Opelika Observer 6-13-18 E-Edition

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Vol. 10, No. 36

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

Opelika, Alabama

Upcoming Events

July 28, 2018 The David Lee Show – The Ultimate Elvis 7 - 10 p.m.

August 17, 2018 Velcro Pygmies August 24, 2018 James Gregory “The Funniest Man in America”

EVERY WEDNESDAY IS WINE DOWN WEDNESDAY FROM 5 - 8 p.m.

“By local people, for local people.”

Opelika Chamber reverses decision

Christmas Parade will be held in December

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor

Following a scheduled board meeting yesterday morning, Opelika Chamber of Commerce President Pam Powers-Smith announced that they have reversed their decision to cancel the Christmas parade and will hold the event as planned this December.

A press release from the organization May 30 stated that they had chosen to pursue a new direction, a Christmas tree lighting ceremony instead of the parade, which PowersSmith said has seen a steady decline in attendance and float participation the last five

years.

Despite large public outcry on social media regarding the Chamber’s decision, PowersSmith said her office has fielded few phone calls, visits or emails about the parade’s planned cancellation.

An event that would have included caroling and dance performances from area students, Courthouse Square “Wonderland,” hand-constructed village and more, the ceremony is still an idea that will be explored by the Chamber in the future, according to Powers-Smith. “(Hosting) both events is See Parade, page A3

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Going to Georgia? Museum of East Alabama to unveil Things you need to ‘First Responders Exhibit’ June 28 “A lot of these items

By Morgan Bryce know before you go don’t exist anymore.

Associate Editor

Special to the Opelika Observer

The Museum of East Alabama will host a joint ribboncutting ceremony with the Opelika Chamber of Commerce June 28 to debut its new “First Responders Exhibit.”

Stockpiled with nostalgic items from Opelika’s fire and police departments, MEA Director Glenn Buxton said he believes the exhibit serves to recognize the service of area

Pictured is an example of what a driver cannot do under the new law.

Special to the Opelika Observer The new “Hands-Free Distracted Driving Bill” for the state of Georgia goes into effect July 1.

This new law will require citizens to use hands-free technology while using cellphones and other electronic devices while driving.

Current Georgia law already prohibits texting and driving. That law went into effect July 1, 2010.

This new law will prohibit drivers from: • holding or supporting a phone or device while driving • using a hand held phone or device to write, send, or read texts, message, emails while driving • watching a video on your phone or device while driving • recording a video on your phone or device while driving Under the new law, Georgia drivers will be able to: • talk on the phone or text using hands-free technology • use a GPS system

See Law, page A11

Longtime Opelika broadcaster D. Mark Mitchell removed from his post as ‘Voice of the Dawgs’

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor Following a 37-yearlong career covering Opelika High School athletics, D. Mark Mitchell is no longer “The Voice of the Dawgs.”

Removed from his position by Opelika City Schools officials last week, Mitchell

said that the abrupt ending to his career was unwarranted and unjustified.

“It is a shame that Dr. Mark Neighbors (OCS superintendent) decided to make a change. I did no wrong or said anything wrong to be taken off the Opelika radio broadcast,” Mitchell said.

“I will miss the booth

Index OPINION.....................................A4 COUNTY NEWS............................A5 SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY..............A7 RELIGION.................................A9

We got a lot of things in here that aren’t valuable, but they have a lot of sentimental value,” Buxton said.

Built to mimic the appearance of an old Opelika fire station, the exhibit features a loft, Robert Noles/Opelika Observer fire pole, beds and firetruck apparatus dedifirst responders and give mucated by the OFD. seum visitors a glimpse into the city’s past.

See Museum, page B8

SPORTS.......................................B1 LEGALS....................................... B4 CALENDAR.............................B7 ENTERTAINMENT.......................B10

Mitchell

and (the) many friends I met (through) broadcasting.”

In a statement Tuesday, Neighbors ex-

pressed his gratitude to Mitchell for his years of service to the school and community, but declined to give a reason for his dismissal.

“We appreciate the commitment and dedication that D.Mark Mitchell has had to the Opelika High School athletic program and the Friday night footSee Mitchell, page B3

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A2 June 13, 2018

Observer welcomes new interns for the summer semester

Murphy

By Savannah Vicker For the Opelika Observer Morgan Murphy, a born-and-raised Birmingham native, is a student at Auburn University currently majoring in communication with a minor in studio art.

Outside of class, Murphy said she puts her skills with a paintbrush to use as a selftaught makeup artist.

She enjoys producing YouTube makeup tutorials and "glamming" up her friends for special occasions.

In her free time, Murphy said she also enjoys listening to music, soaking up the sun at the beach, or watching some of her favorite shows like "Jersey Shore" and "13 Reasons Why" on Netflix. She loves a good taco

Vicker

but enjoys all Mexican cuisine accompanied by a strawberry margarita.

Murphy said she is also an avid traveler and enjoys spending many of her breaks to go on cruises to exotic places.

Her favorite place she has visited is Mexico and she hopes to someday live in Spain and travel across Europe.

With this internship, Morgan said she has gained more experience in writing and interviewing, enjoyed meeting different people and learning how an independent company works.

She said she believes her new found skills will help better prepare her for her dream job as a high-end client makeup artist or working in a creative field.

By Anna Riley For the Opelika Observer Savannah Vicker, whose father was a member of the U.S. Air Force, has had the opportunity to live in several parts of the country.

Born in Montgomery, Vicker and her family eventually settled in Colorado Springs, which she calls her home. She is currently studying communication and studio art at Auburn University, where her favorite class was a free-lancing course that consisted of learning how to manage businesses, negotiating contracts, and crafting creative portfolios.

Outside of classes,

Riley

Vicker said she enjoys painting, hiking, skiing and snowboarding, or any stress-relieving activity. Her favorite restaurant in Auburn is Pho Lee, particularly their spring rolls.

With this internship, Vicker said she hopes to gain more writing and interview experience to work in a creative and diverse environment, possibly abroad, in the future. She added that her favorite part about her internship so far is the relaxed environment and the friendly nature of the paper's staff.

By Savannah Vicker For the Opelika Observer Anna Riley, from Rome, Georgia, is a communications major and business minor at Auburn University.

Outside of classes, Riley enjoys listening to live concerts and attending music festivals. Her favorite genres include: alternative rock, indie pop, and hip-hop.

In her down time, Riley enjoys coloring in adult coloring books and watching her favorite show on Netflix, "The Office." Her favorite foods include Asian

and Italian cuisine and she can be found enjoying hibachi at Mikata’s Japanese Steak House in Auburn.

With this internship, Riley said her shy nature has been challenged and she has pushed herself outside of her comfort zone.

She added that her work at the Observer has helped her gain experience in interviewing others and writing stories on interesting subjects, which she hopes to utilize in her dream job as public relations representative for a music record label.

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Phone: 334.749.8003 Fax: 334.749.8009 editor@opelikaobserver.com

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

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

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

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Officer’s Greer, Molly Parade, receive Police Officers from A1 of the Quarter Award

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller presented Officer Jared Greer and his canine partner Molly with the Police Officers of the Quarter Award during last Tuesday’s city council meeting.

Greer and Molly were chosen for the award because of their service during a home-invasion incident in the 100th block of Oak Court Feb. 15, 2017.

Items and weapons used during the invasion were found by the duo and later used as evidence to make two arrests in the case.

“Jared has just done an outstanding job for us at the police department. He’s one of those steady, hardworking patrol officers who recently got into the canine unit,” said Opelika Police Department Police Chief John McEachern.

The council also selected Lower Brothers Company, Inc., a Birmingham-based

construction company, to build the new pickleball courts behind the Opelika SportsPlex.

In other business, the council: • awarded bids for projects concerning street-drainage improvement at the intersection of 5th Avenue and 4th Street and new traffic signal at the intersection of Northpark Drive and Andrews Road • approved resolutions concerning expense reports from various departments, purchase of a pavilion

for the new pickleball courts, weed abatement assessments for properties located at 12 E. Johnson Ave., 1201 Elliott Ave. and 1733 1st Ave. • entered into project agreements with Plainsment Projects Inc. and Broadview Properties Family Partnership • signed a tax abatement agreement with Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama • granted a request for a bike race to be held downtown July 10.

not an option. We are a nonprofit staff (with) four people,” PowersSmith said. “The money and time to make both these events happen is simply not a discussion in the realm of reality. I’m saddened that people wouldn’t even give the new event a chance, but we’ll see what happens after this year.”

Powers-Smith said turnout and participation in this year's parade will be key for its survival. She added that the event is designed to appeal to all ages, and that the best ways for people to keep the tradition alive are to invite friends and family to

A3 June 13, 2018 attend, as well as post photos from the parade and promote it on social media.

“We just don’t want a bad parade for everybody. Opelika deserves so much more than that,” Powers-Smith said. “They deserve a great event that makes them happy and brings the community together and I don’t want them to ever be disappointed in an event that is presented to them.”

Mayor Gary Fuller released a statement Tuesday expressing his support for the Chamber’s decision. “As mayor, I support the Opelika Chamber in the decision to give the parade another chance.

It’s now up to our community to make it one to remember,” Fuller said. “I encourage all citizens to participate

by designing a float, bringing your friends and family or helping the chamber coordinate the event. Let’s come together put on the best Christmas show yet.”

Powers-Smith said she personally believes the parade will continue if the community does its part.

“Although 60% of the cities in the country are eliminating their parades, we’ll give this another opportunity to beat those odds. And I truly think we can if everyone comes together,” Powers-Smith said.

“We’re going to be releasing information on ways people can help in the coming weeks so be on the look out.”

For more information or updates, visit www. opelikachamber.com or follow the organization on social media.

Photo by Savannah Vicker/Opelika Observer

Men’s Cast June 22 @ 7 p.m.

Jue 23 @ 2 & 7 p.m.

Women’s Cast TBA

A4 June 13, 2018

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What is Southern? Waiting by the window B M

aid, and the reptile bit him ack in my teachas well." ing days, one of "Somehow, the two got my courses was to a phone, called 911, one designed to introduce and when the emergency students to what is eumedical team arrived, it phemistically called (by found the men ‘on the people into euphemisms) porch, semiconscious and “Southern culture.”

By Hardy Jackson slurring their words,’ and a In class, we talked headless snake, dead in the about things like regional dirt." mythology, religion, humor, litera"There is no happy ending to the ture, folklore, music, manners, and story. Hollis Junior had a severe alsuch, but no matter what we covered, lergic reaction to the venom and died I kept trying to get students to ask in the ambulance. The last I heard, L. themselves and tell me “what makes J. was still in intensive care." it Southern?”

And when I finished I would lean This is not easy to answer, because back, sigh, and say “Now, that’s most of my students, being Southern, Southern.” And the whole class knew (or believed they knew) Southwould nod in agreement. ern without thinking about it. Which Except that one. made them even more Southern than His hand will shoot up and even they were, if that was possible. before I can call on him he will be Except for that one. He (it is alasking "why" and I was ready. ways a guy) was uncomfortable with With me, I would have Roy intuition.

Blount's Book of Southern Humor He needed certainty, wanted it (the finest collection of things I wish explained so he could write it down.

I had written I've ever read). In it is If anyone ever told him to “go with an analysis of the elements found in the flow,” he'd want to know where Southern stories. These I will have the flow was going. He was the logicombined with my own insightful cal one, the one who couldn’t accept deconstruction of what took place something because it felt right, so he that unfortunate day and when the made me explain the vitals and vinstudent asked, as I knew he would, I egar out of it so he could memorize would smile and tell him that a story the skin and bones. is Southern if: Now how, I asked myself, could It contains characters that come to I satisfy his pursuit of passionless life through personal shortcomings. knowledge (or passionless pursuit of The characters have names that knowledge, take your pick) without suggest they are, or could be, from turning off those other students who around here. instinctively know that some things There is a close interaction between can’t be, shouldn’t be, listed and the characters and various forms of filed, but felt?

Searching for the solution, I decided animal life.

Southern readers instantly recogto fall back on a time honored teaching technique, the story. Hey, preach- nize the characters and pass judgment on them – usually before the story is ers use it, why can’t I. Besides, if newspapers reports are to be believed, over.

And, what occurs can be classified this one actually happened. So here it as typical. is.

Now, the literalist would be just “Once upon a time (I would tell fine until I got to typical. Then his the class) there were these two good brow would furrow and he would old boys, Hollis Junior Cox and L. J. want me to explain, and I would.

Rivers, from over east of here.” (Not In the South typical is not used their real names of course. Some stuidentify something that is, you know, dent might know them. Or be kin.) typical, unless that something is “They had been hired to clean out something you disapprove of. this warehouse, which they did, and As in, "Hollis Junior and L. J. done when they finished one of them felt got drunk and been playing with a it was time for a drink. The other agreed, so they had one. And another. snake what bit them both and Hollis And another. Until, having just a little Junior’s dead."

"Now ain't that just typical." more than enough, they came up with ‘Course it is. And its Southern. And what someone later described as 'an the logical one will either understand unusual way to unwind.'" and realize that he is Southern too, "Recalling that a fellow who lived or won’t understand and won’t be.\ close by collected snakes, Hollis I hate to say it, but there is just so Junior and L. J. decided to go over and get one. They did, and next thing much a teacher can do, and by then I you know the two were playing catch will have done it.

Class dismissed. with a four-foot canebreak rattler.

This was not the snake’s idea of a Harvey H. (“Hardy”) Jackson is good time, and the first chance it got, Professor Emeritus of History at Jackit bit L. J. on the arm." sonville State University. He can be "Hollis Junior rushed to his friend’s reached at hjackson@cableone.net.

women that raised me. y father I was not an easy child. died two I had a wild imaginaweeks betion. I also had a big fore my 4th birthday. heart—a big heart that Mama said that I was broken and would would wait for him continue to break by the big window through no fault of my in my grandparents’

By Lucy Fuller own. living room. I would Mema loved me. Oh, stare at the driveway how she loved me. She raised waiting on him to arrive. This me as her very own. She shared went on for weeks—endless stories of her childhood. She waiting. confided in me about struggles My mother and I moved in with my grandparents and lived with her very own father, which brought us even closer. there for several years until we We connected on a level that were able to have a house of most young children and older our own. I didn’t really understand the concept of death back adults seldom experience. I loved my Mema. Oh, how I then. I wasn’t supposed to. No loved her. child really should. I grieved I still missed my dad. A dad. in my own little way and carA father. Someone to play ball ried on the best way I knew with me. Someone to take me how. I was ok, considering the hunting or fishing. I was so enabsence of my father. But with vious of all of my friends who my mother working full-time, had daddies. I would cry every I became very aware that there Valentine’s Day when my was a parent missing. girlfriends attended the daddyThe next best thing to a fadaughter dance. I sat at home ther, back then, was my grandfeeling sorry for myself and father whom I called “Main.” was so angry at life for forc(When I was learning to talk I ing me to feel that way. I never pointed at him and tried to say had a dad to give a card to on “man” but it came out “Main” Father’s Day. I didn’t underand the name stuck.) stand why God took my Daddy Main was a WWII veteran away from me. It just wasn’t and kept to himself most of the fair. God and I have duked it time. He found happiness in out many times. the great outdoors and appreciGod heard my cry when I ated all nature had to offer. He taught me that if something was was a young girl. He heard my prayers and blessed me the best broken, you fixed it. For his generation, throwing away bro- way he saw fit.

He sent me a step-dad. I had ken things was unheard of. I’ve always respected them for that. a hard time grasping the concept of a father and had no idea He also taught me that the how fathers and children were only way to do something supposed to interact, but I knew worthwhile was with your own that this was not it. Fathers love two hands. He believed in hard their children and support them. work and nothing slowed him They encourage and build them down. Not rain. Not thunder. up. This man tore me down. He Not even old age. In the last crushed my spirit to the point years of his life, he refused to live in a nursing home, because that I was a hollow shell. After the divorce, I was empty inside “who would take care of the and so lost. I trusted no one and house?” was taken advantage of time Main was very quiet and and time again in my younger reserved. He sat in his study at night and listened to the AM ra- years.

Fast forward to the present. dio. He loved Auburn Football I gave birth to my second and The Andy Griffith Show. daughter in October of 2017 (In He never had much to say. I the back of an ambulance on learned a lot from his silence.

I loved and respected him but Friday the 13th.)

It’s funny how God makes never felt a strong bond with you work for things. Nothing him. He battled many demons worthwhile ever comes easy. that I knew nothing about. He suffered invisible wounds from I’m convinced if I had an easy childhood that I would have the war – wounds that I could nothing to write about. not understand at such a young age.

I was blessed with two tough See Fuller, page B6

Marriage: life’s ultimate journey N early a year ago, I embarked on the greatest journey this planet has to offer marriage.

In the months, weeks and days leading up to this momentous occasion, I sought the advice of every happily married man I knew, in hopes of preparing for this huge leap.

Opinions and thoughts varied widely, but there was one consensus- the first year of marriage is always the hardest.

Time rushed by, and before I knew it, I was standing at the altar on my wedding

Drivday, about ing away to promise from our before God, reception, family and I cast a friends that backwards this woman glance was about in the to become Morgan Bryce rearview my charge, mirror. The my keep, friendly, smiling faces for the rest of my life. of my dearest family What a responsibility! What a task! What and friends became mere specks on the a commitment! horizon, symbolic of As I slipped the what I viewed as the ring onto her finger, those realizations were turning and flipping of the page to my life’s heightened. I was newest chapter. keenly aware of the During our rainy but gravity of my actions peaceful week spent and what they signified; what their impact honeymooning at would have on the rest Panama City Beach, I came to discover and of my life.

appreciate the beauty of this new era.

Our conversations, were the same, but the dynamic was different.

This woman was no longer my girlfriend or fiance, but my wife, MY FAMILY. There were no other labels left for each other other than husband and wife - which was so refreshing.

I’ve learned more about myself through this journey than I ever planned to.

A journey that has revealed how blessed, lucky and fortunate I am to have found someone who could complete me, make

me whole and feel like I could do anything I imagined.

And for that, Jessi Dawn, I am eternally grateful. Eternally grateful for you, and that you chose me.

Eternally grateful for the Netflix marathons; late-night Krispy Kreme runs and quiet evenings spent in each other’s company.

In the series finale of my all-time favorite television show “The Office,” one of the series’ main characters, Andy, addresses the camera crew with the following statement, one

that I’ve pondered over considerably the last 361 days.

“I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days before you’ve actually left them.”

For the record, I’m here to say that I’m in the midst of my good old days. Through the grace of God, I have found someone who wants to walk with me through the valleys and summit the mountaintops throughout this journey we call life.

I’m looking forward to the next 365 days and beyond with you, Jessi Dawn.

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Around Lee County

The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, Smiths Station’s premiere fine-arts destination, is honored to announce the return of fine art classes to participating area elementary schools during the coming school year.

In just eight weeks, the Sarah West Artistic Mentoring Program will host a series of after-school|art classes at local elementary schools.

This program is made possible through collaboration with area educators and the fol-

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor

For more information or to enroll, call 334480-2008.

Program Schedule: • Mondays @ Wacoochee Elementary • Tuesdays @ West Smiths Station Elementary • Summer (AugustSeptember) Fall (October-November) - Winter (January-February)- Spring (MarchApril) Classes are hosted weekly following school day dismissal. *Beginners are welcome *All fine art supplies are always provided *Exhibition opportunities and more.

Photo by Morgan Bryce/Opelika Observer

Providing Smiths Station residents with an appreciation of their community’s rich heritage is the goal of the Jones Store Museum, which is slated to open later this summer.

The museum, once a general store operated by the well-known Jones family in Smiths Station during the early 20th cen-

tury, possesses many of its original features, including the majority of its hardwood flooring.

Once completed, the 523-square-feet space will house Smiths Stationthemed memorabilia, photos, prehistoric artifacts and audio interviews from older residents discussing landmarks, event and other portions of the city’s past.

See Jones page A11

Exhibitors sought for second-annual ‘Alabama Farm And Land Expo’ Special to the Opelika Observer More than 1,000 Alabama farmers and landowners will be chomping at the bit to enter the Alabama Farm and Land Expo Aug. 4 in Montgomery, making it the perfect place for exhibitors to display new products and network with agriculture professionals.

“We revived this expo last year, and it was such a hit with our farmers and vendors we knew we had to bring it back again in 2018,” said Brian Hardin of the Alabama Farmers Federation. “Holding this event in conjunction with our Commodity Producers Conference ensures a steady stream of attendees at every exhibit with plenty of opportunities for vendors to build relationships with potential customers.”

The Alabama Farm and Land Expo will be open from 1-5 p.m. Aug.4 at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at

Special to the Opelika Observer lowing schools: - Wacoochee Elementary - West Smiths Station Elementary School.

Classes will begin in August 2018.

June 13, 2018

Jones Store Museum slated to open late summer

Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art announces return of fine art courses Special to the Opelika Observer

A5

*Flexible payment plans are available Visit the gallery’s website for additional information.

Special to the Opelika Observer the Convention Center. Exhibitors may set up booths Friday afternoon or Saturday morning, but heavy equipment must be moved in by 5 p.m. Aug. 3.

Booth pricing ranges from $150 to $1,000 based on business type and booth size.

During registration, exhibitors may choose to be included in an incentive program for $50. Every attendee will be given a card that must be stamped at participating vendors in order to enter a prize drawing. The program guarantees partici-

pating vendors facetime with potential customers.

New this year, the expo will also include a stage for town hall-style presentations.

Secure a spot now. Exhibitor registration closes July 15 or once spaces are filled, whichever happens first. Registering early also gives exhibitors dibs on best booth locations in the convention center. Visit FarmAndLandExpo.org and click on the register button to sign up.

Opelika Tractor Supply Store partners with Woof Ave. Rescue in animal adoption Special to the Opelika Observer The Opelika Tractor Supply store is partnering with Woof Ave Rescue to support the rescue's animal adoption program.

The rural lifestyle retailer, which is a one-stop shop for all things pets, including a wide variety of food, treats, toys, crates, carriers, training tools and health supplements, will help alleviate needs and support important program

initiatives.

"Through this Adoption Grant, we will provide Woof Ave Rescue with resources to help maintain and grow their program," said Briana Belskie, manager of the Opelika Tractor Supply location. "We're passionate about animals at Tractor Supply, and we're hopeful this partnership will encourage more local adoptions from Woof Ave Rescue and put deserving pets in loving homes."

Community rescue groups interested in

hosting in-store adoption events at the Opelika Tractor Supply should contact the store by calling 334737-7775 for more information. The store is located at 2600 Pepperell Parkway.

About Tractor Supply Company Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ: TSCO) is in its 80th year of operation and, since being founded in 1938, has grown to become the largest rural lifestyle retail store chain in the United

States. With 28,000 team members, 1,700 stores in 49 states and an e-commerce website, Tractor Supply is passionate about serving its unique niche, as a one-stop shop for recreational farmers, ranchers and all those who enjoy living the rural lifestyle. Tractor Supply offers an extensive mix of products necessary to care for home, land, pets and animals with a focus on product localization, exclusive brands and legendary customer

service that addresses the needs of the Out Here lifestyle. The Company leverages its physical store assets with digital capabilities to offer customers the convenience of purchasing products they need anytime, anywhere and any way they choose at the everyday prices they deserve.

As of March 31, the company operated 1,700 Tractor Supply stores in 49 states and an e-commerce website at www.tractorsupply.

com.

Tractor Supply Company also owns and operates Petsense, a small-box pet specialty supply retailer focused on meeting the needs of pet owners, primarily in small and mid-size communities, and offering a variety of pet products and services.

As of Dec. 30, 2017, the Company operated 168 Petsense stores in 26 states.

For more information on Petsense, visit www.petsense.com.

‘Bee Auburn 2018’ slated for June 18-22 BEAUREGARD DRUGS

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

By Savannah Vicker For the Opelika Observer The Auburn University College of Agriculture and Auburn Parks and Recreation Department are teaming up June 18-22 to host "Bee Auburn 2018" in celebration of National Pollinator Week.

"Bee Auburn" is an initiative with the City of Auburn that celebrates pollinators and their impact on culture, health, and history while raising awareness about how

pollination affects people's daily lives.

Coinciding with National Pollinator Week and Alabama Pollinator Week, Auburn Bee Week organizers said in a press release that they hope to start conversations and spotlight the importance of bees in the AuburnOpelika area.

Following is a list of scheduled events during the week: June 18: Cooking with Pollinators: Dinner at the AU Community Garden June 19: Coffee, Tea and Teacups: A

Sip N’ Paint event June 20: Kid Night at the Arboretum and Bee-A-Biologist Educators Event June 21: Scientific Arts at the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Art. The week concludes with a street-fair celebration June 22 at the Donald E. Davis Arboretum from 5:308 p.m.

The festival-styled main event will feature vendors, music, pollinator walks through the arboretum, kid’s activities and more.

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A6 June 13, 2018

Specialty car tag unveiled at ‘Lineman Appreciation Day’ Special to the Opelika Observer The Energy Institute of Alabama is proud today and every day of the men and women who work on the front lines ensuring that Alabamians have reliable electricity.

Whether engaged in routine installation and maintenance or restoring electrical service in the wake of a storm, linemen leave their homes and families and work until every customer has power.

“We’re excited to celebrate the hard work of the men and women who serve to keep our lights on, keep our homes cooled in the summer and heated in the winter,

and who work tirelessly to restore our power after natural disasters and storms,” said Seth Hammett, EIA chairman.

“Lineman Appreciation Day is just one day out of the year that we pause to say thank you for your service to our state and its people.”

EIA officials recently announced the creation of a vehicle tag honoring this group of unsung heroes.

The “Thank a Lineman” tag was officially unveiled to the public at the Lineman Appreciation Day celebration at the Alabama Power Company Gunter Park Crew Headquarters.

“I am delighted to

announce the creation of the Thank a Lineman tag, which recognizes a group of people who work through good weather and bad to ensure that we have the electricity needed to enjoy our everyday activities,” Hammett said.

“Our hopes are that proceeds from the sale of the tag will benefit 501(c)(3) charities that support linemen, utility workers and their families,” said Blake Hardwich, EIA executive director.

Those wanting to purchase the specialty tag may do so by visiting the Alabama Department of Revenue website at precommit. mvtrip.alabama.gov.

In honor of the util-

Special to the Opelika Observer ity professionals that go above and beyond, EIA representatives presented the organization’s first Outstanding Service Award to not one, but three exceptional individuals.

The Energy Institute of Alabama’s mission is to promote reliable, affordable and clean energy to help grow our economy, create high-paying jobs, and build public support for Alabama’s energy

industry.

To learn more, visit energyinstituteal.org.

The “Thank a Lineman” vehicle tag is now available for pre-commitment at precommit.mvtrip. alabama.gov.

Opelika native serves with Navy Strike Fighter Squadron

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Electa Berassa Navy Office of Community Outreach A 2015 Opelika High School graduate and Opelika native is currently serving with a U.S. Navy strike fighter squadron which flies one of the world’s most advanced warplanes.

Seaman Joshua A. Shaver is a yeoman with the Top Hatters of VFA 14, which operates out of Naval Air Station Lemoore. A yeoman’s responsibilities include correcting member’s evaluations and maintaining correspondence

Shaver

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and awards for the command.

“I have learned to be happy. You can make something positive out of everything,” Shaver said. “It has helped me in the military when it comes to customer service. It makes me feel better knowing they can rely on someone else to make sure things are handled correctly.”

Members of the VFA 14 work with the F/A 18 Super Hornet, one of the most advanced aircrafts in the world.

The Super Hornet takes off from and lands on Navy aircraft carriers at sea and is capable of conducting air-to-air combat as well as striking targets on land.

It is approximately 61 feet long, has a loaded weight of 51,000 pounds, and a max speed of 1,190 miles per hour.

Operating from sea aboard aircraft carriers, the Super Hornet gives the Navy the power to protect America’s interests anywhere, at any time.

The versatile jet has the ability to destroy targets located hundreds of miles inland, without the need to get another country’s permission to operate within its borders.

“Strike Fighter Wing, U. S. Pacific Fleet, based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, is the heart of Naval Aviation. The sailors assigned to SFWP always exceed expectations and produce amazing results through team work and dedication to their depart-

ment, squadron, the U.S. Navy and their family,” said Capt. James S. Bates, Deputy Commodore, Strike Fighter Wing, U.S. Pacific. “Naval Aviation is a challenging occupation, but our sailors work day in and day out to provide fully mission capable aircraft and fully qualified aircrew to ensure leadership is able to answer national level tasking. I am humbled to be able to lead the sailors of SFWP and I am proud to call Lemoore my home.”

Shaver said he has military ties with family members who have previously served and is honored to carry on the family tradition.

“My dad was in the Marines. Growing up, I could not sit still in the classroom. I wanted something that would challenge me,” Shaver said. “My dad told me to try the military. So, I thought ‘I may as well carry out the tradition.’”

As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Shaver and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.

“Serving in the Navy changes throughout your career,” Shaver said.

“I initially wanted to just get away from my town. But, now I’m married with a family, so I want that stability for them.”

We protect it.

You live it.

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Opelika E vents, Society, & Food Ann Cipperly’s

Southern

Hospitality

Jacksons share recipes, thoughts on family for Father’s Day

U PC OM I NG EVENT S: • WINE TASTING EVENT • SUMMER SWING • FARMER’S MARKETS • CHATHAM COUNTY LINE • FAMILY GAMES & 5K • WARD 2 FAMILY FUN DAY

Butcher Paper Bar-B-Que’s secondannual ‘Pig Pickin’ slated for June 23

By Anna Riley For the Opelika Observer Butcher Paper BBQ's secondannual "Pig Pickin" will be held June 23 from 6-11 p.m. in the back lot between John Emerald Distillery and Red Clay Brewery at 706 N Railroad Ave in downtown Opelika.

Open to people of all ages, advance, all-you-can-eat tickets start at $30 and are $35 the week of the event. Tickets are limited, so the best way to ensure one is to order in advance at Butcher Paper BBQ's food trailer or online at www.butcherpaperbbq.com.

There will be live music from James Ray Thrash and Josh Fisher as well as headliner Dallas Dorsey.

Mark Coxwell, Butcher Paper BBQ owner, said they will serve a whole hog plus brisket,

Special to the Opelika Observer See Pig page A11

Photo by Ann Cipperly Melinda and Jim Jackson feel family time around the dinner table is important and a great opportunity to be together. They are sharing recipes, and Jim is giving thoughts on being a Dad for Father’s Day.

M

elinda and Jim Jackson feel dinner is a special time for families and should be shared sitting down together at the table without cell phones and the television turned off. Now that their four children are grown, they still linger at the dinner table as a cherished time to talk about the day.

Melinda is the director of senior ministries at Trinity United Methodist Church of Opelika, while Jim is the Broadcast Services Director at Auburn University. Along with sharing their favorite recipes, Jim is giving his thoughts on being a father.

The Jacksons have four children and two grandchildren. Their son Trey and his wife Jessica have two sons, Jake and Gabe.

Hannah lives in the area, while her twin Rebecca resides in Montgomery.

Josh is the youngest and is finishing up at Auburn University.

Since Melinda’s father was a Methodist minister, she lived in several towns in Alabama growing up.

She was born in Monroeville and moved as her father was called from one church to another.

Her mother was a public school teacher.

“With six children in the family,” says Melinda, “we did a lot of cooking in our house. I remember being at my grandmother’s house, and we cooked a lot there too.”

When Melinda was growing up, her family always ate breakfast

and dinner together. She remembers there was a great deal of laughter around the table. Her mother and grandmother both influenced her cooking. As she got older, she helped her mother in the kitchen.

Jim grew up in Ozark and was curious about cooking. He was often in the kitchen asking his mother how she made a dish and what was for supper.

He remembers one Christmas his mother made a carrot cake. After about three days, half of the cake was gone. “She wanted to know who ate it all,” remembers Jim. “Every time I walked by, I sneaked a piece.

She said if he liked it that much, she needed to teach me how to make it.”

His mother taught him to cook, and his Granny also influenced his cooking. He thought she could cook anything. He was also impressed that his Granny taught herself to paint and do other things.

“Everybody knew my Dad,” says Jim. “He was the guy everybody listened to on the radio in the mornings. My Dad taught me to speak up.

He said to imagine there was someone in the room who is older and harder to hear and talk to them.

I would imagine I was talking to my grandmother.”

Melinda and Jim met in the early 80s when they were attending the community college in Dothan. Melinda transferred to Huntington in

Montgomery. Jim moved to Montgomery and went to work at WWHY radio.

They became engaged during her senior year at Huntington and married in 1983.

When she was expecting their first child, they were volunteering with teens at Normandale Methodist Church in Montgomery. Melinda taught senior high school, while Jim taught junior high school.

After the baby was born, the pastor asked her to be on staff as the program director. It was an ideal job since the daycare at the church allowed her to visit their son.

Jim was then working at Troy University.

He had wanted to be the next Keith Jackson and announce college football play by play. “I had a chance to do that for about two years when I went to Troy,” he says.

“It was a one man operation. The Lord gave me a taste of it, and it was tough. It just did not line up for me.”

Melinda remembers he came home one afternoon in 1990 and told her he felt that God was about to do something big in their lives. Shortly afterwards, Jim was offered a position at Auburn University in communications and marketing.

After moving to Opelika, they visited churches and joined Trinity. After a short time, Melinda was asked to be the nursery coordinator. Since the See Cipperly, page B12

Kids “Drive-In” movie June 15 at Sportsplex

Special to the Opelika Observer

By Savannah Vicker For the Opelika Observer As the school year comes to an end, summer programs and activities at the Opelika SportsPlex are heating

up.

The Opelika SportsPlex will host a kids "Drive-In Movie" night June 15 for children between the ages of 4-7 years old.

The event will kick off at 5:30 p.m., and

children will have a chance to create and decorate a cardboard cruiser that they can lounge in throughout the move.

The featured movie is "Ferdinand," a story See Drive-In page B3

June 19 Conner Lorre, Neil Diamond and Friends Show Conner delivers stunningly accurate voice impressions of Neil Diamond, Frank Sinatra, John Denver, Jimmy Buffett, Elton John, Alan Jackson, Lee Greenwood, and many more.

June 26 Muse 28th year on the Summer Swing bandstand! Easy listening, vocal oriented acoustic soft rock played as only Muse can.

pelika O Observer

A8 June 13, 2018

Alabama Historical Commission announces 2019 Grant Program Special to the Opelika Observer The Alabama Historical Commission (AHC) will administer a $750,000 state-funded Grant Program in fiscal year 2019 (Oct. 1 – Sept. 30, 2019)

for improvements as well as educational programming at historic sites in Alabama.

Grants will be awarded to public or private entities that reflect an educationbased mission, concentrate on educational program-

ming, and reflect the geographical diversity of Alabama. Grants will be awarded to entities.

Preference will be given to publicly-owned battlefields or structures constructed prior to 1840 that are listed in the National Register

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334-528-5923 • www.eamc.org

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of Historic Places, and historic school structures.

Grant amounts will not exceed $20,000 for any one entity.

In fiscal year 2018, the Historical Commission received more than 100 applications requesting more than $4.3 million in funding.

“Last fiscal year the Capital Enhancements Grant Program helped to facilitate several types of improvements, including roof replacements, window

restorations, and exterior painting,” said Lisa D. Jones, Executive Director of the Alabama Historical Commission. “The goal of the 2019 Grant Program is to assist historic sites throughout Alabama with both improvements as well as educational programming, which will help preserve them for future generations.”

Applicants must complete an official 2019 Historic Sites Grant application available on the

AHC website, http://bit. ly/2xytkrE. Grant Application Guidelines are also available on the AHC website.

Applications must be hand-delivered or mailed to Tryon McLaney, Contracts and Grants, Alabama Historical Commission by Aug. 15.

Faxed or emailed applications will not be accepted. AHC will announce the grant awards in October.

See additional guidelines on the AHC website.

Opelika

A9

Family & Religion Tree branches and an eternal home

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y father has been gone almost a quarter of a century. Life has come full circle so that I’m almost the age he was when he died. I have three adult children and five grandchildren. I have a brother who is 2 1/2 years older than me and an aunt on my mom’s side of the family but other than that, everyone else is younger than me.

It’s a definitely a different perspective when you’re looking down the age line at the younger generation than when you were looking up at the older generation. The axis of your world has tilted.

For the most part it is wonderful—the persistent demands of parenting children have been

June 13, 2018

provide. I replaced by think that’s the glorious the way it “demands” is in regard or being a to parents. grandparThey are ent. (There the top is a reaBy Bruce Green branch of son why Teaching Minister at the tree. they call 10th Street Church of When it “grandChrist in Opelika you need parentto, you ing”). But can always look up to even though I’m really them and find shade and enjoying this stage of there’s nothing else on my life, there are times when I find myself think- this earth that is quite like that. I suppose that’s ing about my parents.

Despite all the years that the way our parents felt in regard to their parents have passed, there’s still and every generation besomething I profoundly fore them felt in regard miss in regard to them. to theirs.

When you’re the top Parents have such a branch of the tree, the profound influence on sun shines the hottest their children that I’m on you. When you’re covered by a higher layer not sure it can be overstated. We all heard the of branches though, it’s sad stories of children not so bad. There’s always the shade that they who were abused and

Church calendar

Following is a list of area Vacation Bible Schools:

each day • First Baptist Church of Opelika: June 11-14 from 9 • Lakeview Bapa.m. - noon each tist: June 18-22 day from 8 a.m. - noon • Heritage Baptist each day Church: June 11-15 • Auburn United from 8:30 a.m. Methodist: June 11- 12:05 p.m. each day 14 from 8:30 a.m. • Bethesda Baptist noon each day Church: June 19-23 • Auburn First • University Baptist: June 10-15 Church of Christ: from 6:30-9 p.m.

July 16 - 19 from each day 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

• First United each day Methodist Church: June 18-21 from Events can be emailed to the Observer at 8:45 a.m. - noon editor@opelikaobserver.com.

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

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

the horrific scars that were left. But it works the other way as well; good parents can provide a lifetime of wonderful memories for their children. I know mine did.

And I think that’s what I am nostalgic for—the joy of once again being a branch underneath them.

Parents shape us in so many ways. I now look in the mirror and see quite a bit of my mother and grandfather staring back at me. Our oldest daughter has many of the mannerisms of my mother even though she never spent enough time around her to have learned them. And I have quite a few of my father’s traits as well. I’m a branch growing off the limb of my parents.

Since all of these things are true, it is

incumbent upon us as parents and grandparents to do everything we can to point our children and grandchildren in Heaven’s direction. Our words are wonderful but our example is what really sticks. After all, we remember what our parents told us but we especially remember whether they practiced it or not.

The time we have here on this earth goes by quickly but our Father’s plan is for us to be together for eternity. We can’t control everything—but we can make a big difference in the lives of our family.

Hopefully, it will be an eternal difference.

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

Verse of the Week

“For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.”

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

Psalm 84:11 Pierce Chapel United Methodist 8685 AL Hwy. 51 #749-4469 Pepperell United Methodist 200 26th St. #745-9334 Trinity United Methodist Church 800 Second Ave. #745-2632 Wesley Memorial United Methodist 2506 Marvyn Pkwy #745-2841 PENTECOSTAL Full Gospel Pentecostal Church Hwy. 29, PO Box 1691 #741-8675 Gateway Community Church 2715 Frederick Rd #745-6926 PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church of Opelika 900 2nd Ave. #745-3421 Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Rd #745-4889 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST Outreach Seventh-Day Adventist 1808 S. Long St. #749-3151 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Apostolic Holiness Church 610 Canton St. #749-6759 Auburn Opelika Korean Church 1800 Rocky Brook Rd #749-5386 Beauregard Full Gospel Revival 2089 Lee Road 42 #745-0455 Christ Church International 1311 2nd Ave. #745-0832 Church of the Harvest 2520 Society Hill Rd #745-2247 Church at Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy #705-0505 East Congregation of Jehovah Witnesses 1250 McCoy St. #737-1488 Emmanuel Temple of Deliverance 207 S. Railroad Ave. #745-6430 Faith Alliance Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy #749-9516 Faith Christian Center 600 S. 8th St. Faith Church 3920 Marvyn Pkwy #707-3922

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

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pelika Observer O

A10 June 13, 2018

OBITUARIES Robert Clayton Elliott Robert Clayton Elliott of Salem, Alabama was born in Beulah, Alabama to the late John and Mary Griffith Elliott on May 21, 1940 and passed away at EAMC on June 5, 2018. He was 78 years old.

He was a proud Navy Veteran, and a member to American Legion Post 18 and was a manager at one time. He enjoyed watching the Atlanta Braves play baseball, he worked at Thompson Supply Company and Premium Beverage Company.

Dr. Robert Louis Hall Jr. Born in Opelika, Alabama on March 5, 1942, Dr. Robert “Bob” Louis Hall, Jr. spent most of his life serving his hometown. He was a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Dr. Hall was a skilled and caring dentist. He loved his family without reserve and lived each day with intention and discipline. Dr. Hall set goals and achieved them with determination and a sense of humor. He consistently reflected a kind, gentle, and humble spirit. He lived a life of service to his family, community, and country. Most importantly, Dr. Hall was devoted to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, whom he met face-to-face on June 3, 2018.

Dr. Hall was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Elizabeth Hall; his parents, Robert Louis and Mary Lena (Teenie) Holyfield Hall; and his motherin-law, Wilda Owen Jones.

Dr. Hall is survived by his wife of 42 years, Vondalyn Jones Hall; his daughters, Betsy Lynne Hall Ledoux (Nick),

Shiralee “Sherry” Murphy Frabott Ms. Shiralee “Sherry” Murphy Frabott, 60, of Opelika, was born September 2, 1957 in London, England, while her father was stationed there with the U.S. Air Force, and passed away June 3, 2018 in Auburn, AL. Ms. Sherry was a long time resident of Auburn and Opelika, where she attended Auburn City Schools, graduating from Auburn High School in 1976. She was a member of Gateway Family Church of Auburn. Sherry loved her church and her WOW group,

Virgil Sanders Virgil Sanders of Opelika, Alabama was born to the late Wallace C. and Willie Dale Howard Sanders on July 13, 1924 and passed away on June 8, 2018 at Bethany House. He was 93 years young.

Virgil was born and raised in Lee County, Alabama. He met and married EOleta McConnell in 1943. He worked in Pepperell Manufacturing Company for 17 years of age until retirement at age 63 due to arthritis. He was well known for his honesty and being a hard worker.

He raised 3 daughters (Betty, Sherry, and Katrenia). He was loved and appreciated by

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Robbin Renee Kyser; sisters, Frances Pike, Bonnie Sue Elliott, Betty Jean Gunn; brothers, Thomas, Harold Glen, Warner Jackson, George Allen, and John Wayne Elliott.

He is survived by his devoted ex-wife, Helen Elliott; granddaughters, Crystal Denise, and Katie Elaine Kyser; great granddaughters, Bentley, Marley, and MacKenzie; step son, James Smith as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members.

Visitation was held Thurs-

day, June 7, 2018 in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home from 3:00 until 4:00 p.m.

Graveside service was held at Mt. Olive Church Cemetery (4910 County Road 54 East Opelika, Alabama 36804) at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, June 7, 2018 with Brother Harvey Miller officiating.

The family would like to thank the staff of East Alabama Medical Center and HomeMed for their compassionate care.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is directed.

Amelia Hall Stehouwer (Seth), and Katie Hall Hackleman (Jon); five grandchildren: Morgan Leigh Stehouwer, Elise and Davis Hackleman, and Matthew Robert and Andrew Louis Ledoux; father-in-law, Lavon Jones of Falkville; and brotherin-law, Rodney Jones. He deeply loved his wife, daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren; and they adored him.

In 1960, Dr. Hall graduated from Opelika High School, where he was named the first WJHO Athlete of the Year.

In 1964, he graduated from Auburn University, after which he attended the University of Alabama School of Dentistry, graduating in 1968. Dr. Hall served in the U.S. Army Dental Corp from 1968 to 1971, including a year in Vietnam and tours in Fort Belvoir (Virginia), Fort Sam Houston (Texas), and Fort McClellan (Alabama). He practiced dentistry in the Opelika - Auburn community for 44 years, from 1971 through 2015.

During this time, Dr. Hall and his family were blessed with tremendous patients, and he cherished the many staff

members with whom he was honored to work. Dr. Hall will be honored later this month with the Gold award from the Alabama Dental Association for 50 years of dental service.

He served in church leadership for decades at Trinity United Methodist Church and previously at First United Methodist Church, Opelika. He was also an active member of Gideons International.

In his retirement, Dr. Hall enjoyed participating in three church breakfast groups, traveling, and spending time with his family.

Visitation was held Friday, June 8, 2018 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home.

A memorial service was held Saturday, June 9, 2018 at 11:00 am at Trinity United Methodist Church in Opelika.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Trinity United Methodist Church (800 Second Avenue; Opelika, Alabama 36801) in memory of Dr. Robert L. Hall Jr. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is directed.

but most of all she loved the Lord.

She was employed for many years in banking and retail furniture sales. She was very accomplished in the furniture sales business until her retirement.

Sherry is preceded in death by her grandparents: Harold and Claire Peto, and Minnie Murphy; and Father, Clarence “Ted” Murphy.

She is survived by her mother, Rita Peto Murphy; brother, James “Jim” (Fran) Murphy; nephews: Bo (Keisha) Murphy and Michael (Kasey) Murphy; niece, Lauren (Jeremiah) Pugh; and a host of great

nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Ms. Frabott were held Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home.

Visitation was one hour prior to the service at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. Reverend Mike Wright officiated and interment followed at Garden Hills Cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Building Fund at Gateway Family Church Building Fund 1667 Shug Jordan Parkway Suite 400 Auburn, AL. 36830 Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home & Crematory directed.

numerous nieces and nephews. Special thanks to niece Virginia Prickett and family for caring for and helping him in his last years.

He was preceded in death by his wife, EOleta M. McConnell; daughters, Dawn Sanders and Sherry Wilkinson; Sister, Lovie Lewis; brothers, W.C., Frank, and Herbert Sanders; sisters-in-law, Julia Allen and Lavonia DuBose; brothers-inlaw, William Young and John McConnell; grandson, Forrest; 4 great-grandsons; and 1 great-granddaughter.

He is survived by daughters, Betty Joyner and Katrenia Bissell; sister, Alma Young; grandchildren, David

Joyner, Darrell Joyner, Frank Joyner, Edd Harris, Pam Jensen, Miracle Riggs, Michelle Wright, Richard Wilkinson, KaLinda Jeresa, Jim Bissell, Jason Bissell, Martha Marchiano, and Michael Bissell;80 great grandchildren; 17 great-great grandchildren; brother-in-law, E. F. McConnell (Hazel); and numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members.

Visitation was held Tuesday, June 12, 2018 in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home from 9:45 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. A graveside service followed at 11:00 a.m. at Garden Hills Cemetery.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is directed.

William James “Bill” Samford, II William James “Bill” Samford, II died on Monday, June 4, 2018 after a brief illness at Baptist South Hospital, in Montgomery, AL. He was 82 years old.

Bill was born on March 14, 1936 in Opelika, AL and except for a few years for education and military service was proud to call Opelika home for most of that 82 years.

He is survived by his wife, Nell Allen Samford; children: Mary Catherine Samford (Brenda Walker) of Ashville, NC; William Allen Samford (Jan) of Auburn, AL; his sister, Aileen Samford Walpole of John’s Island, SC; as well as six grandchildren: Austin Samford Walker; Kristen SamfordWalker; Candace Samford-Walker; Haley Pugh Scheiblauer (Lane); Mitch Pugh (Kelly) and Peyton Pugh.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Drake Samford, Jr. and Aileen Maxwell Samford; his son Matthew Thomas Samford and his brother Thomas D. Samford, III. Bill was educated in the public schools of Opelika and Christ Episcopal School, Arden, NC. He obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama. While there he was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega social fraternity. He also met and married in 1957 his wife of nearly 61 years, Nell Allen Samford who has been at his side every day until he drew his last breath.

After graduation, he was commissioned and served in the U.S. Army. After his military service ended they returned

to Tuscaloosa and the University of Alabama School of Law. After graduation, in 1961 they moved back to Opelika where he joined the prestigious law firm of Samford and Samford with W.J. Samford, Sr. and Thomas D. Samford, III. He was the first “in house” lawyer for the Alabama Department of Youth Services, where he served for more than 30 years.

He was also President of National Association of Juvenile and Family Court Judges and Support Personnel, where he served for two terms.

He was a Paul Harris Fellow for the Rotarians and especially proud to belong to the golf group the ‘Hustlers’. One of his most proud moments on the course, after playing for more than 60 years, he recently hit a hole in one. He was blessed with a beautiful voice and performed in college musicals, community chorales and church choirs. He stepped into eternity as he lived, surrounded by his family.

Interment was held in the family plot of Old Rosemere Cemetery, Opelika, AL where he will rest with his, father, mother and son.

Visitation was held on Wednesday, June 6, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. A memorial service followed on Thursday, June 6, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Opelika.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the First United Methodist Church of Opelika, 702 Avenue A, Opelika, AL 36801 or the charity of your choice.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home & Crematory directing.

To place an obituary in the Opelika Observer please email us at editor@opelikaobserver.com or call us at 334 - 749 - 8003

pelika O Observer

Sound Wall to host benefit concert June 16 trucks selling food and refreshments.

All ticket purchases and donations will be used to support the Church of the Highlands Israel mission team on their mission trip to Jerusalem in August.

According to event organizers, the event will be filled with "music, great food, and fellowship."

Tickets are $10 online in advance or $12 at the door. For more

By Savannah Vicker For the Opelika Observer The "Songs for Israel Benefit Night with Adam & Janiee" will be held at The Sound Wall in downtown Opelika June 16 from 7-10 p.m.

Singers Adam Okechukwu and Janiee Rush will perform acoustic renditions of top hits from various pop, Christian and country artists.

There will be food

Jones,

from A5 Gifted by a local contractor to the city in 2015, the house was relocated to the back of the city’s Government Center, facing Lee Road 298. Smiths Station City Planning/Zoning and Communications Director Lisa Deason said the nearly 3-year-long renovation and modernization of the structure has been a rewarding experience.

“This has been one of my dreams since Smiths Station became a city in 2001. The railroad history of this town is something a lot of people either don’t know about or may have forgotten,” Deason said. “Through this, my eyes have really been opened as to how rich a past Smiths Station has. It’s been exciting to get into that and work on it.”

Hunter Purvis, a

Smiths Station High School junior and summer student intern for the city, said he has enjoyed compiling and cataloging information for the project.

“There's a lot of stuff that I didn’t even know about, and I’ve been living here for 17 years.

Helping to make this the best it can be is what motivates me,” Purvis said.

“It’s fun and it’s a good time, just knowing that a lot of people are going to learn some stuff on this.”

Mayor Bubba Copeland said he believes the museum will provide citizens with a chance to take a step back in time and serve to educate children for generations to come.

“This project is a labor of love by the community of Smiths Station as a way to preserve our historical presence. We were a railroad town years ago, however, as progress happens, we have become a town that

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information, visit www. eventbrite.com/e/ songs-for-israel-withadam-janiee-benefitnight-for-missiontrip-funding-tickets46441265074?aff=ebapi.

The Sound Wall is located 605 Ave. B.

A11 June 13, 2018

Pig,

wards finishing construction of their new restaurant this fall at 128 Columbus Parkway.

from A7 ribs, and chicken. They will also serve several side options, tea and lemonade to drink, as well as a dessert vendor.

One-hundred people attended last year, but Coxwell said he expects between 200-250 people at this year's event. Currently, Butcher Paper BBQ is a food trailer available for catering and events. All the funds made from this event will go to-

BAR - B - QUE

Law,

from A1 Special to the Opelika Observer The museum, pictured above, was moved in May 2017 to its current location behind the Smiths Station Government Center. Lisa Deason and her team have led renovation efforts to restore the general store to its former glory.

It is scheduled to open later this summer.

long time. It’s been home to many people who love it,” Deason said. “But, there’s not been very much history preserved, and that’s one of the major reasons we’re doing this.”

Those interested in making donations can contact Deason by email at lisadeason@smithstational.gov or by calling 334-297-8771, ext. 5.

Follow the City of Smiths Station on Facebook for updates and announcement of the museum’s grand-opening ceremony.

supports bigger cities that surround us,” Copeland said. “ This building is a way for us as a city to remember our past but focus on our future.”

Deason is currently searching for museum pieces, pre-1970 items including photographs of local individuals, groups, structures, and landmarks; farm implements and agricultural items; militaria; general store mercantile and railroad memorabilia.

“Although Smiths Station became a city in 2001, there’s been a community here for a long,

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.

• wear/use a smartwatch • use an earpiece to talk on the phone • use phones in an emergency situation like a traffic accident or medical emergency • talk on the phone if you are legally parked, not at a stop light Law enforcement, first responders and utility employees responding to a utility emergency will be exempt from the law.

For nearly a decade, the National Safety Council, a nonprofit and nongovernmental group, has been calling on state and federal lawmakers to ban the use of cell phones and text-messaging devices while driving citing studies showing that this practice is as dangerous as driving

drunk.

"Studies show that driving while talking on a cell phone is extremely dangerous and puts drivers at a four times greater risk of a crash," said Former President and NSC CEO Janet Froetscher.

"Driving drunk is also dangerous and against the law. When our friends have been drinking, we take the car keys away. It's time to take the cell phone away."

Sixteen states and the District of Columbia currently prohibit all drivers from using hand-held cell phones while driving.

Thirty-eight states and the District of Columbia ban all cell phone use by novice or teen drivers and forty-seven states ban text messaging by all drivers.

The new law takes effect July 1 throughout the state of Georgia.

Alabama AlabamaPublicNotices.com Public notices from Alabama newspapers • Access public notices statewide 24/7 • FREE manual searches • Search by keyword, county, or paper • Multi-county or cross-reference searches

• 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.

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.

AlabamaPublicNotices.com public notice affects you

pelika Observer O How to safely use propane this summer

A12 June 13, 2018

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

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

– Steve Schroder, Business Owner

For whatever lies ahead, we’re always there.

ELLIOTT & ASSOCIATES INSURANCE OPELIKA • 334.745.0888 elliottinsuranceagents.com

Special to the Opelika Observer More and more families are spending summer holidays on the road with their Recreational Vehicles (RVs) including campers, travel trailers and motorhomes. In an RV, propane is commonly used for furnaces, fridges, water heaters, barbecues and ranges. Blossman Gas is reminding RV users to get their propane systems checked by certified technicians before heading out on

the road, and to review these important check list items.

Top Tips for RV and Propane Safety Before You Hit the Road • Inspect propane cylinders and holddown brackets for signs of rust, corrosion, fatigue, or wear.

For permanently installed tanks, check the brackets and mounting hardware as well.

• Clear debris from exterior vents: sticks, dust, twigs, insects or other items that may restrict venting.

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• Store any additional propane cylinders securely in an upright and ventilated area.

NEVER store a propane cylinder inside your RV. • Make sure any connections to the propane tank are not frayed or damaged.

• Check for functioning propane, carbon monoxide, and smoke detectors, and make sure a fire extinguisher is readily available.

• Have a trained service technician inspect the propane system at least once a year in order to detect potential dangers.

About Blossman Gas: Propane is a naturally safe, clean energy source that is used in millions of homes.

For more than 67 years, Blossman Gas & Appliance has been providing comfort to families throughout the Southeast, growing to over 76 branches.

The family-owned company sells more than 82-million gallons a year and offers a full variety of ranges, cooktops, water heaters, generators, gas logs and gas grills.

Blossman is a fullservice company that provides everything from propane delivery to appliance sales, installation and service.

For more information, call 1.888.Blossman or visit www.blossmangas.com.

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

Turn to B8 for the hot results of the Fireman’s Challenge during Burger Wars

OMS names school ambassadors Opelika’s Nick Richardson takes job at alma mater

Robert Noles / Opelika Observer

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor Opelika High School’s Nick Richardson is leaving after two seasons to take a job at his alma mater, Tuscaloosa County High School.

Prior to joining Opelika in June 2016, Richardson spent six seasons as the head baseball coach at Bibb County, where he compiled a 122-83-1 overall record.

During his 2-year stint at the helm of Opelika’s baseball program, Richardson compiled 50-32 overall record, and led his teams to back-to-back second-round appearances in the AHSAA 6A State Playoffs.

Leaving Opelika was a difficult decision, but one made out of a desire to be closer to family, according to Richardson.

“It was an opportunity to get back home, and be around my parents and wife’s parents. Tuscaloosa County is also my alma mater and it’s a great opportunity,” Richardson said. “ It’s tough to leave the Opelika family but it’s about getting back closer to family and back home, which is very important to us.”

Richardson inherits a Wildcats baseball program that has struggled in recent years.

Since 2014, Tuscaloosa County has suffered 5-straight losing seasons and posted a 38-106-1 record.

For more information or updates on the coaching search, visit www.opelikaschools.org.

Special to the Opelika Observer Congratulations to the newly named Opelika Middle School Ambassadors. Each year the top semifinalists in the O'Mazing Shake competition are selected as the Ambassadors for the upcoming school year. OMS Ambassadors assist in school and community events and serve in a leadership role at Opelika Middle School. The winner of the O'Mazing Shake serves as the lead Ambassador.

The 2018-19 lead Ambassador and winner of the O'Mazing Shake is Zane Lackey. 2018-19 OMS Ambassadors are: Jacob Williams, Susannah Couey, Kalie Strickland, Keely Rider, Zayne Lackey, Bryce Speakman, Janinne Bernal Florida, Leah Bales, Paola Torres Morales, Jadah Thomas, Jaleigha Doolittle, and Ashleigh Pitts. The O'Mazing Shake and Ambassador program is coordinated

by Clarinda Jones and Melanie Montel.

Demolition underway on old Beauregard High School

Special to the Opelika Observer Demolition of the old Beauregard High School began earlier this month. Construction is expected to be finished next year.

pelika O Observer

B2 June 13, 2018

Opelika native graduates from the University of New Hampshire Special to the Opelika Observer Jacob Riehl of Opelika graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of New Hampshire in May. Riehl earned a BSENVE degree in Environmental Engineering.

Students who received the honor Summa Cum Laude graduated with a GPA of 3.85-4.0.

Students who received the honor of Magna Cum Laude graduated with a GPA

Riehl

of 3.65-3.84; and students who received the honor of Cum Laude graduated with a GPA of 3.50-3.64.

Students are only graduated after the Registrar's Office has certified that all degree requirements have been successfully completed.

Opelika High School student receives prestigious award

Participating in the commencement ceremony is the act of honoring and celebrating academic achievement.

The University of New Hampshire, founded in 1866, is a world-class public research university with the feel of a New England liberal arts college.

A land, sea and space-grant university, UNH is the state's flagship public institution, enrolling 13,000 undergraduate and 2,500 graduate students.

Special to the Opelika Observer Opelika High School Junior Adam Cason was presented with the Harvard Prize Book Award during a ceremony at OHS in May. Cason was presented with the Prize Book Award by Dr. Farrell Seymore, OHS Principal. According to the information given during the presentation, “The Harvard Prize Book program was established by Harvard alumni in 1910 as a part of an effort to attract the attention of talented young students to the opportunities at the college. In the program’s first years, a Prize Book was awarded at only a handful of schools in the New England area. Today, nearly 2,000 Prize Books, sponsored by local Harvard alumni, are awarded in schools all over the world. The Prize Book is awarded to an outstanding student in the next-to graduation class who displays excellence in scholarship and high character, combined with achievement in other fields. The winners of this award, through their intelligence and variety of achievement, exemplify Harvard’s commitment to excellence.”

Beauregard Basketball Summer Camps

K-4th Grade Thursday & Friday, June 21-22 8am-12pm at Beauregard High School Gym 5th-8th Grade Monday & Tuesday, June 25–26 8am-12pm at Beauregard High School Gym Basketball Camp Day Sign-ups will be held on opening day of camp *Camp Fee is $25.00 Please bring your own ball with name on it if possible!

Concessions will be sold during camp if you do not want your child buying concessions send a snack with their name on it.

If you have any questions please Text or Call Coach Carson Grier (256)404-8184

pelika O Observer

B3 June 13, 2018

‘Camp Overtime’ serves up education program, activities Special to the Opelika Observer Summer break will be full of educational opportunities for students in Opelika’s Ward 2 through a daily camp held at the Opelika Learning Center.

Organized by Councilwoman Tiffany Gibson-Pitts, “Camp Overtime” serves as

a continuation of the school year aimed at strengthening the math and reading skills while providing recreational opportunities for participants.

Additionally, students are exposed to the arts, swim lessons, Spanish classes, healthy lifestyles and more.

There are currently 85 students participating in the community-sponsored camp,

designed for students in grades 1-12 who live in the Raintree, Samford, Pinehurst, Arbor Place and Royal Park neighborhoods.

Gibson-Pitts said she saw a need for programs like “Camp Overtime” while on the campaign trail two years ago.

“Offering programs for the youth was the cry of many parents while I was campaign-

Road Closure Announcement Special to the Opelika Observer

The following roads near downtown Opelika are closed for construction unit further notice:

ing for my current position as leader of Ward 2. After speaking with the leadership in Opelika City Schools and reviewing test scores, I felt that it was important to mesh the two,” Gibson-Pitts said.

For more information, like and follow the “Around Ward 2” Facebook page. The camp is held Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Mitchell, from A1

ball game broadcast for over 30 years. He helped establish the Opelika S. 10th St between Avenue C and Avenue A All-Sports Booster Club Avenue B between Magazine Avenue and South 9th St and has always been a champion for our Please see the attached map for truck and local traffic detours. city. We appreciate his service to our schools and to our community.,” Neighbors said.

Being a play-by-play radio announcer for Opelika was the realization of a childhood dream for Mitchell, an opportunity to share his passion for both the school and its athletic programs with listeners.

“I loved every minute of broadcasting Opelika games. No one will have as much care and passion for the kids and Opelika than me,” Mitchell said. “I was the eyes for many people listening each week that could not attend the games.

Broadcasting Opelika football was a part of my life. I enjoyed my team and always cared about Opelika and our kids.”

Mitchell also resigned as president of the Opelika All-Sports Booster Club, an organization Special to the Opelika Observer that he has been a mem-

ASBESTOS LITIGATION If you began working in a

TEXTILE MILL Cotton mill Tire plant Paper mill Steel mill

or any other industrial setting before 1980: You may have a claim against the asbestos manufacturers.

Call now for your free evaluation.

1-888-432-6020

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

ber of since 1983.

He helped conceptualized the group’s “Corporate Sponsor Plan” in 1991, a program that splits funding among all school sports. It helped generate more than $120,000 for the 2017-18 season.

Mitchell will still host his daily morning sports talk show “On the Mark” during the week, as well as the “Orthopedic Clinic High School Recap” and “High School Coaches” shows this fall on WKKR 97.7 FM and WTLM 1520 AM.

Drive-In, from A7

about a bull with a big heart determined to return to his family. It will run from 6:20-8 p.m.

Refreshments, boxes and supplies will be provided and parents may drop their children off or stay for the movie.

For those that miss "Ferdinand," there will be another float-in movie viewing of Disney's "The Little Mermaid" June 22 from 7-9 p.m.

The movie is free for SportsPlex members and $5 for guests.

For more information visit https:// www.opelika-al. gov/556/SpecialEvents, or call 334-705-5560. The SportsPlex is located at 1001 Andrews Road.

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

Licensedsecurity.org Do have a home security system?

Are you licensed in Alabama?

HEALTHY TEENAGERS AND YOUNG ADULTS CAN GET BACTERIAL MENINGITIS. HERE IS HOW IT SPREADS:

Coughing & Sneezing

Sharing Drinks & Utensils

Kissing

Living in Close Quarters

ABOUT 10% OF PEOPLE WITH BACTERIAL MENINGITIS WILL DIE, SOMETIMES WITHIN 24 HOURS. SURVIVORS MAY HAVE BRAIN DAMAGE, LOSS OF LIMBS, AND HEARING LOSS.

THERE ARE 2 TYPES OF MENINGOCOCCAL VACCINES RECOMMENDED FOR PRETEENS AND TEENAGERS. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BACTERIAL MENINGITIS AND THE MENINGOCOCCAL VACCINE, VISIT alabamapublichealth.gov/immunization or facebook.com/AlabamaImmunizationInfo. #PreventMeningitis #GetVaccinated

AlabamaWorks: Opportunity-Innovation-Accountability-Inclusion

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

It’s your competitive advantage in Alabama.

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

pelika O Observer

B4 June 13, 2018

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MELBA TURNER BRYANT, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Letters of Administration of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 30th 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.

TERRIA BRYANT Administrator Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 6/6, 6/13 & 6/20/18

STATE OF ALABAMA IN THE PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY DOCKET NO. 2018-B-023 RE: ESTATE OF HAWARD J. JACKSON, DECEASED: NOTICE OF PUBLICATION Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 22nd day of May, 2018, by the Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are

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

Nora F. Jackson, Executor Claud E. (Skip) McCoy, Jr., Esq. Attorney for Executor Johnson, Caldwell & McCoy, LLC 117 North Lanier Avenue, Suite 201 Lanett, Alabama 36863 (334) 644-1171 Legal Run 5/30/18, 6/6/18 & 6/13/18

N THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE THE ESTATE OF JESSIE L. PINK GUARDIAN / CONSERVATOR’S SETTLEMENT NOTICE This day came Edward B. Raymon, as Guardian / Conservator of the estate of Jessie

L. Pink, an incapacitated individual, and filed his account, vouchers, evidence, and statements for partial settlement of said Conservatorship estate.

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the 21st day of June, 2018, at 11:00 a.m., is appointed as the day on which to make such settlement, in the Probate Court of Lee County,

LEGALS

STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF LEE IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MARIANNE WALLER WALKER, DECEASED PROBATE COURT NO. 2018-A-042 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE Letters of Administration on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 31st day of May, 2018, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate of said County in said State, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are required to present the same within the time allowed or the same will be barred. /s Malinda W. Holden Administratrix of the Estate of Marianne Waller Walker, Deceased Law Offices of James R. Bowles 2 South Dubois Avenue P.O. Box 780397 Tallassee, Alabama 36078 (334) 283-6548 Legal Run 6/6/18, 6/13/18 & 6/20/18

Alabama, at which time all persons interested can appear and contest the said Settlement if they think proper.

WITNESS my hand this ___ day of May, 2018 Bill English JUDGE OF PROBATE Legal Run 5/30/18, 6/6/18 & 6/13/2018

INVITATION TO BID: BID# 18035 Sealed bids for the construction of the 2018 City Wide Resurfacing Continuation shall be received at the Opelika City Hall Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., local time on Wednesday, June 27, 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: 334705-5450 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: 2018 City Wide Resurfacing Continuation 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 6/13 & 6/20

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA. CASE NO 2018-A-233 IN RE: The Estate of Edwin Joseph Bengston, Sr., Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having

been granted to Linda McPheeters, as Executrix of the Estate of Edwin Joseph Bengston, Sr., deceased, on the 30th day of May, 2018 by the Honorable Bill English.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA In Re: The Estate of Ethel Mildred Jackson, Deceased TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to: Clarence Thomas, as Executor of the Estate of Ethel Mildred Jackson, Deceased, on the 4th day of June 2018, by the Honorable Judge Bill English.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law of the same will be barred.

Clarence Thomas Executor of the Estate of Ethel Mildred Jackson deceased.

John F. Hitchcock Attorney at Law P.O. Box 729 Smiths Station, AL 36877 (334) 214-4600 Legal Run 6/13, 6/20 & 6/27

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

LINDA MCPHEETERS, Executrix of the Estate of Edwin Joseph Bengson, Sr., deceased Legal Run 6/6/18, 6/13/18, & 6/20/18

STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF LEE NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE Notice is hereby given that default having been made in the payment of that certain indebtedness of Michael Hugley and Aretha Hugley, individually, and as husband and wife, the payment of which is secured by that certain mortgage executed by the said Michael Hugley and Aretha Hugley in favor of United Bank, which mortgage is dated August 16, 2010, and recorded in Mortgage Book 3752 at Page 29, in the Office of the Judge

of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, and said default continuing, and the entire balance of the indebtedness secured by the above mortgage being due and payable with interest thereon, the undersigned, United Bank, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the Courthouse door of Lee County, Alabama, in the City of Opelika, Alabama, between the legal hours of sale on the 6 th day of July, 2018, the following described real property, to-

wit: All that tract or parcel of land lying and being in Section 31, Township 18 North, Range 27 East, of Lee County, Alabama, being Lot 7, of Western Hills Subdivision, as per plat recorded in Plat Book 25, Page 188, Lee County, Alabama Records, to which plat reference is made for a more detailed description. Subject to easements, restrictions, and reservations appearing of record.

Said sale and conveyance will also be made subject to the legal rights of existing Federal Tax Liens, and/or Special Assessments, if any,

which might adversely affect title to subject property.

Such sale will be made as provided in said mortgage for the purpose of paying the debt secured by said mortgage with interest thereon, any amounts required to be paid for taxes, insurance or other charges provided in said mortgage, and the expenses of foreclosure, including a reasonable attorney’s fee.

Said property will be sold on “as is, where is” basis subject to any easements, encumbrances, and exceptions contained in said mortgage and that contained

in the records of the Office of the Judge of Probate where the above-described property is situated. Said property will be sold without warranty or recourse, expressed or implied as to title, use and/or enjoyment, and will be sold subject to the right of redemption of all parties entitled hereto.

The proceeds of said sale will be applied according to the terms and provisions of said mortgage.

Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under

certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process.

UNITED BANK Robert H. Pettey SAMFORD & DENSON, LLP Attorneys at Law Post Office Box 2345 Opelika, Alabama 368032345 Telephone: (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 6/6/18, 6/13/18, & 6/20/18

CASE NO. NO: CV 17900517, NOTICE OF CIVIL ACTION In the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama K.B., A MINOR, by and through her natural mother and next friend, MAKIA ALISE BLEDSOE; MAKIA ALISE BLEDSOE, Individually; EDWARD BLEDSOE, II;

Plaintiffs, vs.

LIER ZHANG; ET AL., Defendants.

BY ORDER OF THE COURT, Notice of Action is hereby given to Lier Zhang, Individually and b/t his father and next friend, Jian Zhang, who have avoided service of process. K.B., a minor, by and through her natural

mother and next friend, Makia Alise Bledsoe; Makia Alise Bledsoe, Individually; and Edward Bledsoe, II have filed a civil action for the recovery of damages for injuries suffered by K.B. and Makia Alise Bledsoe.

The defendant is Lier Zhang for his willful, negligent and wanton misconduct in the operation of a vehicle and

other tortious conduct, which directly and proximately caused the injuries suffered

by K.B. and Makia Alise Bledsoe on April26,2017.

Lier Zhang is hereby required to file an answer with the clerk of this court within thirty (30) days after the date of the last publication of this Notice. This notice shall run at least once a week for four

(4) successive weeks. Service shall be complete at the date of the last publication. If the Defendant fails to answer within thirty (30) days after the date of the last publication of this Notice, a default judgment may be entered.

Dated this the 21st day of May, 2018.

MARY B. ROBERSON CIRCUIT COURT CLERK

Attorney for Plaintiffs Douglas J. Fees FEE001 The Cochran Firm - Huntsville 401 Madison Street Post Office Box 508 Huntsville, Alabama 35804 (256) 536-1199 Legal Run 6/6/18, 6/13/18, 6/20/18 & 6/27/18

CITY OF OPELIKA NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARINGS TO: RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA AND ALL OTHER INTERESTED CITIZENS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of Opelika, Alabama will hold a regular meeting and will be conducting public hearings on Tuesday, June 26, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. in the Commission Chambers in the Public Works Administrative Building located at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama. The purpose of the public hearings is to receive public comment on the following:

1. A public hearing on a request by James D. Miller, authorized representative for Dean & Brenda Belyeu, property owners, for preliminary and final plat approval of the James D. Powell subdivision, Redivision of Lot 1, accessed at 4923 Stonewall Road.

2. A public hearing on a request by James Michaud, property owner, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Eastwood subdivision, Phase 2, Revision of Parcels 3 & 4, consisting of 2 lots accessed at Lee Road 158 and Lee Road 735.

3. A public hearing on a request by Joseph P. & Barbara T. White, property owners, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Sanders Creek subdivi-

sion, Phase 2, Redivision of Lots 41-42, combining two lots into one lot accessed at 2109/2112 Beverly Drive.

4. A public hearing on a request by Souvanh & Pat Chanthongphio, property owners, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Jim Joe Perry subdivision, Redivision of Lot 2, consisting of 2 lots accessed at 2801 Anderson Road.

5. A public hearing on a request by Rosa & Willie Ellis, property owners, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Powledge subdivision, Redivision of Lot 11, consisting of 2 lots accessed at 3228 Old Opelika Road.

6. A request by William

Cleveland, authorized representative for Wyndham Properties LLC, property owner, to ratify the Wyndham Industrial Park subdivision, Redivision of Lots 3 & 5, consisting of 2 lots located at the 3000 block of Wyndham Industrial Drive.

7. A public hearing on a request by Richard Patton, property owner, for conditional use approval for a brewery (Resting Pulse Brewery) at 714 & 718 First Avenue.

8. A public hearing on a request by Richard Patton, property owner, for conditional use approval for a lounge (craft cocktail lounge) at 717 First Avenue, Suite B. 9. A public hearing on a request by FTC Investments

LLC, property owner, for an extension of the conditional use approval for a convenience store/gas station at 1207 Columbus Parkway (Conditional use approval expires on June 27, 2018).

10. The following agenda item is included for review as “Other Business” at the June 26th Planning Commission meeting: Discussion of submission requirements and design standards for subdivision plats and conditional use requests.

All interested persons are invited to attend the meeting/public hearings and be heard. Written comments concerning the above matters may be mailed to the Planning Director at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika,

Alabama 36801 at any time prior to the meeting/public hearings and may be further submitted to the Planning Commission at the meeting/public hearings.

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

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

PLANNING DIRECTOR Legal Run 6/13/2018

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING OPELIKA CITY COUNCIL JULY 17, 2018 7:00 P.M. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN in accordance with §23-4-2, Code of Alabama, 1975, that the City Council of the City of Opelika will conduct a Public Hearing during the regularly scheduled City Council meeting on Tuesday, July 17, 2018, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Opelika City Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 204 S. 7th Street, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama,

to receive the benefit of public input concerning a proposal to vacate the portion of Priester Road lying between Lots 2 and 3 of Dixie Baker Subdivision, according to plat of said subdivision of record in Plat Book 40 at Page 33 in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama. All persons interested in the proposed vacation are invited to appear at the public hearing and express their views.

Written statements or objections may be submitted to the City Clerk prior to the time of the hearing.

The portion of Priester Road proposed to be vacated is more particularly described as follows: Commence and begin at the northwest corner of Lot 3 located on the Eastern right-of-way of Priester Road of a parcel of land more fully described as follows: From this point of beginning thence South 02°35’35” East, a distance of 139.03 feet; thence South 86°09’45” West, a distance of 60.02 feet; thence North 02°35’35” West, a distance of 146.61 feet; thence South

86°37’17” East, a distance of 60.33 feet to the point of beginning of a parcel of land, said parcel containing 8,569.6 square feet or 0.20 acres, more or less.

A copy of the Petition to Vacate and the proposed resolution approving the vacation will be available upon request at the office of the City Clerk, 2 nd Floor of City Hall, 204 South 7th Street, Opelika, Alabama.

Please contact Lisa McLeod, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334-705-5131 at least two(2) working days prior to the meeting if

you require special accommodations due to a disability.

DATED this the 13th day of June, 2018. /s/ R. G. Shuman ROBERT G. SHUMAN, CITY CLERK Legal Run 6/13, 6/20, 6/27 and 7/4/18.

NOTICE OF Probate Office by COURT PROALVIN CARL CEEDING BUTTS on June CASE NO: 201811, 2018, pursuB-047 ant to Section IN THE PRO43-2-690, Code of BATE COURT OF Alabama and that LEE COUNTY, 30 days after the ALABAMA notice of publicaNotice of the filtion hereof and ing of Petiton for pursuant to law Summary Distribu- the Court shall be tion requested to enter In the Estate an Order directing of YOLANDA Summary DistribuNORTH BUTTS, tion of the estate deceased of said decedent.

Notice is hereby BILL ENGLISH, given that a PetiPROBATE tion for Summary JUDGE Distribution has Legal Run been filed in 6/13/2018 the LEE See Legals , page B6 COUNTY

Opelika, Lee County & A labama Politics RUN-OFF ELECTION IS SLATED FOR JULY 17

Rauch, Wood battle in District 38 run-off race

Wood

Rauch

By Morgan Murphy and Anna Riley For the Opelika Observer

Inside the Statehouse

N

ow that the dust has settled from last week’s gubernatorial primaries, let’s analyze the outcome.

Governor Kay Ivey and Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox won very impressive victories. Ms. Ivey beat three well financed opponents without a runoff. She trounced them. She garnered 56 percent of the vote to 25 percent for Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle.

Evangelist Scott Dawson and Mobile State Senator Bill Hightower brought up the rear with 13 percent and 5 percent respectively. All three men worked hard and raised money. It was a daunting task to defeat a sitting governor.

The challenge now goes to youthful, vibrant, Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox, who captured the Democratic nomination with a brilliant and impressive victory.

Maddox’s win may have been more impressive than Ivey’s.

He had to defeat a field of five. He did so, like Ivey, without a runoff. He also received 55 percent of his primary vote.

His closest challenger was former Alabama Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb, who got 29 percent. Former Cullman State Representative James Fields ran third in the Democratic primary with 9 percent of the vote.

Polling revealed three months out that Kay Ivey had an insurmountable lead.

Remarkably, the same polls had her with the almost identical 30-point lead three weeks out. Her numbers were 45 to Battle’s 12, Dawson 9, and Hightower 4 in mid-February and again as late as midMay.

The only way to diminish that kind of lead is to go negative.

Battle refused to go negative, which negated any chance he had to overtake her.

He was the only one of the three with the financial resources to decimate her numbers. He chose to use his campaign largesse to buy name identification. He is probably planning on making another run for governor in 2022. Thus, making this his get acquainted race. Kay will more than likely not be a candidate for reelection in 2022, if indeed she survives the November general election against the Democrat Walt Maddox.

All three dawdled with the scheme to go after Kay’s age, cognizance and health. The first to use the ploy was Hightower. In a veiled way to draw attention to Kay’s health, he released his medical report. Dawson and Battle followed suit with statements from their doctors saying they were fine. The media took the bait and smelled blood.

They caught Kay off guard and off script.

She first gave some ambiguous, befuddled response. Then when her campaign handlers had time to survey the scenario, they realized that all the three men did was to get a written statement from their primary physician that simply stated they were in generally good health. Well, Kay could do that.

The issue was diffused and laid to rest.

Presidential candidates cannot get by with broad, benign statements that they are fine. They are made to reveal their medical records and history. This is sometimes pretty private and quite revealing.

Every medical problem, procedure, medication and disease contracted is shown.

There is a reason that Bill Clinton did not release his medical records.

The gentleman award in the GOP Primary goes to Mayor Tommy Battle and Preacher Scott Dawson in the Governor’s race and State Senator Rusty Glover in the Lt. Governor’s race. They were vibrant and positive.

Their sincerity and candor were refreshing. They gave hope that good people will enter Alabama politics. However, they also gave renewed credence to the old adage, “nice guys finish last.” This maxim is especially true in politics.

One of the most interesting stories of this year’s gubernatorial election is that when Kay Ivey was a student at Auburn University 52 years ago, she cut her teeth in politics campaigning for Lurleen Wallace for governor. Lurleen won that race going away. In 1966, Governor Lurleen Wallace defeated 10 male opponents without a runoff. She is our only elected female governor in our state’s history. Ironically, if Kay is elected in November, she will be our second elected female governor.

Kay Ivey also made a special friend at Auburn. She and Jimmy Rane met and bonded at the Loveliest Village on the Plain. Rane, better known as the Yellow Man from his commercials, founded Great Southern Wood Company and has forged it into one of America’s great companies. Rane runs his company out of See Flowers , page B8

Following last Tuesday’s primaries, Todd Rauch and Debbie Wood will go headto-head in a special run-off election July 17 to determine who will become the Repub-

lican nominee for Alabama House District 38.

Both candidates spoke with Observer staff and shared their platforms and ideas they would hope to implement if elected.

• What is the most important concept/topic that you are hoping to focus on

in the upcoming election?

Rauch: - Community and Education “Coming up in the run-off, it will be about the different issues in the community. It is hard to pick one of them See Run-off , page B9

Hagan readying for general election

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor After clinching the Democratic nomination for Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District last week, Opelika native Mallory Hagan has her eyes set on defeating 15-year Republican incumbent Mike Rogers.

Hagan defeated Adia

McClellan Winfrey by a 66-34 percentage-point margin in last Tuesday’s primaries, a victory that she said will provide a significant momentum boost heading toward November’s general elections.

“It was a relief. It was a relief that the hard work that me and the awesome team that I put together paid

off,” Hagan said.

Now, Hagan said she will be focusing on fundraising and meeting with constituents, particularly college students, to discuss problems they face including environmental issues in an attempt to swing votes from Rogers.

See Hagan , page B9

Cobb, Smith endorse Walt Maddox Special to the Opelika Observer Former Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb and Doug “New Blue” Smith, both candidates for governor in the Democratic Primary June 5 primary, have endorsed Walt Maddox and are encouraging the other candi-

Maddox dates to do the same.

Other candidates who ran were Formerstate Representative

James Fields of Cullman County and Bishop Anthony White and businessman Chris Countryman of Houston County.

Maddox had the endorsement of the New South Coalition and the Alabama Democratic Conference and garnered 52 percent of the vote to avoid a runoff.

FarmPAC endorses Attorney General Steve Marshall Special to the Opelika Observer

FarmPAC, a political action committee of the Alabama Farmers Federation, has endorsed Steve Marshall for Alabama attorney general.

Marshall faces a runoff July 17 for the Republican nomination.

Federation President Jimmy Parnell said since becoming attorney general, Marshall has defended Alabama farmers against regulatory overreach and worked to strengthen the investigation and prosecution of rural crimes.

“Attorney General Marshall is a tough, conservative leader and a friend of Alabama farmers,” Parnell said. “He has sought the input of Federation members and rural residents as he worked to fight crime, end corruption and push back against harmful regulations.

He has done a great job as Alabama’s attorney general, and our members look forward to helping him win July 17 and earn a full term in November.”

In December, Marshall joined 12 other states in filing a lawsuit against the State of California for requiring that eggs sold in that state comply with its regulations governing the housing of laying hens. Marshall also signed onto a lawsuit with 12 other states against the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for barring the sale of eggs, pork and veal not housed according to its new regulations.

Earlier last year, Marshall led a coalition of state attorneys general asking the U.S. Supreme Court to hear a legal challenge related to the Endangered Species Act. Weyerhauser v. US Fish and Wildlife challenged Obama administration rules vastly expanding the defini-

tion of a critical habitat for an endangered species to include areas where the species do not and cannot live.

A native of Atmore, Marshall served as district attorney for Marshall County from 2001 until he was named Alabama attorney general last February.

He is a past president of the Alabama District Attorneys Association and former Commission Chairman of the Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center.

Marshall earned statewide recognition for his efforts to combat crystal meth and opioid abuse.

Since becoming attorney general, Marshall has continued to fight drug addiction and abuse as a co-chair of Gov. Kay Ivey’s Alabama Opioid Overdose and Addiction Council.

Marshall and wife Bridgette live in Albertville, where he’s an elder at Lifepoint Church.

pelika O Observer

B6 June 13, 2018

Legals,

from B4 CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Opelika will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, July 17, 2018, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 204 S. 7th Street, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama.

PURPOSE The purpose of said Public Hearing will be to consider the adoption of an ordinance to amend the text of Ordinance Number 124-91 (entitled “Zoning Ordinance of the City of Opelika”) adopted on September 17, 1991. At said Public Hearing all who desire to be heard shall have the opportunity to speak for or in opposition to the adoption of the following ordinance: ORDINANCE NO. ________ AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE TEXT OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA SPECIFICALLY TO AMEND SECTION 8.13 THEREOF BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows: Section 1. Amendment. That Section 8.13, Townhouse Development Standards, of Ordinance 124-91 entitled “Zoning Ordinance of the City of Opelika, Alabama”, adopted on September 17, 1991, as amended, is further amended by the deletion of the entire language of said section and substitution of the following, so that hereinafter said Section 8.13 shall read, in its entirety, as follows: Sec. 8.13 TOWNHOUSE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS The regulations as con-

tained in this section shall be applied to developments involving townhouses. A development plan, satisfying all the requirements of this ordinance shall be submitted to, reviewed by, and approved by the Planning Commission. Information required by Section 8.16.

A. Site Plan and Design Criteria, General.

It is the intent of this ordinance that townhouses, in areas where they are or may be permitted.

1. May be appropriately intermingled with other types of housing; and 2. Shall not form, long unbroken lines of row housing, but shall be staggered, singularly or in pairs, not less than three feet (3’) or more than twelve feet (12’); and 3. Shall constitute groupings making efficient, economical, comfortable and convenient use of land and open space and serving the public purposes of zoning by means alternative to conventional arrangements of yards and building areas.

4. Shall provide adequate common open space free of buildings, streets, driveways, or parking areas. The common open space shall be so designed and located that it is easily accessible to all occupants of the project and is usable for open space and recreational purposes.

Moreover, the Planning Commission may require that an association of owners or tenants be created for the purpose of maintaining such open spaces. It shall be created in such a manner that owners of property shall automatically be members and shall be subject to assessments levied to maintain said open space for the purposes intended for as long as the existence of the development.

B. Site Plan and Design Criteria, Details.

In line with the general considerations above the following criteria shall be met.

1. Maximum Units. Not more than twelve (12) contiguous townhouses, nor fewer than two (2) shall be built in a row with approximately the same front line; however in 2 no event shall the number

of units exceed the density allowed in the zone where the townhouse unit is to be constructed.

2. Minimum Width. The area on which any townhouse unit is to be constructed shall be twenty (20) feet.

3. Separation Requirementsinterior or Project. No portion of townhouse or accessory structure in or related to one (1) group of contiguous townhouses shall be closer than twenty (20) feet to any portion of a townhouse or accessory structure related to another group.

4. Yards. Front, sides and rear yards for the overall development or site shall not be less than those permitted on zoning lots for the district; Each townhouse shall have one (1) abutting yard, which may be in the required front, side or rear yard equal to the width of the townhouse and have an area not less than fifty (50%) percent of the first floor areas of the townhouse, private and reasonable secluded from view or from neighboring property. Such yard shall not be used for any accessory building.

5. Access Strip. Each group of contiguous townhomes shall have a five (5) foot access easement adjacent to the private yard that connects to the public or private street providing vehicular access.

6. Group Parking Facilities. a) Insofar as practicable, off-street parking shall be grouped in bays, in the interior of the project areas. No off-street parking space shall be more than one hundred (100) feet by the most direct pedestrian route, from a door of the dwelling unit it is intended to serve. Two (2) parking spaces shall be provided for each dwelling unit.

Parking bays shall be separated from street paving by curb or by curbed island, in either case the curb shall be a minimum of four (4) inches in width; except in driveway turnouts that will be provided between street paving and parking bays. This arrangement shall be constructed to prevent backing out into street from parking area. b) Townhouse units that front

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open space, have individual garages/carports or are accessed by a rear alley may utilize alternative parking configurations as approved by the City of Opelika.

7. Density. The density of the development shall coincide with the “dwelling units per acre” requirement as specified in Section 7.3A. according to the appropriate zoning district.

8. Maintenance. Provision for the maintenance of all common parking, open access and other spaces and areas shall be included in the plat restrictions of the property.

Individual utility connections shall be provided to each townhouse dwelling unit.

9. Fire Lanes. All townhouse buildings and developments shall comply with all building, fire, and life safety codes adopted by the City of Opelika at the time of permitting for that building and as administered by the building official or fire chief, or their respective representatives.

This shall include among other criteria any requirements prescribed for fire lanes, fire-rated construction or building separation.

10. Design. Townhouse developments should reflect the character and complement of the surrounding housing. a) Townhouse developments and buildings shall address the street when placed on local streets or existing residential neighborhoods unless prohibited by the lot configuration, topographic issues or other design issues. i. This shall include having the front façade of the building face the street. ii. Any buildings located behind the front row of buildings may have different orientations. iii. Corner lots are only required to address one street side, although blank or uninterrupted walls are discouraged and should be screened or landscaped when possible. b) Townhouse developments located on arterial or collector streets may be oriented away from the street. c) Any fences or walls constructed abutting a public street shall be consistent in material, height and depth along a group of contiguous townhouse units.

C. Design Criteria of Townhouses, Individual Owners.

In districts where townhouse buildings are permitted and townhouses are to be constructed for sale, each on its own lot, to individual owners: 3 1. Minimum Requirements.

Townhouse developments shall be subject to the minimum requirements specified in the subdivision regulation; such townhouses shall be constructed in accordance with applicable provisions of all codes of the City with no more than twelve (12) units per building, nor fewer than two (2) in a row with approximately the same front line.

2. Minimum Width. The width of the lot on which any single townhouse is to be constructed shall be twenty

(20) feet or greater at front lot line.

3. Minimum Lot Area. The minimum lot area per townhouse shall be no less than eighteen hundred (1,800) square feet. The minimum areas required shall be exclusive of any paved common parking areas or driveways.

The minimum lot area may include any required buffers, individual parking, garages or carports, or rear access alleyways.

4. Separation Requirementsinterior of Projects. No portion of a townhouse or accessory structure shall be closer than twenty (20) feet to any portion of a townhouse or accessory structure related to another group.

5. Yards. a. On lots containing townhouse dwellings, fronting on a public way, there shall be a minimum front yard as required in each zone. b. A ten (10) feet side yard shall be required at the end of each townhouse building for a total of twenty (20) feet between structures. Each townhouse shall have one abutting yard, which may be within the required front, side or rear yard, equal in width of the townhouse and have an area not less than fifty percent (50%) of the first floor area of the townhouse, private and reasonable secluded from view from streets or from neighboring property. Such yards shall not be used for any accessory buildings. c. On corner lots facing or siding on a public street, the side yard minimum shall conform to side yard on street yard minimum requirements, satisfying the zone in which development is located.

6. Access. A townhouse development shall front on a public right-of-way.

However, individual townhouse lots need not abut public streets. When such lots do not abut public streets, they shall abut private roads, parking lots or access easements. a. Any private road, parking aisle or access easement used for frontage requirements shall meet the minimum standards as designated in the City of Opelika Code of Ordinances, Chapter 26, Article V, Section 26-168. b. The City Engineer shall review and approve proposed access specifications to ensure that the proposed road way is adequate to handle the expected usage. c. The length and extent of private roads, driveways and parking aisles providing access to lots shall be minimized, and public streets shall be provided in larger subdivisions when substantial distances are involved.

Individual lots shall be no more than 1,000 feet from a public street as measured along the private access road. The Planning Commission may waive this distance requirements if it is determined that the design will allow a better internal street network or in cases where topography

limits connectivity. d. Any private road, parking aisle or access aisle used for frontage requirements or access shall be maintained in good repair and free of defect or deformations so that passability shall not be impaired. e. The City Engineer or other authorized representative shall be authorized to inspect private roads that provide a means of ingress or egress and may cause corrective action or abatement as described in City of Opelika Code of Ordinances, Chapter 26, Article V. Section 2. Repeal of Conflicting Ordinances.

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

Section 3. Effective Date.

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

Section 4. Publication. The City Clerk is directed to publish a synopsis of this Ordinance in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama pursuant to Section 11-45-8(b)(2), Code of Alabama, (1975) as amended.

ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the _____day of ____________________, 2018.

4 PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA ATTEST: CITY CLERK TRANSMITTED TO MAYOR on this the _____day of ____________________, 2018.

CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR APPROVED this the _____ day of _________________, 2018.

MAYOR ATTEST: CITY CLERK END All interested persons are invited to attend the Public Hearing and be heard. Written comments concerning the above matter may be mailed to the City Clerk at City Hall, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, AL 36803 at any time prior to the Public Hearing and may be further submitted to the City Council at the meeting and Public Hearing.

The City Council reserves the right to modify or alter any of the proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and to make amendments to the Zoning Ordinance.

Please contact Lisa McLeod, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334-705-5131 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability.

WITNESS my hand this the 13 th day of June, 2018. /s/ R. G. Shuman CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 6/13/2018

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CORDELIA PARKER KLINNER, 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 8 th day of June, 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.

JOHN B. KLINNER Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 LEGAL RUN 6/13, 6/20 & 6/27

NOTICE OF COURT PROCEEDING CASE NO: 2018-B-048 IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Notice in the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution In the Estate of LINDA SUE HEPTINSTALL, deceased.

Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the LEE COUNTY Probate Office by ARNOLD DAVID HEPTINSTALL on June 11, 2018, pursuant to Section 43-2-690, Code of Alabama and that 30 days after the notice of publication hereof and pursuant to law the Court shall be requested to enter an Order directing Summary Distribution of the estate of said decedent.

BILL ENGLISH, PROBATE JUDGE Legal Run 6/13/2018

NOTICE OF ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE SALE To be held on Monday, July 9, 2018, at 10 a.m. at Best 4 Less at 2509 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika, AL 36801.

1FMZU63K53UB27220 - 2003 FORD EXPLORER LEGAL RUN 6/20 & 6/27

NOTICE OF COURT PROCEEDING CASE NO. 2018-B-050 IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution In the Estate of WILLIE FRANK SMITH, SR., deceased Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the LEE COUNTY Probate Office by CAROLYN BURKS SMITH on June 12, 2018, pursuant to Section 43-2-690, Code of Alabama and that 30 days after the notice of publication hereof and pursuant to law the Court shall be requested to enter an Order directing Summary Distribution of the estate of said decedent.

BILL ENGLISH, PROBATE JUDGE Legal Run 6/13/2018

NOTICE OF ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE SALE To be held on Monday, July 16, 2018, at 10 a.m. at Best 4 Less at 2509 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika, AL 36801.

4F2CZ02ZX8KM22596 - 2008 MAZDA TRIBUTE 3FAHP07128R206581 - 2008 FORD FUSION LEGAL RUN 6/20 & 6/27

B7

pelika O Observer

June 13, 2018

Community Calendar: Events around town

Ongoing: • Village Friends/Village Values is a nonprofit organization that supports seniors who prefer to stay in their own homes as they grow older. For info or to schedule a presentation to your group, call 334-209-4641.

For the website, Google “village friends village values.”

• The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR chapter is appealing for sweaters, jackets, trousers, shirts and socks, women’s clothing, soft soap in individual containers, shaving supplies, disposable razors, denture cleanser, toothpaste and toothbrushes, DVDs, games, books and magazines to take to veterans at the CAVHCS in Tuskegee. The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR Chapter regularly visits veterans living in assisted living, the homeless domiciliary and psych (trauma) ward in Tuskegee. Donations are tax deductible and will be much appreciated. Pick up is provided. Please call Linda Shabo at 887-6659 or at 256-307-1449.

Mondays: • “Gimme A Break” Support Group for parents whose children have autism will be held from 9-11 a.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika. This is a monthly event on the first Monday of each month for parents to connect with each other.

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

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

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

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

• The Touched by Suicide Support Group meets the first Monday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at the East Alabama Medical Center Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway.

For more information, contact Deborah Owen, EAMC’s director of Psychiatric Services at 334-5284197 or deborahowen@ eamc.org.

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

• T.O.P.S (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly), a weight loss support group, meets every Monday night from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Covington Recreation Center, 213 Carver Ave., Opelika. For more info contact Mary Johnson, 749-1584.

• The Lee County Commission meets the second and last Mondays of each

month at the courthouse beginning at 5 p.m.

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

Whether you are interested in the proper way to plant fruit trees or have questions in turf management, these webinars cover a wide range of subjects. Webinars are streamed live via Panopto on the last Monday of every month starting in January and ending in November.

During the presentation, participants can send questions via email. The webinars also are recorded and stored in the archive on the Beginning Farmer website.

Webinar topics include: trap cropping for reducing squash insect pests, cowpea curculio updates, nutsedge control, introduction to potting mixes in ornamental container production, dealing with drought in commercial horticulture crops, and many more.

To view the full schedule, please visit www.aces. edu/anr/beginningfarms/ webinars.php. Please send questions during the presentations to Ann Chambliss, thameae@auburn.edu. For questions regarding the webinar series or for providing suggestions, please email Dr. Ayanava Majumdar at bugdoctor@auburn.edu.

Tuesdays: • Ballroom Dance Classes at the Opelika Sportsplex from 7-8 p.m. every Tuesday. Instructor is Cody Wayne Foote. For more info call Diane at 749-6320.

• A monthly educational program on topics for au-

tism parents, caregivers and teachers will be held on the second Tuesday of each month at Trinity United Methodist Church, 800 2nd Ave., Opelika from 6-7:30 p.m. Childcare is provided, but reservations need to be made by contacting Maria Gutierrez at mariag@ leecountyautism.com to make sure there are enough volunteers.

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

• The Opelika City Council meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 7 p.m. Meetings are preceded by non-voting work sessions that typically begin about 6:30-6:45 p.m.

• Every second Tuesday, a country, gospel and bluegrass music jam session is held at Pierce Chapel United Methodist Church in Beauregard. The event is free and open to the public. Those who play an instrument should bring it and plan to join in. The jam session is held from 6–8 p.m. 8685 AL Highway 51.

• A Grief Support Group meets at Oak Bowery United Methodist Church Tuesdays at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. for anyone dealing with the pain of loss and feeling the need for support on their journey as they attempt to bring order and wholeness back into their life. Attendance and participation is strictly voluntary for any and all sessions. There are no fees or charges involved. The church is located on U.S. Highway 431 – eight miles north from Southern Union State Community College and Opelika High School.

For more information contact Bill Parker at 459-0214 or 706-518-9122.

• The Auburn Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol meets every Tuesday evening from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Auburn University Regional Airport. The Civil Air Patrol is a nonprofit organization that is Congressionally chartered to be the civilian auxiliary of the Air Force and focuses on three missions: aerospace education, cadet programs and emergency services.

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

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 non-profit, 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 -8:30 p.m.

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

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

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

Thursdays: • The Teal Magnolias Gynecological Cancer Support Group meets the second Thursday of every third month at 6 p.m. at EAMC Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway.

For more information on the Teal Magnolias, email tealmagnoliasAL@yahoo.com or find them on Facebook.

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

• Opelika-Auburn Newcomers’ Club provides a variety of programs for the betterment of the Auburn/ Opelika community to assist women transitioning into the area or to help women adjust to recent lifestyle changes. The club meets on the third Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. for a luncheon at various local restaurants. Please call 770845-2277 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.

• Auburn/Opelika MOPS & MOMSnext Summer Play Dates • 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.

• June 19 The June meeting of NAMI East Alabama, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), will take place at 7 PM on Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, 714 East Glenn Avenue in Auburn. NAMI supports families dealing with mental illness through mutual support, education and advocacy. There will be a time for sharing following discussion of the by-laws.

The public is invited.

• 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 after-school 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 334-480-2008.

Email editor@opelikaobserver.com to place your community events.

DARE Program holds party at Opelika Sportsplex

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Area students participating in the Opelika Police Department’s D.A.R.E. program got a chance to have some summer fun during a year-end party at the Opelika SportsPlex last month.

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B8 June 13, 2018

Opelika Fire Dept. burns the competition at Burger Wars

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer On June 2, members of the Opelika Fire Department faced off against their long-time rival department from Auburn in the Fireman’s Challenge during the fourth-annual Burger Wars event. This was Opelika’s first victory in the competition.

Flowers, from B5

Abbeville and still resides in his native Henry County.

Rane and Ivey have remained fast friends over the years. He has been an integral part of her campaign. He has been her largest personal contributor. In addition, she used Rane’s Great Southern jet to fly around the state on her final day of campaigning.

See you next week.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature.

Steve may be reached at www. steveflowers.us.

Museum, from A1

Police memorabilia includes handcuffs, badges and vintage uniforms worn by OPD and Lee County Sheriff’s Office members.

The exhibit’s showcase item, though, is a vintage 1948 Ford pumper truck, which was used for more than 25 years by the OFD, Buxton estimates.

“That truck right there is historic. It has a lot of his-

tory and stories attached to it,” Buxton said.

“We’re working on getting information on the truck and putting details about the fire engine, how it was used and why it’s significant.”

The exhibit’s completion is the realization of a nearly 10-year old idea, according to Buxton.

“This exhibit is one of the first major changes we’ve made here since we redid the museum in 2010.

And the response from the community has been great,”

Buxton said. “I think kids really get a charge out of it. They come and want to get on or close to the truck, which is one great advantage of having it physically here.”

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will begin at 4 p.m., and is free and open to the public. Niffer’s will provide refreshments during the event.

For more information, call 334-7492751. The museum is located at 121 S. 9th St. and is open 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday - Friday and 2-4 p.m. on Saturdays.

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

pelika O Observer Run-off, from B5

because one of my big things is getting people to understand how important the community and being involved in the community is, as well as understanding what goes on in the government within the city, county and state you live in.”

“I think making sure that we bring in educators, teachers, superintendents and principals, that’s something that I want to do, I want to have an education committee that within District 38, so that whenever there is a bill that has to do with education I have someone to talk to that is an expert in the field. They are a resource that we can use in the community and I think that’s incredibly important when talking about education.”

Wood: “My platform first is jobs, I think that it is vitally important that everyone have the opportunity to

get a good, high-paying job. In our community in 2009, we had the highest unemployment in the state of Alabama. Since that time, we have created over 3,400 jobs and put our people back to work. And I watched a community that had lost hope regain and have a new rebirth, so jobs are vitally important to me.”

• If you were to win, what is the first thing that you hope to accomplish?

Rauch: Giving the people a voice and protecting Alabama’s retirement systems.

“The first thing I hope to accomplish is to make sure that the people in our district understand whats going on, and I want to make sure that they feel like they have a voice. I want to make sure I’m having town halls and forums and explaining to the people and the district exactly what is going on and if they have concerns and questions I want to be able to answer them. If they want me to ask questions to people in Montgomery, I want to make sure that I am taking their voice to

Montgomery.”

“I want to make sure that we protect the retirement system of alabama.

That was something that we focused on during the last three weeks before the election. I went to three different senior center openings and I talked to a lot of people and that was their number one question so that is something I want to make sure right when I get in there, making sure people have a voice and protecting the retirement system of Alabama.”

Wood: “The first thing I want to do if I win is I want to go to Montgomery and try to talk the legislature into not having one long session, we need to break it up into two smaller sessions and the first thing we need to do is what we’re payed to do which is pass a balanced budget. We need to concentrate on the budget all by itself and then everything else, and then the local bills, and the other hot item issues need to be in a separate session because when you do it all in one, you get everyone trying to

B9 June 13, 2018

come together and they’re trying to argue their point and so what ends up happening sometimes is that we don’t do our jobs efficiently and pass a good budget for the people in the state of Alabama.”

• What is your strategy for the upcoming election?

Wood: “Just getting people out to vote. Going door to door, talking to people, making sure they understand how important this is to me, making sure they know the differences between the candidates.”

Rauch: “There are a lot of issues out there, but for the upcoming election I want to talk solely about the issues.

Everyone knows Todd Rauch served in U.S. Army, is a wounded warrior, he has worked in the community and made the community his focus since he has been out of the military.

Since I was seventeen all I have been doing is serving my country and serving my community so the big thing now is to talk about the issues.”

Hagan, from B5

“I think it’s really important for voters to look at Congressman Roger’s voting record. One of the things that I disagree with him most on is his stance on our environment,” Hagan said. “Most of our districts are in real trouble, and people are very sick. In 2017, he voted against every single environmental protection bill that he could ... and in a state like Alabama that is ripe for agriculture, I just think that that is ineffective and dangerous.”

Another issue Hagan said that is near and dear to her heart is equality, particularly within members of the LGBT community.

“I’m concerned about equality in our nation. I think it is incredibly important for us to get back to kindness and compassion and protecting those people who might be

LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS Opelika Housing Authority Job Description: The Property Manager manages the day-to-day operations of an assigned property including managing the team members, daily activities, and resources of the property to achieve established budgeted financial and operational goals, and ensures that the operation of the property complies with Company policies and procedures, Fair Housing, Americans with Disabilities Act, Fair Credit Reporting Act, and other laws and regulations governing multi-family housing operations.

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Bachelor’s degree in management, business administration, social science area or closely related field plus 3 years of progressively responsible experience in HUD housing programs, or an equivalent combination of education and experience and employment history that demonstrates the application of property management, sales, marketing, and customer service background sufficient to manage the day-to-day operation of an apartment community, resolve customer complaints and issues, complete financial records, documents, and reports, increase sales revenues, and

Opelika Housing Authority Job Description: The Assistant Property Manager supports and assists the Property Manager in overseeing and managing the financial and operational facets of the community by completing accounting and bookkeeping tasks, preparing monthly close-out and financial reports, processing invoices for payment, collecting rent, fees, and other payments, completing bank deposits, dispositions, and account reconciliations, and using the

property management software to record, track, and report on all financial workings of the community Education: Associate degree in business or social services field, plus 2 years of related experience, or related combination of experience and training will be considered.

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• Must have valid driver’s license to drive a golf cart on property.

coordinate the word of a team.

Qualifications: • Demonstrated ability to read, write, and communicate effectively to comprehend and complete legal documents, sell and explain apartment features, and answer questions about the property’s operation.

• Demonstrated proficiency in Internet, word processing, spreadsheet, and database management programs in order to complete required reports and employment documents.

• Strong proficiency in using property management software (preferably Yardi and/or One Site).

• Demonstrated mathemati-

• Demonstrated ability to read, write, and communicate effectively to comprehend and complete legal documents, sell and explain apartment features, and answer questions about the community’s operation.

• Demonstrated proficiency in Internet, word processing, spreadsheet, and database management programs in order to complete required reports and employment documents. Strong proficiency in using property management software (preferably Yardi

cal skills necessary to add, subtract, multiply, and divide numbers, decimals, and fractions, and calculate percentages in order to complete financial records, budgets, and other fiscal reporting information.

• Demonstrated management and supervisory skills sufficient to hire, lead, direct, evaluate, and manage subordinate and team members, including maintenance specialists.

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=Empl oyment+Opportunities

and/or One Site).

• Demonstrated mathematical skills necessary to add, subtract, multiply, and divide numbers, decimals, and fractions, and calculate percent’s in order to complete financial records, budgets, and other fiscal reporting information.

• Demonstrated understanding of community operations and, in particular, lease terms and lease enforcement, including collections.

• Employment history that demonstrates the application of community management,

marginalized,” Hagan said. “(Passing) the Equality Act is very important to me as an LGBT advocate and as someone who is concerned about my neighbors.”

Reflecting on her journey, which includes winning the Miss America 2013 title and main news anchor for Columbus’s NBC affiliate WLTZ, Hagan said running for politics has been full of life-changing experiences.

“This is definitely the most fun I’ve ever had doing anything in my life.

I enjoyed my time very much at WLTZ, working as a small business owner, and of course being Miss America,” Hagan said. “This has made me fall in love all over again with the state of Alabama, everyday shaking hands and meeting with people and hearing their stories.

There are so many wonderful human beings here in Alabama and within this district.”

For more information about Hagan’s platforms, visit www.haganfor-

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To apply please visit our office, located at 1706 Toomer Street – Opelika, AL 36801 or complete an application online at http://www.opelikaha. org/Default.asp?ID=123&pg= Employment+Opportunities

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B10 June 13, 2018

pelika O Observer

Last week’s answers:

6-6 SCRAMBLER ANSWERS: 1), Shelve 2), Tremor 3), Staple 4), Bizarre Solution: Mothballs

pelika O Observer

B11 June 13, 2018

COMICS

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

-Erma Bombeck

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B12 June 13, 2018

Cipperly,

from A7

twins had been born, it was a great fit with three small children.

In 1994, the Rev. Earl Ballard and Rev. Walter Albritton asked Melinda to be the children’s minister. At the time, she was expecting their fourth child. She worked part-time at the church.

Later, she became director of senior ministries.

Although Melinda never thought of being in the ministry growing up, she feels God provided her with the skills, the heart and compassion to work on the church staff.

While Melinda and Jim enjoy their work, family has always been a priority. They made it a point for the family to be at the dinner table where they sat together and talked. The television had to be turned off. “It is a valuable time,” says Jim. “It is very important for families. When we have finished eating, we will sit at the table and continue talking.

“The food brings you to the table,” he adds, “but what keeps us there is the communication of what is going on.

It is a great way to be together.”

Melinda and Jim both cook. “I have learned to be a more efficient cook over time,” she says.

“Sometimes I will cook on the weekends and freeze casseroles for during the week.”

Jim enjoys grilling with charcoal. He grills fish on cedar plank.

They try to eat healthy with salads and plenty of grilled fish and chicken.

When they went on Mexico mission trips with the church, Jim would get as many Dutch ovens as he could to cook cobblers for dessert.

He also helps with grilling chickens for the church spring barbecue and bake sale. Along with other grillers, they

Fuller, from A4

wasn’t until the early morning of Friday, October the 13th that I saw a true father for the first time.

A father rides behind a speeding ambulance while his baby is being born on Hwy 280. A father gets up in the middle of the night and warms a bottle so baby can eat and mama can sleep. A father kisses mama on the cheek and tells her everything is fine, because he doesn’t want her to worry. A father listens. He stays up until midnight night washing dishes by hand and doing laundry because mama is exhausted. A father loves both of his children equally even if only one is by blood. A father is patient. A father is kind.

I was raised by two strong women who did the best they could at

cook 2,300 chicken halves.

Jim was impressed that Melinda’s father would cook a pancake breakfast for family get-togethers. He began cooking pancakes on weekends for their children and froze extras to eat during the week.

The Jacksons taught their children how to cook. Last year on a beach vacation, their daughter Rebecca, who had spent a year in China on mission work, taught Hannah and her Dad how to make dumplings. “It was fun,” says Jim, as he enjoyed the time with his daughters.

“We tried to teach our kids that hard work is nothing to be a shamed of and not to be afraid of it,” says Jim. “If you are willing to do that, you will always have something to do. There are going to be disappointments. You just have to work through those and keep pushing.

Jim believes it is important to teach children to have integrity and to be truthful and honest.

“Putting family first takes a lot of work,” he adds. “Best place for me to start is having a hunger for God’s word and let that teach me. I can read something in the Bible and read it a year later and see something new. It is alive, and the Bible talks about how it is living, and I believe that.

“I get up early to read. I knew I needed that quiet time to read, understand and remember.”

“Jim is a wonderful father,” says Melinda.

“He has always taken a lot of time with our children outside and inside our house. He always involved them if he was working on a project outside. We like to laugh a lot as a family, and we love music. Our children have learned to laugh a lot.”

Ann Cipperly can be contacted at recipes@ cipperly.com. being a Mama, a Mema, and a daddy.

They raised me the very best they knew how. I went through being a single mom and know how hard that is. I failed more times than I can count and blame myself endlessly for my mistakes. I have thrown my fists at God and asked Him “why” on many occasions.

This is my why.

I waited 33 years to experience what its like to have a father.

As I sit by the window, I see a car pull in the driveway. It’s Jody.

I’m so thankful I don’t have to wait any longer.

Lucy Fuller is a lover of nature, animals, gardening, and old houses.

She is a full time mother and wife.

She currently resides in Opelika with her husband, two daughters, 3 dogs, and cat.

She can be reached at fullalove2017@gmail. com.

Jim’s Recipes for Charcoal Grill and Smoker: Vegetables: I experiment with lots of fresh produce, but I’ve found one of the best ways to serve vegetables my family likes to eat is to cook them over a charcoal fire.

Cabbage quartered with the stem removed, bell peppers sliced or cut into large rectangles, asparagus with the stems trimmed off, broccoli, onions (sweet is preferred), squash, zucchini and Brussels sprouts are favorites. We have used skewers and added fresh tomatoes to the mix, but it can get messy.

I use a cast-iron skillet but prefer a round metal grill skillet and sauté just like I would if cooking indoors on the stove top. The charcoal fire gives it a smoky flavor.

As for recipes, I’m not much for measuring. My process for most of vegetables: add a good amount olive oil (coat them, don’t drizzle) add salt and pepper to taste.

Other favorite seasonings are Mrs. Dash original or Southwest, or just a sprinkle of Tony Chachere’s Creole.

Once the veggies have a good char and are tender, I remove them and place in heavy duty aluminum foil. Wrap them up and put back on the fire, but away from direct heat.

Corn: For corn on the cob, I have cooked them in the shuck, soaked them in water and wrapped in foil, but lately I have placed the cob onto the edges of the grill (medium heat) to get a good char. Rotate often; add some salt, if desired.

Buffalo Chicken Tacos 4 oz. fat free cream cheese 1 Tbsp. butter ½ cup buffalo wing sauce (Frank’s is a good brand.)

2 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken ½ tsp. garlic powder ½ tsp. onion powder 8 hard taco shells Topping: Fat free sour cream, diced avocado, diced tomatoes Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Recipes Once you have a good char, remove the corn, wrap in foil and put back on the grill. Fresh corn cooked this way is one of my favorites.

Grilled Fish: I grill fish mostly these days, and I’m thankful for the cedar planks and how easy they are to find in the grocery stores. Fresh salmon (wildcaught) is our preference, but we have grilled frozen salmon, tilapia and catfish. During our Gulf beach trips, I have grilled red snapper and triple tail when we can catch it or find it.

I’ve never used anything but cedar wooden planks, but I’m sure there are other variations. The cedar does not impart any bad flavors or tastes, and I love working with it.

A couple hours before you light the fire, soak the wooden planks in clean water. Remove the fish from the refrigerator, and allow it to come to room temperature.

Place the fish skin side down onto the plank and put the plank directly over the fire.

The cedar planks will most times catch fire, and give the edges of the fish a crust, but keep a bottle of water handy to keep the flames down.

To season the fish, I squeeze fresh lemons or limes onto the fish or sometimes will use melted butter. The citrus gives it a good flavor and keeps the large filets moist.

Salt and pepper to taste or Old Bay seasoning work well for me.

Heat a skillet over medium-low and add cream cheese, butter and buffalo wing sauce; stir until melted.

Add cooked chicken, garlic powder and onion powder; stir.

In a small casserole dish, line up taco shells, so the open end is facing up.

Stuff each with about 3 Tbsp. chicken mixture and bake 15 minutes.

Top with fat-free sour cream, diced avocado and diced tomatoes.

Serves 4.

Honey Sesame Salmon with Teriyaki 1 Pacific salmon fillet (1.25 lb.)

2 tsp. honey 1 tsp. sesame seeds 2 tsp. teriyaki Thaw salmon in refrigerator about 4 hours before baking.

Line cooking sheet with aluminum foil; place whole fillet on top of foil 30 minutes before baking.

Combine honey, sesame seeds and teriyaki in small bowl.

Stir briskly.

With silicone baking brush, cover whole fillet, reserving about ¼ of mixture.

Bake whole fillet in oven for 20 minutes.

Pull out and brush last part of mixture on whole fillet and place back in oven 5 more minutes.

Turns out flaky and delicious!

Super Easy Chicken Pie 4 medium size chicken breasts 2 cups chicken broth 1 can cream of chicken soup (10 ½ oz.) fat free, if desired 1 pkg. frozen mixed vegetables (12 oz. size) 2 hard boiled eggs 1 stick butter 1 cup self-rising flour 1 cup milk (1% or skim) Boil chicken on stove top and reserve two cups of the broth.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Spray a 9 x 13 pan with cooking spray and layer uncooked vegetables on bottom of pan.

Use 2 packages of vegetables if you like.

Smoker: I have a horizontal wood smoker and vertical electric smoker. When the weather is cooler, I enjoy using both. At Thanksgiving and Christmas, I will smoke hams and turkeys.

Hams: The ham is so easy to do and only takes a half day of prep and cook time. I will make my own rub using spices we keep in the cupboard. I like to smear the ham with yellow mustard and cover it with the rub. I cook it low and slow with a heat of 225-235 degrees. The ham stays moist and is very tasty.

The electric smoker uses wood chips and does a terrific job holding a steady temperature. I’ve used regular charcoal, lump charcoal and oak/hickory limbs in the wood smoker. It has more cooking space, but it takes constant attention to keep the desired cooking temperature.

Turkeys: For the turkey, I will let it thaw in the refrigerator, and brine it overnight before cooking. For the brine, I use 1 or 1 ½ cups plain table salt, depending on the size of the bird.

Use a little hot water to melt the salt, pour the slurry into your container first to make sure everything has dissolved. Put the bird in next and fill it up ¾ full with water, giving everything a gentle stir. I like to use a new 5-gallon bucket, washed and rinsed out. I will layer ice onto the top and cover with a towel.

Cook according to directions for the smoker.

Touchdown Taco Dip 1 can (16 oz.) refried beans, low fat or fat-free, or vegan 1 pkg. (8 oz.) fat-free cream cheese, softened 1 cup fat-free sour cream 2 Tbsp. Southwest seasoning mix 2 garlic cloves, pressed ½ cup low-fat grated cheddar cheese Preheat oven to 350.

Spread refried beans over bottom of small square pan. Combine cream cheese, sour cream, seasoning mix and garlic, mixing well.

Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over beans. Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top.

Bake 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted.

Baked Zucchini Ziti 8 oz. ziti, uncooked 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes, low sodium 1 ½ tsp. Italian seasoning 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 medium) 1 cup part skim ricotta cheese 1 cup shredded part skim mozzarella, divided ½ cup, plus 1 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese, divided 1 egg, lightly beaten Salt and pepper Cooking spray Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a medium bowl, combine tomatoes and Italian seasoning.

In a separate bowl, mix zucchini, ricotta, ½ cup mozzarella, ½ cup Parmesan and egg. Season with salt and pepper.

Coat a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray.

Spread half of tomato sauce on bottom.

Top with ziti, ricotta mixture and remaining sauce.

Sprinkle with remaining ½ cup mozzarella and 1 Tbsp.

Parmesan.

Bake until top is brown and sauce is bubbling, 35-40 minutes.

Cut cooked chicken into small pieces and layer over vegetables.

Mix cream of chicken soup with 2 cups hot chicken broth—large whisk works well.

Pour this over chicken and vegetables.

Cut up 2 hard-boiled eggs and layer over chicken and vegetables. For topping, mix together melted butter, milk and self-rising flour; whisk together until no lumps remain.

Pour this over entire pie and bake in oven for 1 hour or until top is a nice golden brown.

This can be made a day ahead of time and stored in refrigerator.

Family Favorite Fajitas 4 medium chicken breasts or 8 chicken tenders (uncooked and thawed) 1 pkg. 3 pepper and onion blend, frozen (12 oz.)

1 tsp. Chipotle Spice (I like McCormick Grill Mates) Toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, grated cheese Serve on flour tortillas (whole wheat soft taco—Mission brand) This dish is prepared in the microwave in a deep covered baker (3 inches in depth and 9 x 12 size).

Layer peppers and onions in bottom; sprinkle ½ tsp. chipotle over vegetables.

Layer chicken on top; sprinkle the remaining chipotle on top.

Place in microwave leaving top off of baker. Cook for 18 minutes.