2-21-2018 E-Edition

pelika O Observer

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Vol. 10, No. 20

Opelika, Alabama

“By local people, for local people.”

Caleb Ross leaves Opelika for alma mater Prattville, Bulldogs begin coaching search

By Morgan Bryce and D. Mark Mitchell Opelika Observer The Autauga County Board of Education voted to name Caleb Ross as Prattville High School’s next head football coach during a special meeting Tuesday night.

Despite numerous injuries to starters at key positions, Ross guided Opelika to a 9-4 overall record in his one and only season, tying for the region championship and appearing in the quarterfinal round of the 6A State Playoffs, falling 2621 to Hillcrest of Tuscaloosa.

Ross, a Prattville native and alum, was linked to the job opening following former Coach Chad Anderson's resignation during the Christmas break.

Seeing it as a chance to go home, Ross explained the degree of difficulty in making his decision to Observer

sports columnist and Opelika High School insider D. Mark Mitchell.

"This is a tough decision for me. I am happy and excited to go home, but I worry about the kids ... will they understand why?" Ross said in an interview with Mitchell last Tuesday night. "Hopefully as they get older they will understand (the concept of) home.

Opelika is a wonderful place with an incredible school system. Dr. (Mark) Neighbors and Dr. (Farrell) Seymore do a wonderful job. I enjoyed my time at Opelika. Mayor (Gary) Fuller, (City) Council President (Eddie) Smith and many others made me feel at home in Opelika. I appreciate all the many fans that supported me.”

Starting out in 2001 as a student assistant for the Samford University football team, Ross worked his way up the See Ross, page B8

GPCDC aims to change lives, Casson to run for economic future of Opelikans 3rd Congressional District

By Lawton Vallely For the Opelika Observer Since the faith-based nonprofit’s formation in 2000, ‘The Greater Peace Community Development Corporation’ has sought to improve the quality of life for all Opelika residents.

Led by Rev. Clifford E. Jones, Greater Peace Missionary Baptist pastor and organization founder, the GPCDC’s mission is to provide the opportunity to impact the community through community and economic development in order to create a better place for people in the Opelika community to live Jones said.

“I think if people see the need of what the GPCDC is doing and the impact that it is having on children and other lives, our hope is that they will give towards that effort in order to help us to be able to save many of these young lives and move them forward so they can have a better life,” Jones said.

Children have been a main focus of the GPCDC since its beginning, with the creation of their flagship program, the ‘Youth Leadership Academy I,’ in late 2000.

The program was so See Peace, page A2

Special to the Opelika Observer

By Lawton Vallely For the Opelika Observer Longtime Auburn resident Thomas Casson recently announced his campaign for Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District.

Congressional District 3, a seat currently held by Republican Mike Rogers, covers east central Alabama and encompasses sections of Montgomery and Calhoun, Chambers, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, See Casson, page A7

Index OPINION.................................A4 SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY........A12 SPORTS...................................B1

RELIGION.................................B3 COMMUNITY.............................B8 ENTERTAINMENT.....................B12

20 Under 40: Where are they now Giving back to Opelika is Harvis’s goal

By Kendyl Hollingsworth For the Opelika Observer Antione Harvis, Opelika City Schools board member and Dad’s League director, reflected on how the crucial lessons learned and connections made during his time in the 2009 class of See Harvis, page B10

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A2 February 21, 2018

County Commission Discusses Polling Place Change in Auburn

By Fred Woods For the Opelika Observer

es to replace longtime board member Linda Hilyer on the Lee County Recreation Board. The commission recognized and thanked Mrs. Hilyer for her 12 years of service.

The commission also made several other board nominations and announced two up-coming vacancies on the Beulah Utilities District board.

Action on granting a lounge retail liquor (onpremise) license to the Speed Zone Package store in Smiths Station was deferred until the next commission meeting to allow Sheriff Jay Jones to gather additional information requested by the commission.

will still leave the precinct the second smallest in Auburn with 9,133 voters as of December 2017.

The largest, Box 4, which votes at Lexington Inn on South College Street, had 15,092 voters as of the same date.

The Beulah Senior Center will be completed within the next few weeks, and will begin being used for senior events. Commissioner Ham, however, asked that a formal ribboncutting ceremony be delayed until early spring in order for a number of people who were instrumental in bringing about the center to be officially recognized.

In other action, the commission named Chris Hodg-

The Lee County Commission discussed the loss of the Auburn National Guard Armory as a polling place and the possible move of the former voters at the armory to the Boykin Community Center in Auburn.

The Auburn City Council has agreed with an apparent majority of the Lee County Commission on this move.

Final approval must be made by early March, as Alabama law prevents a polling place from being changed within three months before an election. The 2018 party primaries are June 5.

The combination of the two boxes

Peace, from A1 successful Jones said that many of the kids did not want to leave the academy. This prompted the organization to create the ‘Youth Leadership Academy II’ in 2003, allowing previous students to return to the program.

“We talk to them about critical issues that they face in life, we talk to them about making good choices, we have a session on having good manners, how to interview and how to dress for success,” Jones said.

Another program geared toward youth is the GPCDC’s preschoolkindergarten program.

Funded by the Office of Early Childhood Education and the Office of School Readiness, the program has two classrooms located within the Greater Peace Child Development Center, adjacent to the Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church.

While the GPCDC has a strong focus on youth, they also tackle the issue of affordable housing.

The GPCDC began to

solve this problem by buying and redeveloping houses within the Jeter community. This venture then led the GPCDC to create a subdivision known as “Jordan’s Gate,” a $9 million dollar project developed in 2008 and funded by tax credits to promote homeownership for low-income Opelikans.

The subdivision features 48 houses, two to three bedrooms, and a fully stocked clubhouse that includes office space, a fitness center and a laundromat. Tenants are allowed to long-term rent up to 15 years and then they are strongly encouraged to purchase property within the subdivision if they so desire.

“I am just glad to have had the opportunity to have an impact in the community, trying to make peoples lives better.

(All people) have a right to have a good education and good start in life and have an opportunity to have a good living facility and home to live in,” Jones said. “While we can’t do everything, the little (thing) we can do is having an impact on those lives that we are reaching out and touching.”

Future plans for the

nonprofit include a goal of redeveloping at least two more homes in the Jeter Community within the year. They also plan to construct a new amphitheater, which will seat 200 people that will be shared among The Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church, Jeter Primary School and any members of the community that comply with the mission of the GPCDC. "We are always looking for more volunteers and sponsorships. We just try and reach out and get resources whenever we can," Jones said.

Upcoming events with volunteer and sponsorship opportunities include a Southeastern historical black college tour over spring break, reading to children during the summer months and the GPCDC’s 5th Annual Roast in July.

The roast will showcase a local celebrity that will be announced at a later date.

“The biggest challenge is having enough resources to do the work that we know is needed for this community,”Jones said.

For more information, contact Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church at 334-749-9487.

Opelika’s best kept secret GIVEAWAY!! For the whole month of February we want you to help us share our secret! Bring in a friend that's new to the store and you are both entered to win a $75 gift certificate. Bring in 2 friends and get two entries! Help us tell the community how adorable and how much fun our sweet store is!

Special to the Opelika Observer

Located in Historic Downtown Opelika

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February is Heart Month and East Alabama Medical Center is offering halfpriced coronary calcium scoring scans. The CT scans are not covered by insurance and cost $100.

EAMC is offering the scans for $50 this month for heart health awareness.

The scan measures the amount of calcium in the walls of the arteries that

supply your heart muscle, using a special computed tomography (CT) scan of your heart. It shows the amount of hardening of the artery wall (a disease called atherosclerosis).

Heart disease is the number one leading cause of death in women and men across the U.S. and Alabama. An estimated 103 million U.S. adults have high blood pressure, according to new statistics from the

pelika Observer

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Phone: 334.749.8003 Fax: 334.749.8009 editor@opelikaobserver.com

American Heart Association. That’s nearly half of all adults in the United States. The most effective ways to ward off heart problems include eating right, exercising, controlling blood pressure and not smoking, that according to the group.

Go to www.heart.org/ HEARTORG/ to learn more about heart health and how to fight cardiovascular disease.

Editor: Michelle Key Associate Editor: Morgan Bryce Journalist: Shawn Kirkpatrick Marketing: Woody Ross, Doug Horn & Emily Key Photographer: Robert Noles

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

CORRECTIONS The Opelika Observer will correct any errors, omissions or

Return to: Opelika Observer, 216 S. 8th St. / Opelika, AL 36801

inaccuracies deemed to be substantive. Corrections may be re-

Please do not send cash through the mail.

quested by contacting the Editor at (334) 749-8003.

pelika O Observer

OLLI at Auburn Hosts Rusty Smith for Wisdom Wednesday’s Lecture Series Special to the Opelika Observer The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Auburn University (OLLI at Auburn) will host its lecture series entitled ‘Wisdom Wednesdays’ Feb. 21 from 2:30-4 p.m. at the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art located at 901 South College St. in Auburn.

OLLI members, guests and friends are all invited to learn more about OLLI at Auburn course offerings, social engagements and initiatives.

This week’s guest will feature a presentation by Rusty Smith, associate director of

the Alabama Rural Studio, to OLLI members and guests. In addition to his role as associate director of the Rural Studio, he has also taught and lectured as a Distinguished Visiting Artist at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in the Department of Architecture, Interior Architecture and Designed Objects.

He is a nationally recognized teacher and scholar. Smith’s honors related to teaching excellence include the receipt of the American Institute of Architects National Teaching Honor Award and the American Institute of Architecture Students National Teaching

Honor Award. Smith is a regular invited lecturer speaking about design education at both educational institutions as well as to design professionals. Currently an independent consultant, Smith has practiced professionally since 1991. He has worked as a senior designer for a variety of internationally recognized architectural firms, including Perkins + Will and Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum.

OLLI at Auburn offers academic notfor-credit programs for adults aged 50 years or older through program sites at Auburn University, AUM in

Montgomery, Alabama, and the Chambers County Public Library in Valley, Alabama.

OLLI at Auburn is a program of the Office of the Vice President for University Outreach at Auburn University. OLLI administrative offices and select classes are located at the historic Sunny Slope property, 1031 South College St. in Auburn, Alabama.

For more information regarding this event, contact Ileeia A. Cobb, Ph.D., OLLI Director, at 334-8443105, olli@auburn. edu, or visit www. olliatauburn.org.

Area lawyer named president-elect of Alabama State Bar for 2019-2020

By Kendyl Hollingsworth For the Opelika Observer Christy Crow of Jinks, Crow and Dickson, P.C. in Union Springs, Alabama, was named president-elect of the Alabama State Bar earlier this month.

She will serve as bar president for the 20192020 bar year.

Only the third female to be elected president of the Alabama State Bar, Crow said she is humbled that her fellow lawyers trust her to serve them as president.

“I love lawyers …

I became actively involved in the bar when I was a young lawyer, and so I was Young Lawyers bar president about 10 or 12 years ago and just really enjoyed getting to know lawyers and seeing the service that they give to their community and the service that they give to their clients, and so the opportunity to be able to serve the lawyers that serve others is something that is both humbling and exciting," Crow said.

According to Crow, the Alabama State Bar has a mandatory bar system and every lawyer in the state is a member. The bar provides a number of different benefits to its members, but Crow said there are still many members who are unaware of these benefits. “[Sometimes] they don’t really understand what the bar association can and is doing for them, so I’m going to try to build on the efforts of prior administration to do outreach to our members to help them be better lawyers and to help them have more satisfaction with their

career,” Crow said.

Being a woman from a rural area, Crow said she hopes her election will give the bar some diversity in leadership structure that will help bring different perspectives to the table.

She said she is also excited about the timing of her presidency: exactly 100 years after the adoption of the 19th amendment to the Constitution, which gave women the right to vote.

Crow said that the bar is already starting to plan some activities for the women’s suffrage anniversary.

“The ideas that we have [for activities] are interesting, and I think that it’ll be a good outreach for the bar where we can help make the public aware of what the bar does and celebrate that historic achievement.”

A north Alabama native, Crow said she is the first lawyer in her family. She decided to pursue a career in law after her father was injured “through the gross negligence of another.”

After earning her bachelor’s degree at Auburn University and her Juris Doctor degree at the University of Alabama School of Law, Crow earned a reputation for braving arbitration cases — something that many lawyers did not typically tackle at the time. However, personal injury and death cases still hold a special meaning to her.

“I love representing clients and getting to know their

stories and giving a voice to people that sometimes, without a lawyer, would feel like they didn’t have a voice,” Crow said. “I think people sometimes … don’t feel like they can get a wrong committed against them addressed, and being able to empower folks to stand up to people that do something wrong— or companies that do something wrong— is the thing I enjoy most.”

A3 February 21, 2018

Lee County officials prepare for severe weather Shawn Kirkpatrick Opelika Observer

Severe weather does not discriminate against the town, the day or the week where it strikes. It’s Severe Weather Preparedness Week, and Lee County Emergency Management Agency (LCEMA) officials want all citizens to be aware of the different types of severe weather they face, how to get watch and warning information and how to keep their families safe.

“It’s something most people don’t think about until it is happening.

We use to have a spring tornado season, now we don’t have that. It goes on all year long,” said Rita Smith, Lee County Emergency Management Agency. “We had tornadoes in November and December last year. There is no method, rhyme or reason anymore to the trending weather conditions.”

Smith said you now have to think about it all the time. She stressed the importance of being vigilant all year long, and taking care of you, your family and neighbors during flooding, tornadoes, thunderstorms, lightning and winter storms.

Severe weather can develop very quickly. Once a tornado approaches or flooding develops, it’s too late to start working on a plan. “Do you know where your family’s safe places are?” Smith said.

“Do you have a weather radio for an inside warning? We want citizens to know that the outdoor warning sirens are exactly that. We stress these are not intended for you to

hear inside your house. If you do that’s a plus, but you don’t want to depend on that. That’s why a weather radio, with batteries, is so important.”

Smith also stressed putting a weather survival kit together now. She said a basic kit should have a gallon of water per person, per day, for 3 days, nonperishable food, a weather radio with batteries, flashlights, a first aid kit, a whistle to signal for help, a charged cell phone, and a cordless, portable charger. “It seems overwhelming, but you can put it all in a clear plastic tub right now and it will be there ready to go when you need it,” Smith added.

Having one emergency contact for your family is also important, according to Smith.

“Pick one person that each family member will call. And it would be really great if that person was out of town in case your area was hit. Texting is better than a phone call so you don’t tie up the lines for emergency response,” Smith explained.

“Have a plan where you would meet. Practice how you get there. Pick a spot outside your neighborhood in case you can’t get home.”

Smith is offering free help programming weather radios. She said to bring it by the LCEMA office at 908 Ave. B in Opelika and they will program it for free, but bring batteries. Also, if you have a generator, they can show you how to operate and maintain it.

Severe Weather Preparedness Week ends Feb. 23. For more informaSee Weather, page A7

mammograms and pap smears If you are age 40 to 64, have no insurance and a low income, you may qualify for a FREE Mammogram and Pap smear.

With you every step of the way from FREE SCREENING to FREE TREATMENT For more information, call toll-free 1-877-252-3324 alabamapublichealth.gov/bandc

A4 February 21, 2018

N

Snails

pelika O Opinion

slaughter of a species.

The Mobile area killing was undertaken to get rid of the Amazonian apple article. snail, a nasty-looking sack “Snail killing party in of ooze about the size of Langan Park and Three a baseball that has made Mile Creek this weekend.” the list of the world’s 100 Was this some “you must

By Hardy Jackson worst invasive species. be a redneck if . . .” joke?

It was once legal to own Or was it the lead into a one so folks kept them in their home collection of “Southern Haiku”: aquariums. Likely they grew too big, A New Moon started crowding out the fish and herFlashlights pierce darkness mit crabs, and rather than kill them, No night crawlers to be found the kind hearted owner threw them Guess we’ll gig some frogs into a nearby pond. You think rats It was neither. Through the medium breed fast? No one has ever used the of the press the Mobile Baykeeper, the term “snail’s pace” to describe the Alabama Division of Wildlife & FreshAmazonian reproductive prowess. water Fisheries, and the U. S. Fish & They are no longer legal.

Wildlife Service put out the call for volNot that it matters, for they are unteers to show up on a Saturday mornspreading - Latin America, Southeast ing to “help kill as many gastropods as Asia, Hawaii, California, a pond in possible.”

Come one, come all. Bring your boats, Yuma, Arizona, Baldwin County, Mobile – eating native plants and leaving canoes, kayaks. Wear old sneakers so behind murky, algae-filled water. If you can wade along the soft banks of they get into the Mobile-Tensaw Delstreams and ponds. Wear old clothes ta they may attach their eggs to vesbecause you are going to get wet and sels heading upriver and pretty soon dirty and snail slimed. there will be snails among us. And Now I do not enjoy killing for the since earlier efforts to eradicate them sake of killing.

As a boy I did, as boys do. I had a BB came to naught, the call went out for the public to come and kill snails – gun and with it I put a small dent in the smash ‘em, squash ‘em, pound ‘em in bird population. the ground.

I also took part in a rat killing. My And Mobilians did.

Daddy, a couple of his friends, and I How successful were they? Time were moving some hay that was in the will tell. back of a crib where we also kept corn, But if this doesn’t work, I have an and out from behind one bale ran a rat.

Daddy and his friends armed themselves alternative they may want to try.

Eat ‘em. with stout sticks, and with me as the apNow I have eaten snail – escargot pointed bale mover, they prepared for you know – and it wasn’t bad. Over the killing. in Southeast Asia the Amazonian Never having been party to such an apple snail is caught, cleaned, cooked, undertaking, I assumed that we’d kill chopped up and eaten with rice. I am a few – maybe a dozen – and be done sure Southern foodies could come up with it. That was when I learned that rats breed, well, like rats, and when I be- with some way to turn the Amazonian apple snail into a Dixie dining delight. gan moving the bales the crib exploded ‘Course that could backfire on us, with rodents. as good ideas often do down here.

So I grabbed a stick and joined in the slaughter. It was great fun for everyone, Popularity could increase the demand for the snails and to meet that deexcept the rats. mand, snail farms will pop up all over “Though boys throw stones at the the region. frogs in sport, Rather than fewer snails we would The frogs do not die in sport, but end up with more, ready to escape in earnest.” into the wild. Then we’d have to have Bion (Greek poet, ~100 BC) an even bigger snail killing.

And they say there is no value in a I think I better think this through liberal arts education.

I no longer kill for sport. I have not again.

Harvey H. (“Hardy”) Jackson is hunted in years and when I fish it is Professor Emeritus of History at for the pot. If I catch something that Jacksonville State University. He can cannot be used, I let it go. be reached at hjackson@cableone.

However, this snail thing might net. just cause me to reconsider the mass ow I gotta tell you, the headline demanded I read the

D

My wife

are. Instead, we’d go o you remember to Pizza Hut, or Kenwhen we met? tucky Fried Chicken, I do. or anywhere with a It was a Barnes and buffet.

Noble bookstore. I was And there was reading; you were with the time at UAB friends. You waltzed Hospital. After your through the door with

By Sean Dietrich biopsy. My chest felt that determined walk cold. I’ve never been you have. That I-canso scared. take-care-of-myself walk.

When the doctor called us There are some things a man into his office I thought I would never forgets.

You wore a baby-blue sweater. vomit. I stared at his mouth when he spoke. I didn’t want to miss a Your hair was chin-length. We sentence. must’ve talked for an hour. Two You were squeezing my hand. strangers. A chance meeting.

No. I take that back. I don’t be- He said the word “benign” and we both cried. He left the office lieve in chances. to give us privacy.

How about the long drives we We cried a lot that day. took just for fun? We’d ride twoAnd here we are. lane highways through the night After this many years, I know for an excuse to talk. We’ve our lives aren’t glamourous. I’m always been able to carry our sorry. You could’ve married a weight in words. man with money. A gentleman.

I asked you to marry me. You Instead, you married me— said yes. I gave you a jeweler’s box containing the world’s tiniest whatever I am.

We live in a home with brake diamond. It cost me every dollar lights on the back. Our queen bed I had. You wore red that night. has a foul-smelling coonhound in Red. it. Our vehicles are old. My truck We got married in a small needs new tires; your transmischapel. We honeymooned in Charleston. We had no money for sion ain’t what it used to be.

But we’ve survived life togeththat trip, but we went anyway. er. We’ve watched good dogs We were dumber back then. I die. We dug their holes. I stood miss being dumb. beside you during your father’s How about our ugly apartment funeral. You stand beside me ev- remember that place? I drove ery day. by it yesterday, for old time’s You made me who I am. It sake. The grounds were overgrown. Mold on the siding. What makes me feel rich to think I might make you who you are. a dump.

Life isn’t forever. I know that.

Our old neighbors were still Sometimes I think about this, and there. The same ones who had I’m too scared to imagine the day fleas that infested the whole one of us wakes up in an empty building. bed.

God, I loved that place.

But that day isn’t today. And Then there was the time I so I thank the moon, the stars, the wrecked the truck. The man besun, and their maker. hind us fell asleep at the wheel.

I am thankful for life. For love.

You were listening to the radio For us. when it happened.

And for people you meet by “Shameless” was the song playing. I thought we were dead. chance in bookstores.

Sean Dietrich is a columnist, It was a miracle we survived. and novelist, known for his comBut then, our whole lives have been one big miracle, you know? mentary on life in the American You got me through college. You South. His work has appeared in Southern Living, the Tallahassee tutored me through math class.

Those are miracles in themselves. Democrat, Southern Magazine, Yellowhammer News, the Bitter We used to argue hard someSoutherner, the Mobile Press times. When our spats ended, Register, and he has authored we didn’t get lovey-dovey like seven books. adolescents. That’s not who we

Inside the Statehouse

T

he 2018 legislative session will be short and sweet. It is an election year. Historically, during the last year of a quadrennium, the legislature convenes early and passes the budgets, then goes home and campaigns for reelection to another four year term.

Our forefathers, who wrote our 1901 Constitution, must have been thinking the same thing because they designed for the fourth year of the quadrennium legislative session to start and end early.

It is set by law to begin in early January, whereas it begins in February in most years.

This year’s session began January 9 and can run through April 23. The consensus is that they will adjourn earlier than the April deadline.

also seem Most happy. observers Pittman is believe that a giant of they will a man who pass the probably budgets and stands 6’8” be out of tall and Orr Montgomery

By Steve Flowers is someby the end what short. of March When they and home stand next to each othcampaigning by April er they look like Mutt Fools’ Day. The budgets will not and Jeff.

It reminds me of a be hard. The economy picture made in the has picked up and 1950’s with Governor the education budBig Jim Folsom and get, which is reliant Congressman Frank on sales and income Boykin standing next tax, is flush. Even to each other. Boykin the beleaguered General Fund is not in dire was extremely short and portly. He was straits. around 5’2”. Big Jim The House budget was about 6’9”. It chairmen, Bill Poole, was quite an amazing R-Tuscaloosa, and photo taken at Boykins Steve Clouse, Rhunting lodge north of Ozark, walk around Mobile in Washington with a smile on their County. face.

Both Big Jim and The Senate budget Boykin were inebriatchairmen, Trip Pitted. In defense of Pittman, R-Baldwin and Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, man and Orr, they are

both sober and serious about their business and do a good job.

Pittman has decided to stick to a campaign pledge he made when he first ran to serve only two terms, so he is not running again.

The other three budget chairmen are running and will be easily reelected if they even have opposition.

Arthur Orr, Steve Clouse, and Bill Poole will all return to the legislature and will more than likely chair their chamber’s budget committees for another four years.

All four of these budget leaders are smart and articulate.

Clouse, Pittman and Poole all went to the University of Alabama for their college education.

These four chairmen write and control the budgets. In fact, most of the major decisions

affecting the budgets are dictated by the chairmen.

Most legislators do not really know the intricate details in the numbers.

After the budgets come out of conference committee late in the session, it is “Katie bar the door.” They are ready to vote yes and go home.

However, there will be significant turnover in both chambers next year. There are about 10 of the 35 state senate seats open due to retirement or seeking other offices.

There will be close to 22 of the 105 House of Representatives seats open. That is a significant turnover but it is not record breaking.

Furthermore, almost all of the major leaders and decision makers in the legislature will be back for another four years in their same lead-

ership positions.

The best action in senate races this year may be in the Montgomery/ River Region area.

Popular state Senator, Dick Brewbaker, chose to not seek reelection.

There will be a spirited sprint to replace him.

Also in Montgomery County, State Senator Quinton Ross was chosen to be President of Alabama State University. Veteran State Representative John Knight is favored to take that seat.

The primaries are June 5.

I will keep you posted.

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

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A5 February 21, 2018

Congressman Mike Rogers honors Sheriff Jay Jones

Tim Lowery inducted into Opelika Lions Club

Special to the Opelika Observer Congressman Mike Rogers recently presented Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones with a congressional record statement honoring him for being selected as the Alabama Sheriff of the Year.

Student’s art and writing shine in Opelika High School’s ‘Perspectives’ magazine Shawn Kirkpatrick Opelika Observer Thought provoking prose, heart tugging poetry, beautiful artwork and breathtaking photographs, all by students - that’s what you’ll find in the award winning Opelika High School ‘Perspectives’ magazine.

Dr. Charles Hannah started the magazine during the 1987 - 88 school year to provide an outlet and encouragement for creative students. “He wanted another way for students to express themselves. The first copies he printed out himself in the school copy room,” said Isabel Aleman, Senior and Editor of Perspectives. “As time went on and technology advanced, how it was printed and the quality improved. He really stood for the arts here at Opelika High.”

In 2014 Hannah published his last edition and Summer Upton took over the magazine as student advisor where she remained for the next two years. Katie Thornbury, an Auburn graduate, took over the reins in 2017 and is now the Perspectives advisor. But the heart and soul of the magazine is Aleman, the magazine staff and the students.

“I think Opelika High School is really special,” explained Aleman. “Every year Mr. (Jeff ) Conway, our art teacher, will send us pictures of what he has available from what his students have drawn this school year.

And every year there are pieces of art that are just breathtaking. And pieces of writing that you are like, a high school student wrote this. It’s a blessing to go to high school here and see there is so much talent.”

At the first of the year the magazine staff collects submissions from students. Thornbury said there were more than 300 this year. “I was super impressed and thankful for the submissions. A lot of the English and creative writing teachers have been helpful this year having their students

submit pieces as part of their grade in creative writing.”

The Perspectives staff then reads them all and whittles it down to 20 pieces. Aleman said they go through hundreds of drafts of the magazine to get it right before it’s published in May. Thornbury explains they want it to look the best it can.

“We want to do the pieces justice. These people put a lot of hard work and effort into what they’ve written or their painting or picture.

Aleman said it’s not just publishing a magazine, there’s a deeper meaning and purpose behind it all.

“With “Perspectives’ we can tell people’s stories and make them feel they are worth something.

I feel it is a good way for students to feel like they’re more involved.

Renovate your homeowners policy.

Before I was involved in this, I didn’t feel like I had a voice. Now I have a way to speak out and I feel valued and heard.”

Both Thornbury and Aleman want the community to know more about the magazine, and be able to buy them at certain places across the city.

Copies of last year’s edition are available right now for $10 only at the high school. This year’s edition will be available in May. To buy a copy of Perspectives and support the talented student staff, contact Ms. Thornbury at katie.thornbury@opelikaschools.org.

Special to the Opelika Observer The Opelika Lions Club inducted new member Tim Lowery, center, recently. Induction was administered by District Governor Pedro Pino, left, with new member sponsor Brooka Stokes, right, observing.

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FEBRUARY 27 & 28 • 7:30 PM OPELIKA CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

COME ONE! COME ALL! LISTEN & BE AMAZED! Mnozil Brass enters the ring to combat the monkey business of daily life with music and humor, transforming the stage into a musical flea circus.

They are decisive and strong believers that the earth is round, and go out of their way to diligently travel the globe and bring their Elysian style of music and laughter to the rest of the world.

IN A NUTSHELL: THE EARTH IS ROUND, HUMANITY LAUGHS, AND THE WORLD IS A CIRCUS! PERFORMANCE SERIES SUBSCRIPTIONS GUARANTEE YOU'LL HAVE THE BEST SEATS FOR EVERY SHOW, RENEWABLE FROM SEASON TO SEASON.

To purchase tickets, call 334.749.8105 or visit eastalabamaarts.org

pelika O Observer

Casson, from A1

just couldn’t do it.”

Casson said he would have had to pay the Alabama Republican Party $3,480 just to get on the ballot, one example of what he believes is wrong with Alabama's current political state.

“I think Alabama is ready for change, they are tired of the old-boy system and the corruption that comes with that,” Casson said.

He said he proved

have not been good.

We have endured a governor stepping down, we’ve endured our state attorney general taking an appointment from the governor that has stepped down to be a US senator, and we have endured the Luther strange and Roy Moore election," Casson said. "So I just couldn’t in good conscience run as a Republican even though people recommended I should. I

Lee, Macon, Randolph, Russell, St. Clair, Talladega, and Tallapoosa counties.

Casson, a former Republican, said his frustration with party politics has prompted him to run as an independent in this year's election.

“The past few years of the Alabama Republican Party

A7 February 21, 2018

his dedication to combating corruption and changing the rules in Washington D.C by legally changing his name to Thomas 'Sick of D.C.' Casson.

“Just one day I came to the realization that my blog that was reaching across the country. That the name SickofDC. com just fit," Casson said. "That really is a part of who I am as a person. I decided after consolation with

my wife and family to legally change my middle name to Sick of D.C.” In order to get his name on the ballot, the Auburn University alum will need 5,000 paper signatures by June 5.

The petition can be downloaded and printed from Casson’s website, SickofDC.com, for his supporters to sign and return.

“We’re building a true grassroots cam-

paign. Anybody that would like to volunteer can certainly go to the website to sign the petition,” Casson said. “They can mail them to us or they can call us and we will pick them up. For me to get on the ballot it’s going to take people getting involved.”

For more Information on Casson and his campaign, visit www.SickofDC.com or www.facebook. com/tcasson1.

All-star chefs battle it out in Waffle House Showdown at Callaway Resort & Gardens’ ‘Sip & Savor’ Spring March 17 Local chef, David Bancroft selected to participate in contest Special to the Opelika Observer

petition, guests will be treated to a Waffle House breakfast along with Champagne, signature cocktails, and the perfect breakfast drink at the Bloody Mary bar.

Tickets & Info. | $45 per person | 21+ | Located next to the FSU Flying High Circus Tent Grounds About Callaway Resort & Gardens Callaway Resort & Gardens was created by Cason J. Callaway and his wife, Virginia Hand Callaway. In 1950, they deeded the beautiful land that today is Callaway Resort & Gardens to the Ida Cason Callaway Foundation. This non-profit foundation aims to reconnect man with nature through inspiring and motivating educational programs and events that reach far beyond the boundaries of their own gardens

at their nearby Waffle House restaurant to be ready.

“The Waffle House Showdown is a great event for a great cause,” says William R. Doyle, III, president and CEO of Callaway Resort & Gardens. “Guests will not only get to see the best chefs compete, their contributions will also help continue the tradition of Callaway Resort & Gardens.”

The Waffle House Showdown is part of the first-ever Sip and Savor Spring held at Callaway Resorts and Gardens, which will run from March 15-18. The proceeds from the event will go to the Ida Cason Callaway Foundation to support the expansion and upkeep of Callaway Gardens, as well as the Gardens’ educational programs. In addition to the exciting com-

Four renowned chefs from across the region will face off in the Waffle House Showdown on Saturday, March 17 at the inaugural Sip & Savor Spring at Callaway Resort and Gardens.

The showdown will be a chef-vs-chef competition on who can best cook the Waffle House way. The competition begins with the semi-final rounds at 10:30 am on March 17 and the finals will follow. Scheduled to appear are chefs David Bancroft, Jennifer Hill Booker, David Carrier, and Chris Hall.

Hall won a similar Waffle House competition and is the early favorite. However, the other competitors will be honing their skills

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efit the Ida Cason Callaway Foundation, whose mission is to reconnect man with nature in a way that benefits both.

There are still volunteer opportunities available to get involved behind the scenes in several events. To purchase tickets and get more information, visit sipandsavorspring.com.

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pelika O Observer

A8 February 21, 2018

Community Calendar: Events around town insect pests, cowpea curculio updates, nutsedge control, introduction to potting mixes in ornamental container production, dealing with drought in commercial horticulture crops, and many more To view the full schedule please visit http://www.aces. edu/anr/beginningfarms/ webinars.php. Please send questions during the presentations to Ann Chambliss, thameae@auburn.edu. For questions regarding the webinar series or for providing suggestions, please email Dr. Ayanava Majumdar at bugdoctor@auburn.edu.

Ongoing: • Village Friends/Village Values is a nonprofit organization that supports seniors who prefer to stay in their own homes as they grow older. For info or to schedule a presentation to your group, call 334-209-4641. For the website, Google “village friends village values.”

• The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR chapter is appealing for sweaters, jackets, trousers, shirts and socks, women’s clothing, soft soap in individual containers, shaving supplies, disposable razors, denture cleanser, toothpaste and toothbrushes, DVDs, games, books and magazines to take to veterans at the CAVHCS in Tuskegee.

The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR Chapter regularly visits veterans living in assisted living, the homeless domiciliary and psych (trauma) ward in Tuskegee. Donations are tax deductible and will be much appreciated. Pick up is provided. Please call Linda Shabo at 887-6659 or at 256307-1449.

Mondays: • “Gimme A Break” support group for autism parents will be held from 9-11 a.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika. This is a monthly event on the first

Monday of each month for parents to connect with each other.

• The John Powell American Legion Post 18 and Auxiliary meets the third Monday at 7 p.m. at 910 West Point Parkway in Opelika.

• The Opelika Community Band practices from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Auburn High School band room. Everyone is welcome, amateurs and professionals alike.

• Smiths Station Military Chapter of Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) meets weekly at Mike & Ed’s at 5 p.m. For more information, call 2975581 or visit www.nonukesforiran.org.

• The Lee County Voters League meets the first Monday of every month at St. James Missionary Baptist Church, located at 1335 Auburn St. in Opelika.

• The Touched by Suicide support group meets the first Monday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at the East Alabama Medical Center Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway. For more information, contact Deborah Owen, EAMC’s director of Psychiatric Services at 334528-4197 or deboarhowen@ eamc.org.

• The fourth Monday of each month a Community Grief Support Group meets

from 5:30–6:30 p.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center. No reservations are necessary; everyone is welcome. For more information call 826-1899 or 502-0216.

• T.O.P.S (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly), a weight loss support group, meets every Monday night from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Covington Recreation Center, 213 Carver Ave., Opelika. For more info contact Mary Johnson, 749-1584.

• The Lee County Commission meets the second and last Mondays of each month at the courthouse beginning at 5 p.m.

• The Commercial Horticulture Extension Team organizes webinars to provide quick updates for producers on various topics of interest.

Whether you are interested in the proper way to plant fruit trees or have questions in turf management, these webinars cover a wide range of subjects. Webinars are streamed live via Panopto on the last Monday of every month starting in January and ending in November.

During the presentation, participants can send question via email. The webinars also are recorded and stored in the archive on the Beginning Farmer website. Webinar topics include: trap cropping for reducing squash

Tuesdays: • Ballroom Dance Classes at the Opelika Sportsplex from 7-8 p.m. every Tuesday. Instructor is Cody Wayne Foote. For more info call Diane at 749-6320.

• A monthly educational program on topics for autism parents, caregivers and teachers will be held on the second Tuesday of each month at Trinity United Methodist Church, 800 2nd Ave., Opelika from 6-7:30 p.m.

Childcare is provided but reservations need to be made by contacting Maria Gutierrez at mariag@leecountyautism. com to make sure there are enough volunteers.

• The East Alabama Old Car Club meets every first Tuesday at 7 p.m., at Monarch Estates Clubhouse, located at 1550 East University Drive, Auburn. A program of interest to the old car enthusiast is presented. Car ownership is not required.

• The Opelika City Council meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 7 p.m. Meetings are preceded by non-voting work sessions that typically begin about 6:30-6:45 p.m.

• Every second Tuesday, a country, gospel and bluegrass music jam session is held at Pierce Chapel United Methodist Church in Beauregard.

The event is free and open to the public. Those who play an instrument should bring it and plan to join in. The jam session is held from 6–8 p.m.

8685 AL Highway 51.

• A Grief Support Group meets at Oak Bowery United Methodist Church Tuesdays at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. for anyone dealing with the pain of loss and feeling the need for support on their journey as they attempt to bring order and wholeness back into their life. Attendance and partici-

Sundilla Music to hold concert Feb. 22 Special to the Observer Trout Fishing in America will be performing at Sundilla, the Auburn University Unitarian Fellowship, Feb. 22 at 7:30 p.m. with opener Dana Louise.

"Last year, we presented Dana Louise & the Glorious Birds, and two-thirds of The Glorious Birds are Keith Grimwood and Ezra Idlet, who are better known as Trout Fishing in America,” said Bailey Jones, Sundilla organizer. “And Dana Louise is coming back, too—this time, she is opening the show. They're unofficially billing the show as Trout Fishing and the Glorious Birds."

As individuals, Grimwood and Idlet are about as different as one can imagine. Together, they blend seamlessly in a way that has captured the imagination and hearts of audiences of all ages for over four decades. Idlet on guitar and banjo stands 6’’8’ tall while Grimwood on bass stretches to 5'’5’ on a humid day. Idlet is more playful and extroverted while Grimwood is more serious and reserved.

Each of them bring out the best in the other and the joy that comes from this musical interaction is contagious and

impossible to deny, not to mention successful: the duo has earned four Grammy nominations.

"It's so nice that Sundilla now has the national recognition that allows us to bring in people with the star power of Trout Fishing in America," Jones said. "They were releasing CDs and winning awards before Sundilla even existed, and it shows in their resume.

Twenty CDs, four Grammy nominations, Indie awards, Parents’ Choice awards, a spot in the Kerrville Hall of Fame and appearances on The Today Show, All Things Considered, World Café, Mountain Stage, Dr. Demento ... we're glad we're in their world."

The long-standing musical collaboration of Grimwood and Idlet is an infectious partnership that speaks to young and old alike. Their inclusive blend of music and storytelling, sprinkled with their trademark humor, will charm audiences and help them to walk away seeing the world in brighter hues.

Trout Fishing in America was in the first wave of artist-owned labels (Trout Records) to successfully record and market their own music.

In 2008, Performing Songwriter Magazine chose Trout as one of the

top 100 most influential independent artists in the past 15 years. Their infectious mix of folk, pop and family music is the result of their diverse backgrounds as well as growing up in the musical melting pot that is Texas. In 1992, Trout relocated their families to the Ozark Mountains of northwest Arkansas. This central location helped to expand their touring territory to all 50 states and several Canadian provinces. Opening the show will be Dana Louise with twothirds of The Glorious Birds joining her. She brings her vibrant, melodic vocals and finger picking to a body of complex songs. Drawing from jazz and bluegrass and carrying a contemporary beat, the sound is roots-rooted flung-into-the-future folk. Dana Louise works to leave her audiences glowing with the magic music can bring—genuine human connection.

Admission at the door will be $15, but a limited number of advance tickets will be available for $12 at Spicer's Music, Blooming Colors and online at www.sundillamusic.com.

Free coffee, tea, water and food will be available for all, and attendees are invited to bring whatever food or beverage they prefer.

pation is strictly voluntary for any and all sessions. There are no fees or charges involved. The church is located on U.S. Highway 431 – eight miles north from Southern Union State Community College and Opelika High School. For more information contact Bill Parker at 459-0214 or 706-518-9122.

• The Auburn Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol meets every Tuesday evening from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Auburn University Regional Airport. The Civil Air Patrol is a non-profit organization that is Congressionally chartered to be the civilian auxiliary of the Air Force and focuses on three missions: aerospace education, cadet programs and emergency services. For more information visit www.auburncap. org or find the organization on Facebook.

Wednesdays: • The second Wednesday of each month a Community Grief Support Group meets from 10-11 a.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center. No reservations are necessary. For more info call 826-1899 or 502-0216.

• Auburn-Opelika Chapter of Citizen’s Climate Lobby (CCL) meets every fourth Wednesday. CCL is a nonprofit, non-partisan, grassroots advocacy organization focused on national policies to address climate change.

We consider a national carbon fee which would be distributed as a dividend to all U.S. households as the most important solution to climate change. Meetings are held at the Hubert and Grace Harris Center Meeting Room (425 Perry St., Auburn, AL 36830 --- directly across from the Auburn, AL U.S. Post Office), 7:00-8:30 PM. To learn more about CCL go to our website: https://citizensclimatelobby.org/ • The John Powell American Legion Post 18 and Auxiliary hosts Bingo every Wednesday night at 6 p.m.

• Every Wednesday is Wine Down Wednesday at the Bottling Plant Event Center from 5 - 8 p.m.

Thursdays: • The Teal Magnolias Gynecological Cancer Support Group meets the second Thursday of every third month at 6 p.m. at EAMC Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway. For more information on the Teal

Magnolias, email tealmagnoliasAL@yahoo.com or find them on Facebook.

• TNT – Teens N Transition is a monthly program for teens and young adults ages 14 and up. The group uses this time to learn social skills as well as connect with others on the autism spectrum.

They have enjoyed cooking, bowling, laser tag, movies and game nights. This event is held the third Thursday of each month. Visit leecountyautism.com for more information.

• Opelika-Auburn Newcomers’ Club provides a variety of programs for the betterment of the Auburn/ Opelika community to assist women transitioning into the area or to help women adjust to recent lifestyle changes.

The club meets on the third Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. for a luncheon at various local restaurants.

Please call 770-845-2277 for more information or luncheon location of the month.

• The Bosom Buddies Breast Cancer Support Group meets at the Health Resource Center at 6 p.m. the first Thursday of each month.

• T.O.U.C.H. Cancer Support Group meets the third Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. at EAMC’s Health Resource Center. This is a support group for people living with any type of cancer or their families and friends.

Call 334-528-1076 for more information.

•American Legion Auxillary Unit 152 meets the first Thursday of every month at 11 a.m. at Niffer’s Place, 917 S. Railroad Ave. in Opelika.

Feb. 24 - The East Alabama Community Band will hold a concert at the Opelika Middle School auditorium, beginning at 3 p.m. The 6 year old ensemble will perform a number of group staples.

Admission is free.

March 3 The 2018 Dyslexia Dash of East Alabama, hosted by the Alabama branch of the International Dyslexia Association, will be held March 3. The goal of the event is to raise money to help support those with dyslexia and dyslexic characteristics. For more information or ticketing options, visit www. runsignup.com/Race/AL/Auburn/DyslexiaDashofEastAlabama.

pelika O Observer

A10 February 21, 2018

Opelika to host SEC bike Race Special to the Opelika Observer Opelika will host the Southern Conference cycling race Feb. 25.

The race will take place from 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. The bike races are all shorttrack race.

The barricades will be

located at the following places: • under North Railroad Avenue/ 10th Street bridge • First Avenue and 10th Street • Second Avenue and Eighth Street • Second Avenue and Ninth Street

• First Avenue and Seventh Street • South Railroad Avenue and Seventh Street • Bottling Plant Event Center parking lot on South Railroad Avenue • South Railroad Avenue and Eighth Street • South Railroad Avenue and Ninth Street.

Auburn Area Community Theatre to hold auditions for Shakespeare shows Special to the Opelika Observer Hear ye! Hear ye!

Auburn Area Community Theatre doth announce open auditions for our spring 2018 production of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Abridged.

Three adult actors are needed to portray the Bard’s characters from all 37 plays in 97 minutes. Expect maximum silliness, lots of wigs, ridiculous accents of

course, and a cooking segment. These hypercreative actors will weave their wicked way through all of Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories and Tragedies in one wild ride.

Rehearsals will be held Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, but will be adjusted to actor’s availability. Performances will be May 10 – 13.

For more information, contact the director, Chris Alonzo, at Tennmartins@gmail.com.

Please note: although the script traditionally calls for three male performers, casting for this production will be gender (and color) blind.

Age(s): 18+ Day(s), Date(s), and Time for Auditions: March 5 - 6 - 8 p.m. and March 6 - 6 - 8 p.m.

Call backs: March 8 - 6- 9 p.m.

Location: Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center 222 E Drake Ave. in Auburn.

AU’s ‘Giving Day’ slated for Feb. 21 Special to the Opelika Observer Auburn University’s Tiger Giving Day on Feb. 21 unites the Auburn community at www.TigerGiving.org with one goal in mind — support projects throughout campus and help students and faculty have an impact on a variety of initiatives.

The clock starts ticking on Feb. 21 and ends at 11:59 CST for the 24-hour university-wide crowdfunding effort that allows people to give to as many of the more than 25 projects as they choose.

One of the unique offerings in this year’s Tiger Giving Day lineup is the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center’s effort to purchase a custom, Auburn-themed Steinway 1098 piano for the center’s green room.

Donors who give $50 or more to the facility’s Tiger Giving Day project will be invited to sign the piano prior to the center’s grand opening in 2019.

“The names on the

piano give the artists a way to see who provided them with the tools to help them be their best,” said Christopher Heacox, executive director of the Gogue Performing Arts Center.

“What better way to leave your mark than to sign the piano that artists from around the world will play for years to come?”

Another highly anticipated project involves a collection of reel-to- reel tapes at the Ralph B. Draughon Library.

The tapes include original 1965-1979 recordings and feature speakers such as boxer Muhammad Ali, consumer advocate Ralph Nader, actor Vincent Price, senator Edward Kennedy, senator Barry Goldwater, news anchor Dan Rather, journalist George Plimpton, and many others.

Currently, the recordings are not in a format usable by the public, but on Tiger Giving Day, donors can help to purchase the equipment necessary to digitize these tapes so the world

can hear them.

Projects have goals ranging from $2,000 to $35,000 and include special dog runs for the Canine Performance Sciences’ dogs, private nursing pods for the Tiger Babies nursing service provided on game days, lighting for nighttime use of the Davis Arboretum, and more.

They are all different, but Tiger Giving Day projects have one thing in common — their success depends on support from Auburn alumni, friends, faculty, students and community members.

TigerGiving.org will feature the full selection of projects on Feb. 21 and donors will be able to see real-time updates about each project and the collective impact of their giving. The official hashtag for the day is #TigerGivingDay. Since the first Tiger Giving Day in 2015, more than 5,000 donors have made gifts to support nearly 50 projects.

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Building a better future

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor Ensuring public safety through safe, quality construction is the goal of the City of Opelika’s Chief Building Inspector Jeff Kappelman and his team.

Kappelman, an Auburn native, joined the city in 2002, bringing over decades of construction experience.

Responsible for inspecting and monitoring all construction projects within Opelika’s city limits, Kappelman said he and his team are constantly working to keep up with demand.

“We saw somewhat of a slump during the ‘Great Recession’, but not that bad. Right now, things are just wide open,” Kappelman said. “I’ve got new subdivisions, houses are being built everywhere, commercial projects going, new hotels, a new cancer center, new fire and police department ... all things I think that point to a very vibrant economy.”

Following is a breakdown of Kappelman’s job responsibilities and background on the codes he and his team enforce.

Building Codes Currently, Opelika’s building codes are derived from the 2015 International Building Code, drawn up by the International Code Council.

Within its thousands of pages are exact details on every aspect of a project’s

construction, according to the council website.

“The International Code Council is a member-focused association with (more than) 64,000 members.

It is dedicated to developing model codes and standards used in the design, build and compliance process to construct safe, sustainable, affordable and resilient structures,” according to the website’s information page. “The International Codes, or I-Codes, published by ICC, provide minimum safeguards for people at home, at school and in the workplace. The I-Codes are a complete set of comprehensive, coordinated building safety and fire prevention codes. Building codes benefit public safety and support the industry’s need for one set of codes without regional limitations.”

Process of building approval Kappelman explained that he and his team evaluate project blueprints before issuing a building permit, checking to make sure that the plans mirror the city’s code standard.

“Plan review is one of our standard responsibilities, which can be a bit tedious at times. Some of the plans are an inch thick or more, and there are some huge plans for some of the projects that we have going on in Opelika right now,” Kappelman said.

Once plans are approved, he said that they are responsible for checking up on the project until completion to ensure builders are abiding by code stan-

dards.

Play by the rules In case of a code violation, Kappelman said he and his department have the authority to take legal action, including work-stop orders or citations.

“Violations of the code can be prosecuted by law. If someone doesn’t correct an issue, I can issue them a citation and take them to municipal court,” Kappelman said. “The penalties can be as high as $500, and 180 days in jail, which is significant. So, those serve as great incentives for people to cooperate.”

Kappelman added that the main objective of his department, however, is to protect the citizens they serve and provide information and resources to help make sure that projects are completed without incident.

“We’re building inspectors, but we’re actually educators more than anything,” Kappelman said.

Team members Kappelman said his five-man department consists of highly experienced individuals who make his job easier.

Following is a list of building inspection team members and their job responsibilities: David Chapman, building inspector, Kent Hollingsworth, electrical/building inspector, Jimmy Kirk, plumbing/mechanic inspector B.J. Lowery and Bill Ott, permit technicians.

For more information on the department and its mission, visit www. opelika-al.gov or call 334-705-5420.

Loyal Stricklin relocating to Nashville

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor The Opelika-based leather goods maker Loyal Stricklin is relocating to Nashville.

Michael Stricklin, Loyal Stricklin founder and owner, said it was a difficult decision to make, but necessary to grow his business.

“We’ve been established for four or five years now ... and we already have a lot of people, fans and customers that are up there. We’ve had a great response from everybody, including here, about our move,” Michael said.

“Another big thing is that Nashville is such an easy place to visit, and given the amount of people that stop by, I think we’re going to be a stop-off point.

It’s a lot easier to become that in a bigger city like Nashville.”

Originally from Homewood, Michael discovered his penchant for leather mak-

ing during his college days at Auburn.

As demand increased, he began selling his products on Etsy, an artisan/maker website and named the business in honor of his grandfather, Loyal Ellis Stricklin.

In February 2015, Michael began renting a space in the heart of the historic Cotton Warehouse District, which runs along North Railroad Avenue.

Specializing in wallets, backpacks, purses and aviator mugs, Michael said the business has grown to have an international presence, with customers as far away as Europe and southeastern Asia.

Michael said their new space will be smaller, but will serve as the company’s workshop and physical storefront.

He added that they will also begin offering leather-making courses for those wanting to acquire

a new skill or find a hobby.

Leaving Opelika will be hard for the Stricklins, but Michael said he is forever grateful for the town that has served as his foundation for the last three years.

“Me and Sarah and our team are immensely thankful for everyone in the community, and everyone that’s helped us along the way. This move is truly bittersweet for us,” Michael said.

“This is where Sarah and I met and fell in love, got married and lived for the past three years. The opportunity was here for me and my business to grow and we’re just taking that, seizing that next opportunity to grow ... and this is the time and place to do it.”

For more information, updates or to view their products, visit www.loyalstricklin.com or follow them on their social media pages.

pelika O Observer Opelika Rotary Club hosts AU men’s basketball chaplain Randy Roberts

A11 February 21, 2018

My Travel at Midtown

...your travel professionals

Special to the Opelika Observer Randy Roberts, chaplain of the Auburn University men’s basketball team, talked to the Opelika Rotary lunch group recently. Roberts discussed his ministry with the players and staff, and commented on the exciting season the team is having. Roberts also serves as associate director of the AU chapter of the fellowship of Christian athletes. Pictured, from left, are: Robert Williams, club member; and Roberts.

Best lunch in town . . . any town

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1151 Opelika Road Auburn, AL 36830 334-821-3118

www.niffersplace.com dine in only, Mon-Fri 11-2

outhern S Hospitality

A12 February 21, 2018

Susan Deloach has love of cooking, experimenting with recipes

SH Ann Cipperly’s

Southern Hospitality

Sitting in her newly remodeled kitchen, Susan DeLoach talks about her love of cooking between sips of coffee and bites of her yummy Snickers Pie. Cabinets over a counter were removed to open up the kitchen, while new granite countertops and soothing green colors provide a cheerful look.

Susan enjoys experimenting with recipes, adapting them to suit her family’s taste. She also prepares recipes from her mother, grandmother and aunt that are long-time favorites.

Her parents grew up on farms in the small community of Stroud, located between Lafayette and Roanoke. After her parents married, they moved to Opelika. Her father was the manager of the A&P grocery store when it was located on North Railroad Ave. When Susan was only 9 months old, her father died in a car accident.

Her mother, Ruby Smith, worked as the office manager at Meadow Gold Dairy, which was also located on

North Railroad Ave. She was active in the Pilot Club of Opelika, serving as president several times.

While Susan’s mother was a good cook, she didn’t have time to cook much until after she retired. Susan began helping her cook while she was in elementary school. Once her mother called and told her how to bake potatoes. When her mother came home, she asked Susan if the potatoes had been washed. Susan replied that she had scrubbed them good with dishwashing soap!

After graduating from high school, Susan studied accounting at Troy University. She worked at Auburn University and for Frank Jones and Pepperell Baptist Church before going to work as the financial secretary at First Baptist Church of Opelika, where she has attended church since she was in the nursery.

Susan was the financial secretary for 34 years. When she decided last year she wanted to work just parttime, Susan and the financial assistant secretary switched jobs. This suits Susan, as it gives her more time at home with her family and to cook when they visit.

Susan has two sons. David Sellers and his wife, Emmie, live in Newnan, Ga., and have two girls, Hayes, 16, Bennett, 14. The other son, Drew Sellers, lives in Opelika and has a son, Tyler, who is a senior at Opelika High School and played football.

Recipes Snickers Pie 3 Tbsp. crunchy peanut butter (I use Jiff extra crunchy) 1/2 container fat free Cool Whip 1/4 gallon low fat or sugar free ice cream 1 box chocolate pudding (I use Jell-O

sugar free instant) 1 large deep dish pie shell (graham cracker) Soften ice cream and mix all ingredients together. Pour into pie shell. Place in freezer until ready to serve.

Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Vegetable Spaghetti Spaghetti noodles 1 Tbsp. olive oil 8 oz. sliced mushrooms 1 bell pepper, chopped 1 zucchini, halved and sliced 1 yellow squash, halved and sliced 1 medium onion, diced 1 cup chopped broccoli 5 Roma tomatoes, diced, or 1 can of petite diced tomatoes (do not drain) Seasonings: salt, pepper, sweet basil, oregano, garlic salt, 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire

sauce Parmesan cheese Cook spaghetti in salt water.

While that is cooking, in a wok (or large skillet) place olive oil and add all the above vegetables with salt, pepper, sweet basil, oregano, garlic salt and Worcestershire Sauce.

Sauté vegetables until desired tenderness.

Place spaghetti on plate.

Add vegetables on top, as you would sauce.

Sprinkle with Parmesan and enjoy!

Pecan French Toast 2 sticks butter 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup chopped pecans 5 eggs 1 cup milk 1 Tbsp. vanilla 1 loaf French bread, sliced Warm syrup for serving Melt butter in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.

Stir in brown sugar

and spread evenly in pan.

Sprinkle pecans on top of butter; set aside.

Mix eggs, milk and vanilla.

Dip bread in milk mixture and then place in pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Flip slices to serve.

Serve with warm syrup.

Susan enjoyed watching Tyler play football on Friday nights, especially when he kicked the winning field goal for the team to go to the playoffs.

Her husband, John, is employed at Craftmaster Printers in customer service. Susan and John met while singing in the choir at church.

Susan enjoys cooking for their Sunday school class’ breakfasts. Members of the class sign up to bring dishes each week. Susan is sharing several delectable recipes for breakfast or brunch.

The Breakfast Casserole with crescent rolls can be prepared the night before or at the last minute. Susan generally cooks the sausage the night before and then assembles the casserole in the morning.

Her other easy Breakfast Casserole is made with frozen hash browns, cheese, bacon or sausage. This recipe can also be made in a slow cooker and cooked on low all night.

The Pecan French Toast is baked with pecans, brown sugar and butter on the bottom. When serving, the slices are flipped to reveal the praline style topping and served with warm syrup.

Her Sweet Potato Rolls can be served for breakfast or dessert. She places half of a frozen sweet potato patty into a biscuit topped with a pecan sauce laced with cinnamon.

This is her family’s favorite for Christmas breakfast.

Susan had problems making biscuits until she found

Photo by Ann Cipperly Susan DeLoach has a love of cooking and enjoys time in the kitchen cooking for her family. She is sharing a variety of favorite recipes from family and ones she has collected. Susan was the financial secretary at First Baptist Church of Opelika for 34 years and now works part-time as an assistant to have more time with family. the recipe for Basic Buttermilk Biscuits. When she has been out of buttermilk, she made the recipe with milk, which were just as good.

To include more vegetables in their meals, she created Vegetable Spaghetti.

Mushrooms, peppers, yellow squash, onion, broccoli and fresh or canned tomatoes are combined, seasoned, and served over spaghetti noodles, topped with Parmesan cheese. Susan says it is even better the second day when the flavors have had time to develop.

Her Grandmother Smith’s Vegetable Soup also contains abundant vegetables with okra, black-eyed peas, baby lima beans, corn, potatoes and tomatoes. During sum-

My Grandmother Smith’s Vegetable Soup Both my dad’s (Smith) and my mother’s (Howell) parents grew up in Stroud on farms, so fresh vegetables were always available. When fresh is not available, fresh frozen is the next best thing.

1/2 lb. lean ground beef 1 medium onion, chopped 2 cups cut okra 2 cups black-eyed peas 2 cups small lima beans

1 cup yellow corn 3 medium potatoes, diced 2 cans petite-diced tomatoes Salt and pepper to taste Brown ground beef and drain. Add ground beef and all other ingredients to large Dutch oven. Salt and pepper to taste. Add 1 to 2 cups water to fill pot. Cook on stove-top for one hour. (Usually the time it takes me to make cornbread!) It freezes well if you have leftovers!

Sweet Potato Rolls 1 can Grands Flaky layered biscuits 1 pkg. of 8 sweet potato patties (in frozen food section), thawed 1 1/4 cups water 1 cup sugar 1 Tbsp. white corn syrup 1 stick butter Chopped pecans Cinnamon Separate biscuits and leave at room temperature for at least 10 minutes.

Cut potato patties in half.

Spray 9 x 13 bak-

ing dish with non-stick cooking spray.

Mix water, sugar and corn syrup together; boil for 12 minutes. Melt butter. Separate a biscuit into two rounds.

Stretch biscuit round into oval shape; place 1/2 potato patty onto biscuit; fold edges around potato; pinch edges shut.

Place in dish, seam side down. Spoon melted butter over rolls and then pour syrup over rolls.

Sprinkle with pecans and cinnamon.

Bake for 25 minutes or until brown.

Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheddar 1 can of 8 crescent rolls 1 lb. hot sausage (browned) 5 eggs, beaten with 3 Tbsp. milk Salt and pepper to taste 2 cups grated cheddar cheese Brown sausage.

This can even be done

the day before and refrigerated. Spray Pam in bottom of 9 x 13 casserole dish. Lay crescent rolls flat on bottom of dish.

Cover with sausage. Add salt and pepper to beaten eggs.

Pour on top of sausage and top with cheese. Bake in a 350 degree oven until cheese is lightly browned. Serves 8.

mer, Susan freezes fresh vegetables to enjoy year round.

Mozelle’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is her aunt’s recipe that is a favorite of everyone in the family. Sometimes Susan adds cooked broccoli to the casserole.

Cornflakes add a crunchy topping.

For dessert, the Snickers Pie is easy to assemble and freeze until ready to serve.

While she uses low fat ingredients, the pie has a rich, yummy taste everyone will savor.

Cooking is a relaxing hobby for Susan. “I just love cooking,” she adds, “and I love for people to enjoy it.”

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

Mozelle’s Chicken and Rice Casserole My aunt’s recipe that is loved by my entire family! Usually, I serve with English peas and bread, but if I want to change it up I sometimes add cooked broccoli to the mixture. My aunt Mozelle always added a drained can of water chestnuts.

1 whole chicken 1 medium onion, chopped 2 stalks celery, halved and chopped 1 can of cream of mushroom soup 1 can of cream of chicken soup 1/2 cup mayonnaise 2 bags of cooked Suc-

cess rice Salt and pepper to taste Cornflakes (about two cups) Butter Cook chicken (reserve and freeze the stock for another time). Let chicken cool and shred.

Add chicken, onion, celery, both cans of soup, mayonnaise and rice into a large bowl.

Season to taste.

Pour into a 9 x 13 baking dish.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Crush cornflakes and add them on top of casserole; dot with butter. Place it back in the oven to melt butter.

Mama’s Spaghetti Casserole 1 lb. ground beef 1 clove garlic, chopped 1 small onion, chopped 1 lb. ground beef 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper 8 oz. mushrooms, sliced 1 can Hunt’s Four Cheese Sauce Spaghetti noodles ½ cup or more sharp cheddar cheese, grated ½ cup or more Parmesan cheese, grated

½ cup or more mozzarella cheese, grated Brown ground beef, garlic, onions, peppers and mushrooms together. Add in sauce.

Cut to low and simmer while the spaghetti cooks.

Drain spaghetti and mix with sauce. Place in a 9 x 13 casserole dish and add the different grated cheeses on top. Bake in 350 degree oven until cheese is melted.

Breakfast Casserole with Hash Brown Potatoes 8 beaten eggs 1 cup milk 1 thawed pkg.

O’Brien Hash Browns with onions and bell peppers 8 oz. pkg. grated cheddar cheese 1 lb. fried or baked bacon or sausage,

crumbled Mix ingredients together in a large bowl.

Pour into a greased 9 x 13 glass dish.

Bake at 350 degrees 40 minutes or until firm.

See Recipes, B4

Opelika Schools, ports ociety S &S

February 21, 2018

Section

B

Inside

• Puzzles • Restaurant Health Scores • Religion page

OHS hosts baseball camp

On the Mark

By D. Mark Mitchell

Opelika girls advance to Elite 8 The Opelika Lady Bulldog basketball team (22-9) will play in the regional finals after beating Pelham and Paul Bryant last week.

Opelika blasted Pelham 73-26 last Tuesday night at the Sports Arena in the sub-regional round of the AHSAA State Playoffs.

The Lady Bulldogs were led by Anita Payne, who scored 23 points.

Claire Worth and Quala Walton scored 10 points apiece.

With the win, Coach Devin Booth’s team advanced to the regionals in Montgomery last Thursday to play Paul Bryant.

Region final games are played in the DunnOliver Acadome on Alabama State University's campus and feature four teams from each classification. Teams must win two games in the regional to advance to the 'Final Four' in Birmingham.

Opelika dominated Paul Bryant, scoring the first 12 points of the game and coasting to an 80-25 win.

Payne and Worth continued to shoot well, scoring 25 and 19 points, respectively.

Every Lady Bulldog received playing time in the game.

Opelika will play Hill-

crest this morning at 9 a.m. Fans can listen to a live broadcast of the game on WZMG 910 or WKKR 97.7 Kicker FM. It will also be aired online at kickerfm.com and the iHeart Radio app.

Opelika will be trying to advance to the Final Four of the AHSAA 6A Girls State Championships.

OPELIKA BOYS SEASON ENDS IN REGIONALS The Opelika boys basketball team found themselves in the midst of a five-game win streak, winning the regular season area title and area tournament championship.

The Bulldogs beat Pelham 66-63 in double overtime last Tuesday at the OHS Sports Arena.

Trey Boone led the Dawgs in scoring with 22 points. Jorden Heard scored 15 points and Jahwann Fields added 10 points.

With the win, Opelika head coach John Wadsworth’s team advanced to the Regionals to play Hillcrest of Tuscaloosa last Wednesday morning.

The Bulldogs lost a 61-56 heart-breaker to the Patriots. Opelika led until the last minute See Sports, page B2

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Opelika High School baseball coaches held a baseball camp last weekend for area 4th-6th graders. Sponsored by U.S. Baseball Academy, the coaches assist the the players with sessions in hitting, pitching, catcher and fielding/base running. Turn to B2 for more photos.

Opelika Middle School teachers educate students on lessons learned from the Holocaust Shawn Kirkpatrick Opelika Observer Anne Frank and today’s genocide across the world - that’s why two Opelika Middle School teachers applied and were chosen for The Jewish Foundation for the Righteous (JFR) advanced seminar, held during Martin Luther King Jr. weekend.

“I use to teach 8th grade and we always did Anne Frank and through teaching the play I wanted to build some more background information.

It’s a heavy topic and I wanted to make sure I did it properly and correctly,” said Kate Gholston, a 6th grade language/arts teacher at OMS. “I moved up from the intermediate school six years ago and I didn’t have a background in this topic at all. I really didn’t feel comfortable teaching it to my kids.

Kate introduced me to the Holocaust Center in Birmingham and I got involved,” said Tricia Skelton, a fellow 6th grade language, arts and

history teacher at OMS. “Now in today’s world with Syria and all these other places experiencing genocide it is so prevalent.“ The JFR selected 22 middle and high school teachers from Alabama and seven other states to participate in its advanced seminar, an intensive three-day academic program that explored a number of topics addressing the history of the Holocaust.

www.theorthoclinic.com

A division of

SPORTSMED

742-6408 OPELIKA

Turn to B6 for more photos from last week’s Father-Daughter, Mother-Son dances.

Photos by Robert Noles.

749-8303 OPELIKA

The two say the seminars focused on the why and how, not with the Nazi soldiers as much, but the community that turned on their own. “Personally it’s frightening how quickly a neighbor can turn on a neighbor and prejudice builds. As a history teacher you can tie that into Jim Crow, and the Civil Rights Movement in our own country, there are so many connections you can make,” Kate said.

Both teachers say most students only knowledge of the Holocaust is through Anne Frank’s story. But they are eager to learn about World War II. “It is a fascinating time period to study. There was a POW camp in Opelika. Even this small community in Alabama has ties to it,” Gholston said.

“With the 6th graders we are looking at those that stepped up and helped looking at the role of the See Holocoust, page B2

pelika O Observer

B2 February 21, 2018

Sports, from B1

of the game. The Patriots hit key free throws late to advance.

Congrats to Coach John Wadsworth and the team for his accomplishments this season.

WRESTLING Opelika High School's James Dawson finished fourth in the heavy-weight division of the AHSAA Wrestling Championship in Huntsville last weekend.

This makes twostraight state appearances for the sophomore.

SPRING SPORTS Opelika Spring Sports are officially underway.

The Opelika tennis team lost their first match to Columbus High School, 1-8 and 1-8.

The sixth-seed Laney McTier was the lone winner for the Girls (10-6).

The boys only win came from the oneseed Conner Pruitt (10-8).

The Opelika boys soccer team participated in the 'Capitol Dream Tournament' at the Emory Folmar Soccer Complex In Montgomery.

Coach Derek Hovell’s team went 2-2, finishing second in the tournament.

Opelika beat Park Crossing,1-0, in the opener. Tykell Jones scored the winning goal with the assist from Anthony Alba.

The Bulldogs lost to LAMP 1-0 in the second match.

Opelika beat Brewbaker Tech, 6-0. Yordy Chavez pulled a hat trick, scoring three goals. Marshall Meyers scored his first goal after transferring to Opelika.

Jafeht Marin scored two goals.

The win moved

Opelika into the finals against LAMP. The Bulldogs played a full game with no score.

Opelika lost in overtime 1-0.

Opelika's baseball and softball teams will open play this week.

Details will be in next week's column.

You can keep up with Opelika athletics by following me on Twitter, @ VOICEOFTHEDAWGS. D. Mark Mitchell is sports director for iHeart Media, Alabama Dixie Boys State director and vice president of the A-O Sports Council.

Holocaust, from B1 collaborator verses the rescuer, and what makes somebody face danger and do the right thing.”

Skelton explained how she wants her students to be able to relate to the topic by bringing the subject to their level. “Bullying is so prevalent these days. For the 6th graders, if you see it what are you going to do about it, are you going to say something? Now the students know and can make better connections and be better citizens and better people.

That’s how I look at it.

What can we do to make sure things like this don’t happen,” Skelton said.

Right now both teachers are saving for a conference on the Holocaust this summer in Amsterdam, Poland and Frankfurt. It will be led by Peter Hayes, the author of 12 books, specializing in the histories of Nazi Germany and the Holocaust, as well as the conduct of the nation’s largest corporations during the Third Reich.

If you’d like to sponsor the teachers’ trip to the conference, email them at Patricia.skelton@ opelikaschools.org or Kathryn.gholston@opelikaschools.org.

Opelika Players of the Week Anita Payne and Jahwann Fields were named as the Opelika Players of the Week. In the girls’ two playoff wins last week, Payne combined for 48 points, helping her team advance to an Elite Eight matchagainst Hillcrest of Tuscaloosa. Fields scored 10 points in the boys’ 6663 double-overtime win against Pelham last Tuesday.

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

We applaud you for your HARD WORK and DEDICATION on and off the Basketball Court.

#myOpelika • #beOpelika www.opelika-al.gov 2017 observer

Opelika

B3

Family & Religion

February 21, 2018

How do we treat God?

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

veryone knows the centerpiece of holiday tradition in America is Christmas. It is the time when we gather with the people who are most important to us and exchange gifts that are expressive of our love and appreciation. Christmas is so big it’s not really just a day or even a week—it’s a season.

For many stores, it is the season that makes or breaks their year. Without Christmas, Hallmark might still have a network but their movie catalog would be cut in half.

Although it’s somewhat off the radar, there is another tradition we have that takes place in the days immediately following Christmas. It is a special time that is celebrated by gathering with strangers in various retail establishments. Everyone brings

is a correct some kind answer, it of gift to the should be event. It is pointed something out for the that doesn’t record that work, the tree was doesn’t fit,

by Bruce Green headed in we don’t Teaching Minister at that direcwant and 10th Street Church of tion when worst of Christ in Opelika it was purall—we are chased). unable to reDespite all of this, the gift. Together we stand customer is granted a in the return line and refund. wait. No one is singing I suppose you could songs. There is no eggtake something like this nog and cookies.

Imagine you’re stand- in a lot of directions, but I’d like to use it to pose ing in the return line this question: Is God at the Costco in Santa ever treated like this?

Clarita, California.

Someone uses God for Lying on the floor in their purposes and when front of you is a tree that’s done they’re done that has obviously seen with God and they’d better days—specifilike to get a refund cally, a Christmas tree. (reward) for “followIt’s a few days after the ing” Him for the brief holiday and it is beamount of time that He ing returned. “What’s was on their radar. The wrong with the tree?” an employee asks. “It’s salesperson desperately needs to close a big dead,” is the reply. deal with someone they (While technically that

Church Calendar

• Liberty Baptist Church invites everyone to “Music Only” services every fifth Sunday night. Special groups and singers will be invited to participate and lead the worship. Liberty Baptist is located at 2701 West Point Parkway.

• Every fifth Sunday evening, Lake Pointe Baptist Church, located at 8352 Highway 50 in Dadeville, hosts a gospel singing at 6:30 p.m.

• The Auburn Music Club Singers practice on Tuesdays during the academic year from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in the music ministry room at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church on Church Drive off South Gay Street. New members are welcomed.

For more information, contact director Phyllis Gauker at 334-887-7261 or at pgauker@bellsouth.net.

• A community-wide program for people with memory loss will be held at Auburn United Methodist Church every Tuesday and Thursday, starting in May. Classes will last from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

For more information, contact program director Betsy Lethander by email at Betsy.Lethander@aumc.net, or by phone

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

Please submit your church announcements to editor@ opelikaobserver.com!

Content must be turned in by Friday at noon for Wednesday publication.

ANGLICAN Anglican Church of the Good Shepherd 1311 Second Ave. #758-6749 ASSEMBLY OF GOD Bridge Church 1000 Lee Road 263, Cusseta #742-0144 AME Mount Zion AME Church West Point Hwy #749-3916 St. Luke AME Church 1308 Auburn St. #749-1690 St. Paul AME Church 713 Powledge Ave. #745-6279 Thompson Chapel AME Zion 187 Columbus Pkwy #749-8676 BAPTIST Abundant Life Baptist Church 1220 Fox Run Ave. Suite B #7064421464 Airview Baptist Church 2301 Airport Rd. #745-6670 Antioch Baptist Church 605 W. East Morton Ave #742-0696 Bethesda Baptist Church 201 S. 4th St. #745-7528 Bethel Baptist Church Hwy. 29 Sasser Rd #745-4865 Central Baptist Church 1611 2nd Ave. #745-2482 Community Baptist Church 154 N. 16th St. #745-6552 Cornerstone Missionary Baptist 500 N. Railroad Ave. #742-2008 Eastview Baptist Church 1208 Spring Dr #749-9595 Farmville Baptist Church 3607 Alabama Hwy N. #887-7361 First Baptist Church of Opelika

ANIMAL HEALTH CENTER

HOMER S. (BUDDY) BRUCE, D.V.M. BRUCE ENTERPRISES, INC.

1520 Second Ave. Opelika, AL 36801

745.0060

24-Hour Service

at 334-444-9632 for more information.

• Ebenezer C.M.E. Church, Loachapoka, AL., Pastor Robert Strickland, welcome the public to their Black History Program, February 25, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. Guest Speaker: Mayor Johnny Ford.

• Murray Chapel A.M.E. Zion, Pastor, Albert Lewis; Camphill, AL. welcome the public to their Black History Program, Feb. 25 at 2 p.m. Guest Speaker will be Tuskegee Mayor Johnny Ford.

• Tallassee High School will be celebrating their Black History Program, Feb. 27, at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. Guest Speaker will be Mayor Johnny Ford. The public is welcome.

• Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church, located at 201 South 4th St., will observe their annual Missionary Day Program March 18, beginning at 2 p.m. Rev/Dr. C.L. Daniel and the Historic Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church of Notasulga will be present at the event.

Events can be emailed to the Observer at editor@opelikaobserver.com.

314 S. 9th St. #745-6143 First Baptist Church 301 S. 8th St. #745-5715 First Baptist Church Impact 709 Avenue E #741-0624 First Freewill Baptist Church 103 19th St. #703-3333 Friendship Missionary Baptist 432 Maple Avenue #742-0105 Greater Peace Baptist Church 650 Jeter Ave. #749-9487 Heritage Baptist Church 1103 Glenn St. #363-8943 High Hope Baptist Church 227 Lee Road 673 Liberty Baptist Church 2701 West Point Pkwy #749-9632 Love Freewill Baptist Church 1113 Frederick Ave. #745-2905 Ridge Grove Missionary Baptist Church 1098 Lee Road 155 #334-745-3600 Northside Baptist Church 3001 Lafayette Hwy #745-5340 Pepperell Baptist Church 2702 2nd Ave. #745-3108 Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Uniroyal Rd #749-2773 Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Rd 166 #745-0807 Purpose Baptist Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy #704-0302 St. James Baptist Church 1335 Auburn St. #745-3224 Union Grove Missionary Baptist 908 Huguley Rd #741-7770 BUDDHIST Buddha Heart Village 3170 Sandhill Rd. #821-7238

CATHOLIC St. Mary’s Catholic Church 1000 4th Ave. #749-8359 CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ 2215 Marvyn Pkwy #742-9721 10th Street Church of Christ 500 N. 10th St. #745-5181 Southside Church of Christ 405 Carver Ave. #745-6015 Church of Christ 2660 Cunningham Drive #745-6377 CHURCH OF GOD Airview Church of God 3015 Old Opelika Rd #749-9112 Church of God 114 17th Place #7496432 Tabernacle Church of God 3 Oak Court #745-7979 CHURCH OF NAZARENE Opelika Church of Nazarene 1500 Bruce Ave. #749-1302 EPISCOPAL Emmanuel Episcopal Church 800 1st Ave. #745-2054 HOLINESS Eastside Emmanuel Holiness Church 86 Lee Road 186 Opelika, Ala. 36804 JEWISH Beth Shalom Congregation 134 S. Cary Dr. #826-1050 LATTERDAY SAINTS Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints 510 Groce St. #742-9981 METHODIST First United Methodist Church of Opelika 702 Avenue A #745-7604 Hopewell United Methodist 1993 Lee Rd 136 #745-0460

know to be a follower of Jesus, so they jump into their “Christian” mode to get it done. Later they pat themselves on the back for making the sale and putting in a good word for God as well. Then there are some parents who take their children to church on Sunday morning and live the rest of the week like it’s Saturday night. It’s okay though because they’re setting a good example for their children by taking them to church, right?

I imagine our response to these would be something like the response of some of the other people in that return line at Costco—we’re not in agreement. Our vision may not be the sharpest but we can see how ridiculous that kind of behavior is. That’s good, but the question I want to ask is: can we see what the opposite of that

kind of behavior is?

Maybe the answer starts with the nativity scene and the shepherds who show up to see Jesus and then leave to tell everyone about Him. Later they return “glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen” (Luke 2:20). It continues with the Magi (whose visit took place about 18 months later – Matthew 2:16).

They traveled hundreds of miles to offer their gifts and worship Him. It continues today when we live in recognition of the truth that the real gift we need is not under a tree but on the tree.

Whether it’s December or February or July, it’s always the season for living this way.

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

Verse of the Week Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Psalm 37:7 Pierce Chapel United Methodist 8685 AL Hwy. 51 #749-4469 Pepperell United Methodist 200 26th St. #745-9334 Trinity United Methodist Church 800 Second Ave. #745-2632 Wesley Memorial United Methodist 2506 Marvyn Pkwy #745-2841 PENTECOSTAL Full Gospel Pentecostal Church Hwy. 29, PO Box 1691 #741-8675 Gateway Community Church 2715 Frederick Rd #745-6926 PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church of Opelika 900 2nd Ave. #745-3421 Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Rd #745-4889 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST Outreach Seventh-Day Adventist 1808 S. Long St. #749-3151 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Apostolic Holiness Church 610 Canton St. #749-6759 Auburn Opelika Korean Church 1800 Rocky Brook Rd #749-5386 Beauregard Full Gospel Revival 2089 Lee Road 42 #745-0455 Christ Church International 1311 2nd Ave. #745-0832 Church of the Harvest 2520 Society Hill Rd #745-2247 Church at Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy #705-0505 East Congregation of Jehovah Witnesses 1250 McCoy St. #737-1488 Emmanuel Temple of Deliverance 207 S. Railroad Ave. #745-6430 Faith Alliance Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy #749-9516 Faith Christian Center 600 S. 8th St. Faith Church 3920 Marvyn Pkwy #707-3922

Family Life Christian Center 601 S. 7th St. #741-7013 Father’s House Christian Fellowship 214 Morris Ave. #749-1070 Fellowship Bible Church 2202 Hamilton Rd #749-1445 Ferguson Chapel Church 310 S. 4th St. #745-2913 First Assembly of God Church 510 Simmons St. #749-3722 Garden of Gethsemane Fellowship 915 Old Columbus Rd #745-2686 Grace Heritage Church Opelika #559-0846 Holy Deliverance Church 831 S. Railroad #749-5682 Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1250 McCoy St. #737-1488 Living Way Ministries 1100 Old Columbus Rd #749-6241 Move of God Fellowship Church 1119 Old Columbus Rd #741-1006 Connect Church 2900 Waverly Pkwy #749-3916 New Life Christian Center 2051 West Point Pkwy #741-7373 New Life Independent Church 10 Meadowview Estates Trailer 741-9001 Opelika’s First Seventh Day 2011 Columbus Pkwy #737-3222 Power of Praise, Inc. Church 3811 Marvyn Pkwy #745-6136 Shady Grove Christian Church West Point Hwy #745-7770

Fresh Foods...And A Whole Lot More!

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

The Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home Gospel Train Sunday mornings from 6-10 a.m.

pelika O Observer

B4 February 21, 2018

LEGALS INVITATION TO BID BID# 18022 Sealed bids for the construction of the 2018 City Wide Resurfacing shall be received at the Op lika City Hall Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., local time on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, and then publicly opened and read aloud. All interested parties are invited to attend.

Only bids from competent general contractors will be con-

sidered. At the time of contract award, the successful bidder must be a properly licensed general contractor. No bid will be accepted from anyone except a qualified Contractor licensed by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors.

Drawings and Specifications may be examined at the Office of the City Engineer located at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama.

Phone number: 334-705-

5450 Bid documents may be obtained from the Office of the City Engineer at no charge as an electronic file if the bidder supplies a storage drive or as an email attachment or electronic drop box.

The bidder’s proposal must be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished to him/her by the City of Opelika. All information in the proposal must be completed by the bidder for the proposal to be accepted.

A Bid Bond in the amount of five (5) percent of the bid amount made payable to the City of Opelika must accompany each bid. Performance and Payment Bonds for the full contract sum will be required of the successful bidder. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities.

Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, Purchasing-Revenue

LEGAL NOTICE FOR SALE OF SURPLUS ITEMS BID# 18021 The City of Opelika will receive sealed bids at Opelika City Hall, 204 S. 7 th St, Opelika, Alabama at 2:00 P.M, local time on Thursday, March 1, 2018, and will be open and read immediately for the following: Sale of Two Used Remington Model 700 Bolt Action Rifles The bidder MUST be a licensed firearms dealer who is

authorized by federal and state law to buy and sell firearms in the State of Alabama. A photocopy of the bidder’s current “Federal Firearms Dealer License” must be included in the bid responses.

Bids must be in accordance with specifications advertised on the City of Opelika website at http://www.opelika-al. gov. The bid is available for pick-up at the Purchasing Department, 204 S. 7 th Street, Opelika, Alabama 36801.

Bidders shall be responsible to check for any bid addendums. The items are available for inspection by appointment only on February 27, 2018 during the hours of 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm. All bidders are urged to inspect the rifles before submitting bids. Call Captain Ed Clark for an appointment at 334-705- 5215. If you have any questions, contact Captain Ed Clark at the above telephone

number or at his office on the second floor of the Opelika Police Department located at 501 South 10 th Street, Opelika, AL 36801.

LILLIE FINLEY-REVENUE MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (36801) POST OFFICE BOX 390 (36803-0390) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 705-5120 Legal Run 2/21 & 2/28

ORDINANCE NO. 003-18 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ARTICLE XII OF CHAPTER 14 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA; BUSINESS LICENSE CODE AND SCHEDULE OF LICENSES BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”), that Article XII of Chapter 14 of the Code of Ordinances (the “Code”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama, is hereby amended as follows: Section 1. Amendments to Section 14-301. That Section 14-301 of the Code, “Definitions” is further amended to add the following definition of “Special Events” Special events. Events licensed or sanctioned by the City unless the permittee is an authorized participant in such events.

Section 2. Amendments to Section 14-320. That Section 14-320 of the Code is hereby amended by deletion of the entire language of said section and substitution of the following, so that hereafter said Section 14-320 shall read, in its entirety, as follows: Sec. 14-320. Delivery license. (a) In lieu of any other type of license, a taxpayer may, at its option, purchase for $100.00 plus the issuance fee, a delivery license for the privilege of delivering its merchandise in the City of the taxpayer meets all of the following criteria: (1) Other than deliveries, the taxpayer has no other physical presence within the City or its police jurisdiction if the business license tax is levied in the police jurisdiction.

(2) The taxpayer conducts no other business in the City other than delivering merchandise and performing the requisite set-up and installation of said merchandise.

(3) Such delivery and set-up and installation is performed by the taxpayer’s employees or agents, concerns the taxpayer’s own merchandise in the City and is done by means of delivery vehicles owned, leased or contracted by the taxpayer.

(4) The gross receipts derived from the sale and any requisite

set-up or installation of all merchandise so delivered shall not exceed $75,000.00 during the license year.

(5) Any set-up or installation shall relate only to that required by the contract between the taxpayer and the customer or as may be required by the state or local law, and the merchandise so delivered.

(6) If at any time during the current license year the taxpayer fails to meet any of the over stated criteria, then within forty-five (45) days after any of said criteria have been violated or exceeded, the taxpayer shall purchase a business delivery license or other appropriate license from the municipality and will be subjected to a penalty of $10.00. (b) Mere delivery of the taxpayer’s merchandise by common carrier shall not allow the City to assess a business license tax against the taxpayer, but the gross receipts derived from any sale and delivery accomplished by means of common carrier shall be counted against the $75,000.00 limitation described in subsection (a) of this section if the taxpayer also, during the same license year, sells and delivers into the City using a delivery vehicle other than a common carrier. (c) A common carrier, contract carrier, or similar delivery service making deliveries on behalf of others shall not be entitled to purchase a delivery license. (d) The delivery license shall be calculated in arrears, based on the related gross receipts during the preceding license year. (e) The purchase of a delivery license or the exemption from the purchase of a delivery license pursuant to subsection (f) shall not, in and of itself, establish nexus between the taxpayer and the City for the purposes of the taxes levied by or under the authority of Code of Alabama 1975, Title 40 or other provisions of law, nor does the purchase of a delivery license conclusively determine that nexus does not exist between the taxpayer and the City. (f) A taxpayer that otherwise meets the criteria for the pur-

chase of a delivery license is not required to purchase a delivery license or a regular business license if (i) the taxpayer’s gross receipts that are derived from within the municipality do not exceed $10,000.00; and (ii) the taxpayer has no other physical presence within the municipality during the year.

Section 3. Amendments to Section 14-326. That Section 14-326 of the Code, as amended, is further amended by adding the following business classifications: NAICS License Descriptions Schedule 238210 Specialty Trade-Alarm System Installation (Fire Alarm) CT 238220 Specialty Trade-Fire Sprinkler Installation CT 561621 Alarm System Monitoring/Maintenance GS 561622 Locksmiths GS 561730 Landscaping Services GS 454390 Transient City Special Events-Before a license can be issued, applicant must meet all regulations and prerequisites of all City of Opelika ordinances pertaining thereunto. TR (Mobile Food Vendors must comply with all regulations and prerequisites under Chapter 9.5 of the Code.

Section 4. Amendments to Section 14-327. That Schedule TR of Section 14-327 of the Code is hereby amended so that hereafter said Schedule TR shall read as follows: Schedule TR. License category: Transient Dealer. All Transient Dealer licenses are $500.00 unless the event is a City-sanctioned event, then the business license is $25.00 and are subject to all City ordinances pertaining thereunto. Transient Dealers that participate in City-sanctioned events must provide insurance, release, indemnity and hold harmless documents, certificates and/or assurances to meet requirements. Special Event Vendors that participate in City events must comply with all relevant federal, state and City laws, rules and regulations.

NAICS # 454 1. Direct selling of merchandise (door-to-door) 2. Temporary sales 3. Temporary sales from other private property 4. City special events.

Note: All Transient Dealer sales are subject to the City of

Opelika Ordinance #109-02, and Off- site sales of automobile truck dealers are subject to further regulations enacted by the State of Alabama.

Section 5. Full force and effect. With the exception of the amendments made herein, all other portions of Article XII of Chapter 14 of the Code shall remain in full force and effect.

Section 6. Severability. If any section, clause, sentence or phrase of this Ordinance is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, then such holding shall in no way affect the validity of the remaining portion of this Ordinance.

Section 7. Construction.

If any section, paragraph, sentence or word of this Ordinance shall be declared for any reason to be invalid, it is the intent of the City Council that it would have passed all other provisions of this Ordinance independent of such portion that may be declared invalid.

Section 8. Effective Date.

This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its adoption and publication as required by law.

Section 9. Publication. The City Clerk of the City of Opelika, Alabama is hereby authorized and directed to cause a copy of this Ordinance to be published one (1) time in a newspaper of general circulation published in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama.

ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 20th day of February, 2018. /s/ Eddie Smith PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA ATTEST: /s/ R. G. Shuman CITY CLERK TRANSMITTED TO MAYOR on this the 21st day of February, 2018. /s/ R. G. Shuman CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR APPROVED this the 21st day of February, 2018. /s/ Gary Fuller MAYOR ATTEST: /s/ R. G. Shuman CITY CLERK Legal Run 2/21/18

ORDINANCE NO. 004-18 ORDINANCE ANNEXING CERTAIN PROPERTY TO THE CITY OF OPELIKA (DIANN L. BOWMAN PROPERTY) WHEREAS, on the 6 th day of December, 2017, Diann L. Bowman (hereinafter referred to as “Bowman” or “Petitioner”) being the owner of the property hereinafter described, did file a Petition for Annexation (the “Petition”) with the City of Opelika, Alabama, a municipal corporation, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit “A”, requesting the annexation of certain real property owned by Bowman as more particularly described below; and WHEREAS, said Petition did contain the signatures of all owners of the described territory and a map of said property showing its relationship to the corporate limits of the City of Opelika; and WHEREAS, the territory to be annexed is contiguous to the existing corporate limits of the City of Opelika and does not embrace any territory within the corporate limits of another municipality, and when annexed into the City of Opelika will form a homogenous part

of the City; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Opelika did determine that it is in the public interest that said property be annexed into the City of Opelika and it did further determine that all legal requirements for annexing said real property have been met pursuant to Sections 11-42- 20 through 11-42- 24, Code of Alabama (1975).

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Opelika, Alabama as follows: Section 1. The City Council of the City of Opelika, finds and declares as the legislative body of the City of Opelika that it is in the best interest of the citizens of the City of Opelika, and the citizens of the affected area, to bring the territory described in Section 2 of this Ordinance into the City of Opelika.

Section 2. The boundary lines of the City of Opelika, Alabama, be, and the same are hereby altered or rearranged so as to include all of the territory heretobefore encompassed by the corporate limits of the City of Opelika, Alabama, and in addition thereto the following described territory, to-wit:

Lot 3 of Elizabeth Lee Subdivision, Second Addition, according to and as shown by map or plat of said subdivision of record in Town Plat Book 14 at Page 149 in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama.

Being the identical property conveyed by warranty deed dated January 22, 1992 from Elizabeth L. Lee to Diann L. Bowman, a copy of which is recorded in Deed Book 1631, at Page 117 in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama.

Section 3. A map or plat of a survey describing the territory annexed and showing its relation to the corporate limits of the City of Opelika shall be attached to this ordinance, marked Exhibit “B” and made a part hereof.

Section 4. The Clerk of the City of Opelika is hereby authorized and directed to file with the Probate Judge of Lee County, Alabama, a certified copy of this ordinance, together with a certified copy of the petition of the property owner and the Clerk is further directed to take all necessary and proper steps to perfect the annexation of said territory herein described.

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

Section 6. The territory described in this ordinance shall become a part of the corporate limits of the City of Opelika upon publication of this ordinance as set forth in Section 5 above.

ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 20 th day of February, 2018. /s/ Eddie Smith PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA ATTEST: /s./ R. G. Shuman CITY CLERK TRANSMITTED TO MAYOR on this the 21 st day of February, 2018. /s/ R. G. Shuman CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR APPROVED this the 21 st day of February, 2018. /s/ Gary Fuller MAYOR ATTEST: /s/ R. G. Shuman CITY CLERK Legal Run 2/21//2018

Manager, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama, 368030390. Attn: 2018 City Wide Resurfacing LILLIE FINLEY- PURCHASING REVENUE MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (36801) POST OFFICE BOX 390 (36803-0390) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 705-5120 Legal Run 2/21/2018 NOTICE OF ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE SALE To be held on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at 10 a.m. at Best 4 Less at 2509 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika, AL 36801.

1G2NW52E44C112979 - 2004 PONTIAC GRAND AM Legal Run 02/21/18 & 2/28/18 IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE ESTATE OF: DANNY RUSSELL WINNINGHAM, deceased/ Letters of Administration on the estate of said deceased were granted to BRITTNEY WORLEY on the 14th day of February, 2018 by the Hon. Bill English, Probate Judge 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.

BRITTNEY WORLEY, Adminsitratrix Margaret A. Mayfield Attorney for Estate, P.O. Box 809, Opelika, AL 36803 Legal Run 2/21/18, 2/28/18 & 3/7/18 STATE OF ALABAMA CASE NO. 2018-A-053 LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT ESTATE OF H.S. BENCE, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Letters Testamentary of said H.S. Bence, deceased, having been granted to Verlie W. Bence, this 5th day of February 2018, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by the law or the same will be barred.

Verlie W. Bence, Personal Representative Jeffery A. Hilyer Attorney at Law P.O. Box 30 Opelika, Alabama 368030030 334-745-2564 Legal Run 02/07/2018, 02/14/2017, 02/21/2017

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY STATE OF ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF TOMMY JUSTIN FARMER, deceased.

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT TO BE PUBLISHED BY PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 26th day of January , 2018, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby, given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. /s/ TERESA ANN ROBINSON FARMER Legal Run 2/21/2018, 2/28/2018, & 03/07/2018

NOTICE OF ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE SALE To be held on Thursday, Mar 8, 2018, at 10 a.m. at Best 4 Less at 2509 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika, AL 36801.

2GCEC19KXP1226231 -1993 Chevy GMT-400 2B4GP44G3WR579747 1998 Dodge Caravan 1N4AL11D55C266094 - 2005 Nissan Altima 1HGCG2252XA033049 - 1999 Honda Accord Legal Run 02/14/18 & 2/21/18

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF HATTIE L. WILLIAMS, DECEASED, COURT OF PROBATE Letters of Administration of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 2nd day of February, 2018, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Witness our hands, and dated this the 2nd day of February, 2018. Vickie Kirk Phyllis Lockhart Legal Run 02/07/18, 02/14/18 & 02/21/18

CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, AL, FAMILY COURT DIVISION: JUVENILE IN THE MATTER OF: C.L.B. A minor child, JU2016-483.02 NOTICE TO: The unknown father of C.L.B. born 8/29/2008 at Piedmont Newnan Hospital, in Newnan, GA. Custody of the minor child C.L.B. was vested with the Lee County DHR on 10/27/016. The unknown father must answer the Petition to Terminate Parental Rights filed in the Fmaily Court of Lee County, AL by Lee County DHR, within fourteen (14) days from the last date of publication of the notice, or a final judgment may be renderedin Juvenile Case Number JU 2016-483.02 in the Family Court of Lee County, AL terminating all parental rights to the minor child.

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 36803, (334) 745-0333 Legal Run 2/21/18, 2/28/18, 3/7/18 & 3/14/18

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF MALCOLM CLAYTON HUMPHRIES, Deceased, PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY CASE NO.: 2018-A-036 Take notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of the Estate of MALCOLM CLAYTON HUMPHRIES, deceased having been granted to M. Clayton Humphries, Jr., on the 26thday of January, 2018, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama. Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

M. Clayton Humphries, Jr. Legal Run 02/07/18, 2/14/18, 2/21/18 IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF MARTHA M CULLEY, DECEASED. CASE NO. 2018-A-054 TAKE NOTICE: Letters Testamentary of said deceased, having been granted to LISA CULLEY PATETE, on the 5th day of February, 2018 by the Hon. Bill English.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. BY: Lisa Culley Patete Legal Run 2/14/2018, 2/21/2018 & 2/28/2018

NOTICE OF ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE SALE To be held on Thursday, Mar 15, 2018, at 10 a.m. at Best 4 Less at 2509 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika, AL 36801.

4TAWM72N3VZ280625 1997 TOYOTA TACOMA Legal Run 2/21/18 & 2/28/18

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Citizens’ Climate Lobby to host Dr. Martin Medina Special to the Opelika Observer Climate change is the result of a planetary energy imbalance driven by the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere from human activities.

The existence of anthropogenic climate change has been a matter of persistent public debate in the United States. Despite efforts by the media and educators to explain the scientific basis of climate change, the problem remains obscure enough

Special to the Opelika Observer

that it lends itself to misinterpretations and makes individuals vulnerable to skepticism.

Based on existing information, Dr. Medina will address four basic questions to specifically support the existence of climate change due to human activity. The answers to these questions will leave little or no room for rational skepticism.

In this talk, Medina will elucidate these questions, examine the evidence that answers them, and discuss relevant short and long-term climate change impacts that will

continue shaping our future if greenhouse gases remained unabated.

Dr. Medina’s primary research areas in the Department of Geosciences include Paleoclimatology, Paleoceanography and Climate Change.

The meeting will be February 28, 7:00-8:30 PM, at the Hubert and Grace Harris Meeting Center, 425 Perry Street, Auburn, Al 36830 – directly across from the Post Office.

To learn more about CCL go to our website: https://citizensclimatelobby.org/.

Girl scouts help give a taste of home to soldiers Special to the Opelika Observer

Giving back is in the Girl Scout DNA, and this year Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama (GSSA) is giving back through Operation Cookie Care Package (OCCP).

OCCP is a program through which customers make donations to Girl Scout Troops to purchase Girl Scout Cookies for our brave military troops.

When the Girl Scout Cookie Program ends on March 4, GSSA will place a special order with the cookie baker, ABC Cookies. In May, GSSA will deliver cookies to

ways, Girl Scouts are the G.I.R.L.s (go-getters, innovators, risk-takers, leaders) who take action and build a better world for all of us,” said KarSpecial to the Opelika Observer lyn Edmonds, Chief Executive Officer for the designated military organizaGSSA. ”OCCP is just a small way tions, such as the USO and also of making the world a better place local military branches. while showing appreciation to our “Every day, in big and small military troops and veterans.”

The Girl Scout Cookie Program allows girls to develop five essential skills, such as goal setting, decision-making, money management, people skills, and business ethics.

However, in addition to those skills, OCCP allows Girl Scouts to learn how to give back to those who give so much – our armed forces.

GSSA sent more than 7,000 cookies last year, and plans on exceeding that number with the community’s help.

To find Girl Scouts selling cookies near you or to donate, visit girlscoutssa.org/cookies, use the official Cookie Finder app, or call 800-239-6636.

Southern Union plans Black History Month programs Special to the Opelika Observer In celebration of Black History Month, the Office of Diversity Programs at Southern Union State Community College has planned two programs in the month of February.

Major Cecil W. Davis, Retired US Air Force air crew navigator, will visit the college on Feb. 22.

Davis will speak at 9:45 a.m.

in the Renaissance Theatre on the Wadley campus, and at 2:15 p.m. in Room 104 of the Health Sciences Building on the Opelika campus.

The theme for the programs is ‘African Americans in Times of War.’ For more information on SU’s Black History Month Programs, contact Dr. Fred Williams at 334-745-6437, extension 5151, fwilliams@ suscc.edu.

Special to the Opelika Observer

Special to the Opelika Observer Retired U.S. Air Force Air Crew Navigator Major Cecil W. Davis will visit the Opelika campus of Southern Union State Community College Feb. 22 to present a program about “African Americans in Times of War.” Part of a Black History Month initiative by the college, the event is free and open to the public.

“Finishing the race” - area girl reflects on faith, driving and family

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor Auburn High School sophomore and go-kart driver Sarah Black is fresh off a dominant racing season that cemented her as one of the state’s top racers.

Competing in the Talladega Short Track Series, Black was recognized during an awards ceremony last month for her first and second-place performances in her racing divisions, which consists mostly of older, more experienced male drivers.

“Whenever I’m racing, it’s like I’m in heaven ... it’s the best place I can be. I know that if I make all the right choices and all the right moves on people that I’ll do good,” Black said.

“And all that just comes from my love for racing ... I love it.”

Black said she discovered her passion for go-karts at

six years old, driving around trees and other obstacles in her backyard.

“As a kid, I was always the little girl who wanted to win, whether it was board games, or outside with my brothers and the neighbors playing football on the weekends. I never wanted to give up and always pushed myself to get better ... and it was the same thing with go-karts, gymnastics, ballet and other things I was into at the time,” Black said.

As she grew older, Black, accompanied by her father Gary, began competing in races nationwide, and dominated the circuit.

Her success bolted her up to the adult division when she was 12,

are times in life that are going to be lows, but it helps me and pushes me through those hard times. I might go to a race and not do as well, but I know that even if we don’t win the race, we’re always winning with Jesus,” Black said. “It’s really important to place Special to the Opelika Observer where she has turned in numerous top finishes the last three years. “(One of the best things) about racing is getting to spend time with my dad.

He’s a goofy person, and just cracks me up sometimes,” Black said. “The fact that he’s always at the race track with me ... it’s really important to me to make him proud. I love our relationship, and I know that many can’t have a great relationship with their dad because of life and the

stuff that goes on, but I really like the time I get to spend with him.

I’ve always been a daddy’s girl.”

Black’s success has drawn attention from the racing community, as she said she is looking at the possibility of competing in Formula 4 racing in the near future, pending major sponsorship.

Outside the track, Black said she enjoys school and being involved in church, which serves as a crucial outlet in her life.

“I know that there

Christ first in my life, because I know that everything else under that will fall into place.”

After high school, Black said she plans to pursue a career in the medical field as a brain surgeon and continue driving in competitions.

How to Feel Great at EAMC.

Volunteer!

AUXILIARY

334-528-5923 • www.eamc.org

Contact: Victoria Beasley

Volunteer Coordinator Victoria.Beasley@eamc.org

B6 February 21, 2018

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Opelika beats Pelham in Lady Bulldogs double-overtime 66-63 pound Pelham 73-26

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer The Opelika Boys basketball team beat Pelham 66-63 in double overtime last Tuesday at the OHS Sports Arena. Trey Boone led the Dawgs in scoring with 22 points. Jorden Heard scored 15 points and Taye Fields added 10 points. The boys would advance to the regionals last Wednesday to Hillcrest of Tuscaloosa, falling to the Patriots 61-56. They finished the 2017-18 season with a 10-17 overall record.

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer The Opelika girls defeated Pelham 73-26 last Tuesday night in the sub-regional round of the AHSAA state playoffs. The Lady Bulldogs advanced to regional finals last Wednesday to play Paul Bryant, and cruised to an 80-25 victory.

Opelika will play Hillcrest of Tuscaloosa this morning to determine who makes it to the Final Four.

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

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Weather, from A3

Recipes, from A12

tion on being prepared during severe weather go to leecoema.com or download the agency’s app for free. The Observer is giving away a NOAA Severe Weather Radio. To enter, send us your severe weather preparedness plan. You can email us your plan to Editor@opelikaobserver.com or message us via our Facebook page. One winner will be drawn from all entries and the winner will be announced on Feb. 28. The NOAA Weather Radio has been provided by Midland. Contest Rules: Winners of contests can only win once every six months. Please vist our Facebook page: www. facebook.com/opelika. observer/ for more information.

Basic Buttermilk Biscuits 2 1/3 cups sifted selfrising flour

4 Tbsp. sugar (if you want a little sweeter can use 8 Tbsp.)

1 1/3 cups buttermilk (I have used whole milk when I am out of buttermilk.)

1 stick butter, melted 1 cup all-purpose flour for rolling biscuits Stir sifted flour and sugar together. Add melted butter

Chicken Crescent Rolls 2 tubes low fat refrigerator crescent rolls 26 oz. can healthy low sodium cream of chicken soup 1 cup grated fat free cheddar cheese 2 boneless, skinless

chicken breast Boil chicken breasts until cooked; then shred.

Roll out each individual crescent.

Place about a tablespoon shredded chicken in center and roll it up.

Bake at 350 for about 5

Favorite Quick Cobbler I have substituted a can of cherries or apples for the peaches, and it is still wonderful. If you would rather use fresh fruit, substitute

B7 February 21, 2018

and milk; mix together well.

Mixture will be sticky.

Put all-purpose flour on a pan and scoop evenly sized balls in the flour. Toss back and forth in your hand to dust and shape. Place in a greased 9 x 5-inch baking pan. Bake at 425 degrees for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

minutes until just starting to turn golden.

Pour soup over the top.

Bake an additional 10 minutes, and then top with cheddar cheese.

Bake for 10 minutes more.

2-3 cups fresh sliced, sweetened fruit of your choice.

Serve with vanilla ice cream on top!

1 stick butter 1 cup self-rising flour

1 cup sugar 1 cup milk 1 large can sliced peaches Melt butter in 8x8 baking dish.

Mix flour, sugar and milk

Squash Dressing 3 cups chopped yellow squash 3 cups crumbled cornbread 10.5 oz. can cream of chicken or celery soup 1/2 cup diced celery 1/3 cup diced onion 1 stick butter, melted 3 large eggs, beaten 1/2 tsp. poultry seasoning 1/4 tsp. pepper Pinch of salt Cook squash in boiling water until tender; drain well.

Place the squash in a bowl and add remaining ingredients. Once well combined, pour into a lightly greased 9 x 13 pan.

Bake in a 350- degree oven for 45 minutes. (will be thin). Add peaches to butter. Pour batter over peaches.

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until brown on top.

Southern Union Strategic Plan Update Special to the Opelika Observer Alabama Community College System Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker on Thursday announced the posting of the position of President of Southern Union State Community College.

This announcement is the culmination of the Southern Union Strategic Planning Initiative announced in August 2017.

Applicants will have until March 19 to submit their applications. An Advisory Search Committee will be appointed to assist the Chancellor with reviewing ap-

plications. The committee will consist of the ACCS Chancellor, Southern Union faculty and staff, an ACCS college president, and representatives from local business and industry or community members. After a thorough interview process, the Chancellor will make a recommendation to the System’s board of trustees.

“As promised, the placement of a permanent president for Southern Union State Community College has been made a priority and is moving forward,” said Chancellor Baker. “Impressive work has been done by the Strategic Planning Committee with input

from the entire Bison Community and a permanent president will be named no later than June of this year.”

Additionally, Chancellor Baker announced the appointment of Mr. Mark D. Ellard to serve as interim president of Southern Union effective Mar. 1.

Due to the state’s restrictions on employment for those who have previously retired, Dr. Blow’s service at Southern Union will end on Feb. 28.

“I am grateful for Dr. Blow’s service to not only Southern Union and the Alabama Community College System but to the entire higher

education community, his leadership will be greatly missed,” said Chancellor Baker.

“Though his time at Southern Union will be short, I’m confident Mark’s experience and skill set are the perfect fit for this transitional time at the college.”

Ellard most recently served as interim president of Chattahoochee Valley Community College (CVCC). Prior to his time at CVCC, he served as interim president and executive vice president at Bevill State Community College. Ellard holds a Bachelor of Science in Commerce and Business Administration from the University of Alabama

and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Mr. Ellard is a Certified Public Accountant and is licensed to practice in the State of Alabama.

“I am grateful for this opportunity to continue to serve our community colleges and I look forward to being a proud member of the Bison community,” said Ellard.

“Southern Union is a special place and I am committed to helping in any way I can to continue the important work the college does on behalf of its students, our faculty and staff, and the greater community.”

Valley High School to host 5k, 10k Ram Run Feb. 24 Special to the Opelika Observer Valley High School’s track and field team will host their sixth annual ‘Ram Run 5K and inaugural Ram Run 10K’ Feb. 24 at Valley High School.

Registration will begin at 7 a.m. EST. The 5K will begin at 8 a.m., a pancake breakfast will follow at 9 a.m. and the 10K will begin at 9:30 a.m.

Prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place finishes for each category.

The cost is $25 for a 5K participant, $30 for a 10K and $45 for both. Walk-up late registration will be $30 onsite for each race. The pancake breakfast will be included, and participants will also receive a T-shirt while supplies last.

Additional pancake breakfast tickets will be available for $5 at the door.

Valley High School is located at 501 U.S. Highway 29 in Valley. For more information, email hallre@chambersk12. org.

We are looking for highly motivated individuals who want to be part of a winning team. Sales Consultants daily responsibilities include prospecting (self generate), follow-up on company sales leads, presenting security products and services to businesses and homeowners, ensure proper contracts and continuous communication with sales management. We offer defined and established territories. Base salary plus an aggressive commission structure. Car allowance, company smart phone and IPad provided. Professional weekly training with dedicated sales trainer with one-on-one sales support. Excellent benefits including 401k, health/dental/vision/life insurance.

Opportunity to qualify for 3 all expense paid trips a year.

Job Requirements: Positive attitude and strong character. Strong prospecting (self generate) skills. Ability to run all set appointments.

Adept at working referral business. great networking skills,, Alarm industry experience preferred but not require, Reliable transportation.

ADS Security is a leader in the rapidly expanding home and commercial security industry. Our advanced solutions include Life Safety and several advanced services. This position is for the Auburn/Opelika branch location that is one of ADS 22 locations, the Auburn/ Opelika location provides services in several counties the surrounding area. We provide security installation, service and monitoring through our own UL certified 5 diamond central station. You may submit your resume through the link shown below, email your resume to rgarrido@adssecurity.com or by mail to: ADS Security 1619 Thomason Dr. Opelika, AL 36801 (NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE).

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B8 February 21, 2018

Alabama Farmers Federation Gov. Ivey names Endorses Randy Price Feb. 22 ‘Military Special to the Opelika Observer

FarmPAC, the political action committee of the Alabama Farmers Federation, has announced its endorsement of Randy Price for Alabama Senate District 13 which covers Chambers, Cleburne, Lee and Randolph counties.

“Randy Price is a businessman and farmer who understands the needs of the people of this district,” said Mahlon Richburg, Lee County Farmers Federa-

Ross, from A1 coaching ranks as a defensive positions coach at Clinton High School from 20022005, Prattville from 2006-2010 as its running backs coach and offensive coordinator, 2011 as the head coach/assistant athletic director at Thompson High School, 2012-

tion president. “He will represent those needs well in the Legislature in Montgomery and at home in Lee County.”

Price has been a small business owner for more than three decades, owning a custom home building business and commercial trucking company.

Price is a member of Congressman Mike Roger’s Agricultural Advisory Committee and a past president of the Lee County Cattlemen’s Association. He’s also a former chairman

of the Lee County Republican Club and has served many years on the Alabama Republican Executive Committee.

His other leadership roles include chairman of the Lee County Industrial Development Board, chairman of the Lee County Public Building Authority and member of the board of directors of the East Alabama Achievement Center Foundation.

Price and his wife of 39 years, Oline, are the fourth generation to live on the family farm

in Opelika where they raise cattle and goats.

They have two adult sons. They reside in Opelika and are active members of First United Methodist Church of Opelika.

The Alabama Farmers Federation is the state’s largest farm organization with more than 357,000 members.

It uses a true grassroots approach to select candidates, relying on FarmPAC endorsements from county Federation boards for local elections.

2013 at Spain Park as wide receivers coach/ offensive coordinator and assistant head coach, before joining McGill-Toolen as its head coach later in 2013.

During his three-year tenure with the Yellow Jackets, Ross compiled a 30-8 overall record and led the program to its first state title in 2015.

After the 2016 season, Ross left the school and came to

Opelika March 22, 2017.

At Prattville, Ross will look to rebuild a program that has floundered in recent years, coming off backto-back losing seasons.

The Lions’ last doubledigit-win campaign was 2014, and won its last state championship in 2011.

Mitchell said Ross's absence will be felt at Opelika.

"There is no question that Opelika is losing a

fine Christian man with class and character. The Ross family could be seen each week at First Baptist Opelika attending the 9:45 (a.m.) service," Mitchell said.

"I enjoyed working with Coach Ross over the last year. I wish nothing but the best for Caleb, (wife) Amy and (children) Rebecca Claire and Jack."

At press time, Opelika City Schools had not released a statement on Ross's departure.

OLLI hosts historian Daniel Haulman Feb. 28 Special to the Opelika Observer

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Auburn University (OLLI at Auburn) will host its lecture series entitled Wisdom Wednesday’s on Feb. 28, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art located at 901 South College Street.

This week’s guest will feature Daniel Haulman military historian and author of “The Tuskegee Airmen Chronology”.

The story of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African American pilots in American military service, is a complex tapestry with many story threads, such as the training story, the 99th Fighter Squadron story, the 332d Fighter Group

Red Tail story, and the 477th Bombardment Group story. One story did not end when another began. The stories proceeded simultaneously. For example, while some Tuskegee Airmen were learning to fly at Tuskegee, others were flying combat missions overseas, while still others were being arrested for resisting segregation at another base. This Tuskegee Airmen Chronology links the stories together, filling a crucial historiographical niche.

All the important events in Tuskegee Airmen history are included, such as the graduation of each flying class at Tuskegee Army Air Field, the activation and movement of each Tuskegee Airmen flying unit, the movement to

and from each base, the award of each of the 96 Tuskegee Airmen Distinguished Flying Crosses, the achievement of each of the 112 Tuskegee Airmen aerial victories over enemy aircraft, a brief summary of every one of the 312 missions the Tuskegee Airmen flew for the Fifteenth Air Force, all the important Tuskegee Airmen leaders, and when each assumed command of his flying unit, the transition to each new aircraft type, and each Tuskegee Airman who was shot down, disappeared, was captured, or returned.

For more information regarding this event, contact Ileeia A. Cobb, Ph.D., OLLI Director, at 334-844- 3105, olli@ auburn.edu, or visit the

website at www. olliatauburn.org.

Appreciation Day’ Special to the Opelika Observer As Gov. Kay Ivey designated Thursday “Military Appreciation Day,” the Alabama Senate passed five bills to support military veterans, including the Parks for Patriots Act which will give Alabama military veterans free access to state parks. The Legislature also held a joint session of the House and Senate this morning to honor General Gus F. Perna, the commander of the U.S. Army Materiel Command in Huntsville and Alabama’s only four-star general.

“More than 50,000 Alabamians serve in the military or work as employees of the Department of Defense, and it is appropriate and right that we honor their heroism and service,” Senate Majority Leader Greg Reed (R-Jasper) stated. “Veterans from Alabama have fought honorably in numerous wars, defending this nation from Nazi fascists and now, radical Islamic terrorists.”

“As veterans return from battlefields in the Middle East and across the globe, it is our privilege to open every door of opportunity we can for our veterans, so that Alabama can benefit from their leadership and tenacity,” Reed continued. In addition to the Parks for Patriots Act, the Senate

approved a tax credit for small businesses that hire unemployed veterans, created a voluntary contribution checkoff on income tax returns for the Alabama State Veterans Cemetery at Spanish Fort, added Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who own businesses to the preferred vendor list for state contracts, and passed a bill that would make it illegal to park a vehicle in spaces reserved for military veterans.

“Like all Alabamians, I am thankful for the service of our retired and active military service members,” Senate Pro Tem Del Marsh (R-Anniston) said. “Facilities like the Anniston Army Depot are essential for our national defense and a huge engine of economic growth in Alabama – and I am grateful for the opportunity the Legislature has to support the men and women who wear the uniform and serve Alabama and our nation so well.”

Since September 11, 2011, more than 25,000 Alabama National Guard soldiers and airmen have deployed, and approximately 1,000 are currently deployed.

Nine of Alabama’s thirty-four State Senators are military veterans. Thursday concluded the twelfth day of the 2018 session. The state constitution allots the Legislature thirty days to complete each legislative session.

pelika O Observer

B9 February 21, 2018

OBITUARIES Ethel Mae Ennis Story Ethel Mae Ennis Story, age 105, passed away early Monday morning, February 12, 2018 following a week-long stay at the Bethany House in Auburn, Al. She was born September 26, 1912 to Margie Foster Ennis and Thomas Wilson Ennis, Sr. in Auburn, Al just below Pace's Place. She was one of 9 children, 7 of whom lived to adulthood.

Eventually her dad moved his family to the Beauregard Community where he rented the Cole Property at the corner of Johnson Lake Road and Highway 146. Rent was paid not with money but with a yearly bale of cotton. Mrs. Ethel's family would rent and farm this property for almost 100 years. After her dad farmed the land for 50 years, her brother, Dick Ennis, stayed another fifty and raised his family

there.

On this farm, Mrs. Ethel and her siblings helped with all the chores. They learned how to tend and care for fields of cotton, corn, and sweet potatoes. They raised chickens and hogs as well as plenty of vegetables to feed their large family.

All this was done with no electricity or indoor plumbing.

Her strong work ethic was learned early on as were her skills of being a provider and care giver.

Often her dad would send her and her middle sister to care for those in the community who were sick or dying. They often helped prepare a body for burial.

These skills served her well in later years as she worked some 40 years in the Opelika First Baptist Church Nursery as well as the Mother's Day Out ministries at First United Methodist Church and Trinity Methodist Church.

Gerald E. Fitzgerald, Sr. Gerald E. Fitzgerald, Sr. of Opelika, Alabama was born to the late Archie and Adelaide Snyder Fitzgerald in Cranberry, Pennsylvania on March 9, 1923 and died on February 11, 2018. He was 94 years old.

He was a Member of Central Baptist Church, the Fraternal Order of Police and was a Mason. He served 73 years in Law Enforcement.

He was preceded in death Mary Ceil Groce Foster Mary Ceil Groce Foster (89 years young) was born on September 12, 1928 in Society Hill, Alabama, and entered her heavenly home on Sunday, February 11, 2018 at EAMC. Known as Gandma, Grandmother, and MeMaw to her grandchildren, she moved to Beauregard when she married Frederick “Harold” Foster on her birthday in 1947. They were married for 68 years when he preceded her in death in 2016. Born the youngest of six children to Robert Dan C. Johnson Dan C, Johnson, 82, of Salem, AL, went to be with the Lord his God and Savior Jesus Christ on February 16, 2018. He was born in Phenix City, AL. to Dewey S. Johnson and Leavyew Nelson Johnson. Mr. Johnson was preceded in death by his parents, and sisters, Olene Morris and Winnie Flowers.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sandra Gullatte Johnson, son, Danny John-

She also babysat for many, many young parents of the Opelika Community until she was in her 80's.

On September 14, 1940 she married Alva Curtis Story.

They were married for 40 years until his death in February 1980. They eventually became the parents of 3 children. All of whom survive her and still reside in the Opelika Community.

During the years these 3 youngsters were growing up, Mrs. Ethel was an active part of their lives.

During these years she moved her own mother and dad as well as her motherin-law in with her family and took care of them until their deaths. Her home also became a haven for other relatives who were experiencing some hardship or other crisis in their lives. During this time she also often ran the neighborhood stores that her husband operated on the side.

by his wife of 70 years, Mary Helen Fitzgerald.

He is survived by his sons, Gerald "Jerry" E. Fitzgerald, Jr. (Sue), Gregory M. Fitzgerald (Sonia); grandchildren, Gerald "Scooter" E. Fitzgerald III, and Michael "Brian" Fitzgerald (Sloane); great grandson, Taylor "T.J." Fitzgerald; brother, Arnold Fitzgerald (Phylis) from Titusville, Pennsylvania; Visitation was held Thursday, February 15, 2018 in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean

Hugh and Willie Pearl Groce, she grew up in Macon County with her brothers Lester Groce, Bernard Groce, Daniel “Sonny” Groce and her sisters, Elizabeth Mayberry and Emma Gooden who is her only surviving sibling. Mary graduated from Tuskegee High School and retired from the Lee County School System, as a school bus driver. After retirement, she joined Harold in successfully running Foster’s Deer Processing.

Mom and Dad met many wonderful people and gained many new friends through this venture as well as their many days

son, daughter, Cindy Fowler; four grandchildren, Ashley, Presley, and DJ Johnson and Bryce Fowler as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was an active member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Over the years, he served as Deacon, Sunday School teacher, Training Union teacher, and worked with the Youth Program.

He was a graduate of Smith Station High School in 1954, sever-

One of the families she babysat for often was the James family.

At age 55 she went to work fulltime in a new venture of the James family called Diversified Products.

She worked there until she was 65.

In 1963, she and her family moved into their home on Lankford Street where she continued to reside until her death and where she hosted many holiday and special celebrations for her family and friends.

At 100, Mrs. Ethel began to need a little assistance with her care. For the past 5 years 3 part-time care givers and a host of beloved family helped her to continue to reside at home.

After turning 100, Mrs. Ethel made 3 beach trips and enjoyed numerous outings at her son's Lake Martin Home.

This past summer at the beach she played carpet golf with her great grandchildren,

Funeral Home from 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m.

The funeral service was held in the Chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home on Thursday, February 15, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Scott Ferguson officiating. Interment followed at Garden hills Cemetery.

Family ask that donations be made to the Building Fund of Central Baptist Church (1611 2nd Ave. Opelika, Alabama.)

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home directed.

of camping and riding their motorcycle.

Mary was a member of Hopewell United Methodist Church where she received the Mother of the Year Award. Mary was a caretaker by nature taking care of everyone who crossed her path, especially Harold until his death. She was a wonderful cook, known for her little biscuits, fried catfish, butter rolls, and homemade coconut cake. Mom loved word search puzzles, chicken salad, sweet potatoes of any kind, collecting little shoes and reading.

Her favorite color was blue, because she told

al National Guard Recruiting Schools, and a graduate of Sergeant Majors Academy in 1988. He retired in 1995 as Master Sergeant, Regular Army National Guard NOIC Director of recruiting with 33 years of service.

Visitation was held on Monday, February 19, 2018 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm CST at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home.

Funeral service was 2:00 pm CST on Tuesday, February

Jerry Fulton Mr. Jerry Fulton was born on August 22, 1962. He passed away at his home on February 17, 2018 in Opelika.

Jerry was a veteran of the United States Navy and worked for Alabama Power Company. He loved watching sports, of which Auburn was his favorite team, cooking, deep-sea fishing and golf.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy Funderburke

everyone it matched her beautiful blue eyes.

Mary was preceded in death by two grandchildren, Melanie Ledbetter and Jamie Pugh.

She will be greatly missed by her children, Dianne and DeWayne Gullatt, Kathie and David Ledbetter, Debra and Randy Causey, of Opelika, and Freddie and Victoria Foster of Magnolia Springs, Alabama; grandchildren Theresa and David Owen, Sonja and Jesse Sanders, Jennifer and Jonathan Robinson, Jeremy Gullatt, Heather and Kevin Dees, Erica and Forrest Black, Jon

20, 2018 at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, 5805 Lee Road 401, Salem, AL. Burial followed the service in the church cemetery.

Flowers will be accepted as well as donations to Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, the American Cancer Society, the Alzheimer’s Association, or a charity of your choice.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed. www.jeffcoattrant. com.

assisted Capt. Robert in driving his Dolphin Cruise Boat and took several whirwind convertible rides enjoying every minute of it.

Mrs. Ethel leaves 3 children: Louise S. Brasher (Len), Thomas Dudley (Deborah), and John Wallace.

She also leaves 6 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Her grandchildren are: Thomas Dudley "Dusty" Story, II (Christy) of Halls, TN, Edgar L. "Kip" Walker, Jr., Kimberly " Kim" Story Lang (Paul ), Christophe r S. Walker (Tori), Curtis C. Walker (Heather), and Lana S. Ledbetter (Justin).

Her great grandchildren are: Audrey Henderson, Kambrie Ledbetter, Cade Ledbetter, Corbett Walker, Jaeden Walker, Rylee Walker, Brena Walker, Maggie Walker, Mary Louise Walker, Samuel Walker, Brody Story, and Brock Story. Also surviving are several beloved nieces and

and Stephanie Causey, Justin and Rosa Causey, Rick Foster, and Emili Foster; great-grandchildren Davis Owen, Jessica, Joshua, Ryan and Rebecca Sanders, Carter, Mary Payton and Hudson Dees, Liam Black, Daniel and Samuel Robinson and a host of nieces and nephews. Also, missing her is her faithful, old white bulldog, Opie, who rode many miles with Mom and Dad around the “Country Block”.

Visitation was held in the Parlor at Frederick Dean Funeral Home Thursday, February 15, 2018, from 12:30 until 1:50 p.m.

Freddie B. Rowell Freddie B. Rowell was born February 28, 1929 to the late Fred G. and Pearl Clowdus Bice, and went to be with her Lord and Savior on February 16, 2018 at East Alabama Medical Center.

She was 88 years old.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 39 years, Jeet Rowell and her sister, Myrtle Bedgood.

Mrs. Rowell is survived by her son, David Rowell; sisters, Becky Stillwell (Herman), Barbara Avant of Florence, S.C. and Martha McAuley, as well as numerous nieces and nephews who she loved and adored.

nephews and great nieces and nephews.

The quiet simple manner in which Mrs. Ethel lived her faith and conducted her affairs has left a lasting legacy for all who loved and knew her.

The family expresses sincere appreciation to all who have supported us with prayer, food, visits, and other expressions of love, care, and concern.

A visitation was held Thursday, February 15, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. from 7:00 p.m. at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. Her funeral service was 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 16, 2018 at Opelika First Baptist Church with Dr. Mike King officiating. Interment followed the service at Mt. Olive Cemetery in Opelika.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed. www.jeffcoattrant. com

Fulton; his sons: Preston Fulton and Justin Fulton; mother, Elizabeth (Darrell) McGlynn; stepfather, Larry (Jane) Fulton; Mother-InLaw, Gloria Griggs; sister, Tammy Leigh (Guy) Adams; brother, Steve Fulton; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Feb. 20, at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. Reverend Grant Parker officiated.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed.

Funeral service followed at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel with Dr. Rusty Sowell and Reverend Drue Tubbs officiating.

Internment followed at Hopewell United Methodist Church Cemetery.

The family would like to thank everyone at EAMC for their compassionate care and love during these difficult days.

Also, a special thank you to her caregiver, Angie Wilson. Her last days were filled with love.

Mom finished the race and is now resting in the arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Frederick Dean Funeral Home directed.

She was a faithful member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Opelika, AL. A graveside service was held on Feb. 20 at 11 a.m. at Garden Hills Cemetery, Opelika with Rev. Earl Ballard officiating and special music provided by Trace Pridgen.

Visitation was Feb. 19, in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home from 5 - 7 p.m.

The family will accept flowers or memorial donations may be made to Women’s Hope Medical Clinic, 820 Stage Rd., Auburn, Al 36830.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home directed.

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B10 February 21, 2018

Master Gardeners Mulch Sale Promo ‘18 Lee County Master Gardeners fundraiser; selling pine bark mulch, will be Saturdays 8am to 1pm, Feb. 24 and Mar.17 and 24 at Lawrence Farm located at 3327 Moores Mill Rd., Auburn.

The pine bark, purchased from a local lumber mill, is excellent for soil amendment or top-dressing. The LCMGA pine bark mulch

has been composting for the past year. The price, cash or check, is $25 per cu. yard for coarse and $35 for fine. There is a front-end loader tractor available for loading trucks or trailers. There will be Master Gardeners available to answer any questions.

If Saturday is a rainy day, Sale will be rescheduled.

Visit LeeMG.org.

Councilwoman Patsy Jones invites you to a Ward 1 Meeting to discuss 8thgrade registration for Opelika High School Date: Thursday, February 22, 2018 Time: 6:00 p.m.

Place: Carver Primary School Questions? Call Councilwoman Jones at 334-745-6656

Harvis, from A1 the ‘20-Under-40’ program have helped him in his life and career.

A native of Montgomery, Alabama, Harvis graduated from Booker T. Washington Magnet High School in 1998 and credits his 12th grade English teacher for helping him choose to attend Auburn University.

There, he earned a degree in computer engineering and met his wife, Raven. After finding a church in the area they connected with, Harvis said they “decided to put down some roots.”

At the encouragement of Raven, who had recently been through the 20-Under-40 program, Harvis decided to try it for himself. “[We] just met so many decision-

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makers and got an understanding of how our government here works … so I thought that was phenomenal,” Harvis said. “It really kind of gave us an introduction to the city and helped us to understand what turns the wheels behind the scenes.”

Harvis said experiences like these helped to demystify the process of becoming involved in the city.

“Once you kind of peek behind the curtain, then you realize it’s just the wizard back there … it just allowed for me to feel like it was more accessible for me to be able to serve in the community and to be a vital part of what makes our community go,” Harvis said.

The Opelikabased nonprofit Dad’s League started in fall 2015 to teach and empower fathers

in the community to improve relationships with their children, and Harvis has been there from the start. As director and coordinator for the organization, he meets with individuals and organizations in the community that have an interest in helping their cause.

According to Harvis, there was one lesson in particular from the program that has stuck with him to this day. This lesson involved reading a book called “The Speed of Trust,” which Harvis said taught him the importance of trust in his life. He explained that applying these lessons has been essential in effectively working in both Dad’s League and the school board.

“In order to effectively work or move an agenda for an initiative, I believe that a relationship is one of the most cru-

cial pieces to getting any of those things done,” Harvis said.

“Understanding that, you’ve got to build trust, and you’ve got to be a trustworthy individual—somebody a person can invest trust into and be dependable ... it’s crucial, and just the importance now that I place on that and building relationships— it’s something that I use every day.”

Harvis said he feels fortunate to have been part of the 20-Under-40 program and to have learned vital lessons like this one.

“I think it’s served me well,” Harvis said. “I think it’s one of the best initiatives that’s been set forth in our community to kind of introduce you to the community … especially if you have a desire to make change or to be impactful in any way.”

City council vets special municipal election results

By Shawn Kirkpatrick Opelika Observer

The Opelika City Council officially canvassed and recorded the results of last week’s municipal election in a special meeting yesterday.

According to turnouts provided by city officials, a measure to renew and extend the annual levy and collection of the $5 million property tax for education in the Opelika City Schools for the next 30 years passed by a 1,323-72 vote.

Opelika City Schools

Superintendent Dr. Mark Neighbors and Mayor Gary Fuller said last week that they were pleased with the results.

“I would like to express my appreciation to the citizens of Opelika for renewing the 5 mill tax to support education in the Opelika City Schools. The local funds generated by this tax are extremely important to us and will help our schools continue to provide excellent opportunities for our students. We couldn’t do what we do without the support of our community,”

Neighbors said.

Fuller added that the tax renewal is crucial to student development and the future economy of Opelika.

“This local revenue is critical for the continued success of programs like band, choral, career tech, technology, instructional coaches and more. These programs are far reaching and are critical to workforce development and industries. We are grateful to the people of Opelika for seeing the need and supporting our school system,” Fuller said.

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change comic

pelika O Observer

B11 February 21, 2018

COMICS

A well-balanced person is one who finds both sides of an issue laughable. — Herbert Procknow

B12 February 21, 2018

pelika O E ntertainment

Last week’s answers:

2-14 SCRAMBLER ANSWERS: 1), Range 2), Stable 3), Staple 4), Design Solution: Desperate