Opelika Observer 10-21-2020 E-edition

VOL. 13, NO. 3

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

pelika Observer O

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The Curtis House hosts 'Block Party' Female Eagle Scout hopeful delivers project to Haddie’s Home

By Will Fairless Associate Editor

The Curtis House hosted a block party celebrating the Opelika community on Saturday, Oct. 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Opelika Police Department barbecued, Taziki’s provided sides, vendors such as Sweet Treats were there and there were plenty of activities (community members participated in tug of war, flag football, soccer, corn hole and spike ball, to name a few).

ALEA landed a helicopter in close proximity to The Curtis House, and the OPD Unit Care, DARE car and an Opelika fire truck followed. Turn to A9 for more photos from the event.

City of Opelika holds first two listening sessions

By Will Fairless Associate Editor

The City of Opelika held the first two of its Diversity and Inclusion Listening Sessions last week. The session for Ward 4 was held on Tuesday, Oct. 13, and the session for Ward 2 was held on Thursday, Oct. 15, both in the Opelika Municipal Courtroom.

Both were moderated by Dr. Arturo Menefee, who is a lifelong resident of Opelika and the Director of Leadership Development for The University of Alabama Center for Economic Development. He received his Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration from Auburn University.

Menefee will be facilitating the

discussions about diversity and inclusion at the remaining three sessions just as he did for these first two. He will then present a report to the city summarizing what he heard from the Opelika community and will give a recommendation for action based on those findings.

“I’m your provoSee DIVERSITY, page A3

Claudia Mattingly, a 16-year-old Auburn High School student, presented her Eagle Scout service project on Friday. She will soon go in for a board of review to find out if she has done enough to achieve Eagle status in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) program.

Her Eagle coach (an adult who coaches a scout through the process of achieving Eagle

status) Kevin Harp said, “By the time they get to this point, it’s rare that somebody gets turned down. We do like a job interview, basically, and either approve or deny their eagle advancement.”

He added that Mattingly will be the first female Eagle Scout in Lee County, and she is part of the first generation of female Eagle Scouts anywhere.

“I’ve been in scouts since February 1st of See EAGLE, page A3

Auburn high schooler gets third in Shunnarah billboard contest

By Will Fairless Associate Editor Auburn High School student Anna Buckingham got third place in a contest to design a new billboard for Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys.

Her submission, called “Alabama’s Superhero,” met the contest criteria of being “Big, Bold, and Impactful” and earned her a $150 Visa gift card and a spot for her concept on one of Shunnarah’s bill-

boards.

Recently, the firm invited the public to design new concepts for the firm’s billboards, familiar to citizens of Alabama and throughout the southeast. The contest ended on Sept.

30, with 236 submissions from people ranging in age from 7 to 82. According to a press release from the firm, the submissions came from 168 different participants from across the country, and a few even came from South America.

“I am absolutely

amazed by the talent and creativity in all of these billboard designs,” said Alexander Shunnarah, president and CEO of Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys (according to the same release).

“Looking through each of the designs, I was blown away by every applicant’s hard work. I appreciate the time and thought each of the participants put into this design competition.”

Buckingham said she heard about the contest See BILLBOARD, page A2

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

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

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY. . . . . . . .A7

POLITICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B7

RELIGION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A13

PUBLIC NOTICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . B9

COMICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A16

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

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

A2 Oсtober 21, 2020

J. W. Darden High School Class of 1968 Scholarship Awards for 2020 Pictured left to right: Vivian Anthony, Mackenzie Kayler, Mayor Gary Fuller, Ali Rauch, Jill Robinson and Dinah Motley.

Opelika Chamber Receives Proclamation from City of Opelika Contributed by Opelika Chamber of Commerce Oct. 19 through 23 is Chamber of Commerce week in Alabama. The Opelika Chamber of

BILLBOARD

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FROM A1

from an advertisement on Instagram. She decided to enter it, as she is in a graphic design class at Auburn. She drew Shunnarah in a

Commerce works to create jobs and advocates for their businesses on the local, state and federal level in an effort to improve our local economy and community. Opelika’s Chamber is also one of the very

few chambers that is accredited in both the state and national chambers of commerce. Celebrate the Opelika chamber this week and every week for helping build a better Alabama.

superhero outfit with the firm’s brand colors incorporated into that outfit and the background.

“Getting third place means a lot to me, as it was such a big competition and people

I know will be able to see the finished product on a large scale,” Buckingham said. “I also hope that this can inspire others to put their own ideas out into the world.”

Contributed by the DHS Class of 1968 Four students have been awarded academic scholarships of $500.00 each.

Throughout this unusual year, in which schools across the nation were shut down, these exceptional grandchildren of 1968 DHS class members continued to excel in their academics. The class is proud to recognize their perseverance and outstanding accomplishments.

Each applicant wrote an essay highlighting the positive and negative effects that COVID-19 pandemic had on their 2020 senior year and high school graduation. The recipients are: Mya’ Bryant, Opelika High School,

CAMRON MARSHALL

MYA BRYANT

See AWARDS , page A6

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

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A3 October 21, 2020

America’s Thrift Stores Announces “Donate for Wishes” Donation Drive Contributed by America’s Thrift Stores America’s Thrift Stores announced its first Donation Drive in Opelika to benefit Make-A-Wish Alabama for its newest location at 1640 Parker Way, across the street from the Tiger Town Shopping center in the Old Gander Mountain location.

For every donation to America’s Thrift Stores, the company will make a cash donation to Make-A-Wish

EAGLE

Opening weekend, Thursday, Nov. 19 through Sunday, Nov. 22.

“We are thankful and excited to be opening this new location in the heart of Opelika,” said Ken Sobaski, America’s Thrift Stores CEO. “But more importantly, we are thrilled to partner with Make-A-Wish Alabama and help children in the state of Alabama through such a wonderful organization.

Last year, our customers helped us raise over $1 million. That money grants a lot of wishes.”

Additionally, America’s Thrift Store is proud of how its donation drives contributes to help the environment.

“Each year, America’s Thrift removes close to 50 million pounds out of local landfills,” said Director of Donations Reed Irvine. “We are so very proud that we can play such a critical part of the reduce, reuse, recycle efforts, and we want to give our customers the opportunity to effect real change in any way they can.”

“An Eagle project is basically the big, final thing you need to do to earn Eagle rank,” Mattingly said. “It’s a community service project that you plan, you do the budgeting, you do the fundraising, you plan who’s gonna be there, who’s going to do the building at what time and you deliver it.”

Mattingly and Elizabeth Hancock, the executive director of Haddie’s Home, had coordinated what kind of project the home would benefit from. After hearing that the home was trying to build a garden, Mattingly made plenty of suggestions, ultimately settling on building two planters

and two beehives.

“We really hope that the impact for our residents will be to see that people in the community care about them,” Hancock said. “But also that they can now learn and grow and develop new skills while they are here.”

Along with the planters and beehives, Mattingly provided two books on beekeeping, another on raised-bed gardening and a check that will cover at least the cost of the first generation of Haddie’s Home bees. She also did enough research that she’ll be able to answer any questions the people at Haddie’s Home have about using the planters and hives.

“I’m really, really proud of myself,” Mattingly said. “I’ve run into a little bit of [hate for being a female in BSA], but most of the time I just shrug and let them live how they want to live; I have fun, I know that the girls in my troop have fun. What they think shouldn’t matter.”

Menefee made an argument about why diversity matters. He listed four common benefits of having a more diverse group of people, in any endeavor: there are more skills and talents, new ways of thinking, different experiences and unique cultural backgrounds.

“Research shows that when you have students that are in a diverse environment, those students tend to score higher on tests than students that are not in a diverse environment,” Menefee said.

He asked for the community’s participation and for honest discussion even though it might be difficult.

The community responded enthusiastically, by answering Menefee’s question

about whether white privilege exists, for example. One community member said, “Even though I may have struggled in my life because I didn’t have money or because I’m a woman, or because anything else, I have never struggled because of the color of my skin. And that’s what white privilege is to me. I have never struggled because I’m white.”

On the topic of inclusion, specifically of Hispanics and Asians, and race relations, another community member said, “Look at what’s happened to Christianity in our country. To me, that’s a very very important part of what’s happened to our country. Faith in God has deteriorated so much and we’ve gotten away from those truths about,

‘love your neighbor.’”

Leigh Krehling, community relations officer for the City of Opelika, said, “The first two listening sessions went well. It’s been great to hear from people across the city about what is in their hearts and minds when it comes to diversity and inclusion.”

Krehling added that she, like Menefee, is looking forward to taking what is learned from the listening sessions and developing a plan of action for the future of the city.

There are three listening sessions remaining, all held from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Opelika Municipal Courtroom: Ward 1’s is Tuesday, Oct. 27; Ward 3’s is Thursday, Oct. 29; Ward 5’s is Thursday, Nov. 5.

Alabama, providing grant wishes for local children in the state of Alabama. The “Donate for Wishes” event will begin on Thursday, Oct. 22 and will run throughout the weekend with donations being accepted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

Consumers are invited to drop off gently used clothing, household goods, electronics and toys. In addition to helping Make-AWish, every person who donates will receive an offer good for Grand

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2019, which was the first day that females were officially allowed into the scouts BSA program,” she said.

Mattingly said that she decided to join BSA when she saw, via her brother’s involvement, what she was missing out on by being in Girl Scouts.

“Her brother’s been in scouts for eight years now, and she did Girl Scouts at first, but it wasn’t really what she liked to do,” said her father, Joe. “Then she went along with some of his stuff, and she loved it. She was mad that she couldn’t get the stuff that he was doing.”

The final service project was delivered to Haddie’s Home, a “Christ-centered home environment of trust and hope where girls in crisis have an opportunity to see God fulfill His purpose for their lives,” according to its website (www.haddieshome.com).

DIVERSITY

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cateur tonight,” Menefee said. “I’m gonna ask you some really tough questions and maybe challenge your thought process.

None of this is meant to create any kind of confusion or conflict or anything like that, but from my standpoint, those are typically the best discussions that really get at the root of the issue.”

Menefee had all the in-person attendees fill out surveys before beginning the discussions. The surveys will be used as a source of quantitative data to gauge the community’s feeling about diversity and inclusion.

It will accompany the qualitative data collected during the rest of the meeting.

The Grand Opening of America’s Thrift Store Opelika will kick off Thursday, Nov. 19 at 8:30 a.m. with door prizes, refreshments and a variety of activities throughout the weekend.

For more information about career opportunities for the new store, or about America’s Thrift Store coming to Opelika AL, please visit www.americasthrift. com/opelika.

About America’s Thrift Stores America’s Thrift

Stores is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, and is comprised of 21 stores throughout the Southeast. Well known for its variety and selection thanks in large part to state-wide donations, America’s Thrift is proud to partner with Make-A-Wish Foundation. Additionally, the company is a huge part of the reduce, reuse, recycle efforts helping to keep nearly 50 million pounds out of local landfills each year. Find out more at https://americasthrift. com.

Kiwanis Club of Opelika hosts Dr. Gary Lemme, Lisa Pierce

Photos courtesy of Kiwanis Club of Opelika Dr. Gary Lemme, Director of Alabama Cooperative Extension, spoke to the club this week about the ways Extension pivoted during the pandemic to still provide services to the entire state. Pictured above are Drake Martin, Lemme and Mary Roberson.

Lisa Pierce, Director of Alabama Rural Ministry, gave an overview of how ARM seeks to provide people with safe and dry housing. They were instrumental in rebuilding after the tornadoes in Beauregard and continue to serve the communities in which they work.

A4 Oсtober 21, 2020

Y

ep, I missed it.

I let it slip up on me and before I knew it, it was gone.

And what did I miss?

Why, National Poetry Day. I just flat missed it.

Which is a shame because I like poetry.

As a sensitive and romantically inclined young man, I even tried my hand at it. The verses I penned were consistently wretched.

One, however, was less wretched than the rest. It was chosen to fill a blank space in the college literary magazine, and thus became my first publica-

H

ave you ever spent any time in the emergency room in a small Southern town… on a weekend… during the COVID pandemic… with your head feeling like there are a few dozen nails rolling around between your scalp and your skull… and the nails are on fire? That’s exactly how I spent the better part of a day just a couple of weeks ago.

I woke up around 2:00 that morning, and before I even opened my eyes I felt that familiar piercing pain at the base of my skull. Another migraine.

The torture that is migraine headaches is

W

here does one begin to find the still? You begin by finding it in just one place…

I cannot pinpoint when this skill became a way of life for me, but I know it has been woven into my days all along.

I remember sitting so still with my newborn babies, and I hated for the moment to pass away. I have watched my very small children be so still and engaged in a toy or in the dirt to see that they have “the still” better than me. When they would get antsy as

I

’m a decent Scrabble player. I don’t want to toot my own trombone, but I’m not easy to beat. Scrabble is the only game I’m any good at. And I mean the only game.

I stink at all other forms of play. When I play chess, my opponent has to constantly remind me not to use the bishop piece to clean my teeth. I have never won at Monopoly. Playing Twister is how I ended up married.

Missing National Poetry Day tion. The magazine went belly-up the next year. I took it as an omen.

I got my love of poetry from my father, who got it from his grandfather, who was fond of quoting verses like: When Pa was just a boy like me, he used to go in swimming Away down by the old creek bank, where there was no fear of women.

One day somebody came along and took all Pa’s apparel.

He stayed in the creek the whole day long, and that night came home in a barrel.

As far as Daddy was

By Hardy Jackson concerned, it wasn’t poetry if it didn’t rhyme.

Which is why he was such a fan of Robert W. Service. The “Bard of the Yukon,” the “Poet of the Klondike Gold Rush,”

was a rhyming machine.

One of Daddy’s favorites was “The Cremation of Sam McGee,” a harrowing tale of a Tennessean who hated the frozen North, but could not leave -- “He was always cold, but the land of gold, seemed to hold him like a spell.” On his death bed (actually his death sled) McGee made his partner promise that he’d cremate the corpse so he would be warm once again.

Daddy read it to me with all the dramatic emphasis he could muster. I read it to my eldest daughter with the same

articulations. She was in elementary school. When “show-and-tell day” came around, she took the poem and gave her class a theatrical reading that likely scarred some of the little dears for life.

Poetry can be dangerous.

Poetry can also be fun.

Daddy loved poems with a twist – especially if they made you think inappropriate thoughts.

One of his favorites was: Of all the fish in the ocean, The funniest is the bass.

It climbs to the top of seaweed trees,

And slides down on its (dramatic pause) hands and knees.

Now you gotta admit, that is funny.

Once poetry almost got someone in serious trouble.

Our high school principal was G. C. Nichols.

I was told that G. C. stood for Grover Cleveland. Behind his back we called him “General Charlie.”

He had a temper.

One sunny spring morning he arrived at the school to find students milling around in the See JACKSON, page A5

Squeaky Shoes Part I

By Wendy Hodge a genetic plague passed along through the women in my family (and the occasional male as well, although they seem to have escaped this particular family trait for the most part). I sometimes go for months without a true migraine, but then

there are weeks where I lose an entire day or two to a bottomless pit of eye-crushing agony where only a dark, cold, quiet room offers any solace. Mostly I just have to wait it out and let it run its course; but there are occasions where the pain gets beyond what I can cope with without medical intervention. And that’s where I found myself that muggy morning.

Everyone was working, so once the sun came up I drove myself to the ER. After passing through the COVID screening tent set up outside, I went through all the required steps.

First is triage, where

my vitals were taken and I was asked to assess my pain.

“On a scale of 1 to 10, what would you rate your pain today, Ms. Wendy?”

“Well,” I answer.

“I’ve had children, and that was a 10. Kidney stones hovered somewhere between 50 and 100. This is slightly better than the stones, so I’m going to rate it a 37.” “Hmmm….” was the only answer I got. The nurse was not amused.

Once my blood pressure had been taken and I’d been weighed (which just adds insult to injury), I was asked to step

over to the registration desk. This step is particularly frustrating unless repeating your social security number, address, birthdate, and mother’s uncle’s next door neighbor’s maiden name over and over is your idea of a good time. Finally, I am given an arm band and led to the next step – the waiting room.

If you’re not familiar with this black hole in the universe, then God bless you. Keep up the good work! If, however, you have spent time there, all I can say is bless your heart.

Time stops here, which makes the presence of the massive clock on

the wall even more of a burr under the saddle.

You can hear the seconds tick off, but time is stuck. If you look away I’m convinced the hands actually move backwards. No one has been lucky enough to actually document this, but I know it happens. A TV hangs on the wall. It’s always tuned in to game shows or the weather channel.

The canned laughter and the shrill voices on The Dating Game make you want to slap someone. And the weather channel…. I’d rather eat dirt on a plate than actually watch a meSee HODGE, page A5

The Art of Being Still: Part 2 toddlers, picking them up and holding them close in my arms along with soft, spoken words would calm them in seconds.

It was the stillness from the chaos that did the trick. Bringing them back to a centered space and allowing the absence of an unknown world.

Stillness is an act of meditation. It is a way to bring our thoughts and emotions back to a space of calm and clarity.

Stillness can take us from hyped up energy and stress to centered thought and focus. And if there is one thing I struggle

with, it’s focus. I have 25 things to do right now and I can only choose one at a time.

I think that over time, our plate of life has become fuller and fuller.

Our cultural expectations of success and home life have pushed an envelope beyond our reach. We feel as though we should work well, friend well, travel well, church well, cook well and have a perfectly set home. At the end of the day, even if these things are accomplished, our soul can still feel demolished.

Please tell me, how in

By Bradley Robertson the world are we to do

everything exceptionally?

We cannot. We can try, but the success will always be outward and rarely inward.

Stillness is a way to find inward peace. It’s a way to seek our own thoughts, grab onto our own words and listen to ourselves. It’s a way to connect better with our families and friends. It’s a way to self-serve so that when duty calls back to us, we are ready and present.

A reading I recall often from Author Ian Morgan Cron says, “The first greatest mystery in the

world is ‘Who is God?’ and the second greatest mystery is ‘Who am I in God?’” I think we are quick to forget ourselves. We serve and move and reach the world, and we forget our own compass.

We forget how to listen to us. We forget that our own soul needs just as much love and attention as everyone else.

I’m sharing the places I found stillness with hope of leading you to find yours. The peace that we

official Scrabble Dictionary. Words like: “ao,” “ko,” “xu,” “ua,” and my all-time favorite, “za.”

You throw “za” onto the board at just the right moment and you’re looking at a possible 2,457-point lead. Maybe more. I have won a handful of matches with this one word.

My mother taught me how to play Scrabble. I was a child and not that interested in the game

at first. My mother is a passionate Scrabble player.

I remember that first game. The pieces came in a nondescript 1950s burgundy box.

It looked nothing like the entertainment sold in today’s world. There were no flashy graphics, no bright colors. Only little wooden tiles and a beige game board that looked about as interesting as an air-conditioner

See ROBERTSON, page A5

Scrabbled When I was a kid, I liked playing Operation.

But my game board never had batteries, so we played using the honor system. This led to many fights among boys. So my mother threw it away.

No, Scrabble is my game. And make no mistake, I am a fearsome opponent.

A common myth among the uninitiated is that Scrabble is for people who have big vocabularies. Not at all.

By Sean Dietrich The path to victory is knowing a little-known list of bizarre two-letter

words that you would swear are fake words, but are actually in the

See DIETRICH, page A5

A5 October 21, 2020

Hiring event offered Nov. 6, more than 200 positions available The City of Opelika is excited to announce that there will be a multi-company hiring event on Nov. 6, 2020.

The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Opelika Sportsplex.

Opelika employers will be offering more than 200 available positions the day of the hiring event and they are looking for skilled, dedicated employees who are seeking employment now. Participating employers include: West Fraser, Hanwha, Afni, Walmart Distribution

ROBERTSON>>

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bring into our own lives carries into everyone we meet and know.

The first place I intentionally found stillness was first thing in the morning before my children awoke for school. I learned that if I could have a little peace and coffee before the duty of mom, I was

JACKSON >>

FROM A4

halls. He thought they should be outside enjoying the warm weather.

The more he thought, the madder he got, until finally he bounded from his office and at the top of his lungs roared “Get out.”

HODGE >>

FROM A4

teorologist repeatedly discuss the weather in Rhode Island. In the dark corner, where the flickering fluorescent lights have completely given up, a vending machine crouches… waiting for you to drop coins into its belly. It has absolutely no intention of ever giving up the year-old snacks that live inside

DIETRICH>>

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service manual.

To many kids of my era, Scrabble was considered lame. In some circles, it was called “el lame-oh.” On the International Fun Scale, it ranks only a few notches above wax suppositories.

But not to me. I loved Scrabble from the beginning. Although I could never beat my mother at Scrabble. She could whip me hard without even using more than two letters at a time.

The main thing you have to watch out for when playing Scrabble is liars. I’m serious. If you were to ask the Official Scrabble Umpires what the biggest threat

Commerce, Ali Rauch.

"This event is perfect for anyone looking to find an opportunity to start their career right here in Opelika.”

Participants are asked to enter the event based on their last name.

Those with last names starting with A-M can attend from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., and those with last names starting with N-Z can attend from 1 to 5 p.m. Masks are required, and social distancing will be practiced. Temperatures will be monitored with SafeScan Technology.

The presenting sponsor for the event is East Al-

abama Medical Center, and other event sponsors include Southeast Gas, Alabama Municipal Electric Authority, Point Broadband, Spire Gas and Alabama Power.

"We are thankful to our sponsors and pleased to be a participant in the upcoming citywide hiring event,” said Greg Leikvold, director of Workforce Development, Southern Union State Community College.

For more information, please contact the Opelika Chamber of Commerce at 334-7454861.

Center, Cumberland, Pharmavite, Golden State Foods, Yongsan, APR-Dinan, East Alabama Medical Center and Mando.

“Our Economic Development department identified a need to assist our employers in finding employees to fill current openings and we are glad to hold this event along with the Opelika

Industrial Development Authority, the Opelika Chamber and Southern Union,” said Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller.

“We are fortunate to have sponsors support us and this event and we appreciate them. We will always do what we can to assist our existing industries to foster growth and success here in Opelika.”

Some of the many career opportunities that will be offered during this hiring event include: Production & Operations, Electricians, Maintenance, Healthcare, Engineering, Sales Representatives, Quality Control, Customer Service and many others.

Most of these positions will be permanent, full-time offerings with benefits.

“Opelika has a thriving economic atmosphere and we’re lucky to have so many reputable employers looking to hire in our community,” said President of the Opelika Chamber of

a much better mother.

I began to set aside 15 minutes before the children awoke, to be alone with me. It didn’t take much time, just discipline.

My next favorite place for stillness, was a church pew. Every Sunday. Every single Sunday unless I was sick. The work and effort it took to get into that pew with young

kids and a baby was longwinded, but to finally have that stillness each Sunday was worth every second.

Another place of stillness I enjoy is side by side with one of my children reading a book.

Whether it be Dr. Seuss, The Diary of Anne Frank or Tim Tebow, the stillness between me and child is perfection.

The beauty here is the

peace it brings to both of us. It’s a bonus: calm for them and calm for me.

When we can find one simple place to be still, our minds begin to grow and make room for more places. We soon realize that stillness can be in any part of our day.

Stillness is in a short gaze at a maple tree that you love in the fall. It’s

staring into a stream or river and breathing in the gratitude of life.

Stillness is a sunrise that you failed to witness in months and now you see it. And you don’t just see it quickly and keep moving, you see it for what feels like forever, but only took 5 minutes of life.

Stillness is stopping to speak to someone you haven’t seen in a

while and honoring the space between you even though you are running late to a meeting.

Stillness is a tight squeeze from my husband at the end of the day in our kitchen.

I close my eyes and I don’t let go. I tune out the wild and breathe in our life together. Our time will pass, but I want to know I soaked it up and lived it fully.

Terrified, we did.

The next day a poem appeared on the main bulletin board. Typed and unsigned.

Titled, “When the General Cleared the Hall.”

Shamelessly stealing from Robert Burns, the poet began “ ‘Ye Banks and Braes’ and bricks around the school O’

Mr. Nichols. Fair are ye maids and strong ye lads, ye teachers sour as pickles.”

From that opening the bard-in-training went on to make sport of the General for driving winter-pale children out into the schoolyard and the sun.

Before the poem was taken down, it was read

by enough students that soon the gist of it was known abroad, though the author remained a secret. Some knew who it was, but no one told.

Blocked by this conspiracy of silence, the investigation of the incident ground to a halt and soon the matter was forgotten.

Years passed, 40 of

them, until it was 2001.

My class, the class of 1961, was holding its reunion.

My father, who had been one of our teachers long ago, was asked to say something appropriate.

When it came his time to speak, he rose, took out a copy of “When the General Cleared the

Hall,” read it to the class, and outed his son as the author.

He told me later that he always wanted a poet in the family.

Harvey H. (“Hardy”) Jackson is Professor Emeritus of History at Jacksonville State University. He can be reached at hhjackson43@gmail.com.

it, though. Luckily food is the last thing on my mind at this point. I just need IV drugs… or a bullet to end it all.

After what is almost certainly 97.5 hours, I hear my name being called. A jolly little lady wearing a pink volunteer scrub top leads me through the double doors into what I refer to as a the Outer Ring of Hell.

As we walk, she asks

me, “Are you having a good day?” I blink at her a few times and answer, “Why, yes.

It’s been lovely so far.

Can’t wait to see what happens when the sun goes down.” Of course I don’t say this out loud because it’s the south and I’m a nice person and I’m too close to passing out to actually speak. I nod instead, and she smiles an even bigger smile.

We reach a long nar-

row room with about a dozen beds lined up separated by curtains.

I use the word ‘bed’ loosely because no one wants to say, “Here’s a wafer-thin, vinyl-covered yoga mat thrown on top of a slab of concrete for you to get comfortable on. And, oh yeah, there’s no pillow. It’s against the law to have a pillow in the hospital. Have fun trying to adjust the side rail

while also trying not to touch the dark stains dating from the early 90’s that even industrial-strength cleaner won’t get rid of.”

I am given a gown and the volunteer tells me the doctor will be in shortly. Well… that’s a lie. I know it, and she knows it. But we smile at each other and I say, “Thanks.”

And I settle in, freezing, my gown not quite covering all the import-

ant bits, goose bumps running up and down my arms and legs, with one fist pressed into my eyes to block out the harsh lights and the other hand over one ear to drown out the beeps and the moans and the general chaos, curled into the fetal position not sure if I’m praying for an IV or for that bullet.

And then I hear the squeaky shoes…. To Be Continued

facing the Scrabble Association is, they would say, big fat liars, or BFLs, as they are known by game officials.

BFLs are the people who make up words which are totally bogus.

Some of these people have turned word-faking into an art form.

I’ve encountered such phony jargon as “karafus,” “moaster,” “tillow,” “shannt,” and my personal favorite, “busheez.”

During one particular game, my BFL cousin swore on his mother’s eyes that the word “grolde” was a precious mineral found within the California mountains.

Your only choice when confronted with a BFL is issuing a formal challenge. But challeng-

es are tricky. Because if you aren’t ONE HUNDRED percent certain the word is fake, you could lose a turn.

And you might lose the game.

So when you’re having an argument with your cousin, who keeps insisting that his wedding ring is made of 24-carat grolde, before you challenge, you must be unwaveringly certain that he is totally full of busheez.

Because things get complicated when you start consulting the Scrabble Dictionary.

They have whacked-out rules that don’t make sense.

For example, the word “Christmas” is not approved by the official Scrabble rules. But some dictionaries are now including “innit”

(slang for “isn’t it”) is perfectly legal. And words like “zyzzyva,” (a tropical weevil) or “thang” (slang for thing). Which is just ridiculous, innit?

So anyway, I play Scrabble every day on my phone. I usually keep four or five games going at once. I win almost every match, but I’m a nice guy about it.

I never gloat or write articles stating how fabulously awesome I am.

Still, you can’t change the facts. And the fact is: I win a lot.

At least, I used to.

That’s all over now.

Because something has happened. It started a week ago. It was a day like any other. The computer matched me with a random opponent.

My opponent said his

name was Brad, he’s from Maine. He beat me once. Twice. Three times. Six times. He has beat me 14 times now.

Our last game lasted two whole days. He whooped the pine tar out of me. I have never played against a guy like Brad. Not in my life.

I knew this man was different from the opening word he played during our first game.

“Zaxes.” It was, without a doubt, his tour de force. And in plural form.

When someone puts down a 42-point opening move, you know you are in the presence of a great man.

We played until late last night. It was, perhaps, one of the most grueling experiences of my adult life, aside

from the time I helped lead a Baptist youth nature camping trip.

When Brad delivered the final blow, I was already falling behind by 23 points. Brad played the word “into” to win the game. There I was, lying dead on the battlefield.

I was so overcome with admiration that I had to message my opponent and tell the man that he is my new hero.

Our conversation went like this: “Brad,” I messaged, “you are the man!”

“Thx,” he replied.

“You played a great game.”

“LOL!! Thx. U2” “Rematch?”

“LOL! I would but I can’t, mom says I got to brush my teeth.”

I’m going back to playing Operation.

Contributed By The City of Opelika

A6 Oсtober 21, 2020

Bernhard, East Alabama Medical Center Enter Into 30-Year Energy Infrastructure Partnership Energy-as-a-Service solutions that reduce energy use, risk and cost so that our clients can focus on their everyday work.

Headquartered in Metairie, Louisiana, Bernhard has more than 2,000 employees in more than 20 office locations across the country. For more information, visit www. bernhard.com.

Contributed by Bernhard Energy Bernhard, one of the largest privately-owned engineering and contracting firms in the country, and East Alabama Medical Center (EAMC) announced a 30-year energy-asset concession agreement involving the right to use, maintain and renew EAMC’s energy infrastructure over a 30year term. The project also provides for upfront energy optimization improvements, substantial projected annual energy savings and a significant upfront cash payment to EAMC. “We are eager to work with EAMC’s two hospitals to serve the east Alabama area,” said Bernhard’s Vice President of Business Development Rob Guthrie.

“Our partnership will empower EAMC to focus its energy and resources on its core mission of providing high-quality, compassionate health care.

We are proud to offer our expertise to deliver and sustain a win-win outcome for the next 30 years.”

The upfront improvements to infrastructure will address a backlog of deferred maintenance at EAMC, including upgrades to chilled water, tower water, heating water and steam systems, as well as air handling units, building controls and electrical infrastructure. Bernhard will also install a heat pump chiller heater, optimize procedure rooms, install LED lighting and facilitate

From left to right: Laura Grill, President and CEO (EAMC), Sam Price, Executive Vice President/ CFO (EAMC), Rob Guthrie, Vice President of Business Development (Bernhard), Ed Tinsley, CEO (Bernhard).

retro-commissioning of the building’s automation system.

These upgrades will create efficiencies and improvements in the facility’s operation and result in energy savings.

“We are excited to partner with Bernhard on this long-term project and appreciate their critical role in helping EAMC allocate scarce capital resources for the things we need most to take the best possible care of patients,” said EAMC’s Chief Financial Officer, Sam Price.

The transaction with EAMC marks a continuation of Bernhard’s work in Alabama, which includes decades of completed projects for clients such as The University of Alabama, Auburn University, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Providence Hospital, St. Vincent’s Health System and more.

About Bernhard Bernhard is one of

About EAMC East Alabama Medical Center is a 340bed regional referral hospital located in Opelika that serves a

3,500 employees in the organization. EAMC is the second-largest employer in the region, trailing only Auburn University. Among the services that EAMC provides are openheart surgery and cancer treatment, both of which are highly acclaimed specialties at EAMC. The hospital also operates multiple physician practices and the Auburn University Medical Clinic. EAMC is in the process of building a Freestanding Emergency Department and Ambulatory Surgery Center in

Back row: Greg Nichols (Executive VP, Administrator - EAMC-Lanier), Jay Walters (Director of Construction and Plant Maintenance - EAMC), Bruce Zartman (VP of Support Operations - EAMC), Sam Price (Executive VP & CFO – EAMC), Neil Ammentorp (Sr. VP of Program and Asset Management - Bernhard), Jeff Swann (Executive Fellow – Bernhard), Travis Bernhard (Vice President – Bernhard), Vincent Laborde (Executive Fellow – Bernhard), Emily Brockway (Marketing Manager – Bernhard) Front row: Laura Grill (President & CEO - EAMC), Ed Tinsley (CEO – Bernhard), Rob Guthrie (VP of Business Development – Bernhard), Alva Lambert (Director of Business Development – Bernhard)

the largest privately-owned engineering, mechanical and electrical contractors in America with 100+ years of energy and infrastructure project experience servicing

higher education, health care, commercial and specialty markets. Bernhard combines development, financing, design, construction and operations to deliver turnkey

AWARDS

nine-county area. The EAMC organization includes EAMC-Lanier hospital in Valley; between the two hospitals and their collective service lines, there are about

neighboring Auburn.

EAMC-Lanier has a nursing home, acute rehab unit and offers occupational medicine.

For more information, please www.EAMC. org.

>>

FROM A2

Auburn University Montgomery, Grandparents: Sallie Heard, Mary Bryant Dioni Dobbins, Cosumnes Oaks High School, Sacramento State University (California), Grandparent: Samuel Pearson Cam’ron Marshall, Opelika High School, Alabama A&M University, Grandparent: Robert L. Williams Jaylen Stinson, Opelika High School, Duke University, Grandparents: Betty Reese, David Stinson The scholarship committee members are: Eddie B. Lockhart. Gwendolyn Mitchell, Phyllis Peters, and Delores Turner. Betty Reese is the DHS Class of 1968 President.

DIONI DOBBINS

JAYLEN STINSON

Opelika E vents, Society, & Food

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

Oct. 24 at 2 p.m.

Create scrumptious dishes with a variety of fall apples ANN CIPPERLY

Southern

Hospitality

L

eaves around town are beginning to change colors with cooler temperatures this week. After a long hot summer, it is a joy to be in the kitchen baking a fresh apple pie, filling the house with tantalizing aromas. Apples are also great to add to salads and for enhancing breads and cakes.

When purchasing apples, select granny smith apples for baking, as they hold up better in cooking. Red and golden delicious, gala and fuji are just a few good ones for salads and eating.

Honey crisp are also popular.

While a homemade crust is preferred in pie making, you can use rolled pie crusts from the refrigerated section of the grocery store. When I was growing up, you couldn’t purchase rolled pie crusts and had to make your own crusts from scratch. Maybe you could find a crust in a tinned pie pan, but it wasn’t the same.

I remember when I was about eight or nine years old, my grandmother, who lived with us, told me about baking

apple dumplings and how good they were.

Since she was crippled with rheumatoid arthritis, I would run from the kitchen to her room to ask what to do next while making the dumplings.

Mom was always good with me making a mess in the kitchen, which I certainly did making the pastry. When I finally got the pastry rolled out, then I peeled an apple and cored it. I placed the apple on the pastry and filled the center with a mixture of sugar, cinnamon and raisins. I

City Market presents Harvest Market Oct. 24

Contributed by the City of Auburn

City Market will return for the Harvest Market at Town Creek Park Saturday, Oct. 24 from 8 a.m. to Noon. The Auburn Beautification Council, the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center (JDCAC) and the Auburn Arts Association will be joining Harvest Market this year.

The Auburn Beautification Council will be having their annual fall plant sale, while the Jan Dempsey Community

Arts Center & Auburn Arts Association will have registration for the JDCAC 2020 Pumpkin Competition and will be handing out free fall themed art kits. Artists will be bringing a variety of handmade goods along with fallthemed art and décor for purchase.

The vendors that will be joining us for the Harvest Market are: • Tim Tingle – artist • Laura Baker – artist • Lillian Ingersoll – artist • Dave Shirley –

artist • Tammy Chase – artist • Kerry Weldon – artist • Jeremy Irwin – artist • Ruth Yarbrough – artist • Adrian Alsobrook – artist • Kelly Oslick – artist • Amy Kaiser – artist • Jillian Oxley – artist • Paige Burton, The Vintage Soap Wagon • Kimberly Murphy – artist See MARKET, page A14

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 Green apple tart or pie with crumb topping makes a scrumptious dessert on a cool fall evening. Serve it with vanilla ice cream or salted caramel gelato. Bake it in a tart pan with removable sides or in a deep pie dish. Keep a variety of apples on hand for healthy snacks, to add to salads or for creating yummy sweet breads and dessert.

pulled the pastry up over the apple and baked it. I think it took a long time to get brown because I kept opening the oven door.

I didn’t learn how to make a good pastry until after Don and I were married and living in Philadelphia. One summer afternoon I spent a long time trying to get the pie pastry just right for a blueberry pie.

I baked the pie and then set it on a window sill in the dining room

for it to cool quickly. I got busy cleaning and heard it raining. I rushed to the dining room to see rain pouring in on my pie.

In Philadelphia at that time, you would not want to eat anything that had polluted rain on it.

I lost interest in making pie pastry for a while and found it easier to make puff pastry.

Although I finally mastered pastry making, most of the time now I will use the rolled pastry

from the grocery store unless I have a lot of time. I used the rolled pastry for making an apple pie for a dinner party one time when I was short on time, and one of the ladies asked for the recipe for the crust.

I keep apples in a wire basket on the small island in my kitchen all the time. They are good for a healthy snack, and I will often toss a chopped apple into a salad. Apples are great for making See CIPPERLY, page A11

Aorta To Host 21st Annual Tough 10/Tough 2 Race Contributed by A-O Tourism Mark your calendars for the Auburn Opelika Running and Track Association’s (AORTA) 21st Annual Tough Ten/Tough Two race on Oct. 24. The event is held in memory of Dr. Nicholas “Nick” Holler, a beloved community leader and avid runner. Online registration is open now through Oct. 22.

Same-day registration will be open the

morning of Oct. 24.

The race will begin and end at the corner of Ogletree Village in Auburn. Participants can register to run, jog or walk a scenic 10-mile or 2-mile route down Ogletree Road, into the Grove Hill neighborhood and returns to Ogletree Village.

In order to provide a safe race-day experience for all participants, runners and spectators are asked to wear a mask to the start line and review

the wave start schedule prior to race day.

A disposable mask will be provided to runners at the finish line. Awards will be announced on the AORTA website after the race, and winners will be contacted to accept their award. It is very important to include your contact information when registering for the event.

All proceeds will benefit the East Alabama Medical CenSee AORTA, page A14

A8 Oсtober 21, 2020

Expressions Design Gallery SECOND SATURDAY

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SATURDAY SATURDAY SATURDAY SATURDAY

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SEPT. 11 AND 12 OCT. 9 AND 10 NOV. 13 AND 14 DEC. 11 AND 12

New and Unique furniture items to choose from.

1801 MARKET STREET OPELIKA, AL 36801

334-787-9900 EXPRESSIONSDESIGNGALLERY.COM

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FRIDAY FRIDAY FRIDAY FRIDAY

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wh at yo uh ave to say !

JOIN US!

Opelika Listening sessions

Join The City of Opelika to discuss issues related to

diversity and inclusion OPELIKA MUNICIPAL COURTROOM • 5 - 7 P.M. 300 Martin Luther King BLVD.

Ward 1 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27 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

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

A9 October 21, 2020

Block Party brings crowd to The Curtis House

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

See BLOCK PARTY, page A10

A10 Oсtober 21, 2020

Downtown Spooky Scavenger Hunt begins Oct. 25

BLOCK PARTY >>

FROM A9

Photo contributed by the City of Opelika

Contributed by the City of Auburn Are you ready to search for pumpkins?

Grab the family and join Active Auburn and the Downtown Merchants Association for a Downtown Spooky Scavenger Hunt. The hunt will begin Sun-

day, Oct. 25, through Saturday, Oct. 31.

Active Auburn will hide a pumpkin at a downtown merchant location every day of the week leading up to Halloween. Each day at noon, a picture that contains a clue will be posted on Active Auburn’s Facebook page.

The first participant to physically find the pumpkin in person will receive a gift card from that store location!

For more information about the Downtown Spooky Scavenger Hunt, contact Sarah Cook at 334-301-5711 or scook@auburnalabama.org.

COVID-19 SAFETY PLAN In view of the rapidly spreading COVID-19 (Corona) virus, we are taking measures to protect our elderly and immunocompromised customers.

The lobby will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with curbside and drive thru services beting offered from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

CALL OR TEXT US AND LET US KNOW WHAT YOU NEED. WE WILL SHOP FOR YOU.

Stay well friends and thanks for shopping with us!

We wouldnʼt be here without you all!

HOURS: 8 A.M. TO 6 P.M. MONDAY TO FRIDAY

A11 October 21, 2020

Halloween Enchanted Forest open this week at Kreher Preserve

will entertain you on how they “trick or treat” other animals and plants in the forest. Dawn your costumes and good

walking shows, and enjoy some early Halloween fun! Hot chocolate will be available for anyone bringing dona-

tions to our local food bank. Remember to bring a flashlight.

Hikes depart every 10 minutes between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m., each lasting approximately 45 to 55 minutes. To ensure social distancing, each time slot is limited to 12 people. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before your start time. Face covering are required for

aromas. If you take a peek, it will be difficult to turn down a slice of apple pie with homemade ice cream. You can purchase apple pies to take home.

The fried apple pies look yummy too. My mom used to make these. My brother, sister and I would eat them all before they had a chance to cool off.

Every time we visit the store, we fill our cart

with granny smith apples for cooking, honey crisp apples and gala apples for salads and snacking.

Then we check out the other fruits and vegetables. We stock up on the apple cider, as it is really good.

The Mercier family purchased the orchard in 1943 from a pharmacist, who planted the original orchard at the turn of the century.

Over the years, the 27

acres grew into a 200acre fruit farm, retail market, bakery and restaurant. Mercier is still family run with four generations working in the business.

During the fall season, the orchard produces 26 varieties of apples in jewel tones from deepest ruby to bright greens.

Mercier will ship gift packs and baskets.

The store seems bigger every time we

5 Tbsp. cold water 1 Tbsp. white vinegar 1 tsp. salt In a large bowl, with a pastry cutter, gradually work crisco into flour for about three or four minutes until it resembles a coarse meal.

In a small bowl, beat an egg with a fork and then pour it into flour/ shortening mixture.

Add 5 Tbsp. of cold water, 1 Tbsp. of white vinegar and 1 tsp. of salt. Stir together gently until all ingredients are incorporated.

Separate dough into thirds. Note: Separating it into thirds will result in three thin crusts. If you prefer a more substantial crust, separate it in half.

Form 3 evenly sized balls of dough and place each dough into a large Ziploc bag.

Using a rolling pin, slightly flatten each ball of dough (about ½ inch thick) to make rolling easier later.

Seal bags and place them in the freezer until you need them.

(If you will be using it immediately it’s still a good idea to put in freezer for about 15 to 20 minutes to chill.)

When you are ready to use the dough to make a crust, remove from freezer and allow to thaw for 15 minutes. On a floured surface roll dough, starting at center and working your way out.

(Sprinkle some flour over top of dough if it’s a bit too moist.)

If dough is sticking to countertop, use a metal spatula and carefully scrape it up and flip it over and continue rolling until it’s about ½ inch larger in diameter than pie pan.

With a spatula, lift dough carefully from surface of counter into pie pan. Gently press the dough against the corner of the pan.

2 ½ tsp. baking powder ¼ tsp. salt 1 tsp. vanilla 1 cup peeled, chopped tart apples 1 cup chopped pecans Whipped cream Beat eggs until pale and frothy; add sugar and beat again.

Add flour, baking powder, salt, apples and pecans, stirring to mix well.

Pour mixture into a 9 x 13-inch glass pan coated with nonstick spray.

Bake at 325 for about 30 minutes.

Keep the crusty side of this tasty dessert on top when serving. Top with whipped cream.

Contributed by the Kreher reserve & Nature Center This fun, family-friendly Halloween event takes you on a magical hike in our Enchanted Forest where you will be greeted by our costumed forest friends. These nature-inspired characters

CIPPERLY

>>

FROM A7

yummy desserts.

If we are traveling near Blue Ridge, Georgia, we will always stop at Mercier Orchards. One time, we rode a tractor out to the farm to see the apples and other fruit the farm grows.

When you walk in their huge store be aware that there is a bakery on the side with tempting

RECIPES GREEN APPLE PIE WITH CRUMB TOPPING Good served warm with vanilla ice cream or salted caramel gelato 1¼ cups sugar ¼ cup all –purpose flour ½ tsp. nutmeg ½ tsp. cinnamon Dash salt 6 cups pared, sliced granny smith apples 9-inch piecrust Topping: 1 cup all-purpose flour ½ cup packed brown sugar 1 stick cold butter Mix together sugar, flour, spices and salt; combine with sliced apples. Place piecrust in tart pan with removable bottom or deep pie pan.

Fill with apples.

Combine topping ingredients until crumbly; sprinkle over apples.

Bake in preheated 425-degree oven for 10 minutes; lower heat to 350 and bake 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown.

APPLE CUSTARD PIE KATHLEEN INGRAM 6 cups tart apples, pared, cored and cut in eighths 9-inch unbaked pastry shell ¾ cup sugar 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour ½ tsp. salt ¼ cup light cream Ground cinnamon Arrange apple slices in a nine-inch unbaked pastry shell. Combine sugar, flour and salt.

Stir in light cream. Pour mixture over apples.

Sprinkle with ground cinnamon. Cover loosely with foil.

Bake at 375 degrees for one hour. Remove foil. Bake 15 minutes or until apples are done.

Serve warm with cheddar cheese or ice cream, if desired.

HOMEMADE PIE CRUSTS Nicole Roberts 1½ cups crisco (vegetable shortening) 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 egg

HUGUENOT TORTE One of my recipes from Philadelphia 2 eggs 1 ½ cups sugar ¼ cup flour

FRESH APPLE CAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING 2 cups sugar 1 ½ cups vegetable oil 2 eggs 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 ½ tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. salt 3 cups grated tart apples 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans Combine the sugar, oil and eggs in a large bowl; mix well. Sift the flour, soda and salt; stir into the sugar mixture.

Add apples and walnuts, blend well.

Pour batter into three greased and floured 9-inch cake pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until cakes test done. Cool.

Frost layers and cover cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened ½ stick butter, softened 1 lb. box confectioner’s sugar 3 to 4 Tbsp. milk 1 tsp. vanilla 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, optional Cream together cream cheese and butter. Add confectioner’s sugar alternately with milk. Stir in vanilla and nuts.

WALDORF SALAD Nancy Smith Mix together the following: 3 large apples, cored and cubed 2 ribs celery, diced ½ cup raisins ½ cup miniature marshmallows ½ cup chopped pecans Mix the following together: ½ cup mayonnaise Juice of 1 lemon ½ tsp. sugar 1/8 tsp. salt Dash curry powder (1 add two dashes), optional 2 Tbsp. milk Pour over the apple mixture, mixing thoroughly. Sprinkle with paprika.

APPLE CHICKEN SALAD Heather Cummings 4 cups cubed cooked chicken breast 1 cup chopped celery 1 cup chopped apples 1 (2.5 oz.) pkg. slivered almonds, toasted 1 tsp. salt ¼ tsp. pepper ¾ cup mayonnaise ¼ cup sour cream In a bowl, combine chicken, celery, apples, almonds, salt and pepper. Blend in mayonnaise and sour cream, mixing thoroughly. Chill. Makes 8 to 10 servings.

CRUNCHY APPLE AND GRAPE SALAD Jean Lenard Dressing: 1 cup low fat vanilla yogurt 1/3 cup granulated sugar 1/3 cup brown sugar ½ cup mayonnaise Juice from ½ lemon ½ tsp. ground cinnamon Fruits: 4 apples (your choice), cored and diced 1 pear, cored and diced 1 celery stalk, diced ½ cup slivered almonds ½ cup walnuts, chopped 2 cups seedless

all participants.

Tickets are $7 per person; children 2 and under are free (event is not recommended for children who might be afraid of costumed characters). Contact us if you want to purchase an entire time slot for $75.

This event will be postponed or cancelled in the event of inclem-

ent weather – please watch our Facebook page for updates.

This program is held at the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center located at 2222 N. College St. near the AU Fisheries and Hwy 280. For more information, visit www.auburn.preserve, email preserve@ auburn.edu, or call 334844-8091.

stop. It is almost a maze to get through the home décor and kitchen items.

The town of Blue Ridge is quaint, and you can take a train ride through the mountains to view the fall foliage.

Boarding for the railway is at a historic, 100 yearold depot in downtown Blue Ridge. During the fall months, the train runs most days and twice a day on weekends.

While we can hardly

pass an orchard store or farmers’ market without stopping, we are big on buying local. We have no problems getting wonderful apples in our area.

As the leaves turn richer in color, prepare several apples dishes this coming week in celebration of fall and cooler temperatures.

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

grapes, halved Mix all dressing ingredients together in a medium-sized bowl.

Store in refrigerator while making salad.

Once you have all the fruit and nuts chopped, pour dressing over and stir gently to coat. Refrigerate leftovers. Serves 8.

er eggs, oil and vanilla in a bowl; add to flour mixture, stirring just until moistened. Fold in apples and walnuts.

Pour into loaf pans.

Bake until a toothpick inserted in each center comes out clean, 50 to 55 minutes. Cool in pans 10 minutes, then move to wire racks to finish cooling.

EASY APPLE CRISP 3/4 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup quick-cooking or old-fashioned oats 1/3 cup butter, softened 3/4 tsp. cinnamon 3/4 tsp. ground nutmeg Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, optional Preheat oven to 375. Grease bottom and sides of 8-inch round or square pan.

Spread apples in pan. Combine remaining ingredients except ice cream. Mix well and sprinkle over apples.

Bake about 30 minutes or until topping is golden brown and apples are tender. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.

Makes 6 servings.

Easy to double.

MERI’S APPLE WALNUT BREAD 3 cups all-purpose flour 2 cups sugar 2 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. .salt 4 large eggs, room temperature 1 cup canola oil 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 2 cups chopped peeled apples 1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat two 8 x 4-inch loaf pans with nonstick spray.

Combine flour, sugar cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder and salt; blend together. Then whisk togeth-

APPLE PIE WITH CARAMEL TOPPING 1 deep dish piecrust Filling 1/3 cup sugar 3 Tbsp. self-rising flour ¼ tsp. nutmeg ½ tsp. cinnamon 3 to 4 sliced Granny Smith Apples Streusel Topping ½ cup four ¼ cup sugar ½ stick butter ¼ cup chopped pecans Drizzle 12 to 15 caramels, unwrapped Small amount milk Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Stir together sugar, flour, nutmeg and cinnamon; mix with cut up apples. Pour into pie crust. Mix together topping ingredients until crumbly. Sprinkle on top of filling. Cover pie with foil and bake for 30 minutes at 400 degrees.

Remove foil and bake 15 minutes longer. Melt caramels with a small amount of milk until easy to spread. Pour on top of pie. Can use bottled caramel sauce instead.

SOUR CREAM APPLE PIE 1 cup sour cream ¾ cup sugar 2 Tbsp. flour ¼ tsp. salt 1 tsp. vanilla 1 egg 2 cups peeled, diced apples 1 pie crust Beat together sour cream, sugar, flour, salt, vanilla and egg. Add apples. Pour into 9 inch unbaked pie shell. Bake in 400 degree oven for 25 minutes.

Mix: ½ cup sugar 1/3 cup flour ¼ cup butter Combine and sprinkle on top of pie. Bake 20 minutes longer.

A12 Oсtober 21, 2020

PIONEER DAY CELEBRATES TRADITIONS

Contributed by the Lee County Historical Soceity

Saturday, Oct. 24, will feature the biggest event in Lee County other than sports events: the 49th Annual Pioneer Day at Loachapoka, aka Syrup Soppin’ Day in Loachapoka. The fall tradition of making sugarcane syrup the old-fashioned way will continue.

There will still be horses turning the old syrup mills and the juice will be cooking into golden syrup over a hot fire. Members of the Lee County Historical Society and hundreds of volunteers will make sure you have a historical experience also. Visit the museums at Pioneer Park and see blacksmiths working at the forge and spinners and weavers turning cotton and wool into fabric.

Help harvest cotton, peanuts, sweet potatoes and sugarcane in the 19th Century Crops Garden. Children can turn sugarcane into sugarcane juice

lemonade by turning a syrup mill just as the horses do. Like all fall festivals, there will be food, food and more food. More than 40 vendors will be offering everything from pork rinds and funnel cakes to boiled and roasted peanuts.

Visit the Cook House at Pioneer Park for a taste of Lee County Historical Society’s own sweet potato biscuits with homemade syrup. LCHS has been making sweet potato fritters for 45 years.

What a truly southern treat! Stop by the Pioneer Park Pavilion for some real, homemade entertainment from Dulcimer music to bluegrass. The event is free, and all visitors are encouraged to wear face masks and maintain social distance.

MAKING SYRUP ON PIONEER DAY A 49-year tradition will continue on Saturday, Oct. 24, when the Lee County Historical Society and the Town of Loachapoka host Pioneer Day at

Loachapoka.

The event began as a simple historical fair in 1971 to celebrate the history and culture of Lee County.

It evolved into Syrup Soppin’ Day and now the tradition continues as Pioneer Day. Before automobiles, supermarkets and the internet, folks would gather in communities all over Alabama in the fall to celebrate the fall harvest and help each other harvest and process the sugarcane crop into delicious syrup that would keep all year. In North Alabama, where sugarcane doesn’t grow that well, farmers would plant sweet sorghum for the same purpose.

Mules would slowly turn a cast-iron roller mill to squeeze the sweet juice from the stalks of cane. An experienced syrup maker would slowly cook the juice over a wood fire in a pan or kettle until it turned into golden brown syrup or thick, dark molasses. Each family that contributed sugarcane or labor

took home a bucketful of the delicious syrup.

This tradition will continue on Saturday, Oct. 24, at Pioneer Park in Loachapoka. Every visitor will have a chance to take home some real, Alabama sugarcane or sorghum syrup.

There will be pioneer life demonstrations throughout Pioneer Park such as local blacksmiths, basketmaking, rope making, pottery making, spin-

ning and weaving, and lots of historical crafts and local handmade items. The History Seekers 4-H Club will be harvesting and selling sweet potatoes, picking cotton, digging peanuts and cutting sugarcane for the mill where kids can play “mule” and make their own sugarcane juice lemonade for all to enjoy. More than 40 vendors will be providing food and crafts.

Pioneer Day is an attempt to relive a bit of that unique, Alabama tradition.

Don’t forget to sop some homemade sweet potato biscuits in that rich, Alabama sugarcane syrup. Pioneer Day will start at 8 a.m., continue until around 4 p.m. The event is free, and all visitors are encouraged to wear face masks and maintain social distance.

Photos contributed by Lee County Historical Society

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A13 October 21, 2020

W

e’ve all had that nightmare where we were in some terrible situation and couldn’t find our way out no matter how hard we tried.

We woke up in a sweat with our heart pounding before we came to the relieved realization that it was only a bad dream.

It felt so real.

Many people live by the motto that if it feels real, it must be true.

Drugs and alcohol are celebrated because they bring a rush or a high.

Sexual urges are yielded to because people are living in the moment.

Alternative lifestyles, new gender identities and the like are adopted because they feel authentic. In a never-ending attempt to express

Church Calendar • Central Baptist Church Children’s Ministry Harvest Supper and Treats Drive Thru Festival Oct. 29 at Central Baptist Church located at 1611 2nd Ave. in Opelika Beginning at 5 p.m.

A sack supper with a bag of treats will be provided for each participant in the vehicle. Please enter from 16th Place to drive around Church to exit on 2nd Ave. Mask will be worn by the staff in order to keep our community safe.

• 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

It feels real and it’s true individuality more than the next person, there seems to be no limit to the bizarre behaviors that are adopted. Some want to belong to the cool club so badly, they’ll do anything!

The baby’s father was deployed overseas when he was three months old.

Prior to that, Dad had put his son to bed every evening. During the deployment, the infant had difficulty going to sleep at night. His mother decided to get a “daddy doll”—a specially-made figurine with her husband’s picture on it. It had its intended effect and helped the infant fall asleep at night. The doll even had a chip inside with a recording of his father speaking comforting words to his son.

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

Whenever he was upset, his mother activated the voice feature and it immediately calmed him down.

The voice of your father will do that.

In the biblical witness, we’re blessed with the clear voice of our Father. We don’t have to live at the mercy of our impulses. We don’t have to wonder about questions of basic morality.

We’re told who we are, where we came from, where we’re going, and why we’re here. We don’t have to be driven by our culture’s trends, fashions, and flavors as though there is nothing more transcendent than whatever a given people, in a given place and time, have chosen to make popular. Thank God for that!

Biblical truth is “God making His presence known and felt” (McGuiggan). The voice of our Father comforts us when we are distraught, and it teaches us how to live, love, and find true joy in our lives. It tells of God’s relentless and redeeming love, Jesus’ glorious life and the hope that flows from it.

It provides us with in-

ABOUT BRUCE GREEN spiring examples of men and women who have lived with courage and character in the face of overwhelming adversity.

God doesn’t call us all to be Bible scholars or exegetes of Scripture, but He does call us to read, think and obey.

We’re not to pursue the biblical witness as an end in itself or as though knowing about God is our goal—we put His word in our hearts so we might know Him through Jesus (John 5:39-40, 17:3).

It feels real and it’s true!

Bruce has written a two-volume work on the prophets called Known Intimately Loved Ultimately. They are available through 21st Century Christian.

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

"But the Israelites said to the LORD, 'We have sinned. Do with us whatever you think best, but please rescue us now. '" — Judges 10:15 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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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

A14 Oсtober 21, 2020

Parkway Baptist to host ‘A Night of Prayer and Worship’ Parkway Baptist church will host ‘A Night of Prayer and Worship’ for women on Nov. 12 at 6:30 p.m.

The night will be led by Ann Hillyer with Chrissy Adolf

leading the worship.

Everyone is welcome and social distancing and mask wearing is strongly advised.

The church is located at 766 East University Drive in Auburn.

OBITUARIES Kenneth L. Arnold Kenneth L. Arnold of Opelika died Oct. 15, 2020 after a brief illness.

He was born July 2, 1951 in Donalsonville, Georgia to Charles & Clyde Anglin Arnold.

Kenneth will be fondly remembered as a loving husband, Daddy, Papa, Papa Kenneth, Zif, son, brother, uncle & friend. His life time love of the water, whether it was skiing, boating or fishing filled him with lasting memories. When he retired, he became Captain of his first pontoon boat and enjoyed spending time on Lake Martin.

He was an employee of Three Notch EMC for 46 years in Donalsonville. After retirement in 2017 he and Linda moved to Opelika.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his father, Charles Arnold.

Survivors include his wife, Linda Andress Arnold; daughters, Lindsey (Joseph) Gorrin of Tarpon Springs, FL, Melissa (Ross) Morris & Michelle (Austin) Singleton of Auburn; mother, Clyde Arnold of Donalsonville GA, brother, Stan Arnold of Jakin, GA; grandchildren, Bailey &

MARKET

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FROM A7

• Dean Road Ceramics (Margie Whatley, Hayley Williams, Maria Auad) • Hale Farms • Hornsby Farms • Extreme Green Farms • George Family Farm • Heavenly Candy Brittle • Nellies’s Southern Fried Pies • Epic Family Farms • The Chill Spot • Shana’s Place • Pulliam Farm Parking will be available for all market attendees in the gravel parking lot across from Town Creek Park. All market visitors must maintain a minimum of 6 feet between

Garrett Morris, Ann & William Singleton and Lucia & Penelope Gorrin; nieces & nephews, Jordan (B.J.) Josey, Ben Arnold, Jennifer (Matthew) Foster, Amber (John) Hall & Cody (Nicole) Fennell.

A Celebration of Life Service was held on Oct. 18th, at 2 p.m. (Central Time) at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home located at 1500 Frederick Road in Opelika. The family received friends at the funeral home from 1 until 2 p.m. prior to service.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Kenneth's memory to: Auburn UMC PO Box 3135 Auburn, AL 36831 Or Samaritan's Purse PO Box 3000 Boone, NC 28607 Jacqueline “Jackie” Screws Samford Jacqueline “Jackie” Screws Samford, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Oct. 15, 2020, at the age of 87.

She was born on May 11, 1933 the daughter of Jack and Blanche Screws. She was a graduate of Auburn University with a major in Music Education. She was actively one another.

All vendors will follow the state sanitation guidelines regarding farmers markets: - Food samples will not be served, and cooking demonstrations will not be allowed.

- Vendors will maintain a 10-foot distance from one another.

- All vendors will wear food safe serving gloves and will designate one worker to handle payment.

- We recommend that vendors wear face masks.

- All available products will be pre-packaged.

In order to allow the maximum number of community members to visit the market, loitering and social gatherings will not be

involved with Trinity UMC, and served as pianist for many years.

She was a faithful member of the Thomas Samford Sunday School Class. She also enjoyed serving in the East Alabama Medical Center Auxilary.

Mrs. Samford was preceded in death by Thomas Drake Samford III (husband of 48 years), Betty S Gaut (sister), Thomas Drake Samford, IV (son).

She is survived by her devoted children: Lynn Samford Fargason (John), Birmingham; Robert Maxwell Samford (Joy), Auburn; and Richard Drake Samford (Debra), Opelika; daughterin-law Janice Samford Candler (Jack), Montgomery; grandchildren: Jennifer ( Dwayne ) Morgan, Lauren (Chase )Sievers, Montgomery; Heather ( Cody )Peak, Birmingham; Justin (Daniela) Fargason, Portland, Oregon; Luke (Alison) Fargason, Birmingham; Amanda Samford, Montgomery; Chase (Laken) Samford, Birmingham; Clay Samford, Auburn ; Drake , Mary Whitten , Thomas Samford, Corey (Amber) Lemke, and Colt Perryman, Opelika; a great-grandchildren, Anthony, Michael, and Joshua, Austin, and Destiny Morgan Montgomery ; Judah, Caden, and permitted. We ask that you please purchase your products and promptly exit the parking lot for others to easily access parking spAots.

Animals will not be allowed to attend the market and high-risk community members and those feeling ill should also not attend. Mask are not required when a distance of 6 feet cannot be maintained.

We look forward to seeing everybody again at the Harvest Market while still enforcing social distancing and sanitation guidelines.

For more information regarding City Market, please contact Sarah Cook at scook@auburnalabama.org or visit auburnalabama.org/ parks/programs/ city-market/.

Maggie Rose Sievers, Montgomery; Shiloh and Samuel Fargason, Birmingham; Harper, Hollyn, and Hunter Lemke, Opelika.

Graveside service for Jacqueline Screws Samford of Opelika, Alabama, were held on Monday, Oct. 19, 2020 at Rosemere Cemetery, in Opelika, at 11:00 a.m., for family and friends with Dr. Earl Ballard officiating.

The family respectfully declines the gift of flowers and requests that memorial donations be directed to: Trinity UMC Music Ministry, 800 2nd Avenue, Opelika, AL 36801.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is directing Johnny Glen Allen, Sr. Johnny Glen Allen of Opelika, born to the late Annie Maude Allen and Robert Julus Allen in Birmingham, Alabama Feb. 7, 1939 passed away Oct. 12, 2020 at his home.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Kathryn (Kay) Jenkins Allen: children, Johnny (Glen) Allen, Jr (Leigh) of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, and Karen Allen Sisco (Wayne)of Sandy Springs, Georgia: grandchildren Drew Allen, Anna Allen, Ashley Sisco, Nathan

AORTA

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FROM A7

ter’s Foundation for Breast Cancer Early Detection. The Breast Cancer Early Detection Center provides free mammogram screenings for women who are uninsured, as well educates women

Sisco and Sabrina Sisco; great grandchildren Casen Escalante and Anders Escalante; sister Mary Reedof Birmingham; brother BobbyAllen (Cathy)of Springville, Alabama and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Johnny attended Woodlawn High School in Birmingham and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Auburn University in 1961. After college he relocated to Huntsville, AL working for the U.S. Army in their Ballistic Missile Defense program for 20 years. Two of those years were spent on Kwajalein (KMR) in the Marshall Islands. He then ventured into the private sector working with several defense contractors until retirement. In retirement Johnny and Kay relocated full time to their dream home in Old Seagrove Beach, Florida, traveling and making regular visits to their gameday condo in Auburn to cheer on the Tigers. In 2019 they settled in Opelika.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

Lynda McClain Hornsby Lynda McClain Hornsby went home to be with in our community regarding the benefits of breast self-examination and annual screenings.

To register for the AORTA’s Tough 10/ Tough 2, go to runsignup.com/Race/ AL/Auburn/AORTAToughTenToughTwo. For more information or questions, contact

the Lord on Oct. 17, 2020.

Mrs. Hornsby was born on Dec. 23, 1941 in Langdale, Alabama. She had been a resident of Opelika since 1970. She retired from Opelika Light and Power in 1997 where she served our city for 25 years.

She was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband of almost 51 years, Mr. Rodger Lamar Hornsby, Sr. She is survived by her two sons, Roger (Leslie) and Richard (Michelle), six grandchildren, Laura Gordon, Jacob Hornsby (Kristen), April Jordan (Jeremy), Derek Douglas (Elizabeth), Mitchell Hornsby, and Jonathan Hornsby. She was also blessed with ten great grandchildren.

Funeral Services were held on Oct. 20, 2020 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home with visitation from noon until 1:30 p.m. and was followed by a simple graveside service at 2 p.m. at Garden Hills Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation in Mrs. Hornsby's name to the charity or church of your choice.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory directed.

Anthony Terling at Anthony@aotourism. com.

Auburn Opelika Tourism is a non-profit service organization driving economic impact and improving the quality of life in our community through tourism and travel.

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A15 October 21, 2020

Early detection, screenings important in breast cancer survivorship Contributed by State Rep. Debbie Hamby Wood State Rep. Debbie Hamby Wood is working during October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, to raise awareness for the need for early detection and screening programs across Alabama in fighting this disease.

“Thousands of Alabamians will be hearing about the importance of early detection and preventive cancer screenings this month,” said Wood in a statement. “As a breast cancer survivor myself, I know firsthand how important early detection is to survivorship and how crucial these conversations are. Still, we don’t talk nearly enough about adequate access to these life-saving screenings.

“Our state-funded breast and cervical cancer screening program has been the difference between life and death for so many, providing services for uninsured and underinsured women through our state health department that otherwise would likely not have had access.

“In particular, the Alabama Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program has seen continued success in bridging the health gap in communities across the state, particularly for our rural areas like Lee and Chambers County.

“Five years ago, I felt a knot in my breast and a lurking feeling in my gut. Instinctively, I knew something was wrong and visited the doctor to receive my mammogram exam.

Despite the difficult

process that took place before and after my mammogram, receiving a timely screening was something I took for granted.

“The economic impact of COVID-19 on working-class families makes our ability to provide free and affordable access for breast and cervical cancer screenings even more critical than in years before.

In fact, with hundreds of screenings delayed due to the pandemic, it’s imperative that funding and screening access remain a top priority as we consider the longer-term effects of the pandemic this upcoming session.

“We need to prioritize funding for breast cancer screenings and make sure all women have access. Even in the face of a public health crisis, we can’t risk los-

ing the progress we’ve made in reducing breast cancer rates.

“I’ll never stop fighting for other women -- with the same fervency as I handled my own diagnosis. Breast and cervical cancer rates won’t relent in the face of COVID-19 and neither can we.

“Our state-funded programs are a reliable foundation on which to continue saving lives and reducing the cancer burden. I’m committed to providing Alabama families with safe and affordable opportunities to prevent and detect disease whenever possible, and I hope my fellow legislators are too.”

Rep. Debbie Wood is a breast cancer survivor and legislator in the Alabama House of Representatives, District 38.

She represents Chambers and Lee County.

Join Us Today and Walk Your Way October 24, 2020 Alabama Statewide Walk 9:00 am—12:00 pm

Alabama Statewide Walk to Defeat ALS The Walk to Defeat ALS® is the signature event for the ALS Association Alabama Chapter to raise critical funds for ALS research, advocacy, care, and support. It is the #1 way to unite and fundraise for those living with ALS and their loved ones. Each year, fundraising through the Walk drives bold and urgent innovation as we march together to create a world without ALS. This year’s event won’t be a large in-person gathering, but we are still walking — and calling on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against this disease. This year, Walk to Defeat ALS is everywhere — on every sidewalk, track and trail. On event day, we invite you to participate in small, safe teams while others in your community do the same and “Walk Your Way”.

To register and find out more about how to “Walk Your Way”, visit www.walktodefeatals.org and search for the event closest to you.

Contact Victoria Rutledge at 205-443-7882 or Victoria@alsalabama.org

A16 Oсtober 21, 2020

COMICS

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

S

S

Inside • opelika schools • lee county schools • community sports

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

Opelika City Schools earn perfect health scores

On the Mark

By D. Mark Mitchell

Opelika prepares for final game

T

he OHS football team (6-2, R 6-0) will close out the regular season Friday against region foe Park Crossing (4-4, R 3-3), at Bulldog Stadium.

Opelika won by forfeit against Valley last Friday night. The Rams lost 20 players due to COVID-19 protocol and forfeited two games against Eufaula and OHS. Opelika head coach Erik Speakman gave the team off last Friday to enjoy a little free time ahead of the playoffs.

Park Crossing is coming off a 12-8 loss to RE Lee in Crampton Bowl last Friday. LC Cole, hired in the spring, is in his first year as the Thunderbirds’ head coach.

Cole has an extensive resume, including coaching in the NFL and college before returning to the high school level. He is known as a strict disciplinarian and a “defensive” coach.

The Thunderbirds have endured some painful moments early this season.

Their starting quarterback suffered a season-ending injury

after game one. The reserve quarterback was in an ATV accident that claimed his life several days later. Needless to say, the team continued to play despite all of the negatives.

Park Crossing opened the season with a 46-28 loss to Auburn. The next two games were won via forfeit over Dothan and Valley.

They played their second game of the season Sept. 10, a 20-14 loss to Carver.

The following week, Eufaula beat the Thunderbirds 33-7.

Park Crossing then beat Lanier 22-6 on Oct. 1. They won by forfeit over Valley on Oct. 9 and lost last week 12-8 against the Generals. It has been a tough year for Park Crossing when compared to Opelika. The Bulldogs wrapped up the Region 3 Championship with a 19-0 win over Lee two weeks ago and the forfeit win over Valley last week.

Against Park Crossing, Opelika will see for a good defensive team with an average offense. Look for the See SPORTS , page B3

C

ongratulations to the OCS cafeteria managers and staff for earning a score of “100” from the Alabama Department of Public Health at every Opelika City School. We are proud

Photo contributed by OCS of you and thank you for all you do every day to provide nutritious meals to our students.

Pictured, from left: Debra Walker-Morris Avenue Intermediate, Marsha ArmstrongOpelika Middle School,

Listasha Avery-Jeter Primary School, Lynn Freeman- Opelika High School, Amy Jo Jacobs-Carver Primary School, Cathy MurraySouthview Primary School, Vanessa Edwards-Northside

Intermediate School, and Donna Howard West Forest Intermediate School. Lynn Lee is the Director of Child Nutrition for the Opelika City Schools.

Beauregard storm back for the win Rick Lanier Opelika Observer

The Beauregard Hornets (3-6 overall) managed to overcome 21 unanswered points to beat the Elmore County Panthers (1-7) 42-28 on a cool, crisp Friday night in Eclectic in what can best be

described as a tale of two halves.

The first half could not have started better for the Hornets. Senior K Cason Santa Anna’s opening kick-off landed in a perfect spot, causing the Aggie receiver, hastily scurrying to recover the free kick, to fumble and give the

Hornets the ball deep in Panther territory. One play later, QB Gavin Prickett connected with WR Tyler Gordon for a touchdown and the Hornets had drawn first blood at 7-0. The rest of the half, however – well that would prove to be tough sledding.

Eager for their first

game action in two weeks, Elmore County was unfazed by the Hornets quick strike and answered in impressive fashion. First, a 62-yard drive was capped off by a 10-yard touchdown pass, followed by a Hornet See BEAUREGARD , page B3

Beulah bully Goshen, get first win

By Wil Crews sportscrews@opelikaobserver.com

In a battle of winless teams, the Beulah Bobcats steamrolled the Goshen Eagles, 42-13, to get their first victory of the season.

Both teams came into the game 0-7, with the Eagles forfeiting two games due to the coronavirus and the Bobcats forfeiting three.

Beulah jumped out to an early 14-0 lead with a one-yard

rushing touchdown from Jacori Tarver and a two-yard rushing touchdown from quarterback Caleb Abney, despite throwing an early interception. A missed PAT after the first score was amended

by a successful twopoint conversion on the second.

A big play in the second quarter temporarily turned the momentum in favor of the Eagles. Goshen See BEULAH , page B3

B2 October 21, 2020

Where do we go from here?

What to take away from Auburn’s loss to South Carolina

Senior QB Corey Minton, who had 11 carries for 49 yards and 1 TD

Photo contributed by Todd VanEmst/AU Athletics

By Wil Crews sportscrews@opelikaobserver. com

South Carolina fans are happier with Will Muschamp as their head coach than Auburn fans are with Gus Malzahn as theirs. Not a single soul would have

predicted this to be a reasonable statement after Muschamp’s ill-favored departure from Florida in 2014.

Unless you’re one of those unbelieving, pessimistic Auburn fans (you know who you are), it had previously been undeniable that Gus Malzahn

– given his numerous flaws – was better suited to run a program than Muschamp.

But, after Auburn’s 30-22 loss to South Carolina in Columbia on Saturday, the unbelieving, pessimistic Auburn fans are See AUBURN , page B4

Beauregard’s Football Player of the Week

THE ENTIRE HORNETS DEFENSE, WHO SHUT OUT ELMORE COUNTY IN THE SECOND HALF SOPHOMORE RB JACORI TARVER, WHO HAD FOUR RUSHING TOUCHDOWNS

Sponsored by Goree’s Furniture Express

3797 AL Highway 169, Opelika 334-742-0607

B3 October 21, 2020

Auburn trample Smiths, crowned region champs

By Wil Crews sportscrews@opelikaobserver.com

The Smiths Station Panthers showed a collected resolve in the second half of their game on senior night, but were handily defeated by Auburn, 45-14.

The win for the Tigers (9-0) clinches the Region 2-7A crown, and the loss for Smiths moves them to 3-5 on the year. It’s the first region title for Auburn since 2013--; and they did it in dominating fashion.

Fittingly, on senior night, all the scores from Auburn were made by seniors. The Tigers scored on their first three drives of the game after forcing Smiths to go three-andout on their first three attempts with the ball.

BEAUREGARD>> FROM B1 turnover and another Panther drive that resulted in a 48-yard touchdown pass, then another score by ground, staggering the Hornet defense, who found themselves in a 21-7 hole by the end of the first quarter.

The beginning of the second quarter found the Hornets with the ball and marching when Prickett, facing a critical fourthand-five situation, ran a quarterback draw and fought his way through defenders to gain first down yardage and to keep the drive alive. Just a couple plays later and senior RB Trent Jones found pay dirt from 5 yards out to bring the Hornets closer at 21-14.

Elmore County answered right back with the Hornet defense still on their heels, an 82-yard drive of their own capped off by a 3-yard QB run, increasing the Panthers lead to a score of 28-14.

Then, with only seconds remaining in the first half, a Panther defender stepped in front of a Prickett pass deep in Hornet territory and was headed for the end zone for an apparent score when, out of nowhere, Gordon ran the defender down to prevent the Panther touchdown as time expired in the half.

The first half stats were not pretty as the Hornets offense possessed the ball for only nine minutes and eked out a paltry 80 yards of total offense (58 pass / 22 rushing) while giving

Smiths looked to get back into the game in the second quarter by flipping the field position, but the Tigers would not be denied. A Smiths punt pinned Auburn at their own 2-yard line but the Tigers put together an impressive 98-yard drive capped by a fourth down, 33-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Matthew Caldwell to Bryson Clague. Caldwell finished 10-14 on passing for 194 yards, and Clague caught two touchdowns.

The one blemish on Caldwell’s stat line was a result of a ferocious Smiths’ pass rush. The Panthers broke into the backfield and pressured Caldwell on a second-quarter drive.

The QB was spun to the

ground and he desperately flailed the ball forward, straight to a Panther defensive end. Still, however, Smiths failed to capitalize on the momentum.

Auburn would score once more just before the half – Caldwell to Clague – making it 35-0 Auburn at the break.

The second half was where the Panthers decided to show their fight.

Although they found practically no success throwing the ball, Smiths quarterback Cory Minton found some running lanes in the offense’s heavy package. After another Auburn touchdown opened the third quarter scoring, Minton finally got the Panthers onto the board in the fourth with a slick read option keeper

up 247 total yards and 14 minutes of ball possession while on defense.

Prickett was picked off again on Beauregard’s first possession of the second half, but it would not matter this time. A markedly improved and seemingly challenged Hornet defense took the field in the second half, flexed their muscle and forced the Panthers to give the ball back after three plays.

Then on Beauregard’s next possession, Jones took a handoff from Prickett, bounced it to the outside and outraced the Panther defense for a 71-yard touchdown romp to pull Beauregard to within a touchdown at 28-21.

Sporting a newfound nastiness and swagger, the Hornet defense made play after play in the second half to continuously put the ball back in the hands of the Hornet offense who responded in kind. Prickett found WR Keyshon Tolefree on a 40-yard touchdown strike to even the score at 28 apiece with 3:05 remaining in the third quarter. The same QB/ WR combination hooked up again, this time for 29 yards and a score, to push the Hornets ahead 35-28 early in the fourth quarter.

The Panthers offense, who enjoyed much success in the first half, was completely shut down and could not manage to score another point in the game with the Hornets defensive now dominating the game.

Meanwhile Beauregard’s offense, anchored by the solid play of Prickett, never let up.

Prickett scampered for 14 yards and another touchdown to put the game out of reach with three minutes remaining.

Jones picked off a batted Panther pass in the final seconds of the game to seal the victory for the Hornets with the final score being 4228, in fitting fashion of Beauregard’s superb second half performance.

The Hornets’ second half stats were impressive as well: 271 total yards (137 pass / 134 rushing) of offense, while the defense only allowed the Panthers a meager 58 yards of total offense.

Head Coach Rob Carter was elated by his team’s performance after the game.

I’m so proud of our guys and the way they came back from such a big deficit,” he said. “We shot ourselves in the foot in the first quarter and then made some good adjustments at the half – we needed to come back and win. It’s been a tough year, but they kept fighting, I couldn’t be more proud of a group of players as I am of these guys.”

The Hornets have added a final home game (non-conference) against St. Anne-Pacelli of Columbus, Georgia.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22. Beauregard High School is located at 7343 Alabama Highway 51, Opelika, Alabama, 36804.

from seven yards out.

Iverson Jones ran it in for Smiths on the next drive from four yards out to finish the scoring.

In the end, Smiths played hard, but Auburn played like champs.

Auburn ran for over 200 yards while Smiths – who has heavily relied on the run game all year – were held to just 89. Jhamier Gore pitched in 21 yards on eight carries and Minton led the team in rushing with 11 carries for 49 yards.

Next Friday, Smiths travel to face the Dothan Wolves (1-6) at Rip Hewes Stadium in an away conference game.

The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST at 1701 Stadium St, Dothan, Alabama 36301.

BEULAH>> FROM B1 arrived on the scoreboard in scintillating fashion as quarterback Will Snyder completed a 73-yard pass to Isserick Mckinny for the Eagles’ first score.

However, the Bobcat defense would settle into the game from there, allowing only one more touchdown the whole game – a seven-yard run in the third quarter.

The Bobcat defense recovered a Goshen fumble in the second quarter with two minutes to go and Tarver found the end zone again on another two-yard rushing score. It looked like the teams were destined for halftime, but Beulah quickly forced a Goshen punt to get the ball one more time before the break.

Abney hit T.J Washington, with under a minute to go, on a long pass to put

SPORTS>> FROM B1 Thunderbirds to play hard Friday night at Bulldog Stadium. There is no question OHS is the better team, but a win would make the season for Park Crossing.

The Bulldogs will have next week off and will start

Southern Christian Patriots Win Again on the Road The Southern Christian Patriots got their second varsity win of the season against Trinity Christian (Pelham, Alabama) this past Friday. It was a close, hard fought, back and forth game, with the final score of 28-22.

The Patriots had a host of players perform well on the way to the victory. Junior quarterback Daniel Adams had a great night with 104 passing yards and one rushing touchdown.

Sophomore wide receiver Levi Marchio was his favorite target, finishing with 69 yards – receiving and hauling in the Patriots’ lone touchdown pass. Senior Silas Frick added a rushing touchdown of his own,

giving him three in the last two weeks.

Throughout the game, Southern Christian played great defense.

Sophomore Josia Frick was the co-leader in tackles for the second straight week with eight.

He also had the Patriots’ first pick-six of the season. Levi Marchio was everywhere on the defensive side of the ball too, finishing with eight tackles of his own to tie Frick for the team high.

Southern Christian now have a program-high two-game win streak after starting their inaugural season with three straight losses.

The Patriots will play next Friday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m. CST at Twiggs Academy in Jeffersonville, Georgia.

the Bobcats in scoring position on the 15-yard line. However, in notso-thrilling fashion, the Bobcats ran out of time and failed to score. Still, the Bobcat defense had been stifling, and the offense had consistently been productive – Beulah went to halftime leading 21-7.

The story of the second half was similar to the first – great defense and consistent offense from Beulah. After forcing a turnover on downs from the Eagles, Abney broke a 40-yard run to give Beulah a first and goal.

Tarver’s day went from good to great when he got his third score, running it in from 10 yards out. The following drive, the Beulah defense would again stand firm and force a punt. The Bobcat offense capitalized on good field position and Abney got his second score of the night on a one-yard QB sneak.

Goshen responded

with their second score of the night, but it was too late. Beulah bookended the scoring with Tarver’s fourth rushing touchdown of the night.

Beulah outgained Goshen, 396 yards to 249 respectively, but the most dominating aspect of their offense was by far the rushing game. The Bobcats racked up 318 of those yards on the ground and controlled the flow of the game with their dominant rushing attack led by Tarver and Abney. The defense was superb all night, recovering two fumbles and recording a late interception. It was doubtless a fantastic way to get the team’s first win.

Beulah travel to confront the Dadeville Tigers (5-2) in a 3A Region 4 test on Friday, Oct. 23. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST at 227 Weldon St., Dadeville, Alabama 36853.

preparing for the 6A playoffs, which begin Nov. 6. The Dawgs will host the fourth place team in Region 3.

It will be Stanhope Elmore, Wetumpka or Helena. We will know the opponent after Friday night’s games.

Fans can listen to the Park Crossing vs OHS game on WKKR 97.7 Kicker FM, online at kickerfm.com or watch the live stream free on the nf hsnetwork. com courtesy of the Orthopedic Clinic.

You must set up a free account on nfhsnetwork.com.

Then search for the Opelika football game versus Park Crossing. Click the Opelika production and the stream is free.

AHSAA CENTRAL BOARD UPDATE

The Alabama High School Athletic Association held its quarterly Central Board Meeting last week in Association office in Montgomery.

Executive Director Steve Savarese and the Board released Winter sports and Fall Championship Sports guidelines for “Return to Play”.

The winter sports included, wrestling, girls and boys basketball, bowling and indoor track. You can review these plans at AHSAA.com PLAYOFF TICKETS Football playoff tickets are under the control of the AHSAA and can only be purchased at www.gofan.co or www.ahsaa.com by Saturday.

By Will Washburn

B4 October 21, 2020

Superintendent McCoy gives COVID-19 update

By Will Fairless Associate Editor

Superintendent Dr. Mac McCoy gave an update on the school system’s COVID situation at the Lee County Board of Education’s regularly schedule meeting on Oct. 13.

Seventy-Five percent of Lee County students are attending school in person as of the board meeting.

“Our numbers are running very similar to what you see in Lee County,” McCoy said. “We ended last week in orange, and we ended the week before that in green.”

He added that an

AUBURN>> FROM B2 having their day (insert maniacal laugh).

Auburn is now 2-2 and sitting outside of the top-25. Every game this season has felt like one step forward and two steps back for the Tigers. Okay, maybe the Georgia game was more like four steps back. But the point is, Auburn has yet to play well in all three facets of the game for the full 60 minutes. So, where do we go from here?

Technically, it’s to Oxford to take on a struggling but dangerous Ole Miss team.

But, before that, here’s a look at what we learned from Auburn’s loss against South Carolina on Saturday.

Let’s begin with some numbers.

Because on its face, Auburn was the better team in Columbia.

Auburn had more: First downs (27 to 20) Total yards (481 to 297) and yards per carry (5.8 yards to 3.6).

Where did it all go wrong you ask?

The short answer is Bo Nix’s right arm.

The better answer is mistakes and missed opportunities.

Auburn came out on fire, forcing two three-and-outs and taking an early 9-0 lead after two drives.

After Seth Williams and Anthony Schwartz were the only two receivers to catch a pass last week, Bo Nix decided that “everybody eats,” and hit seven different receivers in the first quarter. When Tank Bigsby ran wild against Arkansas, many expected Auburn to feed the freshman and lean on the run game more going forward. The offensive line played well again this week and it would have made a lot of sense to go run-heavy given Nix’s poor record in SEC road games.

increase in the number of cases came two weeks after home football games, which was to be expected. He thanked the students of Lee County schools and their parents for helping the schools’ staff in keeping infection down and keeping buildings clean.

“We’re working hard,” McCoy said.

“I cannot say enough good things about our nurses, about our custodians, about our teachers, about all the administrators doing everything they can. I think the teachers have never worked harder in their lives to get the students back to where

they need to be, where they want to be.”

The Alabama Department of Health came out with a new set of guidelines recently, and Lee County Schools has implemented the “6/15 quarantine rule,” which means students or faculty who have been within six feet of a COVID-positive student for at least 15 minutes are quarantined. McCoy said that the outcomes of that rule should be a lot more people sent home to quarantine and a lot fewer positive cases.

There were 11 positive COVID cases reported among all Lee County schools students in the

That wasn’t the case.

Don’t get it wrong, Bigbsy was stellar again – 16 carries for 111 yards and a touchdown – but his performance called for even more touches to go his way. His 6.1 yards per carry average ranks No. 3 in the SEC and just above Alabama’s Najee Harris. Perhaps more impressive is, according to Sports Info Solutions, Bigsby has caused a nation-leading 9.5 missed tackles per 25 rush attempts.

Still, however, firstyear Auburn offensive coordinator Chad Morris inexplicitly went away from the run, going full Mike Leach as he appeared dead-set on winning or losing the game on the arm of his quarterback. It worked well to start, and perhaps caught the Gamecocks off guard, but Nix’s 61 total drop backs were far too many.

Morris and Nix have yet to truly mesh and the rate of trick-playsused in this game was fun but unsettling to say the least. You can blame the game on the sophomore QB, fair.

But the ball should have never been in his hands to begin with.

After outgaining South Carolina 144 to 21 in the first quarter, Auburn looked well on their way to victory. But three interceptions from Nix led to 21 Gamecock points and completely erased any momentum that Auburn had early on. What turned this game into a disaster were the three red zone field goals that Auburn settled for and the seven penalties for 69 yards in the second. Missed opportunities and mistakes. “Tank” Bigsby’s performance and nickname origin story – about how he purposely ran into walls – was just about the only good thing Auburn produced after the first 15 minutes.

On the defensive side of the ball for

Auburn, there isn’t much blame to give.

They limited the Gamecock offense to 297 yards, but something still wasn’t clicking. Zakoby McClain and Owen Pappoe are incredible linebackers but undersized. Pappoe got his first career interception and McClain led the team in tackles for the second straight week and had Auburn’s only sack. But depth is still an issue there and the first and third levels were nothing to write home about.

Roger McCreary was called for two killer pass interference calls (mistakes) and while Big Kat Bryant’s name was mentioned more than any time this year, he still failed to register a sack. Some younger guys on the defense are stepping up, but with K.J. Britt out, it’s obvious Kevin Steele’s defense is severely lacking in leadership and playmaking.

So, here we are.

Malzahn is back on the hot seat, Nix looks like a nervy freshman again and the Tigers should really be 1-3. No time to waste; Joey Freshwater awaits on Saturday. It’s fun being an Auburn fan.

Even for the unbelieving pessimists among us.

week between Oct. 2 and Oct. 9. Four symptomatic students, in addition to the positive cases, were sent home during that time period, and 153 students were quarantined due to close contact (these figures are available at sites google.com/lee.k12. al.us/lcscovid-19publicdashboard/home?scrlybrkr=e3af70cd).

The board also recognized Milford Burkhalter at the meeting for 12 years of service on the Lee County School board, as he is retiring from that service.

“It is my pleasure and also sadness to recognize Mr. Milford Burkhalter

for being a board member with us since 2008, to 2020, in recognition of your dedicated service to the children of Lee County schools, thank you very much,” McCoy said. “Thank you for being the leader you have been for me.”

In other business, the board: - selected two of its members to act as delegates during the 2020 AASB Delegate Assembly, Dec. 4-5, at the Wynfrey Hotel in Birmingham or virtually. The two selected are Larry Boswell, President, District 2, and Larry Patterson, District 6.

- voted to allow McCoy

to negotiate with anyone who is interested in providing security system and installation for Lee County Schools, as no acceptable bids for the service were received since Sept. 10 - heard the monthly financial report and cash reconciliation for the month of August from Ken Roberts - wasreminded to come up with nominations for the County Board of Equalization.

The Lee County Board of Education meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at 2410 Society Hill Road; its next meeting is scheduled for Nov. 10.

B5 October 21, 2020

Youth Earn Awards at Alabama National Fair

Senior Division Premier Exhibitor Contest winners in the Youth Swine Show at the Alabama National Fair in Montgomery Oct. 10 were from left Allie Johnson of Woodland in Randolph County, first place; Whitney Herren of Woodland in Randolph County, second place; Caroline Belcher of Auburn in Lee County, third place; Matthew Dover of Ohatchee in Calhoun County, fourth place; and Mackenzie Johnson of Alexandria in Calhoun County, fifth place. The Premier Exhibitor Contest combines a written test, livestock evaluation and showmanship.

Livestock shows at the Alabama National Fair are sponsored by the Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance.Â

Senior Division Showmanship Contest winners in the Youth Swine Show at the Alabama National Fair in Montgomery Oct. 10 were from left Matthew Dover of Ohatchee in Calhoun County, first place; Allie Johnson of Woodland in Randolph County, second place; Whitney Herren of Woodland in Randolph County, third place; Mackenzie Johnson of Alexandria in Calhoun County, fourth place; and Caroline Belcher of Auburn in Lee County, fifth place.

Intermediate Division Showmanship Contest winners in the Youth Swine Show at the Alabama National Fair in Montgomery Oct. 10 were from left Lyndee Meadows of Woodland in Randolph County, first place; Alyx Johnson of Woodland in Randolph County, second place; Philip Belcher of Auburn in Lee County, third place; Brooke Ginn of Alexandria in Calhoun County, fourth place; and Taylor Dover of Ohatchee in Calhoun County, fifth place.

Intermediate Division Premier Exhibitor Contest winners in the Youth Swine Show at the Alabama National Fair in Montgomery Oct. 10 were from left Alyx Johnson of Woodland in Randolph County, first place; Lyndee Meadows of Woodland in Randolph County, second place; Brooke Ginn of Alexandria in Calhoun County, third place; and Philip Belcher of Auburn in Lee County, fourth place. The Premier Exhibitor Contest combines a written test, livestock evaluation and showmanship.

Junior Division Showmanship Contest winners in the Youth Swine Show at the Alabama National Fair in Montgomery Oct. 10 were from left Rose Hodnett of Wadley in Tallapoosa County, first place; Maggie Yarbrough of Woodland in Randolph County, second place; Elizabeth Belcher of Auburn in Lee County, third place; Tripp McMurray of Woodland in Randolph County, fourth place; and Miles Williamson of Heflin in Cleburne County, fifth place.

Senior Premier Exhibitors during the Youth Beef Cattle Show were, from left, Jewel Thompson of Lee County, first; Mary Hannah Gullatt of Lee County, second; Victoria Thompson of Lee County, third; Russell Jordan of Clay County, fourth; and Audra Graves of Blount County, fifth (not pictured).

Photos contributed by Alabama Farmers Federation

B6 October 21, 2020

Senior Showmanship winners during the Youth Beef Show were, from left, Trace Strock of Autauga County, first; Jewel Thompson of Lee County, second; Walker Johnson of Cullman County, third; Victoria Thompson of Lee County, fourth; and Hannah Grace Childress, Chilton County, fifth.

Intermediate Premier Exhibitors during the Youth Beef Cattle Show were, from left, Rex Harrison of Cullman County, first; Mackenzie Smith of Blount County, second; Gus Ashley of Montgomery County, third; Mary Elliott Martin of Lee County, fourth; and Curt Williams of Marshall County, fifth.

Jewel Thompson of Lee County exhibited the Champion Bred & Owned Shorthorn during the Heifer Show at the Youth Beef Cattle Show at the Alabama National Fair Oct. 17 in Montgomery. The show was sponsored by the Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance. She is pictured with judge Brad Bennett of Cookeville, Tennessee.

Victoria Thompson of Lee County exhibited the Reserve Champion Shorthorn during the Heifer Show at the Youth Beef Cattle Show at the Alabama National Fair Oct. 17 in Montgomery. The show was sponsored by the Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance. She is pictured with judge Brad Bennett of Cookeville, Tennessee.

Walton Epperson of Opelika in Lee County exhibited the Overall Reserve Champion Commercial Doe in the Youth Goat Show during the Alabama National Fair in Montgomery Oct. 17.

He also won a ribbon and banner for exhibiting the Overall Reserve Champion Percentage Doe. The judge for the Youth Goat Show was MaKayla Richardson of Bloomfield, Kentucky.

Victoria Thompson of Opelika in Lee County exhibited the Champion Shorthorn Heifer in the Alfa Farmers Jackpot Beef Show at the Alabama National Fair Oct. 18.

Jewel Thompson of Opelika in Lee County exhibited the Champion Bred and Owned Shorthorn Heifer and Reserve Champion Overall Shorthorn Heifer in the Alfa Farmers Jackpot Beef Show at the Alabama National Fair Oct. 18

Beginner Premier Exhibitor winners in the Youth Goat Show were Claire Smith of Jemison in Chilton County, first, and Walton Epperson of Opelika in Lee County, second.

Beginner Showmanship winners in the Youth Goat Show were Claire Smith of Jemison in Chilton County, first, and Walton Epperson of Opelika in Lee County, second.

Photos contributed by Alabama Farmers Federation

Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics

B7

October 21, 2020

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

Inside the Statehouse

O

ur 2020 presidential election is less than two weeks away. We Americans will either elect Republican Donald Trump for another four-year term or Democrat Joe Biden.

In Alabama, we will either elect Republican Tommy Tuberville or Democrat Doug Jones for six years to serve with our iconic senior Senator Richard Shelby. The winner will be elected to a six-year term in this August body.

Several of you took issue with my statement last week that a vote for the liberal Democrat Doug Jones is a vote against Richard Shelby and the State of Alabama. Allow me to clarify and explain to you as simply as I can why that is true and why I reiterate that declaration.

The United States Senate is steeped in and governed by time-honored rules and traditions. The most revered and sacred shrine is the vestige of seniority. The rule of seniority is paramount. The longer you serve in the Senate the more powerful you become. Some become more powerful than others. Richard Shelby has become the most powerful and consequential U.S. Senator to have represented our state in Alabama history.

In my 2015 book, Of Goats and Governors: Six Decades of Colorful Alabama Political Stories, I have a chapter titled, “Alabama’s Three Greatest Senators.” They are Lister Hill, John Sparkman and Richard Shelby.

Senator Lister Hill was an austere, aristocratic gentleman who was renowned for health care. He was the author of the famous Hill-Burton Act and the father of the renowned UAB Medical Center. He served 30 years in the U.S. Senate.

Senator John Sparkman served in the U.S. Senate for 32 years. He was from Huntsville and is credited with being the father of Redstone Arsenal.

If I were writing that chapter today, Senator Richard Shelby would be alone as Alabama’s most consequential, powerful senator in our state’s history. He is in a league of his own. During his 34-year career in the Senate, Shelby has become renowned as the bearer of good tidings and federal dollars to the Heart of

Alabama Constitutional Amendments on 2020 ballots

By Will Fairless Associate Editor

STEVE FLOWERS Dixie. If Lister Hill was the father of UAB and John Sparkman the father of Redstone Arsenal, then Richard Shelby can very aptly be referred to as the grandfather as well as great uncle to these two premier Alabama institutions. Richard Shelby is the reason UAB and Huntsville’s Space and Rocket Center are Alabama’s most prestigious, as well as Alabama’s two largest, employers.

Huntsville has become Alabama’s fastest growing and most prosperous city and one of America’s brightest high-tech destination locations. The city of Huntsville is soon to become the second home of the FBI. The state-of-the-art Huntsville FBI cybersecurity headquarters will employ over 2,000 very highly paid individuals. This coup for Alabama is due to one person – our senior Senator Richard Shelby.

It is not just Huntsville and Birmingham that have benefitted from Shelby’s prowess and power, it is the entire state. Every corner of the state can point to a Shelby generated road, building, industry or military installation.

You might be asking, how has Shelby accomplished so much for our state? It is simple. It is federal dollars. Then you might ask, how does Shelby bring so many federal dollars to Alabama? It is simple.

He is Chairman of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee. He appropriates the United States budget, or in other words, he controls the federal checkbook.

On the General and Constitutional Amendment election ballots, there are six proposed amendments to appear on the ballot statewide. The “yes” or “no” that voters will submit for each is in response to the question, “Shall the following Amendments to the Constitution of Alabama be adopted?”

Statewide Amendment 1 is to Article VIII of the state’s constitution, which deals with age and citizenship

qualifications of electors (some criteria for a person’s right to vote). The proposed amendment follows as it is shown on a sample ballot found on the website of the Secretary of the State.

“Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, to amend Article VIII of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, now appearing as Section 177 of the Official Recompilation of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, as amended, to provide that only a citizen

of the United States has the right to vote.

(Proposed by Act 2019-330)” Statewide Amendment 2 is the longest of the six and deals with the makeup of the Judicial Inquiry Commission. It follows here: “Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, to increase the membership of the Judicial Inquiry Commission and further provide for the appointment of the additional members; further See AMENDMENTS, page B12

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

See FLOWERS, page B8

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B8 October 21, 2020

Attorney General Steve Marshall Announces He Will Seek U.S. Supreme Court Review of Ruling on Curbside Voting in Alabama Contributed by the Office of the Attorney General

Attorney General Steve Marshall announced Tuesday that the state will appeal a U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling upholding a lower court order allowing curbside voting in the Nov. 3 general election in Alabama.

“While we welcome

I

the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals decision to grant the state’s emergency stay request so that Alabama’s absentee voting law requirements of a valid photo ID and witnesses remain in effect for the Nov. 3 general election, the appeals court’s decision to allow curbside voting conflicts with state efforts to ensure election security,” said Attorney

General Marshall. “We will therefore seek a stay from the U.S. Supreme Court as soon as possible.

“Alabama has a history of voter fraud that the photo ID and witness requirements help address,” he said.

“Those safeguards are both important and easily complied with, even during the pandemic.

Alabama has the right

and the duty to ensure that our elections are conducted with integrity, and Alabama voters deserve to know they can cast their ballots with confidence that election security safeguards will remain in place.”

Alabama law requires most categories of voters who apply for an absentee ballot to submit a copy of their photo ID and

have two witnesses or a notary sign the envelope in which a voter submits the absentee ballot.

The federal district court’s Sept. 30 ruling prohibited local election officials from enforcing these anti-fraud provisions, including prohibiting curbside voting despite the Secretary of State’s judgment that curbside voting violates

Alabama law and cannot be practically implemented for the first time ever in a matter of weeks.

The federal district court similarly enjoined the state’s absentee voting law during the July 14 runoff elections in June. However, the U.S. Supreme Court disagreed, staying that injunction and allowing the state to enforce its election laws.

On photo ID law, voter suppression – and Tommy Tuberville’s fumble

n 1979 one of my fellow summer interns was the niece of the Democratic secretary of state in Rhode Island. Once, she said that if she ever went into the voting booth on Election Day and pulled the lever by accident for a Republican, “I will chop my hand off!”

This exemplifies pure partisanship.

Two weeks ago, two right-wing provocateurs were charged with four felonies by Michigan’s attorney general. They allegedly tried to intimidate minority voters from casting mail-in ballots. The men robo-called 12,000 residents and said personal information from ballots could trace them for outstanding arrest warrants, said the AG. That is voter suppression in overdrive.

Closer to home, the U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, ruled to block a district court order lifting Alabama’s photo ID and witness requirements for absentee voters. This is very

FLOWERS>> FROM B7 In addition to being Chairman of Appropriations, Senator Shelby is Chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. If you do not think that is

good news, according to Alabama’s secretary of state.

“It’s a win for the people of Alabama!,” said John Merrill. “The stay that has been granted maintains the integrity and security of elections in our state—thus proving that our current election laws are not an obstacle to voters in Alabama.”

Merrill noted that photo ID and witness requirements impede potential fraudsters. He also plans an appeal to the Supreme Court to assure curbside voting is banned in Alabama, as it is not currently allowed by state law. (He notes that no county has indicated it plans to provide curbside voting on Nov. 3, 2020).

When I was in a pre-law class in my undergrad college, we used to joke about the famous quote, “I know it when I see it,” regarding obscenity. It was said in 1964 by Associate Justice Potter Stewart of the U.S. Supreme Court.

We students envisioned

a bunch of elderly men watching a few X-rated movies, and telling their wives it was simply research for a court case.

In 1981, Sandra Day O’Connor, ironically, succeeded Stewart and became the first female Supreme Court justice.

“I shall not today attempt further to define the kinds of materials I understand to be embraced within that shorthand description (“hard-core pornography”), and perhaps I could never succeed in intelligibly doing so,” said Justice Stewart said.

“But I know it when I see it, and the motion picture involved in this case is not that.”

Likewise, although we think we, “know it (voter fraud) when we see it,” it is not always so obvious.

Solution: Pay attention at the polls and alert authorities.

Between 2000 and 2019, according to The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think-tank, Alabama had 19 election fraud cases.

Sixteen of those resulted

invaluable to Alabama, you best think again.

There is no state in the nation that benefits more through defense preparedness and dollars in the United States than the good ole Heart of Dixie.

Under the rules of the Senate, the political party that has the majority

of members presides and makes the rules.

More importantly, for Alabama, the majority party gets all the committee chairmanships.

Our senior Senator Richard Shelby is a Republican. Currently, Republicans have a slim 53-to-47 majority in the

in Criminal Convictions; most were for Fraudulent Use of Absentee Ballots.

In the Wetumpka City Council District 2 case, a judge invalidated the preliminary election results and declared Lewis Washington the winner in a contested election.

Not just state officials seek to track down electoral fraud. Shortly after he was inaugurated, President Donald Trump set up a commission to look into voter fraud in the 2016 presidential race. Trump couldn’t believe he lost the popular vote by three million votes. Kris Kobach, secretary of state in

Kansas, the commission’s co-chair along with Vice President Mike Pence, closed down the project without proving one case of voter fraud.

The landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965 enabled African Americans to shed the chains of Jim Crow and the many methods of voter suppression.

All who seek federal or state office in Alabama must make sure they know it well. Somehow, Republican U.S. Senate nominee Tommy Tuberville did not read that playbook.

He embarrassed himself Sept. 1 in a phone call with the Birmingham Sunrise Rotary Club.

Excerpt: “The thing about the Voting Rights Act it’s, you know ― there’s a lot of different things you can look at it as, you know, who’s it going to help? What direction do we need to go with it? It’s important that everything we do we keep secure.

We keep an eye on it.

It’s run by our government.” What the hell is

he talking about?

Tuberville got good marks, especially before the primary, for visiting the nooks and crannies of his adopted state, seeking votes. With a large media buy, he has run a very strong campaign.

He leads U.S. Sen. Doug Jones by 12 points, in polls. But he avoids complex issues in Alabama by refusing to debate.

The Voting Rights Act is an item he must study in case he finds himself in Washington, DC in January. After all, 26% of Alabamians are African American. They have come a long way in a trip cushioned by that Act. If someday the former Auburn football coach represents us, he should not fumble when he speaks.

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 and Alabama.

Senate. There are three Republican incumbent senators in Arizona, Colorado and Maine, who are in serious jeopardy of losing. If the Republicans lose these three and one more, then Senator Shelby loses the chairmanship of appropriations and

Alabama loses all of its power in Washington.

Suppose your vote for Doug Jones, a liberal, national, California Democrat, is the deciding vote that puts the Democrats in control of the U.S. Senate and puts Richard Shelby and Alabama out to pasture.

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.

By Greg Markley

B9 October 21, 2020

PUBLIC NOTICES 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 -------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE CONSERVATORSHIP OF MARTHA NELL STRINGER. An Incapacitated Person CASE NO.: 2014-A-072 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: JU-2020134.02 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 -------------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, Ero-

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

A Bid Bond in the amount of five (5) percent of the bid amount made payable to the City of Opelika must accompany each bid.

Performance and Payment Bonds for the full contract sum will be required of the successful bidder. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities.

Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, Purchasing-Revenue Manager, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama, 36803-0390. Attn: Influent Sewer Rerouting for Eastside WWTP LILLIE FINLEY- PURCHASING 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 TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF DAVID WIDTE A/KlA 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 -------------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 -------------STORAGE TREASURES AUCTION ONE FACILITY – MULTIPLE UNITS Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 1412 Opelika Rd, Auburn, AL 36830 Thursday, November 12, 2020 at 10:00AM Ashley Chapman Unit D66 201 wire rd Auburn, AL 36830 pallets, decorations, wooden structures Gloria Ann Williams Unit D69 1095 Princeton Place Auburn, AL 36830 Storing Boxes, crafts Danielle Jolly Unit E78 701 Baker Blvd Tuscumbia, AL 35674 3 bedroom home Jamelia Owens Unit G97 1420 Carolyn Ct Auburn, AL 36830 queenbed and boxes Rashaun Hoskey Unit G98 429 Dale Rd Eufala, AL 36027 Furniture boxes Essence Epperson Unit S343 12101 Weathervane Ln Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 1 bedroom boxes, bags, small furniture The auction will be listed and advertised on www. storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

Legal Run 10/21/20 & 10/28/20 -------------Notice of Bid Bids for Beulah Sports Complex Landscape Maintenance Beulah, (Lee County), Alabama In general, the work consists of maintaining entire athletic complex, mowing, edging, trimming, blowing, herbicide application, trash removal, pruning, sod management.

Sealed bids must be received in the Lee County Commission Office - Second Floor in the County Courthouse at 215 South 9th Street, Opelika, Alabama 36801 by 2:00 PM CST on November 5, 2020.

Bid documents are available at www.leeco.us under “Current Bids” or contact: Ryan Norris Parks and Recreation Manager Lee County Commission 334-737-3606 rnorris@leeco.us Legal Run 10/21/2020 & 10/28/2020 --------------

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA INRE: The Estate of Nancy Ann Nash, Deceased Case Number: 20 2 0 - 281 NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration have been granted to Terry Taylor as Administrator of the Estate of Nancy Ann Nash deceased on the 14th day of October, 2020 by the Honorable Bill English.

Judge of Probate.

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

Personal Representative of the Estate of Nancy Ann Nash Legal Run 10/21/20, 10/28/20 & 11/04/2020

lation in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama.

ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 20th day of October, 2020. /s/ Eddie Smith PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK TRANSMITTED TO MAYOR on this the 21st day of October, 2020. /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR APPROVED this the 21st day of October, 2020. /s/ Gary Fuller MAYOR ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK Legal Run 10/21/2020

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

SYNOPSIS OF ZONING NOTICE 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, to consider the adoption of an ordinance to amend the Zoning Ordinance and the Zoning Map of the City of Opelika by rezoning or redistricting the parcel of land hereinafter described so as to change such parcel from one class of district to another class of district, as follows: 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.

STATE OF ALABAMA IN THE PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY DOCKET NO. 2020-397 RE: ESTATE OF SHERMAN M. POTTS, DECEASED: NOTICE OF PUBLICATION Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 8th day of October, 2020, by the Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. /s/ Rosalyn B.Potts Rosalyn B. Potts Legal Run 10/21/20, 10/28/20 & 11/04/2020 -------------ORDINANCE NO. 025-20 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 C-2, GC-P District (Office/Retail, Gateway Corridor-Primary Overlay District) to a C-3, GC-P District (General Commercial, Gateway Corridor-Primary Overlay District), the parcel of land hereinafter described: Parcel-1B, Harley-Davidson Subdivision, according to and as shown by map or plat of said subdivision of record in Plat Book 26 at Page 6 in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama.

The above-described property contains 4.0 acres, more or less, and is located at 1201 Fox Run Parkway (formerly the Harley-Davidson Dealership), 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 circu-

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

The above-described property, lying in Section 10, Township 19N, Range 27E in Lee County, Alabama, contains approximately 89.5

See PUBLIC NOTICES, page B11

B10 October 21, 2020

Like crossword puzzles? Sudoku?

Play online at www.opelikaobserver.com/puzzles/

B11 October 21, 2020

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES>> FROM B9 acres and is located in the 900 Block of North Uniroyal Road, Opelika, Alabama.

Public Notice of this public hearing with insertion of the proposed ordinance was first published on October 14, 2020, in the Opelika Observer. This notice is given pursuant to Section 11-52-78 Code of Alabama (1975).

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.

THIS NOTICE is given under my hand this the 21st day of October, 2020. /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 10/21/2020 -------------SYNOPSIS OF ZONING NOTICE 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, to consider the adoption of an ordinance to pre-zone the 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) prior to annexing into the City of Opelika. The 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).

Should the annexation not occur, the pre-zoning shall have no effect and the property shall remain in the

unincorporated area of Lee County, Alabama.

Public Notice of this public hearing with insertion of the proposed ordinance was first published on October 14, 2020, in the Opelika Observer. This notice is given pursuant to Sections 11-52-78 and 11-52-85, Code of Alabama (1975).

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.

THIS NOTICE is given under my hand this the 21st day of October, 2020. /s/ Russell A. Jones Legal Run 10/21/2020 -------------NOTICE OF COURT PROCEEDING CASE NO. 2020-159 IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution In the Estate

of ROBERT L. ROBERTS, deceased.

Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the LEE COUNTY Probate Office by Donna L. Roberts on May 8, 2020 pursuant to Section 43-2690, 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 Distributionof the estate of said decedent.

BILL ENGLISH, PROBATE JUDGE Legal Run 10/21/2020 -------------NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF WALTER JACOBS MEADORS, JR. DECEASED

PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION of said deceased having been granted to Edward Drexil Meadors on the 14th 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.

Edward Drexel Meadors Legal Run 10/21/2020, 10/28/2020 & 11/04/2020

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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).

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

B12 October 21, 2020

AMENDMENTS>> FROM B7 provide for the membership of the Court of the Judiciary and further provide for the appointment of the additional members; further provide for the process of disqualifying an active judge; repeal provisions providing for the impeachment of Supreme Court Justices and appellate judges and the removal for cause of the judges of the district and circuit courts, judges of the probate courts, and judges of certain other courts by the Supreme Court; delete the authority of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court to appoint an Administrative Director Courts; provide the Supreme Court of Alabama with authority to appoint an Administrative Director of Courts; require the Legislature to establish procedures for the appointment of the Administrative Director of Courts; delete the requirement that a district court hold court in each incorporated municipality with a population of 1,000 or more where there is no municipal court; provide that the procedure for the filling of vacancies in the office of a judge

may be changed by local constitutional amendment; delete certain language relating to the position of constable holding more than one state office; delete a provision providing for the temporary maintenance of the prior judicial system; repeal the office of circuit solicitor; and make certain nonsubstantive stylistic changes. (Proposed

by Act 2019-187” Statewide Amendment 3 is concerning the terms of judges appointed to fill vacancies: “Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, to provide that a judge, other than a judge of probate, appointed to fill a vacancy would serve an initial term until the first Monday after the second Tuesday in January following the next general election after the judge has completed two years in office.

(Proposed by Act 2019-346)” Statewide Amendment 4 proposes that the Alabama Constitution be recompiled to be ratified again by Alabamians in 2022: “Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, to authorize the Legislature to recompile the Alabama

Constitution and submit it during the 2022 Regular Session, and provide a process for its ratification by the voters of this state.

(Proposed by Act 2019-271)” Statewide Amendment 5 is about the use of deadly force in self-defense on the premises of a church under certain conditions, specific to Franklin County: “Relating to Franklin County, proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, to provide that a person is not liable for using deadly physical force in self-defense or in the defense of another person on the premises of a church under certain conditions. (Proposed by Act 2019-194)” Statewide Amendment 6 is about the same subject as 5, but regarding Lauderdale County: “Relating to Lauderdale County, proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, to provide that a person is not liable for using deadly physical force in self-defense or in the defense of another person on the premises of a church under certain conditions. (Proposed by Act 2019-193)”

Letter to the Editor

T

he Libertarian Party of Lee County wants to invite the citizens of Lee County to its first annual convention to help celebrate the Chapter’s first year since its creation in 2019.

The event will be held on the Oct. 24 at Red Clay Brewery starting at 2 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. CST. We will be electing new officers for chair and treasury, voting on bylaw changes and after, there will guest speaker Jeremy

‘Spike’ Cohen, Vice Presidential Candidate for the Libertarian Party via zoom.

Catering by Butch Paper BBQ will be provided and there will raffles for fundraising.

Live in Liberty, Keller Williams, Vice Chair LCLP

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This week’s puzzle answers: