Opelika Observer by OpelikaObserver

pelika Observer O Vol. 11, No. 32

Wednesday, May 15, 2019

Opelika, Alabama

MAY 12 -18

MAY 15 IS NATIONAL PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY

“By local people, for local people.”

Third annual ‘O Beauregard artist Rachel Wright working with community to create art piece honoring tornado victims Day in the Village’ slated for May 25

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer By Morgan Bryce Editor

Photo special to the Opelika Observer By Morgan Bryce Editor Beauregard artist and resident Rachel Wright is nearing completion on a piece that will celebrate the lives of the 23 individuals who lost their lives in her community during the March 3 tornadoes.

Following conversations with survivors and victim’s families, Wright said she was inspired to create a piece of art that she and the entire Beauregard community could help create. “I wanted to do something that was beautiful and all-encompassing, as

well as something that people affected by the storm could participate in. Then (one of the victim’s family members) talked about ‘their angel,’ and it just clicked for me right there,” Wright said. The piece will include oval, hand-painted pieces of canvas applied to angel

wing shaped pieces of plywood. Wright has distributed pieces to adults and children alike, encouraging them to paint in a way that best expresses themselves and emotions regarding the events of March 3. Survivor Kayla Grimes See Wright, page A3

Guiding youth toward a better and brighter future as well as uniting Opelika and the rest of Lee County in a fun, family-friendly way are the goals of the third-annual “O Day in the Village” event May 25 from 1 to 8 p.m. at Covington Park. According to Event Organizer Teddy Houston, attendance has steadily increased the last two years, jumping from nearly 1,000 in 2017 to more than 1,500 people

last year. “I believe a reason for that growth is the fact that this is an alcohol and drug-free event, which is the cornerstone of this event,” Houston said. Because of generous donations and sponsorships, each aspect of the event is free for those in attendance, Houston said. The menu will consist of main dishes including hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, with sides ranging from baked beans and potato salad to macaroni and cheese. See O Day, page A3

Local author to release book compiling New Opelika art gallery letters to the ‘First Man’, Neil Armstrong ‘Art Haus’ holds art show for Opelika City Schools By Morgan Bryce Editor

Purdue University Press and retired Auburn University professor Dr. James Hansen are collaborating on a new book which compiles some of the most interesting correspondence that astronaut Neil Armstrong received in the days, weeks, months and years after the successful Apollo 11 mission. Titled “Dear Neil Armstrong: Letters to the First Man from All Mankind,” this first installment of a planned three-part series

will help people understand how the astronaut’s accomplishment captivated people not only in the United States, but around

the world. This book has been several years in the making, according to Hansen. Poring through the nearly 75,000 pieces of correspondence Purdue maintains in its library’s archive and deciding what should be published was a major challenge, he said. “Almost all of the letters interested me in some way. The letters to Neil didn’t say a lot him, but a lot about us, a study of his iconography and how important he was to our culture,” Hansen

See Armstrong, page A3

Index

OPINION.....................................A4 SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY..............A7 RELIGION..............................A12 CALENDAR..................................A14

By Todd Rauch For the Opelika Observer The Superintendent’s Art Exhibit is always a special way that school-aged artists get to display their talents. On May 11, select artists and winner of the Superintendent’s Art Exhibit had their art displayed in a real-life soon-to-open art studio in Opelika called the Art Haus. Becky Brown the DirecSee Art Haus, page A3

SPORTS................................B1 LEGALS.................................B4 POLITICS.......................................B9 ENTERTAINMENT......................B14

Photo special to the Opelika Observer

pelika O Observer.com

pelika O Observer

A2 May 15, 2019

House Doctors of East Alabama announces grab bar giveaway

Special to the Opelika Observer House Doctors of East Alabama is now accepting nominations to give a local resident in need, a safer, more accessible home bathroom in honor of May being National Mobility Awareness Month. House Doctors of East Alabama will supply and install for a free set of grab bars to a local home in the community. All one has to do to nominate someone they know who would benefit from this offer. Nominations must be submitted by the end of May and include a reason for nominating. House Doctors of East Alabama staff will collect all qualifying nominations and a lucky homeowner will have their free set of grab bars installed sometime in June. “Installing grab bars dramatically improves the safety of a home, especially for those with poor balance or limited mobility. However, like

any home renovation or modification project, it comes with an outof-pocket cost,” said House Doctors of East Alabama Owner Tony Holt. “Having limited mobility can be challenging if your home isn’t set up with an accommodating layout, so through this giveaway we hope to positively impact someone’s life by making it easier for daily living.” Whether it is to support and improve stability and function when standing and sitting, or to lend a hand when getting in or out a bathtub or shower, House Doctors installs the highest quality grab bars that are designed to enhance any existing bathroom with increased safety and accessibility. Nominations can be submitted by visiting www.housedoctors. com/house-doctorsgrab-bar-giveaway/ and selecting the local participating House Doctors territory. For more information, call 334-742-9607 or

visit www.housedoctors.com/handymaneastalabama/. Their office is located at 1325 Shannon Court, Unit F in Opelika. About House Doctors Known as the trusted handyman service for home repair and home improvement, House Doctors offers a myriad of services from drywall and gutter repair to kitchen and bathroom remodeling. The House Doctors team of insured, bonded and uniformed handymen have a wide array of skillsets to tackle even the longest list of to-dos. With a one-year guarantee, prompt and precise service and a team of qualified craftsman and technicians, House Doctors is not only a handyman service, but a trusted home advisor among the customers it serves. Founded in 1995, House Doctors is located across the country and has targeted several growth markets for the next few years.

O-Day, from A1

- O’Charleys - Pro Car Care - Target - Tiger Town Chickfil-A - Too Clean Carwash and Detailing - Travis Carswell Allstate Insurance Agency Individuals - George Allen - George C. Bandy Jr. (covering the deejay’s cost) - The Battle Family - The Dowdell Family - The Finley Family - The Houston Family (Teddy’s family) - Corey Grant (covering five hours of train rental fees from Ballard Party Rentals) - Rep. Jeremy Gray (co-organizer and sponsor with his business (Elevate Your Grind) - Marcus Johnson - Omar Marshall - Latoya Smith - Junie Stephens - Tianna Summers - Kelvin and Melvin Wallace. - Quentin Wright. The park is located at 213 Carver Ave.

people from across Lee County, regardless of race or creed, to come and participate in the event. “The whole city of Opelika is behind us on this, which is what it’s all about - bringing the whole community together and spreading a message to our kids to stay in school, stay away from drugs, say no violence or anything that might hurt them or keep from succeeding in life,” Houston said. Following is a list of corporate sponsors and individuals helping Houston make this year’s event possible, subject to change until the week of the event: Business Sponsors - 4th Street Station -Butcher Paper BBQ - Comfort Cooling, Heating and Air LLC - Game Time Sports Bar and Grill - Harris Funeral Home - Intown Imagery - Lovie’s Kitchen and Catering - Next Level Recording Studio

Adults and children alike will have a myriad of activities to choose from, ranging from athletic competitions like kickball and softball to a talent show, horseback riding and face painting booth staffed by Auburn University students. Deejay Hustleman will provide music and local dignitaries including Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller, Rep. Jeremy Gray and Wards 1 and 2 Councilwomen Patsy Jones and Tiffany Gibson-Pitts will speak. Parking will be available in the Covington Recreation Center parking lot as well as surrounding neighborhood, and guests are encouraged to arrive early. Houston requests that guests park responsibly and clean up any trash before leaving on the day of the event. Houston encourages

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

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pelika Observer

Publisher: Michelle Key Editor: Morgan Bryce Marketing: Doug Horn and Woody Ross Photojournalist: Robert Noles Phone: 334.749.8003 editor@opelikaobserver.com Sports Writers: Rick Lanier and Michelle@opelikaobserver.com D. Mark Mitchell

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

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pelika O Observer

A3 May 15, 2019

Notes from the HealthPlus Fitness Center holds benefit for EAMC EAMC media desk By Kelly Daniel For the Opelika Observer

HEALTH CARE AWARENESS Month-Long Recognitions May 2019 • Arthritis Awareness Month • Asthma Awareness Month • Better Sleep Month (We have sleep disorders centers in Opelika and Valley.) • High Blood Pressure Education Month • Mental Health Month • Stroke Month Week-Long Recognitions • May 6 – 12 - Nurses Week • May 12 – 18 - Hospital Week • May 13 – 19 - Food Allergy Awareness Week • Nursing Home Week (We have a nursing home in Auburn and Valley.) LOOKING AHEAD Spencer Cancer Center – We are expecting to begin treating patients at our new E.L. Spencer, Jr. and Ruth Priester Spencer Cancer Center on June 17. About East

Wright, from A1

Alabama Medical Center (EAMC) East Alabama Medical Center is a 340-bed regional referral hospital located in Opelika that serves a six-county area. The EAMC organization includes EAMC-Lanier hospital in Valley; between the two hospitals and their collective service lines, there are nearly 3,300 employees in the organization. EAMC is Lee County’s second largest employer. Among the services that EAMC provides are open-heart surgery and cancer treatment, both of which are highly acclaimed specialties at EAMC. EAMC also operates non-mainstream services, including RehabWorks, HealthPlus Fitness Center, the Diabetes and Nutrition Center, the Wound Treatment Center and the Auburn University Medical Clinic. EAMC-Lanier has a nursing home, acute rehab unit, detox unit and offers occupational medicine. For more information, visit www.eamc. org.

and District 38 Rep. Debbie Wood are two of the more prominent individuals who will be contributing to the piece. Final touches on the piece will be applied during this weekend’s “Love Lee Day” event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Opelika Sportsplex. Once finished, the piece will become a permanent installation at Sanford Middle School. People will be able to take photos with the piece and are encouraged to share them on their personal social media. Wright said that the significance of the piece remaining at the school not only serves as a remembrance of the victims but a reminder of the important role the school played in the immediate aftermath and following recovery from the storms. “Seeing everyone come together to help make this has been so beautiful to watch. I believe it will also serve as a piece of therapy for those who were affected in any way by the storms too,” Wright said. For more information, like and follow Wright’s Facebook page “Art by Rachel Wright.”

The Health Plus Fitness Center in Auburn hosted the third annual Fit to Fight event on Saturday, May 11, benefitting the Oncology Wellness Program at EAMC. The event included a celebration walk, silent auction, and free services such as skin cancer screenings offered by Dr. John Stewart of Stewart Dermatology. Several employees, including Rachel Calton, who works as community events coordinator and breast health navigator at EAMC, said that the event had a great turnout in spite of a high chance of rain in the forecast. Fortunately, the weather held out for this year’s the celebration walk. Calton added that for each of the three years the event has been held, Fit to Fight has generated high levels of participation and enthusiasm among residents of East Alabama. Rachel Carswell, who serves as an oncology exercise specialist at Health Plus Fitness Center, said that support for the program is crucial as it grows to serve more patients. “As the EAMC Cancer Center grows, we are able to help more patients that have undergone such complicated and difficult treatments,” Carswell said. When asked who made this event possible, Carswell said that multiple local organizations to the event, including their platinum donor, East Alabama Dental Group, as well as Sunshine Floors and the Orthopedic Clinic. The Orthopedic Clinic in particular partners with the Cancer Center of EAMC because cancer patients often require rehabilitation

Armstrong, from A1

said. “Everyone thought that he in some way was blessed and that he was the most special of all the astronauts. People began wondering and asking if he had some religious experience, what his thoughts were on UFOs and if he had the answers to the universe.” Four hundred letters were selected for the book. Hansen said each letter is chronologically and thematically organized into 14 chapters, with annotations at the end of each chapter to explain or clarify their meaning. As Armstrong’s first official biographer, Hansen said Armstrong himself did not share every letter or piece of information in helping him write the biography “First Man,” which was published in 2005. In the years since Armstrong’s death in 2012, Hansen

services. Also, many people who donated items for the silent auction are members of Health Plus who have seen firsthand the difference that the Oncology Wellness Program has made in people’s lives. Many individuals who work at EAMC and other Lee County residents participated in Saturday’s event and enjoyed the festivities. Wendy Thomas, who works with the city of Auburn, said that she found the Fit to Fight event to be a great way to spend a Saturday morning, including the silent auction and chair massages. Susan Johnston, the Vice President of Human Resources at EAMC, said, “We’re happy to see so many people from the community at the event and also, and it’s great to have a community fitness center so engaged in oncology care.” In addition to promoting physical health, the program also provides mental health support, which is crucial because of the physical and psychological stress that can accompany a cancer diagnosis, according to Chelsea Kroll, who serves the Cancer Center of EAMC in the role of oncology social worker. “Myself, and psychologist, Dr. Peggy Howland, conduct a weekly support group to cancer survivors (regardless of where treatment was received or where the person is in the treatment process),” Kroll said. “We explore multiple topics to include mindfulness, progressive muscle relaxation, communication, fear of recurrence, and provide therapeutic interventions to help reduce the stressors faced while undergoing treatment and in Life after treatment.” Lynn Dickens, a former Oncology

said his perception of the expectations and pressure placed on the astronaut’s shoulders helped him understand his desire for privacy and terse attitude toward both the media and general public. “I definitely felt sorry for how much people were heaping on him. People expected the world from him - from autographs and pictures to appearances and speaking engagements - and it never stopped,” Hansen said. Following the book’s planned release this fall, Hansen said there is a possibility that a documentary will be released with the published letter writers themselves, with interviews asking why they wrote to Armstrong, what they received and how much it meant to them. For more information or updates on the book’s release, visit www.thepress.purdue.edu. To view samples of Hansen’s other work, visit www.auburn. edu/~hansejr/.

Wellness Program member, said that the program made a huge difference in her recovery. Like anyone facing a serious illness, Dickens was overwhelmed by the diagnosis and the treatments that she would soon face. However, joining the oncology support group that is part of the wellness program provided an atmosphere of caring and healing. “The group is full of caring people where it is safe to share your feelings and fears,” Dickens said. “I have formed lasting friendships that are still supportive as I am in remission but still attending six years later!” As of the end of the event on May 11, Carswell said that they are still accepting donations, selling TShirts, and would likely extend bids for some of the auction items into the week following the event. The Pervasiveness of Cancer With the lifetime risk of developing cancer in one’s lifetime at about 40 percent according to American Cancer Society, cancer touches most people’s lives at some point, either from contracting cancer oneself or caring for a loved one who has cancer (https://www.cancer.org/cancer/ cancer-basics/questions-people-askabout-cancer.html). While acknowledging the importance of healthy lifestyle choices such as a nutritious diet, exercise, and avoiding carcinogens to decreasing the risk of cancer, the American Cancer Society and Mayo Clinic explain that cancer can happen to anyone, even if a person does everything right in terms of diet, fitness, and other lifestyle factors. (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/symptomscauses/syc-20370588).

Art Haus, from A1 tor of Public Relations of Opelika City School said, “we’re very excited to showcase the student’s artwork at the new studio, as well as, exhibit the Art Haus in its beginning stages.” Traditionally the winners of the Superintendent’s Art Exhibit are displayed in different venues around Opelika. However, J and Ginger Stern wanted its first exhibit to showcase the talent of local younger artists in the community where they could get the most recognition by artist lovers. The exhibit on Saturday was a soft opening for friends and family of the artists and the community,

and only the beginning for the young art talents. “The next step for the winners of the Superintendent’s Art Exhibit is when they are recognized at the next Opelika School Board meeting on May 21,” Brown said, “after that the pieces will be framed and hung in the Opelika Board of Education offices for the next year.” Perhaps one of the most distinguished artworks was created by Angel Geyrozaga, an Opelika High Schooler. Geyrozaga’s drawing titled “Life Behind a Smile” went on to compete in the 2019 Third Congressional Art Competition. Out of 80 entries throughout the entire 3rd Congressional District, Geyrozaga’s artwork won 2nd place. Geyrozaga was awarded a certificate and a cash prize of $500 by Congressman Mike Rogers for her work.

At East Alabama Medical Center, our mission is high quality, compassionate health care, and that statement guides everything we do. We set high standards for customer service, quality, and keeping costs under control. We feel that our patients deserve nothing short of excellence, and we are committed to providing exceptional medical care with respect and compassion.

2000 Pepperell Parkway Opelika, AL 334-749-3411 www.eamc.org

pelika O Opinion I’m here now Missing Mary T.

May 15, 2019

I looked out my winew know my story, dow and saw a cardinal because I’ve told few perched on the window about it. This isn’t its sill. I was reminded that entirety. It’s only a small God was there, and he had portion. me in His arms, but I was I was jolted into motherso sad and so tired. hood at the age of 25. The I tried so hard to focus pregnancy was hard, the on my pregnant belly and hormones were hard, it was By Lucy Fuller all of the little kicks that an all around hard situation. I received throughout the For the very first time, I was day and night. Just when I thought I put in a position to take care of another might be ok, Abby decided to kick her human being, and I was scared to death way into a super early arrival. My water because I was alone. To top things off, Emily Kate was born seven weeks early broke 7 1/2 weeks early, and I had my baby girl in the back of an ambulance on and stayed in the RNICU at UAB for Highway 280 on the way to UAB. Luckwhat seemed an eternity where she ily, we didn’t stay as long this time. underwent several procedures and one God really must trust my strength. scary surgery (anytime your premature Two weeks after we arrived home from infant is put under sedation, it’s terrifythe hospital, I lost my sweet little rescue ing). dog, Sadie. My heart was broken, and Years went by, I made mistakes, bad I grieved. I wept as I cuddled with my decisions, tried so stinking hard to “get newborn miracle in my arms but trusted by” and be a decent mom, but I wanted God to lead me forward. And, He did. to live my life at the same time. I sucI never understood why to any of what ceeded at failing numerous times and hit I just told you. I just know that God rock bottom more times than I can even allowed me to travel down this path so count. I trusted God to lead me through that I could grow strong and learn to it and He did. I met Jody. We married. be brave. He taught me that I could be Life was great. fearless in pursuit of what sets my soul Then, I had a miscarriage. I fell apart. on fire. He promised that I would have We fell apart. Life fell apart. I lost exactly what I needed and most of what myself. I prayed for. But, I never knew that all After a move to Opelika and two that time, what I was searching for, was horses later, I rebuilt myself into what my natural ability to embrace motherI thought I was meant to be. A single hood and love my two girls unconditionmom. I made the same mistakes again. ally. Most importantly, to love myself. I felt alone. I lost a job that I loved and I didn’t think I could ever feel love in threw myself into a job that was not this capacity. All the wrong turns I made for me. I was so lost and so ashamed. I led me here, and this is exactly where screamed to God and shouted “what do I’m supposed to be. I also didn’t realize you want from me?” He answered; how hard and long I was actually “griev“Nothing! I want you to live. I want ing” for many reasons and how cleansyou to be truly happy. I want you to be ing it can be to “forgive” yourself. Life the woman I designed you to be. I want is hard, no matter who you are or what you to let me love you and continue to difficult situations arise. guide you.” So I let Him. To those who closed a door in my Things got harder. I lost my job. I had face, thank you. To those who left me, to make the hard decision to have my thank you. I’m so glad you let me go, horse put down. I had to have knee surbecause I’m so thankful for this journey gery, which meant I couldn’t ride Cash, to where I’m absolutely meant to be. my other beloved horse. I went into a Every time I rock my sweet little Abby deep depression. Jody and I still spoke. to sleep I thank the good Lord for His He was always there, but now he was beautiful redemption. Every time I look there more. When I had knee surgery, back at the roads I’ve travelled I whisper he took care of me. We decided life was better together. We rebuilt our lives to the wind, “I’m here now.” And I ain’t turning back. together and brought Abigail Jennings Lucy Fuller is a lover of nature, aniinto existence. mals, gardening, and old houses. She While carrying her, I lost my best is a full time mother and wife. She curfriend, my very special horse, Cash. I rently resides in Dadeville with her husgrieved hard. I remember the day we band, two daughters, 4 dogs, and cat. received the dreaded phone call. I was She may be reached at fullalove2017@ lying in the bed, and Jody came in, sat gmail.com. down and gently broke the news to me.

t’s wonderful what a hug can do. A hug can cheer you when you’re blue. A hug can say, “ I love you so”, Or, “I really hate to see you go.” A hug can soothe a small child’s pain, And bring a rainbow after the rain. Hugs are great for fathers and mothers, Sweet for sisters and brothers; No need to fret about your store of ‘em; The more you give, the more there’s more of ‘em. So stretch those arms without delay And give that friend a hug today! “Here comes a Hug” Writer: Anonymous I am truly blessed each and every day from my elderly friends in the encouragement of “Let’s make the best of this day” as they greet me with a hug. What can Baby Boomers glean from those

hen Mary Ward Brown died back in 2013, Alabama lost a treasure. I cannot say that I knew Mrs. Brown (Mary T. as her friends called her) very well. To my knowledge we met only a couple of times. The last was 2004 or so, after I had finally gotten around to reading her 2002 collection of short stories “It Wasn’t All Dancing,” and I was so taken by it that I just had to make the trip to Hamburg, down in Perry County, in the heart of the Black Belt and meet the author. Hamburg wasn’t much out of my way, just a turn off the highway I normally traveled when I visited my parents in Grove Hill. All I needed to do was leave home a little early so I could swing by just to tell her how much I liked what she wrote and tell her that my Daddy sent his regards. I don’t generally drop in unannounced, especially on a lady in her 80s. I don’t like people to drop in on me. But that day I broke my rule and appeared at her door. She welcomed me graciously, invited me inside, and in the cool of her parlor, we sat and talked. I did not want this to appear a literary pilgrimage, not that there is anything wrong with that, so I did not bring her books with me. I am awkward enough talking to historians about their work. Talking to the writer of award-winning

By Hardy Jackson

short stories (she has been called an American Chekhov) was intimidating enough. I knew that trying to talk knowingly about the work that won those awards, was beyond my critical capabilities. So, we talked about family and place. She had known my father when he was a cadet at Marion Institute back in the 1930s and she was a student at Judson College. She remembered him but recalled better his younger brother, my Uncle Mac, who was something of a scamp. And we talked about how Marion, Selma and the Black Belt had and had not changed – changes and consistencies she had subtlety woven into her stories. Delightful, charming, witty, insightful – she was all that and more. Then I left, wishing I had brought my copies of her books for her to sign, and vowed that I would have them with me the next time. Only there wasn’t a next time. The years passed and I never swung by again. Then I got the word, “Mary T. is deathly ill.” A few days later a friend, Susan, who plants and proprietors the Mockingbird Farm outside of Marion (“Clean

A Hug of Wisdom

who are older than us and have gone ahead of us in facing health challenges and the day by day changes of getting older. We don’t work at aging, it just happens. Humility is truly practiced when we come to realize and accept that there are certain things we cannot control. We Baby Boomers may see some gray hair, our bodies are changing, we may be a little stiffer, or a little forgetful, etc. One thing that can help we Baby Boomers is to understand the aging process. Aging is not a failure of our bodies but it is part of the lifesaving process. In talking to my elderly friends, they tell me that old age is something we should celebrate as they have gone through the cycle and seasons of life. They express a new sense of freedom from life’s expectations and responsibilities as they live and have found

By Beth Pinyerd

deep seeded happiness and fulfillment. This kind of spirit is one that we Baby Boomers can learn from. Here are some suggestions from the older generation to we Baby Boomers that will prepare us to have healthy and happy lives. 1. God is not finished with me yet! Don’t “give in” to the old age stereotype. If you enjoy doing something, keep on doing it. My grandmother was 98 years old and she loved to sew. Even though she had health challenges in the assisted living facility she was in, she had her sewing machine by her bed. She would ask her children and grandchildren to pick up clothing

materials for her to sew pillow cases for other residents and their families. She made pillow cases for her own family too. I sleep on the pillow cases my grandmother made me when she was 98 years old. 2. Practice good health by eating healthy by including fruit and vegetables in your diet. As a Baby Boomer try to stay active as your body will allow such as walking, jogging, bicycling, swimming. I witness on a daily basis, my elderly friends taking walks, swimming, doing light restorative exercise, etc. 3. Keep the faith and hope by practicing what my elderly friends call FROG which means F-Fully, R-Rely, O-On, G-God. This is done as individuals as well as in group settings for all faiths and denominations. 4. The elderly generation stress to we Baby Boomers to have a hobby. This could include reading, writing,

arts and crafts, gardening and flower arranging, etc. A hobby is a wonderful way to be fulfilled and to outreach to folks around you. I personally love to attend craft bazaars where most of the gifts have been meticulously made by elderly hands despite the health challenges. To read a poem or an article on reflections from the past from elderly wisdom is priceless. 5. And last but not least, our elderly friends stress for we Baby Boomers to maintain relationships with family and friends. The Greater Generation takes time in working on relationships. I have so many of my older friends take time to write weekly letters to their families and friends rather than e-mailing or texting. As we age the “things of this world grow strangely dim” but compassions and love for others remain strong. Pinyerd has taught young children in the

Food from Alabama’s Black Belt”) wrote to confirm what I had heard. She had gotten to know Mary T., who was one of her good customers. They had swapped stories, and she had gotten advice about how to navigate the nuances of Perry County society. Mary T. especially liked the fragrant herbs our friend brought, for as her health failed,smell was the sense that held on the longest. On Susan’s last visit, before she left, she put some lavender mint close to her nose so she could smell it and got a sweet, weak smile of thanks. Later she wrote, “then her eyes closed and her face took on a beatific expression – she was there, and holding my hand.” The funeral was at St. Wilfrid’s Episcopal Church in Marion, one of those little architectural gems that traces its history back to the Episcocratic planters who came to the Black Belt in the 1830s and brought with them a way of life that lingers even today, a way of life Mary T. understood and wrote about. “Never a graceless moment,” was how someone described Mary T, and from my brief association with her I can only agree. Now she is gone but her stories remain. We will always have that. Harvey H. (Hardy) Jackson is Professor Emeritus of History at Jacksonville State University. He can be reached at hjackson@ cableone.net.

early childhood classroom for 34 years as well as outreaching to the elderly in intergenerational settings. She has taught and outreached in the schools in Opelika and Baldwin County. She holds a master’s degree in early childhood education as well as a bachelor’s degree in family and child development both from Auburn University. Her husband is the late Carl Pinyerd and she has one son, Gus Pinyerd who has taught her so much about learning. Classroom Observer is here to serve the community in sharing the wonderful teaching programs in our local public schools, private schools, and homeschools. The column is provided to enrich the education of our children, youth, and families. Classroom Observer welcomes educational news, school news, pictures, and events by e-mailing her at donnapinyerd@ charter.net.

pelika O Observer

Auburn University to host ‘Aquculture/ Aquaponics 101 Workshop’ July 8 Special to the Opelika Observer Interested in learning about the art and science of aquaponics? The Auburn University School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences will host an Aquaculture/Aquaponics 101 Teacher Workshop. The workshop will be July 8 to 12 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily at the E.W. Shell Fisheries Center in Auburn. Aquaponics is a combination of aquaculture and hydroponics, the growing of plants without soil. The fish and plants form a symbiotic relationship where the fish provide nutrients for the plants and the plants help clean the water for the fish. Classrooms across the country incorporate

aquaponics to engage students and teachers in real world applications of chemistry, biology, math and agriculture science. Dr. David Cline, an Alabama Extension aquaculture specialist, said that this workshop provides muchneeded aquaponics training for agriculture and science teachers. “The workshop will provide hands-on training and expert advice on how to start and operate an aquaponics system,” Cline said. “Resource materials will be provided to help integrate the knowledge into existing curriculum.” Topics will include integrating plant and fish culture, the nitrogen cycle, water quality, components of a recirculating aquaculture system among many others. At-

tendees will have the opportunity to design and build an entire aquaponics system to take back to their schools. The cost to attend the workshop is $295. Because of the handson nature of the workshop, the limit for the number of participants is 30 people. Registration can be completed in two ways; online or by mail. To register online, visit the Alabama Extension store. To register by mail, print out a registration form and mail it, along with a check made payable to Auburn University, to: David Cline 203 Swingle Hall Auburn University, AL, 36849 For more information on registration, contact David Cline at 334-844-2874 or clinedj@auburn.edu.

Raymond J. Harbert College of Business’s online MBA program ranks best in the nation Special to the Opelika Observer A new ranking of U.S. business schools has given top marks to Auburn University’s Raymond J. Harbert College of Business, ranking the university’s online MBA program the best in the nation. BusinessStudent. com, a leading business education platform, analyzed more than 200 online MBA programs, comparing tuition prices, accreditation and acceptance rates, among other areas, to determine which programs were best for students. To inform the study’s metrics, BusinessStudent sought the opin-

ions of more than 100 students and career professionals, including many who were enrolled in an online MBA program, and 83% of those surveyed said the cost of tuition was the single biggest consideration when choosing an MBA program. Auburn’s affordable pricing structure, in addition to the other highperforming metrics of the Harbert College of Business, helped position Auburn’s program as the ideal balance of reputation and affordability. Auburn ranked number one in the southeastern region, as well as taking the top spot overall nationally.

While MBA education has taken a hit nationally in recent years (51% of MBA programs say enrollment is dropping), Auburn’s Harbert College of Business is among the institutions hoping to buck that trend, and the impact on Alabama could be huge. About 99.4% of businesses in Alabama are small businesses, and such firms create thousands of jobs in our state every year. Those interested can view the full study to see where other regional programs ranked and how the national list stacks up at www. businessstudent.com/ education/online-mbaprograms/.

A5 May 15, 2019

Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama holds ‘In Your Honor’ luncheon

Photo special to the Opelika Observer Special to the Opelika Observer Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama (GSSA) hosted its annual In Your Honor event last Saturday at Young Meadows Presbyterian Church in Montgomery. In Your Honor gives the GSSA a chance to celebrate the achievements of its Girl Scouts and volunteers. During the ceremony, GSSA recognized Girl Scouting’s highest awards—the Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards and honored its outstanding volunteers. The Girl Scout Bronze Award is the highest recognition for achievement in Girl Scouting for girls in fouth and fifth grades. This award recognizes Girl Scouts who demonstrate extraordinary leadership through sustainable and measurable Take Action projects that address important community needs. GSSA was honored to recognize 65 juniors in the Montgomery and surrounding areas with their Bronze Award. The Girl Scout Silver Award is one of countless awards and programs in Girl Scouts where leadership takes

center stage. Introduced in 1980, the Girl Scout Silver Award is the highest award a Cadette can earn. This year, GSSA recognized 24 dedicated young ladies with their Silver Award. Since 1916, Girl Scouts have been making meaningful, sustainable change in their communities and around the world. The Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor a Girl Scout can earn, acknowledges the power behind each recipients dedication to not only empowering and bettering herself but also to making the world a better place for others. This year, the GSSA presented Samantha Ammeter, Montgomery; Elizabeth Schisler, Ozark and Olivia Stanwick, Auburn; with their Gold Awards. Volunteers are the hearts and hands of Girl Scouts. The GSSA takes great pride in recognizing special individuals for their years of membership, volunteer service and exceptional contributions. This year, the GSSA presented the Five Years of Service pin to Jo Close, Enterprise;

Kim Cryer, Enterprise; Allison Ingram, Montgomery; Malissa Moughon, Enterprise; Malia Richmond, Enterprise; and Stacy Thames, Enterprise. GSSA also recognized Enterprise women Lisa Beebe, Launa Boynton and Modina Westerling for receiving their 10 Years of Service pin. Receiving the Leadership Development pin was Corey Conner, Fort Rucker; Kim Cryer, Enterprise; Michelle Culverhouse, Hartford; Tanja Landry, Enterprise; Jennifer Leach, Enterprise; Andrea Plant, Enterprise; Malia Richmond, Enterprise; Heather Sheltrown, Fort Rucker; and Stacy Thames, Enterprise. Lastly, GSSA honored Lisa Harden of Montgomery with the Appreciation Pin for her outstanding service as a troop leader. Through Girl Scouting, girls learn to face challenges head-on, embrace failure as a learning opportunity, and find solutions to social issues all while building the skills and courage they need to take the lead every day. To join or volunteer, visit www.girlscoutssa. org.

Highlights from BigHouse Foundation’s May newsletter Special to the Opelika Observer BigHouse Foundation of Opelika serves foster families in need by providing resources and building relationships, shared recent news and updates in its May newsletter. Here are a few highlights: - In April, BigHouse welcomed three brothers who were first-time visitors. The boys visited BigHouse to get new-to-care bags after recently entering foster care. The bags included animals, blankets and backpacks. - BigHouse is growing and expanding, and they are ready for a new space. If you have ideas, connections, property for sale or willing to donate, please reach out at bighouse@ourbighouse.

org or 334-363-2634. - Support BigHouse while shopping at Kroger and on Amazon. Go to Kroger.com and click the Community tab to link your card to BigHouse. You can search “BigHouse” or use our organization number 49001 to register. For Amazing, go to smile.amazon. com to sign in and select BigHouse as your charity. Then, start shopping. Each quarter BigHouse receives a donation on behalf of their shopping partners. - Congrats grads! BigHouse has 10 local teens in foster care graduating high school this year. If you would like to help BigHouse host their graduation party on May 14, or donate toward their gift baskets, please

contact BigHouse. - BigHouse is finishing up a swimsuit and towel drive. They are embroidering towels, pairing swimsuits and sending them back to social workers across the state to give to the children who have entered foster care in the past year. BigHouse would still like to collect more swimsuits and towels to help finish the last few counties. If you would like to donate, let BigHouse know. They are accepting new swimsuits (sizes NM to YXL), and beach towels. Collection will run through the end of May. - Through a partnership with Cornerstone Church, BigHouse families can send their children to Winshape Camps on full and

partial scholarships from funds raised. The average price to sponsor is $209. If you would like to donate to sponsor a child, please email BigHouse. Camp is June 24 to 28. - BigHouse is ac-

cepting donations through May for their annual yard sale. Donations of household items, furniture, toys, electronics, bikes, tools, etc. are always hot selling items. The yard sale will be June

1 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. - BigHouse is in need of clothes for their closet. Items needed include: boys 12 months; boys 18 months; boys 3T; boys small and boys medium.

pelika O Observer Gogue Center Season, series subscriptions available to general public beginning May 15 A6

May 15, 2019

Special to the Opelika Observer The Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center at Auburn University began selling full season and series subscriptions on Wednesday for its 201920 inaugural season. Subscriptions, which have been available exclusively to Gogue Center donors and sponsors, are now open to the general public and can be purchased online at goguecenter.auburn. edu or by telephone at 334-844-TIXS (8497). Season subscriptions provide patrons access

to each of the inaugural season’s 27 performances, and series subscription packages include tickets to three performances per series. Both subscription plans are available at four price levels, with full season subscriptions starting at $625, which is less than $24 per show, and series subscriptions beginning at $75. “By becoming a subscriber, patrons can secure tickets for our entire inaugural season— whether it’s for all 27 season performances or just the three shows featured in one of our nine genre-specific series,”

said Executive Director of the Gogue Center Christopher Heacox. Subscriptions were first made available to Gogue Center donors and sponsors in fall 2018 and have sold quickly since their initial release. Remaining subscriptions are expected to sell fast since they were released on Wednesday to the general public. “Buying a subscription now enables patrons to secure the best possible seats at the greatest value,” Heacox said. “We’ll offer additional packages and single tickets in the

coming months, but the best way to guarantee a seat at a performance is to subscribe now.” The Gogue Center’s historic first year will bring an eclectic mix of headlining acts to East Alabama, with performances spanning nine distinct series, including Americana Roots, Broadway, Celebrity Concerts, Chamber Arts, Dance, Family, Global Stage, Jazz and Vocal Songbook. Season highlights include performances by surfrock legends The Beach Boys; the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis;

star of stage and screen Sutton Foster; banjo virtuoso Béla Fleck and the original Flecktones lineup; soprano Renée Fleming; acclaimed choreographer Camille A. Brown and hit Broadway musicals “RENT 20th Anniversary Tour” and “Waitress.” In addition to its robust season lineup, the Gogue Center will present special events and performances throughout the year, the first of which will be its Grand Opening Festival Aug. 22 to 25. The four-day celebration will feature a different musical act each

day, including concerts by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit with special guest Molly Tuttle, Michael Feinstein and Friends and bel canto tenor Santiago Ballerini. Tickets to the Grand Opening Festival and other events and performances programmed outside the inaugural season schedule are not included with subscriptions and must be purchased separately. For additional information or to purchase season and series subscriptions, visit goguecenter.auburn.edu or call 334-844-TIXS. (8497).

Bicyclists rode across Alabama for tornado survivors Special to the Opelika Observer Two months after the deadly tornado struck Alabama, a team of six cyclists trekked across Alabama for two and a half days, logging more than 245 miles and raising $9,000. From May 3 through 5, they cycled for two reasons. First was to raise funds being used for repairing homes for people whose were damaged in the recent tornado. Secondly, it

was to raise awareness about the chronic housing needs in some of the poorest areas of the state including Lee, Macon and Sumter counties where Alabama Rural Ministry (ARM) serves. Their ride covered 85, 96 and 56 miles respectively for three days. A “spin class” at Moore’s Mill Fitness Club had three members log 245 miles over the course of six weeks. The 10th Cycle of Service benefited

ARM, a home-repair and housing ministry based in Opelika and working through the Black Belt of Alabama. Most of the households ARM serves are led by the elderly, disabled or single parents who live on limited or fixed incomes. ARM also provides repair for our veterans” said ARM’s Executive Director Lisa Pierce. ARM is working with the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) to

WRBL’s Elizabeth White shares journalistic experiences with Opelika Rotary Club last week

Special to the Opelika Observer Elizabeth White, a journalist associated with WRBL out of Columbus, shared with Opelika Rotary some of her adventures covering breaking news and events in the East Alabama – West Georgia region during the last 19 years. While she has covered many stories, she says the recent tornado which devasted Beauregard stands out in her memory. White has more than 70,000 Facebook followers and tries to always be there for them. She loves her job and values this community. Pictured (from left) are District Attorney Brandon Hughes, club member and White.

Local Order of the Esatern Star group donate flowers to Magnolia Nursing Home

Special to the Opelika Observer Members of the Sisters of Promise #442 Order of the Eastern Star delivered cards and flowers to all of the mothers at Magnolia Nursing Home in advance of Mother’s Day last week.

also provide recovery assistance to tornado survivors through helping repair homes and hosting volunteer work groups. This year’s goal was $25,000, which will be applied to the cost of purchasing the construction materials the organization uses in repairing homes for 60 families. This includes homes hit by the tornado, such as the Frazer family and others with chronic home repair needs like

Ms. Middlebrooks who needs a new roof on her home. Her husband had a severe physical disability preventing him from working and Ms. Middlebrooks is the sole source of income for her family. The cyclists enjoyed riding so they can help her. Cyclists rode for five to eight hours a day. Profiles of the riders can be found at http:// cycleofservice.arm-al. org, and pictures on the Alabama Rural

Ministry Facebook. The ride began in Cuba, Alabama and traversed through Selma, Montgomery, Tuskegee and finally the 14th Street Bridge in Phenix City at the Chattahoochee River. The riders stayed overnight in churches that also supported rest stops and meals. For more information about the ride event, visit www.cycleofservice.arm-al.org or www.facebook.com/ Bikebama.

Village Creed founder speaks to Opelika Kiwanis Club

Photo special to the Opelika Observer Kermit Farmer spoke about Village Creed, an organization he founded that seeks to help service organizations engage in community. Launched four weeks ago, Village Creed helps with donation management, messaging, branding, organizing and networking within Lee County. Village Creed has joined with EAMC's Mend to help with tornado recovery efforts. Pictured above are Farmer and Club President Bob Harris.

Fifteenth annual Pepperell Kids Reunion held May 4 at Lake Martin

Photo by Ann Cipperly The 15th annual Pepperell Kids Reunion was held May 4 at the home of Janet and George Crawford at Lake Martin. A barbecue lunch was served as those attending recalled childhood days attending the original Pepperell School. Over the years, Phyllis English, who attended Pepperell School and lived in the village, would sing to entertain the group. English, who had a successful career in Nashville and is listed in the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, passed away a few weeks ago. She was remembered and honored. Pictured at the reunion are, from left, Dean Aldridge, George Crawford, Janet Crawford, Fay Faulkner Summers and Jimmy Aldridge.

Opelika E vents, Society, & Food

CALENDAR OF EVENTS: • May 18 - 45th Annual Old Car Show •May 21 - Summer Swing • May 22 - Noon Tunes • May 24-26 - Opelika Songwriter’s Festival •May 31 - Callaghan at Sundilla • June 1 - Burger Wars/Touch-a-Truck • June 1 - Puzzle Palooza

Deborah Price Williams shares recipes from family, friends across Southeast Ann Cipperly’s

Southern

Hospitality

hile Deborah Price Williams lives in the house in Collinwood where she grew up, the exterior and interior look completely different. Williams’ parents, Ann and Bob Price, lived in the 1958 house for many years. After they passed away, Williams and her husband, Larry, began renovating the house in 2017, which took a year to complete. Since she enjoys cooking, Williams had the old small kitchen removed to build a spacious updated kitchen in grey tones with a granite

topped island and plenty of cabinets. The Williams’ have lived in several places throughout the southeast. Larry is semi-retired and serves as the priest at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Smiths Station. Williams works at Auburn University in the Department of Research Security. Williams is enjoying being back in Opelika where her family has deep roots. Her grandparents, Mary “Bubber” and Manley Canon, lived in a beautiful home on Geneva Street where her grandmother

grew up. Her grandfather was the owner of Canon Motor Company, which was once located where SmithT Hardware is today. Her mother, Ann Canon Price, graduated from the University of Montevallo and taught at Troy. She traveled west with an aunt and taught at Burbank High School in California. Debbie Reynolds was one of the girls in her PE class and played on the basketball team. After a couple of years in California, Ann Price came back to Opelika to be near her parents and accept

Photo by Ann Cipperly Deborah Price Williams grew up in Opelika and lived in various places across the southeast before returning in 2017. Deborah, whose family has deep roots in Opelika, and her husband, Larry, restored the Collinwood home of her parents, Ann and Bob Price. They are enjoying life in Opelika. Deborah is sharing recipes from her family, as well as ones collected from friends in places they lived.

a job offer by Opelika Mayor John Lewis Whatley, to begin a parks and recreation program for the city. In 1947, she began the program from the trunk of her car, going to the schools to teach recreational sports. In the 60s, Williams’ mother taught at Auburn, then API. When she was in the sixth grade, Williams remembers her mother became the PE teacher

for Opelika elementary schools. She taught for more than 30 years and was well-known in Opelika. She passed away in 2013 at 92. Williams’ father, Bob Price, was a chemical engineer and worked at the Pepperell and Lanett bleachery. He enjoyed playing golf and lived to be 91. When Williams was growing up, the family had a maid who cooked, but her mother

prepared a roast beef lunch most Sundays. Her father enjoyed grilling and smoking meats. Deborah didn’t have any interest in cooking growing up. After graduating from Opelika High School, Williams attended Auburn University, and received a degree in office administration. She moved to Birmingham and See Cipperly, page A9

Fifth annual ‘Burger Wars’ scheduled for June 1 Touch-a-Truck returns for 12th year, to coincide with Burger Wars June 1 By Morgan Bryce Editor

Thousands of people are expected to attend the fifth annual “Burger Wars” event along North Railroad Avenue in downtown Opelika on June 1 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors can purchase tasting tickets for $2 each and can sample a burger from any of the 30 or more confirmed grillers for the event, nearly record highs for the event according to Opelika Rotary Club Member Dixie Broadwater.

By Morgan Bryce Editor

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer “Over time, this event has developed into a tradition around here. It’s a great day

to come to downtown Opelika and have a great time,” Broadwater said.

Grillers will compete in one of three divisions: professional See Burger, page A9

The 11th annual Touch-a-Truck event will be held June 1 from 9 a.m. – noon in downtown Opelika. Presented by the City of Opelika, Keep Opelika Beautiful and Opelika Main Street, Touch-a-Truck allows children and adults to explore vehicles used in the city, ranging from fire trucks and police

vehicles to race cars. “It’s a great way to spend a Saturday morning with your family and kids. Kids in general are more easily awed than adults,” said interim Opelika Main Street Director Dana Gafford. “It’s also a great way for kids to interact and be in person with stuff they see on television and in books.” Admission to the event is free.

Monday-Saturday 11 AM - 8 PM

pelika Observer O

A8 May 15, 2019

uch joy can be reaped from watching someone do what they were made to do. Anthony J. Maiello, Conductor and Artistic Director of the American Festival Pops Orchestra, is doing just that. An internationally renowned conductor and a Professor of Music with George Mason University’s School of Music, he appeared at a recent concert at the Hylton Performing Arts Center located within George Mason University’s Prince William campus. He began this performance, as he nearly always does, by conducting his orchestra in a moving rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner. “I always start with the national anthem, and it’s like I’m hearing it for the first time,” he told the audience. The concert was intended to be a celebration of movie music. Maiello led the audience in a game of “name that movie,” offering concert-goers

Music from the heart

the chance to yell out movie titles associated with just a few lines of music. “E.T.,” “Psycho” and “Star Wars,” among many others, made the cut. “You’re such a wonderful audience,” Maiello kept saying, expressing surprise at the group’s movie recall. As the program progressed, one could not help but be overcome with a sense of pure, unadulterated joy. Maiello was gregarious, engaging and charming throughout the night, leading the audience through a maze of poignant music and moving lyrics. Yet the power behind this journey could be found in something much larger. Music can oftentimes express what words are unable to adequately convey. Such revelations can give birth to a sense of community, along with a connection to something much larger than oneself. The concert itself felt like not only a celebration of cinematic music; but, even more impor-

By Samual Moore-Sobel

tantly, a celebration of America. Many of the featured songs were “made in America,” as it were. With a nod to the classics, the orchestra played “The Way You Look Tonight,” “Seventy-Six Trombones” and “Over the Rainbow.” Some of the music featured even served as the lyrics seemingly encapsulating certain decades of our shared, collective history. “It wouldn’t be a movie music concert without Henry Mancini,” Maiello said near the end of the concert. As the orchestra played “Moon River,” a song written by Mancini and featured in the classic movie “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” Maiello exited the stage to find his wife. Wading through

the audience, he grabbed her arm upon reaching her, dancing in the aisle as the orchestra played on. Exemplifying another wonderful truth as it pertains to beautiful music - the ability to bring people together. For, all can bask in its artful glow. Which brings me to another important note. Sitting in the middle of a college campus provided the perfect setting to analyze the messages we as a society impart to students all across the country. Parents urging their children to shy away from the humanities and the arts, in favor of more profitable career paths such as information technology, science and mathematics. Dollar signs and prestige often motivating such words of wisdom, while completing ignoring the desires of the heart. While violinists, singers, pianists and conductors may not have the same earning potential as an IT executive, does that make

the work they do any less impactful? Watching as these talented musicians used wooden instruments to produce beautiful sounds, it was hard not to see the look of joy emanating from so many faces across the stage. The joy they exhibited was infectious, the dedication and skill exemplified by their performances rather inspiring. Perhaps providing a cautionary tale to those audience members who happened to be students. Don’t just follow the money; after all, passion matters, too. Maiello ended with a nod to the service men and women in the audience, directing his orchestra to play the “Armed Forces Salute.” “…Without them, we would not be able to live the wonderful life we have…” he said. With each military theme, people stood in recognition of the branch of the military in which they serve (or served), as their fellow Americans greeted

them with applause. Watching the faces of those who sprung out of their seats, one could not help but be overwhelmed with a sense of gratefulness. For a country filled with people willing to sacrifice for the greater good. For a room comprised of people willing to support education and the arts, listening to songs created by talented men and women that have been heard the world over. Looking towards the future, the potential for further composition and musical creation seems endless. What songs will we be singing in the next 30 years, as we look back on the previous decades? “What a beautiful country we have,” I told my brother as we exited our seats after the conclusion of the program. “I hope we never lose it.” Samuel Moore-Sobel is a freelance writer. To read more of his work, visit www.holdingontohopetoday.com

Auburn University’s First Lady holds Spring Tea April 30 at President’s home Photo by Ann Cipperly Auburn University’s First Lady, Janet Leath, hosted a spring tea April 30 at the president’s home for members of the Auburn University Campus Club. Fresh floral arrangements decorated tables covered in floor-length cloths. An assortment of traditional tea refreshments were served. Pictured at the tea are, from left Susan Lee, Campus Club treasurer; Janet Leath, wife of Auburn University President Steven Leath; Sue Hopper, Campus Club vice president for membership and Susan Stanley president of the Campus Club.

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pelika O Observer Cipperly,

from A7

worked at Alabama Gas Corporation for four years. While in Birmingham, an Opelika friend asked Williams to work on George McMillan’s campaign for lieutenant governor. After winning the election, Lieutenant Governor McMillan asked her to become his legal secretary at his law office in Birmingham. She enrolled in paralegal school in Atlanta, then returned to Birmingham when McMillan ran for governor. She worked on his campaign. When

Burger,

from A7 (area restaurants or eateries), corporate and tailgating. Visitors will be able to cast a vote for the ‘Crowd Favorite.” Local musician Larcus “Silky Tone” Fuller will deejay and emcee the event and there will be a

A9 May 15, 2019

the long hours became overwhelming, she went back to work at his law firm. McMillan lost the election to George Wallace. Williams met Larry while visiting her sister, Magoo Price Hamilton, who lives in Greenville. Larry was the priest at her sister’s church. After they married, Williams moved to Greenville. The Williams have three children. Mary Canon, who is living with her parents this summer, will leave in August to work in China. Cecilia is married to Seth Williford and lives in Statesboro, Georgia while son Chris resides in Atlanta. Since Williams and

Larry moved to Opelika, they have enjoyed dining downtown and meeting new friends. “When I graduated from Auburn and moved away,” Williams said, “I never dreamed I would come back here because it was nothing like it is now. When Mama died, we thought we had the house sold, but it fell through. My sister said we have moved around our entire married life and didn’t have a home base. “I never thought about living in this house,” she added, “but we became interested. Most people downsize but we didn’t. We have three bedrooms upstairs and added a master suite to the first

level. The house is familiar but new. It is my dream house. We have lived in church houses and bought our own. I really like being back in Opelika.” The former den is now the dining room with the original red brick fireplace. The back porch was redone and is a favorite place to relax. Williams enjoys cooking in her gorgeous kitchen. Glass front cabinets reveal a large collection of cookbooks from places they have lived. She is sharing recipes from her grandmother, mother and friends from different places they have lived over the years. Williams admits she

follows a recipe exactly. She can read a recipe and have a feeling if it is going to turn out good. Among her mother’s recipes are twists that she made to give as gifts. The dough is rolled in a mixture of nuts, sugar and cinnamon. One of grandmother “Bubber’s” favorite recipes was tasty ice box cookies. Included in recipes from friends is a recipe for sausage grits lasagna that won first place in a cooking contest at a grits festival in Warwick, Geiorgia, the grits capital of Georgia. When Williams worked for a judge in Hot Springs, Arkansas she shared her favorite salsa recipe. Marcie’s salsa is the best she has

tasted. The three-tiered cheese pate is from her sister’s church cookbook. Before serving, it is garnished with assorted toppings. The recipe can be halved and put in a smaller springform pan. It is one of Williams’ favorite appetizer recipes, and people often ask her for the recipe. “I love being back in Opelika,” Williams said. “I love being in my house and finally having a house that is mine. I enjoy seeing my friends, meeting new people and experiencing Opelika life.” Ann Cipperly can be reached at recipes@cipperly.com.

“Big Bite Challenge” between members of Auburn and Opelika’s fire departments. Through the rotary’s partnership with the Food Bank of East Alabama’s “Backpack Meal Program,” event proceeds will meet the needs of food-insecure children at Southview and Ogletree elementary schools of Opelika and Auburn for a second year. Following is a list of

participating grillers, partners and sponsors, subject to change until the week of the event: Partners: - John Emerald Distillery - Red Clay Brewery Professional Division: - La Cantina - Zazu Gastropub - Niffer's Place Opelika - Stinky's Fish Camp - The Hound - Saugahatchee

Country Club - Lucy's - Auburn University Club Sponsors: - Capell and Howard Attorneys at Law - Fredrick-Dean Funeral Home - Agricola Law - Smith-Kastner Wealth Management - Burt Employment Services - Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home - S & S Termite

- Prewett Insurance Group - Wickles Pickles - Opelika Observer - Opelika Main Street - Pharmavite

- Almost Anything. For more information, like and follow the Burger Wars Facebook page. This is a rain-orshine event.

See Recipes, page A11

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pelika O Observer Recipes,

from A9 Mama’s Twists Ann Price ½ cup shortening 3 Tbsp. sugar 1 ½ tsp. salt 1 tsp. vanilla ¼ cup scalded milk 2 pkg. yeast in ¼ cup warm water 3 cups flour 3 eggs ¾ cup nuts, chopped ½ cup sugar 1 tsp. cinnamon Preheat oven to 350°. Put water and yeast in large bowl and let stand while milk scalds. When milk scalds, add shortening, sugar, salt, and vanilla. Add this to yeast mixture. Mix 1½ cups flour into yeast and mix until smooth. Let stand 15 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating in well. Put in remaining flour and mix. Grease large bowl and put dough in it. Let stand in warm place until double in size. Mix nuts, sugar and cinnamon in separate bowl. Take tablespoon of dough and roll in nut mixture – pull out and tie in knot. Let stand on greased cookie sheet at 5 minutes and then bake for about 12 minutes.

My Grandmother’s Ice Box Cookies Mary “Bubber” Canon 2 cups dark brown sugar 1 cup butter, softened 2 eggs 3½ cups sifted flour 1 tsp. soda ½ tsp. salt 1 cup pecans Preheat oven to 350°. Cream sugar and butter. Add eggs, soda, salt and flour. Stir in nuts. Roll dough into a log and wrap in waxed paper. Store in refrigerator overnight. Thinly slice dough and bake for about 10 – 12 minutes or until brown.

Mama’s Herb Beans Ann Price 3 cans beans, washed 1 stick butter or margarine 1 cup onion, chopped 1 cup celery, chopped ½ tsp. rosemary ½ tsp. basil ½ tsp. accent Salt to taste In saucepan, melt butter or margarine and add onions, celery and seasonings. Cover and cook until tender (10-15 minutes). Add beans and simmer 15-20 minutes.

Three-Tier Cheese Pate My sister, Magoo Hamilton, who is a wonderful hostess and entertainer, turned me on to this wonderful appetizer which came from the cookbook, “Without a Doubt”, which her church, St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Greenville, Alabama, published. Serves 40 6 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese 1 (2 oz.) pkg. Ranch style dressing mix 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated 1 (4 oz.) pkg. blue cheese Green onions, chopped Green olives, chopped Crisp bacon, crumbled

Black olives, chopped Spray 8 or 9 inch cheesecake or springform pan with cooking spray. In a food processor, place 2 packages of cream cheese with the dry Ranch dressing mix and process. Spread on bottom of pan. Place two more packages of cream cheese in the processor and process with 2 cups grated cheese. Put this layer over the first layer in the pan. Process the last 2 packages of cream cheese with blue cheese. Add this layer to the pan. Refrigerate until serving time. Carefully remove side of springform pan. Slide pate onto a glass plate stand and top with any or all of the following: chopped green onions, chopped olives and crumbled bacon. Serve with crackers.

Consommé Rice Ann Price 1 stick butter or margarine 1 cup raw rice 1 can consommé soup 1 can water Preheat oven to 350°. Melt butter or margarine. Add rice, consommé, and water. Pour into baking dish and cook for 50 minutes covered. This is great to serve with a meat that has no gravy. Serves 6.

Marcie’s Salsa Marcie Hearnsberger was a municipal court judge for whom I worked in Hot Springs, Arkansas. This salsa recipe is the best I’ve ever had! ¼ onion ¼ - ½ cup cilantro ½ fresh jalapeno pepper, seeded 2-28 oz. cans tomatoes (drained and save juice) 3 tsp. salt 1 Tbsp. garlic powder ¾ cup of reserved tomato juice In food processor, process finely the onion, cilantro and pepper. Empty into bowl. Process tomatoes and add to onion mixture. Process tomato juice, salt and garlic. Mix all ingredients. Chill and serve.

Arkansas Green Beans Susan Wright is a dear friend of mine from Cordele, GA. Her husband is Skip/Tipper Wright who grew up in Auburn. 5 (15 oz.) cans green beans, drained 10 - 12 slices bacon 2/3 cup brown sugar ¼ cup butter, melted 7 tsp. soy sauce 1 ½ tsp. garlic powder Preheat oven to 350°. Place green beans in 9x13-inch baking pan. Cut bacon into smaller pieces and cook in microwave for 2-3 minutes until partially cooked. (Can put bacon in a microwave safe colander with a bowl under it to catch the grease.) Lay partially-cooked bacon pieces on top of the green beans. Combine brown sugar, melted butter, soy sauce and garlic powder in a small bowl. Pour this

mixture over the green beans and bacon. Bake uncovered for 40 minutes.

Dave Roberts’ Mac and Cheese BBQ restaurant in Kennesaw, Georgia 1 (16 oz.) box rigatoni noodles 8 oz. shredded sharp cheddar cheese 8 oz. shredded Monterey Jack cheese 4 oz. grated fresh Parmesan cheese 2 cups heavy cream Salt and freshly ground pepper (if desired), to taste Preheat over 350°. Bring a large pot of water to boil over high heat. Season with salt (“till tastes like sea water,” Robert says). Add the pasta and cook until just tender, about 12 minutes or according to package instructions. Drain well in a colander without rinsing. Transfer the pasta to a large bowl. Add cheddar, Monterrey Jack and Parmesan cheeses, reserving the remaining half of the cheeses for the top. Add heavy cream and stir to combine. Taste and adjust for seasoning with salt and pepper. Transfer the noodle mixture to a medium gratin dish or casserole. Sprinkle remaining cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses on top. Bake until bubbly and golden brown, 30 to 45 minutes. Remove to a rack to cool slightly before serving. Serves 4 to 6.

Sausage Grits Lasagna This recipe won 1st Place in the 2004 Grits Fest Cook-Off in Warwick, Georgia which is the Grits Capital of Georgia. I was given this recipe by Doug Dean, an attorney I worked for in Cordele, Georgia 2 cups quick Quaker grits 2 lbs. ground sausage ½ cup chopped green pepper ½ cup chopped onion 45 oz. jar spaghetti sauce 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 16 oz. sour cream 6 Tbsp. olive oil 6 cups water Preheat oven to 350°. Cook 2 cups quick Quaker grits per package directions and split cooked grits into two 13x9 pans. Let cool. Sauté onion and pepper in oil until tender. Set aside. Cook sausage until done. Add onion, pepper and spaghetti sauce to sausage and simmer on low 10-15 minutes. In one of the 13x9 pans, put ½ sausage mixture on top of the grits. Dollop ½ sour cream and spread ½ the cheese. Flop the other grits layer on top, then layer the rest of the sauce, sour cream and cheese. Bake for 40-45 minutes. Serves 8.

Helen’s Pound Cake Helen Abernathy, my wonderful sister-in-law 3 sticks butter 3 cups sugar 6 eggs

A11 May 15, 2019

1 cup buttermilk 3 cups all-purpose flour ½ tsp. baking powder ½ tsp. salt 1 Tbsp. vanilla or another choice of flavoring Preheat oven to 350°. Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Add vanilla. Mix dry ingredients and add them to creamed mixed alternately with buttermilk. Sometimes she makes this a chocolate pound cake by adding 4 Tbsp. cocoa. Play with amount of cocoa to your liking but start reducing flour if you add more than 4 Tbsp. Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time and mix well. Add vanilla, part of flour, then half of butter milk remainder of flour and butter milk. Bake in Bundt or angel food cake pan for 1-1/4 hours.

bones and chop into bite-sized pieces. Cook spaghetti (in chicken broth if there is enough) and drain. Melt butter. Mix in flour and stir well. Add rest of sauce ingredients (except whipping cream) and simmer until slightly thickened. Add whipping cream after removing sauce from heat. Place spaghetti noodles and chicken in a 9 x 13 inch baking dish, and cover with sauce. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and little paprika over top and cover with foil. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes, or until bubbly all over. May be frozen before cooking. If frozen, remove from freezer at least one hour before cooking. Serves 8.

Corn Salad Janice Larkin who I met and who became a wonderful friend of mine when we lived in Acworth, Georgia. 2 cans whole kernel corn, drained 1 green pepper, chopped ½ cup red onion, chopped 2 cups grated cheddar cheese 1 cup mayonnaise 1-10 oz. bag chili cheese Fritos crumbled Mix all together except Fritos. Add Fritos just before serving.

Tasty Meat Loaf 1 lb. lean ground beef 1 heaping Tbsp. dried onion flakes 1 egg, slightly beaten 1 cup cornbread crumbs (about 2 muffins) 4 oz. tomato sauce, seasoned with salt and pepper to taste 4 oz. tomato sauce 1 Tbsp. water 1 Tbsp. prepared mustard 1 heaping Tbsp. brown sugar Mix first five ingredients together well, shape into mixture into a small loaf pan or shape into loaf with hands and place in shallow baking dish. Prepare sauce with remaining ingredients and pour over the uncooked meat loaf. Cook for one hour at 350° basting once or twice. If needed, add a little water to the gravy and pour over meat loaf to serve.

Mary Canon’s Garbage Dip 1 can black beans (rinsed and drained) 1 can shoepeg corn (rinsed and drained) 2 cans Rotel (1 regular and 1 medium) 2 limes (juiced) Garlic salt Black pepper Mix all ingredients and chill. Serve with Frito Scoops.

Carrot Soufflé Anne Lasseigne is one of my best friends from my years living in Shreveport, Louisianna. 14.5 oz. can carrots 1 cup sugar 3 eggs 1 tsp. baking powder 3 Tbsp. flour 1 tsp. vanilla 1 stick butter or margarine Preheat oven to 350°. Dump all ingredients into blender and blend thoroughly. Pour into greased Pyrex dish. Bake for 45 minutes.

Chicken Tetrazzini The sherry is the secret ingredient. 3-4 chicken breasts 8 oz. spaghetti noodles 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese Sauce: 2 Tbsp. butter 3 Tbsp. flour ¼ tsp. paprika 1 ½ tsp. salt Black pepper to taste 2 ¼ cups chicken broth ¼ cup sherry 1 small can sliced mushrooms 1 cup whipping cream Preheat oven to 350°. Boil chicken, remove

Sour Cream Banana Nut Muffins 1 cup butter, room temperature 3 cups sugar 4 eggs 6 ripe bananas, mashed 2 tsp. baking soda ½ cup sour cream 3 cups sifted flour 1 cup chopped pecans Preheat oven to 325°. Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Beat in bananas. Mix baking soda and sour cream. Add to banana mixture. Add flour. Mix well. Fold in pecans. Pour batter into paper-lined muffin tins. Bake for about 20 minutes or until done. Makes about 4 dozen.

Strawberry Spinach Salad Pampered Chef – Jackie Cooley, good friend of mine in Acworth, Georgia, is a Pampered Chef consultant, and I had lots of Pampered Chef parties while living there. This is a favorite of my family’s.

Makes 10 servings (or less, because it’s so good and everyone wants more) 6 oz. baby spinach ¼ cup sliced almonds, browned in 350 oven 8 oz. fresh strawberries, sliced 1 cucumber, cored and sliced 1 small red onion, chopped Dressing: 1 lemon, 1 tsp. zest and 2 Tbsp. juice 2 Tbsp. white wine vinegar 1/3 cup sugar 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil 1 tsp. poppy seeds Mix dressing ingredients and pour over salad.

Marinated Flank Steak Sherry and Keith Lee were members of our church in Acworth, Georgia. 1 ½ lb. flank steak – scored Marinade: 1 cup soy sauce 1 cup sake (liquor) ½ cup of sugar 1 ½ cup of coarselychopped cilantro 2-inch piece of ginger, peeled and cut into large chunks 4 garlic cloves ¼ tsp. crushed red pepper In blender, blend marinade ingredients until pureed. Place steak in large Ziplock bag and pour marinade mixture into bag. Marinate in refrigerator for 18-24 hours. Prepare grill. For medium doneness, cook 5 minutes then turn steak and cook 5 minutes on other side. For more well-doneness, cook for 8 to 10 minutes per side. Slice thinly against the grain and serve.

Food Ratings Moe’s Original BBQ 2319 Bent Creek Road Auburn Score: 100 Zoe’s Ice Cream Delite 2757 Alabama Highway 169 Opelika Score: 100 Guthrie’s 3704 Pepperell Pkwy Opelika Score: 99 Chickchickporkpork Grill 3810 Pepperell Pkwy Opelika Score: 98 Mandarin House 3800 Pepperell Pkwy Opelika Score: 98 Eltaco Veloz and Mexican Grill 1107 Fitzpatrick Ave. Opelika Score: 97 Durango 1706 Frederick Road Opelika Score: 97 Mrs. Story’s Dairy Bar 1900 Pepperell Pkwy Opelika Score: 97 El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant 814 Geneva St. Opelika - Score: 94

Opelika

A12

Family & Religion

May 15, 2019

Love letter from God to me

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

t‘s popular to look at the Bible as a love letter from God to me. Whatever else you might say about this view (and there is much to say), it certainly personalizes God’s word which hopefully leads to an application of it in our lives. And whatever else is true, it is definitely our Father’s desire that the word becomes flesh in our lives rather than being merely an academic exercise or subject for debate (James 1:22-25, 2:14-26). Even though strictly speaking, the Scripture is written for us rather than to us, I know people who look at the Scripture as a love letter and ferociously practice it in their lives. May their tribe increase! Having said that

though, I think it’s generally true that if we speak of anything as a letter to us, we would have some expectation that it contained intimate, personal details that wouldn’t relate to anyone else. And that understanding can lead to problems. For example, many take the love letter approach to mean they can select a few inspirational verses spoken to Jeremiah, Moses or Paul and take them as God speaking directly to them. This is an appealing approach because it emphasizes individualism (a huge thing in our culture), makes us feel significant (God is speaking directly to me) and maybe most important of all, leaves us free to decide “what it says

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

to me” while someone else can decide what it says to them. In the end, this is more than a consumer approach to the scripture because it is tailored to our likes and dislikes. Just listen to the people who tell us their reading of scripture finds approval for sexual relationships outside of marriage, between two people of the same gender, or whatever else has bubbled up in our culture that they seek

Church calendar

• Pepperell Baptist is continuing to offer a Wednesday evening program from 6 to 7 p.m. for preschool and elementary children called WOWWorship on Wednesdays. The evening program of Bible messages for children, crafts, fun activities, and snack is ongoing throughout the year. The youth program meets on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 7 p.m. This is an evening of prayer, Bible Study, and discussion. For more information, contact youth and children’s pastor Ryno Jones if you need more information at 334-745-3108. • Registration for Farmville Baptist Church’s First Steps Preschool program for fall 2019 is now open to the public. For more information or to register, call 334-887-7361 or visit them at 3607 Alabama Highway 147 N. in Auburn. • May 18 - Watoola United Methodist Church Annual

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

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

BBQ is scheduled for Saturday, May 18 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1370 Lee Road 38 in Opelika. Chicken or pork plates will cost $9 and baked goods will also be available for purchase Please come out and help us raise funds to rebuild our church sanctuary and to help out the community around us that was so greatly impacted by the March 3 tornadoes. • May 19 - Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church will celebrate Pastor Anthony and First Lady Catina Pogue’s Third Pastoral Anniversary May 19 at 2 p.m. Our special guests will be Rev. Bradley Gibson and the Mt. Zion Missionary Church, New Site, Alabama.

Fresh Foods...And A Whole Lot More!

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

eminently relatable in their strengths and weaknesses. As I read, I enter these communities that span the centuries and become part of them, and they become part of me. I learn from their struggles and successes. I realize that while no book of the Bible is written to me as it was to these particular communities, it was written for me and as I read, I find myself in their stories. And I become part of something much, much bigger than myself—I take my place with men and women who since the beginning of time have been part of the story of the people of God. You can find more of Bruce’s writings at atasteofgracewithbrucegreen.com.

Verse of the Week

“Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.”

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

approval for. The scripture is sentimentalized and doesn’t call on anyone to make any hard choices. This can never be anything more than a small view of scripture because it is centered in ourselves. There is a bigger way of thinking about the Bible. It’s much more of a community view. The scripture isn’t God’s personal letter to me, it is actually God’s word to many different communities of his people down through the centuries. As I open its pages and read its different books, I hear God as he speaks to people who were often quite different culturally, but remarkably similar spiritually—and thoroughly human and

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

Proverbs 27:2 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

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A13 May 15, 2019

Former Israeli politician, activist spoke in Opelika on May 5 By Morgan Bryce Editor Former Knesset Member Yehuda Glick held a speaking engagement at First Baptist Church of Opelika on May 5, with topics ranging from history and religion to politics and prophecy pertaining to Israel. Glick, a U.S.-born Jew, served one term in the

Knesset, Israel’s unicameral parliament. He is best known for his stance as an activist pushing for his country to have increased access to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. On May 5, 1943, Alabama lawmakers passed a joint resolution “calling for the establishment of a Jewish state and homeland.” Last month, nearly 66 years after making that

historic stance, Alabama lawmakers passed special legislation recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s

permanent capital and celebrating the Trump Administration’s relocation of the U.S. Embassy Offices from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Groups like the Alabama-Israeli Task Force work to promote a healthy relationship among the U.S. and state of Alabama with the nation of Israel. These landmark events helped Glick select

expanding Jewish access to the Temple Mount. Interested organizations in Israel, the U.S. or anywhere else in the world can book Glick for speaking engagements via www.shalomjerusalem.org. For more information or to watch a replay of the Q-and-A session, like and follow Glick’s Facebook page.

speaking in Alabama on May 5 to commemorate that occasion, and engaged in a 70-minute Q-and-A talk with First Baptist Church Opelika Pastor Jeff Meyers. At the end of the session, Glick announced the formation of the “Shalom Jerusalem Foundation,” which will continue his previously mentioned goal of

OBITUARIES Randall Eugene “Pop Pop” Smith The funeral service for Randall Eugene Smith “Pop Pop” Smith, 58, of Opelika, was Sunday, May 5, 2019 at 2 pm at JeffcoatTrant Chapel. Burial was at Garden Hills. Pastor Alan Isbell officiated. Visitation was Saturday May 4, from 6-8 p.m. Mr. Smith, who sadly passed away Wednesday May 1, was born October 15, 1960, in Opelika. Randy enjoyed the simple things in life. Was very laid back Ronald Lynn Anders, Sr. (Ronnie) Ronald Lynn Anders, Sr. (Ronnie) of Auburn, Alabama passed away after a 13 month battle with cancer on May 9, 2019 at the age of 78. He made cancer work extra hard, keeping the disease off balance just as he did hitters in his youth as a legendary left handed baseball pitcher. Ronnie was born to parents Troy Edward and Anna Lee Smalley Anders on January 12, 1941 in Tuscaloosa, AL and later moved to Montgomery, AL where he was a 1959 graduate of Sidney Lanier High School and 1964 graduate of Huntingdon College. The original Anders Bookstore, owned by Ronnie’s father, was a downtown staple located in the building that today houses the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce. After initially working for Burlington Industries in North Carolina, Ronnie, Rosemary and their 2 year old son returned to Alabama in 1966 to open Anders Bookstore with his father and his Uncle Jim in Auburn where he lived out the remainder of his life. He had many civic duties for the city of Auburn during his lifetime including, President of the Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board from 1978-1985,

and enjoyed spending time with his granddaughters Chloe and Harlee. He loved the outdoors in his early years, hunting and especially fishing. He was an avid Alabama football fan and he loved the Crimson Tide. Randall was born to Howard Eugene Smith and Sarah Wilma Hall, in Alabama. He graduated from Valley High School in 1978. He married Linda Faye Smith in 1996, and they lived together in Alabama. Together they raised one son Corey and the Public Parks and Recreation Board from 19902010. The Auburn Softball Complex, Auburn University Club Golf Course and the Auburn Tennis Complex were developed during Ronnie’s tenure on these boards. He was a beloved youth sports coach for many football, baseball and basketball teams. He was also inducted into the Auburn Dixie Youth Hall of Fame. Ronnie was a member of Auburn United Methodist church where he was an active member of the Joel McDavid Sunday School Class and a long time servant of the AUMC Food Pantry and Wesley Foundation. He was a devoted son, husband, father, brother and Pops to the five grandchildren who remained the center of his life. Ronnie is preceded in death by his parents Troy Edward and Anna Lee Smalley Anders and his nephew James Thomas (JT) Anders. Ronnie is survived by his loving wife of nearly 57 years, Rosemary Kirkland Anders; his sons, Ronald Lynn Anders, Jr. (Ron) and his wife Becky of Auburn; Troy Kirkland Anders (Kirk) and his wife Audra of Dunwoody, GA; his five grandchildren Joshua Davis Anders of Atlanta, Patrick Kirkland Anders, Troy Hurston Anders, and Rebecca Camille Anders of

Meeks. He was loved by so many. He leaves as his legacy two children: Corey Meeks (Jessica) granddaughters Chloe Meeks and Harlee Hall, who he loved very much and his Son Derick Smith. He also leaves to cherish his memory three sisters, Gayle (Ed) Meek, Cherie (Ray) Hall, Mona Scott. His granddaughters remember him as their one and only Pop Pop. He will forever be missed. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory directed. Auburn, & Walter Frederick Anders of Dunwoody, GA; his brother, Charles Phillip (Phil) Anders of Desert Hot Springs, California; and his nephews John Benjamin (Ben) Floyd and wife Elizabeth of Auburn and Jason Michael Anders and wife Jamie of Montgomery. The pallbearers are Ronnie’s four grandsons plus his great nephews, Kirkland Payne Floyd and John Calhoun (Cal) Floyd of Auburn. Honorary pallbearers are the Joel McDavid Sunday School Class, the AUMC Food Pantry Volunteers and the Wesley Foundation Staff. Ronnie leaves a wonderful legacy, not only to his family, but to employees and friends. His life was well invested in those around him. A celebration of Ronnie’s life was held on Saturday, May 11 at 10 AM at Auburn United Methodist Church. All who knew and loved Ronnie were invited to a reception immediately following the service in the Mathison Lobby at AUMC. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorial contributions to one of the following organizations: Auburn United Methodist Church Food Pantry or the Spencer Cancer Center at East Alabama Medical Center. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory directed.

Catherine T. Riddle Catherine T. Riddle, age 88 passed away Monday, May 6, 2019 at her residence in Opelika, Alabama. She was born on March 9, 1931 in Eufaula, Alabama to the late Thomas and Ollie Tucker. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was generous, kind, and compassionate, always thinking of others before herself. She loved to go fishing and enjoyed cooking.

She was preceded in death by her late husband, Cecil A. Riddle; brothers, George Tucker, Thomas Tucker, Jr., Robert A. Tucker all of Opelika and Willie D. Tucker of Wetumpka, Alabama. She is survived by her sons, Wayne and Carl Riddle of Opelika; grandchildren, Tim Riddle of Notasulga, Bobby Riddle, Kailynn Riddle, and Matthew Riddle, all of Opelika; great grandchildren, Allanna Riddle and Zackary Riddle; brothers, Winston Tucker

Irene B. Rigsby Mrs. Irene B. Rigsby, born November 20, 1926 passed away May 12, 2019 at her residence. Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Wednesday, May 15, 2019 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory. Visitation was Tuesday, May 14. Mrs. Rigsby was predeceased by her husband Leonard M. Rigsby; parents Marvin and Nellie Benton; sons: Stephen Allen Rigsby, Michael Van Rigsby; stepchildren: Leonard J. Rigsby, Emma Louise Rigsby. She is survived by her children: Kenneth Rigsby (Vickie), Judy Folds (Joe), David G. Rigsby (Janet); grandchildren: Brandy Yates (Paul), Ryan Rittenbury (Chelsea) of St. Charles, Missouri, Troy Rittenbury (Crystal), Dylan Rigsby of Denver, Colorado, Steven Rigsby of Rosewell, Georgia; Great-grandchildren: Michaela White, Triston White, Solan White, Riley Rittenbury, Harper Rittenbury, Kennedy Rittenbury, along with her beloved dog Lucky. The family would like to say thanks to extended family caregivers: Dominique Wright, Patricia Powdell, Cossandra Thomas, JoAnne Johnson. Along with all the wonderful caregivers with Compassus Hospice. Mrs. Rigsby was a devoted and wonderful mother, grandmother, and friend. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Opelika and served in preschool ministry for approximately fifty years. She worked at Opelika High School. Mrs. Rigsby made the best fried chicken in the world for Saturday family lunch until she was unable to. She loved and enjoyed time with her family and was the glue that kept the family coming back together. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory directing.

of Deatsville, Alabama, and John B. Tucker of Ellijay, Georgia; sister, Shirley Rodgers of Lanett, Alabama, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members. A memorial service was held Wednesday, May 8, 2019 at New Life Christian Center at 2 p.m. with Pastor Robbie Creed officiating. In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to the American Heart Association.

William “Bill” Hester, Jr. Mr. William “Bill” Hester, Jr. born December 1, 1936 passed away Sunday, May 12, 2019 at East Alabama Medical Center. Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Thursday, May 16, 2019 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory with visitation from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Providence Cemetery with Dr. Rusty Sowell officiating. Mr. Hester is preceded in death by his parents Elizabeth and William Hester, Sr.; daughter Felicia Musgrove; brothers: Aubrey, O.V. Jesse, Willie Hester; sisters: Louise Norris, Willene Yawn, Colleen Hester. He is survived by his daughters: Debbie Pool, Karen Carter; special friend: Barbara Hoyle; brother: Ennis Hester; son-in-law: Tim Musgrove; grandchildren: Gary Davis (Tonya), Michael Davis (Elaine), Corey Kirby (Ashley), Ricky Musgrove (Natlie), Christy Yancey (Jay), Tiffany Hopson, Shane Carter, Jr.; great-grandchildren: Chelsea Davis, Mason Davis, Carson Davis, Alyssa Musgrove, Nate Harrel, Felicia Musgrove (LiLi), Bryce Clinton, Kassidy Clinton, Brady Carter, Tripp Carter, Ryan Yancey, Jaylan Yancy, Braxton Yancey, Layla Yancey; great-greatgrandchild: Britain Tanner. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory directing.

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A14 May 15, 2019

Community Calendar: Events around town

• May 17 - Ribbon Cutting - Hometown Furniture & Appliance Grand Opening - 3:30 p.m. • May 17 - Application Deadline for Fall 2019 20 Under 40 • May 23 - Business After Hours - Prestige Properties Auburn Opelika Lifestyle Group 5 to 7 p.m. Ongoing: • Village Friends/Village Values is a nonprofit organization that supports seniors who prefer to stay in their own homes as they grow older. For info or to schedule a presentation to your group, call 334-209-4641. For the website, Google “village friends village values.” • The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR chapter is appealing for sweaters, jackets, trousers, shirts and socks, women’s clothing, soft soap in individual containers, shaving supplies, disposable razors, denture cleanser, toothpaste and toothbrushes, DVDs, games, books and magazines to take to veterans at the CAVHCS in Tuskegee. The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR Chapter regularly visits veterans living in assisted living, the homeless domiciliary and psych (trauma) ward in Tuskegee. Donations are tax deductible and will be much appreciated. Pick up is provided. Please call Linda Shabo at 887-6659 or at 256-307-1449. Mondays: • The Lee County Voters League meets the first Mondays of the month at 6 p.m. at Bethesda Baptist Church located at 201 S. 4th Street, Opelika • The John Powell American Legion Post 18 and Auxiliary meets the third Monday at 7 p.m. at 910 West Point Parkway in Opelika. • The Opelika Community Band practices

from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Auburn High School band room. Everyone is welcome, amateurs and professionals alike. • Smiths Station Military Chapter of Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) meets weekly at Mike & Ed’s at 5 p.m. For more information, call 297-5581 or visit www.nonukesforiran.org. • The Touched by Suicide Support Group meets the first Monday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at the East Alabama Medical Center Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway. For more information, contact Deborah Owen, EAMC’s director of Psychiatric Services at 334-528-4197 or deborahowen@eamc.org. • The fourth Monday of each month a Community Grief Support Group meets from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center. No reservations are necessary; everyone is welcome. For more information call 826-1899 or 502-0216. • T.O.P.S (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly), a weight loss support group, meets every Monday night from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Covington Recreation Center, 213 Carver Ave., Opelika. For more info contact Mary Johnson, 749-1584. • The Lee County Commission meets the second and last Mondays of each month at the courthouse beginning at 5 p.m. • The Commercial Horticulture Extension

Team organizes webinars to provide quick updates for producers on various topics of interest. Whether you are interested in the proper way to plant fruit trees or have questions in turf management, these webinars cover a wide range of subjects. Webinars are streamed live via Panopto on the last Monday of every month starting in January and ending in November. During the presentation, participants can send questions via email. The webinars also are recorded and stored in the archive on the Beginning Farmer website. Webinar topics include: trap cropping for reducing squash insect pests, cowpea curculio updates, nutsedge control, introduction to potting mixes in ornamental container production, dealing with drought in commercial horticulture crops, and many more. To view the full schedule, please visit www.aces. edu/anr/beginningfarms/ webinars.php. Please send questions during the presentations to Ann Chambliss, thameae@auburn. edu. For questions regarding the webinar series or for providing suggestions, please email Dr. Ayanava Majumdar at bugdoctor@ auburn.edu. Tuesdays: • Ballroom Dance Classes at the Opelika Sportsplex from 7 to 8 p.m. every Tuesday. Instructor is Cody Wayne Foote. For more info call Diane at 749-6320.

New Events

• May 17 - Join local peace officers at the Bennie Adkins Meeting Center to honor local law enforcement officers that have fallen in the line of duty. The ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. • May 16, 17 and 18 Auburn Area Community Theatre’s production of ‘Last Round-up of the Guacamole Queens • May 21 - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) will meet at 7 p.m. at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, 714 East Glenn Ave. • May 22 - Auburn-Opelika Chapter of Citizen’s Climate Education Group will meet to discuss strategies on how to address solutions to the climate crisis and how to get more citizens involved in supporting those solutio-ns. The group is a non-partisan grassroots organization focused on national policies to address climate change, and we wel-

come everyone’s participation. By building upon shared values rather than partisan divides and by empowering citizens searching for solutions to climate change caused by global warming, we work towards the adoption of fair, effective, and sustainable individual, community and government solutions. The meeting will be at 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Hubert and Grace Harris Center located at 425 Perry St. in Auburn. • May 24-26 - Opelika Songwriters Festival • June 1 - Burger Wars/ Touch-a-Truck. Touch-a-Truck is freeand visitors to Burger Wars can purchase tasting tickets for $2 each to sample burgers and give back to the East Alabama Food Banks’s Backpack Program for food-insecure children. • June 1 - Puzzle Palooza at Spring Villa Park from 5:45 to 7:45 p.m.

• The East Alabama Old Car Club meets every first Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Monarch Estates Clubhouse, located at 1550 East University Drive, Auburn. A program of interest to the old car enthusiast is presented. Car ownership is not required. • The Opelika City Council meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 7 p.m. Meetings are preceded by non-voting work sessions that typically begin about 6:30 to 6:45 p.m. • Every second Tuesday, a country, gospel and bluegrass music jam session is held at Pierce Chapel United Methodist Church in Beauregard. The event is free and open to the public. Those who play an instrument should bring it and plan to join in. The jam session is held from 6 to 8 p.m. 8685 AL Highway 51. • A Grief Support Group meets at Oak Bowery United Methodist Church Tuesdays at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. for anyone dealing with the pain of loss and feeling the need for support on their journey as they attempt to bring order and wholeness back into their life. 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 4590214 or 706-518-9122. • The Auburn Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol meets every Tuesday evening from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Auburn University Regional Airport. The Civil Air Patrol is a nonprofit organization that is Congressionally chartered to be the civilian auxiliary of the Air Force and focuses on three missions: aerospace education, cadet programs and emergency

services. For more information visit www.auburncap.org or find the organization on Facebook. • East Alabama Gem & Mineral Society meet the 4th Tuesday of every month at 5:45 p.m. Meetings are held at the Covington Rec. Center located at 213 Carver Ave. in Opelika. Wednesdays: • The second Wednesday of each month a Community Grief Support Group meets from 10 to 11 a.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center. No reservations are necessary. For more info call 826-1899 or 502-0216. • The John Powell American Legion Post 18 and Auxiliary hosts Bingo every Wednesday night at 6 p.m. • Every Wednesday is Wine Down Wednesday at the Bottling Plant Event Center from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursdays: • American Legion Auxiliary Unit 152 meets the first Thursday of every month at 11 a.m. at Niffer’s Place, 917 S. Railroad Ave. in Opelika. • The Teal Magnolias Gynecological Cancer Support Group meets the second Thursday of every third month at 6 p.m. at EAMC Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway. For more information on the Teal Magnolias, email tealmagnoliasAL@yahoo.com or find them on Facebook. • Opelika-Auburn Newcomers’ Club provides a variety of programs for the betterment of the Auburn/Opelika community to assist women transitioning into the area or to help women adjust to recent lifestyle changes. The club meets on the third Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. for a luncheon at various local restaurants. Please call or email Cheri Paradice at 334-737-5215 or cheri. paradice@gmail.com for more information or luncheon location of the 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. •After School Art Classes for Children & Youth Weekly Studio Classes featuring Drawing, Painting & More.. *beginners are welcome *all fine art supplies are always provided The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art A Center for Cultural Arts - Enroll Today- 334-480-2008 •Afternoon Art Classes for Adults featuring Studio Drawing, Painting & More.. *beginners are welcome *all fine art supplies are always provided Thursdays at 3 p.m. Eastern Standard Time The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, A Center for Cultural Arts - Enroll Today- 334-480-2008 • Evening Art Classes for Adults Fundamental Drawing Studio - Every Tuesday: 6:30 p.m. *beginners are welcome *all fine art supplies are always provided The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, A Center for Cultural Arts - Enroll Today- 334-480-2008 • Portrait Drawing Studio - portrait drawing classes for beginners, Every Wednesday 2 p.m. EST *all fine art supplies are provided The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, A Center for Cultural Arts - Enroll Today- 334-480-2008 • Senior Studio Art Classes Every Wednesday 11 a.m. EST *beginners are welcome *all fine art supplies are always provided - Enroll Today- 334-480-2008 Email editor@opelikaobserver.com to place your community events.

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A15 May 15, 2019

Three new homes for Beauregard residents dedicated last week

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Noon Tunes in full swing at Courthouse Square during month of May

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

A16 May 15, 2019

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Summer Swing season opened at Municipal Park last week

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Opelika Schools & Sports Inside • opelika schools • lee county schools • community sports

Turn to B8 for more photos from Beauregard’s spring scrimmage Friday.

Opelika Middle School holds Amazing Shake competition last week By Morgan Bryce Editor

On the Mark By D. Mark Mitchell

Opelika’s softball season ended at state regionals

he Opelika softball team completed its 2018-19 season in the AHSAA East Regional in Oxford last week. Despite battling rain and lightning, the double-elimination regional tournament was completed. The Lady Bulldogs opened the tournament with a 9-2 loss to Hillcrest. The Bulldogs battled in game two, beating Stanhope Elmore 7-4 while advancing to round three. Chelsea dropped game two in the winner’s bracket, moving them to the loser bracket to play Opelika. The Dawgs were eliminated by Chelsea 8-0 to end their season. This was the third trip to the regionals in four years under Coach Tina Deese. The former Auburn University coach informed OCS that she will retire from public education at the end of this school year. Deese brought a new fresh approach the program - no-nonsense, hustle, punctuality, discipline, work hard and pushed for her players to enjoy the game. WEST RIDGE PARK As the Dixie Boys Baseball League Director, I see West Ridge Park on a regular basis. No matter the time of year, the park always looks great and ready for action. I mention this because that should not

be taken for granted. ESG Team-Opelika President Michael Hillyer and his team strive to keep the park in tip-top shape. Bruce Boyd is the head of a maintenance crew consisting of: Doug, Willie, Robert, Bobby, Logan, Thomas, Elmer and others that help when necessary. The next time you see these guys, tell them thank you! OHS SPRING GAME Opelika High School’s football team is in the middle of spring training. The Bulldogs will scrimmage Valley tomorrow night at 6:30 p.m. at Bulldog Stadium. The two teams will play a controlled scrimmage with no live special teams. The two teams will make an effort to play every player if possible. Both schools’ ninth grade squads will play first. Opelika completes spring practice with a scrimmage game against Valley. The ninth grade team (up-and-coming eighth graders) starts at 5:30 p.m. Each quarter will be eight to 10 minutes long with a running clock. Following the ninth grade game, Valley and Opelika will scrimmage. The first half will be played like a real game against number “ones.” The second half will be for the all players including the JV to play. See Sports, page B2

Sixth grader Sara Kate Speakman was the winner of the annual “Amazing Shake” competition for Opelika City Schools on Monday. She and runnerup Zavier Dowdell emerged as the two finalists out of an original field that consisted of 371 participants. Each day last week, contestants met with judges who were evaluating the student’s conversation and personal interaction

Photo special to the Opelika Observer Pictured above are Zavier Dowdell and Sara Kate Speakman, the two finalists from Opelika City Schools’s Amazing Shake competition last week. skills, cordiality, manners and knowledge of current events.

“We practice soft skills (hand shake, eye contact, posture, con-

versational skills etc) throughout the year. These skills come in handy throughout life. Several of the judges mentioned how well prepared our students already are for job interviews,” said Opelika Middle School Teacher Patricia Skelton, who organizes the event each year. By Friday, Speakman and Dowdell were selected as the two finalists and traveled to City Hall to participate in an interview with the See Shake , page B8

RTJ Golf Trail to host Zimmer Biomet Championship May 23 - 26 Special to the Opelika Observer Auburn’s Cydney Clanton will have a home course advantage when the Symetra Tour comes to Opelika in three weeks. The Zimmer Biomet Championship hosted

by Nancy Lopez will be played on the Lake Course at Grand National (RTJ Golf Trail) in Opelika, Alabama May 23 to 26. Players will compete for prize money of $300,000, the largest in Symetra Tour history. The Lake Course previ-

ously played host to the PGA Tour’s Barbasol Invitational from 2015 to 2017. Clanton won a threehole playoff with Julieta Granada of Paraguay in the Murphy USA El Dorado Shootout last week in Arkansas. It was the second career

Symetra Tour victory for Clanton, who is sixth on the Symetra Tour’s money list for 2019. The top 10 on the money list at the end of the year earn LPGA Tour cards. Granada is currently top of the money list and is in the See Golf, page B8

Local student Joseph Abram recognized for community, county-wide service efforts Special to the Opelika Observer Representatives from the Lee County Family Court’s “Character in Action” program recognized Auburn High School student Joseph Abram for his accomplishments and contributions to the community.

Abram, mentored by Family Court Judge Mike Fellows, was recognized for extraordinary behavior through Character In Action. Following are recognitions he received at his school’s senior day ceremonies: - College Board Scholarships - Bee with a

Abram

Purpose - Eye of the Tiger Scholarship - James A. Roberts Memorial Scholarship

- Disabled American Veterans Scholarship - Delta Sigma Theta Sorority - Auburn Alumnae Chapter EMBODI Program Additionally, he was awarded a Resolution for the State of Alabama (HR 93) for his service to the residents of Lee County.

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B2 May 15, 2019

Auburn University baseball coach Butch Thompson challenges CWJC volunteers at luncheon members who gave special presentations to the participants during the spring session. Coach Thompson urged the volunteers to know their true identity and purpose in order to effectively lead the women they are serving through CWJC. “To help others, to lead Photo special to the Opelika Observer others, you must know Special to the Job Corps (CWJC) of Lee yourself. To lead, teach Opelika Observer County Neeley Caldwell, them to ‘FIO,’ or Figure It honored local ministry Out. Teach them to think “People don’t fail volunteers with a luncheon for themselves and apply because they aim high and at the Epworth Center of their skills for long term miss, but because they aim Auburn United Methodist life change.” low and hit. CWJC is made Church. Caldwell comThompson relayed the up of difference-makers. mended the volunteers for story of Roger Bannister Aim high; make a differanother successful session as he sought to break the ence!” of CWJC. four-minute mile in 1954. After completion of the Volunteers present He was told it was impos24th Pinning Ceremony on included board members, sible, but was convinced by May 3, Executive Director instructors, meal preparers/ two friends that he should of the Christian Women’s servers, and community go for it.

“Know who you’re running with; don’t get slowed down by the wrong people. There will always be physical and mental barriers. Conquer the temptation to give up,” Thompson said. Alabama WMU Representative Pat Ingram showed her appreciation to the volunteers. “There are twelve CWJC ministries in the state and we could not help these women make lifelong change without our many volunteers,” Ingram said. A spring 2019 graduate said at her pinning, “I was inspired the most by the volunteers in their attitudes, positive thinking, good energy, humble service, passion and spiritual lives.”

SUSCC recognized with top honors at Alabama PBL State Leadership Conference last month Special to the Opelika Observer Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) members from 11 Alabama colleges and universities traveled to Birmingham on April 12 to 13 to connect with top future business leaders and showcase their talents in a wide array of competitive events. Three Southern Union State Community College PBL members attended, taking home a top three award in every competitive

event entered. Southern Union PBL competitors won first place in the following events: Advertising, Renee Murray and Agribusiness, Matthew Wilson. Taking home second-place honors were: Organizational Behavior and Leadership, Christopher Reinstedler; Personal Finance, Reinstedler, Political Science, Wilson and Public Speaking, Wilson. Third-place winners: Marketing Concepts, Murray and Supply Chain Management, Reinstedler.

Photo special to the Opelika Observer

Murray was named Alabama PBL Who’s Who, the most prestigious award of the conference recognizing the most accomplished PBL member. Murray, Reinstedler and Wilson are eligible to attend and compete at the National Leadership Conference in San Antonio, Texas this summer. Southern Union PBL received the National Outstanding Chapter Recognition Award, the Outstanding Level of Blueprint for Success, and was the highest contributor for FBLA-PBL’s national partner, March of Dimes. “It has been my privilege to work with such a talented group of students,” said Southern Union PBL Adviser T. Murray. “I am very proud that they have received this well-deserved recognition for all of the hard work that they have put in this year. I look forward to continued success building on the strong

foundation these students have laid this year.” “PBL provided an avenue for me to develop professional business skills outside of the classroom,” Reinstedler said. “My experiences through the Southern Union PBL chapter have been priceless.” “Southern Union PBL represented our college and community exceptionally well throughout 2018-2019,” said Southern Union PBL Adviser Tyler Laye. “Our members have worked diligently and have achieved great success in competitive events, service projects, and leadership positions. They have set the bar high for future Southern Union PBL members. I am excited about what they have accomplished individually and as a chapter.” Southern Union PBL is led by Laye and Murray.

Photo Caption: Shown are: Renee Murray, Christopher Reinstedler and Matthew Wilson.

Auburn University’s School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences creates new educational initiative By Jamie Anderson Special to the Opelika Observer Auburn University’s School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences has established a new initiative called the Forest, Environment and Wildlife Leadership, or FEWL, Academy to create future leaders. Dean Janaki Alavalapati and Assistant Professor and Alabama Extension Specialist Adam Maggard coinstruct the students. “To aid in their experiential learning during the two-semester course, students will interface with a range of leadership and private industry executives, as well as policy makers in Montgomery and Washington, D.C.,”

Alavalapati said. Accompanied by their instructors, the first cohort of students recently visited Montgomery to meet with Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey and other leaders of the Alabama Forestry Association and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. “We have been reading and discussing a book on leadership that outlines traits of successful leaders, as well as offering tips and insight for us to use in our professional lives after entering the workforce,” said Will Dunnam, an Auburn forestry student. “To see how the same skills we have discussed in class are used on Capitol Hill was a

great learning opportunity for all of us.” Later this year, they will travel to Washington, D.C., to visit organizations and offices where they will learn about and witness the development of natural resource policy issues. Qualified students in Auburn’s School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences who are in good academic standing with an interest in developing leadership skills are invited to apply. Each year, 12 to 15 outstanding applicants will be selected to participate in the FEWL Academy. The 2019 program is sponsored by a private donation from Ed Sweeten, a 1979 Auburn graduate. “I am motivated to

support programs such as the FEWL Academy that will directly benefit the marketplace," Sweeten said. “As these young professionals advance in their careers, natural resource-related industries will gain from their leadership.” The school’s longterm goal is to create an endowment to support this program. Individuals or corporations interested in contributing to the endowment may contact the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences Development Office at 334-844-2791 or by email at sfwsdev@auburn.edu. For more information about the FEWL Academy students and program, visit sfws. auburn.edu/fewl-academy/.

SUSCC students named as All-Academic team members

Photo special to the Opelika Observer

Special to the Opelika Observer Two Southern Union students were among the state’s top students honored on April 19 during the 2019 All-Alabama Academic Team Recognition Program in Prattville. MiKayla Jackson of Opelika and Trent Meigs of Daviston were among the students from Alabama’s community colleges who were honored for their exceptional academic achievement, distinguished leadership and community service. All-Alabama Academic Team students are nominated by their respective colleges. Students selected must possess a minimum GPA of 3.25, be involved in campus activities and have completed a minimum of 12 semester hours at the institution. Meigs was also named a 2019 CocaCola Community College Academic Team Bronze Scholar. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation

Sports,

from B1 Exceptions - all kicking will be “dead,” meaning no rush on kicks, no blocking kicks and no returning kicks. Kickoffs will be automatically placed on the 30-yard line and punts will be placed where they are fielded. Starting in his second season as head coach, Speakman is adamant about making sure all 120 players get an opportunity to participate in the scrimmage. Kickoff for the ninth grade team is set for 5:30 p.m. and varsity at 6:30 p.m. at Bulldog Stadium. Fans can listen to the varsity game on WKKR 97.7 Kicker FM beginning at 6 p.m. MOORE STADIUM/ FLORAL PARK Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller, during an appearance on the On the Mark radio show last week, mentioned that a group of investors were interested in purchasing Moore Stadium from the city.

sponsors the CocaCola Community College Academic Team program by recognizing 50 Gold, 50 Silver and 50 Bronze Scholars, and providing nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually. Each Bronze scholar receives a $1,000 scholarship and a special medallion. High-achieving students are nominated for the award by campus administrators. An independent panel of judges considers academic achievement, leadership, and engagement in college and community service in the selection process. Members of the 2019 team were awarded more than $64,000 total in scholarships. Additional scholarships to Alabama’s public and private four-year colleges are also awarded to AllAlabama Academic Team members. Photo Caption: Pictured with Southern Union’s President Todd Shackett are Jackson and Meigs. “If this happens, we plan to re-develop Floral Park. Put a couple of football fields in, etc.,” Fuller said. “Whatever we need for our youth.” No timeline has beeb given. CORRECTION Two weeks ago in my column, I wrote that Roger Belyue was hired by OCS as the new softball coach and teacher. Rather, it is Randy Belyue who is the new Opelika softball coach! I watched Randy and Roger grow up, playing baseball and other sports. Both were good young men, gifted with the ability to be talented athletes. Roger is an Auburn policeman while brother Randy is coaching softball at Opelika. My apologies to Randy and Roger! Heck, I am not sure who was hurt the worse by my mistake... Coach Randy Belyue was officially announced by OCS in a press release Tuesday. D.Mark Mitchell is sports director for iHeart Media, Alabama Dixie Boys State director and vice president of the A-O Sports Council.

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B3 May 15, 2019

Renewal

he early sun beams relentlessly upon the lawn of chartreuse green. Even the shaded places are warmed to sauna humidity. Steam rises in the yellow light. Cast shadows are dark, sap hues shift to spruce then brighten with the day’s age. Beads drip round a water glass. Coffee cools in a paper cup. I begin my day with a letter. Words thoughtfully composed take shape upon a page. I sort a pile of papers, archive important things for posterity and categorize assorted items for appointed places. Three books and corresponding hardbound sketchbooks stack neatly for daily study. Continued learning yields new approaches and advances perspective for compositions practice, otherwise presumed ancient, conventional and uninteresting.

YOUR DESTINATION for CONTINUED FINE ARTS EDUCATION STUDIO CLASSES | DRAWING, PAINTING & MORE for ALL AGES www.thesarahwestgalleryoffineart.com By Sarah West I write down a thought: “if you think you know something entirely, perhaps it should be examined from other angles.” Like a complex root system, this thought continues, compelling one to consider many things and ever placing oneself at the center of the question for cross examination. Midday painting prompts shift

reflecting the day’s rhythm. The philosopher, the student, the mentor, the big picture - all teach those who listen. White bowls scattered over a mahogany desk, in each bowl paint; hues of gray, red and umber, echinarachnius parma. The velvet hues of gray infused with Tuscan earth, salt and paper aroma. By noon, a new

meditation beholds rebirth, a new painting, a letter, a book, a lesson. Renewal. Sarah West serves the Opelika Observer as a contributing columnist, with written works of Cultural Arts relevance and prose. She is a preservation, and conservation advocate, activist, and visual artist of American Illustration with a focus on Regional Narrative Painting. She is founder of the Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art,

A Center for Cultural Arts, Smiths Station, Alabama’s premier fine arts destination. She is the appointed Official Artist to the City of Smiths Station, a Lee County syndicated columnist, the director of her art center’s Cultural Arts Outreach Initiative which partners with local schools to make the arts accessible to all. She also serves a chief curator to the City of Smiths Station, City Hall Art Galleries. She is a founding member of

the Smith Station Historic Commission. She is a member of the Women’s Philanthropy Board- Cary Center, Auburn University College of Human Science. She is an elected member of the Society of IllustratorsNYC. She mentors art students of every age through weekly classes at her studio located in the heart of Smiths Station, Alabama. To learn more about her work and activism visit, www.thesarahwestgalleryoffineart.com.

Home is where the heart is

Beth Pinyerd The Classroom Observer

t is so hard to believe but school will be out for many schools next week! Making summer plans for our children comes to the forefront in the good old summer time. Yes, gas prices and everything is very high this year. Families may not be able to get away on that traditional summer vacation but you can provide a funfilled vacation on a "shoestring" right from your home. Let's make our childrens' summer one to remember with little costs. You get excited and they will too! First of all be sure to get up a list of adventures in your neighborhood

that are free. Local churches offer Vacation Bible Schools that are out of this world and full of learning and fun for your child. VBS offer swonderful times of meeting new friends, entertaining programs and plays for your child to learn valuable lessons, times of singing and acting out songs, art time offered with crafts you and your child will keep forever, delicious snack times and fun recreation time. My son and I used to attend all the Vacation Bible Schools in the area. Check with local churches to see when their VBS programs are. A lot of

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planning and loving hearts go into offering wonderful programs to your children. Don't forget to check out the local library's story hour. So many fun incentives are offered to children to reach their summer reading goals. As we know, one of the most popular summer fun things to do is to get wet! Don't fret if you don't live near a pool or beach, you can still have a whole lot of fun just getting wet. Use a hose or run through the sprinkler! Have your little ones to catch that rainbow as we always see when the sun hits the water. I can still remember my grandmother in Salem would always have her grandchildren to spend the summer with her out in the country. She would fill up a big aluminum pan which was used to gather vegetables. My grandmother would fill the pan up with cold water from the well and we kids would have a blast of summer fun. As a childrens' director at my church, I would purchase

inexpensive wading pools and use a big blue inexpensive tarpe on a grassy hill and pour baby shampoo on the tarpe to provide hours of family fun for our family fellowship. This same plan can be used at homes with safety measure in mind and provide hours of summer fun topped off with popsicles or lemonade! Young families just can't go on that traditional family vacation due to a tight budget? Don't sweat or fret! Plan ahead to have your vacation at home. But families, you have to make a commitment to cut the phones off except for emergencies as you do on a real vacation. Plan events at home where just you and your family spend time together. Pick up your family's favorite video, plan fun family picnics, let the children help you "no matter how messy the sandwich," pull out favorite board games such as "Boggle,” checkers, Operation Sam, or puzzles. The "key" to the success of your "at home

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

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Asbestos Claims, LLC, Jubal L. Hamil Attorney at Law, ARPC7.2.(e) “No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.”

vacation" is to let the outside word know you're on vacation so you won't be bothered. Camp out in your backyard looking at the sky and stars, hearing the sounds of summer, and just enjoying being outdoors. Too, a tent can be set up inside if the weather won't allow outdoor camping. Creativity and imagination are the family goals! The key is unwinding, kicking back and having fun with your family. Technologies have changed, our cultures have changed, but the heart of a child in needing time to spend with his/her family is always the same. Time spent together spells love! Another shoestring favorite is to safely catch and observe insects then letting them go! I always give my students an insect net or bug barn. Remember the days of running after "lightning bugs," fireflies and observing roly-poly bugs for hours! I love the friendliness of our Opelika community. You and your

children can schedule ahead of time summertime field trips around town. As a teacher when keeping children during the summer, I always enjoyed choosing one spot a week, whether it be the post office, bank, grocery store, or other places of community interests. The community welcomes this if you let them know ahead of time. One thing that children I have kept is to save one day a week to have a "Fast-food Day" We would save our pennies and we would look forward to a lunch treat. Look for coupons in the paper and too, especially during the summer, local fast food restaurants give away special certificates to children. As summer is fast approaching for children and families look around, plan ahead , to makes memories for your child. Readers, I welcome your suggestions on how to provide a fun summer for our children on a shoestring that we can share! My e-mail is donnapinyerd@charter.net.

pelika Observer O

B4 May 15, 2019

LEGALS STATE OF ALABAMA IN THE PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY- CASE NO. 2019-A-218 - RE: ESTATE OF ELIZABETH B. ANDRESS, DECEASED: NOTICE OF PUBLICATION Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 3rd day of May, 2019, by the Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Leigh McCulloh Andress, Executor Claud E. (Skip) McCoy, Jr.,Esq. Attorney for Executor Johnson, Caldwell & McCoy, LLC 117 North Lanier Avenue, Suite 201 Lanett, Alabama 36863 (334) 644-1171 Legal Run 5/15, 5/22 & 5/29/19

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA - CASE NO. 2019-A181 - IN RE: The Estate of Felicia Renee Woodall, Deceased: March 3, 2019 NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to AMY ASKEW SANDERSON, as Administratix of the Estate of Felicia Renee Woodall, deceased, on the 30th day of April, 2019, by the Honorable Bill English. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. AMY ASKEW SANDERSON Administratix of the Estate of Felicia Renee Woodall, deceased Legal Run 5/15, 5/22 & 5/29/2019

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA - CASE NO. 2019-A222 - IN RE: The Estate of Julia Claire Gullage, Deceased NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Lisa G. Gunter, as Executirx of the Estate of Julia Claire Gullage, deceased, on the 6th day of May, 2019, by the Honorable Bill English. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. LISA G. GUNTER Executrix of the Estate of Julia Claire Gullage, deceased Legal Run 5/15, 5/22 & 5/29/2019

Notice to General Contractors Bids for the Lee County Courthouse Renovations Opelika, Alabama The Lee County Courthouse Renovations will be located on the first floor of the 1898 original courthouse at 215 South 9th Street in downtown Opelika. The 14,100 sf first story renovation will be primarily interior work. Work generally includes minor reconfiguring of offices and replacement or re-finishing of all floors, ceilings and walls. Replacement of all lighting fixtures to LED. Replacement of some HVAC units and all ductwork. Reconfiguring or Replacement of sprinkler heads. The building will be partially occupied by the client and work shall be performed in three phases. There will be a Pre-Bid Conference on Thursday May 30th, 2019 at 2PM CST. Meet on site at the Courthouse entrance steps. All bidders should attend and inspect existing conditions. Consideration of existing conditions is crucial in submitting a responsible bid. Sealed bids must be received in the Lee County Commission Office in the County Courthouse at 215 South 9 th Street, Opelika, Alabama 36801 by 2:00 PM CST on Tuesday June 11th, 2019. Bid documents will be available for review in the Lee County Commission Office or can be obtained from Auburn Reprographics starting Monday May 6th, 2019. (Bidders have the option to purchase a CD in pdf format to read or print the drawings and specifications. Adobe Acrobat reader software is required to read and print electronic bid documents). Bid Documents may be viewed online by

going to: www.auburnrepro. com and selecting Digital Plan Room. Options for obtaining Bid Documents are as follows: Electronic (CD): Make check payable to Auburn Reprographics &amp; Supply in the amount of $25. This amount is non-refundable. Shipping arrangements shall be by the Contractor. Hardcopy: Contact Auburn Reprographics, 660 North Dean Road, Auburn, AL 36830; (334) 501-8235; Attn: Greg Sellers; (E-mail greg@ auburnrepro.com) to obtain bid documents. Hardcopy sets are non-refundable. A Bid Bond of 5% of the bid up to $10,000. in accordance with the laws of the State of Alabama will be required with submission of the bid. A Performance Bond of 100% and Payment Bond of 50% will be required from the successful bidder in accordance with the laws of the State of Alabama. As a condition for award, the business entity and its subcontractors shall not knowingly employ or hire an unauthorized alien within the State of Alabama. The awarded business entity must provide documentation of enrollment in the E-Verify program. The business must participate in the E-Verify program for the length of the contract. Lee County Commission Roger H Rendleman County Administrator Architect: John Randall Wilson, Architect (334) 826-0103 Legal Run 5/8 & 5/15/19

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF HORRIS CARSON JACKSON COURT OF PROBATE Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 1st day of May 2019, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barried. Witness myhand, and dated this the 1st day of May 2019. CARSON BUDDY JACKSON Legal Notice Run 05/08, 05/15 & 05/22/2019

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF MARTHA ANN T. BAKER, DECEASED TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Compass Bank, as Executor of the Estate of MARTHA ANN T. BAKER, deceased, on the 29th day of April, 2019, by the Honroable BILL ENGLISH. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Compass Bank By Ray Black Investment Services Head of Estate Settlement Petitioner Houston Plaza 2200 Post Oak Blvd. Suite 1800 Houston, TX 77056 Legal Notice Run 05/08, 05/15 & 05/22/2019

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BRANDON SINNIGER, DECEASED CASE NO.: 2017-B-197 NOTICE OF FINAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that Benjamin H. Parr, Conservator of the Estate of BRANDON SINNIGER has filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, a Petition for a Final Settlement of the Estate of BRANDON SINNIGER. A hearing has been set for the 6th day of June, 2019 at 9 o’clock a.m. central time in the Court Room of the Lee County Courthouse, 215 South 9th Street, Opelika, Alabama. Done this the 30th day of April, 2019. Judge of Probate Legal Run 5/8, 5/15 & 5/22/19

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF GARY EDWARD MCCONNELL, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Letters of Administration of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 2nd day of May, 2019, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. CYNTHIA P. MCCONNELL Administrator N. Riley Murphy Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Notice Run 05/08, 05/15 & 05/22/2019

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF SUSIE MAE OLIVER COURT OF PROBATE Letters Testamenetary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 3rd day of May, 2019, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Witness my hand, and dated this the 3rd day of May, 2019. QUINTON SMITH Legal Notice Run 05/08, 05/15 & 05/22/2019

NOTICE OF ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE SALE To be held on Friday, June 7, 2019, at 10 a.m. at Best 4 Less at 2509 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika, AL 36801. KMHDU46D17U230684 2007 HYUNDAI ELANTRA 1G8JU52F8YY681328 - 2000 SATURN LS1 Legal Run 5/8 & 5/15/19

ORDINANCE NO. 010-19 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 5.5 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA, BY ADDING ARTICLE IV RELATING TO THE PLACEMENT OF SMALL WIRELESS FACILITIES, ASSOCIATED SUPPORT STRUCTURES AND ACCESSORY EQUIPMENT WITHIN THE PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY WHEREAS, to ensure that residents, businesses, and public safety operations in the City of Opelika, Alabama, have reliable access to wireless communications network technology and state of the art mobile broadband communications services, the City desires to accommodate the deployment of wireless communications facilities and services within the City, including the City’s public rights-of-way, while remaining consistent with the City’s rights and obligations with respect to right-of-way management within the City; WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Opelika finds that unregulated deployment of wireless communications facilities may adversely impact the health, safety, public welfare, character and environment of the City and its inhabitants; and WHEREAS, through the exercise of its police power, and by virtue of its legal status as the owner of the public rightof-way, the City has the right and obligation, in a manner consistent with applicable law, to regulate the placement of wireless facilities within the City, including entry into and usage of the public rights-ofway, and to impose fees upon entrants and users to defray the costs and burdens to the public associated with such entry and usage. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA, as follows: Section 1. Amendment of Chapter 5.5. That Chapter 5.5 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Opelika, Alabama, is hereby amended by adding a new Article IV entitled “Small Wireless Facilities” to read as follows: ARTICLE IV SMALL WIRELESS FACILITIES Sec. 5.5-401 Purpose and Legislative Intent A. The purpose of this Article

is to establish a comprehensive set of siting and permitting requirements addressing the placement of wireless facilities and accessory equipment, and the placement and use of associated support structures within the public rights-of-way. These regulations are intended to provide for the managed development of wireless facilities in a manner that recognizes and enhances the community benefits of wireless telecommunications technology and reasonably accommodates the needs of citizens and wireless providers in accordance with federal and state rules and regulations. At the same time, these regulations are intended to protect the community from potential adverse impacts of such facilities, including but not limited to noise, traffic, aesthetic, safety and other impacts over which the City has purview, and to preserve the visual character of the established community through appropriate design, siting, screening, and maintenance and location standards. B. This Article does not address civil relationships between private landowners and owners or operators of wireless facilities and does not affect the need to obtain all necessary property rights from private landowners for the placement of wireless facilities. C. This Article does not regulate the siting of wireless facilities within state rights-ofway except to the extent that the City has the authority to regulate the placement and location of wireless facilities within a state right-of-way. Sec. 5.5-402 Definitions For purposes of this Article, and where not inconsistent with the context of a particular section, the defined terms, phrases, words, abbreviations, and their derivations shall have the meaning given in this section. When not inconsistent with the context, words in the present tense include the future tense, words used in the plural number include words in the singular number and words in the singular number include the plural number. The word “shall” is always mandatory, and not merely discretionary. (a) “Accessory Equipment” means any equipment, other than an antenna, used in conjunction with a wireless facility. It includes but is not limited to cabinets, optical converters, power amplifiers, radios, multiplexers, radio units, fiber optic and coaxial cables, wires, meters, pedestals, power switches, junction boxes, batteries, power supplies and related equipment located upon or in the immediate vicinity of the support structure. (b) “Antenna” means communications equipment that transmits or receives electromagnetic radio frequency signals used in the provision of wireless services. (c) “Applicant” means any person submitting an application for a permit to place wireless facilities under this Article. (d) “Application” means all documentation that an applicant must submit to enable the City to process a request for permit to install a wireless facility under this Article. (e) “Applicable Standards” means all applicable engineering and safety standards governing the installation, maintenance, and operation of wireless facilities and support structures, and the performance of all work in the public right of way, and includes the most current versions of National Electric Safety Code (“NESC”), the National Electrical Code (“NEC”), the regulations of the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”), and provisions of the City’s building, construction, zoning, and safety codes, including those of the City’s Department of Public Works and Department Planning, and/or other reasonable safety, engineering, architectural or aesthetic requirements of the City or federal authority having jurisdiction over such facilities. (f) “City” means the City of Opelika, Alabama. (g) “Collocation” means to install, mount, maintain, modify, operate, or replace wireless facilities on or adjacent to an existing pole or wireless support structure. (h) “Concealment”” means a physical design or treatment that minimizes adverse aesthetic and visual impacts on the view from land, property, buildings, and other facilities adjacent to, surrounding, and in generally the same area as the

requested location of a wireless facility. (i) “FCC” means the Federal Communications Commission. (j) “Height” means, when referring to a support structure, the distance measured from the pre-existing grade level to the highest point on the structure, including any collocated wireless facility. (k) “Historic Downtown Area” means the downtown commercial area as designated in Ordinance No. 151-01. (l) “OPS” means Opelika Power Services. (m) “Permit” means an authorization issued by the City allowing the applicant to install a wireless facility or new wireless support structure within the public rights-of-way pursuant to the terms of this Article. A permit may be in the form of a special use permit or an administrative approval, as specified in this Article. (n) “Person” means any individual, corporation, estate, trust, partnership, joint stock company, association of two (2) or more persons having a joint common interest, or any other entity. (o) “Planning Director” means the Planning Director of the City of Opelika, or designee. (p) “Pole” means a utility pole, streetlight pole, traffic light pole, or other similar freestanding support structure within the public right-of-way, whether or not owned by the City, OPS or a private utility. (q) “Public Rights-of-Way” or PROW means the surface and space in, upon, above, along, across, over and below the entire width of any public streets, avenues, highways, roads, courts, lanes, alleys, boulevards, ways, shoulders, side slopes, sidewalks, and bicycle lanes, as the same now or may hereafter exist, that are within the City’s corporate boundaries and under the jurisdiction of the City. Public rights-of-way shall not include any City buildings, City or OPS streetlight or utility poles, or other structures or improvements, or any privatelyowned poles or facilities, regardless of whether they are situated within the public rights-of-way. (r) “Small Wireless Facility” means a wireless facility that meets the following qualifications: (1) The structure on which antenna facilities are mounted: a) is fifty (50) feet or less in height including antenna, or b) is no more than ten percent (10%) taller than other adjacent structures, or c) is not extended to a height of more than fifty (50) feet or by more than ten percent (10%) above its preexisting height as a result of the collocation of new antenna facilities, whichever is greater; and (2) Each antenna array, including components of such, associated with the deployment or modification is no more than three (3) cubic feet in volume; and (3) All accessory equipment associated with the facility is cumulatively no more that twenty-eight (28) cubic feet in volume. (s) “Special Use Permit” means a permit requiring approval by City Council, following a public hearing. (t) “State” means the State of Alabama. (u) “Substantial Modification” or “Substantial Change” means, for support structures or poles within the public right-of-way: a) The proposed collocation or modification increases the overall height more than ten percent (10%) or ten (10) feet (whichever is greater); or b) The proposed collocation or modification increases the width more than six (6) feet from the edge of the support structure; or c) The proposed collocation or modification involves the installation of any new equipment cabinets on the ground when there are no existing ground-mounted equipment cabinets; or d) The proposed collocation or modification involves the installation of any new groundmounted equipment cabinets that are ten percent (10%) larger in height or volume than any existing ground-mounted cabinets; or e) The proposed collocation or modification involves excavation outside the area in proximity to the structure and other transmission equipment already deployed on the ground. (v) “Utility Pole” means a pole that is used in whole or in part for the purpose of supporting electric, telecommunications and cable wires for the distribution of electric or com-

munications services. Such term shall not include electric transmission facilities, or freestanding structures that are primarily constructed to support wireless facilities. (w) “Wireless Facility” or “Facility” means equipment at a fixed location that enables wireless services between user equipment and a communications network, including radio transceivers, antennas, coaxial or fiber-optic cable located upon a support structure, regular and backup power supplies, and other accessory equipment, regardless of technological configuration. The term includes small wireless facilities. (x) “Wireless Infrastructure Provider” means any person that builds or installs wireless facilities or support structures primarily intended to support wireless facilities, but that is not a wireless services provider. (y) “Wireless Provider” means a wireless infrastructure provider or wireless services provider that has applied for or received a permit under this Article. (z) “Wireless Services” means any voice, video or data communications services, whether at a fixed location or mobile, that are provided through the use of wireless facilities located within the City. (aa) “Wireless Support Structure” or “Support Structure” means a freestanding structure, such as a monopole; tower, either guyed or self-supporting; billboard; or other existing or proposed structure primarily designed to support or capable of supporting wireless facilities. Sec. 5.5-403 When Permit Required; Scope of Permit A. Except as otherwise provided in this Article, no person may undertake any of the following activities without first submitting a permit application to the Planning Department and obtaining a permit as provided under this Article: (a) the placement of a wireless facility within the City’s public rights-of-way; (b) the placement of any additional or replacement support structure intended to be used to support one or more wireless facilities within the public rights-of-way; or (c) the substantial modification of a wireless facility or support structure within the public rights-of-way. B. A violation of subsection A above is hereby declared to be an offense, punishable by a fine not exceeding three hundred fifty dollars ($350.00) or imprisonment for a period not to exceed six (6) months, or both for conviction of a first offense; for conviction of a second offense both of which were committed within a period of five (5) years, punishable by a fine not less than three hundred fifty ($350.00) dollars nor more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) or imprisonment for a period not to exceed six (6) months, or both; and, upon conviction for a third or subsequent offense all of which were committed within a period of five (5) years, punishable by a fine of five hundred dollars ($500.00) or imprisonment for a period not to exceed six (6) months, or both. However, for the purpose of conferring jurisdiction upon courts and judicial officers generally, violations of this Article or of such ordinance or regulation shall be deemed misdemeanors and for such purpose only all of law relating to misdemeanors shall apply to such violations. Each week’s continued violation shall constitute a separate additional offense. C. Administrative Approval. Unless otherwise specified, a permit issued under this Article shall be in the form of an administrative approval, and shall not require a special use permit, variance, or other authorization requiring a public hearing or approval of City Council. D. Only Small Wireless Facilities Eligible for Permit Placement within the public rights-of-way of a wireless facility that exceeds the defined dimensions of a small wireless facility is not eligible for administrative approval under this Article and shall require a special use permit. Unless approved by City Council, no permit may be issued under this Article for a wireless facility that exceeds the stated dimensions and other requirements applicable to a small wireless facility. E. No Grant of Attachment Rights. Nothing in this Article shall confer any right to install wireless facilities upon City-owned, OPS-owned, or privately-owned poles or structures, including utility poles,

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absent a separate pole attachment agreement with the owners of such poles or structures. F. Content of Application Incorporated. All information submitted as part of an application under this Article is hereby incorporated as part of any permit, subject to any amendments, conditions or modification to such information subsequently approved or required by the City G. Other Required Permits. A permit issued under this Article does not affect a wireless provider’s obligation to obtain and comply with any building permit, excavation permit, or other permit or authorization required under the City Ordinances or other applicable law. H. Master Public Right-ofWay License Agreement. The City in its sole discretion may require an applicant or wireless provider to enter into a Master Public Rights-of-Way License Agreement with the City, in such form as the City may prescribe, incorporating the terms and conditions of this Article. Sec. 5.5-404 Exclusions The following shall not require a permit under this Article: A. Any facilities expressly exempt from the City’s siting, building and permitting authority, or expressly made exempt pursuant to 47 U.S.C. § 332 or the FCC’s rules and regulations. B. If constructed as required by the original permit, any properly permitted wireless facility that exists on the effective date of this Article, provided that it exists and is operating as originally permitted, and any modification of the facility has been properly permitted, if required. C. Wireless facilities used exclusively for private, non-commercial radio and television reception and private citizen’s bands, licensed amateur radio and other similar non-commercial telecommunications. D. Any repair, maintenance or upgrade of a wireless facility that does not i) increase the height of the structure, ii) alter the physical profile, iii) change the loading, iv) change the RF emissions levels, v) increase the footprint of the facility or vi) otherwise exceed the conditions of the permit. Sec. 5.5-405 Application Requirements A. General Application Content Requirements. The following items shall be included in an application for permit under this Article. In addition to the following, the City may, at any point prior to issuing a permit, require the applicant to provide such additional information as the City deems necessary for effective evaluation of the applicant’s permit application. (a) The name, address, phone number and e-mail address of the person preparing the application; (b) If different from the applicant, the legal name, address, phone number and e-mail address of a wireless provider that has committed to use, or that the applicant expects to use, the facilities; (c) The legal name, address, phone number and e-mail address of the applicant; (d) The name, address, and phone number of the title holder of the support structure and of the wireless facility; (e) A general description of the proposed work and the purposes and intent of the wireless facility. The scope and detail of such description shall be appropriate to the nature and character of the work to be performed, with special emphasis on those matters likely to be affected or impacted by the work proposed. (f) A street map identifying the specific location, including the postal address of the immediately adjacent property, GPS Coordinates (latitude and longitude) in decimal degrees for the proposed small wireless facility location. (g) Street view photographic images of the location. (h) If requested by the City, toscale photographic simulations of the wireless facility “before and after construction” from key viewpoints inside of the City, and a map showing the locations of where the photos were taken and the distance(s) of each location from the proposed structure. If required, guidance will be provided concerning the appropriate key viewpoints on an individual application basis. (i) The location of the nearest residential structure; (j) The location, size and height of all existing and proposed support structures above thirty (30) feet in height, whether

or not currently supporting a wireless facility, within five hundred (500) feet of the proposed location; (k) The transmission and maximum effective radiated power of the antenna(s), as well as a list of the specific frequency bands to be initially activated upon completion of construction and a copy of the FCC licenses applicable for all the frequency bands licensed to the carrier to the wireless provider; (l) A written statement affirming that (a) the applicant’s wireless facility shall always without exception be maintained in a safe manner, and in compliance with all conditions of the permit, all applicable and permissible local codes, Articles, and regulations and all applicable City, State and Federal Laws, rules, and regulations, unless specifically granted relief by the Council in writing pursuant to Section 5.5414 of this Article; and (b) that the applicant is licensed to do business within the State. (m) Certified detailed construction drawings, including but not limited to the following information: a) a survey showing the location of all adjacent lot lines and rights-of-way; b) all existing and proposed ground-mounted enclosures and cabinets within fifty (50) feet of the proposed small wireless facility site; c) elevation drawings showing the profile or the vertical rendition of the facility, and specifically identifying all existing and proposed attachments and all related fixtures, structures, appurtenances and apparatus, including the height above the existing grade, materials, colors and lighting; d) proposed connection to wireline or wireless backhaul; and e) proposed electrical service and grounding plans for the facility. (n) The type and manufacturer of the existing or proposed support structure and a rigorous structural analysis and report, including calculations, certified by a licensed Alabama Professional Engineer, proving the structure’s capability to safely accommodate the proposed facilities. No permit will be issued for any wireless facility where the support structure is in need of safety-related remediation to comply with the requirements of this Article and other adopted standards of the City, unless and until all remediation work that is deemed necessary has been completed or a schedule for the remediation work has been approved by the City. (o) For placement of antennas with the lowest part of the antenna less than thirty-three feet (33’) in height, a completed and signed checklist for categorical exclusion of radio frequency electromagnetic emissions. If the modification, collocation or placement of a wireless facility is not categorically excluded based on applicable FCC rules, the applicant shall provide an RF compliance letter to the City and shall remain in full compliance with all related requirements set forth by FCC. The City may require the permit holder to perform an on-site RF survey of the facility after the construction or modification of the facility. Such survey shall be done under the observation and direction of the City or its designee, and an un-redacted copy of the survey results along with all calculations provided to the City. (p) A signed statement that the applicant will expeditiously remedy any physical or RF interference with other wireless devices or services, if required to do so under applicable law. (q) A security plan, including emergency contact information, location and accessibility of a main breaker switch, emergency procedures to follow, and a description of an anticipated maintenance program. (r) Written documentation evidencing approval of the owner of any tower, pole, support structure, or building to which a wireless facility or any associated equipment is to proposed to be attached. The permit application may be accepted without this attached document but shall not be approved without the executed agreement authorizing said attachment. (s) The applicant may designate as such portions of its application materials that it reasonably believes contain proprietary or confidential information. (t) An application shall be signed on behalf of the applicant by the person(s) vested with the authority to bind and commit the applicant and attesting to the truth, completeness and accuracy of the information presented. B. Application for New Additional Support Structures. In addition to the general application content requirements set forth in Subsection A, an appli-

cation to place a new additional wireless support structure shall include written evidence demonstrating that the applicant reasonably explored collocation opportunities, but is unable to collocate on any existing structure. C. Application Involving Substantial Modification. An application for permit to substantially modify a wireless facility or support structure shall include the following: (a) Information clearly identifying the wireless provider and the subject wireless facility or support structure. (b) A to-scale visual depiction of the modification. (c) A narrative explaining the nature of the proposed modification. (d) A certified structural report, including calculations, demonstrating the structure’s capacity to accommodate the wireless facility following the proposed modification. (e) If requested by the City, toscale photographic simulations of the wireless facility “before and after construction” from key viewpoints inside of the City as may be appropriate and required and a map showing the locations of where the photos were taken and the distance(s) of each location from the proposed structure. If required, guidance will be provided concerning the appropriate key viewpoints on an individual application basis. (f) A narrative description of activities proposed to minimize the visual impact of such modification. D. Batched Submittals. The batched submittal process described in this subsection allows an applicant to combine individual permit applications for the placement of wireless facilities (that are proposed to be substantially the same and that would otherwise be processed as separate individual applications) into a single batched submittal containing the individual applications to be processed at the same time. An applicant may submit a single “batched” application submittal seeking permits for multiple small wireless facilities at multiple locations, subject to the following conditions: (a) An applicant may combine into a single batch application up to ten (10) individual applications for permits for new small wireless facilities to be located in the City public rights-of-way, provided that the proposed wireless facilities are of substantially the same design and style. (b) A single person or entity shall not apply for more than ten (10) locations for small wireless facilities in any period of thirty (30) calendar days. E. Public Meeting. To more fully inform those reasonably expected to be affected by the applicant’s proposed activities and facilities, the City in its sole discretion may require a public meeting to be held prior to approval of any permit application. Written notice of the meeting and its purpose shall be provided directly to potentially affected residents and businesses (including but not limited to adjacent property owners) at least two (2) weeks prior to the date of the meeting. The meeting shall be scheduled by the City Council or Planning Department. All costs related to the meeting shall be borne solely by the applicant, including but not limited to the cost of written notification and any reasonable costs of the City. The conduct of any such public meeting shall not toll or otherwise affect the time for consideration of a permit application specified in Section 5.5-407. F. Pre-Application Meeting. All prospective applicants shall initiate an informal pre-application meeting with the Planning Director or designee, which may be held either in-person or telephonically as deemed appropriate. The purpose of the pre-application meeting will be to expedite the application review and permitting process by identifying and preliminarily addressing any significant issues or concerns the City or the applicant may have. Sec. 5.5-406 Information Updates Any substantial changes to information contained in a permit application, whether occurring during the pendency of an application or after a permit has been issued, shall be submitted in writing to the Planning Director within thirty (30) days after the change necessitating the amendment. Sec. 5.5-407 City Action on Applications No work of any kind may commence on a proposed wireless facility until the application is reviewed and a permit has been issued to the applicant. Following receipt of a completed application, the City will under-

take a review pursuant to this Article in a timely fashion, consistent with its responsibilities and applicable law, and shall act within the time required by applicable law. A. Sufficiency of Application (a) Within ten (10) days of receiving an initial application for a small wireless facility permit, the City will notify the applicant in writing if the application is materially incomplete and shall clearly and specifically identify the missing documents or information and the specific rule or regulation creating the obligation to submit the requested information. Upon receipt of the requested information the applicable time period for City to complete its review of the application will start over as if the Application were received on that date; (b) Within ten (10) days of receiving a resubmitted application in response to a notice of insufficiency for any type of permit application, the City will notify the applicant in writing if the resubmitted application continues to be materially incomplete and shall clearly and specifically identify the missing documents or information and the specific rule or regulation creating the obligation to submit the requested information. Pending the receipt of the requested information the review period shall be tolled. Upon receipt of the requested information the applicable time period for the City to complete its review of the application shall resume. (c) Any subsequent review of an application by the City after notice of incompleteness shall be limited to the deficiencies cited in the notice. (d) There shall be no additional application fee to review an application resubmitted pursuant to this Subsection. B. Time Period for Permit Application Review (a) The City shall make a final decision to approve or deny a permit application within the following time frames, subject to such deadlines being reset or tolled in the event of an incomplete or deficient application: (1) Review of an application to collocate a small wireless facility upon an existing structure: 60 days. (2) Review of an application to deploy a small wireless facility using a new support structure: 90 days. (b) The City shall advise the applicant in writing of its final decision and shall include in the final decision the basis for any denial(s), including specific code provisions on which the denial(s) were based. The applicant may cure the deficiencies identified by the City and resubmit the application within thirty (30) days of the denial(s) without paying an additional application fee. The City will approve or deny the revised application within thirty (30) days of receipt of the amended application. The subsequent review by City shall be limited to the deficiencies cited in the original denial(s). (c) If the City fails to act on a permit application within the above prescribed time periods, the applicant may provide notice that the time period for acting has lapsed, after which the applicant may pursue such other remedies as may be available under then-prevailing law. (d) If the permit application is to modify existing authorized wireless facilities and the proposed modification does not constitute a “substantial change,” as that term is defined by the FCC, to the existing wireless facility, the City will approve the permit application within sixty (60) days or else the permit application shall be deemed granted. C. Scope of Review. The Planning Director, or an authorized third-party contractor working on behalf of the City, shall review the permit application and shall prepare any findings and proposed conditions. The review and evaluation may include, but shall not be limited to, such items as: (a) Completeness of the application; (b) The proposed facility’s compliance with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes, and City ordinances, including but not limited to this Article; (c) Completeness and sufficiency of the vicinity map; (d) General project information, including type of facility, number of antennas, height to top of antennas, radio frequency range, wattage output of equipment, compliance with FCC requirements, and concealment elements; (e) Compliance with aesthetic standards published by the City, including but not limited those set forth in Section 5.5-410 of this Article; (f) Noise and acoustical information; (g) Applicant’s certification that the proposed wireless facilities

B5 May 15, 2019 will comply with all applicable FCC radio frequency (RF) requirements; (h) Sufficiency of the security plan; (i) Adequacy of the maintenance program; (j) Recommendations of City personnel or consultants with respect to the application; and (k) The existence of significant unresolved issues of noncompliance with respect to existing permitted wireless facilities of applicant. Sec. 5.5-408 Effect of Permit; Duration A. Authority Granted; No Property Right or Other Interest Created. A permit issued under this Article authorizes a permit holder to undertake only certain activities in accordance with the terms of the permit and this Article and does not create a property right or grant authority to the permit holder to impinge upon the rights of others, including those who may already have an interest in the public rights-of-way. B. Duration. No permit issued under this Article shall remain valid for a period longer than twelve (12) months unless construction has actually begun within that period and is thereafter diligently pursued to completion. Any permit will automatically expire ten (10) years from the issuance date. A permit properly issued will automatically renew for additional successive ten (10) year periods every ten (10) years from the issuance date. As a condition precedent to such automatic renewal the City may require a permit holder to certify that the subject wireless facility is being operated in accordance with the requirements of this Article and that the wireless provider has not abandoned or elected to remove the subject wireless facility. C. Other Approvals. The issuance of a permit shall not relieve a wireless provider of the obligation to obtain all other applicable permits, approvals, and agreements necessary to install and operate its wireless facilities in conformance with federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations. Sec. 5.5-409 Fees A. Application Processing Fee. At the time that a person submits an application for a permit, such person shall pay a non-refundable application processing fee to the City as follows: (a) The application processing fee with respect to a permit for collocation of a small wireless facility, or substantial modification of a small wireless facility on an existing support structure, shall be $500 for up to five (5) small wireless facilities, with an additional $100 for each small wireless facility beyond five in a batch. For example, the application processing fee for one application is $500, the application processing fee for two applications is $500, the application fee for six applications is $600, and the application fee for seven applications is $700. (b) The application processing fee for a new support structure to support a small wireless facility shall be $1000. B. Right-of-Way Usage Fee Upon Issuance of Permit and Annually Thereafter. Upon issuance of a permit for placement of small wireless facilities in the public rights-of-way, the permit holder shall pay a public rights-of-way usage fee of $270 per permitted wireless facility, less the pole attachment fee that the permit holder pays pursuant to Section 5.5-411(B) for access to the facility at issue. Thereafter, the permit holder shall continue to pay this fee for each wireless facility that the permit holder installs and maintains within the public rights-of-way. C. Contractor Fee. The City may, in its discretion, utilize one or more contractors to review and process individual or batched applications for permit. In the event that the City chooses to utilize such contractors, an applicant shall pay the reasonable fees of such contractor for the review and processing of the applicant’s permit application. Such fees shall be based upon standard processes and prevailing rates in Lee County, Alabama, in an amount not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars ($250) per hour. D. Fees for Modification of Facilities. Any proposed modification to an existing authorized wireless facility, whether or not a “substantial change” as defined by the FCC, shall be subject to the same permit application fees as new facilities. Routine repair and maintenance activities (as described in Section 5.5-404D) that do not require a permit shall not require a permit application nor payment of application processing fees. Sec. 5.5-410 General Standards and Requirements

The placement and operation of wireless facilities within the City’s public rights-of-way shall be permitted only in accordance with the requirements set forth in this Section. A. No Interference. Without limiting the scope of the aesthetic specifications or any other provision of this Article, all wireless facilities and any associated support structures shall be subject to the following requirements: (a) No wireless facility or support structure, nor any work associated with such, shall block, restrict, interfere with, impede access to, or impede use of, any street, sidewalk, alley, driveway, walkway, passageway, door, gate, ingress or egress points of a building or structure, delivery or pickup area, access to public transportation stops or shelters, access to above-ground or belowground infrastructure owned or operated by any public or private utility, and any public way or place. (b) No wireless facility or support structure shall create a visual obstruction to vehicular and pedestrian traffic, including, but not limited to, obstruction of any required sight triangle. (c) No wireless facility or support structure shall create, contribute to, or exacerbate a violation of the Americans With Disabilities Act or related federal or state standards or regulations. No wireless facility shall interfere with safe operation of City or OPS equipment and facilities, specifically including, but not limited to, City-owned streetlights, traffic control equipment, and utility facilities. B. Damage to Public Rights-ofWay or City Facilities. If a wireless provider or its employees, agents, subcontractors, or others acting on its behalf damages the public rights-of-way, or damages or interferes with the operation of any City facilities, equipment, or structures, the wireless provider shall, at its own expense, immediately do all things reasonable to correct the damages and avoid further injury or damages, direct and incidental, resulting therefrom and shall notify the City. C. Location of Facilities Within Public Rights-of-Way. In addition to the specific location requirements set forth in Section 5.5-410F. The City reserves the right to deny an application for a wireless facility permit if the City determines that the proposed site or group of sites, based on the particular facts and circu stances, is substantially adverse to the health, safety and welfare of the City and its inhabitants, or will have a deleterious effect on the nature and character of the community and neighborhood. In the event a location proposed by applicant is unacceptable, the City will work in good faith with the applicant to identify one or more suitable alternate locations. D. Setback. Wireless facilities shall be installed with a minimum 20-foot setback from buildings, the minimum separate required by NESC or the existing setback requirement of the underlying zoning district, whichever is greater. An applicant may request a waiver of this requirement in the event a building is located immediately adjacent to the public right-of-way, and no reasonable alternative siting locations are available. E. New Additional Poles. (a) No new additional poles will be permitted unless an applicant submits written documentation demonstrating to the satisfaction of the City that applicant has undertaken reasonable efforts to collocate the proposed wireless facility upon an existing support structure, and that (i) no suitable support structure exists, or (ii) such efforts have been unsuccessful. (b) New additional poles approved under this Article shall be installed with a minimum 20-foot setback from buildings, the minimum separation required by NESC, or the existing setback requirement of the underlying zoning district, whichever is greater. F. Aesthetic Standards. Wireless facilities shall comply with the aesthetic standards set forth in this subsection. In the event an applicant seeks to place a wireless facility that does not comply with these standards, it must request and be granted a waiver as set forth in this Article. (a) General Aesthetic Requirements (1) The placement and design of wireless facilities shall be consistent with existing structures and aesthetics, in harmony with the surroundings, and as unobtrusive as reasonably possible. (2) To minimize the visual impact, all pole-mounted equipment shall be installed as

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close to the pole as technically feasible, and shall be painted flat and non-reflective colors that match the underlying pole (unless such requirement is specifically waived by the City). (3) Screening and equipment enclosures shall blend with the surrounding environmental and structural context in terms of scale, form, texture, materials and color. Equipment shall be concealed as much as reasonably possible by blending into the natural and/or physical environment. (4) Collocations between limited numbers of multiple separate wireless service providers on the same support structure are encouraged wherever feasible. If an applicant seeking to place a new wireless facility proposes to not collocate when reasonable options appear available, demonstrative proof must be provided as to why collocation is not feasible. (5) In the historic downtown area, small wireless facilities collocated upon existing decorative light poles shall be consistent with the existing decorative light poles. Applicant shall propose a design that uses concealment effects, that is comparable in scale, and that incorporates the design characteristics of those poles. Wireless facilities in the historic downtown area shall use coloring to match surrounding light poles and fixtures. (6) If a new standalone pole or cabinet for a wireless facility is to be installed within one hundred feet (100’) of any decorative pole, the color of the new pole and cabinet should match the color of the decorative pole. Otherwise, such new poles and cabinets should be black in color, using Gloss Black #17038 per Federal Color Standard 595. (7) In residential areas in which utilities are placed underground and decorative light poles are used, any new pole proposed by Applicant shall substantially match existing decorative poles in terms of material, color and design. (8) New standalone poles shall be constructed of aluminum or steel. (9) All cabling for a wireless facility upon a new pole must traverse the interior of the pole. Otherwise, cable traversing the pole shall be covered using a U-guard of steel or aluminum construction no less than two (2”) in diameter. No cables shall be visible on the exterior of a City light pole. (10) Wireless facilities shall be installed with a minimum spacing of 300 feet between wireless facilities of a single applicant in commercial areas, or 600 feet in residential areas. (11) Wireless facilities should use tapered shapes that smoothly integrate into structures (avoiding, for example, new rectangular boxes). (12) No wireless facilities shall be installed within a public park or in a public right-of-way within 250 feet of a park. (b) Antennas. (1) The total volume of antennas must not exceed 3 cubic feet on a single pole. (2) Antennas must be no taller than 4 feet. (3) Antennas must have a smooth cylindrical shape, such as a single canister, or multiple separate antennas placed inside sheeting that is flush with the pole, or a form factor in which multiple antennas merge into a single smooth shape. No separately mounted antennas will be allowed on a single installation (for example, multiple-sector panel antennas). (4) Antennas must be flushmounted or placed in line with the pole. (c) Cabinets. (1) Pole-mounted cabinets. i. Pole-mounted cabinets should not be used on a light pole if a technical and commercially reasonable alternative is available. Equipment should be placed inside the pole, such as in the base of the pole, in a way that integrates with the design of the pole. ii. Cabinets may be permitted on the sidewalk side of light poles except in the historic downtown area. iii. Cabinets may be permitted on the sidewalk side of wooden utility poles. iv. Outside the historic downtown area, cabinets may either be mounted on a pole or on a concrete slab within 50 feet of the pole where the antenna is mounted. v. Pole-mounted cabinets must have at least an 8-foot clearance from the ground, or the minimum clearance required

by the NESC, whichever is greater. vi. Pole-mounted cabinets must be flush-mounted to poles. vii. Rectangular cabinets on poles shall be limited to 48” (height) by 24” (width) by 18” (depth); cabinets that are nonrectangular in shape must be comparable or less in volume and visual impact. viii. Pole-mounted equipment should be placed within enclosures with tapered shapes, which are less obtrusive than rectangular cabinets. ix. The power meter and power disconnect switch must be located below the cabinet or (in the case of a light pole) inside the pole. x. Cabinets on light poles must be same color as the pole. Cabinets on wooden utility poles must be a neutral, unobtrusive color (e.g., black, brown, dark green). (2) Surface-mounted cabinets. ii. Surface-mounted cabinets must be on a concrete slab, and where possible must be in close proximity to existing pedestals and cabinets (for example, near traffic signal controllers, transformers or other utility pedestals). iii. Surface-mounted cabinets must be the same color as other nearby pedestals or cabinets. Where there are no other nearby pedestals or cabinets, the cabinets should be the same color as the pole housing the antenna. iv. Surface-mounted cabinets must be no larger than 10 cubic feet in volume, and with height, width, and depth each not exceeding 3.5 feet. (d) Attachments to Buildings. To preserve and protect the nature and character of the area, any attachment of an antenna to a building shall be upon the face of the structure without increasing the height of the building, unless the applicant demonstrates that such restriction will prohibit or have the effect of prohibiting the provision of service. Any cabling shall match as closely as possible the color and texture of the building. If antennas are required to be mounted above the roof-line of any building, the applicant must comply with a plan to camouflage the antennas. (e) Lighting and Noise. (1) No lighting is allowed on small wireless facilities. If there are lights on the supplied equipment, they must be covered, removed, or deactivated. (2) Wireless attachments may not create noise greater than 50 dB measured at 20 feet from the device in residential neighborhoods. G. Replacement of Poles. (a) Use of a City-owned pole to collocate a wireless facility may require replacement with a new pole designed to accommodate the wireless facility, as described in Section 5.5-411. In the event the applicant believes the existing pole can support the structure and fulfill all other aesthetic and technical standards, the applicant shall provide an industry-standard pole load analysis certified by an Alabama Professional Engineer indicating that the specific pole will safely support the load. (b) A City-owned pole that is replaced with a new pole must be replaced with a new pole at the same location that is designed primarily to serve the purpose of the original pole (such as illumination) while also serving as a support structure for the wireless attachment. Any such replacement pole shall be substantially identical to the specific type pole that it replaces, notwithstanding modifications that may be necessary to build equipment into the interior or base, or other departures from the original design that may be required by the City. (c) Replacement poles shall be constructed of the same material as the pole replaced, unless otherwise permitted or required by the City. (d) The applicant shall minimize any design differences between a replacement structure and the original pole or structure. H. Use of Wooden Utility Poles. (a) Wireless facilities may not be installed on wooden utility poles with existing transformers, switches, or risers. (b) The order of preference in use of wooden utility poles is as follows: a. Stub poles b. Poles without primary power c. Poles with primary power, extended with a pole top prior to installing any wireless attachments. (c) Cables must be bonded, grounded, and placed inside a riser on the pole. Risers must be the same color as the pole and mounted on the back side of the pole. I. Undergrounding Provisions. Applicant shall comply with City Ordinance requirements concerning undergrounding of

service lines and related equipment which can be feasibly installed underground for utility and telecommunications facilities, which shall be applied on a non-discriminatory basis, provided that such requirements shall not prohibit the replacement of allowed existing structures with similar structures. Nor shall such requirements prohibit or effectively prohibit the provision of wireless services in the areas subject to undergrounding requirements. Sec. 5.5-411 Attachment to OPS Utility Poles, Streetlight Poles and Other Structures in the Public Rights-of-Way A. Attachment Agreement Required. A wireless provider shall not attach wireless facilities to an OPS utility pole, streetlight pole, or any other City-owned structure or building without first obtaining an attachment agreement with the City or OPS, as applicable. B. Annual Rate. The rate to place a wireless facility on an OPS utility pole, streetlight pole, or other City-owned structure in the public rights-of-way shall be specified in the pole attachment agreement required by Subsection A of this Section. This fee and the right-of-way usage fee required under section 5.5-409 of this Article shall not exceed a total of $270 per facility per year. C. Make-Ready. For OPS utility poles, streetlight poles, or other City-owned structures in the public rights-of-way, the City or OPS, as appropriate, shall provide a good faith estimate of any make-ready work necessary to enable the pole or facility to support the requested wireless facility, including pole replacement if necessary, within 60 days after receipt of a completed request. Make-ready work for attachments including any pole replacement shall be completed within sixty (60) days of the wireless provider’s written acceptance of OPS’s or the City’s good faith estimate, except that attachments located in or above the electric space of an OPS utility pole shall be completed within ninety (90) days of acceptance. Sec. 5.5-412 Removal, Relocation and Abandonment A. Within ninety (90) days following written notice from the City, a wireless provider shall, at its own expense, protect, support, temporarily or permanently disconnect, remove, relocate, change, or alter the position of any permitted wireless facility whenever the City has determined that such removal, relocation, change, or alteration, is reasonably necessary for the construction, repair, maintenance, or installation of any City improvement in or upon the public rights-of-way, or the operations of the City, or OPS utility facilities, in or upon the public rights-of-way. B. Emergency Removal or Relocation of Facilities. The City retains the right and privilege to move or rearrange any wireless facility located within the public rights-of-way of the City, as the City may determine to be necessary, appropriate, or useful with respect to an emergency affecting the public health, safety or welfare. If circumstances permit, the City shall notify the wireless provider and provide the wireless provider an opportunity to move its own facilities prior to rearranging or removing a facility and shall notify the wireless provider after removing or rearranging a wireless facility. The City shall not be liable for any damages to the wireless facility or for an interruption in service resulting from such rearrangements or removals when undertaken in response to a public safety or emergency. Sec. 5.5-413 Radiofrequency (RF) Emissions To assure the protection of the public health and safety, the City reserves the right to require that a wireless provider verify compliance with the FCC’s regulations regarding RF emissions, either for individually-owned equipment or cumulatively for all equipment at the site, as may be deemed appropriate from time to time. Sec. 5.5-414 Relief, Waiver and Exemption A. Any applicant desiring relief, waiver or exemption from any aspect or requirement of this Article shall address and identify such in writing as part of its application, including a written justification explaining why such relief should be granted. The City may grant or deny such request in its sole discretion. Such relief may be temporary or permanent, partial or complete, and conditional or absolute. B. If a request for relief, waiver or exemption for any item or issue is requested after the submittal of the application, the City reserves the right to require a formal amendment or resubmittal of the application,

including the payment of all applicable fees and charges. C. Any variance from the regulations contained in this Article shall be reviewed in terms of i) technological impracticability and ii) commercial impracticability, both in relation to the area intended to be served by the proposed wireless facility and the City’s objectives, rights and obligations as stated in this Article. D. No relief, waiver or exemption shall be approved unless the applicant demonstrates that, if granted, the relief, waiver or exemption will have no significant adverse effect on the health, safety and welfare of the City, its residents or other service providers. The burden of proving the need for the requested relief, waiver or exemption shall be solely on the applicant. E. The applicant shall bear all costs of the City in considering the request and the relief, waiver or exemption. Sec. 5.5-415 Compliance With Applicable Law A wireless provider shall at all times maintain compliance with all applicable City, state and federal ordinances and statutes, Applicable Standards, and all applicable rules, regulations, standards, and provisions of any State or Federal agency, including, but not limited to, the FCC. Sec. 5.5-416 Assignment and Transfer A. A permit issued under this Article shall not be assigned, transferred or conveyed without the express prior written notification to the City, such notice to be not fewer than thirty (30) business days prior to the intended assignment, transfer or conveyance. B. Any purported transfer, assignment or other conveyance of a permit shall be invalid unless and until the new permit holder provides to the City a written commitment of the new permit holder that it will abide by all applicable laws, rules and regulations, including but not limited to this Article. Sec. 5.5-417 Noncompliance, Cure and Revocation A. Event of Noncompliance. If a wireless provider fails to comply with any material term or condition of this Article or any permit issued under it, including nonconformity with application materials as approved by the City, the provider shall be in non-compliance with this Article. B. Remedies Following Failure to Cure. In the event that a wireless provider is found to be in non-compliance with this Article the City shall give the wireless provider forty-five (45) days written notice to cure the violation(s), or diligently commence the cure for matters that cannot reasonably be cured within forty-five (45) days. In the event of an uncured material failure to comply with this Article, the City, at its option, shall be entitled to pursue any and all remedies that it may have in law or at equity, including terminating non-compliant permits, and drawing down the non-compliant wireless provider’s performance and payment bond to cover any fees, costs, damages, expenses, or penalties that a wireless provider has not paid. C. Removal of Facilities. Upon termination for non-compliance, a wireless provider shall remove its wireless facilities from the public rights-ofway within six (6) months of receiving notice, or at a rate of twenty-five (25) of its wireless facilities per month, whichever period results in the shortest length of time for completing removal. A wireless provider shall restore the public rightsof-way to its prior condition at the commencement of its permit applications, except for reasonable wear and tear. If not so removed within that time period, the City shall have the right, but not the obligation, to treat the wireless provider’s facilities as abandoned and to take title, store, sell, or otherwise dispose of them. A wireless provider shall be required to pay the City’s actual and documented costs of taking title, storing, selling, or otherwise disposing of a wireless facility subject to this Subsection within ninety (90) calendar days after it has received an invoice from the City. Sec. 5.5-418 Retention of Local Police Power; Effect of Future Changes in Governing Law This Article is intended to establish only the minimum restrictions upon the police power of the City necessary to comply with the final rules adopted by the Federal Communications Commission regarding permissible local regulations of wireless facilities and wireless support structures. Nothing in this article shall be construed as surrender by the City of its right and power to adopt future ordinances, rules, and regulations in the exercise of its police power

applying to wireless facilities to the maximum extent allowed by applicable law. Issuance of any permit pursuant to this Article shall not grant the permittee any vested rights in the event of a change in governing law, including any vested right for permittee to remain regulated under the laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations in effect at the time of issuance of a permit. In the event of any future change in governing law (including, but not limited to, invalidation or modification of the final rules of the Federal Communications Commission in effect at the time of initial adoption of this article), the City at all times reserves the right to regulate wireless facilities under new governing law as changed and to apply new City regulations allowed by the changed law to all pre-existing wireless facilities. Sec. 5.5-419 Liability Insurance A. A holder of a permit issued pursuant to this Article shall secure and at all times maintain public liability insurance for personal injuries, death and property damage, and umbrella insurance coverage, for the duration of the permit in amounts as set forth below: (a) Commercial General Liability covering personal injuries, death and property damage: $1,000,000 per occurrence/$2,000,000 aggregate; and (b) Automobile Coverage: $1,000,000.00 per occurrence/ $2,000,000 aggregate; and (c) A $3,000,000 Umbrella coverage; and (d) Workers Compensation and Disability: Statutory amounts. B. For a facility located on City property, the Commercial General Liability insurance policy shall specifically name the City and its officers, boards, employees, committee members, attorneys, agents and consultants as additional insureds. C. The insurance policies shall contain an endorsement obligating the insurance company to furnish the City with at least thirty (30) days prior written notice in advance of the cancellation of the insurance. D. Renewal or replacement policies or certificates shall be delivered to the City at least fifteen (15) days prior to the expiration of the insurance that such policies are to renew or replace. E. Before construction of a permitted wireless facility is initiated, the permit holder shall deliver to the City a copy of each of the policies or certificates representing the insurance in the required amounts. F. A Certificate of Insurance that states that it is for informational purposes only and does not confer rights upon the City shall not be deemed to comply with this Article. Sec. 5.5-420 Indemnification A. Any application to place wireless facilities shall contain a provision with respect to indemnification of the City. Such provision shall require the applicant, to the extent permitted by applicable law, to at all times defend, indemnify, protect, save, hold harmless and exempt the City and its officers, commissions, committees, employees, attorneys, agents, and consultants from any and all penalties, damages, costs, or charges arising out of any and all claims, suits, demands, causes of action, or award of damages, whether compensatory or punitive, or expenses arising there from, either at law or in equity, which might arise out of, or are caused by, the placement, construction, erection, modification , location, products performance, use, operation, maintenance, repair, installation, replacement, removal, or restoration of said facility, excepting, however, any portion of such claims, suits, demands, causes of action or award of damages as may be attributable to the negligent or intentional acts or omissions of the City, or its servants or agents. With respect to the penalties, damages or charges referenced herein, reasonable attorneys’ fees, consultants’ fees, and expert witness fees are included in those costs that are recoverable by the City. B. Notwithstanding the requirements noted in subsection (A) of this section, an indemnification provision will not be required in those instances where the City itself applies for and secures a permit for a wireless facility. Sec. 5.5-421 Performance Security A wireless provider shall furnish a performance and payment bond executed by a surety company reasonably acceptable to the City which is duly authorized to do business in the state of Alabama in the amount of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) for the duration of any authorizations granted hereunder as security for the faithful performance

of the terms and conditions of its permits, and for the payment of all fees, and persons performing labor and furnishing materials in connection with its installation and use of wireless facilities in the public rightsof-way. Sec. 5.5-422 Planning Department Authority and Delegation The Planning Department is the officially designated agency or body of the City to whom applications for a permit under this Article must be made, and that is authorized to make decisions with respect to granting or not granting administrative approval permits applied for under this Article, or revocation of existing permits. The City Council may at its discretion, consistent with this Article, delegate or designate to the City Planning Commission or other official agencies or officials of the City or outside consultants the authority to accept, review, analyze, evaluate and make recommendations with respect to the granting or not granting of permit applications, or revocation of existing permits. Sec. 5.5-423 Severability A. If any word, phrase, sentence, part, section, subsection, or other portion of this Article or any application thereof to any person or circumstance is declared void, unconstitutional, or invalid for any reason, then such word, phrase, sentence, part, section, subsection, or other portion, or the proscribed application thereof, shall be severable, and the remaining provisions of this Article, and all applications thereof, not having been declared void, unconstitutional, or invalid, shall remain in full force and effect. B. Any permit issued pursuant to this Article shall be comprehensive and not severable. If part of a permit is deemed or ruled to be invalid or unenforceable in any material respect, by a competent authority, or is overturned by a competent authority, the permit shall be void in total, upon determination by the City. Sec. 5.5-424 Conflict With Other Laws Where this Article differs or conflicts with other laws, rules and regulations, unless the right to do so is preempted or prohibited by the City, State or Federal government, this Article shall apply. Sec. 5.5-425 Authority This Article is enacted pursuant to applicable authority granted by the State and federal government. Section 2. Repeal of Conflicting Ordinances. Any ordinance or part thereof in conflict with the provisions of this ordinance are repealed to the extent of the conflict only. Section 3. Effective Date. This ordinance (and Article IV hereby adopted) shall take effect and be enforced immediately upon its adoption and publication as required by law Section 4. Publication. The City Clerk of the City of Opelika, Alabama is hereby authorized and directed to cause this Ordinance to be published one (1) time in a newspaper of general circulation published in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama. Section 5. Codification. Codification of Article IV adopted herein in the Code of Ordinances of the City of Opelika, Alabama, is hereby authorized and directed. ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 7th day of May, 2019. /s/ Eddie Smith PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA ATTEST: /s/ R. G. Shuman CITY CLERK TRANSMITTED TO MAYOR on this the 8 th day of May, 2019. /s/ R. G. Shuman CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR APPROVED this the 8th day of May, 2019. /s/ Gary Fuller MAYOR ATTEST: /s/ R. G. Shuman CITY CLERK Legal Run 5/15/2019

RESOLUTION NO. 113-19 RESOLUTION APPROVING THE VACATION OF A PORTION OF THE SOUTHWESTERLY RIGHT-OF-WAY OF U.S. HIGHWAY 29 LOCATED AT THE CORNER OF WEST POINT PARKWAY AND SPORTSPLEX PARKWAY WHEREAS, Awesome, LLC, an Alabama limited liability company, is the owner of the property described in that warranty deed dated October 29, 2017, a copy of which is recorded in Deed Book 2525 at Page 145 in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama; and

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WHEREAS, Awesome, LLC is the owner of all of the property abutting along a portion of the southwesterly right-of-way of West Point Parkway (formerly U.S. Highway 29); and WHEREAS, a Petition to vacate a portion of the westerly right-of-way of West Point Parkway (formerly U.S. Highway 29) located at the corner of West Point Parkway and Sportsplex Parkway, duly executed by Awesome, LLC, as the abutting property owner, has been presented to the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”), a municipal corporation, for the assent and approval of the governing body, said Petition with map attached being hereto affixed, marked Exhibit “A” and made a part hereof; and WHEREAS, the Petition is filed in accordance with the provisions of §23-4-20, Code of Alabama, 1975, which provides that any street or alley may be vacated, in whole or in part, by the owner or owners of the land abutting the street or alley or abutting that portion of the street or alley desired to be vacated; and WHEREAS, the portion of the right-of-way of West Point Parkway (formerly U.S. Highway 29) to be vacated are more particularly described as follows: A tract or parcel of land containing 0.18 acres located in Section 34, Township 20 North, Range 27 East, Lee County, Alabama, and being more particularly described as follows: Commence at the southwest corner of Section 33, Township 20 North, Range 27 East; thence N83°23’32”E 5950.38 feet to a point on an old highway right-of-way limit, the point of beginning; thence leaving said right-of-way limit N33°02’34”E 74.48 feet to the southwest right-of-way limit of Sportsplex Road; thence along said southwest right-of-way limit S56°57’26”E 23.15 feet; thence continue along said southwest right-of-way limit S13°11’19”E 79.37 feet to the northwest right-of-way limit of West Point Parkway; thence along said northwest right-ofway limit S33°00’10”W 100.00 feet to point on old highway right-of-way limit; thence along said old highway right-of-way limit N11°59’50”W 113.81 feet to the point of beginning. Being further described according to and as shown by that certain survey or drawing prepared by Barrett-Simpson, Inc., attached hereto and marked Exhibit “B”. WHEREAS, the Petition states that no property owners will be deprived of any right they may have to convenient and reasonable means of ingress and egress to and from their property as a result of the requested vacation; and WHEREAS, the remaining portion of the right-of-way of West Point Parkway (formerly U.S. Highway 29) will remain public rights-of-way; and WHEREAS, a public hearing was conducted by the City Council on the 7th day of May, 2019, at which all persons were given the opportunity to be heard in favor of or in opposition to the proposed right-ofway vacation; and WHEREAS, public notice of the public hearing was provided in accordance with §23-42, Code of Alabama, 1975; and WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that it is in the best interest of the City to vacate the portion of the rightof-way of West Point Parkway (formerly U.S. Highway 29) as described in the attached Petition and the right-of-way of said street should be conveyed to Awesome, LLC as requested by the Petitioner. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Opelika that the vacation of the abovedescribed portions of the rightsof-way of Anderson Road and U.S. Highway 29 is assented to and approved and the same is hereby vacated pursuant to the provisions of Section 23-4-20, et.seq. of the Code of Alabama, and also pursuant to said Code in§35-2-54. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Opelika, Alabama, a municipal corporation, remise, release and quitclaim unto Awesome, LLC, whatever right, title and interest the said City of Opelika, Alabama, may have acquired in and to the above described portion of the right-of-way of West Point Parkway (formerly U.S. Highway 29) by virtue of the dedication or vacation of

said roadway or otherwise. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Gary Fuller, the Mayor of the City of Opelika, Alabama, a municipal corporation, be and he is hereby authorized and directed on behalf of the City of Opelika, Alabama, to execute a quitclaim deed to Awesome, LLC, for the purpose of carrying out the intent and intention of this Resolution and that Robert G. Shuman, City Clerk, be and he is hereby authorized and directed on behalf of the City of Opelika, Alabama, to attest the same. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Clerk will cause a copy of this Resolution to be filed in the Probate Office of Lee County, Alabama, and shall further cause a copy of this Resolution to be published once in a newspaper of general circulation in Lee County, Alabama, no less than fourteen (14) days after its adoption. ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 7th day of May, 2019. /s/ Eddie Smith PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA ATTEST: /s/ R. G. Shuman CITY CLERK Legal Run 5/15/2019

RESOLUTION NO. 114-19 RESOLUTION APPROVING THE VACATION OF A PORTION OF THE SOUTHWESTERLY RIGHT-OF-WAY OF SPORTSPLEX PARKWAY AND A PORTION OF THE SOUTHWESTERLY RIGHTOF-WAY OF WEST POINT PARKWAY WHEREAS, William M. Morgan, III and Robert D. Boothe are the owners of the property described in that warranty deed dated April 12, 2005, a copy of which is recorded in Deed Book 2272 at Page 904 in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama; and WHEREAS, William M. Morgan, III and Robert D. Boothe are the owners of all of the property abutting along a portion of the southwesterly right-of-way of Sportsplex Parkway and a portion of the southwesterly portion of West Point Parkway (formerly U.S. Highway 29); and WHEREAS, a Petition to vacate a portion of the southwesterly right-of-way of Sportsplex Parkway and a portion of the southwesterly right-of-way of West Point Parkway (formerly U.S. Highway 29), duly executed by William M. Morgan, III and Robert D. Boothe, as the abutting property owners, has been presented to the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”), a municipal corporation, for the assent and approval of the governing body, said Petition with map attached being hereto affixed, marked Exhibit “A” and made a part hereof; and WHEREAS, the Petition is filed in accordance with the provisions of §23-4-20, Code of Alabama, 1975, which provides that any street or alley may be vacated, in whole or in part, by the owner or owners of the land abutting the street or alley or abutting that portion of the street or alley desired to be vacated; and WHEREAS, the portions of the rights-of-way of Sportsplex Parkway and West Point Parkway (formerly (U.S. Highway 29) to be vacated are more particularly described as follows: A tract or parcel of land containing 0.20 acres located in Section 34, Township 20 North, Range 27 East, Lee County, Alabama, and being more particularly described as follows: Commence at the southwest corner of Section 33, Township 20 North, Range 27 East; thence N83°23’32”E 5950.38 feet to a point on an old highway right-of-way limit, the point of beginning; thence along said old highway right-ofway limit N11°59’50”W 27.61 feet; thence continue along said old highway right-of-way limit N56°59’50”W 93.03 feet; thence continue along said old highway right-of-way limit N32°54’33”E 77.04 feet to the southwest right-of-way limit of Sportsplex Road; thence along said southwest right-of-way limit S56°57’26”E 112.74 feet; thence continue along said southwest right-ofway limit S33°02’34”W 20.00 feet; thence leaving said rightof-way limit S33°02’34”W 74.48 feet to the point of beginning. Being further described according to and as shown by that certain survey or drawing prepared by Barrett-Simpson, Inc., attached hereto and marked Exhibit “B”. WHEREAS, the Petition states that no property owners will be

deprived of any right they may have to convenient and reasonable means of ingress and egress to and from their property as a result of the requested vacation; and WHEREAS, the remaining portions of the rights-of-way of Sportsplex Parkway and West Point Parkway (formerly U.S. Highway 29) will remain public rights-of-way; and WHEREAS, the City desires to reserve to itself a 20-foot wide sanitary sewer easement, as depicted on the attached survey; and WHEREAS, a public hearing was conducted by the City Council on the 7 th day of May, 2019, at which all persons were given the opportunity to be heard in favor of or in opposition to the proposed rights-ofway vacation; and WHEREAS, public notice of the public hearing was provided in accordance with §23-42, Code of Alabama, 1975; and WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that it is in the best interest of the City to vacate the portions of the rightsof-way of Sportsplex Parkway and West Point Parkway (formerly U.S. Highway 29) as described in the attached Petition and the rights-of-way of said streets should be conveyed to William M. Morgan, III and Robert D. Boothe as requested by the Petitioners, subject to the existing sanitary sewer easement. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Opelika that the vacation of the abovedescribed portions of the rights-of-way of Sportsplex Parkway and West Point Parkway (formerly U.S. Highway 29) is assented to and approved and the same is hereby vacated pursuant to the provisions of Section 23-4-20, et.seq. of the Code of Alabama, and also pursuant to said Code in §35-2-54. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Opelika, Alabama, a municipal corporation, remise, release and quitclaim unto William M. Morgan, III and Robert D. Boothe, whatever right, title and interest the said City of Opelika, Alabama, may have acquired in and to the above described portions of the rightsof-way of Sportsplex Parkway and West Point Parkway (formerly U.S. Highway 29) by virtue of the dedication or vacation of said roadways or otherwise, subject to the reservation of the above-described sanitary sewer easement. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Gary Fuller, the Mayor of the City of Opelika, Alabama, a municipal corporation, be and he is hereby authorized and directed on behalf of the City of Opelika, Alabama, to execute a quitclaim deed to William M. Morgan, III and Robert D. Boothe, subject to the reservation of the abovedescribed sanitary sewer easement, for the purpose of carrying out the intent and intention of this Resolution and that Robert G. Shuman, City Clerk, be and he is hereby authorized and directed on behalf of the City of Opelika, Alabama, to attest the same. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Clerk will cause a copy of this Resolution to be filed in the Probate Office of Lee County, Alabama, and shall further cause a copy of this Resolution to be published once in a newspaper of general circulation in Lee County, Alabama, no less than fourteen (14) days after its adoption. ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 7th day of May, 2019. /s/ Eddie Smith PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA ATTEST: /s/ R. G. Shuman CITY CLERK Legal Run 5/15/2019

RESOLUTION NO. 115-19 RESOLUTION APPROVING THE VACATION OF A PORTION OF THE NORTHWESTERLY RIGHT-OFWAY OF ANDERSON ROAD AND A PORTION OF THE NORTHWESTERLY RIGHT-OF-WAY OF SPORTSPLEX PARKWAY WHEREAS, Inwoo Paek, a single man, is the owner of the property described in that certain statutory warranty deed dated March 31, 2016, a copy of which is recorded in Deed Book 2482 at Page 338 in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama; and WHEREAS, Inwoo Paek is the owner of all of the property abutting along a portion of the northwesterly right-of-way of Anderson

Road and the northwesterly right-of-way of Sportsplex Parkway; and WHEREAS, a Petition to vacate a portion of the northwesterly right-of-way of Anderson Road and a portion of the northwesterly right-of-way of Sportsplex Parkway, duly executed by Inwoo Paek, as the abutting property owner, has been presented to the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”), a municipal corporation, for the assent and approval of the governing body, said Petition with map attached being hereto affixed, marked Exhibit “A” and made a part hereof; and WHEREAS, the Petition is filed in accordance with the provisions of §23-4-20, Code of Alabama, 1975, which provides that any street or alley may be vacated, in whole or in part, by the owner or owners of the land abutting the street or alley or abutting that portion of the street or alley desired to be vacated; and WHEREAS, the portions of the rights-of-way of Anderson Road and Sportsplex Parkway to be vacated are more particularly described as follows: A tract or parcel of land containing 0.56 acres located in Section 34, Township 20 North, Range 27 East, Lee County, Alabama, and being more particularly described as follows: Commence at the southwest corner of Section 33, Township 20 North, Range 27 East; thence N81°16’14”E 5991.60 feet to a point on an old highway right-of-way limit, the point of beginning; thence along said old highway right-way-limit N32°54’33”E 104.55 feet; thence continue along said old highway right-waylimit S57°23’58”E 112.20 feet; thence continue along said old highway right-waylimit N77°36’02”E 141.42 feet to a point on the northwest right-of-way limit of Anderson Road; thence along said northwest right-of-way limit S33°55’21”W 136.02 feet to the northeast right-of-way limit of Sportsplex Road; thence along said northeast rightof-way limit S79°09’19”W 101.25 feet; thence continue along said northeast right-ofway limit N56°57’26”W 136.12 feet to the point of beginning. Being further described according to and as shown by that certain survey or drawing prepared by Barrett-Simpson, Inc., attached hereto and marked Exhibit “A”. WHEREAS, the Petition states that no property owners will be deprived of any right they may have to convenient and reasonable means of ingress and egress to and from their property as a result of the requested vacation; and WHEREAS, the remaining portions of the rights-ofway of Anderson Road and Sportsplex Parkway will remain public rights-of-way; and WHEREAS, a public hearing was conducted by the City Council on the 7th day of May, 2019, at which all persons were given the opportunity to be heard in favor of or in opposition to the proposed rights-of-way vacation; and WHEREAS, public notice of the public hearing was provided in accordance with §23-42, Code of Alabama, 1975; and WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that it is in the best interest of the City to vacate the portions of the rights-of-way of Anderson Road and Sportsplex Parkway as described in the attached Petition and the rights-ofway of said streets should be conveyed to Inwoo Paek as requested by the Petitioner. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Opelika that the vacation of the abovedescribed portions of the rights-of-way of Anderson Road and Sportsplex Parkway is assented to and approved and the same is hereby vacated pursuant to the provisions of Section 234-20, et.seq. of the Code of Alabama, and also pursuant to said Code in §35-2-54. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Opelika, Alabama, a municipal corporation, remise, release and quitclaim unto Inwoo Paek, whatever right, title and interest the said City of Opelika, Alabama, may have acquired in and to the above

B7 May 15, 2019 described portions of the rights-of-way of Anderson Road and Sportsplex Parkway by virtue of the dedication or vacation of said roadways or otherwise. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Gary Fuller, the Mayor of the City of Opelika, Alabama, a municipal corporation, be and he is hereby authorized and directed on behalf of the City of Opelika, Alabama, to execute a quitclaim deed to Inwoo Paek, for the purpose of carrying out the intent and intention of this Resolution and that Robert G. Shuman, City Clerk, be and he is hereby authorized and directed on behalf of the City of Opelika, Alabama, to attest the same. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Clerk will cause a copy of this Resolution to be filed in the Probate Office of Lee County, Alabama, and shall further cause a copy of this Resolution to be published once in a newspaper of general circulation in Lee County, Alabama, no less than fourteen (14) days after its adoption. ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 7th day of May, 2019. /s/ Eddie Smith PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA ATTEST: /s/ R. G. Shuman CITY CLERK LEGAL RUN 5/15/2019

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, May 28, 2019 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 request by James McCrory, authorized representative for Morris Family Properties & Thomas M. Morris, property owners, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Morris Family Properties First Revision subdivision consisting of 2 lots accessed at Rocky Brook Lane & Hickory Lane. 2. A public hearing on a request by THF MRP Tiger Town LLC, property owner, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Tiger Town Redivision of Lot 18 subdivision consisting of 2 lots at 2710 Enterprise Drive. 3. A public hearing on a request by Don Allen, authorized representative for A&P Development, LLC, property owner, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Quantegy, A Resubdivsion of Parcel A &amp; B2B subdivision consisting of 2 lots on Orr Avenue. 4. A public hearing on a request by Mike Maher, authorized representative for David and Kimberly Umphress, property owners, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Umphress subdivision consisting of 2 lots accessed at Lee Road 0400. 5. A public hearing on a request by Blake Rice, authorized representative for Auburn Equities, LLC, property owner, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Falcon Pepperell Parkway Phase 1 subdivision consisting of 3 lots at 2810 Pepperell Parkway. 6. A public hearing on a request by Blake Rice, authorized representative for Fox Run Development, LLC, property owner, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Re-Subdivision of Tracts A-3, A-4, A-5 of Tract A of the Fox Run Parkway Development subdivision consisting of 2 lots accessed on McCoy Street. 7. A request by Blake Rice, authorized representative for BC Stone Contracting, LLC, property owner, for final plat approval of the Camelot Northbrook subdivision consisting of 44 lots accessed from Lancelot Lane and Freeman Avenue. 8. A request by Blake Rice, authorized representative for SMB Land, LLC, property owner, for final plat approval of the Trillium Phase 2-A subdivision consisting of 10 lots

accessed from the 1900 block Rocky Brook Road. 9. A request by Mike Maher, authorized representative for Goodwin, Mills & Cawood for the Retirement Systems of Alabama, property owner, for final plat approval of the National Village Phase GV subdivision consisting of 3 lots accessed at the 3000 block Robert Trent Jones Trail. 10. A request by Dino McDowell, authorized representative for D.H. McDowell Family LLLP, property owner, for final plat approval of The Reserve at Wyndham Gates Phase 1A & 2 subdivision consisting of 85 lots accessed from Gwynne’s Way. 11. A public hearing on a request by Blake Rice, authorized representative of Loren Sutton, property owner, for conditional use approval for townhomes (four dwelling units) located at 1011 Renfro Avenue. 12. A public hearing on a request by David Slocum, authorized representative for Yellowfin Construction LLC, property owner for conditional use approval for Cottages (condominiums, 19 dwelling units) located at 1150 block Fitzpatrick Avenue. 13. A public hearing on a request by Richard Patton, authorized representative for Southside Opelika, LLC, property owner, for conditional use approval for single family homes (16 dwelling units) accessed at 410 Geneva Street and 10th Street. 14.(a) A public hearing to consider a recommendation to the City Council on the request by Daniel Holland (Holland Homes, LLC), property owner, to rezone 47.3 acres accessed at the 1300 block Fox Run Parkway from a C-2 zoning district to a PUD zoning district. (b) The following agenda item is included for review at the May 28 th Planning Commission meeting concerning an amendment to the Future Land Use Map at the 1300 block Fox Run Parkway, 47.3 acres, from light commercial to mixed-use (residential and commercial). 15. The following agenda item to vacate right-of-way is included for review at the May 28th Planning Commission meeting; the Planning Commission provides a recommendation to City Council: A petition to vacate the southeast corner of the Frederick Road right-of-way for East Alabama Power Sports, LLC, property owner. 16. The following agenda item is included as “Other Business” at the May 28th Planning Commission meeting: Barrett-Simpson, Inc/Blake Rice, Lafayette Parkway & Freeman Avenue, R-4, GC-S, Condominiums – 22 dwelling units, Requesting extension of Conditional use approval for six months to January 28, 2020. All interested persons are invited to attend the meeting/ public hearings and be heard. Written comments concerning the above matters may be mailed to the Planning Director at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama 36801 at any time prior to the meeting/public hearings and may be further submitted to the Planning Commission at the meeting/ public hearings. The Planning Commission reserves the right to modify or alter any of the proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and to make its recommendations accordingly to the City Council. Please contact Kevin Rice, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334-705-5132 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability. PLANNING DIRECTOR Legal Run 5/15/19

NOTICE OF COURT PROCEEDING CASE NO: 2019-A-242 IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution In the Estate of ALZETTA PITTS DAVIS, deceased Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the LEE COUNTY Probate Office by DONZELLA PITTS DAVID on May 14, 2019, pursuant to Secitons 43-2-690, Code of Alabama and that 30 days after the notice of publication hereof and pursuant to law the Court shall be requested to enter an Order directing Summary Distribution of the estate of said decedent. BILL ENGLISH, PROBATE JUDGE Legal Run 5/15/2019

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B8 May 15, 2019

Beauregard holds spring scrimmage Friday

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Camden Swatts initiated into Phi Kappa Phi honor society at Jacksonville State University Special to the Opelika Observer Opelika native Camden Swatts was recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi at Jacksonville State University, the nation's oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. Swatts is among approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated

Swatts into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter.

Only the top-10 percent of seniors and 7.5% of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top-10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction. Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 under the leadership of undergraduate student Marcus L. Urann who

had a desire to create a different kind of honor society: one that recognized excellence in all academic disciplines. Today, the Society has chapters on more than 300 campuses in the United States and the Philippines. Its mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others."

Attorney Gen. Steve Marshall presents Richland Elementary with ‘2018 Safe Schools Initiative Award of Excellence’ Special to the Opelika Observer Attorney Gen. Steve Marshall presented Richland Elementary School last week with an Attorney General’s Safe Schools Initiative Award of Excellence for State Board of Education’s District 2. Schools were selected as winners for 2018 from each of the eight state school board districts as well as private schools for each state region. “In these times, we are all intensely aware of the serious responsibility our schools carry for the safekeeping of our children,” Marshall said. “The Alabama Safe Schools Awards of Excellence is an important tradition of the Attorney General’s Office, to recognize schools throughout our state for dedication and excellence in keeping students safe. With these awards, we honor those who have achieved particularly high standards and set examples

that others may follow. We are grateful for their service and commitment to protecting the children of Alabama.” In presenting the award Marshall said, “The Attorney General’s Office is proud that Richland Elementary School was selected as one of the 10 winning schools in Alabama for 2018. In making this decision, judges cited many things that distinguished Richland Elementary School: strong collaboration with local emergency officials and law enforcement, excellent interaction between school resource officers and students and active participation in safe schools online training.” “School safety is an area of priority, not only for our school, but our school system as a whole,” said Richland Principal Jeffery J. Johnson. “It has been a goal of our superintendent, Dr. Karen Delano, to increase awareness of our school safety plans to ensure that our students

are safe. It is such an honor being recognized as a recipient of the Alabama Safe Schools Initiative Award of Excellence, and I am encouraged that we are making, and will continue to make, the correct choices in keeping our students safe.” Marshall will present awards for the 2018 Safe Schools Initiative Award of Excellence winners to the 10 winning schools this spring. Other winning schools throughout the state include Orange Beach Elementary School in Baldwin County, Morris P-8 School in Madison County, Nichols-Lawson Middle School in Talladega County, Prattville Junior High School in Autauga County, Eastwood Middle School in Tuscaloosa County, Decatur High School in Morgan County, Hewitt-Trussville Middle School in Jefferson County, Saint James School in Montgomery County and the Lakeside School in Barbour County.

OMS,

from B1

three judges make up the Vision Board. Speakman was announced as the winner of the contest Monday during Awards Day festivities. “The students who made it to each round were able to communicate their thoughts clearly and with purpose. They all had to be aware of current events and be able to express their thoughts on the spot. They all also had to engage

Golf, from B1 Zimmer Biomet Championship preliminary field. The final field will include 144 women golfers. Seventeen of the top 20 on the Symetra Tour money list are currently in the field. Joining Clanton in the Zimmer Biomet Championship field are two sisters and Auburn University alums: Marta Sanz Barrio and Patricia Sanz Barrio of Madrid, Spain. The University of Alabama will be represented by two former collegiate golfers: Janie Jackson of Huntsville and Lakaraber Abe from Texas. Former University of Georgia golfers include Jillian Hollis, Harang Lee, Jean Reynolds and Bailey Tardy. A media event with several of these golfers is planned for May 21. Zimmer Biomet has been designated the Official Joint Replacement Provider of

in conversation with adults,” Skelton said. “(Speakman and Dowdell) exuded confidence and charisma while being humble and having grace under pressure.” The idea behind the “Amazing Shake” competition originated at The Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, which focuses on social etiquette: handshake, eye contact, ability to carry on a conversation and level of engagement among its participants. For more information, visit www.ronclarkacademy.com.

the LPGA and the Official Joint Replacement Provider of the Symetra Tour, the LPGA Tour’s official qualifying tour. Additionally, LPGA and World Golf Halls of Fame member Nancy Lopez, a 48-time winner on the LPGA Tour, will serve as a brand ambassador for Zimmer Biomet and the host for the Opelika event. “Representing a company that has a product that has changed my life is pretty exciting, and to be the spokesperson for Zimmer Biomet and to talk about it is fantastic,” Lopez said, who had her left knee replaced in Florida last November after having her right knee replaced one year prior. “It’s going to be a lot of fun to reach out to people that pretty much are afraid to do anything with knee replacements.” Lopez will attend both the pro-am competition and the pro-am party at the Zimmer Biomet Championship. She will be available for media interviews on May 22.

Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics Wednesday, May 15, 2019

Inside the Statehouse Infrastructure Package Passage will be hallmark of success for Gov. Kay Ivey and the legislature

he five day Special Legislative Session that addressed the increase in the gas tax to fund an Infrastructure Rebuilding Program for the state was a remarkable success. I still marvel at the adroitness, efficiency and expediency in which the governor accomplished this monumental initiative. She called for a Special Session on the night of her State of the State address and within one week it was signed, sealed, and delivered. I have seen some successful special sessions in my lifetime of watching Alabama politics. However, I have never seen anything like this. George Wallace used Special Sessions continuously and regularly during his 20-year reign as king of Alabama politics. He got things accomplished

By Steve Flowers this way. It is the way to go to crystalize the importance of an issue. Kay Ivey’s success made Wallace’s hardball ploys look minor league. She got her mission accomplished in the minimum five days. It was an amazing success story that will be told in political circles for years. She did her homework. She dug in and made it clear that infrastructure improvement was a must for Alabama. She had a plan, she worked it and she won and the people of Alabama won.

She was not doing it for self-serving reasons nor was she doing it to secure her place in history. However, I am here to tell you as an Alabama political historian, she earned a place in my book. She has earned her spurs and earned the name “Governor.” She showed her leadership and the title Gov. Kay Ivey. Governor Ivey was astute to address the issue in a Special Session within the Regular Sess on for several reasons. In a Special Session, Legislators have to address only the issue the governor calls them in for. By calling for the concentrated special session within the regular session, it did not cost taxpayers any more. It also got them around the 3/5 vote See Flowers, page B12

Opelika City Council votes to amend ordinances pertaining to exemptions for religious organizations in the city’s three historic districts By Michelle Key Publisher With a unanimous vote, the Opelika City Council voted to suspend the 2-reading rule and voted to approve ordinances to amend Section 5 of the city’s three historical preservation ordinances. After weeks of input from city residents, the ordinances were presented to the council for their consideration. The ordinances as approved will amend Section 5 to provide that properties currently owned by religious organizations will remain exempt. However, properties acquired by religious organizations after the effective date of these ordinances will not be exempt from Historic Preservation Commission regulation and will be subject to all regulations of the HPC. Three of the five council members offered personal statements regarding their deci-

sion to vote to approve the amending of these ordinances. Councilman Dozier Smith T spoke from the heart as he read his prepared statement. “This has been a complicated issue. I see the need to protect our history I see the need to protect our beautiful homes and neighborhoods. I see the need to protect those people that have invested so much of their time and money to restoring these beautiful homes. I see and appreciate the good the Historical Preservation Society has done for our city. I see and appreciate the good the Historic Preservation Commission has done and can do to assist in the preservation of our history,” Smith T said. “Our history is so important.” “I also see the important and interval role our churches play in the very fabric of our city. I see the beauty of the buildings but more importantly, the beauty

of the people that make up their memberships. I see the good they do for the very least of these in our midst. But I also see written in the laws of the State of Alabama and federal government that pertain to land use regulations. They have protections that we as individuals do not have. But I also see good people, I see good friends on both sides of this issue and that’s made it difficult. It hasn’t been an easy decision. But after much prayer and thought I decided to vote for these ordinance amendments,” Smith T added. “I believe this is the right decision. This will help preserve our history which is vital to our community and while also allowing churches maintain their footprint they now hold.” Councilwoman President Pro-Tem Patsy Jones also spoke to those present. See Council, page B12

Lee County Commission approves agreement with ALDOT for storm debris removal By Michelle Key Publisher The Lee County Commissioners approved an agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) pertaining to the removal of storm debris in the right-of-ways of Alabama state highways. This agreement is contingent upon the correction of wording

regarding the status of Lee County operating as an agent of the state but it is expected that this final legal issue will be resolved and the county will be able to move forward and instruct the contracted debris removal company KDF Enterprises, LLC and the debris removal monitor TetraTech Incorporated, to start removing the storm debris as early as

sometime next week. Part of the delay in the approval of this agreement was the uncertainty of whether or not the agreement met the requirements imposed by FEMA that would allow the county to be reimbursed up to 75% of the cost of the work. During Monday night’s meeting, FEMA Representative David Johnson stated the county will become

eligible for reimbursement for this work once the agreement is signed and all the appropriate paperwork is in place. The state EMA agency will also reimburse the county an additional 12.5% of the cost of this work leaving the county to be responsible for the remaining 12.5%. Also during Monday night’s meeting, the

commissioners discussed the timeline for the completion of the pickup of the remaining storm debris along county roads. After hearing from County Engineer Justin Hardee and representatives from KDF Enterprises, the decision was made that KDF will complete their second round of pickup this Friday and will start the final pickup round

on June 17, giving residents one month to move any remaining debris to the county right-of-ways. During this final pass, KDF will pickup debris from each affected roadway and once finished, that road will be marked as complete. Residents need to be aware of this start date of June See LCC, page B12

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B10 May 15, 2019

Coach Tommy Tuberville visits Republican Women of East Alabama Club to discuss his run for U.S. Senate By Michelle Key Publisher

in trouble,” Tuberville said. “We need someone in this position that can uphold these (conservative Christian) values, to get back to moral values, Christian values. If we do that then we’ve got a chance in this country.” In recent interviews with statewide news outlets and an appearance on the nationally syndicated Rick and Bubba Show, Tuberville has expressed strong support for the Trump Administration’s policies and helping advance those if elected. “I’m an outsider like him (Trump) and a Christian conservative and believe in quitting the spending of money (we don’t have). I’ve always believed this: ‘get a budget up there or you don’t get paid. Do your job,’”

Former Auburn University football coach Tommy Tuberville announced his decision to run for the U.S. Senate last month. He is seeking to win the Republican nomination for the seat currently held by Sen. Doug Jones, who is running for reelection. Last week, Tuberville visited with the Republican Women of East Alabama Club during their monthly meeting at Niffer’s in downtown Opelika. Tuberville spoke of his vision and why he decided to run for this position. “Here’s why I’m doing this. I love people, I love this state and I love this country. And, we’re

Tuberville said in a May 9 interview on Rick and Bubba. “I don’t need the money and I’m going to go up there and work for free and make my name known for the people in the state of Alabama.” Tuberville is also a pro-life advocate, fighting against environmental policies he deems too damaging or overburdening for constituents and reducing the amount of “red tape” in Washington D.C. For more information aboutTuberville and his platforms, like and follow “Tommy for Senate” on Facebook or visit www.tommyforsenate.com. The Republican Women’s group meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 11:30 at Niffers in Opelika.

Photo by Michelle Key/Opelika Observer

Why do vaccine rights matter? Because allowing the government to mandate any medical procedure for its citizens is unconstitutional Special to the Opelika Observer The Nuremburg Code guarantees personal autonomy. If we allow legislature to violate our rights to medical freedom, it completely nullifies the entire healthcare industry. Private medical choices

are between a patient and their doctor - politicians have no right to insert themselves in the medical choices or religious beliefs of the constituents who elected them. The newly proposed mandate, HB592, would remove religious exemptions from the

state of Alabama. We need to remember that the United States was founded on freedom of religion. Alabama has prided itself on holding firm to our religious convictions when other states seem to have lost their moral compass altogether. Our constitution

Check Out Our New Tiger Town Location

protects those of us that object to forced vaccination policies based on our religious practices and standing firm in our conviction that our bodies are our own - rights that are afforded to us by God and the constitution. There is a lot of misinformation out there concerning the "vaccine hesitant community." Our choices are not stating that we care less about the health of our children, but standing up against a tyrannical government that would force policy making our bodies property of the state. For instance,

when you skip the flu shot, you are using your medical freedom to do so. It's important to understand that protecting those choices now guarantees future generations will also have the right to say what is put in their bodies. There are currently more than 200 new vaccines in development. You might be comfortable with the current CDC schedule as it stands today, but you still should be given the choice to decide on any of these new vaccines they might want to add to that schedule later. And that's why vaccine

choice matters. Here at Alabama Coalition for Vaccine Rights we advocate for the protection of our Constitutional Rights to personal autonomy through informed consent. We are a grassroots movement powered by the knowledge that vaccines do cause harm and the reality of that harm means that there must be choice. The core of our efforts is to bring awareness to vaccine injury, promote informed consent through vaccine education, and protect individual rights to vaccine freedom.

Across from Lowe’s, another convenient location to serve our customers

AuburnBank’s Tiger Town Kroger location has moved to a new, full-service location on Frederick Road in front of Lowe’s. Under the leadership of City President Eddie Smith, our new location provides three drive-up windows, a drive-up ATM, a night deposit drop, safe deposit boxes, consumer and commercial loans in addition to all our checking accounts, money market accounts, savings accounts,

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

D AY TEW GA

Kroger

Our New Location Lowe’s

Visit us here: www.auburnbank.com MEMBER FDIC

I-85

1851 Frederick Road Opelika

Equal Housing Lender

334-275-9600

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

Wednesday, May 22nd & Thursday, May 23rd, 2019 • 9am

pelika O Observer

1042 Holland Ave • Philadelphia, Mississippi 39350

Day 1: Selling Dump Trucks, Truck Tractors, Specialty Trucks, Trailers, Farm Tractors, 1-ton Trucks, Pickups, Vehicles, Attachments, Misc. Day 2: Selling Dozers, Excavators, Motor Graders, Off Road Trucks, Rubber-tired Loaders, Loader Backhoes, Skid Steers, Compaction Eq., Forklifts, Logging Eq., Service Trucks, Fuel/Lube Trucks & More

Deanco Auction 601-656-9768

B11 May 15, 2019

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1042 Holland Ave (PO Box 1248) • Philadelphia, Mississippi 39350 Auctioneer: Donnie W Dean, #733, MSGL #835 10% Buyers Premium on the first $4500 of each lot and then a 1% buyers premium and the remaining balance of each lot.

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Wednesday, May 22nd & Thurs., May 23rd, 2019 • 9am 1042 Holland Ave • Philadelphia, Mississippi 39350

Deanco Auction 601-656-9768 www.deancoauction.com 1042 Holland Ave (PO Box 1248) • Philadelphia, Mississippi 39350 Auctioneer: Donnie W Dean, #733, MSGL #835 10% Buyers Premium on the first $4500 of each lot and then a 1% buyers premium and the remaining balance of each lot.

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Public Notice and Public Hearing NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY AND APPLICATION

The City of Opelika announces anticipated funding availability under the CDBG Program Year 2019 an estimated $255,632 of Federal grant funds for activities such as Commercial Revitalization, Housing Rehabilitation and Neighborhood Revitalization projects. A portion of this funding is planned for sub-recipients such as community groups and non-profits. Applications for funding are available at the Public Works Facility, 700 Fox Trail, Opelika or by contacting the Community Development office at (334) 705-5155. Applications are due at the Community Development Office by 4:00 p.m., Thursday, May 23, 2019.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND COMMENT The City of Opelika invites public comment on actions to be taken with the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program funding. Your ideas and suggestions for projects are welcome. This meeting is an opportunity for staff, citizens, and non-profit organizations to express community needs prior to setting the PY2019 budget. A public hearing will be held on Thursday, May 23, 2019 @ 4:00 p.m. in the Public Works/Planning chamber at 700 Fox Trail. Public comment and questions are invited either in writing or in person and will be accepted until June 23, 2019. Comments may be sent to: Lisa Thrift CDBG Administrator P.O. Box 390 Opelika, AL 36803 or lthrift@opelika-al.gov If special accommodations are needed to participate at the hearing by persons with disabilities please contact Lisa McLeod, the City’s ADA Coordinator at 705-5131 at least forty-eight hours in advance.

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LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS HELP WANTED Maintenance Mechanic Essential Job Functions include but are not limited to general Apartment Maintenance functions. Perform technical repairs to plumbing, electrical, appliances and HVAC system as well as other miscellaneous repairs or replacements as needed. Performs vacant unit preparation. Must be available serve as Emergency Maintenance On Call • Serving in an emergency on call rotation. Maintain company provided equipment and must have a valid Driving License; Ability to be insured under the Authority’s vehicle policy. Please visit our website to apply: www.opelikaha.org

Receptionist/ Housing Clerk Ability to professionally greet visitors and undertake all receptionist and clerical duties at the desk main office. This person will serve as the “face” of the agency for all visitors to our office and will be responsible for the first impression we make. The ideal candidate will have a friendly and easygoing personality while also being very perceptive and disciplined. This person will also serve in an assisting capacity to Property Management staff as well. Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or GED certification plus two years of experience in dealing with the general public and must have a Valid Driving License; Ability to be insured under the Authority’s vehicle policy. Please visit our website to apply: www.opelikaha.org

Director of Housing Operations Ability to successfully oversee the Agency’s Hous-

ing Choice Voucher and the Multi-Family Property Management Programs of the Authority. Be able to Establish divisional priorities, goals and provide direction and leadership to accomplish divisional goals. Coordinate the development of departmental budget, and the preparation and maintenance of records and reports. Promote full utilization of vouchers and facilitate landlord/tenant relations. Supervise a group of property managers who are responsible for the day to day management, security, and maintenance of assigned properties, including collection of rent, property inspection, annual re-certification, and maintenance of associated records. Maintain files and records. Review files and records to assure that standards are met. Assist in the formulation of plans and programs, evaluation of existing programs, and establishment of organizational goals. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in management, business administration, public administration, or related field, years of progressively responsible experience in public housing, HCVP, Property Management or an equivalent combination of education and experience; Valid Driving License; ability to be insured under the Authority’s vehicle policy; ability to travel as needed Please visit our website to apply:www.opelikaha.org For more info and to submit resume and application with qualifications in writing to: ravery@ opelikaha.org or via mail: Human Resources Opelika Housing Authority P.O. Box 786 Opelika, Alabama 36803-0786

Volunteers Needed Alacare Hospice is seeking volunteers to help provide neighborly love & support to patients in their final days. All training provided free of charge. Do you have the gift of time? Please call Katie Spotswood 334-741-9918”

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Democrats reject Rogers, Collins proposal for border funding Special to the Opelika Observer Reps. Mike RogerRep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), ranking member of the House Homeland Security Committee, urged colleagues to oppose a Democrat measure blocking House consideration of an amendment providing $4.5 billion in emergency resources for the border crisis last week. Rogers introduced the amendment to H.R. 2157, the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2019 with Judiciary Ranking Member Doug Collins (R-Ga.) following the administration’s request for additional funding for humanitarian response and border operations. Rogers’ remarks, as

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needed to bring a bill up before the budgets which is required in the Regular Session. Her ability to reach across the aisle and garner Democratic support for passage of the program was noteworthy. She brought in all of the Democratic legislative leaders. She sat down with them and diligently worked to explain how important this agenda was to not only their constituents, but to the entire state. Her reaching out to them was not only important for passage of this package, but it built the foundation for a successful and harmonious working relationship with all the members of the Legislature which has been missing for over a decade. The relationships Kay developed with state senators as presiding officer of the Senate for six years paid off with not only the Republican leadership but also with Democratic leaders like Bobby Singleton. She forged new friendships with both Republican and Democratic legislators in the House. She worked hard and developed a close working relationship with House Democratic leader Anthony Daniels (D-Huntsville), who is a bright young star. This friendship will be good going forward for Ivey and the state. Rep. Bill Poole (RTuscaloosa) was the leader in the House that worked closely with Gov. Kay Ivey to align the stars for passage. Poole drafted the Bill, helped devise the strategy and fought for passage. He is probably the only House sponsor who could pull it off. Sen. Clyde Chambliss did a brilliant job in the

prepared for delivery: This rule demonstrates, once again, that the Democrat majority refuses to acknowledge, accept, or address the very real crisis at our southern border. New numbers came out yesterday illustrating the magnitude of the crisis. CBP detained more than 109,000 migrants along the southwest border last month – a 591 percent increase compared with April 2017. In just the last seven months, more than 1 percent of the total population of Honduras and Guatemala have migrated to the United States. In total over a half a million migrants have crossed our border since October of last year – approximately the population of Senate. Both Poole and Chambliss are young with bright paths ahead in Alabama politics. Expanding access to broadband internet in rural Alabama has been one of the cornerstone issues for Gov. Ivey and the legislature the last few years. This access to broadband today is as important as getting electricity was 60-75 years ago. This initiative has moved to the forefront for passage as the session evolves. The magic formula for success is engrossed in House Bill 400. This legislation would logically and effectively allow electric utilities to use their existing infrastructure to run broadband to areas that do not have service today. Opposition has arisen from big cable companies for obvious self-serving reasons. To allow these large out-of-state companies to thwart the passage of this important piece of legislation would be bad for the state. The need to run new fiber optic lines at great expense would make the initiative almost cost prohibitive. Regardless, the cable companies and AT&T are working to kill this logical plan to extend broadband internet service to all Alabamians. They are also using some unsavory tactics in their attempt to kill Gov. Ivey’s initiative. Hopefully, their transparent efforts to derail this important legislation will be ignored by legislators who want what is best for Alabama. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.

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Tucson, Arizona. Smugglers and cartels continue to preach that now is the time to come to the United States. These criminal organizations run an international smuggling operation filled with misery and abuse. CBP has already rescued more than 2,000 migrants this fiscal year, pulling families out of the Rio Grande river, and saving children who smugglers have abandoned. Migrants that

survive the smugglers often arrive in poor health, physically exhausted, and in need of urgent medical care. The men and women of CBP are doing the best they can to respond to this humanitarian crisis, but they have run out of space to safely house and process the unprecedented number of family units seeking entry into the United States. Health and Human Services is on the verge of run-

ning out of funds to shelter vulnerable unaccompanied children that are crossing our border at levels 50 percent higher than last year. Last week, the President sent Congress an urgent request for supplemental appropriations to address this humanitarian crisis. Ranking Member Collins and I filed an amendment to the supplemental which would have provided the $4.5 billion requested by the President. It would have replenished critical funds needed to feed and shelter migrant families and unaccompanied children; provide urgent medical care and transportation services; and pay the growing costs of overtime for the men and women

a proclammation declaring May to be ‘Bike Month’ and recognized Patrick Tufts for being the youngest person to complete the 60-mile Bo Bikes Bama Charity Bike Ride and Lisa Pierce, executive director of Alabama Rural Ministry for her work in raising funds for tornado victims during the The 10th Cycle of Service. Fuller also recongized Cristian Perez from Carver Primary and Katie Richards from West Forest Intermediate as the winners of the Bicentennial T-shirt design winners from their schools. The council also: • approved a request from First Baptist Church for a street closure on June 10-13 • approved expense reports and also designated city personal property as surplus and authorized its disposal • approved the purchase of 624 Toter 96 gallon EVR II Carts in the amount of $32,068.01 • approved the purchase of a FireEye Email Security System for the IT department in the amount of $52,383.89 • approved the purchase of one 2019 sewer vacuum truck for the public works department in the amount of $389,994 • approved two occupational tax refund requests and one business license fee refund request • approved the vacation of right-of-way for a .18 acres portion of West Point Pkwy & Sportsplex Parkway for Awesome LLC; a .20 acre portion of Sportsplex Parkway & West Point Pkwy for Morgan & Boothe and a .56 acre portion of Anderson Rd & Sportsplex Parkway for Inwoo Paek • approved the police

captain validated selection procedure contract in the amount of $22,000 plus expenses • approved a resolution for the proposal from Sain Assoc. Engineering Services to provide preliminary engineering services pertaining to intersection improvements • approved a resolution to amend the annual appropriation to Lee-Russell Council of Government in the additional amount of $18,493 from each member government for the purchase of 4 new buses and installation of a security camera system on all buses for the Lee-Russell Public Transit System • approved a resolution for the annual authorization to Levy tax on property within Opelika • approved annual MWPP reports for East and West Sewer Treatment Plants • approved an employee contract for the asst. director/mgr. distribution services of OPS • approved an ordinance to amend the zoning Ordinance & Map for 60.74 acres of land located at Pepperell Pkwy & North 30th Street • voted to suspend the rules requiring two readings and voted to approve an ordinance to amend Chapter 5.5 of the city ordinances to add Article IV pertaining to Small Wireless Facilities in city right-of-ways. The Opelika City Council meets the first and third Tuesday nights of every month at city hall which is located at 204 7th St. in downtown Opelika. All meetings are open to the public and start at 7 p.m. Meeting agendas and notes can be found on the city’s website / www.opelika-al.gov.

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“This has been a difficult decision for all of us but at the same time we are charged as [elected] officials to make decisions that would impact all people. In doing that, my vote has been because there were existing property owners that have come to the table thinking and knowing that there was an exemption. We are trying to make sure that all of those people stay in that same category and those thereafter will comply because it is important that our history is preserved. We have tried to make sure that the ones before are protected, as well as those coming after and making sure that our community stays with the integrity that we want,” Jones said. “I feel that it (approval of ordinance amendment) does help all people that will be impacted.” Councilman David Cannon had the following to say about the difficulty in making this decision. “This is one of those types of issues that comes up that nobody likes to deal with. We need to make our own decision as to how we’re going to vote but at the same time we need to pay attention to what we hear. This is one of those situations where it has been outstandingly supported that we do this by the numbers of people that we have heard from. So we listened,” Cannon said. These newly approved ordinances will take effect and be enforced immediately upon their adoption and publication as required by law. In other business, Mayor Gary Fuller read

of DHS working on the frontlines of this crisis. Unfortunately, the majority refused to make our amendment in order. In so doing – they again refused to take action to address this crisis; they stunningly refused to support the men and women of DHS; and most remarkably, they refused to provide needed assistance to the thousands of vulnerable migrants arriving at our border on a daily basis. The majority’s political dysfunction is disgraceful. I urge them to work with the President and Republicans in Congress to immediately resolve this humanitarian crisis. I urge all members to oppose this rule and I yield back.

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from B9 17 for this final pass and understand that debris moved to the right-of-ways after a road has been marked completed will not be picked up and will be the resident’s responsibility to dispose of. In other business, the commission: • recongnized County Administrator Roger Rendleman for being named Alabama’s County Administrator of the Year • Kathy Carson from Lee County Emergency Management Agency recognized her staff for their work since March 3 • recognized Jake Lashley from the highway department for receiving the Leadership Lee County Spirit Award • approved a bid for digital in-car video systems for the Lee County Sheriff’s department • approved a finalplat for Lumpkin Division of Parcel 3 for the Halawakee Beach Subdivision • responded to questions from Lee County resident Lindsay Bickerstaff pertaining to obtaining a weather siren for the western part of the county, the location of storm shelters, questions regarding volunteers for polling stations in Waverly, and the desire to have more services funded by the county for the residents in the Mt. Pelia area. Commission meetings are the 2nd and 4th Mondays of every month. Meetings are held at 5 p.m. in the commission chambers at the Lee County Courthouse.

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Jones and Sewell say expand Medicaid to save our rural hospitals By Sen. Doug Jones and Congresswoman Terri Sewell Special to the Opelika Observer In the last eight years, 13 Alabama hospitals -- seven of which have been in rural areas -- have been forced to shutter their doors. Not only did these hospitals provide lifesaving care in their communities, they also employed hundreds of Alabamians. Many of the rural hospitals that are still hanging on have had to cut essential services, such as labor and delivery. In 1980, hospitals in 45 of Alabama’s 54 rural counties provided

obstetrical services. Today, just 16 of them offer these services – and we are seeing the effects reflected in dismal maternal health outcomes across the state. We are in a crisis. Last year, we sat down with Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) Administrator Seema Verma and Senator Shelby about the ever-growing challenges our medical providers, especially Alabama’s rural hospitals, are facing. One of the greatest challenges our hospitals face are the inexplicably low Medicare reimbursement rates resulting from the flawed area wage index formula,

which calculates how much Medicare reimburses hospitals for the services they provide. As this crisis has continued to worsen, the entire Alabama congressional delegation sent Administrator Verma a bipartisan letter urging the agency to provide relief for Alabama hospitals. Administrator Verma announced recently that she heard us loud and clear – CMS is now planning to address disparities in the area wage index formula and increase Medicare reimbursements for Alabama’s hospitals. CMS’ proposed change will help struggling hospitals in low-income states like

Alabama provide critical care and keep their doors open. While this proposed change is a big win that we have been working toward for many years, there is still work to be done to support our hospitals and health care providers so they can meet health care needs in all of our communities. However, this wage index update is just a first step. Importantly, Governor Ivey and the state legislature should expand Medicaid. This would be the best way to help shore up Alabama’s rural hospitals and improve health care affordability, access

and quality across the state – and provide a boon to our economy, as well. Medicaid expansion has proven to be a life-ordeath issue for health care providers and patients in many states: almost 90 percent of rural hospital closures have occurred in states that did not expand Medicaid. With 88 percent of Alabama hospitals operating in the red, we simply cannot afford the status quo. What’s more, while other states like California and New York benefit from coverage expansions, funded in part by Alabama taxpayers who are not receiving the same benefits,

some 320,000 Alabamians remain uninsured because of the state’s refusal to expand Medicaid. We know that access to good primary care results in people living longer and healthier lives, but too many working Alabamians fall into the Medicaid gap and can’t afford even basic primary care. This means that hundreds of thousands of Alabamians are foregoing medical care. And when people forego primary and preventative care, our emergency rooms fill up and we all pay the price. Furthermore, it’s not just those on Medicaid who suffer when rural See Flowers, page B15

An Annual Affair  Memorial Day Weekend  May 24 - 26, 2019 Downtown Opelika, Alabama

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Last weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s answers:

05-08 Scramblers Answers: 1.Trample, 2.Rewind, 3. Serve, 4. Bondage Solution: WOMEN

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City of Opelika’s Memorial Day Services to be held May 27 Special to the Opelika Observer On May 27 at 10 a.m., Opelika will host its annual Memorial Day Services to remember the military heroes who fought for the freedom of our country. The event will be at the Veterans Memorial Monument which stands in front of Opelika’s City Hall, 204 S. 7th St. This year’s guest speaker will be U.S. Army Veteran Major Doug Barrett. Barrett is a decorated veteran, a member of Auburn University Student Veterans Association and currently works at the Department of the Army Civilian supporting the Alabama Army National Guard. Barrett first put on the Army uniform as a freshman in Abilene Christian University’s ROTC in 1976. He left school and enlisted in the Army in 1979, the day after the Iranians took over the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. He spent his first year of active duty participating in actions to rescue the hostages until their release with his A Company 1st Ranger Battalion, 75th Infantry. During Barrett’s eight

years with A Company, 12 of his brothers lost their lives serving the United States. He joined the Alabama Army National Guard after leaving the active army to help defray college costs. Barrett’s first unit in Alabama was the 111th Ordnance Group based in Opelika. He was mobilized four times as a member of the National Guard working with American soldiers as a combat advisor and teacher to the growing Afghanistan National Army. During his deployments, three of his U.S. soldiers were killed in action, with 27 of his Afghanistan soldiers all giving their lives to their countries. Barrett served the Alabama National Guard as a traditional guardsman, serving active tours of duty, mobilizations to support national emergencies and conflicts, and as a full-time guardsman for the last 10 years of his service. He served in almost every position in an infantryman battalion with the exception of first sergeant and command sergeant major. On April 1, 2018, Barrett transferred to the Retired Army Reserve with almost 40

years of service. Out of the several duties he accomplished, Barrett believes serving as an official escort on a Casualty Notification Team while at Army North to inform a family of their soldier’s death, were among the most difficult tasks. Barrett’s awards include Bronze Star, three Meritorious Service Medals, four Army Commendation Medals, five Army Achievement Medals, NATO Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Star and Arrow, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M and 2 devise, Italian Cross for Operations in Afghanistan, Ranger Tab, Parachutist Badge and authorization for four combat service bars. Following the Memorial Day services, the Museum of East Alabama will host a reception for the public so that people can view the memorabilia of Opelika’s history. In case of rain, the 10 a.m. services will be inside City Hall in the City Council Chambers.

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from B13 hospitals close – it causes everyone in the community to lose access to the health care they rely on. Alabama has one of the most bare-bones Medicaid programs in the country. Adults who don’t have children don’t qualify. And parents who have children only qualify if they make 18 percent or less of the federal poverty line, which amounts to less than $3,000 a year for a family of two. Our state leaders proudly claim to value work, but our Medicaid program is notorious for leaving the working poor behind, with no assistance to afford health insur-

ance. Medicaid expansion would allow Alabamians making up to $23,336 a year for a household of two, or 138 percent of the poverty level, to receive health care they can afford. Moreover, if Alabama expands Medicaid, it could generate $2.7 billion in annual economic activity in addition to helping shore up our rural hospitals and local economies. If our state had chosen to expand, we could have seen approximately 12,000 new jobs across all sectors of Alabama’s economy in 2016 alone. Rural hospitals are often the largest employer in the region, and they serve as economic drivers for their communities. In addition to being essential to providing care Alabamians need and keeping our rural hospitals open, state

leaders should see Medicaid expansion for the economic boon that it is. For all these reasons, we introduced legislation to incentivize Alabama to expand Medicaid by guaranteeing a 100 percent federal match for the first three years. Regardless of our state’s past resistance, we believe the federal government should give Alabama another chance to do right by our citizens and expand Medicaid. We are doing our part to shore up our rural hospitals and increase access to health care for working Alabamians, and Administrator Verma is finally acting on the wage index. We hope Governor Ivey and the state legislature follow suit by doing the right thing and expanding Medicaid. Alabamians and our hospitals are depending on it.

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Memorial Day 2019

City of Opelika Memorial Day Services Services Monday, May 27, 2019 10 a.m. City Hall • 204 South 7th Street Special Guest Major Douglas Barrett U.S. Army Veteran Reception 11 a.m. Museum of East Alabama 121 South 9th Street

never forgotten

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COMICS

A good laugh heals a lot of hurts. — Madeleine L’Engle