Opelika Observer 6-27-18 E-Edition

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Vol. 10, No. 38

Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Upcoming Events

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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.”

Former Round House owner Kyle Sandler arrested on Lee County warrants last week

Opelika, Alabama

O Town Ice Cream says farewell to downtown shop, focuses on future

Robert Noles / Opelika Observer

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor

Photo submitted by Alex Bahls

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor Former Opelika businessman Kyle Sandler was arrested on Lee County warrants last week in Bryan, Texas.

Brazos County Jail records state that Sandler, founder and owner of the small business start-up/incubator space The Round House LLC, was arrested on charges of theft and of being a fugitive from justice.

Currently being held without bond, Sandler is awaiting extradition proceedings which will return him to Alabama to answer for the charges he faces, according to Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes.

“The next step is to have him extradited back to Lee County. We are pursuing this case because we believe a number of crimes have been committed against numerous Lee County citizens,” Hughes said. “The arrest warrants for the bad checks were the mechanisms to get him arrested, held and brought back to Lee County to answer for what we believe will be much more serious offenses.

We will be working with other agencies to determine just which criminal charges we can pursue.”

"He was a con artist" Sandler was arrested at "The Corner Lot" car dealership in Bryan, Texas.

Owner Alex Bahl said he worked with local authorities to stage the arrest after Sandler wronged him through months of missed car payments and slandering his business through fake Google accounts.

Bahl said he lured Sandler to the store by offering him forgiveness on his late car payments in exchange for help in boosting and promoting his business's website and Facebook page.

Sandler was later arrested by Bryan Police Deparment officers Thursday afternoon.

While in Texas, Sandler and a business partner created a new business entity, Millennial Press, LLC in April 2018 according to records on the Texas Secretary of State website.

On May 24, The U. S. Securities and Exchange ComSee Sandler, page A3

Chris and Angela George of O Town Ice Cream have announced major expansion plans for their business this summer.

ed, Angela said that they have plans to keep their business going this summer through opening a mini-shop inside Cyberzone, running a “Float Boat” on Lake Martin the week of July 4 and See Ice Cream, page A11

66th annual ‘Freedom Celebration’ slated for July 3

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor The 66th annual “Freedom Celebration,” hosted by the Opelika Parks and Recreation Department, will be held July 3 at Opelika High School, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Free and open to the public, the event draws thousands

annually and is one of the city’s most important traditions, according to OPR Public Relations Coordinator Laura-Leigh Chesser.

“I think people choose to live in Opelika because it is a small town where you know your neighbors and you really feel a sense of community See Freedom, page A2

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Pictured are fireworks from last year’s Freedom Celebration held at Opelika High School.

‘77th Annual Chamber Meeting’ held Wednesday

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor Longtime East Alabama Medical Center CEO Terry Andrus was named the 2018 recipient of the “Spirit of Opelika” award during the 77th Annual Meeting of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce last Wednesday.

Andrus, EAMC CEO since 1984, has helped oversee some of the hospital’s largest developments, including the construction

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

In an Instagram post last week, the couple announced that they plan to relocate from their downtown Opelika location to 700 2nd Ave, owned by Bubba’s Pharmacy owner Jeff Jerkins.

Until renovations are complet-

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

of a new $40 million cancer center slated for completion in 2019.

“It is said that at EAMC, he knows everybody’s name. He knows how to have a good time and put you at ease, but at the same time, he is a brilliant mind,” said award presenter Jimmy Wright.

EAMC Director of Marketing and Public Relations John Atkinson accepted the award for Andrus, who was absent from the meeting.

Other award recipients included Ginger and J. Stern of the Henry J. Stern Family Foundation, who received the Community Partner Award for their assistance with projects like the restoration of the Rocky Brook Rocket and construction of a new dog park in Opelika.

“Many of the good things they do (for Opelika) they keep private because that’s See Meeting, page A12

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Summer Swing to continue through the summer at Municipal Park

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Pictured are highlights from last Tuesday’s Summer Swing concert featuring Neil Diamond cover artist Conner Loore. Hosted by the Opelika Parks and Recreation Department, Summer Swing is held each Tuesday at Municipal Park. Check their website and social media for weekly updates.

Freedom, from A1

July 3 No Concert!

Join us for the Freedom Celebration at Opelika High School!

and share the fun with others, (and) the Freedom Celebration offers the perfect environment to do that,” Chesser said.

“We provide a large space where you can mingle with your family, friends, neighbors and coworkers. There's

no planning, cleaning house or cooking food.

People can just show up with their family and a quilt and kick back and enjoy music, skydivers and fireworks. You really can't beat that. It's a great atmosphere, and you're bound to have a great time.”

An evening that will include family fun, food, games, (and) the show-stopping events will be the delivery

of the American flag by the Silver Wings Parachute Teams and the area’s largest fireworks show following at dusk.

Parking will be available on the grounds of the high school, Southern Union State Community College and Winn Dixie.

For more information, visit www.opelika.org/opr. OHS is located at 1700 Lafayette Parkway.

July 10 Martha’s Trouble July 17 Fedoras

Located in Historic Downtown Opelika

334-745-4618

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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

CORRECTIONS The Opelika Observer will correct any errors, omissions or inaccuracies deemed to be substantive. Corrections may be requested by contacting the Editor at (334) 749-8003.

pelika O Observer Instacart expanding to Opelika-Auburn area

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June 27, 2018

Special to the Opelika Observer Instacart, the fastgrowing retail delivery service whose shoppers hand pick and deliver items from trusted local stores, recently announced that it is expanding into the Auburn–Opelika area to serve more than 41,000 households beginning June 28.

WHAT Area residents can now order from their favorite retailers in-

cluding Publix, CVS Pharmacy and Petco, and have their groceries and everyday essentials delivered straight to their doorsteps in as little as one hour.

Instacart received an overwhelming volume of requests for expansion into this region and is excited to now be delivering to the Auburn area.

Service areas include: Auburn, Opelika, Waverly, Gold Hill, Woodland Hills, Woodfield, The Bottle, Wright Crossroads,

Whippoorwill Estates and Beauregard.

Instacart is also bringing income earning opportunities to the area with plans to hire more than 100 new shoppers.

“Over the past year we’ve seen incredible demand in the Auburn area,” said Sam Donoghue, General Manager at Instacart. “We work with a variety of local retailers to provide the freshest, highest quality groceries to our customers. Launching in Auburn gives us an opportunity

to expand service to Alabama.

We’re also excited to build a world-class shopper community where we can offer fun and flexible income earning opportunities for our shoppers, who ultimately deliver this amazing service to the community.”

How Instacart works: Customers go online to www.Instacart.com or open the Instacart mobile app on their iPhone or Android device, select their city/store, add items to a virtual cart, then choose a delivery

window (within one hour, within two hours, or up to five days in advance) and check out.

An Instacart shopper accepts the order on his/ her smartphone, uses the Instacart shopper app to guide them through shopping and then delivers the order to the customer in the designated delivery timeframe.

For orders of $35 or more, the delivery fee is just $5.99. Many customers also take the opportunity to save big over time by signing up for Instacart Express mem-

bership, which enables unlimited, free same-day delivery on orders of $35 or more. After a free trial period, Instacart Express membership is just $14.99 a month or $149 a year.

First-time users can also enter the code HEYAUBURN20 (9/28 expiration) at checkout to get $20 off an order of $35 or more, plus a free first-time delivery.

New customers can open an account at www.Instacart.com.

For other FAQs, visit www.instacart.com/faq.

Red Cross, OFD partnering for ‘Sound the Alarm’ this summer

By Savannah Vicker For the Opelika Observer The local American Red Cross chapter and Opelika Fire Department are pairing up for “Sound the Alarm,” a service that provides free smoke detectors and installation to Opelika residents.

Smoke detectors take

about two minutes for firefighters to install and are now a free, quick and easy solution to home fire safety, according to OFD Fire Inspector Bob Parsons.

“This is a service that is of no costs, for the installation and the actual smoke detector itself. The smoke detectors last 10 years, and they don’t require

a change," Parsons said. "They’re a sealed unit, and to date, we’ve installed close to 800 smoke detectors in the city of Opelika in around 200 residential homes."

While the “Sound the Alarm” program is coming to a close, the American Red Cross has received another shipment of smoke

detectors that will be distributed around the county on a first-come, first-serve basis.

"Anybody who wants a smoke detector installed in their house for free, can call the Opelika Fire Department, and we will add them to our list, and we will schedule a time for us to come and visit and install them,” Par-

sons said.

Along with free smoke detector installation, OFD is also providing free home fire safety awareness information ranging from safety checklists to helping citizens create a family escape plan.

“The Opelika Fire Department really supports this initiative,

mainly because having an audible smoke alarm in your home may not prevent a fire, but it will give those people within the home an extra amount of time to prepare to evacuate the home.” Parsons said.

For more information, visit www. opelika-al.gov/198/ Fire-Department or call 334-705-5307.

AmeriFirst Bank announces new board member Special to the Opelika Observer

AmeriFirst Bank is pleased to announce the addition of its newest Board member: Emery Kyle Kyser Jr. Kyser is Vice President, Real Estate Agent of Kyser Property Management Co. Inc.

Sandler, from A1

mission also received a Notice of Exempt Offering of Securities for the new LLC, stating a business address in Austin, Texas. This form was an amendment to a previously filled document (filed May 23) and the amendent added Sandler as an Executive Director of Millennial Press. Attempts to reach Millennial Press for comment were unsuccessful.

Sandler’s background One of Sandler’s claims to fame was that was he was employee #240 at Google, which the Observer confirmed as false in 2016.

After owning and selling two start-ups, 'The Droid Guy" and "Nibletz," Sandler relocated from Memphis to the Opelika-Auburn area.

In spring 2015, Sandler, along with Auburn University Management Professor Dr. Dave Ketchen Jr., published a since-retracted article claiming to have been an “entrepreneur-inresidence” at the Auburn Business Incubator, connected with the Auburn Research and Technology Foundation.

In email correspon-

He received a business/ finance degree from Birmingham-Southern College in 1991 before graduating summa cum laude in building science from Auburn University.

He has experience in estimating, design-build projects and project management.

Kyser said he is most proud

dence with the Observer, the foundation’s Business Director Cary Chandler dismissed those claims stating that Sandler’s only association with them “was as a tenant.”

Sandler opened The Round House in downtown Opelika in January 2016, before moving it to the old Woolworth’s building on Eighth Street that March.

From March – December, accusations of bounced checks, financial misconduct and breaches of contract piled up on Sandler.

On Dec. 14, 2016, Round House officially closed, a decision that Sandler said stemmed from a lack of financial resources.

A former employee of Sandler’s confirmed to the Observer in the days after its closing that several of her coworkers had not received paychecks in the weeks prior to Round House’s closing.

Moving forward When asked why he wanted to pursue Sandler’s extradition, Hughes said the devious nature of the charges facing him served as the motivation in pursuing this case and attempting to rectify it.

“This case is of particular importance to

of his involvement in downtown Montgomery’s revitalization projects like the 1895 Schloss & Kahn building that now houses acclaimed Central Restaurant and converting the 1901 Stein-Loeb building into Dreamland Restaurant and the Water Tower Lofts.

Kyser is a member of the

me because the crimes he is being charged with committing involves a meticulous scheme to steal from the people he was closest to – innocent citizens who thought were investing in a local business and a local

Committee of 100 Associated General Contractors of Alabama, he is the past president of the Montgomery Lions Club and serves on the board of directors for YMCA Metro and the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce.

He enjoys weekends at Lake Martin with his wife Christy, his son Kyle III, and daughter

citizen they believed in,” Hughes said. “The gross violation of trust is, to me, what makes this case so egregious. Whatever charges we ultimately pursue, he will have the opportunity to defend himself against, and as

Anna Kate.

“We are excited about the energy he brings to our Board. His business acumen and real estate expertise will be strategic to our long term goals,” said President and CEO Bob Ramsey.

The Opelika AmeriFirst branch office is located at 3120 Frederick Avenue.

of right now, he stands innocent until proven guilty.”

Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller said he was glad to hear that Sandler was being brough to justice.

"Kyle Sandler is a con man and hurt a lot of

people. There won’t be a shortage of witnesses to testify against him when he goes on trial," Fullersaid.

Check the Observer for more updates on this story as it continues to develop.

A4 June 27, 2018

pelika O Opinion

Dog Dad Miracle Strip I T costs cut deeply into profits ook a trip down and for the last few summemory lane the mers it had been running at other day. Drove a loss. All around it the old along what Panama City amusements were also sold Beach promoters used and bulldozed. Don’t try to to call The Miracle Strip visit the Snake-a-Torium.

Parkway.

Ross Allen’s Jungle Show is Or at least they did back

By Hardy Jackson gone. The Top o’ the Strip when the road took visitower is no more. Goofy golf tors to The Miracle Strip courses disappeared. And many of the Amusement Park. old motels sold out. The land was too Which isn’t there anymore. valuable. The offers were too good.

But a lot of you remember when it There was nothing to be gained by was. staying.

Back before the completion of I-65, The closing was also the end, or at which funnels so many Alabama tourists to Gulf Shores, Panama City Beach least the beginning of the end, of an era. Billy Lark, who owned the Park was the destination of choice for sand and sold it, was part of a family who and surf lovers. It was a place where have been developing the area since folks could get away from where they the 1930s when they put up Larkway were and do things they couldn’t do Villas, one of the first “tourist cottagback home. es” built on Panama City Beach. Lark And at one time or another, most also developed Shipwreck Island Water folks who made the trip visited the Park (one of the nation’s first water Park. With its 2,403 foot “Starliner” parks) and many Miracle Strip employroller coaster (“fastest in the world”), ees relocated. The last time I checked its arcade (with the chicken that told it was still hanging on. fortunes), the fun house, the Zoom After Labor Day, 2003, Miracle Strip Flume, and the Scrambler, the park put Amusement Park shut its doors, just the miracle in the Miracle Strip. like in the old days when the “season” Coming from rural communities in ended in early September. But it did the lower South, these tourists saw the not reopen in the spring. Some of the Park as a larger, more spectacular vermemorabilia was auctioned off. A few sion of the carnivals and county fairs that appeared in their towns every year companies expressed an interest in buying the rides and other equipment. and then moved on. These were the There is even talk of rebuilding the folks who put the redneck in Redneck park at another Panama City site. But it Riviera and this was the entertainment didn’t happen. they loved.

The Park’s famous carousel was All sorts of stories were associated moved to Pier Park, an upscale collecwith the Park. tion of shops and restaurants just down When it opened in 1963, word got the road. Identified as the Miracle out that the rides had been brought Strip Carousel, its new location reflectdown from Birmingham when city ed the shift from the carnival rides and officials had closed Kiddieland at the Alabama State Fairgrounds rather than games that once typified Redneck Rivintegrate it. Though the story could not iera entertainment, to the recreational be confirmed, it became part of Miracle shopping and eating that attracts the elite coastal clientele that crowd the Strip lore. condos that crowd the beach. These What could be confirmed was that folks and their children, especially the park was a great place for young their children, have little interest in a folks to meet and get to know each bird predicting the future for chicken other in the darkness of the Haunted feed. Stylish and sophisticated, they Castle. Some of those introductions are not likely to be satisfied with a cold lasted and general manager Buddy drink at the Abominable Sno’ Man. Wilkes told that there were at least 8 Getting scared out of their wits at married couples who met at the park.

Dante’s Inferno, has little charm.

But they closed it down. An unidenIt is just as well that it is gone. I have tified buyer has bought the 20 acre site. my memories. So do you. They’ll have It was valued at $1.4 million by the Bay County property appraiser’s office, to do.

Harvey H. (“Hardy”) Jackson, is but it probably sold for a lot more.

Professor Emeritus of History at JackIn a way, it is a miracle that the sonville State University. He can be Park lasted as long as it did. Insurreached at hjackson@cableone.net. ance coverage, lawsuits, high taxes on the prime real estate, and rising fuel

was pure white. ’m watching my dog Pooch. Goldie. run on the beach.

Cody. Rolly. Hannah.

She’s running alongThey were my friends. side the waves. She stops When I lost them, I every few moments to swore off dogs. stare.

Then, I found a stray She’s not, too sure walking the shoulder about waves. It’s FaBy Sean Dietrich of the road. She was ther’s Day, and I’m a a Cocker Spaniel with no collar. father—well, almost. I have a Pure black. Ten-foot ears. I named fifteen-week-old bloodhound named Thelma Lou. That’s almost her Lady.

Lady was one in a million. She like being a father. The only difslept with me. She rode in my ference, of course, is that human babies don’t chew your wallet then truck. And when a rude girlfriend told me she didn’t want me anypoop inside your boot. more, Lady chased away my sadYou read that right. My dog ness. didn’t poop ON my boot—as in: When Lady passed I had to take the exterior. She did her business INSIDE my boot. The basic phys- a week off work.

Then Boone. Then Joe. Then ics behind this acrobatic marvel Gurgle. Each one, a good boy who are astounding. I only wish I didn’t like leashes, hated doorcould’ve captured it on video, it bells, and emitted enough gas to would’ve been worth millions. be fire hazards.

So poop in a boot, that makes Enter Ellie Mae. me a father. At least this is what She was a bloodhound. I’ve I’m going with. loved dogs before. Lots of them.

People without kids, like me, still have the same amount of love But none like Ellie. A cedar box with her ashes rides on my truck parents have. That love has to go dashboard. I have a gold plaque somewhere. That’s where dogs with her name mounted on my come in.

My first dog was a border collie. passenger seat—corny, I know.

But I think of her every day. I My father bought it. We named mention her after we say grace it Pooch. Pooch was bred to herd over supper. sheep, but since there were no And… Hello Thelma Lou, sheep around, he herded redheads. goodbye heart. When I bought When my mother yelled my Thel on a farm in Molino, Florida, name, Pooch would dart off the porch like a bullet. He’d circle me, the man told me, “This is the sweetest dadgum dog I ever saw.” yelping, nipping. When he died, I I held baby Thel, she bit my thought a piece of me died. ear hard enough to make it bleed.

My next dog was Goldie. A Then, she licked my face—which retriever. Long, pretty hair, happy was covered in blood. I knew she face. I raised her from a pup.

Goldie was Hell on Wheels. She was the one. He was right, she was sweet. Is sweet. lived beside me. She slept while I While I write this, Thel is rundid homework, she chased basening on the beach toward a Faballs. In the woods, when I was ther’s Day sunset. Occasionally, busy with little-boy things, like catching frogs, or swinging limbs, she walks to the edge of the surf, but she’s too afraid to get in. she watched over me.

No, I’m not a REAL father, I Cody was next. She was my know that. This holiday wasn’t father’s dog. She was a chocolate meant for fellas like me. But that Lab who loved my father. I can doesn’t mean I haven’t had “little close my eyes and see him strollones.” I’ve had a few. And they’ve ing from the barn to the shed, Cody trailing two feet behind him. changed me. They made me who When he died, she laid on a pile I am. They made me a better man, of his clothes for a month. Nobody and their love ensures that my life will never be the same. could get her to move.

Neither will my boots.

And Hannah. She was your AllSean Dietrich is a columnist, American mutt. My mother bought and novelist, known for his comher after my father’s funeral. mentary on life in the American Eventually, Hannah had puppies.

I kept one. I named him Rolly. He South.

Sarge - ‘A Straight Arrow’

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y parents have lived in the same house since I was four years old, which is ... well ... a lot of years.

It was a brand new house, built just for us, back in the early 70’s.

And on the day we moved in, my mother’s dad planted an oak tree in the front yard, right down by the street.

I wish I could say I remember that day, but the truth is I have looked at the Polaroid my brother took of me, all toothy grin and winter coat, so many times that I only feel like I remember it. In that picture, I’m standing next to the tender shoot of a tree. We are the same height and both starting off in a brand new spot.

My granddaddy isn’t in that picture. I wish he was. But he wasn’t one for fuss and atten-

of food, tion. enough to Granddaddy fill the table Coxwell day after towered over day. me at 6 feet He was 4 inches. He a state was broadtrooper, shouldered

By Wendy Hodge one of the and muscular; finest in the a man who state of Alabama. His worked hard his entire uniform was always life. He was hesitant freshly ironed. His hat to speak, choosing his was perfectly aligned words carefully, as if on his head. He carried he only had so many himself like a man who to spare and wanted knew his position in to make them count. the world as a protecWhen he DID talk, his tor of the innocent, an voice was deep and enforcer of the law, a calm like a river in defense against all that the late afternoon. His was lawless and frightlaugh was surprisingly ening. When I was in high pitched, and his his presence, I had both smile wiped away all the urge to be held high his wrinkles, leaving above the ground in a boy’s face in their his arms and to run and place. He was happihide behind the nearest with his hands at est piece of furniture. I work, preferably in the dirt. He was a magician loved my granddaddy with a fear-tinged afin the garden, turnfection. ing a handful of seeds Everyone called him into a glorious bounty

Sarge, and everyone knew Sarge was a straight arrow. During his years as a trooper, he arrested an Alabama governor for driving while intoxicated.

We’ll call him Governor X. Governor X was well known for his alcoholism and his blustery personality, and one Saturday night he took himself out drinking. When Sarge pulled him over and asked him to walk a straight line, Governor X threatened to have my granddaddy thrown off the force.

Sarge promptly handcuffed him.

Governor X asked, “Do you know who I am?!”

In that calm voice, Sarge replied, “Yes, I do. You’re the intoxicated citizen I’m arresting tonight.”

Sarge wasn’t thrown off the force. In fact, he was promoted.

Years later, he was once again patrolling that same highway, on another rainy Saturday night, when he spotted a car weaving across the lines. The driver?

Governor X, Junior.

I’m told Sarge cuffed him with the same handcuffs he’d used on Governor X, Senior.

Same jail cell, too.

It was during his time as a state trooper that my granddaddy lost his leg. A rabid dog was running loose in a schoolyard close to the house my mother’s family lived in. My mother was only a child, but she remembers that day very well.

Sarge saw the dog and, without hesitation, grabbed his rifle and sprinted down the hill toward the school. No one knows what tripped him up as he ran (a tree root, maybe?), but he fell and his gun went

off. He kept going, and he shot that dog. He also lost his left leg.

His artificial leg was plastic and pink, a Barbie kind of color, and he called it Sham.

It both fascinated and repulsed me. I often sat on the floor, playing with my cousin, and from that vantage point I had the perfect view.

Sarge’s pants leg would ride up, and I’d catch a glimpse of Sham, all shiny and fake. Granddaddy would catch me staring and reach down to scratch at Sham, pretending to feel a delicious itch. Then he’d wink and pick me up and settle me on his knee for a game of “ride the pony.” He’d bounce me up and down, strong hands holding me tight, and we’d laugh together.

In those moments, he See Hodge, page B2

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Around Lee County

June 27, 2018

Proceeds from local Opelika Chamber of Commerce author’s book to be welcomes several new businesses given to United Way

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor Unlocking children’s imaginations and teaching them to pursue their dreams is the goal of “The FunGKins: A Battle for Halladon,” a book penned by local author C. Raymond Gray.

Inspired by his children, nature and the writings of J. R. R. Tolkien, Gray said he believes his book blends the best of the fantasy genre and Christian morals/values into a charming fairy tale with appeal for all.

“In my writing, what I try to do is change children’s minds and let them know that everything is possible, if they dream. And if they dream, their dreams will come true,” Gray said.

“It may not happen the

Gray

way they expect it to, but they need to know that they are capable of realizing their dreams.”

The protagonist of the book is Clara, a 10-year-old girl who is tasked with saving the “Little People” or “FunGKins” of the land of Halladon. Through the course of the adventure, Clara, her Aunt Tilly and the FunGKins come together to save their world and fight off the evil leprechauns and their main henchman, Mr. Mustashio, who See Author, page A8

Photos special to the Observer The Opelika Chamber of Commerce have held several ribbon cuttings recently to celebrate the opening of various local businesses. Top left, the chamber held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in honor of the opening of the new Auburn-Opelika Dental located at 1610 2nd Avenue. Top right, Chamber of Commerce members recognized the opening of Opelika Fitness June 6. Bottom, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held June 9 to commemorate the opening of Bridgestone June 9.

Lee County Humane Society holding pet adoption specials

By Savannah Vicker For the Opelika Observer The Lee County Humane Society will run a "Clear the Kennels" adoption special throughout the summer to boost adoption rates.

According to LCHS Outreach and Development Coordinator Mary Wynne Kling, all animals that have been spayed and neutered will cost $10 to adopt.

“If those animals have not yet been spayed or neutered, there is an additional $50 refundable spay and neuter deposit. Once you show proof that the pet you’ve adopted has been spayed or neutered, then you get that deposit back,” Kling said.

If adopting an animal is not an option, Kling added that fostering and donating

supplies, food or money to the LCHS's "Summer of Second Chances" campaign are other great ways to help.

“We are in desperate need of non-clumping cat litter. We are going through over 500 pounds of cat litter a week," Kling said. "We need canned kitten and puppy food, the wet kind, any brand is fine.”

For more information about any of the available animals, how to be a foster parent to a pet or to donate, visit the Humane Society’s website at www.leecountyhumane.org.

Animals can also be viewed on the society’s Facebook page or through their Instagram @leecountyhumanesociety. Right are four pets available at the shelter as of last Friday.

Torvi

Thrash

Ernest

Nolan and Nigel

Smooth ‘N Groove relocating to Atlanta

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor

BEAUREGARD DRUGS

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

The Opelika-based smoothie and juice bar “Smooth ‘N Groove” has moved to Atlanta.

According to owner Keon Davis, Atlanta’s growing entertainment and event industries were significant factors in his decision to relocate there.

“I had been going to Atlanta a lot to do events, and I realized that Atlanta is a huge market, particularly for the food trucks and other things that I do,” Davis said.

Davis closed his Opelika storefront in April but will maintain Smooth ‘N Groove’s presence in the area with kiosks on Auburn University’s campus during the summer and fall semesters, as well as home football games.

“I want to thank everyone in Opelika for helping me get started

and taking me in as one of their own. I felt like I was a part of their family and got connected to a lot of great people, and I’m not even from around there,” Davis said. “I learned the ropes of business there in Opelika, and I just want to thank everyone for the opportunities and knowledge that they gave me.”

For more information or updates on Smooth ‘N Groove, follow them on Facebook or Instagram or visit www.smoothngroove.com.

pelika O Observer

A6 June 27, 2018

Lee County Intermediate Livestock Judging Team wins at state

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

Special to the Opelika Observer The Lee County 4-H Senior Livestock Judging Team recently won a state judging contest. Pictured top left, from left to right, Coach Smokey Spears, Jewel Thompson, (2nd highest individual overall) Nathan Gullatt, Mary Hannah Gullatt, Megan Fuller.

Top right, the Lee County Intermediate Livestock Judging Team won a recent state judging contest. Pictured from left to right are Spears, Victoria Thompson (High Individual), Emma Jane Trewhitt, Faith P’Pool (High Reasons).

Bottom, the Lee County Jr. Livestock Judging Team won a recent state judging contest. Pictured from left to right are Spears, Mercer Shirah, Madison Hunter (High Individual), Hannah Grace McHugh, Mary Elliott Martin, Silas Gullatt, Jayden P’Pool (High Reasons), Jay Collins, Sam Hunter. Not pictured is Assistant Coach Autumn Spears.

We protect it.

You live it.

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

Eddie Smith CITY PRESIDENT

certificates of deposit and numerous electronic products and services.

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

ICK RD.

FREDER

Tiger Town

I’m here to help life go right – so you can enjoy it, while I help protect it. Let’s talk about your life insurance options.

CALL ME TODAY.

Our New Location Lowe’s

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

Visit us here: www.auburnbank.com MEMBER FDIC

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1851 Frederick Road Opelika

Equal Housing Lender

334-275-9600

State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not licensed in MA, NY or WI) State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company (Licensed in NY and WI) 1601487 Bloomington, IL

™

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

Southern

Hospitality

Celebrate America’s birthday with plenty of good food

U PC OM I NG EVENT S: • SUMMER SWING • FARMER’S MARKETS • WARD 2 FAMILY FUN DAY • COXWELL MEET & GREET • ORDINARY ELEPHANT • WAY 2 SERVE

Way 2 Serve’s annual dinner slated for July 24

By Anna Riley For the Opelika Observer Opelika’s Way 2 Serve Ministries will host its annual support dinner July 24 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Bottling Plant Event Center.

Gene Chizik, Auburn University’s head football coach from 20092012, will serve as the guest speaker.

Chizik will be

speaking about the importance of serving others. Donations to help fund the ministry’s initiatives will be accepted during the event.

Founded by Shane Kyles, Way 2 Serve provides opportunities to serve by doing home repair projects, yard work, mentoring children and by helping the homeless by providing clothing and food.

They also connect

local churches and ministries to local needs and are celebrating 10 years of ministry. RSVP’s are required, so email brandi@theway2serve. org for details.

Opelika City Council enters into agreement with CareHere Clinic

By Morgan Murphy For the Opelika Observer The Opelika City Council held a brief meeting Tuesday night at City Hall. Highlights of the 26-minute meeting included an authorized agreement

with Springbuk Inc. for software for the CareHere Clinic to help address even more medical needs.

The Council also authorized an estimate of $18,824 purchase order to Jim House & Associates Inc. for repairs to a Flyght pump at

the Westside treatment facility.

A project agreement between the city of Opelika and FA Corp. and Nuri LLC to renovate and create an auto parts manufacturing company generatSee Council, page A8

Photo by Ann Cipperly Easy Red, White and Blue dessert goes together quickly using a store-bought angel food cake. Cut the cake into cubes and layer with whipped cream, blueberries and strawberries. The dessert can be served immediately or stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve for a Fourth of July celebration.

F

ireworks and good food with family and friends are traditions for the Fourth of July in Opelika. When I was growing up, many businesses were closed for the week of the Fourth. Families had time together to celebrate at the beach, lake or at home, attending local fireworks displays.

During the Fourth week, we would sit on the porch or under a Chinaberry tree in the backyard and shell bushels of peas for Mom to freeze for the winter months.

She also spent a few days canning tomatoes and making jellies and jams. I would pick buckets of blackberries from fields near our home for Mom to use in jellies and cobblers.

Part of the week would be spent in Pensacola, Florida, visiting my grandparents and other relatives.

On the Fourth, Granny would rise early to start a large lunch with my mother and her sisters helping. A variety of fresh vegetables from the garden and big platters of fried chicken were prepared.

Tables were arranged in the backyard under tall oaks that provided shade and gentle breezes.

Sliced tomatoes and cornbread were always served with the vegetables, including squash and freshly hulled black-eyed peas.

My family has always had a fondness for desserts. The table would be laden with scrumptious thin-layered cakes filled with cooked chocolate fudge icing that

spilled onto the plate. Granny would also bake a huckleberry or wild blueberry filled cake, with filling drizzling from the layers.

After I grew up and married Don, we celebrated the Fourth with family by hosting a cook-out. I would decorate in patriotic colors and create a dessert in colors of red, white and blue.

This year I am making an easy dessert using layers of angel food cake with whipped cream, blueberries and strawberries. Vanilla ice cream or gelato can be used instead of the whipped cream. Sometimes I make this dessert with a pound cake, as I generally have a pound cake tucked away in the freezer.

Since fresh tomatoes are coming in season, plan to serve a salad, slaw or simply sliced with a dressing. Several people in the community are sharing their favorite recipes.

To keep the kitchen cool, serve Mary Skinner’s Slow Cooker Baked Beans as a side dish. It is a hearty dish that will come in handy for serving a crowd.

Look over the following recipes for assembling an Independence Day menu. As you enjoy the day with family and friends, take time to remember those who founded our country, as well as those who have continued to fight for our freedom.

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

See Recipes, page B12

1.

safety tips

Use fireworks outdoors only. Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.

Never point or throw fireworks at another person.

2. Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities.

Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks including sparklers. Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type.

3. Avoid buying fireworks packaged in brown paper.

This is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.

4. Be careful when lighting the fuse. Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Light fireworks one at a time, then quickly back up to a safe distance.

5. Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.

6. Only use fireworks as intended. Don’t try to alter them or combine them. They can kill you!

7. Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap. After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.

8. Use common sense. Spectators should keep a safe distance from the fireworks and the shooter should wear safety glasses.

9. Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a “designated fireworks shooter.”

10. Obey local laws. Shooting fireworks is illegal within the Opelika city limits.

www.opelika-al.gov 334.705.5136

www.leecoema.com 334.749.8161

pelika O Observer

A8 June 27, 2018

Opelika Lions Club names new president, honors members at recent meetings

Photos special to the Observer Left, The Opelika Lions Club recently held their annual Installation Banquet at the Opelika Sportsplex. Passing the gavel for the 2018-2019 year is outgoing president James Morgan Jr., right, to incoming president Doug Hicks, left. Middle, several Opelika Lions Club members were awarded the “Helen Keller Legacy Award.” Pictured from left to right: Jim Allen, Doug Hicks, Ben Blasingame, Brooka Stokes, Ernie Gazaway and David Bazemore. Right, recipients of the Melvin Jones Fellowship award at the Opelika Lions Club recent annual banquet are Lion Glenn Stokes, left, and Lion William Browning, right, presented by outgoing president James Morgan Jr., center.

Author,

from A5 threaten it.

Book critics have given the book solid

Council,

from A7

reviews since its release.

“The FunGKins is a superbly crafted fantasy adventure,” wrote James A. Cox, editorin-chief of Children’s Book Watch.

“With all the splendor, wonder and magic that could put Oz to shame. All we can say is wow,” said the staff of Reader’s Favorite.

The book, part of a 4-book series, is avail-

able in local libraries and for sale on most websites where books are sold.

Gray said that all the book proceeds will be donated to the United Way to help combat

child hunger in Lee County.

“To even think or talk about a child being hungry makes me hurt inside. It’s an issue that we have to address because it’s more

prevalent than many realize,” Gray said.

For more information or updates on the sequel, “Battle for Halladon: The Age of Magic,” visit www. craymondgray.com.

ing about 35 new jobs with an estimated initial capital investment of $2,665,000.

A resolution to amend

the Opelika Power Services organization chart to allow for the creation of new job descriptions and a pay increase in

regards to Senior Customer Service Representative position.

Also approved was a resolution for a $1,500 special appropriation to Southern Union College Foundation. This will assist with the promoting of the programs and activities at the college.

In other business, the council: -awarded a bid of $34,017 for Christmas Decorations -approved expense reports for various depart-

ments -approved disposal of a ford tractor as City Personal Property Surplus -approved purchase of five two-way radios for the Opelika Fire Department at $15,450.60 -approved purchase of 2018 Ford Explorer for Opelika Power Services at $26,383 -approved purchase of new cameras for the Opelika Fire Department not to exceed $30,260.93 -approved weed abate-

ment assessment for 308 Brannon Ave. at $93.87 -approved weed abatement assessment s properties located at 1441 and 1451Gateway Dr. -entered into a tax abatement agreement with renovation FA Corp. and Nuri LLC. -entered into a tax abatement agreement with Mando Corp. with an initial captial investment of $5,390,907 which is forecasted to generate 24 full-time jobs.

How to Feel Great at EAMC.

Volunteer!

AUXILIARY

334-528-5923 • www.eamc.org

Contact: Victoria Beasley

Volunteer Coordinator Victoria.Beasley@eamc.org

Opelika

A9

Family & Religion

June 27, 2018

Morality versus righteousness

M

orality is good but righteousness is excel-

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

lent.

I think that’s the essence of what Jesus is saying in the Sermon on the Mount when He tells His disciples that “unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:20). The righteousness of the religious leaders wasn’t much—they practiced morality only up to a certain point. It led them to focus on themselves rather than God, to look down on others and to conform their behavior rather than allowing God to transform their hearts (and their behavior).

The Oxford Dictionary speaks of morality as “principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good

5:21-48). and bad Righteousbehavior.” ness will Merriamlead us to Webster focus on offers “conJesus, not formity to ourselves. the ideals

By Bruce Green It will help of right Teaching Minister at us to be human 10th Street Church of people of conduct.”

Christ in Opelika mercy as Notice that opposed to the emphalooking down on others. sis is on the outward Morality can be secular (behavior/conduct) and but righteousness is born conformity is the goal. of faith.

There’s much that’s It’s instructive that right with that—it just there is no command doesn’t go far enough. in the biblical witness Morality is a pair of to be moral or to pracstrong legs. They will tice morality. From a take you anywhere you want to go in this world, scriptural point of view, the opposite of immoralbut they won’t help you ity isn’t morality—it’s to soar above it. righteousness. As Jesus Righteousness will. makes clear, disciples Righteousness is a are in the business of powerful pair of wings pursuing righteousness that helps you to bring rather than morality. It’s heaven down to earth. important that we recIt is certainly about our ognize this because it is behavior but it recoga case where something nizes that it must start with the heart (see Jesus good (morality) can be the enemy of something stress this in Matthew

Church calendar

• Pepperell Baptist Church will have a “Game On Kickoff Fun Day” on July 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to launch VBS. VBS will be from 5:30 - 8 p.m. July 9 - 12.

Ages 4 - 12. The church is located in the Pepperell Village at 2702 2nd Avenue, Opelika.

• The popular contemporary Christian group Big Daddy Weave will perform at First Baptist Church of Opelika Sept. 14 as a part of their “Jesus, I Believe” tour. Brandon Heath will serve as the show opener.

Visit ticketfly.com for tickets or call 334-745-5715.

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

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

ourselves! Anything that puts us on a pedestal helps no one and hurts us all. Righteousness always points away from us and toward God. This is healthy because when we later stumble in some way (and we will), no one’s faith is shattered because it wasn’t in us to begin with—it was in God! “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God” (Philippians 1:9-11).

Bruce has written a book on the model prayer called “Praying in the Reign.” It is available through 21st Century Christian.

Verse of the Week “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.

Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.”

Romans 12:10-11

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

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

excellent (righteousness). If we settle for morality and pointing toward ourselves, the world will (rightly) pick us apart. If we practice a righteousness that points to the only One is truly righteous, then it will be inspiring and inviting.

Staying in Matthew 5, when Jesus speaks of letting our “light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (v.

16), this is what He is talking about. The idea isn’t that people are singing our praises and want to hang around us because we’re so good.

The text says they see what we’re doing and glorify God. That’s because whatever good we might be doing, we’re making it clear that it is ultimately attributable to God. That’s the nature of the “good deeds” Jesus is referring to. We’re not pointing at

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

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

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

Fresh Foods...And A Whole Lot More!

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

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

pelika Observer O

A10 June 27, 2018

OBITUARIES Elton Eugene Amos Elton passed peacefully into the arms of his Savior Jesus Christ early in the evening of June 23, 2018 while surrounded by family at East Alabama Medical Center after struggling with cancer for many months.

Above all things, Elton would want everyone to know that he was a believer in Jesus Christ and held to a firm belief in John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever would believe in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life”.

Elton believed in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and for this reason alone he is now in

William O. Whatley William O. Whatley, formerly of Opelika and Montgomery, Alabama, passed away Monday, June 18, 2018 at the age of 82.

Visitation was held at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home in Opelika on Monday, June 25, at 10:00 AM followed by a graveside service in Rosemere Cemetery at 11:00 AM which Rev-

heaven in the presence of the holy God. If you do not know Jesus as your Savior, please ask any of Elton’s family members or friends to learn more about the saving power of the blood of Jesus. Elton’s greatest wish would be for you to know Jesus as your Savior and to one day join him in heaven!

Elton Eugene Amos was born June 4th, 1930 and welcomed into the family of Myrtle and John as the third of four children.

He eventually went to Colbert County High School where he lettered in baseball, basketball, and football.

After high school he married Carol Moland and they remained married for almost 70

erend Anthony Counts officiated. Bill was born October 14, 1935 in Auburn, AL. He retired from State Farm Insurance in 1999 after approximately 36 years of service.

He attended Alabama Polytechnic Institute and was a graduate of Jones School of Law. He was also a Member of the Twin City Masonic Lodge as well as a Shriner.

Bill enjoyed attend-

years. Elton signed-up for the U.S. Air Force and eventually became an instructor in the Jupiter missile program.

After his military service, he continued as an instructor on Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville. In December of 1969, Elton moved the family to Opelika and started Amos Mobiles Homes which he ran until his retirement in 1999. During his 30 years of business, he helped thousands of local families, students and the elderly by providing housing while working hard to uphold the highest standards of ethics and fairness to both customers and employees.

During his life, Elton was a member of churches in both north

ing Auburn football games and spending time with family at his beach house in Panama City, Florida. He is preceded in death by his wife of over 50 years, Catherine Bernauer Whatley; his parents, Orrin Edgar Whatley and Willie Mae Hall Whatley; and a brother, Robert Edgar Whatley. He is survived by two sons: William O. Whatley, Jr. (Beth), Stephen L.

and east Alabama. He served as a deacon, chairman of deacons, personnel chairman, Sunday school teacher, choir member, and other volunteer positions. At the time of his passing, he was a member of First Baptist Church of Opelika.

Many would describe Elton’s demeanor both in church and in the secular world as one of quiet leadership with a steady hand and wise counsel.

Elton is survived by his wife Carol, their three children - Bonnie Crowley (Tommy) of Opelika, Cyndi Helms (Mark of Smiths Station, and Peter Amos (Janet) of Auburn – and their six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Whatley (Annette); and grandchildren: Hillary A. Whatley, William O. Whatley, III (Victoria) and Bishop C. Whatley.

He is also survived by his sister, Judy Clark Pianowski (John); his brothers in law, Louis J. Bernauer (Nell), Gerald A. Bernauer (Marlene) and B. Paul Bernauer (Anne), and several nieces and nephews as well many cousins.

Elton has one sister, Marie Amos Thompson (Charles) and one brother Billy Amos.

Within an hour of his passing, Elton’s family gathered to contemplate his life and the words or phrases that best describe him.

Some of the words mentioned: Wise.

Quiet. Gentle. Loving. Kind. Compassionate. Gracious.

Funny. Giving. A great storyteller. A man of integrity. No - he was not a perfect man, but he was a man the family was blessed to have in their lives and one they are proud to have called husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend.

The family will participate in a private

graveside service.

The family wishes to invite all of you to join them in a life celebration for Elton Amos at First Baptist Church of Opelika on Friday, June 29th at 11 a.m.

Visitation with the family will be the same morning at 10 a.m. in the church parlor.

The family would like to thank all that have prayed for and visited Elton and the family during his illness and hospital stay.

Instead of flowers, the family would ask you to consider making donations to the First Baptist Church Mission Fund, P.O. Box 329, Opelika, AL 36801.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory is directing.

Veda Annette Pope

forever be cherished by: one brother, Michael Pope of Atlanta, GA; three nieces, Chealsea Stephens, Christela (David) Dumas and Shantillya Pope all of Opelika, AL; two aunts, Pauline Morse of Lafayette, AL and Emma Baker of Anniston, AL; one uncle, Carnell (Minnie) Jackson of Opelika, AL; greataunt, Annie Ruth Mosley of Auburn, AL; two great-nieces, Kelsey Mills of LaGrange, GA and Symone Pope of Opelika, AL; one great-nephew, David Dumas, Jr. of Opelika, AL; one great-greatnephew, Jayson Locke of LaGrange, GA; godniece, Delaney Moore of Auburn, AL; devoted friends, Diane Bandy Holloway of Opelika, AL, Ocie Pearl Barrow of Orlando, FL, Roxanne Moore of Jonesboro, GA, Nancy Willingham and Arlein Carswell both of Atlanta, GA; a host of other relatives and those devoted friends who listened, called and uplifted Veda spiritually. The family says, “THANK YOU” for being a special part of her life.

A celebration of life and service of Remembrance for Veda Pope will be at 1:00 p.m.

(EST), Thursday, June 28, 2018, at Greater Ephesus Missionary Baptist Church, 50 Cleveland Avenue SW, Atlanta, GA 30315, Reverend Dr. M. Davis will officiate.

Ms. Pope, a former resident of Opelika, Alabama, who passed away Friday, June 22, 2018 at Genius Health Care Center in Riverdale, GA, was born December 16, 1951 in Ypsilanti, MI. Public viewing will be Thursday, June 28, 2018 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Harris Funeral Home.

Funeral service for Ms. Pope will be Friday, June 29, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. (CST), at St. Luke A.M.E. Church, 1308 Auburn Street, Opelika, AL, 36801 with interment in Evergreen Cemetery, Bishop A.L. Dowdell will officiate, Reverend Monique Summers, Pastor.

Ms. Pope will lie in repose at the church one hour prior to the service.

Loving memories will

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

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pelika O Observer Ice Cream,

from A1

appearing at pop-up events at Bubba’s Pharmacy and J&M Bookstore under the name of Auburn’s legendary “Sani-Freeze” ice cream parlor.

“When you’re graduating high school there is pain ... you look back on your memories. One of our employees actually just said, ‘I feel like my high school memories are all in this place,’ (and) well, they are,” Angela

said. “This is where they started. We started with the cart, we grew into one location and now, this summer, we are going to be at one, two, three, four locations, and then we’ll be adding a fifth with the Bubba’s building.”

Cyberzone co-owner Elaine Bak said she is excited for O Town to become a mainstay at her business this summer.

“We are super excited about having O Town ice cream here with us.

We’ve always worked together in the past, sending customers from each location to the other, and

now we will be able to have our customers come together with entertainment, dining and the beloved community-named ice cream,” Bak said.

Leaving downtown was a difficult decision to make, according to Angela, but necessary for their business moving forward. “...with O Town ice cream, our desire was really to be in the heart of downtown. We loved the idea of it,” Angela said. “We’ve loved what it has done for us, and the amount of money and the amount of time that I’ve

put into that building, I knew that it would be a very hard decision, heart wise, for me, because of the vision that I had at the beginning when we first opened this up.”

Angela added that they have officially purchased the trademark rights to the Sani-Freeze name, a legendary Auburn ice cream parlor they helped revive nearly two years ago.

“I talked with the (Hunt) family, the original owners of the shop, called them and told them that we were really interested in going for it.

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Pictured are highlights from last weekend’s farewell celebration for O Town Ice Cream’s downtown location. The event featured music, food, fun and games for those in attendance and opportunities to take photos with the shop’s iconic Opelika-themed mural.

& Flea Mall

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A11 June 27, 2018 We didn’t want someone else to get it that didn’t care about (Sani-Freeze’s) history and the original family,” Angela said.

“This is our way of honoring the historic value that Sani-Freeze has with the Auburn community, university and the students who have attended there.”

The concept of community-themed flavors will also continue, as Angela said that they will create flavors made to honor important people and places in both Auburn and Lake Martin.

O Town hosted a 2-day

celebration last Friday and Saturday to commemorate the closing of its downtown location.

Hundreds of people flocked to the shop for one last ice cream cone and a picture with the Opelika-themed mural that adorns its walls.

For more information or updates, like and follow O Town Ice Cream’s Facebook and Instagram pages. Later this summer, a partnership will be announced between O Town Ice Cream and Jerkins’ “Scoop’s Real Italian Ice.” Check the Observer weekly for details.

pelika Observer O

A12 June 27, 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

Meeting,

from A1

just who they are,” said Opelika Chamber of Commerce President Pam PowersSmith.

At the end of the meeting, Board Chair Shey Knight passed the gavel to his successor Brooke Kastner, director of sales and marketing at the Auburn Marriott Opelika Hotel & Conference Center at Grand National.

Following is a list of other award recipients: Keep Opelika Beautiful – Shirley Flora Award: Coach Chris Rhodes of Morris Avenue Intermediate School Auburn Opelika Tourism Partner of the Year: Auburn Opelika Marriott at Grand National

Opelika Main Street Award: Zazu Gastropub Chamber awards: Ambassador of the Year: Billy Plummer, S & S Termite & Pest Control, LLC

Small Business of the Year: James Bros.

Bikes Distinguished Service Award: Rusty Melnick Chairman’s Award: Jennifer Wheeler.

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

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

Photos special to the Opelika Observer The Opelika Chamber of Commerce, along with Keep Opelika Beautiful, Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau and Opelika Main Street, announced award winners during its annual meeting last week. Chris Rhodes of Morris Avenue Intermediate School received the Shirley Flora Award on behalf of Keep Opelika Beautiful; Auburn Opelika Marriott at Grand National received the Auburn-Opelika Tourism Partner of the Year Award; Zazu Gastropub received the Opelika Main Street Award; Billy Plummer of S&S Termite and Pest Control , LLC received the Ambassador of the Year Award; James Bros. Bikes received the Small Business of the Year Award; Rusty Melnick received the Distinguished Service Award; Jennifer Wheeler received the Chairman’s Award; the Henry J. Stern Family Foundation received the Community Partner Award and Terry Andrus received the Spirit of Opelika Award.

For whatever lies ahead, we’re always there.

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

TURN TO B6 FOR MORE PHOTOS

Zach Blatt named as Opelika High School’s new head baseball coach

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor Opelika High School has named Zach Blatt as its next head baseball coach.

In a press release announcing Blatt’s hire last Thursday, OHS Principal Dr. Farrell Seymore and Athletic Director Mike Hugh both stated their excitement to have him at the helm of the baseball program.

"His experience in developing players at the high school level, his unique understanding of our community's baseball tradition and his ability to connect with our athletes is consistent with the expectations of Opelika baseball. We look forward to our program's continued athletic and academic excellence under his leadership,” Seymore

said.

Pugh added that Blatt’s strong work ethic and motor will be beneficial for the program moving forward.

“Coach Blatt is a very hard working, high energy coach that is going to be very successful for many years to come. I am very excited to have him as our head baseball coach and look forward to working with him.”

Blatt, who joined the baseball program as an assistant in 2013, was hired 10 days after Nick Richardson announced that he was leaving Opelika to fill in the same role at his alma mater, Tuscaloosa County High School.

After an interview with school officials earlier in the week, Blatt said the phone

Blatt call notifying him that he had received the job was a bit of muchneeded relief.

“It was good. I’ve been so busy with summer football that I’ve had plenty to keep my mind distracted and busy,” Blatt said. “It’s a

Auburn University names Jon Thompson as community liaison for Opelika, Lee County Special to the Opelika Observer Auburn University is strengthening its bond with local communities by appointing a liaison to build and foster the university’s relationships with Auburn, Opelika and Lee County.

Jon Thompson, formerly the director of special events, will take on new responsibilities with the title of executive director of city/community relations, special events and estate operations.

“Engagement and outreach, especially in our home community, are among our top priorities,” said Auburn University President Steven Leath. “Jon is well respected in the area and has many local ties. He will further enhance our relationships with local officials, citizens and businesses.”

Thompson will represent the university at city council meet-

relief knowing that this is my show now, and ultimately it’s my decisions which will come down on my shoulders.”

Blatt, an OHS alum and former pitcher on Auburn University’s baseball team, inherits an Opelika program

ings, county commission meetings and other boards and professional meetings and will lead university efforts involving university-city partnerships.

He will continue to lead the Office of Special Events by providing comprehensive event management in support of the Office of the President and the Board of Trustees.

season, including Jared Bartlett and ace pitcher and Texas A&M signee Jackson Reynolds, but Bartlett said he is confident in the younger groups of players coming up through the Opelika City Schools system.

“Reynolds will be tough to replace because you don’t find a whole lot of guys who can throw a 93 mph fastball in high school.

But we have some young guys coming up that I’m excited about,” Blatt said.

“Andrew Parr and Jace Rhodes (will be juniors), and we just have a ton of other guys who are going to compete and give us a great chance to win.”

For more information or updates on OHS athletics, visit www.opelikaschools. org.

Opelika High School hosts luncheon last Thursday

By Morgan Murphy and Anna Riley For the Opelika Observer

Thompson

that has won 66 percent of its games the last five seasons, including back-to-back second-round finishes and two 6A state quarterfinal appearances in the 2014 and 2015 seasons.

A member of the 2008 team that came within two wins of a state championship v.

Hoover, Blatt said he has some unfinished business to attend as head coach.

“We gotta keep working. We’ve been a pitch away or a hit away from making it further in the playoffs the last few seasons, and I think our kids realize how close we’ve been,” Blatt said. “It’s just a matter of continuing to grind and hopefully get over that hump.”

The Bulldogs lose some key pieces headed into next

Opelika High School held a luncheon last Thursday for their Philanthropy 101 summer program. In this program, a group of rising seniors spend three weeks during June bringing the principles of philanthropy to life through hands-on experiences. This program helps the students to become more aware of society’s growing needs.

During the program, the students worked with different philanthropic groups, and each student chose one

to present and donate to.

Ethan Lindsey and Montell Norman chose to speak about the Exodus Ranch, which is a nonprofit charity who focus on providing homes for local children in need. Norman felt compelled to donate to the ranch due to the sense of family he felt while he was there, and Lindsey said he wanted to be able to provide more children with a childhood like he had.

Celeste Frazier chose to share the experience she had with the Miracle League of East Alabama, whose mission is to provide opportunities for children with disabilities to

play baseball, promote community support and sponsorship as well as promote the construction of special facilities that meet the unique needs of the players.

Frazier chose to donatebecause of her previous volunteer work, saying she “really enjoyed seeing how happy the participants were and how much support they got from their family members and the community.”

Martiavia Burditte and Ayrika Harris chose to speak about Ogrows, who install gardens and programming in service of locally identified needs. Ogrows See OHS, page B2

pelika O Observer

B2 June 27, 2018

Hodge, from A4 was not a slayer of mad dogs or a master gardener or a straight-asan-arrow Sergeant. He was simply my granddaddy, and it seemed

OHS,

from B1 works with the Opelika Learning Center helping the children there learn a sense of self and responsibility through gardening. Burditte chose to donate to Ogrows because it reminded her of time spent with her father in their home garden as a child and she would like to give others the opportunity to do the same.

he’d always be right there.

I have little to no memory of the last days of my granddaddy’s life. He died the same summer Elvis Presley passed away – the two events forever linked in my head. It felt like the whole world was as sad as I was. I know that he did not

die quickly. It took all summer for that strong heart to slow down to a complete halt. There are brief images in the basement of my memory – a hospital bed they’d brought to his home; his body reduced to a shadow of himself; old Sham leaning against the wall, never to be needed again; his

little boy smile replaced with a painful grimace.

I can’t visit those memories often. They just don’t geehaw with the man my granddaddy was – the solid oak our family was built upon.

Instead of recalling a memory when I feel his absence, I drive to Hall Avenue and stand under the shade of a gi-

ant oak. It is cool there, and a breeze often stirs the leaves. And the world is a safer place, a richer and better place, because of the depth of its roots and the spread of its canopy. And because one good man, living a genuine life, is a story that will never truly end.

Wendy Hodge is an

Opelika native, an empty nester and lover of all things Opelika.

She previously had a column titled A Word or Ten, which was featured in the Tennessee Star Journal and is currently awaiting release of her first novel with Harper Collins Publishing Company.

“Ogrows called to me because I feel that is very important to provide our community with fresh and natural foods,” Harris shared.

Makai Gagliano and Ishan Patel spoke of their experiences at Storybook Farms, which currently has 51 acres of land where kids can ride horses for therapeutic enjoyment, learn about the nutritional values of the fruits and vegetables from the garden, and opportunity to play with dogs, cats

and goats. According to their mission statement, Storybook Farms “is a place for healing, sharing, learning and growing; where children experience the exhilaration of riding; where families come together to support one another; where volunteers find a profound sense of purpose; and where a community finds its collective spirit.”

Patel said one of the things that touched him the most was “we’re supposed to

touch the kids’ lives, but I felt like they touched our lives even more than we did to them.”

Caroline Hawkins chose to share her experience with the nonprofit organization Big House, which serves foster children by donating necessities and organizing fun activities and programs for the kids and their foster families. They take donations of clothes and other items such as bookbags, notebooks, school supplies and money donations.

The Big house relies mainly on volunteers and the programs and services they offer include the back to school bash, the clothes closet, kid’s night out, a Santa’s workshop and a

family beach retreat.

Talking about the volunteers, Hawkins said, “you can just tell they love what they do coming in each day and seeing the smiles on these kids’ faces.”

Gus Bell and Jah Williams shared their experience with Jean Dean RIF which is an organization that puts quality age appropriate books into the hands of children before they start kindergarten to set them up for success at an early age. They cater to children ages 0-5 and give each kid three books in hopes to encourage reading and education.

Every year, they donate about 75,000 books and have many fundraisers such as Ride to Read and are

always looking for volunteers.

“Every single one of us has the power to make a difference.

What you--students-have experienced these past three weeks has made a difference in your lives, now it’s our turn to make a difference,” said Lucinda Cannon, the founder of the Philanthropy 101 summer program.

The students and organizations also thank Lucinda Cannon, Carole Smith, Dr. Mark Neighbors, Dr. Farrell Seymore, Katie Murray, Tammy Stephens, Amber Landers and Jelani Tuck for their time, guidance and encouragement in helping the 2018 class of OHS Philanthropy 101.

pelika O Observer

Men’s Cast June 29 @ 7 p.m.

June 30 @ 2 & 7 p.m.

B3 June 27, 2018

Women’s Cast TBA

pelika O Observer

B4 June 27, 2018

LEGALS

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 NOTICE OF ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICL 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 ADOPTION PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY CASE NO. 2018-B-040 TO: UNKNOWN FATHER Please take notice that a Petition for Adoption was filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama by Ronald David Tielking and Alicia Nichole Tielking, on June 5, 2018, for the Adoption of Z.B.T., born on October 25, 2016 to Michala Nichole Owen. A hearing has been set for the 15th day of August, 2018 at 11:00 o'clock a.m. central time in the Probate Court, Lee County Courthouse, 215 South 9th Street, Opelika, Alabama. Should you intend to contest this adoption, you must file a written response within thirty (30) days of the date of the last publication herein, with the Clerk of said Probate Court at 215 S. 9th Street, Opelika, Alabama 36801 or appear on the date of the hearing a set above to contest said Petition.

Done this 14th day of June, 2018.

BILL ENGLISH, PROBATE JUDGE Legal Run 6/20, 6/27, 7/4, 7/11

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; 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

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 368032345 (334) 745-3504 LEGAL RUN 6/13, 6/20 & 6/27

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 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

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF C. C. TORBERT, JR., CASE NO. 2018-B-045 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Letters Testamentary upon the Last Will and Testament of said decendent, having been granted to the undersigned on the 8th day of June, 2018, by the Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims

against said Estate are registered to file an itemized and verified statement of such claim in the office of the said Judge of Probate within six months from the above date, or said claim will be barred and payment prohibited.

GENE H. TORBERT and CLEMENT CLAY TORBERT III, Executors Legal Run 6/27, 7/4, 7/11

NOTICE OF COURT PROCEEDINGS CASE NO: 2018-B-065 IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution In the Estate of LUCAS SHANE LOVELL, deceased Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the

LEE COUNTY Probate Office by DANIEL W. LOVELL and SHARON T. LOVELL on June 22, 2018, pursuant to Section 432-690, 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, PORBATE JUDGE Legal Run 6/27/2018

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: ESTATE OF MARY L. KELLEY, DECEASED PETITION TO PROBATE WILL NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR Letters of Testamentary for the Estate of MARY L. KELLEY, deceased, having been granted to the SHER-

RY D. THARPE OLIVER, on the 19th day of June, 2018, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. s/Raymond L. Jakcson, Jr./ Raymond L. Jackson, Jr.

Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: Extra Space Storage 1412 Opelika Road. Auburn AL, 36830 on 07/18/2018 at 2:00 p.m.

King Hutchinson Jr Unit# K137

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

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.

Attorney for SHERRY D. THARPE OLIVER Executor of the Estate of MARY L. KELLEY, Deceased Attorney for Personal Representative: Raymond Jackson Alsobrook Jackson 126 S. 8th Street Opelika, AL 36801 (334) 991-3143 Legal run 6/27, 7/4 & 7/11

5020 US HW 29S Auburn, AL, 36830 Household furniture and boxes Demetria Massengale Unit# V378 117 Mountain View St Goodwater, AL, 35072 Couch, chair, few boxes, table and a bed.

Purchases must be made with cash

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

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

only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

Legal Run 6/27 & 7/4/18

(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

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of Rita Faye Griggs, Deceased NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration have been granted to Michael Edward Griggs, as Administrator of the Estate of Rita Faye Griggs deceased, on the 22nd day of June, 2018, by the Hon. FORM OF ADVERTISEMENT FOR COMPLETION LEGAL NOTICE In accordance with Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given that Diversified Steel Fabrication, Inc., Contractor, has completed the Contract for (Construction,) (Renovation) (Alteration) (Equipment) (Improvement) of GRAND NATIONAL HOTEL ADDITION at Opelika, AL for The Retirement Systems of Alabama, Owner, and have made request for final settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify Goodwyn, Mills, & Cawood, Inc. (Architect), Diversified Steel Fabricators, Inc. (Contractor) 195 Jeanette Barrett Ind. Pkwy, Wetumpka, AL 36092 (Business Address) NOTE: This notice must be run once a week for four successive weeks for projects exceeding $50,000.00, for projects of less than $50,000.00 run one time only. Proof of publication is required.

Legal run 6/27, 7/4, 7/11 & 7/18/2018.

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

Bill English.

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

James E. Hall, Attorney for Administrator Legal Run 6/27, 7/4, 7/11

To have a legal notice published in the Opelika Observer Email us at Editor@opelikaobserver. com or call us at 334-749-8003

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Opelika, Lee County & A labama Politics RUN-OFF ELECTION WILL BE JULY 17

Voting information for run-off elections July 17 Special to the Opelika Observer

Inside the Statehouse

T

he best races of the year have been for Attorney General and Lt. Governor, as well as Agriculture Commissioner and for the 2nd Congressional district.

The Attorney General post is considered the best stepping stone to Governor and U.S. Senator.

It is very high profile and prosecutes bad guys who go to jail and cannot vote against you, and you look like a good guy to the rest of the law-abiding voters in the state. Therefore, in recent years it has attracted ambitious politicians rather than veteran dedicated prosecutors. These aspirants were novices at being lawyers, much less prosecutors.

They sought the position for political posturing rather than the job as the state’s top law enforcer. We have not had a tough former DA since the days of Bill Baxley and Charlie Graddick.

As the race began, there were three major candidates with prosecutorial experience. Troy King had been Attorney General, Alice Martin had been the U.S. Attorney in the Northern District of Alabama and had handled numerous major high-profile convictions. Even the Bentley appointee, Steve Marshall, had been a district attorney.

Troy King had begun the race as the front runner simply because he had some name identification from having been Attorney General. Early polls showed him with around 27 percent with Martin and Marshall at 10-12 and Chess Bedsole at 5-6.

The final results wound up mirroring the amount of money spent by the candidates. There was an amazing correlation to money equals media equals name identification, which results in votes.

“Money is the mother’s milk of politics.”

Troy King and Steve Marshall ended up in a dead draw with 28 percent each. Alice Martin got 23 percent and first-time candidate, Chess Bedsole, got a surprising and impressive 21 percent.

He got a great vote in Mobile and Birmingham, especially in the silk stocking boxes. His $1 million media buy did not hurt.

The runoff between Troy King and Steve Marshall will be interesting. Again, it will probably boil down to money. Marshall made the runoff by outspending Alice Martin significantly. He used the power of incumbency to strong arm contributions. Both candidates will have to go negative. Marshall is more vulnerable.

He campaigned for Obama and was a Democrat only a few years ago. He was appointed DA by Democrat Don Siegelman and was appointed Attorney General

by Robert Bentley. These are not good calling cards in a GOP Primary runoff. King will be the favorite on July 17.

The winner will not get a free ride in November. The aforementioned Don Siegelman’s son, Joseph Siegelman, won the Democratic nomination on June 5 and will be a viable opponent in the Fall.

The Lt. Governor position has very little power. However, over the past few decades the Lt. Governor has risen to Governor quite a few times. Therefore, this race has gotten a lot of attention from voters and campaign donors. Twinkle Cavanaugh entered the race as the favorite simply because of name identification. Will Ainsworth and Rusty Glover had very little of that.

However, Ainsworth came to the dance with the ingredient to buy name ID. Money is that recipe.

He had it and he spent it. Twinkle wound up with 43 percent to Ainsworth’s 37 percent and Glover’s 20 percent.

Twinkle will be a slight favorite in the runoff. However, if Ainsworth spends another million and stays with negative or some say comparison ads, it will be close.

Rick Pate bested Gerald Dial 40 to 30 in the Agriculture Commissioner race despite Dial outspending him with a catchy jingle ad. Alabamians inexplicably have a way of ascertaining who is the farmer in that race.

Pate was the only farmer. The Alabama Farmer’s Federation Endorsement helped him in the first primary.

Over 61 percent of the 2nd Congressional District GOP voters voted against incumbent Martha Roby. Bobby Bright may very well win this rematch, which has been years in the making.

Bright is well known and liked in the District, especially in the Wiregrass where he was born and raised as well as in Montgomery where he was Mayor for 10 years.

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.

Any qualified elector may vote an absentee ballot by mail or in person at the absentee election manager's office if he or she makes application in writing not less than five days prior to the election and meets one of the following requirements: 1. The person will be out of the county or state on Election Day. 2. The person has any physical illness or infirmity which prevents his or her attendance at the polls, whether he or she is within or without the county on the day of election.

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

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

attendance at the polls.

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

6. The person has been appointed as an election officer or named as a poll watcher at a polling place other than his or her regular polling place.

An applicant for an absentee ballot who is a member of the armed forces of the United States, including the Alabama National Guard, the United States Naval Reserves, the United States Air Force Reserves and the United States Army Reserve on active duty or active duty training or an applicant who is the spouse of any member of the armed forces or any other applicant qualified to vote absentee pursuant to the Federal Uniformed and Overseas Citizens

Absentee Voting Act, 42 U.S.C. 1973ff, may make application for an absentee ballot by filling out the federal postcard application form, authorized and provided for under the provisions of the Federal Voting Assistance Act. Note! Attorney General Opinion # 2008-107. Applicants listed in this section who wish to vote in Municipal Elections must submit the application to the absentee manager designated for Municipal Elections.

•Any registered elector who requires emergency treatment of a licensed physician within five days of an election may apply for an emergency absentee ballot for the election and may vote by returning the absentee ballot no later than noon on the day the election is held. The attendant physician shall describe and certify the circumstances as constituting an emergency on a special form designed by the Secretary of State and See Vote, page B9

Lee County Republican Women’s Group holds luncheon June 12

By Anna Riley For the Opelika Observer On June 12, the Lee County Republican Women’s Luncheon took place at the Saugahatchee Country Club. The speakers present were Rick Pate and Gerald Dial, candidates for Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries; Tracie West, who is running for Alabama State Board of

Education and Ali Rauch, wife of Todd Rauch, who is running for State Representative District 38.

The Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries oversees a $70 billion industry with more than 400 employees and is often overlooked. Rick Pate, a 1978 Auburn graduate, started his own business in 1982 and has been successful. He said he looks up to his father, who was a leader in the cattle

business and is “in about every agriculture hall of fame that I know of in the state of Alabama.”

Pate has also served as the mayor of Lowndesboro, Alabama, for 13 years.

Gerald Dial and his wife made the decision a long time ago that the best thing they could do to increase the feeling of being worthy and to do See Luncheon, page B7

Opelika resident meets with Congressman Mike Rogers

Special to the Opelika Observer Opelika resident Shenetra Moses met with Congressman Rogers today in his Washington office. Moses is in town with Baxter Healthcare Corporation.

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Opelika Dixie Youth Baseball in full summer swing

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Butcher Paper BBQ’s annual ‘Pig Pickin’ held Saturday

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

OP-ED: Biofuels are still an important component of our energy mix

By Steven Taylor Special to the Opelika Observer During the past 15 years, biofuels have been a hot topic in the energy production world. You could hardly turn on the television or radio without hearing about the latest research and benefits of biofuels, which can be produced from agricultural and forest residues and dedicated energy crops. In fact, to help encourage the development of biofuel technologies, Congress provided tax breaks and incentives for companies that produced and sold biofuels.

Times have changed, though, and biofuels are not a front-page story today. Presently, natural gas is the darling of the electrical power industry for baseload operations.

It’s clean, relatively inexpensive and readily

available. Many power plants and manufacturing facilities are converting their old boilers to burn natural gas. Natural gas is on a high, and there’s no forecast to determine when it will come down.

But for a moment, let’s reexamine biofuels, as they can still play an important role in our state’s energy production and economic development.

According to the Energy Institute of Alabama, our state ranks fifth in the nation for electricity generation from biomassbased fuels. Biomass consists of plants or plant-based materials such as agricultural crop residues, forest residues or dedicated energy crops such as switchgrass or fast-growing trees.

These various sources of biomass can be used not only for generating electrical power or making liquid transportation

fuels such as gasoline or diesel fuel, but they can create a wide array of coproducts such as plastics and adhesives.

Here at Auburn University, we are conducting research to maximize the usage of biomass for conversion to biofuels and valuable co-products. While most people think of corn-based ethanol when biofuels are mentioned, researchers at Auburn are advancing the technology to convert grasses, pine trees and hardwoods to gasoline, diesel and jet fuels. To make the fuel production process more economically feasible, we are developing a suite of co-products that can be produced at the same time.

Through grants from Alabama Power Co., the Electric Power Research Institute, the U.S. Department of Energy

and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, we have been addressing many of the challenges in using biomass to create renewable biofuels and electrical power.

One of the greatest challenges with biomassbased fuels is logistics.

Forest and agricultural biomass is usually scattered and is difficult to collect and transport cost-effectively using traditional harvesting machines and trucks.

In projects sponsored by the departments of Energy and Agriculture, we have developed innovative and efficient ways to collect and transport the biomass from its original site to a power plant, refinery or manufacturing facility.

Other research is developing biochemical and thermochemical methods to convert the biomass to liquid fuels, chemical

products and electrical power.

Auburn researchers are also tackling the challenge of capturing gases emitted from landfills.

Currently, it’s cheaper to flare the landfill gas than it is to clean and transport it to another location for reuse.

Our faculty have developed methods to remove unwanted sulfur from the gas, which then makes the gas valuable for production of electrical power or liquid fuels.

Additional research has developed smallerscale, more cost-effective reactors that can convert this gas to gasoline and diesel.

Once these processes have been perfected, it will not only allow electric utilities and fuel producers another viable option in clean fuel choices, but the resulting new industries will

open the door for more employment opportunities, particularly in our rural areas where forest and agricultural biomass is produced.

As you can see, these are exciting times for Alabama’s energy industry.

We are continuing to expand our diverse energy base, while finding new ways to utilize resources already in place. Biomass and the resulting biofuels can, and will, continue to play an important role in adding to our resource mix. To learn more about Alabama’s reliable, clean and affordable energy resources, visit the Energy Institute of Alabama’s website at energyinstituteal.org.

Steven Taylor is a professor of biosystems engineering and associate dean for research at Auburn University’s Samuel Ginn College of Engineering.

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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 256307-1449.

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 334-528-4197 or deborahowen@eamc.org.

• The fourth Monday of each month a Community Grief Support Group meets from 5:30–6:30 p.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center. No reservations are necessary; everyone is welcome. For more information call 8261899 or 502-0216.

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

749-1584.

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

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

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

During the presentation, participants can send questions via email. The webinars also are recorded and stored in the archive on the Beginning Farmer website. Webinar topics include: trap cropping for reducing squash insect pests, cowpea curculio updates, nutsedge control, introduction to potting mixes in ornamental container production, dealing with drought in commercial horticulture crops, and many more.

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

Tuesdays:

• Ballroom Dance Classes at the Opelika Sportsplex from 7-8 p.m. every Tuesday.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8685 AL Highway 51.

• A Grief Support Group meets at Oak Bowery United Methodist Church Tuesdays at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. for anyone dealing with the pain of loss and feeling the need for support on their journey as they attempt to bring order and wholeness back into their life. Attendance and participation is strictly voluntary for any and all sessions. There are no fees or charges involved.

The church is located on U.S. Highway 431 – eight miles north from Southern Union State Community College and Opelika High School. For more information contact Bill Parker at 459-0214 or 706518-9122.

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

or find the organization on Facebook.

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

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

• Auburn-Opelika Chapter of Citizen’s Climate Lobby (CCL) meets every fourth Wednesday. CCL is a nonprofit, non-partisan, grassroots advocacy organization focused on national policies to address climate change.

We consider a national carbon fee which would be distributed as a dividend to all U.S. households as the most important solution to climate change. Meetings are held at the Hubert and Grace Harris Center Meeting Room (425 Perry St., Auburn, AL 36830 --- directly across from the Auburn, AL U.S. Post Office), 7 -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 or email Cheri Paradice at 334-737-5215 or cheri.paradice@gmail.com

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 • 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.

• July 2 - Lee County Voters League will meet on July 2 at 6 p.m. Meeting will address primary run-off endorsements and recommendations (no forums as we’ve already heard from candidates before the primary) then complete overdue League business. Input from those who participated in our June 5th ‘Get Out The Vote’ campaign will also be welcomed to help improve future efforts.

Good growing pains have shepherded League meetings to Bethesda Baptist Church [Rev. Anthony Pogue is Pastor] at 201 South 4th Street, Opelika,.

• 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.

Early enrollment for afterschool art classes taught by Michele and Sarah West of the Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art are now open for the 2018-19 school year. The course is available and open to all skill levels, and art supplies are provided. For more information, call 334-4802008.

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

Opelika Theatre Company to stage ‘Odd Couple’ this weekend Special to the Opelika Observer The Opelika Theatre Company will put their twist on the Broadway classic “The Odd Couple” with three shows this

Luncheon, from B5

something worthwhile to serve the people.

He said he sees the Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries as the second most important job, behind the governor.

“I feel like my relationship with the legislature will allow it to

weekend.

Written by playwright Neil Simon, “The Odd Couple” is a comedy set in the 1960s that revolves around protagonist Felix, a newly divorced and hopeless man taken in by

his frivolous friend, Oscar. Throughout the play, audiences will witness the hilarious struggles of Felix and Oscar’s polar opposite personalities in their venture of living together. Cast members

include Wesley Knox, Garrett Bell, Sheriff Jay Jones, Ernie Golden, Dr. John Roberts, Kevin Caldwell, Mandy Baker and Cathy Mayhugh.

The shows will be held at the Southside Center

for the Arts, located at 1103 Glenn St. Friday’s show will begin at 7 p.m., and Saturday will have two shows: a matinee at 2 p.m. and the final show at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $10 in ad-

vance through the group’s website, www.opelikatheatrecompany.com, and can be purchased for $12 at the door.

For more information, call 334-663-2593.

continue to fund this department as should be and prohibit those cuts that may come down the road,” Dial said.

West is a Lee County native and has been serving as the president of Auburn City School’s Board of Education for the last two years and has been a board member for nine years.

She also runs her own business. She stated that educating our children

is the most important thing we can do for our state. “If you look at our nation’s report card, every two years it comes out and reflects your fourth and eighth grade in reading and math and science. The state of Alabama is 47th in the country in reading in the fourth grade level, and we continue to stay in the bottom tier,” West said. “Right now, only 31 percent of our fourth

graders are proficient readers.”

Lee County has never had a person in position on the state school board, and West said she is hoping to change that with her passion for setting Alabama’s children up for success.

Todd is a retired member of the U.S. Army and a Purple Heart recipient for the war in Iraq. He is a strong Second Amendment defender and was

the pro-life candidate of choice by the Alabama Citizens for Life.

Ali said she and Todd have put in countless hours on the campaign trail.

“We are humble, we are proud, we are pumped, we are so excited because we are not politicians, this is not what we do, but boy are we working hard,” Ali said.

She describes him and

her as a team working together, having knocked on more than 4,000 doors throughout the district.

Ali said her husband, if elected, has a strong desire to be a voice for educators in Lee County, and wants to work with them and receive their input on legislation and bills being discussed.

He is currently in a run-off against Chamber County’s Debbie Woods.

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Opelika Fire Department holds annual ‘Fire Academy’ earlier this month

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

pelika O Observer Run-off,

from B5

provided by his or her office to local absentee election managers. The special form shall be attached to the application.

•Any registered elector whose name appears on the poll list of qualified voters may vote by an emergency absentee ballot if he or she is required by his or her employer under unforeseen circumstances to be out of the county on an emergency business trip on Election Day. Under such circumstances, the applicant shall apply for an emergency absentee ballot at the office of the absentee election manager no later than the close

of the business day one day prior to the election. The applicant shall complete and file an application form designed by the Secretary of State for emergency absentee voters. The form shall contain an affidavit which the applicant shall sign or swear acknowledging that he or she was not aware of the out-of-county business requirement prior to five days before the election. An applicant who meets the requirements of this subsection may vote by an emergency absentee ballot.

After voting the ballot, the voter shall hand the ballot to the absentee election manager.

Applications for absentee voting are available at the Absentee Election Manager’s Office located at 205

S. 10th Street, Opelika, AL 36801. Applications can also be requested by mail at P.O. Box 1616, Opelika, AL 36804 or online at the Secretary of State's web page (www.alabamavotes.gov ). Those serving in the United States armed forces (including spouse) should contact their commanding officer for an application or may go online at www.alabamavotes.gov Note: During the 2017 Regular Session, the Alabama Legislature passed Act 2017340. This law requires a person who voted in a political party’s primary election to participate in the same party’s primary runoff election, if the person seeks to vote in a primary runoff election.

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If a person did not vote in a political party’s primary election, the person maintains the right to choose in which party’s primary runoff election he or she will vote.

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

Completed absentee applications must provide the Alabama residence where the voter is registered to vote, even if the ballot is to be mailed to another address where the applicant voter regularly receives mail. If you have moved and have not updated your poll-

ing place you should contact the local Board of Registrars and update your address prior to applying for an absentee ballot.

Monday, July 2 is the last day to register and update your polling place information for the July 17 Primary Run-Off Election.

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

Multiple applications cannot be mailed in the same envelope.

The absentee election manager may not give any person access to completed and filed applications for absentee ballots. This information is not a matter

of public record. It should be considered privileged information just the same as voter registration applications.

The absentee election manager shall forward absentee ballots by US Mail to the applicant’s residence address or upon written request of the voter, to the address where the voter regularly receives mail or by handing the ballot to the voter in person or, in the case of medical emergency voting, to his or her designee in person.

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

LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS Job Opportunities

FetchMe Delivery is Hiring an office manager! You will be responsible for coordinating activities and helping people reach their full potential as we ensure excellent customer experience. Excellent communication,organizational, leadership and problem solving skills are vital. This position is paid, part-time and comes with a wonderful opportunity and chance to help the way people get their food! For inquiries please call 334-209-7730 or email hello@fetchmedelivery.com

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.

Education:

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.

Qualifications: Must have all licenses and/or certifications as required by State and Local jurisdictions.

• 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,

Jefferson's Opelika Seeking Experienced Cooks

Please apply at: 905 Walker Street Opelika, AL or http:// jeffersonsrestaurant. com/employmentapplication/

Mattress Sale Up to 50-80% off Store Prices Sets Starting @ $150 Call: 334-610-1869

sales, marketing, and customer service background sufficient to assist in managing the day-to-day operation of an apartment community, resolve customer complaints and issues, complete financial records, documents, and reports, increase sales revenues, and coordinate the work of a team.

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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Last week’s answers:

6-20 SCRAMBLER ANSWERS: 1), Power 2), Chafe 3), Glean 4), Clear Solution: Farewell

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COMICS

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

-Erma Bombeck

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Recipes Easy Red, White and Blue Dessert ½ pint heavy cream, whipped 3 Tbsp. sugar Angel food cake, cubed Blueberries Strawberries Whip cream with sugar. In individual

dishes or clear glasses, place a layer of angel food cake cubes, blueberries, whipped cream, strawberries, cake and cream.

Top with blueberries and strawberries.

Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Tomato and Whipped Feta Crostini Linda Letlow 6 oz. feta, crumbled 2 oz. cream cheese, room temperature 2/3 cup olive oil, divided 2 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice Kosher salt and black pepper 2 Tbsp. minced shallots (2 shallots) 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar 2 lb. cherry tomatoes, quartered 3 Tbsp. julienned fresh basil 20 - 25 baguette slices, toasted 2 Tbsp. toasted pine nuts, optional To whip feta, place feta and cream cheese in bowl of a food processor.

Pulse until cheeses are combined. Add 1/3 cup olive oil, lemon juice, 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper; process until smooth.

Up to an hour before serving, combine shallots, garlic and vinegar in a medium bowl.

Set aside for 5 minutes.

Whisk in remaining 1/3 cup olive oil, 1 tsp. salt, and 1/2 tsp. pepper.

Add tomatoes, stir gently, and set aside for 10 minutes.

Stir in basil and taste for seasoning.

To assemble crostini, spread each slice of bread with a generous amount of whipped feta.

With slotted spoon place tomatoes on top.

Sprinkle with pine nuts and extra basil and serve.

Cherry Tomato Salad Cathey Donald 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved ½ cup sliced green onions ¼ cup flat-leaf fresh parsley, chopped ½ tsp. salt ½ tsp. pepper

3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar 1 ½ Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard Combine first 5 ingredients. Mix together vinegar, oil and mustard; drizzle over tomatoes and toss.

Pasta Salad with Tomatoes and Fresh Mozzarella 1 lb. penne pasta, cooked 2 cups diced tomato 2 cups diced fresh mozzarella 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese ½ cup olive oil 1 bunch basil 1 Tbsp. chopped garlic

Juice of one lemon Salt and pepper Oregano In a large sauté pan, sauté garlic in olive oil. Add tomato and stir approximately 2 minutes.

Toss in pasta, mozzarella, Parmesan and basil.

Finish seasoning with salt, pepper and oregano.

Slow Cooker Baked Beans Mary Skinner 1 onion, chopped 1 lb. ground beef 3 lb. can Van Camp pork and beans, drained 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup ketchup

1 Tbsp. mustard Dash Worcestershire sauce Brown ground beef and onion; drain well.

Mix all ingredients and bake 4-6 hours in crock-pot.

Makes 10-12 servings.

FOOD RATINGS AFC Sushi 300 Dean Road Auburn Score: 100

Kroger Deli 300 N. Dean Road Auburn Score: 98

Dixie Wings 10630 Lee Rd 240 Phenix City Score: 100

Hardee’s 1902 Marvyn Pkwy Opelika Score: 98

Opelika High School 1700 Lafayette Pkwy Opelika Score: 99

Side Track Coffee 817 S. Railroad Ave. Opelika Score: 97

Old Fashioned Lemonade 1 cup sugar 1/2 cup water 1 cup fresh lemon juice ½ gallon cold water Sliced lemons Mint sprigs In a saucepan, heat

sugar and ½ cup water until sugar is dissolved. Cool. Place in a drink dispenser or jug. Add lemon juice and cold water; stir well to mix.

Serve over ice in tall glasses with a slice of lemon and sprig of mint.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Spice Rub: 4 Tbsp. smoked paprika 3 Tbsp. dark brown sugar 2 Tbsp. chili powder 1 Tbsp. cumin 1 Tbsp. black pepper 2 tsp. salt Boston butt roast 2 cups chicken broth Combine spices in a bowl

and rub liberally over Boston Butt (bone in or boneless) in a slow cooker insert. Refrigerate overnight, if desired.

In the morning, pour 2 cups of chicken broth over the pork and cook for 8-10 hours. Serve with your favorite barbecue sauce and buns.

Grilled Rack of Ribs Rub: 6 Tbsp. dark brown sugar 3 Tbsp. kosher salt 1/2 tsp. chili powder 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper 1/2 tsp. black pepper 1/2 tsp. onion powder Combine rub ingredients; spread over rack of ribs.

Marinate ribs approximately three

hours and then allow them to come to room temperature prior to placing on the grill.

Grilling time depends on the type and size of ribs you are grilling.

Cook low and slow with indirect heat at about 250-300 degrees for about 3-5 hours.

Once they start to pull back from the edge of the bone and can be pulled apart they are done.

Tomato Corn Salad Susan Ballard 3 large tomatoes, chopped 1 small red onion, halved and thinly sliced 1/3 cup chopped green onions 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 3 Tbsp. minced fresh basil 1 Tbsp. minced fresh cilantro 1 tsp. salt ½ tsp. pepper 4 cups fresh corn

(about 9 ears) 3 garlic cloves, minced 2 Tbsp. olive oil 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard In a large bowl, combine the first 8 ingredients.

In a large skillet, sauté corn and garlic in oil until tender; stir in mustard.

Add to vegetable mixture; toss to coat.

Serve with slotted spoon.

Serves 8.

Fresh Corn and Black-Eyed Pea Salad 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar 1 Tbsp. hot sweet mustard ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley ½ tsp. salt Dash black pepper ½ tsp. Creole seasoning ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil 1½ cups fresh corn, cooked

½ lb. shelled fresh black-eyed peas, cooked 1 red pepper, chopped 1 Vidalia onion, chopped 3 stalks celery, chopped Blend first 7 ingredients for the dressing. Combine remaining ingredients in a bowl; toss with dressing.

Chill until ready to serve.

Vanilla Ice cream Debbie Whitley 5 egg yolks 2 cups sugar Pinch of salt 1½ cups whole milk 4 cups whipping cream 12 oz. can Carnation evaporated milk 1½ Tbsp. vanilla In a medium bowl, lightly whisk together yolks, sugar, salt and whole milk.

Pour into saucepan and heat cream mixture

over medium-high heat until warm. Remove from heat.

Gradually add whipping cream, evaporated milk and vanilla.

Return to heat and cook over medium-low heat, stirring mixture constantly with a wooden spoon until thickened.

Put in refrigerator to cool at least 30 minutes.

Pour into ice cream freezer and churn until thick.

Slaw with Tomatoes Brenda Kilman 1 head cabbage, cut into 1-inch squares 2-3 tomatoes, unpeeled, cut into small squares 1 large sweet onion, cut into 1-inch squares Dressing: 1½ cups mayonnaise ½ cup milk Sugar

Vinegar Salt and pepper Combine mayonnaise and milk in a jar; add other ingredients in small amounts until you reach your desired taste.

Shake well.

Pour dressing over slaw. Mix. Let set in refrigerator at least 4 hours or overnight.

Quick Blackberry Cobbler Washington Family 1 qt. blackberries ¾ cup sugar, mix with berries Batter: 1 cup flour 1 cup sugar 1 cup milk 1 tsp. baking powder

1 stick butter or margarine Combine flour, sugar, milk and baking powder for batter; pour into bottom of large rectangular casserole dish.

Place berries and a stick of sliced butter on top.

Bake at 250 degrees for an hour.

66th annual

Freedom Celebration Tuesday, July 3rd Opelika High School

Celebrate independence day with Opelika Parks and Recreation! There will be inflatable games, hamburgers, hotdogs, popcorn and activities for the whole family.

The event begins at 6:30 p.m., the Silver Wings bring down the stars and stripes at 7:30 p.m. and fireworks are at daark.