times throughout
the year has led to the Gators developing their depth, something Fanning said he believes will pay dividends going forward. “We showed our depth missing those guys, which I have been very proud of,” Fanning said. “Guys have stepped up. It’s made us deeper. We got guys who come off the bench and I don’t have any problem playing them. Our depth gives us options when guys aren’t having a good game or there are matchups we want to try to exploit. We are flexible.” Despite having locked up the No. 1 seed in the AISA Class 3A playoffs, the Gators glut of
flexibility means they are still fine-tuning what is the best lineup. “It’s just trying to figure out that formula, honestly,” Fanning said. “You have to hone in. You have to make some decisions and roll with it so people know their roles and what exactly they are going to be
double, four home runs and 35 RBI’s, while Milam has nine double, eight home runs and 44 RBI’s. “The lineup as a whole has been really good but they have had phenomenal years,” Fanning said. On the mound, Fanning has relied on his starters Jacob Page and Brandon McCrain, as well as relief pitchers Trent House and Milam. “They have been pretty dominant,” he said. Looking forward, Fanning will continue to enlist the aid of a senior group that has been “very good” to challenge his team’s standards. Although the Gators have
doing when it counts the most.” Some of the guys who do have clearly-defined roles already, however, are Jake Smith and Jaxon Milam, who pace the Gators in terms of hitting. Hitting a respective .488 and .489 on the season, Smiths has tallied 17
marched through their schedule with relative ease, ultimately, it’s the little things that will separate Glenwood from the rest. “On the mound, if you don’t give up free passes and you don’t kick the ball around, you got a chance to beat anybody you play,” Fanning said. “It’s just whether you hit or not. After this week, we will have some good practice time. We should be able to hone in on some things like defensive work and base running, things like that which end up winning you championships. I’m trying to keep them focused on what our goals are.”
Tigers Focusing on ‘Little Things’ Ahead of Playoffs BY HARRISON TARR FOR THE OBSERVER
AUBURN — In May of 2021, the Tigers of Auburn high school stood atop of the Alabama baseball world when the group emerged victorious from the 7A AHSAA state championship over Hoover. Since then, head coach Matt Cimo and his team were tasked with reloading and preparing to defend their throne. The Tigers have embraced the challenge, racking up 24 wins in their first 30 games and earning a bid as both
SPORTS >> FROM B1 fourth behind 12 hits from the Dogs. Jake Smith led at the plate with three hits; Jackson Harris and Harrison Long recorded two hits; Brantley Davis, Paul Goodman, JD Chase, Bryce Speakman and Jackson Kilcreas recorded one hit apiece. Starting pitcher Kydyian Ligon allowed two runs on six hits over three innings. Killcreas pitched two innings, allowing no runs, no hits and recording three strikeouts. Opelika will host Stanhope Elmore Friday in the first round of the AHSAA 6A baseball playoffs. The two teams play a best of 3 series, with two games Friday, and the ‘if” game Saturday. First pitch Friday is 4:30 p.m. for game one; game two will start 20 minutes after completion of the first game. You can listen to the Opelika/Stanhope Elmore baseball series, presented by the Orthopaedic Clinic, on WZMG FOX Sports the Game 910am, the iHeartradio app or online at foxsportsthegame.com. The broadcast starts at 4:15 p.m. on Friday, and 11:45 a.m. Saturday for the “if” game. SOFTBALL The Lady Bulldog Softball team (13-13-1) finished 3-1 last week, beating Russell County (13-0 and 15-1) and Dadeville (13-3), and losing 2-15 at Alabama Christian. OHS won the regular season area title for the second year in a row by sweeping Area foe RCHS. OHS shutout out Russell County, 13-0, behind a strong pitching performance from
region champions and state championship contenders. “These guys have played well,” Cimo said. “We’ve played against really good competition so I think they understand that they can be a pretty good team if we put all things together.” According to the skipper, Auburn’s regular season schedule served as the team’s best tool to in preparation for both area and postseason play. “Our area is so competitive,” Cimo said. “We try to play the best we can and get ready by our area because just getting
out of the area is so competitive.” Despite a promising season and an impressive record, the 2022 campaign has not been one of complete smooth sailing for the blue and white; the Tigers dropped two of their final three area games to Central on April 14. Cimo was merely thankful that his group was defeated in the regular season. “That whooping we got last Thursday, I’m just glad it was before the playoffs,” Cimo said. Although the group struggled to secure an
McKay Yountz and seven hits on offense. Yountz allowed one hit while striking out 11 of the 15 batters over five innings to earn the win in the mercy rule game. Sanai Stringer and Yountz recorded two hits apiece to lead the offense. Thomas, Lee, Jones and Lyles added one hit apiece. Opelika won game two, 15-1, over the Warriors. Jade Jones earned the win in the circle, pitching five innings, allowing one run and allowing three hits. Smith led the team at the plate with four hits; Jones added three hits; Long, Foley and Freeman added singles. In the third game of the week, OHS beat Dadeville 13-3 on the road. The girls smacked 13 hits, including three from Thomas, two from Smith, Lee, Jones and Stringer and one from Harrelson and Myles. Sania Stringer earned the win, allowing three runs on four hits in six innings. Opelika lost 15-2 to Alabama Christrian in Montgomery. OHS managed five hits, but recorded seven errors. Harrelson led the offense with two hits, while Thomas, Lee and Jones added hits. The Lady Bulldog Softball team will host the area tournament at West Ridge Park, but no date has been announced. According to AHSAA rules, area tournaments are to be played between April 29May 6. AHSAA CENTRAL BOARD OF CONTROL MAKES CHANGES The Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) held its quarterly meeting last week in
Montgomery. The board voted to start playing Regions instead of Area in Soccer, Baseball and Softball. These three sports will mirror football with Region play. This mean the three sports will have more teams in the region and must finish in the top 4 to qualify for the playoffs. The board also voted to extend the football sidelines 5 yards on each end of the field, moving the box from 20 yardline to the other 20 yardline. In other news, Pike Liberal Arts petitioned to join the AHSAA and was approved by the board. Pike Lib will not be able to participate in the football playoffs for two seasons, but can participate in winter and fall sports. The current president and vice president of the central board of control resigned for various reasons. President Van Phillips retired as principal at Center Point and therefore must relinquish his role on the COB. Vice-President Dr. Farrell Seymore resigned as VP due to being hired as superintendent of OCS. He will remain on the board. Seymore felt is was best to step down as VP so he can concentrate on his new duties at Opelika. The board voted longtime member Mike Welsh as president and Jamie Chapman as vice-president. D. Mark Mitchell is the sports director at iHeartMedia, host of “On the Mark” Fox Sports the Game 9101310, co-chair of the AuburnOpelika Sports Council, chairman of the Super 7 and Dixie Youth Baseball state director.
outright area championship last week, Auburn did itself a favor in its sweep of Smiths Station the week prior. “We played well enough the week before to get us into the playoff,” Cimo said. “That’s the key. Hoping for the best.” With area play behind them and just one regular season game remaining, the Tigers’ focus has now shifted on what some might consider a novelty: the fundamentals. “We just gotta go back to the basics and start doing a lot of little things,” Cimo said. “Just concentrate on throwing
and catching, doing the things that help us win ball games. The fewer mistakes we can make the better.” If the blue and white are able to clean up ‘silly’ mistakes, the group will provide some much-appreciated support to an experienced pitching staff who has had success on a routine basis thus far. “It’s been doing pretty well,” Cimo said. “Griffin and (Olson) have been really good for us. Other kids who have filled in have helped out a lot too. We’ve been blessed in terms of pitching.” While acknowledging
that there’s always room for improvement, the head coach was sure to commend his defense’s efforts throughout the season. “We have been (defensively solid) all year,” Cimo said. “That’s the key, making routine plays. That’s what we’ve been doing.” The longtime skipper says that he has emphasized to his group to simply continue to think small, both at the plate and in the field. “They’ve just got to think small,” Cimo said. See AHS, page B3
Meet & Greet Reception
Dr. Farrell Seymore
B3 April 21, 2022
Senior Night Sendoff
PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER
The area champion girls' and boys' varsity Opelika soccer teams honored its seniors last week against Valley. For more information on the OHS soccer team, turn to D. Mark Mitchell's column on B1.
BEULAH >> FROM B1 Katie Morris have been with me since junior high,” Pepper said. “Shelby Owsley, she left for a year or two and came back. I’m really pleased that they’re having the success that they deserve to have because they work so hard at this sport. They work at it year round. To see the success they’re having now, it’s really pleasing to me.” With the senior celebrations behind them, the Bobcats must now
FROM B1 first SEC champion since 1994 when she won the conference bars title with a perfect 10.0. Overall, she’s won seven all-around titles this year as well as 10 bars crowns, nine beam titles, three floor titles and one on vault. The St. Paul, Minnesota product became the first Auburn gymnast to record a 10.0 since 2004 and has five on the season so far – two on bars and three on beam. She finished the regular season ranked second nationally in the all-around, while being first nationally on bars and beam. Lee set the Auburn
that no team has the luxury of taking any opponent for granted. “Once you get to that point, anybody can beat anybody,” Pepper said. “You’ve got to be healthy, play your best and be focused at the same time. There’s a lot of things that have to go on for you to be successful.” While fans of the black and gold are surely wishful that their team is able to maintain health and focus, Pepper pointed out that an often-overlooked aspect of playoff softball
all-around record with a 39.825 and six of her allaround scores rank in the top 10 in program history. She was named SEC Gymnast of the Week three times this year and SEC Freshman of the Week twice. ABOUT THE AWARD: The Honda Sports Award is presented annually by the CWSA to the top women athletes in 12 NCAA- sanctioned sports and signifies "the best of the best in collegiate athletics". The winner of the sport award becomes a finalist for the Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year and the prestigious 2022 Honda Cup. The nominees were chosen by a group of experts representing the Women's Collegiate
is embracing the moment. “Everybody wants to win,” Pepper said. “It’s a tough situation, but you’ve got to embrace it. You’ve got to look forward to it, and I think our girls are. I’m really pleased with where we are right now.” Per the head coach, the Bobcat clubhouse has had no problems generating buy-in for the ‘embrace the moment’ mentality; the squad is willing to do whatever it takes to succeed. “I told them this morning: we’ve got
a lot of little things we’ve got to focus on and get better if we want to accomplish the type of goal that we set at the beginning of the year,” Pepper said. “At the same time, I’m encouraged. This group of girls, they’ll get out and give it all they’ve got.” Beulah will close out its season with a pair of non-area road games, first against Horseshoe Bend then the Tigers of Eufaula. The Observer will continue to follow the Bobcats as they continue their chase for a championship.
AHS >> FROM B2 “If they can just do the little things, hopefully something big will happen.” As for the potential of added pressure to follow-up a state title in 2021, Cimo says that the group is locked in on this year’s bigger picture. “There’s no weight,” Cimo said. “That’s not what we’ve been worried about; we’re just doing our best and going into the future.” Auburn wraps up its regular season on Saturday, April 23 at 11 a.m. when the Tigers play host to the Blue Devils of Columbus High School (Georgia). PHOTOS FROM THE SEC MEDIA PORTAL
GYMNASTICS>>
turn their attention to closing out what has been a remarkable season and preparing to compete in the state playoffs. “It’s a big deal,” Pepper said. “But the only ones that matter are the ones that are coming up here in the future. All that other stuff we’ve been doing really doesn’t matter. How we play the next three weeks determines what type of season we truly had this year.” The skipper is keenly aware of the nature of the state playoffs, making sure to note
Gymnastics Association (WCGA). The CWSA presents the Honda Sports Award annually to top women student-athletes in 12 NCAAsanctioned sports. Honda
Sports award winners will be presented with the honor during on-campus presentations throughout the year and all Honda Sports award winners become a finalist for the prestigious 2022
Honda Cup award. The Cup is presented on a CBS Sports Network broadcast from Los Angeles on June 27 at 9 p.m. ET. The Collegiate Women Sports Awards has honored
the nation's top NCAA women athletes for 46 years, recognizing superior athletic skills, leadership, academic excellence and eagerness to participate in community service.
B4 April 21, 2022
Lady Hornet Invitational
PHOTOS BY JERRY BALLAS / FOR THE OBSERVER
The Beauregard varsity softball team hosted its annual Lady Hornet Invitational tournament Friday. Nine varsity and junior varsity teams participated in pool play Friday, and due to inclement weather, the games were cancelled Saturday.
B5 April 21, 2022
New Class of Auburn Legends Inducted Into The Tiger Trail of Auburn
AUBURN — The Auburn Chamber, along with Auburn University Athletics and the city of Auburn, inducted the following class of athletic legends into the Tiger Trail of Auburn on April 8 at the Neville Arena: Emily Carosone, Kirsty Coventry, Marquis Daniels, Jimmy Dozier, Chip Spratlin, Stan White, Joe Whitt, Sr. and Greg Williams. The new inductees officially join the ranks of 130 past Tiger Trail inductees and is the largest class since 1996. Each inductee will be represented by an engraved plaque placed in the sidewalk of downtown Auburn among the plaques honoring other Auburn greats. Inspired by the vision of the late Ken Brown, the Auburn Chamber of Commerce began the Tiger Trail in 1995 to honor outstanding athletes, coaches and administrators. This year, a new class of honorees was inducted into the Tiger Trail during the Tiger Trail induction ceremony. Over 150 guests were welcomed by Auburn Chamber President/CEO Anna Hovey and remarks were given by Auburn University Director of Athletics Allen Greene and city of Auburn Mayor Ron Anders. Auburn University Director of Strategic Communications Jeff Shearer introduced and provided recognition of the inductees. “We are excited to welcome new Tiger Trail inductees and honor their legacy,” Hovey said. “Each time one is added, we’re adding a piece of Auburn history and celebrating part of the Auburn family.” The 2022 Tiger Trail inductees are as follows: EMILY CAROSONE WOMEN’S SOFTBALL 2013-2016 All-American Emily Carosone is Auburn softball’s all-time leader in career batting average, hits, runs scored,
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
CONTRIBUTED BY THE AUBURN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
on-base percentage and hit by pitches. She ranks in the top three for the Tigers in career RBIs, doubles, home runs, slugging percentage and games started. Carosone also holds Auburn’s single-season records for runs and hits by pitch. A threetime National Fastpitch Coaches Association AllAmerican and All-SEC performer, Carosone helped her team win the SEC Tournament Title in 2015 and 2016 and led the Tigers to back-toback appearances at the Women’s College World Series. After graduating from Auburn in 2016, Carosone played four seasons of professional softball and competed in the Tokyo Olympics, becoming the first Olympian in Auburn softball history. Currently, Carosone is an assistant coach with Auburn softball. KIRSTY COVENTRY WOMEN’S SWIMMING 2002-2005 Kirsty Coventry led the Auburn women’s swimming program to three consecutive NCAA Championships in 2002, 2003 and 2004 and was the top individual scorer at the 2005 NCAA Championships, capturing titles in the 200 and 400 IM and the 200 backstroke. Also in 2005, she was named the SEC Swimmer of the Year. As a member of Zimbabwe’s Olympic team, Coventry earned a total of seven Olympic medals, including two gold medals. She remains the most decorated Olympian from Africa.
In 2018, she was appointed by the president of Zimbabwe to serve as the Minister of Youth, Sport, Art and Recreation. She also served as the Chairperson of the IOC Athletes’ Commission, the body that represents all Olympic athletes worldwide, from 2018 to 2022. Marquis Daniels Men’s Basketball 2000-2003 Marquis Daniels began his Auburn basketball career and played a total of 111 games averaging 13.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.9 steals in 28.7 minutes per game. In 2003, Auburn reached the Sweet 16, where Daniels averaged 23.3 points, among other impressive stats, which earned him the Team MVP as a sophomore. He also earned Team MVP as a junior and senior, and he was named to the All-SEC second team his senior year. After playing in the NBA for the Mavericks, Pacers, Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks, Daniels is now an assistant coach with Auburn basketball. JIMMY DOZIER MEN’S TRACK & FIELD 1958-1962 Jimmy Dozier, a native of Columbus, Georgia, competed on Auburn’s track & field team from 1958-1962. Under the direction of Auburn’s first track & field coach, Wilbur Hutsell, Dozier and his teammates helped the Tigers win their first SEC Track Championship in 1961. After Auburn, he entered the US Navy where he
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enrolled in flight school. After his military service, Dozier became a career pilot with Delta Airlines, where he later retired. CHIP SPRATLIN MEN’S GOLF 1991-1995 Originally from Johnson City, Tennessee, Chip Spratlin played golf at Science Hill High School before attending Auburn. As a freshman, he redshirted and after playing one match as a sophomore, he became a regular member of Auburn’s team in his junior year. In Spratlin’s senior year, the Auburn team went to the NCAA Championship in Columbus, Ohio, at the Ohio State University Golf Club, where Spratlin’s competitors included freshman Tiger Woods. Spratlin competed for the best in the field which earned him 1995 NCAA Individual Champion, the only golfer in the history of the Auburn program to win that title. Spratlin is also an AllAmerican and was presented the Arnold Palmer Award as the collegiate golfer of the year. After his collegiate career, Spratlin played on the PGA Tour before making a career as a Pilot. STAN WHITE FOOTBALL 1990-1993 Stan White redshirted at Auburn in 1989 before becoming a fouryear starter, setting the program record for 45 consecutive starts. White was the 1990 Peach Bowl MVP and the 1994 Senior Bowl MVP. In 1993, White led the
Tigers to an 11-0 season. After playing four seasons in the NFL for the NY Giants, he opened an insurance and financial services agency. In 2001, White joined the Auburn Sports Network and continues to call games today. JOE WHITT, SR. FOOTBALL/ ADMINISTRATION 1981-2014 Joe Whitt’s collegiate football career began at Alabama State where he played for three years. After earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Whitt began his coaching career in 1974 as an assistant coach at Robert E. Lee High School. After seven years, he moved to Auburn University as an outside linebacker coach. In his 25 years as an assistant coach, Whitt served four different head coaches including 12 seasons under Pat Dye. His roles included defensive assistant and coaching defensive ends, defensive line and linebackers. Whitt was a part of five SEC Titles (1983, 1987, 1988, 1989, 2004), two undefeated seasons (1993 and 2004),and coached in seventeen bowl games. Whitt, known as one of the game’s top recruiters, became an assistant athletic director and fundraiser for nine years after the 2005 season. GREG WILLIAMS HEAD EQUESTRIAN COACH 1996-PRESENT Since its beginning, Greg Williams has led Auburn’s equestrian program, building the foundation of excellence both on and off the field. In 2006, Auburn’s
equestrian team won its first National Title and has since earned five additional National Titles under Williams’ leadership (2011, 2013, 2016, 2018 and 2019). Since 2008, Williams has led his teams to earn several titles ranging from Hunt Seat national titles, a Western National title, four SEC titles, three Southern Equestrian championships and his student-athletes have combined for more than 100 All-American accolades since the 2010-2011 season. Williams began recognizing students for excellence in the classroom starting in 2013 and more than 80 NCEA Scholastic AllAmericans have been a part of the program. Individually, Williams has been named SEC Coach of the Year three times (2019, 2020, 2021) and the NCEA Coach of the Year in 2019 and 2020. For a complete list of Tiger Trail inductees and plaque locations visit webgis.auburnalabama. org/tigertrailviewer. If you would like to contribute to the Tiger Trail tradition and help defray costs, please consider making a donation to the Auburn Chamber Foundation. You may contact the Chamber for details at (334) 501-3292. The Auburn Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit service organization that provides resources and leadership to create a thriving business environment. Learn more at auburnchamber.com.
334-744-7509 Dustin Farley-Nelms/Owner 207 N. 3rd Street, Opelika
Member of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce
B6 April 21, 2022
Engineering, Education Faculty at Auburn University Collaborate to Improve STEM Education in Rural Alabama schools AUBURN – Auburn University has been awarded a $589,889, three-year grant for the first National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Teachers project at Auburn, titled, “Project-Based Learning for Rural Alabama STEM Middle School Teachers in Machine Learning and Robotics.” This project will provide hands-on research experiences in robotics and machine learning/ artificial intelligence or ML/AI, for 30 STEM middle school teachers — 10 each year — and expand their knowledge of teaching these concepts through project-based learning as part of a sixweek summer program. Part of a collaborative effort between the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, the College of Education and teacher participants who will engage with project team members in developing curriculum modules using the contents in ML/AI, the program is expected to reach approximately 1,200 students across several school districts in rural and underserved areas of Alabama. The students will gain valuable knowledge relevant to preparing them for an increasingly technological society.
Xiaowen Gong, Melody Russell, Daniela Marghitu, Thaddeus Roppel and Chih-hsuan Wang are leading the university project. The project aims to provide the following experiences: • Professional development activities and pedagogical approaches in the fundamentals of robotics and ML/AI and a novel platform for research and education of ML-based mobile robots • Engage teachers and undergraduate students in hands-on research projects on ML-based mobile robots that match well with faculty mentors’ active research projects • Collaboration with engineering and STEM education faculty to develop and implement
project-based curricular modules • Leadership professional development and mentoring skills via teacher leader academies • Assist teachers to implement the RET curricular modules via academic follow-up. The project team from engineering includes Xiaowen Gong, assistant professor in electrical and computer engineering, who serves as the project’s principal investigator; Daniela Marghitu (Co-PI), faculty and director of the Education and Assistive Technology Laboratory
in computer software and science engineering; and Thaddeus Roppel (Co-PI), associate professor in electrical and computer engineering. Education project team members include Melody Russell (Co-PI), Alumni professor of science education in the Department of Curriculum and Teaching, who will assist with the development of curriculum modules, as well as teacher professional development; and Chihhsuan Wang, professor in the Department of Educational Foundations, Leadership and
Southern Christian Patriots Start Inaugural JV Baseball Season PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA — The Southern Christian Patriots opened their inaugural junior varsity baseball season with games against Ezekiel, Southern Prep, Springwood and Evangel, to name but a few. The team has an over .500 win/loss percentage, admirable for a startup group. The Patriots are led by twins, Jagger and Jedd Scott, Jayden McKee and J.D. Dallas, all of whom are hitting over .400. Pitcher Cooper Nimmo leads the staff in earned run average and wins. Southern Christian is a group of home-school players who come together to compete in 8-man football, basketball and baseball. Girls’ sports include volleyball, basketball and softball. Players from schools who have no such sports teams are welcome to try out for Southern Christian.
Technology, who will serve as project evaluator. “We really wanted to reach out to educators from Alabama’s Black Belt region, which is traditionally underserved, and there is a high need for programs like this,” Gong said. “Every year, we will recruit 10 teachers and provide them with education and research activities directed by AU faculty members in electrical and computer engineering and computer science. We already have more than 10 AU faculty members signed up.” Roppel, director of the Sensor Fusion Laboratory
at Auburn, specializes in robotics and K-12 outreach. Roppel and Gong, along with a few other faculty members in electrical and computer engineering and computer science at Auburn, will be teaching participants’ mentors who provide research projects to the teachers. Marghitu will develop the comprehensive web portal of the project and will work with Russell on developing curriculum modules for the middle school classroom in collaboration with teacher participants. Marghitu will also organize, in collaboration with Gong and all Co-PIs, a one-week camp in which the teachers will practice teaching the RET curriculum modules. “We hope this project will improve the content knowledge for students and teachers in underserved areas of Alabama through the development of innovative curriculum modules based on cutting-edge technologies,” Gong said. “This new component will not replace their existing curriculum, but we hope this will spark an interest in STEM-related education and inspire them to pursue this avenue as a career or education focus.”
Ann Arnall Receives Highest UM Academic Award AUBURN — Ann Archer Arnall, of Auburn, was among the more than 60 University of Mississippi students to receive a 2022 Marcus Elvis Taylor Memorial Medal, the university's highest academic award. The honorees were recognized for their achievements on Thursday, April 7, at The Inn at Ole Miss. Arnall is pursuing a B.A.Ed. in Elementary Education from the School of Education. The Taylor Medals were established at UM in 1904 by Dr. William A. Taylor of Booneville in memory of his son, an honored 1871 alumnus of the university. The award recognizes no more than 1% of the student body each year. The University of Mississippi,
affectionately known as Ole Miss, is the state's flagship university. Included in the elite group of R1: Doctoral Universities - Highest Research Activity by the Carnegie Classification, it has a long history of producing leaders in public service, academics and business. Its 16 academic divisions include a major medical school, nationally recognized schools of accountancy, law and pharmacy, and an Honors College acclaimed for a blend of academic rigor, experiential learning and opportunities for community action. Recognized among the nation's most beautiful, Ole Miss' main campus is in Oxford, which is routinely acknowledged as one of the country's best college towns.
B7 April 21, 2022
Down To Earth Theme Inspires Student Creativity and forestry. Down to Earth not only focuses attention on the soil as the foundation for the industry, but it also describes the character, work ethic and stewardship of those whose lives and livelihoods are intrinsically linked to the land.” Contest winners received medals and cash awards from
CONTRIBUTED BY ALABAMA FARM-CITY
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
LEE COUNTY – Farmers’ work in sustaining the environment, economy and their businesses provided inspiration for winners in the Alabama Farm-City Committee’s poster, essay and video contests. Students from 15 counties were recognized at the Farm-City Awards Program and Luncheon April 7 in Birmingham for creative projects featuring the theme “Down to Earth: Agriculture Sustains Alabama.” Alabama Farm-City Committee Chairman Jeff Helms said the contests set the stage
Alabama Farmers Cooperative (AFC). The co-op also provided matching cash awards for the schools of first- and second-place entries. The winners’ work was showcased at the awards luncheon, and the top 12 posters will be featured in the 2023 Alabama Farm-City calendar.
Caroline Nottingham of Lakewood Elementary School in Lee County won second place in the Alabama Farm-City Poster Contest for kindergarten through third grade. She was honored at the Alabama Farm-City Awards Luncheon and Program April 7 in Birmingham and received $100 from Alabama Farmers Cooperative (AFC). Her school also received $100. From left are AFC’s Jade Randolph; Nottingham; her teacher, Carmen McDaniel; and Alabama Farm-City Committee Chair Jeff Helms. Her winning artwork is featured below. Farmers Federation. Helms said. “It’s for a year-long educa“Down to Earth a theme directing tional campaign develprovides a platform to our attention to the oped by a host of agriways farmers sustain cultural organizations, begin a conversation Alabama agriculture including the Alabama about conservation,”
College Scholarships Available Through East Alabama Health CONTRIBUTED BY EAH OPELIKA – Area high school seniors will soon walk across the stage to receive their diploma. And East Alabama Health officials stand ready to hand them a scholarship loan for a healthcare degree that is “paid back” by agreeing to work in the organization for a minimum time frame following college graduation. East Alabama Health (EAH) offers scholarship opportunities to high school seniors as well as to other residents in the region. “It’s no secret that healthcare workers are in short supply across the U.S., so we’re working harder than ever to grow our own talented employees locally,” said Susan Johnston, East Alabama Health's vice president of Human Resources. “Doing so
benefits our local colleges, our local workforce and our community. Having additional highly skilled healthcare workers here to care for our patients is the ultimate goal.” Here’s a list of the scholarships available: Scholarship Loans East Alabama Health offers a scholarship loan program for employees and non-employees who are already in the process of pursuing a career in healthcare. Examples include, but are not limited to, nursing, respiratory therapy, medical lab technologists (lab techs), medical coding and surgical technology (also called OR techs). Recipients of these scholarship loans agree to work full time with East Alabama Health after graduation for a period of time as outlined in the scholarship agreement. It is based on the amount of the loan
received. Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) This is a new fully paid scholarship loan that is available to area high school seniors as well as current EAH employees and non-employees. The loan covers tuition, books and all fees when the applicants enroll at either of the area colleges that offer LPN degrees — Southern Union, CVCC in Phenix City and Trenholm State in Montgomery. Named scholarships In addition to the scholarship loans listed above, East Alabama Health offers two nursing scholarships that were established in memory of nurses
(Connie Young and Sharon Gess) who died prematurely while still employed. Another named scholarship available is in honor of Dr. Paul Waddy, a former member of EAMC’s Board of Directors. There are specific criteria related to these three scholarships. See application information below. East Alabama Health also offers tuition reimbursement to its full-time and part-time employees who have at least one year of service. Previously, the amount covered annually with tuition reimbursement was $3,000 per fiscal year, but is being increased to
$10,000 per fiscal year starting with the Fall 2022 semester. “That’s very significant as college costs have increased a lot in recent years,” Johnston said. “Allowing reimbursement of up to $10,000 pretty much assures that most, if not all, of an employee’s college tuition costs will be covered each year. We believe very few hospitals or other businesses provide such a strong incentive to their employees.” Complete details and an application are available at www. eastalabamahealth.org/ careers-and-resources/ education-and-training/ scholarships. The deadline to apply for Fall 2022 scholarships is Friday, May 6 and the tuition reimbursement deadline is Friday, June 3. For more information, contact Lisa Ruffin, manager of Workforce Development at EAH,
at 334-528-1181 or lisa. ruffin@eamc.org. ABOUT EAST ALABAMA HEALTH: East Alabama Health encompasses East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, EAMCLanier in Valley, the Spencer Cancer Center in Opelika, the Auburn Medical Pavilion and a host of other key medical clinic and practices that help provide a continuum of care to patients throughout an 11-county area. EAMC is a 340-bed regional referral hospital, while EAMC-Lanier provides inpatient services as well as a nursing home, an acute rehab unit and an ambulatory surgery center. East Alabama Health employs about 3,500 employees and is the second largest employer in the region, trailing only Auburn University. For more information, visit www. eamc.org.
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B8 April 21, 2022
Lee County Volunteers Get a High Five!
T
BETH PINYERD
his week, April 17-23, 2022, is recognized as National Volunteer Week! Our community is outstanding in coming forth to help fellow citizens and neighbors when there are needs and difficult challenges that arise in our community. Lee County people are there to help. Even during the pandemic our community continually outreached to help others. The different agencies in our community make volunteers feel real special. This past Tuesday, April 19, AmeriCorps Seniors and Lee-Russell Council of Governments provided a wonderful Volunteer Appreciation
Lunch to volunteers at the Opelika Public Library. Volunteering to help others doesn’t cost a thing except your time. Many of we Baby Boomers are entering into our retirement years. For some of us it might mean that a regular work schedule slows down. Because of the change of economic needs many of we Baby Boomers will continue to work full time and part time. One model that the Greater Generation has provided for us is to freely give back to the community as volunteers no matter how busy our lives are. We as Baby Boomers have talents, gifts, skills,
and wisdom that we can share with others. The benefits of a sense of purpose and relationships are so gratifying. There are things that money cannot buy. Helping others is one of those commodities. Too, as Baby Boomers, we are searching out ways to help us stay healthy. Volunteering can benefit us socially, mentally, physically and emotionally. In Classroom Observer this week, I would like to cover the benefits and from a Baby Boomer’s perspective in sharing helpful tips on how to get started as a volunteer. Embarking on volunteer opportunities provides time for you to explore your interests and the “when, where, and why” you want to volunteer in certain areas. Here are a few questions to ask yourself. 1. Do I want to do something I am good at like music, reading, crafts, mentoring, tutoring, etc.? 2. Do I want to make the community and world I live in a better place? 3. Do I want to try something new? 4. Do I want to meet people who are different from me? 5. What can I do with my spare time to help
others? These are a few helpful questions you can ask yourself: 1. How much time can you commit to volunteer activities? 2. How do you want to serve? Do you want to serve behind the scenes or do you want to be a leader? 3. How much responsibility will be expected from you in a particular volunteer role? 4. As a Baby Boomer, what skills and talents can be tapped into for the volunteer job you are considering taking on? 5. Do you want to volunteer in serving adults, children, families, animals, environmental upkeep, etc.? 6. Where do you want to volunteer? A. Educational settings B. Senior centers, retirement homes C. Libraries D. Animal shelters E. Museums F. Places of worship G. Local food banks H. Service organizations I. Youth and children’s organizations J. Opelika/Auburn offers many community volunteer opportunities. Benefits that volunteering provides are: 1. Social: When I grew up in Opelika,
Alabama, I always noticed and was impressed how unpaid volunteers were the glue that held our community together. Those Scout leaders, Sunday School teachers, volunteer workers at our healthcare facilities, volunteers in service organizations were names that I remember to this day. When you volunteer you make new friends. No task is too small in helping to enrich the lives of people, animals, service organizations and places of needs. As a volunteer you meet present needs and provide a lasting memory of gratitude. 2. Volunteering is good for you mentally. When you are helping and doing good for others, you just cannot help but have a good sense of accomplishment. The role you have as a volunteer gives you a sense of purpose in your Baby Boomer years. Too, freely sharing time and helpful service for others provides life satisfaction which can boost self-confidence. Because volunteering connects us with other people, depression is fought and seems to fade away. 3. Volunteering is good for our health. Many volunteer activities may require
physical activity such as helping the elderly move into activities, meeting the needs of younger children, packing up boxes in service organizations and with my previous article on Pet Therapy, working with pets and animals has shown that stress and anxiety decrease and moods improve which leads to overall good health. 4. Volunteering promotes good emotional health. In volunteering in the community myself, I have noted that many of the good, committed volunteers are those who have limited mobility. People with disabilities or health conditions are so determined to help others. It is apparent that when we help others, life benefits are gained and we feel good about ourselves. This can be good for our health at any age. It is my hope for Baby Boomers and the community to realize that when we are helping others that we are helping ourselves. It is a two way relationship where all benefit. Thursday, April 21 is High Five Day so volunteers in our community truly get a very high five. Beth Pinyerd Classroom Observer
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L ee County & A labama Politics
B9
Nov. 24, 2021
Thursday, April 21, 2022
Inside the Statehouse Opelika Honors Employees
STEVE FLOWERS
M
OPINION any of you have asked the question, “Have you ever seen anyone simply run a media-only campaign and avoid campaigning like Mike Durant has done in this year’s U.S. Senate campaign.” Surprisingly my answer for many of you is, “yes, I have.” Ironically, the man that Richard Shelby beat for this U.S. Senate seat 36 years ago, Jeremiah Denton, was almost a carbon copy of Mike Durant. Denton was a POW/national war hero of the Vietnam era. Like Durant, Denton had very distant ties to and knowledge of Alabama. They were both national war/POW celebrities who wanted to be a United States Senator from whichever state was convenient. Alabama had an open seat for the Senate in 1980. Denton called Mobile home but had not lived there since he was a boy. His father was a Naval officer and Jeremiah followed suit and went to the Naval Academy and became a navy officer and rose to the rank of Rear Admiral. When the race began, Denton was basically living in the Washington D.C. area. Alabama had not had a republican senator since Reconstruction over 100 years earlier. The republicans recruited Denton to break the barrier. Denton really did no personal campaigning in Alabama. He was a short-tempered military man whose personality had been even more exacerbated by seven years and seven months of captivity by barbaric Vietnamese. Denton was swept into office in 1980 in the Ronald Reagan Republican landslide. He never aspired to go into politics. He only wanted to be a good soldier. After his release from captivity, he came back to a hero’s welcome. Denton became Alabama’s first republican and Catholic senator and never really
campaigned. Denton became Alabama’s least effective and insignificant senator in our state’s history. He only served one six-year term, 1980-86. During that one term, he never came to Alabama, never returned a phone call and never responded to any letters. He began his career by announcing he was a United States senator and not the junior senator from Alabama. He said his role was bigger than just taking care of mundane, senatorial duties and “kissing babies’ butts.” Thus, he immediately forewarned Alabamian’s that for the next six years, we would only have one U.S. Senator — the country would be blessed with our other senate seat. Mike Durant is amazingly similar, almost a clone to Denton. Unlike Denton who was born in Mobile, Durant was born and spent his entire formulative years in New Hampshire. Like Denton, Durant’s father was a military man. Durant followed his father. As is well known, Durant was shot down and captured and made a prisoner of war for 11 days. Durant’s life is really a mystery after that point. He calls Huntsville his home and he has had a military defense company in Huntsville, which made him very wealthy through federal defense dollars. Durant’s being an Alabamian or Huntsvillian has come into question. Nobody seems to know him in Huntsville, much less the rest of the state. Speculation is that he lives in Maryland, and he also has a very expensive home in Colorado. If he were to be elected to Alabama’s Senate seat, he would probably go home to Maryland. Durant would not only be a phantom senate candidate, but he would also be our phantom senator. Durant has only voted in a republican primary in Alabama one time in his life and that was in 2008. That means one of three things about him: (1) he is not a republican, (2) he is not an Alabamian or (3) he is not a republican or an Alabamian. The only thing we do know about Durant is that he was born and raised in New Hampshire. Where I come from in Alabama, that would make him what we call a carpetbagger. A carpetbagger, who refuses to meet or ask any Alabamians for their vote. The only thing we know about him is that he can fly around in a helicopter and he can afford to buy a lot of television See FLOWERS, page B10
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
Who is Mike Durant?
From left to right on the front row: Captain Tony Amerson, Opelika Police Chief Shane Healey, Sgt. James Daniel and Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller. Back row: Captain Kenny Miller, Captain Johnathan Clifton and Captain Rob Cook.
BY MICHELLE KEY PUBLISHER OPELIKA — The Opelika City Council and Mayor Gary Fuller honored several individuals during Tuesday night's council meeting. Sgt. James Daniel from the Opelika Police Department was recognized as the Opelika Exchange Club Officer of the Year. Daniel has worked for the OPD for more than 15 years and has served in multiple departments throughout the years. He has worked with community
outreach, officer development and also assisted with the development of several educational programs that have become a part of the curriculum in Opelika High School. He plays a role in the Citizens Police Academy and the 20 Under 20 Student Exploratory Program. “[Daniel] is currently in a role that is perfect for him and we’re super proud to have him in it, and that is where he teaches our young police officers how to be police officers in the way we want police officers to be in the city of
Opelika,” said Opelika Police Chief Shane Healy. “I have had the pleasure of working with this young man since the day he came here. I wish everyone had his work ethic and his dedication to this community.” “This room is filled with a lot of my fellow brothers and sisters in arm, and quite frank, family, without them, [none of] this is accomplished,” Daniel said. “Simply put, in a world of chaos, y’all are my clarity — so to you all, thank you.” See OPELIKA, page B12
Auburn Council Approves New Businesses, Remodels BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
AUBURN — The Auburn City Council approved a conditional use approval for the Auburn Hotel, commercial and entertainment use for AuburnBank. The hotel will include 129 guest rooms, in addition to a coffee shop (Bitty and Beau’s), a lounge and rooftop restaurant. “Just looking forward to another great addition to our downtown,” said Ward
NOW OPEN
3 Council Member Beth Witten. This property includes the AuburnBank redevelopment and the parking deck at the back of the rate property. “It will have a great impact on Auburn, no question about it,” said Auburn Mayor Ron Anders.” CHIPOTLE REMODEL: In addition to a new downtown Auburn hotel, residents can expect a remodel to Chipotle on Magnolia Avenue. The council approved the conditional use approval for the
road service use. The remodel will include a drive-through and expansion of the space. Chipotle was reclassified as fast-food. The property, which was opened as an Arby’s in 1993, was remodeled by Chipotle in 2011. The Arby’s originally included a drive-through. Ward 2 Council Member Kelley Griswold expressed concern about traffic with the new drive-through. There was some concern See AUBURN, page B14
Indoor shooting range is open to the public
2195 FIRST AVENUE • OPELIKA
B10 April 21, 2022
Comity to Chaos: The Dumbing Down of Political Debates
GREG MARKLEY
T
OPINION he first debates of the 2016 presidential campaign were held on August 6, 2015. They foreshadowed that debates would become less serious. From rude to boorish, participants engaged in private arguments and public actions unusual for wannabee presidents. This hugely popular debate was no cousin to the sterling Lincoln-Douglas debates of 1858 in Illinois for the U.S. Senate. Vice President Richard Nixon ascribed his loss of the 1960 debate as due to Kennedy being more attractive and
Letter to the Editor Dear Readers, The address of my campaign headquarters was inadvertantly left off of my previous advertising that was published in The Observer. The address is: Friends of Richard LaGrand Sr., 2900 Watson St., Opelika, AL 36801. We apologize for this omission in our advertising. Sincerely, Richard LaGrand Sr. District 5 Commissioner Opelika, Alabama
charismatic on TV. There were no presidential debates, not one to televise, from 1964-1976. The idea was rejected by Nixon in 1968 and 1972 because of his bad memories from the first time. Also, in 1964, LBJ realized he was so far ahead in polling against Sen. Barry Goldwater that debates could only cause trouble. In July 2018, Gov. Ivey had only been governor for 15 months, after her predecessor resigned. She quite likely had a full plate to deal with as her Democratic opponent asked for a debate. “Walt Maddox refuses
to say if he supports Brett Kavanaugh for the Supreme Court, it’s impossible to get a straight answer from him on gun rights and he’s all over the map on abortion,” Ivey said. “It seems the person Walt Maddox should be debating is himself.” Maddox has been mayor of Tuscaloosa since 2005. Again this year, Ivey has not agreed to debate anyone. On May 24, she has eight Republican challengers. Within her party, in a Real Clear Politics poll, Ivey is at 48 %, followed by businessman Tim James at 11 percent. Should Ivey debate this fall, against her unnamed Democratic opponent? I address the debate issue on three levels. First, as a citizen, I know that incumbents must be available. But does that have to be in a formal debate? Ivey is certainly not hiding from voters. If you could see her daily schedule, you would find she puts her government events (meetings, openings of new plants, etc.) first. The campaign comes second as it should be. Second, if I were her or any popular candidate’s campaign
manager, I would be careful about any debates. This is because the people leading in their races can only be diminished in a debate, say with several opponents. And with all of us, there is a chance we make a big slip-up; that might even move a challenger within striking distance of winning. “Our contemporary politicians, who found it necessary to speak to us as sixth and seventh graders (in debates), compared unfavorably with Presidents Kennedy and Nixon, both of whom spoke in a vocabulary appropriate for tenth graders,” wrote Diane Ravitch in the Hoover Daily Report (2001). “And they, in turn, looked sophomoric when compared to Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas, whose scores, respectively, were 11.2 and 12.0.” Third point on debates is that I am a strong critic of what presidential debates and even some governor or U.S. senator debates have become. Many are shallow, ultra-ideological, vulgar and redundant. This is especially true where a TV ‘personality” cannot maintain order and is not
well-respected. Candidates spend countless hours over weeks to study material, especially so that “sound bites” can be deployed in a way that viewers can’t determine if the candidate is witty and spontaneous. For instance, when Reagan helped extinguish the concerns over his age by saying to VP Mondale “I will not make age an issue of this campaign. I am not going to exploit for political purposes my opponent’s youth and inexperience.” After the first debate, Reagan was showing his age, as the oldest president (age 73) so his “spin doctors” sought a way for him to eliminate those suspicions about his mental capacity slipping. And they found it. Spin doctors are paid loyalists and not impartial analysts of a debate. To wit, if a candidate mistakes Iraq for Iran on a map, a spin doctor might say: “Yes, he did say that, but he didn’t hear the question because a truck outside the hall fired just then.” In 1987, judge Robert Bork was rejected for the U.S. Supreme Court, being considered a conservative extremist. But after the Senate’s rejection,
he spent 25 years as an academic and public intellectual. On C-SPAN Booknotes, he spoke of a culture “lobotomized” by TV. “It means people aren’t reading or thinking,” Bork explained. “They’re increasingly listening to slogans and sound bites. Probably the nature of TV entertainment is not only vulgar… but has less and less dramatic content of any worth and less and less intellectual content.” We know times are getting crazy when presidential debates are watched for their stinging insults. Are those required for future presidents? I rather doubt it. No wonder Ivey has decided not to participate in any debates, going back to 2018. But she remains highly visible and available for the press, and primarily, for the citizens of Alabama. Greg Markley first moved to Lee County in 1996. He has Masters’ in education and history. He taught politics as an adjunct in Georgia and Alabama. An award-winning writer in the Army and civilian life, he has contributed to the Observer for 13 years. gm.markley@charter.net
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FLOWERS >> FROM B9 ads. Guess he thinks we are dumb enough to fall for that pig in a poke or he might find that after a while we will wake up and realize that Emperor has no clothes. Durant makes no pretense about the fact that he will not personally campaign in Alabama or even do interviews. You can bet your bottom dollar that wherever you live in Alabama,
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Durant has not been to your town or city and probably could not even tell you where it is located. You can rest assured that he does not know the difference between the Wiregrass and Sand Mountain. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www. steveflowers.us.
B11 April 21, 2022
Zeigler Qualifies to Run for Secretary of State CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
S
OPINION tate Auditor Jim Zeigler (R) has qualified to run for the open seat of secretary of state. He will run in the May 24th Republican primary for the seat being left by outgoing Secretary of State John Merrill (R). The secretary of state is the top elections administrator in Alabama. In his statement at qualification, Zeigler said: “Over the next eight years, the job of secretary of state will be vital. We face national attempts to manipulate honest election procedures. Alabama needs a proven fighter against government overreach to be our fighting secretary of state. “We face attempts to allow non-citizens to vote. Jim Zeigler will fight against that. Only U.S. citizens should vote in U.S. elections.” “We face efforts to change ‘election day’ to ‘election week’ or ‘election month.’ Jim Zeigler will fight against that. We need to be vigilant against those who would vote early and often. “We face assaults against our requirement
for photo voter ID. Jim Zeigler will fight to keep and enforce our voter ID requirements. “We face ballot harvesting; automatic voter registration on election day; drive-by drop-off ballot boxes; and voting by mail. A vote for Jim Zeigler is a vote against all these methods of manipulation. “As your state auditor, I led the fight against waste, mismanagement and corruption. As your secretary of state, I can apply that same approach to fight the manipulation of our elections. “As your state auditor, some people called me ‘the watchman.’ I will continue as your watchman over the election process as Secretary of state. “Election integrity may be the most important single issue. The reason is this: If we lose our ability to elect or defeat officials, then all other issues will have lost accountability to the people. We would have government of the manipulators, by the manipulators and for the manipulators. A vote for Jim Zeigler is a vote against election by manipulation.” Zeigler earned a degree in Public Administration from the University of
Alabama where he was President of the Student Government Association. He paid his way through college as the janitor in the old
She successfully led the banning of Critical Race Theory in Alabama schools. She has been a consistent vote to repeal Common
ZEIGLER Student Union Building and by playing in an oldies band. He played trumpet in the Million Dollar Band and debated on the intercollegiate debate team. He served on the University Athletic Committee with legendary Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. Zeigler’s wife Jackie is the elected State Board of Education member from the First District — eight counties of South Alabama.
Core. The Zeiglers and daughter Mary Magdalene Zeigler are active Christians in Kingswood Church in Mobile. They have two rescue dogs and a rescue cat. “We have four candidates for Secretary of state. All four bring something to the table. My three opponents make excellent speeches and have good points. I am listening.”
ROBERT HAM is running for
Lee County Commission District 4
Ham has lived in Lee County since 1973, as a servant for the people of District 4. When the 2019 Beauregard Tornados devastated the county, he took seven months off work to help his community. Ham’s list of accomplishments and service in the community include: Co-Founder and current Board Member of Mercy Medical Co-Founder and current Board Member of Northridge Shelter for Women Current Board Member of Talladega Hall of Fame Museum Co-founder of Friends of the Community Past President and Treasurer of Lee County Kawana’s Board Member of Alabama County Commission Association Conservative Christian
“I am very pleased to have served as your county commissioner for the past 12 years and would enjoy serving you for four more years. If you have any problem that I can help you with, please call me at 334-319-0691.” — Robert Ham.
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“So what difference does it make which one of us you vote for? It makes a ‘yuuuuge’ difference. “The Bible gives us a guide for making decisions on who to choose — for jobs, leadership roles, service providers and elected officials. The Bible tells us – ‘By their fruit you shall know them.’ Actions speak louder than words. What have they actually done? “I offer my fruit produced as your state auditor: “I investigated and filed the initial ethics complaint against Gov. Robert Bentley. “I filed the taxpayers challenge to the $47 million unbid contract named STAARS, which ended that failed software deal. “I led the fight against the gas tax increase and showed how ALDOT was wasting tens of millions of your tax dollars. “I was blessed to lead the successful fight to stop the double taxation of toll roads and bridges on top of the gas tax. “My wife and I led the 2020 fight against Amendment One, which would have taken away your right to vote for State School Board members and made them all
appointed by the governor. We beat that with a 75% ‘no’ vote in the statewide referendum of the people. “I was one leader in the successful fight that blocked the $3 billion prison rental boondoggle. “I operated the state auditor’s office on less money now than when I was elected in 2014. We halved our staff and yet remained current on the property inventory audits and all other work. The Montgomery politicians lashed out at me and eliminated our staff offices and parking places, yet we remained current on audits. “Do you ever wonder who audits the auditor? The answer is — the examiner of public accounts. They performed their toughest audit on my office, and the results were perfect. Zeigler pointed out that the races for Lt. gov., state treasurer, and agricultural commissioner have no opposition on May 24 and will not even appear on the primary ballot. The four Republican candidates for secretary of state are Rep. Wes Allen of Troy, businessman Christian Horn of Huntsville, retired secretary of state staffer Ed Packard of Prattville and Zeigler.
B12 April 21, 2022
Retired Army Veteran Sherri Reese Announces Candidacy for Alabama Senate District 27 CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
ALABAMA — Sherri Reese has officially announced her candidacy to run as a Democrat for Alabama Senate District 27. Sherri is a lifelong Alabamian, raised, educated and volunteering in Lee County, Alabama. Reese believes her lifelong commitment to service, her country and community is exactly what the constituents of Senate District 27 need. “As an Army Drill
OPELIKA >> FROM B9 OTHER AWARDS Fuller issued a proclamation declaring April as the Month of the Military Child 2022. John Sweatman, Matt Mosley and Scott Parker were each awarded ‘Attaboy’ Awards for their work for the city. Service awards were given to several city employees. Healey was recognized for his 25 years of service to the city of Opelika. IN OTHER BUSINESS - The council approved a request for a downtown Juneteenth Celebration and March for Social Justice on June 19. - The council approved a request from Opelika Main Street for "Grillin on the Tracks" on Aug. 20. - The council approved a request for an alcohol special retail more than 30 days license for Botanic LLC dba Botanic. - The council held a public hearing and later voted to approve the demolition of structures located at 3807 Heritage Place. - The council voted to approve the expense reports from various departments. - The council voted to designate city personal property as surplus and authorize its disposal. - The council approved the purchase of Turn Out Gear for the Opelika Fire Department
Sergeant, my job was to make sure everyone I trained was prepared for obstacles/hardships they might face in combat," Reese said. "Now, I want to help Alabama prepare for the future. Our state needs to be prepared to take advantage of new economic opportunities in emerging markets. Public schools need to be better equipped to guide students to the fullest academic potential. We need to invest in Medicaid expansion so our rural hospitals are prepared to serve their - The council approved the Use of ARPA SLFRF funds using the standard allowance. This simply means that the council can utilize the full amount of the funds (up to $10 million) instead of having to provide itemized calculations of loss of revenue. - The council approved a letter of intent for the Auburn University Regional Airport. - The council approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Opelika Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber has applied for a USDA grant and according to the MOU executive summary, “the Opelika Chamber, in partnership with the following organizations, will be executing project ‘Taste Opelika’, a project dedicated to serving the agriculture manufacturing cluster with a sub-focus on food and beverage businesses. This project will serve food producers/packagers, food trucks, aspiring restaurateurs, caterers and cottage bakers and existing restauranters who have not embraced technology to elevate their business. Partners will include the city of Opelika, the Lee-Russell Council of Government, the Small Business Development Center, the Auburn University New Venture Accelerator, Southern Union State Community College, SHE SPARKS, The Galley on McCoy,
REESE LLC and the East Alabama Chamber of Commerce." - The council approved a resolution to amend job classifications, the city pay plan, and new positions for the Human Resource department. - The council approved a contract with Chubb Insurance Co. for career firefighter cancer insurance. - The council approved a professional service agreement for an industrial access roadway design for Project Core (Niagara). - The council approved an ordinance for the vacation and abandonment of a sanitary sewer easement. - The council approved a proposal from Hosey-Lancour Construction, LLC for renovations to Southside Center for the Arts. - The council approved a resolution proclaiming April 17 through 23, 2022, as National Volunteer Week. The Class of 1986 Volunteer Group was recognized for its volunteer work throughout the city. - The council introduced an ordinance for first reading to amend the Code of Ordinances by changing the time of the regular meetings and work sessions of the city council. This ordinance proposes a change of council meeting times from 7 p.m. to 6 p.m. with work sessions starting at 5:30 p.m. If approved, the ordinance
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will go into effect on June 1, 2022. - The council introduced an ordinance for first reading to approve the annexation petition by William B. Lowe, Jr. and Mary Susan Haines for 31 acres located on Lafayette Parkway. - The council approved a motion to reappoint Mac Morris to the Alabama Municipal Electric Authority Election Committee. The next city council meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 3 at 7 p.m.. All city council meetings are open to the public.
community. That is the type of leadership we need in Montgomery right now and that’s why I’m running.” Reese hopes to interrupt the decade-long trend of Republican government mismanagement by providing the constituents of Alabama Senate District 27 with an elected leader who will focus on the issues that matter: improving public schools, improving healthcare access and bringing good jobs to the area.
“I believe every person has value and potential,” continued Reese. “I may not be the decisive voice but I can be your voice. As senator, I’ll fight daily to support legislation that materially improves lives. The people of Senate District 27 can trust me to be their boots on the ground.” For information about Reese and her campaign for Alabama Senate District 27, visit www.sherrireeseforalabama.com.
B13 April 21, 2022
PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING OPELIKA CITY COUNCIL May 17, 2022, 7:00 P.M. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN in accordance with §23-4-2, Code of Alabama, 1975, that the City Council of the City of Opelika will conduct a Public Hearing during the regularly scheduled City Council meeting on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Courtroom of the Opelika Municipal Court Building, 300 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, to receive the benefit of public input concerning a proposal to vacate a portion of the right-of-way of South 10th Street. All persons interested in the proposed vacation are invited to appear at the public hearing and express their views. Written statements or objections may be submitted to the City Clerk prior to the time of the hearing. The portion of South 10th Street proposed to be vacated is more particularly described as follows: A portion of Lot 11, Block 48, of Totten’s Official Real Estate Map of Opelika, Alabama, as recorded in Plat Book 2, Page 9, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, described as follows: Commencing at a ¾” square rod at the northeast corner of Lot 10, Block 48 of Totten’s Map, in Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, said point being on the southwesterly right of way line of Geneva Street; thence S15°30'31"E, along said right of way line, 83.72 feet to a pair of ½” pipes side-by-side, bent; thence S37°03’01”W, 2.41 feet to a broken 6” square concrete monument and the True Point of Beginning of the Parcel of Land herein described; thence, continuing southwesterly along said right of way line, being a curve concave northwesterly, and having a radius of 25.00 feet, an arc length of 12.35 feet, a chord bearing of S23°16’03”W, and a chord length of 12.23 feet to a ½” rebar set with a cap marked LS18677; thence continuing southwesterly along said right of way line, being a curve concave southeasterly, and having a radius of 50.00 feet, an arc length of 52.03 feet, a chord bearing of S7°36’44”W, and a chord length of 49.71 feet to a ½” rebar set with a cap marked LS18677; thence, leaving said right of way line, S67°48’13”W, 66.99 feet to a ½” rebar set with a cap marked LS18677 on the northeasterly right of way line of 10th Street; thence, along said right of way line, N42°08’52”W, 72.59 feet to a ½” rebar set with a cap marked LS18677; thence, leaving said right of way line, N75°19’24”E, 126.27 feet to the True Point of Beginning. Being further described according to and as shown on that certain survey or drawing prepared by Mark L. Miller, Registered Surveyor, attached hereto and marked Exhibit “A”. A copy of the Petition to Vacate and the proposed resolution approving the vacation will be available upon request at the office of the City Clerk, 1st Floor of City Hall, 204 South 7th Street, Opelika, Alabama. Please contact Brian Weiss, the City’s ADA Contact Person, at 334-705-5134 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability. DATED this the 14th day of April, 2022. /s/ Russell A. Jones, CMC RUSSELL A. JONES, CITY CLERK Legal Run 4/14/22, 4/21/22, 4/28/22 & 5/5/22 ------------NOTICE Oscar Able Vilada Ramirez, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer Oscar De Jesus Villada’s Complaint and Summons. Said Answer must be filed on or before May 21, 2022 or thereafter a judgment of default may be entered against him in Case No: CV2021-900053.00 in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama. Done this 13th day of March, 2022. Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama OF COUNSEL: Ben C. Hand 114 North 8th Street Opelika, AL 36801
334-741-4077 Legal Run 3/31/22, 4/7/22, 4/14/22 & 4/21/22 ------------STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF AIKEN IN THE FAMILY COURT SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT Case no. 22-DR-02-54 South Carolina Department of Social Services, Plaintiff vs. Keith Bishop, defendants. SUMMONS, NOTICE AND PETITION FOR CENTRAL REGISTRY ENTRY TO: Crystal D Chavis YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to answer the Summons, Notice an Petition for Central Registry in this action, the original of which has been filed in the Aiken County Office of the Clerk of Court at 109 Park Ave., Aiken, SC 29801, on January 14,2022, a copy of which will be delivered to you upon request; and to serve a copy of your answer to the complaint upon the attorney, Susanna M. Ringler, for the Plaintiff at Post Office Drawer 1268 , Aiken,SC 29801, within thirty (30) days following the date of service upon you, exclusive of the day of such service; and if you fail to answer the complaint within the time stated, the Plaintiff will apply for judgment by default against the Defendant for the relief demanded in the complaint. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that you have the right to be present and represented by an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint an attorney to represent you. It is your responsibility to contact the Aiken County Clerk of Court's Office, 109 Park Ave., Aiken, SC 29801, to apply for appointment of an attorney to represent you if you cannot afford an attorney (take all of these papers with you if you apply). YOU MUST APPLY FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF AN ATTORNEY IMMEDIATELY. IF YOU DO NOT APPLY FOR AN ATTORNEY WITHIN THIRTY DAYS OF RECEIPT OF THE COMPLAINT, AN ATTORNEY WILL NOT BE APPOINTED FOR YOU. YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that Permanency Planning Hearing will be held in this matter on June 23, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.. at the Aiken County Courthouse located at 109 Park Ave., Aiken, SC 29801. You should attend this hearing. If you do not attend, the relief sought may be granted in your absence. Legal Run 04/07/2022, 04/14/2022 & 04/21/2022 ------------IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MICHAEL RAYMOND BARBER, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No.: 2022-092 Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 25th day of February, 2022, 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. BETTY DUNN Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP Post Office Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 334-745-3504 Legal Run 4/7/22, 4/14/22 & 4/21/22 -----------IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF BRENDAN SCOTT CAIN, deceased Case No.: 2022-199 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Debbie Simmons, Personal Representative on the 11th day of April, 2022, by Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time
allowed by law or the same will be barred. Legal Run 4/14/22, 4/21/22 & 4/28/22 -----------FORM OF ADVERTISMENT FOR COMPLETION LEGAL NOTICE In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, notice is hereby given, that WHATLEY CONSTRUCTION, LLC has completed the contract for Improvement of AU 20-090 AU Jordan-Hare StadiumWest-Side Elevators 5 & 6, Modernization & Upgrades at Auburn University JordanHare Football Stadium for Lee County, Auburn, State of Alabama, Owner(s), and have made request for final settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify: Stacy Norman Architects, LLC 126 Tichenor Ave., Auburn, AL 36830 WHATLEY CONSTRUCTION, LLC / CONTRACTOR P.O. BOX 137, OPELIKA, AL 36802 Legal Run 4/7/22, 4/14/22, 4/21/22 & 4/28/23 ------------NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Testamentary were granted to Stuart E. Webb and Phillip D. Webb as Executors of the Estate of Charles E. Webb deceased, on the 30th day of March 2022, by the Hon. Bill English. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. W. Donald Morgan, Jr. Morgan & Lyle. P.C. P.O. Box 2056 Columbus, GA 31902 Legal Run 04/14/22, 4/21/22 & 4/28/22 ------------IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF TONY EARL MOORE, deceased. Case No.: 2021-244 NOTICE OF HEARING Take Notice that Tonie Robinson Moore, as Administrator of the estate of Tony Earl Moore, deceased, will bring on for hearing her REPORT AND STATEMENT OF INSOLVENCY of said deceased before the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, on the 16th day of May 2022 at 11:00 electronically via "ZOOM". Please contact the Lee County Probate Court at 334-737-3670 for access to the electronic hearing should you intend to take part in said hearing. All persons having claims against said estate are hereby notified of said hearing. BILL ENGLISH, PROBATE JUDGE Legal Run 04/14/2022, 04/21/2022 & 04/28/2022 ------------NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE WHEREAS, default has been made in the terms of the mortgage executed on the 8th day of March, 2021, by Minnie Elaine Martin, as mortgagor in favor of Linda Bolt, as mortgagee, as recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, in Mortgage Book No. 4699, at Pages 738 - 742, and said default continuing, the mortgagee, under power of sale contained in said mortgage will sell at auction for cash to the highest bidder on the steps of the Lee County Courthouse in Opelika, Alabama on Tuesday, the 17th day of May, 2022, during the legal hours of sale, the following described real estate embraced in said mortgage, situated in Lee County, Alabama, to-wit: A tract or parcel of land designated as Lot 2-B2 containing 1.99 acres of land with all improvements thereon as shown on that survey dated 10-08-2020 of the Property Subdivision for James Bolt Redivision of Lot 2 Redivision of Lot 2-B, Section 16, Township 20N, Range 29 East Lee County, Alabama and being of record in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee
County, Alabama in Book 44 at Page 67. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN "AS IS, WHERE IS" BASIS, SUBJECT TO ANY EASEMENTS, ENCUMBRANCES, AND EXCEPTIONS REFLECTED IN THE MORTGAGE AND THOSE CONTAINED IN THE RECORDS OF THE OFFICE OF THE JUDGE OF PROBATE OF THE COUNTY WHERE THE ABOVE-DESCRIBED PROPERTY IS SITUATED. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AS TO TITLE, USE AND/OR ENJOYMENT AND WILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. 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. Said sale is made for the purpose of foreclosing of said mortgage, paying the mortgage debt, the costs and expenses of foreclosure, including a reasonable attorney's fee. Mortgagee reserves the right to bid on the subject property. Said mortgage is a first mortgage and is not junior to another mortgage of record. Said sale is also subject to unpaid taxes or assessments whether of record or not. _/s/ Linda Bolt______ Linda Bolt, Mortgagee Charles M. Ingrum, Jr. Attorney for Mortgagee 830 Avenue A, Suite A Opelika, AL 36801 Legal Run 4/14/22, 4/21/22, 4/28/22 & 5/5/2022 ------------FORM OF ADVERTISMENT FOR COMPLETION LEGAL NOTICE In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, notice is hereby given, that WHATLEY CONSTRUCTION, LLC has completed the contract for The Beulah Athletic Park Concession and Restroom building located at 11099 Lee Road 379, Valley, AL 36854 and The Beauregard Athletic Park Concession and Restroom building located at 480 Lee Road 431, Opelika, AL 36804 for the Lee County Commission, owner, and have made request for final settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify: Foresite Group, LLC 2128 Moores Mill Rd., Suite C, Auburn, AL 36830 WHATLEY CONSTRUCTION, LLC / CONTRACTOR P.O. BOX 137, OPELIKA, AL 36802 Legal Run 4/14/22, 4/21/22, 4/28/22 & 5/5/22 ------------IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The estate of Jacob Daniel Woodward, Deceased. Case No. 2022-194 TAKE NOTICE that Letters Administration having been granted to Danielle Woodard as Administratrix of the Estate of Jacob Daniel Woodard. deceased, on the 6th day of April, 2022. 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 be barred. Danielle Woodard as Administratrix of the Estate of Jacob Daniel Woodard, Deceased Legal Run 04/14/22, 04/21/22 & 04/28/22 ------------IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CHARLOTTE REED WARD, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO. 2022- 200 NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Emma
Ward Morris, on the 11th day of April, 2022, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Emma Ward Morris, Personal Representative Legal Run 04/21/22, 04/28/2022 & 05/05/2022 ------------NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF IDELLA C. RICHARDSON, DECEASED COURT OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY Letters of Administration of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 13th day of April, 2022, 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 seal this the 13th day of April 2022. Ja’Tisha Sharmain Anderson Legal Run 4/21/22, 4/28/22 & 05/05/22 ------------SYNOPSIS OF ZONING NOTICE The City Council of the City of Opelika will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. in the Courtroom of the Opelika Municipal Court Building, 300 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, to consider the adoption of an ordinance to amend the Zoning Ordinance and the Zoning Map of the City of Opelika by rezoning or redistricting the parcel of land hereinafter described so as to change such parcel from one class of district to another class of district, as follows: From a R-4M, GC-P District (Medium Density Residential, Gateway Corridor Primary Overlay District) to a C-2, GC-P District (Office/Retail, Gateway Corridor Primary Overlay District), the parcel of land hereinafter described: Lot Number One (#1) in the Subdivision of the Frisbie Tract of Land of Pepperell Manufacturing Company as shown by map or plat thereof recorded Town Plat Book 3, at Page 16 in the Office of Judge of Probate Of Lee County, Alabama. The above-described property contains approximately 6.0 acres and is located at the intersection of Old Opelika Road and Frederick Road, Opelika, Alabama. Public Notice of this public hearing with insertion of the proposed ordinance was first published on April 14, 2022, in The Opelika Observer. This notice is given pursuant to Section 11-52-78 Code of Alabama (1975). All interested persons are invited to attend the public hearing and be heard. Written comments concerning the above matter may be mailed to the City Clerk at P.O. Box 390, Opelika, AL 36803 at any time prior to the public hearing and may be further submitted to the City Council at the meeting and the public hearing. Please contact Brian Weiss, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334-705-5134 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to any disability. THIS NOTICE is given under my hand this the 21st day of April, 2022. /s/ Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 04/21/2022 ------------IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF MARY SUE MCDOUGALD WATSON, DECEASED Case no.: 2022-216 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION of said deceased having been granted to Eric M. Watson on the 15th day of April, 2022 by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama. Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the
time allowed by law or the same will be barred. ERJC M. WATSON Legal Run 4/21/22, 4/28/22 & 5/5/22 ------------NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Opelika will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. in the Courtroom of the Opelika Municipal Court Building, 300 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama. PURPOSE The purpose of said Public Hearing will be to consider the adoption of an ordinance to amend Ordinance Number 124-91 (entitled “Zoning Ordinance of the City of Opelika”) adopted on September 17, 1991. At said Public Hearing all who desire to be heard shall have the opportunity to speak for or in opposition to the adoption of the following ordinance: ORDINANCE NO. _____ AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA (THE MILL DEVELOPMENT PUD) BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows: Section 1. FINDINGS. The Council has determined and hereby finds and declares that the following facts are true and correct: (a) Holland Homes, LLC (“Holland”) has a contracted purchase approximately 39.22 acres located within the Pepperell Historic Village and more particularly described as being located south of 29th Street, east of Cunningham Drive, and north of the railroad tracks. (b) Holland heretofore submitted to the City a development plan for a planned unit development (“PUD”), consisting of approximately 39.22 acres, designated as “The Mill Development PUD”. (c) The proposed development is a mixed-use development consisting of commercial and multi-family lots along 1st Avenue and predominantly single-family houses, townhomes and related amenities. The property is divided primarily into two sections. The commercial and multi-family section is located south of 1st Avenue and is comprised of 8.44 acres. The remaining residential section is approximately 26.41 acres that includes 2.0 acres of open space. The total number of residential units is 294 with a total development density of 8.44 units per acre. The development will include 3 platted open space areas totaling approximately two (2) acres and will also include at least one (1) acre for recreation and entertainment within the commercial area including food truck parking, landscaped green space, and a pavilion to encourage gatherings and outdoor dining. There will be sidewalks along the rights-of-way throughout the development to connect residents to the open spaces and to the commercial areas. (d) The Planning Commission heretofore conducted a public hearing of the proposed development and referred to the City Council its recommendation to approve the proposed development. (e) It is advisable and in the interest of the City and the public interest that the proposed property described above should be developed as a residential and mixed-use development. Section 2. APPROVAL OF THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN. The Development Plan as submitted for review is hereby approved and affirmed as required by Section 8.18(N) of the Zoning Ordinance of the City. Section 3. DESIGNATION OF A PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT. The official Zoning Map is hereby amended and the zoning classification for the following parcel of land shall be changed from a C-2 District (Office/ Retail District) and a VR District (Village Residential District) to a Planned Unit Development (PUD) on the official zoning map of the City. Commencing at the Southeast corner of Section 14,
B14 April 21, 2022
AUBURN >> FROM B9 in the planning commission about this as well. Anders clarified with the City Manager, Megan Crouch, that the window would only serve to pickup already placed orders, not place new orders. “One thing that’s happened in a number of our businesses, is mobile ordering is the thing and especially with COVID,” Crouch said. She said the city wasn’t too worried about traffic due to a Chipotle drive-through. Two council members voted against the resolution, while six and Anders voted for it. SWANN FARM: The council approved conditional use approval for the Swann Farm development. The property includes 77.3 acres which will include office use, a veterinary clinic, retail spaces
PUBLIC NOTICES >> FROM B13 Township 19 North, Range 26 East, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, thence North 00°14'37" West, a distance of 286.69 feet to a calculated point on the North right of way of the CSX Railway; thence along said railway North 73°12'29" East, a distance of 961.95 Feet to a point at the intersection of Cunningham Drive and the CSX Railway, said point being located at the Southwest corner and the Point of Beginning of the parcels described herein: from this POINT OF BEGINNING, thence along the East line of Cunningham Drive North 00°40'53" West, a distance of 290.45 feet to a right of way change for Cunningham Drive; thence along said right of way change North 89°46'03" East, a distance of 8.21 feet; thence continue along Cunningham Drive along a curve concave to the southeast having a radius of 288.56 feet and a chord which bears North 24°13'24" East 245.95 feet for an arc distance of 254.08 feet to a point of tangency; thence North 50°10'42" East, a distance of 110.00 feet to the beginning of a curve tangent to said line; thence an arc distance of 222.49 feet along the curve concave to the northwest, having a radius of 368.31 feet and a chord of North 32°52’22” East, 219.12 feet; thence North 15°34'01" East tangent to said curve, a distance of 3.69 feet to the intersection of Cunningham Drive and 30th Street; thence crossing Cunningham Drive North 72°50'05" West, a distance of 79.70 feet; thence crossing 30th Street North 15°11'41" East, a distance of 49.92 feet; thence North 14°48’08” East, a distance of 170.45 feet; thence North 14°22’56” East, a distance of 195.67 feet to a ½” rebar in the South right of way of 2nd Avenue thence South 79°46'15" East, a distance of 54.76 feet to the Southwest intersection of 2nd Avenue and 28th Street; thence crossing 28th Street South 80°20'13" East, a distance of 66.22 feet to the Southeast intersection of 2nd Avenue and 28th Street; thence along the South right of way of 2nd Avenue South 80°57'21" East, a distance of 46.25 feet; South 85°45'21" East, a distance of 79.58 feet; North 88°59'39" East, a distance of 63.58 feet; North 85°07'39" East, a distance of 62.88 feet; North 81°39'06" East, a distance of 62.27 feet; North 81°28'39" East, a distance of 50.67 feet; North 73°09'53" East, a distance of 375.22 feet to the Southwestern intersection of 2nd Avenue and 26th Street; thence crossing 26th Street North 73°09'53" East, a distance of 60.00 feet to the Southeastern intersection of 2nd Avenue and 26th Street; thence along 2nd Avenue North 73°09'53" East, a distance of 264.87 feet to the Southwestern intersection of 2nd Avenue and 25th Street; thence North 73°09'53" East, a distance of
and commercial/entertainment uses, which could include things such as a bank, barbershop, music store, brewpub, garden supply, grocery store, etc. The request also included road service, which could include an ATM, a bank, a convince store, a fast food restaurant, a gas station or more. The developer originally requested use for an assisted living facility, independent living faculty, etc. but the planning commission recommended against it. “I’m excited to see this go in where it’s going,” said Ward 8 Council Member Tommy Dawson. “It’s the first thing you see when you go past the roundabout coming in on Wire Road … I think it’s a great addition and I’m very excited.” OTHER BUSINESS: - The council approved an alcohol beverage license, Class I alcohol beverage license for JK 51 Management, LLC d/b/a Cigar and Fine Spirits.
- The council approved an alcohol beverage license, retail table wine, for Your Pie in Auburn. - The council approved a contract with the Alabama Power Company for the relocation and installation of street lighting on Wire Road at the Soccer Complex roundabout for over $64,500. - The council approved a development agreement with Auburn Community Church. - The council approved a contract with the AuburnOpelika Metropolitan Planning Organization for updates to the AuburnOpelika Metropolitan Planning Organization Highway Functional Classification Map. - The council approved a contract with Axon Enterprise, Inc. for 15 incar cameras, 26 body-worn cameras and 20 tasers for over $391,000. - The council approved a contract with Ryan Public Safety Solutions to renew
the customer support for the 911 Call Handling equipment for the Auburn Public Safety Department for just under $34,000. - The council approved a contract with Stone Building, LLC, for the new Environmental Services and Public Works Facility for over $27 million. - The council approved a contract with Temple, Inc. for the annual management services for the city’s Traffic Control Center for over $88,000. - The council voted to rename a portion of Lee Road 958. - The council voted to approve a signal easement for June S. Capps, Rosalind Lauren Burnham and William M. Burham Jr. at 338 W. Glenn Ave. - The council voted to appoint Sharon Tolbert to the Board of Education. - The council voted to approve the ad valorem property taxes for the city taxes — five mills for capital projects debt repayment
and five mills for general purposes. - The council voted to approve the ad valorem property taxes for the school taxes, 11 mills for educational purposes and five mills for educational purposes. - The council voted to approve annexations for the Foresite Group, LLC, on behalf of Swann Farm, LLC (77.3 acres); Mike Maher on behalf of James and Mary Gibson (8.87 acres); and Mt. Sinai Church (4.38 acres). The council then approved a conditional use approval for various uses for the property. - The council approved rezoning for the Foresite Group, LLC on behalf of Swann Farm, LLC to rezone 77.3 acres from rural to development district housing. The property is located at the southeast corner of Cox Road and Wire Road. The property was then rezoned from development district housing
to planned development district. - The council approved a conditional use approval for a bank with a drivethrough at 1901 E. Glenn Ave. - The council approved a conditional use approval, performance residential development, for a new multi-unit/multi-family development at 2240 E. University Dr. - The council approved a conditional use approval for the N. Ross Expansion. - The council approved a conditional use approval, commercial support use, for the Auburn Distribution Facility at 511 W. Veterans Blvd. - The council approved a vacation of drainage and utility easements for C L & S Subdivisions, LLC (1407 Reynolds Dr.) and Selby Enterprises, LLC (1410 Reynolds Dr.). - The council approved two demolitions for 556 Foster St. and 637 Westview Dr.
60.00 feet to the Southeastern intersection of 2nd Avenue and 25th Street; thence along 2nd Avenue North 73°09'42" East, a distance of 268.83 feet to the Southwestern intersection of 2nd Avenue and 24th Street; thence along 24th Street South 16°45'08" East, a distance of 150.07 feet to a found ½” open top pin; thence South 73°11'18" West, a distance of 8.75 feet; thence continue along 24th Street South 16°44'29" East, a distance of 101.56 feet to a found T. Carter iron pin at the Southeast corner of Lot 5C, Pride of Pepperell; thence South 73°10'29" West, a distance of 260.00 feet to a found T. Carter iron pin at the Southwest corner of Lot 5c Pride of Pepperell; thence along the Eastern right of way of 25th Street South 16°45'59" East, a distance of 230.15 feet to a found 5/8” rebar at the Northeast intersection of 25th Street and 1st Avenue; thence along the North right of way of 1st Avenue North 73°10'29" East, a distance of 259.90 feet to a found T. Carter iron pin at the Southwestern intersection of 24th Street and 1st Avenue; thence along 1st Avenue North 68°01'43" East, a distance of 60.25 feet to the Southeastern intersection of 1st Avenue and 24th Street; thence crossing 1st Avenue South 56°47'31" East, a distance of 85.12 feet to a found ½” rebar at the Northeast corner of Lot 1, Pride of Pepperell; thence South 16°43'20" East, a distance of 357.07 feet to a point at the Southeast corner of Lot 1, Pride of Pepperell and in the North right of way of the CSX Railway; thence along the South lone of Lot 1 and the North right of way of said railway South 73°10'23" West, a distance of 1155.70 feet to a point at the Southwest corner of Lot 1 and the Southeast corner of Lot 5, Pride of Pepperell; thence continue along Lot 5 and said Railway South 73°08'41" West, a distance of 1107.68 feet to the point of beginning.
published one (1) time in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama. END All interested persons are invited to attend the Public Hearing and be heard. Written comments concerning the above matter may be mailed to the City Clerk at City Hall, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, AL 36803 at any time prior to the Public Hearing and may be further submitted to the City Council at the meeting and Public Hearing. Please contact Brian Weiss, the City’s Interim ADA Coordinator, at 334-7055134 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability. WITNESS my hand this the 21st day of April, 2022. /s/ Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 04/21/2022 -------------
that right-of-way granted to Alabama Pawer Company. LESS AND EXCEPT THEREFROM: Commencing at the Northwest corner of Section 23, Township 19 North, Range 26 East, Lee County, Alabama ; run thence East for a distance of 2582.1 feet ; run thence South 00 degrees 30 minutes East for a distance of 2045.0 feet to an iron pin and the POINT OF BEGINNNING of the parcel of land herein described and conveyed; from said point of beginning, run thence North 72 degrees 02 minutes East for a distance of 150 feet; run thence South 00 degrees 30 minutes East, for a distancer o 580.8 feet to a point on the Northwesterly margin of said lee County Highway No. 42 (now known as Frederick Road) ; run thence South 72 degrees 02 minutes West , along the Northwesterly margin of said Lee County Highway No. 42 for a distance of 150 feet; run thence North 00 degrees 30 minutes West for a distance of 580.8 feet to the PONT OF BEGINNING and being further described on that certain Plat of survey prepared on 06/14/66 by Noah L. McCrory, Ala Reg. Land Surveyor No. 2596, a copy of which is attached to warranty Deed dared 08/23/66 of record in Deed Book 737 at Page 362 in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama. ALSO LESS AND EXCEPT THEREFROM: Commencing at the Northwest corner of Section 23, Township 19 North, Range 26 East, Lee County, Alabama; run thence East for a distance of 2582.1 feet; run thence South 00 degrees 30 minutes East for a distance of 2045.0 feet to an iron pin and the POINT OF BEGINNING of the parcel of land herein described and conveyed; from said point of beginning, run thence North 72 degrees 02 minutes East for a distance of 150.0 feet to an iron pin; run thence South 00 minutes 30 minutes East for a distance of 580.8 feet to an iron on the Northerly margin of the 100 foot right-of-way of Lee county Highway No. 42 (Now known as Fredrick Road); run thence North 72 degrees 02 minutes East along the Northerly margin of said highway for a distance of 54 feet to a concrete rightof-way marker Station -P.C. 201+05.4; run thence North 00 degrees 30 minutes West for a distance of 650.4 feet to an iron pin; run thence South 72 degrees 02 minutes West for a distance of 204.0 feet to the OINT OF BEGINNING, containing 1.0 acres more or less and being further described as as Parcel “B” on a Plat of Survey prepared on 06/18/76 by Noah L. McCrory, Ala, Reg. Land Surveyor No. 2596, a copy of which is attached to Warranty Deed dated 07/27/76 of record in Deed Book 975 at Page 627 in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama. The above-described property contains approximately 7.0 acres and is located in the 2500 Block of Frederick Road, Opelika, Alabama.
Public Notice of this public hearing with insertion of the proposed ordinance was first published on April 14, 2022, in the Opelika Observer. This notice is given pursuant to Section 11-52-78 Code of Alabama (1975). All interested persons are invited to attend the public hearing and be heard. Written comments concerning the above matter may be mailed to the City Clerk at P.O. Box 390, Opelika, AL 36803 at any time prior to the public hearing and may be further submitted to the City Council at the meeting and the public hearing. Please contact Brian Weiss, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334-705-5134 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to any disability. THIS NOTICE is given under my hand this the 21st day of April, 2022. /s/ Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 04/21/2022 -------------
Signs” is amended to increase the size of allowable temporary signs from 16 square feet to 32 square feet in the following zoning districts: C-1, VC, C-2, C-3, M-1, M-2, I-1, AP, PUD, R/E, FP, GC and HOD. Public Notice of this public hearing with insertion of the proposed ordinance was first published on April 14, 2022, in The Opelika Observer. This notice is given pursuant to Sections 11-52-77 and 11-5278 Code of Alabama (1975). At said public hearing all who desire to be heard shall have the opportunity to speak for or in opposition to the adoption of the Ordinance. Written comments concerning the above matter may be mailed to the City Clerk at P.O. Box 390, Opelika, AL 36803 at any time prior to the public hearing and may be further submitted to the City Council at the meeting and the public hearing. Please contact Brian Weiss, the City’s ADA Contact Person, at 334-705-5134 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to any disability. THIS NOTICE is given under my hand this the 21st day of April 2022. /s/ Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 04/21/22 -------------
Said parcel contains lots 5, 5C and 1 of the Pride of Pepperell Subdivision and parts of the right of way for 1st Avenue, 2nd Avenue, 30th Street, 26th Avenue, 25th Avenue, and 24th Avenue and contains 39.22 acres, more or less. The above-described property, containing approximately 39.22 acres within the Pepperell Historic Village located south of 29th Street, east of Cunningham Drive, and north of the railroad tracks. Section 4. RETENTION OF COPIES OF DEVELOPMENT PLAN. Copies of the Development Plan shall be maintained in the office of the City Clerk, City Planner, City Engineer and Building Official and shall be open for public inspection. Section 5. REPEALER. Any ordinance or part thereof in conflict with provisions of this Ordinance be and the same are hereby repealed. Section 6. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall become effective upon its adoption, approval and publication as required by law. Section 7. PUBLICATION. This Ordinance shall be
SYNOPSIS OF ZONING NOTICE The City Council of the City of Opelika will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. in the Courtroom of the Opelika Municipal Court Building, 300 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, to consider the adoption of an ordinance to amend the Zoning Ordinance and the Zoning Map of the City of Opelika by rezoning or redistricting the parcel of land hereinafter described so as to change such parcel from one class of district to another class of district, as follows: From a R-4M, GC-P District (Medium Density Residential, Gateway Corridor Primary Overlay District) to a C-2, GC-P District (Office/Retail, Gateway Corridor Primary Overlay District), the parcel of land hereinafter described: A parcel of land in Section 23, Township 19 North, Range 26 East Lee County, Alabama containing 10.1 acres more or less being numbered 4 on Plat of Survey made by Ralph O. Bush, Surveyor 1447 in October 1957 said proerty being more particularly described as follows: Beginning at the Northwest corner of said Section 23, and run thence East for a distance of 1562.5 feet; run thence South 05 degrees 52 minutes East for a distance of 846 feet; run thence south 00 degrees 36 East for 460 feet: run thence East for a distance of 1282.5 feet to the Northeasterly corner of said Lot 4 to the POINT OF Beginning of the parcel of land herein described and conveyed; from said point of beginning, run thence South 00 degrees 30 minutes East for a distance of 1219 feet to a public highway; run thence along said highway, South 73 degrees 45 minutes West for a distance of 154.8 feet; run thence south 72 degrees 02 minutes West for a distance o 204 feet; ; run thence North 00 degrees 30 minutes West for a distance of 1323 feet; run thence East for a distance of 343,5 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING. This conveyance is subject to
CITY OF OPELIKA SYNOPSIS OF ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS The City Council of the City of Opelika (the “City Council”) will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. in the Courtroom of the Opelika Municipal Court Building, 300 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, to consider the adoption of an ordinance to amend Ordinance No. 124-91 entitled “Zoning Ordinance of the City of Opelika” adopted on September 17, 1991. The proposed ordinance will amend, modify and supplement the text of the Zoning Ordinance in the following respects: 1. Subsection 9.5.24(1) of the Zoning Ordinance is amended to read as follows: Sec. 9.5.24 (1) Changeable Copy Signs. (a) As part of a permitted freestanding sign or wall sign and notwithstanding Section 9.4: Prohibited Signs, or any other provision of this Section IX to the contrary, a changeable copy sign, manual or electronic (LED), may be installed. The changeable copy sign shall not occupy more than fifty percent (50%) of the total sign area of the freestanding sign or wall sign. (b) Notwithstanding Section 9.4: Prohibited Signs, or any other provision of this Section IX to the contrary, the static display time for each message on a changeable copy sign shall be at least ten (10) seconds, and the time to change from one (1) message to another shall be no greater than two (2) seconds. (c) In no event shall the message scroll in any direction. (d) All changeable copy signs shall be subject to the illumination standards of Section 9.5(5). 2. Table 9.7(2) “Sign Requirements for Other Permitted Types of Temporary
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Notice of the fling of Petition for Summary Distribution In the Estate of HANNELORE THIELE TROTTER, Deceased Case No: 2022-220 Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the Lee County Probate Office by Deborah Sue Marshall on April 19, 2022 pursuant to Section 43-2-690, Code of Alabama and that 30 days after the notice of publication hereof and pursuant to law the Court shall be requested to enter an Order directing Summary Distribution of the estate of said decedent. BILL ENGLISH, PROBATE JUDGE Legal Run 04/21/2022 ------------IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE; The Matter of Carmin Stephens NOTICE OF HEARING TO: Any relatives or interested parties Notice is hereby given that Lee County DHR has filed a Petition for Appointment of a Legal Guardian for Carmin Stephens. A hearing ahs been set for the 23rd day May,2022 at 10:00 a.m. central time, electronically via “ZOOM”. Please contact Lee County Probate Court at 334-737-3670 for access to the electronic hearing should you intend to take part in the hearing of the Petition for Appointment of a Legal Guardian for Carmin Stephens. BILL ENGLISH, Judge of Probate, Lee County, Alabama Legal Run 4/21/22, 4/28/22 & 5/5/22
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