Opelika Observer 5-2-2018 E-Edition

pelika O Observer

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Vol. 10, No. 30

Opelika, Alabama

May is National Celiac Awareness Month. Watch for reports on eating gluten free around town, special interviews, and a gluten free cookbook giveaway.

“By local people, for local people.”

‘Life of the Party’ makes film debut in Opelika

‘This is about community pride’ Celebration of Bandy Park upgrades slated for May 26

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

By Morgan Bryce and Lawton Valley Opelika Observer Hundreds of people gathered Monday night at the Tiger 13 Theater in Tiger Town for the red-carpet premiere of “Life of the Party.”

Featuring the likes of “Mike and Molly” star Melissa McCarthy and acclaimed comedian/ director Benjamin Falcone, the

Opelika-Auburn area became the first in the country to hold a public viewing of the film.

Actors and members of the film production crew shared their thoughts on the film and some behind-the-scenes details.

“I loved filming everything that involved this group of young actors. It was so fun to be around and infectious. They are smart, inspiring, and the energy they came with just made ev-

erything better. It was a blast,” McCarthy said.

“I love how happy people are.

I mean it is just all these amazing kids. I was walking campus and got choked up a bit. Its finals week for god sakes and they are so happy. They are just starting their life and learning who they are and what they really want. That is such an exciting See Party, page A3

City leaders and officials will host a celebration May 26 to recognize the recent renovations and upgrades made to Opelika’s historic Bandy Park.

Improvements include a new pavilion for luncheons and events, lighted walking trail with benches, repaved basketball courts and more.

The project’s completion is the realization of a nearly 2-year-old campaign promise made by Ward 2 Councilwoman Tiffany Gibson-Pitts,

who is a proponent of accessible parks and recreational areas for all Opelika citizens.

While on the campaign trail in Opelika’s Ward 2 in fall 2016, Gibson-Pitts said Jeter residents voiced their concerns over the lack of a fence around the baseball field for hosting tournaments, structured recreational activities for children and overall dilapidated condition of the area surrounding the park. These issues turned the renaissance of Bandy Park into one of Gibson-Pitts’ See Park, page A3

Grand National named ‘Hotel of the Year’

By Shawn Kirkpatrick Opelika Observer Recent awards and designations put The Marriott Hotel and Conference Center at Grand National on the map and at the top of its game.

The hotel was named

Flags for Vets installs flag at Opelika senior care facility Friday

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor Residents of Opelika’s Timothy Manor came together last Friday for the dedication of a new flagpole at their facility.

Installed by Flags

for Vets, an area nonprofit that donates and erects flagpoles for veterans nationwide, the new flagpole is a great way to commemorate a soldier’s service and patriotism, according to Community Director Barbara Wake-

field.

“I think it’s wonderful. When I sent out the letter about this, they (facility veterans) all responded immediately,” Wakefield said. “It’s pretty awesome.”

The ceremony See Flag, page A6

2017 Hotel of the Year

by Marriott. The editors of Golf Digest magazine recognized the hotel as a top golf and resort destination along the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail for the third year in a row.

“Last year we were

new spa opens, Marriott is going to change our designation to Resort Destination with Marriott. There are only 17 of those in the whole United States.”

The new spa, set to See Marriott, page A11

‘Heart of the South’ to open later this month

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor A new restaurant is opening in the former home of a longtime Opelika eatery.

Marilyn Butler, founder and owner of “Heart of the South Restaurant,” is expanding and relocating her business from its Cusseta location into the former home of Cock of the Walk, which closed permanently in February.

Index OPINION.....................................A4 COUNTY NEWS............................A5 SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY.............A7 SPORTS......................................B1

bumped up from a three to a four diamond AAA status. We are the only hotel in the Opelika/Auburn area that holds four diamonds accreditation with AAA,” said Brooke Kastner, director of sales and marketing at Grand National. “When our

RELIGION.................................B3 LEGALS.......................................B9 ENTERTAINMENT.......................B14 CALENDAR.............................B16

See Heart, page A5

pelika O Observer.com

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A2 May 2, 2018

Film, from A1

tured their school’s spirit, students from schools across the country participated.

After advancing to the Top 25 of the contest, Auburn University edged out 24 other schools, including Georgia, Louisville and Pennsylvania State for the right to host the film’s first public showing.

For more photos visit the online album at www. opelikaobserver.com.

the movie so it was just a wild ride,” Benward said.

“Working with Melissa McCarthy was phenomenal. It was just what you dream of watching the screen..”

In March, lifeofthepartypremiere.com started a contest to determine which college town would host the initial debut of the film. Asking students to post and upload photos to their website that best cap-

thing to be in the mist of.

You can kinda feel it.”

Luke Benward, who plays Jack in the film, said he loved working with McCarthy. “My favorite part of filming this movie was everything.

We never really knew what was going to make

May is ‘National Celiac Awareness Month’

By Morgan Murphy For the Opelika Observer The month of May is "National Celiac Awareness Month."

Celiac disease, an autoimmune condition, occurs in genetically predisposed people who cannot process glutencontaining products.

When people with this disease eat gluten, a pro-

tein found in wheat, rye and barley, their body responds by attacking the small intestine, preventing the absorption of nutrients. The disease can develop at any age and is hereditary.

There are three main forms of this disease: silent, minor and major, each showing different levels of symptoms.

According to the National Foundation for

Celiac Awareness, at least one percent of the population carries the disease. The only option to combat this disease is a gluten-free diet, according to research.

Celiac Awareness Month is supported by the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness.

For more information on Celiac Disease or to spread awareness, visit beyondceliac.org.

Order gluten-free meals at Niffer’s at the Tracks

By Shawn Kirkpatrick Opelika Observer They’ve been ahead of the glutenfree movement with their Gluten Free Menu. Niffer’s at the Tracks has offered the menu for more than four years.

“Both of our owners are very health conscious, and one has gluten intolerance,” said Anna Dobbel of Niffer’s Management. “She is so severely allergic to gluten she can’t even touch things that have gluten in it. I think that was probably the inspiration for the

menu. Plus, Niffer’s has always offered healthier choices, like vegetarian and vegan options.”

According to the Celiac Foundation’s website, gluten is a general name for the proteins found in wheat, semolina, graham, rye, malt and barley. Gluten helps foods maintain their shape, acting as glue that holds food together. Cutting out gluten may seem like a difficult task, especially when eating out. Dobbel said they want to give customers options, changing up the menu from time to time.

“Our products are clean products without the wheat. There is no seasoning on anything on the menu, to keep it absolutely clean, no matter what the tolerance,” Dobbel said. “The food is cooked on a separate grill, or in a separate pan, so it doesn’t come in contact with other proteins.”

Niffer’s gluten-free menu is extensive. It offers grilled chicken or tilapia, several salads with chicken, as well as burgers. “We have gluten-free sides, beers, soups, appetizers and buns for the burgers,” Dobbel added. “We want people to be aware that we have the gluten-free menu. Just ask for it.”

To learn more about celiac disease, visit celiac.org.

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

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

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

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pelika O Observer

A3 May 2, 2018

Sen. Doug Jones calls for end to harmful newsprint tariffs Special to the Opelika Observer Washington, DC – Sen. Doug Jones sent the following letter to U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross urging him to review recently imposed newsprint tariffs and consider how they will hurt local and community newspapers in the United States.

The tariffs were imposed in response to a complaint to the U.S. Department of Commerce made by a hedge fund-owned paper manufacturer, North Pacific Paper Company (NORPAC), in Washington state, that claimed that Canadian government subsidies allowed their producers to sell newsprint at unfairly low prices.

“Local newspapers are an essential component of the communities they serve, both as the primary distributor of regional news and advertisements for small business,” said Senator Jones. “ For an industry that is already struggling, a 22-percent import increase groundwood paper from Canada has the potential to close down small-town papers across the country.

I urge Secretary Ross to evaluate these tariffs soon before they force our small-

town Alabama media outlets to cut jobs, local media coverage or both.”

Canadian newsprint producers began paying 6 percent more to export their products to the U.S. in January after the Commerce Department investigation concluded that would help offset the foreign paper mills’ advantage over American companies. In March, the tariff was increased by another 22 percent.

Read the full letter below: Dear Secretary Ross: I am writing in response to the Commerce Department’s investigation into imports of uncoated groundwood paper from Canada. I urge you to take into account the challenges faced by domestic newsprint customers, including those in my home state of Alabama, as you continue your investigation.

Combatting unfair trade practices and ensuring a level playing field for American businesses are goals that I share with President Trump and the Administration. I am concerned though in the case of tariffs on uncoated groundwood paper that the harm for American consumers will far outweigh the good.

Demand for newsprint in the United States has

declined steeply in recent years and newsprint production has fallen as a result. Domestic newsprint production cannot meet the demands of American publishers.

Small publishers, like weekly papers that serve rural areas, are particularly vulnerable to changes in newsprint price or supply.

These papers can’t afford to pay higher prices for newsprint and many will be forced to close their doors and lay off employees if the current temporary tariffs and countervailing duties continue to be imposed.

These papers are an important part of the communities they serve. They report on local events that are not always covered in larger papers, are an affordable way for local businesses to advertise to customers, and in general create a sense of community for their readers.

This is why a cross section of domestic newsprint manufacturers and consumers, as well as the American Forest and Paper Association, National Newspaper Association, and News Media Alliance oppose the additional penalties that are currently being imposed.

Your Access To Local News Just

Got More Expensive.

The U.S. government just imposed a new tax on newsprint, increasing the cost of the paper you are holding.

These tariffs hurt newspapers, readers, workers and local communities.

Protect your right to read.

Tell your representatives in Congress to stop the tariffs on newsprint.

202.225.3121

stopnewsprinttariffs.org

How pathogens can affect Opelika’s water supply

By Case O’Dell For the Opelika Observer Perhaps one of the most dangerous and disgusting pollutants that can be found in our local waters is fecal bacteria.

A small amount of these pathogens are naturally introduced into streams and lakes by wildlife, usually in insignificant quantities that pose no threat. However, with cities continually growing, the presence of this pollutant has the potential to increase dramatically.

When the amount of E. coli and other harmful fecal coliforms is high enough, serious health

Park, from A1

major political platforms during her successful run for office.

“It’s been great to see a lot of those changes made.

I’m a firm believer that if you tell someone you’re going to do something, then you need to do it,” Gibson-Pitts said. “The

risks can develop. If water from contaminated streams is ingested, or otherwise enters the body, severe abdominal cramps can set in, often accompanied with bloody diarrhea. For children this can be especially fatal, as toxins secreted by E. coli can lead to kidney failure.

With implications this serious it is important to be conscious of water quality, knowing how to prevent pollution from pathogens and taking responsibility where it makes sense.

Minimizing the presence of pathogens in our waters starts with developing an awareness of where they originate

and how they come to contaminate our waters.

Fecal bacteria can contaminate Opelika’s waters in a variety of ways, some that might surprise you.

Failures in sanitary sewer infrastructure and poor pet waste disposal practices are two of the main ways that pathogens are introduced into our lakes and streams.

When your pets relieve themselves, it is important to properly dispose of their waste.

Picking up your furry friend’s excrement is no one’s favorite task, but it goes a long way in helping keep our waters clean and safe. When out in the yard, on a walk, or play-

ing in one of Opelika’s dog parks, ensure that pet waste is removed with a bag and properly disposed of in a designated bin. Pet waste that isn’t properly disposed of gets swept away during rain events.

This allows for the introduction of harmful bacteria into stormwater runoff. This contaminated stormwater then makes its way directly to our local water resources.

Another main contributor of fecal bacteria in our waters are failed sanitary sewer systems.

Opelika is an old town full of old infrastructure, and when this is the case some problems are sure

to be encountered. Growing cities, like Opelika, require maintenance, improvement and replacement of infrastructure.

But every day citizens have a role to play when it comes to maintaining sanitary sewer infrastructure as well. Reporting overflowing manholes or other sewage leaks is crucial in preserving the quality of our water resources.

Additionally, many leaks develop because of improperly disposed of cooking oil. FOGs (fats, oils and grease) should never be poured down a drain in the house, as this results in clogs that develop in sewer lines.

This issue is one that seems “out of sight, out of mind” for many of us, but when care is not taken to minimize pathogen pollutants, serious issues arise.

Start by developing a consciousness of pathogens, putting into practice proper pet waste and cooking oil disposal, and when you see an issue don’t be afraid to report it. Good quality of life in our community starts with good quality water resources.

O’Dell is an engineering technician with the City of Opelika. He is a Mississippi State graduate and has been working with the city since 2017.

people that I run into in the (ward) are excited. People tell me, ‘ooh, I love what you’ve helped get done for the park,’ and the kids, they’re excited too. I think it’s brought a big sense of civic pride to that area.”

Two longtime Opelika residents with deeply rooted connections to the park shared their thoughts on the changes and its namesake, the late Rep. George “Tootie” Bandy.

“I think the improvements are great. Anything that will help bring a facelift or uplift our community is awesome, and I think the park is being utilized more by the children,” said Oscar Penn. “Even though some of these changes are small, it makes a big difference compared to the way the park used to be. That place means a great deal to me and my family.”

“Mr. Bandy meant a lot

to the south side of town.

He was a person that made sure that a lot of injustices were taken care of,” said Larry Gray. “He didn’t just work for the betterment of black (people) here in Opelika, he did what he did for all Opelika citizens.”

Gibson-Pitts said there is still work to be done in the park, including the construction of a small amphitheatre to host concerts, public forums and other

group activities, but said she is excited for the difference these improvements will make in the present.

“People just love the fact that there is something new there at the park. I think it makes them feel cared about and as if someone prioritizes their needs and wellbeing, and it makes the whole neighborhood look a lot better,” GibsonPitts said. “Also, I’ve been doing research, and good

community parks can add to the local economy. But more than anything, this is about community pride.

Because when people feel good about where they stay (and live), they tend to want to take better care of their area.”

No time has been set for the celebration. For more information or updates, visit www.opelika-al.gov or the Around Ward 2 Opelika Facebook page.

A4 May 2, 2018

pelika O Opinion

Ain’t worth a cuss Ellie Mae Dietrich D I

that day in the duck blind will try to keep this clean. when he gave his hunting Don’t want to offend the buddy a face full of birdoffendable. shot.

Not worried about the othBet his buddy came back ers. in kind.

You know who you are.

All of which is to say Well guess what? that according to polls, Not long ago an Associated

By Hardy Jackson cussing is running amok Press-Ipsos survey revealed across our land. that nearly three-quarters of And other lands as well. the people polled said that they encounEngland, which has always been contered profanity in public from time–tosidered the epitome of linguistic good time. taste and verbal decorum, also has a The poll didn’t say how frequently time-to-time was, but profanity not preci- profanity problem.

But the English are doing something sion was the point. about it.

More than that, around two-thirds of Or at least the English in the town of those polled said that people swear more Wellingborough. than people used to.

Unable to stamp out swearing in the Which didn’t surprise me either, belocal school, the folks in charge of educause people always say that things are cating youngsters over there have deworse today than they ever have been cided to allow students to cuss in class. before, even when they aren’t.

Even cuss the teacher. Even use the And to carry it a bit further – as polls F-word. tend to do – around 64 percent of those But only five times per class – the asked said that they use the F-word from teacher will keep a tally on the board. time-to-time.

Which means that each class has to And eight percent of ‘em said they use that word several times a day, qualifying work together to control cussing. They have to confine it to essential epithets them, I suppose, for some sort of “Freand not waste their allotment on offquent F- word-user Plan.” handed swearing that serves no particuNow folks, I will not deny that I am lar purpose – “oh damn, another bloody among those who believe that people test” would cost them two of their five swear more than they used to. freebies.

And I will confess that from time-toNow I can see where Wellingborough time (whatever that means) I use words folks are coming from. that I would not want my Mama to hear.

Teach the little cussers collective ac(Mama has a pretty low threshold when tion and group responsibility. Just the it comes to this sort of thing. She once sort of thing you’d expect from a semitook a switch to me for saying “dern.”) socialist society.

All of which would stand to reason And what does the class get if it exbecause according to the poll more men than women admit to swearing and here I ceeds the 5-cuss-word limit.

It gets “spoken to.” am a man admitting to it.

Well, that ought to strike fear in their But who is responsible for all this? profane little hearts.

How ‘bout Hollywood?

And for those classes that stay within I recall how shocked I was the first time I heard “damn” on the silver screen. their limit, the schools will send “praise postcards” to their parents.

Probably the first many of you heard it, Now friends, I have always been too. “Gone with the Wind” – Rhett Butler to Scarlett O’Hara. “Frankly my dear something of an Anglophile. I’ve been to England a couple of times and found . . . .” the people delightful.

Popped me right up in my seat.

I am okay with warm beer, gin and Today you hear that, and more, all the tonic without ice, and meat pies made time in movies and on TV. So I wasn’t surprised when the poll re- from parts of the animal even Southernvealed that young folks, who have grown ers don’t eat.

So it saddens me to see this once great up with cussing movies and crude televination slide down the slope of permission, swear more than their elders. siveness into a pool of profanity.

Well, not all young folks. Young And though we may be sliding with women swear less than young men. them, at least we aren’t keeping a tally Nor is cussing confined to the lower classes – the “trashy” as my Mama used on the board.

At least not yet. to call them.

Harvey H. (“Hardy”) Jackson is Remember how Vice President Dick Professor Emeritus of History at JackCheney used the F-word when he took sonville State University. He can be exception to something a Democratic reached at hjackson@cableone.net.

Senator said.

And I bet he said a few choice things

on earth. ear Ellie Mae: I want you to bark when You spent it’s suppertime. I want half your life in you to have so much fun my truck passenger seat. it’s obscene. And most There wasn’t a trip that importantly, I want you to you didn’t sit beside me. run, girl. You were born That seat was yours. Is to run. yours.

By Sean Dietrich I want you to run And we used to play through the piney woods of a Thouin the water together. Remember sand Hillsides and become the wind. that? It was your favorite thing. I’ve I want you to whip through forests, never had a dog love water like you and across the same bay that we did. once fished together. I want you to After each swim, you’d jump in dive over the banister of the sky and the passenger seat and get the truck visit me. upholstery wet. God. That’s a good Please don’t forget me. I was your memory. best friend. I will always be your The truth is, I can’t feel anything best friend. right now. I’m numb all over. And And this humble friend is all alone sick. My eyes are hot and swollen. I tonight, asking for a gift from On can’t breathe. It feels like the world has turned to ash, and the sky has be- High. I want to experience the life we had together just one more time. come rock. I’ve been crying. I even Even if only for a few moments. I got down on the floor and moaned. want to do it all over again.

And sobbed. And wailed. I made a I want to kiss your wet nose once fool of myself. more. I want to go for one more I’m writing you because I don’t know what else to do, honey. I can’t drive like we did when you were a pup. talk to you anymore, and you were Remember those daily drives?

Daddy’s little listener.

Those early-morning hours in the I’m hoping for a miracle of Heavtruck? We’d watch sunsets in a en. I’m hoping that somehow these windshield. We’d pass through words get to you. I hope God sends the Chik-fil-A drive-thru—all the them upon the wings of angels—I employees knew your name. You am begging him.

I just want you to know how much howled with the radio. You drank I love you. And even though we will coffee from my cupholder. You slept not be together anymore, I am grate- with your head against me.

Once in a lifetime a soul comes ful. along that breathes new life into a I’m grateful we belonged to each man. A soul who helps that man other. I’m grateful it was me you experience the world in a different loved. Grateful it was my truck seat way. Ellie, you did that for me. You. you claimed.

Not long ago, I was a nothing.

I suppose you’ll have a new hip To the rest of the world, I was a tonight. New ears. And a new set of high-school flunky, a construction young bones, too. And guess what?

That means you’ll be able to wrestle worker, a bar musician. But not to you. To you, I was the most accomagain. Isn’t that great? We used to plished man in the world. wrestle. Remember how you loved Anyway, you have to go now, and to wrestle after supper? I do. We’d it’s killing me. They’re calling you roll on the carpet until you were exhausted. We sure knew how to play, Up Yonder. I can hear them. They’re throwing you a party. You deserve a didn’t we? party. A big one. With peanut butter.

Ellie, honey. Now listen good. I Go, sweetie. It’s okay. Go. I’ll get don’t have long, and I may never along somehow. Please don’t forget get to talk to you again, so this is me. important: My passenger seat will always You’re going somewhere tonight belong to you, dear. And so will my without me. You’re sailing above heart. Rest well, Ellie Mae Dietrich. clouds to a new home. Somewhere Sean Dietrich is a columnist, and so wonderful there aren’t words to novelist, known for his commentary describe how magnificent it is. Oh, on life in the American South. His I wish I were beside you, but I can’t work has appeared in Southern be.

Living, the Tallahassee Democrat, So I want you to make friends Southern Magazine, Yellowhammer there. I want you to swim in silver News, the Bitter Southerner, the lakes that stretch toward an infinite Mobile Press Register and he has horizon. I want you to eat jars of authored seven books. peanut butter like you once did here

Inside the Statehouse

L

ast week we made you aware that five of the nine seats on our State Supreme Court are up for election this year. In addition, our Court of Civil Appeals and Criminal Appeals have several members up for election.

The folks who sit on these courts essentially have zero name identification. Even when polling is done soon after Alabamians have voted for them, Alabama voters still cannot identify them.

These courts do just what their name implies.

They hear appeals from civil and criminal cases from around the state and are a barrier or gatekeeper between the circuit or trial courts around the state. They deflect a lot of cases from getting to the Supreme Court. Most states have these appellate courts. They are similar and derived from the fed-

with all Reeral appellate publicans, courts. they tend Alabama is to be conin the minorservative. ity of states Our Court that elect our of Civil judges. All of Appeals our judges in Alabama are

By Steve Flowers leans probusiness, elected, not only the Supreme and Ap- and our Court of Criminal Appeals tends to favor pellate Court jurists, but prosecutors over defenalso our local Circuit and District Judges. Judges in dants. However, our current Court of Criminal most states are appointed – usually by the governor. Appeals has a very glaring exception due to the obviThe crafters of our 1901 ous inexplicable length Constitution gave the people the right to vote on in their handing down an opinion on the conviction judges, which was one of of former Speaker, Mike the deferences from havHubbard. ing a powerful governor.

In almost all cases heard There are nine seats on by the Court of Criminal the State Supreme Court Appeals, they render an and five seats each on the opinion upholding a conCourt of Civil and Criminal Appeals. All 19 of our viction by a local jury.

The only exception is state court seats are held when there is an egregious

by Republicans, which is overt error in jury instrucreflective of our state’s tions or overt documented political leanings. prejudice by a Circuit As would be suspected

Judge.

Folks, I watched and followed the Mike Hubbard case. Judge Walker, a highly respected and veteran experienced Lee County Circuit Judge, did a meticulous job in that trial. A 12-person jury convicted Mike Hubbard of Ethics Law violations.

There was no error in protocol or one shred of evidence that was not presented. It was a lengthy trial. Hubbard had his day in court. A jury of his Lee County peers found him guilty. Judge Walker, in order to avoid error, read the instructions to the jury to assure that proper language was unmistakable.

As I travel the state on Speaking engagements and Talk shows, invariably the first question asked by Rotarians or callers is, “Why hasn’t Mike Hubbard gone to jail?”

They ask a pertinent question. They suspect foul

play or political deference may be at play. It would appear that that might be the case.

Hubbard was convicted almost two years ago.

The Court of Criminal Appeals usually rules on an intricate murder trial in less than a year. Yet, Hubbard remains free on Appeal. The average Alabamian is perplexed by the delay. I suspect politics is at play in this case.

It may revolve around campaign contributions to judicial candidates.

The members of the State Court of Criminal Appeals are Liles Burke, Mary Windom, Beth Kellum, Sam Welch and Mike Joiner. There are several newcomers in the June Primary. The list includes running for three open seats; Richard Minor, Donna Beaulieu, Bill Cole, Rich Anderson and veteran Fayette County District Attorney, Chris

McCool.

We also have some races on the Court of Civil Appeals next month. The business community is obviously more interested in this Civil Appeals Court than Criminal. In Place 1, Baldwin County Circuit Judge Michelle Thomasson may have an edge over Pat Thetford of Birmingham and Christy Edwards of Montgomery.

Incumbent Judge Terri Willingham Thomas is being challenged by Chad Hanson for Place 2.

There are a lot of judicial races on our June 5 ballot on both the state and local level.

See you next week.

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

He served 16 years in the State Legislature. Steve may be reached at www. steveflowers.us.

pelika O Observer Around Lee County Smiths Station adopts first-ever property tax A5

May 2, 2018

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor Tackling citywide issues such as sewage, repaving pothole-ridden roads and beautification of its downtown area is the main objective of a 5-mill property tax plan passed by the Smiths Station City Council last Tuesday.

Heart, from A1 Since announcing their move last month on social media, Butler said she and her family have received waves of support and excitement from people in the Opelika-Auburn area.

“I love the people here. Everybody here has been so, so helpful,” Butler said. “From Opelika Power Services to city government officials, you can tell everybody is trying their best to get us in here and ready to go. That’s really important to me and adds to my excitement for the future of the business here.”

Butler added that they will maintain the building’s rustic feel as they renovate and get ready for their opening, but

Effective Oct. 1, estimates provided by the Lee County Revenue Office indicate that the tax could generate an additional $175,000 - $200,000 to the city’s overall income.

Following the meeting, Mayor Bubba Copeland shared his thoughts on the plan’s passage and what it

means for the future of the city he leads.

“I was very nervous about this. It was done with a heavy heart, and it’s not something that you’re supposed to do as a politician, you don’t raise taxes,” Copeland said. “But, you do what’s best for the city. It’s not something that I can say I’m excited or relieved

“spruce” up the property and menu, which is deeply rooted in Southern cuisine with a slight Cajun influence.

Opened in September 1999 in West Point, Georgia, “Heart of the South” started as a tearoom with five tables and 20 chairs.

Relying on wordof-mouth advertising and a “commitment to consistent quality and service,” Butler said her business has experienced tremendous growth, relocating three times during the last 18 years to accommodate customer demand.

At its new Opelika location, Butler said the 8,500-square-foot, 300-table restaurant will be a perfect place for family outings, weddings, parties and more.

“We’ve already scheduled a wedding, two Christmas parties, class reunion and

a birthday party, and we’re not even open,” Butler said.

With a tentative opening date set for Mother’s Day weekend (May 12-13), Butler said new customers can expect an experience at her restaurant that will feature impeccable quality and attention to detail, tasty dishes that incorporate locally sourced ingredients and a strong dose of Southern hospitality.

“This place is going to have a great atmosphere ... people will be able to look out or sit near the lake and see turtles, geese, blue herons while they eat.

I think people will be able to make a lot of great memories here,” Butler said.

For more information or updates on the restaurant’s opening, like and follow their Facebook page or call 334-748-9009.

about, but it had to be done. This may take five or six years to see results from (and) I may never see this come to fruition ... but this is the first step of a long journey.”

Copeland also read a proclamation declaring April as “Fair Housing Month.” 2018 marks the 50th anniversary of the “Fair Housing

Act” passed by thenU.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson which aimed to provide equal housing opportunities to all citizens, regardless of race, religion, sex or national origin.

In other business, the council: - approved financial statements for the general and environmental fund budgets for the

month of March - discussed possible future membership with the East Alabama Chamber of Commerce to attract future industries and corporations to the city - made nominations for the city’s planned sidewalk memorial for its veterans. Construction is slated to begin later this year.

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Pictured are renovated portions of “Heart of the South Restaurant,” which will open later this month.

Smiths Station student receives statewide award for artwork BEAUREGARD DRUGS

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

Special to the Opelika Observer Ragan Floyd, a junior at Smiths Station High School, took first place for her artwork titled “Russ” that was created from torn paper. Floyd came in first place this year out of more than 46 submissions. Floyd’s artwork will be displayed for one year in the walkway leading to the U.S. Capitol.

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A6 May 2, 2018

Bill King visits Opelika Lions Club Todd Rauch addresses Opelika Rotary Club

Special to the Opelika Observer Dr. Bill King, Director of Missions for Tuskegee Lee Baptist Association, also known as Bro. Billy Bob Bohannon, Christian Humorist and Musician, was a recent guest of the Opelika Lions Club. He gave a background on the development of his character, Brother Billy Bob, which he uses in his ministry. More information is available at www. brobillybob.com. Dr. King was introduced by Lion Jerome Couch, left.

Special to the Opelika Observer Todd Rauch recently spoke to the Opelika Rotary club about his time in the service. Todd enlisted at 17 in the U.S. Army as an MP. He served in the Iraq war, where he was seriously wounded. After discharge from the service Todd continued his education, graduating from Auburn University. Much of his career has been devoted to helping his brother and sister vets to deal with the effects of their military service and to adjust to civilian life. Rauch is currently a candidate for the District 38 seat in the Alabama House of Representatives. Pictured, from left, are Ali and Todd Rauch, and Harry Cullinan, club president.

Flag, from A1

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Pictured from left to right: Bill Calmus, Joseph Kirby, Rick Stone, Glorious Knightporch, Charles Hastings, Barbara Wakefield and Charlie Frasier. Back, Todd Rauch and Adam Wischwander.

until (Popwell) gifted a flagpole to myself and for my service in the (U.S.) Army. He turned to me, shook my hand and he said, ‘Todd, this is for the sacrifice and dedication you gave for your country, and I just want to thank you for your service,’” Rauch said. “(And through that) I came to understand that what he does, what his mission is and how much it means to those other veterans.”

For more information, visit www.flagsforvets.com.

began with an invocation and singing of the national anthem by Tenth Street Church of Christ Member Christine Gibson.

Local veteran Todd Rauch presented the flagpole on behalf of FFV Founder Jamie Popwell, who was unable to attend Friday.

“I’ve seen and helped Jamie put up dozens of flagpoles, and it wasn't

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Opelika E vents, Society, & Food SH

Ann Cipperly’s Southern Hospitality

Crawfords open lake home for 14th annual Pepperell Kids reunion

U PC OM I NG EVENT S: • ART WORKSHOP • CINCO DE MAYO • BATTLE FOR O-TOWN • JODY FULLER - COMEDIAN • STAMP OUT HUNGER • DAVIS BENEFIT • EAST AL CAR SHOW

Bottling Plant Event Center to host Opelika native, comic May 12

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor The Bottling Plant Event Center will host a “Comedy Night with Jody Fuller” May 12 from 7-9 p.m.

Fuller, also known as “The Stuttering Comic,” is an Opelika native and standup comic known for sharing humorous anecdotes of his childhood of poverty, military career and lifelong battle with stuttering. Normally booked for shows across the Southeast, United States and the

Fuller

world, he said he is excited for the opportunity to perform locally.

“I am always excited to do a local show that’s open to the public. It’s so much fun to be able to make local references that only local folks get,” Fuller said. “There’s nothing like it. On top

of that, I love seeing people in the crowd that have made such an impact on my life, be it family, friends, teachers, whoever.

There’s nothing like it.”

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 on the day of the show.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show will start at 7 p.m. For more information or other ticketing options, visit www. bottlingplanteventcenter.com. The venue is located at 614 N. Railroad Ave. in downtown Opelika.

Buck Wild Saloon to host benefit concert for OFD’s Capt. David Davis May 20

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor Buck Wild Saloon in Smiths Station will host the “He Ain’t Heavy” benefit concert for Opelika Fire Department Capt.

David Davis and his family May 20.

Organized by Salem resident Alicia McLeod, the event will bring together local artists for an afternoon of music and fun, and a goal of raising at least $20,000 for Davis.

Davis, an 11-year veteran of the OFD, was airlifted to UAB Hospital for treatment last month after receiving seconddegree burns during a

Photo by Ann Cipperly The 14th annual Pepperell Kids reunion will be held this Saturday at the home of Janet and George Crawford at Lake Martin. George, who coined the name Pepperell Kids, moved away from the area for 37 years. He returned after a successful career and has enjoyed connecting with childhood friends at the reunion. Anyone who attended the original Pepperell School or lived in the mill village before the houses were sold is invited to attend. The Crawfords are pictured at one of the Pepperell Mill exhibits at the Museum of East Alabama.

W

hen George Crawford looks back on his childhood, he recalls happy, carefree days with friends in the idyllic setting at the Pepperell Mill Village. George will reminisce with many of those friends at the 14th annual reunion of the Pepperell Kids on May 5 at his Lake Martin home with his wife Janet.

George was in the third grade when his father was hired as traffic manager at Pepperell Mill in 1949. Since there was not a house available in the village, they lived in the POW camp for two weeks while looking for a place to live.

After several months in a rental, a house in the village became available.

“It is really difficult to explain,” says George. “It was basically like one big family. It didn’t matter where you were, if the family was eating, you were welcome to eat with them. If you got in trouble at a friend’s house, you got spanked.

Then, they called your parents, and you got spanked again.”

George feels the village became close-knit because they were a small community with their own grocery store, drug store, churches, beauty parlor, barber, post office, service station, scout hut, a ballpark and two full-time nurses at the clinic. The only time he remembers going to downtown Opelika was on Saturday mornings to the movie theater.

They had a Little League baseball team and a midget football team called the Pepperell Dragons.

“We were in a league with three teams from Opelika,” says George, “and we rarely lost a game. At the village about all we boys did was play sports and fight.”

He graduated from the 9th grade at Pepperell School, and then attended Cliff High School, graduating in 1958. He lived in the village from 1949 until he was a junior at Auburn University in 1962.

See Davis, page A8

USPS to ‘stamp out hunger in U.S.’ May 12 Special to the Opelika Observer In many ways, America is the land of plenty, but for 1-in-5 people in Alabama, hunger is a reality.

Today, approximately 49 million Americans, including 16 million children, struggle with hunger. These are often hard-working adults, children and seniors who find it challenging

See Recipes, page B13

See Stamp, page A8

Area Cinco De Mayo Specials • El Patron Mexican Grill in Tiger Town will be offering specials on their 32 oz. drinks: $8 for house margaritas with ice, $6.50 for imported beers and $4.95 for domestic beers.

They are located at 2212 Frederick Road.

• Moe's Southwest Grill in Tiger Town will be giving away 150 t-shirts - 75 when they open at 11 a.m. and the other 75 at dinner, which begins at 5

p.m. They are located at 2574 Enterprise Drive.

• La Cantina in downtown Opelika will hold a daylong celebration in honor of the day.

From 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., there will be family fun and entertainment, including a magician, face painting, sidewalk chalk art and more. From 4 p.m. close, there will be a deejay and photo booth. They are located at 870 N. Railroad Ave.

• Niffer’s at the Tracks in Opelika will be having a tequila dinner May 4. Entertainment will be provided by local musician Dallas Dorsey, and there will be tequila-themed games throughout the evening.

There will also be a raffle for a new television. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Dana Vincent. They are located at 917 S Railroad Ave. Tickets will cost $35.

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Sundilla Music to host RJ Cowdery in concert May 4 Special to the Opelika Observer Sundilla will welcome RJ Cowdery to the stage for the first time on Friday, May 4. Showtime at the AUUF is 7:30 p.m.; admission at the door will be $15, but $12 advance tickets are available at Spicer's Music, Blooming Colors, and online at www. sundillamusic.com/ rj-cowdery.

Free coffee, tea, water and food will be available, and attendees are welcome to bring whatever

food or beverage they prefer.

Cowdery plays a clean guitar, flat picking or strumming, stringing chords together to develop melodies built like a proverbial brick house and pours over it all with a voice like butter. Her lyrics are sincere and plainspoken, inviting you to lean in hard and come out the other side changed.

She has received major accolades at some of the most prestigious festivals in the U.S., includ-

Stamp, from A7 to make ends meet and feed their families.

On May 12, letter carriers will conduct the annual “Stamp Out Hunger” food drive across the nation to collect food donations to provide assistance to Americans who struggle with hunger.

Helping Stamp Out Hunger is as close as your mailbox.

Just leave a bag of non-perishable food where your letter carrier normally delivers your mail May 12. Your letter carrier will then pick

ing wins at the 2007 Mountain Stage NewSong, 2008 Kerrville New Folk, and 2008 Falcon Ridge Emerging Artist competitions.

Most recently, she won the Dave Carter Memorial Songwriting Contest at the Sisters Folk Festival in Oregon.

She is a fixture at the Folk Alliance International Conference, where she has been an Official Showcase Artist.

However, it is her late-night showcases that are can't-miss; people crowd into

up and deliver the food to the food bank. All of the food stays to help families in the local community.

Food banks and shelters usually benefit from an upswing in charitable donations during the winter holiday season.

By springtime, however, their stocks tend to dwindle to critically low levels. Food from this drive helps fill the shelves of local food pantries, shelters and meal programs across East Alabama.

While one bag of food can seem like a small thing, Stamp Out Hunger makes a huge impact every year thanks to the support of the community.

For more information, call 334821- 9006.

rooms until there is no room left, all to enjoy music that Joe Crookston calls "not just songs, they are arrows shot directly into the heart."

And it's not just the music; Cowdery is unassuming, honest, deeply emotional, self-deprecatingly charming and funny.

Join other music fans from near and far when the latest Sundilla "discovery" steals your heart.

Cowdery will take the stage on May 4; showtime at the AUUF will be 7:30.

Davis, from A7 fire-training exercise.

With a goal of raising at least $20,000, McLeod said event proceeds will be donated to Davis to cover his personal expenses while he recuperates.

“They (first responders/law enforcement officers) don’t do what they do for the pay. It’s a deep-seeded thing they do because they really believe in what they do,” McLeod said.

“We hope that the funds from

this (event) will cover most of his expenses while he is unable to work.”

Following is a current musical line-up for the event, which is subject to change: - Vintage, classic hits cover band - Jackie Lee “Cowboy Jack” Heard, who covers a wide gamut of genres, ranging from Sam Cooke to Prince - Cody Benefield, Judas Priest cover artist - Junior Cardiel, pop/rock cover artist - David McBride and the Razin’ Kane Band, old-school and current country cover group

- Tim O’Brien Project, blues and jazz cover band - Southern Ashe, Southern and classic rock cover band - Groove Monkey, an across-genres cover band - Damn Skippy, considered by many as the area’s “best metal band” - Ricky Gunn, up-and-coming country artist.

Donations can be made before, during and after the concert, which is scheduled for 12:30 - 9 p.m. CDT. For more information, visit the “He Ain’t Heavy” event page on Facebook. The venue is located at 17695 U.S. Highway 280 E.

Opelika Power Services recevies national award

Special to the Opelika Observer Opelika Power Services has earned a Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) designation from the American Public Power Association for providing reliable and safe electric service.

Neil James, chair of the Association’s RP3 Review Panel, presented the designations April 30 during the Association’s annual Engineering and Operations Technical Conference held in Raleigh, North Carolina.

The RP3 designation, which lasts for three years, recognizes public power utilities that demonstrate proficiency in four key disciplines: reliability, safety, workforce de-

velopment and system improvement.

Criteria include sound business practices and a utility-wide commitment to safe and reliable delivery of electricity. Opelika Power Services joins more than 240 of the nation’s 2,000 public power utilities nationwide that hold the RP3 designation.

Those represented are recognized nationally as providers of the highest degree of reliable and safe electric service.

“This designation is about more than just reliability. It’s about operational excellence,” said James.

“These utilities and their communities should be proud to represent the best of the best in the areas

of reliability, safety, workforce development and system improvement.” This is not a “rubber stamp” program.

Designees complete a demanding application process over the course of a year. Applications are then reviewed by an 18-member panel comprised of national utility experts.

“This is a wonderful honor, and our great employees made this happen with their dedication to serving the citizens of Opelika,” said OPS Director Derek Lee “We take a lot of pride in providing reliable power by doing our work safely and efficiently. We are very happy to receive this national recognition for our initiative and hard work.”

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A9 May 2, 2018

Former state representative endorses Todd Rauch for District 38 Special to the Opelika Observer Todd Rauch, candidate for State Representative in District 38, was endorsed last week by former District 38 State Rep. DuWayne Bridges: “I am very excited to endorse Todd to be our next State Representative here in District 38. After Todd’s time serv-

ing in the military, he always knew that he would find other ways to serve. And we have all been able to witness that service to our communities, whether it has been volunteering to put up flagpoles for veterans, being an Opelika Chamber Ambassador or attending nearly 100 City Council and County Commission meeting the past

18 months. Todd is always doing something in our communities. I know that he will bring his never-ending energy, thoughtfulness and passion to get things done with him to Montgomery. More importantly he will always be right here, at home in the district, to meet with and work with the people he seeks to serve. I

encourage everyone to make sure they vote for Todd Rauch in the June 5th Republican Primary.”

Rauch expressed his gratitude for Bridges’ endorsement.

“DuWayne Bridges endorsement today helps me to realize that I am doing the right things in my campaign to be the next State Representative for District 38.

Bridges served the people of the 38th district with honor for 14 years and has been kind enough to spend time with me during this campaign to help introduce me to people all over the district. His words of encouragement today speak volumes about his character, and I am truly blessed to call him a friend.”

Rauch concluded

by saying he looks forward to extending Bridges’ legacy if elected.

“I look forward to having the opportunity to follow in his footsteps in representing District 38.”

Bridges, who lives in Valley, is the owner of Bridges Boot Outlet and proudly served in the Alabama Legislature for 14 years.

Mama Mocha’s close to launching USA Town Center to host home-delivery service for customers ‘44th Annual East Alabama Old Car Club Show’ May 19

By Morgan Murphy For the Opelika Observer

Mama Mocha’s, an Auburn-based coffee shop and Opelika roastery, is working toward a new delivery service.

With a monthly subscription, patrons will have their coffee handdelivered directly to their front door.

Sarah Gill, Mama Mo-

cha founder and owner, has already started delivering coffee to friends and customers she knows to run the new service with efficiency.

“We want to make sure we take care of them and love on them and make their lives easier and let them know that we appreciate their business because it has helped raise my family,” Gill said.

Besides coffee, Gill

said there will be extra perks for subscribers.

“If anyone is on the five-pound-a-month subscription, every time we have a T-shirt or a new swag item they will get it for free with their delivery,” Gill said.

For more information or to subscribe, email Gill at mochamamasarah@ gmail.com. Follow the business on Facebook or Instagram for updates.

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor The 44th Annual East Alabama Old Car Club Show will be held May 19 from 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at USA Town Center in Opelika.

Larry Rodgers, club treasurer, said visitors will be able to view and examine nearly 75 vintage cars and trucks.

“They’ll be able to see everything from a (Ford) Model A to vehicles made as recently as 1998.

Some will be original, and even more will be modified, hotrodded, that sort of thing,” Rodgers said.

Affiliated with the club since 1983, Rodgers said the show serves as a great way to bring car enthusiasts together and share their favorite memories and experiences.

“It’s just something else to walk around and hear the people talk about the stories … ‘uncle suchand-such had a car just like this,

your grandaddy had one of these’ and things like that. Hearing the stories that go along with the cars can serve as flashbacks and great memories for a lot of people,” Rodgers said.

Admission to the family-friendly event is free.

For more information, visit www.opelikachamber.com/events/ details/44th-annual-east-alabamaold-car-club-show-3210.

The shopping center is located at 1220 Fox Run Ave.

Opelika-area trucking company honors service center director for 30 years of employment Special to the Opelika Observer

Special to the Observer Opelika Service Center Director Greg Clark (left) is presented his 30-year service award by regional vice president David McGonagill (right).

Averitt Express recently honored Service Center Director Greg Clark of Opelika for 30 years of service.

He is one of more than 1,000 active Averitt associates who are members of the company’s “Over 20 Team,” an exclusive group of associates who have served 20 or more years with Averitt.

Averitt’s Opelika-area facility is located at 701 Westpoint Pkwy.

About Averitt Express Averitt Express is

a leading provider of freight transportation and supply chain management with international reach to more than 100 countries. The company is a founding SmartWay partner and specializes in delivering customized transportation solutions that include cross-border, dedicated, expedited ground/air, intermodal COFC/TOFC, international ocean/ air, local customization, less-than-truckload, PortSide®, retail solutions, temperature-controlled, transportation management, truckload (dry van, flatbed, brokerage) and

warehousing services.

Averitt's technology offerings include a full suite of web-based shipping tools, electronic data interchange (EDI), warehouse management systems (WMS) and transportation and operations management systems. Together, these services and technology solutions provide "The Power of One" to shippers, allowing them access to multiple transportation solutions from a single provider. For more information, call 1-800-AVERITT (2837488) or visit AverittExpress.com.

2018 Master Gardeners graduate

Special to the Opelika Observer

Pictured front from left to right: Mitch Heath, Dianna Fortner, John Sewell, Katharyn Privett-Duren,Ted Wilson, Richard Brewer, Joe Monley, Charles Munden, Jr.; second row from left to right: Paul Lester, Susan Lester, Nancy McDaniel, Muhjah Shakir, Frank O’Conner, Marcia Mulberry, Carole Borowski, Sam Shaw, Damon Wallace; third row from left to right: Joe Helm, Karen Wright, Doreen Horigan, Chris Shinn, Will Shinn and Terry Lemme.

A10 May 2, 2018

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Jimmy Wright receives the Aubrey D. Green Humanitarian award at Lions International District 34 Annual Convention

Marriott, from A1 open in September, along with renovations to the restaurant and the addition of 92 guest rooms, is what brought all the accolades to the Grand National. “The spa is a 20,000-square- feet facility with three floors. The first floor is a full service spa with eight treatment rooms for massages and facials, along with separate men and women’s areas with whirlpools and infrared saunas,” Kastner said. “‘The second floor will be salon services - nails, hair, makeup and a bridal suite. The third floor will be a fitness facility with state-ofthe-art equipment.”

The expansion and renovations to the bar and restaurant are complete, and they are open. A new chef will also be hired. “If

you haven’t been out here in a few years, those areas use to be a little more closed off.

We took some walls down and opened it up. There’s more seating and a new concept, name and menu, which will be announced in September along with the opening of the spa.”

Kastner added that the new restaurant is now on Open Table.

“People interested in coming out can make a reservation through Open Table.

We also use it for all our holiday functions - Mother’s Day and Easter buffets, graduations. A lot of folks would rather use the online service to make reservations when it is more convenient.”

In a surprising move, after three years at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail’s Grand National Course, the Barbasol Championship moved the event to Lexington, Kentucky.

“Barbasol was origi-

nally planned to be a four-year event. We had it for three,” Kastner said. “The best thing about having Barbasol here was that it showed an international market what we have to offer here in Opelika and the resort itself. It generated more people coming into the area that didn’t know we were here. So, even though it was here three years instead of four, I think the marketing potential we got from it was a positive.”

Due to the recent awards and the Barbasol Championship’s cancellation at the course, Kastner adds that Opelika is more on people’s maps than in the past.

“I still think we are that hidden little gem that not everybody knows about, which is okay, we still want to be that special place for people. But I definitely think the word is out that Opelika is the place to go.”

Jimmy Wright, owner of Wright’s Grocery in Opelika, was a recipient of the Aubrey D. Green Humanitarian award at the April 28th Lions International District 34 Annual State Convention in Guntersville, Ala. This award is presented to a non-Lion citizen of Alabama who has made a significant contribution to a better community, state and nation through their personal business or professional life. Previous recipients of this award include Ralph “Shug” Jordan, Sen. John Sparkman, Paul “Bear” Bryant, George Wallace and Eugene “Gene” Stallings. Wright was accompanied by his wife Susan, left, and his daughter Emily, right. Nomination for the award originated in the Opelika Lions Club by club President James Morgan, Jr.

FOOD RATINGS Scoops Real Italian Ice 512 2nd Ave. Opelika Score: 100 Wing Town 13 Samford Ave. Opelika Score: 99 Taziki’s Restaurant 305A S. College St. Auburn Score: 99

Good Ol’ Boys Restaurant 1843 Sandhill Road Auburn Score: 99 Saugahatchee Country Club 3800 Bent Creek Road, Opelika Score: 97 El Patron Mexican Grill 2212 Frederick

Road Opelika Score: 95 Papa John’s Pizza 211 N. College St. Auburn Score: 94 Western Sizzlin’ 920 Columbus Parkway Opelika Score: 86

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A11 May 2, 2018

6th annual ‘Taste of the Town’ held last Tuesday

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer The 6th annual “Taste of the Town” was held last Tuesday at the Museum of East Alabama.

Dozens of local restaurants, wineries and caterers participated in the event, which serves as a fundraiser for the museum. Pictured above are highlights from an evening full of food, fun and music.

Denson Group holds grand opening ceremony last Wednesday

Photo by Michelle Key The Denson Group, an Opelika-based real estate group, held a grand opening for its new location at 458 S. 10th St. last Wednesday.

With more than 30 years of combined experience amongst its employees, a website post describes the company as a “full service real estate group offering residential and commercial services, as well as property management and investments. All of this combined with an in-house design team that turns homes into havens. Persistence and making people feel at ease are two distinctive qualities we believe in at the Denson Group. It is our desire to help people find the perfect home and facilitate a seamless sale, as well as helping design spaces that make their clients feel at home. We offer our clients the 24-7 support and personal attention they deserve.”

My Travel at Midtown

...your travel professionals

Opelika Schools & Sports

For Relay for Life photos see B12 and our website opelikaobserver. com

Inside • opelika schools • lee county schools • community sports

Opelika varsity girls soccer team boots Brewbaker Tech 3-1 Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Opelika High School junior Estefany Alba attempts a shot on a Brewbaker Tech goalie during a match April 23. On the team’s Senio Night, the girls pulled out a 3-1 victory to improve to 8-5 overall. Currently, the girls are 9-5 overall and played Chelsea last night in the second round of the AHSAA 6A State playoffs. Results were not available at press time.

On the Mark

By D. Mark Mitchell

OHS baseball swept by Helena to end season Opelika High School's baseball season came to an end last Friday night at Bulldog Park.

Helena beat Opelika in both games of the AHSAA 6A secondround matchup, winning the doubleheader 4-0 and 1-0. The Huskies eliminated the Bulldogs last year on their way to a state championship.

Nick Richardson's Opelika team battled but could not find any offense. Despite not scoring in either game, pitchers Jackson Reynolds and Andrew Parr kept the games close. Reynolds pitched six innings in game one, allowing one earned run, four hits and striking out five. Parr threw six innings of shut-out baseball, allowing five hits and striking out five.

Richardson completed his second season as head baseball coach Friday night. The Bulldogs have advanced to the second round in both seasons,won back-toback area championships and achieved 48 victories in his tenure.

Richardson understands the importance of local recreation baseball. He can be seen regularly at West Ridge watching his future players and getting to know parents.

His energy and love of the game has been a blessing for Opelika baseball. The Opelika baseball program has a bright future.

SOCCER The Opelika Lady Bulldog soccer team thumped Hillcrest 6-0 in a first-round matchup last Thursday at the W. James Samford Soccer Complex.

The girls started fast, scoring a goal in the first minute and never looking back. Estaphany Alba pulled a "hat trick," scoring three goals. Megan Noon added two goals, and Kayla Phatsadavong contributed the other.

Opelika, 9-5-2 overall this season, hosted Chelsea last night at the W. James Samford Soccer Complex. The results were not available at press time.

Hillcrest defeated the Opelika boys soccer team 2-1 Friday night in Tuscaloosa to end their season. Five Opelika players could not finish the match against the Jaguars because of injuries.

TRACK AND FIELD The Opelika girls track and field team won their sectional meet last weekend in Mountain Brook.

The girls were led by: Imani Debrow, first in the javelin and third in See Sports, page B6

Senior Opelika soccer players recognized last week

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Seniors from the OHS boys and girls soccer teams were recognized during “Senior Night” festivities April 23. Pictured are: BreOnna Barnett, Chloe Bozzell, Gregory Dudley, Chasity Fisher, Anousone Louangkhoth, Braden McKay, Kayla Phatsadavong, Jesus Reyes, Aly Roland, Cassidy Thomas, Jasson Vasquez, LaCarlvious Williams and Nyeem Young.

OPR hosts track and field events last week Special to the Opelika Observer Pictured are members of Opelika Parks and Recreation’s track and field teams participating in a meet last Saturday.

Held at Opelika High School’s new track, the meet featured teams from across the state.

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

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Opelika boys soccer defeats Brewbaker Tech 2-0 last week

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika

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

e’ve all seen pictures with something or someone hidden in it.

Maybe it’s Waldo, an animal or an object of some kind. If you’re like me, you have trouble finding whatever it is (I seem to spend all of my time looking in the wrong places). But once I’m shown whatever it is, I can’t look at the picture without seeing it right away. It’s interesting how that works, isn’t it? It’s as if once your brain has turned the corner there is no going back.

We see something like this is Nehemiah 8. In 538 B.C., some Jewish people returned to Jerusalem after being exiled in Babylon. It took them a couple of decades to build the temple. Eighty years later, Ezra, the priestly scribe, led another group back. A little

not satismore than a fied with decade after what they that, Nehehad—they miah brought wanted back a third to know group. His more purpose was by Bruce Green about the to rebuild the Teaching Minister at One who wall around 10th Street Church of gave them Jerusalem.

Christ in Opelika the temple Under exand helped ceptionally them rebuild the wall. difficult circumstances this was accomplished in Only then would they be content. Everyone just 52 days. capable of understandFrom an external ing came together and point of view, everylistened while Ezra read thing looked good—the from the Torah. They temple was built and were there from dawn functioning and Jerusauntil noon. lem had a wall around They wept as they it affording protection heard God’s word being to the people who lived read to them. From the there. What more could context (see chapters be desired?

9-10), it appears they But this is where the were convicted by what story takes off because they heard. Nonethethe people came to Ezra less, they were told by and asked him to “bring out the book”—referring Nehemiah not to grieve, “for the joy of the Lord to the Law of Moses (v. is your strength” (v. 10).

1). It’s clear they were

Church Calendar

• Liberty Baptist Church invites everyone to “Music Only” services every fifth Sunday night.

Special groups and singers will be invited to participate and lead the worship. Liberty Baptist is located at 2701 West Point Parkway.

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

• The Auburn Music Club Singers practice on Tuesdays during the academic year from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in the music ministry room at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church on Church Drive off South Gay Street. New members are welcomed. For more information, contact director Phyllis Gauker at 334-887-7261 or at pgauker@ bellsouth.net.

• A community-wide program for people with memory loss will

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

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

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

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

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

• Powell Chapel United Methodist Church will hold a praise and worship service/car show May 20 beginning at 11 a.m.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Dr. Randy B. Kelley at 256-393-1762 or 256- 390-1834.

The church is located at 100 Third Place N.E. across from Lafayette High School.

longest chapter in the Bible (172 verses). From beginning to end it is a celebration of God’s word. There’s nothing legalistic about it, no bibliolatry or anything else negative—just the joy of knowing God through His word. He speaks of God’s commands setting his heart free (v. 32) and being “the joy of my heart” (v. 111). Eight times he uses the word “delight” in speaking of His word.

He’s not confusing God with His word; He’s recognizing that “truth is God making His presence known and felt” (McGuiggan).

I would say that is a cause for rejoicing, wouldn’t you?

Bruce has written a new book on the prophets called Known Intimately Loved Ultimately.

It is available through 21st Century Christian.

Verse of the Week

You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.

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

That’s helpful because most of the time we’re well-versed in the Scripture in this regard. We tend to think that once we get strong and on top of things, then we’ll have joy. But Nehemiah is adamant that it is the joy of the Lord that gives us strength.

But there’s more.

We’re told in v. 12 that the people celebrated with great joy “because they now understood the words that had been made known to them.”

They were celebrating the fact that God had been more fully revealed to them through His word. In the big picture of life, they saw what was previously unseen and now that was all they could think about!

They had the genuine joy that comes not from knowing about God but from knowing God. Psalm 119 is the

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

Isaiah 55:12 Pierce Chapel United Methodist 8685 AL Hwy. 51 #749-4469 Pepperell United Methodist 200 26th St. #745-9334 Trinity United Methodist Church 800 Second Ave. #745-2632 Wesley Memorial United Methodist 2506 Marvyn Pkwy #745-2841 PENTECOSTAL Full Gospel Pentecostal Church Hwy. 29, PO Box 1691 #741-8675 Gateway Community Church 2715 Frederick Rd #745-6926 PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church of Opelika 900 2nd Ave. #745-3421 Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Rd #745-4889 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST Outreach Seventh-Day Adventist 1808 S. Long St. #749-3151 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Apostolic Holiness Church 610 Canton St. #749-6759 Auburn Opelika Korean Church 1800 Rocky Brook Rd #749-5386 Beauregard Full Gospel Revival 2089 Lee Road 42 #745-0455 Christ Church International 1311 2nd Ave. #745-0832 Church of the Harvest 2520 Society Hill Rd #745-2247 Church at Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy #705-0505 East Congregation of Jehovah Witnesses 1250 McCoy St. #737-1488 Emmanuel Temple of Deliverance 207 S. Railroad Ave. #745-6430 Faith Alliance Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy #749-9516 Faith Christian Center 600 S. 8th St. Faith Church 3920 Marvyn Pkwy #707-3922

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

Fresh Foods...And A Whole Lot More!

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

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

pelika O Observer

B4 May 02, 2018

OBITUARIES John Strother On Monday April 23, 2018 our beautiful son, brother, and friend John Strother took his own life after a brave and courageous battle with mental health. While we will always question things done and left undone, we find solace in the peace his sweet soul has found in Heaven with our creator.

We will remember John as he really was, a kind soul who felt any unkindness or injustice of the world as if it were his own. We have experienced an outpouring of love for John, with several common threads: his never ending kindness, his curiosity for life, and his ability to make anyone laughno matter the circumstances.

He had an uncanny ability of understanding situations far beyond his years and often gently reminded us of what was important in life. He was a precocious child whose first words came out in a complete sentence. He read voraciously and could intelligently discuss any topic- whether you were interested or not. We have visions of him in Heaven Albert L. Saylor, Sr. Albert L. Saylor, Sr., age 82, passed away Wednesday, April 25, 2018. He was born June 20, 1935 in Opelika, AL. Mr. Saylor has been a resident of Lee County his entire life. He was a piano tuner by trade and followed this line of work for over fifty years.

Mr. Saylor was also a member

asking all of his unanswered questions. John will always be missed; he will always be loved; and we will always be so proud to call him ours.

John is survived by his sister Jenna, mother Heidi, father Greg, grandparents Evelyn and John Maher, grandmother, Carolyn Strother, and countless loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He is preceded in death by his grandfather Dr. Kenneth Strother.

Visitation was held at Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home Sunday April 29th from 5-7 PM. Memorial Mass was held at St. Michael’s Church Monday at 10 a.m. A graveside service followed at Garden Hill.

In lieu of flowers we ask that you spend more time with the people you love. Share your struggles, your joys, your triumphs, your failures. Love fiercely. Be kind, especially to those in need. And when love is not enough to ward off tragedy, then love more, pray more, depend on one another more. And when our plans and reality are completely at odds remember that God is always with us and for us.

Marion Burt Nelson Marion Burt "M.B."Nelson of Opelika, was born to the late Frank Marion and Pinkie Bart Nelson on August 31, 1933 and passed away at the EAMC April 26, 2018. He was 84 years old.

He was retired from selling vegetables and being the best front end mechanic in East Alabama.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Christine Nelson and granddaughter, Elizabeth Christine Gore.

He is survived by his children, Marty Nelson, Jaien Gore, and Mark (Tammy) Nelson; grandchildren, James A. Strickland, Kathryn Nelson, Scott Nelson; sister, Sally Mae Mask, and brother, Richard Nelson.

Visitation was held on Saturday, April 28, 2018 in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home from noon until 1:45 p.m.

Funeral service was held in the Chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at 2:00 p.m.

Interment followed at Garden Hills Cemetery.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home directed.

of Fountain Gate Church of Auburn.

He is survived by his two sons: Jimmy (Cindy) Saylor of Beulah, AL; and Phillip (Angie) Saylor of Beulah, AL; daughter, Sherrie (Andy) Guthrie of Vinemont, AL; eleven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Saturday, April 28, 2018, at

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

Ephesians 4:3

To place an obituary in the Opelika Observer, please email editor@opelikaobserver.com For pricing call 749-8003

10:00 a.m. at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home Chapel. Burial service follwed at Rosemere Cemetery in Opelika, AL. A visitation service was held Friday, April 27, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at JeffcoatTrant Funeral Home. Reverend Phillip Saylor officiated.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory directed.

Events with Mallory Hagan, candidate for Alabama House District 3 Special to the Opelika Observer The public is invited to the campaign headquarters of the Mallory Hagan for Congress campaign located at 1016 S. Railroad Ave. in Opelika today at 5:30 p.m. for an open forum on K-12 education, and then a meet and greet with Hagan at 6 p.m.

The public is invited to meet the candidates at the Valley Community Center on May 8 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Valley Community Center in Valley.

There will be a cookout at the campaign headquarters in Opelika on May 9 from 6-9 p.m.

Hagan is running for the Alabama House District 3 seat.

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

NON DENOMINATIONAL PRAYER & PRAISE GATHERING

ALL INVITED

Attend Open House and receive FREE GED test vouchers!

pelika O Observer

B5 May 02, 2018

Absentee voting: June 5 primary election Special to the Opelika Observer

Any qualified elector may vote an absentee ballot by mail or in person at the absentee election manager's office, if he or she makes application in writing not less than five days prior to the election and meets one of the following requirements: 1. The person will be out of the county or state on Election Day. 2. The person has any physical illness or infirmity which prevents his or her attendance at the polls, whether he or she is within or out of the county on the day of election.

3. The person works a shift which has at least 10 hours which coincide with the hours the polls are open at his or her regular polling place.

4. The person is enrolled as a student at an educational institution located outside the county of his or her personal residence (attendance) at which prevents his or her attendance at the polls.

5. The person is a member of, spouse or dependent of a member of, the armed forces of the United States or is similarly qualified to vote absentee pursuant to the Federal Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, 42 U.S.C. 1973ff.

6. The person has been appointed as an election officer or

named as a poll watcher at a polling place other than his or her regular polling place.

An applicant for an absentee ballot who is a member of the armed forces of the United States, including the Alabama National Guard, the United States Naval Reserves, the United States Air Force Reserves, and the United States Army Reserve on active duty or active duty training or an applicant who is the spouse of any member of the armed forces or any other applicant qualified to vote absentee pursuant to the Federal Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, 42 U.S.C. 1973ff, may make application for an absentee ballot by filling out the federal postcard application form, authorized and provided for under the provisions of the Federal Voting Assistance Act. Note!

Attorney General Opinion # 2008-107.

Applicants listed in this section who wish to vote in Municipal Elections must submit the application to the absentee manager designated for Municipal Elections.

Any registered elector who requires emergency treatment of a licensed physician within five days of an election may apply for an emergency absentee ballot for the election and may vote by returning the absentee ballot no later than noon on the day the

election is held. The attendant physician shall describe and certify the circumstances as constituting an emergency on a special form designed by the Secretary of State and provided by his or her office to local absentee election managers. The special form shall be attached to the application.

Any registered elector whose name appears on the poll list of qualified voters may vote by an emergency absentee ballot if he or she is required by his or her employer under unforeseen circumstances to be out of the county on an emergency business trip on Election Day. Under such circumstances, the applicant shall apply for an emergency absentee ballot at the office of the absentee election manager no later than the close of the business day one day prior to the election. The applicant shall complete and file an application form designed by the Secretary of State for emergency absentee voters. The form shall contain an affidavit which the applicant shall sign or swear acknowledging that he or she was not aware of the out-ofcounty business requirement prior to five days before the election. An applicant who meets the requirements of this subsection may vote by an emergency absentee ballot. After voting the ballot, the voter shall hand the ballot to the absentee

election manager.

Applications for absentee voting are available at the Absentee Election Manager’s Office located at 205 S. 10th Street, Opelika, AL 36801.

Applications can also be requested by mail at P.O. Box 1616, Opelika, AL 36804 or online at the Secretary of State's web page (www.alabamavotes. gov ). Those serving in the United States armed forces (including spouse) should contact their commanding officer for an application or may go online at www.alabamavotes.gov.

Note: To be issued an absentee ballot in primary elections voters must specify on the application if they want a Democrat or Republican ballot.

Applications for absentee ballots are required for elections which are more than 42 days apart, except as to individuals voting pursuant to the Federal Uniformed and Overseas Absentee Voting Act, 42 U.S.C. 1973ff.

Completed absentee applications must provide the Alabama residence where the voter is registered to vote, even if the ballot is to be mailed to another address where the applicant voter regularly receives mail.

If you have moved and have not updated your polling place you should contact the local Board of Registrars and update your address prior to applying

for an absentee ballot.

Any completed application must be returned by the voter in person or be sent by U.S. Mail. No one, not even a family member, can return another person’s application.

Multiple applications cannot be mailed in the same envelope.

The absentee election manager may not give any person access to completed and filed applications for absentee ballots. This information is not a matter of public record. It should be considered privileged information just the same as voter registration applications.

The absentee election manager shall forward absentee ballots

by U.S. Mail to the applicant’s residence address or upon written request of the voter, to the address where the voter regularly receives mail or by handing the ballot to the voter in person or, in the case of medical emergency voting, to his or her designee in person.

Voter identification instructions will accompany each absentee ballot and must be carefully followed to ensure that the ballot meets the requirements of the law.

VOTERS MUST COMPLETE ALL THE INFORMATION ON THE AFFIDAVIT OF THE ABSENTEE VOTER ENVELOPE. IF THE VOTERS AFFIDAVIT IS NOT SIGNED (OR MARKED), AND IF THE AFFIDAVIT IS

NOT WITNESSED

BY TWO WITNESSES 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER OR A NOTARY PUBLIC OR OTHER OFFICER AUTHORIZED TO ACKNOWLEDGE OATHS, PRIOR TO BEING DELIVERED OR MAILED TO THE ABSENTEE ELECTION MANAGER, THE BALLOT WILL NOT BE COUNTED. The Absentee Election Office opened to the public to begin voting for the June 5th, 2018 Primary Election April 24.

May 31 is the last day voters may apply for a regular absentee ballot for the June 5 Primary Election.

June 1 is the last business day before the election and is the last day to vote a business emergency ballot. This is the last day voters can return in person his or her regular absentee ballot. No one, not even a family member, can return another person’s ballot, (except a medical emergency voter named designee).

Mailed ballots must be postmarked no later than June 4. This is a State Holiday, but the Absentee Office may be open depending on the county holiday schedule.

June 5 - Primary Election Day: Mailed ballots must be received in the U.S. Mail no later than noon.

Voted medical emergency ballots delivered by the voter’s designee must be received no later than noon.

Sons of the American Revolution chapter honor John Pace in recent meeting

By Michelle Key Editor The Richard Henry Lee Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) honored Auburn High School senior, John Pace recently for

his second-place finish in the Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest. Pace presented his awardwinning speech on Alexander Hamilton to the assembly.

Donna Yeager, Pace’s advanced debate teacher,

said she approached him with information about the oration contest in the fall. With no prior debate experience, Pace made a promise toYeager that he would do his best. At that moment, she had

no idea just how proud he would make her and what a contribution that he would make. “This young man will be in our future and he gives me hope everyday,” Yeager said.

After Pace’s oration on Alexander Hamilton, the SAR group discussed how to introduce more young people to the SAR Youth Program.

Schools in both Lee and Chambers counties are welcome to participate in the several contests that the Richard Henry Lee Chapter of SAR holds every year. Students from the 1-12th grades have the opportunity to win cash prizes, or certificates from the local chapter as well as the possibility of competing on state and national lev-

DRUG EPIDEMIC

Michelle Key / Opelika Observer

Have you been injured as the result of becoming addicted to prescription pain medication or lost a loved one due to a drug overdose?

If so you may be entitled to a monetary recovery.

Call the attorneys at the Serious Injury Law Group, P.C. for a free case evaluation.

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1-855-SERIOUS 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.

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334 - 749 - 8003 Or call 1-800-264-7043

els. These contests are open to all home school, private, religious and public school students.

Examples of the contests include an essay contest, the oration contest, a poster contest, and a brochure contest. Local middle or high school teachers are also eligible to apply for the History Teacher Award.

For more information regarding SAR, visit www.ALSSAR. org or the local chapter’s Facebook page www. facebook.com/www. auburn.sar.rhlom.

pelika O Observer

B6 May 02, 2018

Lee County Education Retiree Association holds monthly meeting at Saugahatchee Country Club in April Special to the Opelika Observer Lee County Education retirees met at Saugahatchee Country Club last month.

During the meeting, members played bingo and voted to donate $200 to help buy supplies for the annual Water Festival for 4th graders in Lee County. The festival teaches the importance of water conservation to area youth. The organization also donated 83 toothbrushes to the Food Bank of East Alabama's "Back Pack" program. Officers were installed by AERA District 5, Katie Walton, far left, Secretary Gail McCullers, Vice President Cindy Black, President Dot Strickland and Treasurer Jerry Barber (not pictured).

Sports, from B1

the high jump; Lazoria Yancey, first in shotput; Nikera Durr, second in the 200 meters and Anyiah Hughley, second in javelin.

The Opelika boys finished second, behind Homewood 205-132.

The boys were led by: Jaylen Stinson, second in the 100 meters, third

in the 200 meters and third in the long jump; Jarrell Stinson, second in the 400 meters; Jorden Heard, second in the high jump and C.J. Jordan, second in triple jump.

Both teams will advance to the state meet which will be held in Gulf Shores this weekend.

SOFTBALL The Opelika Lady Bulldog softball team started the area tourna-

ment in Alexander City yesterday. Coach Tina Deese and her squad will attempt to make the state playoffs for the third-straight year.

Details were not available at press time.

FOOTBALL Spring practice begins May 7. First-year Coach Erik Speakman will practice nine days in a row, excluding weekends. The Bulldogs are scheduled to play Niceville High

School of Florida in a spring game May 19 at 2 p.m. at Troy University.

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR No announcement has been made by Opelika City Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Neighbors or OHS Principal Dr. Farrell Seymore on who will become the school's next athletic director.

Speakman was named athletic director last

year at the same time Caleb Ross was announced as head coach.

He received a $20,000 supplement for the position.

Speakman will remain as athletic director until a new person is named. Neighbors said the position would remain part-time. It seems that someone already at the school will be named to the position, though nothing has been mentioned

or confirmed publicly.

Girls basketball Coach Devin Booth remains assistant athletic director in charge of female sports, a position she has held for several years.

Stay tuned for more information.

D. Mark Mitchell is sports director for iHeart Media, Alabama Dixie Boys State director and vice president of the A-O Sports Council.

LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS Having a yard sale? Selling household items or a used car? Looking for a new employee?

We can help.

Place your local classified ad here.

Call us at 334-749-8003 or email us at editor@opelikaobserver.com for more information.

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pelika O Observer

B7 May 02, 2018

Miracle League takes the field

Robert Noles / Opelika Observer

Southern Union Foundation hosts ‘Unity Stampede 5K’ fundraiser April 28

Robert Noles / Opelika Observer

pelika O Observer

B8 May 02, 2018

Cantrell receives Van Cleaves Scholarship Payne inks basketball

scholarship with Pensacola State College

Special to the Opelika Observer Mary John Brown, president of Southern Union State Community College’s Alumni Association, presents Anna Cantrell with the 2018 Van Cleaves Scholarship.

Special to the Opelika Observer Anna Cantrell of Woodland is the 2018 recipient of Southern Union State Community College’s Van Cleaves Scholarship.

First awarded in 1967, the scholarship is sponsored by the Southern Union Alumni Association in appreciation of Dr. and Mrs. A.R. Van Cleave

and Miss Vera Van Cleave for their many contributions to the college. Dr. Van Cleave served as Dean Emeritus of the college from 1971- 1987.

Cantrell plans to attend The University of Alabama in the fall majoring in education. The $1,000 cash award is awarded annually to a student who displays academic excellence and leadership in the college, church and community.

SU’s Johnson Wins Research Award Special to the Opelika Observer Southern Union State Community College business instructor Dr. Bonita Johnson was honored with the Business Education Research Award at the recent National Business Education Association (NBEA) Conference held in Baltimore, Maryland, March 28.

Johnson, along with Leane Skinner, Elisha Wohleb and Elizabeth Diamond, colleagues from Auburn University, was recognized for her research titled “Factors Contributing to the Stress of Business and Marketing Educators.” The article will be published in the next edition of The Journal for Research in Business Education.

“It is a true honor to be recognized for my research,” said Johnson. “A lot of time and energy went into the project, and it is very

Robert Noles / Opelika Observer

OHS Senior Anita Payne signed a basketball scholarship with Pensacola State College April 27. Seated front row (l-r): Sharon Payne-mother, Anita Payne, and Alvin Payne-father. Back row (l-r): Shakira Nettles-Assistant Coach Pensacola College, Rachel Barnes-Assistant Coach Pensacola College, Ebony Payne-sister, Devin Booth-OHS Head Girls Basketball Coach, and Coach Morris Lockhart.

CWJC holds 22nd Pinning Ceremony Special to the Opelika Observer

Special to the Opelika Observer

exciting to share my findings with others in my profession through publication.”

The NBEA is the nation’s leading professional organization devoted exclusively to serving individuals and groups engaged in instruction, administration, research and dissemination of information for and about

business.

With campuses in Wadley, Opelika and Valley, Southern Union State Community College is the second oldest two-year college in the state and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees.

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The Christian Women’s Job Corp of Lee County held its 22nd Pinning Ceremony for the spring session April 20 at the Epworth Center at Auburn United Methodist Church. Students completed a nine-week program of classes from Computer Skills to Budgeting to Career Readiness, as well as a four-day internship. CWJC is thankful to Arbor Springs and Auburn Global at Auburn University for providing internship opportunities. Two local women honored in a graduation ceremony were Syderia Ross and Georgia Whelchel.

Megan Haskins and Jane Huntley served as mentors Ross and Colleen Alsobrook, and Sandy Poe mentored Georgia Whelchel.

Mentors worked with their mentees weekly on making “Action Boards” where they established and monitored personal and career goals identifying specific steps or “ac-

Speical to the Opelika Observer

tions” they would take as they worked toward reaching those goals.

Following participant speeches, pinning and presentation of certificates, all in attendance were invited to a reception honoring the graduates.

Comments from the graduates: “I have a positive outlook on my future now. I have the skills that I need to go into the workplace and know that God will abundantly provide.”

“I have much joy and gratitude because of everyone I have met in these past 10 weeks.

All the teachers, guest speakers and com-

munity servants came to the program with their hearts and their talents. They chose to share themselves with me in a consistent and professional manner. I needed and wanted to learn computer skills.

I got to learn two different programs: Word and Excel. It was very helpful that someone taught me step by step how to do things.”

For more information on being a participant, volunteer or instructor in the fall session of CWJC, please contact: Neeley Caldwell, neeley@ cwjclc.com or 334524- 5529 or 334-8210591.

Kelly Gates inducted into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi Special to the Opelika Observer Kelly Gates of Opelika was recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. Gates was initiated at San Jose State University.

Gates is among approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated 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 percent 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 un-

der the leadership of 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."

pelika O Observer Museum of East Alabama receives 1948 Pumper truck

B9 May 02, 2018

Opelika School Board members meet “Fiona” the robot

Robert Noles / Opelika Observer

By Morgan Murphy For the Opelika Observer The Museum of East Alabama will be opening a new police and fire department exhibit in May. Dedicated to both Opelika's police and fire departments, one of the exhibit's main components is an original 1948 Ford Pumper truck that was used by the OFD for 30 years.

The exhibit will also include an original firepole, an old crank telephone and mannequins dressed in past uniforms along with many different types of fire equipment.

MEA Director Glenn Buxton said he hopes to have the exhibit finished by the third week in May. “We are going to do a special reception and invite all the fire chiefs and police

chiefs from the past to be here that day for a dedication on that day," Buxton said.

There will be plaques from old trucks mounted and a special slideshow of pictures from the past of the two organizations.

For more information on the exhibit or updates, visit the museum at 121 S 9th St., www.eastalabama. org or their Facebook page.

Shawn Kirkpatrick / Opelika Observer

By Shawn Kirkpatrick Opelika Observer The Opelika High School’s O.G.R.E. (Opelika’s Greatest Robotics Engineers) team introduced their robot, Fiona, to Opelika School Board members at last Tuesday’s meeting.

The group was back from their most recent competition, the “Rocket City Regional,” a sanctioned event of the international FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition.

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Each team matched their robot against the others for best overall skill-set and design.

O.G.R.E. Program Director Brenda Howell told members the competition in Huntsville played on alliances. Teams from all over the world worked together, they didn’t play just against each other. “The competition emphasizes gracious professionalism because that’s the way the real world, corporate world, works.

When we are doing things that may better society and improve life for all mankind, we shouldn’t be out for ourselves. We should be working to help anybody we can, because we all have that common goal.”

Howell said she was proud of the way her team supported other teams after their disappointing loss.

“The sportsmanship this group from Opelika, Alabama showed, and they weren’t told to do

this, they stood up and cheered all the teams as they received medals and awards. This was a testament of the school system and the parents, and the whole community. They showed such good character.”

Other items on the agenda, members: -approved consideration of personnel recommendations for employment, transfers, retirements and resignations -approved consideration of the revised credit recovery guidelines for students -approved information regarding foreign language and fine arts textbook adoptions for a vote at the May board meeting -approved monthly financial report for March 2018 -approved Retirement Tea scheduled for Tuesday, May 22, at 3:30 p.m. at Jeter Primary School.

Board meeting will follow at 4:15 p.m. in the activity room.

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B10 May 02, 2018

pelika O Observer

Opelika baseball team It’s more than just a falls to Helena in 2nd plant sale, it’s a legacy round of state playoffs at Opelika High School

Shawn Kirkpatrick / Opelika Observer

By Shawn Kirkpatrick Opelika Observer

Robert Noles / Opelika Observer

Hundreds of ferns, hanging plant baskets, annuals, perennials and trays of herbs are all on display and for sale at Opelika High School’s annual “Spring Plant Sale.” Every year more than a thousand plants, potted and hanging, are sold by OHS Future Farmers of America (FFA) students.

But it’s not just a plant sale, it is an annual event steeped in Opelika’s history.

“This is a legacy that was started over 30 years ago,” said Horticulture Teacher Ginny Gaberlavage.

The plant sale began in the 70s with a small greenhouse on OHS campus. Then, in 1982, retired OHS Horticulture Teacher Jerry Williamson developed a course called Greenhouse Management.

“We produced the plants and followed through to salesmanship. It really started growing in the mid 80s. We had three greenhouses in full production. It really started booming. Our biggest plant sale (back then) was $17,000 in three hours on our opening day,” Gaberlavage said.

But it’s not just about the plants. Gaberlavage said the experience teaches students how to run a business.

“We want to get kids in a real world situation where they have to sell, and do customer service, and learn how to talk to people.”

Senior Cara CoueyLivings has been taking Gaberlavage’s classes since 10th grade. She said Miss Ginny is an all-around great person. “Her classes really helped me with my job. I actually work at a flower shop. It’s basically what I do here (at OHS). I get customer experience, and I get to work with plants. Miss Ginny bought flowers from Halls Opelika Inc., and I was able to network through her, and they offered me a job.”

The FFA students are already getting ready for next year’s sale. They have filled hundreds of pots with soil and are waiting for the next phase. “In June we get the fern plugs and plant them,” Gaberlavage said. “Then, in August, by the second or third week of school, we will have already put together the baskets and filled them with transplants.”

The OHS horticulture staff is also expanding the agriculture program at OHS. They

have planted fruit and nut trees, kiwi trestles and grape vineyards on seven acres beyond the baseball field. “We are also starting a huge garden this summer with vegetables like okra, squash, corn, tomatoes, peppers and beans,” Gaberlavage said. “We are experimenting with Aquaponics. I have Tilapia in there right now.

We hope to put some of those fish in the fisheries pond. That’s all in the plan.”

In a section of one greenhouse, Gaberlavage stores dozens of what she calls “rental ferns.” “I have these put aside for special occasions and graduation.

It’s $5 a day for one. If someone rents ten ferns for a wedding for the weekend, it’s just $50.”

Mother’s Day is right around the corner, and Gaberlavage said they should still have plenty of plants for sale. She said she is also slashing prices. You can find all the plants at the greenhouse behind OHS. They are on sale from 12:30 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, or until all the plants are sold. The bulk of the proceeds from the Spring Plant Sale and the “rental ferns” go to OHS FFA programs and to FFA scholarships.

Two SUSCC students receive All-Alabama Academic Team recognition Special to the Opelika Observer Two Southern Union students were among the state’s top students honored during the 2018 AllAlabama Academic Team Recognition Program.

Dawson Taylor and Elijah Smith were among the 50 AllAlabama students, representing 25 of Alabama’s community and technical colleges, who were honored for their exceptional academic achieve-

ment, distinguished leadership and community service before an audience of more than 350 that included their parents and families, college presidents, deans and faculty from throughout the Alabama Community College System.

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.

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.

Photo Caption: Pictured with SU Interim President Mark Ellard are Taylor and Smith.

pelika O Observer

B11 May 02, 2018

LEGALS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA - CASE NO.: DR2018-900031.00 IN RE: THE MARRIAGE OF MICHAEL GEORGE LANCE, PlantiffW, vs. JANINE K. LANCE, Defendant NOITCE OF DIVORCE ACTION Janine Lance, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer Michael George Lance’s Petition for Divorce and other relief by the 3rd

day of June, 2018, or thereafter judgment by default may be rendered against her in Case No. DR-201890031.00, Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama.

Done this the 3rd day of April, 2018.

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

NOTICE OF ABADONED MOTOR VEHICLE SALE To be held on Monday, May 28, 2018, at 10 a.m. at Best 4 Less at 2509 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika, AL 36801. 1GKCS13W5X2519013 - 1999 GMC JIMMYLegal Run 4/25/2018 & 5/2//2018

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

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

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

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

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

OTTIS CALLAWAY; ARTIS CALLAWAY; ROSELEE WAGNOR; HENRY CALLAWAY; MELVIN CALLAWAY; ELIZABETH CALLAWAY; AND/OR JOHN OTTIS CALLAWAY; and, ANY UNKNOWN PERSONS OR ENTITIES CLAIMING ANY INTEREST IN THE LAND AS DESCRIBED ABOVE; Defendants.

NOTICE OF ACTION TO: All Defendants herein, whose whereabouts are unknown and which cannot be ascertained after the exercise of reasonable diligence.

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

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

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

All person having an interest in said lands or any portion thereof, claiming any title thereto or any encumbrance or lien thereon, are hereby directed to plead, answer, or otherwise respond to the Complaint on or before the expiration of thirty (30) days after the last publication of this notice, or thereafter suffer judgment by default to be rendered against them, it being intended that this notice shall be used to perfect service against all parties who cannot be personally served with a copy of the Complaint DONE this the _________ day of ___________, 2018.

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

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Opelika Bid No. 18028 Sealed bids, subject to the conditions contained herein, will be received by the City of Opelika, Alabama, May 21, 2018 until 2:00 p.m., Local Time and then publicly opened and read at Opelika City Hall, 204 S. 7th Street, Opelika, Alabama.

An inspection of the site is Mandatory.

Please contact Stephen Dawe at 334-705- 5140 to schedule a time for the site inspection No bid will be accepted from a bidder without a site inspection. The contractor will be furnishing all labor and materials and performing all work for the construction of: Data Center and UPS Building Power - Electrical System within the City of Opelika, Alabama. This project consists principally of the following the upgrades and replaces portions of the City Hall’s old 20KVA UPS electri-

cal redundancy system with an improved and redundant UPS system.

All bidders on construction projects in excess of $10,000.00 shall file with his bid either a certified check payable to the City of Opelika for an amount not less than five (5) percent of the estimated cost or of the contractor’s bid but in no event more than $10,000.00; or a bid bond payable to the City of Opelika in an amount of not less than five (5) percent of the estimated cost or of the contractor’s bid, but in no event more than $10,000.00.

All Bidders bidding in amounts exceeding that established by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors must be licensed under the provisions of Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama, 1975, and must show evidence of license before bidding or bid will not be received or considered by the City official; the Bidder shall show

such evidence by clearly displaying the\ license number on the outside of the envelope in which the Proposal is delivered.

Bidder must possess a State of Alabama General Contractor License and a State of Alabama Electrical License. A copy of the license must be included in the bid.

No bidder may withdraw their bid within 90 days after the opening thereof.

All bids must be submitted in an envelope bearing on the outside the name of the Bidder, Bidder’s license number, and name of the project.

Envelopes containing bids must be addressed as follows, and delivered to: Ms. Lillie Finley, Purchasing Dept., City of Opelika, 204 S. 7 th Street, Opelika, AL 36801 or P. O. Box 390, Opelika, AL 36803: “Data Center and UPS Building Power” Legal Run 4/18, 4/25 & 5/2/2018

NOTICE OF ABADONED MOTOR VEHICLE SALE To be held on Tuesday, May 22, 2018, at 10 a.m. at Best 4 Less at 2509 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika, AL 36801.

2HGEH2461RH505189 1994 HONDA CIVIC 4T1SK13E7PU212053 1993 TOYOTA CAMRY Legal Run 4/25/2018 & 5/2//2018

NOTICE TO CREDITORS, PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, CASE NO.: ESTATE OF ROY FELTON McCURRY, deceased NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of Roy Felton McCurry deceased having been granted to Martha Faye Gowan on the 25th

day of April, 2018, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama.

Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Mathra Faye Gowan Legal Run 5/2/18, 5/9/18 & 5/16/2018

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

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

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

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

LOWS: LOT 55 MORGAN HILLS S/D PHASE 2 PLAT BOOK 26 PAGE 78 SECTION 4 T18N R26E; and A PARCEL OF PROPERTY IDENTIFIED AS TAX PARCEL 43-18-02-04-0000- 578.000 LOCATED IN LEE COUNTY, AL., MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: LOT 56 MORGAN HILLS S/D PHASE 2 PLAT BOOK 26 PAGE 78 SECTION 4 T18N R26E, and whose correct names and legal identities will be added by amendment when ascertained (Defendants), must answer the Verified Complaint, for quiet title of property, filed

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

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

Done this 5th day of April, 2018.

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

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Opelika Bid No. 18026 Sealed bids, subject to the conditions contained herein, will be received by the City of Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., local time, May 21, 2018 and then publicly opened and read aloud at Opelika City Hall, 204 S. 7th Street, Opelika, Alabama.

A Mandatory Prebid meeting will be held May 2, 2018 @ 10:00 A.M. at 1001 Andrews Rd, Opelika, AL 36801.

The contractor will be furnishing all labor and materials and performing all work for the construction of: Pickleball Courts at the Opelika Sportsplex Facility within the City of Opelika, Alabama. This project consists principally of the following the construction of 12 pickleball courts. The overall asphalt area: 128’ X 203’

(2,887 sq. yds.)

All bidders on construction projects in excess of $10,000.00 shall file with his bid either a certified check payable to the City of Opelika for an amount not less than five (5) percent of the estimated cost or of the contractor’s bid but in no event more than $10,000.00; or a bid bond payable to the City of Opelika in an amount of not less than five (5) percent of the estimated cost or of the contractor’s bid, but in no event more than $10,000.00.

All Bidders bidding in amounts exceeding that established by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors must be licensed under the provisions of Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama, 1975, and must show evidence of license before bidding or bid will

not be received or considered by the City official; the Bidder shall show such evidence by clearly displaying the license number on the outside of the envelope in which the Proposal is delivered.

No bidder may withdraw their bid within 90 days after the opening thereof.

All bids must be submitted in an envelope bearing on the outside the name of the Bidder, Bidder’s license number, and name of the project.

Envelopes containing bids must be addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, Purchasing Dept., City of Opelika, 204 S. 7 th Street, Opelika, AL 36801 or P. O. Box 390, Opelika, AL 36803: “Pickleball Courts Facility” Legal Run 4/18, 4/25 & 5/2/2018

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, STATE OF ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF Arne N. Moi, Jr., DECEASED Notice of Appointment to be Published by CoExecutrix Letters Testamen-

tary of the Estate of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 27th day of March, 2018, by the Honorable Bill English Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama. Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are

hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Debra Jean Moi Obert and Christine Ann Moi Duke, as Co-Executrix of the Estate of Arne N. Moi, Jr., Deceased.

Legal Run 4/18, 4/25, 5/2 & 5/9/2018.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY ESTATE OF PRINCIE MAE ECHOLS, Deceased LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION WITH THE WILL ANNEXED (Cum Testamento Annexo) of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 26th day of April, 2018, by the Honorable Bill English, Probate Judge of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

BILL ENGLISH, Probate Judge Legal Run 5/2/18, 5/9/18 & 5/16/18

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO. 2018-A-167 IN RE: The Estate of SHIRLEY CURRAN, Deceased TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Donald Durgin, as Executor of theEstate of Shirley Curran, deceased, on the 28th day of March, 2018, 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 witll be barred. /s/Donald Durgin Executor of the Estate of Shirley Curran, deceased.

Legal Run 5/2/18, 5/9/18 & 5/16/18

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA - CASE NO. IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: JOE KENNETH BANKS, SR., Deceased NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that a Petition for Summary Distribution of a Small Estate of said deceased having been filed on the 23rd Day of April, 2018, in 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 the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Joe K. Banks Jr., Petitioner 5/2/2018

See Legals, page B12

pelika O Observer

B12 May 02, 2018

Legals, from B11 ORDINANCE NO. 007-18 ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA (NATIONAL VILLAGE PUD) BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows: Section 1. FINDINGS. The City Council has determined and hereby finds and declares that the following facts are true and correct:

(a) The Employees’ Retirement System of Alabama and the Teacher’s Retirement System of Alabama (collectively “RSA”) heretofore submitted to the City a Development Plan for a planned unit development (“PUD”) entitled National Village consisting of approximately five hundred eighty-nine (589) acres. (b) Pursuant to Ordinance No. 129-06 the City Council approved said Development Plan for National Village and amended the official Zoning Map of the City to designate the zoning classification of Planned Unit Development (PUD) for approximately five hundred eighty-nine (589) acres located adjacent to the Grand National Golf facilities and the Lodge and Conference Center at Grand

National. (c) In 2008, the City Council amended the PUD for National Village by adding approximately ninety-four (94) acres to the original PUD. (d) The entire development, with inclusion of said ninetyfour (94) acres, consists in the aggregate of six hundred and eighty-three (683) acres. (e) RSA has heretofore submitted to the City a proposed amended Development Plan for National Village which plan will add nineteen (19) courtyard homes within a 7.32-acre parcel located in Village 6 of the Master Plan, or more commonly referred to as the “Town Center”. (f) The proposed amendment will increase the density in Village 6 from 2.00 units per

acre to 3.27 units per acre. (g) The Planning Commission of the City of Opelika heretofore conducted a public hearing on the proposed amended Development Plan. (h) The Planning Commission recommended approval of the amended Development Plan for National Village PUD. (i) It is advisable and in the interest of the City and the public interest that the amended Development Plan be approved.

Section 2. APPROVAL OF AMENDED DEVELOPMENT PLAN. The amended Development Plan as submitted for review is hereby approved and confirmed as required by Section 8.1 8(n) of the Zoning Ordinance of the City.

Section 3. RETENTION OF COPIES OF THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN. Copies of the amended Development Plan shall be maintained in the office of the City Clerk, City Planner, City Engineer, and Building Official and shall be open for public inspection.

Section 4. REPEALER. That any ordinance or part thereof in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance be and the same are hereby repealed.

Section 5. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall become effective upon its adoption, approval and publication as required by law.

Section 6. PUBLICATION. This Ordinance shall be published one (1) time in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika,

Lee County, Alabama.

ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 1 st day of May, 2018. /s/ Eddie Smith PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA ATTEST: /s/ R. G. Shuman CITY CLERK TRANSMITTED TO MAYOR on this the 2 nd day of May, 2018. /s/ R. G. Shuman CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR APPROVED this the 2 nd day of May, 2018. /s/ Gary Fuller MAYOR ATTEST: /s/ R. G. Shuman CITY CLERK Legal 5/2/2018

ORDINANCE NO. 008-18 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows: Section 1. That Ordinance 124-91 entitled “Zoning Ordinance City of Opelika, Alabama”, adopted on September 17, 1991, and the Zoning Map of the City of Opelika provided for and referred to therein, as previously amended and/ or modified, be and the same is hereby amended by zoning or districting the parcel of land hereinafter in this section described, to a R-2 District (Low-Density Residential District): All the certain tract of land containing 160.69 acres lying in and being a part of Section 32, Township 19 North, Range 27 East, Lee County, Alabama being more particularly described as follows: Commencing at a 3/4” Open Top Pipe at the Southeast

Corner of Section 32, Township 18 North, Range 27 East in Lee County, Alabama, go N03°36’00”W, 784.00 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING, thence go N03° 36' 00”W, 2993.20 feet, thence following a curve with a chord bearing of S89° 16' 53"W, chord distance of 106.78 feet, with a radius concaving to the southwest 60.00 feet, thence go S88° 40' 32"W, 1021.74 feet, thence go S06° 35' 58"W, 236.76 feet, thence go S18° 59' 41 "E, 193.43 feet, thence go S39° 12' 08"W, 116.01 feet, thence go N83° 55' 26 "W, 85.19 feet, thence go S32° 08' 17"W, 314.90 feet, thence go N82° 51' 04"W, 116.58 feet, thence go S67° 03' 19"W, 98.18 feet, thence go S70° 20' 56 "W, 77.74 feet, thence go S29° 36' 12"E, 191.87 feet, thence go S12° 34' 49"E, 231.75 feet, thence go S10° 23' 19"W, 215.90 feet, thence go S36° 22' 22"W, 203.69 feet, thence go S67° 45' 23"W, 162.96 feet, thence go S66° 04' 28"W, 144.51 feet, thence go S50° 11' 56"W, 135.17 feet, thence go S17° 49' 17"E, 131.90 feet,

thence go S35° 17' 50"W, 152.65 feet, thence go N88° 29' 59"E, 62.72 feet, thence go S15° 09' 39"E, 4.65 feet, thence go S37° 18' 29"E, 131.55 feet, thence go S32° 19' 31"E, 102.35 feet, thence go S12° 54' 26"E, 171.90 feet, thence go S45° 34' 58"E, 159.06 feet, thence go S14° 02' 37"E, 69.55 feet, thence go S00° 31' 14"W, 217.19 feet, thence go S12° 40' 17"E, 71.19 feet, thence go S06° 32' 18"W, 82.20 feet, thence go S37° 13' 20"W, 124.31 feet, thence go N87° 50' 52"W, 259.56 feet, thence go N74° 30' 01"W, 139.95 feet, thence go N65° 59' 32"W, 89.16 feet, thence go N71° 42' 26"W, 124.05 feet, thence go N58° 39' 52"W, 116.42 feet, thence go N55° 03' 45"W, 89.34 feet, thence go N55° 05' 21"W, 92.56 feet, thence go N47° 51' 44"W, 94.47 feet, thence go N37° 32' 19"W, 137.12 feet, thence go N51° 22' 33"W, 121.74 feet, thence go N80° 25' 08"W, 138.54 feet, thence go N38° 53' 43"W, 156.75 feet, thence go N59° 09' 16"W, 151.24 feet, thence go N55° 55' 42"W, 71.00 feet,

thence go N20° 41' 39"W, 117.27 feet, thence go N30° 17' 06"W, 50.10 feet, thence go N48° 47' 11"W, 63.74 feet, thence go N61° 37' 45"W, 67.43 feet, thence go N79° 46' 31"W, 37.56 feet, thence go N85° 28' 49"W, 33.89 feet, thence go S32° 45' 15"W, 39.33 feet, thence go S17° 15' 37"E, 264.93 feet, thence go S39° 01' 08"E, 156.48 feet, thence go S29° 54' 15"E, 109.22 feet, thence go S20° 03' 57"E, 109.76 feet, thence go S26° 47' 04"E, 121.40 feet, thence go S28° 04' 43"E, 109.13 feet, thence go S41° 57' 39"E, 125.27 feet, thence go S54° 52' 49"E, 115.84 feet, thence go N75° 06' 18"E, 189.85 feet, thence go S74° 34' 20"E, 165.76 feet, thence go S19° 58' 33"E, 172.71 feet, thence go S48° 10' 32"E, 188.57 feet, thence go S32° 40' 16"E, 99.50 feet, thence go S10° 56' 26"W, 72.22 feet, thence go S49° 29' 59"W, 81.98 feet, thence go S63° 07' 49"E, 131.71 feet, thence go S56° 29' 12"E, 78.91 feet, thence go N53° 17' 06"E, 83.34 feet, thence go N26° 02' 37"E, 117.27 feet, thence

go S72° 52' 13"E, 132.96 feet, thence go S65° 10' 58"E, 181.35 feet, thence go S21° 28' 17"W, 189.12 feet, thence go N89° 11' 12"E, 35.93 feet, thence following a curve with a chord bearing of S39° 58’ 21”E, chord distance of 76.66 feet, with a radius concaving to the northeast 50.00 feet, thence go N89° 11' 00"E, 920.87 feet, thence go N33° 02' 11"W, 192.45 feet, thence go N79° 11' 50"E, 473.47 feet, thence go N32° 40' 46"W, 326.37 feet, thence following a curve with a curve bearing of N00° 37’ 58”E, a chord distance of 66.13 feet, with a radius concaving to the east 70.00 feet, thence go S67° 34' 15"E, 198.58 feet, thence go S84° 24' 21"E, 434.42 feet, thence go N51° 27' 07"E, 525.74 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING. The above-described property will be developed as Phase IV of Fox Chase on Emerald Lake Subdivision. The above-described property lies generally south and west of Lee Road 621 and east of Pebble Shore Drive.

Section 2. Any ordinance or

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

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

ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 1st day of May, 2018. /s/Eddie Smith PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA ATTEST: /s/R. G. Shuman CITY CLERK TRANSMITTED TO MAYOR on this the 2nd day of May, 2018. /s/R. G. Shuman CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR APPROVED this the 2nd day of May, 2018. /s/Gary Fuller MAYOR ATTEST: /s/R. G. Shuman CITY CLERK Legal 5/2/2018

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Luqman Moore, Plaintiff, V. CV-2018-900159 A Parcel of Real Property described as: From the Southwest Corner of Section 24, Township 19 North, Range 25 East,Lee County, Alabama, run North 1155.0 feet; thence East 660 Feet to an Old Corner; thence South 88 degrees 30 minutes East 360.0 feet and thence South 88 degrees 50 minutes East 140.0 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING of the property to be here described, this point being the Southeast corner of the lot shown on the plat marked “Margaret Matthews” on the Survey for Johnnie Williams et.al. recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama in Deed Record 667 at Page 97 on 10 September 1964. From this POINT OF BEGINNING run North 88 degrees 50 minutes West 104.0 feet; thence North 0 degrees 50 minutes East 310 feet; thence South 89 degrees 09 minutes East 264 .0 feet;

thence South 0 degrees 50 minutes West 63.5 feet; thence North 88 degrees 50 minutes West 160 feet; and thence South 0 degrees 50 minutes West 250 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING; together with any and all other improvements thereon, containing acres, more or less, AND Margaret Matthews,and/or the unknown heirs of Margaret Matthews, Defendants.

NOTICE OF ACTION To: All Defendants herein, whose whereabouts are unknown and which cannot be ascertained after the exercise of reasonable diligence. You are hereby notified that on the 21st day of March, 2018, a complaint to quiet title was filed in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama, and the following are the names of all parties to the action: Luqman Moore, as Plaintiff; Margaret Matthews, and/or the unknown heirs of Margaret Matthews, as Defendants, whose status and whereabouts are unknown and cannot be ascertained after the exercise of due diligence, and who are believed to have claimed some right, title,

interest or claim in and to the property described as follows:

South 0 degrees 50 minutes West 250 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING; together with any and all other improvements thereon, containing acres, more or less.

All persons having an interest in said lands or any portion thereof, claiming any title thereto or any encumbrance or lien thereon, are hereby directed to plead, answer, or otherwise respond to the Complaint on or before the expiration of 30 days after the last publication of this notice, or thereafter suffer judgment by default to be rendered against them, it being intended that this notice shall be used to perfect service against all parties who cannot be personally served with a copy of the Complaint.

Done this the 26th day of April, 2018. /s/ Mary Roberson Mary Roberson Circuit Court Clerk, Lee County J. Brandon Rice Attorney for Plaintiff Rice & Parr 830 Avenue A, Suite A Opelika AL 36801 Legal Run 5/2/18, 5/9/18, 5/16/18, 5/23/2018

INVITATION TO BID BID# 18030 Sealed bids for the construction of the Tiger Town Roundabout and Improvement Project shall be received at the Opelika City Hall Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., local time on Tuesday, May 8, 2018, and then publicly opened and read aloud. All interested parties are invited to attend. Only bids from competent general contractors will be considered. At the time of contract award, the successful bidder must be a properly licensed general contractor. No bid will be accepted from anyone except a qualified Contractor licensed by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors.

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

Phone number: 334-7055450 Bid documents may be obtained from the Office of the City Engineer at no charge as an electronic file if the bidder supplies a storage drive or as an email attachment or electronic drop box.

The bidder’s proposal must be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished to him/her by the City of Opelika.

All information in the proposal must be completed by the bidder for the proposal to be accepted.

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

Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, Purchasing-Revenue Manager, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama, 36803-0390.

Attn: Tiger Town Roundabout and Improvement Project LILLIE FINLEY- PURCHASING REVENUE MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (36801) POST OFFICE BOX 390 (36803-0390) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 705-5120 Legal Run 5/2/18 & 5/9/18

Public Notice Vacation of the Old Portion of Lee Road 86 Right-of-Way Lee County, Alabama The Lee County Commission met Monday, April 9, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. (C.T.) in the Commission Chambers of the Lee County Courthouse, 215 South 9th Street, Opelika, Alabama, and approved the vacation of right-of-way along the old portion of Lee Road 86 further described below: Commencing at the a 1 ¼” crimp top iron pin located at a fence corner, said point being the Southwest corner of Section 22, Township 20 North, Range 25 East, Lee County, Alabama, thence North 41°48’16” East, 2926.68 feet to an iron pin set by Alva T. Webb, II PLS 11516 (ATW) at the intersection of the East margin of New Lee Road 086 and the centerline of the portion of Lee Road 086 which is not currently traveled, said point being the Point of Beginning of the South half of the portion of said non-traveled Lee Road 086 to be vacated herein to be described: from this POINT OF BEGINNING, thence along the easterly margin of Lee Road 086 (currently traveled) along a curve to the left of said road on a radius of 638.31 feet, a delta angle of 9°06'28" for an arc distance of 101.47 feet to an iron pin

by Alva T. Webb, II for a point; thence leaving the Easterly margin of Lee Road 086 (currently traveled) northeasterly along the not currently traveled portion of Lee Road 086 an arc distance of 69.92 feet along a curve to the left on a radius of 1392.48 feet and a delta angle of 2°52'38" to a found iron pin by T. Richard Fuller; thence non-tangent to said line along the Northerly margin of the untraveled portion of Lee Road 086 North 48°18'06" East, a distance of 550.21 feet to an iron pin by Alva T. Webb located at the intersection of

A Parcel of Real Property described as: From the Southwest Corner of Section 24, Township 19 North, Range 25 East, Lee County, Alabama, run North 1155.0 feet; thence East 660 Feet to an Old Corner; thence South 88 degrees 30 minutes East 360.0 feet and thence South 88 degrees 50 minutes East 140.0 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING of the property to be here described, this point being the Southeast corner of the lot shown on the plat marked “Margaret Matthews” on the Survey for Johnnie Williams et.al. recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama in Deed Record 667 at Page 97 on 10 September 1964. From this POINT OF BEGINNING run North 88 degrees 50 minutes West 104.0 feet; thence North 0 degrees 50 minutes East 310 feet; thence South 89 degrees 09 minutes East 264 .0 feet; thence South 0 degrees 50 minutes West 63.5 feet; thence North 88 degrees 50 minutes West 160 feet; and thence

the Northerly margin of the untraveled portion of Lee Road 086 and the Southwesterly margin of U. S. Highway No 280; thence along said margin of U. S. Highway No 280 South 49°08'15" East, a distance of 40.34 feet to a lead-in set by Alva T. Webb II; thence leaving said U.S. Highway and run along the centerline of the not traveled portion of Lee Road 086 South 48°18'06" West, a distance of 555.43 feet to an iron pin set by Alva T. Webb II and the point of beginning of a non-tangent curve; thence southwesterly an arc distance of 166.41 feet along the said curve having a radius of 1432.48 feet and a delta angle of 6°39'21" to the point of beginning, more or less. Said property is located in Section 22, Township 20 North, Range 25 East, Lee County, Alabama and contains 0.61 acres more or less. This Parcel is subject to any easements, right of way, or other restrictions or record that may exist both recorded and unrecorded.

AND Commencing at the a 1 ¼” crimp top iron pin located at a fence corner, said point being the Southwest corner of Section 22, Township 20 North, Range 25 East, Lee County, Alabama, thence North 41°48’16” East, 2926.68 feet to an iron pin set by Alva T. Webb, II PLS 11516 (ATW) at the intersection of the East margin of New Lee Road 086 and the centerline of the portion of Lee Road 086 which is not currently traveled, said point being the Point of Beginning of the South half of the portion of said non-traveled Lee Road 086 to be vacated herein to be described: from this POINT OF BEGINNING, thence North along the centerline of the portion of Lee Road 086 which is not currently traveled along a curve to the left having a radius of 1432.48 feet and a central angle of 6°39'21"

and being subtended by a chord which bears North 51°38'06" East 166.32 feet; thence northeasterly along said curve, a distance of 166.41 feet to an iron pin (ATW); thence non-tangent from said curve continue along the centerline of the untraveled portion of Lee Road 086 North 48°18'06" East, a distance of 555.43 feet to a lead in at the intersection of the Southwesterly margin of US Highway Number 280 and the centerline of said untraveled Lee Road 086; thence along the Southwesterly margin of said Highway 280 South 49°08'15" East, a distance of 40.34 feet to a found iron pin by Fuller Surveying (CA-0004) to a point at the intersection of Highway 280 and Lee Road 086 (Untraveled); thence along the Southerly margin of said Lee Road 086 South 48°18'06" West, a distance of 560.66 feet to an iron pin (ATW) at the beginning of a curve which is non-tangent to said line; thence southwesterly a distance of 303.61 feet along the curve to the right, having a radius of 1472.48 feet and a central angle of 11°48'50" to a point in the Southerly margin of Lee Road 086; thence along the curve of said southerly margin of said road northeasterly along said curve a distance of 136.95 feet along the arc of said curve concave to the northwest having a radius of 638.31 feet and a central angle of 12°17'34", said curve subtended with a chord which bears North 40°32’35” East, 136.69 feet to the point of beginning, more or less. Said property is located in Section 22, Township 20 North, Range 25 East, Lee County, Alabama and contains 0.72 acres more or less. This Parcel is subject to any easements, right of way, or other restrictions or record that may exist both recorded and unrecorded.

Legal Run 5/2/2018

STATE OF ALABAMA IN THE PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY DOCKET NO. 2018-A- 224 RE: ESTATE OF MARY C. FOSTER, DECEASED:NOTICE OF PUBLICATION Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the24 th day of April, 2018, by the Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby re-

quired to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Kathy Ledbetter, also known as Kathie Ledbetter, 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 5/2/18, 5/9/18 & 5/16/18

City of Opelika ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT May 8, 2018 9:00 A.M. PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY 700 FOX TRAIL A. VARIANCE 1. James L. McCrory, c/o Diane Brasher, 3401 Pepperell Parkway, C-3, GC-P zoning district, a. Requesting two side yard setback variances: a 15-foot side yard setback variance from the 20-foot minimum side yard setback requirement on the east side of Lot 1 and a 15-foot side yard setback variance from the 20-foot minimum side yard setback requirement for the west side of Lot 2; a proposed two lot subdivision is proposed that locates an existing 3,787 square foot building on Lot 1 and a 5,432 square foot building on Lot 2.

b. Requesting a minimum lot size variance: a 4,000 square foot variance from the minimum 20,000 square foot lot size requirement for Lot 2 of the proposed L H Brasher subdivision plat.

2. The Broadway Group, LLC., 23 Samford Avenue, C-3, GC-S zoning district, Requesting a 12-foot side yard on street setback variance on Plum Avenue from the 20-foot minimum side yard on street setback requirement in the GC-S overlay.

NOTE: 1. The City of Opelika complies with the Americans with Disabilities Acts.

2. The City of Opelika meeting facilities are accessible.

3. If you need special assistance please call Ms. Lisa McLeod, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at (334) 705-5132.

Legal Run 5/2/2018

pelika O Observer

Recipes, from A7 George worked at Georgia Highway Express Trucking Company to pay his way through college. After graduating in 1963, he was transferred to Atlanta for a training program. He was then sent as a terminal manager to Thomasville, GA, where he was the youngest manager in the company.

Over the years, he worked his way from a dockworker to a senior vice president at Old Dominion Freight Line, one of the largest carriers in the country.

In 1994, he started his own business, S & H Transportation Services in Greensboro, NC. He sold the company in 1999 and stayed on a year longer to manage through the transition.

George and Janet lived in various places over the years but had enjoyed living on Lake Wiley in the Carolinas. After the business sold, they began looking for another lake home and decided on Lake Martin. They purchased a lot and had a house built in 2001.

Janet, who had lived the first five years of her life in Tallassee, had a desire to live back in this area. Her father had been an airline mechanic during World War II. When he returned home from the war, he went to work with Eastern Airlines in Atlanta. Janet recalls on her 5th birthday taking the train with her family to College Park, south of Atlanta.

She spent her summers visiting both sets of her grandparents who lived between Tallassee and Notasulga. “It just felt like the home of my heart,” says Janet, who also wanted to be near her parents. Her mother has passed away, but her father is now 100 years old.

George had been gone from Pepperell for 37 years and had lost track of everyone he knew in the village. He had only returned occasionally for Auburn football games.

After they moved to Lake Martin, George received a call from Jane Sanders Worthington in 2003, asking if he was the George Crawford from Pepperell. Jane told him they had been trying to find him everywhere, adding that someone thought he was in the mafia, while another person thought he was dead.

Jane, who also grew up in the Pepperell Village, was contacting him for a class reunion of Cliff High School. They then decided they should get their village friends together for a reunion.

George coined the name “Pepperell Kids.”

George and Janet enjoy opening their home for hospitality and began hosting the reunions. The first reunion was held in 2005 with 30-plus attending with everyone bringing a dish. After four

years, they decided it was easier to have the event catered with barbecue.

As word spread about the reunion, it continued to grow larger every year, reaching a total of 161 “Kids” in 2013.

“It has been a labor of love,” George says. “My reward over the years has been watching a new person attend. They will look at someone and say, ‘I know that person.’

Then, they will look at the nametag and say, ‘Oh, my gosh’ and start hugging. To see the pleasure on their faces is all the payment I need.”

He receives many thank you notes for hosting the reunion. When some can’t go, they will still send a check to help with expenses.

George has over 200 names on a Pepperell Kids e-mail list that he contacts when someone has a prayer request or he is advised of a death.

“Unfortunately, as we age we are losing some of the Kids,” he says.

“Others are getting where they cannot travel anymore. Last year it was down to 70 attending. It is unusual that elementary kids still get together.

We were so close; that is why the Pepperell Kids getting together is such a blessing.”

This year two unworn 1950s vintage Pepperell shirts are being raffled for a $5 donation. The funds collected will go toward purchasing a painting by Elaine Western of the water tower and smoke stack at Pepperell to donate to the Museum of East Alabama from the Pepperell Kids.

The group donated the dragon monument next to the museum. One year George gathered bricks from the beachery to take to the reunion and was getting ready to save bricks from the mill building when it burned.

Although Janet did not grow up in the village, she is happy to open their home for the reunion. “Wherever we lived,” she says, “we liked for our home to be the gathering place for our children’s friends and now for our friends.”

The Crawfords’ two children are now grown.

Their daughter, Heather Crawford Ross, and her husband, Trevor, who live in London, England, have two children, Madison, 3, and Noah, 1 year old. Son Scott lives in Birmingham and has two children, Dylan, 4; and Ellie, 6.

Janet enjoys offering hospitality and finds it a joy to host the Pepperell Kids reunion. “They have shown me so much love,” says Janet, “and said that I can be an adopted Pepperell Kid.” Anyone who attended the original Pepperell School for any amount of time or lived in the mill village before the houses were sold is invited to attend. Pepperell Kids can contact George at sandh@mindspring. com Ann Cipperly can be contacted at recipes@ cipperly.com.

Recipes Chef’s Pot Roast Two of Janet’s favorite recipes, Chef’s Pot Roast and Easy Spinach Soufflé, are from cooking classes she took from an Atlanta chef when she and George were first married. They have remained favorites over the years. The method of cooking the roast is different since it is baked while frozen.

Chuck roast, medium to large, frozen Whole carrots 3-4 large potatoes cut in half or a bag of small new potatoes 4-5 sweet or regular onions, cut in half

(Quantity of vegetables is whatever you desire.)

1 or 2 pkg. dry onion soup mix Water Worcestershire sauce Preheat oven to 320. Place roast in a large baking pan.

Distribute vegetables around and on top of roast. Add enough water to cover the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle 1 or 2 pkg. dry onion soup mix over roast and vegetables.

Liberally sprinkle Worcestershire sauce over all.

Cover tightly in foil to prevent steam from escaping. Bake for 6 hours. Roast will be tender.

Provençal Stuffed Tomatoes Janet serves colorful vegetables for an attractive presentation.

6 medium or large tomatoes Salt Freshly ground black pepper 2 Tbsp. plus ½ cup olive oil ½ cup dried breadcrumbs 3 Tbsp. freshly grated Parmesan cheese 2 cloves garlic, peeled 3 sprigs fresh basil Preheat oven to 350. Cut tomatoes in half width-wise.

Place on a baking sheet or in a casserole dish, cut side up, and generously season with salt and pepper. Drizzle with 2 Tbsp. olive oil.

In a food processor, combine 1/2 cup olive oil, bread crumbs, Parmesan, garlic, basil and 2 pinches of salt; process for about 1 minute. The mixture should have a wet, crumbly consistency.

Press breadcrumb mixture onto tomatoes. Bake for 15 minutes or until tops are browned and tomatoes are warmed through. Serves 6-8.

East Spinach Soufflé 2 boxes frozen chopped spinach, microwave according to directions on box.

Drain and mash all water out of spinach.

8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened ¼ tsp. nutmeg 1 stick butter, softened 1 to 1 ½ cups grat-

ed Parmesan cheese Juice from ½ lemon, optional Salt and pepper to taste Beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add spinach and nutmeg. Then add Parmesan cheese and lemon. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.

Double Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake This recipe is from the Crawfords’ sonin-law Trevor Ross.

For the cake: 1 devil’s food cake mix 1 can cherry pie filling 2 eggs, beaten 1 tsp. vanilla 1/2 cup chocolate chips Topping: 1/3 cup of milk 5 Tbsp. butter

1 cup sugar 1 cup chocolate chips Mix all cake ingredients together with a spoon and bake in a greased 9 x 13-inch pan for 35-40 minutes at 350 degrees.

When cake is semicool (doesn’t have to be completely cool, just warm), boil topping ingredients for one minute, stirring constantly. Pour over cake.

Maureen’s Ice Cream Cake Instead of the Whoppers candy, you can also use toffee bars or Butterfinger candy.

12 ice cream sandwiches Large carton of Whoppers candy 2 cartons Cool Whip Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup Place ice cream sandwiches in a 9 x 11 ½-inch glass dish.

Crunch half of the Whoppers and sprinkle on top.

Spread Cool Whip on top.

Then drizzle chocolate syrup over Cool Whip.

Add the other half of crunched Whoppers, and then more chocolate syrup.

B13 May 02, 2018

History of Pepperell Mill

By Ann Cipperly After the first Pepperell Kids reunion in 2005, Jane Sanders Worthington began recording memories of those who grew up in Pepperell Mill Village, along with her own blissful childhood days in a place that was changing and disappearing from the landscape. In 2012 and 2013, she assembled the stories and old photos, along with the history in two books.

“The mill was a Godsend to the people of Opelika,” Worthington said. “At one time there were as many as a thousand people working at the mill.”

When Pepperell Manufacturing Company opened the mill, it not only changed the lives of those who came to work there but also the town of Opelika. Bringing the mill to Opelika was an effort of community leaders that almost didn’t happen.

The Pepperell Manufacturing Company was founded in Maine by textile pioneer Samuel Batchelder in 1844.

He named the company after Sir William Pepperell, a colonial merchant who served as general of New England troops a century earlier.

When the mill began exporting to China and India in 1851, the owners realized that there was a language barrier, and they needed a trademark symbol to identify the Pepperell products. They knew it needed to be symbolic of the Orient.

During the summer of 1851, a Boston artist was hired to create a dragon.

Since they did not want it to resemble an existing Chinese dragon, a dragon of English heraldry worn by England’s Tudor kings was selected and given a Chinese look.

It became the most famous textile trademark in the Far East.

When cotton mills began to expand into the South, a group of Opelika businessmen learned New England textile plant representatives would be traveling through Alabama looking for a location to build a mill. They asked Tom Johnson of the Alabama Power Company, who was escorting company officials to possible sites, to come to Opelika.

“Late on a November afternoon in 1924,” says Jane, “a gathering of citizens was called to order in the grill room of the Clement Hotel.”

The Pepperell representatives outlined the financial set-up of the company to the businessmen, which involved raising cash in excess of $60,000. At the next meeting, local businessmen reported they could raise the cash. As time passed, they found it much more difficult than expected.

On a chilly afternoon in February, the townsmen told the mill officials it seemed hopeless. The officials left on the 5 p.m. train for Birmingham to visit Gadsden since Opelika had failed to raise the funds.

Jane writes in her first book about Ike Dorsey going to see Bill Davis at his office.

Dorsey told Davis that they had the chance of a lifetime and lost it. After a long silence, Davis said, “Will it mean anything if W.E. Davis and Son give $5,000?”

Mr. Dorsey quickly began calling the officials to return

to Opelika and left a message at the Tutwiler Hotel in Birmingham.

That night 20 men met at the Davis home. As old subscriptions were replaced with larger ones, Opelika had more than enough funds.

“That memorable civic campaign was one of the most important and decidedly the most profitable one ever conducted in this city at the time,” Worthington said.

“It was a drive by Opelikans for Opelika. Among the prime leaders were I.J. Dorsey, W.E. Davis, Judge Lum Duke, J.S. Hagedorn, John Allen Jones, M.M. McCall, John V. Denson, L.F. Dickson, Charles M. Jernigan and many others.

“It was said to be the most momentous drive ever made,” adds Jane. “Everyone agreed the Pepperell campaign carried a new destiny for Opelika.”

In April 1925, ground was broken in a former cotton field, and construction began on the mill and 100 houses, as Pepperell Mill Village became reality.

The mill was completed in 1926 with the first yard of cloth woven on Feb. 25. The school opened in September with around 200 students.

A church was constructed for Baptist and Methodist congregations.

In 1927, a grocery store, barbershop and theatre were built, with the theatre closing a few years later to enlarge the grocery store and add a drug store. A baseball and athletic field was built in the village in 1930 and the Lady Pepperell Shop in 1933.

In the years that followed, the mill village was home to hundreds of families and countless children who grew up playing with friends after school and meeting at the drugstore for a cold drink.

These stories are about happy times and hardships families faced during those days.

The mill closed in 2007.

On the night of March 12, 2013, Jane received a phone call saying the mill was burning. Jane and her husband, Ted, drove to the mill where they could hardly believe it was engulfed in flames.

“I know my parents would have been devastated,” says Jane. “The mill was almost like a church to the people in the village. That was their life.”

After the mill burned, the Pepperell Kids decided to preserve the dragon plaque.

They raised $4,500, with the City Council and Opelika Historic Preservation Society donating the remaining amount needed.

The plaque was transported to its new home outside the Museum of East Alabama, which is on the site of the Clement Hotel in downtown Opelika.

The cement dragon plaque that had hung over the door to the beachery was enclosed with bricks from the mill.

Worthibooks on the Pepperell Kids and workers have preserved a part of Opelika history and leave a legacy for those families who will always remember their home in the Mill Village.

One of Worthington’s books on Pepperell Mill history is available at the Museum of East Alabama and others can be ordered by contacting the author.

B14 May 2, 2018

pelika O E ntertainment

Last week’s answers:

4-25 SCRAMBLER ANSWERS: 1), Plunge 2), Hassle 3), Scold 4), Ingest Solution: Canine

pelika O Observer

B15 May 02, 2018

COMICS

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

-Erma Bombeck

pelika O Observer

B16 May 02, 2018

Community Calendar: Events around town

Ongoing: • Village Friends/Village Values is a nonprofit organization that supports seniors who prefer to stay in their own homes as they grow older. For info or to schedule a presentation to your group, call 334-209-4641. 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: • “Gimme A Break” Support Group for autism parents will be held from 9-11 a.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika. This is a monthly event on the first Monday of each month for parents to connect with each other.

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

• The Opelika Community Band practices from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Auburn High School band room.

Everyone is welcome, amateurs and professionals alike.

• Smiths Station Military Chapter of Military Officers Association of

America (MOAA) meets weekly at Mike & Ed’s at 5 p.m. For more information, call 297-5581 or visit www.nonukesforiran.org.

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

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

• The fourth Monday of each month a Community Grief Support Group meets from 5:30–6:30 p.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center. No reservations are necessary; everyone is welcome. For more information call 826-1899 or 502-0216.

• T.O.P.S (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly), a weight loss support group, meets every Monday night from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Covington Recreation Center, 213 Carver Ave., Opelika. For more info contact Mary Johnson, 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 7-8 p.m. every Tuesday. Instructor is Cody Wayne Foote. For more info call Diane at 749-6320.

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

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

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

• The Opelika City

Council meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 7 p.m.

Meetings are preceded by non-voting work sessions that typically begin about 6:30-6:45 p.m.

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

The event is free and open to the public. Those who play an instrument should bring it and plan to join in. The jam session is held from 6–8 p.m. 8685 AL Highway 51.

• A Grief Support Group meets at Oak Bowery United Methodist Church Tuesdays at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. for anyone dealing with the pain of loss and feeling the need for support on their journey as they attempt to bring order and wholeness back into their life. Attendance and 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 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Auburn University Regional Airport. The Civil Air Patrol is a non-profit organization that is Congressionally chartered to be the civilian auxiliary of the Air Force and focuses on three missions: aerospace education, cadet programs and emergency services.

For more information visit www.auburncap.org or find the organization on Facebook.

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

For more info call 8261899 or 502-0216.

• Auburn-Opelika Chapter of Citizen’s Climate Lobby (CCL) meets every fourth Wednesday.

CCL is a non-profit, nonpartisan, grassroots advocacy organization focused on national policies to address climate change. We consider a national carbon fee which would be distributed as a dividend to all U.S. households as the most important solution to climate change. Meetings are held at the Hubert and Grace Harris Center Meeting Room (425 Perry St., Auburn, AL 36830 --- directly across from the Auburn, AL U.S. Post Office), 7:00-8:30 p.m.

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

• The John Powell

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

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

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

• TNT – Teens N Transition is a monthly program for teens and young adults ages 14 and up. The group uses this time to learn social skills as well as connect with others on the autism spectrum. They have enjoyed cooking, bowling, laser tag, movies and game nights. This event is held the third Thursday of each month. Visit leecountyautism.com for more information.

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

The club meets on the third Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. for a luncheon at various local restaurants. Please call 770-845-2277 for more information or luncheon location of the month.

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

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

Call 334-528-1076 for more information.

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

• May 4 - Richard LaGrand Sr., a Democratic candidate for Lee County Commission District 5, will hold a fundraising event May 4 from 6-9 p.m. at Collaboration Station in downtown Opelika. Hors d’oeuvres and drinks will be served.

Collaboration Station is located at 216 S. 8th St. • May 5 - A “Rock the Block” event to promote local and statewide candidates will be held May 5 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Powell Chapel United Methodist Church in Lafayette. Hosted by the Chambers County Alabama Democratic

Conference, the event will include inflatables, food, games, music and a meetand-greet with candidates.

For more information, contact Chambers County ADC Chairman Dr. Randy B. Kelley at 256-3901834 for more information. The church is located at 100 3rd Place N.E. in Lafayette across from Lafayette High School.

• May 5 - Jeremy Gray, a Democratic candidate for Alabama House District 83, will be holding a “Rock the Vote” event May 5 from 1-4 p.m. at Meadowlane Park in Phenix City. There will be free drinks, fun and games, voter registration drive and more. The park is located between 5th Street and 7th Avenue.

• May 7 Lee County Voters League meeting on Monday, May 7th in the Opelika Observer. It will begin with a short [5 mins. or less] address from a few candidates seeking our endorsement - e.g., Sue Bell Cobb, Walt Maddox, Dr. Adia Winfrey campaigns.

Members are especially encouraged to attend and bring others interested to join the League as we begin this cycle’s process; many more candidates to consider than our recent one race US Senate special election endorsement last year.

• May 15 - Trinity United Methodis Church is partnering with CarePoint Resources to host a free community CPR training course May 15 at 6:30 p.m. The session will include full training on proper use and handling of an automated electrical defibrillator, recognize the signs of choking and more. Seats are limited, and can be reserved online at www.comunitycpr. us. TUMC is located at 800 2nd Ave. in downtown Opelika. For more information, call 334-7452632.

• June 9 - The “Greater Valley Juneteenth Community Festival” will be held June 9 from 10 a.m.

- 5 p.m. EST. Hosted by Goodsell United Methodist Church, the event will include a health fair, voter registration booth, moonwalks for children, games, car show, live entertainment, food vendors and more. Those interested in vending can learn or download application forms online at www. juneteenth.com. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Carmen McCoy at 706-501-9069 or Dr. Randy B. Kelley at 256-390-1834. The church is located at 1007 N. 6th Ave. in Lanett.

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

6th annual Relay for Life event held Friday in downtown Opelika Photos by Robert Noles. For more photos please view the online album at www.opelikaobserver.com