Opelika Observer 4-11-2018 E-Edition

pelika O Observer

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Vol. 10, No. 27

Opelika, Alabama

Turn to A2 for more photos from the 2018 A-Day Autism 5k Fun Run/Walk

“By local people, for local people.”

Project Uplift: giving children hope for a better life, future

By Shawn Kirkpatrick Opelika Observer “We are giving the children hope,” said Project Uplift Coordinator Chris Nunn. “Project Uplift is a preventative program, to help children make good decisions, excel in school and feel good about themselves - even though they may be born into a single parent home, or their mom or dad are in jail and being raised by their grandmother. Despite all that, we want them to know you can still make it and do great things with your life.”

The heart of the program is the volunteer mentors, who are mostly students at Auburn University. “We recruit countywide, trying to attract positive male and female role models to be mentors to the children in our program,” Nunn said.

“Right now we have 300 to

or brownies, to throwing around the football. The sky is the limit.”

Many mentors continue their relationship with the children after they have graduated and the kids have aged out of the program. Project Uplift Mentor Maggie Mitchell has graduated from AU and is still helping her two children.

“Once I got to Auburn, Shawn Kirkpatrick/Opelika Observer I knew I wanted to sign up. It has been absolutely the program.

400 children in the prothe most amazing thing I “Volunteers give two gram and only 200 menhave done,” Mitchell said. full semesters, or a year tor volunteers. We have a “When I first met them, commitment to the progreat need for mentors in they were both just in fosgram. Many of our mentors our program.” ter care and struggling with choose two to three kids The children in the protheir lives.

When I first met from one family, or they’ll gram are 5 to 12 years old Denise, she was struggling pair two families together and all live in Lee County. at school, not making good depending on their comThey are referred to the grades. She got in trouble fort levels,” Nunn added. program by their families, every day. Seeing the out“They spend two to three juvenile court and social come for them, after showworkers. The child can stay hours a week with their ing them love, has been the kids. They do everything in the program as long as best part about it.” from helping with homethe mentors that have chosen them want to remain in work, to making cookies See Uplift, page A3

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Brandon Hughes shares thoughts, changes on first year in office

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor

Improving efficiency, changing culture and engaging more with the community are all goals Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes said he and his team have achieved during his first year in office.

See Hughes, page A6

Lee County Youth 10th annual Development Center - Storybook “A Place of Service” Derby slated

for May 5

By Morgan Murphy For the Opelika Observer

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Like father, like son

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor

For Opelika Fire Department Capt. Kenneth Blair and his son Logan, the father-son connection extends beyond family to hearts full of a desire to serve and give back to their communities.

Kenneth, a 22-year veteran of the OFD, said he gave Logan numerous opportunities through his childhood to experience the way and life of a fireman.

“With me being in the fire service and him being raised around a lot of the fire department

Shawn Kirkpatrick/Opelika Observer

By Shawn Kirkpatrick Opelika Observer “It’s such a blessing for us to be tucked right here in the center of Opelika.

We are a little campus unto ourselves. I don’t believe in luck. I believe in fate and divine intervention that we are located in this

See Father-Son, page A3

spot,” said Lee County Youth Development Center Executive Director Laura Cooper.

Tucked away in a neighborhood off Pepperell Parkway on Spring Street, the nonprofit Lee County Youth Development Center (LCYDC) offers several See LCYDC, page A10

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

RELIGION.................................B3 COMMUNITY.............................B4 ENTERTAINMENT.......................B9

Opelika's Storybook Farm will hold their 10th annual "Kentucky Derby Dinner and Auction" fundraiser May 5 beginning at 4 p.m.

The event will be held on the grounds of Storybook Farm. Guests are invited to don their dapper attire and enjoy mint juleps while enjoying the music, games, food and fun.

This year's event is presented by Stone Martin Builders. No guest speaker has been selected, but this year's honorary chair will be Lucinda Cannon, with the W. James Samford Foundation.

Guests will be given the chance to win a brand new vehicle donated by Lynch Toyota of Auburn by picking the first five finishers in the running of the 144th Kentucky Derby. Other awards up for grabs are See Derby page A10

pelika O Observer.com

pelika O Observer

A2 April 11, 2018

“Cops on Top” fundraising event slated for April 13

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor

For more photos from the Autism 5k Run/Walk held last week, visit www.opelikaobserver.com.

Subscribe to the Opelika Observer Today!

Name: Address: City: Phone number: Email address:

State:

ZIP:

Payment Type (circle one): Check / Credit Card Visa or Master Card # Exp. Date:

/

Security Code:

Amount Paid:

• $25 for 1 year (inside Lee County) $35 for 1 year (outside of Lee County) •

The annual “Cops on Top” fundraiser to promote and benefit the Lee County Special Olympics will be held April 13 at Kroger in Tiger Town.

From 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., sponsored members of the Opelika Police Department and Lee County Sheriff’s Department will stand on top of the entrance to the grocery store, with a goal of shattering the nearly $7,900 raised from last year’s event.

Proceeds from this year’s fundraiser will be used to cover the overall costs of attending both the Alabama and national Special Olympic Games, which will

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

be held in Seattle this summer.

“Every year, these dollars go to local travel, travel to our state games in Troy, where they stay three nights. We take nearly 40 athletes to state, which always presents us with (financial) needs,” said Mary Katherine Pittman, LCSO intern and event organizer.

“We are sending 1520 athletes from Lee County to Seattle for the national games, which they hold every four years. So, some of those dollars raised will be used to cover airfare, hotel fees, food (and) cost of transportation for a trip that will be a week long.”

OPD Capt. Bobby Kilgore said the department chooses to assist LCSO because

pelika Observer

O

Phone: 334.749.8003 Fax: 334.749.8009 editor@opelikaobserver.com

of the joy and opportunities given to children with special needs.

“This is one of their biggest fundraisers of the year, so they really depend on these donations to keep doing this good work that they do. It’s such a worthwhile cause, and that’s why we partner with them,” Kilgore said.

Officers from Auburn’s Police Department will also participate in the event, standing on the roof of the Auburn Kroger, which is located on North Dean Road.

For more information on the event, visit the LCSO Facebook page, or call Director Elizabeth Kaufman at 334-5012939.

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

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

CORRECTIONS The Opelika Observer will correct any errors, omissions or

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

inaccuracies deemed to be substantive. Corrections may be re-

Please do not send cash through the mail.

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

pelika O Observer

A3 April 11, 2018

OLLI at Auburn Hosts Opelika City Council approves liquor license request for new Dollar General on Samford Avenue Wisdom Wednesday’s

By Shawn Kirkpatrick Opelika Observer

Lecture Series Guest Carol Daron

Memorial Library.

She said she wants to try to come up with a solution and a plan to tackle the problem.

In other business, the council: -approved $5,000 on behalf of the local chapter of the American Cancer Society and its annual Relay for Life, April 27, Courthouse Square, 6 p.m. to midnight.

-approved $2,500 for Keep Opelika Beautiful 2018 Garden in the Park, May 5, at Opelika Municipal Park from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

-approved $4,000 for the Dream Day Foundation, a community nonprofit sponsoring the first Black Male Summit at the Opelika Performing Arts Center April 21 -approved the submission of grant application to the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs -approved website policies for the city’s updated website -approved the amending of a resolution regarding the Opelika Rotary Club’s donation of trees, which per-

mitted the purchasing and planting of Saucer Magnolia trees, instead of Cleveland Select Pears.

There were two special offerings of the pledge of allegiance at the meeting. Dallas Henderson and Peter Kambeitz, both seniors at Opelika High School (OHS), were asked to give the pledge of allegiance by Principal Farrell Seymore.

Henderson gave his pledge using a DynaVox Communication Device that helps facilitate sppech.

His mother, Sharon Henderson, said Dallas has a good mind and heart and is a typical teenager. “He loves girls, music, his iPhone and people. He also likes sports and

plays baseball with the Miracle League.

He’s an awesome kid who does have a lot of challenges, but he keeps persevering,” she said.

Kambeitz holds the title of Mr. OHS. That title is given to someone who represents the values of Opelika and OHS. The winner gets a $500 scholarship.

At OHS, Kambeitz is also the vice president of Future Business Leaders of America, in the Philanthropy 101 program, runs cross-country, is the senior class secretary and president of the Spanish club. “I’m also in the marching band, jazz band or any band that is offered. I play the trombone,” he added.

Uplift, from A1

go home with me to see my parents on the weekend,” Mitchell explained. “Markel knows I expect more from him.

He strives to do his best.

He shows me his good grades, and he is excited about it.”

Markel has aged out of the program, but since Mitchell is still paired with him, he can stay in it until she stops, which she says she will never do. “They know I’m coming back and will get them every week. They’re my family now. It has made a difference in my life. It’s shown me the things that I take for granted.”

Nunn explained that

serving children and families is his passion.

“Seeing kids and families survive through crisis, it makes me complete. Working with the juvenile system and seeing kids come in so young and heading right into the penal system, I thought there has to be a way for me to intervene in their lives early.”

Nunn added that the Lee County community has been wonderful and has a lot of resources for families.

“We want the kids to know that this is a city and a community that loves and adores you. I love seeing kids succeed and excel. Our program is a phenom-

enal program, and the impact it’s made on the lives of children is awesome.”

There are more than 100 kids on the waiting list to get into the program. Nunn said they are in dire need of volunteers, and anyone that is 19 years of age and older can mentor.

The next training session for volunteer mentors is April 15 from 3-7 p.m. at Cary Hall’s Auditorium 158 on the Auburn campus.

Anyone who is interested in the program can show up at the training.

For more information on Project Uplift, visit auburn.edu/projectuplift.

Father-Son, from A1

me to be a firefighter.

Ultimately, my dad and his heart for this line of work was my inspiration to do this,” Logan said.

The two’s passion for firefighting merged at a recent fire-training exercise for OFD members and other area fire departments. Suiting up together, the duo participated in a searchand-rescue drill which allowed Kenneth to share his deep knowledge of firefighting with Logan.

“What he has learned over 20plus years of being in firefighting, it’s hard to learn all of it that quick. He tried to teach me what he could on the spot, like staying low, keeping a constant look on your TIC (thermal imaging camera) and lots of other stuff,” Logan said.

Kenneth said those minutes shared with

One city council member voted “no” and voiced concerns after a request for a retail beer and wine license by Dollar General on 23 Samford Ave. “I can’t with a good conscience support it (the request) considering the location of this particular store next to a neighborhood where there is a lot of shooting and killings,” said Opelika City Council Member Ward 2 Tiffany Gibson-Pitts.

Gibson-Pitts said the store on Samford backs up to Chester Avenue and Dover Street where there have been several incidences of violence.

“Someone was just murdered on Chester Avenue. It’s a high crime area in Ward 2. I didn’t want to support bringing in beer and wine for that particular area,” she said.

The request was approved, despite GibsonPitts’ protest. The councilwoman held a public meeting to address the gun violence in the area April 9 at the Lewis Cooper Jr.

Mitchell said Denise, now 9, has just started Girl Scouts and is in the gifted program at her school. She was adopted by her foster parents.

Markel is now 13.

He is back living with his biological mother and just signed up for baseball. Mitchell said it was a rocky start for Markel.

“He was suspended every year in the second, third and fourth grade.

We set up a reward system. If he didn’t get suspended, he could

and around some of the other guys’ kids as well, he got to be a part of the firehouse camaraderie and see some of the training that we do and grow up in that type of atmosphere,” Kenneth said. “I think those experiences are a part of his desire to do this.”

Logan, who is 19 years old, works fulltime in construction and part-time with the Alexander City and Dadeville fire departments. His original plan was to pursue a career in the Marine Corps after graduating from high school, but he was medically declined last year.

“When I found out that I wasn’t accepted into the (Marines), I decided that there was still a greater chance for

Special to the Opelika Observer

Shawn Kirkpatrick/Opelika Observer

his son were hard to encapsulate in words.

“It was pretty touching for me to know that some of the first training he gets is something that I get to be a part of and help him build up.

It gives me a lot more confidence that he’s getting started out right and that me, his father, could be a part of that,” Kenneth said.

After finishing EMT school, Logan said he will begin fire school and pursue the occupation full-time if he passes.

“I’m thinking he’s going to be a better firefighter than me one day.

He really has a desire for the fire service, and I think he’s going to do really, really well,” Kenneth said.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Auburn University (OLLI at Auburn) will host its lecture series titled “Wisdom Wednesday’s” on April 18 from 2:30 - 4 p.m. at the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art located at 901 S. College St. in Auburn.

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

Featured lecture guest will be Carol Daron providing a presentation titled “An Examination of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night”.

“Twelfth Night” is a popular Shakespearean comedy with one of the two funniest characters in the repertoire - the famous, madly obsessed Malvolio, who is second only to Falstaff.

Daron’s presentation will focus on how various interpretations of the play affect the general appreciation of the play’s meaning.

The presentation will include video scenes from different productions in order to allow comparison.

The central question is whether Malvolio’s pomposity and egoism are character flaws so base that he deserves the cruelty to which he is subjected and if so, how that understanding can be presented in a way that does not overshadow the comic spirit.

There will also be a discussion of the plot,

the comedic use of misidentification when invariably one twin is mistaken for the other and the dramatic and cultural expectations of a play in Shakespeare’s day.

Daron has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Huntingdon College, a Master of Arts from Florida State University and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Auburn University.

She taught in the Auburn English Department for more than 30 years, was Director of the Ascent of Man/Human Odyssey science-humanities course sequence and then served as Assistant Provost for Undergraduate Studies until her retirement. She has been an OLLI member since 2006.

OLLI at Auburn offers academic notfor-credit programs for adults aged 50 years or older through program sites at Auburn University, AUM in Montgomery and the Chambers County Public Library in Valley.

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

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

A4 April 11, 2018

pelika O Opinion

Trying to reason with snowbird season

D

ferent. own on the coast, locals Residents complained that are getting ready for the the visitors were rude, pushy, Spring Break invasion. and above all, “Yankee.”

Which means Snowbird seaFinding themselves in an son is almost over. unfamiliar environment they “Snowbirds” – a name that drove at a snail’s pace and was once spoken in derision clogged up the streets. They that has now become a term of

By Hardy Jackson could not understand local acendearment -- at least among cents and slowed the lines at coastal Chambers of Commerce the grocery store and pharmacy. And they and Tourist Development Councils.

Snowbirds are the consequence of a care- were always telling locals that they knew a better way to do anything that a southerner fully crafted promotional campaign aimed was trying to do. at middle-class retirees from the Midwest As a result, a local beach musician made who could close up their G.I. Bill-bought good money selling bumper stickers that and union wage paid-for homes when the read, “If this is Snowbird Season, why snow began to fall and come South for the can’t we shoot ‘em.” winter.

Local frustration boiled over in the Not way South – like Miami or Fort spring of 1997, when flyers appeared on Lauderdale – but sorta South, like Orange Beach or Panama City. Let the top 2 percent the windows of cars with out-of-state tags that were parked at Orange Beach and Gulf go to those balmy resorts. They can afford to winter in Boca. For those less affluent but Shores shopping centers. Put there by a group calling itself the “Coalition of Percomfortable, those whose kids were grown manent Residents,” the bulletins announced and gone, those who just wanted winter a that their organization would seek to pass a little warmer and a lot cheaper, Alabama’s twenty-dollar monthly “vexation tax” that coast and the Florida Panhandle beckoned. would be levied on every Snowbird that And they came.

A trickle at first, then a steady stream, and came down to the coast, a fee to compensate for “the mental anguish and frustraby the 1970s motel owners who normally closed during the winter began staying open tions encountered every day by permanent residents (trying) to get to their appointed to accommodate the visitors. And accommodating the visitors became an obsession. rounds.”

Tourist Development officials and coastLocal Chambers of Commerce turned al Chambers of Commerce were horrified local public buildings into “Snowbird Weland began a campaign to assure visitors come Centers,” where the newly arrived that no such levy was even being considcould register by state so they could find ered. However, the point was not lost on folks from “back home” to hang out with. the Snowbirds, who let it be known that Soon Michigan Clubs, Indiana Clubs, even Chicago Clubs were created. Then came the if they were not welcome on the Alabama coast, there were other places they could bridge tournaments, bingo nights, dances go. and such, for these were active people who On the other hand, some thought the were not here just to sit in the sun. whole thing was silly and one wrote that he Visitors were also encouraged to mingle was not worried about “what one fool with with the residents. Churches invited them a typewriter and a somewhat poor grasp of in. Local eateries advertised “early bird specials” which appealed to those worn out grammar says.”

Ironically, the whole thing might have from the day’s doings. The Flora-Bama even got into the mix by hosting a Wednes- worked to the Snowbirds’ advantage because coastal promoters doubled their efday night pot-luck supper.

Yet, like so many things planned and car- forts to make the visitors happy and instead of driving off the offenders from the North, ried out by Tourist Development Councils the effect was just the opposite. and coastal Chambers of Commerce, not So, if you are planning to come to the everyone was happy with the results.

But they should not have been surprised. coast during winter months be warned – you will have company. But be patient.

People who are attracted to an area beWhen the ice melts in Minnesota, the cause it is cheap are not inclined to spend Snowbirds will head home. much, so the economic benefit was never Then the college kids will arrive for what coastal businesses hoped. Canadians, Spring Break. who joined the migration, were especially Don’t say I didn’t warn you. frugal and the running joke was that “a CaHarvey H. (“Hardy”) Jackson is Profesnadian comes down with double knit shirt sor Emeritus of History at Jacksonville and a $100 bill and doesn’t change either.”

State University. He can be reached at And people who come down from a hjackson@cableone.net. different part of the country are, well, dif-

Angel stories I

When Carol was was in Winn-Dixie on a girl, her mother important business— was awakened in the buying Chili Cheese middle of the night.

Fritos, a Superman comic, An old woman was and a jar of Skippy for my standing over her dog. I met a man who recbed. She had long ognized me. white hair and wore The man shook my hand

By Sean Dietrich a dress. and said: “Hey, I like your The house was on angel stories.” fire. The walls, the ceiling, the carHis name was Allen, and he told me an angel story of his own. And I pet. It was a scene from hell. The old woman said to Carol’s mother, promise to tell it to you. But first, I “Wake up, it’s time to go.” owe you a brief history on myself.

Carol’s mother followed the When my father died, I was woman through a maze of inferno twelve. I was a lonely kid, modand managed to rescue her two erately chubby, uncoordinated, sleeping daughters. The old woman duck-footed. I had a nose the size of Mount Rushmore, and a deep af- was never seen again.

And now for Allen. fection for Chili Cheese Fritos. I’m Allen is an ironworker. One day, getting ahead of myself. he was walking iron beams, unseAs a boy, my mother’s friend cured. Normally, Allen would’ve gave me a paperback book with a been tied off with a harness, but worn cover. The book was titled: he’d been careless that morning.

“Angels: God’s Secret Agents.”

He slipped. He started to fall, but I was thinking to myself, “Gee before his feet ever left the iron, thanks, lady. Why would any redsomeone grabbed Allen’s jacket. A blooded boy want a sissy book on young man with a black beard held angels?”

Today, it’s books on cherubs. To- Allen before he fell ten stories.

The bearded man said, “Careful morrow, it’s pedicures and swapnow, Allen.” ping lemon bar recipes at bridge Allen didn’t recognize him. None club. I read the book three times of his coworkers remember ever through. Cover to cover.

And I hoped I would see an angel seeing the man.

Allen cried when he told me the someday. In fact, I wanted it so story—right in the Winn-Dixie. bad it almost hurt. But I never saw So. a single feather. And somewhere To the young version of me, along the way, I just gave up hopwho’s reading this right now—eating. ing Fritos. And to the kid who Anyway, years later I started wants to have proof of something writing. I wasn’t thinking much big. about miracles anymore. Then I To the person who needs a good met an old man at a nursing home. thing to believe in before they leave His name was Ben. “I was a boy,” said Ben. “I’s rid- for work this morning. To the sining in the bed of my daddy’s truck, gle mother who feels overlooked.

The young couple, grieving my brother was following behind in for an infant. The man diagnosed another car…” with an autoimmune disorder. The The truck hit a bump. Ben woman diagnosed with breast canbounced out and hit the dirt. His cer. The kid who just lost his dog. brother couldn’t stop in time and The girl reading these words on her ran straight over Ben. phone.

Ben’s rib cage was crushed. His And to you. You’re not alone. lips turned blue. His father cried.

Sean Dietrich is a columnist, and Then, a man appeared. A drifter, novelist, known for his commentary wearing a fedora, carrying a duffle bag. The man said nothing. He only on life in the American South. His work has appeared in Southern touched Ben’s chest once. Ben’s Living, the Tallahassee Democrat, ribs expanded. The man disapSouthern Magazine, Yellowhampeared. mer News, the Bitter Southerner, Ben lived until ninety-one. the Mobile Press Register and he Here’s another, sent to me by a has authored seven books. reader:

Inside the Statehouse

T

here are dramatic differences between our congressional delegation of the 1940’s-1960’s and our group on the Potomac today. Obviously, their partisan badges have changed, as have Alabamians. There is also a tremendous difference in power and seniority of that era versus today’s group. That bygone era of Alabama congressmen were very progressive New Deal Democrats, whereas our delegation today is one of the most conservative in America.

Their paths to Congress were also very different. It was as though the earlier folks had been born to be in Congress.

They all went to the University of Alabama for college and law school, went off to fight in the World War, came back to their hometown to practice law for a short while before going off to Congress for a 20-30 year tenure of “Going

is a RepubAlong to lican who Get Along.” was born Today’s and raised delegation in Baldwin seems to County in the have gotten heart of the there by actraditional cident. Of

By Steve Flowers first district. the seven, This district two went to is primarily a Baldwin Duke, one to Harvard, and Mobile seat. Hisone to New York Unitorically it has had great versity, one to Birmingcongressmen. Frank ham Southern, one to Boykin, Jack Edwards, Jacksonville State, and Sonny Callahan, and Jo one to the University Bonner have more than of Alabama. Six of the aptly represented them seven have law degrees, over the past 80 years. which is the only simiByrne is a lawyer by larity to the bygone era. profession. He graduAs we look toward next year’s election, let’s ated from Duke undertake a look at our current graduate and University of Alabama Law School. congressional delegates since all are on the ballot He served five years in the Alabama State Senthis year. Congressmen ate before becoming run every two years but chancellor of the State seldom lose. Once you Community College get to Washington the System where he served power of incumbency several years. He ran for is tremendous. All of governor in 2010 and led the Washington special interest money gravitates the first primary, but lost to Robert Bentley in the to incumbents. runoff. He won a SpeFirst District Congressman Bradley Byrne cial Election to Congress

in December of 2013.

He has taken to Congress like a duck to water. He is 62 and serves on the Armed Services and Rules Committees.

He will win reelection to a third term this year.

Second District Congresswoman Martha Roby is the only seat in play this year. She is vulnerable. Roby made a terrible mistake by saying that she was not going to vote for the Republican nominee, Donald Trump, last year.

The backlash was dramatic.

She is being challenged by three significant GOP opponents.

Former Montgomery Mayor and Congressman, Bobby Bright, will be tough. State Representative, Barry Moore, of Enterprise chose to challenge Roby rather than seek reelection to the Legislature. He has been running against Roby for over a year.

Rich Hobson is Roy Moore’s chief ally. He

will be the heir apparent to Judge Moore’s Wiregrass organization.

Bright, Moore and Hobson were all born and raised in the Wiregrass.

Third District Congressman Mike Rogers, R-Anniston, is building some seniority and will be a safe bet for reelection. At the end of this term, he will have 16 years of seniority. He serves on the Armed Services and Agriculture Committees where he is building power.

The crown jewel of our congressional delegation is Robert Aderholt, R-Haleyville. Aderholt got to Congress at 30 years old and has 22 years of seniority. He is only 52 and is a ranking member of the Appropriations Committee. He will be reelected to a 12th term next year.

Congressman Mo Brooks ran a very good race for the U.S. Senate last year. He will probably run again in 2020 against Democrat

Doug Jones. He will be reelected to his Congressional seat this year, and get ready for another Senate run.

Sixth District Birmingham Congressman Gary Palmer will win reelection to his suburban Jefferson/Shelby Republican seat. He is unopposed for a third term.

Our only Democratic Congressperson is a Harvard educated lady.

Terri Sewell is a lawyer, who had a successful law practice in Birmingham before being elected to Congress from the Seventh District eight years ago. The Selma native is on a fast track in Washington. She will go back for another two-year term.

See you next week.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers.

He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www. steveflowers.us.

pelika O Observer

A5 April 11, 2018

Local groups host speakers, award ceremonies last week

Special to the Opelika Observer Lee County’s Dr. Richard Guthrie received the Farm-City Service Award for going above and beyond professional duties to fulfill the organization’s mission at the Alabama Farm-City Awards Luncheon April 5 in Birmingham. Guthrie is a former dean of Auburn University’s College of Agriculture. A member of the Lee County Farm-City Committee since 2010, Guthrie has planned and worked at Farm-City events, including farm tours and educational booths at Ag Roundup and Ag Discovery Day. From left are Guthrie and Alabama Farm-City Committee Chairman Jeff Helms.

Special to the Opelika Observer Macy Blackwell, program coordinator with the Jason Dufner Foundation, spoke to the Opelika Rotary club last week concerning the Foundation’s activities. Jason Dufner, a professional golfer and Auburn University graduate, established the Foundation to focus on ending childhood hunger in Lee County. The group delivers weekly food bags to about 1,400 local kids.

Their major fundraiser, the Celebrity Golf Classic, is slated for April 30 at the Auburn University Club. Pictured, from left, are: Harry Cullinan, club president; Blackwell; and Brandon Hughes, club member.

Renovate your homeowners policy.

Drake Martin, Agent 907 2nd Avenue Suite A Opelika, AL 36801 Bus: 334-745-6304 www.drakemartin.net

Great insurance. Low rates.

Remodeling your home can increase its value. Protect it by taking a new look at your homeowners insurance policy.

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.

CALL ME TODAY. ®

Special to the Opelika Observer The Lee County Farm-City Committee was named Runner-up Best Farm-City Committee in Division I during the Alabama Farm-City Awards Luncheon April 5 in Birmingham. The committee also received the Division I Target Award for excellence in incorporating the 2017 Alabama Farm-City theme, “Agriculture: Food For Life,” into its programs. From left are Lee County Farm-City Committee Chairman Bob Harris and Alabama Farm-City Committee Chairman Jeff Helms.

Check Out Our New Tiger Town Location Across from Lowe’s, another convenient location to serve our customers

0901136.1

State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, State Farm General Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL

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,

Eddie Smith CITY PRESIDENT

certificates of deposit and numerous electronic products and services.

We look forward to serving you at the new Tiger Town Branch.

ICK RD.

FREDER

Tiger Town

YD WA TE GA

Kroger

Our New Location Lowe’s

R.

Visit us here: www.auburnbank.com MEMBER FDIC

Located in Historic Downtown Opelika

334-745-4618

I-85

1851 Frederick Road Opelika

Equal Housing Lender

334-275-9600

pelika O Observer

A6 April 11, 2018

Hughes, from A1 “When I took office, how we dealt with victims and law enforcement, expanding our pre-trial diversion program, and how our office operates and does its job were my top three priorities,” Hughes said.

Following is a background on Hughes and details on his office’s accomplishments during the past year.

Background A 2002 graduate of Montgomery’s Jones School of Law, Hughes began his law career as an assistant district attorney in

Montgomery County.

Four years later, Hughes accepted an offer from the state to become Alabama’s traffic safety resource officer, responsible for prosecuting traffic-related crimes and educating police, other prosecutors and judges on impaired-driving laws.

Hughes and his family relocated to Lee County in 2008, maintaining his state resource prosecutor position and adding the duties of the state coordinator position for Alabama’s Drug Recognition Expert Program.

Election Frustrated by a lack of activity and community involvement from the Lee

County District Attorney’s Office, Hughes announced his intentions to run in the March 2016 Republican primary against incumbent Robbie Treese, who had held the position since 2010.

In what many local political experts ranked as a major upset, Hughes defeated Treese by a 14-percentage point margin.

Improvements From prosecution of cases to community involvement, Hughes said his office has made major strides. Following are some other major changes Hughes said he and his team have made in the last year keeping case victims more involved in the overall trial process.

“We want to include them in the conversation, get in touch with them on the front end, being avail-

able and being in touch and walking them through the process. As a crime victim, no one is more entrenched or committed than them,” Hughes said.

- catching up on a backlog of cases dating back to 2008-09. Last year, more than 1,500 cases were filed, a 45-percent uptick from 2015. Of those, nearly 1,300 were resolved, a 26-percent increase from 2015, too.

“There’s not a case older than 2017 and only a few older cases ... we’re simply waiting on other things before we can proceed with them,” Hughes said.

- expanding the pretrial diversion program to include people who are first offense, non-violent felons, per permission from the case victim and law officer involved. Hughes added that the Lee County

Literacy Coalition recently added skill-building and GED courses for program members.

- streamlining waiting times for officers waiting to testify from an average of 6-7 hours to 15-20 minutes in most situations, placing those awaiting trial at the top of waiting lists for their cases to be tried by a grand jury to reduce overall jail time - increasing the Bad Check Unit’s bad-check recovery rate by 17 percent - enacting a deadline on plea offers to reduce office workload - holding informational seminars across the county to educate citizens on the dangers posed to youth today by social media and technology - launching a DITEP (Drug Impairment Training for Educational Profession-

als Program) this summer to educate teachers, counselors, resource officers and other school officials to recognize drug use signs from students.

Future With a year under his belt, Hughes said he is excited about the future of his office and its potential to do good in the community.

“Someone told me a long time ago that your ideal job is where your talents and your passions intersect, and for me, that’s being a prosecutor,” Hughes said. “Years ago, I would come by and visit with (former Lee County District Attorney) Nick Abbott. I knew then that there was not a better place in this state to be the district attorney ... the rule of law still means something here, which is extremely rare in this day and age.”

My Travel at Midtown Best lunch in town . . . any town

Just $5.95 includes a drink

917 So. Railroad Ave. Opelika, AL 36801 334-787-5989

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

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

...your travel professionals

pelika O Observer

A7 April 11, 2018

100 Saucer Magnolia trees planted in celebration of Opelika Rotary Club’s 100th birthday

When my business burned down, my employees depended on me.

Auto-Owners and my independent agent got us up and running... fast.

– Steve Schroder, Business Owner Special to the Opelika Observer The Opelika Rotary Club donated 100 trees to the city to commemorate its 100th anniversary, and Saturday, more than 20 Rotarians and volunteers, along with Councilwoman Patsy Jones, helped plant 75 of the trees at Evergreen Cemetery and nearly 25 trees at Rosemere Cemetery.

The tree planting was a success thanks to Rotarian Mike Hilyer and ESG Operations, who dug the holes for the trees, and also to Rotarian Shey Knight, who ordered the trees and had them delivered to the cemetery. “It puts an exclamation point on our 100 years - a symbolic thing that is lasting,” Rotary President Harry Cullinan added. “This will be a must-see in Opelika.”

For whatever lies ahead, we’re always there.

ELLIOTT & ASSOCIATES INSURANCE OPELIKA • 334.745.0888 elliottinsuranceagents.com

®

pelika O Observer

A9 April 11, 2018

LEGALS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Opelika will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, May 15, 2018, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 204 S. 7 th Street, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama.

PURPOSE The purpose of said Public Hearing will be to consider

the adoption of an ordinance to amend Ordinance Number 124-91 (entitled “Zoning Ordinance of the City of Opelika”) adopted on September 17, 1991. At said Public Hearing all who desire to be heard shall have the opportunity to speak for or in opposition to the adoption of the following ordinance: ORDINANCE NO.______ AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZON-

ING MAP OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows: Section 1. That Ordinance 124-91 entitled “Zoning Ordinance City of Opelika, Alabama”, adopted on September 17, 1991, and the Zoning Map of the City of Opelika provided for and referred to therein, as previously amended and/or

CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, AL FAMILY COURT DIVISION: JUVENILE IN THE MATTER OF: C.L.G. A minor child JU-2016-483.02 NOTICE TO: The Unknown father of C.L.G. born 08/29/2008 to M.E.G. at Piedmont Newnan Hospital in Newnan, GA. Custody of the minor child was vested with the Lee County DHR on

10/27/2016. The unknown father must answer the Petition to Terminate Parental Rights filed in the Family Court of Lee County, AL by Lee County DHR, within fourteen (14) days from the last date of publication of this notice, or a final judgment may be rendered in Juvenile Case Number JU-2016-483.02 in the Family Court of Lee County, AL terminating all parental rights to the minor child.

Mary Roberson, CIRCUIT CLERK Lee County Justice Center 2311 Gateway Dr. Opelika, AL 36801 Hon. Margaret A. Mayfield Attorney for Lee County DHR P.O. Box 809 Opelika, AL 36803 (334) 745-0333 Legal Run 4/11, 4/18, 4/25 & 5/2/2018

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No.: CV-2016- 900450 MARY LEE CALLAWAY, Plaintiff, v. 36 ACRES OF LAND being all of the NW 3/4 of the NW 1/4 except four acres across the East side of said 1/4, of section 11, township 18 and range 24. Said four acres belonging to Lizzie Borders. The intention being to convey to grantees herein that certain tract of land conveyed to grantor herein by the Bank of Tuskegee as liquidating agent for the Merchants & Farmers Bank on March 31, 1932, as referred to in said conveyance as being the land formerly mortgaged by Ida Joiner to the Merchants & Farmers Bank and being designated in said conveyance as parcels Numbers one and two, whether correctly described in this conveyance or not.

As recorded in the Official Records of Lee County, Alabama in Book 246 Page 201; CYNTHIA CALLAWAY, JONATHAN L. CALLAWAY; MARY LOIS HARDNETT; MELVIN CALLAWAY; ELIZABETH CALLAWAY; JOHN OTTIS CALLAWAY; VIOLET CALLAWAY; IKE CALLAWAY; YOLANDA CALLAWAY; ZANNIE KIRT; JOSIE LEE BROOKINS; ETHEL MAE POPE; LEGINIA CHANDLER; AMETRICE CLARK; TYWANNA WAGNOR; SADIE SWANSON; GWENDOLYN WAGNOR; CYNTHIA CALLAWAY; WILLIAM CALLAWAY; TENISHA CALLAWAY; LASHARLA CALLAWAY; CLARENCE CALLAWAY; PRISCILLA STRICKLAND; THEODUS CALLAWAY; UNKNOWN HEIRS, SUCCESSORS OR ASSIGNS OF: MACK CALLAWAY; WILLIE MAE CALLAWAY; WILLIE MACK CALLAWAY;

OTTIS CALLAWAY; ARTIS CALLAWAY; ROSELEE WAGNOR; HENRY CALLAWAY; MELVIN CALLAWAY; ELIZABETH CALLAWAY; AND/OR JOHN OTTIS CALLAWAY; and, ANY UNKNOWN PERSONS OR ENTITIES CLAIMING ANY INTEREST IN THE LAND AS DESCRIBED ABOVE; 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 1st day of March, 2018, an Amended Complaint was filed in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama, and the following are the names of all parties to the action: MARY LEE CALLAWAY, plaintiff, and as defendants, CYNTHIA CALLAWAY, JONATHAN L. CALLAWAY; MARY LOIS HARDNETT; MELVIN CALLAWAY; ELIZABETH CALLAWAY; JOHN OTTIS CALLAWAY; VIOLET CALLAWAY; IKE CALLAWAY; YOLANDA CALLAWAY; ZANNIE KIRT; JOSIE LEE BROOKINS; ETHEL MAE POPE; LEGINIA CHANDLER; AMETRICE CLARK; TYWANNA WAGNOR; SADIE SWANSON; GWENDOLYN WAGNOR; CYNTHIA CALLAWAY; WILLIAM CALLAWAY; TENISHA CALLAWAY; LASHARLA CALLAWAY; CLARENCE CALLAWAY; PRISCILLA STRICKLAND; THEODUS CALLAWAY; MACK CALLAWAY; WILLIE MAE CALLAWAY; WILLIE MACK CALLAWAY; OTTIS CALLAWAY; ARTIS CALLAWAY; ROSELEE WAGNOR; HENRY CALLAWAY; MELVIN CALLAWAY; ELIZABETH CALLAWAY; AND, JOHN OTTIS CALLAWAY and their

heirs or devisees, if deceased, whose whereabouts are unknown and which cannot be ascertained after the exercise of due diligence, and who may have claim of some right, title, or interest in and to the property described as follows: 36 acres of land being all of the NW 3/4 of the NW 1/4 except four acres across the East side of said 1/4, of section 11, township 18 and range 24. Said four acres belonging to Lizzie Borders. The intention being to convey to grantees herein that certain tract of land conveyed to grantor herein by the Bank of Tuskegee as liquidating agent for the Merchants & Farmers Bank on March 31, 1932, as referred to in said conveyance as being the land formerly mortgaged by Ida Joiner to the Merchants & Farmers Bank and being designated in said conveyance as parcels Numbers one and two, whether correctly described in this conveyance or not.

As recorded in the Official Records of Lee County, Alabama in Book 246 Page 201.

All person having an interest in said lands or any portion thereof, claiming any title thereto or any encumbrance or lien thereon, are hereby directed to plead, answer, or otherwise respond to the Complaint on or before the expiration of thirty (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 the _________ day of ___________, 2018.

Mary B. Roberson Circuit Court Clerk, Lee County Prepared by: BRETT A. SMITH, ESQ. HUFF SMITH LAW, LLC 369 South College Street Auburn, AL 36830 (334) 329-5596 Attorney for Plaintiff Legal Run 4/11, 4/18, 4/25 & 5/2/2018

Notice to Contractors Lee County Project No. LCP 41-148- 18 Lee County, Alabama Sealed bids will be received by the Lee County Commission at 102 S. 6 th Street, Opelika, AL 36801 or mailed to P.O. Box 666, Opelika, AL 36803-0666 until 10:00 AM on May 8, 2018 and at that time publicly opened at the Lee County Courthouse, 215 S. 9 th Street, Opelika, AL 36801, for the furnishing and installation of Traffic Stripe and Pavement Markers on various public roads in Lee County, AL. The Entire Project Shall Be Completed In onehundred and eighty (180) Calendar Days.

Plans and Proposals are available online at http:// www.leeco.us/business/ commission_office/current_bids.php, or at the Lee County Highway Department (ph. 334-737- 7011), 100 Orr Avenue, Opelika, AL 36803. A Bidding Proposal may be purchased

for $5.00. Plans may be purchased for $2.00 per set. Checks should be made payable to the Lee County Commission. Plans and Proposals will be mailed only upon receipt of remittance. Cashier’s check or bid bond for 5% of bid (maximum - $10,000.00) made payable to the Lee County Commission must accompany each bid as evidence of good faith.

The bracket range is shown only to provide general financial information to contractors and bonding companies concerning the projects complexity and size. This Bracket should not be used in preparing a bid, nor will this bracket have any bearing on the decision to award this contract.

The bracket estimate on this project is from $172,211.00 To $210,480.00. The bidder’s proposal must be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished him or her by the Lee County Highway Department.

Prequalification is not required.

The right to reject any or all bids is reserved.

Ala. Code § 39-3- 5 applies to this project.

In accordance with Ala. Code § 39-3- 5(a), “…. preference shall be given to resident contractors, and a nonresident bidder domiciled in a state having laws granting preference to local contractors shall be awarded Alabama public contracts only on the same basis as the nonresident bidder’s state awards contracts to Alabama contractors bidding under similar circumstances; and resident contractors in Alabama, as defined in Section 392-12, be they corporate, individuals, or partnerships, are to be granted preference over nonresidents in awarding of contracts in the same manner and to the same extent as provided by the laws of the state of domicile of the nonresident.”

Legal Run 4/11/2018

modified, be and the same is hereby amended by rezoning or redistricting the parcel of land hereinafter in this section described, so as to change such parcel from one class of district to another class of district as follows, to-wit: From a R-1 District (Rural District) to a C-2 District (Office/Retail District), the parcel of land hereinafter described: LOT 1, DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIAL SUBDIVI-

SION, FIRST REVISION, according to and as shown by that certain map or plat thereof of record in Town Plat Book 17, at Page 18, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama.

The above-described property contains 16.67 acres, more or less, and is located in the 2700 block of Society Hill Road, Opelika, Alabama.

Section 2. Any ordinance

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.: CV 2018-900145 MERRIE SHERIDAN, Plaintiff, v.

A PARCEL OF PROPERTY IDENTIFIED AS TAX PARCEL 43-18-02-04-0000-577.000 LOCATED IN LEE COUNTY, AL., MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: LOT 55 MORGAN HILLS S/D PHASE 2 PLAT BOOK 26 PAGE 78 SECTION 4 T18N R26E; and A PARCEL OF PROPERTY IDENTIFIED AS TAX PARCEL 43-18-02-04-0000-578.000 LOCATED IN LEE COUNTY, AL., MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: LOT 56 MORGAN HILLS S/D PHASE 2 PLAT BOOK 26 PAGE 78 SECTION 4 T18N R26E; AND INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO MORGAN HILLS, LLC, BDP VENTURES, LLC, A,B,C,D,E,F,G, PERSONS, INDIVIDUALS, FIRMS, ASSOCIATIONS, PARTNERSHIPS, CORPORATIONS OR OTHER ENTITIES WHOSE NAMES ARE OTHERWISE UNKNOWN TO THE PLAINTIFF, BUT WHO ARE THE PERSONS, INDIVIDUALS, FIRMS, ASSOCIATIONS, PARTNERSHIPS, CORPORATIONS, OR OTHER ENTITIES CLAIMING ANY PRESENT INTEREST IN AND TO THE ABOVE

CAPTIONED PARCEL OF LAND, AND INCLUDING ANY PERSONS CLAIMING ANY FUTURE, CONTINGENT, REVERSIONARY, REMAINDER OR OTHER INTEREST THEREIN WHO MAY CLAIM ANY INTEREST IN THE ABOVE DESCRIBED REAL PROPERTY AND WHOSE wCORRECT NAMES AND LEGAL IDENTITIES WILL BE ADDED BY AMENDMENT WHEN ASCERTAINED, Defendants.

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION BDP Ventures, LLC, and including, but not limited to, A, B, C, D, E, F, G, persons, individuals, firms, associations, partnerships, corporations or other entities whose names are otherwise unknown to the plaintiff, but who are the persons, individuals, firms, associations, partnerships, corporations, or other entities claiming any present interest in and to the above captioned parcel of land, and including any persons claiming any future, contingent, reversionary, remainder or other interest therein who may claim any interest in the real property described as, A PARCEL OF PROPERTY IDENTIFIED AS TAX PARCEL 43-18-0204-0-000- 577.000 LOCATED IN LEE COUNTY, AL., MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOL-

NOTICE TO CREDITORS - ESTATE OF ALBERT LEVERE BECKUM, Deceased PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY CASE NO: 2018-A-154 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY

NOTICE OF ABADONED MOTOR VEHICLE SALE To be held on Tuesday, May 1, 2018, at 10 a.m. at Best 4 Less at 2509 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika, AL 36801.

1FTBR10A2DUA78596 1983 FORD RANGER Legal Run4/4/18 & 4/11/18

of the Estate of ALBERT LEVERE BECKUM deceased having been granted to Joel Beckum, on the 22th day of March, 2018, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama.

Notice is hereby given that

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ROSCOE THOMAS, JR., (DECEASED), IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Letters of Administration of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 26 th day of March, 2018, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of Marilyn Ann Parker Deceased NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION TO BE PUBLISHED

NOTICE OF PROPOSED VACATION OF LEE ROAD 670 Pursuant to the provisions of Code of Alabama, §§ 234- 2; 23-4- 5; 23-4- 20; and 35-2- 54 of (1975), and other applicable law, all as last amended, notice is hereby given that: 1. On March 19, 2018, William T. Collier, individually, and Dorothy C. Kolander, Keith Kolander, Mary D. Collier, and William T. Collier, as the previous owners of the entity, GWC Properties, Ltd., which was dissolved on December 19, 2017 (collectively the “Owners”) executed and filed a written Petition for Approval of and Assent to Vacation of, and to Vacate, Lee Road 670 (the “Petition”) requesting that the Lee County Commission approve of and assent to the vacation of, and vacate, Lee Road 670, which is situated and lying and being within Lee County,

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

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

WITNESS my hand this the 11 th day of April, 2018. /s/ R. G. Shuman CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 4/11/2018 LOWS: LOT 55 MORGAN HILLS S/D PHASE 2 PLAT BOOK 26 PAGE 78 SECTION 4 T18N R26E; and A PARCEL OF PROPERTY IDENTIFIED AS TAX PARCEL 43-18-02-04-0000- 578.000 LOCATED IN LEE COUNTY, AL., MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: LOT 56 MORGAN HILLS S/D PHASE 2 PLAT BOOK 26 PAGE 78 SECTION 4 T18N R26E, and whose correct names and legal identities will be added by amendment when ascertained (Defendants), must answer the Verified Complaint, for quiet title of property, filed

by Merrie Sheridan (Plaintiff) within thirty (30) days from the last date of publication of this notice, or a Judgment of Default may be rendered against them in Case No. CV2018-900145, Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama.

This Notice is ordered by Lee County Circuit Judge Christopher J. Hughes on the 22nd day of March, 2018.

Done this 5th day of April, 2018.

MARY B. ROBERSON Clerk of the Circuit Court Lee County, Alabama Jason A. Forbus Adams White Oliver Short & Forbus LLP P. O. Box 2069 Opelika, AL 36803-2069 Attorney for the Plaintif Legal 4/11, 4/18, 4/25 & 5/2/2018

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.

Joel Beckum Bill English, Probate Judge Legal Run 3/28/18, 04/04/18 & 4/11/2018

having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

BERNICE STENSON THOMAS Administrator Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 3/28, 4/4 & 4/11/2018

Letters of Administration on said deceased having been granted to MARVIN E. PARKER, Administrator on this the 21st day of March, 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 time allowed by law or the same will be barred. BY: James E. Hall, Attorney for Administrator.

Legal 4/4/18, 4/11/18 & 4/18/18

Alabama but outside the corporate limits of any municipality. Lee Road 670 is more particularly described as: LEE ROAD 670 A tract or parcel land know as Lee Road 670 located in Section 8, Township 18 North, Range 25 East, Lee County, Alabama, being more particularly described as follows: Commence at the southwest corner of said Section 8; thence N63°45’08”E 995.53 feet to the north right-of- way limit of Lee Road 137 (aka Wire Road); thence along said right-of- way limit N72°10’38”E 449.65 feet; thence continue along said right-of- way limit N72°10’38”E 141.56 feet to the point of beginning; thence leaving said right-ofway limit N01°05’36”W 154.48 feet; thence N01°05’36”W 127.23 feet; thence N01°05’36”W 449.25 feet; thence N88°54’24”E 60.00 feet;

thence S01°05’36”E 712.93 to the north right-of- way limit of said Lee Road 137; thence along said right-ofway limit S72°10’38”W 62.65 feet to the point of beginning.

2. The date, time, and location of the meeting of the Lee County Commission at which time said proposed vacation is scheduled to be addressed is: May 14, 2018 at 5:00 p.m.

C.S.T Lee County Courthouse Commission Chambers 215 South 9 th Street Opelika, Alabama 36801 3. Any citizen alleging to be affected by the proposed vacation may submit a written objection to the Lee County Commission or may attend and request an opportunity to be heard at said public hearing.

Legal Run 4/4/18, 4/11/18, 4/18/18, & 4/25/18

See Legals, page A10

pelika O Observer

A10 April 11, 2018

LCYDC, from A1

different services for children and families.

“We help infants up to 21 years old, residentially. The younger children in our care are sent to therapeutic foster care homes,” Cooper said. “For the older teens to adults we have our residential programs which are treatment, detention, moderate treatment, transitional living and then apartment independent living.”

Founders Cecil Moreman and Jane Walker established the Lee County Council for Neglected and Dependent Children in 1969. Four years later, LCYDC was endorsed and voted by tax payers. “The two founders were appalled that when a crime was committed, the whole family had to stay in

Derby, from A1 the Dapper Dan Award as well as the Most

Legals, from A9 CITY OF OPELIKA NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARINGS TO: RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA AND ALL OTHER INTERESTED CITIZENS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of Opelika, Alabama will hold a regular meeting and will be conducting public hearings on Tuesday, April 24, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. in the Commission Chambers in the Public Works Administrative Building located at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama. The purpose of the public hearings is to receive public comment on the following: 1. A public hearing on a

the Lee County Jail because there was no place for the children to go,” Cooper said.

“So, they started the Attention Home. That was the first program of the LCYDC. It was a foster home that served orphans and children abused and neglected. There were children with significant social, emotional and behavioral issues.”

Cooper explained that it went from a facility for those children more damaged and traumatized to a shelter care program for children who needed a safe place to live until their families got it together.

“Then, there were the children who committed criminal acts. They built a juvenile, locked facility for the children who went afoul of the law,” Cooper said.

Between residential and day school, there are about 120 kids on the LCYDC campus.

“Some are sent here

Shawn Kirkpatrick/Opelika Observer

beings, and it should be done with painstaking excellence.”

Cooper said she is accountable to the taxpayers and the board, but first and foremost to the children she serves, who are entrusted to her care.

“The first four words of our mission statement is, ‘A Place of Service.’ Are we serving the greater good, and I say yes. It is a position of sacred trust.”

The LCYDC takes children from all 67 counties across the state. Cooper has been with the LCYDC for 30 years, the last 19 as executive director.

“I believe every child has value and dignity.

It doesn’t matter what their I.Q. is or their background, we need to look beyond their faults and see their needs. That doesn’t mean that we don’t have expectations of them or hold them accountable for their

actions because if we don’t, we aren’t preparing them for the world.”

The center’s 45th anniversary is coinciding with the construction of an alternative day school being built on the campus. Cooper said this new facility is going to give hope where there is hopelessness. “We are so happy to be here.

There’s not a place on the planet we’d rather be than in this city. I could go up to Pepperell Parkway and Spring Street and do a dance.

This community loves us, and we never lose sight of that. We are so appreciative to be a part of the fiber of the community.”

Cooper said they could use school supplies like pencils, paper and notebooks to stock the new facility.

The school is set to be finished this summer. To donate, visit lcydc.org.

by a judge. They can be here a few weeks to a few months, more challenged kids, 9 months to a year or more,” Cooper added.

“If they’re in our juvenile detention facility, they’re here several days until they are adjudicated and sent to where the judge places them. We never close, we are 24/7 -365.

There are people on call all the time.”

Cooper said she

wants to make sure they are doing the best they can to uplift humanity. “I believe very strongly in these words by Dr. Martin Luther King. He said, ‘Every act that uplifts humanity has value and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.’ We care for the least, the last and the lost, of these.

We believe what we do is so very important.

It does uplift human

Spectacular Hat Award.

Some of the items up for auction include two Championship Club Tickets for the Barbasol Championship, a shopping spree with Jewelry

By Design and much

more.

Storybook Farm was founded by Dena Little with the mission to “walk alongside children with uncertain futures and provide them with unyielding joy and hope.”

The farm serves children who are dealing with illness, special needs and/ or grief. It is a place for healing, sharing, learning and growing where children experience the exhilaration of riding

and where families come together to support one another according to their mission statement. The services offered are free of charge.

Admission will be $85 per person, $1,000 for a

table of 10 and $1,300 for a commemorative table.

Tickets can be purchased online at hopeonhorseback.org/derby or by texting "SBF" to 515-55.

The farm is located at 300 Cusseta Road.

request by Blake Rice, authorized representative for William R. Dean and Augustus Baker Dean, III, personal representatives named in will of Caroline R. Dean, property owner, for preliminary plat approval of the Trillium subdivision, Phase 2 consisting of 100 lots accessed at 800 block India Road, 900 block Rocky Brook Road, and the end of Baton Court.

2. A public hearing on a request by Nathan McBride, authorized representative for Beulah Properties LLC and Gordan A. Moss of Weyerhaeuser, property owner, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Sentinel Hills Expansion, Portion of Lot A43 subdivision consisting of 2 lots accessed at Lee Road 2192.

3. A public hearing on a request by James D. Miller, authorized representative for Joshua C. & Rachel S. Wright, property owners, for preliminary

and final plat approval of the Spence-Miller Family Farm subdivision consisting of 2 lots at 9316 Lee Road 146.

4. A public hearing on a request by Mike Maher, authorized representative for Perryman Hill, property owner, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Boulder Ridge, subdivision, 1 st Addition, consisting of 2 lots at Shelton Road (Lee Road 97).

5. A public hearing on a request by Crystal Hines Fuller, property owner, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Beulah Utilities District subdivision consisting of 1 lot at 645 Lee Road 266.

6. A public hearing on a request by Mike Maher, authorized representative for Johnson Owens Pearson and Sufia Sumi, property owners, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Harper Plaza subdivision consisting of 1 lot at 503 Martin Luther

King Boulevard.

7. A public hearing on a request by James L. McCrory, authorized representative for Nancy Plant McLeod Trust and Greg & Molly Wilson, property owners, for preliminary and final plat approval of the McLeod subdivision, 2 nd Revision, consisting of 2 lot at 1107- 1115 Deer Tract Road.

8. A public hearing on a request by Ray Jones, authorized representative for AYM LLC, Add Opelika LLC and PC Real Estate, property owners, for conditional use approval for a storage/warehousing, online sales business at 2550 Pepperell Parkway.

9. A public hearing on a request by Stevens Burleson Properties, LLC, authorized representative for Sonic Restaurants, Inc., property owner, for conditional use approval for an Express Car Wash business at 1531 2nd Avenue.

10. A public hearing on a request by John Randall Wilson, authorized representative for Mike Hultquist-Ozarkga LLC, property owners, for conditional use approval for an automobile maintenance business (RNR Tire Express) at 3501 Pepperell Parkway.

11. The following additional agenda items are included for review at the April 24 th Planning Commission meeting: a. A petition from East Alabama Medical Center, the adjacent property owner, requesting the City Council to vacate the south portion of Priester Road.

The Planning Commission provides a recommendation to City Council. b. A request by Race Cannon, property owner, to extend the preliminary plat approval of the Cannon Gate subdivision, Phase II, Redivision of Parcel B, consisting of 63 lots for six months or October 24, 2018.

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

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

Please contact Lisa McLeod, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334-7055132 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability.

PLANNING DIRECTOR Legal Run 4/11/2018

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA - CASE NO.: DR-2018-900031.00 IN RE: THE MARRIAGE OF MICHAEL GEORGE LANCE, PlantiffW, vs. JANINE K.

LANCE, Defendant NOITCE OF DIVORCE ACTION Janine Lance, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer Michael George Lance’s Petition for Divorce and other relief by the 3rd

day of June, 2018, or thereafter judgment by default may be rendered against her in Case No. DR-2018-90031.00, Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama.

Done this the 3rd day of April, 2018.

CIRCUIT CLERK, LEE COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT Legal Run 4/11, 4/18, 4/25, 5/2, LAST DAY TO ANSWER - JUNE 3RD, 2018

Know that the people protecting your home are licensed by the State of Alabama.

Licensedsecurity.org

AlabamaWorks: Opportunity-Innovation-Accountability-Inclusion

Do have a home security system?

CALL THIS NEWSPAPER’S AD DEPARTMENT TO PLACE YOUR AD Or call 1-800-264-7043

Are you licensed in Alabama?

Now there’s a way to recruit, train and empower, a highly skilled workforce driven by business and industry needs.

It’s your competitive advantage in Alabama.

It’s time to grow at: www.alabamaworks.com

pelika O Observer

Happy 3rd birthday Red Clay brewery

A11 April 11, 2018

Jones to open campaign headquarters April 14 Special to the Opelika Observer Pat “Patsy” Jones is officially opening her campaign headquarters in Pridgen’s Five Point Plaza located at 1703 Westend Court, Suite K in Opelika, April 14 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

The public is cordially invited to come out and support her first “Meet and Greet Fundraiser” during the offical headquarters opening.

For more information, email jonespatricia687@gmail.com or call 334-559-2214 or 334748-9070.

outhern S Hospitality

A12 April 11, 2018

Jenni Steed carrying on traditions of Ursula’s Catering

SH Ann Cipperly’s

Southern Hospitality

Caterer Jenni Steed is carrying on two legacies. One is the family love of catering with her grandmother and mother both in the business, and the other is Ursula’s Catering from her years of working with the owner. Her catering business operates The Café at the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art and The Café Too. The history of Ursula’s Catering goes back to The Greenhouse Restaurant, which opened in January 1978 in an older house at the corner of Second Avenue and Ninth Street in Opelika.

Ursula Higgins worked with two ladies who helped with the day-to-day operation. Ursula handled the food, making menus and working with a chef.

The restaurant was elegant with white tablecloths.

When they first opened, the menus were written in calligraphy on wicker fans.

The lunch menu included chicken crepes, Ursula’s famous chicken salad, spinach salad with an Oriental dressing and a popular dessert of meringue shells filled with coffee ice cream and topped with chocolate sauce.

When a recession hit the Opelika area in 1991, business began to decline. The restaurant closed after 14 years. Many people in Opelika were saddened to see The Greenhouse close.

Ursula built a kitchen on the back of her house and began catering full time. She took over The Café at the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art in Auburn.

Jenni went to work with

Ursula 18 years ago. When Ursula retired five years ago, she took over the business.

Jenni grew up in San Diego where her grandmother and mother were both caterers.

Her grandmother, who never drove, was the in-house cook for the Elks’ Club and also catered weddings. When her mother started catering, she began by doing cocktail parties for Jenni’s father’s business, and it grew from there.

Her grandmother catered weddings at the Greek Orthodox Church in Orange County, California. Jenni, her mother and sisters would help the grandmother by peeling potatoes for three days, which the grandmother used for making her potato casserole. She served the casserole as an accompaniment to prime rib offered from carving stations.

Jennie and her sisters helped both their grandmother and mother with catering.

“By the time I was 12 years old,” she says, “I knew how to pop a champagne cork better than anybody.”

While she enjoyed helping with the catering, she never thought of going into the business. After college, she worked at a bank. She met her husband, Doug, when he was in the military stationed in San Diego.

Since Doug is from Dadeville, they moved to this area 23 years ago after he was released from the service.

Doug now helps with catering and prepares their special smoked salmon.

When they first moved here, Jenni went to work at AuburnBank. At the bank, one of her friend’s daughters worked for Ursula Higgins in her catering business as a server. She asked her mother and Jenni if they would help serve at a large wedding.

Jenni said she would be glad to help.

That was 18 years ago.

Jenni went to work with Ursula in her catering business and handled the parties. Five years ago, Jenni purchased the business and looked for a kitchen. She found a small place, Café Too, and uses the

Recipes Garlic Green Beans Ursula Higgins 1 lb. haricot verts (French green beans) 3 Tbsp. olive oil 6 garlic cloves, sliced Salt, pepper Cook beans in boiling salted water until almost done. Drain and rinse in cold water.

You may do this early in the day or the day before your party or right before you eat if you have time.

In a 12-inch nonstick frying pan, cook garlic in olive oil until light brown and then add beans. Cook only until heated through.

Season with salt and pepper and serve.

Caramel Oatmeal Chews Jenni Steed 1¾ cups oatmeal 1½ cups flour ¾ cup brown sugar ½ tsp. baking soda ¼ tsp. salt ¾ cup butter, melted 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 14 oz. bag caramels ¼ cup water ¾ cup chopped pecans Heat oven to 350.

Grease 9 x 13-inch pan.

Combine first 5 ingre-

dients. Then add butter; mix until crumby. Reserve 1 cup for topping.

Press remaining mixture into pan and bake 10 minutes. Cool. Top with nuts and chocolate chips.

Melt caramels and water. Drizzle over nuts and chocolate.

Then sprinkle reserved crumb mixture over top; press down slightly.

Bake 15 to 18 minutes. Cool until chocolate melts.

kitchen for catering as well.

The menu is seasonal, and all the dishes are prepared fresh from scratch. While the sausage and chicken gumbo is popular during fall and winter, spring and summer soups feature fresh vegetables, including spring pea, asparagus soup, roasted red pepper and summer corn. Two chicken soups are offered as well, one with apples and curry.

Chicken salad and Ursula’s meringues with coffee ice cream and chocolate sauce are staples that stay on the menu year round.

Jenni’s niece, Allison Devenport, is her baker. When Allison visited Jenni with her mother at 8 years old, she announced she was coming back to attend Auburn University. She is now a senior at Auburn.

Allison has created several new desserts for catering.

A couple of years ago, she entered a cookie contest at Auburn. She created a white chocolate shortbread key lime cookie and won the contest. Jenni plans to have her niece bake those cookies for Taste of the Town. She also created a pecan bar that tastes like pecan pie.

While Jenni has a list of items to select for catering, she creates custom menus to fit a client’s budget.

“I have a great staff,” says Jenni. Her cooks, Eloise Harvey and Doris Harris, both started with Ursula 20 years ago. Others are Lucy Berry and Reba O’Steen, and Eloise’s sister, Yvette Rowell, is helping.

“Ursula is like a mother to me,” says Jenni. “She has mentored me and she is an amazing woman. I can call her any time and ask her a question, and she will know the answer. I think she loves that the catering is continuing. It is Jenni’s Kitchen doing Ursula’s Catering.

“When I took over Ursula’s Catering,” says Jenni, “I thought of my mother and grandmother, who are both deceased. I know they are looking down happy because they both loved catering.”

Margaret’s Swedish Meatballs Jenni Steed [My mother served these at parties.]

2 eggs, slightly beaten 1 cup milk 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs 3 Tbsp. butter or margarine, divided 1/2 cup finely chopped onion 1 lb. ground chuck 1/4 lb. ground pork 1 3/4 tsp. salt, divided 3/4 tsp. dill weed, divided 1/4 tsp. allspice 1/8 tsp. nutmeg 1/8 tsp. cardamom 3 Tbsp. flour 1/8 tsp. pepper 1 can (10 1/2 oz.) beef broth 1/2 cup light cream In a large bowl, combine eggs, milk, and dry bread crumbs.

In large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon butter; sauté chopped onion until soft about 5 minutes.

Lift out with slotted spoon. Add to bread crumb mixture along with ground chuck

Photos by Ann Cipperly Pictured top, Jenni Steed, owner of Ursula’s Catering, operates The Café at the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art and The Café Too in the Garden District apartment complex. The history of Ursula’s Catering goes back to the former Greenhouse restaurant in Opelika. Jenni and her husband, Doug, are pictured at a Taste event and will be offering specialty appetizers and desserts at the upcoming Taste of the Town Tuesday, April 24, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Museum of East Alabama in downtown Opelika. Pictured bottom, the history of Ursula’s Catering goes back to The Greenhouse restaurant, which opened in January 1978 in an older house at the corner of Second Avenue and Ninth Street in Opelika. When a recession hit the Opelika area in 1991, business began to decline. The restaurant closed after 14 years.

Jenni is sharing a collection of her mother’s recipes that she used in catering, and others are from Ursula and The Greenhouse.

The Café at the museum is open 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Tuesday through Friday, and The Café Too, located in the Garden District Apartments complex, is open 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Jenni will be featured at the upcoming Taste of the-

and ground pork, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, 1/4 teaspoon dill weed, the allspice, nutmeg, and cardamom. Mix well to combine. Refrigerate covered for 1 hour.

Shape meat mixture into meatballs each about 1 inch in diameter.

Preheat the oven to 325. In remaining hot butter, sauté meatballs about half at a time until browned all over.

Remove the meatballs to a 2-quart casserole as they are browned.

Remove skillet from heat and pour off drippings, except for 2 tablespoons. Add more butter, if necessary.

Pour back into skillet; add flour and remaining salt and pepper, stirring together to make a smooth mixture.

Gradually stir in beef broth, bring mixture to boiling, stirring constantly. Add cream and remaining 1/2 teaspoon dill weed. Pour over meatballs in casserole.

Bake covered 30 minutes.

Town along with 17 restaurants and catering businesses, two wineries and specialty coffees. The event is scheduled Tuesday, April 24, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Museum of East Alabama on 9th Street in downtown Opelika.

Tickets can be purchased at the museum or online at eastalabama.org.

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

The Greenhouse Chicken Salad Ursula Higgins 2 ½ lb. chicken tenders or chicken breasts 1/4 cup chopped green onions 1 cup diced celery 1 tsp. tarragon 1½ tsp. salt

1 cup Hellman's mayonnaise Bake chicken tenders in 350 oven for about 20 minutes or until done or boil chicken breasts. Cool and then chop. Add remaining ingredients. Makes about 3 lb. salad.

Chicken Breasts in Sour Cream Sauce Jenni Steed 8 slices dried beef (in a jar) 8 skinless boneless chicken breast halves (7 oz. each) 4 slices bacon, cut in half 1 cup sour cream One 10 1/4-oz. can condensed cream of mushroom soup 2 cups sliced fresh

mushrooms Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Lay one piece of dried beef on each chicken breast and wrap with a half slice of bacon. Place in a 13 x 9 inch casserole dish, seam side down.

Mix sour cream, soup and mushrooms together. Pour over chicken breasts. Cover and bake for 1 1/2 hours. Serve with rice. Serves 6 to 8.

Grilled Flank Steak Ursula Higgins Juice of 2 lemons 1/4 cup canola oil 2 Tbsp. grated onion 1 Tbsp. crushed red pepper 1 Tbsp. salt 2 tsp. curry powder 1 tsp. coriander 1 tsp. powdered ginger

1 smashed garlic clove 1/2 cup chili sauce Mix ingredients together and marinate a flank steak for 2 hours or overnight. Grill steak medium rare and slice thinly.

See Recipes, B10

Opelika Schools, ports ociety S &S

Turn to B5 for photos from Dixie Youth Opening Day

Opelika Trampoline and Tumbling to ‘Flip for a Cure’ April 14

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor

On the Mark

By D. Mark Mitchell

Opelika tennis sweeps matches against Benjamin Russell The Opelika High School girls and boys tennis teams both defeated sectional rival Benjamin Russell in matches last week.

The girls beat Benjamin Russell 8-1. Singles match winners included: #1 Sara Hollis Smith T 8-5; #3 Martlynn Grouby 8-4; #4 Raeden Gagliano 8-5; #5 Blake Bell 8-4 and #6 Laney McTier 8-5. All three doubles teams won: #1 Smith T/ Bradfield; #2 Grouby/ Gagliano and #3 Bell/ Victoria Tufts.

The boys swept all nine matches, winning 9-0.

Singles winners included: #1 Conner Pruitt 8-3; #2 Wilson Hudson 8-1; #3 Grayson Crowley 8-3, #4 Austin Crowley 8-1; #5 Parker McKay 8-0 and #6 Benjamin Estes 8-0.

Doubles winners were: #1 Pruitt/Hudson 8-0; #2 Crowley /McKay 8-6 and #3 A. Crowley/ Estes 8-0.

BASEBALL The Bulldog baseball team beat Benjamin Russell in one of its three games last week, drop-

ping to 4-2 in the area. To win the area championship, Opelika needs Wetumpka to beat Benjamin Russell two out of three games. Otherwise, Opelika will travel in the first round of the 6A AHSAA Baseball playoffs.

Jackson Reynolds pitched eight innings last Tuesday, allowing no earned runs and striking out 10 to earn the win.

Andrew Parr hit a walkoff solo home run in the bottom of the eight to win the game for the Bulldogs. Micah Christian and Jared Bartlett added the other two hits.

Opelika lost twice to Benjamin Russell last week in Alex City, 7-4 and 6-1.

Opelika hosted rival Auburn last night. The game was not completed at press time. The Bulldogs will hold their "Senior Day" ceremonies Saturday against Prattville.

SOCCER The girls and boys soccer teams split matches See Sports, page B10

Visit our website for more photos from the A-Day game last Saturday

Members of the Opelika Trampoline and Tumbling Program will showcase their talents to the public to raise money for cancer research during the inaugural “Flip for a Cure” fundraiser April 14.

Hosted by the Denson Drive Recreation Center, OTT Director Beth Mowery said funds raised from the event will be donated to the American Cancer Society.

“We want the money raised from this to go to research that will put See Flip, page B6

O.G.R.E. program excels at recent robotics competition

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor Members of Opelika High School’s O.G.R.E. (Opelika’s Greatest Robotics Engineers) program and their robot, Fiona, turned in a strong showing at a recent robotics competition in Huntsville.

The “Rocket City Regional,”

a sanctioned event of the international FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition, pitted 43 groups from the United States and Brazil in a series of contests designed to challenge each other’s robots for best overall skill-set and design.

Formatted similarly to the

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

www.theorthoclinic.com

A division of

SPORTSMED

742-6408 OPELIKA

749-8303 OPELIKA

NCAA’s “March Madness” tournament, O.G.R.E. competed as a rookie squad for both “Red” and “Blue Alliance” divisions in event brackets.

Paired with teams from Morgan County, Alabama, and Fort Dorchester High School in South Carolina, O.G.R.E.’s group See Robotics, page B4

B2 April 11, 2018

pelika O Observer

Opelika soccer hosts Auburn in annual “Soccer for a Cure” matches at SportsPLEX Thursday

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Opelika

B3

Family & Religion

April 11, 2018

Dealing decisively with sin I

t can be a challenge to see sin for what it is—especially when it’s our sin. Sensitive people fight the tendency to make too much of their sin and see themselves as the chief of sinners while the less sensitive struggle not to trivialize their transgressions. For all of us, there’s the need for a healthy perspective on an unhealthy subject.

When Jesus spoke in Matthew 5:29-30 about gouging out an offending eye or removing our hand if it caused us to sin, He was speaking in obvious hyperbole.

After all, you could do all of that and still have whatever the problem was eating up your heart, so it won’t do to approach His words from a strictly literal

judgment, perspective. control, etc.

Having said They are the that though, same thing we need that happens to appreciwhen we are ate why he driving for used such

by Bruce Green an extended graphic Teaching Minister at period and speech—He 10th Street Church of drift on to was makChrist in Opelika the shoulder ing the or a little point that over the speed limit and sin needs to be dealt have to make a correcwith radically. It is not tion. I don’t think this is something we are to be what Jesus is speaking casual about. about in this text.

And this is where we Then there are those need to see our sin for sins that seem to know what it is. All of us sin, and there will never be a us by name. They have a special hold over us, time on this earth when and who can say exwe reach the point of actly why? We know not sinning. But many they are wrong. We’ve of these sins have nothrenounced them and ing to do with serious want nothing to do with heart issues—they are them. And yet they keep just mistakes we make trying to slither back as a result of momeninto our life. This kind tary lapses of behavior,

Church Calendar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

are welcomed.For more information, contact director Phyllis Gauker at 334-8877261 or at pgauker@bellsouth.net.

• A community-wide program for people with memory loss will be held at Auburn United Methodist Church every Tuesday and Thursday, starting in May. Classes will last from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. For more information, contact program director Betsy Lethander by email at Betsy.Lethander@ aumc.net, or by phone at 334-444-9632 for more information.

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

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

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

of sin is not the drifting driver—it is more like the person who gets a special thrill from weaving in and out of traffic at high speeds. This is a different “class” of sin and we must be especially vigilant in regard to it. I think this is what Jesus is addressing in Matthew 5.

Cain and Abel offered sacrifices to God and Abel’s was accepted while Cain’s was rejected. God said to Cain, “Why are you angry?

Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it” (Genesis 4:6-7).

Cain’s struggle wasn’t with all sin in general. It

wasn’t with greed, gossip or gluttony—the text makes it clear it was anger that was threatening to get the best of him. God told Cain it was like a wild animal crouching at his door waiting to devour him.

In other words, it had gotten into his heart and was threatening to take over his life if he didn’t take decisive action against it. Cain ignored the warning and sin devoured him.

We don’t get to choose our temptations, but we can see them for the danger they represent and take decisive action. This is what God was telling Cain. This is what Jesus is telling us.

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

Verse of the Week “As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth,” Hosea 6:3 Pierce Chapel United Methodist 8685 AL Hwy. 51 #749-4469 Pepperell United Methodist 200 26th St. #745-9334 Trinity United Methodist Church 800 Second Ave. #745-2632 Wesley Memorial United Methodist 2506 Marvyn Pkwy #745-2841 PENTECOSTAL Full Gospel Pentecostal Church Hwy. 29, PO Box 1691 #741-8675 Gateway Community Church 2715 Frederick Rd #745-6926 PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church of Opelika 900 2nd Ave. #745-3421 Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Rd #745-4889 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST Outreach Seventh-Day Adventist 1808 S. Long St. #749-3151 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Apostolic Holiness Church 610 Canton St. #749-6759 Auburn Opelika Korean Church 1800 Rocky Brook Rd #749-5386 Beauregard Full Gospel Revival 2089 Lee Road 42 #745-0455 Christ Church International 1311 2nd Ave. #745-0832 Church of the Harvest 2520 Society Hill Rd #745-2247 Church at Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy #705-0505 East Congregation of Jehovah Witnesses 1250 McCoy St. #737-1488 Emmanuel Temple of Deliverance 207 S. Railroad Ave. #745-6430 Faith Alliance Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy #749-9516 Faith Christian Center 600 S. 8th St. Faith Church 3920 Marvyn Pkwy #707-3922

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

Fresh Foods...And A Whole Lot More!

603 Pleasant Drive Opelika, AL 36801 749-1333 Jimmy Wright President

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

pelika O Observer

B4 April 11, 2018

OBITUARIES Cordelia Ann Parker Klinner Cordelia Ann Parker Klinner passed away at home on Wednesday, April 4, at the age of 83.

Cordelia was born on May 8, 1934, in Opelika, AL. After graduating from Cliff High School (currently Opelika High School) in 1952, she attended Alabama Polytechnic Institute (currently Auburn University) where she earned an education degree in 1956. Queen James Scott Edge James Scott Edge 86, passed away on Friday, April 6, 2018 after a lengthy illness.

He was born on October 28, 1931, in Opelika, AL. He graduated from Cliff High School (currently Opelika High School), and Alabama Polytechnic Institute (currently Auburn University) in 1956.

He served in the U.S. Air Force and retired from Crawford and

for a Day, Homecoming Queen, and Paper Maid Queen were a few of the many accolades she acquired while in college.

Life after college was dedicated to the love of her life, Kent, by raising their five children and managing his medical practice for 42 years.

The retirement of “Doc and Miss Cordelia” ended the era of being able to see the doctor within an hour of phoning the office.

Cordelia’s response to

Company Insurance after 33 years in Orlando, Florida. He was member of the Opelika Exchange Club and Trinity United Methodist Church Opelika.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Anne August Edge, son Scott Edge and parents Wiley Wilburn Edge and Mary Scott Edge, four brothers and three sisters. He is survived by his wife Evelyn Risen Edge; son,

patients was, “Come on up. We’ll be glad to work you in.”

Retirement allowed her to bring smiles to everyone with her heavenly home baked bread and rolls.

Cordelia is preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Kent Vernon Klinner, Jr.; parents John Henry and Edna Orr Parker; in laws Kent Vernon, Sr., and Nell Goodgame Klinner; son-in-law Thomas Bond; brother John Parker; brotherin-law Bill Biles;

Stan Edge (Cathy) of Jupiter Florida; daughters: Patsy Madden (James), Sue McDonough (Brian) both of Opelika; nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren; sister, Rita Evans (Benny) of Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

Visitation was on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 from 1:00 p.m2:00 p.m. at JeffcoatTrant Funeral Home, with service following at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel. Reverend Earl

Ballard officiated the funeral service. A private family burial followed the service.

Our thanks to the Compassus Hospice group especially Dana and Ruby for their care. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts be given to the East Alabama Food bank or Trinity Methodist Church Opelika.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

UNITY! “Making every effort to keep the UNITY of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

Ephesians 4:3

67TH NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER Thursday, May 3, 2018 12 noon Lee County Courthouse Square Rain site- 1st Baptist Church- 8th St. Opelika Broadcast live on Halleluiah 910 am

NON DENOMINATIONAL PRAYER & PRAISE GATHERING

ALL INVITED

sister-in-law Elverna Klinner Biles; and 2 nephews Jeffrey Parker and Klinner Biles.

She is survived by her 5 children Ken Klinner of CA, John (Mary Ellen Ball) Klinner of Auburn, Cynthia (Tripp) Leonard of Opelika, Karl (Jenny Wetherington) Klinner of GA, and Leah Klinner of Opelika; 8 grandchildren Amy (Gareth) Bridge of KS, Allyson Klinner of Washington D.C., Alex Klinner of MS, Ann Marie Leonard of CA,

Adrienne Leonard of Opelika, Jane Ann, Ella Kate, and Crawford Klinner of GA; 2 great grandchildren Connett and Ellie Ruth of KS; sister Kay (Dale) Wyatt of Birmingham, brothers Warren (Christine) Parker of FL, Larry (Ann) Parker of Birmingham, and David (Peggy) Parker of Birmingham; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation was held in the Parlor at FrederickDean Funeral Home on Saturday, April 7, 2018 from 1:00 until 2:15

Jackson Eyres Thomas Jackson Eyres Thomas, age 90, of McDonough (formerly of Opelika, Alabama) died Friday, April 6, 2018. He was born in Birmingham, Alabama to the late Maurice Thomas and Olive Teague Thomas.

Mr. Thomas is survived by his wife, Janet Thomas; children, Jackson E. Thomas II, of San Diego, California, and Keith (Kaye) Thomas, of McDonough, Georgia; grandchildren, Ashley Thomas, Krista Thomas, Brooke Thomas, of San Diego, California, Coleman Eyres Thomas and Walker Hammond Thomas

p.m.

A funeral service was held in the Chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home Saturday, April 7, 2018 at 2:30 p.m. and Reverend Bill Kierce officiated.

Interment followed at Garden Hills Cemetery.

The family would like to thank Cordelia’s many care givers.

Flowers will be accepted or memorial donations may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church of Opelika or to the American Cancer Society.

of McDonough, Georgia; and 5 great grandchildren.

Graveside Services will be held at noon, Central Time on April 11 at Garden Hill Cemetery in Opelika, Alabama with Rev. Charles Thomas officiating.

The family received friends April 10 from 5 - 7 p.m. at the funeral home. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to McDonough First Baptist Church, McDonough, Georgia or the Hands of Hope Clinic, Stockbridge, Georgia. Those who wish may sign the online guest registry at www.cannonclevelandfunerals.com. Cannon Cleveland Funeral Directors, 770-914-1414.

Day of Prayer and Reflection scheduled for April 21 Special to the Opelika Observer You are invited to a day of prayer, reflection and discovery based on the spirituality of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, hosted at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Auburn, April 21 from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Focusing on how God is present in our world and active in our everyday lives, the Ignatian approach is a Scripture-

Robotics, from B1 dominated its first and second-round foes en route to the region final.

A back-and-forth finals matchup against a Red Alliance group ended on a controversial penalty that cost O.G.R.E’s team a victory.

“Even after that disappointing loss, our students stood up and were applauding all the teams during the awards ceremony, including the winners. I think it attests (well) to the community here in Opelika,” said O.G.R.E. Program Director Brenda Howell.

Following grantfunding approval from NASA in November, Howell said she was able to start the program.

In January, Howell, her eight students and group mentors began the six-week process of constructing Fiona.

Both Howell and her

based, Spirit-empowered pathway to deeper prayer, good decisions guided by keen discernment and an active life of service to others. The day will include presentations and periods of silent reflection and prayer followed by group reflections. The sessions include music and guided meditation.

Presenters, from Ignatius House Jesuit Retreat Center in Atlanta, include Executive

Director Maria Cressler (Spring Hill College, ThM, CSD) and Sarah Otto (Boston College, MDiv) as well as musicians Karen Thomas and Kay Satterfield.

Cost is $25 per person ($15 for students) including lunch, snacks and materials.

Preregistration is strongly encouraged.

For more information or to register, contact Carol Whatley at 334750-9539.

students shared what the experience meant to them.

“I enjoy everything about being a part of this program, but watching them learn and critically think are the most satisfactory things for me,” Howell said.

OHS junior Ishan Patel said the program gives him and his classmates opportunities to prepare for their desired career fields.

“Our passion for this comes from most of our group’s desire to become engineers one day, and how this will help us get more experience than just staying at home. Here, you get that hands-on experience,” Patel said. “We get to use power tools, learn to program the robot and you get to work with mentors who have done this before and learn from them.”

Beyond education is the lasting friendships created through the program, according to classmate and fellow OHS junior Rishi Yadav.

“You also get to know

each (other) and become closer as a team. You have to interact and communicate effectively with each other and go through real-life circumstances together,” Yadav said.

Patel, Yadav and their classmates are preparing an electrical car for this weekend’s “Chambers County Grand Prix,” an annual competition that draws 10 or more teams from Alabama to determine whose car is the fastest.

For more information on the O.G.R.E. program and its sponsors, visit www.ogrerobotics.com.

Following is a full roster for the O.G.R.E. program: Nic Bartlett - freshman Garrett Bennett junior Parker King - junior Noah Mills sophomore Ishan Patel - junior Alex Rice - sophomore Jordan Stevenson senior Rishi Yadav - junior Rick Kosbab - team mentor.

pelika O Observer

B5 April 11, 2018

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

How to Feel Great at EAMC.

Volunteer!

AUXILIARY

334-528-5923 • www.eamc.org

Contact: Victoria Beasley

Volunteer Coordinator Victoria.Beasley@eamc.org

pelika O Observer

B6 April 11, 2018

Opelika baseball defeats area foe Benjamin Russell 2-1

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

& FLEA MALL

Metal Goat Sculptures

Opelika-Auburn Gun and Hunting show draws large crowd April 7

Look fo a new r find eac week! h 334-745-3221 • angelsantiqueandfleamall.com 900 Columbus Pkwy, Opelika 36801 Open Everyday 10-7 • Sun 1-5

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Flip, from B1

We are looking for highly motivated individuals who want to be part of a winning team. Sales Consultants daily responsibilities include prospecting (self generate), follow-up on company sales leads, presenting security products and services to businesses and homeowners, ensure proper contracts and continuous communication with sales management. We offer defined and established territories. Base salary plus an aggressive commission structure. Car allowance, company smart phone and IPad provided. Professional weekly training with dedicated sales trainer with one-on-one sales support. Excellent benefits including 401k, health/dental/vision/life insurance. Opportunity to qualify for 3 all expense paid trips a year.

Job Requirements: Positive attitude and strong character. Strong prospecting (self generate) skills. Ability to run all set appointments. Adept at working referral business. great networking skills,, Alarm industry experience preferred but not require, Reliable transportation.

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

an end to cancer,” Mowery said.

During “Flip for a Cure,” Mowery said visitors can watch her team perform competition routines, as well as participate in other activities including facepainting, games and other family-friendly activities.

“People can donate by purchasing baked goods, bottled waters. We’ll also be selling (multi)colored ribbons because each cancer has a different color,” Mowery said.

“Our goal is to reach $1,000 ... and we already have $305 of that (amount) raised.”

The event will take place from 1-5 p.m.

In case of rain, the trampolines will be moved indoors.

For more information, call 334-7055549.

The center is located at 1102 Denson Drive, across from Municipal Park.

pelika O Observer

B7 April 11, 2018

Opelika Dog Park grand opening, Flip For A Cure, Rocket In A Railroad Town documentary premiere this weekend Special to the Opelika Observer On April 14, the community can join Opelika Parks and Recreation for three free, family-friendly events. The day will feature the Opelika Dog Park grand opening, Opelika Trampoline and Tumbling’s “Flip for a Cure”

event and the “Rocket in a Railroad Town” documentary premiere.

Opelika Dog Park, located at Floral Park, has been open to public use for several weeks, but Opelika Parks and Recreation is hosting the park’s grand opening next Saturday. The Opelika Chamber of Commerce

will facilitate the dog park’s ribbon cutting at 10 a.m.

The dog park features an 8,000-square-foot small dog area and an 18,000-square-foot large dog area. The park is equipped with double entry fencing, seating, pet waste systems, agility equipment and ADAcompliant access to the parking area.

In conjunction with ribbon cutting, the Lee County Humane Society

(LCHS) and iHeart Media are hosting their “Family Fun Day,” which will feature adoptable pets, free hotdogs, inflatables and giveaways. Community members are welcome to bring their dogs and help support LCHS. After attending the dog park grand opening, community members can head over to the Denson Drive Recreation Center for Opelika Trampoline and Tumbling’s “Flip for a Cure” event. The OTT

Team is bringing their trampolines outside and performing some of their awe-inspiring trampoline routines for the public. All proceeds from this event will benefit Relay for Life.

“We are hoping that attendees will enjoy watching our team’s incredible talent, but more than that, we hope that people will feel led to donate to help us fight against cancer,” said Beth Mowery, tumbling director. “Cancer has touched so many of

our team members’ lives, and we are just glad to be doing something about it.”

“Flip for a Cure” will also feature games and inflatables for children, a baked goods sale and photo opportunities with the OHS cheerleaders.

Those who come hungry can purchase a sack lunch from Butcher Paper BBQ or a cool treat from Kona Ice. The OTT Team will perform from 1-5 p.m.

The trampolines and games will be located on the grassy space adjacent to the recreation center.

That evening, Opelika Parks and Recreation is debuting “A Rocket in a Railroad Town,” a 45-minute documentary that highlights the history of Opelika, the history of the Rocky Brook Rocket and the renovation the train underwent in 2016.

“This documentary premiere has been a long time coming,” said Matt Battles, municipal area supervisor.

“We hope that having it during the spring, more people will be able to view this great, historical film.”

The film showing will begin at 7 p.m. at Municipal Park, but those who arrive early can take advantage of free rides on The Rocky Brook Rocket from 5-6:45 p.m.

For more information on these events, visit www. opelikaparks.com.

BEAUREGARD DRUGS

Let Tucker Simmons and the staff at Beauregard Drugs help you manage your seasonal allergies.

Piedmont District Log A Load for Kids Annual Event 2018 In Chambers County at the Oaks in Lafayette, Alabama APRIL 28 8 A.M. CST INDIVIDUALS = $75 FOUR MAN TEAM = $300 SHOOTING STATION SPONSOR $100 (ONE SPONSOR SIGN, 4 SPACES AT STATION) EXHIBTOR SPONSOR ONLY = $200 (ONE EQUIPEMENT EXHIBIT DISPLAY) FOUR MAN TEAM + SHOOTING STATION SPONSOR = $400 FOUR MAN TEAM + EXHIBITOR SPONSOR = $500

CALL MANDY CAIN 334-234-1118 OR 334-864-7701 EMAIL:piedmontlogaload@gmail.com

pelika O E ntertainment

Last week’s answers:

4-4 SCRAMBLER ANSWERS: 1), Right 2), Design 3), Bizarre 4), Clear Solution: Hazards

B9 April 11, 2018

pelika O Observer

B10 April 11, 2018

Recipes, from A12 Mom’s Chocolate Mousse Jenni Steed Crust: Follow directions on graham cracker crumbs box for a crust.

Put 1 to 2 Tbsp.

FOOD RATINGS Acre Restaurant 210 E. Glenn Ave.Auburn Score: 100 Amsterdam Cafe 410 S. Gay St. Auburn Score: 100 Wing Town 13 Samford Ave. Opelika Score: 99 Pho Lee 756 E. Glenn Ave. Auburn Score: 96 T.C.B.Y. 300 N. Dean Road Auburn Score: 95 Wok ‘n Roll Restaurant 1703 Columbus Parkway Opelika Score: 93 MaFia’s Italian Restaurant 811 S. Railroad Ave. Opelika Score: 91 Irish Bred Pub 833 S. Railroad Ave. Opelika Score: 90

mixture into bottom of foil muffin cups in muffin tin and press to make crust.

Mousse: 4 squares unsweetened chocolate, melted 1 cup butter, melted 1 1/2 cups sugar 2 tsp. vanilla 4 eggs, divided Whipped cream In a large bowl combine butter and

Grilled Caribbean Chicken Breasts Ursula Higgins Marinade: 2 cups orange juice 1/4 cup fresh lime juice 1 Tbsp. minced canned chipotle peppers in adobo 1 cinnamon stick 2 whole cloves 1 tsp. salt Boil all above

sugar; beat in vanilla and melted chocolate.

Add 2 eggs and beat for 5 minutes. Add the other 2 eggs and beat until smooth.

Spoon over crusts.

Refrigerate until set. Serve tops with whipped cream.

Note: Do not consume uncooked eggs if you have a health issue or are pregnant.

Squash Casserole Ursula Higgins A popular catering dish 4 lb. yellow squash, cut in large chunks 2 cups grated cheddar cheese ½ cup Parmesan cheese 1 cup chopped onion 4 Tbsp. melted butter 1 cup sour cream

Salt, pepper Blanch squash in boiling water until half done.

Drain well. Mix with remaining ingredients; place in a buttered casserole dish. Top with buttered panko crumbs and bake at 350 until hot and bubbly for about 1 hour. May be prepared the day before.

Sports, from B1

last week. Both teams beat section foe Wetumpka and lost to Auburn.

The Lady Bulldogs beat Wetumpka 4-1. Amiya Brown scored two goals with assists from Meagan Noon and Kaitlyn Goodman. Estephany Alba and Kaitlyn Goodman scored one goal apiece. Kayla Phatsadavong and Eleanor Wilson each earned assists.

Opelika hosted Auburn last week for the annual "Soccer for a Cure" games. Auburn won both varsity matches, as the girls won 3-1 and boys 2-1. The is the first time Opelika has hosted these matches.

ON THE MARK You can keep up with local sports by tuning into the "On the Mark" radio show on 1520 AM from 7-9 a.m., online at www. wtlmam.com/onair/onthemark. The local sports radio show features interviews from local coaches from different schools including Opelika High School. My co-host is Jeff Sasser, and we have guest appearances from former coaches like Dan Washburn and Larry Gore.

DIXIE YOUTH/MIRACLE LEAGUE INSERT The Opelika Observer will print an insert highlighting Dixie Youth Baseball and the

ingredients until reduced to 1 cup.

Remove from heat and add: 1 cup honey 1 cup canola oil 1/2 cup orange marmalade Cool and then marinate: 6 boneless and skinless chicken breast halves for 1 hour.

Grill chicken until

Cranberry Chicken with Wild Rice Jenni Steed This is one of my mother’s recipes.

1 can whole cranberry sauce ½ cup orange juice 1 Tbsp. soy sauce 2 lb. chicken pieces, breast or thighs 1 box long grain wild rice

done. Let stand for 10 minutes. Slice thinly.

While chicken is grilling, cook marinade and bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes.

Pour marinade sauce over sliced chicken and serve.

Garnish with Mandarin orange segments and cilantro.

Cook cranberry sauce, orange juice and soy sauce over medium heat until warm; set aside. Mix dry rice and its seasonings; sprinkle over bottom of 9 x 13-inch dish.

Place chicken over rice.

Pour cranberry mixture over top. Cover and cook at 350 for 1 hour or until chicken and rice are cooked. Serves 4-6.

Opelika softball drops 21-7 contest to Stanhope Elmore

Billy Hitchcock Miracle League in the April 25 edition. The insert will feature team pictures from each league.

OPELIKA GIRLS BASKETBALL Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller and the city council will honor the Opelika Lady Bulldog basketball team at their meeting next Tuesday. The girls won 22 games and advanced to their first-ever Final Four appearance. Coach Devin Booth earned the Area Coach of the Year Award, and key players like Anita Payne, Alexis Browning, Quala Walton and Claire Worth were named to the All-Area squad.

OPELIKA DIXIE BOYS BASEBALL (13-15) The Opelika Dixie Boys League has extended registration through April 16.

Anyone between 13-15 years old wanting to play baseball can register at the Opelika Sportsplex. Cost is $45 per person, which includes jersey and cap. Players must furnish a glove, baseball pants and shoes.

Everyone will be on a team. For more information, email foxonthemark@yahoo. com.

D. Mark Mitchell is sports director for iHeart Media, Alabama Dixie Boys State Director and vice president of the A-O Sports Council. He can be followed on Twitter at VOICEOFTHEDAWGS.

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

ALASCAN Bryce Hospital

“Serve • Empower • Support”

Hiring in Tuscaloosa, AL

LPN’s & RN’s | Psychiatrist | Psychology Director Police Officers | Social Workers For other vacancies & application, visit www.mh.alabama.gov Excellent State Benefits EOE

SERVICES DISH TV $59.99 For 190 Channels $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Call 1-866-815-7913 EARTHLINK HIGH Speed Internet.

As Low As $14.95/ month (for the first 3 months). Reliable High Speed Fiber Optic Technology.

Stream Videos, Music and More! Call Earthlink Today 1-877-739-1442 HOME BREAK-INS take less than 60 seconds. Don’t wait!

Protect your family, your home, your assets Now. Get a Free Quote! Call 1-855849-6707 SUFFERING FROM Hearing Loss? You May Qualify for a ClearCaptions Phone at No Cost to you.

Real-Time Phone Captioning. Free Installation. FCC Certified Provider. Contact ClearCaptions! 1-855620-8616 WANT YOUR ad to be seen in 120 newspapers statewide?

Place your ad in our Classified Network for just $210 per week! Make one call to this newspaper (a participating ALASCAN member) or

call 1-800-264-7043 to find out how easy it is to advertise statewide!

INSURANCE DENTAL INSURANCE. Call Physicians Mutual Insurance Company for details. Not just a discount plan, Real coverage for 350 procedures. 1-844-3589039 or http://www. dental50plus.com/289 Ad# 6118 HEALTH/ BEAUTY

ATTENTION: VIAGRA and Cialis Users! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices!

50 Pill Special- $99 + FREE Shipping!

100% guaranteed.

Call Now: 1-855-3824115 CANADA DRUG Center: Safe, affordable medications.

Licensed mail order pharmacy. SAVE up to 75%! Get $10.00 off your first

prescription. Free shipping! Call 1-844362-1679 OXYGEN - ANYTIME. Anywhere.

No tanks to refill. No deliveries. The allnew Inogen One G4 is only 2.8 pounds!

FAA approved! Free info kit: 1-844-2649500.

Suffering from Knee, Back or Joint Pain?

A Pain Relieving Orthotic Brace Can Help! Fast/Easy Medicare Approvals with Qualifying Prescription. We Handle the Paperwork. Call Now! 1-855-977-7510 HELP WANTEDDRIVERS LOOKING FOR full time and part time flatbed CDL-A Drivers! Regional & OTR Lanes. Holiday & vacation pay. Quality home time! BC/BS Medical/Dental/Prescription Insurance.

Call 1-800-580-2205 or go to www.wtwenterprisesinc.com.

TRUCK DRIVERS Needed! No CDL? No Problem! Will Train You! Start a New Career in Trucking Today. Everyone approved if qualified.

Ready to start earning $1,200+/week?

Call Us 1-866-9182838 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY NEW AUTHORS Wanted! Page Publishing will help you self-publish your own book. Free author submission kit! Limited offer! Why wait?

Call now: 1-888-2834780 FARM CLASSIFIEDS GOT LAND? Our Hunters will pay Top Dollar to hunt your land. Call for a Free information packet & quote. 1-866-309-1507 www.basecampleasing.com

pelika O Observer

B11 April 11, 2018

COMICS

There is a thin line that separates laughter and pain, comedy and tragedy, humor and hurt.

-Erma Bombeck

pelika O Observer

B12 April 11, 2018

Community Calendar: Events around town

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 334-2094641. For the website, Google “village friends village values.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• The Touched by Suicide Support Group meets the first Monday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at the East Alabama Medical Center Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway. For more information, contact Deborah Owen, EAMC’s director of Psychiatric Services at 334-528-4197 or deborahowen@eamc.org.

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

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

• T.O.P.S (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly), a weight loss support group, meets every Monday night from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Covington Recreation Center, 213 Carver Ave., Opelika. For more info contact Mary Johnson, 7491584.

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

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

Whether you are interested in the proper way to plant fruit trees or have questions in turf management, these webinars cover a wide range of subjects. Webinars are streamed live via Panopto on the last Monday of every month starting in January and ending in November. During the presentation, participants can send question via email. The webinars also are recorded and stored in the archive on the Beginning Farmer website.

Webinar topics include: trap cropping for reducing squash

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 7-8 p.m. every Tuesday.

Instructor is Cody Wayne Foote. For more info call Diane at 749-6320.

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

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

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

• The Opelika City Council meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 7 p.m.

Meetings are preceded by non-voting work sessions that typically begin about 6:306:45 p.m.

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

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

8685 AL Highway 51.

• A Grief Support Group meets at Oak Bowery United Methodist Church Tuesdays at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. for anyone dealing with the pain of loss and feeling the need for support on their journey as they attempt to bring order and wholeness back into their life. Attendance and 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 706518-9122.

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

Wednesdays: • The second Wednesday of each month a Community Grief Support Group meets from 10-11 a.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center. No reservations are necessary.

For more info call 826-1899 or 502-0216.

• Auburn-Opelika Chapter of Citizen’s Climate Lobby (CCL) meets every fourth Wednesday. CCL is a nonprofit, non-partisan, grassroots advocacy organization focused on national policies to address climate change. We consider a national carbon fee which would be distributed as a dividend to all U.S. households as the most important solution to climate change.

Meetings are held at the Hubert and Grace Harris Center Meeting Room (425 Perry St., Auburn, AL 36830 --- directly across from the Auburn, AL U.S. Post Office), 7:00-8:30 p.m. To learn more about CCL go to our website: citizensclimatelobby.org.

• The John Powell American Legion Post 18 and Auxiliary hosts Bingo every Wednesday night at 6 p.m.

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

Thursdays: • The Teal Magnolias Gynecological Cancer Support Group meets the second Thursday of every third month at 6 p.m. at EAMC Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway. For more information on the Teal Magnolias, email tealmagnoliasAL@yahoo.com or find them on Facebook.

• TNT – Teens N Transition is a monthly program for

teens and young adults ages 14 and up. The group uses this time to learn social skills as well as connect with others on the autism spectrum.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Call 334-528-1076 for more information.

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

•April 17 The April meeting of NAMI East Alabama, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), will take place at 7 p.m. April 17, at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, located at 714 E. Glenn Ave. in Auburn. NAMI supports families dealing with mental illness through mutual support, education and advocacy.

There will be a time for sharing. The public is invited.

• April 21 A Relay for Life Yard Sale will be held April 21 from 8 a.m. - noon at First Freewill Baptist Church, located at 103 19th St. at the corner of 1st Ave. in downtown Opelika. All proceeds benefit Relay for Life of Lee Co. for the fight against cancer.

To add your community events to the community calendar, email us at editor@ opelikaobserver.com.

Give blood with the Red Cross during National Volunteer Month Special to the Opelika Observer The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood during National Volunteer Month this April.

Donating blood is a simple way for those who are short on time to make a life-changing difference.

Kay Whaley knows the impact of blood donations.

When she was 9, she was in an accident and received many transfusions.

That experience inspired her to become a blood donor. “It

KNOW YOUR SNAKES? Special to the Opelika Observer Water Snake or Cottonmouth?

Timber Rattle Snake or Gray Rat Snake? Come to the Opelika Wood Duck Heritage Preserve and Siddique Nature Park on April 14 to learn the difference, and much more, at Dr. Bob’s Traveling Snake

takes about an hour of your time and could save the life of a friend, neighbor or even family member,” she said. “It doesn’t cost you anything and is the greatest gift you could give.”

Volunteer donors are the only source of blood products for those in need of transfusions.

Donors of all blood types are needed to help meet patient needs this spring.

Make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.

org or calling 1-800- RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

All those who come to donate from April 9 to May 13 will be entered to win one of three $1,000 gift cards to a national home improvement retailer, courtesy of Suburban Propane.

Restrictions apply. More details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Lets-Do-More.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities April 16-30: • Lafayette 4/24: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Lafayette High School, 214 1st Ave. N.E.

Show. A major focus of Dr. Robert W. Hastings’ presentations is “The Snakes of Alabama.” By showing slides of the snakes of the Southeast and exhibiting live specimens of several common species, Dr. Hastings describes identification methods and biological characteristics, corrects myths and answers questions.

He uses science and even a little humor to help people overcome their learned - and unnecessary - fear of all snakes. His primary mission is to convince people that snakes are not

bad animals.

The program starts at 10 a.m. allowing visitors to do some birding along the trails to two viewing blinds. Most of the trails are fairly level with only a short section having a moderate change in elevation. OWDHP& SNP is Site #10 on the Piedmont Plateau Birding Trail map. The pavilion and parking area is located at 3601 Waverly Parkway in Opelika, one-half mile from the Birmingham Highway/ US 280 West. GPS: N 32 o 39.193 ’ W 085 o 25.919’.