Opelika Observer 10-14-2020 E-edition

VOL. 13, NO. 2

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

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Opelika, Alabama

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Mercy Medical Clinic provides all kinds of healing

By Will Fairless Associate Editor Dr. Dell Crosby has been in a wheelchair for 12 weeks. He has been doing pull-ups on a modified porch swing, exercising his legs any way he can (which amounts to small movements in bed with ankle weights on), praying and keeping up on his administrative tasks with Mercy Medical Clinic.

The injuries that have limited his activities for the past three months are the result of a home improvement-related injury, to downplay it a bit. Crosby was clearing space for a driveway at his new home by cutting down trees when one didn’t fall exactly as he had planned.

“This is about the 100th tree I’ve ever cut,” Crosby said. “It started falling straight toward the house, and I just lost my brain and reacted.”

His reaction was to put his hands up against a trunk as thick as his torso to try to protect the

house. Luckily, in terms of damage to the house, the tree only broke a few windows. Unluckily, in terms of damage to Crosby, the tree severely fractured his leg, made a mess of the bones in his ankle and came to rest across his midsection.

“The next thing I knew, the tree, the trunk of the tree, was laying on my belly,” Crosby said.

His wife heard the tree scrape the side of the

house and went outside to find her husband pinned down. She called 911 then used a piece of wood as a lever to relieve some of the tree’s pressure on his body.

When the paramedics got there, they picked up Crosby’s chainsaw to cut the tree, but it didn’t start.

Fortunately, one of them had a chainsaw in his truck. Two cuts later, twelve paramedics were

Lafayette pumpkin patches open for business

By Will Fairless Associate Editor Jack O Lantern Lane This is the 16th year that Jack O Lantern Lane has been in business in Lafayette. The pumpkin patch has been around long enough that its owners have watched its patronizing families grow up.

“We are now seeing second generation families coming back and that has been a true joy See PUMPKIN, page A3

Photo by Kelsie Nabors

able to lift the section of tree off of Crosby and a thirteenth pulled him out from beneath it.

Last Wednesday (Oct. 7) was the first day that Crosby had been cleared by his doctor to let the now-fused ankle bear weight. He took his first steps in weeks at physical therapy that morning. Soon enough, he’ll be back to doing more than just the necessary administrative

tasks for what he called his heartbeat.

Crosby founded Mercy Medical Clinic in 2000, after he had a realization following one of his somewhatregular trips to Africa.

“I was in the church van going back to Auburn, and I started having these thoughts,” Crosby said. “I think God was putting these thoughts in my head: ‘Here I’m willing to pay three,

four thousand dollars to go 10,000 miles away and give medical care and encourage people in a relationship with God and love doing it, but is there a need in Auburn?’”

As an emergency room doctor with EAMC, Crosby knew the answer. He saw every day the population that would benefit from such a service in Lee County. That service, is, according to Crosby, “a faith-based ministry business medical clinic.

It is a medical clinic for people who cannot afford medical care and have no insurance.”

The clinic originally provided its services for free but began charging $5 per visit. It now charges $35, which pays about a fifth of its expenses. Crosby said that they charge so that people can have a part in what the clinic is doing instead of being demanding or feeling like they’re just getting charity.

See CLINIC , page A3

Opelika Chamber to host Leslie Sanders at Women's Business Council Keynote Luncheon Courtesy of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce Opelika Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s Business Council is hosting its annual Keynote Luncheon on Oct. 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort and Spa. Alabama Power Company Vice President Southern Division, Leslie D. Sanders, is the featured speaker

SANDERS and will address serving in leadership roles with the company and quality of life issues for women.

A 33-year veteran

of Alabama Power, Sanders has served in her current role for almost 10 years. She is responsible for the company’s operations in parts of 19 counties in South Central Alabama, including Opelika. The Southern Division serves approximately 220,000 customers and has 660 employees.

A graduate of the University of Alabama, Sanders has worked in several staff See LUNCHEON, page A3

Index OPINION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A4

SPORTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B1

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY. . . . . . . .A7

POLITICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B9

RELIGION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A9

CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B11

COMICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A12

PUBLIC NOTICES . . . . . . . . . . . . B12

To nd out more and to stay up to date with developments sign up for the mailing list at protectbeulahstopthequarry@gmail.com

A2 Oсtober 14, 2020

Collinwood thanks OPS linemen

Robert Williams recognized for service

Photo special to the Observer The Collinwood neighborhood recently presented the Opelika Power Services linemen with gifts of sweet breads to thank them for getting out in stormy weather twice in the past two months to repair damage. Pictured are, from left: Derek Lee, director of OPS; Martha Hill, Collinwood resident; Cory Burke, OPS lineman; Edith Walker, Collinwood resident; and Shane Childs, OPS lineman.

OPD >>

FROM A2

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer Robert Williams was recognized for serving on the Achievement Center-Easter Seals Board of Directors since 2013 and for serving as president since 2018.

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A3 October 14, 2020

Opelika Police Department Announces K9 Retirement served as Deajo’s handler for the past eight years. Wilkerson has been with the OPD since April 2008 and has been a K9 officer since 2011. Deajo will join Wilkerson’s previous K9 partner, DJ, who was adopted after his retirement in late 2011.

“Deajo has been a part of my family for the past eight years and I am looking forward to helping him enjoy his well deserved retirement,” Wilkerson said.

The Opelika City Council formally authorized the retirement and transfer of ownership to Wilkerson on Tuesday.

Courtesy of the Opelika Police Department The Opelika Police Department would like to announce the retirement of one of its K9s. Deajo, a Belgian Malinois, served the OPD since 2012 as a dual-purpose dog, specializing in patrol and narcotics. Deajo has been instrumental throughout his career in numerous searches and in facilitating felony arrests, including the apprehension of two violent offenders.

Deajo will spend his retirement with officer Jonathan Wilkerson, who has Photo courtesy of City of Opelika

PUMPKIN

>>

FROM A1

for us to know that they are continuing a family tradition their parents started with them,” said Tammy Morgan, who owns the farm with her husband Glenn.

Jack O Lantern Lane offers hayrides, interactions with animals, an inflatable park and, of course, plenty of pumpkins for people of all ages to choose from.

“A perfect day at Jack O Lantern Lane is full of families enjoying the fruits of our labor and handiwork,” Morgan said. “We love to hear the laughter and see the smiles.”

This year, the pumpkin patch will be hosting fewer field trips, but Morgan said that parents are bringing their children themselves in lieu of the school-scheduled trips.

“We are so thankful to be open this year,” Morgan said. “Families are excited as well and so appreciative of us being open so they can come and carry on traditions and just have some normalcy in their lives.”

Jack O Lantern Lane is open every Saturday in October from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and every Sunday in October from 12 to 6 p.m. It is located

at 18151 Veterans Memorial Parkway in Lafayette, and more information is available on its website (jackolanternlane.com).

The Red Oak Farm The Red Oak Farm is open for its second fall season this year. The farm was designed and built with the intention of making it an agri-tourist family-fun destination, according to its owner, James Gilbert.

“When we purchased this property just under three years ago it had 30-year-old pine trees on it with no pasture land,” Gilbert said.

“Since then, with mostly hard work from my father, myself and a few friends on occasion, we have made it what it is today.”

Photo by Danielle Hayes

Lafayette is the current location of the Gilberts’ family farm, and although it has only been there for three years, the Gilberts have been farming much longer than that. Red Oak Farm is now something the rest of the community can enjoy.

“We really want the public to enjoy our farm with us and hope it will become a place that families can visit from year to year,” Gilbert said.

He added that he has planned the farm for many years and has big plans for its future, including making the farm a destination throughout the year, not just in the fall.

The farm has been hosting the fall event since 2019 and The Red Oak Farm has added

some features based on feedback from those who were there last year.

“The perfect day at our farm would be bringing the entire family out to experience petting the animals in our petting barn, exploring our [5-acre] corn maze, taking a scarecrow themed hayride through the farm and experience the beauty of nature and the outdoors, participate in one of our many fun activities for children of all ages and pick out the perfect pumpkin for the kids to take home to carve,” Gilbert said.

The Red Oak Farm also offers pedal carts, a barnyard ball play area and duck races, all for younger guests.

Gilbert said that he hopes guests will feel comfortable being despite the COVID-19 pandemic. The farm’s employees will be disinfecting attractions regularly and hand sanitizer is available throughout the farm.

The Red Oak Farm is open every Saturday (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and Sunday (1 to 6 p.m.) in October, and it is located at 6268 Country Road 83 in Lafayette.

More information is available at its website (theredoakfarm.com).

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CLINIC

>>

FROM A1

What separates Mercy Medical Clinic from any urgent care or ER is the attention paid to spiritual and emotional healing.

Once a bone is set or blood is drawn, a patient might be asked about the status of his relationship with God instead of how he plans to pay for his visit.

Crosby emphasized that he gets to know his patients before beginning any spiritual conversation. “I would gauge it based on your church experience, your intelligence, your interest,” Crosby said, “And if you weren’t interested, I would still ask if I could pray for you. I would pray for me during that, too.”

He added that he always tries to make a patient’s visit to Mercy Medical Clinic a

LUNCHEON

>>

FROM A1

and management positions at Alabama Power, including vice president of governmental affairs, constituency relations director, public information representative and marketing representative.

Sanders has held numerous civic, professional and appointed positions.

She served as the chairman of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts and the Montgomery Riverfront Development Foundation. She works on over 10 boards, including the Alabama Children’s First Foundation, Alabama Department of Human Resources, Alabama Shakespeare Festival and Montgomery Junior League. She completed the International Women’s Foundation Fellowship and was the coordinator of the 45th anniversary of the Montgomery Bus Boycott with the City of Montgomery and the Montgomery Improvement Association. Recently, Gov.

positive one. He’s had atheists come in and tell him they’re not interested in hearing about God, and he still enjoys treating them without pushing that conversation any further.

Most of the clinic’s staff are volunteers; it has nine paid employees and about 100 volunteers a month. It operates almost completely on donations. “The community really has responded; amazingly enough, over the 20 years we’ve been doing this, there are months that we’ve come down to exactly what we needed, then a check will come in,” Crosby said.

To donate or find out more about Mercy Medical Clinic, visit its website (mercymedicalauburn. org).

Kay Ivey appointed her as a representative of Congressional District 2 on the Board of Trustees of the Department of Mental Health.

The cost of the luncheon is $25 for Chamber Members and $30 for non-members. Please register for the event

by Oct. 16 at opelikachamber.com.

About the Opelika Chamber of Commerce Founded in 1941, the Opelika Chamber has been serving the Opelika business community for over 75 years. Under the leadership of Ali Rauch, the president and CEO, a staff of four works diligently to be the prominent, focal business organization supporting economic growth while sustaining a better quality of life for the community through multiple partnerships. The Opelika Chamber of Commerce promotes and fosters economic and business success and maximizes member investment while enhancing the community.

A4 Oсtober 14, 2020

T

o my way of thinking, the most important innovation in education in my lifetime has been the creation of the Fall Break.

Yessir. It is more important than the “new math,” “phonics,” or even “outcome focused, assessment based, curriculum development.”

And it beats "No Child Left Behind" by a long shot.

Every school should have one.

Fall Break allows Daddies like me time to do something with those little ones that I

B

eing still: this is a concept that I am personally not good at. One could argue that in my season of life, among kids and farm life and work and all the things, there isn’t much time to be still, but I have grown to believe this is false.

There is time to be still. There is time for the here and now; we have just gotten into the backwards habit of not making room for it.

To begin, I want you to know that I am exceptional at not being still. I could actually write an even longer and more detailed version of this idea and call it “100 Ways to not be still.” I’m good at laundry. I’m good at

I

was not a good grade-school student. It was hard for me to follow a classroom lesson. I was always distracted and lost in my own world. My teachers didn’t “get” me.

Thus, whenever I was called upon to answer serious questions in class, I would suffer a minor brain seizure then announce clearly that I had to go pee.

“Slow” was the word they used on kids like us. If you weren’t sharp, you were slow.

Which meant you were, more or less, as bright as a box of mud. I once overheard a teacher tell another teacher I was slow. She meant no harm. Which only made it worse.

But it didn’t matter. Once this word is attached to you, it’s all over. After this, all you want in life is to feel un-stupid. You would do almost anything to prove that you are un-stupid.

Don’t misunderstand me, all my teachers weren’t like this. One of my school teachers actually understood me.

She came up with an idea to help me learn.

I came to school one morning and my desk

Fall Break wouldn’t normally do at a time I wouldn’t normally do it – like share a learning experience.

I remember one in particular.

It all began when my son’s sixth grade teacher, discovering that we were going to the coast during Fall Break, asked us if we could bring back some beach stuff for when they study the beach.

Sure, we said, figuring a bucket of sand and a few shells was what she had in mind.

Not hardly.

Teachers, especially elementary school

By Hardy Jackson teachers, especially sixth grade teachers, are a sneaky lot. They have to be. They teach sixth graders.

Which is why, when we left for the beach,

son's teacher loaded us up with a stack of plastic boxes for sand and stuff, 12 mason jars for specimens caught and four jars of alcohol for preserving what we put in the jars.

It promised to be the best beach trip yet.

Arriving at the coast we immediately discovered some problems.

First, it was raining – a tropical system out of the Gulf was moving in.

(Local society folks were in a dither because the storm promised to dampen the Sunday “Champagne Gospel Brunch” they were

hosting to raise money for good causes. The last time I saw champagne and gospel used together someone was telling folks to read the gospel and not drink champagne. Just goes to show you I guess.)

Then, when the sky cleared, we hit the beach only to find that the shells were pretty well gone.

There had been some. However, professional shell folks had stripped the beach clean. Today they are probably being sold at Wal-Mart.

But there were still

some pin shells scattered around, their iridescence catching the light, and a few treasures that the pros missed, but pickings were slim.

Later crabbing on the bay got us some fine specimens for the jars.

Between all that, we fished. I watched my daughter reel in her first saltwater catfish and my son land what must have been a 5lb redfish – which will surely grow to 10lbs by the time he gets to telling See JACKSON, page A5

The Art of Being Still- Part 1 turning on my music and tidying up my entire house. I’m good at running four miles.

I’m good at running errands, and I’m good at cooking dinner while doing homework. I live for life in motion.

I am also a champion of excuses. I can come up with a multitude of things I must do in order to keep from being still. I need to feed the dogs at 6 a.m. I need to call the dentist. I need to make up my children’s beds. I need to balance my finances.

I need to meet a friend for lunch. I need to look at social media. I need to send an email.

I need to order a new winter coat. My list could go on and on …

and it does, daily.

I am slowly beginning to learn this art myself. It takes time and practice. It takes perseverance and intention. It also takes grace. It also leads to the absolute best and most peaceful days of my life. And on these days, I am 100% sure my time and efforts of my 24 hours were used abundantly.

Stillness comes when we completely forget about all of the world moving around us and we rest in the here and now. Rest in our own thoughts. Rest in the love of a child. Rest in the embrace of our spouse. Rest in words on paper. Rest with ourselves. Rest in God.

By Bradley Robertson I have learned too that there cannot be rest with distraction.

Distraction is our enemy. It calls our name plain as day and steals our energy and

thoughts. It boggles our brain, creates chaos and takes us places we may not even want to go. We cannot escape it, but we can learn to recognize it and steer it the proper course.

I see distraction as a person almost. It comes in sneaky and sometimes silent. It often waves at me like the finish line of a race or it comes quick and out of nowhere. It’s a manipulative thing and it can become bothersome, like a gnat. But when I see it for what it is, or who it is, I can learn to walk away or meet it head on. Either way, the distraction must be tended to.

There is a balancing act for me between

stillness and distraction. In reality, I cannot be still most of the day.

As a healthy, mobile human, I have things I must do. Distraction is going to happen; it just is, planned or not. So where does one begin to find the still?

You begin by finding it in just one place every day. Only one.

And when this one tiny space begins to feed you, it will allow you to seek another and another and another.

Where can you find one simple time and place to be still in your day?

Maybe first thing in the morning before your “busy” begins.

See ROBERTSON, page A5

The smell of books was outfitted with crayons and paper.

She said, “I want you to color pictures during my lesson. I don’t want you looking at me, and I DEFINITELY don’t want you paying attention.”

This felt like a trick.

But I followed her advice. And when her lesson finished, she called me to her desk to ask questions related to her lesson.

To my own amazement I COULD ANSWER HER QUESTION. I had somehow paid attention to every word she said while coloring.

It was a miracle. I was pronounced to be un-stupid. I made perfect grades all year.

But it was short lived.

By fifth grade, I was back to being a mouth breather again. I had a teacher who didn’t like me. She ended up putting me in the remedial class with a few other kids. We were all believed to be about as quick-witted as advanced fungal life.

I ended up failing fifth grade altogether.

And this just wrecked my confidence. Because now I had proof that I was slow.

What was wrong

By Sean Dietrich with me? I wanted to be smart. I wanted my teachers to like me. I wanted to make good grades. But it just never happened.

I’m not feeling sorry for myself, I just want you to know the context before I finish my story. That way you’ll understand why I dropped out in the seventh grade after my father died.

Shortly after my father’s death, I decided I was finished with school. Looking back, I don’t think I could even tell you why I did it.

Stupidity, I guess.

And I would have kept ruining my own life if it hadn’t been for one fateful summer afternoon. I was 14.

I walked into a small building that was full of books. Glorious books.

I have always been intoxicated by the smell

of books.

It was a quiet room, with creaky floors and an elderly lady seated behind a library desk surrounded by books.

“Help you?” she said.

“Just looking around.”

“For anything in particular?”

I shrugged.

She removed her reading glasses and smiled. This woman knew my kind. She knew kids like me. The species of child who drops out of school was not unfamiliar to her. She probably even knew my shoe size.

The old woman led me to the fiction shelves. And it was here where I was reborn. Without asking, she removed novel by novel and gave them to me. She said things like, “You’ll like this

one.” And, “The plot starts off slow, but it’s worth it.”

I arrived at the counter with a mountain of reading material. I didn’t even know what I was supposed to do next. Was I supposed to pay this woman?

“No, honey,” she said. “You take the books home.”

Home? What? They were just going to GIVE ME THESE BOOKS? Were these people nutty? What a deal.

So I filled out an information packet and the woman handed me a white card with my signature on it. My library card was the first formal ID I ever had. I still have it.

Next, she stamped the backs of each book and handed them to me. She said, “I’ll see YOU in a few weeks.”

Wink.

I took the books home. I read each one. Front to back. I returned them to the library, and the woman had another pile waiting for me. So I read those, too.

It was during one such visit that this woman, busy stamping my books, said, “You know, you must be

pretty smart, reading all these books.”

I felt my face turn strawberry red. Because she was wrong about me. Everyone knew that. Even so, it felt good to hear nice words.

In fact, I still replay those words whenever I doubt myself. And I replayed those words all throughout college as an adult. I replay them because it’s amazing what simple words can do for a person.

Especially when those words are said by a librarian.

Anyway, yesterday a brown package arrived in my mailbox. I went to check the mail. It was from my publisher. I sliced open the cardboard and inside was a new novel. Not yet released. With my name on it.

I held it in my hands just to feel the weight of it. I smelled the new paper. I ran my finger along the letters. No matter how old I get, I will always be the same kid inside.

My lower lip started getting shaky. My nose clogged.

Because I’ve never felt so un-stupid in all my life.

A5 October 14, 2020

JACKSON >>

FROM A4

the story back at school.

All in all, it was a good trip.

Which brings me to my second point. Why should Fall Break be restricted to kids, teachers and a few fortunate parents?

Why not a Fall Break for everyone?

Back in the old days, Fall was a pretty intense time down in Dixie.

Cotton to be picked and ginned, wood to be cut and stacked, the harvest to put up in cans and jars, doing all the things that must be done to get ready for winter. Not much time to relax and reflect.

So you would think

ROBERTSON >>

FROM A4

Maybe after you drop off kids at school. It could be your lunch hour at work or home.

It could be at the end of your day on your back patio. Where could you find a small bit of space to be still and breathe?

This one space is the beginning of your newfound art. The art of listening in time and hearing your own voice. Art that can grow into large branches of life just like the mustard tree. One tiny move that brings abundance to life: the Art of Being Still.

This is the first part in a series of writings.

Feel free to reach out to Bradley for comments or questions at Bradley. jean11@gmail.com Bradley Robertson is a local mother, wife and creative. She's an Auburn University graduate, loves good food and getting outside with her family.

Bradley enjoys feature writing, as well as southern culture and lifestyle writing.

that modern Southerners, with no cotton in the field, no wood to cut and grocery stores close at hand, would ease into Fall loose and laid back.

But no. Instead we have followed tradition and filled up what should be space with events and games and festivals.

Halloween has become a major commercial celebration. Rather than a time to count our blessings, Thanksgiving has become a carefully orchestrated eating orgy, planned for weeks, anticipated with anxiety and finished off with indigestion. And Christmas, psychologists tell us, is the most pressure filled season of the year.

What we need is a Fall Break.

For everyone. Not just kids and those with kids.

And if you want to launch a campaign for it, I'll sure support you.

On one condition.

Anyone getting a Fall Break will have to agree to use some of the time doing something they would not normally do for someone they would not normally do it for -- like making beach boxes for a 6th grade teacher.

OK? Harvey H. ("Hardy") Jackson, professor emeritus of history at Jacksonville State University. He can be reached at hhjackson43@gmail.com.

Annual Fish Fry to be held Nov. 7

Courtesy of the Standing Rock Community

The Standing Rock, Alabama Fish Fry & Bake Sale will be held on Nov. 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. CST at the Dodgen Home which is located at 3155 County Road 278 in Standing Rock, Alabama.

Tickets are $10 and consist of catfish fillets, french fries, hush puppies, coleslaw, lemons, pickles and onions. To purchase

tickets call 706-3338559 or 706-586-0252.

Proceeds benefit the Standing Rock Com-

munity Center Building Project.

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As we face unique challenges, we continue to work with our customers to provide tailored, customized payment solutions to meet their needs.

Alabama Power is offering a new, easy-to-use service for customers affected by COVID-19 to set up payment plans for energy bills.

Customers can visit AlabamaPower.com/PaymentPlan or call 1-800-245-2244 to check eligibility and set up a plan in a few simple steps. ©2020 Alabama Power

A6 OŃ tober 14, 2020

Opelika E vents, Society, & Food

UPCOMING EVENTS OTC Presents: The Addams Family Oct. 16, 17, 23 & 24 at 7 p.m.

Oct. 17 & 24 at 2 p.m.

Serve variety of desserts featuring pumpkin for a taste of fall ANN CIPPERLY

Southern

Hospitality

D

uring October, bright orange pumpkins fill farm stands around the southland as a cheerful sign of autumn. While pumpkins are used in festive fall centerpieces and carved into jacko’-lanterns, they are best used for making scrumptious desserts.

For years, we would head for the mountains in October to view the stunning displays of color in the Blue Ridge Mountains and visit

farmer markets brimming with pumpkins.

While we are grounded for now because of COVID-19, we have wonderful memories of carefree days in the mountains with crisp fresh air.

Highlands, North Carolina, with breathtaking views and waterfalls, was always a favorite. It is also a popular place to visit for many others in our area, and some have homes there. Located

on the top of a mountain at 4,118 feet of elevation, Highlands offers elegant to rustic accommodations and superb restaurants.

Old Edwards Inn in downtown Highlands is highly regarded as being among the best in the country. The owners, Angela and Art Williams, received their master’s degrees at Auburn University. I was blessed to meet the Williams and write a feature article on them,

3rd annual Black Male Summit to be held this month Courtesy of the Dream Day Foundation The Dream Day Foundation, in partnership with Harris Funeral Home, Kroger, Inc., McDonald’s of Auburn and Opelika and the Opelika City Council will host its 3rd Annual Black Male Summit on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with registration beginning at 9 a.m. Lunch will be offered. This year’s summit will be hosted at the Opelika Sportsplex Amphitheater. Due to COVID-19 the foundation has put in place a number of safety precautions. All attendees will be screened at entrance with a tem-

perature check, given a required mask to wear and required to practice social distancing. All participants are asked to pre-register by phone at 334.663.6638.

Due to COVID-19, the foundation will limit its participants to middle school, high school and college students. The theme for this year’s summit is “The Bigger Picture” in which topics will include the growing movement of Black Live Matters and issues facing the young Black Male in 2020. These young men will hear from keynote speakers as well as participate in small group sessions.

The goal is for them to come away with a greater sense of purpose, ac-

countability and motivation and with dreams of what their futures hold for them as responsible adult men. The success of last year’s Summit has inspired us to include a Q & A session for parents as a way of support and to address their concerns.

Together WE can make a difference.

Thanks in advance for your support in making a difference in our young men.

Sincerely, Marion A. Sankey Founder & Executive Director The Dream Day Foundation 334.663.6638 Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’ - Rev. MLK, Jr.

Does the election have you concerned?

We can help you prepare for any scenario that could occur this November.

• Do you have a written market downturn plan?

Blake Henry

• Have your investments been run through and passed a stress test?

Laurel Callaway

William Cole Operations Manager

Photo by Ann Cipperly An assortment of pumpkins is pictured at a farm stand in the mountains, as the leaves are changing into brilliant autumn hues. Whether you are cooking fresh pumpkin or using pumpkin from a can, treat your family to a pie, cake or other scrumptious dessert this coming week.

as well as write about their lovely home in Highlands.

Art and Angela had planned their life together, knowing their dreams at an

early age. After they both received master’s degrees from Auburn, Art was a high school football coach like his childhood hero, and Angela was teaching

English.

A family tragedy turned their life around.

Like a bolt of lightning, Art had a dream See CIPPERLY, page A11

Friday Fright Night Oct. 23 at the Davis Arboretum Contributed by Jarrett Y. Jones Recreation Center Manager Auburn Parks and Recreation and the Donald E. Davis Arboretum at Auburn University present the 4th annual Friday Fright Night at the arboretum Friday, Oct. 23. Gates will open at 6 p.m., and a child friendly Halloween cartoon will be shown at 6:30 p.m. The first

featured film, "Little Shop of Horrors" (1986 version), will begin approximately at 7:15 p.m. The second feature film, "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" (1975), will begin at 9 p.m.

Patrons are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and a picnic dinner to enjoy the movies. Parking is available near the entrances on three sides of the arbore-

tum: along Lem Morrison and the Poultry Science parking lot, along Garden Drive and the Arboretum parking lot off Garden Drive.

Masks will be required when entering and exiting the movie and if you leave your designated seating area. Attendees will not be allowed to stay if they refuse to wear a mask entering and exiting. You must fill See FRIDAY , page A11

A8

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1801 MARKET STREET OPELIKA, AL 36801

334-787-9900 EXPRESSIONSDESIGNGALLERY.COM

Elliott & Associates Insurance Agency Opelika - (334)745-0888 elliottinsuranceagents.com

A9 October 14, 2020

RECIPES HOW TO COOK FRESH PUMPKIN Kammi Waggony suggests slicing a regular sized pumpkin (not a small one) into 2-3 inch cubes once you have cleaned off all the pulp. Then cook the pumpkin in a large stockpot filled with water for several hours.

(I boil it for about an hour and then keep it all at a good simmer for about 4 or 5 hours more until the meat is soft.)

Once it is has cooled, slice the outer skin of the pumpkin, and keep the meat of the pumpkin for baking.

PUMPKIN PECAN PANCAKES WITH HOUSE-MADE CINNAMON MAPLE SYRUP Chef Christian Watson The Waverly Local House-made Cinnamon Maple Syrup: 4 cups maple syrup 1 Tbsp. light corn syrup ¼ cup light brown sugar 2 sticks cinnamon 2 Tbsp. water Place all ingredients in medium pan and reduce by half on low to medium heat.

Remove cinnamon sticks before serving.

Pancakes: 1 cup whole wheat flour 1 cup muesli with pecans 2 tsp. baking powder ¼ tsp. salt 2 eggs, beaten 1½ cups milk 1 cup pumpkin 2 Tbsp. melted butter plus more for cooking 1 tsp. vanilla Combine flour, muesli, baking powder and salt in a large bowl.

Mix in eggs, milk, pumpkin, butter and vanilla. Stir until combined. Allow to rest for 10 minutes.

While batter rests, preheat frying pan or griddle to medium heat.

Add small amount of butter to pan, then ladle 1/3 cup portions for each pancake.

Cook until bubbles form around the edges, then flip and cook until golden brown.

Serve with cinnamon maple syrup.

PUMPKIN SPICED PANCAKES WITH MAPLE PECAN SYRUP Chef Miguel Figueroa My kids love Pumpkin Spiced Pancakes.

I usually do my traditional pancake mix, or you can use your favorite brand of pancake mix. Just substitute half of the liquid for pumpkin puree. Add more flour or puree if needed.

Cook pancakes in a flat griddle with lots of butter (that is my secret).

I warm up the maple syrup with a few toasted pecans.

The syrup gets a delicious maple/pecan flavor.

PUMPKIN BARS WITH BUTTERY WALNUT CRUST 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/3 cup sugar 1/3 cup packed brown sugar 1 cup cold butter, cubed 1 cup chopped walnuts 2 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten 15 oz. can pure pumpkin 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. ground allspice Confectioners' sugar, optional Preheat oven to 350. Mix flour, sugar and brown sugar; cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in walnuts. Reserve 1 cup mixture for topping; press remaining mixture onto bottom and halfway up sides of a 13 x 9. baking dish.

In a large bowl, beat eggs, pumpkin, milk, cinnamon, salt and allspice just until smooth. Pour into crust; sprinkle with reserved topping.

Bake until golden brown, 50 to 55 minutes. Cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm, or refrigerate and serve cold. If desired, dust with confectioners' sugar. Refrigerate leftovers.

PUMPKIN CRUNCH Pam Hope 15-16 oz. can pure pumpkin 3 eggs 1½ cups sugar 12 oz. can evaporated milk 4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice ½ tsp. salt 1 pkg. yellow cake mix 1 cup chopped pecans 1 cup melted butter Whipped topping Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Grease bottom of 9 x 13 pan. Combine pumpkin, eggs, sugar, evaporated milk, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in a large bowl. Pour into pan. Sprinkle cake mix evenly over top. Top with pecans. Drizzle with melted butter. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until golden.

Serve with whipped topping.

PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE WITH GINGERSNAP CRUST AND TOFFEE TOPPING

Anne Carpenter Crust: 1½ cups gingersnap cookie crumbs 5 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted 1 Tbsp. sugar Cheesecake: Three 8-oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened 1 cup sugar 1 cup canned pure pumpkin 3 large eggs 1 tsp. vanilla ½ tsp. cinnamon 1/8 tsp. nutmeg 1/8 tsp. allspice Whipped cream Toffee bits Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Wrap outside of spring form pan with foil. Mix gingersnap crumbs, butter and sugar; press into the bottom of greased spring form pan. Bake crust about five minutes; set aside.

Combine cream cheese and sugar in bowl of electric mixer; blend until smooth.

Add pumpkin, eggs, vanilla and spices; beat until smooth, scraping down sides of bowl. Pour over crust.

Bake cheesecake for one hour and five minutes until the center is set and the edges begin to crack.

Cool in pan. Chill. Can be prepared two days ahead.

Top with sweetened whipped cream and toffee bits. Makes 12 servings.

PUMPKIN PECAN PIE 4 eggs, slightly beaten 1 can pure pumpkin 1 cup sugar 1/2 cup dark brown corn syrup 1 tsp. vanilla 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1/4 tsp. salt 1 unbaked 9-inch pie shell 1 cup chopped pecans Combine all filling ingredients except pecans. Pour into pie shell. Top with pecans. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes or until set.

EASY PUMPKIN PIE Serve with whipped cream.

9 inch unbaked deep dish pie crust ¾ cup white sugar 1 tsp. ground cinnamon ½ tsp. salt ½ tsp. ground ginger ¼ tsp. ground cloves 2 large eggs 15 oz. can pure pumpkin 12 oz. can evaporated milk Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Combine sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger and cloves in small bowl. Beat eggs lightly in large bowl.

Stir in pumpkin and sugar-spice mixture.

Gradually stir in evaporated milk. Pour into pie shell.

Bake for 15 minutes.

Reduce temperature to 350 degrees; bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until knife inserted

near center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack for 2 hours. Serve immediately or refrigerate. (Do not freeze as this will cause the crust to separate from the filling.)

PUMPKIN GINGERBREAD TRIFLE Carol Pridgen 2 (14 oz.) pkg. gingerbread mix 1 (5.1 oz.) pkg. cook and serve vanilla pudding mix 1 (30 oz.) can pumpkin pie filling 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1/3 tsp. cinnamon 1 (12 oz.) frozen whipped topping or whipping cream Bag of gingersnaps.

Bake gingerbread according to directions. Cool completely.

Meanwhile, prepare the pudding and set aside to cool.

Stir the pumpkin, sugar and cinnamon into the pudding.

Crumble one batch of gingerbread into the bottom of a trifle bowl.

Pour 1/2 pudding mixture over gingerbread. Repeat.

Then add a layer of whipped topping.

Sprinkle top with crushed gingersnaps.

Refrigerate overnight.

YELLOW SHEET CAKE WITH PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE TOPPING Cake: 18 1/4-oz. box yellow cake mix 1 egg 8 Tbsp. butter, melted Cheesecake Topping: 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, room temperature 15-oz. can pure pumpkin 3 eggs 1 tsp. vanilla 8 Tbsp. butter, melted 16-oz. box powdered sugar 1 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. nutmeg Preheat oven to 350 degrees .

Mix cake mix, egg and butter with an electric mixer. Pat mixture into the bottom of a lightly greased 13 x 9 baking pan.

For topping, beat the cream cheese and pumpkin until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla and butter; beat together. Then add powdered sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg; mix well.

Spread pumpkin mixture over cake batter and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. Make sure not to overbake as the center should be a little gooey.

ROLL WITH CREAM CHEESE FILLING Gigi Blalock Cake Roll: 3 eggs 1 cup sugar 2/3 cup pumpkin 1 tsp. lemon juice ¾ cup flour 1 tsp. baking powder 2 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. ginger ½ tsp. nutmeg ½ tsp. salt 1 cup finely chopped pecans Beat eggs at high speed for 5 minutes. Place mixer on low and gradually add sugar to the mixture. Fold in pumpkin and lemon juice. Mix next 6 ingredients together in another bowl then add to batter.

Spray jelly roll pan with Pam, and place wax paper in pan. Spray wax paper with Baking Pam. Spread pumpkin batter on wax paper. Sprinkle nuts over batter.

Bake at 375 for 15 minutes.

Flip roll on towel that has been covered with confectioner’s sugar. Peel off wax paper and roll. Place on rack to cool.

When cool, unroll and cover with filling. Roll again and sprinkle confectioner’s sugar over cake.

If it cracks, just keep rolling and you can make them beautiful.

Filling: 1 cup confectioner’s sugar 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened ¼ cup melted butter ½ tsp. vanilla Cream confectioner’s sugar and cream cheese; add melted butter and vanilla. Beat well. Make the filling while the cake is baking to have it ready when the roll is cool.

FROZEN PUMPKIN MOUSSE WITH PECAN-TOFFEE CRUNCH Amy Judkins Himmelwright For the Crunch: 1 cup pecan pieces

2/3 cup toffee bits 4 tsp. (packed) dark brown sugar Pinch of salt 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted For the Mousse: 2 cups whipping cream ¾ cup sugar 5 large egg yolks 1¼ cups canned pure pumpkin 2 Tbsp. dark rum 1¼ tsp. vanilla ¾ tsp. ground cinnamon ½ tsp. ground ginger ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg ¼ tsp. salt 1/8 tsp. ground allspice Make the crunch: Preheat the oven to 350. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and brush with vegetable oil. Combine nuts, toffee, sugar and salt in a bowl. Add butter and toss to coat. Place mixture in the middle of the prepared sheet and spread into a single layer. Bake 15 minutes or until toffee is soft, but not melted.

Once the crunch is cool, break it into coarse bits.

Make the mousse: Whisk ¾ cup of whipping cream, sugar, and yolks in a medium saucepan until blended. Heat over medium low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened about 10 minutes. Do not let it boil. Transfer pudding to a large bowl.

Mix in pumpkin, rum, vanilla and remaining spices. Refrigerate uncovered until cold, stirring occasionally, about 40 minutes.

Beat remaining cream in a large bowl until it holds peaks.

Reserve ½ cup of whipped cream for garnish. Store in refrigerator until ready to use. Fold remaining whipped cream into pumpkin mixture.

Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours and up to one day.

The day before you plan to serve, place 1/3 cup mousse in 4 parfaits or goblets.

Place a generous tablespoon of crunch on top. Repeat the layers two more times and top with reserved whipped cream. Cover and freeze overnight or up to 2 days.

1 OUT OF 10 ELDERLY PERSONS AND ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES ARE BEING: Abused, Neglected or Exploited If you suspect this is happening to someone you know, please report it to Adult Protective Services by contacting your local DHR office or calling the

ADULT ABUSE HOTLINE at 1-800-458-7214

HELP STOP THE ABUSE

IF YOU SEE IT, REPORT IT

Thereʼs no excuse for

ELDER ABUSE

PUMPKIN CAKE

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

A10 Oсtober 14, 2020

B

alaam is a fascinating character who shows up about two-thirds of the way through the book of Numbers (chapters 22-24). Out of context, his story seems strange, but if you’ve been reading through Numbers you’ve already come across God supplying Israel with a ridiculous amount of quail (11), people being swallowed up by the earth in Korah’s rebellion (16), Moses striking the rock and water coming out of it (20) and people bitten by snakes being healed through looking at a bronze snake on a pole. So when we’re told Balaam’s story, it’s just the next-in-line of highly unusual things happening to Israel on

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

Blessing and Cursing

their way to the promised land.

To recap the story, Balak, the king of Moab, was “terrified” when the nation of Israel showed up on their way to the land of Canaan. He didn’t have the numbers to militarily oppose them, so he decided to implement Plan B—hiring a spiritual mercenary—a man named Balaam. Consulting an oracle, medium or diviner to get the blessing of the gods was a common practice of the times. But Balak was asking more of Balaam than that—he wanted Balaam to curse Israel (22:6.)

It’s obvious from the story that Balaam’s reputation preceded him.

He’s not local, Balak’s men traveled all the way to the Euphrates to enlist his help. In 1967, in Deir

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

Alla, Jordan, archaeologists discovered an inscription on the wall of a multi-chambered structure that had been buried by an earthquake during the Persian period.

The inscription speaks of a prophet named Balaam, son of Beor. That’s not surprising. Balaam is spoken of in Scripture, so he’s a historical person. What is

more fascinating is that the writing is dated a few hundred years after the time of Balaam. If someone is writing about you a few hundred years after you’re gone, then you must have been quite well known when you were alive.

And yet for all of that, Balaam couldn’t deliver what the king of Moab so desperately wanted—he was unable to curse Israel.

He tried time and time again, but God told him that Israel’s future was one of blessing. Despite Balaam’s international reputation for being able to bless or curse, only God could control that.

(Balaam, as it turns out, couldn’t even control his donkey.) And in accordance with His promise to Abraham, God was going to bless His people so they

ABOUT BRUCE GREEN would in turn bless the world (Genesis 12:3.)

God had Moses write all this down so that when Israel entered Canaan replete with its own oracles, mediums and diviners (Deuteronomy 18:9,) the nation would know there was no need to be intrigued, enchanted or engaged with them. There was no God but Yahweh. And in a society where our cultural prophets (celebrities, actors, athletes, etc.) point us to crystals, following the moon or the movement of the planets and stars, we would do well to reject their advice and keep our trust in the One who created all of these.

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

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

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

"Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers righteousness on you."

— Hosea 10:12 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

Church Directory

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

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

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

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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Fresh Foods...And A Whole Lot More!

Catch ‘On the Mark’ with D. Mark Mitchell and Jeff Sasser weekday mornings from 7-9 a.m.

603 Pleasant Pleasant Drive 603 Drive Opelika, AL Opelika, AL 36801 749-1333 749-1333 Mon-Sat - 8pm Mon- Sat7am 7am-8pm Sun12pm 12pm-6pm Sun - 6pm

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

A11 October 14, 2020

CIPPERLY

>>

FROM A7

that would benefit millions. He changed the industry with his insurance company, A.L. Williams, which became the most successful of its kind in the world. His starting salary of $4,600 as a coach soared to Forbes’ list of billionaires.

In retirement, Art and Angela restored the historic inn in Highlands and created a European style luxury hotel. With the golden touch, the Williams found success again, becoming one of America’s greatest success stories. Art and Angela are proud of what they have accomplished. As Christians,

they give God the credit.

The Williams are a close family. Georgia, one of their granddaughters, graduated from Auburn University. They enjoyed trips back to Auburn to visit her and attended football games. Georgia’s husband also graduated from Auburn.

They have close ties to Auburn and love the community.

Along with Old Edwards Inn, the Williams have expanded in Highlands with cottages, a lodge, 200 Main and The Inn at Half Mile Farm, in addition to having numerous wedding venues.

Originally Highlands’s earliest boarding house built in 1878, the inn expanded in

1935, incorporating the old Rock Store as its foundation and lobby. The three-story brick and rock inn was called Hotel Edwards.

In 2001, the Williams acquired the property and began its extensive restoration.

Sunshine dapples tables at Madison’s, where meals are served in stylish ambience with antiques, artwork, exposed beams and a wall of old stones.

Tables are covered with soft cloths and overlays and accented with small vases of roses. Booths adorned with cushions and pillows provide a cozy feeling for lingering over meals.

Madison’s excels with superb food and service. Every item on the menu is prepared

from scratch. House made pimiento cheese and crackers are served for nibbling while deciding on seafood or steak.

Succulent beef tenderloin is flawless, served with a port reduction sauce accompanied by fresh vegetables, while seared rib eye steak rests on caramelized onions, Shiitake mushrooms and a marsala ragout to satisfy a hearty appetite.

The Wine Garden has outdoor seating in a serene setting with a cascading waterfall. It is a great place to relax for a burger or chicken salad. Last year, a casual Italian restaurant was built in the former Acorns gift shop.

If you go to High-

lands this fall, Wolfgang’s downtown also offers excellent dishes, whether it is light fare in the wine bar or one of the dining rooms.

Fireplaces enhance the ambience, while a covered porch area brings in fresh breezes.

Outdoor seating is also available.

My favorite at Wolfgang’s is the braised short rib in a flavorful sauce served with garlic mashed potatoes and collards. We enjoyed a meal there with great Opelika friends who have homes in Highlands.

Other favorite dining options include Ristorante Paoletti for delectable Italian dishes and Wild Thyme with outdoor seating. Try the crab cakes or fresh

catch.

If you go to Highlands this fall, be sure to go by Dry Falls and Bridal Veil Falls on the road going to Franklin.

Just be aware it is a winding road.

If you are stuck at home this fall like us, you can savor the flavors and décor fall has to offer at home.

You don’t have to go to the mountains to find pumpkins. Local markets offer a large variety. Following are recipes featuring pumpkin for creating tasty fall desserts. The recipes call for canned pumpkin (not canned pumpkin pie filling), but you can substitute fresh cooked pumpkin.

Ann Cipperly can be reached at recipes@ cipperly.com.

He was a member of the Southland Quartet where he sang with his brother Floyd. He also loved Alabama football.

Mr. Pugh is survived by his wife Rebecca Pugh of Opelika; children: Barbara (Mark) Niffenegger of Montevallo, Debra (Matt) Knitter of Opelika, Gwen Berger of Opelika, Greg (Monica) King of Auburn, Kim Bergstresser (Chris) of London, England; grandchildren: Lauren and Amanda Niffenegger, Dani and John Knitter, Brian Berger, Taylor

(Kaitlyn), Ashley, Syndney, Karisa, and Hannah King, Isabella Bergstresser; brother: David (Myra) Pugh of Lincoln; sisters-in-law: Gerry Pugh, Joanne Pugh; brother-inlaw: Bennie Bass; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife Frances Danielson Pugh; siblings: Ethel Bass, Jamie Slay, Carl Pugh, Gordon Pugh, Floyd Pugh.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church.

OBITUARIES Donal (Don) Clark Hollingsworth Mr. Donal (Don) Clark Hollingsworth, 77 of Cusseta, passed away Oct. 10, 2020 after a lengthy illness of leukemia and COVID-19 at East Alabama Medical Center. Don had been a resident of Cusseta for the Last 15 years. He was retired from Uniroyal Tire Plant with over 30 years of service. Don was a member of the Columbus, Georgia V.F.W., and Lakeview Baptist Church of

FRIDAY

Auburn.

Mr. Hollingsworth is survived by his wife Patricia Hollingsworth; daughters: Tish Rabren, and Traci Johnson; stepsons: Kevin Meadors and Keith Meadors; grandchildren: Preston and Tori Rabren, and Hayley and Curt Johnson: step-grandchildren: Matt, Jonathan, Zane, Ezekiel, and Eve Meadors, along with 3 great grandchildren; sisters: Betty Jo Owens, and Jeanette Nowell; brothers: Hugh, and Billy Frank Hollingsworth; along with many nieces and

nephews.

A graveside service was held at 2 p.m.

Oct. 13, 2020 in Garden Hills Cemetery with Reverend Keith Meadors officiating.

Visitation was on Oct. 13, 2020 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home from noon until 1:30 p.m.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory directed.

Charles W. “Billy” Pugh

Charles W. “Billy” Pugh passed away on Oct. 4 at EAMC.

Graveside services will be 11 a.m., Oct. 7 at Garden Hills Cemetery with Dr. Mike King officiating. Family will receive friends after the service in the cemetery.

He was a member of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church for over 50 years where he served as finance chairman, trustee, and a longtime member of the choir. He worked in the auto parts industry for more than 40 years.

He loved his family, his church, and fishing on Lake Martin.

>>

FROM A7

Alabama AlabamaPublicNotices.com

out a contact tracing form. Designated seating areas will be marked to ensure social distancing.

The Davis Arboretum is located at 181 Garden Drive in Auburn. For more information visit auburnalabama.org/parks/ events-and-calendar/outdoor-movie-series/.

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A12 Oсtober 14, 2020

COMICS

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

S

S

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.

Ansil McDonald crowned BHS Homecoming Queen

On the Mark

By D. Mark Mitchell

OPELIKA BEATS R.E. LEE, WIN REGION 3 CHAMPIONSHIP

T

he OHS Bulldogs, wearing the traditional white road uniform, defeated Robert E. Lee 19-0 last Saturday in Montgomery.

On a wet and windy day at Crampton Bowl, Opelika won the Region Championship after dominating the Generals. The Bulldogs scored TDs in the first, second and third quarters while holding the Generals scoreless.

Opelika scored their first touchdown with 2:42 remaining in the first quarter when Malik Finley completed a pass to Sean Jones, who raced 59 yards to the endzone.

Rowton was unable to attempt the PAT due to wet conditions, which caused issues with the snap and placement. Dawgs led 6-0.

Erik Watts rushed for 170 yards, scored the second TD on a 61-yard run with 3:59 left in the first half. Baker Rowton made the PAT to increase the lead to 13-0. Will Beans caught a 1-yard pass for the final TD; Rowton missed his second PAT. OHS led 19-0 with three minutes left in the third quarter.

Neither team scored in the fourth quarter, as the rain continued until well after the completion of

the game.

This was a good win for the kids, playing Saturday on the road and under rainy conditions.

Opelika improved their overall record to 5-2 and 5-0 in Region 3.

The Bulldogs found out last week Valley forfeited this week’s game against OHS. Rams head coach Adam Hunter appeared last week on “On the Mark” on FOX Sports the Game 910-1310 and said he had one player test positive with COVID-19, causing up to 20 players to be out due to contact tracing.

The forfeit win over Valley improves OHS’s record to 6-2 overall and 6-0 in Region 3. Opelika will play the last regular season game Oct. 23 against Park Crossing.

The Dawgs will be off Oct. 31, as they will be preparing to host the first round of the AHSAA 6A Playoffs.

OPELIKA FOOTBALL COACHES SUPPLEMENTS Opelika City Schools has always supported its athletic programs, including football. The OCS Chief Financial Officer sent me the Coaching Supplements for the 2020 Football Staff. The See SPORTS , page B3

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Southern Christian get first ever win!

By Will Washburn

The Southern Christian Athletics Varsity football team got their first win in program history this past Thursday, Oct. 8.

In their first road game, the Southern Chistian Patriots won 35-8 against East Central (Moody, Alabama).

Southern Christian gave up an early eight points; however, that would be the only points East Central would score due to a tough defensive effort highlighted by seven tackles from sophomore Josiah Frick and six tackles by senior Jackson Washburn.

Senior quarterback Daniel Adams had a

phenomenal night on the ground, leading the team with 131 yards rushing. Senior Silas Frick also had a great night with two TD’s while his brother Josiah Frick just had to one-up him with three TD’s.

“I am so proud of our effort especially after being down early,” said Southern Christian

head coach Mike Adams, “but I am most proud that the referee told me after the game that our team had displayed the best sportsmanship he’s witnessed in his 11 years of officiating”. The Patriots will next play on Oct. 16 at 7 p.m. in Alabaster, Alabama versus Trinity Chistian.

Beulah fail to rally over Reeltown

By Wil Crews sportscrews@opelikaobserver.com

Last Thursday night, on Homecoming and

facing a Reeltown team that had lost two of its last three games, the Beulah Bobcats faced the Rebels with the

aching but achievable goal of getting their first win of the season.

The game was moved up to

Thursday due to the impending threat of Hurricane Delta on the weekend, but See BEULAH , page B5

B2 October 14, 2020

PLAYER OF THE WEEK The City of Opelika is proud to sponsor the Opelika High School Player of the Week.

We applaud you for your HARD WORK and DEDICATION on and off the football field.

Erik Watts,

Radonda Beauchamp Jr.,

who had a 60-yard TD catch and a 54-yard TD run

who had 1 touchdown and 170 yards rushing

IT’S THE OPELIKA WAY.

GO DAWGS!

of the

Week Congratulations from

Lee Co. Revenue Commissioner Oline Price

#myOpelika • #beOpelika www.opelika-al.gov 2018 observer

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Smiths Station 2366 LR 430 Ste. 140 Smiths Station 334-664-0296

Auburn 1266 Mall Pkwy Auburn 334-737-7298

Beauregard’s Football Player of the Week

SENIOR RB/DE #23

TRENT JONES, WHO SCORED TWICE FOR THE HORNETS, INCLUDING A 40-YARD RUSHING TOUCHDOWN OWEN KELLEY

THE SENIOR FB/LB HAD SIX TACKLES

Sponsored by Goree’s Furniture Express

3797 AL Highway 169, Opelika 334-742-0607

B3

Recipes for Life

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Ecclesiastes 3:1.

E

very week when I receive the Opelika Observer I turn quickly to Ann Cipperly’s Southern Hospitality Column to look at delicious recipes from many wonderful cooks in our community. Too, we get to read about our neighbors, their families and their traditions.

This month is recognized as National Cookbook Month.

Right before the holidays it is so good to look in kitchen cabinets and pull out those age-old cookbooks to review family recipes.

There is something so personal and heartwarming to me about family-favorite dishes.

As I look at the yellow, well-worn pages, happy memories of family and friend togetherness, love, hugs, sit-and-chats and joy are such a blessing to reflect on and give encouragement.

Cookbooks have been around for hundreds of years. I have held on to my church cookbooks, “A Dame’s Cookbook”

by Chick Anderson and southern

cookbooks, but my favorite cookbooks were compiled by my aunts, who have written cookbooks of family favorites for the whole family. The time my aunts spent writing these, typing and compiling spells love to the family for generations to come.

My grandmother, Lillie Mae Jones, shared her gifts of cooking not only with her family but with the whole community.

Her home in the Salem community was always full of neighbors and friends who loved to stop by for a ‘bite to eat.’ Community fund raisers, whether they be for schools, fire stations or church, always had my grandmother’s Brunswick stew on the menu. Too, she would take us grandchildren all over the community to deliver her delicious madefrom-scratch cakes and farm-raised hen eggs. My grandparents always had a vegetable garden that they would share with the family, neighbors and friends.

Every summer my grandmother included her grandchildren in jelly-and-jam-making.

The smells of different fruits (apple, peach, blackberry, strawberry and scuppernong) have been annual memory makers for me.

“But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control.”

Galatians 5:22-23 Not only did my grandmother cook delicious foods for her family and friends, she lived out the fruits of the spirit in front of her grandchildren as well as children in the community. To celebrate National Cookbook Month, I’d like to share some recipes to teach our children about life. Let’s follow the recipe of the Fruit of the Spirit.

1. Take a gallon of love. This ingredient is one we need so much of. In fifth grade I can clearly remember our teacher had us memorize 1 Corinthians 13:13: “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

Young children love to sing songs of love for each other. Those of us who teach young children are blessed with hugs and hearing the words “I Love You.” 2. Sprinkle in a dash of joy. Children seem to understand the path of journeying to joy. Possibly “fresh from heaven,” an infant’s smile seems to indicate that God delights in His creation; they recognize God as joyful.

Children love to clap and sing. Happiness is conditioned by and often dependent on what is “happening to me,” but joy is

truly a divine dimension not shackled by circumstances.

3. Weigh out a pound of peace.

When teaching young children about peace as parents and teachers we can promote peace in a child’s relationship with others.

Sharing and getting along with family, siblings and friends promote peace in a child’s understanding.

Too, offering forgiveness to others when they have done wrong or hurt other people’s feelings practices peace. Even infants can discern peace in a caregiver as they are being rocked and cared for. Peace is achieved as we submit every situation to the Lord. “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:7 4. Throwing in a pinch of patience is such an asset in this fast-paced world.

Classroom teachers begin the school year by teaching children to wait their turn and not interrupt others.

I instruct my young students to put their fingers over their lips if they are having a hard time being patient. This gently reminds them to be patient and courteous to others. Too, I ask them to hold that thought until it is their turn. Teaching patience early in a child’s life is very important and will lead to happiness and contentment.

5. Pour in a cup of kindness. Have you ever noticed how raspberries spread everywhere? This is what we hope kindness will do, spread

Opelika Bicycle Advisory Committee meeting on Oct. 15 Courtesy of the City of Opelika

Sain Associates will be at the Opelika Bicycle Advisory

Committee meeting on Oct. 15, 2020 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. to discuss the future plans of bicycle lanes and pedestrian paths

in Opelika.

The meeting will be in the Opelika Sportsplex meeting room. The public is encouraged to attend

to share ideas and masks are required.

If you have any questions, email Scott Parker at sparker@ opelika-al.gov.

everywhere. “Love talked about is easily ignored. But love demonstrated is irresistible.” Children are taught not only by our words but our actions as we parents and teachers model kindness.

6. Measure out a tablespoon of goodness. Goodness is doing what is right in the sight of the Lord and man. It is doing the right thing for the right reason. We can guide our children during these uncertain times to hang on to a rope of good when they are disappointed or discouraged. Outreaching in goodness to others overrides bitterness and leads to deep-hearted joy.

7. Pouring in a quart of faithfulness is love hanging on.

Young children love to pray. With their young hearts, they believe in prayer.

They trust and know that God will keep his promises. Establish faith early in a child’s life even when there are disappointments and discouragements.

They will not quit because they have childlike faith. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Matthew 19:14 8. Pour in a pint of gentleness. W hen we think of gentleness we think of humility, lack of pride and mercy. In explaining this to young children I go back to the Greek language def inition that gentleness is “power under control.” I use examples of a wild horse that has been tamed.

SPORTS >> FROM B1 following is a breakdown of the supplements. *Athletic Director Mike Pugh receives $30,000 for serving in a part-time position.

Pugh also oversees the All-Sports Booster Club, which decides how this money is spent. *Head Coach Erik Speakman receives a $39,759 supplement on top of his teaching pay and is issued the athlete truck during the school year. *Football has nine assistant positions paying $6,375 each and totaling $57,375 *Two volunteer assistant positions at $4,200 each and totaling $8,400 *One football assistant at $2,675 *The offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator receive an additional $2,650 each, totaling $5,300.

October 14, 2020

Water under control rushing through the turbines of a dam versus water out of control, a f lood. Children seem to understand this when given examples of thinking of other people first. For children to look for the good in other children is a wonderful activity of gentleness.

It can be a simple game of children telling each other that they like or love about another child because, for example, they share.

9. A bowl of self-control rounds out the f lavor of this life recipe. Selfcontrol for children means that they obey and submit to their parents, teachers and rules. Teach children, to come in from outside or to come to a family meal when they are called. Being on a schedule contributes to good self-control.

Assigning chores to your children such as picking up toys, cleaning their rooms and doing schoolwork helps children to develop discipline, responsibility and self-control.

As we mix all the ingredients of the Fruits of the Spirit remember to add, blend and mix the golden rule of “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” This truly will help our children and ourselves to live a recipe that will shine love into the lives of others. Opelika and Lee County not only grows fruit for us to eat but it provides fruit for us to live by and to share with others.

Classroom Observer Beth Pinyerd

*One junior varsity assistant at $2,675 *One ninth grade head football coach at $4,825 *Two ninth grade coaches at $3,225 each and totaling $6,450 *One ninth grade assistant at $2,150 *One ninth grade assistant volunteer at $1,650 *One ticket coordinator at $2,000 *One varsity football strength coordinator at $1,615 The total amount of money paid by OCS for OHS Football is $134,915. This does not include teaching salaries or money paid by OCS for other duties.

In the coming weeks, I will update you on each sport’s coaches’ pays.

D. Mark Mitchell is sports director for iHeart Media, Alabama Dixie Boys State Director and vice president of the A-O Sports Council.

B4 October 14, 2020

Smiths Station stumble at Enterprise

By Wil Crews sportscrews@ opelikaobserver.com

On Thursday, The Smiths Station Panthers (3-4) were beaten at their own game – running the ball – as they lost 35-13 to the Enterprise Wildcats (5-2).

The Panther offensive line struggled to give the offense time all night and the typical ground-and-pound style of the Smiths offense was outmaneuvered by the motion-heavy and speedy offense of the Wildcats. In total, the Panthers had nine first downs and 224 total yards compared to Enterprise’s 22 first downs and 456 yards.

The loss moves Smiths Station to 3-4 (0-2), and they remain at the bottom of the 7A Region 2 standings.

After a hard fought first half that was played in less-than-ideal sloppy conditions, the Panthers found themselves down 13-0. Smiths may have felt a little cheated by the scoreboard as both of Enterprise’s firsthalf scores were from unorthodox plays. The Wildcats’ first drive stalled and they faced a fourth-and-13 from the 29-yard line. On a play action, Enterprise quarterback Quentin Hayes rolled right, threw across his body to the middle of the end zone and the ball fell gently – and ever

so nearly – over the diving Panther defender and into the grasp of the Wildcat receiver.

The PAT was good, 7-0 Enterprise.

The second score came after a trick play gave Enterprise revitalized momentum. What looked like a handoff was actually a reverse pass for the Wildcats.

The quarterback Hayes was running wild open down the sideline as he caught the pass as he was taken down at the 12-yard line. It was a good play to just stop the score. Still, the Wildcats were not to be denied. A big carry on first down and another power run‌ Enterprise had scored again with 2:20 left in

Beauregard: 19, Sylacauga: 51 Rick Lanier Opelika Observer

Hurricane Delta announced its arrival in Lee County as pouring rain from its outer bands soaked East Alabama for most of the day. Forty-five minutes before kickoff and Homecoming 2020, it looked like Delta had decided to sit for a spell as rain fell by the bucket-full on the Beauregard faithful filing in to the Hornet’s Nest for a night of pageantry and some pigskin action.

As pregame warmups continued in the rain, proud parents of the Homecoming Court, band and football team made their way to their seats looking skyward.

Then, with only minutes before the playing of the National Anthem, it was as if Delta looked down upon the faces of Beauregard and said “you’ve weathered your storm,� turned off the rain and moved on.

Delta was not the only thing to arrive in Lee County Friday night however, as the Aggies of Sylacauga had also arrived to take part in the night’s scheduled festivities. At 5-1 overall and 2-1 in conference play, Sylacauga sat in the proverbial cat-bird seat in relationship to the impending 5A, Region 4 playoffs while the Hornets’ playoff fate pretty much rested on a must-win situation against a conference leader and a talented football team.

The Hornets won the coin toss, deferred to the second half, and gave the Aggies first crack on offense; three plays and 1:45 later, the Aggies led 7-0.

The Hornets never flinch.

Instead, they answered with their own quickstrike drive capped off with a 40-yard touchdown romp by RB Trent Jones to even the score at 7-7.

With the momentum at their backs, Beauregard’s kickoff team executed a

perfect onside kick and the Hornets were back in business at the Sylacauga 45. Five plays later the drive stalled, and the Hornets were forced to punt.

Then it happened; that darn bug that has plagued the Hornets all year reared its head as the snap sailed over the head of K Cason Santa Anna, who was forced to kick the ball out of the back of the end-zone to prevent an Aggie scoop and score, resulting in a safety and making the score 9-7 Sylacauga.

To add insult to injury, Sylacauga’s return man fielded Santa Anna’s free punt at his own 45-yard line, darted left and raced down the sideline for another quick touchdown increasing their lead to 16-7. Just like that, one bad snap set off a cascade effect resulting in a 9-point difference and putting the Hornets in the unfavorable position of trying to play catchup against a formidable opponent.

On the first possession of the second quarter, the Hornets fumbled, putting the Aggies back on offense at the Hornet 20-yard line. From there, the flexible Hornet defense went to work forcing a punt to give the ball back to the Hornet offense. Both teams traded possessions until the Aggies managed to score on a 10-yard rush to put the Hornets’ backs to the wall at 23-7, and with one minute remaining in the second quarter, Sylacauga again found pay dirt to lead 30-7 at the half.

Keeping their playoff hopes alive did not get much easier in the second half. After receiving the ball to begin the third quarter, the Hornets could not find a rhythm and were forced to punt, sending their banged-up defense back onto the field.

Sylacauga continued

their ground assault with a heavy dose of #3 Maleek Pope, who the Hornets struggled with containing most of the night. As a result, the Aggies pushed across two more touchdowns to go ahead 44-7 with eight minutes to play in the game.

As in each previous game, the Hornet starters played and fought hard all night, but down 27 points and with time running out, Head Coach Rob Carter went to his bench, including at quarterback, to get some much needed playing time and valuable experience for the future starters. After a couple of impressive plays by freshman quarterback #12 Trent Molten, the Hornets scored as #23 Trent Jones plunged in from 1 yard out to put some Hornet points on the board and make the score 44-13.

After another Aggie score, and then trading possessions back and forth, Molten dropped back and found #3 K.J. Malloy in stride for a 45-yard touchdown strike with five minutes to play.

The Hornets mounted another drive late but could not find the endzone with the game ending with a final score of 51-19 in favor of the Aggies. With the loss, the Hornets slipped to 2-6 overall and 1-4 in conference play.

Coach Carter praised his team’s preparation, effort and execution during his post-game remarks. “I’m impressed with what we did. We still shot ourselves in the foot a bit with the fumble and interception, but I’m proud of them,� Carter said.

Beauregard travels to Elmore County on Friday, Oct. 16 to take on the Panthers at 7 p.m. CST. Elmore County High School is located at 155 N College St, Eclectic, Alabama, 36024.

“And a fake punt, quarterbacks going to take it out across the 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 40 of the Wildcats and finally knocked out of bounds at the 30-yard line but a good fake and run by the quarterback Minton.�

The Smiths offense had the ball in realistic scoring position for the first time all night and four plays later Minton f loated a pass to junior Cianan Williams for a 27-yard touchdown, cutting the lead to 217 with 5:07 left in the third quarter.

That’s as close as the Panthers would come however, as the two teams would then trade scores. Enterprise’s Josh

the half. 13-0. Smiths got a first down on the next possession but failed to threaten before halftime.

Enterprise opened the scoring in the third quarter but the Panthers finally responded with points of their own – and in epic fashion. After an almost interception on third-and-one from the Smiths 21-yard line, the Panthers appeared to send out the punt unit.

However, with quarterback Corey Minton – the team’s most effective runner this season – pulling double duty as punter – a role he’s occupied all year as well – head coach Mike Glisson had just the call hidden up his sleeve.

Mccray had a spectacular touchdown on thirdand-27 and Minton found his favorite target, Ahmari Peabody, for a 20-yard touchdown pass. Enterprise capped off the win with one more score late.

Minton and his receivers were the standouts for Smiths in the game. Peabody caught a touchdown and Williams had four receptions for 70 yards.

Minton finished 7-15 passing for 88 yards and 11 carries for 47 yards.

Next week, Smiths (3-4) play undefeated Auburn at Duck Samford Stadium. The game is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 16 at 7 p.m.

CST.

Glenwood Gash Hooper Academy 56-13

By Wil Crews sportscrews@ opelikaobserver.com

Wide receiver and cornerback A.J. Harris returned his fifth kickoff for a touchdown last weekend, leading the Glenwood Gators (70) and their explosive offense to a 56-13 win over at home versus Hooper Academy (4-3).

The win clinches

home-field advantage for the first round of the AISA Class AAA playoffs and keeps Glenwood perfect on the season, with all but one game – an early season 24-22 thrilling win over Escambia Academy – coming as blowouts.

The game began with the Harris 80-yard kickoff return for touchdown and the

Gators, like so many times this season, had jumped on their opponent early. The story of the game was the Gator offense.

Running back Kyle Robichaux added a seven-yard rushing touchdown to make it 14-0, and quarterback Jackson Griner added a 60-yard pass to See GLENWOOD , page B5

Cianan Williams, who had four catches for 70 yards and a touchdown

B5 October 14, 2020

OHS Varsity Volleyball honors seniors

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Left to right: Daysa Jones, Mya Bryant, LT Daffin, Coach Robin Roberts, Libby Gaberlavage, Meredith Cook and Jackie Cruz

AUBURN UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT TO SPEAK AT OCTOBER 28 OLLI BROWN BAG LECTURE LIVESTREAM ON FACEBOOK LIVE Contributed by OLLI

Dr. Jay Gogue, president of Auburn University, will present “Rambling Around in Horticulture” at OLLI’s Alabama Brown Bag Lunch & Lecture Series on Oct. 28. The presentation will be streamed via Facebook Live on OLLI at Auburn’s Facebook page at 12 p.m. CST. Gogue returned to

BEULAH >>

FROM B1

The Bobcats and head coach Matthew Johnson planned on bringing their own kind of storm.

However, ultimately, the Bobcats were f lushed away as they fell to the Rebels 47-13.

To an unknowing onlooker, the contest appeared even on the stat sheet. The Bobcats racked up 330 yards to Reeltown’s 353.

However, it was the Rebels’ dominant rushing attack that acted as the steady hand guiding them to victory. Reeltown junior running back Dakarian “Juicy” Hughley had a

his alma mater on July 16, 2007, as Auburn University’s 18th president and retired as president emeritus on July 1, 2017. He was appointed by the university’s Board of Trustees to serve as interim president effective July 8, 2019, and appointed the university’s 20th president effective Feb. 7, 2020.

The Waycross, Georgia, native earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees stellar night, leading the Rebels with 100 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just 10 carries.

The Bobcats fell behind after a 26-point first quarter from the rebels that included an opening-score punt return touchdown, a scoop-and-score and two rushing touchdowns.

Beulah responded quickly with a seven-play, 68-yard drive after allowing the opening score. Quarterback Kaleb Abney got the Bobcats on the scoreboard with a 24-yard touchdown run to tie the game up at 6-6 (both teams’ extra point attempts failed).

Abney finished

from Auburn and a doctorate in horticulture from Michigan State University.

Gogue is a member of the Phi Kappa Phi and Golden Key honor societies, Sigma Chi Fraternity, Sigma Xi scientific research society and the National Society of Scabbard and Blade, the honorary military society for all branches of service. He met his wife, Susie, in the eighth with 71 yards on the ground, 68 yards passing and added five tackles on defense.

The undeniable, storm-like drive may have bolstered the Bobcats’ confidence, but it didn’t undermine the Rebels. Reeltown quarterback Gabe Bryant led another Rebel scoring drive just before the end of the half. A 15-yard touchdown pass gave the Rebels a 33-6 halftime lead.

For Beulah, the only other score of the game from sophomore running back Jacori Tarver. Late in the fourth quarter, Tarver broke off a highlight reel 71-yard touchdown

grade, and they married during their undergraduate years at Auburn.

Susie Gogue also earned two Auburn degrees.

They are the parents of three children and have one grandchild.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Auburn University (OLLI at Auburn) hosts its Fall Brown Bag Lunch & Lecture Series from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. via Facebook run. He finished with 16 carries for 115 yards and one half of Beulah’s scores on the night.

Sophomore Caleb Burton led the Bobcats on defense with eight tackles; senior Owen Kelley contributed six; and junior Stanley Washington followed him with five.

The loss moves Beulah to 0-7 (0-5 in the region) and they will continue to look for their first win next week at home against the also winless Goshen Eagles (0-7) of Goshen, Alabama.

The game is scheduled for 7 p.m.

CST at 4848 Lee Road 270, Valley, Alabama 36854.

Live on OLLI at Auburn’s Facebook page at (facebook.com/ OLLIatAuburn). The program begins at 12 p.m. CST. The program is open to the public at no charge.

OLLI at Auburn is a program of the Office of the Vice President for University Outreach at Auburn University.

OLLI administrative offices and select classes are located at the historic

Sunny Slope property, 1031 South College St., Auburn, Alabama.

For more information regarding this event or to learn about becoming a Volunteer Faculty Member, Volunteer Service Assistant or sponsor, please contact Shawnee McKee, OLLI Administrative Support, at 334-844-3146, olli@ auburn.edu or visit the website at olliatauburn.org.

GLENWOOD>>

the game on a 70-yard run for six.

Griner finished with 133 yards passing and two touchdowns. He added 71 rushing yards and a score on the ground too. Robichaux finished with three touchdowns and a 28 yard per carry average and Beauchamp provided a spark in both the passing and rushing game with two scores of his own. It was a truly dominant performance from Glenwood who look to nearing their peak form.

The Gators look destined for a state championship appearance this season, but they must get through their last three regular season games first.

Glenwood play host to Lee-Scott Academy (2-5) next Friday, Oct. 16. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST at The Swamp.

FROM B4

Radonda Beauchamp to make it 21-0. Hooper academy managed to score on a five-yard touchdown run by running back Paul Menefee just before the half. It was 21-7 Gators at the break.

The second half was when Glenwood really clicked into gear.

Beauchamp caught another bomb from Griner; Griner scrambled in for a 46-yard score; Robichaux had two more rushing touchdowns – 51 and 71-yarders – and Beauchamp closed out the Gators’ scoring with a 54-yard rushing touchdown of his own.

Hooper’s Menefee was their lone standout player, and he got his second score of the night late in

B6 October 14, 2020

Auburn escapes with win over Arkansas

By Wil Crews Opelika Observer

Big throws from Bo Nix and even bigger runs from freshman running back Tank Bigsby.

That was the story in a wet, sloppy and explosive game in Jordan Hare on Saturday.

“Our guys kept battling,” Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn said. “We have an opportunity to get better each week.”

Auburn hosted the Arkansas Razorbacks, and in dramatic fashion, the Tigers came out on top. After a controversial botched spike from Nix was ruled as intentional grounding, Anders Carlson bounced back from a kick he missed two minutes earlier and hit a similar game-winning 39-yard field goal with 0:07 seconds left on the game clock to give Auburn the 30-28 win.

“I just kind gave him [Carlson] that look and gave him a fist bump, he knows,” Malzahn said.

“He’s a great kicker, one of the best kickers in the country. He was looking forward to that and you could see it in his eyes…

Game-winning kick at home in the SEC, it doesn’t get much better than that as a kicker and that will help him moving forward too.”

On Saturday, the Auburn offensive struggles of the first two weeks were put to bed and the narrative flipped, as the Tigers had five plays go for more than 20 yards, one fewer than their previous two-week total, and racked up 446 total yards of offense. In total, the Tigers had four passes of over 15 yards and 12 runs of over 10 yards. Part of that success has to be contributed to Bigsby.

While the abrupt runner only had one carry go for more than 20 yards – a 26-yarder in the second quarter – he gashed the Razorback defense time after time.

He had five of those runs of 10 or more yards and finished with 20 carries for 146 yards, good enough for a 7.3 yardper-carry average. “He broke tackles, he ran extremely hard,” Malzahn said of Bigsby. “He bounced a couple out, cut them back, ran some guys over… I thought he did a good job.”

Bigsby was undeniably

the main reason the Razorbacks were sent home squealing.

If there was any other difference in the closely contested game, it had to be the inclement weather. This was perhaps one of the reasons the Auburn offense leaned heavily on the run game and the young Bigsby to begin. “It makes my job a lot easier when he’s running the ball like that,” Auburn quarterback Bo Nix said about his freshman running back. “He’s young, he’s still got a lot to learn; but the effort, the intensity and the playmaking ability is definitely there for him.” Auburn ran for 215 yards in the first half; Bigsby was responsible for 106 of them. Sophomore running back D.J. Williams popped off a 41-yard run of his own late in the first.

Things were going well for the Tigers, Nix was unbothered – and barely used – and they looked to be focused on fixing the run blocking from the jump. “I thought [the offensive line] really did a good job,” Malzahn said. “We talked all week about being balanced and we got to be able to run the football.”

The defense matched the offense’s promising start and with 4:32 left in the first quarter, and the Razorbacks punting

from their own end zone, Jordyn Peters got his fourth blocked punt of his career and walk-on Barton Lester recovered the ball in the end zone for the Auburn touchdown. “He [Peters] was close to blocking one the first game, it was nice that we got that,” Malzahn said. Tigers led 7-0 early.

The Tigers continued to pound the ball and throw towards the boundary; a Carlson field goal and a 15-yard Nix keeper-for-touchdown-run gave Auburn a 17-0 lead with 9:22 left in the second quarter.

The drive in which Nix kept it for the touchdown was a 10-play, run-only drive that was by far the Tigers’ best of the season to date.

But this is when Arkansas came into the game. At the 9:22 mark in the second quarter, Arkansas had only mustered 65 yards of offense. They finished with 437. Arkansas quarterback Felipe Franks began to find his rhythm and while not exposing the Auburn secondary, threw underneath them at will.

“He played tough,” Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman said of Franks. “He’s gotten better every week; it would be hard not to be proud of him tonight.” The drive after Auburn took the 17-point lead, the

Razorbacks responded with an 8-play, 65-yard drive that only took 2:58 of game clock. The Razorbacks had cut the lead to 10. After a four-play Auburn drive, Arkansas would find the end zone again, going 75 yards in two minutes.

Arkansas took the momentum into the half but trailed Auburn 17-12 (a botched extra point and failed two-point conversion cost them two points).

The second half saw the rain dissipate and the pass game punctuated.

While Nix was practically a spectator in the first half, he captained his team to victory in the second. He repeatedly found his favorite targets Seth Williams and Anthony Schwartz (the only two Auburn receivers to catch a pass) and, after having only 45 first-half passing yards, he finished with 187 yards and a score.

Nix had three of the five “big plays” for Auburn and they all came in the second half. The biggest came with 5:29 left in the fourth quarter as he found Williams for a 32-yard catch and the receiver hurdled a defender for extra yardage.

Arkansas had a number of big plays of their own; Franks had four completions of more than 20 yards and rallied his team to a second half comeback. The

Razorbacks had the ball, only needing a first down to ice the game, but went three and out.

Auburn received the punt and Anders Carlson made the game history.

Auburn escaped.

There were many positives to the performance but still plenty to worry about as Auburn fans would have expected less of a stress-you-theheck-out game.

Freshman tight end J.J. Pegues got some early action in the wildcat and had a nice first-down run, making two defenders miss with a spin move and hurdle in the process. Stud receivers Schwartz and Williams looked good; the former exploding for a 10-catch, 100-yard and one-touchdown performance. Williams looked a little banged up but still made three important catches for 70 yards. “[Williams] is not 100%,” Malzahn said. Although the lack of other receiving options is a worrying note, the stars on the outside seemed to be enough.

“You got to keep in mind those are two of the best receivers in our league, and they made some plays,” Malzahn added.

The Tigers defense held the Razorbacks to 6-15 on third down (40%), a mark the Auburn offense matched, and managed

to sack Franks three times (a mark the Razorbacks matched as well).

Neither team turned the ball over, but the Tigers had seven penalties for 72 yards.

That has to be cleaned up. Also, at least four kickoffs were sent out of bounds; “at least” is all that can be said because the frequency with which it kept happening was seriously that mind boggling. The young Auburn defense gave up 437 yards, but Big Kat Bryant’s absence cannot be discounted.

Linebackers Zakoby McClain and Owen Pappoe were huge for the Tigers in K.J Britt’s absence. McClain led the team with 13 tackles and Pappoe added 10 – both career highs.

For both teams in this game, at times, the football was restricted and forced; other times the offenses ran like water over a broken dam. The Tigers would have hoped for a better performance coming into the game, and fans expect Auburn to play well above the Hogs’ level. But given the conditions, and the outcome, Auburn and Malzahn will take the win.

“Extremely proud of our team to get a hardfought SEC victory,” Malzahn said.

Photos by Todd VanEmst/AU Athletics

B7 October 14, 2020

OPELIKA WINS REGION 3 CHAMPIONSHIP

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

B8 October 14, 2020

HOMECOMING COURT THE HIGHLIGHT OF THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL AT BEAUREGARD

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics

B9

October 14, 2020

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

GOP Control of U.S. Senate Critical for Alabama

T

he 2020 race for the White House will culminate in less than three weeks on Nov. 3.

However, some experts are predicting the outcome will not be determined that night and there will be a protracted result due to the massive number of mail-in votes.

In fact, state officials in Pennsylvania are expecting controversy. The Keystone state is looking like ground zero for the presidential contest. It is one of the largest key battleground states, and it has obviously been the focus of the Biden democratic presidential campaign.

Under the Electoral College System, there are six pivotal battleground states to watch on election night. The election will be decided in Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania and to a lesser degree in Michigan, Wisconsin and Arizona.

The proverbial October surprise in the presidential race occurred in late September. The passing of legendary liberal Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg changed the entire dynamic of the 2020 Election. The opportunity for President Trump to appoint an outstanding, accomplished, conservative federal jurist to the high tribunal is significant to say the least.

Trump’s appointment of Judge Amy Coney Barrett is truly historic. If Barrett is confirmed, it will change the entire ideology of the court to a solid six-to-three conservative majority. Trump’s appointment of Barrett is even more pivotal than his previous Gorsuch and Kavanaugh appointments. In these two cases he replaced conservatives with conservatives.

With Barrett, he is replacing a woman with a woman, but more importantly he is replacing one of the most liberal judges in history with potentially one of the most conservative. From a political standpoint, this Supreme Court surprise is like manna from Heaven for Trump and the Republicans.

The pandemic was the issue prior to the Ginsburg/Barrett surprise. Trump was not going to win on that issue as the person in the White House. While

Auburn City Council approves fire station bid

By Hannah Lester hlester@opelikaobserver.com

STEVE FLOWERS he may not have caused the problem, voters must blame someone. The campaign focus briefly changed from COVID-19 to the Supreme Court battle. However, Trump’s contraction of COVID-19 redirected the campaign focus back to the pandemic. Things are changing so rapidly that the Supreme Court hearings and ultimate vote for confirmation scheduled for the last week of October may refocus the campaign theme back to a partisan divide between the socially liberal Democrats and the conservative Republicans. It will illuminate the differences in the two parties.

The philosophical chasm is deep and wide.

Which brings me to this point – the battle over control of the U.S. Senate is just as important as the presidential contest in this year’s election. President Trump could not have garnered three Supreme Court appointees without the confirmation by the majority Republican Senate.

Currently, Republicans have a slim 53 to 47 majority in the U.S. Senate.

There are three Republican incumbent senators behind in polling and fundraising. The GOP is in serious jeopardy of losing seats in Colorado, Arizona and Maine; in addition, Iowa and North Carolina are toss ups.

Your vote may not count for much in the presidential race. Trump wins in Alabama probably by a 60/40 margin. However, folks, I am here to tell

Auburn City Council approved the contract for the new Auburn Fire Station during Tuesday night’s city council meeting.

The contract with W.W. Compton Contractor, LLC was approved for over $3.1 million for the Fire Station 6 Project.

The new fire station will include living quarters, an apparatus bay, parking and driveways, according to the city of Auburn e-packet.

W.W. Compton Contractor, LLC was the lowest bidder, and the amount will include cost of labor, equipment and other materials.

The contract was passed without discussion.

City Street Project The council approved the condemnation of Orange-Auburn III, LLC and Orange-Auburn LLC Tuesday night.

The condemnation was a part of Project No. STPOA-4116, which includes work on South College Street, Samford Avenue, Gay Street and Reese Avenue. This project will include resurfacing, widening, traffic signals and drainage improvements.

“In order for construction of the

above-mentioned project to begin, we need to acquire 19 tracts of property,” the city’s e-packet said. “To date, we have acquired 13 tracts of the required property. This project is partially funded by State/Federal funds. On projects where State/ Federal funds are being utilized, the right of way acquisition process is required to follow the Federal Uniform Act. This is overseen by the Federal Highway Administration.”

Assistant City Manager Megan Crouch said that the city always asks for donation of property but often needs to compensate through city or federal funds.

City officials, the appraiser Mike Thompson and Jason Price, owner of Orange-Auburn, III, LLC, met several times to work out a price for the property.

“The final offer was for $155,000 for 0.04 acres of right of way, $2,900 for improvements, and $62,600 for 0.06 acres of a temporary construction easement totaling $220,500,” the city’s e-packet said.

Price did not agree to terms, so the city voted for condemnation.

“The condemnation is just basically saying, this project is going See COUNCIL, page B10

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See FLOWERS, page B10

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Ward 2 Thursday, October 15 Diversity and inclusion are important to the success of any community. Your voice matters. Please plan to take part in this meaningful discussion. Moderator will ask questions to engage residents in a thoughtful and productive community conversation.

Questions, contact City of Opelika, Community Relations Officer, Leigh Krehling, lkrehling@opelika-al.gov.

Moderated by Leadership Empowerment Strategies

B10 October 14, 2020

CITY OF OPELIKA PLANNING DEPARTMENT IMPLEMENTS A KEEPING OF CHICKENS APPLICATION AND APPROVAL PROCESS Courtesy of the City of Opelika

The City of Opelika Planning Department has implemented a Keeping of Chickens Application and approval process.

The application can be found on the city website at www.opelika-al.gov/ DocumentCenter/ View/2780/Keepingof-ChickensApplication-PDF. The approval process

for having chickens within the city limits is simple. Residents can fill out the application and send it to the Planning Department. Planning will approve a site plan with the location and number of chickens via a signature.

Then Environmental Services has the final approval via a signature of all other items related to the keeping of chickens.

If a property owner

See COUNCIL, page B11

to move forward and then the next avenue of relief that the property owner has is to go to the court and to petition the court to get more money,” Buston said. “The property owner cannot petition the court to stop the project but they can petition the court to get what they believe to be fairly compensated for the property.”

Council Member Bob Parsons, Ward 5, asked Buston whether the property owner often receives more money in a decision from the court.

Buston said that the court normally upholds the amount the city offers to the property owner.

The council’s next approved item of business was also related to the street widening and resurfacing project.

The council approved a permanent easement and temporary construction easement for over $18,000 to Tucker Brantley Brown for his property at 341 and 351 South Gay St. Traffic Signals: The council approved a contract with Sain Associates, Inc. for signal performances measures for over $123,000.

“The services include managing the City’s existing TACTICS and GLANCE/AI central systems via Temple Managed Services (TMS), monitoring SPM data and retiming four traffic signals on Opelika Road and deploying additional equipment, initial SPM

setup plus one year of access to SPM data, monitoring SPM data and the retiming of three traffic signals on Glenn Avenue, three traffic signals on Gay Street and two traffic signals on Samford Avenue,” the city’s e-packet said.

Although the contact was approved, council member Kelley Griswold, Ward 2, pulled the item for discussion and expressed concern that neither East University Drive nor Cary Drive was included in the study.

“My first question is, when do we anticipate authorization number three to come before the council, which will cover the five uncoordinated signals on East University and Shug,” he said.

City Manager Jim Buston said that what the council approved was only the first part, and it was also a sort of trial.

Buston said there is no certain date for work authorization 3, which is already budgeted, because this is a test run of the program.

Pre-Zoning, Zoning and Annexation: The council approved the pre-zone, zoning and annexation on 24.3 acres of rural land during Tuesday night’s meeting. Each was voted on separately.

The property, the Silos at Conway, is located east of the city of Auburn Soccer Complex on Wire Road.

The council fist approved that the 24.03 previously rural acres be rezoned to Limited Development District.

The council then approved that the property

be annexed.

Finally, the council approved that 50.29 acres, The Silos at Conway, be applied to the Planned Development District designation and rezoned as PPD Overlay.

There were two community members who were against the decisions made.

“It’s important to recognize that the decisions made tonight on this issue will have long-lasting implications on the residents living in the neighborhoods along wire road,” said one community member, David Ennis.

Ennis asked the council to deny the pre-zoning application and later asked the council to deny the zoning and annexation.

“I have some concerns about the traffic issues that are going to arise from this intense development proposed and particular with the Cox Road now being a major access to the city,” said another resident, Clint Lothrop Jr. Other Business: The council approved a contract with The Lee County Humane Society for animal sheltering services for over $209,000.

The council approved a contract with Suncoast Infrastructure, Inc. for the Southside Sewer Basins 6 and 16 Rehabilitation Project for over $426,000.

The council approved a contract with Hoar Program Management, LLC for the Environmental Services and Public Works Relocation Project for over $399,000.

seven Congressmen combined do not have 10% of the influence that Senator Shelby does.

Doug Jones is totally irrelevant when it comes to Alabama.

His only relevance in the Senate is to be a pawn for the New York and California liberal Democrats. He has voted reliably with Democratic leader

Chuck Schumer and along with Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and Kamala Harris. Indeed, Jones has voted so much like a Californian, most of his campaign money has come from the California Democrats.

Actually, Jones is referred to in Washington as California’s third U.S. Senator.

Regardless of the fact,

philosophically Jones is the most liberal senator to sit in an Alabama senate seat in recent times, economically a vote for a Democrat could cost Alabama millions of federal dollars. Therefore, not only is a vote for Doug Jones a vote against Richard Shelby and the state of Alabama, but if you work or benefit from UAB or Redstone

Arsenal or any military facility in our state, you may be voting to cut your own throat.

See you next week.

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

has not been given prior approval from Environmental Services for the keeping of chickens then the application process will need to be completed. Also, city approval does not override other covenants, deed restrictions and/ or homeowner’s association requirements.

For more information, please contact the Planning Department at 334.705.5156.

Opelika City Council passes resolution opposing quarry in Beulah

By Michelle Key Publisher

The Opelika City Council passed a resolution formally opposing a proposed granite rock quarry in the Beulah community. The Auburn City Council issued a similar resolution last month, as did the City of Valley.

During the meeting, Mayor Gary Fuller announced the reappointment of Mary Bryant to the Opelika Housing Authority for a term that will end on Oct. 18, 2025 presented an ‘Attagirl Award’ to Gwin Ligon for her dedication and superior work especially during the last six months of the pandemic. presented

FLOWERS>> FROM B9 you that your vote in Alabama’s U.S. Senate race is paramount for the State of Alabama.

If the U.S. Senate flips from Republican to Democratic, our iconic senior senator Richard Shelby loses the chairmanship of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee and

proclamations for ‘Mona Burke Day’ and ‘Domestic Violence Awareness Month.’

Burke was one of nine SilverSneakers members selected as finalists for this award, and a public online vote determined the national winner. The award is named for SilverSneakers founder, Mary Swanson, whose father served as the inspiration for the nationally acclaimed fitness program.

In other business, the council: approved a request from Chickchick Porkpork Grill LLC DBA Chickchick Porkpork Grill Mookchi Bar for a restaurant retail liquor and retail beer

Alabama loses our power in Washington.

Therefore, a vote for liberal Democrat Doug Jones is a vote against Richard Shelby and the state of Alabama.

The amount of federal money Richard Shelby brings home to Alabama as Chairman of Appropriations is unimaginable. He is Alabama’s number one economic engine. Our

on premise alcohol license approved a request from Twice Baked LLC Dba Twice Baked Restaurant for a retail liquor and retail beer on-premise alcohol license approved a request from Z and Z Cigar Company LLC for a lounge retail liquor class i and retail beer on-premise alcohol license held public hearings and later voted to approved weed abatement assessments for the following properties: - 1109 Magnolia St. - 514 Old Columbus Rd. - 105 Vaughan Ave. - 209 N. 16th St. - 915 York Ave. - 308 Brannon Ave.

COUNCIL>> FROM B9

B11 October 14, 2020

W

Bodyguards for politicians: Sometimes a killer sneaks through

hen Jimmy Carter was on the verge of his presidential inauguration in January 1977, he wondered how he could convince his independent mother, Miss Lillian, to have a bodyguard. With her work on Carter’s 1976 campaign, she was a darling of the press for her outspokenness and Southern charm. As part of the president’s family, Miss Lillian could get 24-hour protection. Finally, she allowed a state trooper who was a friend from Plains, Georgia, to be her bodyguard.

“What started out as a security job turned into a personal aide job as time went on and we got closer to each other,” recalled Ray Hathcock in A Remarkable Mother. “Pretty soon I was doing her shopping at the grocery store and, as she told everybody, the liquor store. I never let her run out of her favorite Old Forester bourbon!”

But protecting public figures is a serious

job. Here, I write about two recent non-fatal shootings, as well as the deaths of two lionized American politicians.

During a popular “Congress on Your Corner” meeting in 2011, U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords of Tucson, Arizona, had police nearby. Suddenly a man fired a 9mm pistol with a 33-round magazine, hitting 19 people and killing six. The shooter was charged with, among other felonies, attempting to assassinate a member of Congress.

Giffords was hit from point-blank range, so she sustained serious head injuries and resigned from the House in 2012. Leaders such as the House Speaker and Minority Leader have several assigned guards, from the U.S. Capitol Police. Other members usually only have guards or police present when they ask specifically for help.

The criminal shot so fast that he wasn’t caught until he had done his dirty deed. The

COUNCIL>>

‘Drive-Thru Trick or Treat’ event approved a special appropriation for the annual health fair approved six special appropriations from the Ward 1 Reserve Fund to several organizations and groups including: The Arts Association of East Alabama, Carver Primary School, Circles of Opelika, Envision Opelika, Opelika Learning Center and Covington Recreation Center approved three special appropriations from the Ward 2 Reserve Fund to Knee High Foundation, the One Voice Shelter Coalition and Envision Opelika approved two special appropriation from the Ward 3 Reserve Fund to Opelika City Schools General Fund and to Envision Opelika approved the transfer of current year city council discretionary fund balances approved an amendment to the zoning ordinance Section 2.2, 7.3 C to add Section 8.28, 8.28.2 approved the reappointment of Linda Summers to the Library Board for a term that will end on Oct. 19, 2024.

City Council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday nights of every month.

The next meeting is scheduled for Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. with a work session that will be held before the meeting. Work sessions and council meetings are open to the public and live-streamed via the city’s YouTube channel (Opelika City Gov).

FROM B10 - 810 Williamson Ave. approved a bid for the Opelika Fire Department for protective clothing approved a proposal from IHeart Media for radio advertising services approved a resolution for emergency repairs for an aeration mixer for public works approved a resolution for emergency repairs on the I-85 Exits 60 and 62 approved the purchase of Google Software for the IT department approved the purchase of Microsoft Software for the IT department approved the purchase of 624 Toter 96 Gal. EVR II carts approved the purchase of one 2021 Peterbilt 520 Daycab W/ McNeilus 2849 Side Loader Body approved the purchase of one 2021 Peterbilt 520 W/ Heil Command SST 28CY approved a resolution to authorize the retirement and disposition of a police service dog approved an annual appropriation contract for the FY2021 with Alabama Cooperative Extension approved an annual appropriation contract for the FY2021 with OIDA approved a special appropriation to East Alabama Community Ballet approved a special appropriation to Opelika Main Street to sponsor the downtown

security team did not fail; everything just happened so fast.

Giffords is a strong gun control advocate.

Her husband Mark Kelly was an astronaut and is retired from the Navy. He is the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate in Arizona; his campaign slogan is “The Mission Comes

By Greg Markley First.”

In 2017, Congressman evading metal detectors, Steve Scalise, of then shot and killed Louisiana, was woundMayor George Moscone ed when a left-wing activist shot at Republican and Supervisor Harvey Milk. Milk was the congressmen at a basefirst openly gay man ball practice. The only elected a state official in one hit was Scalise; he California. He became lost a lot of blood, but fully recovered in a few a martyr for the gay rights movement. After weeks. As his website the killings, many peonotes, “…Scalise was ple left flowers outside saved by a heroic reCity Hall, and at night sponse from the U.S. there was a spontaneous Capitol Police Special candlelight march to Agents and Alexandria City Hall.

(VA) Police Officers.”

In 1978, I was a Scalise has 24-hour 22-year-old political protection because he science student and is in the leadership, as editor of my college Republican Whip. newspaper. I often On Nov. 27, 1978, a went to the City Hall disgruntled former San in Providence, Rhode Francisco Supervisor Island, to attend city snuck into City Hall,

council meetings or for campaign events. Some security guards knew me and often waved me through without fully checking my bags.

But after the murders in California, things got more by-the-book.

I didn’t complain, though. I felt safer.

Democratic presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy was shot in Los Angeles on June 5, 1968 and died 26 hours later. The New York Senator and former U.S. Attorney General was surging after winning several primaries and he had a good shot of winning the general election. But death came at 42 years old.

(He was assassinated just 4 ½ years after his brother, President John F. Kennedy, was shot and killed in Dallas, Texas.)

Shockingly, the government did not yet provide Secret Service protection for presidential candidates. Kennedy’s paid security consisted of only one man, a former FBI agent. He had two

unofficial bodyguards: 1960 Olympic decathlon gold medalist Rafer Johnson and former LA Rams player Rosey Grier. They captured the suspect, but three shots had already hit RFK. The Secret Service extended coverage to all major candidates shortly after the senator’s death.

In the 1992 film The Bodyguard, a character says to professional bodyguard Frank Farmer (Kevin Costner): “They say you used to be with the Secret Service.” Frank: “That’s right.” Other character, “Ever guard the main man?” Frank again: “I was two years with Carter, four with Reagan.” Response: “Reagan got shot!”

Frank says, “Not on my shift.” A happy ending there, thank goodness.

Greg Markley has lived in Lee County for 20 of the past 24 years.

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

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-examinations 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 experience 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 submit a completed Employment Application with qualifications to ravery@opelikaha.org or to Human Resources, Opelika Housing Authority, 1706 Toomer Street, Opelika, AL or mail to P.O. Box 786, Opelika, AL 36803-0786.

Applications accepted until the position is filled.

(Please No Telephone Calls).

HELP WANTED: Mechanical Engineer- Position available in Opelika, AL. Seek one with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering and 2 year experience as Mechanical or Process Engineer in the manufacturing industry.

Duties include operating and developing manufacturing machines and systems; conducting optimal systems maintenance and operations, etc. Mail resume with cover letter to “KOAM, LLC” at 2401 Industrial Blvd, Suite 2, Opelika, AL 36801.

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B12 October 14, 2020

PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE OF CIVIL LAWSUIT IN UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF ALABAMA TO: SLOCUMB LAW FIRM, LLC AND MICHAEL W. SLOCUMB This is to notify you that Civil Action No. 3:18-cv-00145, entitled Eugene Scalia, Secretary of Labor, United States Department of Labor v. Slocumb Law Firm, LLC and Michael W. Slocumb is currently pending in United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama.

Claims against the Defendants include the allegations that Defendants violated provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, 29 U.S.C. § 201, et. seq., by failing to compensate employees working over 40 hours in a workweek at a rate of at least one and one-half times the employees’ regular rate and for failing to comply with the recordkeeping requirements of said Act. The Complaint seeks back wages and an equal amount in liquidated damages for each affected employee for a period of two years prior to the filing of the lawsuit until final judgment of this matter, and further seeks injunctive relief against future violations of said Act. You are hereby notified that you are required to answer the claims against you within thirty (30) days of the last publication of this notice. The last date of publication of this notice will be October XX, 2020. Failing to answer or plead in response could result in the entry of a default judgment against Defendants for the relief sought.

Jeremy K. Fisher JEREMY K. FISHER Senior Trial Attorney United States Department of Labor 61 Forsyth St. SW, Room 7T10 Atlanta, GA 30303 Legal Run 09/23/20, 09/30/20, 10/07/20 & 10/14/20 --------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF EDWARD CHARLES ARNDT, DECEDENT NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR Letters Testamentary of said Edward Charles Arndt, deceased, having been granted to Cat hrine A. Jordan, this 2nd day of October, 2020, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is he re by 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.

Cathrine A. Jordan, Executor Cathrine A. Jordan 57 Forsyth St NW, 11 F Atlanta, GA 30303 678-644-6050 LEGAL RUN 10/14/2020, 10/21/2020 & 10/28/2020 -------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF

CALVIN STRINGER, DECEASED CASE NO.: 2020-398 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS OF ADMINSTRATION over the Estate of Calvin Stringer, having been granted to Charles E. Stringer on the 7th day of October, 2020, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Chareles E. Stringer Legal Run 10/14/2020, 10/21/2020 & 10/28/2020 -------------IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: HELENE. STANLEY, Deceased, Case No.: 2020- 401 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Randall Stan ley, Personal Representative on the 8th day of October, 2020,

by Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Comi of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Randall Stanley Legal Run 10/14/2020, 10/21/2020 & 10/28/2020 -------------Victoria Rodgers, whose whereabouts is unknown, must answer David Toxey, Jr.’s Petition for Modification of Custody and other relief by October 16, 2020, or thereafter, a judgment by default may be rendered against her in Case No. DR-2009476.02, Circuit Court of Lee County.

Done this 13th day of September, 2020 MARY B. ROBERSON, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Lee County Shane Neese 501 Geneva Street Opelika, AL 36801 Attorney for David Toxey Jr. Legal Notice 09/23/20, 09/30/20, 10/07/20 & 10/14/20 -------------LEGAL NOTICE In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given that Sports Turf Company DBA Sports Track Company, Inc. Contractor, has complete the Contract for Project 19-14 Beulah Park construction at 11099 Lee Road 379, Valley, AL 36854, County of Lee, For Lee County, Owner(s), and have made request for final settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify Sports Turf Company, Inc. 1487 Black Dirt Road Whitesburg, GA 30185 Legal Run 09/23/20, 09/30/20, 10/07/20 &

10/14/20 ________ NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF JOHN NGUYEN, Deceased PROBATE COURT, LEE COUNTY CASE NO. 2020-355 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENT ARY of the Estate of JOHN NGUYEN are hereby granted to Toan Nguyen, on the 18th day of September, 2020, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama.

Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

TOAN NGUYEN Legal Run 09/30, 10/07 & 10/14/2020 _____ IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE CONSERVATORSHIP OF MARTHA NELL STRINGER. An Incapacitated Person CASE NO.: 2014-A072 NOTICE OF PARTIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that Athera Kimble, Conservator of Martha Nell Stringer, an incapacitated person, has filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, her accounts, vouchers and statements for a Partial Settlement of the Conservatorship of Martha Nell Stringer covering the period from November 21, 2015 through August 20, 2020. A hearing has been set for the 27th day of October, 2020 at 1 o’clock p.m. central time in the Court Room of the Lee County Courthouse, 215 South 9th Street, Opelika, Alabama.

Done this the 29 day of September 2020.

BILL ENGLISH Judge of Probate Legal Run 10/07/20, 10/14/20 & 10/21/20 ____ CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, AL FAMILY COURT DIVISION: JUVENILE IN THE MATTER OF: K.T.M. (05/16/2019) R.P.M. (05/13/2020) – minor children JU-2020-019.02: JU2020-134.02 NOTICE TO: Any unknown father(s) of the minor children listed above. Custody of the minor child K.T.M was vested with Lee County DHR on 02/19/2020 and custody of R.P.M. was vested with Lee County DHR on 05/18/2020. Any unknown father(s) must answer the Petition to Terminate Parental Rights filed in the Family Court of Lee Co., AL by Lee Co DHR, within fourteen (14) days from the last date of publication of this notice, or a final judgment may be rendered in the Family Court of Lee Co., AL terminating your parental rights and possibly result in place said children for adoption.

Mary Roberson, CIRCUIT CLERK Lee County Justice Center 2311 Gateway Dr. Opelika, AL 36801 Hon. Margaret A. Mayfield Attorney for Lee

County DHR P.O. Box 809 Opelika, AL 36801 (334) 745-0333 Legal Run 10/7/20, 10/14/20, 10/21/20 & 10/28/20

proposal furnished to him/her by the City of Opelika. All information in the proposal must be completed by the bidder for the proposal to be accepted.

--------------

A Bid Bond in the amount of five (5) percent of the bid amount made payable to the City of Opelika must accompany each bid. Performance and Payment Bonds for the full contract sum will be required of the successful bidder.

The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities.

INVITATION TO BID #21001 Sealed bids for the construction of the Influent Sewer Rerouting for Eastside WWTP shall be received at the Opelika City Hall Council Chamber, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 pm local time on November 9, 2020, and then publicly opened and read aloud. All interested parties are invited to attend. Only bids from competent general contractors will be considered. At the time of contract award, the successful bidder must be a properly licensed general contractor.

The attention of all bidders is called to the provisions of State law governing “General Contractors” as set forth in the Ala. Code §34-8-1, et.seq. (1975) and rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto.

Bidders must be licensed by the Licensing Board for General Contractors when bids are submitted.

Work to be done: The work to be completed for the Influent Sewer Rerouting for Eastside WWTP is described briefly as follows: Improvements will include the addition of ±790 L.F. of 18” PVC Gravity Sewer to redirect flow to an existing WWTF Influent Pump Station.

Miscellaneous piping improvements will be required to tie into the existing gravity sewer system and the existing Pump Station well.

Bidders are required to have a State of Alabama General Contractor’s License with a specialty of “Highways and Streets, Clearing and Grubbing, Earthwork, Erosion, Site Work, Grading or Municipal and Utility.” All bidders must submit with their proposal, contractor’s license number and a copy of the license. State law Ala. Code §34-8-8(b) requires all bids to be rejected which do not contain the contractor’s current license number. Evidence of this license shall be documented on the outside of the sealed bid envelope.

All bidders shall possess all other licenses and/or permits required by applicable law, rule, or regulation for the performance of the work.

Copies of Bidding Documents may be obtained from ESG Engineering - contact Margaret Hildebrand at mhildebrand@ esgengineering.com to procure Bidding Documents and to be added to the Bidder’s List (required to bid on project). Digital documents will be provided at no charge and hard copies will be provided upon non-reimbursable payment of $200.00.

The bidder’s proposal must be submitted on the complete original

Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, Purchasing-Revenue Manager, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama, 36803-0390.

Attn: Influent Sewer Rerouting for Eastside WWTP LILLIE FINLEYPURCHASING REVENUE MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (36801) POST OFFICE BOX 390 OPELIKA, ALABAMA (36803-0390) Legal Run 10/14/20, 10/21/20 & 10/28/20 -------------NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Opelika will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, November 17, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. in the Courtroom of the Opelika Municipal Court Building, 300 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama.

PURPOSE The purpose of said Public Hearing will be to consider the adoption of an ordinance to amend Ordinance Number 124-91 (entitled “Zoning Ordinance of the City of Opelika”) adopted on September 17, 1991.

At said Public Hearing all who desire to be heard shall have the opportunity to speak for or in opposition to the adoption of the following ordinance: ORDINANCE NO. ________ AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows: Section 1. That Ordinance 124-91 entitled “Zoning Ordinance City of Opelika, Alabama”, adopted on September 17, 1991, and the Zoning Map of the City of Opelika provided for and referred to therein, as previously amended and/or modified, be and the same is hereby amended by rezoning or redistricting the parcel of land hereinafter in this section described, so as to change such parcel from one class of district to another class of district as follows, to-wit: From a R-1 District (Rural District) to a R-2 District (Low Density Residential District), the parcel of land hereinafter

described: All of the following described property lying to the south of the section line dividing Sections 3 and 10, 19N, Range 27E in Lee County, Alabama, to wit: From the Northeast corner of the Northwest Quarter of Section 10, Township 19 North, Range 27 East, in Lee County, Alabama, thence run Westerly along the North Section line of said Section 10 for 435 feet; thence run South 570 feet; thence run West 395 feet to said point of beginning; thence continue Westerly for 1,750 feet, more or less, to the Easterly margin of North Uniroyal Road; thence run Northerly along the Easterly margin of said road for 2,430 feet, more or less, to the intersection of Ridge Road with North Uniroyal Road; thence leaving said margin of said road run South 37 degrees 32 minutes East for 610.3 feet; thence run South 54 degrees 10 minutes East for 135.6 feet; thence run South 87 degrees 29 minutes East for 674.6 feet to the Southerly margin of Ridge Road; thence continuing along said margin of said road run South 59 degrees 21 minutes East for 565.2 feet; thence along a curve to the left, the radius of said curve being 867.05 feet for 205.2 feet; thence leaving said margin of said road run South 29 degrees 25 minutes West for 107.6 feet; thence run South 44 degrees 00 minutes East for 260.0 feet; thence run South 50 degrees 00 minutes East for 600.4 feet; thence run South 1 degree 10 minutes East for 542.2 feet; thence run South 18 degrees 15 minutes East for 2,233.5 feet; thence run West for 1,599.3 feet; thence run North 1,869.9 feet to said point of beginning.

The above-described property, lying in Section 10, Township 19N, Range 27E in Lee County, Alabama, contains approximately 89.5 acres and is located in the 900 Block of North Uniroyal Road, Opelika, Alabama.

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

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

All interested persons are invited to attend the public hearing and be heard. Written comments concerning the above matter may be mailed to the City Clerk at P.O. Box 390, Opelika, AL 36803 at any time prior to the public hearing and may be further submitted to the City Council at the meeting and the public hearing.

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

WITNESS my hand this the 14th day of October, 2020. /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 10/14/2020

See PUBLIC NOTICE, page B13

B13 October 14, 2020

Letter to the Editor

I

would like to congratulate Todd Rauch for winning the Ward 5 seat on the Opelika City Council and his wife, Ali, for the dedication she demonstrated during the campaign. I wish Todd nothing but the best as he begins to serve the citizens of Ward 5 and all of Opelika. I extend to Todd all the cooperation I can offer for his transition to the Opelika City Council.

I thank God for giving me nearly 79

years of life on this beautiful place we call earth; and especially for placing me in the greatest city in Alabama – Opelika, where I have lived all my life.

I also want to thank my wife of 56 years, Ann, for all that she has done over the years to help me and the city of Opelika. Ann was the Opelika Main Street Director during the 1990’s when so much was started to make Downtown

Opelika what it is today. Thanks also to my adult children, Kimberly Burns and Chris Canon, and to my grandchildren Chasity Canon, Caroline Canon, Josh Beasley, and Brandon Beasley for all of their love and support.

To the citizens of Opelika, especially those in Ward 5, thank you for allowing me to serve this wonderful community for over 10 years as a member of the

Opelika City Council, the Opelika Planning Commission and the Lee-Russell Council of Governments. I have enjoyed working for you to make Opelika the best city in Alabama to live, work, play, raise a family, go to church and retire.

To those of you who have backed me in my run for re-election, whether by encouraging words or donations to my campaign, thank you for your loyalty, friendship and support.

And to the dedicated men and women who have served with me on the Opelika City Council and to Mayor Gary Fuller and his administrative staff and all the department heads and employees of the city, thank you for making my job on the city council both fun and enjoyable.

David Canon Opelika City Council 2010-2020

PUBLIC NOTICES FROM B12 -------------NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Opelika will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, November 17, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. in the Courtroom of the Opelika Municipal Court Building, 300 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama.

PURPOSE The purpose of said Public Hearing will be to consider the adoption of an ordinance to pre-zone certain real property located at 3001 Columbus Parkway (U.S. Highway 280 East) within the unincorporated area of Lee County, Alabama, to a R-3 District (Low Density Residential District. At said Public Hearing all who desire to be heard shall have the opportunity to speak for or in opposition to the adoption of the following ordinance: ORDINANCE NO.__________ ORDINANCE TO PRE-ZONE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3001 COLUMBUS PARKWAY (U.S. HIGHWAY 280 EAST) WHEREAS, Barbara F. Van Hooser, as the owner of certain real property located at 3001 Columbus Parkway within the unincorporated area of Lee County, Alabama, has requested that said property be pre-zoned to a R-3 District (Low Density Residential District) prior to annexing into the City of Opelika; and WHEREAS, said real property is located on the south margin of Columbus Parkway (U.S. Highway 280 East), and is more particularly described as follows: Commence at the Northeast Corner of Section 15, Township 19 North, Range 27 East to Lee County, Alabama, and run thence South along the East line of said Section 15 for 1,131.0 feet to a point on the Southerly margin of U.S. Highway #280, this being the point of beginning of the tract of land here to be described and conveyed; from said point of beginning, continue South along the East line of said Section 15 for 1,561 feet to a point; run thence West for a distance of 1,320.7 feet to a point; run thence North 00 degrees 41 minutes West for a distance of 1,091 feet to a point; run thence East for a distance of

742.3 feet to a point; run thence North for a distance of 550.1 feet to a point on the Southerly margin of U.S. Highway #280, run thence South 82 degrees 00 minutes East a distance of 597.2 feet to the point of beginning.

The above described property contains 38.3 acres, more or less, and is located at 3001 Columbus Parkway (U.S. Highway 280 East). ;and WHEREAS, at the regular meeting of the Planning Commission on September 22, 2020, the Commission did recommend to the City Council that said property be zoned to R-3; and WHEREAS, due notice of said proposed pre-zoning has been provided to the public as required by law through publication; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Opelika after due consideration, and upon consideration of the recommendation of the Planning Commission, finds and determines that the application for pre-zoning of the above described real property is proper and in the best interest of the citizens of the City of Opelika, Alabama.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Opelika, Alabama as follows: Section 1. Zoning.

That the above-described real property is hereby pre-zoned to a R-3 District (Low Density Residential District). Upon annexation of said property, the property shall be assigned the R-3 district and the zoning ordinance and zoning map shall be amended to reflect said zoning.

Should the annexation not occur prior to the expiration of this pre-zoning as set forth in Section 4, this pre-zoning shall have no effect and the property shall remain in the unincorporated area of Lee County, Alabama.

Section 2. Repealer.

All other City ordinances or parts thereof in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance, in so far as they conflict, are hereby repealed.

Section 3. Severability. The provisions of this Ordinance are severable. If any provision, section, sentence or part thereof shall be held unconstitutional or invalid, such decision shall not effect or impair the remainder of said Ordinance, it being the legislative intent to ordain and

enact each provision, section, paragraph, sentence or part thereof separately and independently of each other.

Section 4. Effective Date and Expiration Date. This Ordinance and, in particular the pre-zoning shall take effect after the date of its approval by the City Council of the City of Opelika and publication as required by law.

Pursuant to the Code of Alabama (1975), §11-52-85, the zoning of the property shall become effective upon the date the territory is annexed into the corporate limits. If any portion of the territory is not annexed into the corporate limits within 180 days of the initiation of annexation proceedings as provided by law, then this pre-zoning shall be null and void.

Should the pre-zoning become null and void, the applicant may reapply for pre-zoning at any time as long as an annexation petition is pending.

Section 5. Publication. This ordinance shall be published as provided by law in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Alabama.

All interested persons are invited to attend the public hearing and be heard. Written comments concerning the above matter may be mailed to the City Clerk at P.O. Box 390, Opelika, AL 36803 at any time prior to the public hearing and may be further submitted to the City Council at the meeting and the public hearing.

Please contact Kevin Rice, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334705-2083 two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to any disability.

WITNESS my hand this the 14th day of October, 2020. /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 10/14/2020 -------------NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF DAVID WHITE A/K/A DAVID H. WHITE, Deceased PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION of said deceased having been granted to John F. Hitchcock on the 2nd day of October, 2020, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate

Court of Lee County, Alabama.

Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be baned.

John Hitchcock Legal Run 10/14/20, 10/21/20 & 10/28/20 -------------CITY OF OPELIKA NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARINGS TO: RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA AND ALL OTHER INTERESTED CITIZENS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of Opelika, Alabama will hold a regular meeting and will be conducting public hearings on Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. in the Meeting Chamber at Opelika Municipal Court located at 300 MLK Boulevard, Opelika, Alabama.

A Planning Commission work session will be held at 2:45 pm before the regular meeting. The purpose of the public hearings is to receive public comment on the following: 1. A public hearing on a request by James L. McCrory, authorized representative for Rodney & Chandra Darden, property owners, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Darden Family Subdivision at Somerset Subdivision, Redivision of Lot 3 of First Revision of Parcel 7A, consisting of 3 lots accessed at 793 Allbrite Road.

2. A public hearing on a request by Hartbrook Opelika, LLC, authorized representative for David E. Goolsby, property owner, for preliminary plat approval of the Hartbrook subdivision plat consisting of 59 lots accessed from the northwest corner of Academy Drive and Veterans Parkway.

3. A public hearing on a request by Hartbrook Opelika, LLC, authorized representative for David E. Goolsby, property owner, for conditional use approval of a 59 unit townhome development accessed at the northwest corner of Academy Drive and Veterans Parkway.

4. A public hearing on a request by Ledge Nettles, authorized representative for Scott Hise, property owner, for conditional use approval of a commercial/contractor building with outside

storage development at 1033 Walker Gray Court.

5. A public hearing on a request by David Slocum, authorized representative for David Shunnarah, property owner, for conditional use approval of a RV sales lot at 1201 South Fox Run Parkway.

6. A request by Blake Rice, authorized representative for 280 Land Company, LLC, property owners, for final plat approval of the Hidden Lakes Phase 2 subdivision consisting of 68 lots accessed from Lakeview Drive and West Point Parkway.

7. A request by Blake Rice, authorized representative for Beulah Properties, LLC c/o Steven Corbett, property owners, for final plat approval of the Sentinel Hills Phase 3 subdivision consisting of 14 lots accessed from Lee Road 2192.

8. A request by Mike Maher, authorized representative for the Retirement Systems of Alabama, property owners, for final plat approval of the National Village Phase 1D Section 2 subdivision consisting of 20 lots accessed from Turkey Hill Circle.

9a. A public hearing to consider a recommendation to the City Council on a request

by Jason Horne, property owner, to rezone 6.2 acres accessed at the 2000 block Cunningham Drive from a R-4 to C-3 zoning district.

9b. An agenda item related to the rezoning request concerns an amendment to the Future Land Use Map for the 6.2 acres accessed at the 2000 block Cunningham Drive from a high density residential land use category to a general commercial land use category. If the Planning Commission votes to send a positive recommendation to the City Council to rezone the property and Council approves rezoning, then approval of said amendments to the Future Land Use map will be approved.

10.

The following other agenda item is included for review as “Other Business” at the October 27th Planning Commission meeting: Discuss provisions for tiny homes.

All interested persons are invited to attend the meeting/ public hearings and be heard. Written comments concerning the above matters may be mailed to the Planning Director at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama 36801 at any time prior to

the meeting/public hearings and may be further submitted to the Planning Commission at the meeting/public hearings.

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

Please contact Kevin Rice, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334705-5132 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability.

PLANNING DIRECTOR Legal Run 10/14/2020 -------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA In the Matter of the Estate of CHARLOTTE ANNE WARD, Deceased NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR AND NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS Letters Testamentary on the Estate of CHARLOTTE ANNE WARD, deceased, having been granted to the undersigned on the 28th day of July, 2020 by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of said County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law, or the same will be barred.

VIKKI HENDRICKS, Executor Legal Run 10/14/20, 10/21/20, & 10/28/20 -------------NOTICE OF COURT PROCEEDING CASE NO. ZELDA F. WILSON IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution In the Estate of ZELDA F. WILSON, deceased Notice is hereby fiven that a Petition for SUmmary Distribution has been filed in the LEE COUNTY Probate Office by Fred Lamar Wilson on Octeober 13, 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 10/14/2020

B14 October 14, 2020

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B15 October 14, 2020

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B16 October 14, 2020

Trump 2020 campaign materials available in Auburn Contributed by the Lee County Republican Party

Trump campaign material is available to interested parties at the campaign

office which is located at 1725 East University Drive in Auburn. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Trump signs are

complimentary. Come by to get one and see all the Trump buttons, hats, masks, f lags and more that are available for a small donation to the Lee County Republican Party.

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This week’s puzzle answers: