Opelika Observer 06-24-2020 E-edition by OpelikaObserver

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

VOL. 12, NO. 38

pelika Observer O

Opelika, Alabama

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“By local people, for local people.”

Mayor Gary Fuller announces Councilwoman Tiffany his candidacy for re-election Gibson-Pitts announces her run for Mayor of Opelika

Special to the Opelika Observer

Mayor Gary Fuller officially announces his candidacy for reelection for Mayor of Opelika. Fuller has successfully helped bring new jobs, residential and retail development and important infrastructure to the citizens of Opelika over the last 16 years. “The past few months have been challenging for us as community and country. But, I am proud to have witnessed our community stand together to fight to save our watershed, to overcome a pandemic and to walk peacefully in protest against inequality and injustice. Opelika is a place of strength and we continue to prosper. We’ve seen great cultural and economic achievements, but there is still meaningful work to be done. I am asking for your vote and support in August,” said

Special to the Opelika Observer “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” -Helen Keller

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer

Fuller. Opelika has benefited from many accomplishments completed during Fuller's tenure as Mayor. Some of those accomplishments are:

“One stop shop”: Neighborhood Market opens in Opelika By Wil Crews Opelika Observer Close your eyes and tilt your head back; imagine this: you’re sitting in a barber’s chair getting one of the best haircuts of your life. You know the kind

– – when you feel like a new person after. You hurry to the car and give yourself a f lirtatious wink in the mirror. The kind of wink that says, “hello world, See MARKET, page A2

• Creating nearly 4,000 good-paying jobs • Creating more than 2,000 new single-family homes • A renovated and See FULLER, page A3

Tiffany GibsonPitts announced Friday that she is seeking election as mayor of Opelika. Gibson-Pitts is a native of Opelika. She received a bachelor’s degree from Jacksonville State University in Criminal Justice with a concentration in juvenile delinquency and both a master’s degree and an educational specialist degree in School Counseling and Counseling Supervision from Auburn University. Gibson-Pitts is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and also currently serves

TIFFANY GIBSON-PITTS on the Opelika City Council representing Ward 2. She is a mother of two, Austin and Ashleigh. Gibson-Pitts and her family are members of the Pleasant Grove

Missionary Baptist Church in Opelika. She was not born with a silver spoon in her mouth and she understands the restrictions residents See GIBSON-PITTS, page A3

Auburn couple writes book about faith, love, recovery By Will Fairless Associate Editor Paige and Josh Wetzel, two Auburn residents, have written a book about the physical and emotional recovery theyʼve gone through since Josh lost both of his legs in Afghanistan. Beautifully Broken: An Unlikely Journey of Faith will be released on Oct. 13 and is

available to be preordered now. The bookʼs fi rst version was a journal that Paige kept during that difficult time of their life. “The thing I really had on my heart was that both our children were born after Josh had been injured,” Paige said, “so they never experienced the long-term stay in the hospital, and I was unsure they would ever

truly understand what their dad had gone through.” Journaling was a way for their story to be recorded, originally so that it wouldnʼt be forgotten by the time the Wetzelsʼ children were old enough to hear it. As the journal grew into a book, and as the audience expanded from two children to, potentially, many more people, Paige and

Josh experienced the challenge of reliving its subject matter. “It was not very good writing at fi rst; it was just restating the facts,” Paige said. She joked that Joshʼs favorite part of the process was when their editors would ask him to expand on how he was feeling during an event described in See WETZEL, page A5

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

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

Alabama Statewide COVID-19 statistics as of June 23 30670 Cases / 854 deaths | 900 Cases in Lee Co. / 35 deaths

A2 June 24, 2020

Prewett Pest Control opening in July By Natalie Anderson For the Opelika Observer Prewett Pest Control will be opening in July to serve the AuburnOpelika community. The company is proud to offer modern-day pest control and use technology to deliver convenience and help with the overall customer experience. “We started in 2011

The business will offer general pest control services and later on will include mosquito and termite services. For more information, visit their website at prewettpestcontrol.com or call 334-246-9882. Individuals may also fi nd more information on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ prewettpestcontrol.

City of Smiths Station reopens Historic Jones Store Museum, Lending Libraries last week Special to the Opelika Observer The City of Smiths Station’s Historic Jones Store Museum and Lending Libraries are open to the public for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began in mid-March. The museum, which houses a wide array of artifacts and items unique to Smiths Station’s rich heritage, is now open for guided tours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesdays and Thursdays. When

MARKET >> FROM A1

here’s the new me.” Well, if that sounds familiar or appealing, take a trip to the new Neighborhood Market at 503 Martin Luther King Blvd in Opelika. The “one stop shop” opened Monday and combines the best elements of a convenience store with good food, great deals and a family atmosphere. Moreover, the attached barber shop adds to the atmosphere that separates this store from just any ole’ gas station. There’s even an arcade game

guests arrive, they are asked to call

334-297-8771 to set up tours, which will

to keep the kids busy while customers get their hair cut. To celebrate their grand opening, the Market is running a promotion from now until the end of July: buy one 99 cent cigar and get one free. Additionally, to familiarize customers with the Market, owner Mustafa Babul says he encourages anyone to come in, have a chat and enjoy a free cup of coffee. In need of cash? There’s an ATM. Having car trouble or in need of a few groceries before dinner? The Neighborhood Market can help with all of that. “We have pretty much everything,” said

Babul. Of course, they have all the salty and sweet snacks normally found in a gas station too. And with food options like pizza, sandwiches and wings, the Neighborhood Market has what’s needed to satisfy any craving. Visit www. neighborhoodmarketconveniencestore. business.site/ for updates and more information. The Neighborhood Market’s hours: • Monday to Thursday: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. • Friday to Saturday: 7 a.m. – 11 p.m. • Sunday: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.

pelika Observer

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

Publisher: Michelle Key Associate Editor: Will Fairless Marketing: Woody Ross Photojournalist: Robert Noles Sports Writers: Rick Lanier and D. Mark Mitchell

w w w . o p e l i k a o b s e r v e r. c o m 216 S. 8th Street, Opelika, AL 36801 Copyright 2009. All right reserved. Opelika Observer is published weekly by Opelika Observer, 216 S 8th St. Opelika, AL 36801. Periodicals postage is paid at Opelika, AL. USPS #025104 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Opelika Observer, 216 S. 8th Street, Opelika, AL 36801

Groups will be limited to 10 or fewer guests, and the wearing of masks will be required during their tour of the facility. Sat urday tours will ret ur n later in the summer. Hours of operation for the lending libraries will be 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Easter n time Monday through Friday. To comply with social distancing guidelines, there will be a limit of one adult and two children per librar y room, and masks

be conducted by a city official.

will be required during their visit. “The museum and Lending Librar y are impor tant ways for us to connect with our our citizens and people from sur rounding communities. We hope that people are patient with us during this slow process of reopening,” said Mayor F.L. “Bubba” Copeland. For more infor mation and updates, follow the City’s Facebook page or visit www. smithsstational.gov.

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A3 June 24, 2020

Opelika Chamber introduces the new ‘20 Under Forty’ Class Special to the Opelika Observer The Opelika Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce its 2020-2021 class of 20 Under 40. The 20 Under 40 program, under the direction of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce, is a class comprising 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 the extension of the application deadline due to COVID-19, the 20 Under 40 Board had numerous applications submitted, making it a competitive application process. The goal of the 20 Under 40 Board of Directors is to bring together a diverse group of individuals who, through their

knowledge, experience and talents will both compliment and challenge one another. The 20 Under 40 Board of Directors and Opelika Chamber are pleased to announce the 2020-2021 class members: • Alycia Baggett Auburn University • Will Black - CMG

Mortgage • Richard Bright Zazu Gastropub • Kristyn Bush Opelika City Schools • Kristen Cotter Opelika Utilities • Allison Duke The Hotel @ Auburn University • Alyssa Foreman - The Knee High Foundation, Inc • Kim Golden - Vizion Driven Communities • Marlana Inman East Alabama Medical Center • Adam Johnson

- VCOM Auburn • Anita Jolley Chicken Salad Chick • Russell Jones - City of Opelika • Natasha KellyHumphrey - Providence Baptist Church • Patrice Lipscomb City of Opelika • Lee McInnis - City of Opelika • Micah Melnick BigHouse Foundation • Carter Pitts Economy Air Heating • Alyson Skinner Southern Union State Community College • Caitlyn Traffanstedt

- East Alabama Medical Center • Ken Ward - Opelika Main Street The 2020-2021 20 Under 40 class members will have the opportunity to meet each other at a social hosted at Resting Pulse Brewing Company at the end of July. They will then begin their program with a Kick-off Retreat set for Aug. 8. For more details on the 20 Under 40 program, please contact Mackenzie Kayler at mkayler@ opelikachamber.com.

Opelika Main Street receives 2020 National Main Street Accreditation Special to the Opelika Observer Opelika Main Street has been designated as a 2020 Accredited Main Street America program. Accredited status is Main Street America’s top tier of recognition and signifies a demonstrated commitment to comprehensive commercial district revitalization and proven track record of successfully applying the Main Street ApproachTM. “We are proud

to recognize this year’s 860 Nationally Accredited Main Street America programs that have dedicated themselves to strengthening their communities,” said Patrice Frey, president & CEO of the National Main Street Center. “These Accredited Main Street programs have proven to be powerful engines for revitalization by sparking impressive economic returns and preserving the character of their communities. During these challenging

times, these Main Street programs will be key to bringing economic vitality back to commercial districts and improving quality of life during the recovery process.” In 2019 alone, $6.45 billion of public and private reinvestment was generated, 6,466 net new businesses were opened, 32,316 net new were jobs created, and 10,412 buildings were rehabilitated in Main Street America communities. In recent years Opelika has seen over $1 million invested

downtown along with dozens of new or incoming businesses. Opelika Main Street’s performance is evaluated by Main Street Alabama, which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify the local programs that meet 10 rigorous performance standards. Evaluation criteria determine the communities that are building comprehensive and sustainable revitalization efforts and include standards such as fostering strong public-private

Keep Opelika Beautiful Announces Patriotic Porch Contest Special to the Opelika Observer Keep Opelika Beautiful is hosting a ‘Patriotic Porch Contest’ for residents of Opelika. Front porches and yards will be judged based on red, white and blue

theme, creativity, arrangement and overall presentation. To enter, submit photo and contact information to KOB via email to tipi@ keepopelikabeautiful. com or Facebook. Photos will be organized by the city wards and posted on the KOB Facebook

page. Votes will be counted by “Likes” on the original posted photos. There will also be a Creativity Award and Mayor’s Choice Award. Winners will be announced on July. Keep Opelika Beautiful is a nonprofit organization

with the mission to educate the citizens on the importance of a beautiful and clean environment. The focus areas are beautification, recycling and litter prevention. For more information, email Tipi Miller or call 334-749-4970.

Well Red opens on Opelika Road By Will Fairless Associate Editor Well Red, a combination book store/ coffee shop/wine bar, has opened in Auburn on 223 Opelika Road. The homey, multifaceted business is owned by Crystal and Richard Tomasello, who got the idea for Well Red from a similar spot in Nashville. After spending all day in a book-, wine- and coffee-focused business there, Crystal recalls, “We said, ʻAuburn has nothing like this whatsoever.ʼ” Well Red also serves food, including cinnamon rolls and

brioche in the morning and tiramisu and chocolate cake in the afternoon. All of the food is made inhouse, and the menu is seasonal. The book selection will also change with time, this change as a result of feedback from patrons given in person or on Well Redʼs website, wellredau.com. Crystal hopes their business will be a stop on the way to work for coffee drinkers, a frequented study spot for college students, and a post-dinner date night destination for couples. “I had a group of girls yesterday study, then it transitioned to wine

time, so they had a glass of wine,” she said. Well Redʼs hours are: • Monday to Thursday: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.

• Friday and Saturday: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. • Sunday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

partnerships, documenting programmatic progress and actively preserving historic buildings. “Opelika Main Street is one of Alabama’s oldest Main Street organizations,” said Opelika Main Street Executive Director Ken Ward. “This recognition shows the strength of our organization and the success of our efforts to grow and sustain Opelika’s thriving downtown!” About Opelika Main Street Opelika Main Street

helps Opelika thrive by promoting small businesses through exciting events, projects and social media engagement. Founded in 1987, Main Street has helped assist in the revitalization of historic downtown Opelika through facade grants, beatification projects, business recruitment and various community events. Learn more about Opelika Main Street by going to opelikamainstreet. org or following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

FULLER >>

City Campaign Manager Barry Whatley added, “Mayor Fuller is a champion for the people of Opelika. He’s a strong, steady hand and will continue to work with the citizens of Opelika to make improvements necessary to become even better than we are today. We are preparing for a campaign that will allow Mayor Fuller to continue telling the great story of Opelika hand-in-hand with its people.” Fuller said, “This is the best job I’ve ever had. I loved my years in the radio business but the satisfaction of seeing a person get a great job and what that means for their family makes our hard work worthwhile. I’m proud to be part of such an amazing team here in Opelika.”

FROM A1

expansion of Opelika High School • The new Opelika Sportsplex and Aquatics Center and Pickleball Stadium • A new Fire Department headquarters building • A new Police Department and Municipal Court facility • The beginning of a $2 million renovation to Covington Recreation Center • New roads and Improved infrastructure throughout the city • The beginning of renovation to intersections and all sidewalks throughout town to become compliant with the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) • Fuller's becoming Alabama’s first GIG

GIBSON PITTS >> FROM A1

have on them due to fi nancial difficulties, but she also understands how, as a community, people can pull themselves out of despair and build the community into one that everyone is proud of.

She plans on taking Opelika forward by focusing on: • Affordable Housing • Small Business Development and • Creating a more inclusive community. For more information about Tiffany GibsonPitts for Mayor please contact her at tiffanygpitts4mayor@ gmail.com

pelika Opinion O

A4 June 24, 2020

ld folks have ugly feet. I am old. It follows logically that I have ugly feet. Toes especially. Toenails specifically. Although I gave up socks and ties long before I retired, when I gave up my full-time day job I also gave up shoes for sandals – weather permitting. This exposed my toes and spurred my sensitive-to-my-feelings wife to action. First, she attempted to rectify the situation by clipping my toenails, but to accomplish this she felt it was necessary to jerk my big toe into a position that was roughly (and I do mean roughly) 90 degrees from the other toes. If I protested (squealed like a girl) she told me to “quit being a baby.” Not enjoying the

Putting my best feet forward process any more than I did, when she finished she told me that what I really needed was a pedicure. A what!!!!! Now I have always considered myself secure in my masculinity. I have had my hair cut by a woman in a salon where nary a copy of Field & Stream is to be found. But the idea of someone I did not know making my feet presentable to the general public gave me chills. “Oh, you will love it,” my help-mate assured me. Then she described the process – cuticle care, nail clipping, foot rubbing, heel scraping and leg massaging – all of which sounded, well, personal. Would they take me into a back room so no one else would see? “And you don’t have to get your nails paint-

By Hardy Jackson ed.” That had not crossed my mind until my wife assured me I didn’t. Sorta like when the dentist says “this isn’t going to hurt” and you know that hurt is on the way. What else might happen to me in that back room? I looked at wife’s toes. Colors that never appeared in nature. “You can get a clear varnish if you like.” If I like!!! I’d never show my toes in public again. So I resisted. Made excuses.

Found other things that needed to be done. Until, finally, I had done those things that I ought to have done and there was no excuse left in me. So off we went. And in we walked. I wasn’t the only man there, just the only male customer. About half of the pedicurists were also men. Which unnerved me a bit. It was one thing to have a woman mess with my feet, but a guy? My doubts soon faded. It was a family operation – brothers, sisters, husbands, wives, and maybe a parent or two. They were Asian – I guessed Vietnamese since the young lady assigned to me was named Monique. She seated me in a comfortable chair. It would vibrate at the

push of a button, but when she put my bare feet in a tub of warm water, I figured I had better pass on the vibration. Then she offered me my choice of wine or beer. I considered beer, but not wanting to appear overly macho, I settled for a nice merlot. I was beginning to like the place. While my feet soaked, my wife, seated next to me, told Monique “be gentle, it’s his first time.” At that Monique’s husband, who was in charge of a chair nearby, joked that if his wife hurt me, he would hurt her. Not wanting to be the cause of a domestic altercation, I resolved to be quiet no matter the pain. There was no cause for concern. Over the next 45 or so minutes I was

lotioned, rubbed, clipped, scraped, and massaged from the tip of my toes all the way to my knees. Not once did Monique 90 degree angle my big toe. When she was done, I was so relaxed that I was afraid I might not be able to stand. It was the third best thing a woman ever did for me. Get your mind out of the gutter. A woman birthed me. A woman birthed my children. And a woman made my toes look great. One, two, three. Harvey H. (“Hardy”) Jackson is Professor Emeritus of History at Jacksonville State University. He can be reached at hhjackson43@gmail. com.

How to make your own ‘Alabama Bucket List’

t is time my fellow locals, to travel this good state with my family and see all the things that “Sweet Home Alabama” has to offer. We started this journey last year in June and are eager to get moving this Summer. The kids and I had a ball last year. We enjoyed touching and seeing beautiful things in our state that we never would have, had it not been for our initial ‘Alabama Bucket List’. Just like making a list to the grocery, if you don’t write it down and seek it, it just won’t happen. We visited silly goats and Spectre in Millbrook, we camped at Mt. Cheaha and Oak Mountain. We swam in

little church. It’s been a long time since I’ve been here. In fact, it’s been a long time since I’ve been anywhere. I haven’t ventured far from my house for almost four months of quarantine. I used to attend a church like this a lifetime ago. I played the piano on Sunday mornings. I played music for all sorts of church occasions. One time, for instance, there was a guy in our choir who wanted to sing a Randy Travis tune for service. The song was “Forever and Ever Amen.” It’s not a church song, it’s more of a romantic song, but my buddy was in love with a soprano, so the lyrics made spiritual sense to him. My friend and I worked on it for weeks. He sang, I played keys.

in the great waters and falls of DeSoto State Park. All of it was spectacular and worth seeing for anyone willing to adventure. So here we are yet again, where do we begin? Better yet, where can you and your family or friends begin? Here are a few simple and tactile ways to create your own bucket list. • Write everything down. Sit and begin brainstorm your ideas. Everything must start with a simple thing. And when you write something down, instead of just think it, you are highly more likely to actually do it. Jot down notes and

By Bradley Robertson begin to put your bucket list into words. • Who do you want to travel with? Hus-

band? Kids? Maybe even a girl’s trip? Write down the people you would most want to

adventure with. See how their schedules look compared to yours. Maybe you want to journey with a few different groups of people. Write your hearts desire and see how these people fit into your life and routine. • Ask these people, where would they like to visit? Get ideas from your fellow travelers. Your kids will be more excited if they can have an opinion and a fellow friend may have an idea that will influence them to go. • Get an Alabama map or print one - This is crucial as it gives you vision and sight for the future. You can see where you may want to go and then get an idea

of how far each trip may be. Many trips we take are day trips, staying Central to AL. Some are one night or two night trips and you may want to take a whole week of exploring. The AL Map is a set guide to lead the way. • Begin to make a written list of places you want to visit in Alabama - Now this list for our family is long. Some are simple places that take under a day. Some places are longer vacation spots, that will take intense planning. Either way, write them all down. One of our places is the Smith Tower at Lake Martin. It’s a short-day trip but it’s on our list.

high-school drop out, a blue-collar worker, and I talked funny. But piano came easy to me. I learned to play by ear when I was nine. On my birthday my father bought me a little upright and put it in the basement. He told me that if I wanted to learn to play, I would learn. And that was that. That’s just how his people thought, you understand. People like us didn’t do lessons. Neither did we hire anyone to work on our car, fix our roof, cut our hair, drink our beer, etc. I play a few bars of an old hymn. I’m so rusty that my fingers creak, but the memories come back like pollen. When I was younger, I used to buy my Sunday clothes at a local thrift store because I loved a good deal. I remember one Sunday when a pretty

girl smirked at me and asked, “Did you buy that shirt at the THRIFT STORE?” She said “thrift store” like some people say “communism.” “Yes,” I said. “It was fifty-cent day.” I was a big fan of fifty-cent day. Then she told me that my dress shirt had previously belonged to her father. She looked at me like I was homeless and I wanted to bury myself. But I have some happy memories from buildings like this, too. Not all my memories involve wearing secondhand button-downs. In this room I learned to play “I Need Thee Every Hour” and “Sweet Hour of Prayer,” and a few honky-tonk tunes I promised an old preacher I’d never play again. I also remember

See ROBERTSON, page A5

OLD PLACES Finally, we auditioned the song for the pastor. The old clergyman almost had a cardiac event. He was furious. The preacher said that if we played another Randy Travis song on church grounds again we would be asked to leave. We made a solemn vow to never play another Randy Travis tune in our lives. Not even “Honky Tonk Moon.” Right now it feels good being here. I’ve been indoors, stuck on an endless repeat cycle, like an LP record that keeps skipping. My wife and I have tried visiting friends once or twice while maintaining social-distancing regulations, but it’s weird. We end up sitting 50 yards from each other so that transit trucks and commercial airliners can pass between us. I have to squint just to

By Sean Dietrich see my friends from so far away. The sanctuary is empty. I hear the air conditioner humming. I wander around, running my fingers along the window panes, flipping through hymnal pages. I look out the window. There is one car in the parking lot, which belongs to the secretary. She said I could hang out here

today if I wanted. I sit behind the piano keys. The piano is out of tune. Southern humidity wreaks havoc on pianos. You wouldn’t know it to look at me, but for much of my life, there were only two things I could actually do well: (a) make mistakes, and (b) play piano. I was a lost boy in many other areas. I was a

See DIETRICH, page A5

A5 June 24, 2020

Keys to boosting the immune system By Justin Miller Special to the Opelika Observer People come in contact with thousands of germs each and every day. Some of these germs can cause a person to fall ill and have adverse effects on the human body. Luckily, the body has its own set of defenses to fight these germs: the immune system. However, in order for it to work properly, people must take proactive measures. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Like a car, the immune system needs to be tuned up in order to properly function,â&#x20AC;? said Tamara Warren,

WETZEL >> FROM A1

the book. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When she says it was my favorite part, she really means it was like nails on a chalkboard for me,â&#x20AC;? Josh said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pulling teethâ&#x20AC;? is the phrase Paige used. The book is not just about JoshĘźs injury and physical recovery. Paige said that their recovery wasnĘźt nearly over when Josh left

ROBERTSON >> FROM A4

We also have places like Fort Morgan and the Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville. No matter how near or far the adventure, write it on your list. â&#x20AC;˘ Create Map List: Separate your list by regions on your Alabama map - Our list has Central, North East, North West and Southern. I have found that Central and North AL

DIETRICH>> FROM A4 hearing 42 small-town voices sing hymns with a little Mason & Hamlin. And I remember feeling like somebody special when I played piano. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget moments when you mattered. After I finish playing,

an Alabama Extension human nutrition, diet and health specialist. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Proper nutrition and physical activity are keys to tuning up an immune system.â&#x20AC;?

healthy by eating the right foods and adding physical activity to their daily routines. Participants can walk as individuals or be a part of the program with a group. Visit the Walking Like a CHAMPION page for more information.

properly,â&#x20AC;? Warren said.

There are many people today who do not incorporate nutrient-rich foods into their diet on a daily basis. Having a diet that consists of proper amounts of nutrients is one of the best ways to build up an immune system. Warren said that several nutrition-related health problems can lead to an ill-prepared immune system. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Diets that are high

in calories, fat, salt and sugars can lead to the development of chronic diseases,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Many of these diseases, including obesity, heart disease and diabetes, can cause the immune system to tune down.â&#x20AC;? Consuming the right amount of nutrients provides the body with the necessary tools to fight off infections and diseases. Warren said meals should include a variety of foods from all of the food groups. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fruits and vegetables, whole grains, proteins and dairy products all contain key nutrients that are important to an immune system working

In addition to a proper diet, physical exercise is also an important aspect to developing a strong immune system. Warren said people should engage in physical activity daily. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Physical activity increases oxygen levels and provides the human body with the needed energy to strengthen an immune systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fighting power,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Adults should be active for 150 minutes a week and youth for 60 minutes a day.â&#x20AC;? While some may

The Alabama Extension Walking Like a CHAMPION campaign is here to help people get moving. This is an ongoing statewide campaign that encourages Alabama residents to get

The Alabama Extension content piece Tuning Up an Immune System provides a more in-depth look into strengthening an immune system. More information on health and nutrition is available on the Alabama Extension website www.aces.edu.

the Walter Reed Army Medical Hospital after a two-year stay there. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We wrote about the fi rst couple of years as civilians, and how we tried so hard to get out of [Walter Reed] just to enter a world where nobody was like us and nobody understood what we had gone through,â&#x20AC;? Paige said. It is also not solely a sad story, if it is sad at all. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I got injured, my family rallied around me and

made sure that I knew that I was supported, but that they werenĘźt gonna let me feel sorry for myself,â&#x20AC;? Josh said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;My uncles, when they came to the hospital to visit for the fi rst time... they let me know that they fully expected me to play basketball at our family Christmas.â&#x20AC;? They wrote about their life after leaving the hospital, and Auburn is an important part of their story, a fact that they hope

piques Auburn fansĘź interest in the book. The audience for this book is much larger than just Auburn fans, though; Josh said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We kind of wrote it in a way that it would target a wide audience: people looking for hope in a dark time, military people, military husbands and wives.â&#x20AC;? The two hope that the book can serve a purpose greater than being an interesting read. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If I could

envision what would be my dream for this project,â&#x20AC;? Paige said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;it would be that it helped a veteran help their family understand a little bit of what they went through.â&#x20AC;? She hopes the book could relieve the burden some veterans carry of not being understood, that it could get them unstuck from the no-manĘźs land between wanting to communicate with their families and

not wanting to face the emotions that communication would prompt. The book can be preordered on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million and at many other stores. All of the links to order Beautifully Broken: An Unlikely Journey of Faith can be found by searching the title at hachettebookgroup.com.

have more Parks and Camping than the south end. We have been to the gulf our whole lives, but there are still lovely places we have never seen. All our state has much to offer. It is easier to navigate your course and check-off excursions when you can locate and bunch your outings together. â&#x20AC;˘ See how you can â&#x20AC;&#x153;bunchâ&#x20AC;? list items together in single trips - Whether a day trip or a three-day trip, your map list will help

you check off multiple places during one outing. Some places you want to see will be a â&#x20AC;&#x153;pit-stopâ&#x20AC;? like a picnic or just a view. Other places will take more time. See how you can bunch them together to get the most out of each trip or outing. â&#x20AC;˘ Be willing to take everyone and maybe even no-one - I have been on a couple of our items alone. I have taken Sissy and her friend on an outing. I have taken all three

kids by myself and we have been together as a family of 5. You must be movable and moldable and be ok with that. I would like to go to Mentone with my girlfriends. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to go camping with just Janie Belle and another mom and her daughter. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to take Braxton by himself as well. Just because you make a family list, doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean you have to stick to everyone going, all the time. â&#x20AC;˘ The Goal is FUN

- I can get kind of tense and think too much on details and scenarios. You must relax and just go with it. Make a plan, set a date and just go for it. If you spend too much time thinking, you may not even get there. â&#x20AC;˘ Get moving and Set the first date - Just do it. The first time I took the kids camping alone, I semi-thought I was crazy. Then I realized, â&#x20AC;&#x153;whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the worst that could possibly happen?â&#x20AC;? We packed up and just had to

get moving. I call it â&#x20AC;&#x153;going scaredâ&#x20AC;?. The beautiful part of the journey is figuring out life and enjoying it together. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not perfection, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not the best pictures, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the simple idea of experiencing something new with the people you love. Stay tuned week to week to see where we end up in Alabama. Feel free to email me at Bradley.jean11@gmail. com and you may see our Alabama Bucket List and other adventures at www.georges-journal.com .

I leave the sanctuary to do more exploring. I wander to the fellowship hall. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dilapidated. I can see the evenly-spaced rust marks on the linoleum floor where the folding potluck table legs used to sit. The same tables where people still gather to increase their cholesterol with

pimento cheese, deviled eggs, fried poultry, and, God willing, Sister Linda Shumakerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s taco lasagna. The secretary finds me in here. She is elderly and hobbled. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m standing in the middle of the room, remembering everything. She tells me sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about to lock up and go home.

We both have a good chuckle about a few old memories and mutual friends. Then, she tells me that she likes my writing. I am dumbfounded and a little misty. We embrace. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the first actual hug from an outsider since the quarantine began. The shirt I am wear-

ing is one I bought brand new from Old Navy. I help her lock the doors. I walk her to her car. There is a sadness in her. She says she lives alone, and her closest friend during the pandemic has been her cat. We both admit that we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait for the world to go back to

normal again, if it ever does. Once her car is out of sight, I look around to make sure the coast is clear. I smile because Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m feeling better. I begin to sing a particular song in a quiet voice. For old timeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sake. Because Randy Travis sure had some good ones.

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lack the motivation to exercise, Warren said walking is an easy option that can fit into almost any schedule. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Walking is one of the easiest and most stress-free exercises that can also be enjoyable,â&#x20AC;? Warren said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The key is to start small and steadily increase the time you devote to physical activity.â&#x20AC;?

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A6 June 24, 2020

Opelikans march Party City innovates for social justice on in isolation to make Juneteenth celebrating easier

By Will Fairless Associate Editor

More than 100 members of the Opelika–Auburn community gathered Friday at Courthouse Square to celebrate Juneteenth and to march for social justice. Janataka Holmes organized the event, which included speeches (notably from Councilwoman and President Pro-Tempore Patsy Jones and Councilwoman Tiffany Gibson-Pitts), music, prayers and much more. “Letʼs say that we the

people will be free and all of us will be able to appreciate Juneteenth and the way it should be remembered,” Jones said, “we are gonna make the difference.” Some other speakers elaborated on the origins of Juneteenth and how those origins and the holidayʼs celebration are relevant today. “Not all cops are bad... itʼs time to stop shaming cops... we are one community,” Holmes said. There were several police officers present during the event, and they even joined in on

the celebration when dancing broke out in the middle of the square. They also blocked off streets in downtown Opelika for all gathered to march from the square to City Hall and back. There were booths set up to provide attendees with information about registering to vote, which Holmes said was important in making the march something more than just a gathering. To see pictures of the march, go to page A7.

Preserving Alabama’s natural resources starts in our backyard. Did you know longleaf pines are home to roughly 120 endangered or threatened plant and animal species? That’s why Alabama Power is working hard to help them grow. We’ve teamed up with partners across our state to preserve the natural resources that make Alabama a great place to put down roots – especially if you’re a longleaf pine.

AlabamaPower.com/Environment

Specialty retailer ﬁnds new ways to bring joy amid pandemic, creating long-term solutions

Special to the Opelika Observer Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Party City has remained focused on continuing to make it easy to share joyful moments of togetherness, despite being apart. Quickly adapting to help families thrive in an athome environment has allowed the nation’s largest specialty party goods and services company to innovate and impact operations moving forward. “Our goal during this time is to make life a little easier for customers, in ways only Party City credibly could,” says CEO Brad Weston. “We believe you should never miss a chance to celebrate life’s moments, big or small. Many of the new products and services will benefit our customers long-term, and we’re excited to continue evolving them.”

Curbside and Same-Day Delivery The introduction of contactless curbside pick-up and same-day delivery ensures that birthdays, milestones and family gatherings go on. Party City now provides same-day delivery across nearly 50 markets, which is free for orders over $35. Even with the largest of “mom-mobiles,” Party City customers often want more balloons, but are limited by the size of their vehicles. With fleets to handle celebrations of any size, and same-day service guaranteeing fresh balloons, Party City offers a convenient solution to deliver a great party. Curbside and sameday delivery options are now available in more than 775+ locations and will ultimately include all stores. Orders placed online by 2:30 p.m. are available for same-day service, still with nationwide shipping for items not available in-store. Party City has already reopened 725 retail stores – or about

85% – for in-store shopping across the country, following state and federal guidelines. All stores are expected to be re-opened by the end of June. To check store locations and hours, visit stores. partycity.com.

Banish Boredom What started as a means to survive social distancing, Unbox the Adventure themed kits provide an easy and safe solution to the initial quarantine boredom – from movie night to game night. With the kits’ popularity and extended restrictions, Party City expanded curated selections to include birthdays, graduation, Mother's Day and more. Looking ahead, Party City has developed summer-themed kits and also plans to build upon the concept to offer parents summercamp-like activities, given that many traditional camp programs have been cancelled.

Together Apart With sustained isolation and countless parties and holidays “cancelled,” Party City identified further opportunities to celebrate life’s moments. The Party Cancellation Hotline invited users to submit a loved one who had a celebration cancelled, with winners selected weekly to receive a curated surprise. With more than 60,000 entries, winners across the country range from wedding anniversaries and baby showers to birthdays and a middle school graduation. Party City’s Virtual Party Kits and step-bystep party guides also made it easy to plan and host virtual parties. Recognizing that throwing virtual parties was a new concept and customers craved tips and ideas, the brand invested in helping to create unforgettable moments from driveway drop party favors and driveby parade checklists to free interactive themed activities and more. As celebrations change, the experts at Party City are helping

customers reimagine experiences in a way that is relevant for the times. The company is applying pandemic learnings to strategize for traditional holidays and milestones that may look different indefinitely. Whether it's virtual summer camp fun or “Trunk or Treat” Halloween, Party City won’t let a moment of joy pass by uncelebrated. For more information or to plan a celebration, visit www.PartyCity. com. About Party City: Party City Holdco Inc. is the leading party goods company by revenue in North America and, we believe, the largest vertically integrated supplier of decorated party goods globally by revenue. The Company is a popular one-stop shopping destination for party supplies, balloons, and costumes. In addition to being a great retail brand, the Company is a global, worldclass organization that combines state-of-theart manufacturing and sourcing operations, and sophisticated wholesale operations complemented by a multi-channel retailing strategy and e-commerce retail operations. The Company is the leading player in its category, vertically integrated and unique in its breadth and depth. Party City Holdco designs, manufactures, sources and distributes party goods, including paper and plastic tableware, metallic and latex balloons, Halloween and other costumes, accessories, novelties, gifts and stationery throughout the world. The Company’s retail operations include approximately 875 specialty retail party supply stores (including franchise stores) throughout North America operating under the names Party City and Halloween City, and e-commerce websites, principally through the domain name PartyCity.com.

A7 June 24, 2020

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Saturday - August 22nd 11:00am-2:00pm Downtown Opelika North Railroad Avenue

Attention Grillers... Sign up today!!! Registration Applications Available At:

Facebook.com/BurgerWarsOpelika sponsored by:

A8 June 24, 2020

Now Streaming: "'Dear Neil Armstrong': Alabamians' Letters to the First Man on the Moon" Special to the Opelika Observer The Alabama Department of Archives & History presents ‘Food for Thought 2020’. Join Dr. James R. Hansen for “‘Dear Neil

Armstrong’: Letters to the First Man on the Moon from Alabamians.” In this presentation, Hansen examines letters written to astronaut Neil Armstrong following the historic moon landing on July 20, 1969, and

explores how Alabamians have remembered the astronaut. Hansen also shares his own personal memories of Armstrong as his official biographer for his book, First Man: The Life of Neil Armstrong.

Hansen is Professor Emeritus of History at Auburn University. He has written extensively about aerospace history and the history of science and technology for the past thirty years. He has published books and arti-

cles on a wide variety of topics ranging from the early days of aviation, the first nuclear fusion reactors and the Moon landings, to the environmental history of golf courses. His most recent book is Dear Neil Armstrong:

Letters to the First Man from All Mankind. For additional information call (334) 353-4689. The presentation can be viewed at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=MrHmD9jTRL4

Phase II of 'Planted Together' delivers plants to seniors

Photos submitted to the Opelika Observer The Dream Day Foundation and community sponsors delivered 200 plants to EASE house last week as part of the second phase of their ‘Planted Together’ project.

Opelika E vents, Society, & Food

UPCOMING EVENTS • AACT Musical Theatre Experience - June 15 to 26 • OTC Summertime Showcase - Aug. 15

Kelly Cox turns love of baking cakes into cottage business

Southern

Hospitality

t her home in the Northside Historic District, Kelly Cox can be found most days in the kitchen baking classic southern cakes, as well as “kindness cakes,” for her cottage business, Honeycomb Sweets. Kelly also enjoys preparing meals for her husband, Stan, headmaster at LeeScott, and their children. Kelly developed a love of cooking from both her grandmothers when she was growing up in Fort Mill, South Carolina, a small-town south of Charlotte, North Carolina. Each of her grandmothers had a garden and preserved vegetables for winter. Kelly remembers sitting on the porch with them

helping to shell peas from the garden during the summer months. Kelly uses many of her grandmothers’ recipes in baking. “I have my grandmother’s recipe for coconut cake framed in the kitchen to keep me humble,” she said, “and to help me remember the lineage of strong southern women in my family. “I remember always loving to cook,” Kelly added, “but for me it is really not about the food. It is what the food brings to the table. It brings people together.” After high school, Kelly attended Winthrop University, where she received a degree in education and then Southwestern Seminary in Fort

Worth, Texas, for a master’s in community ministries. She had planned to go to a foreign mission field. After she worked in local missions for months at a time, she accepted a position as children’s minister at a church in Montgomery. While working there, she met Stan. “I know God sent me to Montgomery to meet him,” she said. “I had been working with AIDS patients and wanted to go to Washington, DC, but I didn’t have peace about it. I know God sent me to Montgomery to meet Stan.” After they married, Stan was an administrator in public schools in Montgomery. As two of their children were going into the

George’s Farmers Market to hold Fourth of July festivities By Will Fairless Associate Editor Georgeʼs Farmers Market, located at 1010 Co Rd 16 in La Fayette, will be hosting an event consisting of live music, food and a small fireworks show. It will

be held on July 2; the market will open at 5 p.m., and the music will start at 6. On the same day, the market will be open for its normal business from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. At five oʼclock, people are welcome to show up for

the event with chairs, blankets and coolers. Drive-By Tacos, a food truck offering a menu of brisket tacos, chicken tacos, shrimp tacos and more, will be at the event selling food the whole night. See GEORGE’S, page A13

Photo submitted to the Observer Kelly Cox has had a love for cooking for as long as she can remember. When she started baking for a fundraiser to send daughter Wilson on a mission trip, the cakes were so popular that it led to a cottage business, Honeycomb Sweets. A variety of classic southern cakes are offered as well as “kindness cakes.”

first and second grades, Philip Raley of Opelika city schools contacted Stan. They moved to Opelika in 2002 for Stan to become the principal at Opelika High School. Kelly taught at Opelika Middle School for three years. She stopped teaching, in-

stead taking foster care of premature babies. The Coxes did foster care for several years and adopted one of the pre-mature babies, who was addicted to drugs at birth. Braxton is now 11 years old. They also consider another child, C.J., from foster care a “heart son.”

The Coxes have two grown children. Wilson works with special needs adults at the Exceptional Foundation, while their son Parker is a police officer with the Lee County Sheriff’s Department. About five years ago, their daughter See CIPPERLY, page A12

Expressions Design Gallery expands business, holding inventory sale By Michelle Key Publisher Expressions Designs Gallery is expanding their Annie Sloan Chalk Paint services and will be welcoming a new business into their space next month. The new business slated to open in mid-July is Opelika Nutrition, which will

be serving energy drinks, herbal teas and

See GALLERY, page A13

A10 June 24, 2020

Trinity Lutheran Church to host 'Rocky Railway Vacation Bible School' Special to the Opelika Observer Trinity Lutheran Church invites children to climb aboard for mountains of fun on the Rocky Railway. This Vacation Bible School event is a faith-filled adventure during which kids will discover that trusting Jesus pulls

them through life’s ups and downs. The VBS is scheduled for July 12 to 16 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. nightly. Register online at www.vbspro.events/p/ events/trinitylutheranchurch-vbs Due to social distancing requirements, they will be limiting the

number of children who can attend this year to 30, so registration is important. The deadline to submit registration forms to the church office or online is June 30, or until maximum number of 30 children is reached. The church is located at 446 S. Gay Street in Auburn.

OBITUARIES to parents, Eagar Cosby Middleton and Mary Agnes Ingram. He was a resident of Opelika since 1964. He was retired from Flowers Baking Co. of Opelika. He also

worked for Young's Plant Farm, enjoyed fishing, gardening and family more than anything. He is survived by his son, Todd (Linda) Middleton of Opelika, daughter, Sandra

Middleton (Donnie) of Smiths Station, grandchildren: Stephanie Adair (Jonathan) Ford; Lindsey Middleton (Reede) Haley, Matthew Todd (Nicki) Middleton, and Jacob (Christina)

Geiger; 6 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, Juanita, Chuck C. Middleton; parents: Eager and Mary Middleton; brother,

Gene Middleton and sister, Pat Mathis. Family will hold a private graveside service. A visitation was held June 18, 2020 from 6 to 8 p.m. at JeffcoatTrant Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Anne Marie Gidley Grady of Opelika was held on June 21, 2020 at 11 a.m. at Garden Hills Cemetery with visitation prior at 10 a.m. at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. Mrs. Grady was born on Feb. 26, 1946 in Birmingham, Alabama and passed away quietly on June 14, 2020 in Opelika. She had lived [there] for the past 45 years where she served

the community in many capacities as an innovative governmental, business and community leader. Mrs. Grady (known affectionately to many as Ms. Anne) served as the fi rst female elected government official in Opelika. She served District Five on the newly formed Opelika City-Council for 3 terms between 1986 and 2000, and served as council president for her last 4 years in office. She did not run for reelection. Mrs. Grady was

responsible for the inception of the county’s first Leadership Program in the mid-80’s and also worked to establish similar leadership program initiatives in many other communities around the state. In addition, Anne served on appointed board positions including the United Way Campaign Chair, Keep Opelika Beautiful, Department of Human Resources (DHR) Board for Lee County, Opelika Planning Commission, Opelika

Board of Zoning Adjustment as well as many others. She was also appointed by then Governor Bob Riley as a member serving to promote the provisions of the U.S. Highway Beautification Act. She was named Woman of the Year in 1990 by the Opelika Professional and Business Women’s Club. Mrs. Grady is preceded in death by her parents Ross and Gladys Gidley. She is survived by her husband Dr. James D. Grady lll; her two daughters

Victoria (Tori) Marie Grady, her husband David McCallum; Jennifer (Jenni) Anne Grady Jeffers, her husband Todd Jeffers; and by her four grandchildren Kendall Marie Grady, Grady Alexander Jeffers, Anne Caroline Jeffers, and Reagan McCallum. Other family members include Anne’s proxy sister/cousin, Sybil Inman, Dr. Grady’s brother, Michael Grady, and sister, Carol Grady Reeves. Ms. Anne is also survived and loved by many others

including nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In Memory of Anne, if you prefer to make a memorial gift instead of flowers, please consider: The United Methodist Children’s Home 3140 Zelda Court Suite 100 Montgomery, Alabama 36106-2607 or: Bethany House (Hospice) Care of Hospice Angels-Compassus Building 100 1171 Gatewood Drive Auburn, AL 36830

Theresa Smith May Theresa Smith May, of Opelika, Alabama, passed away at East Alabama Medical Center on June 14, 2020, at age 63. She was born on April 16, 1957, to the late Barney (Pete) Smith and the late Daphne Porter.

Other than her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Lamar (Buddy) Smith. She is survived by her daughter, Shellie Mitchum (Brad); grandchildren, Winter and Liam Hay and Hadleigh and Annabelle Mitchum; sisters, Karen Sims (David) and Kellie Justice (Marvin); as well

as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and loving family members. A private memorial service to celebrate the life of Theresa May will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to Newsong Community Church in Opelika or to the American Stroke Association.

Lonny Lee Miles Graveside service for Lonny Lee Miles, 72, of Opelika, Alabama, was held at 11 a.m. June 20, 2020, at Evergreen Cemetery, 1409 Monroe Avenue in Opelika. Reverend Curtis L. Vines officiated.

Mr. Miles, who passed away June 16, 2020 at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, was born Feb. 7, 1948 in Lee County, Alabama. Survivors includes: one son, Leon James of Opelika, one granddaughter, Ebone’ Z. Idey of Opelika, three sisters, Annie Pearl Miles, Corene

Miles and Stephanie (Anthony) Swanson all of Opelika, one sisterin-law, Ellen Miles of Opelika, three aunts, Mary Trimble, Lula Bell Williams and Hattie Holcey all of Opelika, one uncle, John T. Edwards of Salem and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Cosby C. Middleton Mr. Cosby C. Middleton, 83, of Opelika, AL passed away June 16, 2020. Mr. Middleton was born Sept. 20, 1936

Anne Marie Gidley Grady

A11 June 24, 2020

ouldn't you love to know exactly what the apostles were saying that morning of Pentecost when they were “declaring the wonders of God” (Acts 2:11)? Were they speaking of the extraordinary reversal of events God had brought about by raising Jesus from the dead? Was their topic the recently witnessed ascension of Christ? Did they talk of His epoch-shattering return one day as the angels had promised? Whatever it was, it was personalized as those visiting Jerusalem for the feast heard about the wonders in their own language (see v. 7-11). The pilgrims were “bewildered” and “utterly amazed” that these formally uneducated Galileans were somehow able to speak in their languages (v. 4,6-7). If

Church Calendar • Church of Christ at Cunningham - meeting at their building at 9:30 a.m. for Bible class, 10:30 a.m. for worship, 5 p.m. for evening worship and 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. • First Baptist Church Of Opelika - continuing online streaming services; “FBCO will be deliberate but diligent as we begin to meet in person again.” “I would project that a FBCO’s return to corporate worship and ministry opportunities will be strategic.” • St Mary’s Catholic Church - No public masses yet, but there will be live stream Masses on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. in English and 7:00 p.m. in Spanish. Distribution of Holy Communion will be on Sunday’s 9 to 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. People can call the office at 334-749-8359 or go to the parish website for more information stmaryopelika.org. • First United Methodist Church Of Opelika - The, bishop has asked for all United Methodist churches in our conference to suspend in-person gatherings through June 1. There is a COVID-19 task force that will help make decisions about June/July and work out those logistics.

Everywhere they looked you’re keeping score, there was awe at both what the apostles were saying and how they were able to communicate it. Whatever it was they said, it came as a result of the Spirit being poured out (v. 17-18, 33). Luke tells us it was due to the Spirit’s enabling that they spoke (v. 4). And the Spirit led them to speak about the wonders of God. I love that the Spirit did not lead these men to speak about Himself, but God. And like people talking about someone they love, the Spirit spared no praise, no language and cared not that some there would ridicule what was going on (v. 13). (As amazing as it is, there are always those who will mock the miraculous). The wonders of God the apostles spoke of

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

served as a prelude to the message Peter gave concerning Jesus. It was a message unlike anything ever spoken before. For the first time ever, God’s redemptive work in Jesus through the cross and resurrection was presented, and people were told what to do in response to it. I suppose you could think of it as the premiere of the gospel being proclaimed. But instead of movie stars, A-listers,

paparazzi, red carpets and limousines, there were Jewish worshipers, a few Galileans, the outpouring of the Spirit and the proclamation of the risen Savior and Lord of transcendent glory. The first is the epitome of hype at its worst, while the latter is hope at it best. And what was the response to this grand unveiling of God’s work through Jesus? Thousands were “cut to the heart” (v. 37). That’s what happens when your eyes are opened to the wonder of God—it hits you deep inside—all the way to your core. But the good news is that in addition to being convicting, it is also converting. They were told to turn from their corrupt ways (“repent”) and be immersed in the name of Jesus so their sins would

ABOUT BRUCE GREEN be forgiven, and they would receive the Holy Spirit (v. 38). That day, three thousand embraced God’s wonder in Jesus. Luke goes on to tell us that these disciples “devoted” themselves to their newfound faith (v. 42). They were in an environment of awe due to “the many wonders and signs” that the apostles were performing (v. 43). Their gladness radiated and rippled through their sharing and caring of each other. They experienced favor with everyone and each day more people became followers of Christ. And they praised God. How could they not? There was wonder everywhere they looked! You can find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: atasteofgracewithbrucegreen.com.

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 “Strive to live in peace with all and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14

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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A12 June 24, 2020

CIPPERLY>> FROM A9 Wilson wanted to go to Uganda with Four Corners Ministry, and they needed to raise funds for her to go. The only way Kelly saw that she could make money to participate in helping was to bake cakes to sell. She put on Facebook that she was baking pound cakes to sell for Wilson to go to Uganda. She baked a lot of pound cakes. “People were so generous to help,” Kelly said. “If I said the pound cake was $20, they would

RECIPES BROWNIE MEETS FUDGE 1 cup butter 2/3 cups baking cocoa 2 cups sugar 1 ½ cups self-rising flour 3 eggs 1 tsp. vanilla 2 cups chopped pecans, optional Combine butter, cocoa and sugar in saucepan. Cook over low heat until butter melts, stirring constantly. Stir in flour, eggs, vanilla and pecans. Spoon into a greased 9 x 13 pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. Icing: Work on this while brownies are baking. ½ cup butter 2 cups sugar 5 oz. can evaporated milk 2 cups chocolate chips, frozen Combine ingredients in saucepan, except chocolate chips. Bring to a boil. Let boil two minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Stir in chocolate chips until mixture is creamy. Spread over hot brownies. Let chill at least two hours before cutting. Amazing served with ice cream!!!

HOMEMADE YELLOW CAKE MIX If you don’t want all the added ingredients in processed cake mixes, this is the perfect recipe for you! 2 1/4 cups all-pur-

give $25. Once I started baking, people called to see if I could bake them a pound cake. The business evolved over time. We have chickens, so I have fresh eggs, which makes a really good pound cake. “When the business evolved, I found myself where the kids were growing older, my big kids were finishing college and I needed something that was mine. I prayed about it. I named it Honeycomb Sweets from a scripture in Proverbs about honey being sweet to the soul,” Kelly said.

Two years ago, when she started her Honeycomb Sweets business, she created “kindness cakes” that people can give for gifts. She offers the cakes in three sizes, places them in boxes and delivers them. The mini kindness cakes are just $5. Kelly makes old-fashioned, classic southern cakes, such as red velvet, chocolate layer, pound cakes and white cakes with buttercream. She doesn’t do fancy cake decorating. She is certified with the cottage law industry, which required

pose flour 3 ½ tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. salt 1½ cups sugar 1/4 cup oil 3 eggs 1 1/4 cups milk (I prefer to use whole buttermilk.) 1 Tbsp. vanilla 1 stick butter, softened Mix ingredients together. Pour into two greased 9-inch pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. Can use this same recipe for cupcakes too; bake 15 minutes.

butter 2 cups confectioner sugar 12 oz. Cool Whip Mix cream cheese and peanut butter together. Add powdered sugar. Mix well. Fold in Cool Whip. Pour into pie crusts. Freeze overnight. Variations: use Oreo or chocolate graham cracker crusts. Drizzle chocolate or strawberry syrup over cut slice to dress up the pie.

SNICKERDOODLE COOKIES ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature ½ cup sugar 1/3 cup brown sugar 1 large egg 1 tsp. vanilla 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour ½ tsp. baking soda ¼ tsp. cream of tartar ¼ tsp. salt Separate bowl: ¼ cup sugar 2 tsp. cinnamon Mix ingredients together. Chill dough at least 30 minutes. Then roll into 2 Tbsp. balls. Roll each ball in the sugar and cinnamon mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for nine minutes.

PEANUT BUTTER PIE 2 graham cracker pie crusts 8 oz. cream cheese, softened 1 ½ cups peanut

SWEET ONION AND TOMATO PIE 6 medium tomatoes, peeled and coarsely chopped 1 medium Vidalia onion, chopped 9 inch frozen unbaked pie shell, or make your own 1 tsp. dried basil Salt and pepper to taste 1 cup Monterey jack or any cheese or your choosing, shredded 1 cup Duke’s mayonnaise ½ tsp. garlic powder After chopping tomatoes, place in a colander to let them drain for a little while. Pat dry with paper towels. Layer the onions and tomatoes into the frozen pie shell. Sprinkle basil, salt and pepper to taste over tomatoes. Combine cheese, mayonnaise and garlic powder. Spread over tomatoes. Bake at 400 degrees for 30 to

taking a class. “I could probably do more with my business, but I really want to focus on my family,” Kelly said. A year ago, she started a home bakers guild. There are 14 bakers in the guild now, and they learn from each other. Members are different ages and at different places in their lives. With the pandemic, Kelly had problems finding flour, and friends were looking for her. She prefers to use unbleached flour, which was harder to find. She wasn’t baking as much for a 35 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with a garden salad and fresh fruit.

BOAT LADY’S GRITS I put this in a crock pot and keep warm until ready to serve. This travels well for office parties and family gatherings. Serve with warm biscuits and jam and fresh fruit. 1 lb. bacon 2 bell peppers, chopped 2 medium onions, chopped 1 ½ cups ham, chopped 28 oz. can tomatoes, chopped 1 ½ cups white grits, not quick grits 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded Stick of butter Fry bacon, set aside. Sauté onions and bell peppers in bacon grease; drain. Stir in ham and sauté on low for 10 to 15 minutes. Add tomatoes and simmer another 30 minutes. Cook grits according to package. Add grits to ham mixture and stir well. Add cheese and a stick of butter for good measure. Sprinkle bacon on top.

ZUCCHINI BREAD 2 cups sugar 1 cup oil 3 eggs 3 cups self-rising flour 3 tsp. cinnamon 2 cups grated

while. Kelly also enjoys cooking for her family. She goes to farmers' markets and prefers to cook fresh and simple. She doesn’t make many casseroles. Last week she baked a bunch of cakes and delivered them. “The world felt so dark that I needed to make some happy tummies,” she said. “Braxton and I delivered cakes, leaving some on doorsteps. We knocked on doors and said, ‘Have a good day.’” “It is a ministry to make people happy. It is not about the food;

it is what it means to share a little sweetness.” “We love Opelika,” Kelly added. “It is our children’s hometown. We cannot imagine ourselves living any place else. This is our home.” To contact Kelly, go to Honeycomb Sweets Instagram and Facebook or call 334-5244815. “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” Proverbs 16:24 NIV Ann Cipperly can be reached at recipes@ cipperly.com

zucchini 1 cup chopped pecans, optional 2 tsp. vanilla Let zucchini drain a little before adding to the flour mixture. Add all ingredients. Pour into greased loaf pans. Bake at 325 degrees for 60 minutes. Makes two large loaves or six small loaves.

and set aside. Sauté onion in butter; blend in flour and salt. Gradually add sour cream and corn. Fold in half the bacon. Spoon into 2 qt. casserole dish. Top with remaining bacon and seasonings. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 45 minutes. Note: You can use any corn you prefer. Fresh corn is amazing.

CHOCOLATE BAR PIE 20 large marshmallows 6 chocolate bars (8 oz. Hershey bars) 2/3 cup milk 1 cup whipped topping (Cool Whip) 1 graham cracker crust Melt marshmallows and chocolate together: add milk. Add mixture to whipped topping and pour into a graham cracker crust. Add more whipped topping to top of pie, if desired. Chill. You can use a variety of candy bars in this recipe. Hershey bars with almonds is my favorite.

CROCK POT MACARONI 8 oz. cooked pasta, drained 1 can evaporated milk ½ cup milk 1 tsp. salt 2 cups sharp cheese, shredded 1 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed 2 eggs, beaten 1 stick butter Salt and pepper to taste Mix and put into crock pot. Bake for 3 hours. Stir occasionally.

BAKED CORN CASSEROLE 6 slices bacon 2 Tbsp. chopped onion 2 Tbsp. butter 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour ½ tsp. salt 1 cup sour cream 12 oz. can corn or fresh corn 1 Tbsp. chopped parsley or cilantro Fry bacon, crumble

BROCCOLI SALAD Mix marinade first: 1 cup Duke’s mayonnaise 1 cup sugar 2 Tbsp. vinegar Salad: 1 ½ lbs. broccoli florets 1 lb. bacon, cooked and chopped Onions, amount depends on taste Raisins, amount depends on taste I soak my raisins in water for about half an hour, then drain water. This helps the raisins not be so hard. Miss all ingredients together. Chill and serve. Amazing side dish!

Kroger to donate more than 55,000 pounds of beef Special to the Opelika Observer With the Fourth of July holiday around the corner, Kroger’s Atlanta Division will be delivering nearly five truckloads of beef on June 23, to community food banks and hunger relief initiatives in East Alabama and Georgia. “This equates to more than 55,000 pounds of beef to help our neighbors in need,” said Felix Turner,

manager of corporate affairs for Kroger’s Atlanta Division, which includes Eastern Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina. “The donation is part of Zero Hunger | Zero Waste, Kroger’s bold social impact plan aimed at creating communities free of hunger and waste.” The Atlanta Community Food Bank, Middle Georgia Community Food Bank, Food Bank of East

Alabama and HOSEA Helps are among the organizations that will receive product donations. When many meat processing facilities had to reduce operations due to the pandemic, Kroger’s Atlanta Division pulled from other packaging plants. “With processing facilities returning to normal production levels, we found we had an over-abundance of meat product, basically

more than we could sell in a reasonable time frame,” Turner said. “As Zero Hunger | Zero Waste is one of our most important goals, this gave us a great opportunity to take a challenging situation and turn it into a positive for many families who are dealing with food insecurity.” Since the launch of Kroger’s Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Initiative in 2017, the Atlanta Division has achieved impressive milestones,

including: • 40 million meals donated • 10.3 million pounds of food rescued • More than 160 tons of waste diverted from landfills and • $24 million donated back to local communities About Kroger At The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), we are Fresh for Everyone and dedicated to our purpose: To Feed the Human Spirit®. Kroger has 28,000

associates who serve customers daily by delivering a seamless shopping experience throughout Kroger’s Atlanta Division, which includes Georgia, Eastern Alabama and South Carolina. They are committed to creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities by 2025. To learn more about Kroger, visit www. thekrogerco.com/newsroom/ and investor relations at ir.kroger. com/.

A13 June 24, 2020

Everything’s Art holding festival in Dadeville Aug. 15 By Will Fairless Opelika Observer Everythingʼs Art, an organization that was formed with a mission of reviving art programs in schools in Tallapoosa, is holding an art festival in Pennington Park in Dadeville on Aug. 15. “Weʼve gone in once a week to the High school and grade school and taught classes,” said Rick Hidding, a board

member at Everythingʼs Art, “that went on all last year until COVID hit, and weʼd already worked out a deal to double the size for next year.” Everythingʼs Art in the Park will feature booths run by local artists in a variety of media, including pottery, wood-turning, watercolor painting, jewelry and even an artist whose carving medium of choice is the inside of golf balls.

One booth is designed specifically for kids, as theyʼll be able to decorate cookies with icing, sprinkles and everything else necessary to transform a snack into art. There are currently 25 artists who have reserved their spots for the festival, but Everythingʼs Art is still looking for more. There will also be food and music, the latter of which will begin at 6 p.m. (the art portion of the festival

will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Drive-by Tacos and Bruxie food trucks will both be at the festival, and there will also be hot dogs, polish sausages and burgers available. Kurt and Leigh Pfitzner own Pennington Park and opened it with the goal of establishing a place to have public art. As a result, they have a stage for performances such as the live music

featured during Everythingʼs Art in the Park. All the money that Everythingʼs Art raises during the event will help fund art supplies for kids in, and fund art classes they teach in, Tallapoosa grade schools and high schools. The artistsʼ tents will have 14 feet of open space between them due to coronavirus concerns.

“We decided to move forward [with Everythingʼs Art in the Park] if the artists were willing, and they all were,” Hidding said. For more information about the festival, visit Everythingʼs ART on Facebook or call Rick Hidding at 256-3072224. Anyone who wants to have a booth at the festival to display his or her art can find out more information about that through the same channels.

the day so go by, check out the inventory and be sure to bring a pickup truck to carry home those great selections. Home delivery services can also be arranged for

a small delivery charge if needed. Expressions Design Gallery is located at 1801 Market Street in Opelika. It is across the street from Opelika

High School and next to Southern Union Junior College. For more information visit their website: www.expressionsdesigngallery.com.

Photos submitted to the Opelika Observer

GALLERY>> FROM A9 more. As part of their preparations and making room for Opelika Nutrition, the gallery will be clearing out inventory by hosting

GEORGE’S >> FROM A9 A local musician, Johnny Turner, will be performing from about 6 to 8. Once the music has ended and the sun has set, the fireworks will start. Bradley Robertson, one of the owners of Georgeʼs, said it is a priority that the event be family-friendly. “We just want families to come relax and enjoy the people

a sales event June 26 and 27. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Prices are being marked down on virtually everything. Furniture and other items from their 5000 square foot

they love,” Robertson said. The entry fees are $10 for a single adult, $15 for a couple and $20 for a family ticket, which includes two adults and any children under 18. “We have this beautiful farm space, and we just want to share it with the community,” Robertson said. For more information about Georgeʼs and the Fourth of July event, visit “Georgeʼs Farmers Market” on Facebook.

warehouse will be in the parking lot under tents during the sales event. Customers will have extensive inventory to select from at discounted prices. They will be serving refreshments throughout

A14 June 24, 2020

COMICS

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

Inside • opelika schools • lee county schools • community sports

• JULY 14 - Lee County School Board meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Meetings are held at 2410 Society Hill Road in Opelika.

OHS’ Ananda Hughley inks scholarship with Lawson State

On the Mark By D. Mark Mitchell

OHS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE MAY HAVE CHANGE

he Opelika High Football team is scheduled to open the 2020 Season against Callaway High in Troup County, Georgia, Aug. 21. The Georgia High School Athletic Association is discussing a plan that could cancel the game against Callaway. GHSAA is considering mandating that no Georgia member school would be allowed to play a team from another state. This includes not allowing teams to travel out of Georgia to football games in another state. If this rule goes into effect, OHS will not be able to play Callaway during week one. Central High also opens its season against a team from Georgia, which would (if the mandate is effected) leave an open date for Aug. 21. Central’s new football coach, Patrick Nix, has asked OHS coach Erik Speakman if the two teams could open the season on Aug. 21 in Phenix City. If the change becomes official, the game will be played in Phenix City’s Garrett-Harrelson Stadium on Wayne Trawick Field. The game would be played at 7 p.m. central time. Opelika and Central would split gate revenues after deducting game expenses. Nothing is official, but the change could become a reality. We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.

AREA COACHING CHANGES Six high school football teams have new head coaches heading into the 2020 season: • Buster Daniel retired from Alabama public schools and took over as head football coach at Lee Scott Academy. • Reco Newton was elevated from defensive coordinator to head football coach at Loachapoka High. • LC Cole left Loachapoka High to become head coach at Park Crossing. • Valley named Adam Hunter as head football coach; he has served as the athletic director and assistant football coach. Hunter will remain the VHS athletic director. • Lafayette hired Juan Williams to replace James Lucas, who resigned at the end of the 2019 season. • Central hired Patrick Nix after Jamey Dubose retired and accepted the head job at Lowndes High in Valdosta, Georgia. Nix left Pinson Valley to join the Red Devils. • Roger McDonald was hired to take over at Dadeville after a long search following the retirement of longtime head coach Richard White at the end of the 2019 season. OPELIKA FOOTBALL LIVE ON YOUTUBE AND WKKR 97.7 KICKER FM It appears fans will be See SPORTS, page B3

Photo special to the Opelika Observer Ananda Hughley signed a basketball scholarship with Lawson State at her home on May 31 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Firing Pin Shooting Sports to host ‘Summer Kids Camp’ Special to the Opelika Observer

For four days, students ages 8 to 12 will be given gun safety, basic firearms knowledge and marksmanship training. There are two sessions available. Visit the website www.f iringpinshootingspor ts.com /

courses.html for more infor mation and to register for the sessions - Session 1 $175.00 July 20 to 23 8 a.m. to noon - Session 2 $175.00 July 27 to 30 8 a.m. to noon The Firing Pin is located in Opelika at 2195 1st Ave.

B2 A2 24,2020 2020 June 17,

Prewett Pest Control opening in July SUSCC students Richard Oduro By Natalie Anderson For the Opelika Observer

honored as All-American team members

Prewett Pest Control will be opening in July to serve the AuburnOpelika community. The company is proud to offer modern day pest control and use technology to deliver convenience and Special to the overall help with Opelika customerObserver experience. “We started in 2011 Two Southern Union students were chosen as members of the 2020 All-Alabama Academic Team. Jacob Hayes and Kallie Hester were among the students from Alabama’s community colleges who were recognized for their exceptional academic to achievement, Special the distinguished leadership Opelika Observer and community service. All-Alabama Academic stuThe City Team of Smiths dents areHistoric nominated Station’s Jones by their respective Store Museum and colleges.Libraries Any student Lending are selected must possess open to the public for a minimum GPA ofthe 3.25, the rst time since be involvedpandemic in campus COVID-19 activities and have began in mid-March. The museum, which houses a wide array of artifacts and items unique to Smiths Station’s rich heritage, is now open for guided tours from 9 a.m. Special the time on to 4 p.m.toEastern Opelika Observer Tuesdays and Thursdays. When guests arrive, they Reach Out and ReadAlabama pediatric practices and clinics will celebrate 14 years of stories this >> summer FROM A1 with its 11th annual summer campaign says,promotes “hello families world, that here’s the new me.” reading together. Since Well, that 2006, ourifpediatric sou nds familiar healthcare providers or appealing, ake have prescribed tover a t rmillion ip to the new 1.7 brand-new Neighborhood books to the state’s Market at youngest and503 most Mar tin Luther K ing underserved children. Blvdyear, in Opeli This copieska. of the T hePete “one book thestop Cat and shop” opened His Magic Sunglasses Monday andand James by Kimberly combines best Dean will bethe prescribed elements a by pediatricofhealthcare convenience store providers statewide. with good food, Reach Out and g reat deals and a Read-Alabama kicked family at mosphere. off the 11th annual Moreover, the campaign live on its at t ached barber shop adds to the at mosphere that separates this store f rom just any ole’ gas st ation. T here’s even an arcade game to keep the

with our Allstate insurance business agencies and have three locations in the Auburn area,” owner Rusty Prewett said. “We just started the pest control business in June and have been training and getting ready to open.” “We have permits and licenses and are completedona team minimum working of 12 semester hours at training,” Prewett the institution. added. High-achieving students are nominated for the award by campus administrators. An independent panel of judges considers academic achievement, leadership and engagement in college and community service in the selection process. With campuses in Wadley, Opelika and Valley, Southern Union is the second oldest community college in the state and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associates degrees.

receives scholarship

The business will offer general pest control services and later on will include mosquito and termite services. For more information, visit their website at prewettpestcontrol.com or call 334-246-9882. Individuals may also  nd more information on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ prewettpestcontrol.

City of Smiths Station reopens Historic Jones Store Museum, Lending Libraries library room, and masks are asked to call 334will be required during 297-8771 to set up tours, their visit. which will be conducted “The museum and by a city ofcial. Lending Library are Groups will be limited to 10 or fewer guests, and important ways for us Photo submitted to the Opelika to connect with ourObserver our the wearing of masks Southern Union State Community College student Richard Oduro recently received a citizens and people from will be required during National Service Scholarship from Sigma Kappa Delta, the twoyear college English surrounding communities. their tours of the facility. honor society. Shown presenting Oduro his Saturday award on behalf of Sigma Kappa Deltaare is We hope that people tours will return his advisor, Jeremy Bearden. patient with us during later in the summer. this slow process of Hours of operation reopening,” said for the lending libraries Mayor F.L. “Bubba” will be 9 a.m. to 4:30 Copeland. p.m. Eastern time For more information Monday through Friday. and updates, follow To comply with social time together with day. In addition, inforreferrals Child Find the City’s and Facebook distancing guidelines, books can offer a safe mation about services (1-800-543-3098) there will be a limit of one page or visit www. will harbor, even if only for and adultsupport and twothrough children per smithsstational.gov. See STORYTELLING, page B3 a few moments each Early Intervention

Reach Out and Read–Alabama celebrating 14 years of storytelling MARKET

k ids busy while customers get their hair cut. page with Facebook To celebrate a virtual event ontheir g rand the June 19.opening, Special guest Market is r u n ning speakers included a promotion Betsy Prince off rom the now u ntil the Alabama Department end of July: buy of Rehabilitation one 99 cent cigar Services; Elizabeth and get one ree. Dawson, MD, fFAAP, Additionally, of Charles Henderson to familiar Child Healthize Center customers and the Troywith Resiliency the Market, ner Project; Anna ow Dailey Must afa Babul of Dothan Pediatric says heand encou rages Clinic; Clayne anyone toofcome Crawford the Clayne in, have Foundation, a chat and Crawford enjoy a f ree cup who read Pete the of coffee house. Cat and on Histhe Magic In need of cash? Sunglasses. T here’s anupATM. Teaming with the Having car t rouble Alabama Department or in need of a few g rocer ies before din ner? T he Neighborhood Market can help with all of that. “We have pret t y

pelika Observer

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

much ever y thing,” said Babul. cou rse, they of Of Rehabilitation have all the the lead saltageny Services, andforsweet snackEarly cy Alabama’s nor mally fou nd Intervention System, in a gas ation Reach Outstand Readtoo. A ndpractices with Alabama foodclinics options li ke and are hosting pizza,throughout sandwiches events the and wings, the parsummer that give Neighborhood ents practical informaMarket what’s tion abouthas building moneeded satisf yto ments andtoroutines any their craving. help families manVisit w wthese w. anxage during neighborhoodmarketious times. Using the conveniencestore. book as a basis to exbusiness.site/ forand plore new feelings updates and more emotions as well as the infor mation. world in which we live, T heevent Neighborhood each provides Market’s rs: to one simple hou reminder • Monday to families that spending T hu rsday: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. • Fr iday to Sat u rday: 7 a.m. – 11 p.m. • Su nday: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Publisher: Michelle Key Associate Editor: Will Fairless Marketing: Woody Ross Photojournalist: Robert Noles Sports Writers: Rick Lanier and D. Mark Mitchell

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B3 June 24, 2020

Learning from National Senses Day

oday is celebrated as National Senses Day. As we emphasize the senses of smell, touch, taste, sight and hearing, the season of summer gives us time and a nature classroom for our children to explore, meet their curiosity drive, experiment and learn. When teachers are teaching young students about their senses with different science units, children truly enjoy doing hands on lessons with their different senses. We as parents and teachers have to be cognizant of individual children and their sensory needs. For example, children with autism may have sensory issues

of seeking or avoiding. As a teacher, when I have taught students with autism in the classroom, I am aware that certain loud sounds, tones of voice, lights, big groups, crowds or even smells may upset them. In “teaching children environments,” whether it be sports, church activities or civic activities, or activities with family and friends, we have to take into account the personalities and learning needs of different children. Also, we see that sensory awareness and needs extend from young children to the elderly. It is a basic need for the young and old. So many intergenerational activities and projects

can be shared when it comes to the senses. I’d like to share a few general suggestions of sensory stimulation to keep your child’s learning happy and alive during these summer days. Senses’ discoveries allow a lot of questions and discussions. The rising sun in the early summer mornings gives us opportunities to see brightness as well as the warmth of the sun on our bodies. This presents questions on why does the sun give off heat? When does the sun give off heat? When does the sun give off the most heat? How can we cool off? Answering these questions encourages children to observe, feel and use critical thinking skills to expand learning. Also, you can bring up that we have to rub on suntan lotion in the summer to protect us from the rays of the sun. Many children love to smell the lotion. In working with elderly patients one on one as an activity assistant in skilled care, I learned that, for them, scent of suntan lotion is reminiscent of happy memories of relaxing days by a pool or seaside, or it might bring up warm, happy memories of family picnics. Noses like to explore

the sweet smells of summer outside. Honeysuckle and magnolia blooms smell so good. One game that teachers love to play with their young students is to place different nature items and foods in bags for children to smell and guess what the items are. This is an activity that can be facilitated between the young and old as an intergenerational, shared, fun time. Suggestions on foods are chunks of watermelon, bananas, orange slices, lemons, apple slices, etc. Another item, along with fresh flowers, is fresh cut grass. Have the children close their eyes and smell the contents in the bag. Give the children time to express what they are smelling. Encourage them to express themselves by using words like sweet, luscious, sour, etc. After playing the guessing game they can enjoy eating and tasting the snacks. One social activity I love to do with intergenerational outreach is for young and old to enjoy a delicious glass of homemade lemonade. This brings back so many memories of lemonade stands and a delicious, cold, citrus, tangy delight poured over ice cubes. The

Auburn takes part in Soccer United Against Hunger Food Drive Submitted to the Opelika Observer

The Auburn soccer program has teamed up with United Soccer Coaches and its Soccer United Against Hunger Food Drive to help support local and national food banks during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Tigers are partnering with the Food Bank of East Alabama for the remainder of the month. Those interested in participating can do so in two ways.

STORYTELLING >> FROM B2 be available for parents and caregivers at each event. “We are excited about our partnership with Reach Out and Read-Alabama and the summer reading campaign,” said Betsy Prince, coordinator of Alabama’s Early Intervention System/ Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services. “This provides a great opportunity to get the word out about early literacy and about the importance of Early Intervention in supporting infants and toddlers with developmental disabilities and their families.” According to the Urban Child Institute, children’s experiences in their earliest years affect how their brains work, the way they respond to stress and

Monetary donations can be made through the Food Bank of East Alabama’s website, which can be found here, by following these steps. 1. Go to the ‘Donate’ tab on the homepage. 2. Click ‘Donate Now’ under the ‘Donate Online’ option. 3. Select either ‘Supporting Contribution’ or ‘Community Market’ when choosing a donation option. 4. Check the ‘Honor Gift’ box and put it in the name of Auburn

their ability to form trusting relationships. During these years, the brain undergoes its most dramatic growth, setting the stage for social and emotional development. Language blossoms, basic motor abilities form, thinking becomes more complex and children begin to understand their own feelings and those of others. “I have found the Reach Out and Read program to be a critical component of our primary care clinic. It is incredibly powerful to not only be able to talk about but demonstrate the power of books and reading for our children and families every day as we are able to observe how children interact with books as well,” said Elizabeth Dawson, MD, FAAP, medical coordinator of Charles Henderson Child

Soccer. 5. Fill in ‘Auburn Soccer’ in the first name line where it says ‘Please notify the following of the Honor/Memorial Gift’. You may then skip to transaction information. Donations can also be made in person by visiting the food bank at 355 Industry Drive, Auburn, AL 36832. Please contact Karla DeBrunner at 334-821-9006 with any questions regarding donations.

Health Center and founder of the Troy Resilience Project. “I look forward to sharing this book in our clinic for the upcoming summer reading program. It promotes positive thinking, which is so important in these uncertain times. I love that it gives parents and kids the chance to feel a little brighter while promoting literacy and relationships and building a healthy foundation for every child and caregiver to become more resilient.” The evidence-based Reach Out and Read program builds on the unique relationship between parents and medical providers to develop critical early reading skills in children, beginning in infancy. With more than 15 peer-reviewed studies and a recommendation by the AAP,

Reach Out and Read is an effective intervention that incorporates early literacy into pediatric practice, equipping parents with tools and knowledge to ensure that their children are prepared to learn when they start school. During regular, one-on-one visits with the doctor, families grow to understand the powerful and important role they play in supporting their children’s development. Parents gain the confidence and skills that enable them to support the development of their child, early language and literacy at home. Currently, 52 of Alabama’s pediatric practices and clinics serve as Reach Out and Read-Alabama program sites in 30 counties, impacting 40 % of the state’s children under the age of 5.

young and old alike truly enjoy a refreshing beverage on a hot summer day. Cold popsicles can also be enjoyed by young and old on a hot summer day. Young children love to listen to older people on how summers used to be, and we baby boomers and seniors love to talk and be listened to as we share with children. The summer is a good time to take a sound field trip. When taking children out to play I explain to them that we will take a quiet walk and listen to different sounds as we walk to the playground. Children are very attentive to birds chirping, bees buzzing, wind blowing, the sound of traffic or sirens, construction going on, etc. We sit down before we play to share the sounds that we have heard. I am always surprised at what children have heard. Parents, this can be done too on an evening sound field trip with frogs croaking, katydids, crickets rubbing their wings together to make chirping sounds and insects such as mosquitos buzzing. One extra lesson that you can teach your children about is that some individuals, some children, are deaf. Share with children easy

SPORTS >> FROM B1 able to listen to and watch Opelika High Football Live this fall. All home games will be broadcast live on YouTube and on WKKR 97.7 Kicker FM. This will be the first year OHS airs all home football games (and road games, as permitted by the home school) on YouTube Live. All games will continue to air live on 97.7 Kicker FM, online at kickerfm.com and on the IHeartRadio app. Opelika has aired games online on the NFHS network for the past several years. Viewers paid a single game fee or monthly subscription. The cost to watch Opelika football games on YouTube has not been released. Viewers will be able to watch games while listening to the 97.7 Kicker FM broadcasts. The AHSAA bylaws allow the home school to

sign language in songs and other communications. Also, explain to children that sometimes we have to speak a little more loudly and clearly with our older family members and friends if they are hard of hearing. Summer offers so many beautiful sights to observe. Children love to play “I Spy” with different colored nature items. Assign colors to your children then send them out to find nature items of the color they have been assigned. Examples are yellow flowers, red berries, green grass and brown or black sticks. During your nature “I Spy” game you can include the sense of touch as your child feels the different textures of nature items and describes what they feel. Explain to your children that some people cannot see. To experience this and to understand blindness, blindfold your children and guide them as they move about. Blindfolding and playing “Pin the Tail on the Donkey” is a way children can experience blindness and be guided by friends. I hope this Celebration of Senses Day prompts you to embark on some summer fun. Beth Pinyerd, Classroom Observer determine if the visiting team can air a game live through channels other than the NFHS network. Opelika is making these arrangements due to COVID-19. At this time, it is unknown how many folks will be allowed to attend games and how many will be willing to watch in the stands. Opelika football has aired on live radio for more than 60 years. Jack Smollon, owner of WJHO 1400 AM, was the original radio host for the Bulldogs. The Opelika Board of Education allowed Fuller Broadcasting, WKKR 97.7, to air games in the late 80s. After a couple of years, WKKR became the sole home for Opelika Football on the radio. Stay tuned for more details. D. Mark Mitchell is sports director for iHeart Media, Alabama Dixie Boys State Director and vice president of the A-O Sports Council.

B4 June 24, 2020

Four Auburn baseball players start professional careers Special to the Opelika Observer From the AU Athletics Department

Four Auburn University baseball players, Tanner Burns, Bailey Horn, Ryan Watson and Matt Scheffler have officially begun their professional baseball careers. Pitchers Tanner Burns and Bailey Horn were drafted in the first and fifth rounds, respectively, while right-hander Ryan Watson and catcher Matt Scheffler signed free agent deals of their own. About Tanner Burns Auburn junior righthander Tanner Burns was selected by the Cleveland Indians with the 36th overall pick in the competitive balance round A of the first round of the 2020 Major League Baseball Draft on Wednesday, June 10. Burns becomes the ninth Auburn player selected in the first round in program history and the third in five years under head coach Butch Thompson. He joins Gregg Olson (1988), Frank Thomas (1989), Bryan Hebson (1997), Chris Bootcheck (2000), Gabe Gross (2001), Josh Donaldson (2007), Anfernee Grier (2016) and Casey Mize (2018) on the list of Tigers to go in the first round. “Hearing my name called in the first round is a dream come true, but I want to be a big leaguer, not just a professional baseball player, so there’s still work to do,” Burns said. “I can’t thank my family enough for their unwavering support. They’ve been with me every step of the way. I also want to thank Coach Thompson and the Auburn baseball program for investing in me not only as a baseball player, but also as a person. Lastly, I want to thank the Cleveland Indians organization for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to take that next step toward achieving my dream. I can’t wait to get to work.” Burns’ selection marks the 46th consecutive season dating back to 1975 that Auburn has had at least one player selected in the MLB Draft – tied for the longest streak in the Southeastern Conference. “Tanner came here with a great track record, a survival fastball and a competitive spirit and that made him a Freshman AllAmerican,” Thompson said. “What I’m most proud of is the fact that he’s taken those things and has really developed. He’s an unbelievable teammate, all of his pitches are

Ryan Watson

Bailey Horn

Matt Scheffler starting to develop, and I think he leaves Auburn with still a lot of room to grow and a high ceiling, which I think makes him even more valuable. “He checks so many boxes as a person, teammate and competitor and has tremendous skill. You can kind of see that’s what is required of a first rounder is to check a lot of boxes, and Tanner Burns believes in himself and has a strong goal of being not only a major leaguer but a long-time major leaguer. I think he has what it takes.” In two-plus seasons on The Plains, the Decatur, Alabama native posted a 14-9 record with a 2.86 ERA in 37 appearances and 36 starts. After going 3-1 with a 2.42 ERA and 32 strikeouts in 22.1 innings in 2020, Burns was named Second Team AllAmerica by Collegiate Baseball, becoming just the third two-time All-American in program history – joining Olson and Mize. He is also the only player in program history to be named either Freshman All-America or All-America in three straight seasons. Burns made an impact in an Auburn uniform since he set foot on campus prior to the 2018 season as he started every weekend of his freshman campaign and ranked second on the team with a 3.01 ERA en route to being named a Freshman All-American and SEC All-Freshman Team performer. He

Tanner Burns followed it up as a sophomore by becoming the second Auburn player since 2000 with 100 or more strikeouts en route to being named Third Team All-America by Perfect Game. About Bailey Horn Auburn redshirt junior left-hander Bailey Horn was selected by the Chicago White Sox with the 11th pick of the fifth round (142nd overall) in the 2020 MLB Draft on Thursday, June 11. Coming on the heels of Burns being drafted in the first round the night before, it marks the fourth time Auburn has had two pitchers drafted in the top five rounds, and the first time since 1997. “It was a surreal feeling to get that call. I just can’t explain it,” Horn said of being drafted. “I’ve had a lot of help to get where I am today, and I can’t thank the people in my corner enough. Coach Thompson took a chance on me out of junior college, and I can’t thank him enough for that. I’m excited for this next step in my career.” Horn made his way to Auburn from McLennan Community College prior to the 2019 season and played a pivotal role in Auburn’s postseason run that culminated in Omaha, Nebraska, for the first time since 1997. The Waco, Texas, native gutted out a rain delay and pitched 6.0 scoreless innings in the regional final vs. Georgia Tech en route to

being named to the Atlanta Regional AllTournament Team. “He’s missed some time at the collegiate level, but I think what he did in the postseason last year and how he started this year, even in the fall, from a professional baseball standpoint, they’ve seen him,” Thompson said. “He kind of came out of nowhere. The sky’s the limit. His best days are definitely ahead of him. There’s just not a lot of guys walking Earth that are left-handed with the power he has and are that type of athlete.” Prior to the abrupt ending of the 2020 season, Horn was 3-1 with a 2.08 ERA and struck out 27 batters in 17.1 innings. He turned in 11.0 scoreless innings with 18 strikeouts and two walks in his final two appearances of the season and struck out a career high 11 batters in his final appearance vs. Chicago State. About Ryan Watson Auburn right-hander Ryan Watson signed a free agent contract with the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday, June 14. “Playing for this University has been a dream come true,” Watson said. “I dreamed of playing for Auburn as a little kid and will cherish every moment of the last four years. Thank you to all the coaches, family, friends and teammates who have helped me get to this point in my baseball career. I’m excited to join the Baltimore Orioles organization and start

Photos submitted by AU Athletics

this next chapter in my life.” A local product from Auburn High School, Watson made 58 appearances, including five starts, in his fouryear career on The Plains. He posted a 2-2 record and 4.67 ERA while striking out 79 batters and issuing 35 walks in 90.2 innings pitched. “The entire Auburn Family joins in celebrating the career of Ryan Watson and his opportunity with the Baltimore Orioles,” Thompson said. “We thank Ryan for staying home to accomplish his goals of playing for Auburn and pursuing his degree before taking this next step into professional baseball.” Watson saved his best for last, playing a key role in Auburn’s 2019 postseason run that culminated at the College World Series for the first time since 1997. He picked up where he left off as he allowed just one run in five appearances and 7.1 innings of work in 2020. About Matt Scheffler Senior catcher Matt Scheffler agreed to a free agent deal with the Seattle Mariners last Tuesday, June 16. “It’s hard to put into words how amazing Auburn has been,” Scheffler said. “From a junior college kid coming out of Washington, the campus and community welcomed me with open arms. My coaches and teammates made me a better baseball player and a better man and have prepared me as much as possible

to take on the next level. I know I have all the support from the Auburn Family, and I cherished my time on The Plains. I can’t wait for this next opportunity.” In parts of two seasons on The Plains, Scheffler made 77 appearances and started in 75 contests, 74 of which came behind the plate. A transfer from Pierce College prior to the 2019 season, Scheffler was instrumental in the Tigers’ run that culminated in Omaha, Nebraska, for the first time since 1997. The senior backstop was a .289 career hitter and tied for the team lead with a .412 average through 18 games in 2020. ”He’s made everybody on our team better, our coaching staff better,” Thompson said. “Yeah, he can run for a catcher, way above average, and he has a great arm and can block, but his leadership to serve everybody on our pitching staff and on our team has been exceptional. People see the tools, but what puts him over the top is that the intangibles are off the charts and create a chance for him to have a long professional career.” The Kirkland, Washington, native turned in a .989 fielding percentage behind the plate and threw out 14 would-be base stealers while picking off four others in his career. He handled a pitching staff that turned in 777 strikeouts and 12 shutouts during the last two seasons.

B5 June 24, 2020

'Wake for Warriors' makes waves at Lake Harding

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

B6 June 24, 2020

PUBLIC NOTICES INVITATION TO BID 20030 Sealed bids for the construction of the 2020 Removal of Dead, Dying, or Dangerous Trees sshall be received at the Opelika City Hall Chambers, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 10:00 a.m., local time on Tuesday, July 14, 2020, and then publicly opened and read aloud. All interested parties are invited to attend. Only bids from competent general contractors will be considered. At the time of contract award, the successful bidder must be a properly licensed general contractor. The attention of all bidders is called to the provisions of State law governing “General Contractors” as set forth in the Ala. Code §34-8-1, et.seq. (1975) and rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. Bidders must be licensed by the Licensing Board for General Contractors when bids are submitted. Bidders are required to have a State of Alabama General Contractor’s License with a specialty of “Highways and Streets, Clearing and Grubbing, Earthwork, Erosion, Site Work, Grading or Municipal and Utility”. All bidders must submit with their proposal, contractor’s license number and a copy of the license. State law Ala. Code §348-8(b) requires all bids to be rejected which do not contain the contractor’s current license number. Evidence of this license shall be documented on the outside of the sealed bid. All bidders shall possess all other licenses and/or permits required by applicable law, rule or regulation for the performance of the work. Drawings and Specifications may be examined at the Office of the City Engineer located at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama, and phone number: 334705-5450. Bid documents may be obtained from the Office of the City Engineer at no charge as an electronic file if the bidder supplies a storage drive or as an email attachment or electronic drop box. The bidder’s proposal must be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished to him/her by the City of Opelika. All information in the proposal must be completed by the bidder for the proposal to be accepted. A Bid Bond in the amount of five (5) percent of the bid amount made payable to the City of Opelika must accompany each bid. Performance and Payment Bonds for the full contract sum will be required of the successful bidder. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities. Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, Purchasing-Revenue Manager, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama, 36803-0390. Attn: 2020 Removal of Dead, Dying, or Dangerous Trees LILLIE FINLEY- PURCHASING REVENUE MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (36801)

POST OFFICE BOX 390 (36803-0390) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 705-5120 Legal Run 06/24/2020 & 07/01/2020 --------------INVITATION TO BID 20032 Sealed bids for the construction of the Industrial Boulevard Improvements shall be received at the Opelika City Council Chambers, 204 South 7th Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 10:00 a.m., local time on Tuesday July 14, 2020, and then publicly opened and read aloud. All interested parties are invited to attend. Only bids from competent general contractors will be considered. At the time of contract award, the successful bidder must be a properly licensed general contractor. The attention of all bidders is called to the provisions of State law governing “General Contractors” as set forth in the Ala. Code §34-8-1, et.seq. (1975) and rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. Bidders must be licensed by the Licensing Board for General Contractors when bids are submitted. Bidders are required to have a State of Alabama General Contractor’s License with a specialty of “Highways and Streets, Clearing and Grubbing, Earthwork, Erosion, Site Work, Grading or Municipal and Utility”. All bidders must submit with their proposal, contractor’s license number and a copy of the license. State law Ala. Code §34-88(b) requires all bids to be rejected which do not contain the contractor’s current license number. Evidence of this license shall be documented on the outside of the sealed bid. All bidders shall possess all other licenses and/ or permits required by applicable law, rule or regulation for the performance of the work. The approximate quantities of said Project are as follows: approximately 60 l.f. (6”) sanitary sewer force main relocation, 600 l.f. (1 1/2” – 16”) water main relocations, 2,800 l.f. storm drain (15” – 48”), 8,500 l.f. curb and gutter and curb, 10,500 s.y. concrete pavement/ drives, 4,500 s.y. asphalt pavement, clearing and grubbing, roadway shoulder grading, existing pavement demolition. Drawings and Specifications may be examined at the Office of the City Engineer located at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama, and phone number: 334-705-5450. Bid documents may be obtained from TTL, Inc., designated as the office of the awarding authority for this purpose, located at 2890 Rice Mine Road NE. Tuscaloosa, AL 35406. The contact person for the project is Frank Summers, PE. They can be reached at 205-561-3778; fsummers@ttlusa.com. Electronic files (PDF, CAD) will be released upon signature of an electronic release form obtained from TTL, Inc. There will be no charge for electronic files. Hard copy Plans, specifications and Contract Documents may be obtained at the above location upon the deposit of $250.00, which

amount does not exceed twice the cost of printing, reproduction, handling and distribution of each set of such documents. Deposits by prime Contractor bidders are refundable in full upon return of all documents in reusable condition within ten (10) days of bid opening. Additional sets of bid documents for prime Contractor bidders, subcontractors, vendors or dealers may be obtained upon payment of the same deposit. Such deposits will be refunded, less the cost of printing, reproduction, handling and distribution, if all the documents are returned in reusable condition within ten (10) days of bid opening. The bidder’s proposal must be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished to him/her by the City of Opelika. All information in the proposal must be completed by the bidder for the proposal to be accepted. A Bid Bond in the amount of five (5) percent of the bid amount made payable to the City of Opelika must accompany each bid. Performance and Payment Bonds for the full contract sum will be required of the successful bidder. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities. Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, PurchasingRevenue Manager, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama, 36803-0390. Attn: Industrial Boulevard Improvements Pre-Bid Conference: A Pre-Bid Conference is required for this Project. The mandatory pre-bid conference will be held by the City of Opelika, Alabama, a Municipal Corporation, in the City Hall Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, at 10:00 a.m., local time on Tuesday, July 7, 2020. Any Alabama Licensed Contractor wishing to bid on this project as the prime contractor must have a company representative attend this meeting, signing the attendance sign-in-sheet with contact information. Each company will be limited to one (1) representative due to recent health restrictions and proper spacing shall be required during the meeting. The attendance record will be issued as part of Addendum No. 1 with the meeting minutes. Failure to attend this meeting will disqualify any Contractor submitting a bid as the prime Contractor. LILLIE FINLEYPURCHASING REVENUE MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (36801) POST OFFICE BOX 390 (36803-0390) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 705-5120 Legal Run 06/24/2020 & 07/01/2020 --------------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 T.K. Davis Justice Center Courtroom Finish-Out, located at 2311 Gateway Drive Opelika, AL 36801 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. Whatley Construction LLC Post Office Box 137 Opelika, Alabama 368030137 Legal Run 06/24/20, 07/01/20, 07/08/20 & 07/15/20 --------------Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 1242 North Dean Road Auburn, AL 36830 Thursday, July 9, 2020 at 10:00AM Paul Daniel: 379 982 Opelika Road Auburn, AL 36830 office materials The auction will be listed and advertised on www. storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property. Legal Run 06/17/20 & 06/24/20 --------------IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA JUVENILE - JU-2019-180.02 A.S.L.W. - BORN 11/14/2017 NOTICE TO: Any unknown father of A.S.L.W. born on 11/14/2017 to Haley Sabrina Taylor at University of Alabama Hospital in Birmingham, AL. Custody of the minor child was vested with the Lee County DHR on 5/13/19. Any unknown father must answer the Petition of Termination of Parental Rights filed in the Family Court of Lee County, AL by Lee County DHR,within fourteen (14) days from the last date of Publication of this notice with the Circuit Clerk located at 2311 Gateway Drive, Opelika, AL 36801 and with Hon. Margaret Mayfield, P.O. Box 809, Opelika, AL 36803 - (334)-745-0333 or thereafter a final judgment may be rendered in the Family Courtroom of Lee County, AL terminating your parental rights and placing said child for adoption. Mary Roberson, CIRCUIT CLERK Legal Run 06/17/20, 06/24/20, 07/01/20 & 07/08/20 --------------IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF PATRICIA T. BROWN, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No: 2020-164 Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 27th day of May, 2020, by the

Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. CLAUD H. BROWN, III Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 06/10/20, 06/17/20 & 06/24/20 --------------IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BENNIE G. ADKINS, DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No: 2020-179 Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 22nd day of May, 2020, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. MARY ANN BLAKE Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 06/10/20, 06/17/20 & 06/24/20 --------------IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DELORIS KINDRED, DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No: 2020-096 Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 22nd day of May, 2020, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. MARILYN KINDRED Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford &Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 06/10/20, 06/17/20 & 06/24/20 --------------NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF ODESSA HARPER TAYLOR COURT OF PROBATE Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 27th day of May, 2020, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Witness my hand, and dated this the 27th day of May, 2020. CHARLES EDWARD HARPER Legal Run 06/10/20, 06/17/20, 06/24/20 --------------INVITATION TO BID RFP# 20031

Sealed proposals Opelika Sportsplex IP Camera Installation, Low Voltage Rewire, and Fiber Additions shall be received at the Opelika City Hall Council Chamber, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., local time on Monday, July 20, 2020, and then publicly opened and read aloud. All interested parties are invited to attend. Only proposals from competent general contractors will be considered. At the time of contract award, the successful bidder must be a properly licensed general contractor. No proposal will be accepted from anyone except a qualified Contractor licensed by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors. No proposal will be accepted from anyone except a qualified Contractor licensed by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors. State of Alabama License Number must be written on the outside of the envelope. The City of Opelika is requesting proposals from qualified vendors to continue installation on IP based High Definition (HD) security cameras, wireless access points with all associated cabling, and for monitoring activity in City of Opelika owned buildings. Drawings and Specifications of this proposal may be obtained at the office of the Purchasing Department City Hall 204 South 7th Street Opelika, AL 36801, or they may be obtained from the City of Opelika’s web site at www.opelika-al.gov. The proposal must be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished to him/her by the City of Opelika. All information in the proposal must be completed by the submitter for the proposal to be accepted. A Bid Bond in the amount of five (5) percent of the proposal amount made payable to the City of Opelika must accompany each proposal. Performance and Payment Bonds for the full contract sum will be required of the successful bidder. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Proposals and to waive irregularities. Envelopes containing proposals must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, PurchasingRevenue Manager, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama, 36803-0390. Opelika Sportsplex IP Camera Installation, Low Voltage Rewire, and Fiber Additions. LILLIE FINLEYPURCHASING REVENUE MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (36801) POST OFFICE BOX 390 (36803-0390) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 705-5120 Legal Run 06/24/20 & 07/01/20 See PUBLIC NOTICES, page B12

Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Inside the Statehouse

How Has Coronavirus Affected Alabama Politics?

s we end the first half of 2020, there is no doubt that the coronavirus is the story of the year. The coronavirus saga of 2020 and its devastation of the nation’s and state’s economic well-being may be the story of the decade. How has the coronavirus affected Alabama politics? The answer is negligibly, if at all. The Republican Primary runoff to hold the Junior U.S. Senate seat was postponed by the virus epidemic. It is set for July 14, which is right around the corner. The race between Tommy Tuberville and Jeff Sessions should be close and interesting. The virus delay did affect this race in one regard; if the vote had been held on March 31 as planned, Coach Tuberville had the advantage and the momentum. The almost four-month delay may have stymied that train. To

STEVE FLOWERS what degree we will not know until the votes are counted in three weeks. Tuberville’s campaign has been See FLOWERS, page B12

Don’t be duped: Here are ‘Fake News’ stories and how I caught them By Greg Markley For the Opelika Observer

In 2019 Business Insider quoted Mark Zuckerberg as saying 2020 “…is going to be a very tough year.” That’s an understatement! As the founder of Facebook, he faces pressure to exterminate “Fake News.” With abundant false articles about the Coronavirus, the U.S. presidential election, and more, Zuckerberg hopes we do our part to weed out dishonesty and dissembling on social media. A famous line from Julius Caesar, by William Shakespeare, is when Caesar declares, “The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves.” This means we should not depend on external factors or heroes,

we must be personally responsible. I addressed this topic before, because it hurts our republic to have such intentionally untrue items poisoning our civic life. Pew Research Center found recently that 44% of American adults get most, if not all, of their news from Facebook. Yet we know many Facebook stories are inaccurate or wholly false. To illustrate, I took 6 of the top 10 most viewed “Fake News” stories of 2019 on Facebook as examples. I show they are as fake as students telling professors their dog ate the overdue 5-page paper. (Actually, sometimes dogs do munch on and destroy books; it happened to me.) First is “Joe Biden Calls Trump Supporters ‘Dregs of Society.” Try the subject’s Website

or old newspaper files or transcripts. But why waste your time? Just use your intuition to see that someone is trying a play on words, to mimic an inelegant phrase from Hillary Clinton in 2016. She called some Donald Trump supporters “A basket of deplorables.” People who dislike someone tend to believe anything that downgrades someone they hate, true or not. The phrase (‘Dregs…) is obviously created, not taken from a Biden speech. What makes it hard to believe is that Biden grew up in hardscrabble Scranton, Pennsylvania so would not likely call people there by such a phrase. But Mrs. Clinton grew up rich in suburban Chicago. Another headline is See FAKE NEWS, page B9

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Ward 1 City Council race heats up; Meniefield announces candidacy By Wil Crews Opelika Observer

Alexis Meniefield, lifelong Opelika native and community philanthropist, has announced her intention to run for Opelika City Council Ward 1. “My biggest goal is to make sure that everyone feels they have a voice,” Meniefield said. “I will not tolerate any injustice; I will speak up.” Meniefield previously worked at as residential specialist at the Lee County Youth Development Center. During her time there she founded the nonprofit Time Served, which helps individuals with felonies establish new lives. During her time with the nonprofit, Meniefield’s organization has also given back to the Opelika

MENIEFIELD community by helping single mothers, feeding the youth and visiting local nursing homes –– although health and safety concerns regarding COVID-19 have halted the visits for the time being. Additionally, Meniefield is a strong advocate of justice for Opelika baby Jane

Doe, whose skeletal remains were found in 2012. As far as her politics, Meniefield keeps it simple. “I’m building my platform on the people,” she said. “I want to be available, if people have a problem or need resources, I want See WARD 1, page B8

Opelika City Council issues proclamation for ‘Gun Violence Awareness Month’ By Natalie Anderson For the Opelika Observer

The Opelika City Council held last Tuesday’s meeting in person, and it was live-streamed via YouTube on the Opelika City Gov. channel. Mayor Gary Fuller issued a proclamation declaring June 2020 as National Gun Violence Awareness Month. “As mayor of the city of Opelika and on behalf of the city council, I hereby declare June 2020 as National Gun Violence Awareness Month,” Fuller said. “[I want to] encourage all citizens to support our community’s effort to prevent the tragic effects of gun violence and to honor and value human lives.” During the meeting, the council held public hearings for various zoning ordinances and weed abatements around the city of Opelika. Citizens of Opelika also participated in the

citizen communications portion of the meeting with business ranging from Opelika Giving Day, gun violence and other issues pressing the community and nation. In other business, the board also: • approved a request for filming of a HBO documentary   • approved a request for downtown Juneteenth march on June 19   • approved a request from the Opelika Rotary Club for Burger Wars to be held Aug. 22  • approved a request for an alcohol license by Jam Food Co. Inc., dba Full Moon BBQ   • approved a request for an alcohol license by PK 9 management LLC, dba Exxon 101   • held public hearings for the following zoning/rezoning: Towne Lake PUD See COUNCIL, page B11

B8 June 24, 2020

WARD 1 >> FROM B7 to be able to always give them the answers they need or assist in any way that I can.” If elected, Meniefield will be a friend, advocate and leader for her people. “Anyone that I meet is not a stranger,” she said. “I’m a person you could call, and I will try to help you through anything that you have going.” A frequent attendee of City Council meetings herself, Meniefield is well aware of the big issues facing Opelika: education, economic development, etc. Unfortunately, she feels that many people –– those in Ward 1 specifically –– doubt if their voices really matter. “That is why I think it’s important to always listen and be aware,” she added. “But there is a difference between listening and understanding.” Considering her own understanding of the community, Meniefield’s time at the Lee County Youth Development Center helped open her ears and sharpen her focus. One aspect that she found to be

significantly lacking is the investment in local youth. “My main focus is our kids, because they are our future,” said Meniefield. “I want to put different activities into this particular ward for our children.” She envisions programs, parks and other activities across the entire city to encourage children to stay active and out of trouble. Meniefield has creative ideas for how to implement those programs and envisions the Covington Rec Center as a hub for youth involvement. “I want to get our parents more involved. Something like ‘Mommy and Me,’ [a program] where mothers and their children could go [to the rec center] to learn and build things together.” Residing in Opelika her entire life, Meniefield has lived in Ward 1 for the past five years; ultimately, she sees a plethora of potential in the area. “There’s a lot of empty spaces in our ward that belong to the city. I want to turn those into something positive,” she said. “My ward has been deemed the worst side of town. I want to

make it where people feel safe, people feel free to come and tell us anything and we can give them the answers they are looking forward.” During COVID-19 lockdowns, to raise donations for community needs and in part to raise funds for her campaign, Meniefield started an in-house restaurant selling plates of delicious “Creolestyle downright New Orleans” tasting food. In truth, the “Nose Runna Cajun Nachos” –– loaded with chips, cheese, sausage, shrimp and jalapenos –– look like a geaux-to meal. Meniefield is running for the Ward 1 seat against 20-year-old Auburn University student Jamie Lowe. “I met [Lowe] at a city council meeting,” Meniefield said of her opponent. “Even though we will be running against each other, we’re going to help each other. May the best man or woman win.” The seat is being vacated by Patsy Jones, who served the City Council Ward 1 for more than 25 years. The Opelika Municipal election is set for Aug. 25.

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

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Rogers Announces the Third Congressional District 2020 Congressional App Challenge Special to the Opelika Observer

Congressman Mike Rogers announced today his office will host its first Third Congressional District 2020 Congressional Application (App) Challenge. The Congressional App Challenge was established by the House of Representatives in 2014 and is a competition aimed at encouraging middle and high school students to code by creating their own applications. It is intended to highlight the value of computer science and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) “Technology is so important in our daily lives and I am pleased to participate in this year’s challenge that should inspire our young folks across East Alabama to use their skills to create their own apps. I look forward to seeing what our bright students submit later this year,” Rogers said.

ROGERS The competition is open to all students who meet the eligibility requirements, regardless of coding experience. To learn more about the competition or to submit an app, visit the website at www. CongressionalAppChallenge.us.

Rogers Issues Statement on Supreme Court DACA Ruling Special to the Opelika Observer

Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), House Homeland Security Committee ranking member, released the following statement on the U.S. Supreme Court decision to uphold the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program:  “I am shocked by

today’s ruling on the DACA program. This extralegal, unconstitutional amnesty program was created by a single memo in the Obama Administration and exempted nearly 700,000 people from our immigration laws. President Obama created a mess, and President Trump has attempted to clean it up. “Unfortunately, some of the Justices on the

Supreme Court seem more interested in legitimizing this unlawful program than preserving the clear principle that Congress, not the President, makes law in America. I believe that President Trump can act quickly to deal with the additional legal hoops erected by the Supreme Court this morning and terminate this unconstitutional program.”

B9 June 24, 2020

Don Siegelman exposes the corruption of politicized judicial system in book Special to the Opelika Observer

In a searing political memoir, former Alabama Governor Don Siegelman explodes the myth of an impartial U.S. justice system. He should know. Arguably the most successful and promising politician in modern Alabama history, his three-decade career in public service ran afoul of Republican opponents who used the federal judicial system to take him out of contention in Alabama and nationally. Siegelman was sentenced to 88 months in federal prison and served five years. With long stretches in solitary confinement, he was a literal political prisoner, cut off from media interviews and outside contact. Stealing Our Democracy reveals how Siegelman’s political enemies — including politicized prosecutors and a corrupt judge — stripped him of his freedom and his career, and more importantly brought an era of progressive Democratic populism to an end. His is an intensely personal account of how our system can fail and be abused for political greed. And if it could happen to him, he writes, it can happen to any of us, particularly in an era when Donald Trump regularly uses the Department of Justice as a political weapon to defend himself and abuses his power to destroy those who oppose him. Siegelman draws on his experience as a public servant and an inmate to show why the nation’s criminal justice system must be reformed along with our system of indictment, prosecution and sentencing. Finally, Stealing Our Democracy offers a blueprint for change for voters in 2020. Don Siegelman is the only politician in Alabama history to hold all the state’s top constitutional offices: governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and secretary of

state. Alabama’s first Catholic governor and the first “New South” progressive governor in the state’s post-civil rights era, and a staunch Democrat, Siegelman was a potential 2004 presidential candidate. His politics put him in the crosshairs of insurgent Republicans, both within the state and nationally. He narrowly lost a bid for reelection in 2002 when the vote total changed overnight after the polls had closed in a Republican-controlled county. However, Siegelman remained widely popular in Alabama and was given good odds of regaining the governor’s office in 2006. But as that campaign was getting underway, he was indicted — wrongfully, according to scores of attorneys general

from states across the nation — convicted and given a harsh prison sentence by a prosecutor and judge with links to GOP operative Karl Rove. The case was the subject of a CBS 60 Minutes report and documentary film. Now 73, Siegelman has devoted himself to promoting judicial and prison reform. Stealing Our Democracy is available through your favorite local or online retailer. Retailers, contact Ingram Publisher Services (IPS) at 866-400-5351 or by email at ips@ingramcontent.com, or order via ipage.ingrambook. com. Trade Cloth; ISBN: 9781-58838-429-4; 320 pages; $28.95. Ebook ISBN: 978-158838-430-0. For more information: www.newsouthbooks. com/stealingourdemocracy.

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FAKE NEWS >> FROM B7 “NYC coroner who declared Epstein death ‘Suicide’ worked for the (Bill) Clinton Foundation making 500K a year up until 2015.” The demented Jeffrey Epstein’s death has been investigated by police and deputy coroners. The cause was still “suicide.” Serpentine stories like this one, with claim wrapped in other clam, are seldom true. On the Republican side, a headline was “Trump is Now Trying to Get Mike Pence Impeached.” That’s odd, since Pence has been a very loyal vice president and President Trump values loyalty above all. Pence also is admired by evangelical Christians for keeping them on the president’s radar. Perhaps the author wants to create a rift between Pence and Trump. In addition, why would a Democratic congress go ahead and let the president proceed with an impeachment? It is the House, and then the Senate, who would run this show. The president cannot impeach anyone without the House’s approval. Why would they please Trump in this way? If Pence committed a criminal act, an impeachment would be in order. But on a president’s whim? No. The final headline is “Trump’s grandfather was a tax evader; his father was a member of the KKK.” So what? If it’s true, then Donald Trump, like Barack Obama, weathered a

tough childhood to redeem the family name. And what of the claims? Many Facebook users would think that talk of one’s troubled relatives is impolite and rude. They would indeed call this claim false, or irrelevant to Donald Trump himself in 2020. People tell me they “don’t have the time to check out these articles or broadcast claims out.” But would you rather believe lies than spend a few minutes in research? At the local level, be just as careful. If a candidate’s website or Facebook page says she is an organizer for a volunteer group, Google the organization’s website. That should indicate whether she is involved there—or beefing up her resume. If a candidate says his district is “the most green,” and you initially doubt that, call an environmental group to clarify information. Local candidates state statistics often and make citizens dizzy with facts. But the facts and numbers are worthless until you check them for veracity. It doesn’t mean you dislike or mistrust a candidate, it shows you are conscientious. Then you can paraphrase Shakespeare by saying, “The fault, dear Brutus, is not in me. It is in others who take Facebook as the gospel!” 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 Georgia and Alabama.

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B10 June 24, 2020

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B11 June 24, 2020

Navigating a global pandemic at the local level By Greg Cochran Interim Executive Director Alabama League of Municipalities

Social distancing, flatten the curve, contact tracing, PPE, zoom fatigue … these are some of the terms that have become part of our daily vernacular since mid-March. COVID-19 has upended lives and livelihoods and caused significant economic disruption throughout Alabama, particularly at the local level. Yet, even with the unprecedented challenges we’re all now facing, in my 24 years with the Alabama League of Municipalities, I have never been more enthusiastic about our mission or the future of our cities and towns. Municipalities are the foundation of our state – providing the essential resources and services that foster safe, vibrant spaces for business to thrive and citizens to live, work and play. In the League’s 85-year history, we have seen time after time that Alabama is resilient. Its people are determined,

innovative and ready to begin again – particularly at the local level. Alabama is facing historic economic loss and extended challenges to our many public systems; however, the League will continue to work proactively with its membership and diligently with Governor Ivey, her administration, state and national lawmakers as well as state agencies and our many strategic partners and stakeholders to support and guide Alabama’s communities as they navigate these uncertain times. On June 1 we were excited to announce that we have expanded and restructured our staff. Kayla Bass was promoted from Public Affairs Associate to Director of External Affairs where she will work to promote League legislative positions through the development and implementation of grassroots campaigns and specific advocacy strategies. Bryan Parker joined the League with an impressive economic development background from his years

with PowerSouth Energy and former Congressman Jo Bonner. Baker Allen joined our team from the Governor’s Office with extensive policy development skills, including substantial knowledge on issues that are vital to local governments such as broadband development, environmental regulation and Opportunity Zones. Kayla, Bryan and Baker will be working in unison to enhance our outreach and services while ensuring we remain a steadfast and reliable resource for our members, the Legislature, our congressional delegation and strategic partners. Our 22-member staff has a wealth of institutional knowledge – from advocacy to educational outreach to legal expertise on municipal government. We understand and respond to the unique complexities faced by our state’s municipal officials and employees. As current events have challenged and compromised our country, our state, our local governments, public

health structure, business community, school systems, medical community and emergency responders, the Alabama League of Municipalities has been at the forefront daily to provide the best representation, resources and guidance available to those leading at the local level. We will continue to work strategically and intentionally with local, state and national organizations, agencies, stakeholders and partners to gather accurate, transparent revenue loss data; ensure municipal authority remains intact; advocate on behalf of Alabama’s municipalities at the state and congressional levels, particularly regarding stimulus funding; as well as distribute critical information to cities and towns regarding this unprecedented pandemic and the many resulting statewide orders. While we may not know what “normal” will be following COVID-19, we do know that Alabama’s municipalities must continue to provide critical services to its citizens daily. Strong,

Jeff Sessions visits Opelika, speaks to FOP

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

COUNCIL >>

proactive local government matters now more than ever. Cochran was named Interim Executive Director in June after serving the League’s membership since 1996 as Director of Advocacy and Public Affairs and then Deputy Director. With more than 30 years’ experience in governmental affairs, he has developed crucial relationships at every level of government and has served as the League’s lead lobbyist for more than two decades. The Alabama League of Municipalities was formed in 1935 and currently represents more than 450 member municipalities. The League works to secure legislation enabling all cities and towns to perform their functions more efficiently and effectively; offers specialized training for both municipal officials and employees; and conducts continuing studies of the legislative, administrative and operational needs, problems and functions of Alabama’s municipal governments. For more information, visit www. alalm.org.

respond to COVID-19  • approved resolutions FROM B7 for all previously stated weed abatement master plan, Cannon assessments   Gate master plan, zon• introduced ordiing for 6.6 acres on nances and held the Dale Avenue, zoning first reading of said for 2.87 acres on 1402 ordinances for the folFitzpatrick Avenue lowing: Towne Lake and zoning for 0.7 PUD master plan for acres on 1813 Old Town Lake Parkway, Columbus Road  Cannon Gate PUD • held public hearings master plan, rezonfor the following ing of Dale Avenue, weed abatement rezoning of 1402 assessments: 12 E Fitzpatrick Avenue Johnson Ave., 610 M and zoning of 1813 L King Blvd., 1108 Old Columbus Road   Chandler Ave., 514 • reappointed Michael Old Columbus Road, Buckalew to the 1109 Magnolia St. and downtown redevelop105 Vaughan Ave.   ment authority with • awarded a bid for a the new term ending contract for uniform Aug. 7, 2022   cleaning (FD)   • reappointed Harvey • awarded a contract Lloyd to the downfor ductile iron utility town redevelopment poles (OPS)   authority with the new • awarded a contract term ending Aug. 7, for pole rack mounted 2024  switched and fixed capacitor banks (OPS)   • reappointed Rush Denson to the historic • approved a refund of preservation comoccupational license mission with the new fees to Rondo, Inc.   term ending Aug. 19, • approved a refund of 2023 and   building permit fees • reappointed Leigh to East Construction, Whatley to the hisLLC   toric preservation • approved amendments commission with the to the CDBG program new term ending Aug. year 2019 action plan   19, 2023.   • voted to reprogram The character trait unused funds for during the month of June PY2019 public facilis “cooperation,” and the ity/sidewalk activity next city council meeting to new CDBG-CV microenterprise assis- will be held July 7 at the Municipal Court located tance activity in the at 300 Martin Luther amount of $29,000 to King Blvd. prepare, prevent and

B12 June 24, 2020

Sen. Doug Jones urges President to appoint Civil Rights Cold Case Records Review Board members Special to the Opelika Observer

U.S. Sen. Doug Jones (D-Ala.) wrote to President Donald Trump last week to urge him to appoint members to the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Review Board. While Congress passed Jones’ legislation to establish the board in 2018, and later appropriated $1 million requested by the

FLOWERS >> FROM B7 totally based on his being loyal to Donald Trump. Both Sessions and Tuberville were given

Trump Administration to implement it, delays continue in the appointment of board members who would carry out the board’s work. Jones’ bipartisan legislation, the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Collection Act of 2018, required the review, declassification and release of government records related to unsolved

Civil Rights-era criminal cases. To do this work, it established a Civil Rights Cold Case Records Review Board and required that appointments to the board should be made within 60 days. “When you signed the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Collection Act of 2018 on January 8, 2019, you helped this country take an important step

towards finding truth and reconciliation for families and communities still struggling with the pain of unsolved civil rights crimes,” Jones wrote. “As our country is once again grappling with important questions related to civil rights, I urge you to appoint the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Review Board as expeditiously

as possible and fulfill the promise of this important legislation.” Jones, who successfully prosecuted two of the former Klansmen responsible for the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church, has long advocated for expanded public access to civil rights cold case records in an effort to uncover the truth. In 2007, he also testified

to the House Judiciary Committee in support of the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Act that established a special initiative in the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate civil rights cold cases. Full text of the letter can be found at www. jones.senate.gov/ download/gdj-letter-topres-trump_cold-casereview-board.

a golden opportunity to use the four-month hiatus to do some good old fashioned one-on-one campaigning, if only by phone. If one of them did it, it could make the difference. We will soon

see. People still like to be asked personally for their vote. The next elections will not be until 2022. It will be a big year. It is a gubernatorial year and there may very well

be an open U.S. Senate Seat. Sen. Richard Shelby will be 88. It would be a blessing beyond measure if he ran again. However, at that age he may choose to retire. Gov. Kay Ivey will be 78 in 2022. She will more than likely not run for a second term. The one development that has occurred during the virus saga is that Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, has made it clear that he will be running for governor in 2022. If it were not apparent before, it is obvious now. He inserted himself into the coronavirus episode. In many instances he appeared to usurp the center stage from Ivey. The young lieutenant governor first urged aggressive public health response, differing from Ivey’s. She made a comment about his out-of-nowhere position. She then forgave him and gave him a position on one of her many meaningless task force bodies. Ainsworth then changed course and tweeted that the state’s businesses should reopen prior to the governor’s recommended date. She seemed neither deterred nor miffed by his second assertion of his policy position. Having been around

Alabama politics a lot longer than Ainsworth, she may be savvy enough to know that she is giving him just enough rope to hang himself. Ivey cut her political teeth campaigning for Lurleen Wallace for governor in 1966. That was 15 years before Ainsworth was born in 1981. I doubt he knows of a similar scenario that played out 50 years ago where a lieutenant governor got too big for his britches and overly and overtly tried to play governor. George Wallace had won his second term as governor in 1970. If you count Lurleen’s 1966 victory, it would be his third straight gubernatorial victory. He was running for president in 1972 and was gunned down by a crazed assassin in a Maryland parking lot. He was near death from the multiple wounds and had to be hospitalized in Maryland for three to four months. It was a miracle he survived. Another young lieutenant governor, Jere Beasley, had been elected to the post in 1970, primarily because the Wallace people had supported him. Beasley seemed to insert himself overtly as governor during Wallace’s

bedridden absence. The governor’s people actually had to fly him back home from his recovery for a day so that he could remain governor. Folks never seemed to forgive Beasley for this ambitious assertion of power. In his next race for reelection as lieutenant governor, Beasley trailed Charles Woods in the first primary and barely won the runoff. Four years later, in the monumental 1978 governor’s race – which Fob James ultimately won – Beasley finished in fifth place, even though he spent the most money. Speaking of money, losing the 1978 governor’s race was the best thing that ever happened to Beasley. He began practicing law in Montgomery and became one of the most prominent plaintiff lawyers in America. He and his wife, Sarah, have had a much happier and prosperous life out of politics. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in more than 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. He may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.

PUBLIC NOTICES >>

Letters of Administration of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 18th day of June, 2020, by the Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Mancil L. Riley, Jr., Administrator Claud E. (Skip) McCoy, Jr. Attorney for Administrator Johnson, Caldwell & McCoy, LLC 117 North Lanier Avenue, Suite 201 Lanett, Alabama 36863 (334) 644-1171 Telephone Legal Run 06/24/20, 07/01/20 & 07/08/20

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FROM B6 STATE OF ALABAMA IN THE PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY DOCKET NO. 2020-220 RE: ESTATE OF JAIME H. RILEY, Deceased: NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

This week’s puzzle answers: