pelika O Observer
Vol. 10, No. 33
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Opelika, Alabama
Turn to Section B for 2018 Primary Election Coverage
“By local people, for local people.”
Female deputies, police Opelika family shares story of how faith, officers excel at survival love helped beat battle with brain cancer skills course last week By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor
Shawn Kirkpatrick/Opelika Observer Pictured training in front is Sgt. Jessica Daley, a Lee County Sheriff Deputy and training organizer. Back, Dorcia Meador, Safariland’s lead instructor for the female officers survival skills course. By Shawn Kirkpatrick Opelika Observer Female Lee County sheriff deputies, along with Opelika, Auburn and Monroeville police officers honed their survival skills at a female firearm and defensive tactics training course last week. The course, hosted by Safariland, with the backing of Sheriff Jay Jones, teaches female officers shooting and gun-battle skills, as well as defensive tactics to use in life-threatening situations. The program is only
available to female officers and is only taught by women. Dorcia Meador, lead course instructor, said she doesn’t teach anything differently to the woman than the men, it’s how she teaches. “We learn totally different from men. We want more details. We want to know why we do it that way. Whereas a guy is more taskoriented, just give me the basics and let me go at it. Women want to know, why do I grip the gun this way- because of See Training, page A3
Tiffany Denson resigns from Opelika Main Street By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor Last Wednesday, Opelika Main Street’s Tiffany Denson announced that she would resign from her position as the organization’s executive director. After serving in the position for nearly three months, Denson said spending more time with family played heavily in her resignation. “It wasn't an easy decision. After a lot of thought, I decided it was best for me to focus my efforts on my family,” Denson said. “I believe (Opelika Main Street) have a strong plan moving forward and I wish them much success." This was Denson’s second stint with Opelika Main Street. She served briefly as their executive director from 1999 to early 2000. According to a statement provided by Opelika Main See Director, page A2
Submitted to the Opelika Observer Pictured are Randall and Julie Kendrick with their 10-year-old son Kendall, who survived a battle with a malignant form of brain cancer.
See Cancer, page A3
O Town Ice Cream plans to launch the FloatBoat By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor O Town Ice Cream is looking to provide a sweet experience for Lake Martin residents and visitors with the planned launch of their “Float Boat” this summer. Following an earlier conversation with her husband Chris about new frontiers for their business, O Town co-owner Angela George
Special to the Opelika Observer said she thought “it would be cool sell ice cream somewhere at (Lake Martin.)” This expansion will allow
the business to mobilize and serve their Opelikathemed ice cream flavors across the 44,000-acre lake, which See Boat, page A3
OHS Seniors receive AMEA/OPS, Kilgore Scholarships at Opelika City Council By Shawn Kirkpatrick Opelika Observer The Opelika City Council meeting kicked off last Tuesday with an “Atta Girl” award, given by Mayor Gary Fuller Robert Noles/Opelika Observer to the city’s Human Resources Director Front, from left to right: Katie Epperson, Lisa McLeod for her Kevin Trujillo-Galindo, Avery Rajan, Lydia work with the AmeriKing Madelyn Weaver and Abrea Green cans with the Disability (not pictured.). Back: Mayor Gary Fuller, Act (ADA) Transition OHS Principal Dr. Ferrel Seymore and and Self-Evaluation. OCS Superintendent Dr. Mark Neighbors.
Index OPINION.....................................A4 COUNTY NEWS............................A5 RELIGION.................................A6 SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY..............A7
The swing of a golf club, swift kick of a soccer ball or lap swam in a swimming pool are everyday miracles for 10-year-old Trinity Christian School student Kendall Kendrick. Diagnosed with a malignant, Stage IV medulloblastoma tumor in April 2015, Kendall’s battle and progress with the disease are experiences that will never be forgotten or taken for granted, according to his mother Julie. “As I sit and watch him, tears just well up in my eyes and all I can say is, ‘thank you Lord. Thank you for allowing him to go forth and have a chance at life, ’” Julie said.
SPORTS......................................A9 ENTERTAINMENT.......................A13 LEGALS.......................................A14 CALENDAR.............................A16
“There is really only one person who pulled this project together and that is Lisa McLeod,” said City Attorney Guy Gunter. “Most cities hire a consultant for this, but Lisa is really our consultant and is very knowledgeable on all the ADA requirements. If I had to guess, I would say Lisa probably put in See Council, page A2
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A2 May 23, 2018
Council, from A1 between a thousand to 2,000 hours on this project. This is beyond what she does as a HR director.” Four Opelika High School seniors, Austin Crowley, Brighton Gregory, Sara Hollis Smith T and Aesha Patel, each received a $2,500 scholarship from Opelika Power Services, in cooperation with Alabama Municipal Electric Authority. Six Opelika High School seniors, Katie Epperson, Abrea Green, Kevin TrujilloGalindo, Avery Rajan, Lydia King and Mad-
elyn Weaver received Kilgore Scholarships. In other business, the council: -awarded a $454,505 project bid to D&J Enterprises for the city’s Tiger Town roundabout and improvement project. The roundabout will be located at the four-way intersection of Interstate Drive, Hamilton Road and Enterprise Drive -approved a new cell tower, to be built for TMobile on Bay Court by ECO-Site Inc. -adopted an Americans with Disabilities Act Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan -authorized an amendment to a lease agreement between the city and Central of Georgia Railroad Company, to
Director, from A1 Street President Katie Bass, Denson will remain as executive director until June 2, the day of the Touch-a-Truck and Burger Wars events in downtown. “The Opelika Main Street board is a group of extremely dedicated, passionate people that will do everything they can to make sure downtown will see no stop in motion in relation to activities and member services, and a plan is already in place to ensure this,” said Opelika Main Street President Katie
Gafford
Bass. “We will continue the positive momentum that began in January and moving forward in the interim, we will be led by Dana Gafford, who is a lifelong Opelika resident, and a board member for the past two years.” Gafford said she is looking forward to
fees for Auburn Opelika include the exemption increase rent to $600 for tion that authorized the waiver of all building Habitat for Humanity of sewer tap and asmore than 2,000 acres and construction permit for a year, that will now sessment fees. near The Depot. -approved that Councilwoman Tiffany Gibson-Pitts’ provision of $1,000 from her discretionary funds to the Family Day and re-dedication of Bandy Park event May 26. -approved a special appropriation totaling $1,000 from council members’ discretionary accounts to go to the Dad’s League for its “Family Games and 5K” event June 16 -approved a temporary intern position at the Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library -approved a request Robert Noles/Opelika Observer from Prayer Force Pictured are Opelika High School seniors Austin Crowley, Brighton United for a walk June Gregory, Aesha Patel and Sara Hollis Smith T, recipients of the AMEA/ 16 OPS scholarships. - amended a resolu-
strengthening relationships among downtown merchants in the coming months. “I’m excited about working with the Main Street Board, and developing relationships with Main Street members,” Gafford said. Board member and owner of Taylor Made Designs, Taylor Sumrall added that she is excited for the future of the organization moving forward. “I am excited (that) Main Street has a plan moving forward ... assuring the members a very smooth transition,” Sumrall said. For more information or updates, follow Opelika Main Street on Facebook and Instagram.
Located in Historic Downtown Opelika
334-745-4618
Opelika Lions Club recognizes longtime member Jack Clanton
Special to the Opelika Observer At the recent 2018 Annual Family Night celebration, Opelika Lion Jack Clanton, right, was recognized by Lions President James Morgan, Jr. in appreciation for his more than 20 years of membership in the Opelika Lions Club. Clanton joined the club on Aug. 1, 1997.
pelika O Observer Cancer, from A1 Kendall’s symptoms developed in 2013, but were dismissed by doctors as developmental issues. During coachpitch baseball season in 2014, Julie, her husband Randall and other families witnessed the first of what would become a series of vertigolike experiences for Kendall that caused concern. “There was a couple of times that he got up to bat, and he would have an occasional dizzy spell, stiffen up and fall straight to the ground. It happened every once in a while over a period of 6-8 months,” Julie said. After hearing of the dizzy spells, their family physician scheduled an appointment for Kendall at Children’s Hospital of Birmingham, a visit more than 8 months away. Other symptoms, like sporadic vomiting, memory loss and double vision, appeared in the months, weeks and days leading up to the appointment. After a CT scan showed a mass on his brain, doctors urged them to go immediately to Birmingham for treatment. Within three days of their arrival in Birmingham, Kendall was in surgery, an 8-hour-long procedure to remove the mass growing on top of his cerebellum. The operation was successful, but it was the first step of a long road of recovery for Kendall and his family. In June 2015, the entire family relocated to Birmingham for the first of Kendall’s treatments. Randall, a longtime AT&T employee, was granted a transfer, and
Boat, from A1 covers Coosa, Elmore and Tallapoosa counties. George added that the hashtags
worked while Julie stayed with Kendall for treatments at the hospital. A program of the nearby Homewood Church of Christ enabled the Kendricks to live in a rent-free apartment during their stay, and friends helped launch GoFundMe and Caring Bridge pages to help raise money for the family to cover their expenses. Thanks to the emotional, physical and spiritual support that their family and friends provided, Julie said her family was able to navigate a scary, unsettling time in their lives. “Most of the good days were days that people came by to visit. It can get very lonely, especially in a bigger city like Birmingham,” Julie said. “But people, from Kendall’s school, church, Opelika and here, were so generous to us, and just showered us with gifts, particularly time and money.” Faith was another key component during the family’s time in Birmingham. “Fear of the unknown was the biggest thing that we faced. It felt like (Kendall’s) sentence was here - he’ll either respond positively to the roadmap of medications and treatment, or he won’t,” Julie said. “All we could do was believe in the Lord, and we believed that He was with us no matter what. We were trusting Him and taking it one step at a time.” Following more than a year of extensive chemotherapy and radiation treatments, Kendall was cleared to return home in July 2016. Doctors were uncertain of his physical and mental abilities to play competitive sports after his treatments, but that did not deter Kendall
“#otownatthelake” and “#floatboat” will be used to promote their new venture at Lake Martin. The boat’s firstexpected sailing is scheduled for early June. Follow O Town Ice Cream on social media for
from learning how to swim and play golf during the last two years, as well as compete on his school’s c-team soccer program. Andrew McGreer, TCS c-team soccer coach, said he admires Kendall’s spirit and attitude not only toward soccer, but the game of life. “As his coach the last two seasons, (I’ve seen) Kendall exhibit a quiet but fierce fire that allows him to compete, and he’s not afraid. He’s a fighter,” McGreer said. “I gave him the most improved player (award) because of his desire to always improve, his desire to compete, never giveup attitude and his sense of pride when he wins the day.” The month of May, also known as National Brain Cancer Awareness Month, serves as a time of reflection for Julie and her family. Despite the hardships endured the last three years, she said they served as a means of further gelling them together. “We learned a lot about commitment during that time - for better or for worse, for sickness or in health - whether it be our child or one another, we’re in it together,” Julie said. Kendall now has scheduled MRIs every six months to keep tabs on his health and recovery. He will enter the fifth grade at TCS this fall, and looks forward to a summer of hanging with friends, drawing, playing golf and watching his favorite athlete, Lebron James. For more information about medulloblastoma or National Brain Cancer Awareness Month, visit www.braintumor.org.
additional details and information. The shop’s physical location is 815 S. Railroad Ave. in downtown Opelika, and it is open 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday - Saturday, and is closed on Sundays.
A3 May 23, 2018
Training, from A1 the recoil or the size of my hand, tell me why.” Sgt. Jessica Daley has been a deputy in the Lee County Sheriff’s Department for 15 years. After going through the training in another state, she asked the instructors to teach the course in Lee County. This is the third year the program has been offered to female officers in the county. “I’ve learned confidence in my shooting and how to handle stress,” Daley said. “Stress is a large factor in our job. We run laps and do ‘burpees’ and then have to fight someone. We learn how to handle that and calm ourselves and think it through and win. No matter how long the fight drags on, just win-that is the ultimate goal.” Meador and her
team teach defensive tactics that are specific to a woman’s body shape and where her strength comes from. “There is a difference between men and women. It’s just science and a fact that men are 30% stronger than women physically,” Meador said. “Most of a woman’s power comes from her center of gravity. Our strength is in our hips and legs. We teach tactical moves (using lower body) to use to overpower a man.” Opelika Police Officer and School Resource Officer Shayna Hodges said she has learned new tactical moves during the course. “When you are in the field, things don’t happen by the book. You have to be prepared for anything. There are tactical ways to get the upper hand on anyone who is coming at you,” Hodges said. “They put us through the ringer here. They
Opelika
Observer Phone: 334.749.8003 Fax: 334.749.8009 editor@opelikaobserver.com
taught us to be calm and figure out what your next move is while defending yourself in a stressful situation and be three steps ahead.” Meador said that the course gives women a sense of confidence and knowledge needed to excel at their job. “We like to empower and inspire the women to know they can do it. To say, I got this, watch how well I do this. We tell them the criminals are training, so you should be training.” Training is what it takes Daley said to stay mentally prepared and confident while in the field. “We are seeing the bad guys going after the female officers. They want to see if they can take us. They think we aren’t prepared and we are easy targets. That’s why we do this. They think we are southern bells and so polite and that we can’t handle ourselves. And what it boils down to is we can handle ourselves.”
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
CORRECTIONS The Opelika Observer will correct any errors, omissions or inaccuracies deemed to be substantive. Corrections may be requested by contacting the Editor at (334) 749-8003.
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A4 May 23, 2018
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pelika O Opinion
Streaking
Georgia, a young lady (a preead the other day vet major no doubt) appeared about Steve Gough, on a horse – a feat that gave a 44-year old truck bareback riding a whole new driver who is walking the connotation – and led the group entire length of Britain, in a parade up a hill where stufrom Land’s End in the dents disappeared into dorms south to John o’Groats in and she disappeared into the the north, wearing nothing By Hardy Jackson distance. but “a floppy olive-green The next day university ofhat, brown hiking boots ficials issued the order “wear clothes and navy blue socks.” 847 miles. please, we’re Southern” – or something All to convince the Brits that nudity to that effect. is natural – not an easy task considerBut it was too late. It was a movement. ing that “No Sex Please, We’re British” On university campuses throughout the might be a national motto. South, students were dropping-trou in Well, being a Southerner and all for the pre-spring rite. It even spread to high lost causes, I am pulling for Mr. Gough schools, where in one instance the future – from a distance and without looking. president and CEO of one of Alabama’s And being a Southerner, I pull for him most successful firms was nearly exwith my clothes on. Like the British, pelled for doing what comes natural au Southerners are notoriously modest. Or naturel. at least we were – up until the 1970s. Now, of course, most students did not Actually, until February 1974. That was when a group of Southerners broke down take part in this – revolutions are by their nature the work of minorities. However, the last barrier that stood between themI firmly believe that even those who selves and good taste and took off their watched and cheered, fully clothed, supclothes – in public. Though it was still winter, the weather ported the movement and wished they were bold enough to be in it. cleared, cold air from Canada stopped Still, there was opposition. College adabove the Ohio River, and the sun broke ministrators, of course, took a dim view out to heat the ground. The South is of such doings (professors, being more famous for February warm-up, daffodils liberal, we’re less likely to condemn.) pushing out, plum trees budding, a false spring that brightens spirits before March Young Republicans snorted that it was just the sort of thing one would expect comes in like a lion. It was one of those February days. And from students raised on Dr. Spock parenting and Lyndon Johnson’s Great Society. because winter had been particularly bleak, Southerners welcomed the warmth Campus religious organizations also took a dim view of the proceedings, though none like a long-lost friend. There are moventured to say that their members weren’t ments in history when revolutions occur spontaneously, when rebellion rises from involved. Others claimed to see the Lord’s displeasure by the cold front He sent down the collective discontent and catches the a few days later to nip the buds and slow forces of repression unprepared. This the sap He had warmed the week before. was one of those times. So it followed that by the time spring Some say it began at Auburn Universicame for real, colleges were prepared with ty. Some say at the University of Georgia. Other schools claim the honor. The rules and penalties. Southern students, one thing the claimants have in common always respectful of authority, saw little to gain and much to lose challenging the is that they are Southern. powers-that-be. So streaking faded from The afternoon was warm and a few popularity and the revolutionaries turned to male students, full of themselves as other things. young men are, stripped down and ran But consider this – they are still among from one dorm to another. Seeing this as us, those boys and girls of February 1974. a challenge, other students followed suit without suits. Coeds, emboldened by the Enshrined in old photographs and agWomen’s Rights Movement and already ing newsreel clips, today they teach your children, run your companies, sit in church having burned their bras (or at least left with you, work to make your communities them in their rooms) threw off what better places in which to live, and are, in little caution and modesty remained and general, solid citizens. Today, you can’t tell joined their brothers in the buff. them from anyone else. Afternoon stretched into evening and Good for them. And if you are one of as the anonymity of night fell more them – good for you. students came out, bared it all, and Harvey H. (“Hardy”) Jackson is Profes“streaked” across campus. Soon streaksor Emeritus of History at Jacksonville ing slowed and students began ambling State University. He can be reached at about in undressed clusters that conhjackson@cableone.net. gregated near the center of campus. At
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here’s a vacant lot on Marvyn Parkway that sits between a busy road and a business complex. It is neglected and lonely, easy to overlook, but as powerful a spot to me as any on this green earth. I’ve driven by it thousands of times, literally. Sometimes it lets me pass without much pause. And sometimes, it reaches out like a hand from my childhood and stops me cold. Today was one of those days. It wasn’t always a vacant lot. A house once stood there – brick, small, and just as sad and lonely as the bare ground it left behind. Of course, that was more than 40 years ago. Life seemed slower, and Opelika felt both vast and very small all at once. The borders of the city were far flung to my six-year-old eyes, but my world was small and distinct. As a first-grader at
Visiting Day
T
says Davy. “She was hey are old, a graduate from a fine but they love institution in Tuscasinging. So on loosa.” Sunday afternoons, Roll T — well, nevJeremy sings to them. ermind. The residents who can Davy’s mother surstill sing, do. vived a Depression and Jeremy visits the By Sean Dietrich two spouses. She raised nursing home after her kids on peanut wages. Davy playing piano at the Methodist church. He sits at the upright in the returned the favor. She lived with him until she died at age 96. “Used cafeteria and plays the classics. to play for her every night,” said Wheelchairs roll in by the dozDavy. “But I can’t move my left en. Residents park in rows. Early birds get seats up front. Stragglers hand no more.” Jeremy has an idea. He rolls sit in the nosebleeds. Jeremy has Davy to the piano before he has been playing music since age finished his hamburger steak. six. He can play any tune in the He tells Davy, “I’ll play the left hymnal like a bona fide Cokesbury hand, you play the right.” jukebox. He does it with a smile. Davey plays the melody to He sings “Old Gospel Ship,” “I “There is a Fountain.” Jeremy Saw the Light,” and “Church in the Wildwood.” When he finishes, plays the bottom of the piano; Davy takes the top. The song the residents of the nursing home comes out rough, but identifiable. clap. Some louder than others. The people clap when the music Now the real fun begins. They finishes. They play “Amazing swarm Jeremy. They tell him stories. They touch him. They hug Grace” next. The old man starts crying. “Thank you,” Davy says. him. “I haven’t played the piano in “I was a logging man,” one old forty years.” man tells Jeremy. “I cut wood in One nurse explains that Jeremy South Alabama, did I ever tell you does this with Davy almost every that?” “No sir.” An old woman touches week. “And every week,” says the Jeremy’s face. “You look just like nurse. “It’s just like the first time. Here comes Barbara. She my son, you’re so handsome, just wheels toward Jeremy. Barbara like my son.” had a stroke several months ago. Another woman wheels toBefore that, she was a Librarian. ward Jeremy in an electric chair. Her hobby was teaching underShe hands him an old envelope. privileged kids to read. She also “Would you autograph this? helped several apply to college, You’re going to be famous one and receive State-U educations. day, I just know it.” She’s done a lot in her day. He’s puts his John Hancock Barbara is half paralyzed, but on the paper. She wheels away her mind is good. She is on her like she’s just confiscated Elvis’ way back to her room because underpants. she has spilled food all over her It’s lunchtime. The cafeteria comes alive with smells of canned shirt. The nurse parks her beside corn, Salisbury steak, and creamed Jeremy. Barbara touches him. Her potatoes. I sit with Jeremy, we talk mouth is open, her words want to over plates of lukewarm apple pie. come out, but it takes work. “You. Are. An. Angel,” she tells But our conversation is cut short. Jeremy. “Please. Come. Back. Jeremy only has a little time Please.” “Yes ma’am,” says Jerleft to make his rounds. He jokes emy. Barbara goes on: “This has with the old man who is from been the greatest day of my life.” New York. He laughs with the Jeremy’s face is swollen. His elderly woman whose husband eyes are pink. He kisses Barbara’s was a florist. He talks to Luanne, cheek. Then she’s gone. The greatwho misses her daughter. He holds hands with Ernesta. He hugs est day of her life. Yes sir. It was one of mine, too. Francine. Sean Dietrich is a columnist, He sits beside Davy—the man and novelist, known for his comwith Alzheimer’s. Davy says that mentary on life in the American he used to be a pianist when he South. He has authoredseven was young. books. “Mama taught me to play,”
In Memoriam
ing as I rode Carver Elemento school tary, I passed staring out that dark little the window house on the at the falling corner every leaves that I day without saw that sad really seeing it. boy coming Carver was a out of the typical southern By Wendy Hodge dark little elementary house. I sat straight up in school in the 1970s, and the passenger’s seat of my class was a typical the old Nova – that’s who group of 6-year-olds, lives there. complete with two very I paid attention that loud, very large bullies whose names were Bubba day, finally seeing him as more than a shadow. As and Junior (I wish I was I watched from my desk making that up.) They across the room, as we teased and tormented, sounded out words, and and I avoided them at all struggled with spelling costs. our teacher’s name (Mrs. There was also one very singular classmate – Stejskal, sounds like Staya boy so quiet and folded Skull,) he never even looked in my direction. into himself that he was The morning passed, and almost invisible. His clothes were faded and so the lunch bell rang. From thin they appeared to float my table in the cafeteria around his bony arms and where I sat with a group legs. His shoes were held of little girls very much like me, I continued to together with electrical tape. It was the shoes that watch. His lunch was practibroke my heart the most. cally non-existent, and he It was early one morn-
sat alone. It hurt me to see him there, and it wasn’t five minutes into the lunch period before I just couldn’t bear it anymore. Among the chatter and the controlled chaos that is a school cafeteria, I rose and walked to his table. He looked up at me like a startled animal. I wanted to wipe the smudge from his cheek, but I held my right hand with my left to stop that impulse. “What’s your name?” I asked. All these weeks of sharing the orbit of Mrs. Stejskal’s first grade classroom, and I didn’t even know his name. “Keith,” he whispered. His voice was faint, like it was as afraid as he was. “I’m Wendy,” I said and sat without being invited. His sandwich was one piece of bread folded in half with a dollop of some unknown substance in the middle to glue it together. And that was it.
Not one bite more, nothing to drink. I felt a wave of pity so strong I could barely swallow. And something else, too. A dawning realization that the world is not always fair. Some children are hungry or embarrassed or lonely… or all three. My Wonder Woman lunchbox suddenly seemed like an affront with its matching thermos full of Kool-Aid, a turkey sandwich, potato chips, and a homemade Rice Krispy treat. When I opened it, it looked like Thanksgiving dinner spilling onto the table. “I’m not very hungry. Wanna share?” I asked quietly, instinctively knowing this could be dangerous ground. He looked at me without blinking, long enough that I wanted to fidget, but I held still and returned the stare. I will never know what silent bargain he made with
himself, but he decided I was friend and not foe because he finally blinked and said, “Thank you.” I scooted my sandwich in front of him and put the chips between us. He ate quickly and quietly. I poured some KoolAid into the top of my thermos and handed him the rest. He drank without stopping, leaving a purple Kool-Aid mustache on his upper lip. The bell rang, and I knew I’d be sitting right there the next day. And I was. This did not go unnoticed by Junior and Bubba. “Wendy has a boyfriend!” they chanted at every opportunity. I told them both if they didn’t shut up I’d “bring my killer dog to school to bite your butt!” (I didn’t have a dog and may have been a little too big for my britches…)
Days passed, and autumn became winter. I’d like to say that Keith and I became close
See Hodge, page A16
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Around Lee County
May 23, 2018
Beulah native making waves in Naval career By Ricky Burke Navy Office of Community Outreach A 2002 Beulah High School graduate and native is serving as part of the PreCommissioning Unit for the future Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116). Petty Officer 1st Class Nicholas Jones is a fire controlman assigned to DDG 116 in Bath, Maine. As a fire controlman, Jones is responsible for the maintenance and performance of various weapon systems. “The best part of my job is working with my shipmates on a daily basis,” Jones said. The ship is currently undergoing tests and trials in preparation for delivery to the U.S. Navy from shipbuilder Bath Iron Works. Arleigh Burke class destroyers measure nearly 500
feet long and are powered by four gas turbines that allow the ship to sail at a speed of more than 30 miles-per-hour in open seas. Destroyers are tactical multi-mission surface combatants capable of conducting anti-air, antisubmarine and anti-surface warfare, and ballistic missile defense, as well as humanitarian assistance. Fast, maneuverable, and technically advanced, destroyers provide the required warfighting expertise and operational flexibility to execute a variety of missions. “Thomas J. Hudner Jr., a naval aviator who retired as a captain, received the Medal of Honor from President Harry S. Truman for displaying uncommon valor during an attack on his element leader, the first African American naval aviator to fly in combat, En-
FC1 Jones sign Jesse L. Brown,” said Cmdr. Nathan W. Scherry, commanding officer of the Thomas Hudner. “On May 7, 2012, Secretary Mabus announced that DDG 116 will be named in Captain Hudner's honor. Today, as the Navy's finest 300 Sailors crew the 66th Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer, they do so with a tremendous amount of honor, pride, and sense of duty. We are extremely honored to be able
to carry Captain Hudner's values and legacy forward so that they are never forgotten. We are proud to be able to carry out our missions in defense of our country's freedom and values, and humbled to be part of the Hudner family.” Jones said he has carried lessons learned from his hometown into his military service. “My family taught me that work and confidence leads to success,” Jones said. With a crew of more than 300 sailors, each member’s job is important to the smooth operation of the ship. The jobs range from weapon handling to navigation. Jones said he has military ties with family members who have previously served and is honored to carry on the family tradition. “My father served as a sergeant in the Marines and
this influenced me to join the military,” Jones said. Jones’ proudest accomplishment was being meritoriously promoted to petty officer first class. “It was unheard of at that time for a first class doing my job to be promoted through this program,” Jones added. As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s newest ships, Jones and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy that the nation needs. “Serving in the Navy is patriotic and a meaningful employment to support my beautiful wife and children,” Jones said. The construction of the ship is nearly complete. It is scheduled for commissioning in late 2018 in Boston, Massachussetts. For more information about the commissioning, visit www. usshudnerddg116.org.
Commission votes to sell surplus property, hold next meeting in Beulah By Fred Woods Opelika Observer At last week’s regular meeting, the Lee County Commission voted to sell land in Beauregard, acquired about 15 years ago, on the recommendation of the Lee County Recreation Committee, but totally unsuited for recreation purposes. The commission sold the 40acre property for the same price - $240,000
- it originally paid for it, so no loss was incurred by taxpayers. The vote was 3 – 0. Commissioners Eckman and Harris were both absent from the meeting. Under the leadership of District 4 Commissioner Robert Ham, property more suited for ball fields and similar types of recreation has recently been acquired in both Beauregard and Beulah. For the Beauregard
property, design and other work preliminary to actual construction is almost completed. Commission Chairman Bill English reminded everyone that the next commission meeting on May 29 will be held at the new Beulah Senior Center on Lee Road 270 in Beulah. The commission had voted earlier this year to meet there to dedicate the new center.
The facility is located on Lee Road 270 about 1/2 mile east of its intersection with U.S. Highway 29, about nine miles north of Opelika. The meeting will begin at its regular time of 5 p.m. Central Standard Time. In other action, the commission: • after the required public hearing voted to vacate the right-ofway of Lee Road 670 in southwestern Lee
County off Wire Road just east of its intersection with Beehive Road, • appointed (second reading) Dozier Smith T to the East Alabama Healthcare Authority Board, • approved hiring a student intern for the Revenue Office for the summer, with salary to be paid out of already-budgeted funds, • approved a contract for striping and
traffic markers on various county roads with Hornsby Striping Company, Inc., • approved Highway Department assistance at minimal cost to the county to Beulah High School for brush control measures around athletic fields, and • approved an offpremise beer and wine license for the Dollar General store at Marvyn on Alabama Hwy. 51 south of U.S. Hwy. 80.
Bennie Adkins Foundation to hold book signing May 24 By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor The Bennie Adkins Foundation will host a public book signing event May 24 from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts and Humanities to promote a new novel, “A Tiger among Us: A Story of Valor in Vietnam's A Shau Valley.” Co-written by Adkins and Auburn University graduate and acclaimed
author Katie Lamar Jackson, the book delves into Adkins’ heroic actions at Camp A Shau March 9-12, 1966. Adkins, along with 16 other Green Berets, were trapped in a vulnerable, unfortified position near the notorious Ho Chi Minh Trail, a major supply route used by North Vietnamese forces. The book chronicles the dangers the group faced, which includes North Vietnamese forces
armed with mortars and other weapons, misinformation, unpredictable weather and unfaithful allies. Despite the risks involved, Adkins “battled ferociously, like a tiger” and helped evacuate the wounded to safety. His heroic actions resulted in his becoming a Medal of Honor recipient in 2012. Reviews of the book have been posted since its May 15 release, stating that it serves an accurate
reflection of Adkins and his acts of valor. “A Tiger among Us tells the riveting, real life story of an American hero in Vietnam who repeatedly risked his life to help save his fellow warriors. His selfless bravery in the face of overwhelming odds in 1966--and his long, honorable career in the US Army--reflects the best of America's military tradition. This is a story every American should read,” said Retired
Gen. Tommy R. Franks, former commander of U.S. Central Command. "In his magnificent memoir A Tiger among Us, Command Sergeant Major Bennie Adkins proves that he is as talented a writer as he is an intrepid warrior. He has penned a gripping, minute-by-minute, hour-by-hour account of one of the most intense Special Forces battles of the Vietnam War,” said Retired Col. Thomas R
Yarbrough, author of two books on the Vietnam War. “This is a powerful, riveting story about valor, comradeship, and self-sacrifice in the deadly A Shau Valley. A must-read for all soldiers, scholars, and students of leadership.” For more information about the event, like and follow the Bennie Adkins Foundation Facebook page. The venue is located at 101 S. Debardeleben St. in Auburn.
Perry Garden Club installs new officers at May meeting Special to the Opelika Observer
BEAUREGARD DRUGS
Let Tucker Simmons and the staff at Beauregard Drugs help you manage your seasonal allergies.
The Perry Garden Club of Auburn held its May meeting at the Auburn University Club. Pat May, Alabama Garden Club’s District V director installed newly elected officers, President Susan Blake, Secretary Anne Miller and Treasurer Sue Daniel. Committee Chairpersons were also appointed: • Civic Concerns - Carolyn Coker • Historian - Patsy Vincent • Horticulture - Carolyn Ann Carr • Publicity - Susan Blake • Yearbook -Anne Miller • Hospital Therapy - Hazel Klase • Telephone - Carolyn Coker, Shan Rumph and Garlan Walker Carolyn Ann Carr presented a Horticulture moment. Possible meeting places and topics for future meetings
Special to the Opelika Observer
were discussed. The next meeting will be Oct. 18 at the District V Annual meeting to be held by the Tulip Garden Club at the First Methodist church in Opelika. Anyone interested in becoming a member can contact Anne Miller by phone at 334-740-5466 or by email at the.millers30@hotmail.com.
Opelika
A6
Family & Religion
May 23, 2018
The best thing about the Church
T Hunley Group Lambert Transfer & Storage An Interstate Agent for North American Van Lines 1102 Fox Trail Opelika, AL 36803 745-5706
he best thing about the church isn’t its cutting edge methodologies, its seeker sensitivities or its involvement in the latest, greatest social cause. It’s not its ministries, outreach, or benevolence. Neither is it Lord’s Suppers, sweet singing or humble prayers. The best thing about the church isn’t its presence on social media, hospitality or small groups. The best thing about the church is Jesus. And it’s not even close. I suppose it’s natural for us to get caught up in the human aspect of things but spiritually it’s a monumental mistake. The greatest question is still the one
tion. Our posed two amenities thousand are fine, years ago wonderat Caesarful things ea Philip(well, most pi, “Who of them do you say By Bruce Green are anythat I am?” Teaching Minister at way), but What the 10th Street Church of they are no church has Christ in Opelika substitute to offer is for Jesus more than and the deliverance He friendship, daycare, brings. food distributions, We have no memoriVBS, school supplies, exercise classes, sports als to church amenities but we do have one to leagues, coffee shops the One who came and (I’ll have mine with lived in joyful obedia little touch of the ence to His Father Almighty) and the like—it must above all and became a ransom for mankind. In addihold up the crucified tion to this and other and resurrected Christ important, fundamento a world living away from its Father. It must tal truths the Supper proclaims, it reminds proclaim the atoning work of Jesus to people us that the best thing about the church is in need of redemp-
Church calendar
Following is a list of area Vacation Bible Schools:
Parkway Baptist: June 4-8 from 8:30 a.m. noon each day Lakeview Baptist: June 18-22 from 8 a.m. - noon each day Auburn United Methodist: June 11-14 from 8:30 a.m. - noon each day Holy Trinity Episcopal: June 4-6 from 9 a.m. noon each day Auburn First Baptist: June 10-15 from 6:30-9 p.m. each day Trinity United Methodist Church: June 4-7 First United Methodist Church: June 18-21 from 8:45 a.m. - noon each First Baptist Church
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
of Opelika: June 11-14 from 9 a.m. - noon each day Heritage Baptist Church: June 11-15 from 8:30 a.m. - 12:05 p.m. each day
• Bethesda Baptist Church: June 19-23 May 27 - Bethesda Baptist Church, will celebrate Pastor Anthony and First Lady Catina Pogue’s second pastoral anniversary at 2 p.m. May 27. Rev. Bernard Harris and the Mt. Lovely Baptist Church, Camp Hill will be our special guests. The church is located at 201 South 4th St. in Opelika. 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
Jesus. Each week! All of us! This is to be impressed upon our minds, written on our hearts and at the core of everything we do. The best thing about the church is Jesus—it was true in the first century and it is just as true today and will be so throughout eternity (Ephesians 3:20-21). No church can move forward by any other means. It might move sideways or backward, but never ahead. It will always be fashionable to proclaim that Christ rounds out our lives—that He is the whipped cream and cherry on top of the always pleasant life we are convinced God has called us to. It will always be radical
to maintain that He is not that—He is our life (Colossians 3:4), and only by taking up our cross and following Him can we find life in abundance (Luke 9:23; John 10:10). Before the world can be won to Christ, the church must be. We must be thoroughly convinced and utterly convicted that we are not the answer in any shape, form or fashion. We can and must point away from ourselves and toward the risen and returning Christ. He has always been and will always be the best thing about the church. You can find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: atasteofgracewithbrucegreen.com.
Verse of the Week
“Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.” 1 Thessalonians 15:15
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
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, Opelika, ALAL 36801 749-1333 Mon- Sat7am 7am-8pm Mon-Sat - 8pm Sun12pm 12pm-6pm Sun - 6pm
The Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home Gospel Train Sunday mornings from 6-10 a.m.
Opelika E vents, Society, & Food Ann Cipperly’s
Southern
Hospitality
Savor scrumptious dishes with family, friends on Memorial Day
Photo by Ann Cipperly Hamburgers or turkey burgers will appeal to almost everyone for a Memorial Day get-together. For ease in serving, arrange a burger bar with assorted toppings, and let everyone create their own burger. For an ideal side, serve Oven Roasted Fries, which are much easier than frying.
O
n Memorial Day, savor time with family and friends at the lake, beach or your own backyard. Be sure to plan on plenty of delectable food and cold beverages for lingering over meals outdoors. While Memorial Day generally signals the beginning of summer, it was set aside as a day to remember the men and women who have given their lives serving our country. Memorial Day events will be held locally May 28, at 10 a.m. at City Hall on South 7th Street, with Jamie Popwell serving as the guest speaker. A reception will follow at 11 a.m. at the Museum of East Alabama on South 9th Street. Formerly known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day originated during and after the Civil War to commemorate the soldiers who died. The name changed to “Memorial Day” in 1882. The day of remembering lost
soldiers was observed more after World War II. While May 30 became an official holiday in 1967, it was moved to the last Monday in May in 1968 to become a three-day weekend. If you are grilling burgers for a crowd this weekend, a burger or slider bar provides easy serving. Prepare grilled hamburgers and turkey burgers and offer a wide variety of toppings. For sliders, just make small burgers to fit the small buns or rolls. Since sliders are small, they are nice for trying a variety of toppings. Slider buns are available at local grocery stores. Grilled Chicken Sliders can be included on the buffet bar to offer a good option instead of burgers. Prepare several sauces for different taste choices. Fill large tubs or containers with chilled drinks. On hot days outdoors, everyone becomes thirsty quickly. Provide a beverage
dispenser filled with water embellished with sliced lemons, limes and cucumbers. Whole strawberries and fresh mint are also good additions. Cap the evening with a dessert accented with red and blue. Serve Buttermilk Pound Cake with whipped cream topped with strawberries and blueberries. The Lemon Cheesecake Bars are yummy and look festive garnished with colorful fresh fruits. If you don’t have time to prepare dessert, offer an ice cream bar and include sorbet and gelato with assorted toppings. Whatever is on the menu this Memorial Day, be sure to remember and give thanks for those who paid the highest price for us to enjoy time with family and friends. Ann Cipperly can be contacted at recipes@ cipperly.com.
By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor
people who are nominated to participate in the challenge are asked to wear an eye patch, and document it through photos or video posts on social media to promote their cause and the importance of annual eye exams with dilation. After completing the
challenge, nominees are tasked with tagging 3-5 other individuals, groups or organizations to participate. Funding from the challenge will be donated to the Ocular Melanoma Research Fund to determine
U PC OM I NG EVENT S: • NOON TUNES • ADKINS BOOK SIGNING • SUMMER SWING • FARMER’S MARKETS • CHIRPWOOD RECEPTION • CWB PLAY
‘Perc-Fect Place Coffee’ now open in Tiger Town By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor Quality caffeinated drinks and homemade treats can be found at Opelika’s newest java shop, Perc-Fect Place Coffee. Opened April 23 in the Tiger Square Shopping Plaza located past Tiger Town, the coffee shop possesses a laidback, family-friendly atmosphere according to owner Paul Brumett. “With the name ‘PercFect,’ we’re not trying to say that we’re the best coffee place in town, we’re just trying to create an atmosphere that is either the perfect place to study or hang out,” Brumett said. “We have wifi, high-top and small tables, barstools and a couch. It’s a great place to come with a laptop to get some work done, and relax with the soft jazz music playing in the background while you enjoy a great cup of
Special to the Opelika Observer coffee.” Brumett added that another unique aspect of his business is its wide offering of homemade desserts, which include cakes, cinnamon rolls and cookies. Open 7:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, Brumett said the shop will hold monthly events and occasional acoustic concerts by local musicians. “Our rule-of-thumb here is offering great
customer service, good price and quality product. Those (will be) our guiding principles,” Brumett said. A joint grand opening ceremony with the Opelika Chamber of Commerce is scheduled for early June. For more information or updates, like and follow “Percfect Place Coffee” on Facebook. The shop is located at 2701 Frederick Road, Suite 201.
Chirpwood to host gallery reception for Perry Austin
Special to the Opelika Observer Special to the Opelika Observer The Opelika-based art gallery Chirpwood will hold a gallery reception May 24 from 5-8 p.m. featuring works of the acclaimed oil painter Perry Austin. Guests may enjoy wine, cheese and other refreshments and view Austin’s award-winning oil paintings. Attendees will also have a chance to win a handmade and hand-finished Chirpwood frame. Austin is one of the pre-
miere fine art painters in the Southeast. Described by art critics as someone whose works depict “the disappearing South,” he is best known for his plein air work. At 13 years old, Austin began painting. Later, he gave up a successful career in industry to paint full time. His decision was rewarded, as many of his works have received awards and been featured in major publications. Samples of his work hang in several notable collections, including
the Callaway Collection, the Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, and the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Austin’s work is sold at several fine art galleries, including the Walls Gallery at The Greenbrier and Chirpwood. He is a member of the American Impressionist Society and Oil Painters of America. Chirpwood is located at 405 South 10th Street in Opelika. For more information on Austin or to see samples of his work, visit www.perryaustinfineart. com.
CWB Productions to stage Take the ‘Eye Patch Challenge’ first play June 16 in Opelika Members of the Auburn Ocular Melanoma Facebook Page have launched the “Eye Patch Challenge” this month to raise awareness and funding for vital research. From May 19-31,
For Recipes, turn to A8
See Challenge, page A11
By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor CWB Productions will stage its first show, “What God Puts Together,” June 16 at Victory Church of Opelika. Playwright and Director Wilmer Black said the play’s goal is to remind
people of God’s way for maintaining and sustaining a healthy marriage. “There are so many divorces going on right now, and it’s not people out in the world, it’s people within the church. It’s time that we got started looking at why this is happening,” Black
said. “I hope this play makes people look at their marriage and realize that their things you can do to save your marriage. Once people get to a certain point, some think that there’s no hope, but that’s not true. You both See Play, page A8
pelika O Observer
A8 May 23, 2018
Recipes Homemade Pico de Gallo Use ripe tomatoes that are deeply colored and firm, smell good and have a little give. 1 1/2 lb. tomatoes, chopped 1 medium onion, chopped (about 2/3 cup) 1 to 2 jalapeño or Serrano peppers, finely diced (seeds and membranes removed for a milder salsa) 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves Juice of 1 lime or lemon Kosher salt to taste Place tomatoes, onion, cilantro, diced peppers and lime or lemon juice in a bowl. Generously season with kosher salt — start with 1/2 tsp. and go from there. Set salsa aside for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, stir salsa, making sure to distribute juices left at the bottom of the bowl. Taste and adjust with more salt. Enjoy! Store for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. *Leftovers are great heated up with a little olive oil and tossed with pasta or as a bread topping. Makes about 8 servings or 3 cups. Heirloom Tomato and Chicken Pasta Serve this fresh summer salad with plenty of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful tomato juices. 4 Tbsp. white wine vinegar 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 2 1/2 tsp. granulated sugar 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt 1/2 tsp. black pepper 3 cups shredded cooked chicken 2 pounds heirloom tomatoes, cut into 1/2- to 1-inch wedges 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh chives 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh thyme Whisk together vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Gently toss together chicken, tomatoes, onion, basil, chives, parsley, and thyme in a large bowl. Add vinegar mixture, and gently toss until thoroughly combined. Serve immediately, or cover and let stand at room temperature for up to 1 hour.
Fruit Pizza 1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup sour cream 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar 2 Tbsp. 2% milk 1 tube (16-1/2 ounces) refrigerated sugar cookie dough, softened 2 cups fresh blueberries 2 cups fresh raspberries 8 fresh strawberries, sliced 3/4 cup apricot preserves In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Beat in confectioners' sugar and milk.
Chill. Meanwhile, press cookie dough onto an ungreased 14-in. pizza pan. Bake at 350° for 15-18 minutes or until deep golden brown. Cool completely on a wire rack. Spread cream cheese mixture over crust to within 1/2 in. of edges. Arrange fruit over top. In a small microwave-safe dish, microwave preserves, uncovered, on high for 45-60 seconds or until melted. Drizzle over fruit. Chill until serving. Refrigerate leftovers. Makes 16 servings.
Remembering an Opelika hero
Special to the Opelika Observer
By Ann Cipperly Opelika Observer Growing up in Opelika and graduating from Cliff High School, Col. Eugene David Hamilton loved his country, flying and education. During the Vietnam War, he could have retired from the Air Force but did not want to leave his men during the war. He moved his wife and three children to his hometown. On Jan. 31, 1966, while flying an armed reconnaissance mission over North Vietnam, his F-105D Thunderchief was hit by enemy ground fire over Ha Tinh province. The native Opelikan was listed as MIA. Hamilton met his wife, Carolyn Wynell Hale, in Opelika. They were married when she was 15 years old. He attended Auburn University, studying engineering. He enjoyed repairing televisions and other electronics. After Hamilton joined the Air Force, he moved many times in ten years. Before leaving for Vietnam, he settled his family back to Opelika.Karyn Lynnette Powers was only six years old when her father’s plane was shot down. Karyn is the youngest of the three children. Her sister, Lorinda, was nine years
old, and her brother, Lamont, was seven. Karyn remembers coming home and seeing her mother and older sister, Lorinda, in the bedroom crying. “I was very young and didn’t understand what was going on,” she said. “When the family told me my father was missing, I couldn’t grasp that he might be dead, only that he was missing. “The impact of losing a father is immense,” Karyn adds. “We look to our mothers for nurturing, but we look to our fathers for protection. When you lose your father you feel unprotected.” Since Hamilton’s wife, Carolyn, was also from Opelika with family in the area, they continued to live there for several years. When Karyn was 16 years old, the family moved to Birmingham. Over the years, the family wondered what happened to the beloved husband and father. They did not know if he was killed or a POW. The family had been told that he radioed several times that he had been hit. He reported there was smoke in the cockpit, and there was a fire. “The trauma of not knowing whether he was alive was difficult for the family,” Karyn said. “We felt as though he could still
walk through the door. It was a sadness that was always there. He was alive in our minds all those years.” She said the family existed on hope, believing he could have been lost, had amnesia or been in a prison camp. The Department of Defense declared Hamilton legally dead in 1977. According to the POW Network, 32-year-old mission involving Hamilton was part of a larger operation, Operation Rolling Thunder. Aircraft in the mission attacked air defense systems and the flow of supplies along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. “Airborne searches for his crash site that day were unsuccessful,” according to the network. “A radio broadcast from Hanoi reported an F-105 had been shot down but did not provide any details. Between July 1993 and November 2000, joint U.S.-Vietnam teams, led by the Joint POW/ MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), conducted four investigations and one excavation searching for the pilot and his plane. “An investigation team in March 2000 learned from a Vietnamese villager that an area excavated in 1997 was not the location of the pilot’s burial. A second location was then excavated in August and September 2000, which did yield aircraft wreckage, personal effects and human remains. In 2004, three Vietnamese citizens turned over to a JPAC team remains they had found at the same crash site a year earlier. In late May 2005, the JPAC team recovered fragments of possible human remains and life-support equipment from the crash site. Personal effects found there also included a leather nametag with the name
“Hamilton” partially visible. JPAC scientists and Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory specialists used mitochondrial DNA as one of the forensic tools to help identify the remains. Laboratory analysis of dental remains also confirmed his identity.” When the family was notified of the recovery, Karyn said it took her a while to fully comprehend what happened. “All this time it had been sitting inside of me,” Karyn said. “The impact of a life spent wondering about my father that I’ve never been able to connect to is numbing. Just the reality of putting a body with a memory is so powerful, and it’s such a miracle. I think it’s the greatest gift to have my father back home.” Karyn’s brother, Lamont, flew to Hawaii to accompany their father’s remains to Virginia for the burial with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery. “My father was back safe on American soil,” Karyn said. “He has a resting place and full honors for laying down his life for his country. It brings a lot of healing to us.” Hamilton was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery with a full military ceremony on June 28, 2007, his wife’s birthday. Karyn, who is an ordained minister, presided over his funeral. Her message was, “Col. Eugene David Hamilton exchanged one set of wings for another.” At his service, Karyn said, “Welcome home, Dad. It’s been a long time. We missed you, and we are proud of you. You will not be a forgotten soldier. You are our hero.”
FOOD RATINGS Butcher Paper BBQ 128 Columbus Pkwy Opelika Score: 100
Tuco’s Tex Mex Cantina 1849 Ogletree Rd. Auburn Score: 99
Chipotle Mexican Grill 346 W. Magnolia Ave. Auburn Score: 100
Zoe’s Kitchen 234 W. Magnolia Ave. Auburn Score: 99
Highway 80 Barn Restaurant 25250 U.S. Highway 80 Opelika Score: 100
Shakey’s Pizza Parlor 2487 W. Magnolia Ave. Auburn Score: 99
Southern Hospitality 802 Lakeshore Ave. Opelika Score: 100
American Grill 1220 Fox Run Ave. Opelika Score: 99
Special to the Opelika Observer
Play, from A7
(as a couple) have to humble yourselves before God for it to work.” Tickets are $20, and can be purchased
from cast members or through PayPal by searching “cwb18productions.” Doors open at 11 a.m. and the play will begin at
noon. For more information, call Black at 334-275-7316. The church is located 712 Columbus Parkway.
Opelika Schools & Sports
A9 Turn to A10 for more photos from Opelika’s spring game
Inside • opelika schools • lee county schools • community sports
OMS’s Caden Blair wins ‘The Amazing Shake’ By Shawn Kirkpatrick Opelika Observer
On the Mark By D. Mark Mitchell
Opelika cruises past Niceville in jamboree Opelika ended its spring practice by beating Niceville High School of Florida 34-14 at a jamboree game last Saturday in Troy. The Bulldogs rolled up 352 total offensive yards, with 135 coming on the ground and 217 through the air. The defense played tough, allowing two scores over four quarters. Quarterback Cade Blackmon finished 10-of-14 for 127 yards. He threw a touchdown pass to Omar Holloway and ran for another score during the first half. Holloway caught six passes for 74 yards while teammate Marien Warner caught four passes for 50 yards. Seven different players ran the ball Saturday. Branton Barnett rushed six times for 13 yards, Blackmon rushed twice for 34 yards. Four other running backs, Kani Kellum, Eric Watts, Jara Nelms and Nate Evans contributed on offense. Second team quarterback Brody Davis was 8-of-14 for 90 yards. The spring game was the last athletic event for the 2017-18 school year. Football players will have two and half weeks off before preparing for the 2018 season. GRADUATION This Friday night at Bulldog Stadium, Ope-
lika High School will hold its annual commencement ceremony honoring the 2018 graduating seniors. This is always a special time for the students, family and administration. Opelika City Schools will continue the tradition of holding the event inside Bulldog Stadium. In case of rain, OCS Superintendent Dr. Mark Neighbors said he will do everything possible to hold the ceremony Friday night. OHS Principal Dr. Farrell Seymore will announce each graduating senior as they walk across the stage to receive their diploma from Dr. Neighbors and OCS Board Chairwoman, Patsy Parker. The event will begin at 7 p.m. Congratulations Class of 2018! 2017-18 ATHLETIC YEAR IN REVIEW The 2017-18 athletic year started with football and Opelika’s new coach Caleb Ross. The Bulldogs finished 9-4, tied for the region championship and advancing to the quarterfinals, losing to Hillcrest 26-24. The season was riddled with injuries, including two quarterbacks and two deep-snappers. A total of 11 players See Sports, page A12
After five intense days of shaking hands, interviews, and answering current event questions, Opelika Middle School sixth-grader Caden Blair won the third-annual “Amazing Shake.” Sixth-grade OMS students competed all of last week. Dozens of community leaders served as judges throughout the multiple rounds of competition. “They are learning the proper way of greeting folks and presenting themselves and responding to questions,” said John Meadows, Charter Bank regional coordinator for Lee County and an See Blair, page A11
Shawn Kirkpatrick/Opelika Observer Featured from left to right: Patrick Seymour, runner up, Ama ing Shake Organizer and OMS Teacher Tricia Skelton and Caden Blair, winner of ‘The Amazing Shake’
Laura Hartley to retire from Northside Intermediate By Anna Riley For the Opelika Observer
Special to the Opelika Observer
Laura Hartley, a respected community member and longtime educator at Southview Primary and Northside Intermediate schools, is retiring after a 26-year career in education. Hartley’s family moved to
Opelika when she was five years old. Growing up in the Opelika City School system, she credits her teachers for inspiring her to pursue a career in education and make a difference in the lives of others. “I felt like they put their heart and soul into what I did. EduSee Lessons, page A15
Opelika Superliga Soccer League opens registration last week By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor Registration for the Opelika Superliga Soccer League opened last week. An adult 7-v.-7 summer soccer program held at the Opelika Sportsplex, Program Director Missy Martin said the league has seen tremendous growth since its formation in 2009. “There are about 12 teams and 150 players (now). With soccer being so big, particularly now that people are graduating out of our club program, it’s just another place for them to continue to play,” Martin said. “We’ve got
people coming over from Auburn, Southern Union, local corporations … it’s a pretty big deal now.” June 1 will be the last day of registration, and a coaches meeting and introduction will be held May 31 at the Sportsplex. Registration, which requires a valid photo ID, is $40 for Opelika residents $44 for out-oftown residents. Games will begin June 4, and be played each Wednesday and Sunday through the summer. For more information, call Martin at 334-4442923. The Sportsplex is located at 1001 Andrews Road.
Submitted to the Opelika Observer
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‘East Alabama Old Car Club Show’ held Saturday
Robert Noles/Opelika Observer The 44th annual “East Alabama Old Car Club Show” was held last Saturday at USA Town Center in Opelika. Hundreds of people braved the rain to view a number of vintage cars, ranging from Ford Model A’s to Chevrolet Camaros.
Valley defeats Beulah 28-6 in spring jamboree
Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Pictured are highlights from the spring jamboree game played between Valley and Beulah last Saturday.
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Opelika cruises past Niceville 3414 during Saturday’s spring game
Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Opelika defeated Niceville High School of Florida 34-14 last Saturday at Troy University’s Veterans Memorial Stadium. The Bulldogs chalked up 352 yards of total offense, with 135 coming on the ground and 217 through the air.
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Challenge, from A7
the underlying cause of a cancer cluster of uveal melanoma that has affected more than 30 former Auburn University alumni. In February, the Observer first reported that four female Auburn University alumnas were all diagnosed with Uveal Melanoma, a rare form of cancer that normally affects males over the age of 50. During the last three months, the number of confirmed cases has climbed to more than 30, with all individuals being students or employees who lived or worked on Auburn University’s cam-
Blair, from A9
pus between 1980-2001. Attempts earlier this year by Sen. Larry Stutts from Alabama’s Senate District 6 to receive state funding to determine the cluster’s cause were unsuccessful, and ultimately denied by the Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee. According to cluster victim and “Auburn Ocular Melanoma” representative Ashley McCrary, Auburn University officials are well aware of the situation but oppose any legislative actions that would force the school to oversee project research. For more information, email info@ocularmelanoma.org to get free eye patches and information. The event is also listed on the “Auburn Ocular Melanoma” Facebook page.
“Amazing Shake” judge. “This (competition) is so important. I am in the banking business and I need employees who know how to talk and look you in the eye and communicate.” In the first round of the competition, 40 students rotate between 40 judges who ask questions and measure their soft skills and get a first impression. Only 20 students make it to the second day, where each were given a question on the spot to answer- being judged on how well they think under pressure and their presence on a stage. Round three, also called
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the ‘Circle of Doom,’ the top ten were given a current events topic by judges. Five students made it to round four, where they faced city council and school board members and told them how they would make Opelika a better place to live. In the final round, the two remaining students were judged on their etiquette and conversation skills during a lunch at Acres Restaurant. OMS Teacher and “Amazing Shake” Organizer Tricia Skelton said this program is crucial for the students to be socially knowledgeable and know about current events. “Times have changed. I think it is really important to keep this program going and instill these things in
Shawn Kirkpatrick/Opelika Observer our classrooms every day- manners, etiquette, conversation skills and being a global citizen,” Skelton said. Blair will receive a trophy and become an OMS Ambassador, during a ceremony Thursday, at the Assistant Principals Office
LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS The Opelika Housing Development, Inc. is currently seeking highly motivated, experienced, and trustworthy candidates to fill the Full-time positions of apartment Maintenance Technicians for properties in the Opelika, AL. & Camp Hill, AL. areas. Duties will include, but not be limited to: Promptly handle unit and facility work orders Complete repairs in a consistent and correct manner Provide excellent customer service Work well with other
team members Willing to clean grounds as needed Be well organized to coordinate inspections, preventive maintenance and work by contractors Able to complete makeready of units proficiently Ideal candidates should have at least 2 years of experience in apartment maintenance (or similar skills). Candidates should have skills in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, painting, appliance repair, and/or other tasks related to maintaining the communities in excellent condition. HVAC
Certification not required, but preferred. This position will offer competitive pay and benefit package. Education: High school or equivalent (Required) License or certification: Driver's License (Required) HVAC Certification (Not required, but preferred) To apply please visit our office, located at 1706 Toomer Street – Opelika, AL 36801 or complete an application on-line at http:// www.opelikaha.org/Default.asp?ID=123&pg=Emp loyment+Opportunities
The Opelika Housing Authority (OHA) has a full-time opening for Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Specialist. Successful candidate would process new applications for the HCV program, when open. Conduct annual re-examinations in accordance with established procedures. Enter information in computer and process new admissions or recertification, including verifying income and other data in accordance with established procedures and regulations. Maintain electronic files and re-
cords. Receive information from residents, verify, and make interim adjustments based on the information. Schedule appointments for annual re-examinations, generate appointment letters and conduct interviews. Take appropriate action based on information received. Candidate must have Associate Degree in business field plus two years of experience in dealing with the public and using a computer, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in Housing Choice
Incentive at OMS. (The “Amazing Shake” originated at The Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, Georgia. The competition focuses on social etiquette: handshake, eye contact, ability to carry on a conversation, and level of engagement.)
Voucher Program or HUD housing, preferred. For further details, job description can be found at www.opelikaha. org. Interested applicants must submit a completed Employment Application with qualifications to opelikaha@opelikaha.org or to Human Resources, Opelika Housing Authority, 1706 Toomer Street, Opelika, AL or mail to P.O. Box 786, Opelika, AL 36803-0786. Applications accepted thru close of business June 11, 2018. (Please No Telephone Calls).
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This project was supported, in part by grant number 90MP0238 from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201 and the Alabama Department of Senior Services.
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Sports, from A9 missed games because of injuries or illness. Volleyball finished with an 11-8 overall record. The girls and boys cross country teams did not win any meets, but competed with a team full of freshmen, sophomores and juniors. Conner Pruitt won his fifth-state diving championship at the AHSAA State Swim Meet in Auburn. The winter months were spent inside the gyms with the wrestling and basketball teams. Coach Devin Booth’s girls basketball team was the highlight of the entire sports year. The Lady Bulldogs, who finished 23-10 overall, advanced to the Final Four for the first time in school history. The girls won the area regular season and tournament titles for the fourth-consecutive year. Booth was honored for her team’s success by being named the “East Alabama Girls Basketball Coach of the Year.” The Opelika boys basketball team finished with a flurry, capturing the area tournament championship. The Bulldogs defeated Pelham in double overtime in the subregional game to advance to the Sweet 16. Coach John Wadsworth’s team ended the season with a loss to Homewood. The Opelika wrestling team enjoyed a successful season. The team won more matches than the previous season and
had four wrestlers qualified for the state meet. Heavyweight James Dawson (195 lbs.), Cameron Reese (170 lbs.), Benjamin Daughtry (145 lbs.) and Desmond Shuman all earned trips to compete in the AHSAA State wrestling tournament. Dawson finished fourth in his second-straight trip to the state matches. As the winter sports season ended, Ross announced he would be the new football coach at Prattville, his alma mater and home for he and his wife Amy. One day later, Erik Speakman was named new football coach by Dr. Mark Neighbors. Speakman was serving as the athletic director and defensive coordinator for the football team prior to being named coach. He is still serving as athletic director, but a new one should be named soon, according to Neighbors. He said he may not fill the part time position until after the school year ends. Spring is the busiest time of the athletic year. The Opelika baseball team finished the season with a 22-14 overall record, winning the area championship under second-year coach Nick Richardson. The Bulldogs advanced to the second round after knocking off Northridge in the first round of the playoffs. Helena swept the doubleheader at Bulldog Park to end the season. The future is bright for that program. Softball struggled through a tough season because of a young
pitching staff. Coach Tina Deese continues to work with the Opelika Middle School players to build a foundation. The girls and boys tennis teams went through some ups and downs this year. The two teams did not qualify for the state matches but should keep improving. The girls and boys soccer team’s continue to improve. The girls won their fourth-straight area title, earning a home match in the first round of the playoffs. After a dominating 7-0 win against Hillcrest, Opelika advanced to the second round and lost 6-0 to Chelsea. Coach Derek Hovell guided the boys soccer team to another successful season. The boys finished second in the area, and traveled to Northside for the first round, where they lost 2-1. Opelika’s girls and boys track teams returned to the state meet. Coach Jimmy Johnson guided the girls to an 11th-place finish while the boys placed fourth. The highlight of their season was Jayson Davis winning the school’s first-ever pole vault championship. The 2018-19 school year will start in August. I encourage all Opelika supporters to keep supporting the OHS athletic department, because of how important it is to the state of our city. D. Mark Mitchell is sports director for iHeart Media, Alabama Dixie Boys state director and vice president of the A-O Sports Council. He can be followed on Twitter at VOICEOFTHEDAWGS
Max4Kids Foundation honors 11 high-school seniors with scholarships
Special to the Opelika Observer
Special to the Opelika Observer The accomplishments of 11 high school seniors were recognized by the MAX4Kids Foundation at a scholarship reception that took place May 3 in MAX’s Eastdale Community Room. “MAX4Kids is honored to award scholarships to these eleven worthy recipients,” said Brooke Rollan, Community Relations and Foundation Coordinator. “We hope these scholarships lighten any financial
burden that may come with the increasing cost of college tuition and give these students the opportunity to succeed in furthering their education.” The 11 seniors from Montgomery, Autauga, Elmore and Lee counties, were selected from nearly 80 applicants representing 25 different schools. MAX4Kids is awarding $55,000 in scholarships this year. Following is a list of this year’s scholarship recipients: Jennifer Arce – Trinity Christian School Jay Haygens – Mar-
bury High School Madolynn Headley – Lowndes Academy Sloan Hicks – Marbury High School Jailyn Holt – LAMP JaKaylan Ivey Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School Nicole Jackson – Stanhope Elmore High School Caitlin Koterba – Prattville High School Da’Kendrick Patterson – Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School India Richardson – Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School Sharee Riggs – Wetumpka High School.
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Last week’s answers:
5-16 SCRAMBLER ANSWERS: 1), Glean 2), Great 3), Topic 4), Kindle Solution: College
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NOTICE OF ABADONED MOTOR VEHICLE SALE To be held on Monday, June 18, 2018, at 10 a.m. at Best 4 Less at 2509 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika, AL 36801. 1G8AJ52F64Z136483 2004 SATURN ION Legal Run 5/23 & 5/30/18
NOTICE OF COURT PROCEEDING CASE NO: 2018-B-20 IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution In the Estate of LUKE QUINN, deceased Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the LEE
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
COUNTY Probate Office by GREGORY SCOTT QUINN on May 18, 2018, pursuant to Section 43-2690, Code of Alabama and that 30 days after the notice of publication hereof and pursuant to law the Court shall be requested to enter an Order directing Summary Distribution of the estate of said decedent. BILL ENGLISH, PROBATE JUDGE Legal Run 05/23/2018
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,
LEGALS
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of Caleb Josiah Hanson, Deceased, NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration have been granted to Timothy Brian Hanson as Administrator of the Estate of Caleb Josiah Hanson deceased, on the 3rd day of April, 2018 by the Honor-
interest or claim in and to the property described as follows: 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
able Bill English, Judge of Probate. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. BY: Timothy Brian Hanson, Personal Representative of the Estate of Caleb Josiah Hanson - Legal Run 5/16, 5/23 & 5/30/18
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 18031 Sealed bids for the construction of the Northpark Drive/Andrews Road Traffic Signal Installation 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 29, 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: 334-705- 5450 Bid documents may be obtained from the Office of the City Engineer at no charge as an electronic file if the bidder supplies a storage drive or as an email attachment or electronic drop box. The bidder’s proposal
must be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished to him/her by the City of Opelika. All information in the proposal must be completed by the bidder for the proposal to be accepted. A Bid Bond in the amount of five (5) percent of the bid amount made payable to the City of Opelika must accompany each bid. Performance and Payment Bonds for the full contract sum will be required of the successful bidder. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities. Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, Purchasing-Revenue Manager, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama, 36803-0390. Attn: Northpark Drive/Andrews Road Traffic Signal Installation. LILLIE FINLEYPURCHASING REVENUE MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (36801) POST OFFICE BOX 390 (36803-0390) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 705-5120 Legal Run 5/16 & 5/23/18
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY STATE OF ALABAMA CHARTERBANK, PLAINTIFF, VS. CASE NO.: CV-2018- 900075 DANIEL T. TEEL AND FICTITIOUS PARTY NUMBER 1 being any persons Claiming a possessory right to or interest In the real property located at 349 Lee Road 744, Salem, Alabama, DEFENDANTS. NOTICE OF SERVICE BY PUBLICATION
TO: DANIEL T. TEEL, his heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns, whose whereabouts are unknown; and, FICTITIOUS PARTY NUMBER 1 being any persons claiming a possessory right to or interest in the real property herein described. Take notice that a Complaint for Ejectment has been filed against you in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama, in case styled, “CharterBank vs. Daniel T. Teel and Fictitious
Party Number 1 being any persons claiming a possessory right to or interest in the real property located at 349 Lee Road 744, Salem, Alabama”, Case No. CV-2018900075, to have you ejected from the below described real property and to have any and all of your personal belongings in said property removed from the house. The real property, lying situate and being in Lee County, Alabama, is described as follows: A LEASEHOLD INTER-
EST IN: All that lot, tract or parcel of land situate, lying and being in the State of Alabama and County of Lee, lying and being in T19N, R29E of Section 14 of Lee County, Alabama and being known and designated as ALL OF LOT NUMBERED THREE HUNDRED FORTYNINE (349), OF AREA 43 OF GEORGIA POWER BARTLETT’S FERRY RESERVOIR RECREATION DEVELOPMENT (the “Leased Land”), as more particu-
larly described in, and the leasehold interest described herein is evidenced by, that certain Lease Agreement between Georgia Power Company and Daniel T. Teel dated October 23, 2009. Subject to the terms and provisions of the Lease and all easements and restrictions of record or in existence on the above described property. You must file any answer to said Complaint on or before thirty (30) days from the date of the last
publication of this Notice or a default judgment will be taken against you. Your answer must be filed with Claud E. (Skip) McCoy, Jr., Esq., Attorney for Plaintiff, 117 North Lanier Avenue, Suite 201, Lanett, Alabama 36863, and also with this office. Dated this 8th day of May, 2018. /s/ Mary B. Roberson Circuit Court Clerk, Lee County, AL Legal 5/16, 5/23, 5/30, & 6/6/18
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA ESTATE NO. 2018-A226 IN RE: ESTATE OF MARY L. KELLEY, DECEASED - PETITION TO PROBATE WILL NOTICE OF HEARING BY PUBLICATION TO: Any unknown heirs of Mary L. Kelley, deceased or her husband Phillip C. Kelley, Jr., Deceased Angela Kelley, address unknwon (adult daughter of Phillip C. Kelley, Jr., deceased) Phyllis Kelley, address unknown (adult daughter of Phillip C. Kelley, Jr., deceased) Please take notice that a Petition to Probate the Will of Mary L. Kelley, in the above styled matter has been filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama by Petitioner Sherry D. Tharpe Oliver and that on the 19th day of June, 2018, at 10:00 A.M. (Central Time), has
been set for a hearing on the same in said Court located at 215 South 9th Street, Opelika, Alabama. Please be advised that if you intend to contest this Petition to Probate the Will of Mary L. Kelley, that you must file a written response within thrity (30) days hereof with the Clerk of said Probate Court and with counsel for said Petitioner, and/or you must appear at hearing scheduled in this matter. Petitioner: Sherry D. Tharpe Oliver 376 Lee Co. Road 243 Smiths Station, Alabama 36877 Attorney for Petitioner Raymond L. Jackson, Jr., ALSOBROOK JAKCSON PO BOX 3575 Auburn, AL 36831-3575 (334) 991-3143 DONE this the 27 day of April 2018 s/Bill English/ PROBATE JUDGE LEGAL RUN 5/9/18, 5/16/18, 5/23/18 & 5/30/18
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF RAYMOND LANGSTON HALL, Deceased. TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Geri H. Rheinheimer, as Executrix of the Estaet of Raymond Langston Hall, Deceased on the 18th day of April, 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 Geri H. Rheinheimer, Executrix. LEGAL RUN 5/9/18, 5/16/18, 5/23/18
INVITATION TO BID 18032 Sealed bids for the construction of the 5th Avenue/ North 4 th Street Drainage Improvement 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 29, 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: 334-705- 5450 Bid documents may be obtained from the Office of the City Engineer at no charge as an electronic file if the bidder supplies a storage drive or as an email attachment or electronic drop box. The bidder’s proposal must be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished to him/her by the City of Opelika. All information in the proposal must be completed by the bidder for the proposal to be accepted. A Bid Bond in the amount of five (5) percent of the bid amount made payable to the City of Opelika must accompany each bid. Performance and Payment Bonds for the
full contract sum will be required of the successful bidder. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities. Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, Purchasing-Revenue Manager, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama, 36803-0390. Attn: 5 th Avenue/North 4 th Street Drainage Improvement 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 5/16 & 5/23/18
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF SUSAN STRANG PRUETT, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO. 2018 -B-011 NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration having been granted to Christine Strang Boldrick, on the 14th day of May, 2018, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama. Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Christine Strang Boldrick Personal Representative Legal Run 5/23, 5/30 & 6/6/2018
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA - CASE NO: 2018-A-238 IN RE: THE ESTATE OF CURTIS ALONZA HORNE, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT TO BE PUBLISHED BY EXECUTOR Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to RUSSELL DARREN HORNE, on the 8th day of May 2018, by the Hon. 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 time allowed by law or the same will be barred. BY: James E. Hall, Attorney for Executor. Hon. Bill English Judge of Probate Lee County Legal Run 5/16, 5/23 & 5/30
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate OF KENNETH IRVING BARTON, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration having been granted to Otis Denham as Administrator of the Estate of Kenneth Irving Barton, deceased, on the 1st day of May, 2018 by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate. 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. Otis Denham, Administrator Legal Run 5/16, 5/23 & 5/30
NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE WHEREAS, default has been made in the terms of the mortgage executed on the 2 nd day of May, 2013, by April Elaine Bentley, as Mortgagor in favor of William Pinkard, as Mortgagee, as recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, in Mortgage Book No. 3973, at Page No. 451, and said default continuing, the mortgagee, under power of sale contained in said mortgage will sell at auction for cash to the highest bidder on the steps of the Lee County Courthouse in Opelika, Alabama, on the Friday, the 22 nd day of June, 2018, during the legal hours of sale, the following described real estate embraced in said mortgage, situated in Lee County, Alabama, to-wit: Lot 19-A, GATES SUBDIVISION, a resubdivision of Lots
15 and 19, according to and as shown by map or plat of said subdivision of record in Town Plat Book 33, at Page 124, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama. Said sale is made for the purpose of foreclosing of said mortgage, paying the mortgage debt, the costs and expenses of foreclosure, including a reasonable attorney’s fee. Mortgagee reserves the right to bid on the subject property. Said mortgage is a first mortgage and is not junior to another mortgage of record. Said sale is also subject to unpaid taxes or assessments whether of record or not. _________________ William Pinkard, Mortgagee J. Brandon Rice Attorney for Mortgagee 830 Avenue A Opelika, AL 36801 Legal Run 5/16, 5/23 & 5/30/2018
STATE OF ALABAMA CASE #: 2018-B-009 LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT ESTATE OF AIDA TRAU, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Letters Testamentary of said Aida Trau, deceased, having been granted to Allan C. Trau, this 14 th day of May 2018, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by the law or the same will be barred. Allan C. Trau, Personal Representative Jeffery A. Hilyer 334-745-2564 Attorney at Law P.O. Box 30 Opelika, Alabama 368030030. Legal Run 5/23, 5/30 & 6/6/2018
See Legals, page A16
pelika O Observer Hartley, from A7
cation was a way that I felt like I could do that, one child at a time,” Hartley said. A 1992 Troy University graduate, Hartley taught for a year in Georgia before returning home to Opelika to teach fifth grade at Northside Intermediate School, where she attended as a child. According to Hartley, returning home was a special experience, as well as seeing her students grow and develop meaningful relationships with them. When asked what the most rewarding experience was with being a teacher, she
said it was seeing a child’s “light bulb come on.” Hartley, who became Northside’s principal in 2013, said was also proud of Northside’s status as a “Leader in Me School,” where they teach students the “7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” based off a book written by Stephen Covey. “Every child in this school is a leader in some way, it might be big and it might be small, but seeing the impact of the leader in me has probably been the best,” Hartley said. When asked what her plans were after retirement, she said she plans to stay busy doing contract work for another school system. “I’m not the
person that’s going to retire and go home - I’m always going to do and be
A15 May 23, 2018
busy with thosetypes of things,” Hartley said.
& FLEA MALL
New Medicare Cards Arriving Summer 2018 7 things to know about your new Medicare card: • • • • •
Your Medicare Number is unique. Your new card is paper. Destroy your old Medicare card. Keep your new card with you. You can find your number.
Popcorn & Peanut Stand! Look for a new find each week!
• Keep your Medicare Advantage Card. • Help is available: If you don’t get your new Medicare card by April 2019, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.
334-745-3221 • angelsantiqueandfleamall.com 900 Columbus Pkwy, Opelika 36801 Open Everyday 10-7 • Sun 1-5
Be on the lookout for SCAMS with the new Medicare card. • Don’t give personal information to get your card. • Don’t pay for your new card. • Guard your card.
This project was supported, in part by grant number 90MP0238 from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201 and the Alabama Department of Senior Services.
Check Out Our New Tiger Town Location Across from Lowe’s, another convenient location to serve our customers
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AuburnBank’s Tiger Town Kroger location has moved to a new, full-service location on Frederick Road in front of Lowe’s. Under the leadership of City President Eddie Smith, our new location provides three drive-up windows, a drive-up ATM, a night deposit drop, safe deposit boxes, consumer and commercial loans in addition to all our checking accounts, money market accounts, savings accounts,
Eddie Smith CITY PRESIDENT
certificates of deposit and numerous electronic
Drake Martin, Agent 907 2nd Avenue Suite A Opelika, AL 36801 Bus: 334-745-6304 www.drakemartin.net
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A16 May 23, 2018
Community Calendar: Events around town
Ongoing: • Village Friends/Village Values is a nonprofit organization that supports seniors who prefer to stay in their own homes as they grow older. For info or to schedule a presentation to your group, call 334-2094641. For the website, Google “village friends village values.” • The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR chapter is appealing for sweaters, jackets, trousers, shirts and socks, women’s clothing, soft soap in individual containers, shaving supplies, disposable razors, denture cleanser, toothpaste and toothbrushes, DVDs, games, books and magazines to take to veterans at the CAVHCS in Tuskegee. The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR Chapter regularly visits veterans living in assisted living, the homeless domiciliary and psych (trauma) ward in Tuskegee. Donations are tax deductible and will be much appreciated. Pick up is provided. Please call Linda Shabo at 887-6659 or at 256307-1449. Mondays: • “Gimme A Break” Support Group for autism parents will be held from 9-11 a.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika. This is a monthly event on the first Monday of each month for parents to connect with each other. • The John Powell American Legion Post 18 and Auxiliary meets the third Monday at 7 p.m. at 910 West Point Parkway in Opelika. • The Opelika Community Band practices from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Auburn High School band room. Everyone is welcome, amateurs and professionals alike. • Smiths Station Military Chapter of Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) meets weekly at Mike & Ed’s at 5 p.m. For more information, call 2975581 or visit www.nonukes-
Legals from A14 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ANNA M. STARR, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to FLOYD T. STARR, III and ALVIN W. STARR, as Co-Executros of the Estate of Anna M. Starr,
foriran.org. • The Lee County Voters League meets the first Monday of every month at St. James Missionary Baptist Church, located at 1335 Auburn St. in Opelika. • The Touched by Suicide Support Group meets the first Monday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at the East Alabama Medical Center Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway. For more information, contact Deborah Owen, EAMC’s director of Psychiatric Services at 334-528-4197 or deborahowen@eamc.org. • The fourth Monday of each month a Community Grief Support Group meets from 5:30–6:30 p.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center. No reservations are necessary; everyone is welcome. For more information call 826-1899 or 502-0216. • T.O.P.S (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly), a weight loss support group, meets every Monday night from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Covington Recreation Center, 213 Carver Ave., Opelika. For more info contact Mary Johnson, 7491584. • The Lee County Commission meets the second and last Mondays of each month at the courthouse beginning at 5 p.m. • The Commercial Horticulture Extension Team organizes webinars to provide quick updates for producers on various topics of interest. Whether you are interested in the proper way to plant fruit trees or have questions in turf management, these webinars cover a wide range of subjects. Webinars are streamed live via Panopto on the last Monday of every month starting in January and ending in November. During the presentation, participants can send 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
deceased, on the 3rd day of May 2018, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama. 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. Michael E. Short Adams, White Oliver Short & Forbes, LLP 205 S. 9th Street, P.O. Box 2069 Opelika, AL 368032069 (334) 745-6466 Legal Run 5/9/18, 5/16/18 & 5/23/18
insect pests, cowpea curculio updates, nutsedge control, introduction to potting mixes in ornamental container production, dealing with drought in commercial horticulture crops, and many more. To view the full schedule, please visit www.aces.edu/ anr/beginningfarms/webinars. php. Please send questions during the presentations to Ann Chambliss, thameae@ auburn.edu. For questions regarding the webinar series or for providing suggestions, please email Dr. Ayanava Majumdar at bugdoctor@ auburn.edu. Tuesdays: • Ballroom Dance Classes at the Opelika Sportsplex from 7-8 p.m. every Tuesday. Instructor is Cody Wayne Foote. For more info call Diane at 749-6320. • A monthly educational program on topics for autism parents, caregivers and teachers will be held on the second Tuesday of each month at Trinity United Methodist Church, 800 2nd Ave., Opelika from 6-7:30 p.m. Childcare is provided, but reservations need to be made by contacting Maria Gutierrez at mariag@leecountyautism. com to make sure there are enough volunteers. • The East Alabama Old Car Club meets every first Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Monarch Estates Clubhouse, located at 1550 East University Drive, Auburn. A program of interest to the old car enthusiast is presented. Car ownership is not required. • The Opelika City Council meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 7 p.m. Meetings are preceded by non-voting work sessions that typically begin about 6:306:45 p.m. • Every second Tuesday, a country, gospel and bluegrass music jam session is held at Pierce Chapel United Methodist Church in Beauregard. The event is free and open to the public. Those who play
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF HARRIS WAKEFIELD ASBURY, SR., DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 4 th day of May, 2018, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby
given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. HARRIS WAKEFIELD ASBURY, JR. Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP, P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 5/16, 5/23 & 5/30/2018
an instrument should bring it and plan to join in. The jam session is held from 6–8 p.m. 8685 AL Highway 51. • A Grief Support Group meets at Oak Bowery United Methodist Church Tuesdays at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. for anyone dealing with the pain of loss and feeling the need for support on their journey as they attempt to bring order and wholeness back into their life. Attendance and participation is strictly voluntary for any and all sessions. There are no fees or charges involved. The church is located on U.S. Highway 431 – eight miles north from Southern Union State Community College and Opelika High School. For more information contact Bill Parker at 459-0214 or 706518-9122. • The Auburn Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol meets every Tuesday evening from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Auburn University Regional Airport. The Civil Air Patrol is a non-profit organization that is Congressionally chartered to be the civilian auxiliary of the Air Force and focuses on three missions: aerospace education, cadet programs and emergency services. For more information visit www.auburncap.org or find the organization on Facebook. Wednesdays: • The second Wednesday of each month a Community Grief Support Group meets from 10-11 a.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center. No reservations are necessary. For more info call 826-1899 or 502-0216. • Auburn-Opelika Chapter of Citizen’s Climate Lobby (CCL) meets every fourth Wednesday. CCL is a nonprofit, non-partisan, grassroots advocacy organization focused on national policies to address climate change. We consider a national carbon fee which would be distributed as a dividend to all U.S. households as the most important solution to climate change. Meetings are held at the Hubert and Grace Harris Center Meeting Room (425 Perry St., Auburn, AL 36830 --- directly across from the Auburn, AL U.S. Post Office), 7:00-8:30 p.m. To learn more about CCL go to our website: citizensclimatelobby.org. • The John Powell American Legion Post 18 and Auxiliary hosts Bingo every Wednesday night at 6 p.m. • Every Wednesday is Wine Down Wednesday at the Bottling Plant Event Center from 5 - 8 p.m. Thursdays: • The Teal Magnolias Gynecological Cancer Support Group meets the second Thursday of every third month at 6 p.m. at EAMC Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway. For more information on the Teal Magnolias, email tealmagnoliasAL@ yahoo.com or find them on Facebook. • TNT – Teens N Transition is a monthly program for teens and young adults ages 14 and up. The group uses
Hodge from A4 friends, that he told me about his life and that we grew up and stayed in touch…. But I learned very little about Keith. He preferred ham sandwiches to turkey and purple Kool-Aid to orange; he liked to read; and his shoes were handed down from his brother who got them from a cousin. We did not become best friends, and Keith did not grow up. “Your boyfriend died,” Bubba called out one December morning as I walked into
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 26 - “Family Day,” a grand re-opening of Bandy Park and celebration of its namesake, will be held May 26, beginning at 11:30 a.m. The family-friendly event will include horseback riding, senior bingo, free food, basketball tournaments and more. All churches, families, social clubs and graduating classes are asked to RSVP to reserve a tent space for the event. For more information, contact Ward 2 Councilwoman Tiffany Gibson-Pitts at 334-4445869 or email tiffanygpitts@ gmail.com. • June 2 The Cancer Center of East Alabama will host its annual Survivor’s Day Celebration on Saturday, June 2 at The Bottling Plant Event Center (614 N. Railroad Ave. in Opelika) The event will begin at 5 p.m. Cancer survivors and those currently undergoing cancer treatment are invited to attend the celebration and may bring one (1) guest. A commemorative t-shirt will be given to each survivor, while supplies last. While the event is free, registration is required. Please call 334-5284380 to register. The deadline to register is May 28. When you call, please leave a voicemail. Please clearly state your name, if you plan to bring a guest, and your t-shirt size. • 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,
the classroom. “Yeah,” Junior added. “Completely died.” In a flash, Mrs. Stejskal was there bending down to put her arm around me and lead me into the hallway. “Wendy, honey, I didn’t want you to hear it like that. There was a fire last night in their house. Keith and his whole family were killed.” I don’t remember what I said or how I got through the rest of the school day. I do remember riding home from school and seeing the still smoking pile of rubble on the corner lot, the police tape, and the city workers. All that was left was the remains of a chimney. How had I missed it that
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 706-5019069 or Dr. Randy B. Kelley at 256-390-1834. The church is located at 1007 N. 6th Ave. in Lanett. • June 9 - James Bros. Bikes in downtown Opelika will hold its annual scavenger hunt, “Cruise ‘N Brews,” June 9 from 4-7 p.m. Relying on their smartphone or camera, participants will use a set of given clues to find specific locations in town, and take a selfie. Contest winners will be based on ability to find location, creativity of their selfie and costume/outfit worn during the event. For more information, call 334-7597555. The bike shop is located at 113 S. 9th St. • Auburn/Opelika MOPS & MOMSnext Summer Play Dates May 24: Auburn/Opelika MOPS & MOMSnext is a community for moms with kids ages 0-15. Meet us at the Splash Pad at the Opelika SportsPLEX at 10:00 for some fun in the sun. We’d love to have you join us. For more information about this event and our group visit our facebook page:www.facebook.com/AuburnOpelikaMOPS/ • June 21: Meet us at the next Opelika Fire Station for a Tour! • July 19: Meet us for a fun craft at Monkey Park in Opelika. • August 30: Meet us at George’s Farmers Market for a fun day on the farm. The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art in Smiths Station is now offering summer studio art classes. The weekly classes are open to all skill levels, and cost of registration covers the cost of art supplies. For more information, call 334-480-2008. • The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art holds evening and after-school studio art classes year-round. Open to all skill levels, art supplies are included with the cost of registration. For more information, call 334-480-2008. The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art in Smiths Station, along with Wacoochee West Smiths Station Elementary schools, will present a debut exhibition for after-school art students at Smiths Station’s City Hall, which will open in June. For more information, call 334-480-2008. Early enrollment for afterschool art classes taught by Michele and Sarah West of the Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art are now open for the 2018-19 school year. The course is available and open to all skill levels, and art supplies are provided. For more information, call 334-4802008. Email editor@opelikaobserver.com to place your community events.
morning on the way to school? I guess I’ll never know. I do know that Keith and the way he died haunted me as a child. I dreamed of fire and yellow police tape and ancient shoes. But, in the way we do with people who are no longer here, Keith has become a silent friend. I carry him in the quiet part of myself. There is no monument for Keith on that vacant lot – nothing marks that spot – because that’s the way the world is. We hurry on, we rush past, we move forward. So I’ll leave these words that have risen from that corner of my heart as a memorial for the boy who let me sit with him.
A labama Politics
B2 May 23, 2018
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Doug Smith aims to rejuvenate economy, improve education By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor
Inside the Statehouse:
‘Less than two weeks to primary, governor’s race’ By Steve Flowers As we get down to the lick log in the 2018 June Primary, there are few surprises in any of the major state races. Polling indicates that all of the contests are about where they were three or four months ago when the races began. There is a tremendous amount of apathy and indifference as we head into the final days. This lack of enthusiasm has also affected fundraising. Most of the high-profile races have not attracted the amount of dollars as in the past. Kay Ivey is sitting on a sizeable lead in the GOP gubernatorial primary. She took a slight dip in the polls when she ducked out of debates. However, it is not as pronounced as it would have been if she had appeared. Her campaign has been managed brilliantly. Coincidentally, at the same time that her staff adroitly kept her out of the debates, her polling picked up that preserving the confederate monuments was an issue with conservative Republican primary voters. Kay’s media folks responded with an ad that could have come out of the George Wallace playbook. They had her telling folks that northern liberals and scalawags were not going to tell us what we
are going to do with our monuments. Her resolve made folks wonder if she was actually there when the monuments were erected. Last week, with only three weeks until the primary, lesbian lawmaker and LGBTQ activist Patricia Todd suggested in social media posts that Kay was gay. Ms. Ivey adamantly denied the tweet. She has adroitly deflected any and all inquiries into her private life. The bottom line is that polls indicated she had a 30-point lead three months ago, and that lead is about the same now with less than two weeks to go to the Primary. The question is do her challengers push her into a runoff. Speculation is that she could win without a runoff the same way that her mentor, Lurleen Wallace, did in 1966. The surprise in the GOP race could be Birmingham evangelist, Scott Dawson. He has run a very energetic campaign. Evangelical, rural, Roy Moore voters may be coalescing around the young minister. His strength might be underestimated by polling data. This white evangelical vote is ironically similar to the African American vote in the state. It is See Flowers, page B2
Montgomery businessman and current Democratic gubernatorial candidate Doug “New Blue” Smith spoke with Opelika Observer staff last Friday to discuss his ideas and platforms to tackle statewide issues. Following is a background on Smith and an overview of his core beliefs and values that will guide him as
Alabama’s governor if elected. Background Born and raised in Montgomery, Smith is credited with helping with the transition of six Alabama governors into office and the development of several state economic agencies and departments, including the Alabama Development Office, the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs and the Appalachian See Smith, page B3
Special to the Opelika Observer
Alabama Democratic Conference endorses U.S. Congressional candidate Mallory Hagan Special to the Opelika Observer The Alabama Democratic Conference (ADC), the largest and oldest African-American political organization in Alabama, endorsed Mallory Hagan in the race to unseat Mike Rogers in Alabama’s 3rd Congressional district. The ADC, founded in 1960, was created to encourage and empower African-American voters. Today, the ADC is headed by Chairman Dr. See Hagan, page B6
Special to the Opelika Observer
District 38 Candidate Todd Rauch attends HB92 signing Special to the Opelika Observer Opelika veteran and candidate for State Representative District 38, Todd Rauch, Auburn Veteran and Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Vann Daughtry and Military Order of the Purple Heart members from across the state of Alabama were on hand at the State Capitol today to join Governor Kay Ivey for the signing of House Bill 92 (HB92). “It was an honor to be a part of this. I remember sitting in the gallery while our house members voted to pass this bill,” said Rauch, “and to be present to watch the
Governor sign it into law was really special. There are many businesses in Alabama who show their support to wounded Veterans by adding designated parking spots for us, and this bill solidifies their use, but will hopefully also encourage more businesses and cities to do the same.” HB92 was passed by the Alabama Legislature on Feb. 20. This bill provides for the issuance of a removable windshield placard to recipients of the Medal of Honor, Purple Heart Medal, the Army Distinguished Service Cross, the Navy Cross, the Air Force Cross, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star and those
who are a duly recognized former prisoner of war. This bill makes it unlawful for a person to park a motor vehicle in any place of public accommodation that is designated for an individual who has received a specific military honor, or for an individual with a specific veteran status who does not have the corresponding distinctive license plate or removable windshield placard. Veterans will be welcomed to submit an application to the Department of Veterans Affairs, which includes satisfactory proof, upon approval they will be issued a removeable windshield placard noting their
honored veteran status. There is no fee for the removable windshield placard. The Department of Veterans Affairs will work with the Department of Revenue to prepare the placard. This bill is expected to go into effect on Aug. 1. Todd Rauch is a Purple Heart Veteran of the United States Army, resides in Opelika and is currently a candidate for State Representative in District 38. He and Mr. Daughtry, along with many other Lee County Purple Heart Veterans, will be founding members of the future Lee County Military Order of the Purple Heart.
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Smith, from B1
Regional Local Development Districts, an agency that worked in tandem with the state’s intergovernmental affairs office in Washington D.C. Platforms Smith said the last three Alabama governors - Bob Riley, Dr. Robert Bentley and Kay Ivey have implemented procedures and policies to “bungle” the economic organizations or “machines” that once powered the state. Instead of raising taxes, Smith favors the diversion of funding into a new “Bank for Small Businesses” that would finance small businesses across the state, generating jobs and extra revenue. “It will divert $5 million from the Bond Authority administered by the Regional Planning and Economic Development Commissions and use it to finance 200 small businesses to be supplemented by croudfunding funds from the Jobs Act. These small businesses will be among those that generate 80% of the new jobs,” Smith said in a post on his website. “New employers and employees
A labama Politics pay taxes and generate needed revenues.” Education is another issue that needs to be addressed, according to Smith. An advocate of a program called “First Class Pre K,” he said its long-term benefits would be better behavior, increased school retention, higher graduation rates and lower odds of becoming a part of Alabama’s huge inmate population. Following are other issues that Smith hopes to address if elected: Revitalize a zero-based budgeting system each year that would necessitate cautious, discretionary spending for the benefit of the state and its citizens Lobby Washington D.C. for funds to rebuild Alabama’s military department Merge the state’s Mental Health Department with the Alabama Department of Public Health to accommodate for its growing demands Offer debt-free tuition to students who come from families making fewer than $50,000 and attending a 2-year technical college. For more information, visit www.dougnewbluesmith4governor.com or Smith’s Facebook page.
Special to the Opelika Observer
B3 May 23, 2018
McClellan Winfrey seeks congressional seat in District 3 Special to the Opelika Observer Dr. Adia McClellan Winfrey, known to many as Dr. Dia, is seeking the prestigious honor of filling the U.S. House of Representatives’ seat for Alabama’s Congressional 3rd District. The Congressional 3rd District has been her family’s home for over 160 years and throughout that time, the family has been politically active. Dr. Winfrey is the mother of four amazing children, a pioneering psychologist, entrepreneur, author and founder of H.Y.P.E. (Healing Young People through Empowerment), a groundbreaking mental health curriculum that uses Hip Hop to help young people work through their emotional and mental health challenges. To date, her company, Elevating Us, has served more than 4,000 youth and 2,000 educators and mental health professionals globally. She said that she is confident her nineyear psychology career spent serving youth and families through emotional wellness-based programming, combined with more than 20 years of national advocacy and leadership efforts, has endowed her with unique expertise, insights and skills. Dr. Winfrey is deeply
Special to the Opelika Observer concerned about the future of our country overall, and believes that instead of serving the people, our legislative branch of leadership is exploiting the people. She will work tirelessly to make this change. Dr. Winfrey’s congressional platform can be summed up in a simple acronym: A.E.I.O.U.: • Agriculture- To expand development for Alabama’s largest industry • Education- To develop a path to better education and fully insure safety in our schools • Innovation- To promote increased access to technology and healthcare • Opportunity- To fight to open doors for jobs, training and economic equality for all
• Unity- To employ new ways to unite our nation, from the leadership to the constituency Successfully carrying out the A.E.I.O.U. platform will be vital, especially amid the turmoil we continue to face under the current presidential administration. By reviewing her background, one will find that she is a visionary leader who has the knowledge, determination and compassion needed to effectively lead in the U.S. Congress. Learn more about Dr. Winfrey, her campaign and organization websites www.drdiaforcongress.com and www.letsgethype.com Thank you in advance for your consideration and support, Dr. Adia McClellan Winfrey.
Letter to the Editor: ‘Alabama is facing a political crisis’ Dear Editor,
Alabama is facing a crisis. I don’t know whether the crisis was caused by a single event or a series of events, but Alabama is in crisis. We’re all in it together, and we have to work together to make our way out of it. For nearly 20 years, the Attorney General’s Office has been used as a political tool to help friends and hurt enemies.
Alabama’s Attorney’s Generals have spent millions of taxpayers’ dollars promoting their own personal political agendas or scoring points for their party, and not for people.The Office has not been governed by and for the people of this State, as it’s supposed to be. Alabama can’t move forward until the Attorney General’s Office is non-partisan and independent. I believe it
shouldn’t matter whether a candidate has an “R” or a “D” beside their name, the Attorney General must be independent to administer justice fairly and equally. In a recent article by a notable Alabama columnist, he stated in times of crisis, no matter how divided we appear to be, Alabamians pull together to solve the crisis. Now is the time for that to happen. We must tackle the
opioid epidemic that is destroying lives and families, and work to expose and prosecute the rampant human trafficking within our borders. We need to focus on protecting our children by making our schools safe, safeguard our seniors from fraud and abuse, and making our communities safer places - places where justice prevails and prosperity is more than just a dream. When I’m Alabama’s
Attorney General, that’s what I’ll be thinking about and working towards. This doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s as simple as electing the right person to public office, one who is devoted to the people and not to politics.I’m the managing partner of a law office dedicated to helping those who don’t have the power or resources to fight back on their own. That’s what I do, and I’m
honored to do it. I’m running because I want to do the same for the people of Alabama, and there’s no time like now to get to work. I’m asking for your endorsement and support for Attorney General. My campaign is about leadership through service –it’s about people, not politics. I am sincerely yours, Joe Siegelman Candidate for Attorney General
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Doug Smith answers 2018 gubernatorial candidate questionnaire Special to the Opelika Observer Will you protect the Forever Wild Land Trust? - Yes “In order to protect our freshwater resources, do you support the completion of a comprehensive water plan for Alabama? Yes, and that is not all. I started the Alabama Development Office, and as the chief administrative assistant to the governor, wrote the executive order creating it, then wrote the legislation making it and the Department of Economic and Community Affairs permanent. The statutes creating these entities contained language that required comprehensive strategic management planning for every department in the state including a comprehensive water plan for Alabama that required input from the state geologist, the state labs, the inland docks, the state docks, the Conservation Department, state parks and I am sure others I cannot remember from 50 years ago. When Gov. Riley was elected in 2002, one of the first things he did was dissipate the Office of Comprehensive Strategic Management Planning in ADO then Bentley abolished ADO completely, and comprehensive planning ended with the exception that Bonnie Fuller filed a comprehensive plan of
Hagan, from B1
Joe Reed, one of the state’s top political influencers. The organization’s mission is to unify the vote of African-Americans and promote the Democratic party throughout the entire state. “I am proud to be endorsed by the Alabama Democratic
some sort for the Appalachian Commission until she retired. When I am governor I will bring back comprehensive planning as part of the former Planning, Programming and Budgeting System as a best management practice applicable to all functions of state government, including comprehensive water planning. Planning is also the key to federal funds for assisting with water resources and all other functions of state and local government. If used properly comprehensive planning can usher in the right kinds of block grants that allow the state to manage more efficiently rather than with chopped up pieces of grants-inaid.” • What is your vision for how oil spill dollars can be utilized to restore coastal Alabama? “My vision has been largely pre-empted by federal legislation that set up an organization of mostly local officials to determine how the funds will be spent. It is my understanding that the organization has so far selected water drainage, sewer and coastal reclamation projects for most of its funds. The governor is an ex officio member with only one vote. When I am governor, I will use my powers of persuasion to emphasize two areas that I think are being overlooked. First, there
are many cities and towns like Prichard that are not represented in the organization; I will endeavor to represent them, and that includes towns much further inland like Pine Hill and Evergreen. I know from personal experience, for example, that the oil spill impacted many of my friends in the lawn care industry. When the spill hit the coastal area, lawn care professionals temporarily left the coast and came as far as Montgomery looking for work which drove the price of lawn care down here for a while and caused hardships for everyone in the business. Secondly, I will push to divert a portion of the oil spill funds to a Bank for New Small Business to help the coast get back on its feet financially. New small businesses create 80% of all new jobs, and start-up businesses are starved for capital in this state. I will ask for a sir charge on interest paid by the small business that gets financing this way, and the charge will go into a revolving fund for further conservation purposes on the coast. This will be like a never ending trust fund for small business startup and coastal conservation. • Would you support legislation that would increase Alabamians’ ability to choose solar energy for their homes and businesses?
“All things being equal, yes. But I do not think we should subsidize solar, and I want to study further what may be regulatory impediments to a customer’s freedom to choose that have just come to light. What do you think are the most important conservation issues in Alabama right now? Wow, let me count the ways: 1. Cleaner air by getting our old coal burning steam plants converted. 2. Refinancing ADEM so it can properly monitor. 3. Solving the riparian rights disputes with Georgia. 4. Settling oil spill issues on the coast. 5. Lyme disease, tick and mosquito control in our forests and out of doors so the public may enjoy them without fear again. 6. Re-opening our state parks. 7. Lobbying the Congress to re-establish the Rural Development Administration in thevUS Department of Agriculture so that Alabama may continue to get support for hervrural volunteer fire fighters who serve as backup for forest fire fighters. 8. Lobbying Congress to rebuild the Alabama Army National Guard from 12,000 personnel back to 22,000 so that among other things they can serve as emergency backup forest fire fighters.
9. Soil erosion and fertilizer run-off. 10. Controlling the pine beetle in certain areas of the state. 11. While ADEM is usually thought of as controlling water quality in a conservation sense, I think we also have a big problem connected to water conservation in the water delivery systems provided by our state’s rural water pumps and pipes most of which are PVC and over 50 years old, many admitting contaminated ground water and sewage.” • In your opinion what is the governor’s role in supporting conservation in Alabama? “First, let me preface by saying that two governors appointed me to be their chief administrative assistant and to build the economic machinery that brought 350,000 goodpaying jobs to our state by recruiting industries like Mercedes Benz, Boeing, Sikorsky, Toyota, Honda and Hyundai. We did it by getting federal funds to build over 200 industrial parks statewide. Govs. Riley-Bentley-Ivey tore that machinery apart, but I will put it back together, and it can be used to go after federal funds for conservation as well as economic development. That is where I got the funds for our state parks: federal funds. So the governor’s role in supporting conser-
vation is to use the bully pulpit to make the public aware of conservation issues then to lobby the legislature for continuing support for funds that can be optimized with highleveraged matching funds from the Appalachian Regional Commission and then from other federal sources for other areas. The governor is then responsible for executing the comprehensive strategic management plan for conservation to achieve the goals and objectives set for the fiscal year and to bring it in below budget. He is then responsible for reviewing the after-action reports of his section leaders to determine what changes need to be made in the plan next year. He then submits his findings to the state Auditor for review and critique who in turn submits his review, including that of the conservation program to the legislature and the public. Please describe any experience you have with Alabama’s natural environment or with conservation. I think you want me to write a book, but I will try to be brief. I grew up on the edge of a small town where I came from school, threw my book sack on the porch and headed for the woods and fields next to my house. I became a Boy Scout, an Eagle with double bronze,
Conference,” said Hagan. “The ADC has fought on behalf of Alabama’s AfricanAmerican residents for almost 60 years. Their dedication and hard work resulted in a historic outcome in last year’s special election for the U.S. Senate, which was a win for all Alabamians. It is time for candidates and elected representatives throughout this state to stand up, speak out, and not back down
from any opportunity to promote economic advancement for African-American communities and families. I am proud to be chosen for this endorsement as a candidate for real change - a candidate who will fight everyday for equal opportunity, equal pay, equal justice, and equal representation. I proudly and humbly accept this endorsement, and I look forward to continuing to work with
the leaders and members of the ADC.” Hagan is running on a platform that includes expanding healthcare, increasing funding for the VA system, reforming criminal justice, restoring small business incentives for residents of rural communities, defending voting rights, and enhancing high wage technical training. Along with today’s ADC endorsement,
Hagan carries several others into the June 5 primary. They come from the AFLCIO Central Alabama Labor Federation , End Citizens United (ECU), The RWDSU (Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union), and Alabama New South Alliance (ANSA) on behalf of the New South Coalition (ANSC), along with one from 3rd Congressional district resident and renowned
pioneer for fair pay and equality, Lilly Ledbetter. Hagan continues to travel around Alabama’s 3rd Congressional district talking to grassroots supporters and building support ahead of Alabama’s primary election on June 5. Learn more about Mallory: www.haganforhouse.com. Follow Mallory on Twitter and Instagram: @haganforhouse.
Bill would suspend newsprint tariffs while government studies effects on U.S. industries Special to the Opelika Observer Last week, in an effort to protect printers and publishers from unwarranted tariffs, Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) introduced S. 2385, the “Protecting Rational Incentives in Newsprint Trade Act of 2018,” or “PRINT Act.” Senators Roy Blunt (R-MO), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Doug Jones (D-AL), Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Roger Wicker (RMS) joined as origi-
nal co-sponsors. The PRINT Act would suspend new tariffs currently being imposed on imported uncoated groundwood paper from Canada, which is the primary source of newsprint and other paper used by domestic newspapers, book publishers and commercial printers. Simultaneously, the legislation would require the Department of Commerce to review the economic health of the printing and publishing industries. Newspapers and printers across the United States have told Congress that the new import tariffs –
as high as 32 percent – would jeopardize the viability of the industry and threaten to decimate the U.S. paper industry’s customer base. Many local newspapers and printers that use uncoated groundwood paper have experienced price increases and a disruption in supply since preliminary countervailing and antidumping duties were assessed earlier this year. Even as the Commerce Department investigation is ongoing, the duties are already being collected on imports, causing immediate economic
harm to printers and publishers. A final Commerce Department decision is expected on August 2. The new PRINT Act legislation would pause both the preliminary and any final duties while the Department completes its study. News Media Alliance President & CEO David Chavern stated, "We are grateful that Senator King, Senator Collins and the original cosponsors of the bill showed leadership and stepped up to protect small publishers in local communities across America.”
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Bill Harris visits with local civic clubs, speaks of experience as coroner
Special to the Opelika Observer Lee County Coroner Bill Harris along with Alabama Governor Kay Ivey were among several guest speakers at a recent meeting of the East Alabama Republican Women’s Club. Harris has over 30 years’ experience as a medicolegal death investigator and has served as Lee County Coroner since 1998. Harris seeks his sixth term with the June 5 Republican primary. He has one challenger. There is no Democratic opposition. Pictured with Harris is Gov. Kay Ivey.
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quiet and beats to a different drummer. The message resonates through wordof-mouth between church pews rather than through the media and social media. Although, it eventually gravitates to being somewhat in lock-step with a predictably higher than average turnout. Most observers expect Huntsville mayor, Tommy Battle, to make a late run at Ivey. He has money in the bank. He will also come out of the vote rich Tennessee Valley with good Friends and Neighbors support. He should get enough votes to run second and force Ivey into a runoff. However, there will still be a 15-to-20 point spread in favor of Ivey when the votes are counted on June 5. Kay will have to put on her campaign bonnet for another six weeks. She will still not debate. The Democratic Primary for governor has two thor-
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Special to the Opelika Observer Lee County Coroner Bill Harris was the guest speaker at a recent Kiwanis Club of Opelika meeting at the Saugahatchee Country Club. Harris spoke to the group about what is involved in being the coroner and shared some stories on a few cases. Harris has over 30 years’ experience in death investigation with the Coroner’s office and is seeking re-election to the office for his sixth term. The election primary is June 5 for Republicans where Harris faces one opponent. There is no Democratic opposition in November. Pictured with Harris Club member Joanne Camp who arranged the presentation.
double gold and double silver palms and God & Country Award, the most highly decorated Sea Scout in the council at the time with over one year of camping time, so I got a little of the natural environment. I went to work for my congressman right out of graduate school and served as his congressional aide (including functioning as legislative assistant) handling farm bills and conservation measures. My member was the 4th ranking in seniority in Congress in
B5 May 23, 2018 oughbreds battling it out for the opportunity to face the GOP candidate, probably Ivey. Polling in this race between former Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb and Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox is inconclusive. Most of the folks who vote in the Democratic Primary on June 5 will be African American. Although this vote is not monolithic, the pendulum swings toward one candidate. The African American leadership in the party is actively supporting Walt Maddox. He has also captured a good number of young white millennials and college students. My guess is that Maddox is the winner in the Democratic Primary. Troy King will probably lead the balloting in the Attorney General contest. Alice Martin and Steve Marshall are battling for a place in the runoff with King. Twinkle Cavanaugh is poised to get a good vote in the Lt. Governor’s race. If she has a runoff, it will probably be Will Ain-
sworth from Sand Mountain, who has had a significant TV buy. State Senator Gerald Dial has surged in the Agriculture Commissioner race, primarily due to a brilliant and upbeat television ad. It is the best TV spot of the year. He is also benefiting immensely from grassroots support from rural volunteer firefighters throughout the state. Voter ambivalence favors incumbents and those who have voter name identification. Therefore, my prognostication is that when all of the votes are counted in November, we will have a female Republican Governor, Kay Ivey, and a female Republican Lt. Governor, Twinkle Cavanaugh. We will see. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in more than 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.
an age when seniority ruled Washington, and he served on the powerful Appropriations Committee. I served on both the constituent and committee staffs. On Appropriations we handled the hearings and appropriations for conservation. I also handled much of the testimony for the navigable waterway system in Alabama where there were numerous environmental and conservation issues. An example of a conservation and water quality problem I handled both on the Appropriations Committee and in the constituent office was the deepening of the channel in Mobile bay harbor.
The dredging disrupted shrimp and oyster fishermen. We were able to get the Corps of Engineers to dump some of their fill dirt to make a reef for oystermen to re-seed, and they found alternate areas for the shrimpers. Under Governor Lurleen I staffed the Conservation Department budget with the help of mentoring from Senator Walter Givhan, and I was the governor’s legislative liaison when we got the state parks bill through. I did much of the physical planning on the Lake Eufaula Park with speaker Jimmy Clark. My staff did the grant work that did most of the funding for the parks.”
ADOR Launches tax amnesty website, application period opens July 1 Special to the Opelika Observer The Alabama Department of Revenue (ADOR) has launched alabamataxamnesty.com, a website dedicated to the Alabama Tax Delinquency Amnesty Program of 2018, created by Act 2018-153. The amnesty application period runs July 1
– Sept. 30, and applies to eligible taxes due before, or for tax periods that began before, Jan. 1, 2017. All applications must be submitted electronically through the Alabama tax amnesty website, where taxpayers can sign up to receive notifications about the program. The website also provides all the information taxpayers
may need on the program and answers to frequently asked questions. The amnesty program will be available to eligible taxpayers who have not been contacted by the department within the last two years and are not a party to a criminal investigation or litigation in any court of the United States or Alabama pending as of
March 6, for nonpayment, delinquency, or fraud in relation to any Alabama taxes administered by the Department. Most taxes administered by ADOR, with the exception of motor fuel, motor vehicle, and property taxes, are eligible for the 2018 Amnesty Program. This includes, but is not limited to,
corporate and individual income, business privilege, financial institution excise, consumers use, sellers use, withholding, and sales taxes. All penalties and interest will be waived for approved amnesty applications. Taxpayers who believe they may have delinquent tax liabilities in Alabama
should consult with their tax advisers regarding their eligibility for the tax amnesty program. For more information on taxpayer eligibility, eligible tax types, leniency terms, the application process, and more, visit alabamataxamnesty. com or email amnesty@ revenue.alabama.gov.
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Office of Governor
Battle - R
Cobb - D
Dawson - R
Countryman - D
Fields - D
Ivey - R
Maddox - D
Smith - D
White - D
Office of Lt. Governor
Ainsworth - R
Glover - R
Cavanaugh - R
State Treasurer
Black - R
Johnson - R
Merrill - R
McMillan - R
Evans - R
Chief Justice
Secretary of State
Albert - D
Hightower - R
Milam - D
Parker - R
Stuart - R
Associate Justice AL Supreme Court Seat 1 & 4
Jones - R #1
Stewart- R #1
Mendheim - R #1
Bahakel - R #4
Mitchell - R #4
Attorney General
Bledsoe - R
Christie - D
King - R
U.S. State Rep - District 3
Hagan - D
Winfrey - D
Marshall - R
Martin - R
Siegelman - D
State Senator - District 13
Price - R
Sparks - R
Sprayberry - R
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Lipinsky- R
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State Rep - District 82
State Auditor
Cooke - R
B7
Zeigler - R
Ford - D
Johnson - D
State Representative - District 38
Murphy - R
McGee - D
Rauch - R
Commissioner of Ag & Industries
Wood - R
State Representative - District 83
Harris - D
Gray - D
Reed - D
Jones - D
State BOE - District 2
Hill - R
Little - R
Taylor- R
Warren - D
Crane - R
Dial - R
Murphy - R
Pate - R
Exe. Comm. Dis 80
Florence - D
West - R
LaRue - D
State Criminal Appeals Judge Seats 1, 2 & 3
McCool- R #2
Minor - R #1
Walker - R #1
Anderson - R #2
O’Dell- R #2
Beaulieu - R #3
Cole - R #3
State Civil Appeals Judge Seats 1 & 2
Edwards - R #1
Thetford - R #1
Thomason - R #1
Hanson - R #2
Lee Co. Commissioner District 5
Billingslea - D
Burton - D
Dowdell Sr. - D
LaGrand Sr. - D
Thomas - R #2
Lee Co. Coroner
Goodson - R
Harris - R
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SAMPLE BALLOT ABSENTEE OFFICIAL BALLOT
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This is a common ballot, however, these offices will appear only in certain precincts which will apply to your districts.
DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY ELECTION
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DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY ELECTION LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA
LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA
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JUNE 5, 2018
FOR STATE DEMOCRATIC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (FEMALE), DISTRICT NO. 80
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE VOTER TO VOTE YOU MUST BLACKEN THE OVAL (R) COMPLETELY! DO NOT MAKE AN X OR ✓. IF YOU SPOIL YOUR BALLOT, DO NOT ERASE, BUT ASK FOR A NEW BALLOT.
(Vote for One)
JASPONICA FLORENCE JUDY T. LaRUE
FOR GOVERNOR (Vote for One)
SUE BELL COBB CHRISTOPHER A. COUNTRYMAN JAMES C. FIELDS, JR.
THESE OFFICES RUN BY DISTRICT
WALT MADDOX DOUG "New Blue" SMITH ANTHONY WHITE
FOR UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVE, 3RD CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT (Vote for One)
MALLORY HAGAN ADIA McCLELLAN WINFREY
FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL (Vote for One)
CHRIS CHRISTIE JOSEPH SIEGELMAN
FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 83
FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 82
(Vote for One)
(Vote for One)
JOHNNY FORD
JEREMY "Mr. EYG" GRAY
TERRENCE K. JOHNSON
JOHN ANDREW HARRIS
PEBBLIN WALKER WARREN
PAT "Patsy" JONES RONNIE REED
FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 83 (Vote for One)
FOR SECRETARY OF STATE (Vote for One)
JEREMY "Mr. EYG" GRAY LULA ALBERT "SGM Ret"
JOHN ANDREW HARRIS
HEATHER MILAM
PAT "Patsy" JONES
FOR MEMBER, LEE COUNTY COMMISSION, DISTRICT NO. 5
RONNIE REED
(Vote for One)
KAMI BILLINGSLEA ELIZABETH BURTON "Bishop" ARTHUR L. DOWDELL, SR. RICHARD LaGRAND, SR.
"By casting this ballot, I do pledge myself to abide by the result of this Primary Election and to aid and support all the Nominees thereof in the ensuing General Election."
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SAMPLE BALLOT ABSENTEE OFFICIAL BALLOT
A
This is a common ballot, however, these offices will appear only in certain precincts which will apply to your districts.
REPUBLICAN PRIMARY ELECTION
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REPUBLICAN PRIMARY ELECTION LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA
LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA
JUNE 5, 2018
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INSTRUCTIONS TO THE VOTER FOR ASSOCIATE JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT, PLACE NO. 4
TO VOTE YOU MUST BLACKEN THE OVAL (R) COMPLETELY! DO NOT MAKE AN X OR ✓. IF YOU SPOIL YOUR BALLOT, DO NOT ERASE, BUT ASK FOR A NEW BALLOT.
FOR COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE AND INDUSTRIES
(Vote for One)
FOR GOVERNOR
(Vote for One)
JOHN BAHAKEL
TRACY "T.O." CRANE
JAY MITCHELL
GERALD DIAL
FOR COURT OF CIVIL APPEALS JUDGE, PLACE NO. 1
(Vote for One)
CECIL MURPHY
(Vote for One)
THESE OFFICES RUN BY DISTRICT
TOMMY BATTLE
CHRISTY OLINGER EDWARDS
SCOTT DAWSON
PAT THETFORD
BILL HIGHTOWER
MICHELLE MANLEY THOMASON
RICK PATE
FOR PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, PLACE NO. 1 (Vote for One)
JIM BONNER
FOR COURT OF CIVIL APPEALS JUDGE, PLACE NO. 2
KAY IVEY
JEREMY H. ODEN
(Vote for One)
MICHAEL McALLISTER
FOR LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
FOR PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, PLACE NO. 2 (Vote for One)
CHAD HANSON
(Vote for One)
TERRI WILLINGHAM THOMAS
FOR COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS JUDGE, PLACE NO. 1
WILL AINSWORTH
Candidate photos from B7
ROBIN LITAKER
(Vote for One)
TWINKLE ANDRESS CAVANAUGH RUSTY GLOVER
Public Service Commission Place No. 1&2
CHRIS "Chip" BEEKER JR.
FOR MEMBER, STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION, DISTRICT NO. 2
RICHARD MINOR
FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL
(Vote for One)
RIGGS WALKER
(Vote for One)
MELANIE HILL
FOR COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS JUDGE, PLACE NO. 2 (Vote for One)
CHESS BEDSOLE TROY KING
RICH ANDERSON
STEVE MARSHALL
CHRIS McCOOL
ALICE MARTIN
DENNIS O'DELL
FOR STATE SENATOR, DISTRICT NO. 13
JOHN TAYLOR TRACIE WEST
FOR LEE COUNTY CORONER (Vote for One)
FOR COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS JUDGE, PLACE NO. 3
(Vote for One)
Bonner - R
SYBIL LITTLE
WES GOODSON
(Vote for One)
RANDY PRICE
DONNA BEAULIEU
MIKE SPARKS
BILL COLE
BILL HARRIS
FOR SECRETARY OF STATE
TIM SPRAYBERRY
(Vote for One)
FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 38 (Vote for One)
MICHAEL JOHNSON
BRYAN MURPHY
JOHN H. MERRILL
FOR STATE TREASURER
TODD RAUCH
Oden - R
(Vote for One)
DEBBIE HAMBY WOOD
FOR CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT
DAVID L. BLACK
(Vote for One)
Beeker - R
STEPHEN D. EVANS
TOM PARKER
JOHN McMILLAN
LYN STUART
FOR STATE AUDITOR (Vote for One)
FOR ASSOCIATE JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT, PLACE NO. 1 (Vote for One)
STAN COOKE
DEBRA JONES
ELLIOTT LIPINSKY
BRAD MENDHEIM
JIM ZEIGLER
SARAH HICKS STEWART
Litaker - R
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Candidate bios, backgrounds for June 5 primary GOVERNORS Tommy Battle Republican He started a small business called Battle Real Estate in 1992 and was elected the mayor of Huntsville in 2008 and was re-elected in 2012 and 2016. He focused his campaign on a streamlined government that supported free enterprise, economic development, education, and creating jobs. Sue Bell Cobb Democrat Sue Bell Cobb was the first female chief justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, and continues to work for children and justice across the state. Christopher A. Countryman Democrat Countryman credits his experiences as a member of his high school's student government with sparking his interest in politics. He spent four years serving as a cadet in the Civil Air Patrol, which he also cites as a formative experience. Scott Dawson Republican He has spent the last 25 years as an evangelist helping others change their lives. He has built success through one of the largest youth ministry movements in American history. James C Fields JR. Democrat Fields attended the Marine Corps Academy in Quantico, Virginia, completing two years of officers’ training before being honorably discharged. Fields works as a pastor at St. James United Methodist Church in Irondale, Alabama. Fields served one term in the state House, representing Alabama's 12th legislative district from 2008 to 2010. He was the first African American state lawmaker ever elected in Cullman County Bill Hightower Republican He runs a corporate consulting business and is ranked among the Alabama’s most conservative state senators. He pushes for small government and lower taxes. Kay Ivey Republican She became the first Republican elected State Treasurer since Reconstruction and was re- elected in 2006. She was also the first Republican Lieutenant Governor re-elected to office. She is the chair of the Military Stability Commission and serves as national chair of the Aerospace States Association. In
2017, she was sworn in as the 54 th governor of Alabama in the Old Senate Chamber. Walt Maddox Democrat Maddox is the mayor of Tuscaloosa. First elected in 2005, Maddox began his third term in 2013. In 2011, Maddox received national attention for his management of the aftermath of major tornado damage suffered in his city. Doug Smith A Montgomery businessman, Smith was involved with the transition of six different Alabama governors. He is responsible for creating ADECA and other statewide financial agencies. Anthony White Democrat Ordained minister, Army Veteran, married 11 years with 4 children. Small business owner with a degree in business. If elected, will be first African American Governor in Alabama History. LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR Will Ainsworth Republican He’s a conservative Christian and a family man. He and his brother opened Dream Ranch, one of the most recognized sportsmen’s lodges in the U.S. He also founded the Tennessee Valley Hunting and Fishing Expo. He was elected to the Alabama House in 2014. Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh Republican She is a devout Christian, a mother, wife, and conservative serving as President of the Alabama Public Service Commission. She is pro-life, pro-2nd amendment and committed to being a good steward of citizen’s tax dollars. Rusty Glover Republican He is a former high school teacher and has represented parts of Mobile County in the Alabama State Senate for the past 12 years. He is an advocate to the protection of education funding in the budget. ATTORNEY GENERAL Chris Christie Democrat Born and raised in Birmingham. He holds 30 years of experience as a trial attorney in civil and criminal courts and is an accomplished advocate for justice. He has been listed for 14 years running among the Best Lawyers in America and has also be recognized as a Super Lawyer’s Top 50 Attorney in Alabama.
Chess Bledsoe Republican He is a lawyer and a former criminal court judge and has worked with George W. Bush, President Donald Trump, and Attorney General Jeff Sessions. He has cut costs to taxpayers by requiring work or school for young nonviolent offenders.
His goal is to stop career politics and limit government. STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 38 Brian McGee Democrat McGee is unopposed in the Alabama House of Representatives District 38 Democratic primary election.
Troy King Republican He was a Republican Attorney General of Alabama from 2004 to 2010. He is on the board of directors for the Salvation Army and Victims of Crime and Leniency.
Bryan Murphy Republican He has been a veterinarian for 30 years and small business owner for 25 years. He is fighting to improve education, protect the 2 nd amendment, and advocate for less taxes.
Steve Marshall Republican He is currently the Attorney General of Alabama running for re-election. He served as district attorney for the 27th Judicial Circuit since 2001. He has also previously served as a prosecutor and legal analyst.
Todd Rauch Republican After getting injured in Iraq, he was awarded a Purple Heart and later retired from the United States Army. He was an Intelligence Specialist for U.S. Army Aviation & Missile Command. He serves as a Veteran Mentor for the Veteran Judicial System where he mentors veterans.
Alice Martin Republican She has devoted 25 years of her life to public service. She is a Deputy Attorney General for the Alabama Department of Public Examiners. She previously served as Chief Deputy Attorney General for the office of Attorney General and also as a federal prosecutor. Joseph Siegelman Democrat Born and raised in Alabama and attended the University of Alabama as an undergraduate and received his law degree from the University of Alabama School of Law. Active member of the Alabama State Bar and Managing Partner in The Cochran Firm’s Birmingham Office. STATE SENATE Randy Price Republican He was a 2014 candidate for District 38 of the Alabama House of Representatives. His campaign themes are providing quality healthcare throughout the district and growing our economy. Mike Sparks Republican His main concerns are helping the opioid addiction and abuse crisis, equipping children with necessary skills to thrive in an everchanging economy and having a collaborative approach to economic development. Tim Sprayberry Republican He was a district-level delegate to the 2016 Republican National Convention from Alabama. He ran for state senate back in 2014.
Debbie Hamby Wood Republican She was elected Chambers County Commission in 2012 and re-elected 3 times. She served as the president of the Association County Commissions for Alabama. She is focused on creating jobs for the future, better infrastructure, ethics, and education. SECRETARY OF STATE Lula Albert “SGM Ret” Democrat In 2013 she ran for election to the U.S. House representing the First Congressional District of Alabama. In 2014 she was a candidate for the Alabama Secretary of State. Michael Johnson Republican He worked for Auburn University as a programmer and security analyst and he later owned and operated his own small local business. He is currently the Marshall County Revenue Commissioner. John H. Merrill Republican He is the current Secretary of State running for re-election. In 2012, he was named the Alabama House Legislator of the Year by the Children’s Trust Fund, he was recognized by the Alabama Republican Party as a Rising Republican Star and he was presented with the 2012 Tuscaloosa All-Star Award for Excellence in Caring for Veterans. Heather Milam Democrat Raised in Childers-
burg and went on to graduate from Auburn University with two Bachelor of Arts degrees. Followed with a 15-year career in publishing and marketing and then earned her Master’s degree from Birmingham Southern College. She also teaches business management at Stephens College of Business at the University of Montevallo. CHIEF JUSTICE Tom Parker Republican He is an associate justice on the Alabama Supreme Court and is also a lawyer. He has provided training for new judges and continuing legal education for all the trial judges in Alabama. Lyn Stuart Republican She is currently the Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court elected in 2000 and was re-elected in 2006 and 2012 and is running for re-election again. She has decades of experience and believes judges should follow the law, not make the law. ASSOCIATE JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT NO.1 Debra Jones Republican She has a 28 year-long legal career. She advocated for the rights of abused women and children. She co-founded Daybreak Rape Crisis Center, a free counseling center. Brad Mendheim Republican He is a judge of the Alabama Supreme Court and was formerly a judge on Circuit 20 in Alabama. He was a member of the Southeast Alabama Child Advocacy Center and was the chief prosecutor for the local Drug Task Force. He is a lifelong resident of Dothan. Sarah Hicks Stewart Republican She has had 14 years of extensive trial practice and provides legal counsel. She was a member of the Education Chair and is currently a judge on the 13 Circuit in Alabama. ASSOCIATE JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT NO. 4 John Bahakel Republican He is currently an attorney and has worked in a large communication company and in private practice. His main campaign themes are to develop more parks and green spaces for families, attract more business and create more jobs, attain fund-
ing for better roads, and lower taxes. Jay Mitchell Republican He is recognized as one of the top attorneys in the U.S. and has received the highest possible rating for professional ethics. He helps children from low-income families through conservative solutions. COURT OF CIVIL APPEALS JUDGE NO.1 Christy Edwards Republican She is a judge on the Alabama Tax Court and is an award-winning writer and orator, being published in national journals. Her goal is to oversee the tax laws and protect the taxpayers. Pat Thetford Republican He succeeds a long family line of education and public service and is a firm believer in fairness and the enforcement of the law. He was the winning candidate to serve as the Circuit Judge of Jefferson in the Civil Division in Place 11. Michelle Manley Thomason Republican She has 10 years of banking and business experience with 11 year of trial court experience. She is actively involved in the community and received an award for receiving over 700 hours of continuing education since taking the bench. COURT OF CIVIL APPEALS JUDGE NO.2 Chad Hanson Republican He is a founding partner in the law firm of Seal Hanson LLC. He seeks to lead this state back to the conservative principles on which it was founded. His goal is to work against judicial activism and adhere strictly to the constitution. Terri W. Thomas Republican She served as a District and Juvenile Court judge as well as President of the Alabama Juvenile and Family Courts Judges Association. She has a proven record of fighting for the rights of children. COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS JUDGE NO.1 Richard Minor Republican He has been a prosecutor for 24 years and says he will uphold the Rule of Law and principles of our founding fathers. He has tried and prosecuted hundreds or rapists,
pelika Observer O murderes, and child predators. Riggs Walker Republican He is pro-constitution, pro-life, and pro-2nd Amendment. He has successfully prosecuted a wide range of felony cases, including capital murder, assault, burglary, and theft. COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS JUDGE NO.2 Rich Anderson Republican He is an assistant Attorney General and has been an attorney for over 17 years. He is an NRA member and has represented the state in dozens of death penalty cases. Chris McCool Republican He has served as a prosecutor for more than two decades and was named prosecutor of the year in 2007 and 2012. He is a lifetime member of the NRA and has served as a member of Alabama’s Supreme Court’s Standing Committee on the Alabama Rules of Evidence. Dennis O’Dell Republican For over 40 years, he has built a solid reputation as a Circuit Judge, District Judge, and practicing attorney known for his conservative values, fairness, and hard work. He has been a part of numerous church leadership committees and community and civic organizations. COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS JUDGE NO.3 Donna Beaulieu Republican She is a practicing attorney and has been doing appeals for 20 years and has been working in the legal field for 32 years. She defends the right to bear arms and freedom of speech. She is also a small business owner. Bill Cole Republican The main focus of his legal practice is criminal law. He has served as a Special Circuit Court Judge, a special prosecutor where he has presided over hundreds of crim nal cases. He had the highest percentage of votes as “highly qualified” among Jefferson County judicial candidates. STATE TREASURER David Black Republican He worked with George H.W. Bush’s campaign for President and soon after joined President Bush’s White House staff. He found his calling in education where he is currently an instructor
of Economics Stephen Evans Republican He has 14 years of experience consulting to both individual and institutional investors. Through his work, he realized the possibility of providing a statewide financial wellness program. His goal is to protect taxpayers money and college savings. John McMillan Republican He is serving his second term as Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries. His goal is to bring ethics, transparency, and common sense conservative principles back to the executive branch of the government. He served as executive vice president of the Alabama Forestry Assocition STATE AUDITOR Stan Cooke Republican He has spent 35 years in ministry, including a consultant with the International Offices of the Church of God. He is the founder and president of Abraham’s Promise, an international Christian mission organization. Elliot Lipinsky Republican He is currently an attorney and prosecutor. He is the District Attorney for Wilcox County in the 4th Judicial Circuit, overseeing the prosecution of crimes ranging from DUI to murder. He believes he can root out waste, fraud and abuse, and save the state money. Jim Zeigler Republican He is a retired elder law attorney, having represented Veterans. He is running for re-election for State Auditor. He says the state needs a watchman against waste and mismanagement. COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE AND INDUSTRIES Tracy Crane Republican He has owned a grocery store and worked as an adjunct instructor at Wallace State College and Faulkner University. He also used to work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Gerald Dial Republican He works daily to improve the lives of the citizens and economy in Alabama. He works to bring high paying agribusiness jobs to our great state. He is a member of the Alabama State Senate representing District 13. Cecil Murphy Republican His goal is to provide the leadership
A labama Politics to maintain fair trade of our products and to keep our food safe while looking for better ways to lower costs and increase profits to farmers. Rick Pate Republican He is the owner and operator of Pate Landscape, which employs over 25 people. He is currently the mayor of Lowndesboro. He wants to foster a better business environment for the largest employer in our state: Agriculture and forestry. PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION NO.1 Jim Bonner Republican He has worked as an instructor for the Alabama College System and a farmer. His campaign themes are jobs, lower taxes, better education, and state budget. Jeremy H. Oden Republican He is the current Public Service Commissioner. He stands up for his beliefs, has a strong work ethic, finds patriotism and faith to be important. He brings transparency and conservative policy making to Alabama. PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION NO.2 Chris Beeker JR. Republican Born and raised in Greene County, and holds a degree in Commerce and Business Administration form the University of West Alabama. Served as an educator for 45 years and has been a member of the State Executive Committee of the Alabama Republican Party. Currently an Elder and Sunday school teacher at the First Presbyterian Church of Eutaw. He was a district-level delegate to the 2016 Republican National Convention for Alabama. Robin Litaker Republican She is hopeful that a new, more ethical way of governing will be established. Her experience as an educator will help ensure Alabama’s taxpayers and ratepayers are represented fairly. US REPRESENTATIVE, 3RD CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT Mallory Hagan Democrat Hagan is from Opelika, and graduated from Opelika High School in 2007. After moving to New York City in 2008, she won Miss New York in 2012 and won Miss America in 2013. She received a degree in advertising, marketing, and communications from the Fashion Institute of Technology. Her pro-
fessional experience includes co-founding the marketing company DEFINE: Mind. Mission. Marking. and working at WLTZ First News NBC 38 in Columbus. Adia McCleelan Winfrey Democrat Winfrey grew up in the historic city of Talladega. She is a mother of four, a pioneering psychologist, author and the founder if the H.Y.P.E Movement. She earned a Bachelor degree from Wright University School of Professional Psychology. She earned her doctorate and just three years later was awarded the distinction of Outstanding Alumni of the year for her advancements in the field of psychology. STATE REP. DISTRICT 82 Johnny Ford Democrat Native to Alabama and grew up in Tuskegee. Received his B.A. degree in history and sociology from Knoxville College, Knoxville, Tennessee, and a Masters of Public Administration from Auburn University at Montgomery. He also received 5 honorary degrees including The Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Alabama A & M University in 2004.The first AfricanAmerican Mayor of the City of Tuskegee in 1972. Terrence K. Johnson Democrat He served in the military and is a former member of the Georgia House of Representatives where he was re-elected 3 different times. He also owns a reality company. Pebblin Walker Warren Democrat Holds a B.S. Degree in Business Administration and a M.Ed. Degree in Personnel Administration from Tuskegee University. She is on the board of directors of the following organizations: Aid to Inmate Mothers, Macon-Russell Community Action, and is a member of the Tuskegee Area Chamber of Commerce, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Tuskegee Alumni Chapter and numerous professional associations. STATE REP DIS. 83 Jeremy Gray Democrat He used to be a professional football player and founded a health and wellness brand called Elevate Your Grind Inc., that later became a non-profit. He is involved in community development. John Andrew Harris Democrat He has been a public servant/official for
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most of his life. He has been involved in the community for over 30 years and was elected City Councilman in 1986.
and Auburn chambers of commerce. Previously, LaGrand served as chairman for EASE House Board of Directors.
Pat “Patsy” Jones Democrat Jones has served as Opelika’s Ward 1 Councilwoman for 23 years of experience. She was also a UniServ director for the Alabama Education Association.
MEMBER STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION DISTRICT 2
Ronnie Reed Democrat Reed, a lifelong Russell County native, he has been a member of the Russell County Democratic Executive Committee for more than 20 years. This is his third time running for the position. STATE DEMOCRATIC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (FEMALE) DIS. 80 Jasponica Florence Democrat Has served Alabama as a chief school officer, school principal, and current director for the Russell County School District. Judy T. LaRue Democrat She is a Phenix City resident and school counselor. LEE COUNTY COMMISSION, DIS. 5 Kami Billingslea Democrat Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Pheonix and is almost finished with her Master’s degree in Career and Technical Education from Athens State University. Works for Smith Station High School helping over 160 students daily. Elizabeth Burton Democrat Burton is a lifelong resident of Lee County looking to work to serve the needs of all citizens. She is a member of St. Luke AME Church in Opelika. Bishop” Arthur L. Dowdel, Sr. Democrat Auburn native and civil rights activist. He has held an Auburn City Council seat since 1994. Richard LaGrand, Sr. Democrat Former star athlete at Beauregard High School where he credits his name recognition to being the 1973 team captain of the football team and the basketball MVP. LaGrand is a member of the Ombudsman Council Advisory Board, Area of Aging Board of Directors, Lee-Russell Council of Governments, Bancorp South Community Development Advisory Board and the Opelika
Melanie Hill Republican Holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Samford University and a master’s degree in counseling and psychology from Troy University. Served on Dothans City School Board from 2013-2015, is a board member for Caitlin’s Closet as well as volunteer for the Wiregrass United Way. Sybil Little Republican Holds an Associate Degree from Thomas Nelson Community College in Information Technology, Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Safety and Health from Columbia Southern University, Master’s Degree in Occupational Safety and Health with emphasis in Env ronmental Management. John Taylor Republican Currently works for WTOT radio in Dothan. A member of the Kiwanis Club of Dothan, Houston County Republican Executive Committee and the Alabama State Republican Executive Committee. Tracie West Republican Has been a member of the Auburn City School Board for the past nine years and has spent the last two as the President. She cares deeply about schools and is passionate about making sure students get a quality education. LEE COUNTY CORONER Wes Goodson Republican He is a deacon at Providence Baptist Church and has two children with one granddaughter. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Beauregard Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as a firefighter for eight years and obtained the rank of lieutenant during his time of service as a volunteer. Bill Harris Republican He is currently the Lee County Coroner. He was the first coroner in the state of Alabama to become certified as a Diplomate of the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators. He is the president of the Alabama Coroners Association and is a chairman for the Alabama Coroners Training Commission.
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