Opelika Observer 09-16-2020 E-edition by OpelikaObserver

VOL. 12, NO. 50

Wednesday, September 16, 2020

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Community thanks law enforcement

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Back the Badge Lee County held the first two of its three September events. “Cookies, Chalk & Cops” was held at the Auburn and Opelika police departments in advance of National Thank a Police Officer Day, which is Sept. 19. On that date, this Saturday, the third such event will be held at the Lee County Justice Center from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Back the Badge advertises that it will include sidewalk chalk art, a bake sale, safety talks with officers and police and K-9 demonstrations. Turn to A10 to see more photos of the event.

Gov. Ivey declares state of emergency because of Hurricane Sally strengthened to a Category 1 hurricane on Associate Editor Monday and as of press Gov. Kay Ivey made a time was expected to make landfall near or proclamation on Monin Baldwin or Mobile day that the threat of County. The people of now Hurricane Sally, Alabama who are in the coupled with COVIDstorm’s path (when that 19’s thinning and weakening of the state’s path is revealed as it can resources, required that only be by the storm Alabama officially be in itself) will be at risk of property loss, physical a state of emergency. injury and death. Hurricane Sally By Will Fairless

Opelika, Alabama

Opelika wins several prestigious Main Street Alabama Awards of Excellence Courtesy of Opelika Main Street Opelika has been awarded four prestigious 2020 Main Street Alabama Awards of Excellence. The awards are designed to honor projects, organizations and individuals that make a tremendous impact in their Main Street community. Opelika received the following awards: • Excellence in Business Promotion (COVID-19 related): Opelika Main Street COVID-19 Billboard Campaign • Excellence in Promotion: Opelika Main Street On Tap • Excellence in Building Design: Davis Mann & Co. • Main Street Hero Award: Opelika Observer “These awards

show the strength of downtown Opelika and of our local Main Street program,” said Opelika Main Street Executive Director Ken Ward. “Through our many initiatives and programs, Opelika Main Street works each day to ensure our downtown grows and thrives.” One of the oldest Main Street programs in Alabama, Opelika follows the four-point model of Organization, Design, Promotion and Economic Vitality developed by the National Main Street Center. “It’s an honor to recognize outstanding See AWARDS, page A3

Café 123 serving lunch by popular demand By Will Fairless Associate Editor

The proclamation mentions that there is a chance that essential utility systems could be disrupted (and in fact it later reads, “this storm is expected to cause significant damage to public and private property and seriously disrupt essential utility services and systems,”

Café 123, a popular dinner option in Opelika since 2005, has started serving lunch for the first time since the earliest days of its existence. Eron Bass, the executive chef and general manager at the café, had started creating a lunch menu at the end of 2019. “Then COVID hit,” Bass said. “At that point we had to concentrate on how we were going to stay open and survive the pandemic. Our dinner service is fine dining and the food we create is best served

See STORM, page A3

See CAFÉ 123, page A3

Index OPINION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A4 SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY. . . . . . . .A7 RELIGION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A12 COMICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A16

SPORTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B1 POLITICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B9 CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B11 PUBLIC NOTICES . . . . . . . . . . . . B13

A2 September 16, 2020

Dear Editor: This summer, sportsmen and women celebrated the passage of the Great American Outdoors Act, the most significant conservation legislation in a generation. When the president signs this bill, projects to restore our public lands, national parks and open spaces will commence and the Land and Water Conservation Fund will see renewed funding in perpetuity. This bipartisan, bicameral legislative victory did not come easily; it took decades of grassroots work and the tireless support of conservation champions in Congress to see the campaign

to permanently fund and reauthorize the LWCF - and address maintenance backlogs on public lands and waters - across the finish line. Our nation's most successful and widespread conservation and access funding source, LWCF will now receive its full $900 million each year to secure our public lands and waters for us and for our children. The Great American Outdoors Act will also dedicate $9.5 billion over the next five years to restore failing infrastructure on public lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service,

pelika Observer

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

Bureau of Land Management, National Wildlife Refuge System, National Parks Service and Bureau of Indian Education. As a member of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, I would like to thank Sen. Jones and Rep. Sewell for voting YES on the Great American Outdoors Act. Jones and Sewell your vote for this landmark legislation will help ensure our outdoor traditions and sustain our public lands, waters and wildlife for the benefit of future generations. Sincerely, Joshua Etherton Valley

Celebrating Auburn’s MIA - Max Morris Fort Benning. The hero graduated from Auburn University in 1942 before his commission as a U.S. Army officer and eight years in service. “He went on and fought bravely in World War II; he’s part of the greatest generation that ever existed,” Hendrix said. Morris has a marker dedicated to his life already, located in front of the Nichols Center on Auburn’s campus. “I think he’s one of the most underrated alumni we’ve ever had,” Hendrix said. A ceremony will be held on Friday, Sept. 18 at 12 p.m., at the Pine Tucket Cemetery, to install a flagpole for Morris. Pine Tucket Cemetery is located on Auburn

By Hannah Lester hlester@opelikaobserver.com

This Friday, a flagpole will be dedicated to Auburn’s only alumnus to carry the Missing in Action title. “Max Addams Morris of Aniana, Alabama, was one of the greatest students ever to come through Alabama Polytechnic Institute,” said Charles Hendrix, vice president of the Auburn Heritage Association. This year will be the 70th anniversary of his missing-in-action pronouncement, Hendrix said, and to honor Morris, a flagpole will be dedicated in his honor. Morris was still a student when he was awarded the Carnegie Medal of heroism for saving the life of a fellow cadet at a summer training camp in

University’s campus but is considered private property, Hendrix said. Sept. 18 is also National POW/MIA Recognition Day. A United States flag and a POW/MIA flag will both be flown, Hendrix said. “We’re going to be doing an official first flag raising,” he said. “I’ve got a gentleman from ROTC, a Marine Gunnery Sergeant, he’s going to be there to raise the flag. We’re going to be playing ‘To The Colors’, that’s as the flag goes up.” The event will be held rain or shine, and masks are encouraged, Hendrix said. To enforce social distancing there won’t be chairs or tents, but there will be a short speech, and anyone is invited to attend, Hendrix said.

Subscribe to the Opelika Observer Today! Publisher: Michelle Key Associate Editors: Will Fairless and Hannah Lester Marketing: Woody Ross Photojournalist: Robert Noles Sports Writers: Wil Crews, Rick Lanier and D. Mark Mitchell

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A3 September 16, 2020

IV hydration center moves to Auburn HydraMed Infusion and Wellness Center was founded in 2016 and is owned and operated by board-certified physician Dr. John W. Tole. After opening HydraMed, Tole had a desire to open a building that would be big enough for both his Allergy, Asthma and Immunology practice and HydraMed. The two are now located at 1925 E Glenn Ave in Auburn. All procedures at HydraMed are administered by licensed nurses and EMTs in

AWARDS >> FROM A1

community projects, leaders and volunteers,” said Mary Helmer, Main Street Alabama president/state coordinator. “The awards represent the good work being done in Main Street Alabama communities, including those that were initiat-

an ultraclean, safe and soothing environment.

HydraMed offers IV fluids for hydration

purposes along with vitamins and medica-

ed after the pandemic, sparking creative ways to promote and help struggling businesses.”

ment efforts, business professional development programs and various community events. Learn more about Opelika Main Street by going to (opelikamainstreet.org) or by following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

focuses on bringing jobs, dollars and people back to Alabama’s historic communities. Economic development is at the heart of our efforts to revitalize downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. Main Street Alabama has 28 Designated Programs and 20 Downtown Network Communities. Alex-

ander City, Anniston, Athens, Atmore, Birmingham, Birmingham’s Historic 4th Ave Business District, Calera, Columbiana, Decatur, Dothan, Elba, Enterprise, Eufaula, Florence, Foley, Fort Payne, Gadsden, Headland, Heflin, Jasper, Marion, Monroeville, Montevallo, Opelika, Oxford, Scottsboro,

South Huntsville and Wetumpka each have designated programs and new communities will be added annually. Applications to become a designated program will be available in Spring 2021. Until then, communities interested in downtown revitalization can participate in Main Street Alabama's Downtown Network.

CAFÉ 123 >>

is still no clearer when that will be, so they have decided to pull the trigger. The café will be open for lunch service from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. The menu comprises po’ boys (of the shrimp, crawfish, ribeye and chicken varieties), their house-ground ribeye and flat steak burger (the subject of many calls since to-go service stopped) and a lobster roll or lobster mac ‘n’ cheese (ditto). “Lunch will be casual and family-friendly,” Bass said. “We'll have some appetizers like our Pimento cheese board, deviled eggs and deep-fried chicken skins, and there will be lighter options like Lou's Chicken salad.” The full lunch menu is available on the café’s Facebook page (facebook.com/ cafe123/) along with other information about the restaurant.

About Opelika Main Street: Founded in 1987, Opelika Main Street helps assist in the revitalization of historic downtown Opelika through facade grants, beautification projects, economic develop-

About Main Street Alabama: Main Street Alabama

Opelika Police Department joins Central Alabama CrimeStoppers Courtesy of the Opelika Police Department In an effort to reduce crime and empower citizens in the City of Opelika, Central Alabama CrimeStoppers and the Opelika Police Department do hereby commit their respective agencies to join forces to fight crime. Area residents with information about wanted criminals or unsolved crimes are now eligible for cash rewards of up to $5,000.00. Central Alabama CrimeStoppers offers its services free of charge to Law Enforcement Agencies. The Opelika Police Department has been given immediate access to CrimeStoppers’ tip distribution software. They also have an unlimited option to send wanted criminals, missing persons and unsolved criminal cases to be placed on CrimeStoppers media

STORM >> FROM A1

the key words there being: “this storm is expected to seriously disrupt essential utility services”), causing extreme peril to the citizens in the state of Alabama. The COVID-19 public health emergency plays a role in this state of emergency being declared, as it

jet lag or the dreaded next-day hangover. B-12 injections can increase energy and concentration and boost the immune system. It also helps with cardiovascular disease, peripheral neuropathy and anemias. Lipo B-12 can take weight loss to the next level by boosting your metabolism and helping to burn fat and reduce sugar and carb cravings. Our goal is not only to get you feeling better, but to get you feeling better than ever before. For more information about HydraMed, visit (hydramedwellness.com) or their Facebook page, (HydraMed).

tions that help with inflammation processes and nausea. It also offers Vitamin B-12 and Lipo B-12 injections. Intravenous hydration is the most effective and efficient method of getting your body the fluids and nutrients it needs. IV hydration offers 100% absorption of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants and nutrients compared to only 20% with water and sports drinks. Naturally, it is ideal for athletic performance and recovery, but it also boosts immunity, provides detoxification, increases energy and reduces the impact of

Courtesy of HydraMed Infusion and Wellness Center

platforms and/or to be shared with their media partners throughout the state. Opelika residents can now download Central Alabama CrimeStoppers media app P3 tips and start reporting information about crime with complete anonymity. “Our agency is pleased to become involved with the Central Alabama Crime Stoppers organization,” said Opelika Police Captain Shane Healey. “They have been a crucial assistance to law enforcement for many years by providing information from citizens to solve crimes and bring those who victimize others to justice.” In November 2019, Central Alabama CrimeStoppers Board of Directors decided to begin offering its services throughout the State of Alabama to any Law Enforcement Agency that does not have an active Crime Stoppers program

available in their community, upon request. Monetary funding and lack of administrative staff are the primary reasons most Crime Stopper programs fail. Crime Stoppers works. The success of a Crime Stoppers program cannot be purely judged on statistics; other benefits of Crime Stoppers include: • A greater awareness in the community that there is a crime problem • A willingness by the community to fight back against crime if it is given the opportunity and motivation • Improved relationships among police, media and the community Since November, the Union Springs, Dallas County, and Lee County Crime Stopper programs have been consolidated with Central Alabama CrimeStoppers. The Opelika Police Department is just one of many to partner with Central

Alabama CrimeStoppers, joining law enforcement agencies spanning 17 counties throughout southern Alabama. Opelika residents can now contact Central Alabama CrimeStoppers when they have any information to share regarding crime. Visit their Facebook page at Central Alabama CrimeStoppers (www.Facebook. com/215stop/) or their website to see up to date press releases. Residents can use their 24-hour tip line at 215-STOP (7867) or download their P3-tips app. Residents can also give information via the web at www.215STOP. com. CrimeStoppers also has a toll-free 800 number, 1-833-AL1STOP, which provides 1-STOP access to reporting crime. If you would like more information, contact CrimeStoppers or the Opelika Police Department.

has demanded massive amounts of state and local resources to prevent its spread. The proclamation reads, “Whereas this storm event, coupled with the COVID-19 public health emergency, poses extraordinary conditions of disaster and of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property within the State, and it is anticipated that these conditions, by reason of

their magnitude, are, or are likely to be, beyond the control of the services, personnel, equipment, and facilities of any single county, city and county, or city, and will require combined forces to combat.” The existing COVID-19 Orders are still in effect, except that any provision under them that would endanger anyone affected by the storm or impede anyone from preserving

human life during the storm is suspended. The proclamation goes on to say that the Alabama National Guard is to prepare to be activated, that price gouging is illegal, that certain federal motor-carrier regulations are waived, that the transportation of emergency supplies should be expedited and that some state government offices may be closed.

FROM A1

in the café, not in a togo box.” To find a travel-friendly menu suitable for business during the worst days of the pandemic, Bass turned to the lunch menu that was still in its nascent stages. “We called it our ‘social-distancing’ menu,” he said. “It took off; we were busier than we’d been in a long time. It worked perfectly.” The success of the social-distancing menu, evidenced by the public demand for its return after Café 123 reopened for dinner service, made it a no-brainer to start having lunch hours. Bass said that they (he and the owner, John Robert Wood) were going to wait until the restaurant was able to fully open before the lunch hours and menu were implemented. It

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A4 September 16, 2020

y recent commentary on the return of fatty flavoring to the table drew a heartwarming response from a number of lard lovers. For these folks, food invoked pleasant memories not only of the dishes and delicacies, but also of the people who prepared them, the people who ate them and the places where all this took place. Their stories and comments had the same effect on me. I recalled my mother’s yeast rolls, which other families requested for their reunions, and which she happily supplied. I recalled my Grandma Jessie, after whom I would have named a child if “Jessie Jackson” were not already taken. Grandma Jessie was

Camp Stew a cook of great renown, except when it came to her biscuits, which were thin and hard as hockey pucks. Then there was Aunt Hazel, an ill-tempered presence at family gatherings who Daddy said “was born in the objective case”. Aunt Hazel collected cookbooks, yet never cooked. Her brothers took delight in claiming that she collected to cover her lack of culinary competence. This so angered her that finally, after taking all she could take, Aunt Hazel announced that she and she alone would fix a Christmas feast that we would long remember, and she did. Complete with roast suckling pig with an apple in its mouth. I thought of that when I discovered, among my father’s papers, a recipe

By Hardy Jackson for camp stew. Now camp stew was a big deal in my family, a winter staple that could be both a side dish and the main course. It was sorta like what Georgians call Brunswick stew, but not quite. This discovery coincided with the arrival of Garden and Gun’s “Southern Food Issue.” G&G, as we insiders call it, is the magazine that aspires to replace

Southern Living in the magazine baskets and on the coffee tables or in the bathrooms of upscale Southerners who want guests to know that they have “arrived,” but made the journey without losing the common touch. Despite down-to-earth contributions by Roy Blount, Jr. and Rick Bragg, it was an issue for Southern “foodies.” I did not come from a family of “foodies.” We were a family of “eaters.” I am not sure when cooks became chefs, but I don’t think we got the memo. All this foodie-fuss about using “fresh” ingredients would have baffled my folks. We used fresh ingredients because that was what was available – we had a garden, chickens were out back, beef

“Is it worth it?”

omething interesting happened near the end of Auburn University’s fall semester, 2019. I searched my story archive to find I had not written on the subject yet. While I was eating lunch at a panini place in downtown Auburn, a student said to me, “Excuse me, sir, may I ask you your age?” I said “Yes, it is 63.” Then he startled me by posing the question, “Is it worth it?” That was a loaded question, as I feared he was referring to life itself; my work experience included fielding that question sometimes. But it wasn’t that hideous, self-killing question. (Please call the National Suicide Prevention at 1-800273-8255 hotline if you need help.) The AU student was referring to final exams and generally, the struggle to earn a degree. My answer to his tough time with exams and papers was to refer him to two articles I wrote. One was “Are

unrise. A small Pennsylvania town. I’m sipping weak coffee, writing from the porch of a small 1893 inn that overlooks Appalachia. American flags fly from every post, beam, telephone pole and CB antenna. Long ago this simple-looking inn used to be owned by a local brewery. The original bar is still in the barroom. Back in the day, a barkeep would have served his lukewarm beer for pennies and rented rooms upstairs for a buck. But today, this place is just a

you neglecting your class paper or essay,” from Dec. 4, 2019 and

Greg Markley “Test taking tips for smart but nervous students,” Dec. 18, 2019. Both are available at (opelikaobserver.com/ markley). I also told him that chasing perfection is laudable but not always necessary. Make time to relax with families and friends. Exercise daily and spend time in the woods or at a beach. Remember that a low A (such as 91%) carries the same weight as a 98% in the gradebook. Don’t fret over the small stuff. I realize this is not

true in the most competitive majors, such as engineering. The difference between a 91% average and a 98% average may mean that the higher “A” (98%) lands you in a more esteemed graduate school. But even then, other factors come into play, such as references by professors and your biography letter sent to the graduate officials. "Workaholics are out of balance," said Bryan E. Robinson, a nationally known therapist in Asheville, North Carolina. "They don't have many friends. They don't take care of themselves. They don't have any hobbies outside of the office. A hard worker will be at his desk, thinking about the ski slopes. A workaholic will be on the ski slopes thinking about his desk." Robinson was quoted in Psychology Today’s May 2006 issue. He added, “On a scale from one to five, with five being most satisSee MARKLEY, page A5

came from our steers, pork came from friends who raised hogs. There was also wild game – venison mostly, but sometimes turkey and squirrel. What we couldn’t use when it was “fresh” we put in the “deep freeze.” The height of Daddy’s fresh food production had two freezers full. I don’t recall anyone complaining that frozen wasn’t fresh unless there was “freezer burn,” but that could be washed off or boiled away or covered with Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup. Despite all of nature’s bounty, my Mama considered Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup an essential part of our diet. It was one of the many modern conveniences she embraced. She stopped

making homemade pie crust as soon as frozen ones were available. Canned (“whop”) biscuits suited her just fine. Mama held down a full-time job, so the crock pot became her friend – and ours. She did not become a legendary cook until after she retired, and even then she was not reluctant to use a can opener. But she didn’t make camp stew. Daddy did that. When Daddy built his Poutin’ House he put in a stove so he could cook out there. It was out there that he made camp stew. The recipe I found was actually a list of ingredients. I added the directions from my memory of watching See JACKSON, page A5

Ode to the Lake Dog

f there is one thing, one pure thing, on this earth that we humans do not deserve it is the presence of a dog in our lives. If you’re fortunate enough to have grown up with a canine best friend, or even if you’ve acquired one late in life, then you know exactly what I mean. Some dogs are treated like family members and are loved as they should be. Others are not so lucky. My daughter and I used to play a game called “What Would You Do If You Won A Billion Dollars?” We made the typical list: several houses all over the world, new cars, trips to any country whenever we liked. But always we returned to the idea of a ranch – thousands of acres with elaborate dog palaces and full-time vets always on hand to take care of every stray dog we could possibly find in the world.

By Wendy Hodge

humans who live on it. As Woodrow Wilson said, “If a dog will not come to you after having looked you in the face, you should go home and examine your conscience.” My grandmother agreed. She once said, “If a dog bares his teeth at someone, take the dog at his word.”

The older I get, the less I want the multiple houses and fast cars and the more the thought of an oasis in the middle of nowhere with a thousand rescued dogs to love sounds like the best plan. While there are pure breeds of dogs who are more refined than some of the men I’ve dated in years past, there are also dogs who …. well, let’s face It…. they sniff and scratch and sometimes drool. They can be, as my grandmother would say, “simple.” But underneath all that fur and simplicity is an uncanny perception – both of the earth itself and the

Among the many breeds of dogs, there is a select group that personifies everything that is good and lovely under the stars… the lake dog. These are dogs whose seasons are marked by the cicada’s song in summer, the hawk’s cry in winter, and the tree frog’s trill all year long. They are up with the sun and in bed when their humans tell them it’s time to end the day. Water is their playground, and they ride in a skiff as easily as they travel in a pick-up truck. They are the personification of loyalty, and I’m blessed to know a few. My best friend’s par-

ed and I’ve lost all my teeth. Still. The profound greenery of Appalachia is worth the effort. In fact, it’s too much beauty for the written word. This morning, I stumbled onto the porch to see nothing but tree-covered hills draped in chowder-thick fog. I saw Queen Anne homes, Victorian rooftop spires, and church steeples. And Canadian geese were flying overhead, honking out a morning melody. “You actually have Canadian geese here?” I said to a local guy

who was beside me. “Course we have geese,” he said, “This is God’s country.” The truth is, the town of Smithton is more or less a sleepy backwater. There are about 370 residents, most are retired coal miners or retired steel mill workers. They are veterans of industries that dried up long ago. All their young people have moved away. So today it’s a laid back American Legion kind of town. Which would explain all the flags. I am watching them

See HODGE, page A5

Pennsylvania remnant of old America. The inn was turned into a bed and breakfast a few years ago. Mostly it caters to bicyclers who are foolish enough to cycle the Great Allegheny Passage Trail. Take, for example, me and my wife. Ah yes. The trail. About that. We have been pedaling this multi-state trail for a full day. We started yesterday morning in Pittsburgh. We arrived in Smithton at sundown. After our long ride, we crawled into bed and fell asleep in under nine seconds.

By Sean Dietrich It seems like we’ve been cycling for a hundred thousand miles, but I looked at a map and realized we have only traveled fifty. We have a long, long, LONG way left

to go. I don’t know if I’m going to make it. Already my legs feel like they’ve been beaten with a blackjack billy club. My joints are sore, my eyes are sunken, I’m dehydrat-

See DIETRICH, page A5

A5 September 16, 2020

HODGE>> FROM A4

ents have a lake dog. His name is Camo (short for camouflage). His coat is a luxurious black and is often sparkling with lake water. He has the kind of eyes you can sink into â&#x20AC;Ś the kind of eyes that harbor no ill will and shine with love. When we come to visit, he runs in large, full-speed circles around us, often falling over his clumsy beautiful feet. If you ever feel as if you are not important, come meet Camo. Be kind and rub his belly, and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll know what itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like to be adored. My best friend and I have spent several Sunday morning sunrises cruising slowly around Lake Harding.

MARKLEY>> FROM A4

fied, rate your satisfaction with your family life, friendships, health and hobbies. If your total is less than 10 points, it might be time to cut back on work.â&#x20AC;? Correspondingly, this applies to students. Overworking is a lifestyle that can force a person to ask, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Is it worth it?â&#x20AC;? of strangers. The student who

DIETRICH>> FROM A4

whip in the light breeze, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m massaging my sore thigh muscles, wondering if this coffee could be any weaker. The first thing I did when I woke up this morning was hunt for the innâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coffee pot. I hobbled like a 93-year-old man downstairs to the kitchen. I poured the tallest mug they had. But something was off, the coffee was more pale than Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m used to. I like my coffee strong enough to power two-cycle outboards. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Is this coffee?â&#x20AC;? I asked the innkeeper. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yep,â&#x20AC;? she said. I looked into my steaming cup of Pennsylvania joe. I could see the bottom of the mug. Even so, the coffee was hot and

Sometimes Camo is with us. We fish and we laugh. Mostly we sit in silence and marvel at the â&#x20AC;&#x153;peace of wild things.â&#x20AC;? And without exception we are greeted along the way by lake dogs. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the labradoodle with fur as golden as the sunrise itself who sits on the porch of his lake mansion and watches, never uttering a sound. He surveys the lake, protecting his home and his humans, without flinching. I want so badly to sink my hands into that beautiful coat and take him with us. There is also a Pekingese who I have given the name Her Majesty. Her hair is black and silky, and she has a pink bow on top of her head. She runs to the end of the dock as we glide by,

yapping and prancing. I think if we could speak Pekingese, we would know that she is inviting us in for tea and crumpets. And I would gladly accept. A pair of beagles lives just around the slough. Every move they make is rough and tumble, like a pair of preschool twins on a sugar high. They bark at us, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a friendly hello. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the shih tzu who reminds me of my Elvis at home. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the bulldog who lies in the sun like a retiree whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s escaped South for the winter and has no intentions of ever moving from that spot. There are mutts galore who run up and down the shoreline and swim with their little people and fetch and chase

squirrels and live their best dog lives. They are all beautiful and irresistible, and I hope they are as loved as they deserve to be. If lake dogs could talk, I think they would ask us to be quiet for a moment and just listen to their straightforward truth. I think they would say simply this: Be nice. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hit. Fill our bowls and rub our bellies. Just let us love you and love us right back. Robert Louis Stevenson said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;You think dogs will not be in heaven? I tell you, they will be there long before any of us.â&#x20AC;? Camo and I agree. Maybe there Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have my ranch of a thousand dogs, and every lake will have a Camo.

the master at work. First the meat: 4 hens, 8 lbs of beef. Boil the hens and take the meat off the bone. Chop the beef small and boil it as well. In another pot, a BIG pot, boil the hogsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; heads. Four of them. That might be a deal buster for lesser folks, but since camp-stewmaking and hog-killing usually coincided, Daddy knew where to get â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;em. Once cooked, what you cut and scrape off the hogsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; heads goes in with the rest of the meat â&#x20AC;&#x201C; being careful to keep out stray hairs. Then add, according to the recipe â&#x20AC;&#x153;6

cans corn (2 gal), 15 lbs of Irish potatoes (chopped), 12 lbs of onions (also chopped), 2 bottles of Worcestershire sauce, 6 lemons (sliced), Â˝ cup of vinegar, 2 Â˝ gal tomato juice (6 tall cans), 2 bottles of ketchup, salt, pepper and hot sauce to taste.â&#x20AC;? It made a lot, but we had those freezers, so it lasted through winter. How about that foodies? Know where you can get a nice fresh hogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s head? Harvey H. (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hardyâ&#x20AC;?) Jackson is Professor Emeritus of History at Jacksonville State University. He can be reached at hhjackson43@gmail.com.

JACKSON >> FROM A4

asked me â&#x20AC;&#x153;Is it worth it?â&#x20AC;? needs to know that a college degree, in any subject, is financially wise. Study. com, an online learning warehouse, found that in 2019, a person with a bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s typically earned $1,281 a week while someone with only a high school diploma made just $749 weekly. Among practical benefits of a college degree is that you might

get promoted quickly in your current job, you could land your â&#x20AC;&#x153;dreamâ&#x20AC;? job, and you would be more competitive for higher-rung positions. With a degree, your chances of securing a job that suits your passions increases. Many of your classmates focus too much on pay. Many people hate their jobs because they are less interesting than their hobbies and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t match their de-

grees. My cousin earned a bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in history and English. He spent decades in Information Technology. A former coworker of mine whose major was geography has been a photographer since the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;90s. My bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree is in political science, but I have mainly been a news and features writer. Since 1996 I have been a political reporter. Leo Tolstoy,

the great Russian author, said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The two most powerful warriors are patience and time.â&#x20AC;? I certainly agree. To the student who asked, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Is it worth it?â&#x20AC;? I say, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Of course.â&#x20AC;? Getting a bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree is a major accomplishment. Your first five years after commencement will probably be tough, as your â&#x20AC;&#x153;dreamâ&#x20AC;? job will be temporarily out of reach. Only a few ex-students tell me

they regret the money and sweat and tears their degree pursuit created. Having a bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s puts you in a group just 33% of American adults belong to. Work hard. Have fun. Aim beyond the 33% to that elusive 10% or even 1%. You might not please socialists, but thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good. Doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t anybody chant â&#x20AC;&#x153;Three Cheers for Capitalismâ&#x20AC;? anymore?

delicious, and after drinking 16 cups I was good to go. After that, I limped upstairs to find my wife still asleep. Our room is small, barely big enough to qualify as a crawlspace. And our bed is about the size of a mass-market paperback novel. But this place couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be any better. This is the old world. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s limited cell service here, lots of backyard gardens and lots of porch sitting. We slept with the windows open last night so that the sound of crickets worked its way into our dreams. The chilly air turned my nose into a freezer-burned strawberry. And when I awoke, I was happy. So Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not sorry weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re riding this grueling trail across the rural mid-Atlantic states. Not at all.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen things I will never see again. Good things. Things that mean something to me. Like last nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sunset. My wife and I stood atop a rusted iron bridge to watch river barges putter on the Youghiogheny River. We were the only onlookers around for a million miles. We toasted our Gatorade bottles beneath an Appalachian ridge and kept riding onward. We rode through rundown neighborhoods, with industrial-age homes that had seen better days. The old homesteads were overrun with family members gathered on porches for huge Labor Day cookouts. So far weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve rolled through dozens of steel-mill towns like this. Some were filled with blue-tarped roofs, overgrown lawns and plywooded windows.

Others had houses that were falling apart. But each houseâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and I mean without exceptionâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;was flying an American flag. And I saw more than just flags, too. I saw banners on lamp posts honoring local World War II veterans. I saw patriotic bunting hanging from bannister railings. I saw ball games played in backyards. And kids eating popsicles on swing sets. What I havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seen is people fighting. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen no arguments about current events. No angry folks exchanging hateful views on the world. I havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t met the first unfriendly soul. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen nothing but good here. And I must have needed this goodness. Because I have spent the better part of the year stuck indoors, just like everyone else.

A pandemic nearly changed me. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a long time since I felt half normal. But I understand it all comes back to you. Just like riding a bike. We have lots of miles left to pedal, and my out-of-shape body is not prepared. They

will probably have to carry me home in an ambulance. But hey, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m doing all right. Because, like the man said: This is Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s country. Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coffee could use a little work though.

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A6 September 16, 2020

Walk to Defeat ALS® and Help ALS Association Alabama Chapter Fight ALS Courtesy of the ALS Association Alabama Chapter The world may look a little different right now, but one thing has not changed: our commitment to ending ALS and supporting patients and families across Alabama. The well-being of the ALS community is the chapter’s top priority. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. The disease robs people of the ability to walk, to talk, to even blink an eye. It traps them inside a body they no longer can control and ultimately prevents them from breathing as it takes their life. There is no known cause of the disease, although military veterans are approximately twice as likely to develop ALS as the general population. Every 90 minutes someone is diagnosed with ALS, and every 90 minutes someone

loses their battle to this fatal disease. Living with ALS can cost up to $250,000 annually, depleting families of all savings. The ALS Association Alabama Chapter is closely following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as well as state, county, and local health agency mandates as news develops of the novel coronavirus. For the safety of the people with ALS we serve, their families and our staff and supporters, our three Alabama 2020 Walks to Defeat ALS will not occur as in prior years at a venue or park. Instead, we’re bringing the walk to you. Please walk with us on Oct. 24 at 9 a.m. down your street, in your neighborhood park, through your living room as you zoom with family and friends, anywhere you want. Just be sure to observe social distancing measures and be safe. Although the course will look different, the purpose remains the

11 a.m.: Begin your post-walk celebrations. Following local safety guidelines, of course. Tune into The Walk to Defeat ALS - Alabama Chapter Facebook page throughout the morning for live staff Walks and updates. same: to Walk in honor, to Walk in memory and to Walk to Defeat ALS all while raising much needed funds to support people living with ALS right here in our community while we aggressively search for treatments and a cure. What will Oct. 24 look like? 9:45 a.m.: Hop onto The Walk to Defeat ALS - Alabama Chapter Facebook Page to participate in a live-stream opening ceremony and the Walk countdown. 10 am: Enjoy our Walk to Defeat ALS Program and Ceremony, then start walking along your designated path or start your team caravan. Capture your walk via social media and be sure to use the Hashtag #ALSWalkYourWay.

Here is a guide for creating your own Walk at home: Step 1: Recruit your team. Invite your friends, family, co-workers and neighbors. Post on Facebook neighborhood pages, the Nextdoor App, social media, etc. to gain support and spread awareness. Step 2: Decide your Walk location. Whether you walk within your neighborhood streets, at a neighborhood park or participating in a team caravan, be sure to pick a location that follows local safety guidelines. Step 3: Plan and create your walk decor. The chapter will provide you with your Walk In Celebration signs, sidewalk chalk, unlock keys and lanyards and Official Walk

to Defeat ALS t-shirts if you have raised over $90. We encourage you to create your own walk posters, t shirts, decorate your yard, etc. Send in photos and post your decorations on social media for a chance to win an award. Use #ALSWalkYourWay. Step 4: Fundraise. Although the event will look different, the need for funds is the same. The money raised from this year’s walk will make a lasting impact on individuals battling ALS in the chapter year-round. We have provided sample messaging for you to use in this packet. Ways to fundraise include: Starting a Facebook fundraiser, sending your fundraiser to your supporters and share your story. Collect donations with the My Supporters form and mail to the ALS Association office. Step 5: Make your Walk your own, have fun and spread awareness. Utilize these steps to spread awareness and raise funds in your community. This year, you have the ability to make

the walk your own; we can't wait to see all of the creative ways used to share your story. People living with ALS (pALS), their caregivers (cALS) and their friends and family are invited to join Team ALS Alabama, a statewide team lead by ALS Association Alabama Chapter staff. Team ALS Alabama unites those directly affected by ALS in Alabama and allows team members to have additional staff support for fundraising and participation without having to plan their own mini walk. The nationwide events have experienced constant participant growth since 2000 and have raised more than $215 million toward the goal of creating a world without ALS. Last year, more than 900 walkers statewide raised more than $260,000 for the Chapter’s Walk to Defeat ALS program. To learn more about the 2020 Statewide Walk to Defeat ALS, call the chapter at 205-443-7882, or visit walktodefeatals.org.

Opelika E vents, Society, & Food

UPCOMING EVENTS Sept. 19 - Cookies, Chalk and Cops 9 a.m. to noon at the Lee County Justice Center

Savor time with family with special Sunday night supper ANN CIPPERLY

Southern

Hospitality

hile many churches are now open for the congregation to sit in a service, many of us are still watching services online. Sunday is traditionally a quiet day with family. It is a good time to prepare a special supper to gather the family around the table to talk about the coming week before everyone heads to work or school on Monday. After church services, pull out the slow cooker or Dutch oven and prepare a pasta sauce or roast to simmer all afternoon, filling the house with tantalizing aromas.

I treasure wonderful memories of growing up sitting around the table on Sunday nights as well as memories at the table with our children. Now that my parents are gone and our children are grown, living in various places across the country, Sunday nights are quieter with Don and me, but no less special. During the coronavirus pandemic we have been reminded that every day is a gift. I think of friends who have been in the hospital for weeks with the virus and a few who didn’t recover. The virus has caused us to cherish

time with our family more than ever, as we miss big gatherings with loved ones. This week I have been especially thankful since it is the 10th anniversary of my surgery at UAB. I am forever thankful to God for a miracle from a rare stage four cancer. Not a day goes by that I am not reminded of this gift from the time I get up until I go bed, trying to make the best of every day. As we all try daily to do our best in these uncertain times, spending time with family around the table is important. Over a meal, tell the

Photo by Ann Cipperly Nancy Loper’s recipe for Chicken Stuffed with Prosciutto and Fontina with Balsamic Grape Tomato Sauce makes an attractive dish. Prosciutto and cheese are placed on the chicken breasts or thighs and rolled up, then baked. Grape tomatoes and green onions are sautéed with balsamic vinegar for a flavorful sauce. Look over the recipes and plan a special Sunday night supper for your family.

stories of meaningful events in your life, and let the children share their hopes and dreams. While the food is always secondary, serve comfort foods that have been family favorites and try new recipes. Let children help prepare the meal. It has been a tradition for Becky Stillwell to

have her daughter and family for a meal on Sundays. Becky relies on recipes that can be assembled quickly and sometimes uses a slow cooker. When Ruby Worthington was 88 years old, she was still cooking Sunday meals for her family. She would start preparing the meals on

Saturdays. Ruby is now 97 years old and savors those sweet memories. The Sunday Roast and Sunday Baked Chicken are two of her favorite dishes. On weekends, Linda Letlow will prepare Penne Alla Vecchia Bettola when she doesn’t feel like cookSee CIPPERLY, page A11

GPAC Live hosting online concerts By Hannah Lester hlester@opelikaobserver.com

The coronavirus pandemic continues to affect daily lives, but the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center wants to bring back the theater. GPAC Live launced in early September and is a way for the center to continue hosting performances, despite social distancing. “All GPAC LIVE series concerts will be performed live and streamed directly from the Woltosz Theatre,” according

to a press release from the Gogue Center. “In light of physical dis-

tancing measures and limited seating capacity, the program will enable

artists and audiences to continue to connect and engage until patrons are

able to return.” GPAC Live is a partnership with Auburn

University’s Department of Music and gives See GPAC, page A8

A8 September 16, 2020

Girl Scouts announce magazine sales Courtesy of Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama

GENUINE LEATHER BELTS

Made in Alabama! LOOK FOR A NEW FIND EACH WEEK! 334-745-3221 • ANGELSANTIQUEANDFLEAMALL.COM 900 COLUMBUS PKWY

Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama’s Munchies and Mags Program is an awesome opportunity for Girl Scouts to enhance their leadership experience. Much more than a money-earning activity, Munchies and Mags teaches girls leadership skills and prepares them for the future. Every participating girl also develops skills in financial literacy and learns how to set goals, make individual and group decisions, craft her unique sales pitch, manage troop proceeds and ethically run a business. Girls will take orders from Sept. 14 through Oct. 19. Their online sales will end on Nov. 6. Friends and family can choose from several delicious varieties of candy and nuts that range in price from $6-$12. You can also order or renew

GPAC >> FROM A7

students opportunities to perform. The Fall Faculty Showcase will be held on Sept. 22 at 7:30 p.m., and the student recital with Thomas Vines on trumpet will be held on

your favorite magazine subscriptions through the online program. GSSA and local Girl Scouts receive a portion of the subscription fees. Not only are you getting a great magazine, but you are also supporting Girl Scouts in your local community and helping to provide programs, adult training and support for our camp. For each $6 donation, we will send one tasty can of nuts or package of chocolates to military troops serving overseas, Mercy House, Prodisee Pantry or the Boys and Girls Club of the Wiregrass. Every purchase of Munchies & Mags is an investment in girls both now and in the future and their leadership capabilities, with 100% of the net revenue staying local. If you are interested in purchasing any of the items we offer and have not been visited by a Girl Scout in your commu-

nity, please e-mail your contact information (name, address, zip code and phone number) to customercare@ girlscoutssa.org or you can call 800-239-6636, and the council can connect you with a troop in your area.

Sept. 29 at 7:30 p.m. “This preliminary group of performances is especially remarkable in that it provides participating Auburn students with the rare opportunity to perform a solo recital in an acoustically perfect, world-class venue,” the release said. The GPAC Live shows

will be performed to an online audience, and viewers can sign up for each one on the Gogue website (www.goguecenter.auburn.edu). "Additional GPAC LIVE series are currently in development and will be announced in the coming weeks,” the release said.

About Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama serves more than 5,000 girls ages 5-17 and 2,500 adults who believe in the power of every G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader) to change the world. We’re the preeminent leadership development organization for girls for more than 100 years. With programming across 30 counties, GSSA offers every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of leadership, adventure and success. To volunteer, reconnect, donate or join call 800-2396636 or visit (www. girlscoutssa.org).

A9 September 16, 2020

Alabama State Parks honored in Tripadvisor’s 2020 Travelers’ Choice Awards program Courtesy of Alabama State Parks A total of 11 Alabama State Parks and another nine attractions located within or adjacent to a state park have been honored with Tripadvisor.com’s “2020 Travelers’ Choice Awards.” Gulf State Park earned several of the awards, including one each for Gulf State Park Campground, Gulf State Park Fishing Pier, The Lodge at Gulf State Park and the park itself. Travelers’ Choice, formerly known as Certificate of Excellence winners, recognizes businesses that earn consistently great user reviews. Travelers’ Choice winners rank among the top 10% of businesses on Tripadvisor. “We are honored that once again so many Alabama State Parks have been recognized in Tripadvisor’s annual awards,” said Chris Blankenship, commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. “All of the Alabama State Parks system employees are dedicated to making every single visit a first-class experience. Our commitment to excellence is confirmed with this recognition

by the people who are actually coming to stay, play and enjoy our state parks.” Booking a stay at one of our parks has never been easier with the launch last month of the new online reservation system for campgrounds. Visit (www. alapark.com) to plan and book your next visit. Below is a list of Alabama State Parks and amenities honored: Cathedral Caverns State Park Cheaha State Park Chewacla State Park DeSoto State Park Gulf State Park Joe Wheeler State Park Lake Guntersville State Park Meaher State Park Monte Sano State Park Oak Mountain State Park Rickwood Caverns State Park Below is a list of attractions within or adjacent to a state park honored: DeSoto Falls Lake Guntersville State Park Lodge Gulf State Park Campground Gulf State Park Fishing Pier The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a Hilton hotel Hugh S. Branyon

Backcountry Trail (Gulf State Park) Foodcraft (Gulf State Park Lodge) Ike’s Beach Service (concessionaire in Gulf State Park) 5 Rivers – Alabama’s Delta Resource Center (adjacent to Meaher State Park) Tripadvisor’s 18th annual “Travelers’ Choice” awards honored 4,817 unique businesses this year, with winners determined by reviews collected on Tripadvisor during 2019, or before the coronavirus global pandemic. Tripadvisor calculated this year’s winners from millions of reviews collected in 2019 from travelers and diners around the world on Tripadvisor. The awards take into account the quality and quantity of traveler reviews and ratings specific to each category. “It’s gratifying to see so many Alabama attractions honored by Tripadvisor,” said Alabama State Parks Director Greg Lein. “Anyone who has enjoyed the majestic beauty of DeSoto Falls or watched a picturesque sunset from the Gulf State Park beach understands the awe-inspiring natural beauty

available here in Alabama, and these awards show that our customer service and attention to detail enhance our visitors’ experience.” About Alabama State Parks The Alabama State Parks Division operates and maintains 21 state parks encompassing approximately 48,000

acres of land and water in Alabama. The parks range from Gulf Coast beaches to Appalachian Mountains and provide opportunities and facilities from basic dayuse activities to resort convention lodging, restaurant and golfing areas. Learn more at (www.alapark.com/) About Tripadvisor

Tripadvisor helps millions of travelers each month make every trip their best trip. Travelers around the world utilize the Tripadvisor website and app to browse more than 860 million reviews and opinions of 8.7 million accommodations, restaurants, experiences, airlines and cruises.

America’s Thrift Stores in Opelika is hiring! What Makes Us Different? At America’s Thrift Stores, we make a difference everyday! For our employees, we offer a way to not only have a steady job, but one that helps support multiple charities! We help make wishes come true! For our customers, we provide quality merchandise for those who may not have the means to provide for their families without our low-cost products. Because of our ever-changing inventory, our customers can truly find something different on each and every visit. We even sell brand new mattresses at prices that are lower than all the competition.

Benefits For All Employees x x x

Our Charity Partners

Starting wage of $8.50 per hour Supervisor starting wage of $13.00 per hour 50 cent raise after 90 days for those who meet performance standards Additional 50 cent raise after 180 days for those who meet performance standards EVERY employee is bonus eligible after 90 days!! (A $10.00 per hour employee working an average of 30 hours per week could earn a quarterly bonus of $100$180) Many jobs are Monday-Friday with weekends off Great Employee Referral Program Employee Discounts Christmas Bonus Employee Service Awards

x x

x x x x x

Additional Benefits for Full Time Employees Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) benefits for full time employees who work more than 30 hours per week Company paid life insurance for full time employees who work more than 30 hours per week

x x

At America’s Thrift Stores, we strive to make a difference by: x x x

Keeping more than 30 million pounds out of landfills each year Providing great values to treasure seeking shoppers Contributing nearly $3,000,000 to our charity partners who support children’s health and addiction recovery

If want a job that has meaning and is changing lives, America’s Thrift Stores is the place for you! We want you on our team – come join us today! America’s Thrift Stores is an Equal Opportunity Employer

PLEASE JOIN US AUGUST 6 Get to Know the Opelika Police Department Recording available on YouTube (opelikacitygov)

SEPTEMBER 3 /ŵƉƌŽǀŝŶŐ ZĞůĂƟŽŶƐŚŝƉƐ ǁŝƚŚ KƵƌ zŽƵƚŚ Recording available on YouTube (opelikacitygov)

SEPTEMBER 24 ,Žǁ tĞ ĂŶ ĞƩĞƌ ŽŵŵƵŶŝĐĂƚĞ ĂŶĚ /ŵƉƌŽǀĞ ŽŵŵƵŶŝƚǇ ZĞůĂƟŽŶƐ MUNICIPAL COURT BUILDING 6 - 7 p.m. ^ƉĂĐĞ ůŝŵŝƚĞĚ ƚŽ ŵĂŝŶƚĂŝŶ ƐŽĐŝĂů ĚŝƐƚĂŶĐŝŶŐ ;&ŝƌƐƚ ĐŽŵĞ ĮƌƐƚ ƐĞƌǀĞͿ >ŝǀĞ ƐƚƌĞĂŵĞĚ ǀŝĂ ĐŝƚǇ zŽƵdƵďĞ ĐŚĂŶŶĞů &Žƌ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ͕ ĞŵĂŝů ůŬƌĞŚůŝŶŐΛŽƉĞůŝŬĂͲĂů͘ŐŽǀ͘

A10 September 16, 2020

'Cookies, chalk and cops' event honors law enforcement

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Pharmavite delivers gift cards to first responders last week

Photos by Hannah Lester/Opelika Observer

A11 September 16, 2020

CIPPERLY>> FROM A7 ing but still wants to serve good food. The special pasta sauce simmers in the oven for an hour and a half. Two of Linda’s other

RECIPES CHICKEN STUFFED WITH PROSCIUTTO AND FONTINA WITH BALSAMIC GRAPE TOMATO SAUCE Nancy Loper 4 (6 oz.) boneless chicken breast halves or thighs 4 thin slices prosciutto (about 1 oz.), trimmed of visible fat 4 slices Fontina or Swiss cheese 4 basil leaves, optional 3 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil, divided 1 bunch green onions, sliced 1 1/2 -2 cups grape tomatoes, halved 2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar 1/4 cup or more chicken stock Salt and pepper to taste Place chicken cut side up on cutting board; salt and pepper both sides. Place a piece of clear plastic wrap over or put in a baggie to make it easier to handle. Working from the center out, pound lightly with a meat mallet. Remove wrap. Place a slice of prosciutto on each piece of chicken and cover with cheese. Top with basil leaves, if desired. Tuck in sides; roll up jelly-roll style, pressing to seal well. Place chicken breasts into baking dish. Drizzle about 2 Tbsp. olive oil over chicken. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Add remaining 1 Tbsp. olive oil to skillet along with green onions and cook over moderate heat until softened. Add tomatoes and cook, tossing until heated through, about 2 minutes. Add vinegar and cook until nearly evaporated, about 30 seconds. Add stock, season with salt and pepper and simmer until slightly reduced for about 2 minutes. Spoon sauce over chicken and serve. To make ahead: assemble chicken and store in refrigerator until ready to bake. Prepare grape tomato sauce ahead and reheat before pouring over chicken. Serves 4.

SUNDAY ROAST BEEF WITH CARROTS AND POTATOES Ruby Worthington Marinade: ½ bottle red wine vinegar salad dressing ½ cup lemon juice One chuck roast (5 or 6 lb.) 2 tsp. garlic pepper 2 tsp. salt 1½ tsp. tenderizer (optional) 2 Tbsp. bacon grease or canola oil

delectable dishes are Lemon Chicken and Pork Chops with Dijon Cream Sauce. Nancy Loper’s Chicken Stuffed with Prosciutto and Fontina with Balsamic Grape Tomato Sauce makes an attractive dish. It is

easier to prepare than it sounds. Prosciutto and cheese are placed on the chicken breasts or thighs and rolled up, then baked. The sauce is made by quickly sautéing grape tomatoes and green onions enhanced with balsamic

vinegar. If Mac and Cheese is a favorite comfort food at your house, try Leigh Whatley’s recipe. You don’t have to make a white sauce. Cheeses and cream are combined with cooked pasta and baked.

Children will also enjoy Laura Hartley’s Salsa Chicken. The Corn Salsa served on the side is optional. Look over the following recipes and plan a special Sunday supper this weekend. Be sure the television is turned

3 large Vidalia onions, quartered 1½ lb. carrots, cut in small pieces 8 small potatoes, cut in half In a small bowl mix red wine vinegar salad dressing and lemon juice. Place roast in zip lock bag, pour marinade over roast and refrigerate overnight. Turn bag several times to make sure roast is completely covered. Remove roast from bag, dry well. Mix and rub seasonings on all sides of roast. Place in Dutch oven of choice (I use iron cookware). Coat inside of pan with nonstick spray. Put 2 Tbsp. bacon drippings or canola oil in roaster. Heat to medium heat on top of stove. Braise all sides of the roast in the pan on top of stove until slightly brown on all sides. Add two cloves of garlic and two bay leaves. Turn heat higher on burner; pour 1½ cups water into pan over roast. Place top on roaster and place in a 375-degree oven for 1 ½ hours. Remove from oven; add potatoes, carrots and Vidalia onions; season vegetables with salt and pepper. Return to oven and bake for approximately 1½ hours or until fork tender.

chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced ½ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes 1½ tsp. dried oregano 1 cup vodka Two 28 oz. cans whole peeled plum tomatoes, drained Kosher salt and pepper ¾ lb. penne pasta 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh oregano 1 cup heavy cream ½ freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Heat oil in a 12-inch ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook for about 5 minutes, until onions are translucent. Add red pepper flakes and dried oregano and cook for 1 more minute. Add vodka and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, until mixture is reduced by half. Using clean hands, crush each tomato into pan. Do not add liquid from can. Add 2 tsp. salt and ½ tsp. pepper. Cover pan, place in oven, and bake for 1½ hours. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 2 Tbsp. salt to water. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside. Puree tomato mixture either with an immersion blender or in a blender until smooth. Return tomato mixture to sauté pan. Be careful because the handle is hot! Add fresh oregano, cream, 1 tsp. salt and ½ tsp. pepper. Simmer partially covered for 10 minutes. Add pasta to sauce and cook for 2 more minutes. Stir in ½ cup Parmesan cheese and serve hot with extra Parmesan sprinkled over top.

to brown or it will become bitter. Off the heat add wine, lemon zest, oregano and thyme, and 1 tsp. of salt. Pour into a 9 x 12 baking dish. Place chicken skin side up over the mixture. Brush chicken with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. I often make this early in the day and refrigerate chicken until time to bake it. When ready to bake, cut a lemon into wedges and place lemon around chicken. Bake for 45 minutes at 400 degrees until top is browned. Cover and rest for about 10 minutes. Serve with rice and pour sauce over chicken and rice.

scraping brown bits from bottom. Stir in stock and return chops to pan. Bring sauce to a simmer, reduce heat, cover and cook until chops are cooked through (145 degrees internal), about 10 to 15 minutes. Remove chops to warm platter; cover with foil to keep warm. Add remaining halfcup wine. Increase heat to high to boil pan juices. Reduce juices by half, about 3 minutes. Add heavy cream and boil 3 minutes more, until sauce reduces and thickens, and scraping pan with a wooden spoon. Remove from heat; whisk in mustard and parsley. Add more mustard if desired. Place chops on a bed of sauce and serve.

SUNDAY ROAST BEEF Becky Stillwell Beef roast Heat together: 1 pkg. Lipton Onion Soup mix 1 can cream of mushroom soup 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 1 stick butter 1 Tbsp. A-1 Steak Sauce Place roast in foil on a pan. Spread heated soup mixture over roast; seal foil loosely. Bake at 325 degrees for 3½ hours. Makes its own gravy for serving over rice or mashed potatoes.

PENNE ALLA VECCHIA BETTOLA Linda Letlow This recipe is from the famous restaurant in the Hamptons called Nick and Toni’s. It’s so easy to make. I often make it on a weekend when I am not in the mood to cook, but I want good food! It is important to use good canned tomatoes. All of the grocery stores carry San Marzano tomatoes, which are imported and have an especially good flavor. ¼ cup olive oil 1 large onion,

LEMON CHICKEN Linda Letlow This is a great chicken dish that is quick and easy! Serve it with rice and a green vegetable. ¼ cup olive oil 3 Tbsp. minced garlic (a lot of garlic, but trust me, this is good!) 1/3 cup white wine 1 Tbsp. lemon zest (2 lemons) 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice (juice of one lemon) 1 ½ tsp. dried oregano ¼ tsp. dried thyme Kosher salt and pepper 4 boneless chicken breasts with skin on 1 lemon Warm olive oil in a small saucepan over low heat. Add garlic and cook for a minute or so until it is fragrant, but don’t allow garlic

PORK CHOPS IN DIJON CREAM SAUCE Linda Letlow Pork chops are convenient, which is probably why I remember my mother serving them so often growing up. The chops were thinner and almost always bone-in. These days we get thicker chops, and although we prefer bone-in, it just depends on what’s available at the market that day. The Dijon Cream Sauce is just lovely with the pork. Great served with new potatoes. 1 Tbsp. butter 1 Tbsp. olive oil 4 center-cut rib or loin pork chops, boneless or bone-in (whatever you prefer), about 1 1/4 inch thick Salt Freshly ground black pepper 1/4 cup chopped shallots or green onions 1 cup dry white wine 3/4 cup chicken stock 3/4 cup heavy cream 2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard 1 Tbsp. chopped parsley (optional) Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Stir in butter. As soon as butter has melted, add pork chops to pan and sear, about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Reduce heat slightly if chops brown too quickly. Remove chops from pan and pour off most of the fat. Add green onions or shallots and cook on medium high heat until softened, about 1 minute. Add 1/2 cup of wine and bring to a boil, deglazing pan by

MAC AND CHEESE Leigh Whatley 8 oz. grated Monterey jack cheese 8 oz. grated sharp cheddar cheese 4 oz. Parmesan 1 quart cream 1 box rigatoni pasta, cooked Mix all together. Bake at 350 degrees 30 minutes or until bubbly.

SALSA CHICKEN Laura Hartley Our family serves the chicken over rice and tops it with remaining sauce, shredded cheese and Corn Salsa (recipe follows). 4 chicken breasts 1 packet taco seasoning or chili powder to taste 1 jar salsa (I use a can of Rotel) 12-16 oz. sour cream Place chicken breasts in casserole dish and season with taco seasoning or chili powder. (I do not use entire packet of taco seasoning, just to taste.) Cover seasoned chicken with entire jar of salsa. Bake uncovered for 40 minutes at 375 degrees. Remove casserole from oven, and set aside chicken from salsa. Stir sour cream into salsa until well blended. Return chicken to casserole dish and spoon sauce over chicken. Corn Salsa It’s also good to skip the chicken and just enjoy this refreshing salsa with corn or tortilla chips! 1 can whole kernel corn, drained 1 jalapeno finely chopped (I cheat and use 10-15 slices of pickled jalapeno slices from a jar. Much quicker!) 1 1/3 purple onion,

off and no one has a cell phone at the table. Enjoy the food and linger at the table, sharing stories and creating new memories to treasure. Ann Cipperly can be reached at recipes@ cipperly.com. finely diced 3 Roma tomatoes, chopped (I just use a can of Rotel, well drained.) 2 Tbsp. olive oil 2 Tbsp. lime or lemon juice Salt and pepper, to taste Parsley or cilantro to taste, optional Mix all ingredients and chill for at least 1 hour.

SUNDAY BAKED CHICKEN Ruby Worthington 8 to 10 boneless chicken breasts ¾ cup mayonnaise 2 tsp. Italian seasoning 1 tsp. white pepper 1 tsp. salt 1 can cream of chicken soup 1½ soup cans milk Breadcrumbs to cover chicken Parmesan cheese Rinse and dry chicken breasts. In small bowl mix salt, pepper, seasoning and mayonnaise together. Coat chicken well with mixture. Mix milk with soup, blend well. Line large baking dish with foil. Spread soup mix over bottom, place chicken in dish on top of soup mix. Spread breadcrumbs over the top of chicken, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake approximately 1 hour at 375 degrees or until fork tender. Chicken and crumbs will brown during baking. Serving suggestion: Serve with carrots and green beans.

CROCK-POT BARBECUE BOSTON BUTT Becky Stillwell Boston butt 1 can regular Coca Cola (cannot be diet) 1 bottle of your favorite barbecue sauce Pour can of cola in crock-pot. Place Boston butt that has been salted into pot. Cover with a bottle of barbecue sauce. Cook on low about 12 hours.

CHICKEN AND YELLOW RICE Becky Stillwell 3 or 4 chicken breasts, cooked and deboned 2 small bags Mahatma Yellow Rice 2 or 3 cans cream of mushroom soup Grated cheddar cheese Buttered breadcrumbs Cook rice as directed on package. Place rice in greased 9 by 13inch baking dish. Place chicken on top of rice. Slightly dilute cream of mushroom soup; spread over chicken. Top with grated cheese and buttered breadcrumbs. Bake at 350 degrees until bubbly.

A12 September 16, 2020

Something you can always ask for

ast week, we talked about the failure of Israel to believe that God could take them to the promised land of Canaan. Numbers 13 begins with God telling Israel to send spies into the land of Canaan (v. 1-2). From there, it’s a small step to assume the spies were God’s idea, but I’m not sure we are supposed to take that step. We’re told in Deuteronomy 1:22ff that it was Israel who asked Moses to send out the spies. The best way to reconcile the two texts is that Israel came up with the

Church Calendar • AIRVIEW BAPTIST CHURCH HOMECOMING 2301 Airport Road, Opelika Celebrating 69 years... Sept. 13,2020 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon and Lunch will follow Pastor: Dr Gary Walker – Praise and Worship: Doug Long • Church of Christ at Cunningham - meeting at their building at 9:30 a.m. for Bible class, 10:30 a.m. for worship, 5 p.m. for evening worship and 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. • St. Marys Catholic Church/ St. Michael’s Church SMCC is having Daily Mass on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 8 a.m. and on weekends they are distributing holy Communion on Sundays from 9:30 to 11 a.m. A Mass is also held on Sundays at 12:30 p.m. at St. Michael's Church over in Auburn. For more information people can call the office at 334-749-8359 or go to the parish website: stmarysopelika.org. • Union Grove Baptist Church In-person gathering with social distancing. Masks are available. Sunday worship is at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Wednesday worship is at 6:30 p.m. Services are streamed live on Facebook– the page is UGBChurch • First Baptist Church Opelika The following are held in-person and online on Sundays. 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship and Message at The Worship Center 9:45 a.m. Sunday School Hour 11 a.m. Contemporary Service at The 3:16 Center 6 p.m. Evening Worship and Message at The Worship Center 6:30 p.m. Church on Chadwick at Chadwick Lane in Auburn To watch services online, go to fbcopelika.com/media

idea and brought it to Moses. Moses then apparently took it to God who permitted it. But we recognize that’s not the same thing as saying it was the intent of His heart. God permitted hard-hearted Israel to divorce on a whim, but that was never His intent for marriage (Deuteronomy 24:1-4; Matthew 19:8-9). It seems the same thing is true with the spies. After all, God had promised Israel Canaan; why was it necessary to spy out the land? More to the point, the reconnaissance mission resulted

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

in a shift in the ten spies’ focus from trusting God to becoming fearful and giving a bad report. They won the nation over to their point of view, rebelled against God’s

purpose for them and they all ended up dying in the desert. Viewed from this perspective, sending out the spies was the beginning of the end for the exodus generation. This episode reinforces a spiritual truth that is often mentioned but seldom taken seriously—be careful what you ask for. From the request of James and John’s mother for special places for her sons to Israel asking for a king, we have examples of people asking for wrong things and receiving them. This should bring

to mind the model prayer’s petition of “Your kingdom come, Your will be done.” It’s also instructive that Paul’s prayer for the disciples at Philippi was that their love “would abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight” so they might be able to “discern what is best” (1:9-10). That’s the kind of thing you can always ask for. You can find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: atasteofgracewithbrucegreen.com.

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

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"And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." — 2 Corinthians 9:8

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

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

Green Chapel Missionary Baptist 390 Lee Road 106, Auburn (334) 749-4184 Lakeview Baptist Church 1600 E. Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-7094 Pepperell Baptist 2702 2nd Ave., Opelika 334-745-3108 Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Road 166, Opelika 334-745-4608 Union Grove Baptist Church 4009 Lee Road 391, Opelika 334-749-0461 CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ at

First Baptist Church 301 S. 8th St. 334-745-5715 First Baptist Church Impact 709 Avenue E 334-741-0624 First Freewill Baptist Church 103 19th St. 334-703-3333 Friendship Missionary Baptist 432 Maple Avenue 334-742-0105 Greater Peace Baptist Church 650 Jeter Ave. 334-749-9487 Heritage Baptist Church 1103 Glenn St. 334-363-8943 High Hope Baptist Church 227 Lee Road 673 Love Freewill Baptist Church 1113 Frederick Ave. 334-745-2905 Ridge Grove Missionary Baptist Church 1098 Lee Road 155 - 334-745-3600 Northside Baptist Church 3001 Lafayette Hwy 334-745-5340 Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Uniroyal Rd 334-749-2773 Purpose Baptist Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy #704-0302 St. James Baptist Church 1335 Auburn St. 334-745-3224 Union Grove Missionary Baptist 908 Huguley Rd 334-741-7770 BUDDHIST Buddha Heart Village 3170 Sandhill Rd. 334-821-7238 CATHOLIC St. Mary’s Catholic Church 1000 4th Ave. 334-749-8359 CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ 2215 Marvyn Pkwy 334-742-9721 Southside Church of Christ 405 Carver Ave. 334-745-6015 CHURCH OF GOD

Cunningham 2660 Cunningham Dr., Opelika 10th Street Church of Christ 500 N. 10th St., Opelika 334-745-5181 COMMUNITY OUTREACH Changing Hearts of Destiny Ministry 936 N. Donahue Dr., Auburn 334-502-4700

Church 5165 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-745-4755 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Church At Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy., Opelika 334-524-9148 St. Ellis Full Gospel Church 5267 US Hwy 80W, Opelika 334-298-4319

METHODIST Auburn United Methodist Church 137 South Gay St., Auburn 334-826-8800 Beulah United Methodist

PRESBYTERIAN Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Road, Opelika 334-745-4889

Airview Church of God 3015 Old Opelika Rd 334-749-9112 Church of God 114 17th Place 334-749-6432 Tabernacle Church of God 3 Oak Court 334-745-7979 CHURCH OF NAZARENE Opelika Church of Nazarene 1500 Bruce Ave. 334-749-1302 EPISCOPAL Emmanuel Episcopal Church 800 1st Ave. 334-745-2054 HOLINESS Eastside Emmanuel Holiness Church 86 Lee Road 186 JEWISH Beth Shalom Congregation 134 S. Cary Dr. 334-826-1050 LATTERDAY SAINTS Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints 510 Groce St. 334-742-9981 METHODIST First United Methodist Church of Opelika 702 Avenue A 334-745-7604 Hopewell United Methodist 1993 Lee Rd 136 334-745-0460 Pierce Chapel United Methodist 8685 AL Hwy. 51 334-749-4469 Pepperell United Methodist 200 26th St. 334-745-9334 Trinity United Methodist Church 800 Second Ave. 334-745-2632 Wesley Memorial United Methodist 2506 Marvyn Pkwy 334-745-2841 PENTECOSTAL Full Gospel Pentecostal Church Hwy. 29, PO Box 1691 334-7418675 Gateway Community Church 2715 Frederick Rd 334-745-6926 PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church of Opelika 900 2nd Ave. 334-745-3421

SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST Outreach Seventh-Day Adventist 1808 S. Long St. 334-749-3151 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Apostolic Holiness Church 610 Canton St. 334-749-6759 Auburn Opelika Korean Church 1800 Rocky Brook Rd 334-7495386 Beauregard Full Gospel Revival 2089 Lee Road 42 334-745-0455 Christ Church International 1311 2nd Ave. 334-745-0832 Fellowship Bible Church 2202 Hamilton Rd 334-749-1445 Ferguson Chapel Church 310 S. 4th St. 334-745-2913 First Assembly of God Church 510 Simmons St. 334- 749-3722 Garden of Gethsemane Fellowship 915 Old Columbus Rd #745-2686 Grace Heritage Church Opelika #559-0846 Holy Deliverance Church 831 S. Railroad 334-749-5682 Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1250 McCoy St. 334-737-1488 Living Way Ministries 1100 Old Columbus Rd 334-749-6241 Move of God Fellowship Church 1119 Old Columbus Rd 334-7411006 Connect Church 2900 Waverly Pkwy 334-749-3916 New Life Christian Center 2051 West Point Pkwy 334-741-7373 New Life Independent Church 10 Meadowview Estates Trailer 334-741-9001 Opelika’s First Seventh Day 2011 Columbus Pkwy 334-737-3222 Power of Praise, Inc. Church 3811 Marvyn Pkwy 334-745-6136 Shady Grove Christian Church West Point Hwy 334-745-7770

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

A13 September 16, 2020

LOCAL HERO SEEKS TO UPLIFT THE COMMUNITY ONCE AGAIN THROUGH MUSIC

Courtesy of Dominique Treadwell On Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, be encouraged, refreshed and revived with local hero and recording artist Timotheus Treadwell and various special guests at the Encounter Experience, hosted by City Church Opelika. More information

about Timotheus Treadwell and the Encounter Experience can be found at (encounterexperience. eventbrite.com). Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Timotheus Treadwell comes from generational musical roots. His grandparents, Willie and Frankie Marie Treadwell, are Chicago gos-

pel legends, and have won numerous awards for their independent recordings and with the groundbreaking community choir the Treadwell Community Singers. As both a local sheriff deputy and an artist, Timotheus hopes to continue to carry the family torch, serving and inspiring his community. As a first responder, he was on the front lines of the tornado disaster of 2019, serving in the rescue efforts and community cleanups. As an artist, he was noted as the “singing sheriff,” as he unexpectedly took to the piano and led worship during the candlelight vigil held by community leaders to bring back hope during a tragic time. The Encounter Experience will present an array of musicians and singers from far

and wide, including National Gospel Recording Artist Torrance Rudd and Gospel Recording Artist from Ohio, Valaree Draine. The goal: to uplift the spirits of the community and revive a sense of hope as we enter the last quarter of this historically complex

the just, all that’s right about RIGHT NOW. If we can come together and celebrate all we’ve come through, especially with this year, I believe we can conquer and overcome all that’s ahead and finish the year strong. I hope that this concert will help us all keep moving for-

the Encounter Experience on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 6:30 p.m. CST at City Church Opelika (2900 Waverly Pkwy, Opelika, AL 36801). Tickets are free, but sign-up is required. Seat reservations can be made at Eventbrite at (encounterexperience.eventbrite.com).

year. “With all that’s going on, we need a revival of hope and unity, and to be reminded of the good,

ward in faith and love, because we are stronger together as a people and as a community.” Timotheus Treadwell and friends will host

Timotheus Treadwell’s new single, Won It All, is available on Aug. 28 for download on all streaming platforms.

Savior on Sept. 4, 2020 at the age of 89. Dot was born the oldest of four children in LaFayette, Alabama on Aug. 19, 1931. She was the daughter of Herman Mount Hand and Clara Belle Jones Hand. She was predeceased by her parents and her husband E.B. Odom, Jr. She is survived by her brother, Herman (Judy) Hand, and sisters, Syble (Ned) Lindsey and Louise (Ed) Jennings and her four daughters, Lessie (Roger) McCreless and their daughter Laura, Suzanne (Rick) Reynolds and their two children, Caroline Reynolds and Burke (Allie Cate) Reynolds, Joan (Wake) Asbury and their four children Tyler (Will) Grogan, Field (Holly) Asbury, Lucas Asbury and Duncan (Grace) Asbury, and Jan (Buddy) Barfield, and their four children, Alex Barfield, Bass Barfield, Rebecca (Nick) James and Mary Bentley Barfield and five great grandchildren. A longtime resident of Opelika, Alabama, Dot, affectionately known by her family as Muv, had three main loves in life. Her relationship with Christ, her family and her love of helping and giving to others. An active member of First Baptist Church, Muv was involved with many activities selflessly helping her husband E.B. and their four daughters pursue their passions and interests. Whether alongside E.B. for the Historic Sportscar Racing tours or the many summers spent on Lake Martin with family and friends enjoying water sports, and boating, Dot always made every-

one know they were welcome. Muv and B, as they were lovingly called by the grandchildren, were an example of loving and putting others first. Muv modeled this by caring for others and being an encouragement to them with her words and acts of kindness. She was involved with civic groups yet found the most joy in her calling as wife, mother and grandmother. She saw all of life as ministry, loving, caring and serving. Muv was an active participant in Community Bible Study and following her husband’s passing, found a new love working in the children’s program. Muv enjoyed loving on, teaching and even learning from all of the children she had the opportunity to minister to. Her greatest joy, other than her personal faith was her family and she was faithful to pray for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren by name. The family will be gathering for a private graveside service. In honor of Dot’s legacy of modelling the love of Christ, her love for family and her love for others, the family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to: First Baptist Church Benevolence Fund 301 South 8th Street Opelika, AL 36801 Hospice Angels Foundation Bethany House 1711 Gatewood Drive Suite 100 Auburn, AL 36830 (www.HospiceAngels.org) Frederick-Dean Funeral Home directed.

OBITUARIES Sandra “Sandy” Mann Brown Mrs. Sandra “Sandy” Mann Brown, 53 of Opelika, passed away at her home on Sept. 13, 2020. A Celebration of Life was at 2 p.m. on Sept. 15, at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. Visitation was held one hour before the service beginning at 1 p.m. at the funeral home.

Mary Jane Truett Humphries Born on June 1, 1931, to Robert Carroll Truett and Jimmie Lee Truett, Mary Jane Truett Humphries moved to Opelika in 1945 at age 14 when her father opened DistaCast, a manufacturer and retailer of fishing lures and equipment. She graduated from Opelika High School and went on to attend Huntingdon College. She made many lifelong friends in Opelika and used to recall that when shopping downtown she seldom met anyone on the sidewalks that she did not know. One day when she was walking past Hum-

phries Hardware on Eighth Street, Malcolm Humphries’ father spied her and, turning to Malcolm, said “That Truett girl is cute, you should be dating her!” Malcolm, who had recently returned from service in the Navy in the Pacific, must have agreed and they started dating. They were married a couple years later on March 3, 1951, at First Baptist Church in Opelika. The couple’s first child, Clay, was born on March 8, 1953, and the family moved into their new home at 1205 Rocky Brook Road. Their second son, Bob, was born on Nov. 6, 1955. Mary Jane and Malcolm lived at that address until their health and too many stairs forced them to move to an assisted living facility in 2016. They worked together at Humphries Hardware & Appliance for many years, later joined by Bob, turning generations of customers into good friends. Mary Jane was an active member of First United Methodist Church and enjoyed singing in the choir for

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several decades. She participated in various civic organizations and clubs and followed the boys’ various activities and sports. After 66 years of devoted marriage, Malcolm died on Jan. 24, 2017. Mary Jane passed away peacefully with her sons by her side at East Alabama Medical Center on Sept. 2, 2020. Graveside services will be held on Sept. 19 at 10 a.m. at Garden Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests that gifts of remembrance be made to the choir fund of First United Methodist Church, Opelika. The family appreciates that under the current circumstances’ friends may not be comfortable gathering graveside and looks forward to spending time together at a later date.

Regenia “Jean” Woodall Regenia “Jean” Woodall a lifelong resident of Opelika was born to the late Annette Coram Black and George W. Black in Trion, Georgia on Dec. 6, 1946 and passed away at her home in Opelika, Alabama surrounded by family on Sept. 8, 2020. She was 73 years old. Jean grew up and graduated High School in Hurtsboro, Alabama when she met and married the love of her life Fred C. Woodall. She spent her life as a pastor’s wife at many Churches in the surrounding area from 1975 until 2017. She was a faithful worker at Frederick’s Funeral Home for over a decade. Jean was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister,

and friend. She was a Godly woman who will be missed by all who knew her. Jean was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 52 years, Fred C. Woodall; sister, Alma Hayes; nephew, Michael Black. Jean is survived by her children, Keith Woodall and his fiancé Ruth Ann Barnard; daughter, Kristy Dozier (Bill); grandchildren, Elana Woodall, Hannah Grace Dozier, Gage Woodall, Jessica Bridier (Michael); great grandchildren, William and Walker Bridier; sister, Debbie Hightower; nieces, Brandi Hightower, Brittni Hightower; great nieces and nephews, Gracie and Mason Hightower. Visitation will be held Saturday, September 12, 2020 in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home from 10:00 a.m. until 11:15 a.m. A funeral service was held on Sept. 12, 2020 in the Chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home at 11:30 a.m. with Pastor Tom Grantham and Pastor Rick King officiating. Interment followed at Garden Hills Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations should be made to Hospice Angels (1171 Gatewood Drive Building #100 Auburn, AL. 36830). The family would like to thank all the caretakers at Compassus Hospice of Auburn and Bethany House, and a very special caretaker and friend Ms. Debbie McGinty.

Dorothy Belle Hand (Dot) Odom 1931-2020 Dorothy Belle Hand (Dot) Odom went peacefully to be with Jesus, her Lord and

See OBITUARIES, page A14

A14 September 16, 2020

OBITUARIES Lois Elizabeth Fuller Pitchford Lois Elizabeth Fuller Pitchford of Opelika was born in Dadeville, Alabama on May 18, 1941 and passed away at Bethany House on Sept. 14, 2020. She was 79 years old. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lee Curtis Pitchford. She is survived by her children, Kenneth W. Pitchford (Betty), Steven Pitchford (Linda), Lori Ann Williams (Cody), Dennis Pitchford (Melissa); 16 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; sister, Janet Fuller Baker as well as numerous

nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members. A graveside service was held on Sept.15, 2020 at Garden Hills Cemetery at 2 p.m.

Louie Deryl Chase 1933-2020 Louie Chase was born in Langley, Alabama, on Jan. 5, 1933, to Charlie and Lola Edge Chase. He passed away on Sept. 12, 2020, at Piedmont Regional Hospital-Midtown, Columbus, Georgia. Louie graduated from Beulah High School and was a lifelong resident of

Lee County. After high school, Louie joined the United States Army and served from 1953-1955 with the Headquarters Medical Division 2nd Armored Division in Bad Kreuznach, Germany. After his discharge, he returned to Opelika and joined the Opelika Fire Department, later was employed at Muttâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Volkswagen Shop, and 18 years with the Lee Board of Education Transportation Department. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister-in-law Betty Parker Rice, brothersin-law Jack Rice and Marlan Sagar, and nephew Chuck Duncan. Louie is survived

by his wife of 52 years, Christine Parker Chase; daughters, Becky Burkett (Jerald), Carol Wilder (Ken), and special daughter Debra Jackson, all of Opelika; sister Marion Sagar, Valley; grandchildren, Jacob Wilder (Meg) Cartersville, Georgia, Christopher Wilder (Kelsey) Birmingham, Brooke Jackson, LaGrange, Georgia, and Parker Jackson, Birmingham; great-grandchildren, Jackson and Lauren Wilder; nieces and nephews, Dennis Rice, Opelika, Tammy Hanson (Ted) Valley, Joel Teague (Dee), Valley, and Marla Kay Smith (Health), Valley. Louie was a devout Christian and longtime

member of Friendship Christian Church and Mt. Olive Church where he served as a deacon and song leader. He adorned his wife and loved his family and friends always looking forward to the visits and get togethers. He was a talker and never missed an opportunity to share stories and experiences with others or to give a hug to those he cared for. His cherished his grandchildren and took great pride in their growth. Once the great grandchildren arrived, he experienced a special excitement to see life through their eyes. He will be missed by his family and those who knew him, but his legacy of Chris-

tian values and loving actions will sustain his family in the days to come. Visitation will be held on Sept. 16, 2020 in the parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home from 2 to 3 p.m. A funeral service will be held in the Chapel at 3 p.m. with Dr. Rusty Sowell officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Olive Baptist Church Cemetery (4910 Lee Road 54 Opelika, AL.) In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Mt. Olive Cemetery Fund In care of: Gaines Whatley 10461 Lee Road 54 Auburn, AL 36830

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Doug Horn Roofing Opelika City Council Opelika Observer

A15 September 16, 2020

Full Moon Bar-B-Que launches Giveback Program Courtesy of Full Moon Bar-B-Que Full Moon Bar-BQue announced the launch of a statewide giveback program titled ‘Backpack Blessings’ to provide food, supplies and hope to the children of Alabama. From Sept. 15, 2020 through Nov. 30, 2020, Full Moon BBQ will be accepting nominations through an online nomination form. Multiple recipients will be selected weekly throughout the 12-week campaign to receive a Backpack Blessing valued at over $250 and including a $25 gift card to Full Moon BBQ, $25 gift card to Walmart, Full Moon BBQ leather planner with calculator, USB flash drive memory stick, school supplies, hand sanitizer, disposable face masks and an array of Full Moon BBQ swag items. “2020 has thrown many unexpected and undeserved curveballs at our communities; whether that be loss of jobs, virtual learning, or a general shift in daily activities,” said David Maluff, Co-Owner of Full Moon BBQ. “Full Moon BBQ is dedicat-

ed to the communities we serve and look forward to delivering food and supplies to children and their families while also providing a glimmer of hope during a tumultuous season.” Full Moon BBQ will be selecting multiple children weekly throughout the 12-week initiative to receive an Under Armour backpack shipped directly to their residence. To nominate a deserving child in the state of Alabama, visit http:// www.fullmoonbbq. com/backpackblessings and complete the form with detailed and specific information explaining why your nominee is deserving

of a Backpack Blessing. Submissions may stay anonymous by request. “After the high demand from Full Moon BBQ’s ‘Feed a Friend’ giveback initiative during spring 2020, as a company and community partner we were focused on pushing forward with a new campaign to continue to keep our communities fed, both emotionally and physically,” stated Joe Maluff, Co-Owner of Full Moon BBQ. For more information about Backpack Blessing and Full Moon Bar-B-Que, please visit fullmoonbbq.com or contact Krista Conlin at Krista@kcprojects.net. About Full Moon

Bar-B-Que Full Moon Bar-BQue has been in operation since 1986. The Maluff brothers, David and Joe, have grown the business while continuing a family-owned tradition that caters to folks who know great 'que from the rest. The wood smoke from every Full Moon restaurant's fire pit shows the Birmingham-born brothers' commitment to topnotch bar-b-que. At the same time, they satisfy a variety of tastes with fresh salads, hand-breaded chicken tenders, farm-raised catfish, Buffalo-style wings and overstuffed baked potatoes. From the famous Full Moon chow-chow to the baked-fresh-daily Half Moon cookies, Full Moon Bar-B-Que makes sure to use the freshest ingredients in their homemade selections. Most importantly, it's all served with a healthy helping of true Southern hospitality. You can dine in, get it to go or take advantage of Full Moon's catering and portable BBQ pits. However you choose, Full Moon will have you beaming! Full Moon is the “Best Little Pork House in Alabama.”

City of Opelika will celebrate Family Day and Family Week By Hannah Lester hlester@opelikaobserver. com

The city of Opelika is encouraging families to spend more time together and declared the week of Sept. 27 through Oct. 3 as Family Week. Sept. 28 will serve as Family Day and families are encouraged to do things together, whether that be having a meal or playing a game. “Family Day is a national movement to celebrate parental engagement as an effective tool to help keep America’s children substance-free,” according to a release from the Alabama Family Rights Association. “Families are the cornerstone of an orderly society. However, over the last several decades, Alabama families have grown progressively weaker. “Family Day in Alabama has evolved to “Family Week” and expanded to reflect the importance of connecting with children throughout the week/ day and making a concentrated effort to implement programs that

stress the importance of a child’s needs and the importance of interacting together as a family.” Alabama normally holds family day each year and this year Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller officially proclaimed the week for Opelika. “Scientific data indicates that when both parents are actively involved in a child’s life, the outcome is measurably improved,” the release said. “Children spending significant time with their parents and family members decreases the chances of youth suicides, school dropouts, juvenile drug abuse, teen pregnancies and incarceration.” Families are encouraged to share the activities they participate in by posting photos online with hashtags (#myfamilyselfie or #familydayal20). “This is an important community and state initiative to remind parents, communities, and leaders, that a child whose parents are not engaged and involved in their upbringing and care is a child ‘at risk,’” the release said.

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A16 September 16, 2020

COMICS

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

S On the Mark By D. Mark Mitchell

OPELIKA SCORES 14 POINTS IN 4TH QTR, BEAT EUFAULA 28-21

pelika (2-1, R 2-0) defeated Eufaula (1-2, R 0-2) 28-21 last Friday night in Eufaula. The game ended around 10:45 p.m. due to an hour-long lightning delay in the second quarter. The Bulldogs took a 6-0 lead after Eric Watts ran 10 yards for a score. Baker Rowton added the PAT, increasing the lead to 7-0 with 11 minutes in the second quarter. The game was stopped by game officials due to lightning during Eufalua’s ensuing possession. After waiting for almost an hour, the game was resumed in the second quarter. Shortly after play resumed, the Tigers tied the game, 7-7. EHS quarterback threw a 15-yard pass to Rah Rah Thomas in the endzone, where he snagged the ball with one hand for the score. Opelika’s Eric Watts rushed 37 yards for his second TD with 6:13 left in the first half. Rowton added the PAT, 14-7 Bulldogs. Eufaula tied the game on the next possession when Jamarien Lewis raced 10 yards for a touchdown. The PAT made it

14-14. The Tigers took a 21-14 lead with eight minutes left in the third quarter after an 8-yard rushing TD by Devin Fuller. OHS tied the game, 21-21, with 7:17 left to play. QB Malik Finley bullied his way 2 yards for the score, and Rowton’s PAT made it 21-21. The Bulldog defense forced a punt on the ensuing possession. EHS used their quarterback as a punter also. The Tigers QB/Punter only dropped back seven to eight yards on punts through the night. This time, Trevon Moore blocked the punt and Jakai Stephens scooped the ball up and rumbled 25 yards for the game-winning score. Rowton made it 28-21. Eufaula, aided by a personal foul penalty, marched inside Opelika’s 10-yard line late in the game. The Dog defense held the Tigers out of the endzone on four straight downs to preserve the win. EHS gained 405 yards of offense to Opelika’s 342 yards. Tiger See SPORTS , page B4

Oct. 13 - Lee County School Board will meet at 6 p.m. Inside • opelika schools • lee county schools • community sports

Oct. 27 - Opelika City Schools will meet on at 4 p.m.

Southern Christian gives homeschoolers a chance to play By Wil Crews SportsCrews@opelikaobserver.com

Jason Scott is a father who just wants his homeschooled kids to be able to play the sports they love. He and his wife have five boys – all homeschooled. As some of their boys grew older, they realized that after age 13, most kids are aged out of the city’s local recreational sports programs. So, after years of contemplation, and with the help of friend Mike Adams, the Scotts decided to start a new athletic program of their own. “There are opportunities to play here and there, but nowhere to call home,” Scott said. Well, now there is. Southern Christian Athletics was established for Lee County middle school and high school students who are either homeschooled or attend private schools. As of now, Southern Christian has a varsity and junior varsity 8-man football program – of which Adams is the head coach and

Photo courtesy of Southern Christian Athletics Scott the athletic director – and a junior varsity girls’ volleyball team. They also have plans to make up a basketball team, baseball team and more. “We weren’t going to do football; we were going to start with boys’ and girls’ basketball,” Scott said. “But we have some friends who wanted their senior boys to have a chance to play football.” So, Scott decided he was going to make that happen, even if they were already behind

the curve. What Scott did not anticipate was how difficult starting a football program from scratch would really be. “Starting with football was probably the biggest mistake of my life,” Scott said. This is not because of his lack of commitment to the students and athletes, but simply because of the magnified scale that football is on in the south. “What it takes to start a football program off the ground with nothing, it’s an incredible undertaking,” Scott said.

This is evident in the setbacks that Southern Christian has already fallen victim too. Whether it was trouble finding people to play or trouble getting equipment shipped in – even though FedEx kept saying ‘they are on the way’ – they have continued to find solutions in order to put a product on the field. “When you had not had a fundraiser, and registration money hasn’t filtered in yet, when you order 27 sets See CHRISTIAN, page B4

Beulah loses season opener By Wil Crews sportscrews@opelikaobserver.com

The Beulah Bobcats (0-2) looked rusty in their first game of the season, losing 50-7 to the Trinity Presbyterian Wildcats (3-1) after missing three games due to coronavirus

issues. Beulah had an emphasis on running the ball throughout the night, but an impotence on passing. The Bobcats gained all of their yards on the ground and outrushed the Wildcats by a margin of 174 – 115. A opening 73-yard

touchdown run by Beulah senior quarterback Caleb Abney was an electric start to the game but the Bobcats were lacking any spark thereafter. The absence of head coach Matthew Johnson may have had an effect on the team’s struggles as

he was sidelined away from the field due to coronavirus issues. Trinity didn’t trail for long in the game. Trinity got their own running game going with an 18-yard touchdown rush by senior See BEULAH page B4

B2 September 16, 2020

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B3 September 16, 2020

Three Celebrations That Benefit Children Today

oday is Sept. 16, and we have three events to celebrate today that delight the hearts of children, parents and early childhood teachers! They are National Play-Doh Day, National School Backpack Awareness Day and Collect Rocks Day. The Play-Doh Center is my favorite center in the early childhood classroom. I am so thankful for the schoolteacher who wanted a safe modeling clay for her preschoolers. She asked her brother-inlaw Joseph McVicker, who worked for a chemical company, to come up with her teacher dream. He provided the answer to her

dream, and it only took flour, water and food coloring. Play-Doh was created in 1955 and went to the market in 1956. Today, let’s pull out the Play-Doh and discuss its many benefits. Safety health policies can be incorporated into Play-Doh play, maybe by children having their own cans or bags of Play-Doh. Play-Doh offers a child a free play outlet. Free play is so important in the developmental steps of a young child. It is voluntary, spontaneous, open-ended play with no right or wrong answers. The reward and satisfaction to children is in the play itself. The sensory benefits

of Play-Doh for young children help them develop strength, fine tune motor skills and control – which relate to other skills such as holding pencils and crayons, learning to cut with scissors and learning to zip – and button up clothes. Play-Doh provides a beautiful intergenerational activity time between the young and elderly. We never get too old to play and create with Play-Doh. Sharing a favorite story with a child, parent and grandparent then working as a team to create the characters and scenes of the story provides ways for children to use language, increase vocabulary and practice comprehension skills in recreating the story in telling the story as Play-Doh art. Math and Science lessons can also be incorporated in Play-Doh play. Rolling out a certain number of snakes, rolling out bird eggs to place in a Play-Doh nest and making stick people and stick animals require molding different shapes, counting skills and creating and comparing different shapes and sizes. What a wonderful way to learn and apply math.

I love to observe children engaging in cooperative play as they share, create and explore their creations in the Play-Doh center. Like Play-Doh, children’s hearts and self-esteem can be shaped into objects they don’t desire to be or into objects that radiate like the bright colors of Play-Doh. It is so heartwarming to see smiles or twinkles in young children’s eyes when they are praised or encouraged for just who they are or what they do. Also, children benefit from National School Backpack Awareness Day today. In 1938 Gerry Outdoors invented the modern backpack. In 1968 the nylon, lightweight backpacks were introduced all over our county. Jan Sport began the world’s largest backpack business in 1968. The American Occupational Therapy Association began National School Backpack Awareness Day in September 2001 to make sure that students wear backpacks safely. As teachers and parents, we can see where improper use of backpacks can lead to muscle injuries, back pain and bone injuries.

These kinds of injuries can interfere with the learning process. Three tips that are shared on National Backpack Awareness Day for Backpack safety by American Occupational Therapy Association are: 1. Use both straps because slinging the backpack on one shoulder affects posture as well as causing injuries and pain. 2. Students should adjust the height of how they wear their backpacks. They should be worn high on their back. It is suggested an inch or two above the hips. 3. The waist and chest straps, which are the horizontal straps, help to distribute the weight and keep the load stable as a student moves. These are such good tips to learn, remember and share. Let’s go and have some safe fun today by celebrating “Collect Rocks Day.” I’m not sure how the celebration got started, but it does encourage geology, which is the study of the Earth. Children love to collect rocks of different types and sizes. In my classroom over the years, this teacher

has been so impressed with the rock collections that have come in the classroom to be shared on “Show and Tell” Day. Rock collecting with young students can encourage math skills by counting the rocks; organizational skills by organizing the rocks according to color, size and shape; and reading skills by finding out information about the rocks a child is collecting and children reading or listening to their parents or teachers reading about the rocks they are collecting. For children to show and talk about their rock collections enhances communication and social skills. It is so much family fun to go hiking and looking for different rocks on trails, the beach, by creeks or in the woods. Personally, my young son loved to collect rocks and learn about them. This childhood hobby has grown up with him into an adult hobby. I hope these three celebrations today help you and your child to play freely, stay safe and possibly start hobbies for a lifetime! Classroom Observer, Beth Pinyerd

Three Freshmen Who Can Step Up for Auburn in 2020 By Wil Crews sportscrews@opelikaobserver.com

In 2018, Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence set the standard for freshman excellence. He led the Tigers to a 15-0 record, embarrassing Alabama in the National Championship Game 44-16. Gus Malzahn may not have anyone with the shampoo endorsement-worthy locks of Lawrence, but he does have a history of entrusting freshman with big responsibilities. Quarterback Bo Nix was 2019 SEC Freshman of the Year and Owen Pappoe played in every game as a first-year linebacker last season. According to Rivals, Auburn had the No. 10 recruiting class of 2020.

Here are three freshmen who could not only play, but become key contributors for Auburn this season. Zykeivous Walker – De-

fensive End:

At 6-foot-4, 266 pounds, Walker is a ferocious pass rusher who arrived at Auburn in January. Unfortunately, the early enrollment meant nothing as the Tigers missed spring practice

due to COVID-19. The No. 7 prospect at his position according to 247, Walker was also a letterman in basketball and track and field in high school. The athletic Walker terrorized high school offenses, finishing with 85 tackles, 29 for loss and 11 sacks. Defensive coordinator Kevin Steele lost three contributors from his 2019 defensive line. Walker’s pass rushing ability gives him a special opportunity to step up for the Tigers this season. Freshmen Running Backs:

True Freshman Tank Bigsby and redshirt freshman Mark-Antony Richards are both highly touted runners.

Richards is coming off a leg injury he suffered in 2019, but he should be at full health by now. Bigsby is the highest rated recruit at running back for the Tigers since Roc Thomas in 2014. Thomas failed to fulfill his potential and ended his career at Jacksonville State. Hopefully, these two young backs will play out their time at Auburn and become a dynamic duo similar to Kerryon Johnson and Kamryn Pettway in 2016.

Perhaps even better – dare I say it – a combination akin to Cadillac Williams and Ronnie Brown in 2004. J.J. Pegues – Tight End/ Athlete:

This man is a beast. A versatile threat in high school, Pegues projects as a tight end because of his 6-foot-2, 300-pound frame. However, even though the top-6 rated recruit from Mississippi looks like a defensive end, he can do just about anything. Pegues has the strength to pass block, the hands to catch the ball and the speed to carry it. He could even line up as quarterback to take snaps in the wildcat formation. The possibilities are enticing for first-year offensive coordinator Chad Morris. He loves to use his tight ends and Pegues’ unique skillset provides a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. See FRESHMEN, page B4

B4 September 16, 2020

OPELIKA POWER SERVICES AND AMEA KICK OFF 2021 SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Courtesy of Opelika Power Services

Will you be graduating from an area high school in the spring of 2021? Do you receive your electricity from Opelika Power Services? If your answer to these questions is “yes,” you could be eligible to receive a scholarship from Opelika Power Services and the Alabama Municipal Electric Authority (AMEA). OPS and AMEA will make available four scholarships to local high school students in 2021. Since 1992, AMEA has awarded over $2.5 million in scholarship

FRESHMEN >> FROM B3 During his time as head coach at Arkansas, Morris’s tight ends brought in 23.5% of the receptions, 23.6% of the receiving yards and 41.2% of the touchdowns. Regardless of where he lines up, Pegues is a weapon that should be used in 2020. HONORABLE MENTIONS: 1. Wesley Steiner – Linebacker: Starting linebacker Chandler Wooten is sitting out the 2020 season. That mean’s K.J. Britt, Owen Pappoe and Zakoby McClain will be looking for a fourth linebacker to contribute. Pappoe made a big impact as a highly rated freshman last season. What’s stopping Steiner from doing the same? 2. Jay Handy – Defensive End: Rated as the top recruit in Tennessee by Rivals, the 6-foot-4, 299-pound pass rusher is versatile, athletic and strong. It’s typically difficult for freshmen to make an impact at physically demanding positions such as defensive line,

SPORTS>> FROM B1 quarterback Jeff Horne was 21-43 for 246 yards. Eric Watts led Opelika with 215 rushing yards on 22 carries and 39 pass yards. Malik Finley threw for 89 yards. Taylor Love led the defense with 18 tackles, three for a loss. The two teams combined for 23 penalties, which was hard for fans to watch. Next week, Opelika returns to Bulldog Stadium, hosting Carver (2-1, R 2-0) Friday at 7 p.m. The Wolverines opened with a 19-35 loss to Enterprise on the road,

monies to graduating high school seniors who receive their electric service from AMEA Members. To be eligible for an AMEA scholarship, a student’s parent (or other legal guardian) must receive electric service from Opelika Power Services, and the student must attend a four-year college/university, community college and/ or vocational/trade school within the state of Alabama. Applications are currently available from school counselors at Opelika High School, Trinity School and Lee Scott Academy, or you can go online to the OPS

but Handy already has the stature to compete. Like Walker, Handy will have the chance to impress Steele and get meaningful snaps in his first year on the plains. 3. Luke Deal & Tyler Fromm – Tight Ends: As I alluded to earlier, Morris loves to use tight ends. Deal and Fromm were both redshirted last season and their experience might give them a leg up on the new recruit Pegues. Serving as more traditional tight ends in terms of pass blocking ability, size and speed, Deal and Fromm should have a valuable role in the Auburn offense this season. 4. Wide Receivers: Bo Nix must be thrilled when he thinks about the wide receiver options at his disposal. Four-star recruits Kobe Hudson, Ze’Vian Capers, J.J. Evans and Malcolm Johnson Jr., have all come to play with the young charismatic quarterback in 2020. Auburn’s wide receiver group is now loaded with experience at the top and potential at the bottom – any of these guys could emerge as contributors in 2020 beat Valley in Fairfax 34-22 and beat Park Crossing 20-14 last week. Opelika leads the series with 15 wins and 3 losses. CHS’s last win was in 2012, 47-27. This will be the Bulldogs’ third region game. Central Phenix City comes to Bulldog Stadium next Friday, Sept. 25. The next region game against Russell County, Oct. 2, might be a forfeit win. The Warriors have yet to play a football game due to COVID 19. Friday’s Region game against Carver kicks off at 7 p.m. Fans can listen to the game on WKKR 97.7 Kicker fm and online at kickerfm. com. You can watch

website (opelikapower.com/scholarship-application/). The application deadline is Monday, Feb. 8, 2021. For more information on the program, contact your school counselor or Pamela Poole, AMEA Scholarship Program Coordinator, (334) 387-3504, (800) 239-2632, Ext. 1110, or pam@amea.com. AMEA, a joint action agency formed in 1981 and located in Montgomery, is the wholesale power provider for 11 public power utilities in Alabama, which serve some 350,000 customers.

State Rep. Jeremy Gray presented Community Service Grant checks to Opelika City Schools and Russell County Schools, each for more than $12,000. “I understand in these unprecedented times that these community service grants will provide temporary relief for the schools in District 83,” Gray said. It’s an honor and priv-ilege to be put in a position to give assistance.” In a statement for the Observer, Dr. Mark Neighbors, superintendent of Opelika City Schools, said, “We are very appreciative of the community service grant presented to the Opelika City Schools from Opelika High School graduate, State Representative Jeremy Gray. We are thankful for his support of our schools and his service to our community.”

ALACRAO HOST VIRTUAL COLLEGE FAIRS

Courtesy of ALACRAO

Alabama Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (ALACRAO) will host Virtual College Fair options for high school students. The event is free to public, private and home school students and all are invited to attend. Live virtual fair options are: • Sept. 17, 2020 9 to 11 a.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. • Oct. 20, 2020

CHRISTIAN>> FROM B1 of pads, helmets, girdles, padded shirts, the whole deal, A-to-Z, it adds up quickly,” Scott said. Luckily, some friends and one friendly Riddell sports equipment employee were nice enough to help. Southern Christian received seven loaner pad sets from Scott’s close friend and Beauregard head coach Rob Carter, and Riddell was nice enough to give them half credit for all their orders. Still, the live stream on the NFHS Network. The Live stream is free, compliments of the Orthopaedic Clinic. CEO Terry Rosenthal and doctors Adam Dooley, Raymond Godsil, Geoffrey Hancey, Frazier Jones, Ryan Palmer, Todd Michael Shiels and Trent Wilson should be thanked for choosing to sponsor the stream so fans can watch free. NINTH GRADE FOOTBALL The OHS 9th grade football team opened the season with a 208 loss in Alex City against Ben Russell. Opelika’s QB Roman

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. • Nov. 17, 2020 9 to 11 a.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. The health and safety of students and college representatives is our primary focus. The coronavirus has changed traditional recruitment for colleges and universities. ALACRAO Executive Committee voted to suspend all in-person fall 2020 college fairs. “Virtual College Fairs allow prospective students to learn

more about the exciting opportunities available at many instate, out of state, public, private, two-year and four year institutions,” said Tennyson “T.J.” Smith, president of ALACRAO. “Students may not have awareness of the diverse options available. With in-person fairs suspended, our organization feel the need to reach all students throughout the state from Ardmore to Fairhope, Eutaw to Wedowee and

Rebobeth to Sheffield. The institutions are excited to connect with students and parents virtually. Our goal at this event is to showcase opportunities in a time of uncertainty.” Students will be able to apply for admission to the college, receive financial aid and scholarship information and chat live with college representatives. For more information or to register, visit alacrao. swoogo.com/virtual.

Southern Christian is just now making up the numbers. “We just got our final shipment of pads this week,” Scott said. “[Our first game] is against the most physical team in our league, Evangel Christian School from Alabaster. We will be highly outnumbered.” But none of that really matters. Scott, who coached at Ballard Christian for 15 years, is just happy to give homeschool students the opportunity to play and is looking forward to Southern

Christians inaugural season. “Part of the psychology of homeschooling, is that there is not a lot of socialization,” he said. “Sports can help kids to do that.” Southern Christian plays 8-man football that is similar to full 11-on-11. The only differences are: only five linemen instead of a possible seven, and there is no kicking extra points. Teams can gain one point by running a play from the threeyard-line or two points by running a play from the five.

Southern Christian plays at Moore Stadium on 7th Avenue in Opelika. “We are very thankful to the City of Opelika and the Parks and Rec department, without them we wouldn’t be able to play,” Scott said. The Southern Christian varsity football schedule features seven and began this past Friday. The junior varsity girls’ volleyball team has already played four matches, splitting them with two wins and two loses.

BEULAH>>

Trinity’s senior QB, John-David Bonner – a southpaw – completed eight of nine passes for 154 yards as the Wildcats ran up the score to 43-7 in the first half. Trinity scored once more in the fourth quarter to cap off the scoring. Abney was the leading rushing Beulah on the night, finishing with 95 yards and one touchdown. Beu la h’s next ga me is a reg ional matchup ver su s t he Montgomer y Cat holic K n ig ht s (3-1) on Fr id ay, Se pt. 18 at 5350 Vaug h n Roa d , Montgomer y, A l a b a m a 36116.

Gagliano connected a 25-yard pass to Davien Jones for a TD. The two-point conversion was good. The game was tied 8-8. The Wildcats scored two more touchdowns to win by 12. The team was scheduled to play Sept. 7 against Valley, however I have not received any information about the outcome. The Opelika Athletics website is not updated and has no information for the 2020 season. D. Mark Mitchell is sports director for iHeart Media, Alabama Dixie Boys State Director and vice president of the A-O Sports Council.

FROM B1 running back Mac McClinton after Abney’s opening score. After that, things began to go poorly for the Bobcats on their second drive. Abney was sacked and fumbled the ball as the Trinity defense picked it up for a scoop-and-score touchdown. Trinity had their first lead at 14-7 – an edge that would only widen. After Beulah’s opening score, they would fail to touch the end zone for the remainder of the night.

B5 September 16, 2020

Lee County School Board votes to open schools By Will Fairless Associate Editor

The Lee County School Board voted last Tuesday to reopen schools for traditional, in-person learning, which began Monday. Families who had registered for virtual/remote learning are still able to have their needs met that way. The following is from a statement the school

board released last week: “In order to open schools and remain operational for in-person learning, it is imperative that all parents, guardians, employees and students respect and adhere to the guidelines set forth by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH). Parents and guardians must be

vigilant in serving as the first line of defense for daily screening of students. If any member of the household has a positive test for coronavirus or exhibits symptoms of illness, then all members of that household must refrain from attending school. With the proper communication between parents and school officials, absences can be coded correctly and

academic work can be provided to be completed remotely. Additionally, in an effort to mitigate, to the extent feasible, the spread of infectious disease, expectations will be in place. Traditional learning will look differently, for the time being. All individuals who enter a Lee County School building or property are expected to:

· Wear a face covering, · Maintain social distancing when possible, · Practice proper hygiene.” In other business, the board: • had its second public hearing of the proposed FY2021 budget and approved that proposed budget, • approved the awarding of a propane bid to

be awarded to Blossman Gas. This bid is for one year with options to renew for two more years, • approved the awarding of a bid for various personal protective equipment supplies and cleaning items effective Aug. 21, 2020 and • heard the monthly financial report and cash reconciliation for the month of July from Ken Roberts.

SMITHS STATION TROUNCED BY PRATTVILLE By Wil Crews sportscrews@opelikaobserver.com

Smiths Station quarterback Corey Minton ran for 20 yards, on the first two drives of the game, and completed six of his first eight passes for 34 yards. Although the Panther QB started with a renewed look of confidence, the Smiths Station Panthers (1-3) fell to the Prattville Lions (3-1) at home on Friday, 31-3. The scoreboard may not have shown it, but overall, this was one of the better performances that the Panthers have had this season. Smiths Station managed to force their first turnover of the season but head coach Mike Glisson said he knows it’s not enough. “We don’t make plays,” Glisson said after the game. “We had chances to make big plays, keep drives going and get into the end zone. We just

didn’t get it done. We shot ourselves in the foot and we got to grow up on the offensive side of the ball.” Panther Stadium was covered by clear skies and both the Panthers and the Lions looked for their first regional win of the season. The Panthers faced a third and goal from the eight on the first drive of the game. Minton failed to connect with his receiver on a back shoulder end zone throw. The Panthers were forced to settle for a field goal after accumulating six first downs on their opening eight-minute, 18-play drive. Smiths Station led 3-0 with 3:48 left in the first quarter. The Lions and junior QB E.J. Ousley came out looking confident in their own right, marching down the field on their first drive – primarily through grind-it-out runs.

Southern Christian Patriots Lose Inaugural Game By Will Mashburn

On Friday Sept. 11, the Souther n Christain Patriots played their f irst game of their inaugural season at the historic Moore Stadium in Opelika. The Patriots faced off versus the Private Christain School 8-Man Football League defending state champions, the Evangel Christain School Lightning from Alabaster, Alabama. Although outmanned (30 players to 16 players), Souther n Cristian played tough defence, forcing early fumbles, stopping r un attempts and holding Evangel to no 4th quarter points. Despite a good defensive effort by the Patriots, Evangel passed well getting f ive of their seven touchdowns through the air (three TD’s coming from senior Jett

Lodge). Though defeated 46-0, SC head coach Mike Adams had ver y optimistic things to say about the team’s perfor mance: ”I am ver y proud of these young men. We did well and sustained tough play throughout the entire game. I am thankful that there were no injuries and this was a great lear ning experience”. The Souther n Christian football captains for the game were: seniors Silas Frick (tight end/defensive tackle), Jackson Washbur n-#27 (wide receiver/ defensive back), Daniel Adams (quarterback /defensive back) and sophomore Josiah Frick (r unning back /linebacker). The Patriots will next play on Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. at Moore Stadium versus the Ezekiel Academy K nights from Montgomer y, Alabama.

Ousley capped the Lions’ opening drive with a pinpoint 25-yard touchdown pass. The Lions answered and led 7-3 after one. From there, Smiths Station struggled to maintain any sort of rhythm. A good indicator of that was the single first down the Panthers managed to register for the remainder of the first half. Prattville scored again on the first play of their third drive. A screen pass to senior wide receiver Zavion Smith went for a 60-yard touchdown. Smith caught the ball and proceeded as if the Panther defense didn’t exist – leaving them staggering, arms flailing like gummy worms as they failed to wrap up the receiver. He cut back across the middle, slipped what seemed like eight flimsy Panther tacklers and sprinted into

the end zone. 14-3 Lions with 6:17 left in the second quarter. For the rest of the game, the Panther offense continuously stalled and the Lion offense continued to roll. Ousley hit senior tight end Spender Roy on a 15-yard seam pass - similar to one he had earlier in the drive - for a third Lions’ touchdown. And the Lions would miss a 52-yard field goal to end the half. Smiths Station went into the break facing a large deficit for the third week in a row. The rain began to pour as the second half inched along. Fittingly, the Lions poured seven more points onto the scoreboard. A touchdown run by running back De’aundre Williams put the Lions up 28-3 with 7:15 left in the third quarter. The game then entered a lightning delay, and, after about 30 minutes, the

Panthers returned to the field with what appeared to be a renewed sense of energy and purpose. The Panthers came out of the lightning break donning a heavy package on offense after relying on outside runs for most of the game – presumably to avoid 4-star Alabama recruit, Prattville linebacker Ian Jackson. The Panthers had more success running the ball with every player packed between the hashes with the Lions’ backups now on the field. Still, the Lions flexed their superiority and quickly subdued any hopes of a comeback. Smiths Station failed to score again for the rest of the game despite threatening late and Prattville’s junior kicker James Colin Rodgers added a 40-yard field goal for the final points of the contest. Final Score: Prattville 31 - Smiths 3.

Minton led the way for the Panthers with multiple big plays and timely third down conversions - mostly with his legs instead of his arm. Smiths finished with two turnovers to Prattville’s one and the Lions dominated the field position and time of possession battles throughout the game – partially due to Rodgers booting all but one of the Lions’ kickoffs out of the end zone. Smiths Station are now at the bottom of the 6A Region 2 rankings. The Panthers have a bye next week and will travel to face the Benjamin Russell Wildcats in a non-regional game on Sept. 25. MartinSavarese Stadium is located at 225 Heard Blvd., Alexander City, Alabama 35010. “We’ve had a tough three games,” Glisson said. “We just have to keep our heads up.”

FIN-A-LLY! Beauregard Gets First Win of the Season By Rick Lanier Opelika Observer

Last week the Beauregard Hornets scrapped and fought to put themselves in a position to win the game on their last drive. But in the end their hopes fell short as an incomplete pass fell harmlessly to the ground. After another good week of practice, the Hornets hit the road as they traveled to Holtville to take on an undefeated Bulldog team. Like the previous week, Beauregard would find themselves in a dogfight until the bitter end. This time there was no denying the Hornets as they came from behind in dramatic fashion to spoil Holtville’s homecoming festivities by beating the Bulldogs 12-9. The first half seemed like a heavyweight sparring session where each side was trying to figure out what the other was doing. Beauregard’s defense adjusted well to the Bulldogs’ fast-paced, no-huddle offense, while the Bulldog defense held the Hornets’

counter-run game pretty much in check. Each team committed turnovers and untimely penalties, and the half ended scoreless. The third quarter started with a bang, literally. A severe weather system, complete with lightning, rolled in during the Hornets’ first series of the second half, forcing both teams back to the safety of their locker rooms for what proved to be a little more than an hour delay. The Hornets faced a fourth down punt deep in their own territory as play resumed. The snap got away from Cason Santa Anna’s grasp, with the wet conditions affecting play, and rolled out of the back of the end zone for a safety giving Holtville a 2-0 lead. To make matters worse, the Bulldogs returned the ensuing free kick to the Hornet 21-yard line and looked poised to extend their lead. However, the Hornet defense was having none of it. After holding the Bulldogs to only 4 yards, defensive lineman Ethan Smith

stuffed a run play on fourth and six and the Hornet offense took over at their own 17-yard line. Holtville was finally able to sustain a drive culminating in a oneyard touchdown run to make the score 9-0 in the fourth quarter. However, with 10 minutes remaining in the game, lightning struck again when the Hornet’s freshman quarterback Trent Molten connected with wide receiver Kam Robinson on a 70-yard touchdown pass to put Beauregard on the board for the first time in the game. The two-point conversion failed, keeping the score at 9-6, but Beauregard had managed to f lip the momentum in their favor. Back and forth, both teams traded possessions until the defense turned the game for the Hornets. The Bulldogs drove deep into Hornet territory, with three minutes remaining in the game, and the Beauregard defense desperately needed a stop on fourth and

goal if there were to be any last-minute Hornet comeback. Sensing pass, the Hornets defense, led by Smith, linebacker Trent Jones and the rest of the swarm, put pressure on the Bulldog QB, forcing him to throw into coverage being provided by corner Kayon Malloy, who broke up the pass and put the ball back into the hands of his offense. They had 79 yards to go, 2:28 to play in the game, when QB Gavin Prickett hit WR Keyshon Tolefree for 11 yards and a quick first down. On the next play, Prickett rolled left and hit Tolefree again for 3 more yards; the Hornets were moving. With two minutes, twelve seconds to play, on second down, Prickett dropped back and took a shot downfield, but the pass fell incomplete, setting up a third and seven situation with two minutes to go. Prickett rolled out and fired a laser to WR KJ Malloy on a quick hitter – he outran everybody to See BEAUREGARD, page B8

B6 September 16, 2020

A little child shall lead them…

his writing is a tough one for me. Tough to talk about, tough to feel, but one I think all of us should consider. On our farm, I can feel fall beginning to blow in. Literally. The breeze has set in at just the right time, giving our family a fresh sense of renewal and purpose. My husband is by nature a worker bee; therefore, my children fall effortlessly into this role. They do not sit well in idle time and are consistently eager to “do” things. Braxton has two young calves at our barn that he got off the farm himself and is raising. One is a steer and the other a cow. They both know him and rely on him daily for nourishment. He gets up around 5:30 every morning before school to tend to them. He sees to them every evening for grooming, walking, talking and care. He loves it. It is his purpose and joy for today. Sweet Sissy holds a position on the JV cheer team for her school. She tried out for the team just before coronavirus hit and was over the moon happy to have made it. Practices began in June, and she cheered her first football game just this week. Sissy also takes her school very seriously and puts in the extra effort to ensure her good grades. Thankfully, this farmgirl still feels the joy of playing. She is quick to hang out with Shep on the rope swing in the evenings, and she is definitely up for

helping her dad on the farm. Sister knows more about growing corn and selling it than any book could ever teach her. She is so much like her father in her grit and effort, something Isaac beams at when he sees her at the end of his long workday. And then we have Mr. Shepherd Ellington, the man of the hour. The boy who never stops and has always been known for his laid-back sense of fun and ability to do things of a grown man. He cuts grass and has his own weed eater. He builds bird houses and can also make a pitcher of sweet tea. Shep knows no limits… that is until he began to learn to read. Out of all three of my children, Shep was the only one who actually said to me, “Momma I can’t wait until I learn to read.” His heart began to comprehend last year, in first grade, what his reading mind just could not. Shep simply did not catch on to reading. I didn’t think much of it at first; I assumed he would get there and it would “click” one day. However, Shep’s confusion and frustration with reading seemed to get worse and worse. He began to feel sad for himself. His eagerness and zest for anything school began to deflate. During quarantine and summer life, I saw Shep more and more eager to build, to work, to construct and to do anything of strategy and creativity. But whenever I mentioned reading, he immediately fell into

panic. His momentum came from what he

the hard news for him is that it will take lon-

weeks. I have never been one

Column and photo by Bradley Robertson knew he could accomplish; he was willing to walk away from what he assumed he “couldn’t” do. Shep was diagnosed in June with dyslexia. In my own words, it means that he does not have a natural reading brain, and the way he learns and processes letters is not the norm or standard. The beautiful news is that he will learn to read, but

ger and he will have to work 100 times harder than most. To top things off, just last week, I pulled Shep out of second grade and placed him back in first. Doesn’t that sound all peaches and honey for a young boy? Oh, I wish it were. It has been anything but. Tears, fear, anxiety, worry, concern and hopelessness. These are the things Shep has felt in the last few

to harp on the hard. I don’t know if it’s my nature or I learned it, but forward motion and optimism are my strengths. But when it comes to your own young child and helping them through crisis, it’s much, much different. We have all seen the hard and hopeless since March 15. We have not all experienced it the same, but we have each felt the hurt of

this season in some way. Deaths, job loss, judgement, illness, depression, anxiety, fear and let’s not forget loneliness. We have all felt something. And for most, we have all had the ability to walk away from the hard, close it in a closet and move on. We adults, including myself, become very good at this. Not Shep, not learning to read. Shep is the hopeful example of every human in pandemic life. He cannot walk away from his hurt and pain. He must walk right up to it, face it head on and figure it out. He is a child, and yet he is braver than I. He will have to work on this skill every day for the next couple years just to catch-up. He will feel doubt, he will feel insecure, but he will conquer. And years down the road, when he is a grown man, he will see that he can face the impossible. Shep will know that a pandemic occurred, but his story will be one of courage, perseverance and new life. What are you struggling with due to the pandemic? Is it something in hiding or are you ready to face your giants head on? The story you share later in life of 2020 rests in your hands. How do you want your story to end? Shep’s story will be great. We will walk this road hand in hand, facing hard truths, believing in the impossible, and Shep will be leading the way.

Girl Scout Troop 7283 holds 'Bridging Ceremony'

The Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama Troop 7283 of Opelika, led by Gwen Black, held their Bridging Ceremony on Sept. 13, 2020 at the Opelika Court House Square. Congratulations to the 2020 Brownies and Juniors.

Photo courtesy of Natalie Downs

B7 September 16, 2020

Smiths Station Panthers fall to Prattville Lions

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

B8 September 16, 2020

Beulah’s band performs at first game of season

Band photos courtesy of Vicki Sexton Game photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

BEAUREGARD>> FROM B5 the endzone for the goahead touchdown with 1:48 remaining in the game.

Holtville would have one more opportunity after returning the kickoff deep into Beauregard territory, but it was not to be. On cue, the Hornet defense bowed their necks,

stopping the Bulldogs in their tracks to complete Beauregard’s first on-field victory of the season. A jubilant head coach Rob Carter exclaimed in his

post-game interview, “We knew they were on a roll, they were 3-0, and we shut them down. Our kids kept fighting, they never gave up, they played hard to the end and

I’m so happy and proud for them.” The Hornets look to carry that momentum back with them to Richard Brown Stadium as they host Central of Clay

County on Friday, Sept. 18. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST. Beauregard High School is located at 7343 Alabama Highway 51, Opelika, Alabama 36804.

Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics

September 16, 2020

Wednesday, September 16, 2020

Inside the Statehouse

The Presidential Race is Underway By Steve Flowers September 16, 2020

Now that the national political party conventions are over and the nominees have been coronated, the battle royale for the White House is in full throttle. The nominees, Donald Trump and Joe Biden, will shatter the age barrier. Whoever is elected will be the oldest person ever elected President. If Donald Trump is reelected, he will be 75 when sworn in. If Joe Biden wins, he will be close to 79. When I was a young man, folks at that age were in the nursing home if they were alive. By comparison, 60 years ago when John Kennedy was elected, he was 42. If by chance, you are worried about their traversing all over the 50 states and keeling over in the process, calm your fears. Trump will campaign in only about 10-12 states, and Biden will campaign in probably only two. Why, you might ask? There are only 10-12 states that matter in a presidential contest. Under our Electoral College system, the candidate that gets one more popular vote than the other gets all of that state’s electoral votes. The country is divided like never before in our history. You either live in a red Republican state, like Alabama, or a blue Democratic state, like California. You might say the hay is in the barn in all but about 10 battleground swing states. There are 40 states that it really does not matter who the Republican nominee is, that party’s candidate is going to win that state and get all of that state’s electoral votes. Our national politics has become so partisan and divided with such a vociferous divide that old Joe Biden will carry California by a 60-40 margin, and Donald Trump will carry Alabama by a 6040 margin. Unfortunately for Donald Trump, Alabama only has 9 electoral votes whereas California has 55. The election is won or lost in the swing states like Florida, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Minnesota. It is in these six states that all of the campaign money will be spent and where the two aged candidates might campaign. It will all boil down to certain zip codes in these six states. Current polling has Biden ahead of Trump in most of the battleground states. President Donald Trump for t he f i r st t h re e ye a r s of h is pre side ncy reig ne d ove r a t re me ndou s e conom ic b o om. He h a d a f ig ht i ng ch a nce at re ele ct ion ba se d on one fa ct or: “it’s the economy, stupid.”

STEVE FLOWERS All that changed in March. The coronavirus pandemic hit our nation and devastated our national economy. All of the growth of three years has been devastated. During the same month of March, the aging Democrat, Joe Biden, captured the Democratic nomination from the Socialist, Bernie Sanders. Under the Electoral College System, President Trump has to carry most of the key battleground states in order to win. Current polling has Biden ahead of Trump in most, if not all the pivotal swing states because of the COVID-19 pandemic. When the economy was busting through the roof, Trump could claim credit for the thriving economy. Likewise, the economic recession caused by the coronavirus is not Trump’s fault. However, it happened under his watch. There is a tried and true political maxim, “If you claim credit for the rain, then you gonna get the blame for the drought.” There is also a cardinal rule in politics. All politics is local. Folks, Joe Biden was born and raised in Pennsylvania in the blue-collar city of Scranton to be exact. Even if Trump were to miraculously carry all five of the large, pivotal states, he will have a hard time carrying Pennsylvania. I know most of you reading this do not like to hear this dour outlook for Trump. However, there is hope. First of all, I am pretty good at predicting and analyzing Alabama political races; not so much when it comes to national politics. In fact, I am usually wrong. Another golden, proven caveat in politics, they only count the votes of the people who show up to vote. Older voters tend to be Republican. and older voters are the ones that show up to vote. We will see in six short weeks. 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 atstevef lowers.us.

Sarah Brown fills Johnny Lawrence’s seat on the Lee County Commission By Hannah Lester hlester@opelikaobserver. com

Sarah Griffin Brown joined the Lee County Commissioners Tuesday night as the District 2 Commissioner. Brown is filling the term of Johnny Lawrence, who passed away from the coronavirus on July 31. Gov. Kay Ivey appointed Brown before the Tuesday commission meeting. “As one of my appointees, you will be making important decisions that directly affect the citizens of Alabama,” Ivey said in an appointment letter. “I have made honesty and integrity a priority within my Administration, and I know that you will embody these two virtues while serving the people of Alabama.” Brown said that she did not seek the job out but was asked to fill the roll. “I was asked to do this job because of the unfortunate vacancy in this position,” Brown said. “Johnny Lawrence was a friend, he was an encourager and he was a great person and I’m honored to fulfill his term.” The new commissioner said she hopes she can have the same passion that Lawrence did and remarked that she had big shoes to fill. “I’m here and I’m willing to work so I appreciate all your support,” Brown said. Brown was sworn

in during the budget work session that took place before the commission meeting. “Please plan to attend all meetings within reason, be a good steward of the taxpayer’s money, and work in your position to instill trust in state government,” Ivey said. “The responsibility that comes with this appointment is not to be taken lightly. I trust that you will rise to the occasion and set a standard for others to follow.” Fiscal Year 2021 Budget: The Commission voted to approve the Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Tuesday night after holding a work session before the meeting. Overall, the budget has an increased revenue of 5.69%, meaning the budgeted revenues equal over $48,414,000 for 2021. However, the expenditures also increased for the county by 1.94% to over $48,767,000. “Only $352,562 in projected fund balance is needed to cover projected ongoing annual operational costs for the 2021 Fiscal Year,” the budget plan said, which is available on the county’s website. Other actions taken when approving the budget included raising the County’s Pay Plan by 2%, adjusting pay by 2.5%, approving funding agreements for different agencies and approving the merit raises. Employees qualified

for different merit raises based on their employee annual evaluations. Employees with ‘meets expectations’ qualified for a 0.5% increase, employees with ‘exceeds expectations’ qualified for 1% increase and employees with ‘consistently exceeds expectations’ qualified for a 1.5% increase. Service Contracts and Appropriations included agencies such as East Alabama Medical Center, the Auburn University Airport, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, The LeeRussell Area Council of Governments and more. Safe Room Certification: EMA Director Rita Smith presented the commissioners with an update for the safe rooms/storm shelters being installed for Lee County residents. The storm shelters were first introduced after the Lee County tornadoes in 2011 and the county applied for a grant. The shelters were approved the following year. “After the Beauregard and Smiths Station tornadoes in 2019, the previous director applied for mitigation funds for individual safe rooms and storm shelters,” Smith said. There are 115 applicants for storm shelters. Smith said that she recently learned a ‘special inspection’ See COMISSION, page B13

Smiths Station amends budget, discusses road name changes By Michelle Key Publisher

Mayor F. L. Bubba Copeland and the Smiths Station City Council met last week for their regularly scheduled city council meeting. During the meeting the council introduced for first reading a resolution to amend the city’s general fund budget in order to account for changes related to the city’s

acceptance of ownership of nearly 50 miles of roadways located within the city limits earlier this year. The budget resolution number 2020395 can be found on the Smiths Station website (smithsstational.gov). In other business, the council: approved the minutes from the Aug. 27, 2020 Regular City Council meeting approved the minutes from the Sept. 1, 2020

Special Called City Council meeting heard the first reading of Resolution number 2020-394 – the resolution is to establish rules, regulations and rental fees for the Smiths Station Pavilion held a discussion on the potential road name changes. The Smiths Station City Councils meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of every month.

B10 September 16, 2020

Legislative Reception to be held at Red Clay Brewing Co. Courtesy of Opelika Chamber of Commerce

The Opelika Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Legislative

Reception to give its members an opportunity to meet a variety of local and state elected officials. Sponsored by Arbor Springs Health

& Rehab and LeeRussell Council of Governments, this event will be held on Sept. 22 from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Red Clay Brewing Company.

Many state and local elected officials will be attending, including Sen. Randy Price and Reps. Jeremy Gray, Joe Lovvorn, and Debbie Wood. Attendees will

have the chance to hear from these representatives, talk to them about concerns and let them know how much they appreciate their service.

Registration is free for chamber members and $25 for non-members. Space is limited. The deadline to register is Sept. 18 at noon.

Tommy Tuberville opens campaign office in Lee County

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

“Our Mission is Your Health”

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B11 September 16, 2020

PUBLIC NOTICES IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA FAMILY COURT DIVISION: DOMESTIC RELATIONS IN RE THE MARRIAGE OF: ANDREW BELL vs. THOMASINA BELL, Defendant. Civil Action Number DR2017-900408 NOTICE OF DIVORCE ACTION THOMASINA BELL, Defendant, whose whereabouts is unknown, must answer ANDREW BELL’S complaint for divorce and other relief by October 30, 2020, or thereafter, a judgment by default may be rendered against her in Case No. DR-2017- 900408, Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama. Done the 4th day of September, 2020. Mary Roberson, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Lee County. /s/ Margaret Y. Brown Margaret Y. Brown 214 North College Street Auburn, Alabama 36830 (334) 821-6944 Attorney for Plaintiff Legal Run 09/09/20, 09/16/20, 09/23/20 & 09/30/20 --------------Notice to General Contractors Bids for Beulah Park – Concession & Restroom Building Valley, Alabama The Beulah Athletic Park Concession and Restroom building will be located at 11099 Lee Road 379, Valley, AL 36854. The new site development will include a concrete plaza and sidewalks, combined restroom and concession building, septic field, landscaping, and site furnishings. Site work generally includes clearing and grubbing of approximately 1 acre, light grading, connecting to existing utilities, paving, and landscaping. All bidders are encouraged to inspect existing conditions at the site at 11099 Lee Road 379, Valley, AL 36854. Consideration of existing conditions is crucial in submitting a responsible bid. Contact Lee County Parks and Recreation

Manager Ryan Norris at (334) 737-3606 to arrange for entry to the site. All Questions are due by 4PM CST on Wednesday, September 23, 2020 to Foresite Group at GSbids@ fg-inc.net or by phone at 770-368-1399. Sealed bids must be received in the Lee County Commission Office in the County Courthouse at 215 South 9th Street, Opelika, Alabama 36801 by 2:00 PM CST on Wednesday, October 7, 2020. Bid documents will be available for review in the Lee County Commission Office or can be obtained from Auburn Reprographics starting Wednesday, September 9, 2020. (Bidders have the option to purchase a CD in pdf format to read or print the drawings and specifications. Adobe Acrobat reader software is required to read and print electronic bid documents). Bid Documents may be viewed online by going to: www.auburnrepro.com and selecting Digital Plan Room. Options for obtaining Bid Documents are as follows: Electronic (CD): Make check payable to Auburn Reprographics & Supply in the amount of $25. This amount is non-refundable. Shipping arrangements shall be by the Contractor. Hardcopy: Contact Auburn Reprographics, 660 North Dean Road, Auburn, AL 36830; (334) 501-8235; Attn: Greg Sellers; (E-mail greg@auburnrepro.com) to obtain bid documents. Hardcopy sets are non-refundable. A Bid Bond of 5% of the bid up to $10,000. in accordance with the laws of the State of Alabama will be required with submission of the bid. A Performance Bond of 100% and Payment Bond of 50% will be required from the successful bidder in accordance with the laws of the State of Alabama. As a condition for award, the business entity and its subcontractors shall not knowingly employ or hire an unauthorized alien within the State of Alabama. The awarded business entity must

provide documentation of enrollment in the E-Verify program. The business must participate in the E-Verify program for the length of the contract. Lee County Commission: Consultant Project Manager: Roger H Rendleman Anthony Pappas County Administrator (770) 368 -1399 Legal Run 09/09/20 & 09/16/20 --------------NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF SANDIE L. MCCALL COURT OF PROBATE Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 2nd day of September, 2020, y the Hon. Bill English ,Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is here by given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Witness my hand, and dated this the 2nd day of September, 2020. RICHARD A. SHELBY Legal Run 09/09/20, 09/16/20 & 09/23/2020 --------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF BILLY W. BRATTON A/K/A BILLY WILLIAM BRATTON, DECEASED. CASE NO.:2020-315 NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE THAT Letters of Testamentary were granted to John W. Bratton, as Executor the Estate of Billy W. Bratton a/k/a Billy William Bratton, deceased, on the 25th day of August, 2020, by the Hon. Bill English. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. John W. Bratton Legal Run 09/02/20, 09/09/20 & 09/16/20

--------------IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA FAMILY COURT DIVISION: DOMESTIC RELATIONS IN RE: THE MARRIAGE OF: DEANNE PRESTRIDGE, Vs. CHARLES EUGENE PRESTRIDGE Defendant. Civil Action Number DR2019-900053 NOTICE OF DIVORCE ACTION CHARLES EUGENE PRESTRIDGE, Defendant, whose whereabouts is unknown, must answer DEANNE PRESTRIDGE’S complaint for divorce and other relief by October 23, 2020, or, thereafter, a judgment by default may be rendered against her in Case No DR-2019900053, Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama. Done the 31st day of August, 2020. Mary B. Roberson, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Lee County. /s/ Margaret Y. Brown__ Margaret Y. Brown 214 North College Street Auburn, Alabama 36830 (334) 821-6944 Attorney for Plaintiff Legal Run 09/02/2020, 09/09/2020, 09/16/2020 & 09/23/2020 --------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA In the Matter of: Wilma West, an alleged incapacitated person TO: Colette Bias, Aaliya West and any other interested party: Lee County DHR has filed a Petition to appoint a Legal Guardian for the person of Wilma West. It is ordered that the 6th day of October, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. be appointed a day on which to hear such petition, at the Lee County Courthouse, 215 South 9th St. Opelika, AL at which time all persons interested can appear and contest the said petition if they deem it proper. Done this the 8th day of September, 2020. Bill English Probate Judge Margaret A. Mayfield

Attorney for Lee County DHR Post Office Box 809 Opelika, AL 36803 (334) 745-0333 09/09/20, 09/16/20 & 09/23/20 --------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA In the Matter of: Dorothy Jones, an incapacitated person TO: JAMES POWER: Lee County DHR has filed a Petition for removal of current Legal Guardian of Dorothy Jones and to appoint a substitute Guardian. It is ordered that the 6th day of October, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. be appointed a day on which to hear such petition, at the Lee County Courthouse, 215 South 9th St. Opelika, AL at which time all persons interested can appear and contest the said petition if they deem it proper. Done this the 8th day of September 2020. Bill English Probate Judge Margaret A. Mayfield Attorney for Lee County DHR Post Office Box 809 Opelika, AL 36803 (334) 745-0333 Legal Run 09/09/20, 09/16/20 & 09/23/20 --------------Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 1412 Opelika Rd, Auburn, AL 36830 on Thursday, October 8, 2020 at 10:00 AM Valentina Norris Unit# A7 1372 Commerce Dr Apt 85 Auburn, AL 36830 Household goods Lilymae Smith Unit# C45 4020 Reese Rd Columbus, GA 31907 Small furniture and boxes The auction will be listed and advertised on www. storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind

any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property. Legal Run 09/16/2020 & 09/23/2020 --------------NOTICE OF COURT PROCEEDING CASE NO. 2020-339 CASEY JAMAR HIGHTOWER IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution In the Estate of CASEY JAMAR HIGHTOWER, deceased Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the LEE COUNTY Probate Office by Annie Mae McCoy on September 8, 2020 pursuant to Sections 43-2-690, Code of Alabama and that 30 days after the notice of publication hereof and pursuant to law the Court shall be requested to enter an Order directing Summary Distribution of the estate of Said decedent. BILL ENGLISH, PROBATE JUDGE Legal Run 09/16/2020 --------------NOTICE OF COURT PROCEEDING CASE NO:2020-344 IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution In the Estate of VIENGSAVANH SYHARATH, deceased Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the LEE COUNTY Probate Office by Jason Syharath on September 10, 2020 pursuant to Sections 432-690, Code of Alabama and that 30 days after the notice of publication hereof and pursuant to law the Court shall be requested to enter an Order directing Summary Distribution of the estate of Said decedent. BILL ENGLISH, PROBATE JUDGE Legal Run 09/16/2020

PUBLIC NOTICES, See page B13

LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS ADS HELP WANTED HCV Specialist

The Opelika Housing Authority (OHA) has a fulltime opening for Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Specialist. Successful candidate would process new applications for the HCV program, when open. Conduct annual re-exam-

inations in accordance with established procedures. Enter information in computer and process new admissions or recertification, including verifying income and other data in accordance with established procedures and regulations. Maintain electronic files and records. Receive information from residents,

verify, and make interim adjustments based on the information. Schedule appointments for annual re-examinations, generate appointment letters and conduct interviews. Take appropriate action based on information received. Associate Degree in business or related field plus 2 years of work experi-

ence that involved dealing with the public and using a computer, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in Housing Choice Voucher Program or HUD housing, preferred. For further details, job description can be found at www.opelikaha.org. Interested applicants must

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B12 September 16, 2020

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B13 September 16, 2020

COMISSION>> would be required by the Alabama Board of Architects and Engineers after or during the installation of these shelters that the county was not made aware of prior to approval, nor which has been required before. She asked the commission to waive the special inspection, which it has the authority to do, she said. “The county can waive that special inspection based on the vendor and the installer certification on this document that I’ve given you,” Smiths said. “They are solely liable when they install it.” The commissioners were concerned that this could place liability on the county, however, based on a section that Probate Judge Bill English pointed out.

“For residential shelters, where the authority having jurisdiction verifies that the anchorage and, where required, the foundation complies with the requirements of the shelter design in documentation required by Section 107, special inspection is permitted to be waived by the authority having jurisdiction.” This section, Section 106.3.1 does give the county authority to waive the inspection, but it also specifies that the ‘authority having jurisdiction verifies the anchorage.’ The commission agreed that this means that if the county does not inspect the shelters itself, through County Engineer Justin Hardee and his team, or does not pay someone to do so, then the county would be liable. Ultimately the

inspection was not waived. English told Smith to meet with Hardee to determine if it’s easier to complete the special inspection or pay another individual to do so. Other Business: The commission authorized a memorandum of agreement with the State of Alabama so that Lee County can receive $400,000 annually in state allocation. The commission approved the annual maintenance bids for the highway department. The commission revised its coronavir us policies for employees that were f irst set in place in March. The com mission approve several retail beer and retail table wine licenses. The com mission approved the cou r t system to use the Lee Count y Meeting Center.

I N V I TAT ION T O BI D 2 0 036 S e a le d bid s fo r t h e c o n s t r u c t io n of t h e B y p a s s P u m p I n s t a l l a t io n – Un i r oy a l Li f t St a t io n shall be rec e ive d a t t h e O p el i k a Cit y H a l l i n t h e old C o u n c i l C h a m b e r, 2 0 4 S o u t h S e ve nt h St r e e t , O p el i k a , A l a b a m a , u nt i l 2 p m lo c a l t i m e o n O c t o b e r 26 , 2 0 2 0, a n d t h e n p u bl ic ly o p e n e d a n d r e a d a lo u d . A l l i nt e r e s t e d p a rt ie s a r e i nv it e d t o a t t e n d . O n ly bid s f r o m c o m p e t e nt ge n e r a l c o nt r a c t o r s w i l l b e c o n sid e r e d . At t h e t i m e of c o n t r a c t aw a r d , t h e s u c c e s sf u l bid d e r m u s t b e a p r o p e rly l ic e n s e d ge n e ra l c o nt r a c t o r. T h e a t t e nt io n of a l l bid d e r s i s c a l le d t o t h e p r ov i sio n s of St a t e l aw gover ning “General C o nt r a c t o r s” a s s e t fo r t h i n t h e A l a . C o d e §3 4 - 8 1, e t . s e q. (19 75 ) a n d r u le s a n d r e g u l a t io n s p r o m u lg a t e d p u r s u a nt t h e r e t o. Bid d e r s m u s t b e l ic e n s e d by t h e Lic e n si n g B o a r d fo r G e n e r a l C o nt r a c t o r s w h e n bid s a r e s u b m it t e d . Bid d e r s a r e required to h ave a St a t e of Alabama General C o nt r a c t o r’s Lic e n s e w it h a s p e c i a lt y of “ H ig hw ay s a n d St r e e t s , C le a r i n g a n d G r u b bi n g , E a r t hwo r k , E r o sio n , Sit e Wo r k , G r a d i n g o r Mu n ic i p a l a n d Ut i l it y ”. A l l

bid d e r s m u s t s u b m it w it h t h e i r proposal, cont r a c t o r’s l ic e n s e nu mber and a c o py of t h e l i c e n s e. St a t e l aw A l a . C o d e §3 4 - 8 8 ( b) r e q u i r e s a l l bid s t o b e r e je c te d w h ic h d o n o t c o nt a i n t h e c o n t r a c t o r’s c u r r e nt l ic e n s e n u m b e r. Ev id e n c e of t h i s l ic e n s e s h a l l b e d o c u m e nt e d o n t h e o u t sid e of t h e s e a le d bid e nve lo p e. No p r o p o s a l w i l l b e a c c e p te d f r o m a nyo n e e xc e p t a q u a l i f ie d C o nt r a c t o r l ic e n s e d by t h e St a t e Lic e n si n g B o a r d fo r G e n e r a l C o nt r a c t o r s . St a t e of A l a b a m a Lic e n s e Nu m b e r m u s t b e w r it t e n o n t h e o u t sid e of t h e e nvelo p e. A l l bid d e r s shall possess all o t h e r l ic e n s e s a n d /o r p e r m it s r e q u i r e d by a p pl ic a ble l aw, r u le o r r e g u l a t io n fo r t h e p e r fo r m a n c e of t h e wo r k . C o pie s of Bid d i n g D o c u m e nt s m ay b e o b t a i n e d f r o m E SG Engineer ing c o nt a c t M a r g a r e t H i ld e b r a n d a t m h i ld e b r a n d @ e sge n g i n e e r i n g. com to proc u r e Bid d i n g D o c u m e nt s a n d t o be added to the Bid d e r’s Li s t (r e q u i r e d t o bid o n p r oje c t). D ig it a l d o c u m e nt s w i l l b e p r ov id e d a t n o c h a r ge a n d h a r d c o pie s w i l l b e p r ov id e d u p o n n o n - r e i m b u r s a ble p ay m e nt of $2 0 0. T h e bid d e r’s proposal must be s u b m it t e d o n t h e c o m ple t e o r ig i n a l

p r o p o s a l f u rnished to him / h e r by t h e Cit y of O p el i k a . A l l i n fo r m a t io n i n the proposal must b e c o m ple t e d by t h e bid d e r fo r t h e proposal to be accepted. A Bid B o n d i n t h e a m o u nt of f ive (5 ) p e r c e nt of t h e bid a m o u nt m a d e p ay a ble t o t h e Cit y of O p el i k a m u s t a c c o m p a ny e a c h bid . Pe r fo r m a n c e a n d Pay m e nt B o n d s fo r t h e f u l l c o nt r a c t s u m will be required of t h e s u c c e s s f u l bid d e r. T h e r ig ht i s r e s e r ve d by t h e O w n e r t o r e je c t a l l Bid s a n d t o w a ive i r r e g u l a r it ie s . E nvelo p e s c o n t a i n i n g bid s m u s t b e s e a le d , m a r ke d , a d dressed as fol low s , a n d d el ive r e d t o: Li l l ie Fi n le y, P u r c h a si n gRe ve n u e M a n a ge r, Cit y of O p el i k a , 2 0 4 S o u t h 7t h St r e e t , P.O. B ox 39 0, O p el i k a , A l a b a m a , 368 03 039 0. At t n : By pass P u mp I n s t a l l a t io n – Un i r oy a l Li f t St a t io n LILLIE F I N L E YPU RC H A SI NG R EVEN UE M A NAGE R C I T Y OF OPE L I K A 2 0 4 SOU T H SE V E N T H ST R E ET (368 01) P O ST OF F IC E BOX 39 0 (368 03 039 0) OPE L I K A , A L A BA M A PH: (33 4) 705 -512 0 Legal Ru n 0 9/16 / 2 0, 0 9/ 23/ 2 0 & 0 9/ 30/ 2 0

FROM B9

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PUBLIC NOTICES FROM B13 STATE OF ALABAMA LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT CASE NO. 2020-317 ESTATE OF WILLIAM ARCHIE REACH, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATOR Letters of Administration of the Estate of William Archie Reach, deceased having been granted to Dana Renee Reach this 11th day of September 2020, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by the law or the same will be barred. Dana Renee Reach, Personal Representative Jeffery A. Hilyer 334-745-2564 Attorney at Law P.O. Box 30 Opelika, AL 368030030 --------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF SCOTT MICHAEL PERRY, Deceased. CASE NO. 2020-013 NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration, having been granted to Amy L. Perry, as

Administratrix of the Estate of Scott Michael Perry, deceased, on the 10th day of September, 2020, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Amy L. Perry Administratrix Legal Run 09/16/20, 09/23/20 & 09/30/20 --------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA In the Matter of: Edward Franklin, an alleged incapacitated person TO: Tommy Lee Franklin, Betty Jean Franklin and any interested party: Lee County DHR has filed a Petition to appoint a Legal Guardian for the person of Edward Franklin. It is ordered that the Wednesday the 14th day of October, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. be appointed a day on which to hear such petition, at the Lee County Courthouse, 215 South 9th St. Opelika, AL at which time all persons interested can appear and contest the said petition if they deem it proper. Done this the 14th day of September, 2020. Bill English

Probate Judge Margaret A. Mayfield Attorney for Lee County DHR Post Office Box 809 Opelika, AL 36803 (334) 745-0333 Legal Run 09/16/20, 09/23/20 & 09/30/20 --------------Mobile Communications America is proposing to install a lattice telecommunications tower to be located off of US Hwy 280, Salem, Lee County, Alabama at latitude 32° 35’ 22.9” north and longitude 85° 11’ 34.5” west. The height of the tower will be 54.9 meters above ground level (271.6 meters above mean sea level). Specific information regarding the project is available by calling Chad Stinnett during normal business hours at (205) 629-3868. Any interested party may submit comments within 30 days of this publication with Environmental, Inc. at 1345 Blair Farms Road, Odenville, AL 35120 for comments on the impact of the proposed action on any districts, sites, buildings, structures, or objects significant in American history, archaeology, engineering, or culture that are listed or determined eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under National Historic Preservation Act Section 106. Legal Run 09/16/2020

B14 September 16, 2020

Letter to the Editor

his November there will four statewide and two local proposed constitutional amendments on the ballot. On behalf of the Alabama Citizens for Constitutional Reform (ACCR) and personally, Dr. John Cochran and I write to request your news coverage and editorial support for Amendment 4. Amendment 4: Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, to authorize the Legislature to recompile the Alabama Constitution and submit it during the 2022 Regular Session, and provide a process for its ratification by the voters of this state. This amendment authorizes a process that will recompile the Alabama Constit ution to remove redundancies, reorganize sections and remove illegal and outdated and no longer relevant language, including racist language. Substantive changes are prohibited. The f inal document, upon approval by the Legislat ure,

will be submitted to the voters for ratif ication. For your information and use, attached are four documents: Ballot Statement, ACCR W hy? W hat? W ho? W hen? Statement, ACCR Press Release, Op-Ed. Since we have entered an election period in which absentee ballots may be a substantial par t of the process, we request that you provide coverage of Amendment 4 at least two different times, one, after absentee ballots have been mailed, probably mid-September, and two, in late October or early November prior to the in-person Nov. 3 election. We than k you in advance for your par ticipation in this impor tant decision for our State. If we can provide any additional infor mation or be of any assistance, please let us k now. Gerald W. Johnson, AU Emerit us Professor of Political Science John E. Cochran, Jr., AU Emeritus Professor of Aerospace Engineering

Senator Doug Jones Announces Military Service Academy Nomination Applications Now Available Courtesy of Sen. Doug Jones Press Office

U.S. Alabama Sen. Doug Jones announced last week that the portal for students interested in applying for military service academy nominations is now open. Last year, 23 Alabamians who received nominations from Senator Jones were accepted

Located in Historic Downtown Opelika

334-745-4618

into the U.S. military service academies. Any eligible individual interested in attending one of the academies must first apply directly to the academy. To complete the admissions process, the applicant must also receive a nomination from a member of Congress or the Vice President to be offered an appointment to an

academy. “As a U.S. Senator, I have the honor of nominating motivated young adults to attend our nation’s prestigious military service academies,” Jones said, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. "Attending a military service academy is an incredible privilege reserved for our best and brightest,

and I’m proud to have supported dozens of Alabamians in their pursuit of this honor. I look forward to nominating a new class of talented students who will go on to represent Alabama and serve our country well.” For more information about the nomination process, visitjones.senate.gov/help/ academy-nominations.

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

This week’s puzzle answers: