Opelika Observer E-Edition for 6/6/18

pelika O Observer

Vol. 10, No. 35

Wednesday, June 06, 2018

Opelika, Alabama

See Results on A3 See Photos on B6

“By local people, for local people.”

Remembering Mallory Hagan wins primary race for “Bo” Torbert U.S. 3rd Congressional District; Gray, Rauch, LaGrand will face run-offs

By Ann Cipperly Opelika Observer

Opelika lost one of its hometown stars with the passing of Clement Clay “Bo” Torbert Jr. June 2.

While Torbert had a distinguished career as an attorney, Legislator, State Senator and Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, he always treasured his Opelika roots.

Whatever opportunities came along, Torbert refused to move from Opelika, whether it was for a state office in Montgomery or as a member of a prominent law firm in Birmingham.

Born in Opelika in 1929, Torbert’s best childhood memories were at the family farm in Society Hill. He enjoyed spending summer days with his parents, Clement C. and Lynda Meadows Torbert, at a lake in the country. The lake was named Shutome, after the Samford, Shealy, Torbert, Hunter and Meadows families who owned it.

Torbert attended public schools in Opelika and was active in sports, playing football, and was captain of the basketball team. He was also in ROTC. While attending a dance in Opelika at age 16, he met Gene Hurt of Auburn, who attended the dance with his best friend, Mack Taylor.

Bo and Gene dated for several years. After he attended the Naval Academy

Torbert

for 18 months and graduated from Auburn University in 1951, they married on May 2, 1952.

After the Torberts wed, he served in the Air Force, attaining the rank of captain.

While still in the service, Torbert studied law at the University of Maryland for 18 months. He graduated from the University of Alabama Law School in 1954 and moved his family back to Opelika.

At first, Torbert went into law practice with William L. Dickinson until Dickinson became involved in politics and moved to Montgomery.

Torbert then joined Yetta Samford, forming the law firm Samford and Torbert.

In 1958 both Torbert and Samford ran for the Legislature and won. Torbert would later say it was an error for two young lawyers, as they both spent too much time in Montgomery and not enough time practicing law.

As a representative from Lee County, Torbert was selected in 1959 as “the most outstanding freshman legislaSee Torbert page A2

EAMC building multi-million dollar cancer center in Opelika

By Savannah Vicker For the Opelika Observer On May 22, The East Alabama Medical Center held a celebration for the groundbreaking and construction of their new $39.7 million cancer center, which is slated to open in May 2019.

Once completed, the new center will have 28 treatment chairs and

10 extension chairs for non-oncology patients.

Four times the size of the hospital's current cancer center, the first floor will be used for radiation oncology and the second for medical oncology and a pharmacy.

According to estimates, the new facility is expected to treat nearly 15,000 patients annually, numSee EAMC, page A6

Hagan

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor Opelika native Mallory Hagan soundly defeated opponent Dr. Adia Winfrey in the race for the U.S. 3rd Congressional District Seat in the Lee County primaries last night.

Jeremy Gray and Todd Rauch made their names known in their respective races with solid results

Rauch

for both of them.

Richard LaGrand also placed well in his race for the Lee County Commission District 5 seat. However, none of the three candidates garnered enough votes to win outright. All three of these candidates will face a run-off on July 17.

Gray, a Democratic candidate in House District 83, received enough votes to surge ahead of Patsy Jones in Lee County but

LaGrand

not enough in Russell County for the victory. Gray and Jones will face each other in the run-off next month.

Rauch was one of three Republican candidates vying to become the next state representative for Alabama’s 38th District. He earned 51.14 percent of the vote in Lee County to top Bryan Murphy and Debbie Wood but will face See Results B5

Sensory-friendly events being offered this summer

By Anna Riley For the Opelika Observer A partnership between the Lee County Autism Resource and Advocacy organization and the AMC Classic Tiger 13

Theater at Capps Landing provides monthly opportunities to parents of children with autism or other learning disabilities to watch sensory-friendly movies.

Sensory-friendly movies accommodate individuals with

special needs or autism by having dimmer lights, no movie previews and reduced sound.

Maria Gutierrez, LCARA co-founder and vice presiSee AMC, page A11

FetchMe Delivery service expands to Opelika

By Anna Riley For the Opelika Observer FetchMe, an Auburn-Opelika based delivery service, is offering local residents the opportunity to have products delivered to them

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

Gray

SPORTS.......................................B1 LEGALS.........................................B4 POLITICS..............................B5 CALENDAR...............................B7

with little to no hassle.

The service, founded in 2016 by Auburn University graduate Harrison Evola,

was started in response to him seeing that there was a See FetchMe, page A11

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A2 June 06, 2018

Summer Swing to continue through the summer at Municipal Park

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Pictured are highlights from Kidd Blue’s Summer Swing performance May 22. Summer Swing is a summer concert series held at Municipal Park every Tuesday through the summer. Because it is an outdoor event, like and follow the Opelika Parks and Recreation social media pages for updates in case of inclement weather.

Torbert, from A1

ery was in dire need of improvements, he obtained legislative approval for a bond issue to build the new judicial building. The new structure is named the Heflin-Torbert Judicial Building.

Torbert served as chairman of the National Association of State Chief Justices, among other national associations.

The Torberts traveled extensively nationally and internationally, including attending conferences in London to observe the British legal system and a visit to the Supreme Court of Germany.

The Torberts spent time traveling with Chief Justice Warren Burger and Chief Justice William Rehnquist.

One interesting trip was with Congressman Dickinson, Torbert’s first law partner.

The Congressman, who was the ranking minor-

In 1982 he was reelected without opposition to the position for a second term.

During his tenure as Chief Justice, he smoothed out the rough edges of Heflin’s work in implementing the Judicial Article.

The new court system in Alabama received accolades across the nation.

Torbert was active in national affairs with respect to state court systems. He was appointed by President Reagan to serve as chairman of the first Board of Directors of the State Justice Institute and elected chairman of the Board of Directors for the National Center for State Courts.

While most people elected or appointed to a high state office move to Montgomery, Torbert opted not to move. He traveled back and forth from Opelika to Montgomery.

When the judicial building in Montgom-

tor” by the Capitol Press Corps.

Torbert was elected to the State Senate in 1966 and elected again in 1974.

In 1969, he was selected “most effective senator” by the Capitol Press Corps. Torbert served as chairman of numerous committees.

He became active in 1969 supporting legislation having to do with Alabama courts.

In 1976, Torbert was elected as the 25th Chief Justice of Alabama. He began serving in January 1977. After taking office, Torbert said, “It was my duty to put into effect the Howell Heflin constitution amendment that reformed the Alabama court system, which I had sponsored as a state senator.”

ity leader on the armed forces committee, invited the Torberts to fly on Air Force One to Singapore for the far eastern air show.

Torbert did not seek reelection in 1988 but returned to private practice the following year. In 1990, he joined a prominent Birmingham law firm named Maynard, Cooper and Gale as its resident partner in the Montgomery office.

After joining the firm, he was asked to represent a large national company.

It would have required that he move to Birmingham for the major case. He turned down the opportunity, saying, “Sorry, I am not going to move to Birmingham.”

Torbert served as chairman on many national and state committees during his career. He received a vast number of awards and honors. Honors include: Distinguished Service

Award for the National Center for State Courts and American Judges Association. He was elected to the Alabama Academy of Honor and received the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award.

Torbert held the Leslie S. Wright Chair of Law at Samford University and Cumberland School of Law as well as the John Sparkman Chair of Law at the University of Alabama School of Law. He was awarded honorary Doctor of Law degrees

by Troy State University and Tuskegee University.

The Torberts have three children, Dixie Torbert Alton, Shealy Torbert Cook and Clay Torbert. They have five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

In retirement, the Torberts enjoyed relaxing days in their 1940s home along the azalea trail in Opelika. Over the years,

the Torberts renovated and expanded the house that was once home of Torbert’s aunt and uncle, the C.S. Shealys.

Torbert had an interest in family history and studied in depth the history of the old Federal Road traveled by his pioneer ancestors, who settled in the Society Hill community in the early 1830s.

His grandfather, Clement Clay Torbert, moved to Opelika and built the Clement Hotel in downtown where the Museum of East Alabama is located. He died at an early age in the flu epidemic of 1916.

While Bo Torbert always wanted to live in Opelika where his heart remained since childhood, his distinguished service not only benefited the people of Lee County but also the entire state of Alabama.

Located in Historic Downtown Opelika

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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

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

pelika O Observer

Letter to the Editor: The loss of a tradition To the Opelika Chamber of Commerce, Hello, my name is Holly Long, and I am a resident of Opelika.

I would like to address an article I read regarding the Opelika Chamber of Commerce cancelling Opelika's tradition of having our beloved Christmas parade stating low attendance and requests from citizens to have a tree-lighting event, instead. I can not even begin to state how I, and many other citizens of Opelika, feel regarding this decision made by the Chambers. It has not only saddened me to think that such a happy tradition for so many people is suddenly just taken away, taken away without the knowledge that this was even being discussed, but it also makes me angry and hurt knowing that I did not get to give my input. Something so special to so many for so many years is just gone. Only our wonderful memories as children attending the parade then being able to take our own children and to see

such happiness on their sweet faces remain.

How was this decision made? I want to know what citizens requested our tradition be ripped from our community, our hearts, and from our souls. Low attendance was stated as a reason. I have attended the Christmas parade for many years, and I have not noticed a significant decline in attendance, however, I did not count each individual, but did anyone? Did the Chambers consider getting the opinions of all the citizens of Opelika on this topic or just a handful? I was not given the chance to express my opinion. That may be my fault due to not knowing when meetings were held and the topics on the agenda to be discussed, but that does not make it ok to make such an impactful decision without giving the public the resources to know exactly what is happening within our community. This has been an eye-opener to say the least. Was it ever considered by the Chamber to modify the

parade and change it back to Wednesdays and maybe start the parade at a later time followed by the lighting of the Christmas tree? This could have been done for at least a few years to see if your stated reason of low attendance could be turned around. This could also boost sales for downtown businesses that day/evening by doing both the Christmas parade and then the lighting of the Christmas tree. Makes perfect sense to me. I am requesting that the Chambers bring back our tradition or at the very least, allow all the citizens of Opelika to have a say in this decision.

This is my personal opinion, but I am confident in stating that this is the opinion of many, for the most part. I also feel confident stating that I have many supporters on this issue.

Give me and others the chance to address whomever we need to in this matter.

A3 June 06, 2018

Burger Wars results from Saturday Special to the Opelika Observer Hundreds flocked to downtown Opelika for the annual Burger Wars/Touch-a-Truck events last Saturday.

Following are results from the burger contest, which featured three divisions of grillers: Tailgater 1st Place - Jericho and Rebecca Wilson

for their “Devine Bovine Burger” 2nd Place - Robert Ham for his “Black and Blue Burger” 3rd Place - Chris Ficarra for his “American Dream Burger” Corporate 1st Place - ABS of Auburn for “The Good Burger” 2nd Place - Cappell and Howard for “The Daniel” burger 3rd Place - The

Destination for “The Glampburger” Pro 1st Place - La Cantina for their “Border Burger” 2nd Place - Cheeburger Cheeburger for their “Western Bacon Cheese Burger” 3rd Place - Zazu Gastropub for their “Conecuh Burger with House Bacon.”

Turn to B6 for photos from the event.

Respectfully, Holly Long

Men’s Cast June 22 @ 7 p.m.

Jue 23 @ 2 & 7 p.m.

Women’s Cast TBA

A4 June 06, 2018

pelika O Opinion

Daddy was a poet

M

Polytechnic Institute, now Auburn University). Instead he favored me with one of those verses he picked up (or wrote) some. when he was a Marion cadet.

Like that.

Rooty toot toot, Rooty toot His inclination to verse toot came back to me when, We’re the boys from the shortly after we buried

By Hardy Jackson Institute. him in his “Auburn SEC We don’t smoke and we Championship” shirt, I went rummaging through his bookcase. don’t chew And we don’t go with the girls who do.

He had an eclectic collection that Good advice, then and now. included some classics, some popuThumbing through the Pocket Book lar fiction, some history, and a copy of Popular Verse, letting it fall open to of Playboy, which I am sure he kept places Daddy creased and marked, I got because it contained the “lusted in my one of those “memory lane” experiences heart” interview with Jimmy Carter. that let me follow behind him, picking Daddy liked Carter.

But what caught my eye that day was out his choices and reading them as if he were there.

“The Pocket Book of Popular Verse” Leigh Hunt’s “Jenny Kissed Me,” published back in 1945. Though its reminded him of the girls of his youth well-worn pages were yellowed and as surely as it reminds me of the girls of brittle, it was still in good shape, so I mine. “The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyborrowed it. am” was another of his frequently quoted One of my fondest memories of my favorites, as was Lewis Carroll’s “The father was when, as a boy, I rode with Walrus and the Carpenter” – if nothing him in his war surplus jeep, going out else, his tastes were diverse. to our farm or to visit a friend. As I only know of once when Daddy he drove he would quote poetry. At recited poetry to a crowd. It was in a length. high school elocution class (they call it Poetry that rhymed – Daddy was “Speech” today if they offer it at all). not much for free verse. He loved the Students were told to present a poem of poems of Robert W. Service. their own choosing. After the girls had “The Cremation of Sam McGee” recited girl-verses about poets counting was a particular favorite of his and, the ways they loved someone, Daddy through him, a favorite of mine. (I read it once to my oldest daughter who rose and began: Dark and dreary was the night. liked it so much that she read it to her A storm was drawing neigh. elementary school class. The teacher And eerie steaks of lightning flashed was impressed at her reading skill and horrified by the subject matter. Some of across the winter sky.

Out of the dark and dismal woods the students were likely scarred for life.

There steals a vengeful man.

Good poetry can do that to you.)

A mighty oaken club is clutched, However, dearest to Daddy were within his strong right hand. little verses touched with humor and The club is raised, and held on high. tinged with irony.

Then falls with a sickening thud.

He frequently quoted Service’s “My And there, upon the dark, cold ground Madonna” in which the poet tells of lies murdered an artist who paints a portrait of a (Dramatic pause here) prostitute (“a woman from the streets, A potato bug. shameless but oh so fair”) and when The girls were mortified. The teacher he finished a “connoisseur” came and was mortified. The boys gave him a proclaimed it to be “Mary, the mother of God.” So he painted a halo and sold standing ovation. And before the teacher could intervene, Daddy launched into an it to a local church, which hung the encore. hooker over the altar.

The night grew dark.

Daddy loved that sorta stuff.

The clouds grew big.

When he loaded me up to take me to The lightening struck. college at Marion Military Institute, the And killed a pig. school he selected because he felt that I Poetry. would be safe there until I was mature It gives meaning to life. enough to go out on my own, he did not Harvey H. (“Hardy”) Jackson III impart the “to thine own self be true” adis Professor Emeritus of in History at vice that Polonius gave Laertes (though Jacksonville State University. He can be he could have, being as he was a wellread graduate of what was then Alabama reached at hjackson@cableone.net. y Daddy loved poetry.

Even wrote

The talker

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And as fate would inn-Dixie— have it, the child started they remodto get better. The doceled this tors said the affection store not long ago. It’s was working like something else. A little magic. too fancy, if you ask After the baby reme. covered the motherly I’ve been shopping

By Sean Dietrich attention didn’t stop. here since the old days.

Back then, it was your average su- She adopted the girl and brought permarket. Linoleum floors, decent her home.

“People thought I’s crazy,” the beef, clinically depressed cashiers. old woman says. “They all told Today, they have deli counters me: ‘You’re not even married, you that sell salmon sushi. I’d rather don’t have kids, you don’t even lick the restroom floor than eat know what you’re doing. But I told salmon sushi. them all where they could—” The woman behind me in the Our conversation is cut short. checkout line is old. She is frail, It’s time for Granny to pay for her with white hair, and big glasses. grocery bill and our chit-chat is She is every American granny holding up the line. you’ve ever seen. I’ll bet the closEven so, Granny decides to tell est she ever came to sushi was a the rest of her tale. wild night at the Baptist clothing The man in line behind me gives swap.

She is holding onto her daughter me dirty look.

Take a number, pal. for support.

Eventually, the woman got marHer daughter is Hispanic—black hair, dark skin, late fifties. The two ried. He was a kind hearted man who worked on air conditioners. women couldn’t look more differHe took care of his girls. He was ent.

They have a full cart. They have a good father. She was a good mother. purchased all the usual supermarThe Hispanic woman removes ket fare. Chicken, tuna cans, jars of peanut butter, Duke’s mayonnaise, a cellphone and shows me photos Colonial Bread, and enough paper of the family. In the image is a towels to sink the U.S.S. Uruguay. man and woman with a Hispanic fourth-grade girl on their laps.

We make friends.

They are overflowing in the happiThe old woman tells me about ness department. herself.

I follow the ladies to their car She adopted her Hispanic and help them load a few bags. daughter when the girl was three.

Daughter helps Granny into The toddler had been abandoned the passenger seat. Granny kisses at a shopping complex. The child didn’t understand English, and she her daughter on the cheek, but isn’t ready to finish our story. Her was sick with a chest infection.

“She almost died,” the old wom- daughter insists.

So Granny says: an says. “I had to do something to “This beautiful girl made me a help.” mother. If you write a story about The old woman met the girl at us, make sure you write about how a foster facility. Some of the her absolutely breathtaking she is.” church friends used to visit local Her daughter shuts the door and foster homes to give attention to says, “Sorry, we didn’t mean to needy children. talk your head off. My mom is a “There were only a few of us who did that,” the old woman goes talker.”

Don’t be silly. It was the highon. “We were so young. We’d light of my day. hold the babies, play games, read By the way, you’re breathtaking. stories, sing to’em sometimes. You Sean Dietrich is a columnist, know, mom stuff.” Mom stuff.

“Kids need touching to survive,” and novelist, known for his commentary on life in the American the lady adds. “It’s been proven.

South. His work has appeared in Look it up.”

I’ll have to do that. Anyway, she Southern Living, the Tallahassee couldn’t put the toddler down. She Democrat, Southern Magazine, Yellowhammer News, the Bitter held the sick girl in her arms until Southerner, the Mobile Press Regher elbows froze. She visited the ister and he has authored seven girl several times per day to hold books. the child.

I Think I Broke the Monkey Park E very great city in the world has that one special landmark; a spot so unique and iconic, that it’s immediately recognizable. Paris has the Eiffel Tower. London has Big Ben. Rome has the Colosseum.

And Opelika? Opelika has the Monkey Park.

That’s not actually its name. The wooden sign at the entrance to the park reads Opelika Municipal Park. But only Yankees and visitors call it that. Yankees – God bless ‘em.

Like a lot of Opelika natives, I spent many childhood Saturdays playing in the park.

It was the early 70’s, and things moved a bit slower. There was no social media to record everyday activities. But I can picture those days just as clearly as I can see the paper I’m writing this on.

ground while The park your toes sat in a valtouched the ley surroundstretched-out ed by trees. sky. GleamThere was a ing metal meandering slides, hot creek that ran enough to like a border from one end By Wendy Hodge scorch the skin off of the park to the other, separating it the back of your legs; from the rest of Opelika. animal-shaped concrete climbing structures, A train track circled the squatting like prehisperimeter of the park, toric fossils in the wilting and the shiny red Rocky grass; and a squeaking, Brook Rocket rode that track every few minutes. spinning, red metal contraption dedicated There was a train depot/ concession stand where I to producing the feeling you were flying as you lined up with other kids fortunate enough to be in lay looking up at the Opelika on a hot summer clouds (and a profound Saturday to buy Everlast- regret over the gobstoping Gobstoppers, a Coca pers and the ICEE) were Cola ICEE, and tickets to placed up and down the bank of the creek. ride the Rocket. And in The real attraction, the center of it all were though….the piece de huge metal swings resistance….was the – the kind where you 18 x 8 foot cage in the could sit on the wide middle of the park that rubber seat and pump your legs hard enough to was home to several make the poles leave the spider monkeys. There

were as many as a dozen living there at any given time. Adult monkeys, and the occasional baby or two, swung from bar to branch.

They ate peanuts we tossed into the enclosure.

They slept. They chattered. And they watched – each other and all of us.

I was absolutely enchanted. The truest desire of my heart throughout most of that decade was to own a monkey of my own. She would be a girl with a frilly purple dress and shiny black shoes. She would wear lacy underwear and carry a purse to match her shoes. We would speak to each other in a language only we understood. And she would be mine forever.

The closest I ever got to that dream was to stand and watch the monkeys, maybe throw the occasional peanut.

I imagined that they looked at me with the same longing and affection I had for them. Oh, young Wendy – God bless you.

One particularly hot summer Saturday, I had two quarters that were burning a hole in my pocket, so my dad drove me and some of the other kids from our neighborhood down to the park.

I went straight to the concession stand and bought one perfect piece of bubble game, and then I headed for the monkey cage.

There was a crowd already gathered. A new baby monkey was the center of attention, but I noticed one lonely-looking, older monkey sitting above the rest of them.

I’d seen him before and given him the name Joe. He was watching the other monkeys, slowly chewing a peanut. To my eyes, he looked wise but

sad. I wanted to reach out and hold him…. maybe take him home and see how he felt about shiny black shoes.

Joe saw me watching and climbed down to eye level to return my stare.

We stayed that way for a minute or two, watching each other with an occasional glance at the baby and her mama, the summer sun practically sizzling around us. Joe chewed his peanut, and I chewed my bubble gum. I was perfectly content and closed my eyes for a moment. In a flash, Joe reached out his skinny monkey arm and grabbed my ponytail.

There’s something about monkeys that you need to know – they’re strong. Like “a mom who lifts a car off her trapped child” strong.

With my hair entwined in his fingers, he pulled my head against the bars of the cage. Repeatedly.

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A5

Around Lee County

June 06, 2018

‘2018 SummerNight Lee County Commission hears of county’s Downtown Art Walk’ response to road, bridge flood damage slated for June 8

By Savannah Vicker For the Opelika Observer The "2018 SummerNight Downtown Art Walk" will be held June 8 in downtown Auburn.

Hosted by the Auburn Arts Association, City of Auburn, Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center and Auburn Downtown Merchants Association, the walk highlights local artists and entertainers.

The event will kick off with a community parade and feature booths by local artists and musical entertainment by the Auburnbased indie/soul/blues band Spoonful James.

Held in Auburn's downtown entertainment district, many downtown merchants and restaurants will remain open after business hours. From face painting and parade crafts to live music, local art, dining, a culinary contest and more, the Art Walk has a little something for all age groups, according to event co-coordinator Cari Clecker.

“This is one of my favorite events in the city. It’s so reminiscent of the old block parties that they used to have. While there is a

lot of people in attendance, it really brings the Auburn community all together, and it’s a great time to enjoy socializing with other families and other artists, and it’s an added plus that you get to come home with some cool handmade art," Clecker said.

The Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities will kick off the event with a parade party starting at 5 p.m. Event participants will march from the center to the SummerNight mainstage.

“We have local groups and organizations that will be walking in the parade, but we encourage the public to walk with us. If you have a bike or a stroller or anything that you can push or carry, you can decorate it with parade crafts and walk in the parade with us,” Clecker said.

This year's SummerNight theme is blueberries, and eventgoers are encouraged to dress in their best "blue" outfits.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.auburnsummernight. org or call 334-501-2963.

Special to the Opelika Observer

By Fred Woods Opelika Observer The Lee County Commission held its regular May 29 meeting at the new Beulah Senior Center, 1741 Lee Road 270 (east) to officially open this new facility. The $518,000 building was jointly funded by a $250,000 Community Development Block Grant and Lee County. District 4 Commissioner Robert Ham led the effort to secure overall support for the center, and outgoing state Sen. Gerald Dial helped secure the CBDG funds. Bridge Church of Cusseta donated land for the facility. The new 3,000-square-foot facility replaces the

former center, a leaky, fire trap basement room in a 100-plus-year-old building near Beulah High School. Lee County commissioners, chairman Bill English, Sen. Gerald Dial, former Rep. Duane Bridges and other local leaders were present for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Torrential rains during the last week in May did substantial damage to county roads and bridges, particularly in the Smiths Station area where not only was total rainfall greater than much of the rest of the county, but where five to eight inches of rain fell in a three-hour period the night of May 22-23.

Lee County Engineer/

Highway Department Director Justin Hardee detailed, for the commissioners, the damage as well as initial actions taken to address the situation. County Highway Department personnel were called out at 1:15 a.m. and worked 19-straight hours, assessing damage, putting up barricades, removing debris and making temporary repairs where possible.

Damage included trees down across roads, flooded roadways, washed-out roadways, washed-out bridge approaches, at least one large culvert collapse, at least one bridge with structural damage serious enough to require replacement and one small privately

owned bridge collapsed into the creek below.

Reaction to the culvert collapse, on Lee Road 238 east of Smiths Station, illustrates the resourcefulness of Highway Department workers.

The department was notified shortly after 4 a.m. Wednesday morning that a 6-foot diameter culvert had washed out, taking large slabs of pavement with it. Personnel immediately put out barricades to halt traffic.

After discovering that a replacement culvert was on hand, repairs commenced at about 9:30 a.m. and by 8:30 p.m., 11 hours later, one lane of the road was open to traffic.

See LCC, page A6

Alabama roads among some of the deadliest in the nation Special to the Opelika Observer We know there’s risk involved every time we take the wheel. To better explore American road fatalities, a team at Avvo analyzed FARS data to see how many car crash-related fatalities happen across the country.

Unfortunately, Alabama stood out: Alabama makes the top-5 list of states with the most crash fatalities, for six days of the week, with their highest fatality per 100,000 rate, 3.9, on a Saturday.

Friday and Sunday are tied for the second deadliest days in Alabama, with 3.4 fatalities per 100,000 residents.

In the six days of week Alabama ranks in the top-5 deadliest states, Wednesday is the safest day on the roads, with 2.3 fatalities per 100,000 while Saturday is ranked number 1.

Here’s the link to the full study: www. avvo.com/fatal-car-accidents.

As the data shows, Alabama’s roads are some of the deadliest in the country.

Special to the Opelika Observer

BEAUREGARD DRUGS

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

Summer gas prices predicted to be the highest in four years Special to the Opelika Observer Get ready to pay at the pump this summer.

According to GasBuddy.com, the yearly national average for gas will be 19 cents more from last year and the highest since 2014.

According to AAA Fuel Gauge, drivers in most states will be paying close to $3 per gallon in June and July. But across the West, prices are well above that and

the highest in the nation: California $3.74, Hawaii $3.71, Washington $3.46, Alaska $3.40, Oregon 3.35, Nevada $3.33 and Arizona $3.05.

Across Alabama, the average for a gallon of gas is $2.66. Here at home in the Opelika/Auburn area, the average for a gallon is $2.64, according to the AAA. The researchers at GasBuddy say a multitude of factors contribute to an increase in gas prices,

including Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), fuel taxes, the economy and, simply, supply and demand.

Shopping around online before filling up will help you find the best prices.

Two websites, alabamagasprices.com and GasBuddy.com, list stations with the best prices and their locations in Opeilka and Auburn, as well as across the state.

pelika O Observer

A6 June 06, 2018

City, AMEA to dedicate new 50-kilowatt project June 26 Special to the Opelika Observer The Alabama Municipal Electric Authority (AMEA), in partnership with the City of Opelika and Opelika Power Services, will dedicate a new 50-kilowatt solarresearch project June 26.

The project, located in front of the OPS headquarters at 400 Fox Run Parkway, was completed in May. “We are proud of the new solar research project in Opelika as part of our effort to enhance renewable energy in our portfolio,” said AMEA

President and CEO Fred Clark. “We want to thank the City of Opelika and OPS for their leadership and partnership in this endeavor.”

In conjunction with the solar research initiative, AMEA has been exploring and researching the best practices in community solar parks in partnership with their member cities, which includes Opelika.

The AMEA Board of Directors approved a $1 million investment to construct one solar research project in each of their 11 member cities, Clark added. In

November 2017, AMEA dedicated similar-size solar research projects in Dothan and Luverne.

The Opelika Chamber of Commerce will also conduct a ribbon cutting as part of the day’s activities.

AMEA, located in Montgomery, is the wholesale power provider for 11 public power utilities in Alabama, which serve nearly 350,000 customers in Alexander City, Dothan, Fairhope, Foley (Riviera Utilities), LaFayette, Lanett, Luverne, Opelika, Piedmont, Sylacauga and Tuskegee.

EAMC, from A1

bers that far exceed the average of the current center, which treats 748 patients with chemotherapy a month and 40 to 50 patients with radiation daily. The number of medical oncologist offices and exam rooms will also increase.

“The physicians and staff in the Cancer Center are very passionate about their work and their patients. However,

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

LCC, from A5

Hardee deflected all praise to his employees, who, he said, had performed way beyond the call of duty.

Hardee also praised other county agencies including the Emergency Management Agency, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and county Volunteer Fire Departments - especially the Smiths Station Volunteer Fire Department - for their actions.

Hardee reported that Joel Hunley, Lee County Bridge Inspector with more than 20 years of service, had personally inspected every one of Lee County’s 108 bridges for safety since

the rains.

The commission also approved, subject to minor modification, a new county seal, appropriate for display on the exterior wall of the new county annex building now under construction adjacent to the courthouse. The old seal contained too much detail to reproduce in a scale sufficient for this sort of display.

After discussion led by designer Lindsey Tan, commissioners approved the interior entry design for the CSM Bennie Adkins Meeting Center on South 10th St. behind the courthouse.

The entry will be an educational tribute to Opelika Medal of Honor winner CSM Bennie G. Adkins. The county commission had previously voted $10,000 to pay for

the existing facility has reached its capacity and has no space to growth in its current location," said EAMC Director of Public Relations and Marketing John Atkinson. "The new facility will allow staff and patients more space and many more amenities."

Although the current center has had major positive impact on the community, the development of the new East Alabama Medical Center is a vision of hope and growth, according to incoming EAMC CEO Laura Grill.

“Many, many lives have been saved.

Many lives have been extended, and we get positive proof of that each day," Grill said.

To honor the community, the Cancer Center had community members sign a beam that will be installed in the new facility to display as a visual reminder of those they are serving.

For more information, visit www.cancercenter.eamc.org.

the design phase with the understanding that the actual construction costs would be funded by community donors. Adkins will provide artifacts for exhibit.

In other action, the commission: • Received vacancy announcements for three commission-appointed boards (the East Alabama Health Care Board announced its desire to reappoint three members whose terms are expiring: Joel Pittard, 24 years on the board; and David Smalley and Larry Fillmer, each with 12 or more years on the board, and • Completed rightof-way vacation for Lee Road 670, in the southwestern portion of the county.

Special to the Opelika Observer

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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,

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

Southern

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

Chamber of Commerce to hold 77th Annual meeting June 20

Hospitality

Carole Clements wins first place in Heritage Cooking Contest

Photo by Ann Cipperly Carole Clements, center, received first place in the Heritage Cooking Contest for her Bacon Wrapped Cheese Straws. Jackie Henderson, right, received second for Cheesy Spinach and Bacon Dip, and Nancy Richburg, left, won third place for Bacon Wraps. Along with the recipes in the contest, Carole is sharing several of her other favorites.

A

s the sun was lowering behind the pines at the Mt. Olive Church on Society Hill Road, participants of the Heritage Cooking Contest were busy putting finishing touches on their dishes and tablescapes. The annual contest is sponsored by the Lee County Women’s Leadership Committee, a division of Alabama Farmers Federation.

A different category is selected every year for the contest, which spotlights Alabama commodities and agricultural products. This year, bacon appetizers were the theme for the cooking contest. In addition to the cooking contest, competition was held for tablescapes, quilts, table runners, baby blankets and Christmas tree skirts.

Carole Clements won first place in the cooking contest with Bacon Wrapped Cheese Straws, Jackie Henderson received second place for Cheesy Spinach and Bacon Dip and Mary Richburg took third place with Bacon Wraps.

Tablescape winners were Jackie Henderson, first place; Carole Clements, second; and Jamie Lazenby and Mary Richburg tied for third. Jackie won honors in the quilting categories.

Carole had the idea for the Bacon Wrapped Cheese Straws from seeing a similar recipe on a television cooking show. She adapted the recipe and used ingredients that were more to her liking. She changed the sauce from plain Dijon mustard to Honey Dijon.

She served the cheese straws on an attractive dish with a matching pigshaped sauce dish, which was perfect for the bacon theme. Carole will compete in the state contest in September.

Along with her winning Bacon Wrapped Cheese Straws, she is sharing several of her other favorite recipes.

Among Carole’s other favorites is an easy to prepare Salmon Log. A large can of salmon is mixed with cream cheese seasoned with minced onions and then rolled in parsley and chopped pecans.

Her Chicken Salad Filled Popovers have been popular for teas and showers. She bakes small popovers, then cuts them in half and removes any doughy filling before stuffing with chicken salad. The popovers can be prepared a couple of days ahead and then filled an hour or two before serving.

Carole does much of her cooking to taste and adapts recipes. Instead of plain breadcrumbs in meatloaf, she uses Pepperidge Farm Herb Seasoned Stuffing Mix to enhance the flavor.

She tops the meatloaf with a sauce made by combining ketchup, brown sugar and mustard.

Carole’s Breakfast Casserole is different since it uses boiled eggs. It goes together quickly. Prepare the casserole the day before and bake the following morning.

Her Pumpkin Bread would also be good served at breakfast. The bread is embellished with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and allspice.

Carole has enjoyed cooking for her family over the years. Her husband Bill was a veterinarian, and they always had horses at their War Eagle Farm. When their daughters, Cheryl and Cynthia, were growing up, they rode show horses and received many awards.

After the girls were grown, Carole and Bill began racing thoroughbred horses. Their horses raced in Texas, Chicago, Baltimore, New York, Florida and at Churchill Downs in Louisville, but not in the Kentucky Derby.

The horse that won the most races was called Totally Crafty. “One year she had more frequent flyer miles than I did,” says Carole. “The horses flew on thoroughbred transport planes.”

The Clements hired trainers to work with the horses until they were two years old.

The trainers then hired a jockey and started racing. They raced horses until 2005.

See Cipperly, page B12

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor The Opelika Chamber of Commerce’s "77th Annual Meeting," sponsored by Opelika Ford Chrysler Dodge Jeep, will be held June 20 from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Bottling Plant Event Center.

According to President Pam Powers-Smith, the event serves as a way to unite and further connect the chamber’s members.

“Not only is it a chance for people to network and see others that they don’t normally see, but it gives the opportu-

nity as the chamber to recognize all our members because they are the reason that we are here,” Powers-Smith said.

During the meeting, Powers-Smith added that they will debut the new 20-Under-40 class and recognize the winners of Ambassador of the Year, Community Partner, Service Champion, Small Business of the Year, Distinguished Service, Spirit Of Opelika and Chairman’s awards. “...the awards mean a lot to us because we’re working with several hundred members throughout the year,

and we don’t always have the opportunity to thank people enough.

The part I enjoy most is recognizing people that have made a difference, helped us or the community out a lot,” Powers-Smith said.

“There’s really no other platform in town where you get to thank people for doing really great things.”

Tickets are $45 per person and can be purchased through the chamber website, www. opelikachamber.com, or calling 334-745-4861.

The venue is located at 614 N. Railroad Ave.

Bottling Plant Event Center to host wine tasting Thursday

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor

The Bottling Plant Event Center in downtown Opelika will hold a wine tasting event tomorrow night, beginning at 6 p.m.

According to BPEC owner Lisa Ditchkoff, this is a highly requested event that will feature five beloved wines for sampling.

By Savannah Vicker For the Opelika Observer HealthPlus Fitness Center in Auburn will sponsor the "Fit to Fight 1-Mile Celebration Walk" June 9 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Proceeds from the walk will be used to benefit the Oncology Wellness Program at the center, which is a combination of services provided by the East Alabama Medical Center. The program offers a complimentary membership to HealthPlus for current cancer

- “The Prisoner” is a 2016 Napa Valley red wine. Wine Express writer Josh Farell describes it as “a cult classic and a soft velvety palate of anise, dark cocoa powder, black cherry and roasted pecans lead into a dense finish with luscious tannins.”

- Saldo is a 2012 Zinfandel made by the Prisoner Wine Company.

Wine critic Josh Parker

said in a review that the “wine exhibits lots of peppery spice along with hints of espresso, clove and barrique. Meaty raspberry and black cherry notes as well as a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel are also found in this beauty.”

- 2014 Louis Martini Cabernet Sauvignon.

According to wine.com, this selection comes from

center patients before, during and after treatment.

Patients receive an orientation by a certified cancer exercise specialist, a personalized exercise based on their individual needs and personal goals and orientation to the facility. The program also provides courtesy massage therapy, nutritional counseling and stress management.

Other free activities will occur throughout the day, including fitness classes from 8:10 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., skin cancer screenings from

9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m, a silent auction, an open house of HealthPlus, chair massages, representatives from the center and EAMC and more.

Registration for the walk costs $20 and can be done in-person at HealthPlus, located at 1171 Gatewood Drive, or online at www. healthplusfitness.com.

Pre-registration will be held June 9 from 8:30 9 a.m.

For more information and ticketing options, visit runsignup.com/ Race/AL/Auburn/FittoFight.

See Wine page A8

pelika O Observer

A8 June 06, 2018

Banjo-picking ‘Mean Mary’ to perform at Sundilla June 15 Special to the Opelika Observer Mean Mary will be appearing at Sundilla June 15.

The first question is always; “just how mean is Mean Mary?”

The answer is; not at all. The name comes from the title of the very first song she wrote, which was called "Mean Mary from Alabam."

She has been stuck with the nickname ever since, which equates to almost her whole life; she wrote the song when she was all of five years old.

She has evolved from that child prodigy who played for tips on the streets of Nashville ("startling talent" said the Tennessean) to a seasoned performer and headliner of more than 4,000 festivals and concerts ("the voice of a ragged Angel combined with

the banjo playing of the Devil," says No Depression).

Mary's life story involves living in homemade tents, building cabins, getting attacked by bears, catching live rattlesnakes, passing a high-school equivalency test at age 9, co-writing four novels with her mother, and so much more that her bio takes up four pages; it is almost a fifth novel.

The musical highlights include recording her first album at age 6, and daily appearances on the Country Boy Eddie Show by the end of second grade. During this time, she also appeared regularly in Nashville, Tennessee, at the Nashville Palace, on the Nashville Network, the Elvis Presley Museum and on Printer's Alley.

Mary's music is a

instrumentals specifically for it," she says.

"And it's not necessarily bluegrass, though a lot of people think of the banjo as specifically a bluegrass instrument. I like to mix everything from blues to folk-rock into what I write."

Deering Banjo's named her their Goodtime Ambassador, and Janet Deering describes her banjo playing as giving her "chills." Equally versatile on guitar, fiddle and eight other instruments, Mary is known internationally for her lightning-fast fingers, haunting vocals and intricate story songs.

Special to the Opelika Observer As a high-energy performer that thrives "When you play blend of folk, blueon variety and as a multiple instruments, grass and blues, and songwriter that choosshe is proficient on 10 you spread your time es unusual subject between them, and it's matters, anything from instruments, but cenbeen a lot of fun centering her songwritghost pirates to demon tering just on one ining efforts on just the guitars could romp banjo has been helpful strument over the last through a Mean Mary in focusing her sound. few years and writing show.

How to Feel Great at EAMC.

Volunteer!

Wine, from A7

one of the country’s most prestigious vineyards and “offers ripe flavors of blackcurrant and jammy black plum accented by notes of caramelized oak and baking spice. The round, plush mouthfeel offers firm structure framed by a fruit-focused finish.”

2014 Secco Italian Bubbles Chardonnay.

Wine makers describe it as being “ fresh and elegant. Layers and layers of flavors. Elderberry, anise, Italian summer, melon, beeswax and seashells live within so many tiny bubbles. Totally delicious.”

- Clean Slate Riesling.

Ditchkoff added that they have a finalized menu which includes: tuna appetizers, Low-

Another important aspect of Mean Mary's sound is James' resonant, emotional vocal performances, though there was a time that she thought she'd have to retire from performing. In her mid-teens, James was in a car accident that paralyzed her right vocal cord. It was only after extensive rehabilitation that she was able to sing again. And once she was again able to sing, she never stopped.

Showtime at the AUUF is 7:30 p.m. and $12 advance tickets are available at Spicer's Music, Blooming Colors, World Cup Coffee and online at Sundillamusic.com.

Admission at the door will be $15. Free coffee, tea, water and food will be available, and attendees are welcome to bring whatever food or beverage they prefer.

Country Boil Skewers, Skewered Gulf shrimp, New Potato and Conecuh sausage with crab boil, smoked salmon bites with dill caper cream and a classic New York mini cheesecake.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at the venue or in advance online at www.bottlingplanteventcenter.com. The BPEC is located at 614 N. Railroad Ave. For more information, call 334-705-5466.

Opelika Theatre Company to perform ‘The Odd Couple’ June 22,23

By Savannah Vicker For the Opelika Observer

AUXILIARY

334-528-5923 • www.eamc.org

Contact: Victoria Beasley

Volunteer Coordinator Victoria.Beasley@eamc.org

The Opelika Theatre Company will add their twist to a rendition of the Broadway classic “The Odd Couple” with three shows June 22 and 23 at the Southside Center for the Arts.

Written by playwright Neil Simon, “The Odd Couple” is a comedy set in the 1960s that revolves around pro-

tagonist 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.

Tickets for the shows are available online for $10 at squareup.com.

For more information on the play or the OTC, call Executive Artistic

Director Marty Moore at 334-663-4480 or visit www.opelikatheatrecompany.com.

Friday shows will start at 7 p.m., and there will be two shows on Saturday: one at 2 p.m. and the other at 7 p.m.

A women’s version of the show will be held later in the summer. The women’s production was delayed because of illness.

The venue is located at 1103 Glenn St.

Opelika

A9

Family & Religion The difference between silver and gold

I

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

heard a story on NPR about a man who was a sergeant in the Massachusetts Army National Guard. He served on the honor guard at military funerals where his duty was to sound Taps. It’s phrased that way because he didn’t actually play the song (he didn’t know how to play the bugle).

Instead, he carried around a ceremonial bugle—a silver one that was fitted with a speaker in its bell.

You pressed the “on” button, adjusted the volume and sounded Taps. Of course, if you did it well enough, the undiscerning would never notice that you were not really playing.

But deception was

June 06, 2018

that it was neither the most the intent beautiful of the rendering sergeant of the song nor what she had drives this ever heard. particular

By Bruce Green The fact situation.

Teaching Minister at that she The prob10th Street Church of thought he lem came Christ in Opelika had played about beto song cause the demand for military fu- didn’t sit well with nerals far exceeded the him. He felt phony and decided to do somenumber of available buglers. The only solu- thing about it. He knew tion that would provide someone who played the bugle and asked the veterans with the him to teach him how. funeral they deserved in the absence of quali- He was given exercises to do that would build fied buglers was the silver trumpet with the the muscles required to play the instrument and speaker inside. instructions on techThe sergeant had nique. The sergeant sounded Taps at a found an old bugle to couple hundred funerpractice with. It took a als when a lady came fair amount of time and up to him after a memorial service and said effort but eventually

Church calendar

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

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

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

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

314 S. 9th St. #745-6143 First Baptist Church 301 S. 8th St. #745-5715 First Baptist Church Impact 709 Avenue E #741-0624 First Freewill Baptist Church 103 19th St. #703-3333 Friendship Missionary Baptist 432 Maple Avenue #742-0105 Greater Peace Baptist Church 650 Jeter Ave. #749-9487 Heritage Baptist Church 1103 Glenn St. #363-8943 High Hope Baptist Church 227 Lee Road 673 Liberty Baptist Church 2701 West Point Pkwy #749-9632 Love Freewill Baptist Church 1113 Frederick Ave. #745-2905 Ridge Grove Missionary Baptist Church 1098 Lee Road 155 #334-745-3600 Northside Baptist Church 3001 Lafayette Hwy #745-5340 Pepperell Baptist Church 2702 2nd Ave. #745-3108 Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Uniroyal Rd #749-2773 Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Rd 166 #745-0807 Purpose Baptist Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy #704-0302 St. James Baptist Church 1335 Auburn St. #745-3224 Union Grove Missionary Baptist 908 Huguley Rd #741-7770 BUDDHIST Buddha Heart Village 3170 Sandhill Rd. #821-7238

others—to the point that unless he is doing his best for them, he isn’t satisfied. That’s a view of community that is as noble as it is needed. Most of us are willing to check the community box and do what we think we are expected to do and there’s something to be said for showing up with our silver bugles.

But to move beyond that as the sergeant did is to enter the land of the golden rule and that’s holy land.

Sometimes in life in areas where we would least expect it, what really matters is the difference between silver and gold.

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

Verse of the Week

Following is a list of area Vacation Bible Schools:

• First Baptist Church of Opelika: June 11-14 from 9 a.m. - noon each day • Heritage Baptist • Parkway Baptist: June Church: June 11-15 from 4-8 from 8:30 a.m. - noon 8:30 a.m. - 12:05 p.m. each day each day • Lakeview Baptist: June • Bethesda Baptist 18-22 from 8 a.m. - noon Church: June 19-23 each day • University Church of • Auburn United MethChrist: July 16 - 19 from odist: June 11-14 from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. each 8:30 a.m. - noon each day day • Holy Trinity Episco• Airview Baptist Church pal: June 4-6 from 9 a.m. June 9 all-day VBS, with - noon each day picnic lunch, beginning at • Auburn First Baptist: 8 a.m.

June 10-15 from 6:30-9 • Tenth Street Church of p.m. each day Christ in Opelika: • Trinity United MethJune 10-13, 6:00 p.m. odist Church: June 4-7 8:00 p.m. each evening.

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

he learned Taps well enough to replace the silver bugle at funerals with one that he actually played.

But he didn’t stop there. He started teaching others to play Taps. He’s now played the song at close to five hundred funerals.

He said of his initial decision to play Taps rather than sound it, it was “the right thing to do” and “hopefully, one day someone will do it for me.” In other words, he is doing for others what he would like someone to do for him. This is what Jesus talked about (Matthew 7:12) and we often refer to it as the Golden Rule.

The sergeant is a man driven to show honor and respect to

You are the people of God; he loved you and chose you for his own. So then, you must clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

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

Colossians 3:12 Pierce Chapel United Methodist 8685 AL Hwy. 51 #749-4469 Pepperell United Methodist 200 26th St. #745-9334 Trinity United Methodist Church 800 Second Ave. #745-2632 Wesley Memorial United Methodist 2506 Marvyn Pkwy #745-2841 PENTECOSTAL Full Gospel Pentecostal Church Hwy. 29, PO Box 1691 #741-8675 Gateway Community Church 2715 Frederick Rd #745-6926 PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church of Opelika 900 2nd Ave. #745-3421 Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Rd #745-4889 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST Outreach Seventh-Day Adventist 1808 S. Long St. #749-3151 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Apostolic Holiness Church 610 Canton St. #749-6759 Auburn Opelika Korean Church 1800 Rocky Brook Rd #749-5386 Beauregard Full Gospel Revival 2089 Lee Road 42 #745-0455 Christ Church International 1311 2nd Ave. #745-0832 Church of the Harvest 2520 Society Hill Rd #745-2247 Church at Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy #705-0505 East Congregation of Jehovah Witnesses 1250 McCoy St. #737-1488 Emmanuel Temple of Deliverance 207 S. Railroad Ave. #745-6430 Faith Alliance Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy #749-9516 Faith Christian Center 600 S. 8th St. Faith Church 3920 Marvyn Pkwy #707-3922

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

Fresh Foods...And A Whole Lot More!

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

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

pelika Observer O

A10 June 06, 2018

OBITUARIES Lodis Symantha Cannon Woodall Lodis Symantha Cannon Woodall, 88, of Opelika, passed away on Tuesday, May 29, 2018. Lodis (Lois) was born on September 24, 1929 in Deatsville, Al to the late John Wilson and Sarah Francis Woodall Cannon. She dedicated her life to Jehovah in 1959 as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and remained faithful until the end.

Clement Clay “Bo” Torbert, Jr. Clement Clay “Bo” Torbert, Jr. died on Saturday, June 2, 2018, at his home in Opelika. He was 88 years old. Bo was born on August 31, 1929, and was proud to call Opelika home his entire life. He is survived by his wife Gene Hurt Torbert and his three children, Dixie Alton (Mitch), Shealy Cook (Penn), and Clay Torbert (Cindy) as well as his five grandchildren, Rebecca Cook Davis (William), Elizabeth Cook, Clay Cook, Bo Torbert IV, James Torbert, and two great-grandchildren, Penton Davis and Celia Davis. Bo was preceded in death by his parents Clement C. Torbert, Sr. and Lynda Meadows Torbert. He was a lifelong active member of the First United Methodist Church in Opelika.

Bo was educated in the public schools of Opelika.

He attended the United States Naval Academy and graduated from Auburn University in 1951, where he

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Freeman Woodall, six brothers, four sisters, and a grandson, Nathan Dasher.

Lois is survived by sons: John (Vicki) and Matthew Woodall; daughters: Elaine Bryant (Larry), Sunny Williams, Jennifer Dasher, Anita and Catherine Woodall; twenty grandchildren; twenty-two great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren, and

a former daughter-in-law Bobbie Woodall.

Visitation for Mrs. Woodall was held at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home, Saturday, June 2, 2018 from 11:30am until 1:00pm.

A private graveside service was held for the family at Garden Hills Cemetery. Brothers Larry Warren and William Stinson officiated.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory directed.

was a collegiate swimmer.

He served in the United States Air Force, attaining the rank of Captain. Following his graduation from the University of Alabama Law School in 1954, he began the practice of law in Opelika, first with Bill Dickinson, and later joining Yetta Samford to form Samford & Torbert.

In 1958, he was elected to represent Lee County in the state legislature. Bo was elected to the Alabama Senate in 1966, and served two terms. In November 1976, he was elected Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court where he served two terms until 1988.

During his tenure as Chief Justice, he was active in national and international judicial organizations, serving as President of the Conference of Chief Justices, Chairman of the National Center for State Courts, and Chairman of the State Justice Institute.

In 1979, he was elected to the Alabama Academy of Honor. After leaving the court, Bo taught at both the University of Alabama

School of Law and Cumberland School of Law before joining the law firm Maynard, Cooper & Gale where he practiced until his retirement.

Bo was a lifelong hunter, conservationist, historian, and outdoorsman.

He loved his family, the State of Alabama, bird hunting, and the camaraderie he found in the company of friends.

A memorial service was held on Tuesday, June 5, 2018, at 2:00 pm at the First United Methodist Church in Opelika. The family received visitors in the Fellowship Hall at 12:30 pm.

The family would like to express its gratitude to Pinkie Eason, Kristy Waters, Rebecca Love, Deborah Dowdell, Glenn Williamson and Marsha Ogletree.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Alzheimers Association (alz. org), the First United Methodist Church, 702 Avenue A, Opelika, Alabama 36801, or the charity of your choice.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home directed.

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Frank L. Moore Mr. Frank L. Moore, 88, of Opelika passed away surrounded by his family, at his home, Saturday, June 2, 2018.

Mr. Moore was born January 30, 1930 to mother, Annie Maude Henderson Moore and father, Percy Lamar Moore.

Mr. Moore is preceded in death by his loving wife, Ann; and his parents and siblings. He is survived by his daughter, Kelly (Thomas) Gardner of Lanett, AL; grandson, Richard (Tiffany) Gardner of Valley, AL; great-grandchildren: Isaac and Izzie Gardner; granddaughter, Kristin (Coley) Trant of Opelika, AL; great-grandchildren: Kenley Jackson, Cole and Wynn Trant.

Frank was a high school graduate of Clift High School (Opelika) in 1948 and Graduate of API (Auburn University) in 1958 in Industrial Engineering. Frank was offered a scholarship to Georgia Tech for football, but turned it down to marry the love of his life, Ann. In 1952, he was enlisted in the army and spent a year overseas in Germany.

Frank spent his earlier working years in management posi-

tions, but later decided to return home to Opelika and went to work for Uniroyal where he later retired.

He spent his retirement years traveling with his wife of 67 years and spending time with his daughter and family.

He was a member of FBCO and spent much of his time with his Sunday School and ROMEO club.

Frank was an avid Auburn football fan and loved watching SEC football.

A funeral Service was held Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at JeffcoatTrant Funeral Home.

Visitation was held one hour before the service, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Jeffcoat-Trant funeral Home.

His family would like to thank Dr. John Abrams for his continued love and support of both Frank and Ann; Hospice Compasses and especially Ashley; his Sunday School, Burger King Breakfast Club and ROMEO club; his caregivers and many friends; and finally, Elaine Williams Jones (Jessie), who lovingly cared for him, we will never be able to thank you enough.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory directed.

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

News from BigHouse Foundation Special to the Opelika Observer

Cornerstone Church and the Opelika-based BigHouse Foundation are partnering to provide scholarships for foster-care children and member families to attend the annual Winshape Camps June 25-29 on Lee-Scott Academy’s campus.

The weeklong camp combines sports, recreation, arts, Bible study and worship into one incredible week, which organizers say create a “most meaningful, unforgettable and fun-filled day camp experience you’ll find anywhere.”

Any gift is appreciated, and $214 will cover the cost of camp for one child. Donations can made at www.ourbighouse.org or by mailing

a check to BigHouse at P.O. Box 230, Opelika, Alabama, 36803, with a notation that it is for the Winshape Camps.

Back-to-School Bash BigHouse Foundation’s annual “Back-to-School Bash” is coming up in August.

This year, the organization’s goal is to match all children in foster care, adopted and

biological siblings with a sponsor.

Those interested in sponsoring a child or family can fill out registration forms at www.ourbighouse.org. Donations will be accepted until July.

For more information, 334363-2634. They are located at 211 Samford Ave.

AMC, from A1

dent, said that the movies fill a crucial need in the community and allow children opportunities to enjoy themselves without being judged. LCARA is a nonprofit organization that hosts several workshops and family events offering educational, literacy and social opportunities to raise autism awareness in Lee County.

Opelika's Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library will also look to give children opportunities to learn and have fun this summer through offering sensoryfriendly story-telling sessions June 9, July 21 and Aug.18.

From 9:30 -10:30 a.m

A11 June 06, 2018

Congratulations Carol Houston Carol Houston of Opelika is the winner of our Gluten-free cookbook give-away. Carol said that she entered the contest because she wants to learn some new recipes to prepare for a family member that has to eat glutenfree due to a new Celiac Disease diagnosis. “It’s a completely new way of cooking for me, and this cookbook will give me some new ideas,” Carol said.

FetchMe, from A1

programs and to be more inclusive for the entire community.”

According to the Center for Disease Control, 1-in68 U.S. children have autism spectrum disorders.

For more information, visit leecountyautism. com.

in the library’s meeting room, library staff will engage participants through story-telling, music and movement.

Thomas Stickley, a Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library assistant, said the program started as “an idea to do more

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missing piece to most food delivery options’ service models. Evola said he believes his company stands out from others because of the wide array of products it delivers.

“It delivers not only restaurant foods, but groceries, coffee and snacks. Customers can have anything delivered to them except for alcohol and tobacco. We have an ondemand option as well so if a customer wants a restaurant that is not on our list they can still request that as well,” Evola said.

The company already delivers meals from 63 area restaurants.

Currently, Evola said he is in the midst of an expansion

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to Opelika, with plans to expand to other universities and towns in the near future.

Evola said his company’s main goal is to serve their customers in the safest, quickest, most enjoyable way possible.

FetchMe has more than 30 drivers, and are always hiring.

The delivery fee starts at $2.49 per order,and extra distance charges will be applied at $0.50/mile for orders two to four miles from the restaurant and then $1/mile after four miles with a maximum of 15 miles. Grocery delivery starts at $4.49 and has the same extra distance charges.

FetchMe is open seven days a week from 9-11 a.m. for breakfast, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. for lunch and 4-11 p.m. for dinner. They also have a late-night option on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 p.m. – midnight.

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pelika Observer O

A12 June 06, 2018

Opelika Middle School students experience the ‘Big Apple’ in May

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 Photo by www.GroupPhotos.com Pictured: (L-R) Chaperone Rebecca Ray, Natalie Hickman, Nehemiah Moore, Justin McKemie, Izayrius Ray, Za'meria Butler, Chaperone Claire Hoffman, Program Leader Erin Beaver Special to the Opelika Observer A group of students and chaperones from Opelika Middle School traveled to New York

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tional travel for more than 50 years.

The trip to New York City offered students and chaperones the opportunity to visit and learn the history of famous American landmarks and sites, such as Times Square, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall, the Brooklyn Bridge and the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. Participants were able to experience flying in an airplane, riding subway trains and ferrying out into New York Harbor as a part of their adventure.

Additionally, the group enjoyed the 20th Anniversary production of The Lion King on Broadway.

Spots are still available for rising 7th and 8th grade Opelika students and chaperones to travel in May 2019.

Contact Program Leader Erin Beaver for more information.

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

Turn to B2 for photos of the division champs

Mike Pugh named OHS’s new athletic director

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor

On the Mark

By D. Mark Mitchell

Continuing the success of Opelika High School’s sports programs is the goal of new athletic director Mike Pugh.

Officially hired May 24, this will be Pugh’s second stint with OHS, where he served as head basketball coach from 1999

- 2006.

“I’m excited to be back. My biggest thing

Hayden Burch

Lee Givens

Pugh

is trying not to mess anything up and do the best I can to help facilitate things and give help to the best of my ability,” Pugh said.

Prior to returning to Opelika, Pugh spent the last 10 years as the head coach at Huntingdon College in Montgomery.

In total, Pugh’s career spans four

decades, coaching at schools across the state including Ozark Carroll, SelmaSouthside and John T. Morgan, and was the joint basketball coach/ athletic director at Enterprise Community College.

After retiring from Huntingdon College following the 2016

Opelika baseball, basketball teams Four Lee County students earn $1,000 gearing for summer Alfa Foundation Scholarships The Opelika High School athletics department was quiet last week. Studentathletes had the week off since school ended.

The basketball and baseball teams will have workouts in the coming weeks.

Later this summer, baseball will have two-week periods of practicing and playing games for Coach Nick Richardson.

Opelika’s junior varsity and varsity teams played at home Monday and Tuesday and are scheduled to play at Sylacauga Thursday, starting at 4 p.m. They will continue playing games through June 20.

OPELIKA DIXIE YOUTH ALL-STARS Opelika Dixie Youth recently announced All-Stars for the three age groups.

Pee-Wee (7-8 years old) Minors (910 years old) and Majors (11-12 years old).

Opelika has two Pee Wee All-Star teams because of Dixie Youth rules.

The number of players translates to the number of teams

participating in the league.

League rules determine the number of All-Star teams in each league based on the number of players.

The Opelika America and National Pee-Wee All-Stars play in the district tournament starting June 22 in Beauregard, Minors June 14 in Auburn and Ozone June 22 at West Ridge Park in Opelika.

The All-Star teams are listed below: Pee Wee American Clayton Burns Whit Cooper John Conner Cummings Brock Danford Christian Davis Carson HolceyBillingsley Caleb Peoples Camden Pilate Lane Rudd John Sanders Grant Speigner Smith Young Kevin Cumming Head Coach Chad Burns Assistant Coach Jamie Cooper Assistant Coach Adam Pilate -

See Sports, page B3

Special to the Opelika Observer The tuition bill for four local college students will be a little lower in August thanks to scholarships awarded

Lilly Walker

through the Alfa Foundation.

Following are a list of Lee County recipients: • Hayden Burch of Auburn is an Auburn High School graduate and a freshman at

Auburn University studying mechanical engineering.

• Lee Givens of Auburn is a Covenant Christian School graduate and a freshman at Auburn University

See Pugh, page B3

Madeline Wellbaum studying biomedical sciences.

• Lilly Walker of Auburn is an Auburn High School graduate and a sophomore at Auburn See Alfa, page B4

Philip Darden receives Eagle Award for volunteer efforts supporting Alabama State Parks Special to the Opelika Observer Philip Darden has received the Alabama State Parks Eagle Award for his efforts as the president of the Alabama State Parks Partners organization, which led the grassroots effort for the passage of Amendment 2. The passage of the

Parks Amendment constitutionally protected the parks’ budget from future transfers by the Alabama Legislature – something that had plagued the system for years, forcing park closures and loss of services at others. The award also recognized his work as president of the Central Alabama Special to the Opelika Observer

See Darden, page B3

pelika O Observer

B2 June 06, 2018

Dixie Youth teams take first place Opelika seniors ink

scholarships, prepare for the future

Opelika Minor League Champs Front row L-R: Seth Huling, Chase Winslett, Logan Childree, Avery Hill, Landon Childree and Tyler VanHook. Middle row L-R: Keaton Murphy, Peyton Smith, Brayden Flurry, Tre Stone and Adam Murdaugh. Back row L-R: Assistant Coach Manual Stone, Assistant Coach Michael Murphy and Head Coach Joshua Childree.

They had a 13-0 record. All photos special to the Opelika Observer.

All photos special to the Opelika Observer Opelika High School graduate CJ Jordan signed a track scholarship with Kennesaw State University last week. Pictured front row (l-r): Christa Jordanmother, CJ Jordan, and Christine Thomas-grandmother. Back row (l-r): Erik Speakman-OHS Athletic Director, Dr. Farrell Seymore-OHS Principal, Timothy Thomas-brother, Johnston Jordan-brother, Terry Thomas-uncle, Chris Jordanfather, and Coach Jimmy Johnson-OHS Head Track Coach.

O-Zone League Champs

All photos special to the Opelika Observer

The Cubs are League Champs for 2018 in the Opelika 11-12 year old O-Zone League.

Front Row left to right: Jonathan Caulfield, Davin Blackmon, Chase Alexander, Alec Parker and Max Littleton. Middle Row: Christopher Floyd, Jackson Sanders, Jack McKay, Gavin Blackmon. Back: Coach Adam Littleton, Coach Jason McKay, Coach Jerome Sanders Not pictured: Will Rhodes and Bryan McEntire.

Pee Wee League Champs The Opelika Dixie Youth PeeWee League Champions for the 2018 season are the Tigers. The 7-8 year old Tigers finished the season undefeated, going 15-0.

Front Row left to right:Brain Cook, Jackson Hathcock, Jack Cherry, Lane Rudd, Nathanael Stevens and Riley Jones. Middle: John Conner Cummings, Thad Thomas, Christian Davis, Carson Billingsley-Holcey, John Sanders. Back Row:Coach Kevin Cummings, Coach Saleski Davis, Manager Jerome Sanders, Coach Ryan Hathcock.

Congratulations to Opelika High School graduate Imani Debrow on signing a track scholarship with Jacksonville State University on May 14, 2018. Pictured front row (l-r): Taveta Debrow-mother, Imani Debrow, and Barbara Debrowgrandmother. Back row (l-r): Dr. Farrell Seymore-OHS Principal, Evita Debrow-sister, Angela Alexander-aunt, Jalen Alexander-cousin, Everett Debrowfather, and Coach Jimmy Johnson-OHS Head Track Coach.

Opelika High School graduate Tori Baker signed to cheer at the University of South Alabama. Pictured front row (l-r): Suzanne Baker-mother, Tori Baker, and Rusty Baker-father. Back row (l-r): Dr. Farrell Seymore-OHS Principal, Valeri White, Ryan McDonald, Chase Baker-brother, Jesse Baker-brother, Erik Speakman-OHS Athletic Director, and Lane Landers-OHS Cheerleading Coach.

Congratulations to Opelika High School graduate Nikera Durr on signing a track scholarship with Pratt Community College on May 14, 2018. Durr is pictured Dr. Farrell Seymore-OHS Principal, Coach Jimmy Johnson-OHS Head Track Coach, and her family members including: Lekisha Madden, Torlano Madden, Twylane Madden, Clarence Durr, Rachel Durr, Frankie Whitlow, Minnie Whitlow, Joann Booth and Joann Foremen.

pelika O Observer

Sports, from B1

D’Andre Smith Jerome Sanders Head Coach Trey Fields Assistant Coach Adam Littleton Assistant Coach Minor: Grant Blythe Jack Branch Will Brandon Eli Brogdon Landon Childree Logan Childree Colt Miller Keaton Murphy Emonte Richardson Landon Rudd

Tripp Scott Tre’ Stone Josh Childree Head Coach Kurt Branch Assistant Coach Michael Murphy Assistant Coach CHARLIE HARRIS STARTED OPELIKA DIXIE YOUTH For many years Opelika had played Youth baseball under the Dixie Organization. Mr Charlie Harris, former plant

Darden, from B1

from across the state who formed the steering committee that led the volunteer effort to ensure passage of the Parks Amendment. They enjoyed the support of more than 100 businesses, municipalities, organizations and others who advocated for the passage of Amendment 2. The citizen-led organization launched a website, populated it with information about the parks funding and held community meetings throughout the state. Ultimately, their efforts led to the Parks Amendment receiving more votes than any other candidate or amendment on the 2016 general election ballot.

“I’m honored to receive the Eagle Award on behalf of all the Alabamians who joined us at the polls to ensure the protection of our state parks system’s funding for future generations by voting yes on Amendment 2,” Darden said.

“Thanks to the passage of the Parks Amendment, we now have a system that can plan for the future, more readily respond to natural disasters and offer new attractions to guests

with ever-changing interests.”

Eagle Awards are presented to individuals and organizations that display extraordinary effort in supporting the Alabama State Parks system. Darden’s award came in the Park Partner category, which honors organizations that work to provide amenities in the parks, such as hiking and biking trails, that otherwise might not exist due to the allocation of resources for other services. This award celebrates those partners who see a need and cooperate with park leadership to fill it.

Others who have received Eagle Awards in its two-year existence include Alabama state Sen. Clay Scofield of Arab, Rep. Kerry Rich of Albertville, Sen. Billy Beasley of Clayton, the Lake Frank Jackson Trail Masters, the Alabama Wildlife Center at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham, Rocky Baker of Athens, the Shelby County Commission, Jack White of Tuscumbia and Eva Pendley of Foley.

More information about the Alabama State Parks Eagle Awards is available at alapark.com/eagleawards.

letic program coming off a solid year. Highlights included the girls basketball team advancing to the Final Four for the first time in program history and girls soccer winning its fourth-straight area title.

Under his leadership, Pugh said he wants to incorporate a dose of winning attitudes into each of the school’s athletic programs.

“We’re all in the same boat rowing together. All sports– coaches, cheerlead-

ers, students and fans–we’re all in this together,” Pugh said.

“Anything I can do to help that, I will. My perspective on that is try to do everything possible to keep everybody in the same frame of mind.”

No official starting date has been set for Pugh, but he said he has already been in contact with some school officials and administration.

For more information, visit www.ohs. opelikaschools.org.

Assistant Coach Ozone: Judson Cherry Russell Copous Jake Cummings Evan Dees Taylor Fields Jackson Killcreas Ethan Lewis Maxie Littleton Jackson McKay Jackson Sanders

Mountain Pedalers (CAMP) during that same time. CAMP has contributed thousands of hours of voluntary labor and often donated monetarily to build and maintain biking trails in Chewacla State Park in Auburn.

“Philip did a remarkable job bringing communities together to support the Constitutional Amendment that prevents funds from being transferred out of the Alabama State Parks Division budget to other state departments,” said Alabama State Parks Director Greg Lein. “Because of the passage of that amendment, we have been able to make long-range plans and complete maintenance projects that had been put on hold. Philip’s leadership helped spread the word about our budget problems.

His perseverance, and the hard work of many others in the Partners organization and with CAMP, paid off with overwhelming support for the amendment.”

Darden was joined by other individuals

Pugh, from B1

season, Pugh said he came to realize how much he missed the ability to interact with coaches and players.

“You really miss those relationships when you get out and you’re not involved anymore, retired. You miss that camaraderie with the players and with the coaches,” Pugh said.

Pugh inherits an ath-

B3 June 06, 2018

manager of West Point Pepperell in Opelika.

Mr Charlie, used ML Smallwood Park, Tolbert field, Southside, Moore Stadium and Miles Thomas field to play games. Each field used for a certain age.

Harris purchased all the equipment for each age group along with uniforms.

As the program grew over time, the Opelika Recreation Department stepped in and started maintaining

the fields. Cutting the grass. maintaining the playing fields, clean the park and make sure the facilities were in tip top shape at all times.

Several folks helped run the leagues, including Mike Thomas, Guy Rhodes, Jimmy Allen, John Sellers, Alberta Boyd, Ben Bugg and Jason Rhodes.

Former Mayor Bobby Freeman made the decision to develop West Ridge Park. This was one of many wise

decisions made by City leaders.

We owe all of this to Mr and Mrs Bobbie and Charlie Harris – Founding father of Opelika Dixie Youth.

D. Mark Mitchell is sports director for iHeart Media, Alabama Dixie Boys State Director and vice president of the A-O Sports Council. He can be followed on Twitter at VOICEOFTHEDAWGS.

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pelika O Observer

B4 June 06, 2018

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MELBA TURNER BRYANT, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Letters of Administration of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 30 th day of May, 2018, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all

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

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

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

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

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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY STATE OF ALABAMA CHARTERBANK, PLAINTIFF, VS. CASE NO.: CV-2018- 900075 DANIEL T. TEEL AND FICTITIOUS PARTY NUMBER 1 being any persons Claiming a possessory right to or interest In the real property located at 349 Lee Road 744, Salem, Alabama, DEFENDANTS. NOTICE OF SERVICE

BY PUBLICATION

TO: DANIEL T. TEEL, his heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns, whose whereabouts are unknown; and, FICTITIOUS PARTY NUMBER 1 being any persons claiming a possessory right to or interest in the real property herein described.

Take notice that a Complaint for Ejectment has been filed against you in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama, in case styled, “CharterBank vs.

Daniel T. Teel and Fictitious

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

pacitated individual, and filed his account, vouchers, evidence, and statements for partial settlement of said Conservatorship estate.

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

LEGALS ORDINANCE NO. 009-18 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows: Section 1. That Ordinance 12491 entitled “Zoning Ordinance City of Opelika, Alabama”, adopted on September 17, 1991, and the Zoning Map of the City of Opelika provided for and referred to therein, as previously amended and/or modified, be and the same is hereby amended by rezoning or redistricting the parcel of land hereinafter in this section described, so as to change such parcel from one class of district to another class of district as follows, to-wit: From a R-1 District (Rural District) to a C-2 District (Office/ Retail District), the parcel of land hereinafter described: LOT 1, DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIAL SUBDIVISION, FIRST REVISION, according to and as shown by that certain map or plat thereof of record in Town Plat Book 17, at Page 18, in the Office

Party Number 1 being any persons claiming a possessory right to or interest in the real property located at 349 Lee Road 744, Salem, Alabama”, Case No. CV-2018900075, to have you ejected from the below described real property and to have any and all of your personal belongings in said property removed from the house. The real property, lying situate and being in Lee County, Alabama, is described as follows: A LEASEHOLD INTER-

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

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

of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama. The abovedescribed property contains 16.67 acres, more or less, and is located in the 2700 block of Society Hill Road, Opelika, Alabama.

Section 2. Any ordinance or part thereof in conflict with provisions of this Ordinance be and the same are hereby repealed.

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

ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 5 th day of June, 2018. /s/ Eddie Smith PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA ATTEST:/s/ R. G. Shuman CITY CLERK TRANSMITTED TO MAYOR on this the 6 th day of June, 2018. /s/ R. G. Shuman CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR APPROVED this the 6 th day of June, 2018. /s/ Gary Fuller MAYOR ATTEST:/s/ R. G. Shuman CITY CLERK Legal Run 6/6//2018

EST IN: All that lot, tract or parcel of land situate, lying and being in the State of Alabama and County of Lee, lying and being in T19N, R29E of Section 14 of Lee County, Alabama and being known and designated as ALL OF LOT NUMBERED THREE HUNDRED FORTYNINE (349), OF AREA 43 OF GEORGIA POWER BARTLETT’S FERRY RESERVOIR RECREATION DEVELOPMENT (the “Leased Land”), as more particu-

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

NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having

NOTICE OF COUNTY COMMISSION APPROVAL OF, AND ASSENT TO, VACATION OF LEE ROAD 670 Pursuant to the provisions of Code of Alabama, §§ 23-4-2; 23-4-5; 23-4-20; and 35-2-54 (1975), and other applicable law, all as last amended, notice is hereby given that: On May 29, 2018, the Lee County Commission adopted a resolution approving of, an assenting to, the vacation of a road, which is situated and lying and being within Lee County, Alabama, but outside the corporate limits of any municipality, more particularly described as: LEE ROAD 670 A tract or parcel land know as Lee Road 670 located in Section 8, Township 18 North, Range 25 East, Lee County, Alabama, being more particularly

described as follows: Commence at the southwest corner of said Section 8; thence N63°45’08”E 995.53 feet to the north rightof-way limit of Lee Road 137 (aka Wire Road); thence along said right-of-way limit N72°10’38”E 449.65 feet; thence continue along said right-of-way limit N72°10’38”E 141.56 feet to the point of beginning; thence leaving said right-of-way limit N01°05’36”W 154.48 feet; thence N01°05’36”W 127.23 feet; thence N01°05’36”W 449.25 feet; thence N88°54’24”E 60.00 feet; thence S01°05’36”E 712.93 to the north rightof-way limit of said Lee Road 137; thence along said right-of-way limit S72°10’38”W 62.65 feet to the point of beginning.

Legal Run 6/6/18

larly described in, and the leasehold interest described herein is evidenced by, that certain Lease Agreement between Georgia Power Company and Daniel T. Teel dated October 23, 2009.

Subject to the terms and provisions of the Lease and all easements and restrictions of record or in existence on the above described property.

You must file any answer to said Complaint on or before thirty (30) days from the date of the last

publication of this Notice or a default judgment will be taken against you. Your answer must be filed with Claud E. (Skip) McCoy, Jr., Esq., Attorney for Plaintiff, 117 North Lanier Avenue, Suite 201, Lanett, Alabama 36863, and also with this office.

Dated this 8th day of May, 2018. /s/ Mary B. Roberson Circuit Court Clerk, Lee County, AL Legal 5/16, 5/23, 5/30, & 6/6/18

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

which might adversely affect title to subject property.

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

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

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

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

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

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

UNITED BANK Robert H. Pettey SAMFORD & DENSON, LLP Attorneys at Law Post Office Box 2345 Opelika, Alabama 368032345 Telephone: (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 6/6/18, 6/13/18, 6/20/18 & 6/27/18

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

Plaintiffs, vs.

LIER ZHANG; ET AL., Defendants.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dated this the 21st day of May, 2018.

MARY B. ROBERSON CIRCUIT COURT CLERK

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

This year’s recipients hail from 38 Alabama counties and attend 24 different institutions of higher learning.

“The cost of higher education seems to increase every year, which can make it tough for students to achieve the goal of earning a degree,” said Alfa Insurance and Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell. “I’m glad we can award 100 scholarships to these hard-working students to help them pursue their dreams.”

Since its inception in 2014, the Alfa Foundation Scholarship

Program has awarded $450,000 to students from 61 of Alabama’s 67 counties who studied at 34 different institutions.

The program is administered through Scholarship America, which bases its selection on academics, participation in school and community activities, honors, work experience and future goals. Scholarships may be used for tuition, fees, books or supplies.

To view photos of the recipients, visit AlfaInsurance.com or go to Facebook.com/AlfaInsurance.

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF SUSAN STRANG PRUETT, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO. 2018 -B-011 NOTICE TO CREDITORS

TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration having been granted to Christine Strang Boldrick, on the 14th day of May, 2018, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama.

Notice is hereby given that all

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

Christine Strang Boldrick Personal Representative Legal Run 5/23, 5/30 & 6/6/2018

STATE OF ALABAMA CASE #: 2018-B-009 LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT ESTATE OF AIDA TRAU, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Letters Testamentary of said Aida Trau, deceased, having

been granted to Allan C. Trau, this 14 th day of May 2018, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by the law or the same will be

barred.

Allan C. Trau, Personal Representative Jeffery A. Hilyer 334-745-2564 Attorney at Law P.O. Box 30 Opelika, Alabama 368030030.

Legal Run 5/23, 5/30 & 6/6/2018

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 Rd. Auburn Al, 36830 on 06/20/2018

at 2:00 p.m.

Titus Rogers - Unit# F82 14506 Highway 29 Union Springs, AL, 36089 Furniture, Appliances, and Household Items. Purchases must be made with cash 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 5/30 & 6/6/18

Alfa, from B1

University studying international business.

• Madeline Wellbaum of Auburn is an Auburn High School graduate and a freshman at Auburn University studying education.

They are part of a group of 100 students working toward degrees at Alabama technical schools, colleges and universities who will receive $1,000 from the Alfa Foundation Scholarship Program for the 2018-2019 school year.

Opelika, Lee County & A labama Politics FIND MORE ELECTION RESULTS AT WWW.SOS.ALABAMA.GOV

Results, from A1

Special to the Opelika Observer

Inside the Statehouse

By Steve Flowers You voted Tuesday on a crowded ballot.

Historically, in Alabama we have voted more heavily in our Governor’s race year than in a presidential year. That is probably because we were more interested in the local sheriff and probate judge’s races, which run in a gubernatorial year, than who is president. The old adage, “all politics is local,” definitely applies here in Alabama.

We not only have a governor’s race this year, we have all secondary statewide offices with a good many of them open, including Lt. Governor, Attorney General, State Treasurer, Auditor, and two seats on the Public Service Commission.

We have five seats on the State Supreme Court, one being Chief Justice. All 140 seats in the Legislature are up for a four-year term.

These 35 state Senate seats and 105 House contests are where most of the special interest PAC money will go. And, yes, we have 67 sheriffs and 68 probate judges as well as a lot of circuit judgeships on the ballot.

You may think the campaigning is over.

However, some of the above races have resulted in a runoff which will be held on July 17. So get ready, we have six more weeks of campaigning before all the horses are settled on for the sprint in November.

We have a lot of folks headed to Buck’s Pocket. Last year after the open Senate seat contest, a young TV reporter for one of the stations I do commentary for asked me

about Roy Moore and his loss. I told her ole Moore had gotten on his horse, Sassy, and ridden off into the sunset to Buck’s Pocket, which by the way wasn’t a long ride from his home in Gallant in Etowah County. She looked at me with a puzzled look. Probably a lot of you are also wondering what I’m talking about when I refer to Buck’s Pocket.

For decades, losing political candidates in Alabama have been exiled to Buck’s Pocket.

It is uncertain when or how the colloquialism began, but political insiders have used this terminology for at least 60 years. Alabama author, Winston Groom, wrote a colorful allegorical novel about Alabama politics, and he referred to a defeated gubernatorial candidate having to go to Buck’s Pocket. Most observers credit Big Jim Folsom with creating the term.

He would refer to the pilgrimage and ultimate arrival of his opponents to the political purgatory reserved for losing gubernatorial candidates.

This brings me to another contention surrounding Buck’s Pocket. Many argue that Buck’s Pocket is reserved for losing candidates in the governor’s race.

Others say Buck’s Pocket is the proverbial graveyard for all losing candidates in Alabama.

One thing that all insiders agree on is that once you are sent to Buck’s Pocket you eat poke salad for every meal.

Groom also suggested that you were relegated to this mythical rural rest-

ing place forever.

However, history has proven that a good many defeated Alabama politicians have risen from the grave and left Buck’s Pocket to live another day.

Roy Moore may be a good example. He has risen from the grave before. He is only 70 and he may grow weary of eating poke salad.

Most folks don’t know that there really is a Buck’s Pocket. Big Jim would campaign extensively in rural North Alabama often one-on-one on county roads. One day while stumping in the remote Sand Mountain area of DeKalb County he wound up in an area referred to as Buck’s Pocket. It was a beautiful and pristine area, but it was sure enough back in the woods. Big Jim who loved the country and loved country folks was said to say, “I love the country but I sure wouldn’t want to be sent to Buck’s Pocket to live.”

Buck’s Pocket is now not a mythical place. If you are traveling up the interstate past Gadsden, on the way to Chattanooga, you will see it. There is a Buck’s Pocket State Park in DeKalb County, thanks to Big Jim. So the next time you hear an old timer refer to a defeated candidate as going to Buck’s Pocket, you will know what they are talking about.

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.

Wood in the run-off.

LaGrand developed an easy lead in the Lee County Commission’s District 5 race, coming in ahead of Kami Billingslea, Elizabeth Burton and Bishop A.L. Dowdell with 43.39 percent of the total vote but he and Dowdell will go head-tohead in the run-off.

At press time gubernatorial Democratic candidate Walt Maddox recieved the nomination and will face incumbent Republican Kay Ivey in the general election in November.

Following is a list of results for Lee County that were available as of 11 p.m. last night, broken down by party and office: Governor Democrat Walt Maddox 45.75% Sue Bell Cobb 37.83% James C. Field Jr. 6.59% Anthony White 3.73% Doug ‘New Blue’ Smith 3.49% Christopher A. Countryman 2.58% Republican: Kay Ivey 66.16% Tommy Battle 18.71% Scott Dawson 12.01% Bill Hightower 2.38% Michael McAllister .71% Lieutenant Governor Republican Twinkle Andreass Cavanaugh 45.66% Will Ainsworth 32.34% Rusty Glover 21.98% Attorney General: Democrat Chris Christie – 46.44% Joseph Siegelman - 53.55% Republican Troy King 26.88% Steve Marshall 26.26% Alice Martin 23.54% Chess Bedsloe 23.29% State Representative District 38 Todd Rauch 51.14% Debbie Hamby Wood 35.12% Bryan Murphy 13.72% State Representative

District 82 Pebblin Walker Warren 50.62% Johnny Ford – 29.92% Terrence K. Johnson – 19.44% State Representive District 83 Jeremy Gray 49.28% Patsy Jones 29.8% John Andrew Harris 19.39% Ronnie Reed 1.51% Republican Public Service Commission Place No. 1 Jim Bonner 57.47% Jeremy H. Oden 42.52% Republican Public Service Commission Place No. 2 Chris Beeker Jr. 66.34% Robin Litaker 33.65% State Board of Education District No 2 Tracie West 60.03% John Taylor 20.42% Melanie Hill 15.42% Sybil Little 4.11% Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Gerald Dial 47.36% Rick Pate 32.08% Cecil Murphy 11.59% Tracy Crane 8.59% Secretary of State: Democrat Heather Milam 65.45% Lula Albert 34.54% Republican John H. Merrill 67.9% Michael Johnson 32.09% State Treasurer Republican John McMillen 61.24% David L. Black 19.98% Stephen D. Evans 18.77% State Auditor Republican Jim Zeigler 56.47% Stan Cooke 30.21% Elliot Lipinsky 13.30% State Democratic Executive Committee (Female) Jasponica Florence 73.48% Judy T. LaRue 26.51% State Senator District 13 Republican Randy Price 71.91% Mike Sparks 18.30% Tim Sprayberry 9.77%

Chief Justice Supreme Court Republican Tom Parker 62.47% Lyn Stuart 37.52% Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, Place No. 1 Republican Brad Mendheim 44% Debra Jones 34.94% Sarah Hicks Stewart 21.04% Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, Place No. 4 Republican Jay Mitchell 76.45% John Bahakel 23.54% Court of Civil Appeals Judge, Place No. 1 Republican Christy Olinger Edwards 42.44% Michelle Manley Thomason 33.45% Pat Thetford 24.10% Court of Civil Appeals, Place No. 2 Chad Hanson 53.29% Terri Willingham Thomas 46.70% Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Place No. 1 Republican Richard Minor 67.14% Riggs Walker 32.85% Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Place No. 2 Republican Chris McCool 41.16% Rich Anderson 37.9% Dennis O’Dell 20.9% Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Place No. 3 Republican Bill Cole 60.79% Donna Beaulieu 39.20% Lee County Commission District 5 Richard LaGrand Sr 43.39% Bishop Arthur L. Dowdell Sr., 28.87% Elizabeth Burton 20.03% Kami Billingslea 7.69% Lee County Coroner Bill Harris 68.77% Wes Goodson 31.22% For additional results, visit sos.alabama.gov.

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Fourth-annual Burger Wars draws hungry crowds despite rain

La Cantina: 1st Place - Professional Chef Division

Rebecca and Jericho Wilson: 1st Place - Tailgator Division

ABS of Auburn: 1st Place - Corporate Division, Crowd favorite

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Pictured are highlights from Saturday’s Burger Wars competition. Turn to page A3 for event results.

11th annual Touch-A-Truck inspires, educates local children

Ride to Read Poker Run raises funds for Jean Dean RIF

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June 06, 2018

Community Calendar: Events around town

Ongoing: • Village Friends/Village Values is a nonprofit organization that supports seniors who prefer to stay in their own homes as they grow older. For info or to schedule a presentation to your group, call 334209-4641. For the website, Google “village friends village values.”

• The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR chapter is appealing for sweaters, jackets, trousers, shirts and socks, women’s clothing, soft soap in individual containers, shaving supplies, disposable razors, denture cleanser, toothpaste and toothbrushes, DVDs, games, books and magazines to take to veterans at the CAVHCS in Tuskegee.

The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR Chapter regularly visits veterans living in assisted living, the homeless domiciliary and psych (trauma) ward in Tuskegee. Donations are tax deductible and will be much appreciated. Pick up is provided. Please call Linda Shabo at 887-6659 or at 256-307-1449.

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

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

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

• Smiths Station Military Chapter of Military Officers Association of America

(MOAA) meets weekly at Mike & Ed’s at 5 p.m. For more information, call 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 826-1899 or 502-0216.

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

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

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

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

ing 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 Coun-

cil 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 770845-2277 for more information or luncheon location of the month.

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

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

Call 334-528-1076 for more information.

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

• June 9 - The “Greater Valley Juneteenth Community Festival” will be held June 9 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. EST. Hosted by Goodsell United Methodist Church, the event will include a health fair, voter registration booth, moonwalks for children, games, car show, live entertainment, food vendors and more. Those interested in vending can learn or download application forms online at www. juneteenth.com. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Carmen McCoy at 706-5019069 or Dr. Randy B. Kelley at 256-390-1834. The church is located at 1007 N. 6th Ave. in Lanett.

• June 9 - James Bros.

Bikes in downtown Opelika will hold its annual scavenger hunt, “Cruise ‘N Brews,” June 9 from 4-7 p.m. Relying on their smartphone or camera, participants will use a set of given clues to find specific locations in town, and take a

selfie. Contest winners will be based on ability to find location, creativity of their selfie and costume/outfit worn during the event. For more information, call 334-759-7555.

The bike shop is located at 113 S. 9th St. • June 9 - Garden Walk n’ Talk with Dr. Charles at 9 a.m. June 9 for the Second Saturday at Pioneer Park in Loachapoka. At 10 a.m., Tia Gonzales, a local herbalist, will present new information about the wonder spice Turmeric.

In the Trade Center Museum, there will also be a class in making rag dolls. This class will begin at 9 on the first floor of the museum.

• Auburn/Opelika MOPS & MOMSnext Summer Play Dates • June 21: Meet us at the next Opelika Fire Station for a Tour!

• July 19: Meet us for a fun craft at Monkey Park in Opelika.

• August 30: Meet us at George’s Farmers Market for a fun day on the farm.

The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art in Smiths Station is now offering summer studio art classes. The weekly classes are open to all skill levels, and cost of registration covers the cost of art supplies.

For more information, call 334-480-2008.

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

• The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art holds evening and after-school studio art classes year-round. Open to all skill levels, art supplies are included with the cost of registration. For more information, call 334-480-2008.

The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art in Smiths Station, along with Wacoochee West Smiths Station Elementary schools, will present a debut exhibition for after-school art students at Smiths Station’s City Hall, which will open in June. For more information, call 334-480-2008.

Early enrollment for 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.

D.A.R.E. Camp educates children on reptiles

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Last week, Opelika City Schools students participated in the annual D.A.R.E. camp held in Spring Villa. The pictures above come from a day where students learned about and interacted with reptiles.

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Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Pictured are highlights from Opelika High School’s graduation ceremony May 24.

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B9 June 06, 2018

Troy University recognize local 2018 graduates Special to the Opelika Observer Troy University is pleased to recognize students who completed the requirements for graduation during Term 4 of the 2017/2018 academic year.

Local residents who graduated include: • Hunter Goodlett of Opelika, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration • Robert Hamby of Opelika, Bachelor of Science • Elizabeth Harris of Opelika, Master of Science in Education • Rhonda Henderson of Opelika, Bachelor of Science in Business Admin-

istration • Jeffrey Lee of Opelika, Master of Science in Sport and Fitness Management • Tanya Longfellow of Opelika, Bachelor of Science in Education • Hannah Moore of Opelika, Bachelor of Science • Audresha Pogue of Opelika, Bachelor of Science • Samantha Rawlings of Opelika, Bachelor of Science • Brittany Spillman of Opelika, Education Specialist • Tara Torbert of Opelika, Bachelor of Science in Education • Carla Wiley of Opelika, Master of Science in Education Term 4 graduates include students at

Troy's campuses in Dothan, Phenix City and Montgomery along with teaching sites outside of Alabama and online.

Troy University is also proud to announce students who completed the requirements for graduation during the spring 2018 semester at the Troy Campus.

Local residents who graduated include: • Caitlyn Daniel of Opelika, Bachelor of Science in Education • Savannah Morgan of Opelika, Bachelor of Science in Nursing • Rachel Jones of Opelika, Bachelor of Science

Beauregard Basketball Summer Camps

th

K-4

Grade

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

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

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

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

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/employment-application/

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

ALASCAN AUCTIONS ABSOLUTE AUCTION-Lewis Smith Lakefront House plus 3 lots, 588 County Rd 279, Arley, AL-offered individually and in combinations. June 21, 1:00 pm.

Details gtauctions.com, 1-205326-0833, Granger, Thagard & Associates, Inc., Jack F. Granger, #873 ABSOLUTE REAL Estate Auction-June 16, Saturday, 11:00 a.m.. Partial Liquidation of the John ìPete” Self Living Estate. 60+/-Acres to be offered in eleven parcels and as an entirety-Located in Winfield, Marion County, Alabama-for Brochure and more information contact Redmont Auction & Land 1-205-822-4229. Eddie Propst License #1161

duced.

1-844-601-5927

HELP WANTED

Secure your home with Vivint Smart Home technology. Call 877-220-8817 to learn how you can get a professionally installed security system with $0 activation.

HEALTH/BEAUTY

LOOKING FOR full time and part time flatbed CDL-A Drivers! Regional & OTR Lanes.

Holiday & vacation pay. Quality home time! BC/BS Medical/ Dental/Prescription Insurance.

Call 1-800-580-2205 or go to www.wtwenterprisesinc.com.

WANT YOUR ad to be seen in 120 newspapers statewide?

Place your ad in our Classified Network for just $210 per week!

Make one call to this newspaper (a participating ALA-SCAN member) or call 1-800-264-7043 to find out how easy it is to advertise statewide!

INSURANCE

ATTENTION: VIAGRA and Cialis Users! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special-$99 + FREE Shipping! 100% guaranteed. Call Now: 1-855-382-4115 BATHROOM RENOVATIONS. Easy, One Day updates! We specialize in safe bathing. Grab bars, no slip flooring & seated showers. Call for a free in-home consultation: 1-855-234-2707

SERVICES

FREE AUTO Insurance Quotes.

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High risk SR22 driver policies available! Call 1-855-408-7970

OXYGEN -ANYTIME. Anywhere. No tanks to refill. No deliveries. The all-new Inogen One G4 is only 2.8 pounds!

FAA approved! Free info kit: 1-844-264-9500.

HIGH SPEED Internet Unlimited -HughesNet. No hard data limits. Promo code: 3227, pbsinternet.com 1-800-266-4409. *if you exceed your monthly plan data, speeds will be re-

GUARANTEED LIFE Insurance! (Ages 50 to 80). No medical exam. Affordable premiums never increase. Benefits never decrease. Policy will only be cancelled for non-payment.

STRUGGLING WITH Drugs and Alcohol? Addicted to Pills?

Talk to someone who cares.

Call The Addiction Hope & Help Line for a free assessment.

1-888-362-4708

FINANCIAL SERVICES A-1 DONATE Your Car for Breast Cancer! Help United Breast Foundation education, prevention, & support programs. Fast Free Pickup -24 Hour Response -Tax Deduction. 1-877-847-5735 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY HAVE AN Idea for an invention/new product? We help everyday inventors try to patent and submit their ideas to companies! Call InventHelp, Free Information! 1-877-353-1293

NEW AUTHORS Wanted! Page Publishing will help you self-publish your own book. Free author submission kit! Limited offer! Why wait?

Call now: 1-888-283-4780 WANTED TO BUY FREON R12 wanted: Certified buyer will pay cash for R12 cylinders or cases of cans. 1-312291-9169; www.refrigerantfinders.com FOR SALE CHURCH FURNITURE: Does your church need pews, pulpit set, baptistery, steeple, windows? Big Sale on new cushioned pews and pew chairs.

1-800-231-8360. www.pews1. com.

SAWMILLS FROM only $4,397.00. Make & Save Money with your own bandmill -Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship! Free info./ DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills. com. 1-800-567-0404 ext. 300N.

B10 June 06, 2018

pelika O Observer

Last week’s answers:

5-30 SCRAMBLER ANSWERS: 1), Reward 2), Gander 3), Adjust 4), Oodles Solution: Dow-Jones

pelika O Observer

B11 June 06, 2018

COMICS

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

-Erma Bombeck

pelika O Observer

B12 June 06, 2018

Cipperly,

from A7

Now, there are just a few horses at the farm.

Carole worked at Auburn University in the animal science department for 36 years.

Since retiring, she has enjoyed traveling, especially in Europe.

She has been active in the Lee County Women’s Leadership Committee and at Farmville Baptist Church. She also volunteers at East Alabama Medical Center. As an 11-year breast cancer survivor, Carole volunteers at the cancer infusion center.

“I can give hope,”

says Carole. “I tell patients it takes faith, family and friends. I feel if they have that, they can get through it. I have been in that chair, and I know how they feel. The first day for chemo is a rough time. I give them a warm blanket and hope.

“I like to help others any way I can,” she adds. “I think that God leaves us here to help others.”

Clip and save the recipes from the Heritage Cooking Contest and the others from Carole to serve your family this week.

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

Recipes Bacon and Chestnut Roll Ups Jamie Lazenby Cut bacon strips in half. Sprinkle with brown sugar.

Roll bacon around chestnut and secure with toothpick.

Cook in microwave 1 minute.

For variety, add cheese.

Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts Brenda Reese 1 lb. Brussels sprouts Salt and pepper 12 oz. pkg. bacon ¼ cup cane syrup plus ½ cup more for serving Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Trim the stem ends from Brussels sprouts and half lengthwise. Put sprouts in a bowl and toss with 1 tsp. salt Lay the bacon strips next to each other on work surface. Brush liberally with ¼ cup

cane syrup.

Cut bacon in half.

Wrap each Brussels sprout with the bacon, syrup side out, so that seam is on the flat side.

Place sprouts seam side down on rimmed baking sheet, leaving space between each one. Brush with more syrup; top with black pepper.

Roast until bacon is crisp and sprouts are tender when pierced with a knife, about 30 minutes.

Pumpkin Bread Carole Clements 3 cups sugar 1 cup oil 4 eggs 2/3 cup water 2 cups pumpkin 1/2 tsp. salt 2 tsp. cinnamon 2 tsp. nutmeg 1 tsp. ginger 1 tsp. allspice 2 tsp. soda 3 1/3 cups all purpose flour 1 cup chopped pecans, optional

Mix sugar, oil and eggs. Add water and pumpkin. Mix dry ingredients together and add to pumpkin mixture; blend well.

Pour into two greased 9 x 5-inch loaf pans.

Bake at 350 degrees 45 to 60 minutes until golden brown.

Test with toothpick placed in the center of the bread. Loaf is ready when toothpick comes out clean.

FOOD RATINGS Chelito la Jarochita 3708 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika Score: 100

Bar-B-Que 9063 Lee Road 246, Smiths Station Score: 98

Scoops Real Italian Ice 512 Second Ave., Opelika Score: 100

Marble Slab Creamery 2340 Tigertown Parkway, Opelika Score: 98

Subway 2101 Frederick Road, Opelika; Score: 99 Krispy Kreme 1600 Opelika Road, Auburn Score: 98 Crossroads

El Potosino Grill 7931 Alabama Highway 51, Opelika Score: 95 Mi Poblanita Taqueria 3708 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika Score: 95

Bacon Wrapped Cheese Straws Carole Clements First Place 1 pkg. frozen puff pastry (thawed) 1/2 cup Honey Dijon mustard 1 cup sharp white cheddar cheese, grated, divided 1 Tbsp. sweet paprika (divided) 2 Tbsp. thyme leaves (finely chopped, divided) 2 Tbsp. chives (finely chopped, divided) 12 slices bacon (cut in Cheesy Spinach and Bacon Dip Jackie Henderson Second Place 1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained 1 lb. (16 oz.) Velveeta pasteurized cheese product, cut into ½-inch cubes 4 oz. (1/2 of 8 oz. pkg.) cream cheese, cut up

half lengthwise) 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for dusting) Dijonaisse: 1/2 cup Honey Dijon mustard 1/2 cup mayonnaise Preheat the oven to 400 F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and grease with nonstick cooking spray.

Set aside.

Using a pastry brush, spread 1/4 cup of Dijon mustard onto one of the puff pastry sheets. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of sharp white cheddar cheese on

1 can (10 oz.) Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies, not drained 8 slices bacon, crisply cooked, drained and crumbled Combine ingredients in microwave bowl.

Microwave on high 5 minutes or until Velveeta is completely melted and mixture is well blended, stirring after 3 minutes.

Meatloaf Carole Clements 1 lb. ground chuck 1 can condensed tomato soup 2 eggs 6 Tbsp. dried minced onions 1 cup Pepperidge Farmer Herb Seasoned Classic Stuffing Mix 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp. garlic powder 2 strips bacon

Bacon and Boiled Egg Breakfast Casserole Carole Clements 18 hard boiled eggs, sliced ¼ cup minced parsley 1 lb. bacon, cooked and crumbled 1½ cups breadcrumbs 2 Tbsp. butter, melted Cheese Sauce: ¼ cup butter ¾ cup flour 1 cup milk 1 cup half and half 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese ¼ tsp. dried basil ¼ tsp. dried thyme To make cheese sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Hodge, from A7 I must have screamed because dads came running from everywhere.

Tall dads, young dads, red-faced dads, and my own dad. They swatted at the monkey who refused for a moment to let go. Finally, realizing dads are crazy strong too, Joe let go and retreated to a high branch.

Utter chaos broke out.

Dads were talking loudly, to each other and to the monkeys in general. Other kids were crying, but I was not.

I stood, too stunned to make another sound, and looked up at Joe. Utter betrayal, that’s what I felt. The shattering of an illusion is never an easy thing.

top and, using a lightly floured rolling pin, press the cheese lightly into the puff pastry. Sprinkle half of the paprika and half of the thyme evenly over the cheese and cut the sheet of pastry into 12 even strips. Repeat with remaining sheet of puff pastry so you end up with 24 strips. Top each strip with a bacon half and twist each strip 3-4 times. Remove the twists to the prepared baking sheets and transfer to the preheated oven. Bake until the Bacon Wraps Mary Richburg Third Place 4 oz. cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 lb. bacon Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.

Cut each slice of bacon in half.

Topping: ½ cup ketchup ½ cup brown sugar 2 Tbsp. mustard Mix ground chuck, soup, eggs, onions, stuffing mix, Worcestershire and garlic powder together. Shape and place in loaf pan with bacon strips on the bottom. Bake at 350 for about an hour.

Combine topping ingredients. Spread over meatloaf.

Bake an additional 15 minutes.

Add flour, stirring until smooth.

Slowly add milk and half and half; stir constantly until mixture thickens. Add cheese and herbs. Stir until cheese melts.

Grease 13 by 9-inch baking dish. Layer half of eggs, parsley and bacon.

Pour cheese sauce over top. Repeat layers.

Mix breadcrumbs and butter; sprinkle mixture over casserole.

Refrigerate overnight.

Remove casserole from refrigerator. Let stand 30 minutes.

Bake uncovered at 350 for 30 minutes.

Shortly after, the cage in the middle of the monkey park was removed. The monkeys were gone. A hurricane the previous year and three years before that had gone through and destroyed the cage, scattering monkeys to the four corners of Opelika. But they’d been replaced. Both times.

My wanton display of bubble gum and Joe’s uncontrollable desire to possess it, were apparently more than the citizens of Opelika could tolerate.

I’d like to say I felt a crushing guilt at the downfall of the town’s one claim to fame. But I didn’t.

Regret? Yes. Because no longer could I stand face to face with the object of my desire.

Embarrassment?

Not at all. Around my neighborhood, I became

bacon is cooked through and the puff pastry is golden brown, about 1518 minutes.

Remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly and serve with djonaisse for dipping!

For the Dijonaisse: In a medium bowl, whisk together the Honey Dijon mustard and mayonnaise and remove to a serving bowl.

Tip: Use your favorite cheese and spice mixture to make this recipe your own!

Mix cream cheese and brown sugar together in a small bowl; spread over bacon slices.

Roll up and transfer to the baking sheet.

Bake in preheated oven until bacon is browned and crisp, 20 to 30 minutes.

Broil 3 minutes if more crispness is desired.

Salmon Log Carole Clements 1 large can salmon, bones removed 2 Tbsp. minced onions 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened 1 cup chopped parsley 1 cup chopped pecans Crackers Blend salmon, onions and cream cheese. Shape into a log.

Refrigerate until firm.

Roll in parsley and pecans.

Serve with crackers.

Chicken Salad Filled Popovers Carole Celments 1 cup water 1 stick butter ½ tsp. salt 1 cup water 4 eggs Homemade or purchased chicken salad Combine water and butter in a saucepan. Bring to a boil; add flour and salt together at once. Reduce heat; stir well with a wooden spoon until it forms a ball.

Remove from heat. Cool 5 minutes.

a legend. I’d survived a wild monkey attack, after all. My overriding feeling was disillusionment, though I didn’t know what to call it at that age. What I did know was that monkeys, as cute and beguiling as they may be, have a dark side. Maybe it’s all the peanuts.

We still call it the monkey park, those of us who have called Opelika home for enough years.

The creek still runs; the train still rides the tracks; and the swings and slides still sit where they’ve always sat. At the center, a cage stands.

It’s smaller than the original. Inside it are several bronze statues of monkeys, sitting and staring. One looks remarkably like Joe. I went to the monkey park the other day. It was a Saturday, and the place was packed. Laughter

Add eggs one at a time, stirring well until smooth.

Drop batter by spoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.

Slice off tops and remove any soft dough. Fill with chicken salad. Can prepare popovers a couple of days ahead. Can also fill with custard or whipped cream.

echoed up from the swing sets in the valley; bare feet splashed in the creek; and the whistle of the Rocky Brook Rocket called my name. So I rode, and I remembered.

For just a few minutes, I could feel the sun on my little girl face, and it was so good to be in that spot. I go back often….

To read, to write, and to swing high enough to make the posts leave the ground. And some days…..some days, I even chew gum and wear a ponytail.

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.