pelika O Observer
Vol. 10, No. 48
Wednesday, September 05, 2018
Opelika, Alabama
“By local people, for local people.”
Women’s Hope celebrates 35 years of saving lives in Lee County
Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer
Butcher Paper BBQ: from food truck to restaurant By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor A grand opening celebration for Opelika’s Butcher Paper BBQ will be held Sept. 7 at the business’s permanent home at 128 Columbus Parkway. According to Butcher Paper BBQ owner and operator Mark Coxwell, the event will kickoff with a joint ribboncutting ceremony with members of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce at 11 a.m. Following the ceremony, he said the first 20 customers to walk through the doors will receive a free small pork sandwich. “It’s very exciting to be so close to getting open. During the last few weeks, the staff has started to work itself out, which is just a great group of people and team behind me,” Coxwell said. “I’ve got very high hopes for the restaurant, including the catering service, deliveries and participating in special events. We’re going to be attacking a lot of new fronts here in the next few
weeks and months ahead.” Coxwell opened Butcher Paper BBQ as a mobile foodcatering service in 2016. By participating at pop-up stops across downtown Opelika, he said he built a loyal following based on word-of-mouth and the void left by the closure of the legendary Papa Joe’s BarB-Que which closed its doors last year. Influenced by barbecue cultures from across the country, Coxwell said his menu is full of diverse offerings whose roots can be traced from the Midwest to the East Coast. Once opened, Coxwell said his business will be open 10:30 a.m. Tuesday-Saturday, with a focus on catering to Opelika’s lunch crowd. Among some of his plans to achieve this fall are the expansion of business hours, addition of breakfast and dinner dining options and opening on Sundays. For more information or updates, follow the business on Facebook or Instagram, or call Coxwell at 706-247-1215.
Photo by Michelle Key/Opelika Observer By Michelle Key Editor
ter. Former executive director Kirk Walden was the featured speaker. Women’s Hope began in 1983 as a way of helping women facing unplanned or crisis pregnancies. Founders Janet and Tom Wadsworth started the service under the name “Sav-A-Life
The Women’s Hope Clinic celebrated 35 years at their annual fall fundraising banquet Aug. 28. The event was held at the Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Cen-
Auburn/Opelika.” The clinic was one of the first pregnancy resource centers in the country to become a certified medical clinic. Executive Director Daria Monroe stated that the next big See Hope, page A7
Sandler’s hearing in Lee County postponed Continuance issued; Sandler remains under house arrest in Jasper By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor A 40-year prison sentence and fine of $5 million are possible penalties faced by “The Roundhouse LLC” founder and Opelika businessman Kyle Sandler, who plead guilty to two fraud charges in federal court last month. According to a press release from the Middle District of Alabama’s U.S. Attorney Office, Sandler admitted guilty to
Sandler
counts of wire and security fraud in court, though no sentencing date was announced for those charges. Sandler formed The Roundhouse LLC in October 2014
with the hopes of creating a “hub for Opelika start-ups.” The business first operated out of The Depot on Railroad Avenue, and moved into the old Woolsworth building on South 8th Street in 2016. During this time, Sandler was actively “soliciting and accepting over $1.8 million dollars from more than 50 investors in a scheme to defraud them,” according to an excerpt from the release. Money he See Sandler, page A10
Bottling Plant Event Center to Ribbon-cutting ceremony hold second annual comedy show held for new city park By Arnecia Walker For the Opelika Observer Are you the one that always makes people laugh with your jokes? Bring your talents to The Bottling Plant Event Center starting Sept. 12 for a chance to win $500. "The Battle for O-Town Comedy Competition" consists of qualifying shows
every Wednesday until Nov. 28. Two winners from each show will have a chance to compete in the finale for the grand prize. The lounge doors open at 5 p.m. and the comedy show starts at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $5. Turnout was solid for the first competition held this spring. Many comics put their jokes to the test, but
only 20 made it to the finale. Comics from five different states gave their best segments in front of the audience and three judges for the finale of the event, but only one was able to take home the $500 grand prize. For more information, visit www.bottlingplanteventcenter.com. The venue is located at 614 N. Railroad Ave.
By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Henry and Roslyn Stern Community Park was held yesterday. Donated to the city on behalf of J. and Ginger Stern of the
Index OPINION.....................................A4 COUNTY NEWS............................A5 SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY..............A7 CALENDAR................................A10
SPORTS.......................................B1 LEGALS ......................................B5 RELIGION..............................B11 ENTERTAINMENT......................B14
See Park, page A11
Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer J. and Ginger Stern pose in front of a new park donated to the City of Opelika from their family’s foundation.
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A2 September 05, 2018
September BigHouse News Special to the Opelika Observer
When: Oct. 11-15. Volunteers arrive on Oct11 for training and team-building and can stay through Oct. 15 but are also able to leave Sunday evening if needed. Families attend Friday -Monday. Where: Laguna Beach Christian Retreat in Panama City Beach, Florida Cost: Absolutely free. BigHouse provides your lodging and meals in exchange for your help making this weekend amazing for our families. Transportation: Volunteers are responsible for getting themselves to the beach, but carpooling is available. What will I be doing? We are able to match our volunteers with families so you can get to know kids and assist the family in a variety of ways. Requirements: All volunteers must consent to a background check and attend a pre-trip meeting to receive more details. Does this sound like something you want to be a part of? If you have any questions or want more details, email bighouse@ourbighouse.org.
for discounted swimsuits and towels. We will be stocking up for next year’s Swimsuit and Towels Drive- so pick up a few items if you see some good deals. • Support BigHouse when you shop at Kroger and on Amazon. Go to Kroger.com and click the community tab to link your card to BigHouse. You can search “BigHouse” or us our organization number 49001 to register. Go to smile.amazon. com to sign in and select BigHouse as your charity. Then start shopping. Each quarter we receive a donation on behalf of our shopping partners. Every little bit helps. • Do you want a free trip to the beach? All you have to do is volunteer for our annual Family Beach Retreat. Each fall we take local foster and adoptive families to the beach for a weekend of rest, relaxation, and most importantly- FUN! We need a LOT of committed, energetic volunteers to make this trip a success! Check out more details about this year’s trip.
BigHouse would like to offer a huge thank you to everyone who donated and came out to support them at Cornerstone Family Chiropractic’s annual Back 2 School Bash. Because of the generosity of the CFC and the community, BigHouse was gifted more than $10,000. We are so amazed and forever grateful to our wonderful community of supporters who allow us to positively impact the lives of children in foster care. • The annual Beach Trip is coming up. Every year, BigHouse provides a family beach retreat for local foster and adoptive families. We offer this trip at a discounted rate for these families and we sponsor 100 percent of the cost for children in foster care to attend. Sponsors can cover the complete cost of the trip for $100 per child. To sponsor, mail a check to BigHouse at P.O. Box 230 Opelika, AL 36803, or donate through www.ourbighouse.org. All donations are tax deductible. • Be on the lookout
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Mayor Gary Fuller issues a proclammation for Ovarian, Gynecologic Cancer Awareness
Special to the Opelika Observer Mrs. Edna Caldwell visited with Mayor Fuller this week. September has been proclaimed Ovarian and Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month. Ovarian and gynecologic cancers are among the leading cancer killers of women in the United States, and more than 98,000 women will be diagnosed, and more than 30,000 women will die from these diseases this year.
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Phone: 334.749.8003 Fax: 334.749.8009 editor@opelikaobserver.com
Editor: Michelle Key Associate Editor: Morgan Bryce Marketing: Woody Ross, Doug Horn and Emily Key Photographer: Robert Noles
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
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A3 September 05, 2018
Rehab helps local physician recover from broken neck Special to the Opelika Observer In June 2017, Gary Harrelson, M.D., a family medicine physician in Auburn, suffered a broken neck and brain injury after enduring a bad fall in his home. Dr. Harrelson was originally sent to a neurosurgeon in Columbus, Georgia as a precautionary measure before he was transferred to EAMC, where he spent four days on the Progressive Care Unit. After his stay at EAMC, Harrelson was transported to the Acute Rehabilitation Unit (ARU) at EAMC- Lanier in Valley where he began speech-language pathology as well as physical and occupational therapy. The ARU provides specialized
rehabilitation and 24-hour nursing care for patients in the hospital who are not yet able to transition back to their homes. While a patient in a typical acute or intensive care setting may receive only 15-45 minutes of therapy per day, the ARU at EAMC-Lanier offers intensive skilled therapy services for a minimum of three hours per day, five days a week. Harrelson recalls feeling exhausted and not wanting to get out of bed for rehab during his first week in the ARU. Because of his brain injury, he experienced internal confusion, memory loss, pain when changing positions, agitation, nausea and dizziness. As he began therapy sessions and his recovery
Harrelson
progressed, Harrelson started to return to his old self. “I can be difficult sometimes because I am stubborn, but once I started feeling better, I was able to joke around with the staff and give them a hard time,” Harrelson said. “I quickly began to enjoy my stay and even went back to visit after I left to let them know how I was doing.” Shannen Coley, an oc-
cupational therapist who began working at EAMCLanier in January 2017, formed a special bond with Harrelson during his time in the ARU. While Coley remembers initially feeling intimidated treating a physician, she focused her attention on finding ways to motivate Harrelson. As Harrelson’s memory returned and he began volunteering family information, she quickly found that the involvement of his son, who attended many of their therapy sessions, would be imperative in maximizing his rehab potential. “Every patient is a person who brings along his or her personal journey, learned experiences, traditions, values and so on,” Coley said. “Harrelson
was a patient who happens to be a physician, but more importantly, he is a father, friend and member of the community.” During his 16-day stay in the ARU, Coley worked with Harrelson to simulate daily activities and help him reestablish old routines and form new ones. One of her fondest memories with Harrelson was during an occupational therapy session when, after learning of his love for cooking, she assigned him the task of making a green bean casserole, a dish he had mentioned to her in a previous conversation. Coley had Harrelson prepare the dish and instruct his son, Caleb, on setting the oven temperature and timer. “On days when he was not feeling
well, Caleb was his saving grace,” Coley said. EAMC-Lanier’s ARU opened in October 2016. The 17-bed unit includes private rooms overlooking the Chattahoochee River, a dining area and a rehab gym where patients participate in specialized therapy each day they are in the unit. “As a physician, I understand the importance of receiving great healthcare,” Harrelson said. “I would recommend the ARU at EAMC-Lanier to anyone who finds themselves in a situation where they need this type of specialized therapy and care.” To learn more about the ARU at EAMC-Lanier, visit www.eamc.org/ services/acute-inpatientrehabilitation or call 334710-0091.
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pelika O Opinion
A4 September 05, 2018
Bits and pieces Banjo man A Y
food. That done, governs I have pointed ment, as it always does, out on other ocstepped in with another casions, through rule. When beer was food the years I gather stuff there was no legal age to and save it just to see feed. Now that it is alcowhat it might or might hol, there will be the legal not reveal about the conage to drink. dition and future of our By Hardy Jackson See how one thing leads great republic. to another. The other day I was Back in the States, the Illinois thumbing through my 2012 file, and Legislature banned shark fins which, this is what I found. if broadly interpreted, could create That year one of the consistent a problem for Jimmy Buffet concert complaints from both left and right goers. concerned the degree to which govReturning to Florida, in an act ernment – state and federal -- was filled with cultural significance, the intruding into the lives of ordinary legislature repealed a law that had citizens. threatened a longstanding tradition of However, it was seldom that both highway courtesy. How many times the left and right got mad about the have you flashed your lights to warn same thing. approaching motorists of an upcomCount on Florida, specifically the ing speed trap? Well, in Florida Florida Health Department, to bring that helpful hint was illegal (I didn’t the two together. know it either) until 2012 when the In an effort to determine the rerepresentatives of the people voted to productive service needed by young repeal it. women around the state, Florida And finally, at the end of the year sent out a survey to 4100 women news reached me via Facebook and between the ages of 18 and 24. It my buddy Jim, that confirmed my asked such pertinent questions as theory, unsupported by evidence how many different men they had sex with over the previous year, was other than anecdotal, that it won’t be long before Walmart takes over the sex protected, and how they felt everything. emotionally, after having unproAs I am sure you know, it is now tected sex. possible for citizens of this great I could not help but wonder if republic to drive to Walmart and eat “none of your business” was one of at the Walmart café, shop for grothe responses. In the fiasco that followed, liberals ceries at the Walmart grocery, shop for clothes among the Walmart dry and conservatives united to degoods, get the car serviced at the nounce the questionnaire as another Walmart auto center, get your eyes example of government treading where it should not have trod. Those checked at the Walmart vision center, make a deposit or pay your bills at the on the right saw it as yet another example of creeping socialism while Walmart bank, get your income tax done while you wait -- all under one the left feared the data collection was part of a plot to identify immor- roof. And now Walmart may be on the al Floridians and weed them out. What really caused me to snort my verge of adding one more service to the list of what it provides. milk up my nose was the revelation Yessir. that as an incentive to get young Banks County, Georgia is a rural women to tell about their personal enclave up I-85 from Atlanta. It does lives the state of Florida offered a not have a hospital, but it does have $10 CVS card to everyone who rea Walmart. And in that Walmart, the turned the survey. first Banks County baby of the New Why CVS and not Walmart? Year was born. Did money pass under the table? This was not the first time Walmart But if you get upset at this sort of has been a delivery room. A few poking into private lives, consider Iceland, where a 15 year old girl sued weeks earlier a baby was born in a to be able to use the name her mother Kansas City Superstore. I think we have a niche market here. gave her, the name with which she Therefore, it would not surprise me was baptized. if one day in the not too distant future, The government says she can’t I wander into a Walmart and see, right because the name is not one of the next to the optometrist, the OBGYN 1,853 female names on the Icelandic office, “walk-ins welcomed.” Personal Names Register. So far it hasn’t happened. I wonder if Bubba is on the boys’ But it might. list? Harvey H. (“Hardy”) Jackson is Or Vern? Professor Emeritus of History at JackMeanwhile, in Russia, officials sonville State University. He can be have declared that henceforth beer reached at hjackson@cableone.net. will be considered alcohol instead of
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wakening. Healing. Purpose. Drive. Strength. Inspiration. Power. Warrior. These are the seasons of my life. It’s all coming together. Every word and every feeling. Every past conflict and battle. It’s time to release it. It’s time to put it in black and white. It’s time to be real. I’m ready to show off my scars and rip off my bandages. Strength arises through growth. Wisdom occurs through trials and journeys. I have a story within me, and its running through me faster than the warm, scarlet blood in my veins. It’s time to write. The following words may seem scattered and
who could grow camellias ou probably never in red clay dirt—and did. met Ricky EdenWomen like Miss Flora, field. But you whose hair is whiter than would’ve liked him. He Elvis’ Resurrection suit. played a banjo downtown, Who still remembers when Crestview, Florida. He was the biggest news in the a big fella, thick-bearded, universe wasn’t Facebook with a personality so jolly By Sean Dietrich politics, it was a war in he made Santa look like a Europe. It was Jackie Robinson. It jerk. I saw him play. I remember it like it was standing in her front yard, staring at the night sky, while the television happened a few days ago: showed footage of a man walking on “Whatcha want me to play?” he the moon. asks a few kids. “During the Great War,” Miss Flora Somebody’s mother asks, “Do you said—tapping her foot to the banjo know ‘Will the Circle Be Unbrorhythm, “this town had flags everyken?’” where. Hanging in stores, churches, “Know it?” He laughs. He knows it. And he plucks through theaters…” I’ll just bet it did. it like a man whose beard is on fire. I remember closing my eyes while That’s my memory of him. He the banjo rolled. I saw the old world. played this music like he belonged in Our world. With hog head cheese, a different world. An older one. Hank Aaron, rag bologna, Hoagie The world your great-grandparents came from—long before twenty-four- Carmichael, and country stores. Like the Country Store, in Jefferhour news channels and cellphoneson, Alabama—a creaky place that’s based entertainment. been along Highway 28 since your He was homeless for a long time, ancestors used mule-wagons. Where and it was hard on his body. He used you can still buy everything from a wheelchair. Once, he even died on Duke’s mayo to plug tobacco. the operating table from a collapsed The music made me see farmlung. But he was a cheery son of a banjo. land—the kind owned by families, not He had a way of looking at you that corporations. And the way the stars look over the bay. And big lunches. made you feel seen. And you’d wonSunday naps. Women who use talcum der about things for a few minutes while he played. Big things. Universal powder after showers. Witch hazel at barbershops. Gas-station clerks who things. bring their bloodhounds to work. Like: why are people homeless? And banjos. And: is anyone truly without a home? The instrument sounds like history. “I ain’t homeless,” Banjo Bear once And it sounded good in his hands. He told me. “Got me a mansion. A nice had a light touch. one. It just ain’t down here.” Few ever got to know Ricky. Fewer Then, I saw him fingerpick the tune, saw the little pallet where he slept “I’ll Fly Away.” And even though during cold weather. Even fewer I never knew this man, I knew him. asked how he was doing. But he was Just like I know all the verses to this song. It’s a melody which sounds like ours. And so was his music. When he finished playing that day, I a hymn, but isn’t. It’s more than that. watched children applaud him. It’s a rural church, with wood He told the kids: “My father infloors. Where preaching is more stilled four things in me, you wanna like shouting, and the pastor rolls up hear‘em?” his sleeves to pray for folks. Where “Yeah!” miracles happen, but not the big kind. The kids were eating out of his The little kind. Everyday miracles hand. like babies, marriages, and second “Please!” they shouted. “Tell us!” chances. He held up four fingers and said, His music was a funeral procession “Don’t lie, don’t steal, don’t judge, made of cars with headlights blaring. and don’t disrespect nobody.” His music was salt peanuts in CocaHe was beautiful. And this afterCola, straw hats, and side-of-the-road noon, he finally got to see his manboiled-peanut shacks. sion. Like the peanut stand I stopped at last week, outside Dothan. The old Sean Dietrich is a columnist, and man filled my bag until I needed a novelist, known for his commentary on forklift to move it. life in the American South. His work “It’s on the house,” the man said. has appeared in Southern Living, the I paid him anyway. Tallahassee Democrat, Southern MagRicky and his banjo weren’t playing azine, Yellowhammer News, the Bitter for onlookers at all. Southerner, the Mobile Press Register He played for men who hunted at and he has authored seven books. night with oil lanterns, and women
Chasing Sunsets- Part I jumbled, but to me it’s how I survive. Writing is my outlet and telling you my feelings and trying to get you to feel what I feel would be my greatest accomplishment with this task. Memories to me are life reflections of the past. I block some things out, and I know I shouldn’t do that. Maybe if even one person can read this and understand or relate to it, if I can somehow gift someone understanding or peace through my words, then my mission is complete. Here is my gift to you. Slowly untie the bow of each paragraph and take each word out of the box carefully, one by one. I frequently look back at my life from 2010 until now and am absolutely
By Lucy Fuller
amazed at all I’ve been through and survived. That’s just eight years. Then I remind myself that it’s “okay” to have off days. Healing takes a lifetime and believe me, I know from firsthand experience. I am still healing from 1985. Everyone goes through hard situations in their lifetime. I am not trying to discredit anyone’s journey. I’m just telling you my personal journey with hopes that maybe it
will touch someone who is struggling right now. Maybe you. I want you to know that life is hard for everyone. You aren’t alone. I was born in Georgia in the summertime. Americus. A tiny southern town. We lived in Sasser for the first three years of my life. Sasser was smaller than Americus. If you sneezed, you would miss it. The long and short of that time was this; it was two weeks shy of my fourth birthday and my dad shot himself in the chest with his hunting rifle. It was late spring. He went to a beloved piece of hunting land and took his life in the only place that felt like home to him, the outdoors. He had been
reported missing and his body was found three days later by a search party that was organized by the local sheriff’s department. This was big news in a small town. Mama and Daddy were splitting up for their own reasons. Mama packed us up, and we moved to Auburn to live with my Mema and Main (my grandfather). I remember when she got the call that my daddy had been found. I remember her holding the newspaper in her hands and shaking her head in disbelief. I remember Mama and Mema standing in the hallway between the kitchen and family room. I remember Mama crying and Mema trying to console her. I didn’t have
a clue what was going on . I was in the living room sitting by the window, waiting for my daddy to come home, like I had been doing for weeks. That’s what I was supposed to do. Little girls wait for their daddies to come home. The divorce wasn’t final but his death was. I didn’t attend the funeral. I don’t really remember much about that time except that it was around Mother’s Day. There was a constant array of flowers and sympathy cards that filled the living room of my grandparents’ home. Being a mother, presently, I can’t imagine what Grandma (my Daddy’s mama) was going through. It would be a See Fuller, page A10
pelika O Observer Around Lee County Lee Road 79 discussion continues; Rocky Top Pumpkin Smiths Station ballfield bid approved Patch returning this fall
A5
September 05, 2018
By Michelle Key Editor
By Vanessa Poulson For the Opelika Observer The Rocky Top Pumpkin Patch in Salem will be open again for its second year from Oct. 3-28. This year’s admission to the pumpkin patch includes rides on a hay wagon, "Little Rocky Top Train," petting barn, inflatable bouncy houses, mini zip line, duck races, corn crib, hay bale mountain, "Little Boots" rodeo area, bubble trough, giant yard games, tug-o-war, "Little Tots Hay Hill," "Bluegrass Barn" and several photo opportunities. There will
Photo special to the Opelika Observer also be a concession stand with a variety of different vendors like the Opelika Farmer’s Market, Triple J Farms of Opelika, Laurie’s Gourmet Apples, and O Town Ice Cream. Cook Farm will also offer hand led pony rides for $5. This year, Rocky Top
is partnering with the Lee County Humane Society, the Macon County Humane Society and Animal Health Center Shelter of Opelika to come out for animal adoption days. The specific adoption days See Pumpkin, page A6
Tractor Supply Co to host annual Farmer’s Market event Sept. 22 By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor
Opelika’s Tractor Supply Company store will hold its annual “Farmer’s Market” event Sept. 22 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. According to assistant store manager Kayla
Beshears, the market will feature local vendors selling baked goods, handcrafted items including rocking chairs and wooden signs, produce and more. Deadline for vendor registration is Sept. 20. Those interested in
participating can sign up for free through www.tsceventpartners. com or by calling and asking to speak to Beshears at 334-737-7775. The store is located at 2600 Pepperell Parkway, and open from 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Sunday.
Second Annual “One Step at a Time 5K/Walk” to be held Oct. 13 By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor
The second annual “One Step at a Time 5K/Walk” will be held Oct. 13 at 7 a.m. on the grounds of Loachapoka High School. Organized by Lee County resident and 12-year breast cancer survivor Belinda Jackson, proceeds from the event will be donated to the Lee County branch of the American Cancer Society to help find a cure for the disease. “I’ve been face-toface with the mon-
“I’ve been face-to-face with the monster that is cancer.” - Belinda Jackson ster that is cancer, and I don’t want anybody else to have to go through that. As long I’m alive, I plan to battle it,” Jackson said. Early registration for the event costs $25, and is available until Sept. 15. Registration after Sept. 15 will cost $35 with a final deadline of Sept. 29. Registration forms are
available through the Town of Loachapoka’s Facebook page. T-shirts ranging in size from small to 3XL will be sold during the event for $12 each. Those interested in vending for the event can contact Jackson by sending an email to loachapoka5kwalk@ yahoo.com or calling 334-740-4329.
The Lee County Commission met on Aug. 27 for their regularly scheduled meeting. During the meeting, the commissioners readdressed the issue involving Lee Road 79. District 1 Commissioner Shelia Eckman spoke on the issue and stated that she had been out to inspect the area in question. The commission heard from Terri Lamb, Rob Young and Rick Davidson. Davidson, an attorney, spoke on the behalf of Jim Cook. The roadway in question crosses over Cook’s land and both Lamb and Young use the road to access their property. At this time, the commission has not been able to determine if the road should still be considered a public county road or a private road. According to a letter from Cook, he contends that the roadway has been abandoned and vacated and is now a private road. Lamb and Young hold the position that the road is still being used by the public and
meets the definition of a public road. Lamb seeks to make basic improvements to the portion of the dirt road that passes through Cook’s property in order to be able to harvest the timber on her property. The commission has asked the county’s attorney, Stanley Martin, to further research the records on Lee Road 79 and present a recommendation to the commission during the next scheduled meeting on Sept. 10. Also during the meeting, the commission heard from James Newsome regarding a request to issue a variance to the Lee County Access Management Policy. Newsome is looking to sell a parcel of his property located off Lee Road 158 and the potential owner would like to establish a private driveway in between two existing driveways along 158. Because of the new regulations set forth in the Access Management Policy, the location of the proposed driveway does not meet the current safety requirements for access points along Lee Road 158. A decision on
this agenda item was not made during the meeting but was postponed until the Sept. 10 meeting. In other business, the commission: • ratified and approved invoices for payments • announced a vacancy on the Lee County Recreation Board • announced a vacancy on the Beulah Utilities Board • approved Dianne Carolton and Richard Key II for the Lee County Youth Development Center Board • approved the 2017/18 Highway Reference Guide • approved a bid from Ben B. Gordy Construction, Columbus, Georgia for the Smiths Station Plaza and ballfield project. The bid amount is $1,824,000 and the project is estimated to take 180 days to complete. The Smiths Station Recreation Board has committed to covering $192,500 of the project costs. • approved a bid from Associated Mechanical, Montgomery, for the amount of $1,267,000 for the HVAC replaceSee Commission, page A12
Letter to the Editor: End of an Era
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ntil three years ago, like most citizens in Lee County, I’d never attended a Lee County Commission meeting. I’ve found failure to participate in this duty places all of us at risk: to protect the rights of the public, we must be aware of what the Commission is doing before it adopts policies, then we do everything we can to ensure those policies and processes are uniformly enforced. Dialogue is critical. If one does not participate in our political process, only the press can save us. The press is specifically protected by our Constitution because its role is to inform and educate the public. The average common man is not wealthy or
politically connected and therefore has little voice. Fred Woods covered the County Commission meetings for many years and took this responsibility seriously. He encouraged participation in the process and gave voice to the common man. Years ago, the County Commission failed to apply its Access Management Policy (AMP) and allowed East Lake Subdivision to connect to CR 106 without making the improvements mandated by the policy. After two or three failed attempts to urge the Commission to enforce the policy, it almost persuaded me that my “interpretation” (as all but one of the Commissioners said) was wrong. However Fred,
who I’d not known, approached me after one meeting and told me that he’d driven by CR 106 and agreed that AMP was not followed. His comment gave me the courage to press on; he gave my voice back to me. Fred and the Opelika Observer later published several of my letters to the editor. No action to enforce the AMP was ever taken by the County Commission but some of the Observer readers were made aware of Commission failure to enforce the policy. Fred took his role seriously and truthfully reported the news as he saw it. He told me when he thought I was right, when he thought I was going about it the See Letter, page A12
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A6 September 05, 2018
Bandy Park receives upgrades: security cameras, wifi, plaque honoring Rev. Bandy By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor Free guest wifi, surveillance cameras for extra security and a plaque honoring the late Rev. George Bandy are just a few of the latest upgrades to Opelika’s Bandy Park. Through efforts made by Opelika Ward 2 Councilwoman Tiffany Gibson-Pitts, the park has been the subject
of major restorations this year. These latest upgrades are ways she said she is working to make the park a place that cultivates a sense of community pride. “When I was on the campaign trail (in 2016), I made a promise to voters that I would do something to improve the park. This is my way of keeping that promise to those in that community,”
Gibson-Pitts said. “With all this work, it’s just a nice drive down Jeter Avenue now. It’s a nice area for them to come together.” The wifi is open to all guests, but particularly students, who GibsonPitts said can use that resource to complete homework or study for tests. A plaque honoring the park’s namesake was made possible Opelika’s ESG group
and its director Mike Hilyer. “It adds a special touch to park, so people can actually see him and read about him instead of just seeing his name,” Gibson-Pitts said. She added that plans are in the works for the addition of artwork to the park and the construction of an amphitheater to host concerts and other events. Photo special to the Opelika Observer
Pumpkin,
from A5
will be listed on the Rocky Top website rockytoppumpkinpatch.com, as well as information about events like weekday school and field trips, daycare, church trips and birthday parties, which are available by reservation only. “To me, the best part about the patch is family and friends being able to come out to the country to enjoy some good old fashion fun and getting to experience things that only a country or farm setting can provide, like a hayride and playing in a corn crib,” said Jan Lawrence of Rocky Top. “We offer activities not just for small children but for adults as well.” Admission costs $12, those ages two and under are free and those 65 years and over is $7. Rocky Top Pumpkin Patch is open on Saturday from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. and from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, visit either www.rockytoppumpkinpatch.com or www.thefarmatrockytop.com or call
Photo special to the Opelika Observer 334-559-5567. The venue is located at 2910 County Road 145 in Salem.
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Opelika E vents, Society, & Food
U PC OM I NG EVENT S: • Comedy Competition • Hamburgers 4 Heroes • Farmer’s Market at the Opelika Tractor Supply • Maybe April at Sundilla • O Day in the Village
Artist Elaine Western shares recipes from family, travels Ann Cipperly’s
Southern
Hospitality
A
rtist Elaine Western’s home looks stately through the trees, as I turn into the driveway. With fountains and statuary, the home has the look of an Italian villa, reflecting her husband John’s Italian family background. Upon entering the gracious home, it is Elaine’s stunning artwork that draws attention. Elaine has a passion for old world paintings, and her home is the perfect setting for displaying her art against a background of Greek style statuary and furnishings from Europe. Tapestries from Florence mingle with Elaine’s massive paintings. It is surprising that the
talented artist takes time from her studio to cook, but she enjoys cooking with John, especially when entertaining. Since John has retired, he is the main chef for daily meals. After living in various places across the country, Hawaii and Saudi Arabia, the Westerns decided to retire in Opelika. They had lived in Opelika when they were first married, and John was attending Auburn University. They continued to visit the area when he was stationed in Fort Benning, as well as returning to visit their son when he attended Auburn. When John retired, they had been living in Saudi Arabia for six years. “We considered moving to
Italy,” says Elaine, “but of all the places we have lived and places we toured in Europe, we love this area. We moved to Opelika because we appreciate the preservation efforts in the town. It doesn’t have traffic, and the people are friendly.” Their furnishings were packed and shipped here. They found four acres at Emerald Lakes that were ideal for building their Italian style home with arched doorways and columns, opening to a covered patio with a fireplace and landscaped grounds. Completed in 2013, the house is accented with Greek statuary of the four seasons with the inspira-
Photo by Ann Cipperly Artist Elaine Western relaxes on the patio of her elegant home filled with old world style paintings and portraits. Elaine and her husband, John, retired in Opelika after living across the country, Hawaii and in Saudi Arabia. She is sharing a sampling of recipes collected, as well as ones from John’s Italian family. tion from a bridge in Florence. The marble fireplace in the living room was also custom designed. Elaine sketched the house plans. She saw a house in Florence, Italy, she liked and decided to paint the house that color. Born in Illinois, Elaine lived in Florida before moving to Haleyville near Birmingham when she was 6 years old. Her mother was from the South and a good southern cook. She taught Elaine when she was small how
First responders to be honored at “Hamburgers 4 Heroes” Sept. 8 By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor Building a strong bond between members of the area’s first responders and special needs community is the goal of the “Hamburgers 4 Heroes” event Sept. 8 from 4-6 p.m. at Opelika’s Municipal Park. Organized by Opelika resident and Autism Society of Alabama member Luanne Helms, the event will feature an evening full
of food, fun and games, opportunities to interact with first responder vehicles as well as free rides on the Rocky Brook Rocket from 5-6 p.m. “The main goal of the event is to honor our first responders for what they do in the community, and at the same time, bring together our special needs families with them. By working with our first responders, I hope increase the awareness and understanding for our
special needs community,” Helms said. Nearly 100 people attended last year’s ‘Ice Cream 4 Heroes” event organized by Helms and held at the Collaboration Station in downtown Opelika. She added that this is the follow-up to that event. For more information or updates, call Helms at 334-707-0116. Municipal Park is located at Park Road across from the Denson Drive Recreation Center.
to make pecan pie. When she was in the fifth grade, Elaine knew she wanted to be an artist. She has a twin sister, Diane, and they would draw together. Her father wrote poetry. “I would sit and look at books and encyclopedias with art from Europe,” Elaine said. “I was fascinated by the paintings in the encyclopedia. I just wanted to paint. We didn’t have art classes at my high school, but I just did it on my own.” She attended a
Hope,
from A1 thing for the clinic is to become licensed as an adoption agency. “I would like to see us receive our licensing because that is one more obstacle that is removed in our helping our clients.” Once licensed as an adoption agency, the center will be able to directly assist the women that wish to explore that option, instead of having to send them to other organizations. “We will also be starting a pregnancy loss group and a mentoring program for high school aged girls,” Monroe said. “These
community college and then taught herself art. Elaine met John, who was from the same town, when he came home from the military to visit his mother. After marrying, they moved to Auburn for John to attend college, while she worked for Camco Vending. After he graduated, they lived in several states. They were living near Savannah, Georgia, when John decided he wanted See Recipes, page A9
girls will have a place where they can come and talk and to be transparent without judgement or pressure.” Walden spoke of the his hope for the ministry. “I am very excited about the adoption ministry opening up. I think if people consider the pros and cons of adoption, that more people will choose that option. It is not for everyone of course, but I do think that it is often overlooked as an option.” This is the organization’s largest fundraiser each year, and they hope the total raised will provide the funds needed to move forward with becoming a licensed adoption agency as well as meet other needs such as new ultrasound equipment. To donate, visit www. womenshope.org.
Opelika Sportsplex kicks off year-long anniversary celebration in honor of their 10th year of operation Special to the Opelika Observer The Opelika SportsPlex and Aquatics Center will celebrate its 10-year anniversary next August, and in the spirit of recreation, they have decided to count down to this milestone with a year-long celebration. The 10th Anniversary Celebration kicks off in September and will feature a multitude of different initiatives aimed at honoring current members and recruiting new ones. Members of the Opelika SportsPlex can look forward to
free food, fun competitions and giveaways each month, while guests can look for potential ways to try out the facility. The celebration will end with a large birthday celebration on Aug. 31, 2019. The event will take place in the morning, so as not to interfere with college football, and will embody a festival-like atmosphere. “Our goal is to breathe new life into the SportsPlex,” said Laura Leigh Chesser, public relations coordinator. “We want it to be a fun and exciting place to be.”
One way they are generating a fun environment is by bringing back and creating new challenges for their
members. Challenges like the Indoor Triathlon, Walking Challenge, Group Fitness Challenge and SportsPlex
Bucket List will encourage members to use specific amenities, but most of the activities allow members to take part in the workouts they are already doing. The Football Frenzy Challenge kicks off in September, and it will encourage members to complete 20 hours of exercise within the month. There are no restrictions on activities, and every person who completes the challenge will go home with a prize. “We have so many people who come in and sign-up and then never walk through our doors again,” said Chesser. “We want them to
come in and utilize their membership, so we’re coming up with fun ways to encourage them to do that.” To recruit new memberships, the Opelika SportsPlex is offering free guest passes at various times within each month. Some months offer free days to the general public, but other months may offer passes to specific groups like small business owners, nurses, first responders, military and teachers. For more information about the 10th Anniversary Celebration and for a full lineup of all of the upcoming events, visit www. opelikaparks.com.
A8 September 05, 2018
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Now Playing HALO “Fireteam Raven” at CyberZone Entertainment Center By Vanessa Poulson For the Opelika Observer Calling all gamers. HALO “Fireteam Raven” is now available for playing at CyberZone Entertainment Center here in Opelika. The experience is $2 per player, and it is available through the business's card swipe system, making it easier for guests to jump in and start the experience. HALO is one of the most popular games in video game history, dating back to the original version on XBOX with
HALO “Combat Evolved” from 2001. The game follows the USMC “Master Chief” and when HALO 2 arrived in 2004, it was the prime game for the newly launched XBOX LIVE online gaming community, and crafted the modern world of gaming all the way until the present day. This new experience HALO “Fireteam Raven” follows the ODST team helping Master Chief mission objectives. The game is a four-player experience with 130 inches of a 4k display system, full surround sound, props,
and environment setting including the HALO rings above player's heads. Players can also use their own XBOX LIVE user ID by signing in with the QR system on the main consoles. “Between the immense environment and visuals the version of HALO is the next generation of gaming,” said CyberZone co-owner Simon Bak. “This game has to be seen, pictures or words can’t do it justice. The attention to detail is nothing like we have seen in any type of game. It is large and really shows how these
Photo special to the Opelika Observer games are becoming attractions.” The addition of HALO “Fireteam Raven” at CyberZone makes it one of the few arcades outside larger cities like Atlanta that offer such high-end games at their arcade. “It has only been on the floor for one day, so far
but watching the faces of our guests seeing the size of the machine is amazing,” Bak said. “The game is certainly a presence on the game floor. We did have some photos posted on social media, and they have generated a really great response, we are looking forward to seeing
how it does this weekend.” HALO “Fireteam Raven” is set to be a permanent fixture on the CyberZone game floor and is currently on the main game floor in the arcade. For more information, call 334-737-5000. The business is located at 107 N. 9th St. in Opelika.
Second annual “O Day in the Village” coming to Covington Park Sept 8 - 9 By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor Uniting the community for a day of fun and togetherness without alcohol, drugs or violence is the goal of the second annual “O Day in the Village” Sept. 8 and 9 at Covington Park. Organized by Opelika resident Teddy Houston, the event drew nearly 1,000 people last year,
community and show love to one another instead of hate or violence,” Houston said. “It shows that we can come together and have fun without drugs or alcohol ... and send a message that violence will not be tolerated here.” Saturday’s activities will include activities for all ages, including live band and deejay, age-specific basketball, flag football and softball
children to interact with and explore. On Sunday, there will be a talent show and kickball tournament dedicated to Opelika native and Democratic candidate for the Alabama House of Representatives District 83 seat. LoveU LoveU is a main sponsor for the event, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting community togetherness
Photo special to the Opelika Observer numbers he said he hopes to build on in 2018. “The turnout was great last year, which is why we moved to having a second day. I believe that this event way to reach the
competitions, representatives from the Lee County Department of Human Resources and Opelika Housing Authority as well as an Opelika Fire Department truck for
locally and statewide. The event will last from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. until dark on Sunday. Covington Park is located at 213 Carver Ave.
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pelika O Observer Recipes,
from A7 to return to the military as an officer in 1981. While they were living in Fort Benning, their first child, Juston, was born. When he was 18 months old, John was transferred to Hawaii. “I really got involved in my art and cooking while we were living in Hawaii," says Elaine. She sold seascape paintings and paintings of Diamondhead. She began painting on discarded helicopter blades, either painting landscapes or helicopters. She sold those to the officers’ club and at art shows. One blade painted with helicopters was presented to a bank at Pearl Harbor. In Hawaii, Elaine became interested in different cuisines. She learned to cook native dishes with Asian influences. She was also cooking southern dishes with recipes from her mother and John's mother, who was also a good cook. John’s father was from Pisa, Italy. He passed away when John was young. John began cooking to help his mother. When they returned to Fort Benning, John worked also as an ROTC instructor at Auburn University. During this time, their second son Matt was born. Elaine continued to paint and created a mural at Lakewood Baptist Church in Phenix City. John’s last tour was in Huntsville at the Redstone Arsenal. After he retired from the military, they moved to Louisiana for John to work for an oil company and then in Houston. Elaine had been following artist Joni Lilledahl, who was interested in old world masters and Chicken Chili 1 onion, diced Oil 1 deli roast chicken, deboned At least 2 large cans (15 oz.) tomato sauce Chili powder plus 2 or 3 chili seasoning packets 2 cans (15 oz.) black beans 2 cans (15 oz.) chili beans 2 cans (14.5 oz.) petite diced tomatoes 1 can (10 oz.) Ro*tel
opened a school teaching classic oil painting in Houston. Elaine attended her classes and learned the techniques that had been her dream since childhood. She was also painting portraits, teaching children and giving workshops for adults. In 2007, John had an offer to go to Saudi Arabia. “I decided I was ready for an adventure, and we could travel in Europe while we were there,” says Elaine. They enjoyed traveling to Paris, Florence, Italy, and where John's father was born in Pisa. She took a great deal of photos to save for paintings later. She continued to teach art and have shows. While she learned how to prepare some Middle Eastern dishes, ingredients for American dishes were not easy to find. They had to wait until the ship delivered American products to stock the commissary on the compound. After six years there, they are enjoying being back in Opelika. Their home and art studio are filled with her beautiful paintings. While John has taken over doing most of the cooking, they still enjoy being in the kitchen together. Over the years, Elaine collected recipes from various places. She is sharing a sampling of those recipes, as well as ones from family. Elaine and John have come full circle since their early marriage days, living back in Opelika in a home filled with memories of travel and other homes. As they relax on the patio in the afternoon, they dine on dishes from those places and savor a life well lived. Ann Cipperly can be contacted at recipes@ cipperly.com.
diced tomatoes and green chilis (hot or mild) Garlic cloves, chopped, to taste Sauté onion in oil. Add chicken and chili powder. Add tomato sauce and stir ingredients together. Add other ingredients (to taste and crowd size, such as any extra tomato sauce). Simmer until heated through. Can mix in cilantro or add it on top.
FOOD RATINGS Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar 1627 Opelika Road Auburn Score: 98 Guthrie’s 1673 Shug Jordan Pkwy Auburn Score: 97 Guthrie’s Tigertown 1700A Capps Landing Opelika Score: 97 Longhorn Steakhouse 2601 Gateway Drive Opelika
Score 96 Chappy’s Deli 754 E. Glenn Ave. Auburn Score: 96 Howie’s Mouth of the South 9063 Lee Road 246 Smiths Station Score: 93 Jim Bob’s 1006 1st Ave. Opelika Score: 93 Pizza D’Action 2368 Lee Road 430 Smiths Station Score: 92
John’s Spaghetti and Meatballs Meatballs Combine in a bowl: 1 lb. ground beef 1/2 lb. ground sausage 1 onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, chopped Dried oregano, salt, pepper, to taste Mix and form meatballs. Cook in lightly oiled large skillet, turning frequently until meatballs are slightly browned. Sauce 1 onion sautéed in saucepan with 2
Tbsp. olive oil Add to the pan: 1 can diced tomatoes 1 can tomato sauce Dried oregano and basil, to taste Simmer for 30 minutes and pour over meatballs. Spaghetti While sauce is simmering, cook spaghetti according to package directions. Pour combined sauce and meatballs over individual portions of spaghetti. Serve with garlic bread.
“Old World” Manicotti 12 large manicotti shells 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided 2 cups ricotta cheese 6 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil or 2 Tbsp. dried basil 26 oz. jar prepared spaghetti sauce 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 9x13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain; rinse with cool water.
Let pasta dry on paper towels. For filling, in medium bowl stir together 3 cups mozzarella with ricotta and fresh basil. Using a teaspoon, carefully stuff pasta shells with prepared cheese mixture. Spoon 2 cups spaghetti sauce into prepared baking dish. Arrange stuffed pasta over sauce. Pour remaining spaghetti sauce over top of pasta. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella. Bake manicotti for 15 minutes. Sprinkle with Parmesan; bake for 10 minutes longer. Serve immediately.
Chicken Keshkeg (from Armenia) I learned to make this while living in Hawaii and used my own homemade chicken stock. It has become one of our family’s favorite dishes 1 1/2 cups barley 4 1/2 quarts chicken stock 1- 2 1/2 -3 lb. chicken, cut up 2 cloves garlic, minced Juice of 2 lemons, divided 1/4 cup melted butter Ground cumin Ground chili Yogurt, if desired Fresh mint, chopped, if desired In a 6-8 qt. pot, put barley, stock, chicken, garlic and juice of 1 lemon. Bring to boil. Lower heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour. Remove chicken. Cover pot and
allow to continue simmering while you remove chicken from bones. Shred chicken fine. Add shredded chicken to the pot, and continue cooking the rest of the day. Extra simmering helps flavors to blend. When you are ready to serve the Keshkeg, melt butter and add about 1/4 tsp. cumin and 1/4 tsp. chili for each portion. Also add juice of second lemon. Mix well and pour a little of this over each serving. Many Middle Easterners serve this with dollops of yogurt and fresh chopped mint sprinkled on top. Serves 6. I learned to make this while living in Hawaii and used my own homemade chicken stock. It has become one of our family’s favorite dishes.
Rhonda’s Rum Cake Cake: 1/2 cup chopped pecans 18 1/2 oz. pkg. yellow cake mix 1/2 cup cooking oil 3 3/4 oz. pkg. vanilla instant pudding mix 1/2 cup light rum 1/2 cup water 4 eggs Grease and flour Bundt cake pan. Sprinkle nuts into bottom of pan. Mix
other ingredients with electric mixer for 2 to 3 minutes. Pour into pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 60 minutes. Cool glazed cake in pan 30 minutes and turn out. May be frozen. Glaze: 1 cup sugar 1/2 cup butter 1/4 cup rum 1/4 cup water Place ingredients in small saucepan and boil 2 to 3 minutes. Pour over cake.
A9 September 05, 2018 Uum Ali From the kitchen of Kathryn A. Lynn Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. This makes 1 large batch. If you want a smaller batch, just half the ingredients. 10 fresh croissants or enough to fill a large bowl when torn up 2 cups sugar 1 cup fresh milk 1 cup fresh cream 1 cup chopped almonds and/or hazelnuts (roasted) 1 can coconut milk or coconut cream 1/2 cup raisins, golden or black, if you prefer 1 Tbsp. vanilla 1/2 lb. butter, melted Cinnamon (optional) Tear the croissants into bite size pieces; add rest of ingredients (you can mix sugar with liquids first to dissolve). Also add cinnamon, add however much you
want. Add melted butter and grease casserole dish. This should sit in the refrigerator overnight to blend flavors and let bread soften and absorb the liquids. In the morning check to see if dry. You want the pudding to be mushy, on the moist side but not wet with liquid standing. If dry, add 1/2 cup milk and 1/2 cup cream. I have used half & half to keep it from being so rich, but I prefer milk and cream. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook for 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes or until brown on top. I prefer the pudding warm, but you can serve it cold or hot. I have never made a sauce to serve over the pudding, but it would work if you want it sweeter.
Hamud (Egyptian Chicken Soup with Lemon) Approximately 9 or 10 cups chicken broth 3-4 stalks celery, sliced 2 leeks, sliced 2-3 cloves garlic, chopped or sliced Salt and pepper Juice of 2 large lemons, divided 2-3 zucchini 1 cooked chicken (I used rotisserie lemon flavor from grocery store.) 1 cup rice, cooked (measure uncooked) Put broth in pan with celery, leeks, garlic, salt, pepper, and juice of 1 lemon. Simmer 1 hour. Shred
chicken and add at any time. After 1 hour, add zucchini and cook 15 minutes longer. Add juice of second lemon. The soup should taste very lemony. Adjust seasoning, if necessary. Add cooked rice just before serving to prevent rice from being mushy. Note: Other green vegetables can be added. Basic recipe is made with celery only, and broth is traditionally made with chicken bones that have a bit of meat left on them. In Egypt and the Middle East the giblets are often cooked with the broth.
Cheesy Crock-Pot Chicken 6 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless) Salt, pepper, to taste Garlic powder 2 cans condensed cream of chicken soup 1 can condensed cheddar cheese soup
Rinse chicken and sprinkle with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Mix undiluted soup and pour over chicken in crock pot. Cook on low all day (6 to 8 hours). Serve over rice or noodles.
Stuffed Cabbage (Our Italian relatives called this Satma.) Filling: 1 lb. ground beef 1 small bell pepper 1 large onion 2 or 3 cloves garlic 1 1/2 cups long grain rice Salt and pepper to taste Mix filling ingredients in a bowl. 1 medium cabbage
1-quart canned tomatoes 1 cup water Place filling in cabbage leaves and roll up. The leaves can be boiled a few minutes to make them flexible. Place in a baking dish and pour canned tomatoes and water over rolls. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes or until rice is done.
Favorite Chicken Casserole 4 chicken breasts, cooked and deboned (Can use rotisserie chicken from grocery store.) 8 oz. sour cream 1 can cream of chicken soup Ritz crackers 1 stick butter Chop chicken. Mix with sour
cream and cream of chicken soup. Pour mixture into an 8x9 in. pan. Crumble Ritz Crackers on top. Place pieces of butter on top of crackers. Bake in 350-degree oven for about 10 to 15 minutes or until butter melts.
Arabic Tea 2 Lipton teabags, brewed Divide 1/4 cup dried mint between 2
small teacups. Add 1 - 2 tsp. sugar to each cup; add tea. Serve with dates.
A10 September 05, 2018
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Community Calendar: Events around town
Ongoing: • Village Friends/Village Values is a nonprofit organization that supports seniors who prefer to stay in their own homes as they grow older. For info or to schedule a presentation to your group, call 334-209-4641. For the website, Google “village friends village values.” • The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR chapter is appealing for sweaters, jackets, trousers, shirts and socks, women’s clothing, soft soap in individual containers, shaving supplies, disposable razors, denture cleanser, toothpaste and toothbrushes, DVDs, games, books and magazines to take to veterans at the CAVHCS in Tuskegee. The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR Chapter regularly visits veterans living in assisted living, the homeless domiciliary and psych (trauma) ward in Tuskegee. Donations are tax deductible and will be much appreciated. Pick up is provided. Please call Linda Shabo at 887-6659 or at 256-307-1449. Mondays: • “Gimme A Break” Support Group for parents whose children have autism will be held from 9-11 a.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepper-
Sandler,
from A1
obtained from those investors were instead used for “personal expenses such as childcare services, rent payments, purchases of automobiles and other personal needs,” leaving many with no return on their investment. Sandler also concocted erroneous stories regarding his background to deceive investors, claiming to be a successful entrepreneur and “employee #240” at Google, an assertion that Google representatives confirmed to Observer staff as false in December 2016. “Sandler led people to believe he was a legitimate business man,” said U.S. Attorney Franklin. “He took advantage of a community that trusted him as a business leader. We hope that this prosecution sends a clear message that such conduct
ell Parkway, Opelika. This is a monthly event on the first Monday of each month for parents to connect with each other. • The John Powell American Legion Post 18 and Auxiliary meets the third Monday at 7 p.m. at 910 West Point Parkway in Opelika. • The Opelika Community Band practices from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Auburn High School band room. Everyone is welcome, amateurs and professionals alike. • Smiths Station Military Chapter of Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) meets weekly at Mike & Ed’s at 5 p.m. For more information, call 2975581 or visit www.nonukesforiran.org. • The Lee County Voters League meets the first Monday of every month at St. James Missionary Baptist Church, located at 1335 Auburn St. in Opelika. • The Touched by Suicide Support Group meets the first Monday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at the East Alabama Medical Center Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway. For more information, contact Deborah Owen, EAMC’s director of Psychiatric Services at 334528-4197 or deborahowen@
will not be tolerated.” In June, the Observer reported that Sandler had been arrested on Lee County warrants in Bryan, Texas, and was being extradited back to the area to face trial for those charges. Weeks later, court records showed that he was placed under a $50,000 bond and under house arrest at his current residence in Jasper, Alabama. Given an ankle bracelet to monitor his activity, his only trips can be to and from court. Sandler was scheduled to appear in court at the Lee County Justice Center on Aug. 30, but a continuation was issued 24 hours before the hearing. An application filed on Sandler’s behalf will enable him to “plead guilty on information” on a first-degree theft of property charge here in Lee County. A new date for the hearing had not been scheduled at press time. Check the Observer for updates as this story continues to develop.
eamc.org. • The fourth Monday of each month a Community Grief Support Group meets from 5:30–6:30 p.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center. No reservations are necessary; everyone is welcome. For more information call 826-1899 or 502-0216. • T.O.P.S (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly), a weight loss support group, meets every Monday night from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Covington Recreation Center, 213 Carver Ave., Opelika. For more info contact Mary Johnson, 749-1584. • The Lee County Commission meets the second and last Mondays of each month at the courthouse beginning at 5 p.m. • The Commercial Horticulture Extension Team organizes webinars to provide quick updates for producers on various topics of interest. Whether you are interested in the proper way to plant fruit trees or have questions in turf management, these webinars cover a wide range of subjects. Webinars are streamed live via Panopto on the last Monday of every month starting in January and ending in November. During the presentation, participants can send questions via email. The webi-
nars also are recorded and stored in the archive on the Beginning Farmer website. Webinar topics include: trap cropping for reducing squash insect pests, cowpea curculio updates, nutsedge control, introduction to potting mixes in ornamental container production, dealing with drought in commercial horticulture crops, and many more. To view the full schedule, please visit www.aces. edu/anr/beginningfarms/ webinars.php. Please send questions during the presentations to Ann Chambliss, thameae@auburn.edu. For questions regarding the webinar series or for providing suggestions, please email Dr. Ayanava Majumdar at bugdoctor@auburn.edu. Tuesdays: • Ballroom Dance Classes at the Opelika Sportsplex from 7-8 p.m. every Tuesday. Instructor is Cody Wayne Foote. For more info call Diane at 749-6320. • A monthly educational program on topics for autism parents, caregivers and teachers will be held on the second Tuesday of each month at Trinity United Methodist Church, 800 2nd Ave., Opelika from 6-7:30 p.m. Childcare is provided, but reservations need to be made by contacting Maria Gutierrez at mariag@ leecountyautism.com to make sure there are enough volunteers. • The East Alabama Old Car Club meets every first Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Monarch Estates Clubhouse, located at 1550 East University Drive, Auburn. A program of interest to the old car enthusiast is presented. Car ownership is not required. • The Opelika City Council meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 7 p.m. Meetings are preceded by non-voting work sessions that typically begin about 6:30-6:45 p.m. • Every second Tuesday, a country, gospel and bluegrass music jam session is held at Pierce Chapel United Methodist Church in Beauregard. The event is free and open to the public. Those who play an instrument should bring it and plan to
join in. The jam session is held from 6–8 p.m. 8685 AL Highway 51. • A Grief Support Group meets at Oak Bowery United Methodist Church Tuesdays at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. for anyone dealing with the pain of loss and feeling the need for support on their journey as they attempt to bring order and wholeness back into their life. Attendance and participation is strictly voluntary for any and all sessions. There are no fees or charges involved. The church is located on U.S. Highway 431 – eight miles north from Southern Union State Community College and Opelika High School. For more information contact Bill Parker at 459-0214 or 706-518-9122. • The Auburn Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol meets every Tuesday evening from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Auburn University Regional Airport. The Civil Air Patrol is a nonprofit organization that is Congressionally chartered to be the civilian auxiliary of the Air Force and focuses on three missions: aerospace education, cadet programs and emergency services. For more information visit www.auburncap. org or find the organization on Facebook. • East Alabama Gem & Mineral Society meet the 4th Tuesday of every month at 5:45 p.m. Meetings are held at the Covington Rec. Center located at 213 Carver Ave. in Opelika. Wednesdays: • The second Wednesday of each month a Community Grief Support Group meets from 10-11 a.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center. No reservations are necessary. For more info call 826-1899 or 502-0216. • The John Powell American Legion Post 18 and Auxiliary hosts Bingo every Wednesday night at 6 p.m. • Every Wednesday is Wine Down Wednesday at the Bottling Plant Event Center from 5 - 8 p.m. Thursdays: • American Legion Auxiliary Unit 152 meets the first Thursday of every month at 11 a.m. at Niffer’s Place, 917 S. Railroad Ave.
Fuller,
from A4 very long time until I would be able to discuss it with her. 30 years to be exact. (I didn’t have contact with my Daddy’s family for a very long time, but that’s another story.) That was the beginning. The first 4 years of my life only primed me for everything else I would experience in the coming years. Losing my father in such a tragic way was tough. It was the talk of the town, and I remember some of the kids at school talking about it. Children can be cruel. I never really understood it. I held my pain inside and released my frustrations in bursts of crying fits and temper tantrums. Children aren’t supposed to be able to handle situations like that. I understand that now, but back then, my little mind was telling me it was my fault and that maybe there was something wrong with me. My anecdote was playing by myself outside. In the woods. In the creek. Explor-
in Opelika. • The Teal Magnolias Gynecological Cancer Support Group meets the second Thursday of every third month at 6 p.m. at EAMC Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway. For more information on the Teal Magnolias, email tealmagnoliasAL@yahoo. com or find them on Facebook. • TNT – Teens N Transition is a monthly program for teens and young adults ages 14 and up. The group uses this time to learn social skills as well as connect with others on the autism spectrum. They have enjoyed cooking, bowling, laser tag, movies and game nights. This event is held the third Thursday of each month. Visit leecountyautism.com for more information. • Opelika-Auburn Newcomers’ Club provides a variety of programs for the betterment of the Auburn/ Opelika community to assist women transitioning into the area or to help women adjust to recent lifestyle changes. The club meets on the third Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. for a luncheon at various local restaurants. Please call or email Cheri Paradice at 334-737-5215 or cheri.paradice@gmail.com for more information or luncheon location of the month. • The Bosom Buddies Breast Cancer Support Group meets at the Health Resource Center at 6 p.m. the first Thursday of each month. • T.O.U.C.H. Cancer Support Group meets the third Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. at EAMC’s Health Resource Center. This is a support group for people living with any type of cancer or their families and friends. Call 334-528-1076 for more information. • The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art holds evening and after-school studio art classes year-round. Open to all skill levels, art supplies are included with the cost of registration. Call 334480-2008. Email editor@opelikaobserver.com to place your community events.
ing the old silos that stood on an old cattle farm that was located in what is now Town Creek Park (in Auburn). Even though I did see a therapist a few times when I was young, those hours in the woods healed me more than therapy ever did or would. Mama and Mema even started taking me to horseback riding lessons. I seemed to connect with the horses at a very young age and being outside was the added bonus. I didn’t have a very good attention span. Focus was never an issue when I was riding. In fact, it’s one of the few things to this present day that still holds my concentration without fail. Even now, my concentration only holds for so long. The word count on this article is nearing its limit and so is my attention span. Please meet me back here next week for Part 2 of my narrative. Lucy Fuller is a lover of nature, animals, gardening, and old houses. She is a full time mother and wife. She currently resides in Opelika with her husband, two daughters, 3 dogs, and cat. She can be reached at fullalove2017@gmail.com
pelika O Observer
Are you prepared for a natural disaster?
A11 September 05, 2018
Rotary District Gov. Samuel Adams speaks to Opelika Rotary Club members
Special to the Opelika Observer
September is National Preparedness Month, and while many communities in the Southeast are still recovering from last year’s historic natural disasters, FEMA encourages residents to take the time now to choose disaster preparedness as a personal priority this year. “Last year was especially difficult for communities across our region,” said Region IV Administrator Gracia Szczech. “The Southeast endured severe storms and tornadoes, and the fifth costliest hurricane – Irma – in our nation’s history. We cannot guarantee that we will not see another year like 2017,” Szczech said. “But we can help our region’s 61 million residents understand how they can reduce their personal risk and help make their communities more resilient.” National Preparedness Month focuses on the need to be ready for disasters and emergencies. “September is also the peak of hurricane season, so preparing now is even more critical for families and businesses in the Southeast,” Szczech said. “Preparedness is a shared responsibility. While government plays a role, individuals, organizations, and businesses have important things to do to be ready for the unexpected.” FEMA is concentrat-
ing on these preparedness themes each week of September to help residents create their own culture of preparedness: • Make and practice your family’s preparedness plan so your family knows how to reconnect and reunite when an emergency strikes. • Learn life safety skills. Neighbors and coworkers are often the first to take action immediately after a disaster strikes. Train to be a citizen responder through CPR and first aid training or learn how to be the help until help arrives. You have a choice. Prepare for emergencies today. • Check your insurance coverage. Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover damage or losses from flooding, earthquakes, or high winds in hurricaneprone areas. If you’re not insured against those hazards, talk to your insurance agent. • Save for an emergen-
cy. Anticipate initial outof-pocket disaster expenses for lodging, food, gas, and more. A 2016 survey by the Federal Reserve revealed that 44 percent of Americans indicated they would not have enough money to cover a $400 emergency expense. Also, download and use the free FEMA app, which provides valuable safety tips to help you prepare for and recover from natural and man-made hazards. The FEMA app lets you receive weather alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations across the nation, making it easy to follow severe weather that may be threatening your family and friends. The app also provides family communication plans, a customizable checklist of emergency supplies, and maps of open shelters and disaster recovery centers. The app is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Tuesday - Friday 128 Columbus Parkway
Special to the Opelika Observer Rotary District Governor Samuel “Sam” Adams addressed a recent meeting of the Opelika Rotary club. Adams gave an inspirational talk, sharing stories about the unsung heroes who have been important to Rotary District 6880, and to him personally. He emphasized the critical need to continue Rotary’s effort to defeat polio, a devastating disease which has now been confined to just two nations, but could still threaten other countries in an age of global travel. From left: Walter Dorsey, club member; Adams; Dixie Broadwater, club member; and Nate Kastner, club president.
Park,
from A1 Henry J. Stern Family Foundation, the park is a gift and labor of love that will benefit Opelika citizens for generations, according to Mayor Gary Fuller. “All of our citizens will be able to benefit from this park. I want
to thank J. and Ginger Stern and (their foundation) for what they’ve done for our great city,” Fuller said. Located at 409 1st Ave., the park has multiple features for its guests, including a walking path, caboose donated by Keep Opelika Beautiful, clock tower, fenced-in dog run area, little free library and pavilion with picnic tables.
Held on what would have been Henry’s 87th birthday, the celebration served as an opportunity for Ginger and J. to showcase their family’s vision for making Opelika a better and greater place to call home. “That’s the mission of the foundation, to do good for Opelika, and J. and I want to make Opelika the best place that we can,” Ginger said.
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A12 September 05, 2018
Commission, from A5 ment at the dentention center • heard from Dr. Kelley Steury from the Animal Control Citizen’s Advisory Panel. Steury presented the commission with additional information on the TargetZero program. After a discussion on the merits of the program, the commission decided not to seek an evaluation from TargetZero at this time,
but to wait until other aspects of the animal control program have been implemented. • Removed the Request for a Retail Beer License for Papis Music Mix and Mingle from the agenda at the request of Sheriff Jay Jones The Lee County Commission meets the second and last Mondays of each month. Meetings are open to the public and are held at Lee County Court House located at 215 S. 9th St. in Opelika.
Letter, from A5 wrong way and when he thought I was simply wrong. What more could a citizen ask for? It has been more than three years since the connection to CR 106. During this time, the developer’s $100,000 performance bond was allowed to expire when the County generated a study “finding” a VPD less than even
the developer’s. A subsequent legitimate Auburn study of 150 VPD proved the AMP improvements should have been made. CR 106 has become a construction entrance to East Lake and its condition is deplorable. Still no action by the Commission. Fred’s efforts/confirmation prompted me to press on and uncover this practice in Lee County, especially against mostly black churches and rural citizens.
Having subscribed to the Observer for several years, I know it allows the citizen to express an alternate view; it is not simply the mouthpiece of the rich and powerful. I understand advertisements and classifieds keep the press rolling, not subscriptions. This is what made Fred’s actions all the more heroic. Fred believed in printing the voice of the people and supported the democratic process. I’m sure publishing my letters
to the editor was a liability for Fred, but he did it even though he often disagreed with what I was saying or the way I said it. I will sorely miss Fred’s commission reporting and aware or not, so will the citizens of Lee County. I couldn’t help but notice the absence of the OA News at the Aug. 27 County Commission meeting. Res Ipsa Loquitur. Peter Byrd
Career Discovery 2018 CAREER EXPO
September 13 - 14, 2018
A fun, educational, hands-on experience! A chance to get an overview of career opportunities available in the area, showcased in 11 career clusters!
Agriculture
Architecture & Construction
Communications & Information Technology
Education & Training
Hospitality, Tourism & Recreation
Manufacturing
Automotive Manufacturing
Healthcare
T
Public Service
Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
Energy & Utilities
Open to all 8th grade students in Region 5. (public, private, home school, etc. in Autauga, Bullock, Chambers, Coosa, Dallas, Elmore, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Montgomery, Perry, Russell, and Tallapoosa counties.)
Hosted on the Opelika campus of:
Southern Union State Community College
September 13-14, 2018 Thank You to our Platinum Sponsors!
For more information, visit:
www.career-discovery.org
Opelika Schools & Sports Inside • opelika schools • lee county schools • community sports
Upcoming Football Games Sept. 7 Opelika v. Selma (H) Beauregard v. Valley (A) Beulah v. Montgomery Academy (H) Smiths Station v. Central (H)
Dawgs lose to Tigers in final seconds of game
On the Mark By D. Mark Mitchell
O
pelika (0-2) lost to rival Auburn (2-0) 22-15 last Friday night at Duck Samford Stadium. Opelika quarterback Cade Blackmon threw a touchdown pass to Jaylin Stinson that covered 80 yards, with 8:20 remaining in the opening quarter. The Dawgs converted a two point play, taking an 8-0 in front of a stunned Auburn crowd. Auburn quarterback Griffin Speaks threw a 15 yard touchdown pass to Justin Brooks with
7:57 remaining in the second quarter, cutting the Opelika lead to a point. The Bulldogs added their second score with 1:27 left in the half, after Blackmon hit Jamius Mitchell over the middle of the field on a 29-yard catch-and-run Baker Rowton added the PAT, giving the Bulldogs a 15-7 lead at halftime. The second half belonged to the Auburn defense, holding Opelika scoreless for the last 24 minutes of the
Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer game. The Tigers moved the ball, controlling the clock, but missed a total of three field goals. Auburn scored two touchdowns, one in the
third and fourth quarters. Speaks plowed in the end zone from the one yard for a score and Jay Walker sprinted four yards for the game-win-
ning score. Offensive stats for Opelika: Blackmon finished 8 -of-16 passing for 131 yards along with 45 rushing yards,
2 TDs and one interception. Brantan Barnett rushed for 108 yards on 14 carries, Jamius See Opelika, page B8
Bobcats drown out Ellwood 36-0; game Beauregard falls to Eufaula 42-26 By D. Mark Mitchell called after 2nd quarter due to weather Sports Writer The Beauregard Hornets (0-2) lost their home opener 42-26 to Eufaula last Friday at Hornet Stadium. Eufaula running back J. Green rushed for 274 yards, including a 63-yard run on the first play from scrimmage for an early Photo special to the Opelika Observer
See Beauregard, page B3
Panthers rise up to beat Valley 27 - 0 Photo by Vanessa Poulson/For the Opelika Observer By Arnecia Walker For the Opelika Observer Beulah Bobcats (2-0) can add another win to their record after Friday night’s two quarter game against the Ellwood Christian Eagles. Bobcat Stadium was packed with screaming fans ready to cheer on their
team. The game started with the Eagles having possession of the ball, but an interception made by junior cornerback DaShawn Jones boosted the team’s confidence. A huge team effort was shown on the field Friday night by the Bobcats. The offense See Beulah, page B3
By Rick Lanier For the Opelika Observer On their first possession of the second half, Smiths Station (2-0) orchestrated another impressive touchdown drive covering 43 yards in under four minutes, adding to their lead over a battling Rams team. Then the lightning and torrential rain came. After a suspension of play, the game was called at the 5:35 mark of the third quarter. See Smiths, page B3
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B2 September 05, 2018
PLAYER OF THE WEEK The City of Opelika is proud to sponsor the Opelika High School Player of the Week. We applaud you for your HARD WORK and DEDICATION on and off the football field.
Beulah Player of the Week Sophomore linebacker and running back Quay Moreland was named the Beulah Player of the Week. In Friday’s 36-0 rain-shortened victory over Ellwood Christian, Moreland rushed twice for 85 yards and a touchdown.
Senior quarterback Cade Blackmon was named the Opelika Player of the Week. In Friday’s 22-15 loss to Auburn, Blackmon was 8-of-16 passing for 131 yards and two touchdowns, as well as contributing 45 rushing yards.
IT’S THE OPELIKA WAY.
GO DAWGS! #myOpelika • #beOpelika www.opelika-al.gov 2018 observer
Player of the Week brought to you by
Zone 2 screens
1804 Thomason Dr. Opelika , AL. 36801
Beauregard Player of the Week Senior wide receiver Isaiah McKissic was named the Beauregard Player of the Week. In the Hornets’ 46-26 loss to Eufaula Friday night, McKissic hauled in eight receptions for 149 yards and two touchdowns.
Senior linebacker and running back Kyran Hall was named the Smiths Station Player of the Week. In Friday’s 27-0 rain-shortened victory over Valley, Hall finished with seven tackles and seven carries for 70 yards.
pelika O Observer SUSCC receives national recognition for course design Special to the Opelika Observer Southern Union State Community College's Online English Composition I Course (English 101) recently received the nationally recognized Quality Matters Certification Mark for meeting course design standards in an Official Quality Matters peer review. Quality Matters, a nationally recognized, faculty-centered, peer review process that certifies the quality of online courses, has recognized Southern Union English Faculty members Emily Laseter and Casey Van Horn's commitment to quality assurance for designing the English
Composition I course that meets Quality Matters standards. Through this process, reviewers provide instructors and instructional design teams with insight and recommendations that increase learner engagement, retention and satisfaction, and, ultimately, learner achievement. “This initiative is part of an ongoing commitment to providing our students the best possible educational experience. Earning this designation helps ensure that our students will receive a superior online learning experience,” said Dr. Linda North, dean of academics at SUSCC. North added that the
college is seeking certification for other online courses as well. With campuses in Wadley, Opelika and Valley, Southern Union is the second oldest twoyear college in the state of Alabama and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associates degrees. An international, USbased nonprofit organization, Quality Matters specializes in standards, processes and professional development for quality assurance in online and blended learning. Their resources are regularly revised to reflect current research and best practices.
B3 September 05, 2018
Students of OPS customers eligible to apply for AMEA Scholarship Special to the Opelika Observer High school seniors whose families are Opelika Power Services customers are eligible to receive a scholarship from the Alabama Municipal Electric Authority and OPS. AMEA is making 44 $2,500 scholarships available in 2019, with four scholarships per member city. Since 1992, AMEA has awarded more than $2 million in scholarship monies to graduating high school seniors who receive their electric service from AMEA Members, including Alexander City,
Dothan, Fairhope, Foley (Riviera Utilities), LaFayette, Lanett, Luverne, Opelika, Piedmont, Sylacauga and Tuskegee. “Opelika Power Services is excited to partner with AMEA to offer these scholarships to help students in our area offset their college expenses. We encourage all eligible students to apply,” said OPS Director Derek Lee. To be eligible for an AMEA scholarship, a student’s parent and/ or legal guardian must receive electric service from an AMEA Member utility, and the student must attend a four-year college/uni-
versity, community college, and/or vocational/ trade school within the state of Alabama. Applications are currently available from school counselors in Opelika, or online through the AMEA web site, www.amea.com, Scholarship Program. The application deadline is Feb. 12, 2019. For more information on the program, parents are asked to contact their children's school counselor or AMEA Scholarship Program Coordinator Pamela Poole by calling (334) 387-3504, (800) 239-2632, Ext. 110, or emailing pam@amea. com.
Photos by Vanessa Poulson/For the Opelika Observer Beulah defeated Ellwood Christian 36-0 in a rain-shortened contest at Bobcat Stadium Friday night.
How well do you know your sports? Take the quiz below to find out!
SPORTS QUIZ By Chris Richcreek 1. Entering 2018, name the last player to have at least 70 stolen bases in a season. 2. Who was the first National League pitcher to save 50 or more games in a season? 3. Which quarterback holds the NCAA record for most combined yards in a season? 4. Who was the last Milwaukee Bucks All-Star before Giannis Antetokounmpo in 2017? 5. Name the last team before Vegas in 2018 to sweep the Los Angeles Kings in the first round of the NHL playoffs. 6. Before Kyle Busch and Kevin Harvick in 2018, when was the last time that two NASCAR drivers won at least five races each during the first 17 races of the season? 7. In 2018, Roger Federer became the second-oldest male tennis player (36 years, 173 days) to win a Grand Slam when he captured the Australian Open. Who is the oldest to do it? Answers 1. Boston’s Jacoby Ellsbury, in 2009. 2. Randy Myers had 53 saves for the Chicago Cubs in 1993. 3. Texas Tech QB B.J. Symons, with 5,976 yards in 2003. 4. Michael Redd, in 2004. 5. Detroit did it in 2000. 6. Denny Hamlin and Jimmie Johnson, in 2010. 7. Ken Rosewall won the Australian Open in 1972 at the age of 37. (c) 2018 King Features Syndicate, Inc.
Beauregard,
from B1
TD. BHS answered with a 56 yard drive but turned the ball over inside the Tigers’ 10-yard line. Qua Seroyer ran 13 yards on the next Hornet possession, for a touchdown. Eufaula stormed back in less than 90 seconds, Green scored his second five TDs after running 24 yards for the end zone. Eufaula scored two touchdowns in the second quarter, while the Hornets added one TD. EHS running back J. Green scored on 7 and 70-yard runs while Hornet wide receiver Seyorer caught a 13-yard pass for a touchdown from Isaiah McKissic. Both teams scored two TDs apiece in the second half. The Hornets Ashton Moss caught a seven yard pass and Sam Harris caught a 34-yard pass from McKissic for a score. Eufaula scored on Green’s two yard run and a 33 yard run from Xavier Pweterson. The Hornets finished with 567 total yards offense, with 347 through the air and 220 on the ground. Ashton Moss led all Beauregard rushers with six carries for 68 yards. McKissic torched the Tigers secondary with eight reception for 149 yards and two TDs. The Hornets open Region play Friday at Valley, 7pm kickoff. You can listen to the Valley radio crew on 100.9 the Bull or the Beauregard Broadcast team on 95.9 fm.
Smiths,
from B1 Final score - Smiths Station 27 Valley 0. Just like that, Smiths Station football is 2-0 for the first time since 2015. Well before the literal thunder and lightning lit up the Valley sky however, a figurative duo of “Thunder – RB LC Harris, 14 carries for 72 yards/2 TD’s, and “Lightning” RB Kyran Hall, 9 carries for 51 yards/TD was lighting up the field. Sprinkle in 6 carries for 25 yards from RB DJ Moffett, a passing touchdown from QB Corey Minton to WR Dre Cooper, a stifling defensive effort which created 2 turnovers and surrendered (by my count) a lone first down, and you have the mak-
Beulah,
from B1 one fumble and an interception, which resulted in a 36-0 win. The game was called after the second quarter due to weather. Sophomore running back, Quay Moreland lead rushing with 2-85 yards and a touchdown. Caden Dowdell had 2-42 yards receiving, while senior, Justin Hancock lead the team with 5 tackles. The atmosphere of this game was remarkable. Senior at Beulah High, Sydney Fried-
ings of a great Panther win. Although the game was well in hand, it wasn’t without mistakes. The Panther’s fumble deep inside the red zone and a kicking team breakdown resulting in a blocked PAT provides room for improvement. Having said that, Head Coach Mike Glisson has to be pleased with the effort on both sides of the ball. He should be pleased to know that this win will serve as another confidence booster and momentum for his team going forward. Most importantly, he has to be very pleased to know that their 2-0 start provides his team with the valuable lessons of how to win - again. Smiths Station plays Central at home on Friday, September 7, at 7 p.m. CST. man, spoke about how the students are supportive of each other and excited to see the team do great on the field. The student section would toss confetti in the air and the cheerleaders would jump for joy with smiles on their faces each time the Bobcats scored. “We did what we were supposed to in the first half. I’m really pleased with our starting guys,” said Head Coach, Cody Flournoy. Beulah Bobcats will face Montgomery Academy next Friday at Bobcat Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
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B4 September 05, 2018
Pilot Club welcomes speaker Julie Hare
No Ordinary Streetcars to host “Cruise In,” “Cars & Coffee” events By Michelle Key Editor
Special to the Opelika Observer The Pilot Club of Lee County welcomed Julie Hare, Congregational Care Minister for Auburn United Methodist Church, as the speaker for their Aug. 28 meeting. Julie shared information about REACH, a community respite ministry that embraces the needs of people living with dementia and the loved-ones who care for them. For more information, visit www. ReachRespite.org or call 334-826-8800, extension 252. Pictured are Whitney Storey and Julie Hare.
OBITUARIES Myrtle Lois Simmons Myrtle Lois Simmons of Opelika was born in Reeltown, Alabama to the late Hermie and Willie Sam Cannon on January 14, 1924 and passed away at her home in Birmingham on August 29, 2018. She was 94 years old. She was preceded
in death by her husband, Virnard Simmons; daughter, Margaret Dunson. She is survived by her children, Dewey Simmons, and Cathy Simmons; sister, Polly Long, 15 grandchildren, and a host of great grandchildren as well as a numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members.
Visitation was held held in the parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home on Friday, August 31, 2018 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. A graveside service was held in Union Cemetery Friday, August 31, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home directed.
No Ordinary Streetcars will be hosting a cruise in at the Home Depot in Opelika. The montly event will happen every second Saturday of the month from 5 - 8 p.m. All cars, trucks, and motorcycles (not just N.O.S. members) are welcomed and everyone is encouraged to come out and keep the hobby alive and well
with good company in a family-friendly environment. What to expect -There will be no burn outs, aggressive driving, loud music, etc. at or around this event. - There are vehicles, people and small children walking around. Event goers are asked not to drive through cruise in vehicle rows unless parking a vehicle. Other events
N.O.S. will also be hosting a “3rd Saturday Cars and Coffee” starting Sept. 15 from 8-10 a.m. at the Auburn Mall. The group plans to park on the SteinMart side of the mall. The club started For more information on these events or the car club call Hunter Goodlett (334)7501507 or John Price (334) 614-9936. Visit their facebook page www. facebook.com.
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B5 September 05, 2018
Photos by Tyler Melton/Courtesy of Smiths Station Athletics Pictured are highlights from Smiths Station’s 27-0 rain-shortened win against Valley on the road Friday night.
STATE OF ALABAMA CASE NO: 2018-B-174 LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT ESTATE OF JOYCE P. MARTIN, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Letters Testamentary of said Joyce P. Martin, deceased, having been granted to Joy Martin Samford, this 16th day of August 2018, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by the law or the same will be barred. Joy Martin Samford, Personal Representative Jeffery A. Hilyer 334-745-2564 Attorney at Law P.O. Box 30 Opelika, Alabama 36803-0030. Legal Run 8/22/18, 8/29/18 & 9/5/18
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF PEGGY J. TAYLOR, An Incapacitated person Case no. 15-B-166 NOTICE OF FINAL SETTLEMENT
Notice is hereby given that Marol Hornsby, Conservator of Peggy J. Taylor, an incapacitated person has filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama her accounts, vouchers and statements for a Final Settlement of the Conservatorship of Peggy J. Taylor. A hearing has been set for the 17th day of September, 2018, at 10:00 a.m., Central Time, in the Court Room of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, 215 South 9th Street, Opelika, Alabama. Done this the 16th day of August 2018. Bill English Judge of Probate Lee County, Alabama Legal Run 8/22, 8/29 & 9/5
NOTICE OF ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE SALE To be held on MONDAY, September 24, 2018, at 10 a.m. at Best 4 Less at 2509 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika, AL 36801. 1G8JD54RX5Y500233 - 2004 SATURN L-300 SEDAN 2HGFC1F32GH630358 2016 HONDA CIVIC LEGAL RUN 8/29 & 9/5
Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: Extra Space Storage 1242 N. Dean Rd. Auburn AL, 36830 on 9/19/2018 1:30 PM. Vianna Dooley Unit# 393 823 Grace Ridge Dr. Apt 109 Auburn, AL, 36830 3 bedroom house, Furniture, clothes, household items Shakeisar Peavy Unit# 521 1023 Alan Ave Auburn, AL, 36830 3 beds, 4 couches, dining table, washer/dryer, pictures, clothes Derrell Peoples Unit# 711 333 Aspen Run Birmingham, AL, 35209 Couch, tables, boxes, tv 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 8/29 & 9/5
Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: Extra Space Storage 1412 Opelika Road Auburn AL, 36830 on 9/19/2018 2:00 PM. Mary Booker Unit# R313 640 N Ross St apt G5 Auburn, AL, 368303 Tables, decorations, books, papers Nadia Riverd Unit# 282 2526 Lee Road 56 Auburn, AL, 36832 Household goods 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 8/29 & 9/5
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO: 2018-B-180 IN RE: THE ESTATE OF THOMAS PATRICK BERRY A/K/A THOMAS P. BERRY DECEASED. NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT TO BE PUBLISHED BY EXECUTRIX Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to ANNE L. MARTIN, on the 20th day of August, 2018, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the
same will be barred. BY: James E. Hall, Attorney for Executrix. LEGAL RUN 8/29, 9/5 & 9/12
NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF MELVIN ROSEN PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY CASE NO.: 2018-B-189 Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of the Estate of MELVIN ROSEN, Deceased having been granted to Karen Ann Rosen, on the August 23rd, 2018 by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama. Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Karen Ann Rosen Personal Representative 869 Wheatfields Ct. Decatur, GA 30030 Legal Run 8/29, 9/5 & 9/12
IN THE MATTER OD THE ESTATE OF MICHAEL HENRY LAKE, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Sherry Sawyer Lake, as Executrix of the Estate of Michael Henry Lake, deceased, on the 28th day of August, 2018, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law, or the same will be barred. SHERRY SAWYER LAKE, Executrix PREPARED BY: Phillip E. Adams, Jr. Adams, White & Oliver, LLP 205 S. 9th Street P.O. Box 2069 Opelika, AL 36801
(334) 745-6466 Legal Run 9/5, 9/12, & 9/19
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF OLA J. MCKNIGHT, DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA TO: THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF OLA J. MCKNIGHT, FRANK JOHNSON, MAGGY HEARD, GEORGIA MAGBY, ROBIE JOHNSON and LIMIE JOHNSON NOTICE: On the 28 th day of August, 2018, a certain writing, purporting to be the Will of OLA J. MCKNIGHT was filed in my office for Probate by DOROTHY JEAN COOPER and the 15th day of October, 2018, at 10:00 o’clock a.m. was appointed a day for hearing thereof at which time you can appear and contest the same, if you see proper. Given under my hand, the 28th day of August, 2018. BILL ENGLISH JUDGE OF PROBATE Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 3683-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 9/5,9/12, & 9/19
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MAMIE L. HAYWOOD, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Wanda Gail Chandler, as Executrix of the Estate
of Mamie L. Haywood, deceased, on the 4th day of September, 2018, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law, or the same will be barred. Prepared by: Blake L. Oliver Adams White Oliver Short & Forbus, LLP 205 S. 9th Street, P.O. Box 2069 Opelika, AL 36803-2069 334-745-6466 Legal Run 9/5, 9/12, 9/19
N THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LEO D. HAYWOOD, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Wanda Gail Chandler, as Executrix of the Estate of Leo D. Haywood, deceased, on the 4th day of September, 2018, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law, or the same will be barred. Prepared by: Blake L. Oliver Adams White Oliver Short & Forbus, LLP 205 S. 9th Street, P.O. Box 2069 Opelika, AL 36803-2069 334-745-6466 Legal Run 9/5, 9/12, 9/19
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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA FAMILY COURT DIVISION: DOMESTIC RELATIONS CASE NO. DR 2018900249 IN RE THE MARRIAGE OF: WHA MING WANG, Plaintiff, VS. GIA WANG, Defendant. NOTICE OF ACTION Notice is hereby given that Gia Wang, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer the Complaint for Divorce of Wha Ming Wang within thirty (30) days of the date of the last publication of this notice, or, thereafter, a judgment by default may be rendered against her in Case No. DR-18-900249, Circuit Court of LEE County. Legal Run 8/15, 8/22, 8/29 & 9/5/2018
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B6 September 05, 2018
OCS approves agreement for management of scholarship fund By Michelle Key Editor
Jean Lipscomb Scholarship benefitting OHS students. According to documents presented at the meeting, the agreement authorizes the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama to administer the scholarship fund.
The Opelika City School board approved an agreement and a memorandum of understanding to create an endowed fund for the benefit fo the Emma
In other business, the board: • approved several personnel recommedations • approved out-ofstate field trip requests for OHS Cross Country teams and the OMS band
Dr. James “Mac” McCoy Superintendent 334-705-6000 Fax: 334-745-9822 Toll Free: 1-800-652-9770
Lee County Board of Education 2410 Society Hill Road Opelika, AL 36804-4830
• approved the renewal of the General Liability/ Errors and Omissions Liability Insurance policy for 2018-19 • received the financial report for the month of July 2018 presented by Chris Harrison With only two months
remaining in the fiscal year, OCS has collected 84.1 percent of the anticpated budget revenues while disbursing only 80 percent of the budgeted expenditures. This represents a favorable variance of $1,783,042 for the general fund.
Budget hearings will be held on Sept. 11 from 4-6 p.m. and Sept. 13 from 2-4 p.m. The next board meeting will be on Sept. 13 at 4 p.m following the budget hearing. The board meets at 300 Simmons St. in Opelika.
Dr. James “Mac” McCoy Superintendent 334-705-6000 Fax: 334-745-9822 Toll Free: 1-800-652-9770
Lee County Board of Education 2410 Society Hill Road Opelika, AL 36804-4830
A Tradition of Excellence – A Vision for Tomorrow
A Tradition of Excellence – A Vision for Tomorrow
BOARD MEETING NOTICE
SPECAIL CALLED MEETING For the Public Hearing of the Proposed FY2019 Budget
Notice is hereby given to all citizens, press, and any interested parties that
Lee County Board of Education will meet
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
Notice is hereby given to all citizens, press, and any interested parties that
Lee County Board of Education will meet
6:00 P.M. CST at the Central Office 2410 Society Hill Road Opelika, AL 36804-4830
Monday, September 10, 2018 10:00 A.M. CST at the Central Office 2410 Society Hill Road Opelika, AL 36804-4830 This notice is posted on August 31, 2018 by Dr. James E. McCoy, Superintendent of Lee County Schools
This notice is posted on August 31, 2018 by Dr. James E. McCoy, Superintendent of Lee County Schools All Schools Accredited by SACS CASI
All Schools Accredited by SACS CASI
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LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS Job Opportunities Seeking Caregiver Seeking a long-term caregiver for approximately 4 hours a day, 4 days per week. Pays $25/hour Requires skills or experience in senior caregiving. Applicants should contact leungmora@ gmail.com Niffer’s @ the Tracks Niffer’s @ the Tracks is hiring in all positions. Applications are available in store, on the app or at www.niffersplace.com. FetchMe Delivery
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Affordable office space Located in downtown Opelika for low traffic business. Utilities included. Two small offices for $395.00 each and 1 large office for $525.00. All are upstairs. Call Rice Rentals at 334-364-0480.
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utility room. Fenced back yard. Available now. $900.00 per month Rice Rentals, 334-364-0480
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pelika O Observer
B7 September 05, 2018
Opelika sweeps Beauregard in volleyball last Thursday
Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Opelika High School’s varsity girls volleyball team swept Beauregard 3-0 in a home match at Opelika held last Thursday.
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pelika O Observer
B11
September 05, 2018
OMS 8th grade football team defeats Callaway 30-22
Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Pictured are highlights from Opelika Middle School’s 8th grade team’s 30-22 victory against Callaway last Thursday.
Opelika,
from B1
Mitchell caught two passes for 41 yards and a TD and Jaylen Stinson caught one pass for 80 yards and a score and led the defense with 12 tackles including 6 solo’s. Jaquan Foot added 9 tackles including 5-solo’s, Corbin Nunn and Miles Magee added 7 tackles apiece. SELMA vs OELIKA, BULLDOG STADIUM Friday night will be more than the home opener for the Opelika Bulldog football team, it’s Homecoming and the Region opener. The Selma Saints (1-0) will arrive at Bulldog Stadium for the first time
since 2005, a 51-6 loss in a first round playoff game. The two teams have played twelve games. Selma reeled off 6 straight starting with a 19-0 win in 1960. Opelika reeled off the last six wins, starting with a 34-0 win in 1984. The Saints have scored 21 combined points against the Dawgs in the last six games. SHS defeated rival Southside 60-20 last Friday in the season opener. The Saints have struggled in football, winning 5 or more game seven times since 1985. This is the Region opener for both teams. Selma is “Just what the doctor ordered” for this Opelika football team. The Dawgs are 0-2 after playing formidable foes. Look for the Bulldogs to flex their
muscles, play physical and hard Friday night. Opelika has a better program than Selma, from facilities to the teams. The Bulldogs will take their frustration out on the Saints, scoring early and often while limiting the Saints to minimum yards. Although 0-2 is not what the coaches, players and supporters anticipated… remember Opelika has more games ahead that de-
cide Region Championship and a trip to the playoffs. This week’s game is Homecoming for OHS, the 2018-19 Homecoming Court will be presented at halftime. Kickoff is set for 7pm at Bulldog Stadium. D. Mark Mitchell is sports director for iHeart Media, Alabama Dixie Boys State Director and vice president of the A-O Sports Council.
Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer
Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics Wednesday, September 05, 2018
Whatley seeking third term in Alabama Senate District 27 By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor
Inside the Statehouse
S
By Steve Flowers
ince this is a gubernatorial election year, let’s reminisce about an epic Governor’s Race. The 1978 Governor’s race is one of the classics in Alabama political lore. That Governor’s race between the three heavyweights, former Gov. Albert Brewer, Attorney General Bill Baxley, and Lt. Gov. Jere Beasley, was expected to be titanic. All three men had last names beginning with the letter “B,” thus, the press coined the phrase “the three B’s.” The Republicans were relegated to insignificance on the gubernatorial stage. Therefore, the winner of the Democratic primary would be governor. Meanwhile, over in east Alabama, a little known former Auburn halfback named Fob James strolled into the governor’s race. James’ entry evoked very little interest, only curiosity as to why he would want to enter the fray against three well-known major players. James was exposed as a card carrying Republican
but even a political novice like James knew he could not win as a Republican so he qualified to run as a Democrat along with the three Bs. James had become very wealthy by starting a successful manufacturing company in Opelika. When James signed up to run for governor the press wrote him off as a rich gadfly who simply chose politics, rather than golf, as his pastime. Little did they know that the fact he was rich and had a lot of time on his hands could spell trouble for the average political opponent who had to worry about fundraising and feeding their family while running a full-time campaign. James realized he was no political professional like the three Bs, who had spent their entire political adulthood in public office, so he sought out professional advice. He had the money to think big and wanted to know who was the best political consultant in the South. It was an easy answer: Deloss Walker, a political public relations
genius who lived in Memphis. His track record for electing governors of southern states was 5-0. Walker was the most renowned and expensive political guru in the country in 1977. James quietly sought out Walker, who at first refused to take James’ race. Walker’s first impression was that even he could not mold James into a winner against three well-financed, experienced thoroughbreds. Walker’s one condition for taking the race was James must do exactly what he said. He must be scripted and never deviate from Walker’s pat ads and speeches. Nobody was aware James had garnered the genius Walker and had already been to political school when he signed up to run for governor in the spring of 1978. Brewer, Baxley, and Beasley ignored James. Baxley even praised him saying, “Fob would be a good governor. Too bad he’s not a serious candidate.” Those words would See Flowers, page B10
Improving infrastructure, maintaining a balanced budget and promoting a higher quality of education in Lee, Russell and Tallapoosa counties is the goal of Tom Whatley, Republican nominee for Alabama’s Senate District 27. First elected to the seat in 2010, Whatley is seeking a third term in office to further the implementation of his conservative, constituent-first approach to Alabama politics. Following is a brief biography on Whatley and overview of his accomplishments during his eight-year tenure. Background A lifelong Lee County resident, Whatley grew up on his family’s dairy farm and attended Beauregard High School, where he graduated from in 1988. After graduating from high school, Whatley joined the
Whatley U.S. Army through the Alabama National Guard. He recently attained the status of colonel and benchmark of 30 years of military service, which includes two deployments abroad. Whatley attended college at Auburn University, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration before receiving his juris doctorate in 1998 from the Thomas Goode Jones School of Law. In 1999, he was granted admittance to the Alabama State Bar. Through his experience as a Chief of Staff with the Alabama Supreme Court
and work with the U.S. Embassy in Bucharest, Romania, Whatley said he gleaned valuable insights and lessons that would lend well toward a political career. After years of practicing law locally, Whatley’s first splash into politics was a successful one, upending longtime incumbent Senate 27 Democrat Ted Little in the November 2010 midterm elections by a 55-45 percentagepoint margin. In 2014, Whatley defeated Democratic challenger Haylee Moss by a 31.2 percentage-point margin in his bid for a second term. This November, Whatley’s challenger will be Auburn resident and Democratic nominee Nancy Carlton Bendinger. Achievements During his tenure, Whatley cites his co-sponsorship of the See Whatley, page B10
Smiths Station approves contract with Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor The Smiths Station City Council voted unanimously to enter into a contract with Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores, Inc. for the construction of a new store at the corner of Lee Road 248 and U.S. Highway 280/431 during its regular meeting last Tuesday. According to an official City of Smiths Station press release, the new, 8,600 sq. ft. space is expected to
produce more than $3 million in annual taxable sales, feature two restaurants in Chester’s Chicken and Godfather’s Pizza and create 40 full-time
jobs. “Love’s will be the first large national brand that is coming to our city, and I See Council, page B10
Sen. Doug Jones praises decision to halt newsprint tariffs Special to the Opelika Observer U.S. Sen. Doug Jones praised the decision made by the International Trade Commission (ITC) last week to halt harmful tariffs on newsprint from Canada imposed by the Trump Administration earlier this year. Senator Jones has consistently fought against these tariffs due to the significant
manufacimpacts they turer, North have had on Pacific small commuPaper Comnity newspapany (NORpers throughPAC), in out Alabama Washington and the United State, that States. The Jones claimed that tariffs were Canadian initially imgovernment subsidies posed in response to a allowed their produccomplaint to the U.S. ers to sell newsprint at Department of Commerce made by a hedge unfairly low prices. “This is a huge win fund-owned paper
for our local newspapers, which are truly the lifeblood of their communities,” Jones said. “The vast majority of newsprint used by America’s newspapers is manufactured in Canada, not the United States. The Administration’s tariffs were going to cost jobs, not save them. Throughout this year, I have heard from publishers
across Alabama that the significant cost increase of newsprint caused by these tariffs had placed a heavy burden on their already tight finances, forcing them to cut service or jobs, or both. I applaud the International Trade Commission for reversing these tariffs and letting commonsense prevail.” In April, Sen. Jones
wrote a letter to U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross calling for an end to the tariffs, and he cosponsored bipartisan legislation to suspend the tariffs while the Commerce Department examined the impacts of the tariffs on the printing and publishing industry. Most recently, he See Jones, page B10
pelika O Observer
B10 September 05, 2018
Flowers,
from B9
come back to haunt Baxley. Walker’s initial polling showed James actually had some name identification from being an Auburn halfback in the 1950s. It also picked up on the fact that Auburn alumni yearned for an Auburn man to be governor instead of a University of Alabama alumnus. However, James’ best attribute was that he always followed Walker’s script. He traveled the state in a yellow school bus and let the three Bs tear each other up. Baxley, Beasley, and Brewer spent all their time and money attacking each other
with negative ads, all the while James ran positive ads evoking a clean image of himself. By mid-May most Alabamians had seen so many negative ads and mudslinging by the three Bs they were of the opinion that all three had probably shot their mothers in a bar fight but they liked old Fob James, even if they thought his name was “Bob James.” It was too late for the three Bs when they saw a poll about a week before the election showing James ahead of all three of them. Baxley refused to believe it and kept hammering at Beasley and Brewer, ignoring James. When the votes were counted, James was in first place. Baxley finished second because black voters were
with him. Brewer was third and Beasley finished fifth behind State Sen. Sid McDonald. James easily beat Baxley in the runoff. After all, what could Baxley say? He had run all over the state for three months saying James would make a good governor. James had pulled off one of the most amazing upset victories in the history of Alabama politics. The Fob James story of the 1978 Governor’s race is truly one for the record books. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www. steveflowers.us.
Council,
from B9
believe it will be an excellent business venture. This is going to provide a huge boom and spark to our economic development and the city of Smiths Station as a whole,” said Smiths Station Mayor Bubba Copeland. Representatives from Love’s and engineering companies tied to the project
Whatley,
from B9
Sadie Grace Andrews Act, push for bill ensuring insurance coverage for families with children who have autism and leading the charge on the recent Moore’s Mill bridgewidening project as examples of his commitment and dedication to the people he serves within his district. “I’m a fiscally minded conservative who believes that the best way to grow our economy is
were in attendance at the meeting, including Love’s Real Estate Project Manager William Gleason. He said the city’s continual development, flow of traffic, growth and prime location were major factors in his company’s decision to open a store in Smiths Station, the 16th in Alabama. “We like to look for small towns across Alabama, and they just had a perfect spot for us here in Smiths Station. (The property) has a traffic light next to it, a bunch of roads and lot of big truck traffic that comes through
to create jobs with boosted wages while having lower taxes. Having money that goes to a research institution like Auburn University also helps create jobs in the Lee, Russell and Tallapoosa area,” Whatley said. “When you create jobs, you increase the quality of life, you create a tax base that can help boost its infrastructure.” Whatley was also a key proponent of a bill last year that would have allowed Opelika Power Services to offer rural residents
on Highway 280,” Gleason said. “This is just the perfect fit for us.” The property will be closed on Oct. 7, and Gleason added that the bidding process should take approximately two months to complete. In a post-meeting interview, Copeland and Gleason set a target opening date for the store for fall 2019. The council also heard and approved July’s general fund budget reports from Chief Financial Officer Shelby Branton. In other business, the council: • moved their regu-
broadband internet service. Despite its failed passage, he said the conversations from that movement have led to major cable providers leading a push for expanded internet services in rural areas across the district. An expansion of I-85 from four to six lanes is next on Whatley’s agenda. For more information on Whatley and his platforms, visit www.tomwhatleyforsenate.com or following him on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
lar Oct. 9 meeting to Oct. 11 • heard discussion and updates from Copeland on the progress of the Jones Store Museum and Government Center parking lot repaving. The Smiths Station City Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, with a work session beginning at 5:30 p.m. and regular meeting at 6 p.m. E.S.T. They meet in the city council chambers of the Smiths Station Government Center, which is located at 2336 Lee Road 430.
Jones,
from B9 testified at a hearing of the ITC on this issue on the devastating consequences the tariffs would have for newspapers, particularly those that operate in small or rural communities. Nearly all of the U.S. paper industry opposed these import taxes, including the American Forest and Paper Association, because of the threat they posed to their customers.
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Opelika
Family & R
B11 September 05, 2018
eligion
The book that is dangerous I
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’m talking about the book of Jonah. It has this potential because it’s the only one of The Twelve (the way the Jewish people referred to The Minor Prophets) that is in narrative form. There are no dense, obscure oracles to work your way through or symbolic language to decipher. Because of this and its simple but amazing storyline, everyone knows about Jonah. And therein lies the problem. Like the three wise men who visited Christ sometime after His birth or the apple that Adam and Eve ate—we are so sure of the story we can be blind to what really is and isn’t there. If we’re not careful, we can be like the person who drives to the beach, puts their foot in the water and goes home to tell everyone about
confident their ocean that’s not experience. the correct It’s easy way to look to put a foot at him. I’m in Jonah and also conthink you’ve vinced that been in the By Bruce Green as long as ocean. We Teaching Minister at we view can get a 10th Street Church of Jonah in a nice, neat Christ in Opelika superficial four-part way, our outline about understanding of the Jonah running, some book will be just that. jokes about frequent Whatever else the book flee-er discounts, dinner cruises (where you’re the might be, it has its own complexities (mostly main course), or Jonah being down in the mouth. reflected in Jonah) that we would do well not Yep, we’ve got it. Oh, to gloss over or treat as and the story—well, Jounsubstantial. nah is a narrow-minded, Jonah serves as a legalistic Jewish prophet prophet during the time who doesn’t understand of Jeroboam II. The king the grace of God. Now, is no friend of God. He did we mention the one has given himself over about how you can’t keep a good man down? to wickedness and evil, The result is that Jonah and perpetuates the idolatry that his namesake becomes a caricature— someone with height and instituted in Israel a century and a half before (1 width but no depth. I’m
Church calendar
• The popular contemporary Christian group Big Daddy Weave will perform at First Baptist Church of Opelika Sept. 14 as a part of their “Jesus, I Believe” tour. Brandon Heath will serve as the show opener. Visit ticketfly.com for tickets or call 334-745-5715. • Pepperell Baptist is offering a Wednesday evening ministry program from 5:45 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for preschool and elementary Children called “Wow-Worship on Wednesday.” The evening program of music, Bible messages for children, crafts, fun activities, and snack begins on Sept. 5. Registration forms are filled out on the first evening. Contact Ryno Jones Childrens, Youth Minister, or Beth Pinyerd at 334-745-3108. • First Baptist Church of Opelika will hold “A Night to Proclaim” Sept. 20, an event organized by the church’s women’s ministry. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased through www.fbcopelika.com. • Christian comedian Tim Hawkins will perform at First Baptist Church of Opelika Feb. 7. Besides comedy, Hawkins is known for his songwriting and singing abilities. For more
Catch ‘On the Mark’ with D. Mark Mitchell and Jeff Sasser weekday mornings from 7-9 a.m.
ANGLICAN Anglican Church of the Good Shepherd 1311 Second Ave. #758-6749 ASSEMBLY OF GOD Bridge Church 1000 Lee Road 263, Cusseta #742-0144 AME Mount Zion AME Church West Point Hwy #749-3916 St. Luke AME Church 1308 Auburn St. #749-1690 St. Paul AME Church 713 Powledge Ave. #745-6279 Thompson Chapel AME Zion 187 Columbus Pkwy #749-8676 BAPTIST Abundant Life Baptist Church 1220 Fox Run Ave. Suite B #7064421464 Airview Baptist Church 2301 Airport Rd. #745-6670 Antioch Baptist Church 605 W. East Morton Ave #742-0696 Bethesda Baptist Church 201 S. 4th St. #745-7528 Bethel Baptist Church Hwy. 29 Sasser Rd #745-4865 Central Baptist Church 1611 2nd Ave. #745-2482 Community Baptist Church 154 N. 16th St. #745-6552 Cornerstone Missionary Baptist 500 N. Railroad Ave. #742-2008 Eastview Baptist Church 1208 Spring Dr #749-9595 Farmville Baptist Church 3607 Alabama Hwy N. #887-7361 First Baptist Church of Opelika
information or ticketing options, visit www.timhawkins.brushfire.com. • The public is invited to join First Freewill Baptist Church’s “Get in the Game Month”. We encourage everyone to wear their favorite team jersey or t-shirt every Sunday in September. Each 11 a.m. service will feature a sports related message. Mark Fuller is to preach on Sept. 2. Fuller is a former major league pitcher and a former pitching coach for Auburn University. He is the owner/instructor of Sports Academy. First Freewill is located at 103 19th Street at the corner of 1st Ave. in Opelika. For more information, call 334-703-3333. • Homecoming Services for Airview Baptist Church will be held Sept. 9 at 11 a.m. CDST. The Southern gospel group “The Seekers” will provide the music and Pastor Tommy Ray will deliver the sermon. Lunch will be served immediately following the worship service. Please join us for a day of worship in God’s word and in song.
responding to God’s kindness by turning to Him and avoiding the destruction the prophets are talking about. Whatever else is true, it won’t do to say that Jonah was a stranger to God’s grace. He knew better and he speaks that way as he says of Yahweh, “I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster” (Jonah 4:2). That sounds like a pretty accurate description of God, wouldn’t you agree? Whatever else we think of Jonah, we’re going to have to credit him with some depth! Bruce has written a new book on the prophets called Known Intimately Loved Ultimately. It is available through 21st Century Christian.
Verse of the Week Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
Events can be emailed to the Observer at editor@opelikaobserver.com.
314 S. 9th St. #745-6143 First Baptist Church 301 S. 8th St. #745-5715 First Baptist Church Impact 709 Avenue E #741-0624 First Freewill Baptist Church 103 19th St. #703-3333 Friendship Missionary Baptist 432 Maple Avenue #742-0105 Greater Peace Baptist Church 650 Jeter Ave. #749-9487 Heritage Baptist Church 1103 Glenn St. #363-8943 High Hope Baptist Church 227 Lee Road 673 Liberty Baptist Church 2701 West Point Pkwy #749-9632 Love Freewill Baptist Church 1113 Frederick Ave. #745-2905 Ridge Grove Missionary Baptist Church 1098 Lee Road 155 #334-745-3600 Northside Baptist Church 3001 Lafayette Hwy #745-5340 Pepperell Baptist Church 2702 2nd Ave. #745-3108 Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Uniroyal Rd #749-2773 Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Rd 166 #745-0807 Purpose Baptist Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy #704-0302 St. James Baptist Church 1335 Auburn St. #745-3224 Union Grove Missionary Baptist 908 Huguley Rd #741-7770 BUDDHIST Buddha Heart Village 3170 Sandhill Rd. #821-7238
Kings 12:25ff). Nonetheless, God tells the nation through Jonah that He will bless them and expand their borders. This isn’t being done on account of Israel’s goodness (see Hosea and Amos), but because of Yahweh’s mercy. In language reminiscent of Exodus 2:23ff, they are told that God has seen the bitterness of their suffering with “none to help Israel” and remembers His promises to them (2 Kings 14:2627). The result it that Israel’s borders are “restored” to what they were in the days of Solomon (v. 25, 1 Kings 8:65). The nation enjoys a time of relative peace and prosperity. Jonah witnesses Yahweh’s graciousness toward his people and he would be hopeful of them
CATHOLIC St. Mary’s Catholic Church 1000 4th Ave. #749-8359 CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ 2215 Marvyn Pkwy #742-9721 10th Street Church of Christ 500 N. 10th St. #745-5181 Southside Church of Christ 405 Carver Ave. #745-6015 Church of Christ 2660 Cunningham Drive #745-6377 CHURCH OF GOD Airview Church of God 3015 Old Opelika Rd #749-9112 Church of God 114 17th Place #7496432 Tabernacle Church of God 3 Oak Court #745-7979 CHURCH OF NAZARENE Opelika Church of Nazarene 1500 Bruce Ave. #749-1302 EPISCOPAL Emmanuel Episcopal Church 800 1st Ave. #745-2054 HOLINESS Eastside Emmanuel Holiness Church 86 Lee Road 186 Opelika, Ala. 36804 JEWISH Beth Shalom Congregation 134 S. Cary Dr. #826-1050 LATTERDAY SAINTS Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints 510 Groce St. #742-9981 METHODIST First United Methodist Church of Opelika 702 Avenue A #745-7604 Hopewell United Methodist 1993 Lee Rd 136 #745-0460
James 1:19-20 Pierce Chapel United Methodist 8685 AL Hwy. 51 #749-4469 Pepperell United Methodist 200 26th St. #745-9334 Trinity United Methodist Church 800 Second Ave. #745-2632 Wesley Memorial United Methodist 2506 Marvyn Pkwy #745-2841 PENTECOSTAL Full Gospel Pentecostal Church Hwy. 29, PO Box 1691 #741-8675 Gateway Community Church 2715 Frederick Rd #745-6926 PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church of Opelika 900 2nd Ave. #745-3421 Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Rd #745-4889 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST Outreach Seventh-Day Adventist 1808 S. Long St. #749-3151 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Apostolic Holiness Church 610 Canton St. #749-6759 Auburn Opelika Korean Church 1800 Rocky Brook Rd #749-5386 Beauregard Full Gospel Revival 2089 Lee Road 42 #745-0455 Christ Church International 1311 2nd Ave. #745-0832 Church of the Harvest 2520 Society Hill Rd #745-2247 Church at Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy #705-0505 East Congregation of Jehovah Witnesses 1250 McCoy St. #737-1488 Emmanuel Temple of Deliverance 207 S. Railroad Ave. #745-6430 Faith Alliance Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy #749-9516 Faith Christian Center 600 S. 8th St. Faith Church 3920 Marvyn Pkwy #707-3922
Family Life Christian Center 601 S. 7th St. #741-7013 Father’s House Christian Fellowship 214 Morris Ave. #749-1070 Fellowship Bible Church 2202 Hamilton Rd #749-1445 Ferguson Chapel Church 310 S. 4th St. #745-2913 First Assembly of God Church 510 Simmons St. #749-3722 Garden of Gethsemane Fellowship 915 Old Columbus Rd #745-2686 Grace Heritage Church Opelika #559-0846 Holy Deliverance Church 831 S. Railroad #749-5682 Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1250 McCoy St. #737-1488 Living Way Ministries 1100 Old Columbus Rd #749-6241 Move of God Fellowship Church 1119 Old Columbus Rd #741-1006 Connect Church 2900 Waverly Pkwy #749-3916 New Life Christian Center 2051 West Point Pkwy #741-7373 New Life Independent Church 10 Meadowview Estates Trailer 741-9001 Opelika’s First Seventh Day 2011 Columbus Pkwy #737-3222 Power of Praise, Inc. Church 3811 Marvyn Pkwy #745-6136 Shady Grove Christian Church West Point Hwy #745-7770
Fresh Foods...And A Whole Lot More!
603 Pleasant Pleasant Drive 603 Drive Opelika, Opelika, ALAL 36801 749-1333 Mon- Sat7am 7am-8pm Mon-Sat - 8pm Sun12pm 12pm-6pm Sun - 6pm
The Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home Gospel Train Sunday mornings from 6-10 a.m.
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Second Saturday at Pioneer Park to be held this week Special to the Opelika Observer On Sept. 8, the monthly “Second Saturday” will be held at Pioneer Park. Children’s activities will begin at 9:30 am. Robert Elliott will have many fun outdoor games for the children. Remember playing “may I,” “red light,” “rock school,” “marbles” and “hop scotch.” This is what kids did before cell phones and computer games. Parents can join in, too. Also, other activities will be available for the children in the Trade Center Museum. Visitors are asked to bring their own picnic basket or enjoy the
hot dogs and snacks from the Cook House. Parents may bring a blanket for spreading under the pecan trees or folding chairs to use as they watch the fun or join in. Come early and meet at 9 a.m. for a garden “walk ‘n talk” with Dr. Charles Mitchell. Learn about pioneer life on a rural, East Alabama farm in the 1800s and the crops that these early settlers grew to survive. On the second saturday of each month, Pioneer Park is free and open to the public. Blacksmiths will be working at the forge, spinners and weavers are upstairs in the Trade Center Museum and someone is always cooking up a meal in
the Cook House or outdoors. The Whistle Stop Players gather to play dulcimers at 1 pm. There’s an informal group that meets in the morning to work on their baskets, “The Basket Cases.” What a great opportunity for Lee County Historical Society members and visitors to enjoy Pioneer Park. If anyone has a skill to demonstrate or would like to help out on Second Saturdays, just show up and join the fun. People are invited to dress in 19th century attire. Second Saturdays are like a miniPioneer Day throughout the year. Pioneer Park is sponsored by the Lee County Historical Society, an all-
Photo special to the Opelika Observer Some of the local 4-Hers show off sweet potatoes dug from the 19th Century Crops Garden at Pioneer Park. There will be a tour of the Crops Garden at 9 a.m. on Second Saturday at Pioneer Park.
volunteer, nonprofit organization founded in 1968 and dedicated
to the preservation and presentation of local history. For more in-
formation, visit www. leecountyhistoricalsociety.org.
Opelika Theatre Company to launch acting program By Arnecia Walker For the Opelika Observer The Opelika Theatre Company will soon be launching its Youth Acting Program for children in kindergarten through high school. Executive Artistic Director Marty Moore said the program is
designed to educate and expose children of all ages in the community to the magic and wonder of live theatre. Students will have the opportunity to learn the many aspects of theatre including: improv, scene study, skills for auditioning, character development and more. Classes will be
taught at the Southside Center for the Arts in Opelika on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There will be a registration fee of $25, which includes a t-shirt and materials for the program. Tuition is $40 per month, with needbased scholarships avaliable. OTC, a nonprofit organization, is a member is of the
American Association of Community Theatre and opened in Opelika in August 2015. “We are currently in the process of joining The Alabama Conference of Theatres and The Southeastern Conference of Theatres,” Moore said. OTC supports and showcases the unique talent in the area by
producing many acts such as “The Miss Firecracker Contest,” “EMMA!” and “Steel Magnolias,” just to name a few. “OTC is thrilled to have the opportunity to bring this program to the community and plans to continue to grow Y.A.P. with additional interests in the future,” Moore said.
For more information about the program or for volunteer opportunities follow Opelika Theatre Company on Facebook or visit www.opelikatheatrecompany.com or contact Marty Moore at (334) 663-4480. The Southside Center for the Arts is located at 1103 Glenn St. in Opelika.
18th Annual ‘Youth Dove Hunts’ begin Sept. 18 Special to the Opelika Observer
The Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) recently announced the 2018 schedule for the state’s 18th Annual Youth Dove Hunts. For most of the state, the hunts begin Sept. 8. Although the hunts are free, registration is required. Online registration opened Aug. 27. For more information, including a complete hunt schedule, visit www.outdooralabama.com/youth-hunting/youth-dove-hunts. Hunters submitting a registration for participation in a youth dove hunt must be a parent
or an adult at least 21 years old and have a Conservation ID number. Once you receive a registration confirmation email and accept the hunt that you wish to attend, you cannot register for a second hunt until the date of your registered hunt has passed. For information about how to obtain a Conservation ID number, visit www.outdooralabama. com/hunting. Alabama’s Youth Dove Hunt events are held in open fields and staffed by WFF personnel, which encourages a safe, secure environment for both parents and participants. The program also makes use of private lands and fields opened for use by
community members, which fosters good relationships between hunters and private landowners. To participate in the hunts, youth hunters must be age 15 or younger and accompanied by an adult at least 21 years old (or a parent) who holds a valid state hunting license and a Harvest Information Program (HIP) stamp. Hunters should obtain their license and HIP stamp before the hunt since they will not be available on-site. Before each hunt, a short welcome session with reminders on hunting safety will be conducted. All hunters are encouraged to wear eye protection and earplugs.
Doves are migratory and covered by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has special rules and regulations that apply to dove hunting which all hunters must follow. To review the Alabama Cooperative Extension System recommendations for plantings related to dove management, visit www.outdooralabama.com/what-hunt/ mourning-dove-hunting-alabama. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through four divisions: Marine Resources, State Parks,
ASBESTOS LITIGATION Recommended Vaccines Child Care Centers (by 12 Months of Age)
Kindergarten through 5th Grade
6th through 12th Grade
DTaP
4*
5*
5* 4*
IPV
3*
4*
MMR
1*
2*
2*
Varicella
1*
1*
2**
Hib
4*
PCV
4*
Tdap Rota
If you began working in a
TEXTILE MILL Cotton mill Tire plant Paper mill Steel mill
1*
or any other industrial setting before 1980: You may have a claim against the asbestos manufacturers.
3
Hep A
1
2
2
HepB
3
3
3
HPV
2
MCV
2
Prior to entering any Alabama school or child care center, an up-to-date Certificate of Immunization must be submitted for each child. *Code of Alabama §16-30-4 **1 dose for <13 years of age or 2 doses for >13 years of age
For more information, visit alabamapublichealth.gov/immunization or facebook.com/AlabamaImmunizationInfo
Call now for your free evaluation.
Special to the Opelika Observer State Lands, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn
more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com.
Alabama AlabamaPublicNotices.com Public notices from Alabama newspapers • Access public notices statewide 24/7 • FREE manual searches • Search by keyword, county, or paper • Multi-county or cross-reference searches
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Asbestos Claims, LLC, Jubal L. Hamil Attorney at Law, ARPC7.2.(e) “No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.”
public notice affects you
SAR stands for “The Sons of American Revolution. Our sister organization is the DAR “Daughters of the Revolution.” The name of our local SAR Chapter is "Richard Henry Lee.” Both DAR & SAR were founded by our Patriot Ancestors who fought the British in the "American Revolution" between the years 1775 – 1783. The purpose of the contests is to assist educators, in subject areas of History, Art, English and Speech and provide incentives to students to understand American History and what makes the U.S.A. great. SAR will reward students from 3rd – 12th grades who participate in one or more of the contests the SAR sponsors each year. Some students may be rewarded with certificates and others monetary rewards at the local, state and national level. These contests are open to all home-schooled, private or public, and religious school students in Chambers and Lee counties. All contests open in September and close by the 1st Saturday after Thanksgiving with Judging to take place on the 1st Saturday in December. Contest Coordinator: Charles Segrest Phone Number: 334-821-0157 Email Address: chasdseg@mindspring.com
CONTEST INFORMATION
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Last weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s answers:
8-29 SCRAMBLER ANSWERS: 1), Decode 2) Crusade 3), Genetic 4), Precise Solution: Escaped
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COMICS
When people are laughing, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re generally not killing each other. ~Alan Alda
B16 September 05, 2018
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Liberty Foundations 2018 “Salute to Veterans” tour offers unique flight experience to community Special to the Opelika Observer The Liberty Foundations 2018 “Salute to Veterans” tour arrived in Montgomery on Labor Day. On display Sept. 8-9 will be the famous Boeing B-17 “Madras Maiden” celebrating 73 years since the end of WWII. On Saturday, ground tours will be available at Dannelly Field during the “Red Tails over Montgomery Airshow.” The event will be held at 4600 Richards Road in Montgomery. On Sunday, both flights and ground tours will be open to the public at the Dannelly Field
Montgomery Aviation FBO located at 4525 Selma-Mobile Hwy in Montgomery. The Liberty Foundation’s B-17 “Madras Maiden” is one of only 12 B-17s that still fly today. The B-17 dubbed the “Flying Fortress” as a result of her defensive fire power saw action in every theater of operation during WWII. The majority of all WWII B-17s were operated by the 8th Airforce in Europe and participated in countless missions from bases in England deep into enemy territory. There were 12,732 B17s produced between 1935 and 1945, of these 4,735 were lost
Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer in combat. Following WWII, the B-17 saw combat in three more wars, B-17s saw service in Korea, Israel used them in the war of 1948 and they were even used during Vietnam. “Madras Maiden” was built toward the end of the war and never saw any combat. It is painted in the colors of the 381st Bomb Group. The 381st BG flew 297 operational missions during the war, dropping 22,000 tons of bombs. During this time, they lost 131 B-17s and downed more than 223 enemy aircraft. The Liberty Foundation’s B-17 had an interesting postwar history. The airplane was built under contract by Lockheed-Vega in Burbank California on Oct. 17, 1944. The “Madras Maiden” spent its entire military career 19441959 as a research and development aircraft, also being modified to be a “Pathfinder” B-17 equipped with the H2X “Mickey” radar system and is the
only “Pathfinder aircraft left in existence. It was sold as surplus in 1959 to American Compressed Steel of Ohio for the sum of $5,025, then sold to Albany Building of Florida and used as a cargo transport. In 1963, the plane was sold again and converted to a fire ant sprayer under contract with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. From 1979-2014, the B-17 bomber was purchased by three different aviation museums and continued to be slowly restored back to its original combat configuration. In 2016, the Liberty Foundation began to operate the “Madras Maiden,” which flies today to continue our mission of honoring our veterans, educate current and future generations as to the high price of freedom and to preserve our aviation history. The Misson The Liberty Foundation’s B-17 provides visitors the opportunity to take a step
back in time and gain respect for the men and women who gave so much to protect our freedoms. At each stop, flight “missions” are available in the “Madras Maiden” which allow people to take flights in this historic aircraft. During flight operations, there will be a designated, secure area for those who would like to watch the aircraft flights at no charge. For enthusiasts that choose to take a flight experience on this legendary aircraft, these participants receive a pre-flight safety briefing containing the historical significance of the aircraft and a spectacular scenic air tour around the city. During the flight, passengers enjoy the unique opportunity of moving about the aircraft to the different combat crew positions to see the viewpoint that thousands of our heroes saw in combat over 70 years ago. The B-17 flight experience takes 45 minutes, with an approxi-
mately 30-minute-long flight. B-17 Flights are $410 for Liberty Foundation members and $450 for nonmembers. Passengers can become a Liberty Foundation member for $40 and receive the member discount for family and friends. A Flying Fortress cost is more than $5,000 per flight hour. The Liberty Foundation spends more than $1,500,000 annually to keep the B-17 airworthy and out on tour. The The Liberty Foundation is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit flying museum and funds generated merely help offset these high cost. Only the public’s interest and other generous donations keep this historic aircraft flying and from being silenced permanently in a museum for years to come. To find out more information regarding tours, flights and reserverations, visit www.LibertyFoundation.org, call 678-5897433 or email info@ libertyfoundation.org.