pelika O bserver O Vol. 11, No. 24
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
Opelika, Alabama
“By local people, for local people.”
Local response saved lives
EAMC, local agencies, neighbors worked together to minimize loss of life
Photo courtesy of East Alabama Medical Center An EAMC ambulance backs into the ambulance bay at EAMC on March 3 while EMS workers prepare to unload a patient from another ambulance. More than 30 patients were transported by EAMC ambulances in the aftermath of the storm. More than 90 patients were transported and treated at hospitals in Birminghan, Columbus and Opelika.
By Kelly Daniel For the Opelika Observer After a tornado left a swath of tremendous devastation and loss in portions of Lee County on March 3, East Alabama Medical Center demonstrated proactive leadership that was vital to ensuring that injured survivors received the
care they needed. Bruce Zartman, who serves as EAMC’s vice president of Supply Chain and Perioperative Services and incident commander, described his unit’s response to the situation. “About 10 to 15 minutes after the tornado touched down and we began to hear damage reports from the field, we
implemented our disaster plan and stood up our full incident command center. The Incident Command Center provided a communications link for all of the various activities occurring throughout the organization,” Zartman said. Despite the shock and sadness that was felt by many in Lee County, EAMC employees
worked tirelessly to help in the efforts to care for the victims of the storm. “This was a tragic and difficult day for so many people in our community, and it affected our staff in a profound way, too. For several hours straight, it was all hands on deck as we received around 60 patients from the tornado,” said EAMC director of public relations and
marketing John Atkinson. “As has been reported, one young patient died after arriving at the hospital - that was extremely difficult. Plus, one of the 23 deaths reported from the tornadoes was our own Maggie Robinson, who had worked with us for nearly 40 years.” Those working with Emergency Medical Services were among the
first to see the extent of the devastation and to care for victims. “On arrival to the scene it was almost like ‘Is this a dream? Did this really happen?’ However, amid the devastation and tragedy, emergency workers showed bravery and resolve,” said EMS manager Austin Bayles said. See EAMC, page A3
Local small business owners say ‘we will rebuild’ in aftermath of March 3 tornadoes By Morgan Bryce Editor Beauregard resident Troy Bell’s Sunday afternoon nap on March 3 was interrupted by the buzz of his cell phone, alerting him that severe weather was imminent. Scrambling to his television, Bell said he turned it on as reports of a tornado on the ground and headed in
his direction. While attempting to gather his family and move them to a safe place, he stood on his back porch and observed the storm in the distance, a dark, hideous wedge of wind that would later be classified as EF-4 tornado nearly a mile in width and sustained winds of 170 miles per hour. “It was just a big, black monster. Most
of the ones you see are skinny and have a narrow base, but this one was just wide and ugly,” Bell said. “You could see everything turning dark, but more than anything, you could hear it.” While closing his bathroom door, Bell witnessed the storm engulf the building that See Bell, page A7
Index
COUNTY NEWS............................A4 OPINION..............................A6 SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY..............A9 RELIGION..................................A13
By Morgan Bryce Editor All Opelika resident Trey Capps could do was watch his television on the afternoon of March 3, hoping and praying his business would not be affected by an incoming line of severe weather. Owner and operator of Capps Sausage on Lee Road 100, Trey had
SPORTS................................B1 CALENDAR....................................B3 LEGALS ......................................B4 ENTERTAINMENT......................B14
recently returned home from working a halfday at the shop when evidence of tornado damage in that area began to be reported. “I saw something on the screen that confirmed a tornado was on the ground, and then there was this blue graphic showing actual tornado debris. They zoomed it in and it showed Lee Road 100,
and that’s when I knew something was wrong,” Trey said. After the first tornado passed, a second tornado spawned, preventing Trey from going to assess the damage. Following the second tornado, Trey departed on a nearly 90-minute journey, driving over downed power lines and
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See Capps, page A7
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A2 March 20, 2019
Keep Opelika Beautiful’s Azalea and Dogwood Trail to open March 21
How will you spend your tax refund? Consider your windfall to be found money; invest it strategically By Justin Smith For the Opelika Observer The Internal Revenue Service reported that 67.7 million individual tax returns have been filed through March 8. Of those, approximately 53.4 million tax returns had a refund. To date, $161 billion in refunds have been issued averaging $3,008 per return. Interestingly, the IRS reports this is nearly unchanged from 2018, when 55.3 million refunds were issued, totaling $166 billion and averaging $3,004 per return through the first week of March. Now that filing season has been open nearly two months, the early data showing that refunds were significantly down has been shown to be somewhat inaccurate. If you are one of the more than 100 million taxpayers anticipating a refund this year, now is a good time to consider what you will do with it. Here are a few options you may consider when determining
Smith how to spend your tax season windfall: 1. Invest it – I recently met with my financial advisor and decided to enhance my non-retirement investments in single stocks in sectors such as energy, healthcare, consumer retail, logistics and technology. It’s great to invest in tax-advantaged retirement accounts, but making strategic investments into wealth building is a great way to put your money to work. 2. Save it – While you won’t build significant wealth in low-yield savings accounts, the value of immediate access to liquidity for emergencies cannot be overstated. Financial experts often encourage you to have three to six months of living expenses available in the event of job loss
or other unexpected catastrophe, so a readily-available cash pile in an FDIC-insured savings account can help you meet that objective. 3. Reduce debt – credit card debt is expensive. Many studies show that Americans carry more than $5,000 of credit card debt on average. High interest rates can greatly magnify the cost of whatever you purchased on the card, so putting a large cash payment onto such debt helps to reduce the stress on your cash flow. 4. Be generous with it – we Americans rarely think about how fortunate we are, but we’ve definitely got it made compared to the rest of the world. Americans are also some of the most generous people in the world, and a windfall presents a great opportunity help others. 5. Save for retirement – Now is a great time to open an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or contribute to it to help fund your golden years. Taxpayers
should never assume Social Security will be enough to sufficiently fund their retirement lifestyle, so contributing to a traditional or Roth IRA (talk to an investment advisor about the best options) and investing the funds in longterm growth opportunities can help to provide a comfortable retirement lifestyle. 6. Invest in yourself and your family – Go back to school, learn a new skill, or start a new business with your refund serving as seed money. 7. Enjoy it – It’s your money! Regardless of what you choose to do with your money, the fastest way to obtain it is to e-file your return with a direct deposit of the refund. April will be here before you know it, so don’t delay! Justin Smith is a licensed certified public accountant in Opelika, specializing in individual and small business tax and accounting. He can be contacted at 251-209-2579 or Justin@JSmithCPA.net. His website is www. jsmithcpa.net.
Photo special to the Opelika Observer Special to the Opelika Observer Keep Opelika Beautiful will kick off the Azalea and Dogwood Trail on March 21. The trail begins at the corner of 2nd Avenue and 8th Street and winds throughout the historic district and other neighborhoods of Opelika. KOB has partnered with Lee County Master Gardeners to include the Salem-Shotwell Bridge and Caroline Dean Wildflower Garden in this year’s trail. This will give visitors a chance to enjoy a short walk. “The Azalea and Dogwood Trail is an annual highlight for Opelika. This year, we slightly
altered the course of the trail,” said KOB director Tipi Miller. “These simple changes will allow visitors to see different beautiful flowers and homes in Opelika.” For the Azalea and Dogwood Trail, visitors may follow the green arrows signs or pick up an Azalea and Dogwood Trail directional card at the Opelika Chamber of Commerce or City Hall. Directions can also be found at the Keep Opelika Beautiful website. The trail has been a long-standing highlight of the spring season in Opelika for more than three decades. For more information, call 334-7494970.
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pelika Observer
Publisher: Michelle Key Editor: Morgan Bryce Marketing: Doug Horn and Woody Ross Photojournalist: Robert Noles Phone: 334.749.8003 editor@opelikaobserver.com Sports Writers: Rick Lanier and Michelle@opelikaobserver.com D. Mark Mitchell
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w w w. o p e l i k a o b s e r v e r . c o m 216 S. 8th Street, Opelika, AL 36801 Copyright 2009. All right reserved. Opelika Observer is published weekly by Opelika Observer, 216 S 8th St. Opelika, AL 36801. Periodicals postage is paid at Opelika, AL. USPS #025104 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Opelika Observer, 216 S. 8th Street, Opelika, AL 36801
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pelika O Observer Goodwill of the Southern Rivers donates $15,00 to local Red Cross chapters
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March 20, 2019
Global organization Operation Blessing International assists in tornado recovery, relief Special to the Opelika Observer The global humanitarian organization Operation Blessing International has deployed a team of disaster relief experts and a convoy of equipment to Lee County to assist with relief efforts following a string of deadly tornadoes March 3. Team leaders from Operation Blessing’s' Virginia Beach headquarters arrived in Alabama earlier this month to assess damages and meet with local emergency management officials in order to determine the areas of greatest need. The convoy of equipment includes a construction trailer loaded with tools and emergency supplies, a box truck full of relief supplies and a skid steer for heavy debris removal. Earlier this month, Operation Blessing set up a base of operations at Golden Acres Baptist Church (3405 S. Railroad St. in Phenix
EAMC,
from A1 “As a first responder, you know time is of the essence in finding the injured in order to limit loss of life. This is when your years of experience and training kicks in,” Bayles added. “First responders are like a family and always there to go the extra mile with you, so it was no surprise that when more help was needed, surrounding counties and agencies responded with people, ambulances and equipment. They responded with a look of determination on their faces and a sense of camaraderie that bonds us as first responders, and for that, I am thankful and forever appreciative.” As emergency responders rescued victims and provided initial treatment, the emergency department and other patient care areas prepared so that they were ready to meet the influx of injured tornado survivors.
City) and began coordinating day volunteers beginning last Friday. Priority is given based on need (elderly, sick, disabled, etc) and is based on volunteer availability. Volunteer services offered include general debris removal, help finding and sorting salvageable belongings, chainsaw work and installing tarps on damaged roofs. For more information on Operation Blessing International, visit www.ob.org ABOUT OPERATION BLESSING INTERNATIONAL: Operation Blessing International (OBI) provides humanitarian services such as strategic disaster relief, medical aid, hunger relief, clean water and community development, reaching 39 countries last year. Founded in 1978, Operation Blessing International has touched the lives of more than 321 million people in more than 105 countries and 50 states. “The Emergency Department was the most affected; however, numerous other areas were significantly impacted in support of the volume of patients and family members. We quickly realized we would need to establish several alternate care sites within the hospital to care for patients as they came through the ED,” Zartman said. “These were clinical areas, but not ones that are normally staffed on Sundays. Additional clinical staff, including nurses and physicians, were called in to provide patient care in these areas.” In addition, a mobile healthcare clinic was sent to the areas that had faced destruction, treating victims and volunteers alike free of charge, with updates on the mobile clinic’s location posted to Facebook. The joining of cold and hot air masses in the wrong way can instantly cause unspeakable loss. Natural disasters like the two tornadoes that hit Lee County on March 3 could happen to anyone,
Special to the Opelika Observer Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers, Inc. (GoodwillSR) has partnered with American Red Cross chapters in East Alabama and West Georgia in order to aid the ongoing tornado relief efforts. Many communities in our area were ravaged by a string of devastating tornadoes on March 3. Last week, GoodwillSR announced that it has donated a total of $15,000 in gift cards to the East Alabama and West Georgia chapters of the American Red Cross, as well as to Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones and his agency to aid those individuals who were affected by Sunday’s catastrophic storms. The gift cards are valid at any GoodwillSR anywhere. Whenever a disaster happens, but especially in tight-knit communities like Lee County, everyone’s hearts go out to those affected, in the form of prayers but also in the form of compassionate action to help the survivors as they carry on. In a Facebook post March 4, the hospital issued a response to numerous questions on how to contribute to relief efforts. The EAMC Foundation has set up a link for donations to the Lee County Disaster Relief Fund at https://eamcfoundation8686.thankyou4caring.org/lee-county “(We) are helping to facilitate support for those who lost most, if not everything, by collecting funds through our EAMC Foundation. As of (March 15), we have received 144 donations totaling $231,608,” Atkinson said. “This includes the money given by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and Demarcus Ware for the funerals and grave markers. People wishing to donate can visit eamcfoundation.
location. “The families who have lost their homes as a result of these storms have no place to store house-hold items and clothes right now,” said GoodwillSR director of communications Julie Bennett. “So, we donated the gift cards to the Red Cross to make the right resources available at the right time to those storm victims who are in need. Once they have relocated into temporary housing and identified their needs, they can use the Goodwill gift cards to begin the rebuilding process.” As disaster relief experts, the American Red Cross will assist any storm victim in need of aid. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please refer to the follow-
org.” The effective response of the organization was in large part the result of the determination and compassion of those working at EAMC. “I couldn’t be any prouder of our paramedics and EMTs who played such a critical role in the field that definitely saved lives. Also, in the Emergency Department, our nurses, doctors, nurse practitioners, MCTs, and registration reps all demonstrated such calm, compassion and outstanding clinical skills necessary to care for the large amount of injured who
ing information: • Storm victims in Alabama please call the American Red Cross of East Alabama at 334-7499981. • Storm victims in Georgia please call the American Red Cross chapters in Columbus at 706323-5614 or Albany at 229-436-4845. • Storm victims are also urged to dial 211 to contact the United Way for help finding other local resources. The American Red Cross has stated that the most urgent need is for monetary donations. Through those monetary donations they are able to provide shelter, food and emotional support to individuals affected by disasters. About Goodwill Southern Rivers: Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers (Goodquickly surged into the department,” said Sharon Gess, director of the Emergency Department and the Emergency Medical Services Ambulance Department. E EAMC’s rapid response to the tornado was also the result of long-term disaster preparedness planning. Randy Causey, EAMC’s director of Support Services and safety officer, explained that process. “A few years ago, I realized our emergency management team needed to grow, and subsequently, I included representation from every
willSR) is one of 162 independent, community-based Goodwill nonprofits across the United States and Canada. Headquartered in Columbus, GoodwillSR serves 50 counties throughout East Alabama and West Georgia. They provide employment readiness training, computer access, educational assistance, skills workshops and more to spur job placement and economic stability in the communities they serve. GoodwillSR can provide these and other programs thanks to the continued donations of giving patrons. They use the revenue generated in GoodwillSR stores to fund the majority of our community services. For more information, visit www. goodwillsr.org. department in the organization. Each department must plan their individual objectives and I plan the drills around their objectives,” Causey said. “The directors and managers have moved into the role of drill planners and I serve to develop and facilitate each drill. We have drilled for tornadoes on many occasions and also tested the need for opening multiple outpatient departments to serve as alternate care sites.” For more information or to donate, visit https:// eamcfoundation8686. thankyou4caring.org/leecounty.
Photo courtesy of EAMC Physicians and other staff rush into and out of a treatment area of the ER at 4:45 p.m. on March 3. The hospital received nearly 60 patients from the tornado in a four-hour block of time.
A4 March 20, 2019
Smiths Station
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Mayor Bubba Copeland Alabama Forestry Commission helped lead early recovery, meets with President Donald J. Trump, shares repair efforts in Smiths Station details on storm damage
Photo special to the Opelika Observer Pictured above is Smiths Station Mayor Bubba Copeland meeting with President Donald J. Trump on March 8 at Providence Baptist Church in Beauregard. For several minutes, Copeland was able to share details of the devastation his city suffered from the March 3 tornadoes. “President Trump and I had a great talk,” Copeland said. “During our conversation, he offered a listening ear and his thoughts and support for our city. It was a great, meaningful experience.” Copeland, city administration, council members and volunteers are still helping coordinate recovery and repair efforts in areas impacted by the storm, namely Lee Roads 294, 295 and 318.
Photo special to the Opelika Observer Pictured above, Mayor Bubba Copeland and representatives from the Alabama Forestry Commission pose for a photo in the Smiths Station Government Center. According to Copeland, the AFC was one of the first emergency response organizations on the ground and were the primary recovery and relief coordinators in the immediate aftermath of the tornado that hit the city on March 3. Based in Montgomery, the nearly 100-year-old agency is responsible for “protecting Alabama’s forests from wildfire, insects, and diseases; assisting landowners practice responsible forest management on their private property; and educating the general public about the value of Alabama’s forests.” Copeland expressed his gratitude to the organization in a Facebook post earlier this month. “I can't put into words what these men (in the picture) mean to me! (On March 3) our cuty was hit by an E-4 tornado. After 32 hours, I had no clue what to do! At 2 p.m. E.S.T., we had a meeting in city hall to determine what to do! Fifteen minutes into the meeting, a man by the name of James ‘MOTO’ Williams walks in the room looking like Yogi the Bear! He said, ‘my team and I are here to help, what can we do?’ The Alabama Forestry cCmmission has saved not only my city but myself. I have never in my life known a forester, but now I have life long friends that work for the Alabama Forestry Commission! Until my last breath I will fight for these guys, because they faught for me! I personally thank each one of you! And my city thanks you! God bless you all!”
Smiths Station City Council receive update on recovery, relief efforts By Morgan Bryce Editor With only a two-item agenda, the focus of discussion at last Tuesday’s Smiths Station City Council meeting centered on restoration efforts taking place citywide following major damage sustained from an EF-4 tornado on March 3. Destroying 24 homes and injuring two people, the tornado’s impact left Mayor Bubba Copeland in a “state of shock and disbelief” as he left his home minutes after the storm passed and witnessed the devastation left behind. Relying on the help of his city administration, invaluable leader-
ship from emergency response organizations like the Alabama Forestry Commission and more than 5,000 volunteers helping clean the wreckage, he said he believes the city is on the right footing moving forward. “We’ve had people from every religion, we’ve had people from all walks of life - tall, short, old, young come and help us here in Lee County and Smiths Station. From the bottom of my heart, I’d like to thank every single person who has given of themselves or their time to come and help,” Copeland said. At the start of their regular meeting, the council heard from AFC representatives
Joel Bartlett and James Williams, who had been on the ground working coordinating recovery and repair efforts since the previous Monday. As the organization’s public information officer, Bartlett helped Copeland land interviews on major national networks including Fox and Fox Business News to share what had happened to his city and gain national exposure. “This is my 19th year with the commission, and I’ve been tasked to areas that have been affected by hurricanes and other natural disasters, and I can honestly say I’ve never worked worked with a group of people like ya’ll have
here in my entire life. I have never come into a place and been treated like this,” Bartlett said. Williams, the commission’s lead command, shared an emotional account of his time in the city, thanking Copeland, city administration and council members, residents and volunteers. “My hat goes off to the people of Smiths Station. As (Bartlett) said, we feel like ya’ll are our family,” Williams said. “And when we leave here, you will still and always will be our family.” Each council member, along with city clerk Scott Johnston, expressed gratitude inturn to Bartlett, Williams and their team
for their contributions. “Sadly, the people of this community will not fully understand what you and your organization have done,” said Place 4 member Richard Cooley. “I’ve been on this council for a good chunk of my life, and these people are family. We appreciate you coming here and joining our family, which you will forever be a part of.” “You don’t know what you’ve meant to us ... we can’t put it into words, we can’t try to. It’s times like this your true colors come out, and your staff and team that set up in that trailer behind City Hall should be commended forever for what you’ve done
for this city,” Johnston said. The council also approved an annexation petition and pre-zoning request of property owned by residents Jerald and Pamela Dean. The Smiths Station City Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month with a work session beginning at 5:30 p.m. E.S.T. and regular meeting at 6 p.m. Their meetings are held in the council chambers of the Smiths Station Government Center, which is located at 2336 Lee Road 430. For more information, call 334-2978771 or visit www. smithsstational.gov.
Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Pictured are photos of damage caused from the tornado that hit Smiths Station on March 3. Turn to A5 for more storm damage photos.
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Smiths Station
March 20, 2019
Community, area and nation rally behind Smiths Station in aftermath of March 3 tornado By Morgan Bryce Editor Minutes after a monstrous wedge-like tornado ravaged his beloved hometown and the city he leads, Smiths Station Mayor Bubba Copeland spent the afternoon and evening of March 3 checking on constituents who were affected by the storm. Nothing could have prepared him for the devastation he was about to witness. Though its power diminished as it crossed through the Southern portion of Lee County, the once EF-4 classified tornado responsible for killing 23 individuals in the Beauregard community packed a significant
punch in Smiths Station, maintaining winds of nearly 100 miles per hour and decimating the homes of an estimated 70 families. “I was in a state of shock and disbelief as I saw what had unfolded here. It’s truly a miracle that no one lost their lives,” Copeland said. “I panicked the first few hours after because I wasn’t sure what to do next.” City council members and officials, including planning and zoning director Lisa Deason, came to Copeland’s aid, helping jumpstart the citywide cleanup and recovery process. Multiple emergency response organizations began pouring into the city in the hours and days
after the storm passed, with the Alabama Forestry Commission taking the lead. More than 5,000 volunteers flowed into the city that week to assist those in need, an experience that Copeland described as humbling. “We had people of all backgrounds come and help, something that didn’t hit truly me until that following Saturday morning, when a group of Muslim volunteers were in the midst of their morning prayers behind City Hall. One came up to me afterwards and said, ‘we are here for you to help and do what we can to assist you in this time of need,’” Copeland said. “There are really no words to offer for
them and others who gave so much of their time and resources to help us. It’s been nothing short of incredible.” Last Tuesday’s city council meeting was full of raw emotion as AFC representatives provided updates on the recovery. “This is my 19th year with the commission, and I’ve been tasked to areas that have been affected by hurricanes and other natural disasters, and I can honestly say I’ve never worked worked with a group of people like ya’ll have here in my entire life. I have never come into a place and been treated like this,” said AFC public information officer Joel Bartlett. Council Place 4
member Richard Cooley brushed aside tears as he described his interaction with the group. “Sadly, the people of this community will not fully understand what you and your organization have done,” Cooley said. “I’ve been on this council for a good chunk of my life, and these people are family. We appreciate you coming here and joining our family, which you will forever be a part of.” Recovery efforts are still ongoing across the city and hardest hit areas along Lee roads 294, 295 and 318. Mobile intake centers have closed, but resource centers at the Buckeye Acres Shopping Center and Mount Olive
Baptist Church have opened, staffed with officials from several emergency response organizations to assist residents in need. Supplies are still being distributed to citizens from City Hall and a nearby warehouse. “My thoughts and prayers are also with the Beauregard community which has endured so much as a result of this storm. Together, we will rebuild and recover, because of the great, amazing people who live here in Lee County,” Copeland said. For more information or updates, call 334-297-8771, like and follow the city’s Facebook page or visit www.smithsstational. gov.
Smiths Station residents, volunteers working to rebuild, recover from March 3 tornado
Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer
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A6 March 20, 2019
FEMA/SBA responds to tornadoes; offers assistance By Tess Massey For the Opelika Observer In response to the devastating tornadoes that affected Lee County on March 3, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration are on hand to offer assistance to those in need. According to FEMA spokesman Mike Wade, there are two disaster recovery centers open in Lee County. Initially, four mobile intake centers opened throughout Lee County in response to the tornadoes. Those have since closed, but the other two will be open until they are no longer needed. “Those centers are our FEMA individual assistance centers,” Wade said. “They will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.” The two centers are located at Providence Baptist Church, 2807 Lee
County Road 166, Opelika, and Mount Olive Baptist Church, 784 County Road 298, Smiths Station. The Smiths Station location is operating on Eastern Standard Time. Wade explained that the centers will allow registration for FEMA assistance, but will also allow those who have registered to sit down face-to-face with FEMA personnel. As of last week, 471 households had applied for assistance, and $658,606 has been distributed, or is in the process of being distributed by FEMA, Wade said. “If you have a question, you can sit down with one of our disaster survivor assistants,” he said. “They can look at your file and tell you the complete status about what’s going on with it.” For those who have registered, Wade said they may receive a call from an inspector who needs to validate any damage they have reported to FEMA.
Wade noted that most of the inspectors are contractors, therefore that call from an out-of-state area code, which deters some people from answering. “It’s imperative to get in touch with that inspector,” He said. “If they can’t inspect the property, the file is put on hold until they can get that done.” Additionally, those who have had an inspection or do not require one will receive a letter or an email stating their eligibility. “If people are not eligible, that’s usually where people stop reading that letter or email,” Wade said. “I would urge people to read the whole letter, because it will explain to them what the problem is. A lot of instances it’s because they’ve let us know they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate any benefits they get from the insurance company. They have to show us what they actually received from the insurance company so that
I did it my way
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students want to s caregivers know what “we” for my late do next. It gives parents, my them a foundation brothers and I rememof getting tasks ber the compromises done. my parents and ourThis is the selves had to agree to elderly’s same in helping them cope By Beth Pinyerd desire. As we get with daily tasks witholder, we have to out them experiencing pace ourselves to accomplish discouragement or frustration. tasks. This takes planning a reaMy mother always let us children know that “she was still sonable schedule for our elderly love ones. captain of her ship.” Blessed to In planning for our elderly live to 97 years old, my mother family members and friends, we always stressed to us children need to make sure we schedule that as long as she could, she more time for tasks that seem to wanted to live independently be difficult for our elderly love and tend to her business. I’d like to share some tips that ones to do. Plan time during the day that you and your love I have gleaned from my elderly friends and my own experiences ones agree on that certain tasks of being one of the caregivers of are more easily done. The main my elderly parents in encourag- goal is to help our elderly love ones not to become discouring the quality of life. aged or frustrated in doing daily In the Bible, God tells us in tasks. As family and friends’ Job 12:12, “Wisdom is with caregivers, we need to encouraged men, and with length age our elderly love ones to of days understanding.” As accept help while maintaining caregivers, we are to give unindependence. derstanding to our elderly love 3. Daily observations of my ones. I’d like to share general suggestions on helping our love elderly friends have revealed that our elderly family members ones while encouraging their and friends need to be given opfeelings of independence. tions of what they desire to do 1. Include your elderly loved during the course of a day. For one in decision making. I learned first hand that as a care- instance, my mother loved playing bridge. On “Bridge Day,” giver, I could not control and she would spend her afternoon do everything for my elderly mother. Healthcare profession- playing the game. She and I decided that on Bridge Day, there als that guided me in caregivwould be no morning activities ing suggested that I do more or appointments planned. This interactive caregiving where I decision we made provided included my mother in making some autonomy while still guiddecisions concerning her care. The lesson I learned was that ing her to make decisions which helped her physically so that she in caregiving it is so very imcould fully enjoy playing the portant to involve the love one game. in decision making so they feel 4. Offer coping skills for like they still have some infludisabilities which the elderly ence on the path of their lives. may have such as low vision, When I have volunteered and deafness and walking disabilido song time with my elderly friends, they cherish Frank Sina- ties. In our modern era, we are blessed to have many resources tra’s “My Way.” and helps in dealing with disThe words “ I’ve lived a life abilities. These professionals that’s full, I’ve traveled each are able to offer services to our and every highway, but more, much more than this, I did it my elderly love ones in a positive way. way.” represents this generaSupport groups provide an tion which has accomplished so avenue for the elderly to interact very much for our nation and with their peers and share. To the world! realize your peers are also going 2. We human beings tend to through the challenges of aging desire to be on a schedule. It encourages our elderly family is part of our human nature to and friends to realize that they know what is happening ahead. are not alone. In the childhood classroom,
we can help them with any assistance.” Wade added that assistance determinations are made based on family makeup and need. If applicants are denied assistance through the determination letter, they are able to appeal the decision. “It’s important that they bring that letter [to a recovery center] and sit in front of someone who can take a look and see why they may not be eligible,” he said. If a determination is appealed, Wade said documentation must be provided as to why they didn’t receive what they thought they should have through FEMA. “Sometimes we will provide x amount of dollars to make repairs, and make their home safe in the interim,” he said. “If they feel they didn’t receive enough money to make those repairs, they will need to provide a contractor estimate to show why FEMA didn’t
H
provide enough money.” Although some individuals and businesses may not believe they qualify for FEMA assistance, Wade urges them to go ahead and apply. “If they sustained damage, it doesn’t hurt a thing for them to register, then go from there,” he said. “Ultimately the households are responsible for their recovery. We are here to assist them in that endeavor.” In addition to FEMA personnel at the recovery centers, Wade said that the SBA will be available to provide low interest loans to homeowners, renters and business owners. “SBA will join FEMA and the State in serving the public at the newly announced disaster recovery centers,” said Karen Knapik, SBA Public Affairs Specialist. “In addition, SBA opened a Business Recovery Center at Southern Union State Community College.” Knapik said that the SBA
will have a full team at each location so that applicants can work one-on-one with SBA customer service representatives to the make the application process easy. “It is a more satisfying way to apply, in that you can ask questions and have someone explain the process to you,” Knapik said. “The SBA encourages everyone to visit one of the two centers and seek this personal help as soon as possible. People are going to need money to recover and the SBA is a below market way to get some.” According to Knapik, the SBA is the provider for large funds that can help communities bounce back from disasters. “In partnership with FEMA and insurance, SBA offers Homeowners and Renters assistance with loans starting at 2.063% to replace their disaster damaged personal property, vehicles, etc., and then help See Aid, page A7
The Weekly Rag
arrest reports, a section I er voice was grave. always dubbed the “SherIt was critical iff’s Weekly Roundup.” – absolutely vital – But it certainly wasn’t that I listen closely the first uncommon for folks to time. She didn’t have long plead for their relatives to to explain. Soon they’d not be listed among others come and take the telein the roundup. Most times, phone away from her. Now fretful mothers made these was the time to be serious. By Keith Huffman requests. Understand? “I know he should act better. Much, “Yes, ma’am,” I replied into the much better. But he says he’s right office phone, wondering with whom with the Lord now. He says he repentI was speaking. She hadn’t given her name. Instead, she’d instantly insisted ed last night and now he’s saved! But having that picture in the paper won’t that what she had to report was urdo him no good. And it’s embarrassgent. ing for us, too.” She was being held captive. At a He that is without sin cast the first local nursing home. And the villain stone. behind this horrendous misdeed was Top-notch professionalism and none other than her very own son. politeness were especially emphasized “I knew he’d been plotting against during these occasions. After giving me this whole time,” she said, her callers or visitors time to unload their voice growing angrier and louder. thoughts on the matter, my editor or Now she wanted to submit a letter to myself would explain that the sherthe editor of the weekly newspaper where I worked. She wanted to expose iff’s department sends the lineup. We always printed what they sent, and this infringement on her freedom and put a stop to her son, once and for all. any concerns over anyone listed in the lineup would have to be taken up with “He’s not gonna get away with them. this,” she vowed. “He’s gotten way The sheriff’s department was our too big for his britches.” source. We were reporting the inforShe then demanded that I write mation they gave us. Usually, this down her letter to the editor as she explanation was all that was needed. dictated it. Of course, I would know Folks would communicate their unnot to include all the “ummms” and “uhhhs” as she spoke, she assured me. derstanding, sometimes plead a little more, then leave it be. Occasionally, I was the only one in the office. some would threaten to unsubscribe. But I was 99.9 percent certain I was But the Sheriff’s Weekly Roundup right when I told her that she’d have always made its appearance, unto write the letter herself, sign it, and abridged. mail it in. Letter dictations over the But not all drama and local happenphone could not be accepted. ings required the disentangling from She didn’t like hearing this, deemawkward moments. There were many, ing it a ridiculous policy. Doesn’t the many memorable times that revealed newspaper quote folks all the time? the highlights of our community. “A letter’s different,” I said. “I’m There was the time I got to ride sorry. I have to do as I’m told, along with a famous community cema’am.” Angry muttering. The sudden sound lebrity. Nobody knew her name, but of a dial button. Then, she spoke once they all knew her special title. And folks of all ages would hurry to catch more before hanging up. “Fine. I’ll write and sign the letter.” up with her the moment they heard her ride, all of them psychologically Sometime afterward, my editor returned to the office. I told him about conditioned to its jolly melody. Catch her if you can: The Ice Cream the phone call, and he knew exactly Lady! who’d called. He was a friend of her There also was the devoted grandfamily. “She’s having a little trouble mother who traveled from her little taking to her new living arrangecountry home, clear across the Atment,” he said. lantic Ocean, to Uruguay. All so she To my knowledge, that letter was could spend a little visit with her never received nor published. Of course, working for a weekly newspa- grandchildren and their missionary parents. per for a tight-knit community rouOthers shared about times spent tinely resulted with my editor and me overseas as well. I shook hands with being yanked into family dramas on a multiple veterans of various generaregular basis. It was all part of worktions, who reflected on their experiing for the community’s old “rag.” ences during times of war. In serving Sometimes folks called to ask if a relative was going to have their See Huffman, page A11 mugshot featured in the next issue’s
pelika O Observer Bell,
from A1
Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer
Capps,
from A1 tree limbs and through pastures to get to his family’s land. The EF-4 tornado, nearly a mile in width with sustained winds of 170 miles per hour, ripped off the shop’s roof and damaged the ceiling, but left the structure intact overall. Other buildings on the family property, however, were not so fortunate. The home of Trey’s parents Billy and Jane parallel to the shop was left decimated and unsalvageable, along with a barn that housed vintage tractors and farming equipment that was “just simply gone,” according to Trey. “As I was walking up, I started seeing pieces of tin every-
Aid,
from A6 homeowners repair, rebuild or replace their real estate property. And of course there are our loans for businesses. The SBA knows the whole community has to come back, so we offer physical
where. And once I got up to (my parent’s) house, it just looked like a bomb had gone off,” Trey said. “Pictures just don’t do it justice.” In the hours and days after the storm, photos of Trey’s parent’s house surfaced with national media coverage of the storms, being shown in a CNN segment and with an online article in the Washington Post. While assessing the shop, Trey said he realized the structure was salvageable, but was unsure whether he could reopen before season’s end win late April. With assistance from friends, he was able to cover exposed areas to prevent that evening’s rain from causing further damage to the shop’s equipment and interior. Repair efforts are in progress, and Trey said
housed his livelihood, an automotive shop next door that he has owned and operated at 2500 Lee Road 165 for the last 26 years. For the next 30 to 40 seconds, Bell said he and his family spent what felt like an eternity hearing the heart of the storm swirl above them. “That house was shaking, popping and cracking. We heard two loud slams against the side and I told my daughter, ‘that’s your trailer trying to climb on top of this house,’” Bell said. His daughter’s trailer remained mostly intact. Another nearby mobile home was still standing
A7 March 20, 2019 while a neighbor’s brick home was obliterated. The structure that housed Bell Automotive was nothing but a shell. Its roof was missing and a side wall had collapsed on top of his camper. “I was shocked when I saw what had happened, because that’s my livelihood and how I make a living right there. That building has survived hurricanes and straightline winds with only some minimal roof damage, nothing we couldn’t handle … but we weren’t so fortunate this time,” Bell said. Utilizing a jacklift, Bell and others were able to lift the wall off of the camper and use its power as the area descended into complete darkness. The business’s next chapter seemed in doubt
in the days after the storm, but longtime friend and fellow Beauregard resident Mark Hightower offered Bell a space to operate his business while he rebuilds. “One thing is for sure, I’m going to invest in a storm shelter to go with this new shop,” Bell said. While none of Bell’s family or friends were among the 23 casualties, he said the storm helped him realize how precious life is. “What I’ve been telling people is that every morning you wake up, it might be your day to go. Love your family and friends because you never know what might happen,” Bell said. For more information or updates on the shop’s hours and location, call Bell at 334-740-0036.
he has a projected reopening date of March 29. “I knew this wasn’t the end. I’m the third generation to have a hand in this business and I want to and hope to keep it going for as long as I can and pass it to a fourth,” Trey said. Like and follow the shop’s Facebook page for updates as the projected opening nears. It is located at 555 Lee Road 100.
damage and working capital loans to businesses starting at 4 percent.” In addition, Knapik said that homeowners who have insurance should apply as soon as possible, to allow the SBA to provide immediate funds for repair or rebuilding. This will allow the SBA time to work with Insurance companies. Knapik said once a settlement is reached, the
Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer
settlement will pay off the SBA loan and any leftover is a “gap,” which the SBA was originally designed to cover. For those seeking assistance without insurance, Knapik said they should come to the SBA as well. “We are not a bank, and our loans don’t have any fees or points, and the rates/ terms offered almost always beat any currently avail-
able.” Knapik also added that if the SBA makes an offer of a loan, it does not have to be accepted. “Simply put the approval on hold by working with your loan officer,” she said. “That way an approved loan just waiting for the applicant in case they need it.” The deadline to apply for an SBA loan for physical damage is May 6, 2019, and
Buying or Selling?
for economic injury is December 5, 2019. The SBA loan process can also be completed online at https:// disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. For questions before, during and after the application process, the SBA can be reached at 1-800-659-2955 or customerservice@sba.gov. The deadline to register for FEMA assistance is May 6, 2019. Wade said that you cannot file after the deadline, unless those affected can show circumstances that prevented them from applying during the registration period.
In addition to the registration centers, those affected can go apply online at www.disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-FEMA. A workshop will be held March 21 at 6 p.m. at Pierce Chapel Church which is located at 8685 Highway 51 in Opelika. Representatives from the Lee County EMA, FEMA and SBA, local county commissioners and the American Red Cross will be present to answer disaster related questions and inform citizens about benefits. Citizens are urged to attend the workshop.
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pelika O Observer
A8 March 20, 2019
Poarch Band of Creek Indians deliver check for recovery relief Special to the Opelika Observer
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians, of Poarch, Alabama hand-delivered their $184,000 donation check last week to fund the funeral expenses of the 23 tornado victims from the March 3rd tornadoes that ripped through south Lee County. Pictured (left to right) at the check presentation are EAMC vice president of revenue
COMMUNITY MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT Special to the Opelika Observer March 23 - Ward 2 Councilwoman Tiffany Gibson-Pitts is holding two meetings at 11 a.m. at the Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library for youth and adults to discuss community engagement. This is part of an initiative by the City of Opelika’s Commission on Crime and Violence considering youth engagement is essential when addressing crime. For more information, call Gibson-Pitts at 334-4445869 or email tiffanygpitts@ gmail.com.
cycle Leanne Moran, EAMC comptroller Dennis Thrasher, Creek Tribal Emergency services director April Sells, Lee County coroner Bill Harris and EAMC vice president of human resources Susan Johnston. The monies will be spent through the East Alabama Medical Center Foundation to pay for the funeral cost of all 23 victims. There will be no administration costs involved
as 100 percent of the funds will be utilized for the burials and cremations. “As coroner, I am beyond grateful that the Poarch Band of Creek Indians stepped up and offered this generous donation. They reached out and asked what could they do to help and it was suggested to help with the funeral costs and they graciously offered to cover all the costs,” Harris said.
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Opelika E vents, Society, & Food
UPCOMING EVENTS: march 22 - bo porter, matt prater at the sound wall april 2 - tine thing helseth and her orchestra at opac April 2 - Going blue for autism awareness april 23 - taste of the town
Former caterer enjoys cooking for family, fundraisers Ann Cipperly’s
Southern
Hospitality
W
hile Sarah Newman enjoyed being a weekend caterer for years, these days she finds joy cooking for her family and baking her grandmother’s special strawberry cake for the Simply Southern fundraiser event at Southern Union State Community College. Newman was employed at Southern Union for 30 years. She retired last year and now works part-time, which she feels is ideal. Newman grew up
on a farm in Chambers County between Penton and Milltown. Her father was a farmer who sold produce and raised cows and chickens. He planted acres of collards, cabbage and tomatoes. Her grandmother also had a garden and was an excellent cook. Newman began cooking around ten years of age and received her love of cooking from her grandmother. She still makes her grandmother’s strawber-
ry cake and pear relish. After high school, Newman married and had two sons, Brian and David. When they started school, she went to work at the cafeteria at Southern Union in Wadley. She enjoyed cooking and prepared all the desserts and yeast rolls. While working in the cafeteria for six years, she attended classes at Southern Union. After receiving her associate degree, Newman went to work as secre-
Photo by Ann Cipperly Sarah Newman worked for Southern Union for 30 years. She retired last year and now works part-time. She will bake her Grandmother’s Strawberry Cake for the Southern Union fundraiser, Simply Southern luncheon scheduled for April 9. Her cake will be one of several homemade varieties that will be auctioned at the end of the luncheon.
tary to the dean of technology at the Opelika campus. Over the years, she became director of the technology department and worked there for 24 years. She retired last year and now works part-time as a recruiter for Southern Union. About 15 years ago, Sarah and a friend began catering weddings on weekends. They would bake the wed-
ding and groom’s cakes and prepare other food, including cheese straws, chicken salad, assorted dips and homemade mints. Newman no longer caters but still enjoys cooking, especially for her two sons and their families. Brian Sweatt and his wife, Jodie, have one son, Cayman, and live in Auburn. David Sweatt and his
wife, Robin, live near Newman, who resides in Abanda, located between Lafayette and Wadley. The town of Abanda is named after the railroad, which was called the Ab and A Railroad. Newman has a garden every year and cans peas and tomatoes. It is a big job having a garden, but she enjoys it. See Recipes, page A11
Auburn University to host art Auburn ABC store now selling exhibit, works of Brooklyn artist newly released bourbon in Maddy Rosenberg until April 5 honor of Alabama’s bicentennial Special to the Opelika Observer Juror Maddy Rosenberg, an artist and curator from Brooklyn, will open an exhibition at the Biggin Gallery with a discussion about her work on March 25, with an awards and opening reception to follow. The exhibition will be available for viewing until April 5. About Rosenberg Rosenberg is the director of CentralBooking.
A Brooklyn native, she spends several months each year away from New York, with Berlin becoming her European base and second home. Rosenberg is an artist who works in several media: oil painting, artist’s books, printmaking, drawing, toy theater and installation. She most recently had a solo exhibition of her artist’s books at the Southwest School of Art in San Antonio and a two-person ex-
Special to the Opelika Observer
Rosenberg hibition featuring all her media, which was the culmination of a month-long residency sponsored by the U.S. Consulate in Munich. Rosenberg’s work has appeared in nuSee Exhibit, page A10
In celebration of the state of Alabama’s bicentennial, Buffalo Trace Distillery and the Alabama ABC have partnered on a special commemorative release of Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon. This special release will be available in a custom gift box depicting the state flag and historic imagery from Alabama’s 200-year history. “Just like Buffalo Trace Distillery,
Photo special to the Opelika Observer
Alabamians take great pride in their rich history and heritage,”
said Alabama ABC Board administrator See Bourbon, page A10
Monday-Tuesday 11 AM - 3 PM Wednesday-Saturday 11 AM - 8 PM
pelika O Observer
A10 March 20, 2019
Small Business Administration opens business recovery center Special to the Opelika Observer The U.S. Small Business Administration opened a business recovery center in Lee County last week to help businesses in Alabama affected by the severe storms and tornadoes that hit the area Marc 3. SBA representatives can provide information about disaster loans, answer questions and assist businesses in completing the application. Following is details on the center’s location and operating hours: Southern Union State Community College Technical Building 7, classroom 5 on the first floor 301 Lake Condy Road Opelika, AL 36801 Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and closed on weekends. The disaster declaration covers Lee County which is eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA. Small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations in the following adjacent counties are eligible to apply only for SBA Economic Injury: Chambers, Macon, Russell and Tallapoosa in Alabama and Harris and Muscogee in Georgia. Businesses and private nonprofit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster dam-
aged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. Applicants may be eligible for a loan increase up to 20 percent of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements may include a safe room or storm shelter, sump pump, French drain or retaining wall to help protect property and occupants from future damage caused by a similar disaster. For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage. “The SBA is committed to facilitating economic recovery in this disaster. We want area businesses to have a resource where they can meet individually with SBA representatives and find out how a low-interest disaster loan can help them recover,” said SBA’s director of field operations Kem Fleming. Interest rates are as
low as four percent for businesses, 2.75 percent for nonprofit organizations and 2.063 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition. Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoan.sba.gov. To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance, applicants should register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA mobile app. If online or mobile access is unavailable, applicants should call the FEMA toll-free helpline at 800621-3362. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services should call 800-621-3362. Additional details on the locations of Disaster Recovery Centers and the loan application process can be obtained by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is May 6 with and the deadline to return economic injury applications is Dec. 5.
Exhibit,
from A9 merous group exhibitions, including at the National Museum of Women in the Arts, The Brooklyn Museum, Philadelphia Athenaeum, The Center for Book Arts, Hebrew Union College Museum, Flux Factory and Kentler International Drawing Space in the U.S; Médiathèque André Malraux in Strasbourg; Eagle Gallery in London and Inselgalerie in Berlin. Rosenberg maintains
Bourbon,
from A9
Mac Gipson. “The 200th anniversary of our state’s founding is another wonderful opportunity for Buffalo Trace and the Alabama ABC Board to collaborate on this one-of-a-kind commemorative release. Alabamians who enjoy Blanton’s or any of the other Buffalo Trace offerings will want to add this special 200th anniversary release to
an active international curatorial as well as exhibition career. In September 2009, Rosenberg opened Central Booking, a two-gallery space in Brooklyn focusing on artist’s books and their integration into the larger art world through exhibitions on art and science themes (www.centralbookingnyc.com). She continues to do independent curating as well. Narrative Sequences, January-April, 2010, was the third exhibition she curated at The Center for Book Arts in New York. In 2005, Rosenberg’s international multi-venue curatorial
project, New York/Paris DIALOGUE Paris/ New York received a National Endowment for the Arts grant. After producing the ArtistsBook Library for the exhibition on the theme of Library at Proteus Gowanus, a non-traditional space in Brooklyn, she stayed on as its curator until 2008. Rosenberg earned a bachelor of fine arts degree from Cornell University and a masters of fine arts degree from Bard College. For more information, visit Biggin Gallery online at www.cla. auburn.edu/art/galleries/exhibitions/.
their collection.” Introduced in 1984 as the world’s first single barrel bourbon, Blanton’s is aged in Warehouse H at Buffalo Trace Distillery where Colonel Albert B. Blanton used to handpick “honey barrels” when entertaining important guests. The unique sphereshaped bottles are capped with characteristic horse and jockey bottle stoppers, each marked with a single letter that spells Blanton’s when aligned. When placed in order, the stoppers depict
the different stages of Kentucky’s most famous horse race, the Derby, from beginning to end. Two single barrels of Blanton’s were hand selected for this limited release. The commemorative bicentennial bottles will be available in 750ml and will be sold in the following 10 participating Alabama ABC stores, including Auburn’s ABC store, on Thursday. The Auburn ABC store #4 is located at 1199 S. Donahue Drive.
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pelika O Observer Recipes,
from A9 By the end of April, she will have some plants in the garden. She also grows flowers. She enjoys cooking for her family but prefers simple recipes and ones that don’t use a lot of ingredients. She has a love of cooking for her family and will cook dishes to take to them and other family members. “My niece’s son likes squirrel dumpGrandmother’s Strawberry Cake This recipe is my Grandmother Newman’s recipe. You can tell it is old as it calls for oleo. 1 lb. oleo (or margarine), room temperature 2 1/2 cups sugar, divided 8 eggs, separated 3 1/2 cups plain flour 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. red food coloring 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries, drained Cream oleo and sugar, saving 6 Tbsp. sugar to fold in egg whites. Add egg yolks. Beat well. Add flour and baking soda. Beat egg whites with 6 Tbsp. sugar until stiff. Fold into cake batter. Fold in berries. Pour batter into three greased cake pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Cool layers. Icing 1 stick oleo (or margarine), room temperature 1/2 cup chopped fresh strawberries, drained 1 box powdered sugar Combine ingredients. Spread on cooled cake layers. Sour Cream Coconut Cake 3 cups sifted cake flour 2 tsp. baking powder ½ tsp. salt 1 cup butter or shortening 2 cup sugar 1 tsp. grated lemon rind 4 eggs 1 cup milk 2 Tbsp. lemon juice Sift flour, baking powder and salt together; set aside. Beat shortening or butter, sugar, lemon rind, and eggs at high speed for about 3 minutes or until light and fluffy. Add flour mixture alternately with milk and lemon juice at low speed. Pour into two greased and floured cake pans. Bake at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes or until tests done. Cool layers before icing. Icing 16 oz. carton sour
Huffman,
from A6
their country, these brave soldiers also served the community they cherished. Their community, in turn, cherished them.
lings,” she says, “so I cook those for him. It is like chicken and dumplings.” Occasionally, Newman helps with registration at Southern Union. She will bake her grandmother’s strawberry cake for the Southern Union fundraiser, the Simply Southern luncheon, which is scheduled for April 9. Her cake will be one of several homemade varieties that will be auctioned at the end of the luncheon. Newman is sharing the strawberry cake recipe, as well
as recipes for sour cream coconut cake and key lime cake. These cakes are wonderful for spring meals, especially for Easter. “I have the best of both worlds now being retired and working part-time,” Newman said. “It gives me time to cook and try new recipes. I get to work and stay connected with friends while having time to cook and have a garden.” Cipperly can be contacted by email at recipes@cipperly. com.
cream 1 ½ cups sugar 2 pkg. frozen coconut, divided Mix sugar and sour cream together. Add 1 ½ pkg. coconut to sugar mixture. Spread icing between layers and sprinkle with remainder of coconut. The cake is better if made a few days ahead of time. Store in refrigerator. Key Lime Cake 1 box lemon cake mix 1 small box lime Jell-O 1 ½ cups oil ½ cup orange juice 5 eggs Combine all ingredients. Beat for 2 or 3 minutes. Pour into three greased and floured pans. Bake at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes or until tests done. Glaze 4 Tbsp. powdered sugar ½ cup lime juice Mix powdered sugar and lime juice. When layers are done, poke holes in cake with a toothpick or fork. Pour glaze on layers while they are warm. Frosting 1 stick butter, room temperature 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature 1 box powdered sugar 1 tsp. vanilla Mix butter and cream cheese. Slowly add powdered sugar; blending well. Stir in vanilla. Fried Cabbage Wash cabbage and cut into cubes or strips, about 1 or 1 ½ inches, and let sit in cold water. Put 4 or 5 tablespoons of oil in pan and heat. Put cabbage in hot oil and add about ½ cup water. Cover and cook until tender.
extract Beat cream cheese and gradually add powdered sugar. Stir in peppermint. If using preformed molds, press into mold and let chill several hours. Squash Casserole 1 lb. squash 1 tsp. sugar ½ cup mayonnaise ½ cup chopped onion 1 egg 1 cup grated cheese ½ stick butter Salt and pepper 1 sleeve crushed Ritz crackers ½ stick butter Cook squash until tender; drain. Mix with sugar, mayonnaise, onions, egg, salt and pepper. Pour into greased casserole dish. Top with crushed crackers and ½ stick butter. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes. Sweet Potato Bread ½ cup melted butter 1 ½ cups sugar 2 eggs ½ tsp. vanilla 1 cup cooked, mashed sweet potatoes 1 1/3 cups plain flour ½ tsp. soda ½ tsp. salt ½ tsp. allspice ½ tsp. cinnamon 1 cup chopped pecans ½ chopped dates, optional Mix melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla and sweet potatoes together, blending well. Combine flour, soda, salt, allspice and cinnamon. Add to sweet potato mixture. Mix well. Stir in chopped pecans and dates, if using. Pour batter into a greased and floured loaf pan. Bake at 350◦ for about 45 minutes or until tests done.
A11 March 20, 2019
Food Ratings Butcher Paper BBQ 128 Columbus Pkwy Opelika Score: 100 CyberZone 107 N. 9th St. Opelika Score: 100 Five Guys Burgers and Fries 121 N. College St. Auburn
1 whole jalapeno ¼ cup Vidalia onion, chopped 1 tsp. garlic salt ½ tsp. cumin ¼ tsp. sugar Place all ingredients in a processor and puree. Refrigerate overnight for best flavor. Serve with tortilla chips. Potato Casserole 2 lb. pkg. hash brown potatoes 1 small onion, finely chopped 2 cups cubed cheddar cheese 1 cup sour cream 2 cans condensed cream of chicken soup ½ cup melted butter 1 sleeve Ritz crackers Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix together first 5 ingredients. Pour into a greased casserole dish. Crush Ritz crackers and sprinkle over the top. Pour melted butter on Ritz cracker. Bake for 45 minutes or until bubbly. Mandarin Orange Salad 2 boxes sugar free orange Jell-O 2 cups hot water 2 cups cold water 2 boxes sugar free white chocolate pudding 16 oz. container lite Cool Whip 2 cans mandarin oranges, drained Dissolve Jell-O in 2 cups hot water. Add 2 cups cold water and let stand 5 minutes. Bea pudding into mixture with electric mixer. Fold in Cool Whip and oranges. Refrigerate.
Cream Cheese Mints 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature 1 1b. powdered sugar 1 tsp. peppermint
Salsa 1 can whole tomatoes 1 can tomatoes and green chili
Mexican Cheese Grits 1 cup uncooked regular grits 8 oz. Velveeta cheese ½ cup milk 2 large eggs 2 Tbsp. butter 1 small onion, chopped 1 small red pepper, chopped 4.5 oz. can chopped green chilies. drained
Another example of bravery included a humble lady with a consoling smile, who endured the effects of diabetes and used her experience to encourage others to embrace healthy lifestyles. I’ll also never forget those strong folks whose
spiritual strengths helped guide them through the horrors of addiction. Grateful for their freedom, they continue to use their testimonies to help free others. All because they want the best for others, as did many
of those representing the local government, nonprofits, churches and schools, who addressed matters ranging from routine fundraisers to providing emergency aid after natural disasters. Many memorable people. Many, many
Score: 99 Pieology 101 N. College St. Auburn Score: 97 Hardee’s 2503 Pepperell Pkwy Opelika Score: 96 Insomnia Steak and Grill
12 oz. pkg. shredded cheddar cheese, divided Cook grits according to package directions. Stir in Velveeta until melted. Stir together milk and eggs and add to grits mixture. Melt butter over medium heat in skillet and add onion, red pepper and chilies. Sauté and then add to grits mixture along with 1 cup shredded cheese. Pour into lightly greased 13 x 9 baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and bake 5 to 10 minutes longer. Jalapeno Cornbread 3 cups cornmeal 2 ½ cups sweet milk ½ cup salad oil 3 eggs, beaten 3 Tbsp. sugar 1 small onion, grated 1 small niblet corn, drained 3 jalapeno peppers, chopped 1 ½ cups grated cheese Mix in order given. Pour into greased pan. Bake at 400 degrees until golden brown. Tastes better if baked in a thin layer and brown. Chocolate Chip Cookies 2 1/2 cups White Lily All-Purpose Flour 1 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 cup butter or margarine 1/2 cup shortening 1 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 cup sugar 2 eggs 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla 12-oz. pkg. (2 cups) semisweet chocolate pieces 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecan Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Stir together flour, soda and salt. In mixer bowl beat butter or margarine and shortening on medium speed of electric mixer for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar kind hearts. Working for a weekly rag will teach you a lot about a community. Naturally, no community is perfect, nor is its rag that soaks up all the news. A lot of things need some good tweakin’. But this I’ll guar-
186 N. Donahue Drive Auburn Score: 95 Papa John’s Pizza 2107 Pepperell Pkwy Opelika Score: 95 Live Oaks Restaurant 201 N. College St. Opelika Score: 90
and sugar; beat until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well. Add dry ingredients to creamed mixture; beat until well blended. Stir in chocolate pieces and nuts. Drop dough from tsp. 2 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Makes about 6 dozen. Cheese Ball ¼ cup crushed pineapple ¼ cup chopped bell pepper ¼ cup chopped onion Two 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature ¼ tsp. seasoning salt 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, divided Combine pineapple, bell pepper, onion, cream cheese, salt and ½ cup chopped nuts. Mix well. Roll in remaining ½ cup chopped nuts. Store in refrigerator until ready to serve. Marinated Carrots 2 lb. carrots, sliced 1 bell pepper, chopped 1 onion, chopped Place above ingredients in a bowl or large jar. Bring the following to a boil: 1 can tomato soup 1 cup sugar ½ cup oil ½ cup vinegar 1 Tbsp. salt 1 Tbsp. mustard Pour mixture over vegetables. Refrigerate overnight. Grandmother’s Pear Relish 1 peck pears, grind and drain 8 red and 8 green bell peppers, chopped 3 or 4 good size onions, chopped 1 Tbsp. salt 1 Tbsp. celery seed 4 cups sugar 4 cups vinegar Drain pears and add remaining ingredients. Cook about 30 minutes and put in jars and seal. antee: You will find people who embrace a genuine love for the special place called “home.” You can quote me on that. Keith Huffman lives in Opelika. He can be reached at kmhuffman86@gmail.com.
pelika O Observer
A12 March 20, 2019
OBITUARIES Betty Ann Hitchcock Funeral services for Betty Ann Hitchcock , 87, of Opelika, Alabama, were Friday, March 15, 2019, at 2:00pm, at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Opelika, Alabama. Burial was in Rosemere Cemetery. The Rev. Peter Doyle officiated. Visitation was Friday, March 15, 2019 from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm, at Trinity Presbyterian Church.
Charlotte Ann Miller Graveside services for Charlotte Ann Miller, age 59, of Opelika were held on Saturday, March 9, 2019, at 11:00 AM at Potash Cemetery with Dr. Mike King officiating. A Celebration of Life service was held at the First Baptist Church of Opelika at 2:00 PM that afternoon. Ms. Miller passed away Sunday, March 3, 2019, in the devasRaymond Robinson, Jr A funeral service for Mr. Raymond Robinson, Jr., 63, of the Beauregard Community was held at 11:00 am Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at Peterson and Williams Funeral Home Chapel with interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Rev. John Pink officiated. Mr. Robinson, “Junior” as he was called by family and friends, passed away Sunday, March 3, 2019 in Beauregard. He was a 1974 graduate of Beauregard High School and later completed training at Opelika Technical School in auto-mechanics. For several years, he Eric Jamaal Stenson, Sr A funeral service for Mr. Eric Jamaal Stenson, Sr., 38, was held at 12:00 pm Monday, March 11, 2019 at True Deliverance Holiness Church with interment in Pine Level Church Cemetery. Rev. Larry Patterson officiated. Bishop Nolan Torbert is the pastor. Mr. Stenson passed away Sunday, March 3, 2019 in Beauregard. He was a member of Pine Level AME Zion Church where he served as an usher and as a Youth Administrator. In 1998, he graduated
Henry Stenson A funeral service for Mr. Henry Stenson, 65, of the Beauregard Community was held at 12:00 pm Monday, March 11, 2019 at True Deliverance Holiness Church with interment
Mrs. Hitchcock, who died Tuesday, March 12, 2019, at Bethany House, was born April 21, 1931, in Waycross, Georgia. She moved to Opelika, Alabama in 1964. She was a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Hitchcock is preceded in death by her husband Billy Hitchcock. She is survived by four daughters: Kim (Mike) Mann, Sherri Meadows, Debbie (Bob) Karcher,
all of Opelika, Alabama, Beverely (Dan) McKeever of Auburn, Alabama; one son: Toby (Leslie) Miller of Harrisonburg, Virginia; one stepson: John (Linda) Hitchcock of Salem, Alabama. She was blessed with many grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. Donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed.
tating storms in Lee County. She is survived by her son, Justin Miller (wife, Mary) of Opelika. A Randolph County native, Ms. Miller was born on June 20, 1959, the daughter of Oscar Thomas and Annie Mae Stillwell Miller. She had a bachelor’s in accounting from Auburn University and worked as an accountant for Bartlett Gunter & Yeager CPA for 19 years.
Ms. Miller had also published three books during her lifetime and was a member of the Georgia Writers Association and the National League of American Pen Women. She was preceded in death by her parents. Memorials may be floral or donations may be made to the Community Fund of East Alabama, Lee County Disaster Relief Fund (through EAMC).
worked as a mechanic. Until West Point Stevens closed, Raymond was employed for twenty-nine years. He ended his career from PSA after nine years of service. “Junior” is survived by: a son, Trayvis (Lacanjala) Griffin of Palm Bay, FL; a daughter, Tiffany Nichole Robinson of Opelika, AL; one granddaughter, Destiney Nicole Griffin of Palm Bay, FL; a brother, Alfred (Rose) Robinson of Opelika, Alabama; two sisters, Chanita Dickson and Chernita Dickson both of Detroit, MI; one brother in-law, Leroy Miller of Detroit, MI; a great aunt, Hattie Hall of Opelika, AL; six
aunts, Eldora Darby of Chicago, IL, Annie Kate Hawkins of Opelika, AL, Deloris Robinson and Annetta Grant both of Nashville, TN; Bettye Jean Robinson and Eerie Lee Smith both of Detroit, MI; a nephew, Montego Robinson of Salem, AL; two brothers-in-law, David Wayne (Marilyn) Griffin of Opelika, AL and Bradford (Angela) Griffin of Auburn, AL; four sisters-inlaw, Jeraldine (Paul) White of Houston TX, Beverly Griffin of Opelika, AL, Lillian Griffin and Sara Griffin both of Auburn, AL; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
from Beauregard High School and earned an Associate Degree from Southern Union in Industrial Electricity. Prior to his passing, he was employed at Walmart Distribution Center and Lee Russell Transit. His remains lied in state at the church one hour prior to the service. He is survived by: his wife, Valerie Stenson of Smith Station, AL; four children, Eric Stenson Jr., Dillian Stenson, Daquan Roberson and Raven Roberson; one sister, Krystal (Lionel) Garrett of Birmingham, AL; seven aunts, Eva Lilly and Brenda
Tate both of Opelika, AL, Glory Torbert, Ruby (James) Morton, Sarah Coleman, Susie Stenson and Letha (Edward) Haupert all of Auburn, AL; five uncles, Terry (Althea) Tate, Freddy Tate, Richard (Cynthia) Tate and Roger Tate all of Opelika, AL and Willie Stenson of Rochester, NY; his mother-inlaw, Janice McCoy; a brother-in-law, Milton McCoy, Jr.; three nieces, Makenzie Scott, Kenadi Garrett and Tamera McCoy; a nephew, Milton McCoy, III; host of cousins, other relatives and friends.
in Pine Level Church Cemetery. Rev. Larry Patterson officiated. Bishop Nolan Torbert was the pastor. Mr. Stenson passed away Sunday, March 3, 2019 in Beauregard. He was a member of Pine Level AME Zion
Church. In 1972, he graduated from Tuskegee Institute High School. Mr. Stenson was a US Marines veteran and retired as a truck driver. His remains lied in state at the church one hour prior to the service.
Johnny C. Parker Johnny C. Parker of Opelika was born in the family home behind Spring Villa Grocery to the late Fannie and L.C. Parker on March 4, 1948 and passed away in Beauregard due to an accident on March 8, 2019. He was 71 years old. He attended Providence Baptist Church growing up as his family was one of the families that started the church. He was an active member of Fountain Gate Church. Johnny was well-known and loved being part of the Beau-
Harold Hill Mr. Harold Hill, 84, of Opelika, Alabama went to sing to Jesus in God’s Heavenly Choir on March 11, 2019. He was born in Pike County, Alabama. He was the son of the late B.C. and Mary Lou Henley Hill. Mr. Hill is survived by his wife Eddie Hill and children: Bryant Hill, Martha and Doug Harvey, Debra and Len Kirk, Troy Hill, Darren Beswick, Scott and Amy Green, Faith and Jeff Colquett. Grandchildren include Shane Norrell, Jason Kirk, Jon Kirk, Kirstyn Hill, Lindsey Hill, Loren Green, Braxton Emmanuiel Jones A funeral service for Mr. Emmanuiel Jones, 53, of the Beauregard Community was held at 1:00 pm Saturday, March 9, 2019 at Peterson and Williams Funeral Home Chapel with interment in Union Grove Church Cemetery. Pastor Quincey Dorsey officiated. Mr. Jones passed away Sunday, March 3, Teresa Griffin Robinson Funeral services for Mrs. Teresa Griffin Robinson, 62, of the Beauregard Community were held at 11:00 am Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at Peterson and Williams Funeral Home Chapel with interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Rev. John Pink officiated. Mrs. Robinson, affectionately called “Pank” passed away Sunday, March 3, 2019 in Beauregard. Her He is survived by: one daughter, Krystal (Lionel) Garrett of Birmingham, AL; six grandchildren, Eric Stenson Jr., Dillian Stenson, Makenzie Scott, Kenadi Garrett, Daquan Roberson and Raven Roberson; a daughter-in-law, Valerie
regard community. He was a 1966 graduate of Beauregard High School and maintained a close relationship with his classmates. He was a people person, never met a stranger, and lived his life to the fullest. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Clayton Parker, James Parker, and Donald Parker. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Janet Parker; daughters, Suzanne Callahan (Joey), April Smith (Dave), and Sarah “Katie” Wallace (Jacob); grandchildren, Blake and Josh Rogers, Jack and Eden Smith, and Emily
and Cameron Edwards; great grandchildren, Ryleigh and Kensley Rogers; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members. Visitation was held Monday, March 11, 2019 in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. Funeral services were held in the Chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home Monday, March 11, 2019 at 12:00 noon with Dr. Dan Lane and Pastor Joe May officiating. Interment followed at Garden Hills Cemetery. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home directed.
Green, Dalton Colquett, and Easton Colquett. He has six great grandchildren and 2 greatgreat grandchildren. Siblings include sisters: Hazel Bartlett and Bonnie Edwards of Montgomery, Alabama; and brothers: Hennon Hill of Fairhope, Alabama and Glenn Hill of Gulf Shores, Alabama. He was preceded in death by his sister: Jeanette Wilson Meadows. Mr. Hill is a member of Lakeside Church of God. Many remember Harold as a gospel music singer who was an originating member of The Wayfarers Quartet in the 1960’s and 1970’s. In recent years Harold continued
his love of singing at his church home and at Monarch Estates Retirement Community. Funeral services were held 11:00am, Thursday, March 14, 2019 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home with Rev. Doug Click officiating. The family received friends from 10:00am until 11:00am, Thursday, March 14, 2019. Memorial contributions may be made to Lakeside Church of God building fund at 3295 Lee Road 54, Opelika, Alabama 36801 or Compassus Hospice at 665 Opelika Road, Suite 200, Auburn, Alabama 36830. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed.
2019. He was a member of Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by: three brothers, William (Ruby) Jones, Benjamin Jones and Bobby Jones all of Opelika, AL; three daughters, Jackie Jones, Barbara Jones and Cora Jones all of Opelika, AL; three aunts, a sister, Nellie Mae Wilson and Mary Frances (Charles) Heard both of Opelika, AL and Virginia (Emmett)
Vaughn of Crawford, AL; nine nieces and nephews, Termekia, William Jr., William Daniel, Demetria, Kenneth, Robert, Cordarrly, Demetria and Roderick; seven great nieces and nephews, Kenzie, Zae, Payton, Paris, Mariah, Jalaiyha, and Kadence; his extended family, Donald and Tammy Ingram and Mary Kate and Thomas Conner; a host of cousins, other relatives and friends.
early years were spent in Brownville, AL. She was baptized as a Jehovah’s Witness. In 1975, she graduated from Tuskegee Institute High School. One of her early jobs was at the Lee County Hospital. After twentyseven years of service, she retired from West Point Stevens. “Pank” is survived by: a son, Trayvis (Lacanjala) Griffin of Palm Bay, FL; a daughter, Tiffany Nichole Robinson of Opelika, AL; a granddaughter, Destiney Nicole Griffin of Palm
Bay, FL; two brothers, David Wayne (Marilyn) Griffin of Opelika, AL and Bradford (Angela) Griffin of Auburn, AL; four sisters, Jeraldine (Paul) White of Houston, TX, Beverly Griffin of Opelika, AL, Lillian Griffin and Sara Griffin both of Auburn, AL; two aunts, Minnie Dowdell of Auburn, AL and Sarah “Pank” (Ike) Lowery of Newnan, GA; one uncle, Milton (Mary) Bennett of Manhattan, NY; a sister-in-law, Dorothy Griffin; a host of nieces, cousins and friends.
Stenson of Smith Station, AL; one brother, Willie Stenson of Rochester, NY; four sisters, Ruby (James) Morton of Brooklyn, NY, Sarah Coleman, Susie Stenson and Letha (Edward) Haupert all of Auburn, AL; three sisters-in-law,
Eva Lilly and Brenda Tate both of Opelika, AL and Glory Torbert of Auburn, AL; four brothers-in-law, Terry (Althea) Tate, Freddy Tate, Richard (Cynthia) Tate and Roger Tate; several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Opelika
A13
Family & Religion
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Hunley Group Lambert Transfer & Storage An Interstate Agent for North American Van Lines 1102 Fox Trail Opelika, AL 36803 745-5706
Letting God be God
oming up with a comprehensive picture of the Sadducees isn’t easy. We have no writings from them. Aside from Scripture, our information about who they were and what they believed comes from outside sources (primarily Josephus and the Mishnah). And there’s a sparseness in these that makes almost everything they say more conjecture than conclusion. About all we know for certain concerning the Sadducees is what we find in the biblical witness. During N.T. times, they were a highly influential group that populated the higher ranks of the priesthood, the Sanhedrin and were closely connected to the Temple and its activities (Acts 4:1, 5:17, 23:6). Though they strongly disagreed with the Pharisees about many fundamental matters, they nonetheless formed a coalition with them to get rid of Jesus (Matthew 16:1ff). Jesus warned His disciples to be on guard in regard to the corrupting influence of both groups (16:6). They were an odd lot
include any any way you passages that look at it. talked about Luke tells us the superthey didn’t natural. In believe in his harmony, the resurrecthere's no tion, angels By Bruce Green virgin birth or spirits Teaching Minister at or resurrec(Acts 23:8). 10th Street Church of tion. LikeFrom the Christ in Opelika wise, the resurrection Sadducees “dilemma” only believed in what they presented Jesus, it they could see and touch appears they put way too and ignored everything much stock in human else. reasoning and way too They fashioned little little in the power of the riddles like the one they Almighty. They denied posed to Jesus by which angels and spirits even they thought they had dethough the Scripture is bunked the supernatural. replete with them. In reality, they only It’s hard not to see thing they exposed was something of a Thomas the smallness of their Jefferson/Enlightenment thinking. For some reason mentality (the overly no one will ever be able rationalistic aspect) in them. Jefferson produced to entirely understand, they seemed to think God his own version of the gospels by cutting out dif- was subject to the same limitations they were. ferent parts of Matthew, The Sadducees were Mark, Luke and John and then combining them into ignorant and arrogant. That’s a dangerous comone story. No problem there—many people have bination—like gasoline and fire. produced harmonies of All of us are ignorant the gospels. in that there are plenty The difference with of things that we don’t Jefferson's version was know. In fact, educathat he was so opposed tion is to some extent, to the miraculous and transcendent that he didn't the process of becoming
Church calendar
• First Baptist Church of Opelika’s Womens Ministry will hold an event titled “A Night to Proclaim II: Salt and Light” March 28 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. There will be a salad supper served. Tickets cost $10. For more information or to register, call 334-745-5715 or visit www.fbcopelika.com. • March 30 - The third annual Sing to Remember event benefitting the Alabama Alzheimer’s Association will be held at the Roanoke City Auditorium. This year’s musical acts include The McKamey’s and The Exhorters. Tickets will cost $12 and can be purchased at the door on the day of the event. Children six years old and under are free. For more information, call Jerry Waldrep at 256-357-4147 or 770-359-
Catch ‘On the Mark’ with D. Mark Mitchell and Jeff Sasser weekday mornings from 7-9 a.m.
March 20, 2019
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
9641. The venue is located at 100 Tiger Circle. • Registration for Farmville Baptist Church’s First Steps Preschool program for fall 2019 is now open to the public. For more information or to register, call 334-887-7361 or visit them at 3607 Alabama Highway 147 N. in Auburn. • March 23 - Opelika’s Central Baptist Church will hold its third annual “First Responders Appreciation Lunch” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is to open on or off-duty officers. For more information, call 334-745-2482. The church is located at 1611 2nd Ave.
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
Fresh Foods...And A Whole Lot More!
603 Pleasant Pleasant Drive 603 Drive Opelika, Opelika, ALAL 36801 749-1333 Mon- Sat7am 7am-8pm Mon-Sat - 8pm Sun 12pm-6pm Sun 12pm - 6pm
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
better acquainted with what we don’t know. There’s no shame in being ignorant—it’s part of the human condition. The problem comes in when we forget this and start to put too much stock in the things we do know. It can become a self-destructive cycle: ignorance of our limitations causes arrogance and our arrogance keeps us ignorant. The danger for us is that we see the Sadducees as caricatures instead of real people. It’s too easy to dismiss them because we believe in the resurrection, angels and spirits. That’s good of course, but it misses the real point of the Sadducee’s failing. While their specific error was denying the resurrection, their larger folly was thinking that they knew exactly what God could or couldn’t do (i.e., putting limits on God). When we look at them this way, it’s less difficult to see ourselves in them. Abraham believed God could give he and Sarah a wealth of descendants but wasn't so sure He could protect them in Egypt or the Negev, so he passed Sarah off as his sister.
Peter was stone cold certain that God wouldn’t allow Jesus to die on the cross. (Many disciples today are just as sure God wouldn’t possibly allow them or other loved ones to suffer or have their lives touched by some tragedy). When we “know” the plans we have for ourselves and our loved ones are exactly the same as God’s, we’ve entered into the land of the Sadducees. There’s a reason why James tells his readers to preface their plans with “If it is the Lord’s will . . . “(4:15). The good news in all of this is that whether it’s allowing His Son to be crucified (despite what Peter thought), or bringing Him back from the dead (despite what the Sadducees thought) or something that we didn’t think God would do in our lives—He always has the highest purpose in mind and He will always work all things together for good. Our challenge is let God be God. You can find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: atasteofgracewithbrucegreen.com.
Verse of the Week
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever!”
2 Peter 3:18 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
pelika O Observer
A14 March 20, 2019
Auburn’s Miracle-Ear Foundation to provide MAX Credit Union to give free hearing aids to March 3 tornado victims $5,000 to benefit CFEA’s Lee County Tornado Relief Fund Special to the Opelika Observer
ment hearing solutions at no cost to members of the community that were diMiracle-Ear of Auburn, rectly affected by the storm. in conjunction with the Proof of residency in the Miracle-Ear Foundation, affected area is requested will be providing hearing in order to receive hearing aids to individuals that may aids. have lost their hearing aidsPUBLIC Auburn's Miracle-Ear HUGE 2-DAY AUCTION Huge Contractors & Truck Auction as an or that are now in need ofEquipment location is registered th Wednesday, 27for & hearing services due to the March official vendor disaster th Thursday, Mar. 28 , 2019 • 9am recent storm damage. relief services through 1042 Ave will (PO Box 1248)EMA. • Philadelphia, MS 39350 The Holland foundation Day 1: Selling Dump Trucks, “We Truck waive applicable fees, and areTractors, deeply saddened Specialty Trucks, Trailers, Farm Tractors the Auburn store has comby the loss that has impactDay 2: Selling Construction Eq., Support Eq., mitted toLogging finding replaceed so many members of Eq., Service & Fuel/Lube Trucks Deanco Auction Online Bidding Available
the local community,” said store owner Tim Toome, Special to the institution in Alabama, damage in portions of “and we want to extend our Opelika Observer with more than $1 billion Lee County including hand in support to those in assets. They offer full Beauregard, Salem and individuals that are in their The Opelika branch suite of consumer and Smiths Station. time of need.” of MAX Credit Union The check presentation business financial prodThe store is an active will present a $5,000 ucts, including checking, will take place during and proud participant in the check to members of the the Opelika Chamber of savings, loans, wealth Miracle-Ear Foundation, a HUGE 2-DAY PUBLIC AUCTION Community Foundation management, insurance, Commerce’s Business Huge Contractors Equipment & Truck Auction nonprofit organization that of East Alabama March mortgages, online and After Hours program th Wednesday, provides hearing assistance 14 for its Lee County mobile& banking. MAX that eveningMarch at 5 p.m. at 27 th to individuals in need. Thursday, , 2019 9am locaTornado Relief Fund. has• 17 branch theMar. financial28 institution’s 1042 Holland Ave • Philadelphia, Mississippi 39350 Residents in need of serOn March 3rd, two tions across its Alabama Opelika location. Day 1: Selling Dump Trucks, Truck Tractors, Specialty Trucks, Trailers, Farm vices should call 334-403tornadoes struck Lee footprint. About MAX Tractors, 1-ton Trucks, Pickups, Vehicles, Attachments, Misc. 5935. The store is located County, causing 23 For more information, MAX is a leading, Day 2: Selling Dozers, Excavators, Motor Graders, Off Road Trucks, Rubber-tired at 1888 Ogletree Road. fatalities and severe visit www.mymax.com. locally owned financial Loaders, Loader Backhoes, Skid Steers, Compaction Eq., Forklifts, Logging Eq., Service Trucks, Fuel/Lube Trucks & More
Phone: 601-656-9768 Fax: 601-656-0192 www.deancoauction.com sold@deancoauction.com
ALASCAN CLASSIFIEDS Deanco Auction 601-656-9768
10% buyers premium on the first $4500, then a 1% buyers premium on the remaining balance each lot
HUGE 2-DAY PUBLIC AUCTION Huge Contractors Equipment & Truck Auction
Wednesday, March 27th & Thursday, Mar. 28th, 2019 • 9am
1042 Holland Ave (PO Box 1248) • Philadelphia, MS 39350
Day 1: Selling Dump Trucks, Truck Tractors, Specialty Trucks, Trailers, Farm Tractors Day 2: Selling Construction Eq., Support Eq., Logging Eq., Service Trks, Fuel/Lube Trks Deanco Auction Online Bidding Available
Phone: 601-656-9768 Fax: 601-656-0192 www.deancoauction.com sold@deancoauction.com Auctioneer: Donnie W Dean, #733 MS Gallery Lic. #835F
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Opelika Observer Would like to thank the following businesses for sponsoring one or more of our newspaper boxes or racks around Lee County
• Better Bodies Massage Institute • Letts Investment Services • Opelika Theatre Company • Point-Broadband • Three Keys Properties, LLC Call us today to sponsor a box with company logo
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Servicemembers and Veterans interested in pursuing civil lawsuits to obtain compensation for hearing loss damages CALL NOW! No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of the legal services to be performed by other lawyers
pelika O Observer
A15 March 20, 2019
Coroner Bill Harris shares experiences, stories in aftermath of the March 3 tornadoes By Morgan Bryce Editor Traveling down Marvyn Parkway on March 3, Lee County Coroner Bill Harris remembers how he felt as reports of casualties from that afternoon’s EF-4 tornado flooded local radio frequencies. “The first report was three confirmed casualties, and I thought to myself, ‘this is worse than I thought.’ As we got further down the road there was reports of it being five casualties, and I began wondering what I had gotten myself into,” Harris said. As Harris neared the Beauregard Volunteer Fire Department on Highway 51, he encountered the outer rainbands of the second tornado, an EF-2, forcing him to take cover behind the elementary school. The scene at the fire
department was chaotic, according to Harris. With previous experience as East Alabama Medical Center’s paramedic supervisor, he worked alongside fire chief Michael Holden and others to coordinate the transportation of the more than 70 injured to receive Photo by Robert Noles medical aid. Lee County Coroner Bill Harris addresses the As more bodies were media during a press conference March 4. recovered and brought to loved one. the station, Harris decided tion down there. They Amidst the work and had to call off operations to relocate across the ongoing search-andthat night because things street to the high school recovery process was to begin the identification got too dangerous,” Harnumerous local and naris said. “And thankfully, process. That evening, all tional media requests for there were no more … 23 of the victims were reinterviews. Participating which was just a miracovered, 22 on the scene in most of that week’s and one who later died in cle.” press conferences held The victim-identithe emergency room. at Beauregard High fication process went With darkness ensmoother than expected, School, he said it was his croaching, Harris said he first time to appear on felt a sense of dread about as first responders and the national stage. members of the statewhat the next day’s find“It was no different wide mortuary response ings would bring. “In my mind, there was team helped Harris avoid than anything I’d done before, just a whole lot no doubt that we were go- having to bring families more cameras in front of to personally view the ing to find more victims, me. My job was to tell just based on the devasta- body of their potential
the truth and what the story was,” Harris said. After identifying the final victim on the afternoon of March 4, Harris’s work was finished when official search-and-recovery efforts ended Tuesday evening. On Friday of that week, he was able to meet President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania during their visit to Providence Baptist Church, a meeting he deemed an honor. “Just by chance I was able to get into the church and meet him as he spoke to the volunteers. He talked to me briefly and thanked me for what I had done … then, the First Lady asked if my family and I were ok and I said, ‘yes ma’am. Thank you for asking,’” Harris said. “People were asked to take off any MAGA hats they were wearing be-
cause it wasn’t a political visit. I believe in his heart that he cares about us and the American people as a whole.” Twenty-three deaths marks the highest number of fatalities Harris said he has witnessed in his 21 years as coroner, and the greatest natural disaster to strike Lee County in his lifetime. Along with improved preparedness plans for when the next disaster strikes, Harris said he believes this is a galvanizing moment in time for Lee County citizens as they rebuild and restore what was lost. “Lee County is a great place with great people. There’s no doubt that we will come back stronger than ever, but it will take years before we fully recover from this,” Harris said. “I pray I never have to be a part of something like this again.”
Macy’s contributes $20,000 to tornado relief efforts Special to the Opelika Observer Macy’s is committed to strengthen-
ing the Lee County community as neighbors, customers and colleagues begin the recovery process
munity’s immediate needs, Macy’s has donated $20,000 to the American Red Cross to support its
following the damage and devastation from the recent Lee County tornadoes. To assist the com-
disaster relief efforts. Additionally, to help those who need to replenish lost or damaged items,
Located in Historic Downtown Opelika
334-745-4618
Macy’s will offer a disaster relief savings pass for all those affected by the Lee County tornadoes. As residents look to rebuild, Macy’s wants to offer the community its best discount, 30 percent to 10 percent off regular and sale items in-store at Macy’s Peachtree Mall. Customers can simply show a FEMA or insurance card to a Macy’s colleague to obtain a voucher that allows the customer to receive the discount when making eligible purchases at any Macy’s store through Aug. 30, 2019. Macy’s will continue to work with the Lee County community to identify meaningful ways to support those impacted by the devastating tornadoes as the community begins to rebuild.
Opelika Charitable Giving Facts As the economy improves and confidence grows, charitable giving is making a comeback. Now could be a good time to evaluate giving and consider new ways to support the causes that you care about.
Philanthropy Philanthropy has played a role in every major civilization. Whether the goal is to make a big impact or a modest gift, and whether you’re planning for the end of the year, or an enduring legacy, there are many options. Choosing wisely can be the key to making the biggest impact while minimizing present and future tax exposure.
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208 South 8th Street Opelika, AL 36801 www.investopelika.com Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Railroad Investment group is not a registered broker dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Securities are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Inc., member FDIC/SIPC.
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Call us today to discuss your charitable giving strategy Raymond James financial advisors do not render advice on tax or legal matters. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professionals.
pelika O Observer
A16 March 20, 2019
Local businessman to donate storm shelter to Beauregard family By Morgan Bryce Editor Opelika businessman and native Wayne Rogers and SteelSafe Shelters CEO Chris Wood will donate a storm shelter to Alabama State Trooper Robert Burroughs, who is recovering from injuries sustained from the EF-4 tornado that hit Lee County March 3. As a former member of the Opelika Police Department, Rogers said his previous first
responder experience and recent dealership certification with SteelSafe Shelters prompted him to make this donation, which he hopes is the beginning of a movement in Lee County. “I just want to help people like Trooper Burroughs the best I can. There’s so much help needed by other people around the area, but it’s a challenge finding the best channel you can use to help the community … hopefully, other
Burroughs businesses will see this donation and want to do the same for others (who were affected),” Rogers said. “When
this storm happened, it just really exposed a community need we have and there’s no one locally that does this sort of thing.” Owner and operator of Gateway Tire and Auto on Pepperell Parkway, Rogers said he has two display shelters available for viewing at the shop. Following are four of the SteelSafe models that Rogers will sell: -Retro, usually built in a garage or under a house. It is equipped with a hatch or sliding
door for easier exiting. -Standard, placed mostly in-ground. -Hillside -Above ground, which provides easier entry and departure for senior citizens and individuals with mobility issues. Financing options are also available for the shelters. A 4-by-6 unit capable of holding up to eight occupants requires a gross weekly income of $800 and a minimum 640 credit score to qualify, with payments estimated
at $120 per month for five years. “Being able to offer some sort of safety for folks in this area will be key. I plan on staying in this for the long haul,” Rogers said. For more information or to request a shelter showing, call Rogers at 334-749-6357. To learn more about SteelSafe shelters, visit www.steelsafeshelters. com. View shelter safety training videos by searching “SteelSafe Shelters” on YouTube.
Elks Lodge host annual ‘First Responders Luncheon’ last Friday By Morgan Bryce Editor Members of the Auburn-Opelika Elks Lodge #1834 held its annual luncheon for local first responders last Thursday at the Opelika Fire Department headquarters on Avenue B. According to lodge president Bennett Jones, the purpose of the event is to show appreciation for first responders’ service and sacrifice as well as promote the true heart of his group’s mission. “The motto of the Elks is ‘Elks Care,
Elks Share.’ That’s what we try to embody through events like this,” Jones said. “We want the community to know that we are a benevolent organization and our goal is to help others in need no matter who, where, race, color or creed.” Representatives from OFD, Lee County EMS and Sheriff’s Office and Opelika Police Department, among others, were treated to a meal from Butcher Paper BBQ and entered into a door-prize contest for televisions provided by King Honda.
“Anything I can do for police, fire fighters, first responders, I’m gonna do. We support them in every possible way we can, and for us to be able to do something like this as a way to thank is an honor,” said Butcher Paper owner Mark Coxwell. Fresh off the shooting of Auburn Police Department officer Justin Sanders and the two March 3rd tornadoes that hit Lee County, OPD Capt. Bobby Kilgore said the luncheon came at a much needed time for he and other first responders. “The last few weeks
Photo by Morgan Bryce/Opelika Observer
have been nothing but surreal, a series of big events back to back. I feel like everybody in this county and other parts of the state came together unbelievably
well,” Kilgore said. Lodge secretary Carolyn Coburn said their group has and will continue to assist with recovery efforts in Beauregard.
For more information about the lodge and its other initiatives, like and follow their Facebook page. The lodge is located at 1944 Opelika Road.
Opelika Schools & Sports Inside • opelika schools • lee county schools • community sports
OPELIKA BASEBALL SCHEDULE March 26 - v. Benjamin Russell at 5 p.m. March 28 - doubleheader at Benjamin Russell, 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. March 30 - at Sylacauga at 2:30 p.m. April 1 - v. Auburn at 6 p.m. April 4 - at Stanhope Elmore at 6:30 p.m.
OPAC hosts Lee County Schools Benefit Concert last Tuesday
On the Mark By D. Mark Mitchell
Opelika tennis teams sweep Benjamin Russell last week
O
pelika’s girls and boys tennis team swept Benjamin Russell last week in a sectional match. Single boys winners were Gray Walker 9-7, Dawson Rush 8-3, Jack Whatley 8-4 and Andrew Hudson 8-3. Boys doubles winners were Whatley/Estes 8-2, Estes/Mckay 8-0 and Trey Davidson/Rush 8-0. Singles girls winners were Readen Gaglisno 8-2, Hope Bearden 8-5, Kalyn Yountz 8-2, Kathlene Trotter 8-0 and Luci Long 8-2. The girl’s doubles team of Trooter/Victoria Tufts won 8-2. The Opelika soccer teams split a pair of matches last week. Benjamin Russell defeated Opelika’s girls 4-3 at the W. James Samford Soccer Complex. Estefany Alba, Amiya Brown and Erica Mathews scored goals for the Lady Bulldogs. Kaitlyn Goodman, Eleanor Wilson and Amiya Brown each recorded an assist. The girls bounced back to blank Stanhope 9-0 in Millbrook. Brown scored five goals to
lead the charge offensively. Rebecca Wilson scored twice along with Karen Cruz goal. Erica Mathews assisted three times, Cruz, Goodman and Watts recorded an assist apiece. Keeper Phoebe Darcey earned the shutout. The Opelika boys beat area rival Benjamin Russell 2-1 at home. Alex Anajel-Gonzalez scored the first goal of his left foot. Jose Cruz and Yordy Chavez each earned assist on the play. Cruz netted the game winner with fewer than 10 minutes remaining. Nolan Billingsley earned the win as goalie. Coach Hovell stressed his team’s defensive effort. Stanhope Elmore beat Opelika 2-1 on the road. Mario Martinez scored the lone goal. Opelika did not play Marshall Meyers as a precautionary measure following a blow he took during the Benjamin Russell game. Meyers will return the next game. The Lady Bulldog softball team split a pair of games last See Sports, page B3
Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer
Special to the Opelika Observer Area schools came together last Tuesday to hold a benefit concert at the
Opelika Performing Arts Center, with all proceeds benefitting Lee County residents affected by the March 3 tornadoes. Following is a list of the
participating groups: Beulah High School Concert Band, Beauregard High School Concert Band, Smiths Station High School Concert Band, Smiths
Station High School Symphonic Band, Smiths Station Junior High Black Band and the Smiths Station Junior High Silver Band.
Softball drops Benjamin Russell wins 7-2 contest to 4-3 shootout over Opelika Benjamin Russell last week
Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Opelika lost to Benjamin Russell 7-2. Kayla Fourtanbary doubled and Carr singled for the Lady Bulldogs softball team. They are 4-8 overall, 0-1 in region play. Later this week, they will participate in the Alex Wilcox Memorial Tournament. Turn to B2 for more photos.
Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Opelika fell 4-3 in tightly contested battle versus Benjamin Russell this week. Estefany Alba, Amiya Brown and Erica Mathews all scored goals for the Lady Bulldogs. Kaitlyn Goodman, Eleanor Wilson and Brown all notched an assist. Turn to B2 for more photos.
pelika O Observer
B2 March 20, 2019
Bulldog Classic
Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer The annual Bulldog Classic benefitting Opelika High School’s golf and tennis teams was held last week at the Auburn University Club. Proceeds help those programs cover the cost of food and travel. With a total of 15 teams participating, more than $4,500 was raised. The Encore Sports team led by Trip Garner placed first.
Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer
Check Out Our New Tiger Town Location Across from Lowe’s, another convenient location to serve our customers
AuburnBank’s Tiger Town Kroger location has moved to a new, full-service location on Frederick Road in front of Lowe’s. Under the leadership of City President Eddie Smith, our new location provides three drive-up windows, a drive-up ATM, a night deposit drop, safe deposit boxes, consumer and commercial loans in addition to all our checking accounts, money market accounts, savings accounts,
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pelika O Observer
B3 March 20, 2019
Community Calendar: Events around town
foriran.org. • 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 334-5284197 or deborahowen@ eamc.org. • The fourth Monday of each month a Community Grief Support Group meets from 5:30 to 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 to 7 p.m. at the Covington Recreation Center, 213 Carver Ave., Opelika. For more info contact Mary Johnson, 749-1584. • The Lee County Commission meets the second and last Mondays of each month at the courthouse beginning at 5 p.m. • The Commercial Horticulture Extension Team organizes webinars to provide quick updates for producers on various topics of interest. Whether you are interested in the proper way to plant fruit trees or have questions in turf management, these webinars cover a wide range of subjects. Webinars are streamed live via Panopto on the last Monday of every month starting in January and ending in November. During the presentation, participants can send questions via email. The webinars also are recorded and stored in the archive on the Beginning Farmer website. Webinar topics include: trap cropping for reducing squash insect pests, cowpea curculio updates, nutsedge control, introduction to
potting mixes in ornamental container production, dealing with drought in commercial horticulture crops, and many more. To view the full schedule, please visit www.aces. edu/anr/beginningfarms/ webinars.php. Please send questions during the presentations to Ann Chambliss, thameae@auburn.edu. For questions regarding the webinar series or for providing suggestions, please email Dr. Ayanava Majumdar at bugdoctor@auburn.edu. Tuesdays: • Ballroom Dance Classes at the Opelika Sportsplex from 7 to 8 p.m. every Tuesday. Instructor is Cody Wayne Foote. For more info call Diane at 749-6320. • 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 to 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 to 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. Atten-
dance and participation is strictly voluntary for any and all sessions. There are no fees or charges involved. The church is located on U.S. Highway 431 – eight miles north from Southern Union State Community College and Opelika High School. For more information contact Bill Parker at 459-0214 or 706-518-9122. • The Auburn Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol meets every Tuesday evening from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Auburn University Regional Airport. The Civil Air Patrol is a nonprofit organization that is Congressionally chartered to be the civilian auxiliary of the Air Force and focuses on three missions: aerospace education, cadet programs and emergency services. For more information visit www.auburncap.org or find the organization on Facebook. • East Alabama Gem & Mineral Society meet the 4th Tuesday of every month at 5:45 p.m. Meetings are held at the Covington Rec. Center located at 213 Carver Ave. in Opelika. Wednesdays: • The second Wednesday of each month a Community Grief Support Group meets from 10 to 11 a.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center. No reservations are necessary. For more info call 826-1899 or 502-0216. • The John Powell American Legion Post 18 and Auxiliary hosts Bingo every Wednesday night at 6 p.m. • Every Wednesday is Wine Down Wednesday at the Bottling Plant Event Center from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursdays: • American Legion Auxiliary Unit 152 meets the first Thursday of every month at 11 a.m. at Niffer’s Place, 917 S. Railroad Ave. in Opelika. • The Teal Magnolias Gynecological Cancer Support Group meets the second Thursday of every third month at 6 p.m. at EAMC Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway. For more information on the Teal Magnolias, email tealmagnoliasAL@yahoo.com or find them on Facebook. • Opelika-Auburn Newcomers’ Club provides a variety of programs for the betterment of the Auburn/ Opelika community to assist women transitioning into the area or to help women adjust to recent lifestyle changes. The club meets on the third Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. for a luncheon at various local restaurants. Please call or email Cheri Paradice at 334-737-5215 or cheri.paradice@gmail.com for more
as mentioned in last week’s column. The Bulldogs helped host the East Alabama Classic, with Auburn, Central and Smiths Station. Auburn High assistant Tommy Carter heads up the classic, which brings several teams from across Alabama to play a mixture of teams during a three-day period. The Bulldogs finished with a 1-4 record against Alma Bryant, Tuscaloosa County, Saraland and Spanish Fort. Opelika jumped out to a 5-0 lead, only to see Alma Bryant score 12 runs during the final five innings. Colton Dunson led Opelika with two hits, followed by singles from Micah Christian,
Kory McCoy, Trent Fields and Brody Davis. Former Opelika coach Nick Richardson brought his Tuscaloosa County High baseball team to Bulldog Park. Prior to arriving at OHS, Richardson took his baseball team to Beauregard to see Peyton Whatley. Peyton is a student-athlete at Beauregard, a member of the baseball team who lost his house and a grandparent during the March 3 tornadoes that hit the area. Richardson and his team delivered new furniture and an $1,800 check for Whatley’s family. What a heartfelt honorable act of kindness by Richardson and Tuscaloosa
County. Tuscaloosa County beat Opelika 5-3 Friday night. The following recorded hits, Christian, Brooks, Andrew, Jase Rhodes and Jackson Harris. Parr, Rhodes and Bryan pitched. Saraland beat Opelika 13-1 in six innings, allowing two hits. Opelika finished the tournament on a positive note, beating Spanish Fort 5-4 on a Zach Pierce walk-off single. Dunson earned the win, pitching the final two outs. Christian led with three hits and scored two runs. Parr and Willis added two hits apiece. Pierce knocked in the winning run in the bottom of the seventh, earning the win for Opelika.
• March 22 - Cakeitecture Ribbon Cutting at 10 a.m. • March 26 - Women’s Business Council Expert Series: Bikes • March 26 - First South Farm Credit Ribbon Cutting at 4 p.m. • March 28 - Business Over Breakfast - Dr. Joe Sumners • March 28 - Lifestyle Group Business After Hours • April 5 - Carswell Insurance Agency Ribbon Cutting at 11 a.m. • April 11 - Genesis Health Business After Hours Ongoing: • Village Friends/Village Values is a nonprofit organization that supports seniors who prefer to stay in their own homes as they grow older. For info or to schedule a presentation to your group, call 334-209-4641. For the website, Google “village friends village values.” • The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR chapter is appealing for sweaters, jackets, trousers, shirts and socks, women’s clothing, soft soap in individual containers, shaving supplies, disposable razors, denture cleanser, toothpaste and toothbrushes, DVDs, games, books and magazines to take to veterans at the CAVHCS in Tuskegee. The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR Chapter regularly visits veterans living in assisted living, the homeless domiciliary and psych (trauma) ward in Tuskegee. Donations are tax deductible and will be much appreciated. Pick up is provided. Please call Linda Shabo at 887-6659 or at 256-3071449. Mondays: • The Lee County Voters League meets the first Mondays of the month at 6 p.m. at Bethesda Baptist Church located at 201 S. 4th Street, Opelika • 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.nonukes-
Sports,
from B1
week, beating Beulah 1-0 and losing 7-2 to Benjamin Russell. Makai Gagliano recorded her first shutout of the year, allowing five hits with six strikeouts. Chelsea Carr and Chloe Clark helped at the plate. Opelika lost to Benjamin Russell 7-2. Kayla Fourtanbary doubled and Carr singled for the Lady Bulldogs. The Opelika baseball team kept busy last week, playing five games from Wednesday to Saturday. The Dawgs started the week with a 7-3 win over Beauregard,
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. New Events •March 22 - The March meeting of the Richard Henry Lee Chapter SAR is Friday, March 22nd at Saugahatchee Country Club. The meeting will start at 11:30 am (Central) and will be held in the Member’s Dinning Room which is at the end of the entrance hall and to the left. • March 23 - A benefit concert called “Beaustock 2019” will be held this Saturday from 1 to 9 p.m. at 4197 Lee Road 42. The event will feature food and live music from local artists, with all proceeds benefitting tornado victims. Admission is $5 at the gate and barbecue plates will be available for $10 each. • March 25 - The East Alabama Community Band will perform at the Opelika Middle School auditorium, beginning at 7 p.m. They will be under the direction of new conductor Josh Wine and will perform songs with references to colors. • March 30 - The third annual Sing to Remember event benefitting the Alabama Alzheimer’s Association will be held March 30 at the Roanoke City Auditorium. This year’s musical acts include The McKamey’s and The Exhorters. Tickets will cost $12 and can be purchased at the door on the day of the event. Children six years old and under are free. For more information, call Jerry Waldrep at 256-357-4147 or 770-359-9641. The venue is located at 100 Tiger Circle. • April 6 - The Circle of Care Center for Families’ RENEW HOPE 85 invites you to participate in a onemile Hope Walk to raise awareness to human trafficking taking place in East Alabama and West Georgia. Those interested in attending are asked to arrive at Langdale United Methodist Church’s THE OAKS April 6 at 10 a.m. E.S.T. For more information or to preregister, visit renewhopeinitiative.com. • April 12 - East Tennessee singer/songwriter Emi Sunshine will perform
at the River Center for the Performing Arts April 12. She is noted for both her vocals and instruments which are deeply rooted in the heritage of Appalachian music. Tickets range in cost from $25-$75 and can be purchased by visiting www. rivercenter.org. • Wildlife in Watercolor An exhibit featuring local art students will be held at the Smiths Station Government Center. Exhibition is open daily, is free, family friendly, open to the public • Sketches from Local History An exhibit featuring recent acquisitions by the City of Smiths Station curated by The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art A Center for Cultural Arts At Smiths Station City Hall Art Galleries Exhibition is Open Daily Free, Family Friendly, Open to the Public •After School Art Classes for Children & Youth Weekly Studio Classes featuring Drawing, Painting & More.. *beginners are welcome *all fine art supplies are always provided The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art A Center for Cultural Arts - Enroll Today- 334-480-2008 •Afternoon Art Classes for Adults featuring Studio Drawing, Painting & More.. *beginners are welcome *all fine art supplies are always provided Thursdays at 3 p.m. Eastern Standard Time The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, A Center for Cultural Arts - Enroll Today- 334-480-2008 • Evening Art Classes for Adults Fundamental Drawing Studio - Every Tuesday: 6:30 p.m. *beginners are welcome *all fine art supplies are always provided The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, A Center for Cultural Arts - Enroll Today- 334-480-2008 • Portrait Drawing Studio - portrait drawing classes for beginners, Every Wednesday 2 p.m. EST *all fine art supplies are provided The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, A Center for Cultural Arts - Enroll Today- 334-480-2008 • Senior Studio Art Classes Every Wednesday 11 a.m. EST *beginners are welcome *all fine art supplies are always provided - Enroll Today- 334-480-2008
OMS The OMS softball team earned two wins last week, improving their record to 16-3. The Lady Bulldogs beat Smiths Station 5-1 and Beulah 2-1 back-to-back nights. McKay Yountz continues to dominate in the circle, earning both wins with a total of 21 strikeouts. Nylen Thomas led at the plate with three hits, Yountz added two while Ava Parker, Memoree Lyles and Paige Bales all added singles. The middle school baseball team swept Russell County in two games, 3-2 and 3-0. Caleb Chisum and Caden Blair earned wins. Jake Smith hit a monstrous solo home run
in the fourth inning. OMS beat Beauregard 6-4 behind the pitching duo of cousins, Bryce Speakman and Russell Copous. Opelika Dixie Boys 13-14-15 Baseball Opelika Dixie Boys Baseball will offer registration, beginning March 25 at the Opelika Sportsplex. Anyone between the ages of 13-15 interested in playing baseball can register from 8 to 9 a.m. weekdays, and on weekend’s noon to 5 p.m. All players will be placed on a team. D. Mark Mitchell is sports director for iHeart Media, Alabama Dixie Boys State Director and vice president of the A-O Sports Council.
Email editor@opelikaobserver.com to place your community events.
pelika O Observer
B4 March 20, 2019
Do ants have a meat tooth or sweet tooth?
Beth Pinyerd The Classroom Observer
L
ast week while working with students, we all gathered safely around an ant bed on the playground to observe their activities. Before we knew it, 30 minutes had flown by and we were still intrigued at the ants traveling in and out of ant hills on the playground. As a mom of now a 33-year-old son, I began to reflect on his fascination of observing ants
in our back yard when he was young. When he was eight years old, he asked us if ants ate meats or sweets. His dad and I said “let's set up an experiment and see.” We gathered turkey meat and sweet candy bars to put by the ant hills to observe over the next few days. By the end of the week … stay tuned, I'll tell you our findings at the end of the article. In this beautiful spring weather, your children
can become budding little scientists as they observe ant habits with their bare eye or a magnifying glass. Point out to your child that ants are insects with six legs and body parts and that the large ant is the queen ant. Tell your child that the queen ant is the head of the ants' colony or home. As your child observes the ants, have them to record in a journal what they see. They can draw their findings or you can write it for them. Point out the tunnels the ants are making are like rooms in their homes. Compare the different jobs the ants are doing are like jobs or responsibilities they are doing in your family. This allows your child to express his or herself. Too, as your child asks questions, make a trip to the library to find the answers to their questions in books or articles. This helps in
their reading, curiosity and questioning skills which is readiness in the scientific method. In the classroom, I have set up ant farms for my students to observe. Your child can create an ant farm to observe the busy social life of the ant. You gather two jars, one that fits into the other with about 3/4 inch of space between them, dirt, ants, a small piece of screen, cereal or candy crumbs. Put the small jar into the larger jar, fill the space between the jars with the dirt, safely add the ants from the yard in a very gentle manner so you do not harm them, sprinkle food on top of the dirt, cover the jars tightly with the screen, watch the ants make tunnels in the dirt, record what you see then let the ants go back to their homes in the backyard. You can teach your child some valuable character traits as you study
ants. The Bible spells this out so well in the book of Proverbs. Ants work so hard. Children like to be on a schedule and routine as they engage in projects and activities that they truly enjoy. Ants are self-starters and so are children. • Ants work busily and they cooperate with each other. What a wonderful lesson to point out in teaching your children to get along with others. • Ants work so hard in the summer as they prepare for the winter. They provide our children a lesson on how to plan ahead in getting chores done. Some neat snacks that children enjoy are ants on a log, made with washed celery sticks, peanut butter, raisins and a butter knife to spread with. Spread some peanut butter on a celery stick - that's the log, put the raisins on the log in a row … these are your
ants. You can substitute bananas for celery. I have provided my students these snacks and they absolutely love them as you teach them about ants. A neat catchy tune that we parents and grandparents remember from our childhood days is the little tune called The Ants Come Marching. Do ants have a sweet tooth or meat tooth? After many days of observing and recording, the ants were found to have a meat tooth with the turkey meat all gone. Our son did this experiment over and over to prove these findings. I am very thankful for ants because their life habits started our young son on the beginning of the scientific method of observing our world through his young eyes. Parents of children, it is never too young for your child to be little scientists and to guide them to observe their world through the eyes of a child.
LEGALS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA FAMILY COURT DIVISION: DOMESTIC RELATIONS IN RE THE MARRIAGE OF: KENYETTA LASHAE FOREMAN,Plaintiff, VS. CASE NO. DR-19-900061 EDDIE LEWIS FOREMAN, Defendant. NOTICE OF ACTION
Notice is hereby given that Eddie Lewis Foreman, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer the Complaint for Divorce of Kenyetta Lashae Foreman within thirty (30) days of the date of the last publication of this notice, or, thereafter, a judgment by default may be rendered against his in Case No. DR-19-900061, Circuit Court of LEE County.
This notice shall run once per week for four (4) consecutive weeks. Done the 26th day of February, 2019. /s/Mary Roberson Clerk of the Circuit Court of Lee County Benjamin H. Parr Rice, & Parr 830 Avenue A, Suite A Opelika, Alabama 36801
— SM ALL CH ANGE —
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DIFFERENCE Follow these tips to lower your power bill.
Use cold water to wash clothes.
Vacuum refrigerator condenser coils to improve efficiency.
For more ways to save by making your home more energy efficient, visit AlabamaPower.com/tips.
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Fix or replace faulty electrical cords and plugs.
Legal Run 03/06/19, 3/13/19, 3/20/19, 3/27/19
IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA; IN THE MATTER OF PAULA ANN GARNETT RUSSELL, Deceased; Case No.: 2018-C-077; NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of said deceased having been granted to KATRINA THOMPSON, personal representative, on the 18th day of December, 2018, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama. Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Katrina Thompson Legal Run 3/6, 3/13 & 3/20/19
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.: CV-2018-900331.00 MIKEL THOMPSON and JENNIFER THOMPSON, Plaintiffs, v. WILLIE JAMES WATSON, and SHARON D. McFARLEY, and DERRICK BRISKEY, and ENGLAND BRISKEY, and JAMES BRISKEY, and WILBUR WATSON, Defendants. NOTICE OF ACTION To: All Defendants herein, whose whereabouts are unknown and which cannot be ascertained after the exercise of reasonable diligence. You are hereby notified that on the 4th day of June, 2018, a Complaint for Easement by Necessity was filed in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama, and the following are the names of all parties to the action: Mikel Thompson and Jennifer Thompson as Plaintiffs; Willie James Watson; and, Sharon D. McFarley; and Derrick Briskey; and England Briskey; and James Briskey; and Wilbur Watson, all as Defendants, whose heirs, executors and/or administrators, registered agents, successors, and assigns are unknown and cannot be ascertained after the exercise of due diligence All persons having an interest in said case or any portion thereof, are hereby directed to plead, answer, or otherwise respond to the Complaint on or before the expiration of 30 days after the last publication of this notice, or thereafter suffer judgment by default to be rendered against them, it being intended that this notice shall be used to perfect service against all parties who cannot be personally served with a copy of the Complaint. Done this 28th day of February, 2019. Mary Roberson Circuit Court Clerk, Lee County J. Brandon Rice Attorney for Plaintiff 830 Avenue A, Suite A Opelika AL 36801 Legal Run 3/6, 3/13, 3/20 & 3/27/2019
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF MARJORIE B. SULLIVAN, DECEASED. TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Tiasha Simone Fuller, f/k/a Tiasha Simone Sullivan, as Executrix of the Estate of Marjorie B. Sullivan, deceased, on the 1st day of March, 2018, by the Honorable Bill English NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same be barred. Tiasha Simone Fuller, f/k/a Tiksha Simone Sullivan, Executrix Of the Estate of Marjorie B. Sullivan, Deceased Marrell J. McNeal, Attorney at Law, PC PO Box 308 Opelika, AL 36803 334-745-7033 Legal Run 03/06, 3/13, and 3/20/2019
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA E.L. a minor child (DOB: 4.30.2015), Case No. 2019-A-83 NOTICE OF PETITION & SERVICE BY PUBLICATION NOTICE TO: Any alleged or unknown father of E.L. born at East Alabama Medical Center on 4.30.2015 to Xiaojuan Laura Liao. Any alleged or unknown father must answer the Petition for Adoption of the alleged or unknown father filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama within fourteen (14) days from the last date of Publication of this notice with the Law office of Alsobrook Law Group or thereafter, a final judgment may be entered in Case No. 2019-A-83 terminating his parental rights and allowing the adoption to proceed. Alsobrook Law Group Hon. Zachary D. Alsobrook 126 South 8th Street Opelika, AL 36801 (334) 737.7318 Legal Run 3/13/19, 3/20/19 and 3/27/19
Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: Extra Space Storage 1412 Opelika Road. Auburn AL, 36830 on 04/08/2019 at 2:00 p.m. Adrieene Barnett Unit# 229 1807 York Ave Opelika, AL, 36801 3 bedroom home Refrigerator, dryer, desk, mattresses, boxes and household items Mary Ann Brown Unit# 208 2503 Airport Rd Opelika, AL, 36801 Household furniture and boxes Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase
up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property. Legal Run 3/20 & 3/27
STATE OF ALABAMA IN THE PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF LEE CASE NO. 2019-A-111 RE: RITA WHITE, DECEASED NOTICE OF PUBLICATION Letters of Administration said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 5th day of March, 2019, by the Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Tracy J. Hamby, Administrator Claud E. (Skip) McCoy, Jr. Attorney for Adminstrator Johnson, Caldwell & McCoy, LLC 117 North Lanier Ave, Suite 201 Lanett, Alabama 36863 (334) 644-1171 Legal Run 3/20/19, 3/27/19 & 04/3/19
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF JAMES C. KNOX, JR., DECEASED COURT OF PROBATE Letters of Administration of said deceased having been gratned to the undersigned on the 8th day of March, 2019, by the hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice ishereby 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 8th day of March, 2019. JOAN C. KNOX Legal Run 3/20, 3/27 & 4/3/19
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF HAZEL B. CAPPS COURT OF PROBATE Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 13th day of March, 2019, 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 my hand, and dated this the 13th day of March 2019. WILLIAM E. CAPPS, JR. JAMES DANIEL CAPPS Legal Run 3/20, 3/27 & 4/3/19
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of Douglas Craig Kistler, Deceased Case Number: 2019-A-065 NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration have been
See Legals, page B5
pelika O Observer Legals,
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granted to Linga Kistler as Administrator of the Estate of Douglas Craig Kistler, deceased, ORDINANCE NO. 003-19 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 4 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA, REPEALING CHAPTER 4 ENTITLED “ANIMALS AND FOWL” AND SUBSTITUTING IN LIEU THEREOF A NEW CHAPTER 4 ENTITLED “ANIMAL CONTROL”; ESTABLISHING A PURPOSE, ADOPTING ANIMAL CONTROL REGULATIONS; PROVIDING PENALTIES; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING A REPEALER CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows: Section 1. Replacement of Chapter 4 of the Code of Ordinances, adopting Sections 4-1 through 4-189. That current Chapter 4 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Opelika entitled “Animals and Fowl” is hereby repealed in its entirety and replaced with new Chapter 4 entitled “Animal Control”, consisting of Sections 4-1 through 4-189, which chapter shall read as follows: Section 4 – Animal Control Article I -- In General. This chapter shall be known as the City of Opelika Animal Control Ordinance. Sec. 4-1 Purpose. The purpose of the purpose of this chapter is to promote the public health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of the City of Opelika and to ensure the humane treatment of animals by regulating the care and control of animals within the City. Sec. 4-2 Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases when used in this chapter shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning: (a) “Animal” means any live creature, both domestic and wild, except humans. “Animal” includes, without limitation, dogs, cats, fowl, livestock, reptiles, pets and all mammals except humans. (b) “Animal Control Officer” means any employee of the City Public Works Animal Control Division who performs animal control functions or any person who is employed by an entity under agreement or contract with a county or municipality to perform animal control functions or to enforce this chapter. (c) “Animal-at-Large” means any animal that is not controlled by adequate leash or tether, or otherwise under the owner’s physical control, as defined in this chapter, while the animal is off the owner’s premises. No animal shall be deemed “running-at-large” when said animal is upon the property of the owner. (d) “At-Large” means that the animal is off the premises of the owner, and not on a leash or otherwise under the immediate control of a person physically capable of restraining the animal. (e) “Animal Shelter” means any facility maintained by the City and any facility maintained by a non-profit humane organization or municipal agency as approved by the City Council for the confinement, care, control or disposition of animals that come into its custody. (f) “Attack” means aggressive physical contact by a dog. (g) “ACO” means Animal Control Officer, or any person designated by him. (h) “Bite” means the puncturing or bruising of the skin by teeth of an animal. (i) “Bitten” means seized with the teeth or claws, so that the skin of the person seized or gripped has been wounded or pierced, resulting in physical injury. (j) “Cat” means any member of the domestic feline family. (k) “Dangerous Dog” means a dog, regardless of breed, that has bitten, attacked or caused physical injury, serious physical injury or death to a person, without justification, except a dog that is a police animal as defined by Section 13A-11-260, Code of Alabama, used by law enforcement officials for legitimatelaw enforcement purposes. The definition of Dangerous Animals” shall not include any animal which acted aggressively if the actual or
B5 March 20, 2019
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Case No. 2019-A-114 The State of Alabama, Lee County Probate Court Estate of John Henry Kovac, deceased. Letters Testamentary upon the Last Will and Testament of said decedent, having been
granted to the undersigned on the 13th day of March, 2019, 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 required to file an itemized and
verified statement of such claim in the office of the said Judge of Probate within six months from the above date, or said claim will be barred and payment prohibited. Kelly Traylor, Personal Representative. Legal Run 3/20, 3/27 & 4/3/19
same; or in the case of trained animals, “Physical Control” shall also include visual signals or oral commands by the owner of a dog which responds to such signals or commands, if said dog is at all times within unobstructed sight of the dog’s owner. (z) “Proper Enclosure of a Dangerous Dog” means an enclosure for the confinement of a dog that has been declared dangerous that is suitable to prevent the entry of the general public and that does all of the following: (1) Is capable of being locked with a key or combination lock when the dog is within the structure. (2) Has secure sides and a secure top attached at all sides. All four sides of the fence or pen must be sunk at least two feet into the ground or the fence or pen must be built over a concrete pad to prevent the dog from digging out. (3) Provide adequate ventilation and protection from the elements. (4) Exhibit a sign conspicuously posted upon the pen or the structure containing the following: “Dangerous Dog—No Trespassing”. (5) The enclosure shall be constructed to allow the dog to stand normally and without restriction and shall be not less than four times the length of the dog and two times the width of the dog. (6) The enclosure shall be locked at all times while the dog is inside the enclosure. (aa) “Large Animal” means any horse, mule, cow, pig, hog, sheep or other animal weighing twenty-five (25) pounds or more, except members of the canine family. (bb) “Person In Charge” means any person in whose charge the animal is being kept, and all responsible adult members of the household in which an animal is kept or allowed or suffered to remain. (cc) “Physical Injury” means an injury defined in Section 13A-12(12), Code of Alabama. (dd) “Public Nuisance Animal” means any animal that unreasonably annoys humans, endangers the life or health of persons or other animals, or substantially interferes with the rights of citizens, other than their owners, to enjoyment of life or property. The term “Public Nuisance Animal” shall include but not be limited to: (1) Any animal that is repeatedly found running at large. (2) Any dog or cat in any section of a public or controlled recreation area unless the dog or cat is controlled by a leash or similar physical restraint. (3) Any animal that makes disturbing noises, including but not limited to, continued or repeated howling, barking, whining or other utterances causing unreasonable annoyance, disturbance or discomfort to neighbors or others in close proximity to the premises where the animal is kept or harbored. (4) Any animal that causes fouling of the air by obnoxious or offensive odors and thereby creates unreasonable annoyance or discomfort to neighbors or others in close proximity to the premises where the animal is kept or harbored. (5) Any animal that is in heat and that is not confined so as to prevent attraction or contact with other animals. (6) Any animal whether or not on the property of its owner, that, without provocation, molests, attacks or otherwise interferes with the freedom of movement of persons in a public right-of-way. (7) Any animal that chases motor vehicles in a public rightof-way. (8) Any animal that attacks, without provocation, domestic animals. (9) Any animal that causes unsanitary conditions in enclosures or surroundings where the animal is kept or harbored. (10) Any animal that is offensive or dangerous to the public health, safety or welfare by virtue of the number of animals contained at a single residence or the inadequacy of facilities. (ee) “Reptile” means and includes turtles, terrapins, tortoises, lizards, worm lizards, snakes, crocodiles, alligators, caimans, gharials, gavials and tuataras. (ff) “Serious Physical Injury” means an injury as defined in Section 13A-1-2, Code of Alabama. (gg) “Trap” means any me-
chanical device used to capture any animal that otherwise would not be captured. (hh) “Trapping” means a method of setting or otherwise laying a mechanical device to catch or snare or otherwise restrain the free movement of any animal. (ii) “Under Restraint” means that an animal is secured by a leash led under the control of a person physically capable of restraining the animal or obedient to the person’s commands, or securely enclosed within the real property limits of the owner’s premises. (jj) “Venomous Snake” means any species formerly or currently placed within the family of Elapidae, Viperidae or Astractaspididae. Also included are species formerly or currently found in the Dispholidus (boomslangs) in family Colubridae. This includes, but is not limited to rattlesnakes, cobras, vipers, mambas, boomslangs, coral snakes, asps, stiletto snakes, sea snakes, copperheads and cottonmouths. (kk) “Veterinarian” means a person licensed in the State of Alabama or another state of the United States to practice veterinary medicine. Sec. 4-3 Nuisances. It shall be unlawful for any person to keep any animal on any property located within the corporate limits of the City when the keeping of such animal constitutes a public nuisance or menace to public health or safety. Sec. 4-4 Keeping of Exotic Animals. It shall be unlawful for any person to own, harbor or permit at large any exotic animal without the written permission of an Animal Control Officer. Such permission shall be given only if it is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Animal Control Officer that the animals will not constitute a threat to public health or safety. Sec. 4-5 Abandoning Animals Prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any person to transport any domestic animal or any exotic animal, including reptiles, into the City and subsequently abandon or set loose the animal with intent of avoiding the responsibility for its custody and care. Further, it shall be unlawful for any person to transport any domestic animal or any exotic animal, including reptiles not native to the climate of North America, out of the City limits and subsequently abandon or set loose any animal with the intent of avoiding the responsibility for its custody and care. Sec. 4-6 Caring For Animals. (a) It shall be unlawful for the owner or custodian of any animal to refuse or fail to provide such animal with sufficient wholesome and nutritious food, potable water, veterinary care when needed to prevent suffering, humane care and treatment or to unnecessarily expose any animal in hot, stormy, cold or inclement weather. (b) No owner or custodian of any animal shall willfully abandon such animal on any road, street or highway or public place or on private property when not in the care of another person. (c) It shall be unlawful for the owner or custodian of any animal to fail to provide it with humane shelter from heat, cold and wind or fail to give it food and water adequate to keep the animal in good health and comfort. Doghouses and animal keeps shall consist of a ceiling, three walls and floor; be soundly constructed; and, in cold weather, lined with dry, clean bedding. (d) It shall be unlawful for the owner or custodian of any animal to refuse or fail to provide such animal with veterinary care when needed to prevent suffering and to keep the animal in healthy condition. Sec. 4-7 Sanitation. (a) No owner or custodian of any animal shall permit any waste matter from the animal to collect and remain on the property of the owner or custodian, or on the property of others so as to cause or create an unhealthy, unsanitary, dangerous or offensive living condition on the owner’s or custodian’s property or to abutting property of others. (b) No owner or custodian of any animal shall cause unsanitary, dangerous or offensive conditions by virtue of the size or number of animals maintained at a single location
or due to the inadequacy of the facilities. (c) No owner or custodian of any animal shall cause or allow such animal to soil, defile or defecate on any public property or upon any street, sidewalk or public way, or public park, unless such owner or custodian immediately removes and disposes of all feces deposited by such animal. Sec. 4-8 Cruelty to Animals Prohibited. (a) It shall be unlawful if a person in charge: (1) Fails or refuses to provide a source of water or source of food which is adequate to keep the animal properly nourished. The source of water must also be of an adequate amount given the size of the animal and the environment in which the animal is kept to prevent the animal from overheating or dehydrating. (2) Overrides, overworks, overloads or overdrives the animal causing physical pain or suffering. (3) Beats, tortures, maims, disfigures, kills, injures, torments, poisons, deprives of necessary sustenance or mutilates any animal, causing physical pain, suffering or death. However, nothing in this section shall be construed to apply to activities conducted for lawful veterinary purposes, including but not limited to tail docking, ear clipping and declawing cats. (4) Fails to provide adequate medical treatment for any sick, diseased or injured animal or any animal suffering from any type of parasitic infestation. (5) Keeps any animal under unsanitary or inhumane conditions which are detrimental to the animal’s health and general welfare or fails to maintain the animal in a condition of good order or cleanliness which increases the probability of the transmission of disease. (6) Teases, molests, baits or harasses any animal. (7) Sets any rabbit, raccoon, fox or other animal loose for the purpose of chasing or hunting the animal or conducting a race using such animal. (8) Promotes, permits, stages, holds, manages, conducts, carries on or attends any game, exhibition, event or contest that involves a fight between at least two animals or between an animal and a person or persons. (9) Fails to provide adequate shelter for an animal, wherein the animal can be protected from the extremes of weather (heat, cold, rain, wind, sun, etc.) provided the person is the owner or person in charge of such animal. (10) Transports or carries any animal in a motor vehicle unless the animal is safely enclosed within the vehicle or protected by a cab, container, cage, crosstether or other device to prevent the animal from falling out of or being thrown from the vehicle. (11) Places or confines an animal or allows an animal to be placed or confined in a motor vehicle under such conditions or for such a period of time as to endanger the health or welfare of the animal because of the temperature, lack of food or water or such other conditions as may reasonably be expected to cause suffering, disability or death. (12) Restrains an animal with a leash or restraining device that is not less than 10 feet long, unless walking or training such animal and such restraint must be fixed in such a manner to allow the animal free use of the restraint without being tangled. The restraint must also be an appropriate weight for the animal and must be affixed to a proper tethering collar with a swivel attachment. An allowable tethering collar shall be a tethering collar which is a properly fitted to the dog made of suitable material other than metal that does not cause damage to the dog’s skin, and affixes the dog to a fixed point, tether or runner. (See Sec. 4-45 for tethering of dogs). (13) Maintains any reptile in a manner that is deleterious to its health and wellbeing. Poor husbandry, poor nutrition and/ or lack of proper preventative care are all considered cruel and deleterious welfare of the reptile and are unlawful. (14) Sets loose any reptile that is not native to the climate of North America. (b) Any person who unlawfully or maliciously kills, maims, disables, disfigures or injures any animal shall be guilty of a misdemeanor; but this subsec-
tion shall not be construed as prohibiting the dehorning of cattle. (c) This section shall not apply to the following activities: (1) Activities conducted for lawful veterinary purposes. (2) Activities conducted for purposes of lawful biomedical research or training. (3) The lawful destruction of any animal for the purpose of protecting the public, other animals, property or the public health. (4) The lawful taking of animals under the jurisdiction and regulation of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and successor federal and state agencies. (d) The violation of any provision of this section shall constitute a misdemeanor and shall result in the removal of the animal when the Director or an Animal Control Officer determines that such removal is necessary for the safety of the animal. Sec. 4-9 Hoarders. (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to collect animals and fail to provide them with humane/adequate care; to collect dead animals that are not properly disposed of or to collect, house or harbor animals in filthy or unsanitary conditions that constitute a health hazard to the animals being kept and/or animals or residents of adjacent property. (b) Any animal taken into custody under this section may be taken to a veterinarian for immediate treatment, and any expenses incurred for veterinary treatment shall be the responsibility of the owner or custodian charged with the care, custody and control of said animal. (c) Any animal taken into custody under this section may be humanely disposed of at the discretion of an Animal Control Officer seven (7) days after the animal is taken into custody. Any person claiming interest in any animal in custody under this section may prevent disposition of the animal by posting a bond or security in an amount sufficient for the animal’s care and keeping for at least thirty (30) days, inclusive of the date on which the animal was taken into custody. Even if a bond or security is posted, an Animal Control Officer may humanely dispose of the animal at the end of the time for which expenses of care and keeping are covered by the bond or security, unless there is a court order prohibiting the disposition. The court is authorized to require a bond in the amount necessary to protect an Animal Control Officer from any cost of the care, keeping or disposal of the animal(s). The authority taking custody of an animal(s) under this section shall give notice of this section by posting a copy of it at the place where the animal(s) is taken into custody or by delivering it to a person residing on the property. (d) The court making a sentencing determination for a person convicted under this section may order the person convicted to surrender custody and forfeit the animals whose treatment was the basis of the conviction. Ownership of the animals shall then be given to an animal shelter or veterinarian. The court may prohibit the person convicted from having custody of any animals for any period of time the court determines to be reasonable or impose any other reasonable restrictions on the person’s custody of animals as necessary for the protection of animals. Sec. 4-10 Animals In Vehicles. (a) No vehicle owner, passenger or operator shall place or confine an animal or allow it to be placed or confined or to remain in an unattended vehicle without sufficient ventilation or under conditions or for such period of time as may reasonably be expected to endanger the health or well-being of such animal due to heat, lack of water or such other circumstances as may be expected to cause suffering, disability or death. When the conditions inside a parked motor vehicle constitute an imminent threat to the animal’s health or safety, any animal left in a parked vehicle may be removed from that vehicle by an Animal Control Officer or any law enforcement officer. If forcible entry into a vehicle is necessary to rescue an animal, an ACO or
on the 8th day of March 2019 by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law
or the same will be barred. Linda Kistler Persoal representative of the Estate of Douglas Craig Kistler Legal Run 3/20, 3/27 & 4/3/19
intended victim has made an unlawful entry into the dwelling of the owner, nor shall such definition include any guard dog, which is properly registered under Section 4-42 of this chapter and maintained in compliance with such section. (l) “Division” means the Animal Control Division of the Environmental Services Department of the City. (m) “Dog” means all members of the canine family, including dog hybrids. (n) “Director” means the Director of the Environmental Services Department. (o) “Doghouse” means a structure consisting of a ceiling, three (3) walls and floor, soundly constructed and in cold weather, lined with dry, clean bedding. (p) “Enclosure” means the entire housed or fenced area where an animal is confined and also an area where an animal is tied, chained or tethered. (q) “Exotic Animal” means an animal which would ordinarily be confined to a zoo, or one which would ordinarily be found in a wilderness of this or any other country; or a species of animal not indigenous to the United States or to North America or which causes zoonotic diseases or one which otherwise causes a reasonable person to be fearful of significant destruction of property or of bodily harm, the latter including but not limited to raccoons, bobcats, coyotes, wolves, hybrid wolves, bears, alligators, crocodiles, caimans, non-domesticated species of felines, non-human primates (monkeys), Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs, and other such animals. Exotic animals specifically include (1) Any nonhuman primate (live monkey, gorilla etc.), raccoon, skunk, wolf, coyote, fox, leopard, tiger, lion, lynx or serval cat; (2) Any venomous or constricting snake (such as Boidae family) that will grow to an adult size greater than three (3) feet; (3) Any tarantula which can normally be found in the wild state; (4) Any member of crocodilian including, but not limited to alligators, crocodiles, caimans and gharials; (5) Any exotic animal hybrid. Exotic animals do not include animals of a species customarily used in the state as ordinary household pets, animals of a species customarily used in the state as domestic farm animals, fish confined in an aquarium, birds or insects. Ferrets, nonvenomous snakes (other than constricting snakes that will grow to an adult size larger than three (3) feet), rabbits, box or aquatic turtles, laboratory, pocket pets or pet rodents including, but not limited to, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, chinchillas, sugar gliders or hedgehogs shall be excluded from this definition. (r) “Feral Animal” means any wild cat or dog, whether it was born in the wild or reverted to a wild state due to abandonment or lack of domestication. (s) “Fowl” means a domestic bird used in the market or household for food consumption, such as a chicken, duck, goose, guinea, peafowl, turkey, pheasant, pigeon or other avian species. (t) “Guard Dog” means a dog trained or used in a commercial or industrial business to provide security protection for employees, employers, property, goods and/or equipment. It does not include any dog which resides at a private residence. These dogs are further regulated under Section 4-42. (u) “Impounded” means taken into custody by an animal control officer or law enforcement officer. (v) “Owner” means a person, firm, corporation or organization having a right of property in an animal, or who keeps or harbors an animal, or who has an animal in his or her care, or acts as the custodian of an animal, or who permits an animal to remain on or about any premises occupied by him or her. (w) “Pen” means any enclosure for housing and feeding small animals. (x) “Person In Charge” means any person in whose charge the animal is being kept, and all the responsible adult members of the household in which an animal is kept or allowed or suffered to remain. (y) “Physical Control” means the immediate, continuous, physical control of an animal at all times such as means of a leash, cord or appropriate chain of such strength to restrain the
See Legals, page B6
pelika O Observer
B6 March 20, 2019
Legals,
from B5
law enforcement officer shall be immune from civil liability for property damage provided such person had a good faith belief that the animal was in imminent danger of suffering bodily harm and used no more force than necessary to remove the animal. (b) Nothing in this section shall be deemed to prohibit the transportation of horses, cattle, sheep, poultry or other agricultural livestock in trailers or other vehicles designed and constructed for such purposes. Sec. 4-14 Keeping Noisy Animals and Fowl. It shall be unlawful within the corporate limits of the City to confine, harbor or keep on a lot, place or premises, any animal or fowl which habitually, continuously or intermittently makes or emits sounds or noises of such volume, nature and extent as to be a public nuisance by reason of being obnoxious or annoying to persons in that neighborhood. Sec. 4-15 Sanitary Conditions of Enclosures. All places and premises in the City where horses, mules, cattle, rabbits, dogs or other animals or fowl are kept, harbored or confined shall be kept clean, sanitary and free of obnoxious odors and shall be maintained in such a manner as will effectively prevent the reproduction or promulgation in or about such places or premises of flies; and the presence on or about such places or premises of live larvae of flies under conditions which permit or favor growth or development shall be prima facie evidence of the reproduction or promulgation of flies and of the keeping or maintaining of such places or premises used for such purposes in violation of the provisions hereof. Sec. 4-16 Humane Traps. (a) The Director or any Animal Control Officer is authorized, in order to apprehend animals in violation of this chapter, which are otherwise difficult to apprehend, to use traps humanely designed to capture such animals by placing the traps upon any public property of the City, or upon the right-of-way of any public street or highway. (b) It shall be the duty of the Animal Control Officer to check such traps daily and remove captured animals to an animal shelter or veterinarian where they shall be disposed of as otherwise provided in this chapter. (c) It shall be unlawful for any person to molest or tamper with any such trap, or to remove any animal captured in any such trap, or to interfere with the Director or Animal Control Officer in setting or servicing any such trap. (d) Any owner or person in charge of any premises within the City may set his own humane trap on such premises for the purpose of trapping and removing any animals which may have entered the premises. The owner or person in charge must notify the Animal Control Officer before setting his own traps. Use of one’s own trap pursuant to this section shall be coordinated with the Animal Control Officer to make sure such trapping is conducted at all times consistent with the operating hours of an animal shelter or veterinarian, it being the intent of this section that no captured animal shall remain trapped for more than twelve (12) hours. The Animal Control Officer shall coordinate with the owner for the removal of captured animals to an animal shelter or veterinarian where they shall be disposed of as otherwise provided in this chapter. It shall be a violation of this chapter for any owner or person in charge of any premises to do any of the following: (1) Use any trap on any premises not his own or not under his charge. (2) Fail to inspect any trap at least every twelve (12) hours. (3) Fail to deliver any animal captured to an animal shelter or veterinarian or to the animal’s owner, if known, within twelve (12) hours of its entrapment; and if the animal’s owner is unknown, fail to notify an Animal Control Officer within twelve (12) hours of its entrapment. (4) Fail to exercise reasonable care and diligence to avoid injury to the trapped animal. (5) Use or permit to be used any leghold trap or snare unless authorized by an Animal Control Officer. (e) Before any person shall be permitted to obtain a humane trap from an Animal Control Officer for use on his own premises or premises over which he is in charge, such person shall sign a statement that he has been advised that the
acts or failures to act enumerated in this section constitute a violation of this chapter. (f) Any owner or person in charge of any dog or cat captured in a humane trap that is off the premises of the owner or person in charge shall be prima facie presumed to have allowed, suffered or permitted such animal to be or run at large. If at any time a dog or cat is captured by use of such trap and the owner or person in charge is known or becomes known to the Director or an Animal Control Officer, such person in charge shall be given a citation to appear in Municipal Court as provided in section 4-189(b). (g) The owner or person in charge of any premises may obtain humane traps from the Environmental Services Department by completing a trap use form and making a $150.00 deposit. Traps may only be used for a maximum of five (5) days. The five (5) day limit may be shortened at the discretion of the Environmental Services Department if the traps are needed at other locations. Traps may only be used on private property every ninety (90) days. Sec. 4-17 Feeding of Feral Animals. Any person providing care and substance to any feral animal shall be deemed to be the owner of said animal and shall be subject to all of the regulations of this chapter. No person shall feed or provide substance to any animal on public property or on the private property of others, except with the permission of the property owner. Sec. 4-18 Mobile Home Parks. All pet and animal rules and regulations included in a Mobile Home Park lease or rental agreement shall be enforced by the owner or operator of the mobile home park. The humane trapping provisions set forth in section 4-16 shall apply to all mobile home parks in the City. Sec. 4-19 Cooperative Services Agreement. The City may enter into cooperative services agreements with other governmental agencies and entities to provide wildlife management services. Article II. Dogs, Cats and Ferrets. Sec. 4-41 Rabies Vaccinations. (a) Every owner of a dog, cat or ferret over the age of three months shall cause said dog, cat or ferret to be immunized for rabies by the rabies officer, his or her authorized representative or any duly licensed veterinarian pursuant to the Code of Alabama 1975 §§3-7A-1 through 3-7A-15. The interval between vaccinations shall conform to the vaccine manufacturer’s directions. Such vaccination shall be evidenced by a tag attached to such dog as provided in Section 4-41(b) or documentation of such immunization for such cat or ferret showing that such dog, cat or ferret has been vaccinated for rabies as required by the state within the preceding 36 months. It shall be unlawful for any person to own or have in his or her possession any dog, cat or ferret not so vaccinated. (b) Each dog over the age of three (3) months while outdoors shall wear a substantial, durable collar or harness, to which the vaccination tag shall be attached. The collar, together with the rabies inoculation tag, shall be worn by the dog if the animal is required to be inoculated against rabies as provide in Section 4-41(a). Failure to comply with this section shall be unlawful. No person shall remove the collar or vaccination tag from any animal without the consent of the owner. (c) Cats and ferrets are not required to wear the rabies vaccination tag. If the rabies vaccination tag is not worn, the owner shall be required to produce the evidence of the rabies vaccination tag upon request of the ACO. (d) It shall be unlawful for any person to permit or allow any dog or cat in his charge or control to wear a rabies vaccination tag issued for a different animal. Sec. 4-42 Guard Dogs. (a) Registration. (1) Guard dog owners or services shall register all dogs used in their business, whether housed or used in the city, with the ACO. The registration shall include name, address and telephone number of the service’s manager; the breed, sex, weight, age, color, tattoo registration number of the guard dog, and other distinguishing physical features of the dog; a city license certificate the rabies vaccination certificate; and a tag that is highly visible and conspicuously different from ordinary dog tags, as approved and supplied by the city. (2) Guard dogs which are newly acquired by guard dog services shall be vaccinated against rabies and registered with the city
within seventy-two (72) hours of acquisition. (3) The fee for registration of a guard dog with the city shall be established by the city council and shall be a onetime charge for each individual dog. (4) The fee to register a guard dog with the city shall be a charge of twenty-five dollars ($25.00). (5) Such registration shall not constitute a waiver of any other requirements of this chapter. (b) Tattoo required. (1) Each guard dog shall have a registration number to be obtained from the city and tattooed by the owner on its inside right thigh so as to be clearly visible at all times. The registration number shall be prefixed by the letter “G.” Each letter and number shall be at least one-quarter (¼) inch in height. (2) Owners of guard dogs registered with the American Kennel Club or a similar organization may elect to have the tattoo placed in the dog’s ear. (3) Any guard dog already tattooed by some number system different from that required by this chapter need not be retattooed if the existing tattoo is identifiable and can properly identify that dog. (c) Maintenance of guard dog registration record. The city shall maintain a guard dog registration record which shall contain all data required by this chapter. Upon transfer of ownership, death, disappearance and/or rabies vaccination of a guard dog, each guard dog service or owner shall immediately notify the city ACO. Upon receipt of the information, the appropriate entry shall be made in the guard dog registration record. If the dog has disappeared, an entry should be made to reflect the location of such disappearance. (d) Inspection. (1) As a condition to maintaining registration with the city, each guard service or owner shall allow the ACO to enter and inspect all kennels housing guard dogs and other premises where such dogs are used, for the determination of owner registration compliance. (2) It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to own, harbor, keep, maintain, use or otherwise have custody of any guard dog in the city which has not been vaccinated, registered, and tattooed as provided by this section. (e) Transportation of guard dog. (1) The vehicle of every guard dog service transporting any guard dog must be clearly and conspicuously marked with the words “Dangerous Dog” showing that it is transporting a guard dog. A compartment separate from the driver is required which should be arranged to ensure maximum ventilation for the animal. (2) No guard dog shall be transported in the trunk of a car or on open-bed trucks. (f) Requirements for businesses using guard dogs. (1) Each business which hires or uses a guard dog must provide proper fencing to keep the guard from digging or jumping out, or must otherwise properly confine the animal within a secure enclosure. (2) At each appropriate location and entry point, and at fifty-foot intervals along the fence perimeter, a sign shall be posted including the words “Dangerous Dog.” (3) Entry points shall have a sign posted with the telephone number of the dog’s trainer or handler in case of an emergency. Sec. 4-43 Dogs At Large. (a) Dogs. It shall be unlawful for the owner or any person having custody or control of any dog to allow such dog to run at large within the City as defined in this chapter. It shall be the duty of every owner or person in charge of a dog to keep the animal under effective restraint, while the dog is within the City, whether or not the dog is upon or away from his premises. It shall be unlawful for any owner or person in charge of any dog to fail to keep the animal under effective restraint. Proof that a dog is not being properly restrained, whether or not on or off the premises of the owner or person in charge, shall be prima facie evidence of a violation. Negligent failure to provide or maintain effective restraint shall not be a defense. Competent evidence that the failure was occasioned by an unforeseeable and independent act of a third person shall shift the burden on the City to prove otherwise. (b) This section shall not apply to police dogs when such dogs are engaged by a law enforcement agency in an of-
ficial capacity. Sec. 4-44 Confinement of Dogs During Estrus (Heat). (a) Any owner or person having charge, care, custody, or control of any female dog in heat shall, in addition to restraining such dog from running at large, cause such dog to be constantly confined in a building or secure enclosure or on a leash under the supervision of the owner or person in charge so as to prevent it from attracting by scent or coming into contact with other dogs and creating a nuisance, except for planned breeding. If at any time the scent from a female dog in heat is found to be causing a disturbance to dogs in the neighborhood, it shall be the duty of the owner or person in charge of the dog to confine, immediately, the dog in such manner as to avoid a disturbance. (b) It shall be unlawful for the owner or person in charge of any dog to fail to comply fully with this section. Sec. 4-45 Tethering of Dogs. (a) As used in this chapter, tether means to restrain a dog by tying the dog to any object or structure including, without limitation, to a house, tree, fence post, garage or shed by any means including, without limitation, a chain, rope, cord, strap or running line. Tethering shall not include using a leash to walk a dog. (b) It shall be unlawful for an owner or a responsible party to tether a dog while outdoors, except when all of the following conditions are met: (1) The tether is connected to the dog by a buckle-type collar or a body harness made of nylon or leather. (2) The tether has the following properties: It is at least five (5) times the length of the dog’s body, as measured from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail; it terminates at both ends with a swivel; it does not weigh more than one-eighth (1/8 th ) of the dog’s weight; and it is free of tangles. (3) The dog is tethered in such a manner as to prevent injury, strangulation or entanglement. (4) The dog is not outside during a period of extreme weather including, without limitation, extreme heat or freezing temperatures, thunderstorms, tornadoes, tropical storms or hurricanes. (5) The dog has access to water, shelter and dry ground. (6) The dog is at least six (6) months of age. Puppies shall not be tethered. (7) The dog is not sick or injured. (8) Pulley, running line or trolley systems are at least fifteen (15) feet in length and are at least seven (7) feet above the ground. (9) If there are multiple dogs, each dog is tethered separately. Sec. 4-46 Keeping of Dangerous Dogs The keeping of a dangerous dog as defined in section 4-2(k) shall be subject to the requirements of this article. It shall be unlawful and a misdemeanor for any owner of a dangerous dog to fail to comply with the requirements and conditions set forth in this article. A dog found to be in violation of this article shall be subject to immediate seizure and impoundment as set forth in section 4-47. Sec. 4-47 Sworn Statements; Dangerous Dog Investigations; Hearing; Procedures. (a) Sworn Statements. (1) When a person claims that a dog is dangerous, the person shall make a sworn statement before a city magistrate or law enforcement officer setting forth the name of the dog owner, if known, the location where the dog is being kept in the City, and the reason he or she believes the dog to be dangerous. (2) The sworn statement shall be delivered to an animal control officer who shall complete a dangerous dog investigation. When the sworn statement claims that a dog has caused serious physical injury or death to a person, the duties of the animal control officer, including but not limited to the dangerous dog investigation, shall be carried out by a law enforcement officer. (b) Dangerous dog investigation. An animal control officer or law enforcement officer may initiate a dangerous dog investigation in cases where a complaint has been made pursuant to subsection (a) and a person has been bitten, received physical injury or serious physical injury, or has died. (c) Hearing, Founded. (1) In the event a dangerous dog investigation leads an animal control officer or law enforcement officer to believe the allegation is founded, all of the following shall occur: (a) The animal control officer or law enforcement officer shall file a summons for the owner of the dog, if known, with the
municipal court. (b) The dog in question shall be impounded at the animal shelter or the City may enter into an agreement with a licensed veterinarian to impound the dog; provided, however, the owner of the dog shall be provided the opportunity to choose a veterinarian of his or her choosing to impound the dog in lieu of the animal shelter. If the dog is impounded with a veterinarian chosen by the owner of the dog, the owner of the dog shall be liable for paying to the veterinarian the cost and expenses incurred in impounding, feeding and providing veterinary care or treatment for the dog. If the City impounds the dog, the owner of the dog shall be liable to the City for the costs and expenses incurred in impounding, feeding and providing veterinary care or treatment for the dog. (c) The animal control officer or law enforcement officer shall send a copy of the investigation report to the municipal attorney, or municipal prosecutor. (2) In lieu of the investigation, the owner of the alleged dangerous dog may consent to the dog being humanely euthanized. (d) Hearing, Unfounded. (1) In the event the dangerous dog investigation leads the animal control officer or law enforcement officer to believe the allegation is unfounded, the animal control officer shall advise the complainant of his or her findings and the animal control officer or law enforcement officer shall submit the results of the investigation to his or her supervisor. (2) A copy of all investigations made pursuant to this section shall be kept on file in the animal control office. (e) Procedures. (1) The municipal attorney, or municipal prosecutor may file a petition in the municipal court to declare dangerous the dog that caused the physical injury, serious physical injury or death to a person in the jurisdiction of the municipality. The owner of the dog, if known, shall be served with a copy of the petition. (2) A dog that is the subject of a dangerous dog investigation may not be relocated and ownership may not be transferred pending the outcome of the investigation and hearing to determine whether to declare the dog to be dangerous. (3) The court hearing shall be held as soon as practicable. At the hearing, the municipal attorney, or municipal prosecutor shall present evidence that the dog is dangerous. To declare the dog dangerous, the court shall find by reasonable satisfaction that the dog bit, attacked or caused physical injury, serious physical injury or death to a person without justification. (a) If the court determines that the dog is dangerous and has caused serious physical injury or death to a person, the court shall order the dog to be humanely euthanized by a licensed veterinarian or an authorized animal control officer. (b) If the court determines that the dog is dangerous but has not caused serious physical injury or death to a person, the court shall determine whether the dog has a propensity to cause future serious physical injury or death. If the court determines by reasonable satisfaction that the dog has such a propensity, the court may order the dog to be humanely euthanized by a licensed veterinarian or an authorized animal control officer or the court may order the dog be returned to its owner pursuant to all of the following conditions: (1) The dog shall be held in impound until the owner complies with all orders of the court, but if the owner fails to comply with all orders of the court within thirty (30) days of the court’s order, the dog shall be humanely euthanized. (2) The dangerous dog shall be microchipped. (3) The owner of the dangerous dog shall provide a copy of the certificate of the current rabies vaccination of the dog. (4) The dangerous dog shall be spayed or neutered. (5) The owner of the dangerous dog shall be required to pay all expenses involved with the investigation, pickup and impoundment, and any court costs or fees related to the hearing to determine whether the dog is dangerous. (6) The owner of the dangerous dog shall be required to pay an annual dangerous dog registration fee of one hundred dollars ($100) to the City for a dog deemed dangerous by a court or pay a penalty of one hundred dollars ($100) to the City for non-registration within two (2) weeks. (7) Surety Bond. (a) The owner shall be required to obtain a surety bond of at least one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) and shall provide proof to the court or animal control office.
(b) The surety bond required by subparagraph (7)(a) shall provide coverage for dog bites, injuries or death caused by the dog. (c) The owner shall provide proof of the surety bond each time the annual dangerous dog registration fee is paid. (8) The owner of the dangerous dog shall provide proof to the court that he or she has constructed a proper enclosure for a dangerous dog pursuant to section 4-2(y). (4) The pleading and practice in all cases to petition the court to declare a dog to be dangerous under this section shall be in accordance with the Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure and rules of the courts governing municipal courts in this state unless otherwise specified by this chapter. Any judicial determination in municipal court that a dog is dangerous may be appealed to the circuit court pursuant to the requirements of the Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure and the order of the circuit court shall be final. (5) It shall be presumed that a dog is not a dangerous dog pursuant to this chapter if the dog was on property owned by the owner of the dog when the event subject to a claim under the chapter occurred or if the victim was trespassing on any property when the event subject to a claim under the chapter occurred. Sec. 4-48 Dangerous Dog Violations (a) If a dog that has previously been declared by a court to be dangerous, when unjustified, attacks and causes physical injury to a person, the owner of the dog shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. (b) If a dog that has not been declared by a court to be dangerous, when unjustified, attacks and causes physical injury to a person, and the owner of the dog had prior knowledge of the dangerous propensities of the dog, yet demonstrated a reckless disregard of the propensities under the circumstances, the owner of the dog shall be guilty of a Class B misdemeanor. (c) In addition to any fines imposed by the court, a person guilty of violating subsection (a) or (b) shall pay all expenses, including, but not limited to, shelter, food, veterinary expenses for boarding and veterinary expenses necessitated by impoundment of the dog, medical expenses incurred by a victim from an attack by a dangerous dog, and other expenses required for the destruction of the dog. (d) (1) When a dog declared to be dangerous is outside and not contained in the proper enclosure of a dangerous dog pursuant to section 4-2(y) the owner of the dangerous dog shall be present and shall restrain the dangerous dog with a secure collar and leash. (2) An owner of a dog declared to be dangerous who violates subdivision (1) shall be guilty of a Class C misdemeanor, except that a second or subsequent adjudication or conviction is a Class B misdemeanor. (g) An owner of a dog that is the subject of a dangerous dog investigation who refuses to surrender the dog to an animal control officer or law enforcement officer, upon the request of the animal control officer or law enforcement officer, shall be guilty of a Class C misdemeanor. (h) Any person who knowingly makes a false report to an animal control officer that a dog is dangerous is guilty of a Class C misdemeanor. Sec. 4-49 Off-Lease Dog Parks. The City may choose to operate and maintain designated areas, or parks, within the city where responsible owners can allow their dogs to exercise and socialize off-leash. All users of City off-leash dog parks must adhere to the rules and regulations posted at the entrance to the dog park area. Violators of posted rules are subject to ejection and forfeiture of off-leash dog park privileges. It shall be assumed that there is an inherent risk in allowing dogs to interact without direct control so that all participants who choose to use off-leash dog parks do so at their own risk of injury to selves and dogs. Persons making use of off-leash dog parks shall be responsible for injuries caused by their dogs to other persons and dogs. Persons responsible for any such injuries or property damage shall hold the City harmless for the same. Article III. Animals Other than Dogs, Cats and Ferrets, Specifically Sec. 4-71 Violations of This Article. Any person violating or aiding or abetting any provision of
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this article shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined or punished in accordance with section 4-189. Sec. 4-72 Keeping of Hogs. It shall be unlawful for any person to keep pigs or hogs, including miniature and Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs, in the corporate limits of the City. Sec. 4-73 Keeping of Chickens. It shall be unlawful for any person to keep chickens within the City, except as provided in this section. The keeping of chickens is allowed, provided: (a) The minimum lot size of the property is 10,000 square feet. (b) The principal use of the property is a single-family dwelling. (c) The number of chickens does not exceed: (1) Four (4) on lots 10,000 square feet to 19,999 square feet (2) Six (6) on lots 20,000 square feet to 29,999 square feet (3) Ten (10) on lots 30,000 square feet or greater (d) The chickens are kept in an enclosure or fenced area, such as a hen house, chicken coop, chicken tractor, etc., at all times. (e) The chicken enclosure or fenced area is a minimum of six (6) square feet per chicken. (f) The chickens are not kept on any location on the property other than in the backyard (the rear yard of the principal structure). (g) The covered enclosure or fenced area is a minimum of ten (10) feet to any property line of an adjacent property and fifty (50) feet from the neighboring dwellings, church, school or place of business. (h) The enclosures are kept in a clean, dry, odor-free, neat and sanitary condition at all times. (i) The chicken owner takes necessary action to reduce the attraction of predators and rodents and the potential infestation of insects and parasites. (j) The keeping or harboring of male chickens or roosters is prohibited. (k) The premises upon which chickens are kept must be the property owner’s primary residential dwelling. (l) No person who owns, controls, keeps, maintains or harbors chickens shall permit the premises where the chickens are kept to be or remain in an unhealthy, unsanitary or noxious condition, or to permit the premises to be in such condition that noxious odors are carried to adjacent public or private property. The chicken enclosure or chicken run authorized by this section may be inspected at any reasonable time by the animal control officer. (m) The slaughter and breeding of chickens on any premises in the City is prohibited. (n) No person shall maintain a chicken enclosure, coop and/or chicken run unless granted a permit by the Director. Prior to the construction of the chicken enclosure, a site plan shall be reviewed and approved by the Director. Sec. 4-74 Large Animals and Fowl It shall be unlawful for any person to own, control, keep, maintain or harbor large animals and fowl, except as provided in this section. Large animals, such as mules, cows, sheep, goats, fowl and other such farm animals may only be kept or maintained on lots of three (3) acres or more in the R-1 (Rural) Zoning District. Horses may be maintained only in the R-1 (Rural) District on lots of two (2) acres or more with a limit of one (1) horse per acre. Chickens may be kept or maintained as provided in section 4-73. Sec. 4-75 Distance of Corrals, Pens or Stables from Dwellings It shall be unlawful for any owner or person in charge to keep any large animal or fowl in the City in any corral, stable or pen any part of which is within 100 feet of a dwelling of a person other than the owner or person in charge of the animal. Sec. 4-76 Minimum Size of Corrals It shall be unlawful for any person to keep any animal in a corral in the City unless such corral has a minimum area of 12,000 square feet per animal and an additional 10,000 square feet for each additional animal kept, to every portion of which each and every animal shall have free and unrestricted access. Sec. 4-77 Horses Not to Stand in Streets Unless Hitched or Attended It shall be unlawful for any owner or person in charge to allow a horse to stand in any street within the City unless the owner or person in charge is in attendance or the horse is securely hitched. Any horse not so attended or securely
hitched shall be considered to be at-large. Sec. 4-78 Large Animals Running At Large Prohibited (a) It shall be unlawful for the owner or person in charge of any large animal to cause, permit or allow such animal to run or to be at-large. The fact that any large animal has been kept on a particular premises, together with its subsequent appearance at-large, shall raise a prima facie presumption that the owner or person in charge of the premises permitted or allowed a violation and the burden of proof shall be upon the owner or person in charge to prove otherwise. Sec. 4-79 Enclosure of Horses or Cattle—Generally (a) It shall be unlawful to keep, harbor or confine any animal of the equine or bovine species or type in any stable, building, structure or shed unless such stable, building, structure or shed is so laid or arranged and constructed as to prevent refuse, foodstuffs and discharges from animals from falling upon, touching or soiling the ground. (b) It shall be unlawful to keep, harbor or confine any animal of the equine or bovine species or type in any corral or in or upon any uncovered, enclosed parcel of land, in a commercial or industrial district as established by zoning regulations, unless such corral or parcel of land shall have a minimum area of one thousand (1,000) square feet for one (1) such animal and two hundred (200) square feet for each additional such animal there kept, harbored or confined. Sec. 4-80 Same—Minimum Space Requirements (a) It shall be unlawful to keep, harbor or confine any animal of the equine or bovine species or type in any corral or in or upon any uncovered, enclosed parcel of land, outside a commercial or industrial district as established by zoning regulations, unless such corral or parcel of land shall have a minimum area of two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet for one (1) such animal, and one thousand (1,000) square feet for each additional animal there kept, harbored or confined, to every portion of which such animal shall have free and unrestricted access. (b) The material used in the base or floor may include portions of wood when the aggregate of such portions does not exceed three-fourths (¾) of the total area of such base or floor, and when each piece of wood is embedded in cement or other impervious material, separated from each adjacent piece at least one (1) inch by cement or other impervious material, and is continuous with and forms an integral part of such base or floor. (c) It shall be permissible to cover, not exceeding threefourths (¾) of the area of a floor or base constructed as hereinabove specified, with hardwood, provided each piece of such hardwood is separated from each adjacent piece at least one (1) inch and is readily removable. Sec. 4-81 Collection and Disposal of Manure and Other Materials. All accumulations of manure and material soiled by excreta in and about every stable, building, structure, shed, corral or pen where any animal of the equine or bovine type is kept, harbored or confined, shall be collected at least once each day and immediately deposited in substantial flyproof containers. All such collections shall be kept stored in substantial flyproof containers for a continuous period of two (2) weeks from the date of collection. Sawdust, shavings, straw and other material used as animal bedding and unsoiled by excreta shall be collected at least once a week and deposited and stored as provided in this section. In lieu of storage, as herein provided, manure and other materials, when collected in accordance with the provisions hereof, being free of live fly larvae, may be disposed of, within twenty-four (24) hours from time of collection, by burial at least six (6) inches underground or by spreading the same thinly upon the surface of the ground at some place distant from any place where animals are kept, harbored or confined, so that such collections shall be and remain fully exposed to sunshine. Sec. 4-82 Cleaning Floors, Structures Where Certain Animals Are Kept The base or floor of every stable, building, structure or shed in which any animal of the equine, bovine or rabbit species or type is kept, harbored or confined, together with all appliances used in connection therewith, shall be cleaned at least once each day by the removal of manure and other material soiled by manure and by washing.
Sec. 4-83 Keeping of Horses or Cattle Near Certain Buildings. (a) It shall be unlawful to keep, harbor or confine any animal of the equine or bovine species or type in any corral or other uncovered enclosure in the city or its police jurisdiction, any part of which is within one hundred (100) feet of a dwelling, school, church, hospital, public building, public park, public playground or public thoroughfare. (b) It shall be unlawful to keep, harbor or confine any animal of the equine or bovine species or type in any stable, building structure or shed in the city, any part of which is within fifty (50) feet of a dwelling, school, church, hospital, public building, public park, public playground or public thoroughfare. Sec. 4-84 Keeping of Fowl It shall be unlawful to keep, harbor or confine any ducks, geese, chickens, guineas, peacocks or other fowl in any stable, building, structure, corral, pen or enclosure in the City, any part of which is within fifty (50) feet of a dwelling, church, hospital, school, public building, public park or public thoroughfare. Sec. 4-85 Impounding of Large Animals Upon Premises of Other Than Owner. Any large animal which is found at large upon the premises of another person other than the owner or keeper thereof shall be impounded by the animal control officer or other authorized agent of the city. Any large animal which is found at large upon any street, alley, thoroughfare, sidewalk, park, school or other public place of the city shall also be subject to impoundment by the animal control officer or other authorized agent of the city as provided in this chapter. Sec. 4-86 Bird Sanctuary (a) The entire area embraced within the corporate limits is hereby designated as a bird sanctuary. (b) Except as provided in section 14-495, it shall be unlawful to trap, hunt, shoot or attempt to shoot or molest in any manner any bird or wild fowl or to rob bird nests or wild fowl nests without the advance written consent and approval of the Environmental Services Department. Such consent and approval shall be given if such activity will not endanger persons or property, and if such birds are congregating in such numbers as to endanger the public health and safety. (c) No provision of this section shall be construed to prohibit or abrogate the right of the City to protect the health, safety or welfare of the citizens of the community. Article IV Rabies Control Sec. 4-101 Rabies Vaccination (a) Vaccine Required. (1) A person commits an offense if a person keeps, harbors, or has custody of a dog, cat or ferret over three months of age that has not been immunized against rabies as required by Ala. Code §3-7A-2. (2) The same animal shall be revaccinated at intervals specified in the vaccine’s license. (b) Every veterinarian whose office or place of business is located within the City shall keep detailed records of animal rabies vaccinations and shall provide rabies vaccination information to rabies officer and animal control officer upon request. Sec. 4-102 Domestic Animals that Reasonably Expose Humans to Rabies (a) When a domestic dog or cat bites or otherwise creates a condition that could reasonably expose or transmit rabies to any human being, the animal shall be immediately quarantined as provided in Ala. Code §3-7A-9 for a minimum period of ten (10) days from the date that the bite or exposure occurred, or longer as the rabies officer or animal control officer may deem necessary. (A home quarantine may be granted by the rabies officer, if certain criteria are met as defined by the Alabama Code.) (b) The owner shall submit the subject animal within 24 hours of notification by the rabies officer or animal control officer for quarantine in a facility approved by the rabies officer or animal control officer or a licensed veterinarian’s clinic in the City which has the facilities for isolation cages. (c) Any animal required to be quarantined under this section which in the determination of the rabies officer or animal control officer cannot be or is not being maintained in a secure quarantine may be humanely euthanized and a suitable sample submitted to the Alabama Department of Health for rabies diagnosis. (d) The owner of any animal that is reported to have rabies or symptoms thereof, or to have been exposed to rabies, or to have bitten, scratched or
otherwise created a condition which may have exposed or transmitted the rabies virus to any human being or animal, or that the owner knows or suspects to be rabid, or to have bitten, scratched or otherwise created a condition which may have exposed or transmitted the rabies virus to any human being or animal, shall submit such animal for quarantine to the rabies officer or animal control officer or to any police officer. (e) It shall be unlawful for the owner of an animal that has rabies or symptoms which could reasonably indicate rabies or that bites, scratches or otherwise creates a condition that may expose or transmit the rabies virus to any human being or other animal, to fail or refuse to comply with the provisions of this article. (f) It shall be a violation of this article for the owner of such animal to refuse to comply with the lawful order of the rabies officer or animal control officer in any particular case. (g) It shall be unlawful for the owner to sell, giveaway, transfer to another location or otherwise dispose of any animal known to have bitten or exposed a human being to the rabies virus until it is released from quarantine by the rabies office, duly licensed veterinarian or appropriate health officer. Article V Impoundment and Destruction Sec. 4-141 Impoundment. (a) Animals of the following classes may be captured and impounded in an animal shelter or other suitable place for the care of the animal: (1) Dangerous animals, subject to the procedures set forth in section 4-47. (2) Animals that are causing nuisances in violation of section 4-3. (3) Animals that have been bitten by an animal suspected of having rabies. (4) Any dog not wearing a current rabies vaccination tag. (5) Any cat whose owner cannot produce evidence of the rabies vaccination tag upon request of the ACO. (6) Abandoned animals and animals whose ownership is unknown. (7) Any animal running at large in violation of sections 4-43 and 4-85. (8) Female dogs and cats in breeding season not confined to the premises of the owners in such manner as to avoid nuisances and prevent access to other animals. (b) Animal Control Officers, law enforcement officers and officers of state-chartered nonprofit humane organizations shall have authority to pick up, catch, or procure and impound any animal in violation of this chapter or any animal infected or believed to be infected with rabies or other contagious or infectious disease to humans or animals in such a manner as is reasonably necessary to effectuate its capture. Impounded animals shall be confined in a humane manner at an animal shelter. (c) An impounded animal shall be held for at least seven (7) days including the day of impoundment, except a sick or injured animal which poses a threat to the safety of the personnel responsible for the care of such animal may be euthanized at the discretion of the impounding agency. The depositing of a letter of notification by first class U.S. mail shall constitute adequate notification of impoundment. The owner shall also be notified by phone, if possible. This section shall not apply to animals surrendered by the owner or an agent of the owner, in which case disposition may be made as provided in this chapter without notification or a holding period. At the expiration of the holding period, during which time a diligent attempt has been made to locate and contact the owner, the animal may be disposed of in a manner provided in this chapter. (d) A registry shall be maintained by the impounding agency. The registry shall contain identifying characteristics of each animal impounded along with the location, date and reason of each pickup. (e) For violations of this chapter, an owner may be subject to a written warning or such penalties as prescribed in this chapter, in addition to or in lieu of impoundment. Sec. 4-142 Redemption and Disposition. All animals which have been impounded in accordance with the provisions of this chapter may be disposed of as provided below: (1) Within the holding period, animals, except dangerous dogs, may be redeemed by the owner or his agent upon the payment of those fees or costs associated with the impoundment, as established by the city council. The owner entitled to posses-
B7 March 20, 2019 sion of an impounded dog or cat which does not have the required rabies inoculation certificate and tag shall have such animal inoculated and shall present proof of the issuance of such certificate and tag to the ACO within ninety-six (96) hours of the release from impoundment. (2) If not redeemed within the holding period, animals may be disposed of by humane euthanasia. (3) Those animals which would otherwise be disposed of by euthanasia may be offered to state-chartered nonprofit humane organizations, rescue groups approved by the Director or veterinarians for the purpose of providing adoption of such animals. Fees and costs may be waived for the disposition of animals in this manner. All dogs and cats placed with this organization shall be vaccinated and sterilized before said organization offers each animal for adoption. The adopter may enter into a written agreement that sterilization will be performed within thirty (30) days or prior to the age of six (6) months. Written document must be returned to the organization by the adopter of said sterilization. Failure to comply with the requirements of this subsection within the specified time shall constitute a violation of this section, and the ACO shall have the right to impound the animal. (4) Dangerous dogs will be disposed of in accordance with the provisions of section 4-47 of this chapter. Sec. 4-143 Fees and Charges; Administration (a) Any cat or dog, except a dangerous dog, impounded hereunder may be reclaimed as herein provided upon payment by the owner of the following: (1) Boarding fee charged by the City or any other state-chartered nonprofit organization or veterinarian or shelter designated by the city council. (2) The amount of vaccination fee, if necessary. (b) Any large animal impounded hereunder may be reclaimed as herein provided upon payment by the owner to the ACO or his assistants the following: (1) The actual costs incurred by the city in seizing, confining and transporting such animal. (2) Actual costs incurred by the city for boarding such animal. (3) The actual costs incurred by the city for veterinary care, if necessary. Sec. 4-144 Destruction of Certain Animals (a) Animal control officers and city police officers are authorized to destroy any animal at large breaching any provisions of this chapter, provided: (1) Such officer has made reasonable efforts to capture such animal or to locate the owner of the animal; and, (2) Such officer has been unable to capture the animal or is unable to locate the owner of the animal; and, (3) In that officer’s opinion, the animal constitutes a direct and immediate threat to public health, safety, or welfare. (b) Animal control officers, city police officers, and agents of the animal shelter are authorized to destroy any animal found within the city limits when: (1) Such animal is injured or diseased past recovery; or (2) Presents a direct and immediate threat to the public or any person individually. (c) The animal control officer and law enforcement officers are authorized to destroy any animal which has bitten or fiercely attacked any person causing severe injury, the loss of bodily function or death, when the animal control officer or law enforcement officer believes such animal constitutes a direct and immediate threat to the public health, safety, or welfare. (d) Taking into account all the relevant circumstances, animal control officers, city police officers and agents of an animal shelter are to employ the most humane means possible when exercising the authority granted under this section. Article VI Dead Animals. Sec. 4-181 Penalties. If any person that violates or refuses to comply with this article shall, upon conviction, be punished, in addition to such punishment, including a term of community service, as may be provided by the court, by minimum fines and penalties, for first conviction $100.00 or by imprisonment of not more than ten (10) days, for conviction of a second offense committed within one (1) year of the date of the first offense, such person shall be punished by a fine of $200.00 or by imprisonment of not more than thirty (30) days or by both such fine and imprisonment; for conviction of a third or subsequent offense committed within one (1) year of the date of the first offense, such
person shall be punished by a fine of $500.00 or by imprisonment of not more than three (3) months or by both such fine and imprisonment. Sec. 4-182 Disposal Limited It shall be unlawful for any person to dispose of any dead animal except as provided in this article. Sec. 4-183 Disposal Generally The owner or person in charge of animals that die or are killed in his possession or custody, other than such as are slaughtered for food, within 24 hours, shall notify the appropriate City official as set forth in Section 4-184 of such dead animal and request its removal as provided in Sections 4-184 and 4-185 or shall cause the remains of such animal to be cremated or buried at least two (2) feet below the surface of the ground in accordance with this article. Animals dying from any communicable disease whatsoever shall be reported to the City in accordance with Section 4-184. No such animal shall be buried near a residence or in such manner as to create a nuisance. In no case shall a dead horse, bull, mule, cow or other large animal be buried within 300 feet of a residence. Sec. 4-184 Appropriate City Official Notification (a) A large animal such as a horse, mule, cow or hog shall be reported to the Director. (b) Animals dying from any communicable disease shall be reported to the health department in addition to being reported to the appropriate City official for removal. Sec. 4-185 Removal By the City When a request is made to the Director or an animal control officer for a removal of a small dead animal or when request is made to the Director for the removal of a large dead animal, it shall thereupon be the duty of the official receiving the request to demand of\ such person his name and address, including street address and house number, and a description of the dead animal. Immediately upon receipt of the information demanded, the official receiving the request shall cause the remains of such dead animal to be removed and buried at least two (2) feet below the surface of the ground or to be burned. If death is due to a communicable disease, the remains shall be burned. However, the Director or an animal control officer may require that the requesting party place the dead animal in a securely fastened plastic bag or similar container and make the container accessible at the curb or at such other place upon the property as he may direct. Sec. 4-186 Fees For Removal By City For removal of any dead large animal such as a horse, mule, cow, sheep, goat or hog, the owner or person in charge of such animal or the person on whose property the dead animal is situated, requesting its removal by the City shall be charged the fee as established by the Environmental Services Department, and such fee shall bear a direct relationship to the cost of disposal. It shall be unlawful for any person liable for the expenses of such removal to fail to pay such fees. Article VI. Enforcement, Fines and Penalties Sec. 4-187 Enforcement (a) The animal control officers shall be under the general supervision of the Director of Environmental Services. The ACO shall, along with his assistants, enforce the provisions of this chapter. Any provisions of this chapter referring to the Director shall also mean and include any authorized employee acting in his stead and under his supervision. (b) The ACO, his assistants and members of the City police department shall have the right, for the protection of the public health, welfare and safety, to enter upon any property within the City for the purpose of capturing or impounding any animal which is in violation of this chapter. (c) Any expense incurred in the handling of any animal under the provision of this chapter shall be borne by the owner or custodian of such animal. (d) It shall be a violation of this chapter to interfere with any animal control officer while in the lawful performance of his duties or anyone who may be assisting in the performance of such duties. (e) Any person who lawfully refuses to sign and accept a citation issued by a law enforcement officer or the ACO shall be in violation of this chapter. (f) The City Council may subcontract with any state-chartered, non-profit humane organization or veterinarian to carry out part or all of the duties of this chapter. Said organization shall carry out the duties pursu-
See Legals, page B8
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Legals,
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ant to the provisions prescribed by this chapter Sec. 4-188 Citations and Warrants When any animal is found by the Director or by an animal control officer to be in violation of any provision of this chapter, except those listed in section 4-189(b) or as otherwise provided in this chapter and the person responsible becomes known to the Director or to the Animal Control Officer, he may issue a citation to the owner or person in charge for such violation directing him or her to appear in municipal court at a time and a date stated in the citation to answer to charges of violations of this chapter, and such charges shall be stated in the citation. For offenses listed in section 4-189(b), no prosecution shall be commenced and no arrest made pursuant to this section except upon affidavit made before and warrant issued by a judge or magistrate of the municipal court. Sec. 4-189 Penalties for Violation (a) Except for the offenses listed in subsection 4-189(b), any person convicted of violating any provision of this chapter within a twelve-month period shall be guilty of a violation and shall be punished as follows: (1) First violation: A fine of fifty dollars ($50.00); (2) Second violation: A fine of one hundred dollars ($100.00); (3) Third violation: A fine of
two hundred dollars ($200.00); (4) Fourth or any subsequent violation: A fine in an amount not exceeding five hundred dollars, ($500.00) or imprisonment of not more than six (6) months, or both such fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the municipal judge trying the case. Any person who has been charged with the violation of any provision of this chapter, except those offenses identified in section 4-189(b), and who desires to waive trial of the question of his guilt or innocence of such alleged offense, may pay the fine prescribed above to the municipal court of the city, and the municipal court magistrate is hereby authorized and instructed to receive such amount. Voluntary settlement shall not be permitted to any person who has been thrice convicted of the same offense prior to the date of the instant alleged offense, and such person shall be required to stand trial in municipal court. Offenses not settled as provided in this subsection prior to the court appearance date shown on the notice of violation will be disposed of in the same manner as is any case appearing on the regular municipal court docket. (b) Any person who is alleged to have committed any of the following offenses listed in this chapter shall be required to stand trial in municipal court: (1) Section 4-5: Abandonment of animals. (2) Section 4-8: Cruelty to animals. (3) Section 4-10: Animals in vehicles. (4) Section 4-42: Failing to register and maintain guard dogs. (5) Section 4-46: Keeping of
dangerous dogs. (6) Section 4-78: Large animals running at large. (7) Section 4-102(f): Refusal to obey order of rabies officer or ACO. (8) Sections 4-183, 4-184. 4-185 and 4-186: Disposal of dead animals. Any person convicted of any act listed in this subsection (b) shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) or imprisonment of not more than six (6) months, or both such fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the municipal judge trying the case. (c) Each day’s violation of any provision of this chapter shall constitute a separate offense. (d) In addition to the penalties provided in this section, the city council is hereby authorized to institute any appropriate action or proceeding including suit for injunctive relief in order to abate violations of this chapter. Section 2. Repealer Clause. All former ordinances or parts thereof conflicting or inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance are repealed. Section 3. Severability. If any section, clause, provision or portion of this Ordinance shall be held to be invalid or unconstitutional by any Court of any competent jurisdiction, said holding shall not affect any other section, clause, provision or portion of this Ordinance which is not in or of itself invalid or unconstitutional. Section 4. Effective Date. This Ordinance and the chapter hereby adopted shall take effect and be enforced on April 1, 2019. Section 5. Publication. The City
Clerk of the City of Opelika is hereby authorized and directed to cause a copy of this Ordinance to be published one (1) time in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Alabama. ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 19th day of March, 2019. /s/ Eddie Smith
PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA ATTEST: /s/ R. G. Shuman CITY CLERK TRANSMITTED TO MAYOR this the 20th day of March, 2019. /s/ R. G. Shuman
CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR APPROVED this the 20th day of March, 2019. /s/ Gary Fuller MAYOR ATTEST: /s/ R. G. Shuman CITY CLERK Legal Run 03/20/2019
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Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics Wednesday, March 20, 2019
Inside the Statehouse Local law enforcement officials warn Rural roads need fixing of fraud, scams during tornado recovery
L
ast week, we talked about the significance of roads and how important they are to the economic development of our state. We spoke about urban growth and expansion, especially the needs for highways in Huntsville and the improvement of the Port in Mobile. Well, I overlooked the needs and importance of our rural roads. Make no doubt about it, our rural roads need fixing too. A good many of the rural bridges in the state have been condemned and are hazardous for heavy trucks and school buses to travel. Many folks figure it would be cheaper to pay more for gasoline than it is to pay for having their frontends aligned and tires balanced every few weeks from hitting potholes in the road. Some of our farm-tomarket roads have not been fixed since Big Jim Folsom built them in the 1950s. Big Jim left an indelible legacy as governor with his legendary and necessary Farm-to-Market program. There are a good many stories and memories of Ole Big Jim surrounding his legend as a Farm to market Road and bridges builder. One of those stories comes out of Scottsboro and Jackson County in the northeast corner of Alabama. It is one of the prettiest parts of Alabama, especially in the fall. One of Big Jim’s favorite political friends was Represen-
By Steve Flowers tative John Snodgrass of Scottsboro. Big Jim loved John Snodgrass. The feeling was mutual. Big Jim decided to build a bridge and name it after his buddy. He didn’t just build a little bridge, he built a big bridge over the Tennessee River. The problem was they built the bridge where there was no road. Folks in Scottsboro marveled at the fact that the bridge they longed for was built without a road leading up to it. Big Jim and Snodgrass never worried about it for a minute. They told the good folks in the Tennessee Valley, “Don’t you know that if you build a bridge, they’ve got to build a road to it?” Sure enough, the road was built and is now the main thoroughfare through Sand Mountain – Highway 17 that runs through Jackson and Dekalb Counties. Ole Big Jim and Snodgrass were right, if you built a bridge a road will follow. Big Jim built the bridge for his friend with the intention of calling it the John Snodgrass bridge.
There has got to be a lot of opposition to naming it after John Snodgrass because some of the folks didn’t believe that you should name something after somebody who was living. Well, Snodgrass was heir to a great family name in Jackson County. His granddaddy and daddy had both been prominent judges in the county. One day, Big Jim pulled his friend Snodgrass aside and said, “John what was yore daddy’s name?” Snodgrass said, “John, just like me.” “What about your granddaddy?” John said, “John just like me.” Big Jim said, “Hell, they are both dead and they are named John Snodgrass. We will just name it after them and it will be really named after you.” Shortly after naming the Snodgrass bridge, Big Jim was going to name another bridge in North Alabama that he had gotten built. The good folks in this county had worked on this bridge project for over a decade and Big Jim had gotten it done. The probate judge of the county had spearheaded the project and waited diligently on it and the bridge was going to be named after him, rightfully so. Well, the day of the bridge opening ceremony was set and Big Jim was headed out of Montgomery in the governor’s limousine. As he passed the old Exchange Hotel he See Flowers, page B12
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Special to the Opelika Observer As Lee County and other parts of Alabama are struggling to recover from the devastating storms that struck on March 3, affected residents continue the hard work of clearing debris and repairing damage to homes and other structures. Attorney Gen.
Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer
Steve Marshall, Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes, Sheriff
Jay Jones and other local See Scammers, page B11
Sen. Richard Shelby receives AFBF’s ‘Golden Plow Award’ Special to the Opelika Observer
U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Alabama, received the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) Golden Plow Award last week in Washington, D.C. It is the highest honor the organization gives to sitting members of Congress. The presentation was made before 150 farmers attending the Alabama Farmers Federation’s (AFF) biennial Washington Legislative Conference. AFF is the state’s largest farm organization and an AFBF member. “Sen. Shelby is a champion for agriculture and consistently stands by policies that support and protect farmers and ranchers,” said AFBF Vice President Scott VanderWal, who made the presentation. “His leadership was key to passage of the Bipartisan Budget Act last year. The legislation provided much-needed disaster relief for farmers, made seed cotton eligible for
Photo special to the Opelika Observer
farm support programs and laid the groundwork for improvements to dairy risk management. Farm Bureau is grateful for his continued service to agriculture and rural America.”
AFBF’s Golden Plow Award recognizes members of Congress who exemplify agricultural leadership and support of Farm Bureau policies. See Shelby, page B12
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Rep. Mike Rogers meets with Lee County constituents
Special to the Opelika Observer U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers,
R-Saks, met with constituents during the Alabama Farmers Federation’s biennial Washington
Photos special to the Opelika Observer Shirley Lazenby of Opelika visited with Rep. Mike Rogers earlier this month in his Washington D.C. office. Lazenby was in town with the Opelika Bicycle Advisory Committee.
Legislative Conference in the nation’s capital March 5-7. During breakfast meetings, farmers and their congressman discussed issues of local and national relevance. Rogers is pictured with Lee County Farmers Federation members Ann and Charles Whatley; Beth and Josh Hornsby and Penny and Robert Walters.
Melissa Halford of Auburn visited with Rep. Mike Rogers earlier this month in his Washington D.C. office during the “Mornings with Mike” event. Halford was in town with the American Astronomical Society.
Attorney Gen. Steve Marshall, President Trump speak on drug trafficking last week Special to the Opelika Observer
Attorney General Steve Marshall joined President Donald Trump at the White House last week to brief him on the impact of drug trafficking at and between points of entry at the southern border. “I want to thank President Trump for his willingness to listen to state and local law enforcement on the destructive toll that drug trafficking is taking on our communities and families in Alabama and elsewhere along America’s southern border,” Marshall said. “Due to Alabama’s proximity to Atlanta, a major distribution point for drugs, and to Texas, a border state, Alabama has become a prime transit point for drug trafficking. The reality is that drug trafficking in my state, and across this country, is largely the result of an unsecured border. By failing to address this, everybody should under-
Marshall stand that we are setting up law enforcement for failure. “I also conveyed to the President that drug trafficking drives violent crime. Just in the past year in Alabama, we have had multiple incidents of violent crime—including crimes against children—committed by illegal immigrants who were here because of their roles in various drug-trafficking organizations. Even after being deported, sometimes multiple times, these criminals return to the drug trade and commit crimes against innocent Alabamians. It is reprehensible that we let this happen in America.” Marshall represented the nation’s state attorneys general and state law enforcement
in last week’s briefing with the president. He has been an outspoken supporter of the Trump administration’s efforts to construct a border wall along the U.S. frontier with Mexico as an effective barrier to block drug smuggling and human trafficking. Other participants in the White House briefing included, Jim Carroll, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy; Carla Provost, Chief, U.S. Border Patrol; officials with the Drug Enforcement Administration, and Customs and Border Protection; as well as law enforcement officials from Arizona, Illinois, Massachusetts and Texas. Last August, Marshall participated in a White House panel discussion on protecting America’s borders that included high-level officials from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Protection, as well as governors and senators from other southern border states.
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officials, last Friday joined with the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board at a news conference to warn against fraudulent practices and advise how consumers may better protect themselves. The tornadoes and storms caused damage extensively throughout the southeast region of Alabama, including in Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Crenshaw, Geneva, Henry, Lee, Macon and Washington counties. “The good people of Alabama are strong and determined, and we come together in times of crisis such as this,” Marshall said. “In the devastation left by these storms, there is rebuilding to be done. As we move forward, it is important that consumers are mindful that unscrupulous people may seek to take advantage of their misfortune. To those who have suffered damage, we urge you to take precautions for your protection, and to those who would take advantage of this disaster, we warn that home repair fraud is a serious crime that will not be tolerated.” “Protecting our citizens from nefarious opportunists during this difficult time is of the utmost importance to me and my office. To anyone who views this tragedy as your chance to come into our community and commit any manner of scam or fraudulent activity, you should be forewarned that we are keeping a vigilant watch and stand ready to prosecute you,” Hughes warned. “Our goal is to prevent anyone that has the intent to profit by taking advantage of the people in our community who have suffered the loss of loved ones and property,” Jones said. “We will be on alert for any reports of fraud committed under the guise of home and structure repair services. The sheriff’s office is dedicated to protecting our community from unscrupulous conduct during the recovery process.” Home Builders Licensure Board Executive Director Chip Carden cautioned homeowners who experienced damage, and emphasized the importance of the consumer knowing about the potential problems of contracting for homebuilding and remodeling jobs with unlicensed contractors. “Do your homework,” Carden advised. “Call any references the builder gives you and check with the Board to confirm if a builder is licensed and in good standing. Don’t be in a rush. A bad decision now can make a difficult decision even worse.” The Home Builders Licensure Board regulates and licenses homebuilders and remodelers, and maintains an official list of those who are licensed for consumers to check before hiring someone. This state license is required for jobs costing more
than $10,000, but consumers are urged to seek licensees even if the scope of the work is less than that. Plumbers, HVAC contractors and electricians must be licensed by the state regardless of the cost of work. There also may be local permitting and license requirements, so check with local city or county government. It is recommended that consumers take the following precautions when hiring a builder or someone to make home repairs: • Ask if they are licensed. Ask to see the card! The HBLB license is credit card-sized license – a sample is listed on HBLB’s website. One may check on a builder’s license status by calling 1-800-304-0853, or by visiting www.hblb.alabama.gov. • Ask for and check references, especially if the builder makes unsolicited contact with you or is from out-of-town. Get names and addresses, and call them. • Obtain several written estimates. Beware of estimates that are well below the market price or seem “too good to be true.” • Make sure quotes and contracts are in writing. Under state law, licensed homebuilders must use a written contract. Make sure it includes the contractor’s full name, address, telephone number, a description of the work to be performed, starting and estimated completion dates, and the total cost of the job. • Ask for proof-of-insurance, including workers compensation and general liability. • Never make a full payment or substantial down payment up front. Do not make a final payment until you are satisfied and all subcontractors have been paid. If they tell you that more money is needed in advance, be wary. • Ask if this particular job requires a permit and contact your local city and county government to see if a permit is required. Do not let them talk you into applying for a homeowner’s permit. If they do not want to be known to local officials, they may be hiding a bad reputation. • Make sure you can contact them. Be certain to get an office number and a cell phone number, and a physical address. Businesses with established addresses may be safer. Marshall urges consumers and officials to report any problems of alleged fraud or scams to his consumer protection office by calling toll-free 1-800-392-5658, by writing to 501 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama, 36130, or though the Attorney General’s main web page at www.ago. alabama.gov. District Attorney Hughes asks that anyone wishing to report fraudulent activity call his office at 334-737-3446. For more information, contact the Home Builders Licensure Board, located at 445 Herron St., in Montgomery by calling 334242-2230 or 1-800-304-0853 and visiting www.hblb.alabama.gov.
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A place for everyone R
eminded of the fruitful enrichment in process, I stand amid the studio surrounded by many students who have driven from miles around to attend the Thursday afternoon art class. Prompted by a current topic in conversation, I share with them observations from varying experiences. I go on to explain the therapeutic benefits of participating in cultural art activities, and relate this to the practice of meditation, prayer and various initiatives for improved mental and physical health. While we may come from different backgrounds, common threads which seem to unite all in studio are the threads of interest, self-improvement, exploration and the need to make space. As the conversation concludes, I commend every individual on their commitment to making time for them. I remind them, that for the hour they spend in studio each week, the whole world benefits. Through art, they have chosen to take a time out; they have
Flowers,
from B9
spotted his best drinking buddy. He got his driver to stop the car and grabbed his friend to join him on his journey to dedicate the bridge. To say that Big Jim and his friend had a couple of nips on the way would be an understatement. When Big Jim got to the dedication ceremony, he stumbled out of the car, barefooted, hair disheveled, tie loosened and drug his friend along with him. He stumbled to the stage and to the dismay of the crowd and especially the Probate Judge, pronounced the name of the bridge after his drinking buddy. He and his buddy, the proud honoree of a bridge, got back in the Governor’s car and drove back to Montgomery. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. Her served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.
Shelby,
from B9 Recipients are chosen for their philosophy or record that demonstrates a commitment to sound agricultural policies supported by Farm Bureau, the private enterprise system, fiscal conservatism and reduced federal regulation of businesses and individuals. Shelby said he was
YOUR DESTINATION for CONTINUED FINE ARTS EDUCATION STUDIO CLASSES | DRAWING, PAINTING & MORE for ALL AGES www.thesarahwestgalleryoffineart.com By Sarah West afforded themselves just one hour to pause, breathe, explore, earn and create something that imparts joy to the viewer. Whether the viewer be oneself or others, the joy derived from experiences like this extends far beyond the canvas framework, and studio perimeters. As young children assemble for their elementary school’s after-school art class, each one ties their apron and finds their place at an easel. Throughout the class, the immersive atmosphere directs attention towards art history, intrigu-
ing art styles, supplies and techniques. The hour passes quickly. As parents arrive, many children remain diligently painting, determined to reach their own goal for the day’s lesson. As we bid our weekly farewell, and fold the last of untied aprons, we catalog every student’s artwork and supplies for their return next week. We pack away the last of the mid-progression paintings with particular care, noting every students pride for their work. Their confidence and desire to apply
what they have learned is evident. Back at the Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, we gather round and review our Spring Program Schedule. This is a time to thrive, and we recognize a place to make space for another class, providing more enriching opportunities for everyone. Sarah West serves the Opelika Observer as a contributing columnist, with written works of cultural arts relevance and prose. She is a preservation and conservation
advocate, activist, and visual artist of American Illustration with a focus on Regional Narrative Painting. She is founder of the Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, A Center for Cultural Arts, Smiths Station, Alabama’s premier fine arts destination. She is the appointed Official Artist to the City of Smiths Station, a Lee County syndicated columnist, the director of her art center’s Cultural Arts Outreach Initiative which partners with local schools to make the arts accessible to all. She also serves a chief curator to
the City of Smiths Station, City Hall Art Galleries. She is a founding member of the Smith Station Historic Commission. She is a member of the Women’s Philanthropy Board- Cary Center, Auburn University College of Human Science. She is an elected member of the Society of Illustrators- NYC. She mentors art students of every age through weekly classes at her studio located in the heart of Smiths Station, Alabama. To learn more about her work and activism visit Sarah West Fine Art Gallery
Ending the military widows tax is the right thing to do By Sen. Doug Jones Special to the Opelika Observer As Americans, we all appreciate and support our troops and their families. Right? Of course we do. We fly the flag, hold parades in their honor, and praise these brave Americans – and their spouses and children – for their sacrifices on our behalf. We commit to serve them in return by promising quality health care, educational support and other earned benefits. So that’s why I was so shocked to learn recently that something completely reprehensible is happening to some of our military widows – and that is that they are being denied the survivor benefits they paid for and earned. This injustice is happening to as many as 65,000 surviving spouses – including more than 2,000 Alabamians – of honored to receive the award. “I have been truly blessed,” Shelby said, recalling the numerous committees he has served on in the Senate. “I have tried to address a lot of things that affect your everyday life. What you do is important. Agriculture is important, and I never forget that.” AFF President Jimmy Parnell praised Shelby’s leadership. “Senator Shelby is a friend of farmers and
military service members who were killed in action or died as the result of a service-related cause. Essentially, the problem is this: the federal government is trying to save a few bucks by ripping off military widows whose families paid extra to opt in to an additional life insurance plan. All military spouses whose loved ones die from service-related causes are able to collect full survivor benefits. Military families can also choose to pay extra into an additional insurance plan offered by the Defense Department – just like the kind of policy you or I would buy to ensure our loved ones were taken care of after we’re gone. The problem is that, right now, the government doesn’t let spouses collect their full benefits from both programs. Instead, they subtract the annuity from the basic survivor benefits these folks are entitled to. These grieving rural America,” Parnell said. “We are fortunate to have an advocate for agriculture serving as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Senator Shelby has earned the respect of his colleagues in Congress, which gives him the opportunity to be an influential leader not only for Alabama but also for farmers across the country.” Shelby was honored in 2003 with AFF’s Service To Agriculture
families – who paid out of pocket for an extra benefit – are penalized. This is the so-called “Widow’s Tax.” This doesn’t just apply to active-duty families, either. This applies to anyone who has a servicerelated death. In Alabama alone, there are more than 60,000 Department of Defense retirees whose families could be impacted by the widow’s tax if the retiree were to pass from a service-related reason. I understand we’ve got to be careful stewards of taxpayer dollars, but give me a break. This is a benefit these families paid for. If they’re not getting the money, it begs the question: who is? No surviving spouse should be faced with this kind of unexpected and completely unfair cut to the benefits they thought they could count on. No surviving spouse should have to fight for what their families are owed – in the Award — the organization’s honor. He was first elected to the Senate in 1986 and is serving his sixth term. In addition to serving as chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, he is a senior member on the Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee and the Committee on Rules and Administration. He also serves on the Committee on Environment and Public Works. Before his election
wake of a family tragedy, no less. No surviving spouses should have to mount a massive lobbying effort in the capital of this great country to get folks to understand that this is wrong and we need to fix it. Instead, they should be focusing on beginning to heal and find strength in their families. They should be given the space and time to grieve. It is absolutely shameful that our federal government would treat our military families this way. And that’s why I’ve introduced a bipartisan bill called the Military Widows Tax Elimination Act of 2019. It has almost 40 cosponsors in the Senate – and that number is growing by the day. This legislation been introduced in previous sessions of Congress, but it has yet to pass – in large part because of concerns about its cost. While I certainly understand that, we’re talking about something these families
have paid for on their own account. These folks are being robbed of the benefits that they thought they could count on. I’m grateful that our bill has support from the Gold Star Wives of America, VFW, the Military Officers Association of America, the National Military Family Association, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors and more than 30 other military families and veterans associations that are members of the The Survivors Coalition. In fact, several Gold Star Wives visited me in the Senate this past week to show their support for this bill in person. We have a fundamental responsibility to honor our promises to the families of the brave people who give up their lives for our country. I’m hopeful that we can right this wrong and finally pass the Military Widows Tax Elimination Act. It’s just the right thing to do.
in the U.S. Senate, he served four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives and eight years in the Alabama Legislature. He is a fifthgeneration Alabamian and a graduate of the University of Alabama’s undergraduate and law programs. Started in 1988, past Golden Plow winners include U.S. Senators John Barrasso, Wyoming, 2016; Charles Grassley, Iowa, 1990 and 1997; James Inhofe,
Oklahoma, 2009; Mitch McConnell, Kentucky, 2004; Jerry Moran, Kansas, 2004; Rob Portman, Ohio, 2017; Pat Roberts, Kansas, 1988 and 1996; and John Thune, South Dakota, 2015. House members who have been honored are U.S. Reps. Kevin Brady, Texas, 2016; Frank D. Lucas, Oklahoma, 2012; Collin Peterson, Minnesota, 2006; John Shimkus, Illinois, 2010; and Glenn Thompson, Pennsylvania, 2013.
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Local civic clubs hold meetings last week
Members receive information on relief efforts, the National Guard and a history of local restaurant Ali Rauch spoke to the Kiwanis Club of Opelika
Special to the Opelika Observer Ali Rauch is the director of marketing for Chicken Salad Chick (CSC). She gave the club a great history of the restaurant last week. Founder Stacy Brown was a stay-athome mom with three children that went through a divorce. She started making chicken salad and selling door-to-door. After gaining popularity, her operation was shut down by the local health department. She opened her first restaurant in 2008. They began franchising in 2012. CSC currently has 110 stores across the country. Forty-five stores are scheduled to open in 2019. All the chicken salad is made from scratch daily at every restaurant. They will soon be opening a store with a drive-through in Tiger Town. Pictured left to right are Bob Harris, Rauch and Joanne Camp.
Major Gen. Sylvester Cannon speaks to Opelika Rotary Club
Special to the Opelika Observer Major Gen. Sylvester Cannon (pictured above) talked to the Opelika Rotary club about the Alabama National Guard. Cannon is the assistant adjutant general of ANG. The Alabama Guard was formed in 1807. It has a dual mission: to provide domestic support operations and to provide reserve support to the active duty military. ANG is one of the top employers in Alabama, and has deployed more than 26,000 troops since 2001.
Michael Brown briefed the Opelika Rotary Club
Special to the Opelika Observer Michael Brown of the Red Cross briefed the Opelika Rotary Club on the on-going recovery efforts in Beauregard. Brown is executive director of the South Alabama Chapter of Red Cross, and is currently deployed in the affected disaster area. The Beauregard storm killed 23 Lee Countians and destroyed at least 200 structures. Red Cross to date has supplied more than 8,000 meals and more than 5,000 recovery items to affected people. In addition, nearly 2,500 healthcare contacts were made. Beauregard is Brown’s 39th deployment with the Red Cross. Pictured, from left are rotarian Dixie Broadwater, Brown and Shey Knight, member.
tenTHING
BRASS APRIL 2, 2019 Following her war mly received appearance with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra during the Perfor mance Series 2017-18 season, T ine Thing Helseth retur ns to introduce her fun and exciting ten-piece, all-female brass ensemble tenThing . Having fir mly established itself on the inter national scene to great acclaim, tenThing celebrates its commitment to outreach and access to music through a diverse reper toire that spans from Mozar t to W iel, Grieg to Ber nstein, and Lully to Bar tok.
UPCOMING SHOWS aT The OPeLIKa CeNTeR FOR The PeRFORMING aRTs To purchase tickets, call 334.749.8105 or visit eastalabamaar ts.org
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Last week’s answers:
3-13 Scramblers Answers: 1. Cloak, 2. Absent, 3. Period, 4. Perch Solution: KITCHEN
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B15 March 20, 2019
Final schedule announced for ‘Sip & Savor Spring’ at Callaway Resort & Gardens Special to the Opelika Observer The quintessential spring culinary celebration, Sip & Savor Spring, will be taking place once again at Callaway Resort & Gardens March 2831. Located just under an hour from Opelika, it’s worth the short drive to see where spring begins. All tickets include day admissions to the garden. See Callaway’s world-famous azalea gardens, showcasing a dazzling display of native and cultivated azalea varieties, with more than 20,000 azaleas – plus fresh blooms of dogwoods, crabapples, daffodils and tulips. NEW this year: An outstanding value and a way to see Callaway for the Day: • March 30 – S3 Day Pass for $99 includes the following tickets: Waffle House Showdown, Tastings Under the Big Top and Callaway Resort & Gardens Admission for the day. Tastings Under the Big Top: All-inclusive food and drink ticket with souvenir glass and more than 300 varieties of beverages, 15-plus restaurants and BBQ Alley with some of the South’s leading pitmasters and chefs including: Bryan Furman, B’s Cracklin’ BBQ, Atlanta, GA; Grand Champion BBQ, Atlanta, GA; One Hot Mama’s, Orchid Paulmeier and more. The Sparkling Garden features a variety of sparkling beverages in the gardens and live music with the soulful sounds from Laiken Love and Fellowship of Love Band from Savannah, Georgia. The four-day final schedule includes. • March 28 - The James Beard Foundation Celebrity Chef Tour Dinner at The Lodge and Spa Conference Center will begin at 6 p.m., with limited tickets still available. Celebrity guest chefs for the dinner include: Maneet Chauhan, Nashville, Tennessee, restaurateur, chef/author and television personality; James Beard Foundation award-winning chefs, Steven Satterfield, Miller-Union, Atlanta and Rodney Scott, Rodney Scott’s BBQ, Charleston, South Carolina and James Beard Foundation nominee Rob McDaniel, SpringHouse, Alexander City. • March 29 - The Bloom Master Class Series, located at The Gardens Restaurant and the Overlook Azalea Garden, will include: - “Entertaining Napa Valley Style” with Suzanne Phifer Pavitt, Proprietor, Phifer Pavitt Wine and Michael Sullivan, Master Butcher, American Butcher, Birmingham. - “Biscuits and Bundts” with Brian Hart Hoffman, Editorin-Chief, Bake from Scratch Magazine and President/Chief Creative Officer of Hoffman Media, Birmingham. - “Big Green Egg, Al Fresco in the Overlook Azalea Garden” with Brandon Carter, Executive Chef/Owner, FARM Bluffton and Kevin Ryan, Service Brewing, Savannah. • March 29 - Sip & Savor on the Lake, 7 to 9 p.m. An interactive culinary and beverage event with souvenir glass, featuring tastings on the water under the Ski Pavilion. Join in the fun with live music along with some well-known Southern celebrity guests and local chefs. This event will also feature a live auction to benefit the Ida Cason Callaway Foundation. • March 30 – Waffle House Showdown, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Chefs competing include: David Carrier, Certified Burgers & Beverage, St. Simons Island, Georgia; Orchid Paulmeier, One Hot Mama’s, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina; Jennifer Booker, Chef/Author, Atlanta, Georgia; Clayton Rollison, Lucky Rooster Kitchen + Bar, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. • March 30 - Tastings Under the Big Top, 2 to 5 p.m., Florida State University (FSU) High Flying Circus Tent. This is the main event with music, food and beverages featuring hundreds of beverage tastings, culinary bites from local res-
taurants and chefs from around the southeast. Enjoy celebrity chef demonstrations, cookbook authors, and other interactive show-casings. In addition, some of Georgia's best homegrown products will be available in the Georgia Grown Market, along with gourmet foods and crafts. • March 31 - Longleaf Brunch, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Celebrate spring flora and fauna lakeside, at the beautiful Gardens Restaurant. The brunch will offer a scrumptious showcase by the Callaway Resort & Gardens culinary team. An all you can eat and drink culinary buffet with champagne and
Bloody Mary bars, wine, beer and spirits tastings. Callaway Resort & Gardens, a public, educational, horticultural and charitable organization, is owned and operated by the nonprofit Ida Cason Callaway Foundation. Several of the Sip & Savor Spring events and 100 percent of the live and silent auction proceeds from the festival will benefit the Ida Cason Callaway Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. Callaway Gardens is made possible by the Ida Cason Callaway Foundation, which relies on membership, donations and
support of its programs, events and fundraising activities to sustain. Foundation donations made possible by Sip and Savor Spring will specifically support the Overlook Gardens Restoration project. The annual Sip & Savor Spring is the resort’s signature, culinary event during Celebrate Spring! The most up-to-date festival information is available on the website at www.sipandsavorspring.com/about.html; Twitter - www.twitter.com/sipsavorspring; Facebook - www. facebook.com/SipandSavorSpring and Instagram at www. instagram.com/sipsavorspring/.
TOP 5 THINGS NOT TO MISS AT SIP & SAVOR SPRING
March 28 – 31, 2019 Tickets Available at SipandSavorSpring.com
Weekend Getaway with an All-Inclusive Food + Drink Ticket! 5
Tastings Under the Big Top
BBQ ALLEY
The South’s best BBQ superstars in one place – with wine, spirits and beer tastings all included with your ticket for Saturday!
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Callaway Resort & Gardens
Ski Pavilion on Robin Lake
WHERE SPRING BEGINS!
SIP & SAVOR ON THE LAKE
Over 20,000 varieties of azaleas, tulips, dogwoods and more in bloom! The recently renovated resort boasts scenic beauty at every turn! Garden admissions included with all tickets!
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Bryan Furman, B’s Cracklin’ BBQ
Friday evening culinary and wine, spirits and beer tasting stations with a souvenir glass
1 TASTINGS UNDER WAFFLE HOUSE SHOWDOWN THE BIG TOP Kicking things off on Saturday at 11:30 am with a lively Waffle House celebrity chef competition, breakfast, Bloody Mary’s & Mimosas included O FFI C I A L S P O N S O R S
MEDIA SPONSORS
Saturday afternoon, 2 - 5 pm main event with live music, all you can eat and drink with souvenir glass
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COMICS
A good laugh heals a lot of hurts. — Madeleine L’Engle