Opelika Observer 05-13-2020 E-edition

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

VOL. 12, NO. 32

pelika Observer O

“By local people, for local people.”

Opelika, Alabama

EVENT VENUE

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN OPELIKA bottlingplanteventcenter.com | (334)705.5466

Loves Travel Stops and Country Stores open in Lee County

By Morgan Bryce Editor Smiths Station’s Love’s Travel Stops and Country Stores location officially opened its doors for business last week, nearly 17 months after the project’s construction began.

The occasion was celebrated by company representatives, community members and officials from the City of Smiths Station, which included a $1,000 donation from Love’s to the Smiths Station High School Band.

“This is a great addition for Smiths Station.

They’re known for their cleanliness, top-notch customer service and providing quality products to their consumers,” said Smiths Station Mayor F.L. “Bubba” Copeland. “On behalf of the city, I am excited to welcome Love’s into our

Photo by Morgan Bryce/Opelika Observer

community.”

Located at the corner of Lee Road 248 and U.S. Highway 280/431, the store’s opening is expected to create upwards

of 50 new jobs and generate at least $3 million in taxable sales.

The facility is nearly 11,000 square feet in size. Other store

features include Chester’s Chicken and Godfather’s Pizza restaurants, CAT scale, coffee bar, dog park, 51 parking spaces, 60 car parking spaces,

three RV parking spaces and an RV dump, six diesel bays and six showers for truck drivers.

Smiths Station officials unveiled plans for

the store during an Aug. 28, 2018 city council meeting. Nearly three months later, city officials, dignitaries and Love’s representatives attended a groundbreaking ceremony on the site.

Weather consistently bogged down the project during its construction, as well as the slight widening of Summerville Road in front of Love’s.

With sewage added to the Love’s site, Copeland said residents can expect an uptick in growth and development along that corridor of U.S. Highway 280.

Michael Rasmusson will serve as the store’s general manager. Final hours of operation have not been set.

For more information, visit loves.com. The store’s address is 113 U.S. Highway 280.

‘20 Under Forty ’ Bottling Plant Event applications due May 15 Center turns 10

By Natalie Anderson Staff Reporter

By Morgan Bryce Editor

The Opelika Chamber is looking for “20 outstanding people under the age of 40 who live in Opelika, love Opelika and have a vested interest in shaping the direction of this city’s future.”

With applications due this Friday, individuals are encouraged to apply for the 2020-2021 class.

Members of the class are “encouraged to think outside the box and be challenged to think of ways to make (the) city better and improve the quality of life.”

Eleven years ago, the structure at 614 N. Railroad Ave. that now houses the Bottling Plant Event Center was a shell of its current self.

"There were holes in the ceiling, and water was getting through.

And there were lots and lots of rat traps," venue owner Lisa Ditchkoff remembered of the structure's condition when she purchased the property

Candidates must meet the following criteria for consideration: • Live in Opelika city limits • Be under the age of 40* (ages 41, 42 and 43 will be considered) • Demonstrate a love for Opelika and • Be a forward thinking person.

Participants for the

2020-2021 class will be introduced at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting, held on June 17 at Opelika High School. There will also be orientation sessions, meetings and retreats throughout the year.

For more information, visit opelikachamber. com/20-under-40.

See BOTTLING, page A2

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Pictured left is Ditchkoff helping prepare food for an event last fall in the Bottling Plant Event Center's kitchen alongside Executive Chef Jimmy Stinson.

Index OPINION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A4 SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY. . . . . . . .A7 RELIGION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A19 CALENDAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A11

COMICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A12 SPORTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B1 PUBLIC NOTICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . B4 POLITICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B7

Alabama Statewide COVID-19 statistics as of May 12 10164 Cases / 403 Deaths | 429 Cases in Lee Co. / 30 Deaths

A2 May 13, 2020

Amended Safer at Home order expanded reopenings effective May 11 Special to the Opelika Observer Gov. Kay Ivey announced an amendment to the Safer at Home health order on May 8 that expands the list of businesses that are permitted to reopen. The following changes will go into effect on May 11 and will run through May 22: -Non-work gatherings are no longer limited to 10 people or word fewer.

However, individuals at gatherings are still required to maintain six feet between people not from the same household.

-Restaurants, bars and breweries may

CREDIT GOVERNOR.ALABAMA.GOV

Opelika salon owner's lawsuit against Ivey dismissed

By Morgan Bryce Editor Elements Salon owner Robb Todd was one of hundreds of fellow Alabama small business owners who was able to reopen his business Monday following Gov. Kay Ivey's announcement of an amended "Saferat-Home" order last Friday that allowed for

the cautious reopening of barbershops and hair salons. According to Todd, he may have played a role in that key change to the state order.

On behalf of Todd, Opelika attorney Zach Alsobrook electronically filed a Petition for a Restraining Order against Ivey and State Health Officer Dr.

Scott Harris to the Montgomery County Circuit Court on May 1. While the case was dismissed last week, Todd said that they had planned to take the lawsuit to the Alabama Supreme Court, a move that he believes prompted Ivey to change her stance on allowing people in

open with limited table seating and must maintain six feet between tables. These businesses are also subject to additional sanitation rules and guidelines.

-Athletic facilities such as fitness centers and commercial gyms may open subject to social-distancing and sanitation rules and guidelines. Facilities must limit occupancy to 50%.

-Certain athletic activities are still prohibited, including sports that involve interaction with another person of closer than six feet, activities that require use of shared

sporting equipment and activities on commercial or public playground equipment.

-Close-contact service providers such as barber shops, hair salons, nail salons and tattoo services may open subject to social-distancing and sanitation rules and guidelines.

-Beaches no longer have any limit on gatherings, but individuals must maintain six feet of separation.

The following guidelines will remain the same through May 22: -Individuals are encouraged to stay

home and follow good sanitation practices.

-Retail stores are subject to 50% occupancy rate, social-distancing and sanitation rules.

-Entertainment venues are closed.

-Medical procedures are allowed unless prohibited in the future by the state health officer to preserve resources necessary to diagnose and treat COVID-19. Providers must follow COVID19-related rules and guidance from state regulatory boards or public health authorities.

-Regular

BOTTLING >>

the facility ready to host its first event, a wedding held on May 2, 2010.

More than 10 years have passed that day, and the Bottling Plant Event Center is continuing to grow and expand its offerings, even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ditchkoff originally moved to Alabama in 2001, fresh off a nearly three-year stint

as a case manager for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Stillwater in Oklahoma, and accepted a role within Auburn University's College of Human Sciences. With a background in nonprofits and experience in event planning, she helped coordinate several events while working at the university, which

FROM A1 in 2009.

With an approved building loan fresh in hand, Ditchkoff began the process of restoring the structure to its former glory.

During the course of a year, renovations were completed and she and her team had

See COVID-19, page A3

See BOTTLING, page A6

See SALON, page A6

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pelika Observer

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

Name: Address: Publisher: Michelle Key Editor: Morgan Bryce Marketing: Woody Ross Photojournalist: Robert Noles Sports Writers: Rick Lanier and D. Mark Mitchell

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A3 May 13, 2020

Hospital Week Begins May 10 Special to the Opelika Observer Most heroes don’t appear until you need them. We don’t give them much thought until we’re in a crisis, and our gratitude often fades quickly as we get back to our normal lives.

During these last several weeks

in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve seen an outpouring of gratitude for the 90,000 men and women who work in Alabama’s hospitals.

Communities have showered them with meals, prayers, extra masks and lots of blue lights and various colored ribbons. These gestures have meant the

world to our hospital staff members and have provided the strength to sustain their super hero abilities.

As someone who represents hospitals in this state, I could not be more proud of their efforts and want to take time during National Hospital Week to encourage everyone to thank them and to

Goodwill stores reopen

safety measures with the addition of disinfecting wipes for shopping carts, hand sanitizer stands placed throughout all locations and social distancing with driveup, drop-off donation services where donors do not have to get out of their cars.

The decision to close temporarily was in the best interest of the community, but was not taken lightly as revenue generated through the sale of gently-used donations supports Goodwill’s mission of helping put people to work, which also happens to be an even bigger need in the community at this time. Virtual career services and job fairs were offered

by Goodwill career centers during the closure period and will continue to be offered in tandem with the readdition of in-person services.

Goodwill understands the complexity of the situation many people in the community are currently going through and continue to stand ready to help businesses find the essential employees they need as well as connecting individuals to employment that best fits them.

During the six weeks of temporary closures, Goodwill maintained financial stability and did not have to make the difficult decision to furlough any

employees. While some employees did have shortened hours, Goodwill continued to pay more than 400 employees who were unable to work during the closures. As the reopening process remains fluid and may change, please visit goodwillsr. org or GoodwillSR on Facebook to stay up-to-date on any new announcements regarding openings, closures, or other important information relayed to the public.

About Goodwill Southern Rivers: Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers (GoodwillSR) is one of 157 independent, community-based Goodwill nonprofits across the United States and Canada.

Headquartered in Columbus, GoodwillSR serves 50 counties throughout east Alabama and west Georgia. We provide employment readiness training, computer access, educational assistance, skills workshops and more to spur job placement and economic stability in the communities we serve. We can provide these and other programs thanks to the continued donations of giving patrons.

We use the revenue generated in GoodwillSR stores to fund the majority of our community services. For more information about Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers, visit www. goodwillsr.org.

-Child day care facilities may not allow 12 or more children in one room.

-Hospitals and nursing homes must continue policies restricting visitation.

All City of Auburn buildings will remain closed to the public.

The city remains operationally open, maintaining regular

services supported by the city’s dedicated staff. City parks will remain open, but playgrounds, basketball courts, tennis courts and athletic facilities will remain closed. Any changes regarding city facilities and activities will be announced next week.

Find more information at

Special to the Opelika Observer As of May 2, Goodwill opened stores and career centers, except in Albany, Georgia, after nearly six weeks of temporary closures to help disrupt the spread of COVID-19. The health and safety of employees, shoppers, donors and clients is of highest priority and given the concentration of confi rmed cases in Dougherty County, re-openings will be delayed to a later date for all Albany locations.

Reopened stores and career centers will temporarily run on shortened hours to allow employees to conduct heightened cleaning procedures daily. Career centers are set to reopen on May 4.

“To ensure the safety of all team members, shoppers, donors and clients, Goodwill has implemented social distancing and safety guidelines throughout all stores and career centers,” said Goodwill President and CEO, Jack Warden. “We are also introducing added safety measures that include limiting the number of people entering a facility at one time, required forehead temperature scans for all persons before entering the building, quarantining all donations for at least 72 hours before they are put on the sales floor, and the addition of shields at all registers. We are committed to taking as many safety precautions as possible and getting our employees back to work.”

Before temporary closures, Goodwill had already begun to enact certain

COVID19 >> FROM A2 programming at senior citizen centers is suspended except for meals provided through curbside pickup or delivery.

-Educational institutions will remain closed to in-person instruction.

continue to support our healthcare heroes long after this virus is gone.

Again, most of us hope we never have to go to a hospital, but when we need one, we want a good one nearby.

While we may take for granted the fact that hospital employees and their doctors are there every day and night of the year

waiting to care for us, they don’t take us for granted and are always ready to help. It’s what they do. It’s in their DNA to care for people when they are most vulnerable.

So, while I encourage you to take a minute this week and thank someone you know who works at a hospital, I also

urge you to keep them in your thoughts and prayers throughout the year. They do extraordinary work on a daily basis to keep our communities healthy and safe.

Donald E. Williamson, MD, President Alabama Hospital Association Montgomery, Alabama

Virtual ASCEND leads to employment opportunities for locals The new ASCEND program, hosted by Southern Union State Community College, transformed its method of teaching along with the rest of education when schools closed their doors in March because of COVID-19.

ASCEND is a four week-long program that’s mission is “Improving Lives and Growing Business."

As part of the AL Ready to Work curriculum, ASCEND teaches basic skills in communication, computer technology, budgeting and resume building in order to give students a boost in life and career. What sets this program apart from othe’s is the relationship ASCEND holds with local Industry.

ASCEND has Industry partners in Lee, Chambers and Russell counties and is wanting to extend into Macon County.

Industry partners include Briggs and Stratton, Rexnord, Pharmavite, Baxter, VectorPly, West Fraser, Aptar, RAPA, Golden State Foods and Norbord.

After completing the short program, graduates are placed into actual interviews with ASCEND Industry partners.

This gives students an extra boost into a successful and reliable career they would not have otherwise.

ASCEND formally holds class at the Opelika campus,

however, beginning April 6, instructors began teaching online through Google Meet to keep from having to completely halt the program.

ASCEND graduated five students at the end of April and 4 new students began Virtual ASCEND May 4.

Program director and retired industry leader Greg Leikvold led the ASCEND team to quickly get the virtual class up and going.

“I've been impressed with the engagement level and commitment of our students,” Leikvold said. “While there have been plenty of technical issues and other obstacles, these students have remained focused and intentional in their efforts.”

“It’s really impressive, (these are) just the kind of excellent employees our local manufacturers are looking for!”

Leikvold added.

The basic requirements for the Virtual program are having a home computer, internet access and availability. Class is held Monday through Thursday in Google Meet from 9 a.m. to noon.

ASCEND has a trio of instructors, all aiding in its success.

Instructor Elva Brown says she is enjoying the online teaching.

“Student feedback is positive and they are also supportive, despite any challenges we may encounter along the way.

Overall, I think that

the students are fully involved in the whole process.”

Brown added that being on-line encourages and promotes meaningful group discussions.

“Especially when you are teaching a module like Technology Basics. It is more impactful when they are actually experiencing something in real-time.”

Griff Pemberton, a fellow ASCEND educator, has seen many benefits of changing gears to an online classroom, not only for the student but also the instructor.

“The virtual classroom offers an opportunity for students who otherwise wouldn't be able to attend in person. The students seem to feel more comfortable in classroom discussions, and that creates a challenge for me as an instructor to better facilitate those discussions. I have to remind myself to ask more open-ended questions. So not only are the students stretching and growing, so are we the instructors.”

With hundreds of local citizens losing jobs because of the pandemic, seeing a program like this taking root in our community is a benefit to people and business.

ASCEND is currently seeking students for it’s June program beginning June 1.

If you are seeking employment or want more details of the program, visit www. suscc.edu/ascend.cms or call 334-745-6437, ext. 5496.

auburnalabama.org/ coronavirus.

Following is a statement from Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller addressing Gov. Kay Ivey’s announced amendments to the state’s current Saferat-Home order on Friday.

“Hello Opelika – I’m pleased with Gov. Kay Ivey’s amended

Safer at Home order (Friday). I know that our businesses look forward to opening and serving our community.

While we have been given the okay to open many of our businesses, we ask that people still proceed with caution and follow the guidelines set forth by the CDC and Alabama Department of Public

Health. Practice social distancing of six feet, maintain good hygiene and stay at home if you can. Let’s do this right so we can continue to see things open and life bet back to normal.

We’re in this together.

I want to thank you for doing your part in the fight against COVID-19.”

By Bradley Robertson

pelika Opinion O

A4 May 13, 2020

Rising with the Sun A Senior Prom for Seniors “Keep your face always toward the Sunshine… and shadows will fall behind you.”

– Walt Whitman

I

cannot remember the exact day I began to rise daily with the sun. I cannot for the life of me recall if it began to happen by chance or if I set an intentional alarm to do so. But, for some time now, I wake up every morning and my eyes long to see the sun rising in the front fields of our home.

I have a vivid memory of being in high school and sitting on the shore of the Gulf of Mexico with one of my best girlfriends just at sunrise. Neither one of us could sleep. We were young teenagers, eager to graduate and move on to bigger and mightier things. We sat still in camp chairs, water flowing over our feet along with a perfect salty breeze. The sun came up over us, a stillness and sweetness of time I’ll never forget.

I remember in col-

By Bradley Robertson lege at Auburn, rising early with coffee to study for a test I had at 9 a.m. I remember the sun, for its rising was too early for me.

But it saw me and tugged at me and allowed me to move one foot forward.

I remember the first weekend I spent in Gold Hill while dating a wild farm boy. He was never really my type, too random and so far from the ordinary. He woke that day at sunrise like a jackrabbit. I remember thinking, “Who does this? Who gets up this early all vibrant and for no apparent reason at all?” The sun found me that morning in Gold Hill, almost like a game of hide and seek.

I remember the day following our wedding years later.

We were freezing cold in a November morning, stowed away at a lake house made completely of rock with no heat. None. The sun began to rise and the wild farm boy went outside with an ax to chop wood. My teeth chattered as the sun peeped in between woods and water.

“Who anticipates this dream the day after their wedding?”

I said to myself with much sarcasm. The sun saw us both, together. The first of thousands of days ahead.

I recall my first morning at home alone with my newborn baby boy, Braxton. He knew nothing of the sun and he knew nothing of me. Yet together we grew. We rose together with the sun for days and weeks and months, until one day we didn’t.

For no one counts the wee days of newborn life, because we See ROBERTSON, page A5

A

few years ago, down on the coast, the Student Government Association at a local high school put on a senior prom for seniors.

Yep, for old folks - which to the kids is anyone over 50.

For the SGA, it was an event to raise money for whatever SGAs do.

For the senior citizens, many of them “snowbirds” come South to escape the icy north, it is a chance to party.

The kids decorated the cafeteria, put together a playlist of 50s and 60s music, laid out heaps of food (made by Mamas and/or donated by local businesses) and displayed door prizes – also donated. Then, they spread the word to churches and senior centers that for $10 each, seniors could hit the buffet and dance the night away, at least from 6 to 9 p.m. when seniors needed to be heading home.

“Seniors,” tired

By Harvey H. (Hardy) Jackson of bingo and bridge, loved the idea. When the doors opened, they arrived in full prom regalia - long dresses, sport coats.

One guy was in a dinner jacket.

Close to 200 seniors paid their $10 and hit the dance floor.

Age had slowed them only slightly. Some couples had obviously been partners since the 50s and could still bop, shag and shuffle with style and grace.

And when the music slowed, they held on to each other as only old lovers can and do.

Time turned back and they were young again.

They got all worked up over drawings for the door prizes. Then they went after the food like locusts, for as everyone knows, an

all-you-can-eat-buffet is a senior’s feeding trough.

On the dance floor, the kids joined in, leading them through YMCA, learning OHIO from the Yankees, and twisting and shouting to “Twist and Shout.”

Sponsors had 9-1-1 on speed-dial in case one of the old geezers got down to “Gator” and couldn’t get up.

Senior citizens are into group participation. So are teenagers.

It was a perfect match.

Conga lines, circle dances, hand jive, one group of oldsters even broke into a modified version of the Electric Slide, and the kids struggled mightily to catch on.

Then at 9 p.m., the emcee called out “Last Dance,” and over cries of “more music” the strains of “Goodnight Sweetheart” floated across the room. The dancers, hardwired to go home after that song ended, took one more twirl around the floor and headed for the door.

The kids, worn out See HARDY, page A5

Will COVID-19 lead to a bonanza for media outlets? Not likely.

By Greg Markley

T

his pandemic is full of tragedy and bravery. People of all types feel lonely and/or triumphant.

From Lee County to County Cork, Ireland, and most other places, many media companies are hemorrhaging. They can’t balance their books even now. Layoffs continue not despite the pandemic, but

because of it.

When the British Conservative Party was defeated in the 1945 general election, Clementine Churchill told her husband Winston that it could be “a blessing in disguise.” If so, the war-time prime minister replied sullenly, it was “very well disguised.” Today, the Coronavirus seems to have helped newspapers, TV and radio and bloggers financially. But staff members are being cut and many will not return to their media jobs when all is done.

“The economic downturn that put 30 million Americans out of work has led to pay cuts, layoffs and shutdowns at many news outlets, includ-

employees making more than $35,000.

In-flight magazines are threatened as there are not enough people flying the airlines and that makes advertisement contracts rare. Even Sky Magazine, a staple on Delta Airlines flights for 10 years, is just a memory. Its six staff members were laid off. Alaska Airlines has canceled the next two issues of Alaska Beyond Magazine.

And at Sports Illustrated, 31 people including journalists were let go March 30.

Here in Lee County, where I was an editor and reporter at the daily in the 1990s, we had enough staff but our front page was al-

most all local news.

That changed as part of a tragedy - the death of Princess Diana of Great Britain.

When she was killed in a car accident, we teased the death on Page 1 but the details were buried on page 6 or 7. Since most readers were crushed, we had an 8-page special edition a few days later.

From then until I left in 1999, the county’s daily paper ran a state or national story each day.

This freed reporters to write more indepth stories, on Opelika, Auburn, the external county or Auburn University. All newspapers that are cutting or furloughing staff are hurting their

readers. With fewer writers, some events and news does not get covered, copy editors cannot be as thorough because of time constraints and “enterprise” stories (beyond simply covering a meeting or plane crash) are seldom seen.

“The newsroom staff of the New York Daily News is being cut in half, serving a big blow to local watchdog journalism in New York,” said David Folkenflikt, NPR’s media analyst, in 2018. “It is also reflective of local journalism being cut across America. It was down to something - call it 85 or so. It’s been cut back to roughly 40 or

decomposing tomato from a house three streets away.

A bloodhound’s nose is even more sensitive than that. Their noses can track a scent 12 days after the source has left an area. It is so sensitive that a bloodhound can smell one drop of human blood in several gallons of water.

The thing to remember here is that a dog’s taste buds are related to its sense of smell.

Which means my dog loves to eat and taste

things that you’ve never thought of tasting before. Such as, say, underpants.

Last night, for example, my wife and I went on a short walk after supper. When we got back, we discovered that Thelma Lou had broken into our closet and rooted around in open drawers.

There were about 50 pairs of underwear scattered throughout the house, and about six million pairs of

See MARKLEY, page A5

HOUNDS

D

EAR SEAN: Can I babysit your dog sometime? I have always wanted a bloodhound, and my mom says no.

But I read once where you let someone babysit your dog, Thelma Lou, and I thought maybe I could do it, maybe when we’re done with social-distancing.

Please say yes, KIDFROM-MINNESOTA DEAR MINNESOTA: First of all, Minnesota is a LONG way from Florida. I just did an internet search and dis-

ing weeklies like The Stranger in Seattle, digital empires like Vox and Gannett, the nation’s largest newspaper chain,” wrote Marc Tracy in the New York Times, last month.

Jobs listed for the media and communications area fell 35% as COVID-19 stays in the U.S. At least 36,000 workers at news companies have been laid off, furloughed or suffered a pay reduction.

Advance Local, a national chain that features The Birmingham News, The Huntsville Times and the Press-Register, is implementing one-totwo week furloughs between May and December and cutting pay up to 20% for

By Sean Dietrich covered that Minnesota is somewhere close to the Arctic Circle.

Secondly, I doubt you want to babysit my dog. My dog goes around eating - and I do not mean to be crude

- cat poop. Actually, she doesn’t care which species‘ excrement she eats, as long as it's kosher. Any kind will do.

Cats, raccoons, bears, water buffalo, giraffes.

This is why you must NEVER let my dog give you a kiss.

I repeat. Never.

Right now, she is sitting on my feet. She weighs about a hundred pounds, and she gets heavier each day. This is because she eats everything in sight. Even furniture.

I don’t know if you

know about bloodhounds, but they are truly scientific marvels.

Bloodhounds have a nose with 300 million smell receptors.

To give you an idea of how many that is, consider this: Your typical household American man has approximately two smell receptors. We men couldn’t smell odors coming from our own armpits if we were locked in a laundry hamper. Consequently, the average American wife can smell a

See DIETRICH, page A5

A5 May 13, 2020

Auburn Water Works Board applications available through May 25 Special to the Opelika Observer The Auburn City Council is now accepting applications to fill a vacancy on the Water Works Board of the City of Auburn.

The term will begin on June 22 and end on June 21, 2026. There is one incumbent who is eligible for reappointment.

The Water Works Board acquires, con-

structs, operates, maintains, improves and extends the city's water treatment plants and distribution systems.

The board consists of five members who serve six-year terms.

Members must be qualified electors and own property in the City of Auburn. No more than three members may be officers of the city, and none may be members of the city council.

The board meets the

first Thursday after the third Tuesday of each month at 4 p.m. at the Bailey-Alexander Complex, located at 1501 W. Samford Ave. Those interested in serving are invited to apply online using the link at auburnalabama. org/boards. Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. on May 25. The City Council will make an appointment at its June 2 meeting.

Treasury, IRS deliver Economic Impact Payments to 130 Million Americans in record time Special to the Opelika Observer The U.S. Department of the Treasury and IRS announced last Friday that nearly 130 million Americans have received

HARDY >> FROM A4

and happy, were also ready to call it a night.

As the senior citizens collected their stuff, they thanked the kids for the good time they had. The kids thanked them.

“This was,” one of the kids said, “more fun than our senior

MARKLEY>> FROM A4 perhaps a few more than that. Readers can expect far fewer people if any on the street. I think you’re going to see a lot less of coverage exposing wrongs by officials, by major developers, by police officers.”

“Fake News” is a term applied to print and electronic media with devastating effect by people on the extremes of today’s political discourse.

Alexandra Alter, in the 2019 NYT article “It’s a fact: Mistakes are embarrassing the publishing industry,” emphasizes that mistakes and “out-ofthin-air” conjectures are not commonly seen in book publishing.”

In recent years,

ROBERTSON >> FROM A4 long for the next phase of pleasant sleeping.

But the sun saw us and kissed us every morning, reminding us, we were both in this new journey of life together.

The sun rose with two more children.

It rose with farm life and adventure as we watched babies turn into toddlers and then

Economic Impact Payments, worth more than $218 billion, in fewer than five weeks. These totals do not include the more than $2.5 billion delivered to U.S. territories for

payment to territory residents.

“This administration has delivered Economic Impact Payments to Americans in record time,” said Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin. “More

prom.”

I don’t know if a tradition was born that night and carried on in the years that followed. Obviously, with the pandemic, gathering seniors together like that is not a good idea.

But when this crisis passes, and pass it will, I hope “Senior” Senior Proms are revived.

After all they’ve been through, seniors could use a party.

And being one myself, so could I. Harvey H. (Hardy) Jackson is Professor Emeritus of History at Jacksonville State University. He can be reached at hhjackson43@gmail.com.

errors in non-fiction books by luminaries to include former NYT executive editor Jill Abramson and acclaimed historian Jared Diamond, posed the question: “Should publishers take more responsibility for the accuracy of their books?” Factual and thematic errors hang around for a while.

They spread like a virus to other books and articles derived from incorrect sources.

Publishers now specify that manuscripts be reviewed by their legal departments to prevent libel and copyright infringement. The wrinkle is that a “review” does not consider an author’s research and thesis, nor does it always stop fraud, as in the “fake books”

by James Frey (A

Million Little Pieces) and Holocaust survivor Herman Rosenblat (Angel at the Fence).

Two of the most dreadful aspects of American life today have joined forces.

We not only have COVID-19 now, but “fake news” and hoaxes about the virus. But take heed: All these Coronavirus “fake news” items may disappear. Reason: there are not enough members of the press left working for fact-checking.

Greg Markley has lived in Lee County for 19 of the last 24 years.

An award-winning journalist, he has master’s degrees in education and history. He has taught as an adjunct in Alabama and Georgia.

grow into Kindergarten in a matter of seconds.

Years later, I remember waking to see the sunrise my last day on mission in Honduras.

We watched the sun come up over vast green space, sprinkled with palm trees and the most beautiful copper tone orphanage. I remember being sad to leave yet longing to see my own children that were sleeping un-

derneath the same big sun. The sun called me back home that day, for my best work was there, amid my own little ones that call me “momma”.

Ever since that Honduran morning, there has been a tug of sorts, a force, pulling me to the sun every day. I feel like a woman drawing water from an old well to cool off and so, I rise up in the wee morning hours and walk outside

payments are on their way as we continue to deliver this much-needed relief to the American people.”

The Treasury expects to deliver more than 150 million

Economic Impact Payments in total.

Eligible individuals who have not yet received an Economic Impact Payment should click here to check your payment status or provide ad-

ditional information so that your payment can be delivered as rapidly as possible.

For more detailed figures on payments to eligible individuals, visit irs.gov.

socks. Also on the floor were three decimated bags of Chili Cheese Fritos, and a pile of vomit that contained grass clippings, and pieces of a children's action figure.

When my wife and I walked through the door, we were greeted by my dog - this is a true anecdote - who had a pair of underpants stuck over her head, with one eye poking through a leg hole.

So you would really have to watch out for your personal belongings if you babysat at my house.

Plus, there is also something about the issue of sleep. I don’t know if you like to sleep, but I do. Or at least I used to. I haven’t slept since the Coolidge administration because Thelma Lou doesn’t sleep.

Instead, she does her nightly canine patrols, looking out the windows for prowlers so that she might get them to throw her toy duck.

She never sees any prowlers, but she does see plenty of raccoons. She howls all night long at the

raccoons. No matter how many various objects we throw at the walls during the throes of sleep, shouting, “SHUT UP!” she keeps howling.

A bloodhound has a low-pitched voice, so her howl sort of sounds like a grown man’s voice would sound if he got a bikini wax: “WHOOOOOOOAA WOOO!!!”

I hear it every night at about three in the morning. When she’s not howling, we hear her other trademarked sounds.

CLICK! CLICK! CLICK! CLICK! That is the sound of her claws pacing back and forth on our tile floor during the wee hours. This sound will drive you to primal-level psychosis.

But I should clarify something here. I don’t want to paint a bad picture of bloodhound ownership. Because aside from all their drawbacks, bloodhounds also pass gas.

That’s right, we’re talking powerful smells. It is not an exaggeration to say that my dog has made smells so bad that company has left our house because of it.

Once, we had some friends over. We were all playing Scrabble after dinner, and

Thelma Lou was under the table, sleeping and making smells. She had apparently eaten a squirrel corpse because she was creating odors that caused our friends to suddenly stand up before the game was over and announce, “Well, this was fun!”

And they dematerialized into the night.

There is one thing I forgot to mention before I leave you. A really great thing about bloodhounds is that when you are sad they love you. A few days ago, I was having a crummy day. Thelma Lou could sense this.

Call it her keen sense of smell. I don’t know.

She plopped into my lap with all her weight. Her skin sort of melted everywhere.

You can literally dig around for hours in her piles of loose skin and not find her.

She cured my blues, and somehow, that’s the magic of a dog. I don’t know how they do it, but they do.

I rubbed her for a whole afternoon. I stroked her tummy in such a way that it made her totally paralyzed.

Then she got so excited that she gave me a big wet kiss.

Sure, you can babysit her. How about I drop her off at your place?

to see this thing my soul longs for.

Every year, it gets stronger and stronger.

The more I see this great thing set before me, the more I want to show up. What is this I wonder? What is this need and this longing to see such things that are so much bigger than little me?

I stand in the dusk of my yard and stare in awe at the glory set before me. The sky is

filled with color and vast joy and it fills my heart with gladness. The sun has seen me. The Lord has seen me too and I am here. Again and again and again. It is a new day and I will walk in it fully.

The sunrise is an ever-present reminder that a new day will begin.

Beauty is in our midst.

Light does come after darkness. God is here.

And God does make beautiful things out of

dust.

How long has it been since you’ve seen the sunrise? I encourage you to go and see. You will be filled and the Lord will meet you there.

“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices… for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant…”

Luke 1:46-48

DIETRICH>> FROM A4

A6 May 13, 2020

PACE hosted Auburn Chief of Police Cedric Anderson at March meeting

Photo submitted by Willie Robinson 2020 PACE Officers Audrey Marshall, President | Dr. Addie Swinney, Vice President Mr. Charles Smith, Treasurer | Mrs. Angela Alexander, Recording Secretary | Mrs. Richetta Stephens, Corresponding Secretary | Reverend Jonas Rutledge, Chaplain

Special to the Opelika Observer People of Action for Community Enrichment held its monthly meeting at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce on March 14. Newly appointed

Chief of Police Cedric Anderson was the featured speaker. Chief Anderson has served more than 30 years in law enforcement, including 10 years as a U. S. military police officer. Anderson is a graduate of Auburn

University and holds a master’s degree from Faulkner University.

He served as an adjunct instructor and is currently working on his doctorate degree at Auburn University.

Anderson has received numerous awards

and recognition and is known throughout the community for his involvement and development of outreach efforts such as the “Bridges” program and “Neighborhood walks.” About PACE: PACE is a diverse

FROM A2 led her to open her own business, Professional Event Planning Services.

As she began to grow in her career and make connections, Ditchkoff said she "fell in love" with Opelika. She eventually opened her first office in downtown Opelika for PEPS in the mid-2000s, and knew that she would like to find a larger venue for her business somewhere in that part of the city.

By the late 2000s, Ditchkoff said she knew she was ready to expand her business and find her own venue for hosting events. The

and help break up the "good-old-boy" system that he spots in the state's current political system.

"I think it's time Alabama's have a choice to get away from the 'good-old-boy' politics and the way things have been done forever I want to try to do things extremely different ... explore new avenues, do the election (in a way) that normally would not work for a normal person with social media being such a huge base, especially for me. I think I can get out to the people and instead of raising millions of dollars to be able to do this but go ahead and vote on pure principle instead of money," Todd said.

"I believe the success (of this business) has been because it has never been about me.

If it were, I would have given up a long time ago," Ditchkoff said.

"Helping others has been all I've ever really wanted to do. It's the reason I worked all those years in the nonprofits.

It's the reason I had the dream to own a unique venue."

Currently, Ditchkoff, Stinson and her team are offering curbside pickup or delivery (within 60 miles) and wine options to patrons.

For more information, call 334-705-5466, follow their Facebook page or visit bottlingplanteventcenter.com.

granted they abide by the state's current sanitation and social distancing guidelines.

Todd said he spent most of his weekend

cleaning and shining the shop to prep it for Monday's opening.

In the case of a future pandemic, Todd said he believes

that "big box" stores should be the ones to close and leave smaller ones like his open that are more capable of maintaining a high

old Coca-Cola facility across the tracks on North Railroad Avenue caught her eye, and she began the process of applying for loans to help secure the building.

With the country and globe embroiled in The Great Recession, finding financial assistance proved to be challenging, according to Ditchkoff. However, thanks to the efforts and trust of a locally known banker, she received her loan and began pursuing her dream.

It didn't take long for Ditchkoff to build a solid reputation around the area, as her calendar began to fill up with events for concerts, conferences, proms and

a host of other events.

While the business was succeeding, Ditchkoff said financial concerns weighed heavily on her during the first six years of operating the Bottling Plant. However, a twonight, sold-out comedy show in 2016 featuring then-breakout comedian Darren Knight (also known as "Southern Mama") helped her erase the last of her debt, a moment she said she will never forget.

"I went out to dinner with Darren's group, and they offered to cover the cost of the meal. But, I just remember telling them, 'no, you've helped me,' and explained to them

that this event had helped push me over the edge and get out of that debt," Ditchkoff remembered.

Later that year, the business was rebranded from Event Center Downtown to the Bottling Plant Event Center, and a partnership with the plant's original tenant, Coca-Cola, was struck. Other changes have included the construction of a courtyard pavilion to offer space for hosting outdoor events, wine shop and recently hired Executive Chef Jimmy Stinson to help expand her business's catering efforts.

The business's reach

extends as far as Lake Martin and Columbus, Ditchkoff said. In recent years, it has hosted a number of well-attended events, including the Opelika Chamber of Commerce's Annual Meeting, comedians Chris Statham, Jody Fuller, Jermaine "Funnymaine" Johnson and James Gregory and concerts from a number of locally and regionally known artists and musicians.

Reflecting on the last 10 years in business, Ditchkoff credits her faith and the support of the Opelika community for helping the Bottling Plant become an integral part of the city's downtown.

FROM A2

BOTTLING >>

Dr. Addie Swinney, Vice President; Charles Smith, Treasurer; Reverend Jonas Rutledge, Chaplain; Angela Alexander, Recording Secretary and Richetta Stephens, Corresponding Secretary.

level of cleanliness and sanitation.

"We can control it way better than Walmart can ...

Walmart (is) not cleaning up behind each person touching a shirt or touching a bottle of this or that, people are wearing gloves wrong and they just don't care. Next time, (they) hopefully close down all the big box stores and leave the small businesses (open) so we can contain it in a much better way than they can," Todd said.

All of these experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic have prompted Todd to also consider a run for a political position - the governorship of Alabama, no less.

He said he plans to run as a Republican

SALON >> his industry to begin reopening.

"Immediately, we (were) pretty sure it impacted the governor's decision to go ahead and open up things, because at that time, they were getting too much pressure from everybody.

And with us going to the (Alabama) Supreme Court, they knew it would get a bad taste in their mouth," Todd said.

"We (also) had heard from a few people in the government that said that that was the deciding factor."

Under Ivey's amended order, barbershops and hair and nail salons were allowed to reopen

group of men and women who support and represent various community agencies and organizations. For additional information contact paceleecounty@gmail.com.

Officers are: Audrey Marshall, President;

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Opelika E vents, Society, & Food

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

In search of old timey recipes from a southern farmhouse kitchen

Southern

Hospitality

M

ornings start early on a farm with the rooster crowing at the crack of dawn. Eggs are collected from the chicken house and vegetables are gathered from the garden with the earth still clinging to them. Both of my parents grew up on farms, as well as their parents and other family going back for generations. My mother began learning to cook at a young age in their southern farmhouse kitchen. Someone suggested recently that since we are home more now that it would be a good time to learn how to cook the old fashioned southern dishes. One problem in doing this is finding recipes, as so many were not written down and taught to the next generation. My mother

and Little Granny prepared the best southern dishes. Whether it was chicken, fresh vegetables, buttermilk biscuits or scrumptious desserts, everything was superb. My cousins and I regret we did not ask Little Granny how she made towering thin layered cakes with cooked chocolate or huckleberry sauce drizzling down the sides of those masterpieces.

Dinner at Little Granny’s was served in the backyard under the shade of old chinaberry trees. Fresh creamed corn with sliced garden vegetables was always a favorite vegetable for the kids. While Little Granny enjoyed cooking for family and got started early in the morning, she was always ready to clean up.

We knew if we left the table for more sweet

tea, we had to take our plate or when we got back, Little Granny would have gotten it and had it washed.

At our home, my mother made the same wonderful dishes she had learned over years helping Little Granny cook for workers on the farm. I developed a love of southern cuisine and still cook some of my mother’s dishes to bring back those sweet memories of her in the kitchen.

When Don and I got married, he had never heard of collards or black-eyed peas. He mostly grew up in the northeast and had lived in Portugal when he was young. He had eaten asparagus, green peas, broccoli, corn and cauliflower.

While I learned how to cook those vegetables I missed the ones my

Photo by Ann Cipperly Farmhouse Blackberry Cobbler makes a scrumptious dessert baked in an iron skillet or baking pan. It is good served as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Look over the recipes for classic southern dishes to enhance mealtime this coming week.

mother cooked. Don’s mother, Mom C, who was from New York and a world traveler, didn’t care for southern food, so I didn’t serve those when his family visited.

When traveling, Don and I will try a restaurant famous for its southern dishes. I am interested in how the dishes are prepared and always in search of classic southern recipes.

We have dined at many places famous for their southern food, but none of them have been as good as what my mother and Little Granny prepared. Some

of these dining experiences have been an adventure and kept it interesting at least.

Once when Mom C was visiting one of Don’s brothers, we decided we would pick her up to visit us. The brother’s wife suggested we meet at the Blue Willow Inn in Social Circle, Georgia for lunch. Don and I had dined there before and knew the restaurant served southern dishes.

I mentioned that I did not think Mom C would like it. The sister-in-law thought it would be fun since it was a lovely old mansion and had girls

in front wearing long hoop skirts.

We were seated for a short time when we discovered it was not going to be fun. Mom C was not happy that she could not order her favorite cocktail and was offered sweet tea. We had forgotten to check to see if they served cocktails. Mom C always ordered a Manhattan when dining out for lunch or dinner.

When she learned it was all southern food, she decided she would just have chocolate pie for lunch. Although some of her choices did not See CIPPERLY, page A10

Local restaurants announce reopening plans

By Michelle Key Publisher Following Gov. Kay Ivey’s announcement that restaurants can resume inside dining (with certain restrictions) the following local restaurants have announced their reopening plans: • Acre and Bow & Arrow has elected to

keep their dining rooms closed for just a bit longer. They will continue offering online ordering with curbside pickup, as well as their “Family Meals.” Reopening date TBA. • Applebees on Opelika Road opened on Monday at 11 a.m. Carry out and curbside pickup is still available as well

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

• Another Broken Egg Cafe is open with a limited menu • Backwater BBQ Open for business • Baumhower’s Victory Grille Auburn is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday to Thursday’s and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturdays. Reservations are encouraged.

• Big Mike’s Steak-

house Auburn - Plans to reopen this week.

Follow their Facebook page for the announcement of day and time • Butcher Paper BBQ -Is keeping the dining room closed until they can reopen it at full capacity • Cafe 123 -Will open their dining room for dinner service starting See RESTAURANTS, page A8

A8 May 13, 2020

RESTAURANTS>>

OBITUARIES Carol Lee Carol Lee of Millbrook, Alabama was born in Tallassee, Alabama to the late William Clinton and Mary Emma Taylor on Oct. 10, 1945 and passed away at her home on May 5, 2020.

She was 74 years old.

She was a member of Restoration Church.

She was preceded in death by her former husband and father of her children, Ronnie G. Lee. She is survived by her children, Ronnie "Ron" G. Lee, Jr. (Cissie), William James Thomas Roberts, Jr. James Thomas Roberts, Jr. of Opelika was born to the late James Thomas and Adele Elliott Roberts on Feb. 12, 1939 and passed away at his home on May 1, 2020. He was 81 years old.

He loved to fish and most importantly he loved taking care of his family.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris Jane Roberts; son, Thomas Lamar Roberts.

He is survived

Solon "Billy" Lee; grandchildren, Zachary Taylor Lee (Bethany), Amber Lee Herron (Charlie), Alissa Lee; great grandchildren, Harper Lee, Callum Herron and Saylor Lee; sister, Diane Clemons; brother, Clint Taylor, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members. A private family Graveside was held at Langdale Cemetery on May 9, 2020.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home directed. by his children, Annette Roberts Greene (Thomas Martin), Tammy Elaine Furguson (Kenny), James Winfield Roberts (Melinda); as well as 11 grandchildren, and 19 great grandchildren.

A Graveside was held at Garden Hills Cemetery on May 4, 2020.

The family wants to give a special thanks to Kay Massey Moore, and Kindred Hospice.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home directed.

1 OUT OF 10 ELDERLY PERSONS AND ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES ARE BEING:

Miriam Carroll Mrs. Miriam Carroll, 59, passed away at her home on May 5, 2020.

Mrs. Carroll was born in Opelika, Alabama on May 29, 1960. She was a devoted wife, mother, and Maw Maw. She was loved by many, and made an impact on everyone she met.

She was a God fearing woman, and didn’t hesitate to introduce others to the love of Jesus. She always put her family fi rst, and was the main caretaker for her husband.

She is survived by Frank Reagan Mr. Frank Reagan, 72, passed away at Bethany House in Auburn on April 30, 2020. Graveside services were held at Garden Hills Cemetery on May 3, 2020 at 2 p.m. Pastor Johnnie Nelms officiated.

Mr. Reagan was born on Oct. 14, 1947 in Overton County, Tennessee to the late Johnnie and Lena Reagan. He grew up and graduated high school in Celina, Tennessee. He served in the US Army during the Vietnam War and was retired from Michelin. He lived most of his life in Opelika.

He was preceded in death by his fi rst wife,

FROM A7

her loving husband of 43 years, Robert Carroll; 3 sons, Robert (Ashley), Donavan (Halie), Joseph (Andrea); 10 grandchildren (Dallan, Conner, Anna, Jackson, Lucy, Emma, Harper, Kenzlee, Hadleigh, and Oaklynn); mother, Barbara; aunt, Lou; 2 sisters, Maria and Lynn; mother in law, Doris; several brothers and sisters in law; and many nieces and nephews.

She is a light in many lives that will truly be missed.

Anne Reagan; and his sister, Katherine Reagan Booher.

He is survived by his loving wife, Donna Reagan; 1 daughter, Anna Chappell (O’Neal Bates); 3 sons: Michael Brown (Mel Phillips), Joey Reagan and Greg (Audra) Reagan; 2 sisters: Sue (Sam) Eldridge and Patricia (Doug) Green; Mr. Reagan had 13 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his devoted Dozier and a host of beloved friends.

Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home directed.

May 15. Seeing that we can only sit their establishment at half capacity, they will open the dining room at 7 p.m. and will be on a reservation only basis.

On premise dining will consist of the dinner menu only.

They will continue to serve their curbside patrons with togo orders from 4 to 6:30 p.m. • Eighth & Rail Opening soon - Day and Time TBA • Fratelli’s Ristorante Italiano - has decided to take a little bit more time before reopen back up their dining room. Their curbside and delivery service are still available until further notice. • Jim Bob’s - Opened Monday • La Cantina - Limited patio and sidewalk dining opened on May 12 and their hours will remain as Tuesday thru Saturday from 3 to 8 p.m. and their full menu and the along with the family taco kits, fajita pasta dinners and margarita kits will continue to be available for takeout and curbside pickup. • Jersey Mikes is open for dine-in • Louie’s Chicken Fingers of Auburn and Opelika - Dining rooms opened on Monday and their drive thru and online ordering

will continue. Hours are Monday through Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. • Mama Mocha’s - will stay in their pandemic response bar set up for at least 2 weeks. • Moe’s Southwest Grill in downtown Auburn and Tiger Town opened on Monday.

Carry Out and Curbside will continue to be available. Hours are 11a.m. to 8 p.m. everyday. • Niffer’s - all locations opened Monday at 11 a.m. and will continue their curbside and online ordering. • O Town - Drive thru and their outdoor area will be open. Customers will be able to use the picnic tables to park and eat after receiving treats/sandwiches. • Red Clay Brewery - Opened Monday at 11 a.m. • Resting Pulse opened Monday • Susie K’s Opened Monday • TCBY opened on Monday and will continue their online ordering, take out, curbside and delivery from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. • Zazu's Gastropub In-house dining reopening TBA This is not a complete list of all the restaurants in Lee County. Patrons are advised to contact the restaurants directly or via social media to confirm opening prior to visiting.

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ADULT ABUSE HOTLINE at 1-800-458-7214

HELP STOP THE ABUSE IF YOU SEE IT, REPORT IT

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ELDER ABUSE “This project was supported by Subgrant #18-VA-VS-050 #16-VA-VS-076 awarded by the Law Enforcement / Traffic Safety Division of ADECA and the U.S. Department of Justice.� The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice or grant-making component.�

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

A9 May 13, 2020

D

euteronomy 8 should be required reading for everyone as we make our way out of the wilderness.

It begins with God telling Israel that one of the purposes of the wilderness experience was to humble them and teach them that man does not live by bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. We are totally dependent upon Him—from the sun that shines to the air we breathe and everything in between.

The chapter then

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

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

• St Mary’s Catholic Church - Mass will be held through livestreams • First United Methodist Church Of Opelika - Worship through livestreams on Facebook at 9:30 a.m. Mission opportunities available such as casserole deliveries to healthcare workers and grocery deliveries.

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

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

The Prosperity Challenge fast-forwards to the time when Israel is settled in the land.

They live in houses rather than tents; the land is productive, and their stomachs are full—they lack nothing. This lovely pastoral picture (which symbolizes what all of us want to get back to) comes with a hardcore warning.

What is it?

That prosperity can dull them. It won’t happen all at once. It will sneak up on them one small, subtle step at a time until they forget the true source

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

of their blessings. They will begin to look more to themselves than to God. Finally, their hearts will become proud and in a small voice they will say to themselves, My power and the strength of my hands

have produced this wealth for me.

That’s how you end up back in the wilderness.

Prosperity can be a greater challenge than adversity. In adversity, we clearly see our circumstances overrun our resources and call on God. In prosperity, it’s oh-soeasy to lose touch with this truth. It’s the rich fool building bigger barns, Nebuchadnezzar boasting about the kingdom he had built or the disciples at Laodicea thinking they were rich and

ABOUT BRUCE GREEN self-sustaining.

When you live in the promised land, you praise the Lord for all He has given to you.

You remember His words and find your life in living them out to the glory of the Father. That is how you handle prosperity.

But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today. (Deuteronomy 8:18)

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

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

Verse of the Week

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

2 Timothy 1:7

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

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

Green Chapel Missionary Baptist 390 Lee Road 106, Auburn (334) 749-4184 Lakeview Baptist Church 1600 E. Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-7094 Pepperell Baptist 2702 2nd Ave., Opelika 334-745-3108 Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Road 166, Opelika 334-745-4608

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

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

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

709 Avenue E 334-741-0624 First Freewill Baptist Church 103 19th St. 334-703-3333 Friendship Missionary Baptist 432 Maple Avenue 334-742-0105 Greater Peace Baptist Church 650 Jeter Ave. 334-749-9487 Heritage Baptist Church 1103 Glenn St. 334-363-8943 High Hope Baptist Church 227 Lee Road 673 Love Freewill Baptist Church 1113 Frederick Ave. 334-745-2905 Ridge Grove Missionary Baptist Church 1098 Lee Road 155 - 334-745-3600 Northside Baptist Church 3001 Lafayette Hwy 334-745-5340 Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Uniroyal Rd 334-749-2773 Purpose Baptist Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy #704-0302 St. James Baptist Church 1335 Auburn St. 334-745-3224 Union Grove Missionary Baptist 908 Huguley Rd 334-741-7770 BUDDHIST Buddha Heart Village 3170 Sandhill Rd. 334-821-7238 CATHOLIC St. Mary’s Catholic Church 1000 4th Ave. 334-749-8359 CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ 2215 Marvyn Pkwy 334-742-9721 Southside Church of Christ 405 Carver Ave. 334-745-6015 CHURCH OF GOD Airview Church of God 3015 Old Opelika Rd 334-749-9112 Church of God 114 17th Place 334-749-6432 Tabernacle Church of God 3 Oak Court 334-745-7979 CHURCH OF NAZARENE Opelika Church of Nazarene

1500 Bruce Ave. 334-749-1302 EPISCOPAL Emmanuel Episcopal Church 800 1st Ave. 334-745-2054 HOLINESS Eastside Emmanuel Holiness Church 86 Lee Road 186 JEWISH Beth Shalom Congregation 134 S. Cary Dr. 334-826-1050 LATTERDAY SAINTS Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints 510 Groce St. 334-742-9981 METHODIST First United Methodist Church of Opelika 702 Avenue A 334-745-7604 Hopewell United Methodist 1993 Lee Rd 136 334-745-0460 Pierce Chapel United Methodist 8685 AL Hwy. 51 334-749-4469 Pepperell United Methodist 200 26th St. 334-745-9334 Trinity United Methodist Church 800 Second Ave. 334-745-2632 Wesley Memorial United Methodist 2506 Marvyn Pkwy 334-745-2841 PENTECOSTAL Full Gospel Pentecostal Church Hwy. 29, PO Box 1691 334-741-8675 Gateway Community Church 2715 Frederick Rd 334-745-6926 PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church of Opelika 900 2nd Ave. 334-745-3421 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST Outreach Seventh-Day Adventist 1808 S. Long St. 334-749-3151 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Apostolic Holiness Church 610 Canton St. 334-749-6759 Auburn Opelika Korean Church 1800 Rocky Brook Rd 334-749-5386 Beauregard Full Gospel Revival 2089 Lee Road 42 334-745-0455 Christ Church International 1311 2nd Ave. 334-745-0832

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

Church of the Harvest 2520 Society Hill Rd 334-745-2247 East Congregation of Jehovah Witnesses 1250 McCoy St. 334-737-1488 Emmanuel Temple of Deliverance 207 S. Railroad Ave. 334-745-6430 Faith Alliance Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy 334-749-9516 Faith Christian Center 600 S. 8th St. Faith Church 3920 Marvyn Pkwy 334-707-3922 Family Life Christian Center 601 S. 7th St. 334-741-7013 Father’s House Christian Fellowship 214 Morris Ave. 334-749-1070 Fellowship Bible Church 2202 Hamilton Rd 334-749-1445 Ferguson Chapel Church 310 S. 4th St. 334-745-2913 First Assembly of God Church 510 Simmons St. 334- 749-3722 Garden of Gethsemane Fellowship 915 Old Columbus Rd #745-2686 Grace Heritage Church Opelika #559-0846 Holy Deliverance Church 831 S. Railroad 334-749-5682 Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1250 McCoy St. 334-737-1488 Living Way Ministries 1100 Old Columbus Rd 334-749-6241 Move of God Fellowship Church 1119 Old Columbus Rd 334-741-1006 Connect Church 2900 Waverly Pkwy 334-749-3916 New Life Christian Center 2051 West Point Pkwy 334-741-7373 New Life Independent Church 10 Meadowview Estates Trailer 334-741-9001 Opelika’s First Seventh Day 2011 Columbus Pkwy 334-737-3222 Power of Praise, Inc. Church 3811 Marvyn Pkwy 334-745-6136 Shady Grove Christian Church West Point Hwy 334-745-7770

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A10 May 13, 2020

CIPPERLY>> FROM A7 sound healthy later in life, Mom C lived to be 97 years old! We were blessed to have many good times and traveling adventures with her.

On our way to Highlands, North Carolina one time, we stopped by the Dillard House in Dillard, Georgia.

Some of their dishes were better than others. We thought the dishes at Hominy Grill in Charleston, South Carolina were fairly

good, but the restaurant closed after nearly 24 years in business.

Last fall we tried southern food at Miller’s Bread Basket in Blackville, South Carolina. The restaurant serves home-style Amish-Mennonite dishes, including crispy fried chicken, assorted vegetables and pies that are popular. Not as good as Mom’s but enjoyable.

After having lunch, we stopped at God’s Acre Healing Springs in Blackville. Native

RECIPES FARMHOUSE BLACKBERRY COBBLER 1 stick butter 1 cup self-rising flour or 1 cup all-purpose flour mixed with ½ tsp. salt and 1 tsp. baking powder 1 cup sugar 1 cup milk 4 cups fresh blackberries (or frozen, thawed) ½ to ¾ cup sugar, adjust according to sweetness of berries Melt butter in an iron skillet or baking pan.

Combine flour, sugar and milk in a small bowl and mix together.

Pour flour mixture over butter, but do not stir.

Gently combine blueberries and sugar. Spoon over batter in skillet. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes or until top is golden brown.

FRIED PIES Sometimes Mom made these with cooked down peaches.

1½ cups sliced dried apples 2 cups water 1 Tbsp. butter ½ cup sugar ½ tsp. cinnamon Pastry: 2 cups all-purpose flour ½ tsp. salt ½ cup shortening ¼ to ½ cup milk Oil Combine apples and water; simmer 30 minutes or until apples are tender. Add butter, sugar and cinnamon.

To make pastry, combine flour and salt; cut in shortening until crumbly. Sprinkle milk 1 Tbsp. at a time over flour mixture; stir with a fork until mixture is moistened.

Roll out on floured surface. Cut into rounds. Place apple filling in center of each round; moisten edges with water. Fold over and press edges together with tines of a fork.

Add ½ inch oil to skillet. Fry pies in oil until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

MOM’S BUTTERMILK FRIED CHICKEN 1 fryer, cut up, or chicken tenders Salt Buttermilk Self-rising flour Dash of baking soda Black pepper to taste Oil Salt chicken pieces.

Place chicken in bowl; cover with buttermilk.

Chill overnight. In a heavy skillet, heat oil.

Combine flour, baking soda and pepper. Dip chicken in flour mixture or place flour mixture in paper bag; shake chicken pieces to cover.

Shake off excess flour.

Fry over medium heat until golden brown and thoroughly cooked. (Oil must be hot when adding chicken or the flour will fall off.)

While self-rising flour contains baking soda, Mom added a little extra to make the chicken crust flaky. It only takes a few minutes to cook chicken tenders on each side; turn them once.

MOM’S COLLARDS Wash and trim leaves from stems. Place in large pot with salted water. Add a pork chop or two or drizzle olive oil.

Cook until tender, about 45 minutes to an hour.

Serve with Sweet Tomato Sauce and cornbread.

Sweet Tomato Sauce: 1 can stewed tomatoes 2/3 to 1 cup sugar Simmer over low heat until thick, about 30 minutes.

CLASSIC BANANA PUDDING 3 egg yolks (save whites for meringue) 3 cups whole milk ½ cup sugar 4 Tbsp. cornstarch 2 tsp. vanilla 4 to 5 bananas 12 oz. box vanilla wafers Meringue 3 egg whites 1/2 tsp. cream of tartar 1/3 cup sugar To make custard,

Americans believed in the natural healing powers of the spring and brought wounded Revolutionary War soldiers to the springs. There is a faucet where locals go to fill jugs to take home.

We poured water out of our plastic bottles to refill for a sip of water from the springs.

The small town of Denmark is not far from Blackville. We stopped at the Jim Harrison Gallery in Denmark.

Paintings and limited edition reproductions are on display by the

late nationally-known artist. We were given a copy of his cookbook, which I found interesting since it had so many old fashioned southern dishes. I knew I would want to run a few of these in the column, so I received permission.

The artist had a love for all things southern, including food. The cookbook features many of his mother’s recipes.

We drove to Blackville and Denmark from Aiken, South Carolina.

If you visit that area, the

place egg yolks, milk, sugar and cornstarch in saucepan, stirring constantly over medium heat. When custard is thickened and starts to boil, remove from heat.

Stir in vanilla.

To assemble, in a 13 by 9 inch dish, place a single layer of sliced banana. Top with a third of the custard. Repeat with two more layers.

Make meringue by beating egg whites with cream of tartar to form soft peaks. Slowly add sugar and continue beating until the meringue has firm peaks.

Spread meringue over top of pudding. Bake at 350 degrees until meringue is golden brown.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator.

greens often to distribute the ham hock and increase the flavor.

Once your greens began to become tender add salt and pepper to taste.

GREENS RECIPE FOR TURNIPS AND MUSTARDS From Jim Harrison’s Cookbook Southern Cooking and Southern Stories 1 ham hock 3 ½ cups water 1 lb. turnip greens 1 lb. mustard greens 1 chicken bouillon cube 1 finely chopped medium onion ½ tsp. sugar Salt and pepper to taste Rinse ham hock and place in pot and cover with water. Bring water to a rolling boil.

Reduce heat to just above simmer and let meat cook for 1-1/2 to 2 hours until meat is tender. Add additional water if necessary.

While the ham hocks are cooking, cut and clean your greens.

Remove greens from the stems. Place several greens in layers (stack several leaves on top of each other) and roll them up. Using a cutting board and knife cut leaves into 1 inch thick strips. Next rinse cut greens several times in cold water to remove dirt or sand.

When your ham hocks start to become tender, add the greens, bouillon cube, chopped onion, and sugar to pot. Bring water to boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cook for 1-2 hours until greens are tender. Stir your

HOPPING JOHN Mrs. Wilkes’ Boarding House.

2 cups dried red cowpeas 4 cups water ½ cup chopped onion, optional 1 ham hock or ¼ lb. boiling pork or hog jowl 2 cups cooked rice 2 Tbsp. butter or margarine Place first four ingredients in pot. Boil until tender on low heat.

Drain off liquid. Place rice and butter in skillet.

Stir in other ingredients and cook slowly until hot enough to serve.

Rice can be cooked in peas.

Follow directions on peas and put rice in peas about 30 minutes before peas are done.

HOMINY GRILL’S BUTTERMILK PIE 4 eggs 4 cups sugar 2 Tbs. flour 1 ½ cups buttermilk ¼ cup melted butter Grated peel of 1 lemon 3 Tbs. lemon juice 1 tsp. vanilla 1 baked 9 inch pie shell In a mixing bowl beats eggs and sugar until lemon colored. Beat in flour and then add buttermilk, butter, lemon peel, lemon juice and vanilla.

Pour into pie shell and bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes.

FRESH CREAMED CORN 10 ears fresh corn 1 cup half and half 1 tsp. salt 1 Tbsp. sugar, optional 2 Tbsp. butter Cut the corn with a knife; then scrape. Add cream, salt and sugar; heat until thickened in heavy saucepan, stirring well. Add butter; reduce heat to simmer for about 10 minutes.

Serves 6.

award-winning Willcox Hotel is an elegant place to stay. It has a rich history from when Aiken was a winter colony for the elite during the gilded age.

We have dined at many other restaurants specializing in southern cuisine across the South and will continue to do so, collecting recipes along the way. I don’t expect any will be quite as good as Little Granny’s and Mother’s cooking.

Since Don has been eating southern food

FRIED GREEN TOMATOES 3 or 4 firm green tomatoes 1 egg ½ cup milk ½ cup corn meal ¼ cup flour Shortening Slice tomatoes about ¼ inch thick. Beat egg and milk in bowl. In another bowl combine flour and corn meal. Dip each slice in milk and egg mixture and then in flour and corn meal mixture.

Drop into hot shortening in skillet. Brown on both sides. Salt to taste.

OLD FASHIONED TEA CAKES 1 cup butter, softened 1 cup sugar 3 eggs 2 tsp. vanilla 3½ cups all-purpose flour Cream butter and sugar; beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in flour. Chill dough. Lightly roll out.

Cut with biscuit cutter.

Bake in 350 degree oven for about 10 minutes until lightly brown.

CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS 3-lb. whole chicken, cut up 4 Tbsp. chicken bouillon granules 1 tsp. pepper 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 Tbsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 cup shortening 2/3 to 3/4 cup milk 4 hard-cooked eggs, sliced, optional Bring chicken and water to cover to a boil in a large Dutch oven; reduce heat and simmer 1 hour and 30 minutes or until tender.

Remove chicken; cool.

Strain broth. Return broth to Dutch oven.

Chop chicken and add back to pot along with bouillon and pepper.

Combine flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl. Cut shortening into flour mixture until crumbly. Add milk, stirring until dry ingredients are moistened.

Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface;

over the years, he enjoys most of the dishes except for the vegetables. I have just about made a southerner out of this Yankee.

With all that has happened in New York over the past few years, Don says he wants to disown his home state and claim Alabama as home sweet home.

Following is a sampling of Mother’s recipes as well as ones collected across the South.

Ann can be reached at recipes@cipperly. com.

knead 3 or 4 times.

Roll dough to 1/8-inch thickness; sprinkle lightly with flour and cut into 3 x 2-inch strips.

Bring broth mixture to a boil. Drop strips, 1 at a time, into boiling broth, stirring gently.

Reduce heat, and simmer, stirring often, 20 minutes. Stir in boiled eggs, if using.

VIRGINIA CALLAWAY’S MUSCADINE PIE 9-inch pie shell and extra pastry for lattice topping ½ gallon ripe muscadines Mash muscadines.

Separate hulls from pulp.

Strain to remove juice, leaving pulp and seed.

Cook hulls in juice until tender, adding a little water, if needed.

Let cool, then add: Juice from ½ lemon ¼ cup flour 2 to 2 ½ cups sugar Dots of butter Put this mixture in a 9 inch unbaked pie shell and place lattice crust across top. Bake in a 400 degree oven for approximately 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 375 degrees and bake for another 30 minutes.

Serve with whipped cream.

COUNTRY FRIED STEAKS 4 cube steaks Salt and pepper All-purpose flour Oil 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour for gravy 2 cups milk Season cube steaks with salt and pepper.

Dredge steaks into flour.

Heat about an inch of oil in skillet to medium-high. When hot, add cube steaks and cook on each side until brown.

Remove from skillet.

Add 1 to 2 Tbsp. flour to skillet, stirring constantly. Slowly add milk while continuing to stir.

Add salt and pepper to taste.

Return cube steak to skillet with gravy and simmer on low about 15 minutes.

Note: Can dip cube steaks in buttermilk before dredging in flour, if desired.

A11 May 13, 2020

Downtown Reopening, Safely.

By Ken Ward Special to the Opelika Observer Gov. Kay Ivey’s newly updated order has now allowed for retail shops to reopen, restaurants to have sit down service and salons to open up.

Our downtown merchants are ready to once again open their doors to members of our community.

Owned primarily by our neighbors and friends, our downtown

merchants work hard each and everyday to provide a wide array of great products, meals and services at good prices.

Our downtown merchants are committed to maintaining both safe and healthy environments in their stores, bars, restaurants and salons.

Many businesses are also still offering online ordering, curbside pickup, takeout and free local

delivery to those who are not ready to go out yet.

As we slowly get back to a sense of normalcy, don’t forget to support Opelika by shopping anddining local.

About Opelika Main Street: Ward is the executive director of Opelika Main Street, a nonprofit organization dedicated to growing and enhancing historic downtown Opelika.

Robert Noles Bryce/Opelika Observer

A12 May 13, 2020

COMICS

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

S

S

Inside • opelika schools • lee county schools • community sports

Mother of 5 earns Auburn business degree amid coronavirus quarantine Special to the Opelika Observer

On the Mark

By D. Mark Mitchell

AHSAA FINALIZES ALL SPORTS ALIGNMENTS

T

he Alabama High School Athletic Association held a Central Board of Control meeting last Thursday, finalizing each sports classification and alignment. The special called meeting was conducted via teleconference.

The sports alignments for Fall and winter Sports were announced after each season completed. Spring sports were stopped before the season concluded because of COVID-19.

The AHSAA waited until everything was finalized before releasing the alignments. The following sports were discussed and approved:

baseball, softball, boys and girls track and field, boys and girls tennis and boys and girls golf.

There were no changes for the number of divisions for spring sports. baseball, softball and outdoor track will be divided into seven classifications (1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A and 7A). Soccer, tennis and girls golf will be divided into four divisions, (1A/2A/3A), (4A/5A), (6A) and (7A). In boys golf, schools will compete in six divisions, (1A/2A/3A, 4A, 5A, 6A and 7A).

“We thank the Central Board for its commitSee SPORTS, page B6

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

Heather Floyd was helping her two oldest children with homework last spring when her daughter, Haylee, blurted … “Mom, I want to be a veterinarian.”

Fully understanding the academic rigor involved, Heather challenged her daughter with the truth.

“Vet school is really difficult to get into,” she said. “You have to make good grades, work really hard and push yourself to do well.”

At that moment, Heather realized she was not just talking to a 7-year-old girl, but also to herself. “I was pushing her to reach her full potential and I’m not reaching my own,” she said.

Heather, now a mother of five, was just 25 credit hours short of earning a bachelor’s degree in management with a concentration in human resources in Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business.

But marriage and family paused those academic

pursuits in 2010.

“I had always wanted to finish my undergraduate (degree) and it was one of those deals where I felt like too much time had passed for me to go back,” she said. “I felt like I had missed that opportunity. My husband really encouraged me and said, ‘You ought to go back.’ We’d talk about it from time to time and I told him, ‘I don’t know if I can juggle being a mom and a student. I said, ‘Our kids are all still really young.

They’re demanding of my time and energy. I just don’t know that I could give school the time that I need to study and do well.’”

But Heather’s veterinary school speech to Haylee, and ultimately herself, changed everything.

“That day I decided, ‘I’m going to pursue this thing. I’m going to reach out and contact Auburn and see if it’s possible for me to pick up where I left off,”’ Heather said. “I talked with my advisor, Satrina Kelley-Jordan, and she

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer was just great in helping me get transitioned back in. I knew that this was my opportunity to pick up where I left off.”

Last week, Heather completed the very degree she began pursuing in 2006 and was scheduled to graduate with other Harbert College seniors on May 2.

COVID-19 changed that. Instead, she plans to walk at the joint spring-summer Auburn commencement in August.

Heather Floyd is an Auburn alumnus.

‘There’s just a lot going on’ The former Heather Meadows grew up in Opelika with her child-

hood and high school sweetheart, David.

Heather graduated from Opelika High School in 2003, earned an associate’s degree at nearby Southern Union State Community College and climbed to the ranks of executive director at the Lee County Humane Society by the time she enrolled at Auburn in 2006.

“The job at the humane society … that’s what made me want to pursue human resource management … just being responsible for the group of people there and really investing in them,” she said. “I enSee MOTHER, page B6

Opelika High School to hold graduation ceremony on May 22 Special to the Opelika Observer

Opelika High School is pleased to announce that a graduation ceremony for the OHS Class of 2020 will be held in multiple sessions on May 22 in Bulldog Stadium.

“We have worked hard to develop a graduation plan that will celebrate our seniors while keeping the current health guidelines in place,” said OCS Superintendent Dr.

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Mark Neighbors. “It is focused on social distancing and limiting the number of guests par-

ticipating at any certain time.”

To maintain appropriate social distancing

guidelines, there will be six sessions with 50 seniors per session. Each senior and up to nine

family members will be allowed to process through the ceremony.

Seniors will receive their diploma on stage as family members watch from the end zone and then each family group will exit the stadium. Sessions begin at 8:30 a.m. and will continue until 3:00 p.m. The ceremony will not be open to the public and there will be no seating available in the stadium. However, the ceremony will be live-streamed through

a link that will be posted on the Opelika City Schools website.

“We hope this event will be a meaningful experience to the members of the OHS Class of 2020,” said OHS Principal Dr. Farrell Seymore. “They are an outstanding group of students and deserve to be celebrated.”

For more information, contact OCS Public Relations Coordinator Becky Brown at 334524-9720.

B2 May 13, 2020

Auburn University’s LAUNCH competition goes virtual Special to the Opelika Observer

COVID-19 and its associated shutdowns have not stopped Auburn University’s LAUNCH competition from going forward.

This year’s annual pitch competition will be held virtually through Zoom, an online meeting platform.

On May 13, some of Auburn University’s top entrepreneurial faculty will put forward ideas

for research projects with potential to impact the economy of the state and region. Auburn’s Office of the Vice President for Research and Economic Development will select winning faculty recipients to receive support from its LAUNCH Fund for Research and Innovation.

Established in 2015 by the Auburn University Research and Economic Development Advisory Board,

LAUNCH is a fund and an associated competition designed to bridge the gap between innovative research and the marketplace. The fund was created with the support of the Office of the Vice President for Research and Economic Development.

Five finalists will make presentations and must demonstrate their projects’ merit in the quest for up to $100,000 in funding, which can

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“The LAUNCH program is a great way for some of the most promising innovations of Auburn faculty to be brought to the marketplace for the benefit of the people of Alabama, the state and the region,” said James Weyhenmeyer, Auburn’s vice president for research and economic development.

Those selected will receive a cash award and the opportunity to meet with experts in

entrepreneurship from Auburn’s Harbert College of Business and the university’s Office of Innovation Advancement and Commercialization.

The finalists and their proposals are: -Matt Hilliard, Peter He and Jin Wang, Department of Chemical Engineering: “Novel Circulating Coculture Biofilm Photobioreactor for Valorization of Anaerobic Digestion Waste” for a complimentary technology to improve anaerobic

digestion, a process by which municipal waste streams are converted into value-added products, such as biofuel or animal feedstock.

-Stewart Schneller, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry: “Characterization of Antiviral Lead Compounds.” Modifications to known antiviral compounds have produced new compounds with reduced toxicity and effectiveness against several pathologically important viruses, including measles, Ebola, dengue and norovirus.

-Ben Choe, Department of Mechanical Engineering: “Design of Prototypes of Lithium Ion Battery Packs for Demonstration of Fast and Safe Charging Method” for methods and software to shorten See UNIVERSITY, page B6

We would like to thank the following businesses for sponsoring one or more of our newspaper boxes and racks around Lee County • Better Bodies Massage Institute • CyberZone • Interim HomeCare • Opelika Theatre Company • Three Keys Properties, LLC

To have your company’s logo placed on a box email us at editor@opelikaobserver.com

Y0040_GHHHXDHEN_COVID_C

334-528-6191

www.eamcfoundation.org

Contact: Amy Thomas Amy.Thomas@eamc.org

B3 May 13, 2020

Teaching our children to have hope!

A

s summer approaches, I can remember as a young child that I wanted to learn to swim so much.

I was very scared of oceans, lakes and swimming pools.

My heart would break when I would see my family and friends enjoying time in the water.

Oh how I wanted to join them, but as a child, I understood what it meant to experience hopelessness.

I remember my family broke down my goal of wanting to learn to swim in steps like pushing off from the wall of the pool but letting my feet still be on the bottom of the pool, then slowly beginning to lift my feet off the bottom of the pool and holding my father’s hands and learning to float as he slowly withdrew his support, then being taught to do simple swim strokes.

As a child, I can still remember how my hopeless state went to hopeful as I gained new confidence and my family cheered each step of the way of me learning to swim when I was eight years old.

During this period of staying at home is a good time for children to begin building hope. It is a strong cornerstone for building character traits

for our children.

Educators in the classroom understand this process of prompting and probing students in answering questions to achieve success and hope. Praise is given step-by-step as children work toward achieving their goals.

As teachers, we set goals for what we want each of our students to learn.

As parents are taking on the role of teaching their children at home, we may want to approach setting goals in each subject for our child.

You go from looking at the “big-picture assignment” such as a goal in math is to learn multiplication facts 1 to 12.

You take this big goal and break it down into smaller goals such as one week learning multiplication 1 to 3 tables, then the next week learn the 4 to 5 tables, etc. In breaking down the big goals into mini goals, celebrate and praise your children as they continue to learn.

There is more than one way to learn and reach our goals. Children have different learning styles. I would like to help Classroom Observer readers by referring back to an earlier article “How Does My

Child Learn?” I’d like to briefly summarize some points that I hope will help parents as they continue to teach their children at home.

1. Visual learners have to see and visualize what they are learning like they love to draw, color and paint. As a parent of a child who is a visual learner, you will need to use a lot of visuals, pictures and demonstrations.

2. Reflective learners are usually observers and like to work alone as he/she thinks concepts through. As a parent who is teaching your child who is a reflective learner, you will need to give this child their own defined space. Give them time to work on an assignment or activity for a long time or ponder ideas on the computer.

3. A logical learner is a child who learns by seeing patterns, systems, and reasoning. Logical learning comes easy for them.

For example, this kind of learner can quickly put a puzzle together.

4. Physical learners use their mind and their whole body as they learn.

If your child is a physical learner you may observe this child using their hands, feet, and whole body as they write, read their own stories, learn math facts or just express themselves.

5. A relational learner is a child who interacts and relates well with other children. This child will be good at helping their siblings with their assignments because they are good listeners.

6. A musical learner will usually hum, whistle or sing their favorite songs to themselves.

With the multiplication facts assignment, they will sing the multiplication tables in order to learn them.

7. A natural learner is one who loves the world

outside. Spring is the perfect time to explore and learn about God’s World.

8. A verbal learner is one who loves to make up words and tell stories and jokes. A verbal learner will truly enjoy writing language experience stories and share them with their families at this time.

I would like to share a personal journey of hope that I hope will encourage readers.

My late husband taught me to appreciate the water and canoe around Lee County in beautiful creeks, lakes and rivers.

He was seasoned in teaching people to canoe, but I was probably going to be his biggest challenge of a canoeing student.

He took it slow with me - flat water first then white water. In white water, I would cling to nearby rocks and scream when we encountered whirlpools and say “wait, wait!”

He would put me in the rudder position to guide the canoe as he sat at the front and took the lead. When I froze at the rudder position, he would have to do both jobs, lead and rudder. After going through the rough white water, we would come out on the other side, where it was calm and peaceful.

As my husband took steps in teaching me how to canoe, I actually looked forward to our trips so much because I knew after going through the rough water, I would enjoy the beautiful calm on the other side. I learned a life’s lesson from my canoe trips that when we go through rough waters like we are experiencing now that God is carrying us into beautiful calm waters and step by step we have learned to trust Him and have hope!

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer

Reeltown teen wins Big Gobbler Photo Contest Special to the Opelika Observer

With the close of another turkey season, Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association is excited to announce Reeltown resident and 14-year-old Jake Hornsby as this year’s Big Gobbler Photo Contest Winner.

Jake’s photo received 460 votes and edged out nearly 30 other contestants to claim the title.

Additionally, the bird was Jake’s first turkey which was called in by his father and harvested with his grandfather’s Remington 870 making it a true experience they will never forget.

Jake and his father, Brandon hunt in Lowndes County and have been hunting together for 10 years. In recounting the story, Brandon noted “The one we ended up taking weighed 12 pounds, had a 4.5 inch beard and 1/2 inch spurs. There weren’t any super tight expensive chokes, high end turkey loads or professional calling involved.

Just a 14-year-old boy with an old, worn out,

passed down shotgun with a factory full choke, some cheap Remington turkey loads and some amateur calling from his dad. When we went back to gather up all of our gear and head out, Jake looked at me with the biggest smile and said ‘Daddy, I love deer hunting, but this turkey hunting… ain’t nothing like it!’”

Jake has been awarded a National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) framed and doubled matted Lynch and Gibson turkey box calls print (limited edition) by Melissa Gayman Ball donated by the NWTF Alabama Chapter. He also received a newly released book titled “Memories of Spring” by avid outdoorsman Ron Jolly and wildlife photographer Tes Randle Jolly.

“Each year the region’s hunters never fail to showcase some of the finest turkey hunting opportunities in the country with their successful hunts,” said Alabama Black Belt See REELTOWN, page B5

B4 May 13, 2020

PUBLIC NOTICES In The Probate Court Of Lee County Alabama In Re: The Estate Of Dorothy Anne Berry Deceased TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to: Lynn B. Corwin, as Executrix of the Estate of: Dorothy Anne Berry, Deceased on the 24th day of April, 2020, by the Honorable Bill English.

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

Lynn B.Corwin Executrix Legal Run 05/06/20, 05/13/20 & 05/20/20 ------------NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by two mortgages Etherial Jackson, a married woman at the time of the execution of the mortgage originally in favor of Kathy Mathews who later assigned the mortgages to C& K Irrevocable Living Trust.

The first mortgage was recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, in Mortgages Book 2730 Page 340; and the assignment of the mortgage is in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, in Mortgages Book 4535 Page 2104, and the legal description of the real estate which is situated in Lee County, Alabama is “Com NW COR OF SEC; E 985’S TO POB; TH S 390’S(413.3’D) TO N R/W OF CO RD 26; ELY ALG SD R/W 230 (253.4’D) N454.5’W 250’ TO POB IN SEC” The mortgage on the other parcel of real estate is recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, in Mortgages Book 2730 Page 339; and the assignment of the mortgage is recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, in Mortgages Book 4542 Page 94, and the legal description of the described real estate which is, situated in Lee County, Alabama, is “LOT 109 Toomer SD PB 4/26 Auburn” C&K Irrevocable Living Trust who pursuant to Alabama Code (1975) § 35-10-3 will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, on June 20, 2020, during the legal hours of sale, all of its right, title, and interest in and to the above described real estate.

THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgages, as well as the expenses of foreclosure.

The successful bidder must tender a non-refundable deposit of twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) for each property sold in certified funds made payable to Larry L. Raby, Attorney for Mortgagee/Transferee at the time and place of the sale. The balance of the purchase price must be

paid in certified funds by noon the next business day at the Law Office of Larry L. Raby at 492 South Court St., Montgomery, AL 36104. Larry L. Raby reserves the right to award the bid to the next highest bidder should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amounts due.

The Mortgagee/Assignee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate.

This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation.

Legal Run 04/29/20, 05/06/20, 05/13/20 & 05/20/20 ------------FORM OF ADVERTISEMENT FOR COMPLETION LEGAL NOTICE In accordance with Chapter I, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given that Whatley Construction LLC, Contractor, has completed the Contract for Lee County Courthouse Opelika, AL 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 John Randall Wilson, 900 Janet Drive Auburn, AL 36801, in writing.

Whatley Construction LLC Post Office Box 137 Opelika, Alabama 36803-0137 Legal Run 04/29/20, 05/06/20, 05/13/20 & 05/20/20 ------------IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA NOTICE OF PUBLICATION In the Matter Of a Bill To Quiet Title to Land Case No. CV-2020-900107.00 In Re: LBJ & Associates, LLC VS. Raven Harvis, ET, SEQ., the property described as Lots 4 and 5 of Block D of the Johnson Sub-Division according to and as shown on the map or plat of said Sub-division, which is of Record in Town Plat Book 3, at Page 57, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama.

NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS A Complaint has been filed with the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama, case No. CV-2020 900107.00, in which Complaint the Plaintiff therein is requesting a Judgment by the Court quieting title in favor of Plaintiff to above property by Redemption, Ejectment, Bill to Quiet Title or Declaratory Relief. You must file an answer within 30 days from the last date of publication of four (4) weekly consecutive publications, or a default judgment may be taken against you.

Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said property or who are claiming an interest in said property, are hereby required to present the same to Mary Roberson, Circuit Clerk of Lee County, Alabama , Lee County Justice Center, 2311 Gateway Drive, Opelika, Alabama, 36801, within the time allowed by law, or the same will be barred. /S/ Cody W. Foote By: Cody

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W. Foote, Attorney for Plaintiff 217B So. 8th Street, Opelika, Al 36801 Legal Run 04/29/20, 05/06/20, 05/13/20 & 05/20/20 ------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF OTIS LEWIS CARLISLE, III, DECEASED. CASE NO. 2020-136 NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION OF APPOINTMENT AND CLAIMS Letters of Administration having been granted to Deborah Carlisle Ashworth as Personal Representative of the Estate of Otis Lewis Carlisle, III, deceased, on the 24th day of April , 2020, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against the estate are hereby required to present those within time required by law or they will be forever barred.

Deborah Carlisle Ashworth, Personal Representative for the Estate of Otis Lewis Carlisle, III, deceased J. Sydney Cook, III Sydney Cook & Associates, LLC Attorney for the Estate P.O. Box 1877 Tuscaloosa, AL 35403 Tel: (205) 561-5400 Legal Run 05/06/20, 05/13/20 & 05/20/20 ------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF BRENDA R. BARFIELD A/K/A BRENDA CLAIRE BARFIELD, DECEASED. CASE NO.2020-037 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT TO BE PUBLISHED

BY EXECUTOR Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to RICHARD PAUL BARFIELD, on the 23rd day of April, 2020, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of Probate 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.

BY: James E. Hall, Attorney for Executor Legal Run 04/29/20, 05/06/20 & 05/13/20 ------------CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, AL FAMILY COURT DIVISION: JUVENILE IN THE MATTER OF: L.I.B & A.Z.R. - minor children JU-2017-239.02/238.02 NOTICE TO: Carl Edward Bailey, Jr., father of L.I.B. born 03/10/2010 and Jarrod Devon Reed, father of A.Z.R. born 09/04/2008- both children born in Carroll Co, GA at Tanner Health Systems, Villa Rica to Jillian C. Bailey aka Jillian C. Calhoun. Custody of the minor children L.I.B. &; A.Z.R. was vested with Lee County DHR on 1/22/2020.

Carl Edward Bailey, Jr. and Jarrod Devon Reed must answer the Petition to Terminate Parental Rights filed in the Family Court of Lee Co, AL by Lee Co DHR, within fourteen (14) days from the last date of publication of this notice, or a final judgment may be rendered in Case # JU-2017-239.02/238.02 in the Family Court of Lee Co, AL terminating your parental rights and possibly result in placing said children for adoption. Additional notice is given to any other possible unknown fathers of the minor children.

Mary Roberson, CIRCUIT CLERK Lee County Justice Center 2311 Gateway Dr. Opelika, AL 36801 Hon. Margaret A. Mayfield Attorney for Lee County DHR P.O. Box 809 Opelika, AL 36803 (334) 745-0333 Legal Run 05/06/20, 05/13/20, 05/20/20, 05/27/2020 ------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.: 2020-152 & 2020-153 PUBLICATION NOTICE TO: Any Potential unknown

fathers, address unknown.

Please take notice that a petition for adoption was filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, AL by David Willie Kelley and Ashley Lee Kelley on 4/29/2020, for the adoption of O.L.B born on 11/20/2011 in Panama City, Florida to Crystal Lynn Bell and J.M.B. born on 4/24/2015 in Panama City, FL to Crystal Lynn Bell.

A hearing has been set for the 21st day of July, 2020 at 11 o’clock a.m. Central time in the Probate Court, Lee County Courthouse, 215 South 9th Street, Opelika, AL 36801.

Should you intend to contest this adoption you must file a written response with the attorney for the petitioner, Hon. Margaret Mayfield, P.O. Box 809, Opelika, AL 36803 and with the Clerk of the Probate Court of Lee County, AL as soon as possible but no later than thirty (30) days from the last day this notice is published, or appear on the date of the hearing as set above to contest said Petition.

Dated on this the 5th day of May, 2020.

HON. BILL ENGLISH JUDGE OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Legal Run 5/13/20, 5/20/20, 5/27/20 & 06/03/2020 ------------NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Opelika will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, June 16, 2020, 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 the Development Plan for Towne Lakes Subdivision PUD. The Development Plan for Towne Lake Subdivision PUD was approved by the City Council as required by Section 8.18(n) of the Zoning Ordinance of the City. 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.________ ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR TOWNE LAKE SUBDIVISION PUD (PHASE 5) BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows: Section 1. FINDINGS. The City Council has determined and hereby finds and declares that the following facts are true and correct: (a) W.S. Newell & Sons, Inc., heretofore submitted to the City a Development Plan for a planned unit development (“PUD”) entitled “Towne Lake Subdivision PUD” consisting of approximately 170.658 acres. (b) Pursuant to Ordinance No. 100-00, the City Council approved said Development Plan for Towne Lake Subdivision PUD and amended the Official Zoning Map of the City to designate the zoning classification of Planned Unit Development (“PUD”) for approximately 170.658 acres located north of U.S. Highway No. 280 & 431 (Columbus Parkway), west of North Uniroyal Road and east of Interstate Highway No. 85. (c) W.S. Newell & Sons, the owner of all of the property located within Phase 5 of Towne Lake Subdivision PUD, has heretofore submitted to the City a proposed amended Development Plan for Phase 5. (e) Phase 5 of Towne Lake Subdivision PUD consists of approximately 59 acres and is located at the terminus of Bush Creek Road. The current development plan for Phase 5 as approved by the City Council consists of 17 commercial lots. (f) The amended Development Plan for Phase 5 of Town Lake Subdivision PUD provides for 97 single-family residential lots and two com-

mercial lots with access to Columbus Parkway. The minimum residential lot size will be 8,400 square feet.

Phase 5 is located adjacent to existing single-family homes within Towne Lake Subdivision PUD of similar size and finished quality. (g) The Planning Commission of the City of Opelika heretofore conducted a public hearing on the proposed amended Development Plan. (h) The Planning Commission recommended approval of the amended Development Plan for Phase 5 of Towne Lake Subdivision PUD. (i) It is advisable and in interest of the City and the public interest that the amended Development Plan be approved.

Section 2. Approval of Amended Development Plan.

The amended Development Plan for Phase 5 of Towne Lake Subdivision PUD as submitted for review is hereby approved and confirmed as required by Section 8.18(n) of the Zoning Ordinance of the City.

Section 3. Retention of Copies of the Amended Development Plan. Copies of the amended 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 4. Repealer. That any ordinance or part thereof in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance be and the same are hereby repealed.

Section 5. Effective Date.

This Ordinance shall become effective upon its adoption, approval and publication as required by law.

Section 6. Publication. This Ordinance shall be published one (1) time in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama.

WITNESS my hand this the 8th day of May, 2020. /s/ Russell A. Jonea CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, 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 Kevin Rice, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334-705-2083 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability.

WITNESS my hand this the 8 th day of May, 2020. /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 05/13/2020 ------------CITY OF OPELIKA NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARINGS TO: RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA AND ALL OTHER INTERESTED CITIZENS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of Opelika, Alabama will hold a regular meeting and will be conducting public hearings on Tuesday, May 26 th , 2020 at 3:00 p.m. Due to public health concerns the meeting will be held electronically. Interested parties may view or participate in the meeting by following the link at http://www.opelika-al.gov/mayplanning. The purpose of the public hearings is to receive public comment on the following: 1. A public hearing on a request by Greg Hill, property owner, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Anderson Lakes Phase 2 subdivision, 2 lots, accessed at 3021 Anderson Road.

2. A public hearing on a request by Harris Gray, LLC, authorized representative for Paul and Tara Brumfield, property owners, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Subdivsion Plat for Paul

Brumfield subdivision, 2 lots, at the corner of Lee Road 266 & 267.

3. A public hearing on a request by James D. Miller, authorized representative for Stephen P. and Raymond C. Penland, property owners, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Veasey & Penland subdivsion, 2 lots, accessed from Lee Road 391 (Old Columbus Road).

4. A public hearing on a request by Blake Rice, authorized representative for John M, Dudley, property owner, for preliminary plat approval of the Kensington subdivision, 70 lots, accessed at 3811 South Uniroyal Road.

5. A request by Brandon Bolt/ Mike Maher, authorized representative of KD Homes, LLC, property owners, for final plat approval of WP Properties SD redivision of Parcel 3 subdivision consisting of 15 lot accessed from Lowndes Street.

6. A request by James D. Miller, authorized representative for Thomas Steve Miller, property owners, to ratify the McKemie administrative subdivision, 2 lots, accessed from Lee Road 266.

7. A public hearing to consider a recommendation to the City Council on a request by David Slocum, authorized representative for Dibenedetto Enterprises, LLC, property owners, to rezone 25.7 acres accessed at the Northeast corner of Waverly Parkway and Veterans Parkway from a R-1, R-3, & C-2 zoning district to a PUD (Planning Unit Development) zoning district consisting of 72 townhomes, 20 single family homes, and commercial. (b) An agenda item related to the rezoning request concerns an amendment to the Future Land Use Map for the 25.7 acres at the Northeast corner of Waverly Parkway and Veterans Parkway from a low density residential to mixed use/planned unit development.

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

8. A public hearing on proposed text amendments to the Subdivision Regulations: Amend Section 4.3 Preliminary Plat Review and Approval, E. Effect of Approval, Section 4.4 Final Plat Approval, A. General, and Section 4.11 Administrative Subdivision, A. Purpose, B. Submission, C. Review and Approval 9. The following agenda item is included as “Other Business” at the April 28 th Planning Commission meeting: a. Blake Rice, representative, Camelot Condominiums - 22 units, Lafayette Parkway and Freeman Avenue, R-4 zone, Requesting extension of conditional use approval for six months or at the December 2020 Planning Commission meeting.

All interested persons are invited to attend the meeting/ public hearings and be heard.

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

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

Please contact Kevin Rice, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334-705-5132 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability.

PLANNING DIRECTOR Legal Run 05/13/2020 ------------NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING (CANNON GATE PUD) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Opelika will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, June 16, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. in

See PUBLIC NOTICES, page B5

B5 May 13, 2020

JSU Announces Spring 2020 Graduates Special to the Opelika Observer

Jacksonville State graduated its largest class in university history (consisting of) 895 graduates in Spring 2020. Because of to COVID-19, commencement has been postponed to Aug. 1.

Graduates include: Robert Ammons - Salem Marrita Baker - Auburn Kaleigh Barkley - Auburn

Quintin Day - Smiths Station Keshia Fuller - Cusseta Clarke Lawrence Opelika James Naismith - Auburn Emily Niles - Phenix City About Jacksonville State University: Founded in 1883 as a state teachers college, Jacksonville State University has grown from humble beginnings into the Alabama regional

university with the highest percentage of accredited programs.

Located in the Appalachian foothills midway between Birmingham and Atlanta, JSU offers more than 150 courses

of study, including over 40 online programs, at the undergraduate and graduate level. To learn more, visit www.jsu. edu, call 1-800-231JAX1 or e-mail jaxfacts@jsu.edu.

REELTOWN >> Adventures Association Executive Director Pam Swanner. “Additionally, we know it’s really the time afield with family and friends that’s embedded in our outdoor heritage and traditions.

Seeing young people experience the bounty of the Black Belt is one of the many reminders of why this region remains so special to so many.”

This year’s contest had just shy of 30 entries of successful turkey hunts throughout the Black

Belt region. The contest was open throughout turkey season as a way to further educate the public on the abundance of natural resources found in Alabama’s Black Belt region. To view all of the other contest entries visitwww.alabamablackbeltadventures.org.

About the association: The Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association is committed to promoting and enhancing outdoor recreation and tourism opportunities in the Black Belt in a manner that provides economic and ecological benefits to the region and its citizens.

is located at 1801 and 1813 Old Columbus Road, Opelika, Alabama.

Section 2. Any ordinance or part thereof in conflict with provisions of this Ordinance be and the same are hereby repealed.

Section 3. This Ordinance shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama.

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 Kevin Rice, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334-705-2083 two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to any disability.

WITNESS my hand this the 8th day of May, 2020. /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 05/13/2020 ------------NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Opelika will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, June 16, 2020, 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 BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows: Section 1. That Ordinance 124-91 entitled “Zoning Ordinance City of Opelika, Alabama”, adopted on September 17, 1991, and the Zoning Map of the City of Opelika provided for and referred to therein, as previously amended and/or modified, be and the same is hereby amended by rezoning or redistricting the parcel of land hereinafter in this section described, so as to change such parcel from one class of district to another class of district as follows, to-wit: From an R-5M District (High Density Residential District) to a C-3 District (General Commercial District), the parcel of land hereinafter described: Commencing at the Northwest corner of the Northeast quarter of Section 15, Township 19 North, Range 26 East, run thence South 3 degrees 42 minutes East, a distance of 2317 feet to a point on the

Southerly margin of Dale Avenue, which is the point of beginning of the property herein to be described. From said last mentioned beginning point, continue South 3 degrees 42 minutes East, a distance of 884 feet; run thence North 87 degrees, 44 minutes East, a distance of 266 feet to a point on the Westerly margin of King Lake Road; run thence North 29 degrees, 48 minutes East, along the Westerly margin of King Lake Road, a distance of 850 feet to the intersection of the Westerly margin of King Lake Road with the Southerly margin of Dale Avenue; run thence North 61 degrees, 35 minutes West, a distance of 660 feet along the Southerly margin of Dale Avenue to the point of beginning: said parcel contains 6.6 acres, more or less.

The above-described property is located at 3417 Dale Avenue, Opelika, Alabama.

Section 2. Any ordinance or part thereof in conflict with provisions of this Ordinance be and the same are hereby repealed.

Section 3. This Ordinance shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama.

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 Kevin Rice, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334-705-2083 two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to any disability.

WITNESS my hand this the 8th day of May, 2020. /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 05/13/2020 ------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF HERSCHEL LEE SAXON CASE NO: 2020-105 NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration having been granted to Leigh Ann Edmonds, as Administratrix of the Estate of Herschel Lee Saxon, deceased, on or about the 7th day of May, 2020, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate.

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

Leigh Ann Edmonds, Administratrix of the Estate of Herschel Lee Saxon, deceased BLAKE L. OLIVER Attorney for Petitioner Adams White & Oliver, LLP P. O. Box 2069 Opelika, AL 36803-2069 (334) 745-6466 Legal Run 05/13/20, 05/20/20 & 05/27/20

FROM B3

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES >> FROM B4 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 the Development Plan for Cannon Gate PUD. The Development Plan for Cannon Gate PUD was approved by the City Council as required

by Section 8.18(n) of the Zoning Ordinance of the City. 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.________ ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR CANNON GATE PUD (PHASE III) BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows: Section 1. FINDINGS. The City Council has determined and hereby finds and declares that the following facts are true and correct: (a) Mae’s Pasture, LLC heretofore submitted to the City a Development Plan for a planned unit development (“PUD”) entitled “Cannon Gate PUD” consisting of approximately 163.77 acres. (b) Pursuant to Ordinance No. 101-07, the City Council approved said Development Plan for Cannon Gate PUD and amended the Official Zoning Map of the City to designate the zoning classification of Planned Unit Development (“PUD”) for approximately 163.77 acres located on the west side of Oakbowery Road and north of Blackhawk Drive. (c) Cannon Timber & Land, LLC, the owner of all of the property located within Phase III of Cannon Gate PUD, has heretofore submitted to the City a proposed Amended Development Plan for Phase III. (d) Phase III of Cannon Gate PUD consists of approximately 64 acres and is located at the terminus of Live Oak Circle. The current Development Plan as approved by the City Council provides for the construction of approximately 67 single-family homes in Phase III. (e) The Amended Development Plan for Phase III provides for 81 single-family residential lots and approximately 24.4 acres of open space. Lots will range in size from 10,358 square feet to 36,272 square feet. The overall density for the Development is 1.25 units per acre. An amenity area will include a playground and pool. The residential units in Phase III will be of similar size and construction as those located in Phases I and II. (f) The Planning Commission of the City of Opelika heretofore conducted a public hearing on the proposed amended Development Plan for Phase III. (g) The Planning Commission

recommended approval of the amended Development Plan for Phase III of Cannon Gate PUD. (h) It is advisable and in interest of the City and the public interest that the amended Development Plan be approved.

Section 2. Approval of Amended Development Plan for Phase III. The amended Development Plan for Phase III as submitted for review is hereby approved and confirmed as required by Section 8.18(n) of the Zoning Ordinance of the City.

Section 3. Retention of Copies of the Amended Development Plan. Copies of the amended 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 4. Repealer. That any ordinance or part thereof in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance be and the same are hereby repealed.

Section 5. Effective Date.

This Ordinance shall become effective upon its adoption, approval and publication as required by law.

Section 6. Publication. This Ordinance is to be published one (1) time in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama.

WITNESS my hand this the 8th day of May, 2020. /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, 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 Kevin Rice, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334-705-2083 at least two (2) working days prior to themeeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability.

WITNESS my hand this the 8 th day of May, 2020. /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA LEGAL RUN 05/13/2020 ------------NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Opelika will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, June 16, 2020, 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 BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows: Section 1. That Ordinance 124-91 entitled “Zoning Ordinance City of Opelika, Alabama”, adopted on September 17, 1991, and the Zoning Map of the City of Opelika provided for and referred to therein, as previously amended and/or modified, be and the same is hereby amended by rezoning or redistricting the parcel of land hereinafter in this section described, so as to change such parcel from one class of district to another class of district as follows, to-wit: From an R-2 District (Low Density Residential District) to a C-2 District (Office/Retail District), the parcel of land hereinafter described: Commence at a point at the intersection of the North right of way for Fitzpatrick Avenue and the West line of the East half of Section 12, Township 19 North, Range 26 East, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, thence North 76 041’ East, 531.5 feet to a point in the North right of way of Fitzpatrick Avenue and the Southwest corner of the parcel of hand to be rezoned and more fully described herein: from this POINT OF BEGINNING, thence leaving said right of way and follow the East line of part of Lot 9, Block 206, Tottens Map of Opelika North 01 02700” west, a distance of 212.29 feet; thence along the east line of Lot 1, Autumn Chase Subdivision North 00036’57” East, a distance of 165.95 feet; thence along the East line of the C C Torbert Jr property North 01 003 109” East, a distance of 267.62 feet; thence along the North portion of this rezoning parcel South 88 056’51 ” East, a distance of 183.76 feet to a point at the Northwest corner of Lot 2, Hunter Street Subdivision; thence along the West line of Lots 1 and 2, Hunter Street Subdivision South 00 05400” East, a distance of 200.00 feet; thence along the West line of Lots 3-B, 2-B, I-A, Rudd Subdivision South 02 043’50” East, a distance of 416.29 feet to a point in the North right of way of Fitzpatrick Avenue; thence along the North right of way of Fitzpatrick Avenue South 80 033’57” West, a distance of 53.98 feet to the beginning of a curve tangent to said line; thence westerly an arc distance of 155.85 feet along the curve concave to the north, having a radius of 1538.30 feet and a chord of South 83 028’06” West, 155.79 feet to the point of beginning. Said parcel contains 2.87 acres, more or less.

The above-described property is located at 1402 Fitzpatrick Avenue, Opelika, Alabama.

Section 2. Any ordinance or part thereof in conflict with provisions of this Ordinance be and the same are hereby repealed.

Section 3. This Ordinance shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama.

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 Kevin Rice, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334-705-2083 two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to any disability.

WITNESS my hand this the 8th day of May, 2020. /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 05/13/2020 ------------NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Opelika will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, June 16, 2020, 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 BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows: Section 1. That Ordinance 124-91 entitled “Zoning Ordinance City of Opelika, Alabama”, adopted on September 17, 1991, and the Zoning Map of the City of Opelika provided for and referred to therein, as previously amended and/or modified, be and the same is hereby amended by rezoning or redistricting the parcel of land hereinafter in this section described, so as to change such parcel from one class of district to another class of district as follows, to-wit: From an M-1 District (Industrial District) to an R-4 District (Medium Density Residential District), the parcel of land hereinafter described: Commence at the southeast corner of Section 21, Township 19 North, Range 27 East in Lee County, Alabama; thence run West for 420.0 feet to the point of beginning of the parcel or tract of land here to be described and herein conveyed; from said point of beginning thence run North 79 deg. 40 min. West for 221.0 feet; thence run North 73 deg. 00 min. West for 237.5 feet; thence run South 01 deg.

50 min. East for 114.0 feet; thence run South 89 deg. 21 min. East for 441.5 feet to the said point of beginning; said parcel contains 1.9 acres, more or less.

The above-described property

B6 May 13, 2020

MOTHER >> FROM B1 joyed the business side of it so much.”

She and David were married in spring 2010.

“When we got married, I left the shelter to focus on our home and family,” Heather said. “I carried my time at Auburn a little bit further until I was getting ready to give birth to our first, Haylee.”

Heather stepped away from classes at Lowder Hall and Auburn just three semesters shy of finishing.

“I intended to go back to school after Haylee, and then life just happened,” she said. “At the time I thought, ‘There’s just a lot going on.’ We ended up having five children over a seven-year period.”

Family—Haylee, now 8, David, 7, James, 5, Claire, 4, and Emily, 1— is the centerpiece of the Floyd household, according to Heather.

“When we started having our other children, I really put all of my time and energy into staying at home with them and keeping them home and being a stay-at-home mom,” she added. “I was content with where I was.

I had always wanted to be a mom, so when we started having children, I just knew that I had a great responsibility to them.”

Whereas Heather has been busy working as a full-time mother, and most recently a student, David serves as a community hero—an Opelika firefighter.

“David has worked with the Opelika Fire Department now for 10 years,” Heather said. “He was going through rookie school when we got engaged and graduated from rookie school right after we got married. But for as long as we’ve been married, he’s also had two or three other jobs at a time.”

‘Who was going to sit with my kids?’

Heather resumed college at Auburn last summer, splitting the summer into two mini-mesters. It didn’t come without hesitancy.

“My biggest concern was who was going to sit with my kids because my husband’s job is so de-

manding,” she said. “But my sister-in-law (Hannah Floyd) volunteered and said, ‘I’ll watch them while you go to class. My mother (Terri Meadows) volunteered to watch the kids in the fall and spring.

Without them, I couldn’t have done it.

“That part was challenging, but then because I don’t live on campus, I thought ‘What’s the parking situation like? How am I going to get to class every day? How has that changed since the last time I was there?”

It had. The Village dormitories and Auburn Arena now consumes much of the space where ample commuter parking was once available. Fortunately, Heather managed to park off-campus and use the convenient Tiger Transit shuttle system to school.

There was another potential challenge—a generation gap.

“I was nervous about being a non-traditional student, how I would fit back into the campus life and what would be expected of me and if I would be able to keep up,” Heather admitted. “It turned out that Auburn was really welcoming and I was able to pick up right where I left off.”

Everything was going well and the finish line - the last week of April - was in sight. Then COVID-19 changed the way we lived, worked and studied. Auburn announced it was moving to remote instruction on March 12. Suddenly, classes were online and Heather found herself taking classes at home … with five children.

“That was definitely a challenge because with me being at home they definitely wanted my attention,” she said. “I would do my best to watch the online classes, write papers, or whatever, while they were taking naps. I tried to keep them occupied and do my best to explain to them, ‘Momma needs a little bit of time right now.’”

And then there were Zoom sessions … where everyone was live on the web.

“There were some times when my kids would pop up in my meetings with my teachers,” Heather said. “I’m sure they completely

understood though because a lot of them had children of their own and were in the same boat. It was a different kind of challenge because they expected me to pay attention to them the whole time, too.”

College is hard, so it’s been said. Heather admits struggles, but tenacity mixed with encouragement won the day.

“When I was frustrated I would just look at my kids and think, ‘I can’t quit,’” she said. “What kind of example would that be setting for them?

Would I be showing them that when it gets hard that it’s OK to give up? That was my motivation, and David, he was great. I would come home and he would tutor me and quiz me. He was so supportive. He really wanted me to succeed as much as I did.”

‘Keep pressing forward’ Classes are finished.

No more Tiger Transits.

No more group projects.

No more business analytics exams.

Heather and her family can look forward to the August commencement and her long-awaited walk across the stage at Auburn Arena.

“It’ll be a time to celebrate with all of those who supported me,” she added. “I couldn’t have done it by myself and there are so many people who played an important role in my success. I’ll have that sense of accomplishment, but I’ll also be humbled by the fact that there’s just so many people that care about my success and were willing to put things in their lives on hold so that I could be there on that special day.

“If there is someone out there interested in completing their degree but is hesitant like I was, because maybe they feel like they have allowed too much time to pass, go for it. It is worth it and they won’t regret it. For those who have already made the decision to go back to school, I would say, ‘Congratulations!’

You have already overcome the biggest hurdle of the process. Keep pressing forward towards your goal and when you look back in the rearview mirror, you will be glad you did.”

Auburn University basketball announce signing of Cardwell, Thor Special to the Opelika Observer

Dylan Cardwell, a 6-foot-10, 225-pound center and JT Thor, a 6-foot-9, 195-pound forward both signed National Letters of Intent with the Auburn basketball program according to an announcement from head coach Bruce Pearl.

Cardwell is a four-star center

by Rivals and three-star prospect by 247Sports and ESPN. He is rated as the 125th-best player nationally in the 2020 class by Rivals and 151st by 247Sports.

Cardwell, a native of Augusta, Georgia, played two seasons at national powerhouse Oak Hill Academy (Virginia) before transferring to McEachern High School in Powder Springs, Georgia. for his final season.

“I’ve always tried to recruit mobile big men because of the way we play,” Pearl said. “Dylan brings size, speed, athleticism and versatility to his position on the court. His work ethic, character, love of family and the desire to be at Auburn will really fit into our locker room and our culture.”

Thor is a consensus four-star forward by ESPN, Rivals and 247Sports and is rated as the 47th-best player nationally in

SPORTS>> FROM B1 ment to fair play, and also thank the AHSAA executive staff for their many hours and hard work and research,” said AHSAA Executive Director Steve Savarese following the meeting.

Opelika will continue to compete against the same teams as the last two years in sectionals and area play. The following are the schools in Opelika spring sport alignment.

Area 4 (Softball, baseball and girls and boys soccer) - Opelika, Eufaula, Russell County and Valley.

Golf (Boys) - Opelika, Benjamin Russell, Briarwood Christian, Calera, Chelsea, Helena, Oxford, Pelham, Offord, Pell City, Southside, Springville, Stanhope Elmore, Valley and Wetumpka.

Golf (Girls) - Opelika, Carver, Eufaula, R.E. Lee, Park Crossing, Trinity, The Montgomery Academy and

Valley.

Tennis Section 2 (boys and girls) - Opelika, Carver, Eufaula, R.E. Lee, Park Crossing, The Montgomery Academy, Trinity Presbyterian and Valley.

Track Section 2 Opelika, Benjamin Russell, Briarwood Christian, Calera, Chelsea, Chilton County, ClayChalkville, Huffman, Mortimer Jordan, Oxford, Pell City, Pinson Valley, Russell County, Shades Valley, Valley and Wetumpka.

The Next Step in Re-Open Alabama (Opelika Dixie Boys Baseball) As you know, Governor Ivey continued to re-open Alabama. In a press conference last week, Governor Ivey opened more businesses, including churches.

One particular announcement folks are waiting to hear pertains to athletics. “Will Governor Ivey allow sports to resume, including athletic events?” This will make many in Alabama smile and our

UNIVERSITY >> FROM B2

Open Interviews

Every Thursday at Auburn location 3pm-5pm Hiring for all positions and all locations Apply in house or online at niffersplace.com

the 2020 class by ESPN, 50th by 247Sports and 56th by Rivals.

Thor was born in Nebraska, grew up in Alaska and played two seasons at Huntington Prep (West Virginia) before transferring to Norcross, Georgia for his final season.

“I have been a JT Thor fan for three years,” Pearl said. “We first laid eyes on him when he was at Huntington Prep and were so impressed with his skill level and basketball IQ. It just felt like if he ever filled out a little bit, he could be something special.”

Following the addition of Cardwell and Thor to the 2020 signing class that features five-star guard Sharife Cooper, four-star forward Chris Moore as well as four-star guard Justin Powell, the Tigers hold a consensus top-10 class nationally.

charging times for and to extend the lifetimes of lithium ion batteries used in phones, other portable devices and electric vehicles.

-Zhihua Jiang, Department of Chemical Engineering: “Novel and Sustainable Feed Binder from Soy Hulls” for converting soybean hulls, a current agricultural waste stream, into a binder for aquaculture feed. Feed binders are widely used to hold or bind different components together for increasing the water stability and durability of

youth happy.

Opelika Dixie Boys (ages 13-14-15) will offer baseball. The completed details will be ready to announce.

All players ages 13, 14 and 15 will gave the opportunity to play summer baseball. If someone lives outside of Opelika and has no option available, they can play in the Opelika Dixie Boys League.

The City of Opelika charges an extra $50 to registration fees if you live outside the city limits of Opelika.

Stay tuned to “On the Mark” radio show, Monday through Friday, 6 to 9 a.m.

Opelika Parks and Recreation website, Sportsplex website for up to date information.

If you have questions, call Melissa Martin at the Sportsplex 334-705-5150 or call/ email me, (D.Mark Mitchell) foxonthemark@yahoo.com, cell 334-787-1514 The Recreation department will also offers softball, t-ball and soccer.

aquaculture feed.

-Majid Beidaghi, Department of Materials Engineering: “Development of Inks and Printing Technology for 3D Printing of Batteries” for the development and formulation of inks for the fabrication of batteries, including lithium ion batteries, through a simple extrusion-based 3D printing process.

These are examples of Auburn’s world-renowned faculty delivering solutions to pressing regional, national and global needs. More information about how Auburn supports experts through LAUNCH is available on cws.auburn.edu/OVPR/pm/ tt/launch.

Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics

B7

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

In the Statehouse

T

The 1965 Special Succession Session

he legislature meets in regular session every year for three-and-ahalf months. However, an extraordinary special session can be called by the governor if he/she deems there is a dire emergency in the state government that needs addressing.

This provision in the Constitution gives the governor inherent advantage in a special session.

The official proclamation calling for a special session allows the governor to set out matters for a specific purpose(s) when calling the session and requires the legislators to address those specific issues. You saw Gov. Kay Ivey use this procedure quite effectively last year.

There were a large number of special sessions called in earlier years because the legislature met every other year. Special sessions were part of the norm during the Wallace years. Wallace realized the importance of isolating and focusing on his issues.

The Alabama Legislature has seen many

Steve Flowes epic legislative battles, but none can approach the level of animosity reached in the 1965 Special Session called

by Gov. George Wallace to consider a constitutional amendment permitting Alabama’s constitutional officers to succeed themselves for one additional term.

At this time, the governor could serve only one term and could not succeed themselves.

Only two governors had served more than one term. Big Jim Folsom and Bibb Graves had been two-term governors but had waited out four years before returning for an unusual second term.

Wallace wanted a second term. Therefore, the momentous and historical September 1965 Special Session called by Wallace is

referred to in Alabama political lore as the Succession Special Session.

To set the stage, Wallace had lost to John Patterson in the 1958 governor’s race because Patterson was perceived as the most segregationist candidate. That was to be Wallace’s only defeat.

After finishing second, he vowed that he was “out segged” and he would never be “out segged” again. He immediately began his campaign for 1962. He won the 1962 race as the most segregationist candidate.

In Wallace’s January 1963 inaugural address, he vowed “segregation today, segregation tomorrow and segregation forever.” Several events occurred that year.

Wallace’s “stand in the schoolhouse door” to block integration at the University of Alabama propelled him into being the number one segregationist politician in America.

Wallace’s newfound national fame emboldened him to enter presidential primaries in 1964

This is a difficult day for all of us. New unemployment numbers released (Friday) morning, some of the worst in our nation’s history, paint a grim picture of the economic devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Millions of Americans, and many of our fellow Alabamians, are out of work through no fault of their own.

Two things are clear.

We must do even more to assist those businesses and workers who are suffering the economic impact of this crisis. Our mission must be to save lives as well as save Alabama’s businesses, large and small, and the jobs Alabamians depend on. But, we also have an opportunity to put our state at the forefront of creating good-paying jobs in industries that will define the economic future of our country.

One of the many lessons learned from the COVID-19 crisis

JONES has been that we must do more to reduce our dependence on foreign suppliers of healthcare equipment. But, with the right vision, and with business and government working hand-inglove, I believe our state can become a leader in health care manufacturing jobs. We can use this moment to revitalize our state economy, bring home jobs from overseas and contribute to the coronavirus relief effort.

This won’t be easy, but the scale of the current economic downturn is such that we can’t rely on small ideas.

That’s why I’m introducing legislation to incentivize Ameri-

By Michelle Key Publisher

With progress continuing on the construction of two new sports parks in the Beauregard and Beulah communities, the Lee County Commission voted to create a parks manager position during their meeting on Monday night.

According to a description provided on the county website, the “manager position will not only manage

the physical facilities’ maintenance, but also coordinate usage of the facilities with the recreation associaSee LCC, page B11

Sen. Tom Whatley introduces new legislation

By Morgan Bryce Editor

Lee County native and District 27 State Rep. Tom Whatley filed Senate Bill 334 last week, a piece of legislation designed “to improve the system of checks and balances” in determining, extendSee WHATLEY, page B11

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer

See FLOWERS, page B8

Let’s build America’s health care equipment in Alabama Special to the Opelika Observer

Lee County Commission votes to create parks manager position

can-made health care manufacturing. Across the country, we are seeing shortages of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), masks and ventilators, among other essential equipment.

America has been forced to look overseas for these supplies because we don’t make enough of them here at home.

That has to change: from a preparedness standpoint, from an economic standpoint and from a security standpoint.

Just as auto factories in World War II built Allied tanks and bombs, we can protect America by rebuilding the nation’s PPE stockpile.

And Alabama can lead the way.

I believe our state’s idle factories are ideal places to jumpstart this sector of our economy.

Goodyear announced last month the closure of its Gadsden plant.

Wetumpka’s Frontier Spinning Mills closed last year. Since 2015, 55 plants have been See EQUIPMENT, page B11

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

B8 May 13, 2020

Alabama Senate approves General Fund Budget Special to the Opelika Observer

Last Tuesday, the Alabama Senate approved, by a 31-0 vote, the General Fund budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021, which starts Oct. 1. The FY21 General Fund - the budget for all non-education state spending - sets aside an additional $35 million for the Alabama Department of Public Health along with an increase of $94 million for the Alabama Medicaid Agency. This budget also appropriates an additional $3 million for the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) to hire 25 new state troopers, increases the Department of Corrections’ budget by $23 million and provides an extra $25 million to the Alabama Department of Mental Health.

“This year we pumped up the agencies and departments in need since they are under siege. We also wanted to make sure they had enough resources to properly respond to the issue at hand.” said Sen. Greg Albritton (R-Atmore), chairman of the Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund Committee. “We put a priority on public safety, with the increase for additional troopers on the road and conditional appropriations for the Department of Corrections.

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer None of the money allocated was received from the federal government meaning we expect to have additional money made available to the state general fund due to the COVID-19 outbreak.”

The Alabama Senate also passed the rolling reserve for the general fund which Albritton said is a show of the body’s conservatism.

“I want to thank Senator Albritton for his hard work — as this budget illustrates, Republicans in the State Legislature remain committed to fiscal discipline.

Since 2011, we have cut the state government workforce by 14%, saving taxpayers millions of dollars,” Senate Majority Leader Greg Reed (R-Jasper) said.

Senate President Pro Tempore

Del Marsh (R-Anniston) also praised Senator Albritton for his work.

“Obviously this is not the budget we thought we would have when the session started, however this is a strong budget that gives state agencies a place to start as they work on their individual budgets for next year,” Marsh said. “If we determine that changes to this budget need to be made we can still do so next session without additional expense to the taxpayers in a special session. I want to commend Senator Albritton on a job well done in a difficult situation.”

The General Fund budget now goes to the House of Representatives, where it will start in the House Ways and Means General Fund.

EQUIPMENT >> FROM B7 slated for closure, according to the Alabama Department of Commerce. With so many of our friends and neighbors unable to find work, and the nation crying out for more health care equipment, we should be looking to put these idle factories back into productive use. My legislation would reward companies who re-purpose these factories to join the fight against the pandemic and better prepare for the future by allowing them to immediately write off the costs of any new equipment used in their efforts.

We are primed to transition to this new economic frontier because we’ve done it before. After NAFTA upended our state’s economy and sent textile manufacturers looking for cheaper labor beyond our borders, we adapted and built a thriving auto manufacturing industry that is among the most successful and productive of any state in the country.

My bill would help keep jobs in our state by helping employers hire American workers and retraining them for these new jobs. In the last two decades, we have created an attractive environment for prospective employers and the aerospace and defense industries have further strengthened and diversified our economy. My legislation makes it easier for workers to transition to new careers by allowing them the flexibility and resources to learn new skills.

Recently, I asked Gov. Kay Ivey to consider creating a task force that would bring together the business community and experts to look at Alabama’s existing manufacturing infrastructure and leverage our world-class medical research capabilities alongside my legislation. Ensuring our economy is strong enough to weather another outbreak has to be an essential component of re-opening Alabama’s economy and securing our future.

But we have to act fast. If we don’t jump at this opportunity, other states will.

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B9 May 13, 2020

How to apply for absentee ballots for Letter to the Editor: States should remember the July 14 Primary Runoff Election Special to the Opelika Observer

Last week, the Office of the Secretary of State launched a multi-media campaign to educate voters across the state about ways they can participate in the upcoming July 14 Primary Runoff Election.

The ad will be aired on TV and radio stations across the state as well as various digital sites.

“There is no freedom more integral to this Republic than the right to vote and participate in the democratic process,” said Secretary of State John H. Merrill. “As your 53rd Secretary of State, I have worked to make it

MERRILL easy to vote and hard to cheat. We will continue to see that this is the case during the coronavirus outbreak.”

Amid COVID-19 concerns and the declared states of emergency, Secretary Merrill has encouraged anyone who is concerned about contracting or spreading the coronavirus to apply for and

cast an absentee ballot.

As of May 13, there are 58 days left to apply for an absentee ballot application.

“We have made a concerted effort to see that Alabamians are able to freely participate in the electoral process without having to compromise their health or well-being.

Voters who are interested in appearing at the polls in-person on Election Day can rest assured knowing our office has taken extensive measures to keep the polling places safe and secure for voters, poll workers and anyone else involved in the elections process,” Merrill added.

Absentee ballot appli-

cations can be downloaded online at sos.alabama. gov/alabama-votes/voter/ absentee-votingor requested by visiting or calling the local Absentee Election Manager’s office. Voters may also contact the Secretary of State’s Election Division at 334-242-7210 to request an absentee ballot application.For the July 14 Primary Runoff Election, the deadline to register to vote is June 29, the deadline to submit an absentee ballot application is July 9, the deadline to return an absentee ballot to the Absentee Election Manager is the close of business on July 13 and the last day to postmark an absentee ballot is July 13.

High cost of states shutting down economies reflected in report Special to the Opelika Observer

A new Department of Labor release shows that 3.2 million individuals filed initial unemployment insurance (UI) claims during the week ending on May 2. During the last seven weeks, 33.5 million UI claims were filed, representing 20.3% of the 165 million employed and self-employed workers reported in February 2020.

Recent UI claims and private-sector data offer some indication of what the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) April Employment Situation report will show when it is released on May 8.

The March report’s household survey covered March 8 to 14, so the report offered only an early indicator of COVID-related employment effects. The April report’s household survey covers April 12 to April 18, so it will show much greater employment effects from actions taken to slow COVID-19’s spread.

Indeed, 26.5 million UI claims were filed from the end of the March report’s reference period to the end of the April report’s reference period. The substantial flow of UI claims between the March and April reference periods, compared to pre-COVID trends, suggests that April’s U-3 unemployment rate could rise from 4.4 to 19.8%.

While the April U-3 unemployment rate is likely to receive the most attention, there are many reasons that the current economic shock makes this measure of the labor market’s health less informative. People who lost their jobs and are not looking for work do not count as in the labor force unless they are temporarily furloughed; instead they count as not in the labor force. This situation is likely common given the combination of States waiving UI work search requirements and weaker hiring demand, as data

from job posting websites including Glassdoor and Indeed indicate that hiring has slowed down substantially. Since the U-3 unemployment rate is calculated by the number of the unemployed divided by size of the labor force, the prevalence of this category of workers substantially changes the unemployment rate calculation. BLS has many detailed categories to capture this unprecedented labor market situation, including those who are not in the labor force but are interested in working when labor market conditions improve, but these measures are not reflected in the U-3 unemployment rate.

Compared to the unemployment rate, job losses show a clearer picture of lost economic capacity from COVID-19 (though it should be noted that the success of the Paycheck Protection Program likely leads to workers counting as employed and receiving a paycheck even when they are not working). To estimate which industries experienced the most layoffs between the March and April reports, CEA analyzed UI claims by industry for the 16 states with publicly available data. Though these States may not be representative of the United States and some industries may be over or under represented in the sample, figures show that the leisure and hospitality industry has been hit the hardest, with nearly 5.8 million jobs lost from March 15 to April 18, followed by construction (4.6 million), education and health services (3.4 million) and professional and business services (2.8 million).

More than three million of the estimated 26.5 million jobs lost were not classified by industry, and some of this lack of reporting was due to the CARES Act extending UI benefits to the self-employed and independent contractors.

Because of the lag in government data, private-sector firms and aca-

demics have attempted to more quickly capture labor market data. For example, the payroll processing firm Automatic Data Processing Inc. (ADP) estimates a 20.2 million decrease in private sector employment in April. This estimate is slightly less than the median private forecast, which predicts a 21.5 million decrease in private sector employment.

Looking ahead, with many states reopening their economies, there may be early signs of the economic comeback in the May report. However, given the seven million UI claims since the April report’s reference period and that the May report’s household survey occurs next week, fuller measures of recovery will likely not be shown until the June report - even if they are already underway.

One crucial indicator to watch for in the April report is the share of job losses from temporary furlough. The March report shows that 43% of those no longer counted as employed were per-

manent job losers, while 57% were on temporary furlough, including some people not at work for “other reasons.” Additional indicators to watch in the next several months’ reports include the U-6 rate, which captures involuntary part-time workers as well as discouraged or marginally attached workers who were unemployed prior to the crisis and had to stop searching for work.

As states continue reopening their economies, the strength of the labor market will be determined by the ease with which workers who are furloughed can return to work, along with the ability of businesses to absorb workers who have temporarily exited the labor force. Because of federal policies like the Paycheck Protection Program, millions of businesses can access necessary liquidity to keep employees on payroll. Expanded unemployment insurance benefits and eligibility also offer a liquidity bridge across See HIGH COST, page B12

the environment as they begin reopening

Editor, The horrendous costs in lives and jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic are devastating. On May 6, Johns Hopkins University reported U.S. deaths, due to coronavirus, were 71,078, and counting.

Unemployment is rampant.

The diminished economic activity, due to a reduction of burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas), resulted in significantly lower emissions of greenhouse gases, e.g., carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide, and particulates, e.g., soot. As a result, air quality improved, allowing those with respiratory illnesses to breathe easier.

On April 30, the International Energy Agency reported, “[Renewable energies, such as solar and wind] are set to be the only energy source[s] that will grow in 2020, with their share of global electricity generation projected to jump thanks to

their priority access to [electric transmission] grids and low operating costs.”

As we reopen and improve our economy, it is imperative that we aggressively increase the availability of clean renewable energy which has huge advantages over dirty fossil fuels.

Voters should contact policy makers in city, county, state and federal governments and urge them to act without delay to encourage the development and use of renewable energy.

Energy policies in several Southeastern states are much more favorable than those in Alabama. Alabama officials, including the Public Service Commission, should hear from all of us. Finally, multiple solutions for climate change are at the website Project Drawdown. If done correctly, large numbers of jobs can be created.

David Newton Auburn

BE MORE. GO BUILD. Learn more at GoBuildAl.com

B10 May 13, 2020

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B11 May 13, 2020

LCC >> FROM B7 tions, will provide better support to the City of Smiths Station related to our long standing Smiths Station Sports Park, and will lead efforts to further develop recreational opportunities in Lee County.” The pay range is $56,954.47 to $86,001.25.

In other business during Monday night’s meeting, the commission: • ratified and approved claims and procurement card transactions from April 2020 • approved temporary COVID-19 personnel policies. The changes stem from the reopening of county offices and departments to the public under the CDC restriction guidelines.

Additional policies are included to add specific guidance for misused or failure to follow the policies as outlined. As part of this updated policy the commission also voted to reopen county offices as of yesterday.

The revenue commission’s Auburn satellite office will not reopen until a later date but the Opelika and Smiths Station offices are now open. Social distancing policies and restrictions are in place.

• approved a budget adjustment for FY2020 - This budget adjustment is needed to disburse nearly $271,000 of FEMA and State of Alabama reimbursements received for the March

WHATLEY >> FROM B7 ing and lifting states of emergency.

This bill is being introduced as Alabama is in the midst of Gov. Kay Ivey’s “Safer-atHome” order that went into effect on April 30 and is set to expire on May 15 at 5 p.m. While portions of the state’s economy were allowed to reopen under this order, thousands of Alabamians remain unemployed as they wait for Ivey to lift restrictions on their businesses or places of employment so they can get back to work.

According to Alabama Code Title 31, a state of emergency declared by either the governor or the Alabama Legislature “shall terminate 60 days after the date on which it

3, 2019 tornadoes to various sheriff offices and police departments throughout the state for the assistance that they provided during the disaster. Furthermore, an adjustment of $45,000 is needed to be moved to the general fund for the animal control contract that was approved. The total reallocation from the Capital Projects Fund to the General Fund is $315,850.

• approved an animal control agreement between Lee County, Animal Health Center and the Opelika Animal Hospital in the amount of $45,000 • approved an educational reimbursement request • approved the purchase of an aerial vehicle drone for the Lee County Sheriff’s department.

The low bid was from Vector Solutions Inc. (based in Niceville, Florida) at a cost of $23,283 • took no action on a request from the city of Opelika for a reimbursement of up to 10% (with a cap of $100,000) for costs incurred by the proposed CreekWood quarry. Since no agreement was brought before the commission and voted on prior to the withdrawal of the quarry permits, the commissions requested that County Administrator Roger Rendleman request more information about the total costs before the commission votes on this request.

• approved a title name change for the Lee County EMA’s emer-

gency planner position and be renamed emergency management specialist. The change is to better reflect the broader aspect of the position’s duties and responsibilities. The pay range will remain at the currently assigned grade.

• approved the hiring of two engineering student interns for the county highway department - According to a memorandum and pursuant to Lee County’s Policies, the highway department would like to hire two civil engineering college students to assist the department with the bridge replacement projects and road resurfacing projects.

Their duties will be that of the current engineering technicians role; however, since they will be gaining applicable experience while working with their class schedule, the highway department will offer a lower hourly salary than that of the full-time position. Based on their experience a maximum salary will be offered at $14.00/ hour. These students will be utilized for less than 11 months and they will not work more than 29 hours per week. This program allows Lee County to get valuable work performed, while these students gain valuable experience in their field of study which prepared them for their future.

• heard a COVID-19 update from Commission Chairman and Probate Judge Bill EnglishThe next Lee County Commission meeting will be held on May 25 at 5 p.m.

was proclaimed unless the governor extends the emergency by proclamation or the Legislature extends the emergency by a joint resolution.”

Whatley explained that the checks and balances in his bill can be found in its requirement that the sitting governor would have to sign a health order issued by the state health officer during an epidemic or pandemic instead of the current law which only requires a signature from the state health officer.

“This bill simply improves the system of checks and balances in the state when a state of emergency has been declared. This legislation would require the governor to sign a state of emergency declaration and limit the time that the state can operate in a state of emergency without approval from both

chambers of the legislature,” Whatley said.

“Currently the state health officer, who is appointed by a special interest group of doctors and not elected by the people, has the ability to close down all businesses in the state without consent from anybody who has received a single vote from an Alabama citizen,” Whatley added. “The governor still has emergency powers, but this bill involves more people and creates a better and more inclusive process in the decision-making process especially when the stability of the entire state is at stake.”

Sens. Will Barfoot (Montgomery) and Jim McClendon (Mobile) are the bill’s co-sponsors.

Follow the Observer for more information and updates on this story as it develops.

FLOWERS >> FROM B7 in Maryland, Indiana and Wisconsin.

Race seemed to be an issue in not only Alabama and the Deep South state, but in other states as well.

Wallace had captured the issue and had become a folk hero in Alabama.

With the dawning of 1965, attention began to focus on the 1966 governor’s race. There were already three prominent players posed to run. Former state senator, Ryan deGraffenreid, who finished second to Wallace in 1962, was running hard.

Attorney General Richmond Flowers and Congressman Carl Elliott were also certain to run. Folsom was also a probability.

Wallace realized about midyear 1965 that he needed to remain governor. Thus, the special session was called for Sept. 30. Wallace was at the peak of his popularity and enjoyed immense support in the House of Representatives. His succession bill, House Bill 1, was reported favorably from the Rules Committee on the second legislative day and passed the House on the third legislative day by a vote of 74-to-23.

Therefore, the fight would be in the senate. The battle that took place in the senate was the fiercest and most bitter witnessed in the old Capitol.

Seldom in our history has there been such intense tension and drama.

Throughout the session the num-

bers remained about the same. Wallace had about 18 loyal senators.

They needed 21 to invoke cloture.

They never got them. The opposition senators were extremely capable. Most were legislative veterans who knew and used the rules to gain parliamentary advantage. The opponents included Vaughn Hill Robison of Montgomery, Joe Smith of Phenix City, Bob Gilchrist of Hartselle, Larry Dumas of Birmingham and John Tyson of Mobile. A good many of these senators were loyal to deGraffenreid. Wallace went into each of their districts and threatened these senators with losing road projects and other pet projects. They all remained steadfast.

Finally, on Oct. 22, 1965, the 14th day of the session, Wallace realized he could not get the 21 votes needed for a constitutional amendment.

The state senate had denied him the opportunity to run for a second successive term. No senator who opposed this legislation was reelected in 1966. Some chose not to run, but each one who sought reelection was overwhelmingly defeated.

Wallace ran his wife Lurleen and she won a landslide victory in 1966.

See you next week.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.

B12 May 13, 2020

Senate Approves Largest Education Budget in Alabama History Special to the Opelika Observer

Last Saturday, the Alabama Senate approved, by a 31-0 vote, the Education Trust Fund (ETF) budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021, which starts Oct. 1.

“This year, despite all the turmoil and chaos, we are on track to have the largest budget ever passed for education in this state, while also spending an amount far less than initial projections,” said Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur), chairman of the Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee.

“At the forefront of this budget is the $30 million

spent on early grade child reading which will become an educational foundation for students across the state,” said Senator Orr. This budget allocates an additional $12 million for the Community College System along with an increase of several million for the Department of Early Childhood Education.

This budget also appropriates an additional $50 million for the State Department of Education while also giving $16 million directly to local school districts.

“We were able to craft the largest education budget in our state’s history,” Senator Orr said. “This

legislation puts education first and I’m grateful to my colleagues in the House for their help in creating this budget.”

While none of the money allocated was from the federal government, Senator Orr said, he does expect monies being made available to educational institutions across the state because of COVID-19.

“This is a budget we can all be proud of that takes into account the educational needs of our state while also spending conservatively during these uncertain times,” Senator Orr added.

Senate President Pro Tempore Del Marsh (R-Anniston) praised this budget for allowing edu-

cators to begin planning for the future.

“This is the largest education budget in state history and it is a good budget. It was important to give our teachers and administrators something to work with as they plan for the next school year before we got deeper into the summer,” Marsh said.

“I want to thank Senator Orr and his staff, as well as the members of the education budget committee for their commitment to crafting a sensible, fiscally responsible spending plan despite a difficult situation. Every Senator should be proud of this budget and the support it provides for our teachers and students.”

Senate Majority Leader

Greg Reed (R-Jasper) echoed his support.

“This is a banner day for education. Despite the current situation, we now have the largest education budget in Alabama history that puts teachers, students and administrators first,” Senator Reed said. “A strong system of education is the foundation of a thriving state, and the fact that we are able to pass this budget without cuts or proration is a testament to the sound principles with which the Republican controlled Senate operates. I want to thank Senator Orr and the members of the education budget committee for their work on a budget we can all be proud to support.”

HIGH COST >>

COVID-19’s economic disruption to the economic rebound.

The job losses that will be shown in April’s report are likely to astound many Americans, especially when the U-3 unemployment rate was at a 50-year low of 3.5 percent as recently as February. The unprecedented economic disruption from COVID-19, along with the Federal Government’s strong response to the virus by providing liquidity to workers and businesses, makes it difficult to precisely estimate April’s unemployment rate and decreases its usefulness as a measure of the labor market’s health. But UI claims through the survey’s reference period indicate that April’s unemployment rate will rise to a level not seen in the post-war era.

FROM B9

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This week’s puzzle answers: