Opelika Observer - 7-11-2018 E-Edition

Vol. 10, No. 40

Wednesday, July 11, 2018

pelika O Observer

Opelika, Alabama

“By local people, for local people.”

Lee County athletes medal in the National Special Olympic Games in Seattle

By Michelle Key Editor

Special to the Opelika Observer

Turn to B2 for photos of some of the other medalists.

Opelika Main Street introduces board of directors

July 30- Aug 3

Opelika Main Street’s third annual “Downtown Loves You Back Week” will be held July 30 - Aug. 3.

Interim Opelika Main Street Director Dana Gafford said the event will

For more than 30 years, Opelika Main Street has worked to preserve and cultivate a strong economy in the heart of downtown.

Following is a current list of those involved in carrying out the nonprofit’s mission.

Interim Director - Dana Gafford grew up in Opelika and graduated from Opelika High School. She went on to attend Southern Union and Auburn University. She worked for her family business, Comm-Pak Inc. for 22 years, then later became a partner in her husband Trey’s business, Northstar

Advertising, while raising two boys, Jackson and Davis.

In 2012 Gafford started Revolution Images, a photography business specializing in panoramic and architectural photography.

Trey started a new business, Baker Street Digital, and in 2016 they both moved their offices to downtown Opelika. She spends most of her time either working, eating or shopping in downtown.

Gafford has been a member of the Opelika Main Street Board for two and a half years and is currently working as the interim executive director for Opelika See Directors, page A3

feature special sales and discounts from participating downtown merchants, and it serves as a distinct nod to the patrons who help make their existence possible.

“The purpose of this event is just to give downtown merchants a chance to express their thanks to

the community for coming downtown and patronizing their shops,” Gafford said.

Through events like these and others, Gafford said she believes the future of downtown Opelika grows brighter daily.

“I’ve spoken to several See Downtown, page A12

‘Sales Tax Holiday’ slated for July 20–22

By Anna Riley For the Opelika Observer The state of Alabama will hold its 13th annual "Sales Tax Holiday" lasting from 12:01 a.m. July 20 through midnight July 22.

Also referred to as the "Back-To-School Sales Tax Holiday," this gives shoppers the opportunity

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

See Olympians, page A10

Downtown Loves You Back Week

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor

The Lee County Special Olympics team, along with other athletes from Alabama, competed in the National Special Olympic Games in Seattle, Washington, last week. Twenty athletes and their coaches travelled to Seattle for the games and they returned home with several medals and ribbons collectively.

Team Alabama (pictured left) - a unified volleyball team - defeated Team

Georgia in overtime to bring home the bronze medal.

Ladazah Finley Brittnay Stewart and Sherrell Caldwell of the mini-javelin team swept the field, winning gold, silver and bronze.

Here is the full list of medal and ribbon recipients: • Unified Volleyball Team: Bronze Medal • Robert Crouch, Bowler: Silver Medal for Traditional Team Play (his partners were Bryan Latham, Chris Williams and Garrett Wynn) Crouch had the follow-

SPORTS.......................................B1 CALENDAR..............................B3 LEGALS.........................................B6 ENTERTAINMENT......................B12

to purchase certain “covered items,” such as school necessities and supplies that will be free of the state sales tax. In downtown Opelika and Auburn, retailers will offer extended shopping hours and in-store specials. The covered items include clothing that is $100 or less, computer supplies with a single purchase

of $750 or less, noncommercial school supplies with a sales price of $50 or less per item and books with a sales price of $30 or less.

For more information or to view a full list of taxexempt items, visit the Alabama Department of Revenue’s website or call 334-242-1490.

pelika O Observer.com

pelika O Observer Owners of Taylor Made Design Thrift joins The attend 2018 Retail Success Summit Denson Group A2

July 11, 2018

Special to the Opelika Observer

Special to the Opelika Observer

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor

training company, the conference features speeches and classes designed to engage independent retailers and help them learn how to efficiently grow their business.

Through her experience at the conference, Sumrall said she learned how invaluable small businesses are in cities like Opelika.

“I learned that businesses like mine are the backbone of this country. We may not realize it, but we have a lot of power,” Sumrall said. “And it was really inspiring knowing that there were a lot of like-minded people in the room, and that we can be the difference makers in our community.”

To view samples of Taylor Made products, visit their social media pages or storefront located at 120 S. 8th St. For more information, call 334749-2343.

cently received an opportunity to attend the 2018 Retail Success Summit June 29-30 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Organized by WhizBand!, a retail

Taylor Sumrall, owner of downtown Opelika’s handmade jewelry maker Taylor Made Designs, re-

Best lunch in town . . . any town

Just $5.95 includes a drink

917 So. Railroad Ave. Opelika, AL 36801 334-787-5989

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

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

The Denson Group is proud to announce the addition of veteran real estate agent Lisa Thrift to their success team.

Thrift brings more than 18 years of residential real estate knowledge and expertise. She is a life-long resident of Opelika. She has been an active board member and past President of the Lee County Association of Realtors. She was awarded both Rookie of the Year and Realtor of the Year.

“I am so excited to be part of The Denson Group team.

They have a strong work ethic and a love for Opelika, both are very important to me,” said Thrift.

Thrift is professional, knowledgeable and responsive to her customers’ needs, providing unmatched service

Thrift from start to finish.

Her priority is to help buyers and sellers reach their goals in a smooth transaction.

Lisa serves Opelika,

Auburn and the surrounding Lee County area.

She is a member of Church of the Highlands.

Located in Historic Downtown Opelika

334-745-4618

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Phone: 334.749.8003 Fax: 334.749.8009 editor@opelikaobserver.com

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

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

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pelika O Observer Directors,

from A1

Main Street. She said she is thrilled with the changes that have occurred in the downtown area over the last 10-plus years and is excited to be part of the momentum of growth and improvement that is to come in the future.

Kris Bailey Originally from Opelika, Bailey is a 2003 graduate of Opelika High School. He received dual bachelor’s degrees in Health Services Administration and Finance from Auburn University in 2008. After graduating, Kris worked in healthcare consulting in Birmingham, Alabama, for several years until moving back to Opelika.

Currently, Bailey works as a service manager at Wells Fargo Bank, where he has been employed since 2013.

He joined the Opelika Main Street Board last year and has put his skills to work as treasurer as well as chairing the Promotions Committee.

Bailey recently bought a house near downtown which allows him to spend most of his spare time eating and socializing at our local restaurants.

Katie Bass Bass is from Snellville, Georgia. She graduated from Auburn University in 2004 with a degree in marketing. She began working at First Choice

Personnel in August 2008 as the office manager. She is vice president of finance for the Junior League of Lee County, as well as an active member of EASHRM. She serves as president of the Main Street Board and has been on the board since 2014. Since she works in downtown Opelika, she wants to see downtown grow and be involved in the process.

She enjoys getting to know the merchants and developing relationships with them, as well as coming together to enhance the overall downtown experience. She loves to shop, hang out with friends and travel.

Aaron Bushey Bushey is a graduate of Lee-Scott Academy and Auburn University and has been in the Opelika/ Auburn area for 30 years.

He is the owner of Almost Anything, which is located next to the courthouse in downtown Opelika.

He and his wife, Wendy, and son, Mason, reside in Opelika where Mason attends Jeter Primary School. The energy of the downtown community inspired Bushey to become involved with Opelika Main Street where he worked to help organize the member businesses to cooperate on projects and events.

He joined the Main Street Board in 2017.

Robert Elliott Elliott grew up just up the road in LaFayette, Aalabama. After earning a bachelor of science degree in Sociology at

Bailey

Gafford (Interim Director)

Penton

Jacksonville State University, he decided to travel the world. He married his wife, Megan, in 2006, and they have been to nearly every continent. Following two years living in Kathmandu, Nepal, they found a house in Opelika in 2012. He now works at his father’s insurance agency, Elliott & Associates Insurance, where he is in charge of marketing and IT. Robert is proud of his city and is glad he and Megan get to raise their three kids in Opelika.

Graham Hage Raised in Houston, Texas, Hage came to Auburn in 1995 to attend Auburn University. Zazu first opened in August 2007. Two moves later, in 2015, Zazu opened its doors in Opelika in a beautiful 1800s building that had been meticulously renovated.

Hage has two sons, Lodan (11) and Hudson (8). He also recently moved just a couple of blocks from downtown into a beautiful home in the historic district.

Billy Jackson Jackson graduated from Opelika High and Auburn University with a degree in public relations. He worked with the Opelika Fire Department, Opelika Parks and Recreation and then worked at EAMC for 21 years before returning to Opelika Parks and Rec. He presently serves on the board of directors for Keep Opelika Beautiful, The Museum of East Alabama and Opelika Main Street.

He grew up spending

A3 July 11, 2018

time in downtown Opelika in the 1960s eating lunch at Woolworth’s and Haynie’s Drug Store.

“It is a privilege to work with the Main Street Board of Directors to help return downtown Opelika to the destination it was back then,” Jackson said.

Nathan A. Kastner Currently the managing partner of Smith-Kastner Wealth Management LLC, Kastner joined the company after graduating from Auburn University in December 2004. He holds bachelor’s degrees in both business administration and economics.

After graduating, Kastner enrolled in the Certified Financial Planning program at the University of Georgia. In 2009, he was awarded the CFP® designation after completing the 2-day, 10-hour examination in the fields of financial planning, risk management, investments, tax planning and management, retirement and employee benefits and estate planning. The CFP® designation is the most widely recognized designation in the financial industry.

Kastner is a native of Opelika, where his parents (David & Kathie) still live. He now lives with his wife, Brooke, in Auburn. They have one son, John David, and attend First United Methodist Church of Opelika, the church in which Kastner attended as a child.

When not working, he can most frequently be found at the baseball field and enjoys hunting, saltwater fishing and loung-

ing on the beach with his family.

Kathy Penton Penton has lived in Opelika since 1972. She is married and has two grown children. She is retired, but before retirement she was one of the previous owners of Southern Crossing. For 20 years she watched downtown grow.

After retiring she wanted to stay involved in downtown and was delighted when asked to join the board.

J. Stern Stern is a native of Opelika and a 1982 graduate of Opelika High School.

He moved back to East Alabama after retiring from Ole Miss and working with the athletic department there. Growing up near downtown Opelika, he always loved the downtown district, so it’s only fitting that through their family’s foundation, he and his sister have provided a park close by for people to enjoy.

“It was both a thrill and honor to be asked to serve on the Main Street Board of Directors. Serving on the Economic Development Committee, I hope to help recruit more business to the downtown area,” Stern said.

If you ever need to find J., you might catch him on Lake Martin or experiencing the backroads of Alabama.

Taylor Sumrall Sumrall graduated from Opelika High School in 2007 and continued her

education at Auburn University receiving a bachelor’s degree in finance in 2011. After graduating and getting a “real world job,” she returned to the family business, Taylor Made Designs, in 2013.

Sumrall operates the business with her mom, Lynn Bradakis, who started the storefront in 2000 in the same location it is today.

“Opelika, specifically downtown Opelika, has improved so much in the previous 18 years, and I am excited to help continue this growth,” Sumrall said.

She joined the Opelika Main Street Board in 2018.

Brad Waites Waites is a native of Birmingham and has lived in Opelika for four years. He is a 1999 graduate of UAB and has worked in business development in the real estate and healthcare fields since graduation.

As a realtor with Berkshire Hathaway and resident of the Northside Historic District, Waites is dedicated to preserving the character and history of our community.

“I’m really fortunate that my career and work with Main Street really do go hand in hand,” Waites said. “One of the coolest parts of living in our historic district is the ability to walk downtown to shop, have dinner or to grab a drink.”

Waites is passionate about urban revitalization and is really excited about the momentum downtown has developed over the last decade.

Bass

Bushey

Elliott

Hage

Jackson

Kastner

Stern

Sumrall

Waites

pelika O Opinion

A4 July 11, 2018

I

Skeeters

Well, molecular geneticists are hate mosquitoes. More to working on a way to create a lethal the point, I hate female mutation and insert it into the mosquitoes.

DNA of male mosquitoes, renderThey are the ones who suck ing them sterile. Then the males your blood. would go out and breed. But there They are the ones that leave would be no off-spring. Called the itchy, throbbing welt that the “sterile insect technique,” it is just plain hurts.

They are the ones that

By Hardy Jackson something like giving vasectomies to male mosquitoes and ending the kill more people around the line once and for all. world than any other animal – except the huI recall some years ago when the fruit fly man ones – every year. was wrecking havoc on the Florida orange And it is mosquito season. crop scientists proposed catching thousands Now, I know mosquitoes are God’s of fruit flies, zapping them with something creation like other living things, but I sorta to make them sterile, then sending them out wonder that maybe God created mosquitoes into the world not to reproduce. as part of one of the plagues he smote the Not sure how that has worked, but there Egyptians with back in Moses’ time? And seems to be plenty of orange juice in the when He was cleaning up afterward He stores. forgot to undo what He had done and mosHowever the fruit fly plan was small quitoes slipped through the cracks. stuff compared to a program that would Alabama has a special place in mosquito create “a world without mosquitoes.” lore, for it was an Alabamian, William C. Now there are a few hitches in process.

Gorgas, who around 1900, was a leader in adThe science is complicated. Creating the vocating controlling yellow fever and malaria by controlling the mosquitoes that transmitted mutant gene and getting it into the mosquito is not as easy as it sounds, and it sure the diseases. doesn’t sound easy to me.

Back in the 1920s, when the Alabama Moreover, there is evidence to suggest Power Company was building dams on the Coosa and Tallapoosa, the company took ex- that the female mosquito is not only the most dangerous, it is the most selective. traordinary steps to screen workers for signs Somehow Ms Mosquito can distinguish of malaria and destroy mosquito habitats. between which male is firing blanks and So prevalent was the disease that shortly after I published a book on this dam building which isn’t. Once that is determined, she (Putting Loafing Streams to Work, University will pick Mr. Fertile over Mr. Sterile every time. The thought of hoards of frustrated of Alabama Press), a writer working on a mosquitoes out there looking for blood is history of malaria called to ask me about the not a pleasant one. epidemic that swept the state back then.

Then there are the economic conseEpidemic? quences, for if mosquitoes are eradicated, I had not called it an epidemic. companies that make mosquito repellants Then she quoted figures from my book will go under, jobs will be lost, families that told of how many job applicants had to will go hungry, and politicians will feed be rejected because tests found the malaria on the anger. parasite in their blood. When she compared It could happen. my figures to the scale of what is considered And there is the ethical question. an epidemic, yep, that was what it was.

Should we drive a whole species to Alabama was hardly alone. Every summer throughout the South, mosquitoes swarm out extinction?

We have done it before but usually as a of stagnant water that collects in cans and drains and pots and troughs. Mosquitoes love consequence of habitat destruction, over hunting, and such. it.

This would be a program calculated to Even with the full frontal assault on the bug remove one of God’s creatures from the and its habitat, enough slip through to pester face of the earth. man and beast.

Think about it.

Still, we are lucky. In Africa, for example, If mosquitoes are part of the Lord’s Plan, malaria killed over 400,000 last year. who are we to interfere?

Help, however, might be on the way.

But remember those Egyptian Plagues?

Now folks, I will admit upfront that my What if God was just so busy getting the ability to understand, much less explain, comChildren of Israel to the Promised Land plex scientific theories, is pretty close to nil. that He forgot to tidy up the mosquito If you want the whole thing, go to the June, mess?

2016, copy of Smithsonian Magazine and An oversight that we can rectify. read “A World Without Mosquitoes.”

But do we want to?

I took to the title right away, for a world Harvey H. (“Hardy”) Jackson is Profeswithout something I hate, not to mention sor Emeritus of History at Jacksonville that kills people, sounds like a pretty good State University. He can be reached at world to me. hjackson@cableone.net.

But how?

I

Good people S Jemiah titled it: he was hired “My Friend Anto help him. thony.”

He was The old man kept elderly, houseit on his nightbound, stuck in a stand. It had been recliner. a long time since She was young, anyone called him a single mother,

By Sean Dietrich friend. He read poor. through it time and again.

She and her son lived in His end came early one a poor, rundown apartment evening. with rodent issues. She She was leaving his house worked two jobs to keep the for her night-shift job— refrigerator stocked.

On her first day, she rolled cleaning offices. Her purse into the old man’s driveway was already slung over her shoulder. She wasn’t going on fumes. Her car had rust to bid him goodbye since he on the fenders, an axle that was asleep. But something made noise. made her go check on him The old man fell in love one more time. with her—it would’ve been She was in time to hear hard not to. Maybe it was the old man release a giant her midnight skin, or the breath. His jaw went slack. way she hummed when she She touched his heart and worked. Maybe it was how said a prayer. she wrapped her woven “Goodbye,” she said. hair in colorful homemade The funeral was a small scarves. one. A few friends, some She was a hard workdistant family. He lived and er. She changed sheets, shopped for groceries, made died a lonely man.

She wore black. She covbreakfasts, lunches and supered her woven hair in a pers. scarf she made from a shirt She helped him use the found in his closet. Her son bathroom. She eased him wore starched clothes she’d into showers. She scrubbed bought and ironed earlier his backside. She combed his hair. She did his laundry. that day.

She sang a song for him, She folded his clothes while daytime TV gameshows ran graveside. A hymn she remembered her mother singin the background. ing long ago. It was hauntHe talked. ing, but hopeful. Something He told her more than about laying burdens down. he’d told anyone. He talked In the cemetery, she about old days. About a war walked back toward her he fought. About jobs he worked. About his late wife. poor-person car. The one with rusty fenders.

About losing his only son.

She held Jemiah by the She listened to him. No. hand. Her eyes were cried She did more than listen. dry.

She heard him.

A man in a business suit And when he’d cry— jogged after them. He called which happened often—she her by name. held him the same way she She stopped walking. would’ve held her son.

He handed her a manila He enjoyed her son. Jemienvelope. He smiled and ah was the boy’s name. Jemiah wore poor-boy clothes, said, “He must’ve really his shoes had holes in them. loved you.”

She opened it.

The child liked to read, Niagara Falls. and write make-believe stoAnd just like that, she ries on construction paper. wasn’t poor anymore.

He wrote a story about the Sean Dietrich is a columold man. It had illustrations nist, and novelist, known for of a white-haired man in a his commentary on life in magical recliner that could the American South. fly.

My Invisible Sweater

live in a hotel, I have a packed suitcase marked “Costa Rica or Bust” under my bed, and I just colored my hair a magnificent shade of midnight blue. The timer is set for thirty minutes before I need to rinse and wash – so let me catch you up.

I’m an Opelika girl, born and raised. With the exception of four years in Maryland (which I refer to as “the exile years”), Opelika has been where I live.

I’ve owned houses and rented apartments here.

And for a brief time, I moved back in my childhood home to help take care of my parents, and because life has a way of turning you around and pointing you back home where you started.

These days, I’m a hotel dweller. Not everybody gets my housing choice. I ran into an old

Finally a co-worker the response: other day, and “You our conversamean you’re tion was not like a tourthe first of its ist passin’ kind. through, “Hey, except you Wendy! How’s

By Wendy Hodge just….. it goin?” stay?”

“Hey! Yes. Exactly. I’m a Things are good. How tourist. In my homeare you?” town.

“I’m getting’ by.

The more I think Whereabouts are you about his observation, living these days?” the more I realize my “I live in a hotel.” friend was right. What is Silence. a tourist anyway? Some“Over by Tiger one who visits a place, Town,” I add. unpacks a bag in a hotel, More silence and some rapid eye blinking. walks around seeing the I feel the need to further local sights, taking lots of pictures, documentexplain: ing the details of daily “I’m not sure how life on social media, much longer I plan to be in Opelika, so a hotel marveling at the “everyday” which is somehow seemed…. simple.” more charming because Head tilt, more blinkyou’re a guest – just ing. passing through. By As if I haven’t exthat definition, I am the plained enough, I feel quintessential tourist. compelled to add: “I’m not homeless or a hobo.” I’ve just been on a very

long “visit.”

Don’t get me wrong, Opelika is my hometown. Always will be.

But I know now that it’s not really my home.

Home is an intricately woven tapestry, made up of all the memories of my days, the laughter shared with friends, the smiles from my children, the songs on the radio that have been the soundtrack of my life, the ever-present train whistle and the love – the boundless, earthmoving, life-changing love that has been showered on me. I wear my home like a sweater – it keeps me warm, it protects me, it is as indestructible as I am.

For an Opelika girl, I’ve been fortunate to travel great distances – as far north as Vermont, as far as south as the Caribbean, and across the pond to Europe on more than one occasion.

I’ve stayed in a resort on a private beach, and I’ve spent a night in a hotel in Paris that had a red light above the entrance – literally. I’ve ridden in a limo and I’ve hiked across a mountain.

I’ve travelled with a large group of strangers, an even larger group of family members and I’ve travelled alone.

Here’s something you should know: I felt at home in all those places.

Because I was. Home goes with me – my invisible sweater.

And so my next big move will be to a place by the water – a place to write and learn and live.

Costa Rica feels like the right place, and eventually it will be the right time.

I asked my friend, Scott, the other day if he thought a woman my age who lives in a hotel, wants to move to Costa Rica and dyes her hair

blue is having a mid-life crisis. His answer? “Of course you’re not having a midlife crisis, Wendy.

You’re just awake.”

Scott never disappoints.

Five more minutes before the timer goes – just long enough to share a hometown moment from yesterday. It was lunch time, and I met a friend at the monkey park.

He is NOT an Opelika native, so I filled him in on the reason we call it the monkey park, the story of the Rocky Brook Rocket, the history of the creek that borders the playground and the reason there are no longer any monkeys in the park (seems like I read something about that!). He listened and smiled, said all the right things. But…I could tell my words fell flat. They didn’t paint a picture anywhere near the vivid See Hodge, page A10

pelika O Observer

Around Lee County

A5 July 11, 2018

Opelika City Council preview 3-D rendering of new police headquarters

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor Members of the Opelika City Council viewed a 3-D architectural rendering of the city’s new police department headquarters during their regular meeting last Tuesday night.

Being constructed by the Birmingham-based construction company Robins and Morton, the nearly 37,000 sq. ft. facility will replace the one currently in use on 10th Street.

“This is something that we’ve needed for a long time. We have

an outstanding police department, and they need an outstanding facility,” said Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller. “It’s going to be a good thing all the way around.”

City Attorney Guy Gunter said that the project’s cost will not exceed $18,533,407.

Municipal court operations will be moved off-site once construction begins later this year, a project that is expected to be completed within 12-18 months.

The council also approved the submission of an application for

the U.S. Department of Transportation’s BUILD Transportation Discretionary Program Grant for the city’s planned I-85 connector project.

Project readouts show that the proposed transportation loop would be built to connect Highway 280 north of Opelika to Exit 64 of Interstate 85 in an effort to “improve the flow of traffic through Opelika, support a major industrial expansion and improve access for existing industries located in the Opelika Northwest Industrial Park.”

Appraised at a cost of

$22.4 million, 80 percent ($17.93 million) of the project would be covered by the grant, with the city pitching in the remaining 20 percent ($4.5 million).

Morris Avenue residents Peter Elliott and Shirley Lazenby spoke during the citizen communication portion of the meeting to share their concerns of increased traffic flow and passage of semi-trucks and tractor trailers through their neighborhood.

Council President Eddie Smith, along with City Engineer Scott Parker, Fuller and the rest of the

council members, assured them that the city would do its best to work with citizens through the process, and according to Smith, work with the Opelika Police Department to prevent the flow of larger traffic through the area.

“I talked to (OPD) Chief (John) McEachern this afternoon and he told me that they had issued some citations on the (drivers) of some trucks that had decided to drive down Morris Avenue. He told me that they would be increasing their patrol to try and put a stop to that,” Smith said.

In other business, the council: • Approved expense reports from various departments • Approved a sewer refund to the land owners of property located at 2709 Rocky Brook Lane • Approved the purchase of Cisco Equipment for the city’s IT department • Appointed Tom Morris to the Alabama Municipal Electrical Election Committee • Awarded a bid to East Alabama Paving for the continuation of the City Wide Resurfacing Project.

Auburn Summer Showcase July 19 from 3 - 6 p.m.

Special to the Opelika Observer

The Auburn Mall recently announced that more than 30 local businesses will be featured in its annual “Auburn Summer Showcase” July 19 from 3-6 p.m.

Showcasing local food, entertainment, recreation, health, business and more, the community is invited to come see all that the area has to offer and show their support by

voting for their city favorite in multiple categories.

The event will feature demonstrations, giveaways, raffles, samples and will conclude with the presentation of the “Auburn City Favorite” awards.

“We are excited to welcome local businesses to the Mall to showcase all the great things located right here in Auburn. The Summer Showcase is a great way to bring people together and celebrate our

community. It’s going to be a fun event that the entire family can enjoy,” said Coles Doyle, marketing director for Hull Property Group.

Voting will open July 13 and will remain open throughout the event. City Favorite winners will be announced at 6 p.m. the night of the showcase.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.ourcityfavorites. com.

BEAUREGARD DRUGS

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

Following is a list of businesses vying for awards, broken down by category: • Arts and Entertainment Auburn Area Community Theatre, Auburn Escape Zones, Celtic Traditions Irish Dance, Cyber Game Truck, East Alabama Community Ballet, Make Your Move Performing Arts, Spicer’s Music, Sundilla Concert Series and Radio Hour • Business and Ser-

vices Haddie’s, Saavy Designs, Storybook Farm, The Hub at Auburn Apartment Homes, University Ace Hardware, WTVM and WXTX • Clubs and Organizations Four Corners Ministries/Life Beads Store, Health Plus Fitness Center, Village Friends • Fitness, Sports and Recreation Trek Bicycles of Auburn, True40 Studio

• Food and Restaurants Applebee’s, Frutta Bowls, Happy Times and the Greystone Mansion • Health Auburn Therapy and Learning Center, Better Bodies Massage Institute, CSL Plasma, GNC, Miracle Ear and The Sensigreen CDH Foundation • Retail Flowers at Midtown, Mountain High Outfitters, Stein Mart and The Mint Julep Boutique.

pelika O Observer

A6 July 11, 2018

Bushey receives Club Service Award from local rotary clubs

Special to the Opelika Observer

Special to the Opelika Observer Almost Anything Owner Aaron Bushey recently received a Club Service Award from the Happy Hour and Opelika rotary clubs. Given to citizens who best exemplify community service, Bushey said the recognition holds deep meaning for him. "It's an honor to receive this service award from Happy Hour Rotary and Opelika Rotary. Glad we could pitch in and help with all the great work Rotary does in Opelika," Bushey said.

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

We protect it.

You live it.

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

Eddie Smith

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

ICK RD.

Our New Location

Tiger Town

Lowe’s

Visit us here:

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YD WA

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Kroger

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

products and services.

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CITY PRESIDENT

certificates of deposit and numerous electronic

www.auburnbank.com MEMBER FDIC

I-85

Equal Housing Lender

1851 Frederick Road Opelika

334-275-9600

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

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We’ll check for worn hoses and seals and test system for pressure leaks and contamination.

A SET OF 4 BRIDGESTONE TIRES

Most vehicles. Valid between July 10 and August 1, 2018. In-store installation required and costs extra. Current prices already reflect discount; pricing excludes taxes. Not to be combined with any other offer on same product. Offer void where prohibited. Shop supply charges in the amount of 7% of labor charges will be added to invoices greater than $35. These fees are not to exceed $25 and represent costs and profits. Shop fees are not applicable in CA and NY. Certain terms and limitations apply. See retailer for details, restrictions and copy of each limited warranty. © 2018 Bridgestone Retail Operations, LLC. All rights reserved. Valid at Firestone Complete Auto Care stores.

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COUPON REQUIRED. NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY. ▲Participating Firestone Complete Auto Care stores only. Good one time per vehicle. Valid between July 10 and August 1, 2018. Not to be combined with other offers on the same product or service. Not valid on prior purchases or rain checks. No cash value. Offer void where prohibited. Shop supply charges in the amount of 7% of labor charges will be added to invoices greater than $35. These fees are not to exceed $25, and represent costs and profits. Shop fees are not applicable in CA and NY. ∆An additional fee of up to $2.99 may be added for oil filter recycling. Additional oil over 5 quarts costs extra. Most vehicles. Save off current in-store pre-tax price. Not valid on prior purchases or rain checks. Coupon required. See store for details. An additional charge may apply for leak detection dye. Certain states require added refrigerant to be removed from a leaking system. Most vehicles. See store for details. Save off current in-store pre-tax price. Not valid on prior purchases or rain checks. Coupon required. No discount on cost of repairing A/C unit and extra charges apply for repairs (if applicable). © 2018 Bridgestone Retail Operations, LLC. All rights reserved. Valid at Firestone Complete Auto Care stores.

2200 INTERSTATE DR, OPELIKA | 1-334-737-1357 | DriveAFirestone.com

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Opelika E vents, Society, & Food

U PC OM I NG EVENT S: • SUMMER SWING • FARMER’S MARKETS • SUNDILLA CONCERT • BIG BAND REUNION • WAY TO SERVE •DOWNTOWN LOVES YOU

Recreate delectable breakfast dishes from the ‘South’s Best Inn’ Ann Cipperly’s

Southern

Hospitality

E

very morning sweet aromas drift through the rooms at the Bed and Breakfast on Tiffany Hill in Mills River, N.C. Owner, Selena Einwechter, is in the kitchen early preparing a three-course breakfast, as she is living her dream.

While Tiffany Hill has received many honors, this past spring it was named South’s Best Inn by Southern Living magazine.

The award crowns Selena’s dream she worked toward for 25 years to own her own bed and breakfast, as she felt a calling to offer hospitality to strangers. The inn is situated on six acres with the main building and carriage house. Seven garden vignettes, including the herb garden and secret

garden, provide spaces to unwind and relax.

When we arrived at Tiffany Hill, we were warmly welcomed by Selena. It was a busy weekend, and she had planned entertainment on the porch, with the couple singing and playing guitars the first Friday of the month. In the dining room, a cheese tray was offered along with wine to sip while enjoying the music.

After an enjoyable dinner in Hendersonville and a restful night in the Lexington suite, we were ready for her famous breakfast. Selena decorates the dining table differently every day to create a lovely and festive setting.

“We like to switch our table setting every day,” she says, “because we think

it is nice to see something fresh and surprising each morning.

“We serve a threecourse gourmet breakfast every morning with fruit to dessert,” Selena adds.

We don’t think dessert is just for dinner anymore.

We think if you have dessert in the morning, you have all day to walk it off.”

She begins prepping the dishes the night before as much as possible, then cooks the dishes in the morning. The kitchen starts cooking at 7 a.m. for the 8:30 a.m. seating.

Our first morning, breakfast included fresh fruit, Egg Cups, bacon and pineapple bread pudding.

Other breakfasts included French toast, granola topped fruit, quiche, sau-

Photo by Ann Cipperly With a gift for hospitality, Selena Einwechter is living her dream of owning the Bed and Breakfast on Tiffany Hill in Mills River, N.C. The inn was recently named by Southern Living magazine as “Best Inn in the South.” Selena is sharing favorite breakfast recipes that are among those she prepares every morning for a special three-course “breakfast at Tiffany’s.”

sages, roasted potatoes and lemon pudding.

She serves alternating breakfasts while guests are there. She tries to alternate sweet and savory breakfasts every other day. “We take into consideration for diet restrictions and preferences,” she says.

“We always ask that of our guests when we check them in to be sure we are making something appealing to them.”

At breakfast Selena shares her story to offer inspiration to others.

She was born in Germany while her father was in

the military. When Selena graduated from college, she backpacked through Europe for three months.

The first thing she wanted to do was to go see where she was born.

When Selena first arrived in Europe, she camped outdoors and discovered that was not for her. She began staying in bed and breakfast inns.

When she returned home, she began visiting inns around the South. “I kept thinking about bed and breakfasts. It became to dream of having my own inn.

“I was in corporate America living in Atlanta for 14 years,” she added.

“I also lived in Raleigh for a couple of years, and before that Texas and Florida. I have lived in the South all my life.”

On a trip from Beaufort, S.C. to Ashville, N.C., she met an inn keeper in Weaverville, N.C. who became her first mentor.

Selena made an offer to the owner if she would teach her about the inn business, then she would take over the business to allow her a vacation.

See Cipperly, page B14

Mama Mocha’s Coffee Emporium opens on 1st Avenue in Opelika

America’s longest running big band ‘The Auburn Knights’ to hold concert

‘Stay fluid and build your dream’

Plans public reunion July 13-14

By Michelle Key Editor

Special to the Opelika Observer

After months of hard work, sweat and late night coffee drinking, Mama Mocha’s Coffee Emporium in downtown Opelika is finally open for business.

Sarah “Mama Mocha” Gill, owner and See Coffee, page A12

In September 1930, 10 students at Alabama

Polytechnic Institute in Auburn, Alabama, formed a “swing” band to play for campus and community activities. During

the 1930s and 1940s, the Auburn Knights Orchestra grew to full big band size and gained recogniSee Band, page A8

Gill

Opelika musicians to perform at ‘Sloss Fest’ The Auburn Knights Alumni Association presents

Auburn Knights Orchestra 2018 Reunion at the

Marriott Hotel and Conference Center at Grand National Opelika

Gafford

Brown

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor Opelika natives and musicians Seth Brown and Jackson Gafford will take part in the third annual “Sloss Fest” this weekend, a two-day music and arts festival in Birmingham.

With headlining acts like country megastar Chris Stapleton and indie rock superband Arcade Fire, both musicians view “Sloss Fest” as a platform to perform their music for new audiences and cultivate larger fan bases.

“It’ll certainly help

us get the word out and get our name out there to people locally and outside of Birmingham, and expand our following if you will,” Brown said, who is the bassist/ vocalist for the garage rock group Lady Legs.

See SlossFest, page A8

Friday, July 13, Evening Concerts 7:30 p.m. — The 30s/40s Tribute Band — ”The Swing Years” 8:30 p.m. — The 50s Alumni Band — ”The Big Bands Live On” 9:30 p.m. — The 60s Alumni Band — ”The Big Bands Rock On”

Saturday, July 14, Daytime Events—FREE! 11:00 a.m. — Poolside Jazz Jam Session and Barbeque (food and beverages available) 2:00 p.m. — Big Band “Matinee Concert” with alumni and guest sit-ins

Saturday, July 14, Evening Concerts 7:30 p.m. — The 70s/80s Alumni Band —”Jazz Rocks” 8:30 p.m. — The 90s/2000s Alumni Band — ”Swing Makes A Comeback” 9:30 p.m. — The 2018 Auburn Knights Orchestra — ”Still Swinging”

Evening concert tickets are $10. Reservations not required.

pelika O Observer

A8 July 11, 2018

Band,

from A7

tion as one of the top college swing bands in the country. Eighty-eight years later, the Auburn Knights continue to thrive as a favorite for wedding receptions, swing dances and other special occasions where the music needs to be just as special.

Though some members followed other careers after graduation, many Auburn Knights have made

music their life as teachers and performers. Notable alums include: Marion Evans, Grammy-winning arranger for Tony Bennett; Urbie Greene, Guggenheim Fellowship jazz trombonist; Tony Tennille, of the Captain and Tennille; Dave Edwards, longtime saxophonist with the Lawrence Welk Orchestra; and Auburn’s own Jonathan Smith, music director of the current Broadway musical, “A Bronx Tale.”

Each year, Auburn Knights alumni return

“home” to celebrate their unique musical heritage and entertain friends and family in the community. The Auburn Knights Alumni Association (AKAA) invites the public to this year’s reunion July 13-14 at the Marriott Grand National in Opelika.

Evening concerts feature different bands playing the music of various eras, ending with the current Auburn Knights Orchestra on Saturday night. A cash bar will be available, as well as a dance floor for those who must “dance to the music.”

Nightly admission at the door is only $10 for adults and $5 for students with ID. Following is the

Slossfest,

from A7

“We’re trying to get ourselves put on the map in a musical sense.”

For Gafford, a multiinstrumentalist who goes by the stage name of “Captain Kudzu,” the performance will be

How to Feel Great at EAMC.

Volunteer!

AUXILIARY

334-528-5923 • www.eamc.org

Special to the Opelika Observer

Contact: Victoria Beasley

Volunteer Coordinator Victoria.Beasley@eamc.org

line-up of bands for each night: Friday Schedule: 7:30 p.m. - The 30’s & 40’s Alumni Tribute Band 8:30 p.m. - The 50’s Era Alumni Band 9:30 p.m. - The 60’s Era Alumni Band Saturday Schedule: 7:30 p.m. - The 70’s & 80’s Era Alumni Band 8:30 p.m. - The 90’s & 2000’s Era Alumni Band 9:30 p.m. - The 2018 Auburn Knights Orchestra An additional highlight of every year’s reunion is the Jazz Brunch held poolside from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, featuring Knights alumni as well as local musicians.

Admission to that Pool-

side Jazz event is free, and food and beverages will be available from the Patio Bar menu and a Barbecue Buffet. Afterwards, a “Matinee Band” composed of Auburn Knights and friends will be performing in the Grand Ballroom from 2 – 3:30 p.m. There is also no charge for this very casual event, and you can come and go as you wish.

Near the ballroom, you can view memorabilia from the Auburn Knights storied history in the Archives Room.

These items are on loan from the Knights’ special collection at Auburn University’s Draughon Library.

Next to the Archives Room is the Silent Auc-

tion Room, where you can bid on some fabulous items donated by local businesses, as well as unique items crafted or donated by Auburn Knights families and friends.

Proceeds from the auction go to the AKAA Scholarship Fund, which has awarded more than $70,000 in AU scholarships to qualified Auburn Knights since 1971.

Besides silent auction donations, individuals or businesses who wish to support the Scholarship Fund or the AKAA operating fund can do so also by making a cash donation.

For more information, go to www.auburnknightsalumni.org.

a chance to distribute samples of his June EP “Squares//Lydia” and unveil his new four-member band, which consists of drummer Abby Anderson, bassist Timothy Collier and guitarist Walker Scott, the group’s latest addition.

“The opportunity to expand beyond Birmingham will be great, but I really want to grow and spread my name here too, which Sloss Fest will enable me to do. I’m just going to take this thing as it goes and focus on get-

ting things perfect for this show,” Gafford said.

Following is a list of ticketing options for the festival, which will include performances from 44 groups/artists representing a wide range of musical genres.

• General Admission two-day pass for $145 • Iron-level two-day pass for $230 • VIP two-day pass for $350 • Boss two-day pass for $850.

The festival will be held at the Sloss Furnaces

in the heart of historic downtown Birmingham.

Visit www.slossfest.com for updates and more information.

Cottonseed Studios will host Lady Legs, along with Bobbyrocknroll, at the Bottling Plant Event Center in downtown Opelika July 27.

Advance tickets are $12, and can be purchased online at www. showclix.com. Day-oftickets cost $15. Showtime is set for 9 p.m., with doors opening at 8 p.m.

Downtown Loves You Back Week July 30 - Aug 3 Celebrate a week of great deals, Sweet Treats, thank-yous, and endless fun inside your favorite downtown spots

Opelika

A9

Family & Religion

July 11, 2018

Until Jesus Comes Back F

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

rancis Scott Key was a lawyer in the Baltimore-D.C. area and something of a Washington insider.

He served as the United States District Attorney for the District of Columbia during the Jackson administration. Of course, we know him best as the man who wrote the words to our national anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner.”

In September of 1814, Key and another lawyer had gone aboard a British ship anchored in Chesapeake Bay to negotiate the release of a civilian who had been taken prisoner.

They were successful in their efforts but one of the conditions of the release was that they all had to remain offshore until after the British had finished their attack upon Baltimore. Presumably they were worried about

still there.” strategic According information to Lieutenthe lawyers ant Colonel might have George learned Armistead, while on who was the the ship.

By Bruce Green officer in As a result, Teaching Minister at charge of Ft. they spent 10th Street Church of McHenry, the night on Christ in Opelika there were the water “two slight watching intermissions” during the bombardment of Fort the bombardment. Key McHenry, a few miles became quite anxious at away. these times and was only Key knew that as long assured when in the early as the shelling continued morning light he saw the it meant the Americans United States flag still hadn’t surrendered. He flying over the fort. His also knew the same was jubilation led to the opentrue as long as he could ing lines of our anthem, see the flag flying and “O say can you see by the looked for it throughdawn’s early light . . .” out the night whenever If the flag Key saw the artillery exchange early that morning someilluminated the sky. This how looked different— led him to pen the words, there was a reason beyond “And the rockets’ red that of the battle being glare, the bombs bursting over and the fort still in in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was American hands. It had

Church calendar • Gear Up! Get Ready!

Game On! It’s Vacation Bible School time at Central Baptist Church 1611 2nd Ave, Opelika.

Children ages 3 years thru 6th Grade, and all age adults are welcome to attend July 15-19 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. nightly.

Please call 334-745-2482 or visit our website www.cbcopelika.com for more information.

You may pre-register online at www.kideventpro.lifeway.com/ myChurch/?id=47391 • The gospel/bluegrass group “The Maharreys” will perform and minister during the 11 a.m. service July 29 at First Freewill Baptist Church, which is located at 103 19th St. at the corner of 1st Ave. in Opelika. For more information, call 334-703-3333.

• The popular contemporary Christian group Big Daddy Weave will perform at First Baptist Church of Opelika Sept.

14 as a part of their “Jesus, I

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

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

Believe” tour. Brandon Heath will serve as the show opener.

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

• Airview Baptist Church 2301 Airport Road Opelika, AL 36801 Vacation Bible School Saturday, July 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Theme: Jesus Rocks Bible Lessons, Crafts, Lunch and afternoon water fun • Liberty Baptist Church in Opelika will be celebrating Homecoming on July 15. Covered dish lunch will follow the 11 a.m. service. Revival Services will be held July 16-18 at 7 p.m.

Rev. Jimmy Allen will be the Evangelist. Please come worship with us.

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

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

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

been raining during the night time bombardment.

The normal flag that flew over the fort (known as the garrison flag) was 30 x 42 feet. The problem with such a large flag was that if it became water-soaked, the additional weight would snap the flag pole.

The solution to this was to use another flag known as the storm flag. It was about half the size of the garrison flag and this is what Key would have seen illuminated by the artillery fire during the night.

The rain stopped somewhere around the time that the shelling did. The storm flag was replaced by the garrison flag. At daylight, this was the flag that Key saw as he anxiously searched the sky. If it looked bigger, brighter and more glorious—it’s because it really was.

All of this makes me

think about Jesus and how we see Him. In our life we have moments of darkness, storms, bombardments and the like. During such times, it can be hard to see Jesus clearly.

Nonetheless, we know He is there. One day however, we will see Him as He is (1 John 3:2). What a sight that will be! No matter what we thought He was like before, He will be bigger, brighter, more wonderful and glorious than we had or could ever had imagined. Until that time, we keep fighting.

We refuse to surrender.

We will not give up, give in or go away.

We eat the bread. We drink the cup. We proclaim His death. Until He comes.

Bruce has written an entry level book on Revelation called The Thrill of Hope. It is available through Amazon.

Verse of the Week “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.”

John 16:13 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 July 11, 2018

OBITUARIES Ruth M. Williamson Ruth M. Williamson died on Monday, July 2nd, at age 97. She was born in Syracuse, New York on January 12th, 1921. Her family moved to Clermont, Florida where Ruth grew up from age 6.

In the fall of 1938 Ruth entered Florida State College for women as a freshman.

She graduated in 1942 with a degree in Home Economics. During her college time she met a second Lieutenant named Edward Charles Williamson. They

John Henry Dawson Mr. John Henry Dawson, 84, passed away Friday, June 29, 2018 at his home in Lineville, AL. Mr. Dawson was born July 16, 1933 in Alabama to parents, Annie Mae Arwood and Gordon Dawson.

Mr. Dawson was preceded in death by his daughter, Kim White and his son, Johnny Calvin Dawson.

He is survived by his wife, Brenda Carter Dawson; daughters: Sharon (Chris) Emert of Kansas City, KS, Kim (Coby) Noles of Wadley, AL,

Ronald W. Bond Ronald W. Bond of Opelika, was born to the late James M. Margaret Blackmon Bond on August 28, 1959 and passed away at East Alabama Medical Center on July 5, 2018. He was 58 years old.

He was preceded in death by his brother, James “Ricky” Bond.

He is survived by his Wife, Nikki; sisters, Shearry and Teri Bond; halfbrothers, Derrick, Russull and Amy

married in 1945 and were married for 55 years. They both felt it was the best decision they ever made.

Ed was in the 45th Field Artillery Battalion in the 8th division and served in combat in WW II. Upon his return he received a Master's Degree from The University of Florida, and his PHD from the University of Pennsylvania. During this period Ruth worked as a dietician at Florida and preschool teacher in Philadelphia. Ed received Orders to go to war in Korea in 1950.

Mary Venita (Tim) Boggess of Ashland, AL, Donna (Paul Reed) Jones of Clanton, AL, and Stacey (Jerry) Rice of Clanton, AL; sons: James (Starla) Dawson of Opelika, AL and John H. Dawson of Columbia, SC; and his sister, Ella Mae Fullerton of Auburn, AL. The funeral service for Mr. Dawson was held Monday, July 2, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. A visitation was held one hour prior to the service at 10:00 a.m. Interment followed at Rosemere Cemetery.

Bond; step-mother, Carol Bond; uncle, Jerry, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and other family members. his little buddy, squirt and all his four legged babies, Sugar, Angel, Pee-Wee, Harley, and WeeWee. A memorial service was held on Monday, July 9, 2018 in the Chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home at 6:00 p.m.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home directed.

Upon his return they moved to Montgomery, Alabama where he served at Maxwell Field as a military historian on the history of the Korean Conflict. Ruth taught 6th grade at Dalraida School. Their last professional move was to Auburn University in 1958. Ed was hired as a history professor and Ruth was hired in Lee County Schools to teach 6th grade. In 1967 Ruth became Instructional Supervisor for the Lee County Schools where she loved helping teachers in instructional

Jack Smith It is with sad and heavy hearts that we let you know that Jack Smith, former editor and publisher of The Eufaula Tribune, passed away on Thursday. Jack and all of the Smith family are a very special part of the APA family.

Memorial services were held Sunday July 1 at 2:30 p.m. at the Auburn United Methodist Church. A visitation was prior to the service.

Graveside services followed at 5:30 p.m. in Fairview Cemetery Addition in Eufaula.

Jack and his brother, Bill, worked for

Olympians,

from A1

ing to say about his experience at the games, “The University of Washington, City of Seattle, and the surrounding towns like, Kenmore and the many other suburbs that hosted the Special Olympic USA Games events.

You definitely deserve a well-earned thank you, from the bottom of my heart, and thank you for the support and the hospitality and the great treatment you

strategies and finding resources for them as many of these schools had outdated texts and poor resources. She truly made a difference with her caring and talents. In 1970 Ruth became principal of Dean Road Elementary School and followed that with her love of teaching by returning back to 6th grade. Ruth retired after 16 years. Ruth was always an active member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.

She had been a member of the church since 1958. Ruth had many friends from

APA while in college at Birmingham Southern. They also did various contract work for us over the years. Jack worked as APA’s contract lobbyist after The Eufaula Tribune was sold in 2006.

Jack was a brilliant communicator.

He was a master of the written word and had an innate ability to convey a clear and concise message.

He was a graduate of BirminghamSouthern College with a degree in history and earned his master’s degree in journalism from the University of Alabama. He developed and taught the APA Newspaper Man-

gave us.

“I’m proud that I have had the wonderful opportunity to go and represent both Lee County and Alabama in Seattle. It was a pleasure to see the other members of the Special Olympics family and that is what we are, we’re family,” Crouch added.

Bronze Medal for Doubles (his partner was Chris Williams) 5th Place Ribbon for Singles • Porter Caldwell, Track: 4th Place Ribbon: High Performance 100M Run 5th Place Ribbon:

the church during the years. Ruth served on the Community Ministry Committee for years that helped people with various needs.

Ruth is survived by her son (Eddie) C. Williamson Jr., wife, Nan A. Williamson, grandson, R. Boyd Williamson and wife Mary Cliff R. Williamson and great grandson, Leander A. Williamson; Granddaughter, Ruth Isle W. Piszko and husband, Paul J. Piszko and great grandson and great granddaughter, G. "Ward" Piszko and

agement Institute in 2007 and 2008.

The program was designed to train promising newspaper employees in all aspects of newspaper management. He trained more than 30 participants in that program.

He was also the Director of Strategic Communication for Auburn University Athletics from 2006 to 2017.

Jack had recently moved his office to downtown Opelika inside the Collaboration Station and he will be missed there.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the Smith family in the days ahead.

Long Jump (His distance was 2.66M) 6th Place Ribbon: 200M Run • Sherrell Caldwell, Track: Bronze Medal: Mini Jav 300G 7th Place Ribbon: 100M Run • LaDazah Finlay, Track: Gold Medal: Mini Jav 300G (Her distance was 9.38M) 5th Place Ribbon: High Performance 100M Run • Brittnay Stewart, Track: Silver Medal: Mini Jav 300G Silver Medal: 100M Run (Her time was 18:32)

Julia I. Piszko; daughter Susan W. Wilkinson, husband, Jeffrey B. Wilkinson, granddaughter, Caroline G. Wilkinson. Ruth was a loving and giving mother and grandmother.

Memorial service was held Saturday, July 7, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church with Reverend Geoff Evans officiating.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home directed.

To place an obituary in the Opelika Observer, please email editor@opelikaobserver.com For pricing call 334-749-8003

Hodge,

from A4 reality of the past.

That’s a shame – I so wanted him to SEE what I saw.

I needed him to hear the kids’ laughter and smell the popcorn and the monkey poo. I wanted him to feel the sun on my childhood skin. But, like I said, home is an invisible thing. Only the one who wears the sweater can ever see home clearly.

Time is up. Ready to reveal a new col-

or. Eager to move forward. Excited about the changes to come. I just hope midnight blue goes well with this invisible sweater of mine.

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.

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

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

Coughing & Sneezing

Sharing Drinks & Utensils

Kissing

Living in Close Quarters

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

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

Licensedsecurity.org Do have a home security system?

Are you licensed in Alabama?

AlabamaWorks: Opportunity-Innovation-Accountability-Inclusion

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

It’s your competitive advantage in Alabama.

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

pelika O Observer

A11 July 11, 2018

Opelika attorney named Free mobile, web-based app one of state’s ‘10 Best assists veterans, advocates Criminal Law Attorneys with potential benefits claims for Client Satisfaction’ Speical to the Opelika Observer

Special to the Opelika Observer The American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys has recognized the exceptional performance of Alabama’s Criminal Law Attorney Benny C. Hand as 2018’s 10 Best Criminal Law Attorneys for Client Satisfaction.

The American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys is a third-party attorney rating organization that publishes an annual list of the Top 10 Criminal Law attorneys in each state. Attorneys who are selected to the "10 Best" list must pass AIOCLA's rigorous selection process, which is based on client and/or peer nominations, thorough research and AIOCLA’s independent evaluation. AIOCLA's annual list was created to be used as a resource for clients during the attorney selection process.

One of the most significant aspects of the selection process

Hand involves attorneys' relationships and reputation among his or her clients. As clients should be an attorney's top priority, AIOCLA places the utmost emphasis on selecting lawyers who have achieved significant success in the field of Criminal Law without sacrificing the service and support they provide. Selection criteria therefore focus on attorneys who demonstrate the highest standards of Client Satisfaction.

We congratulate Benny C. Hand on this achievement and we are honored to have him as a 2018 AIOCLA Member.

The National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) recently launched the first of its kind app for use by military veterans and their advocates, available for download through the NVLSP website, Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Named the NVLSP VA Benefit Identifier, the application helps veterans, with or without the assistance of a veteran’s service officer, determine specific VA benefits to which they are likely entitled.

Veteran Rob Concklin found the app helpful and commented on Facebook. “I just wanted to write and say thanks for the benefits app. I went thru it, made a claim for five service connected conditions, three were granted immediately.

I probably wouldn't have even made the claim if it weren't for your app.” A fourth condition was granted later for Concklin, and while one condition

was denied, Concklin was pleased he filed a claim.

The app directs users to a logic-based questionnaire that assists in verifying whether a veteran should file a claim for serviceconnected disability benefits or nonserviceconnected disability pension. The survey addresses all possible disabilities covered by VA regulations.

Created in both English and Spanish, the app functions as a comprehensive logic tree, generating additional questions from previously supplied answers.

To protect privacy, no data or personally identifiable information is retained. Once the questionnaire is completed, results can be emailed or printed and used as a reference when filing claims for VA benefits.

“We’re hoping to maximize the benefit of this app for veterans by offering it as a free service, without any cost for downloading and utilizing,” Bart Stichman, co-founder and executive direc-

tor of NVLSP said.

“We want to provide a supplementary means for veterans to decide what their best options are in filing a claim for disability benefits.”

NVLSP’s VA Benefit Identifier app does not assist with claims for a higher rating for disabilities the VA has already connected to military service claims previously filed with the VA or claims for disabilities resulting from VA health care, VA vocational rehabilitation or participation in a VA Compensated Work Therapy program.

In completing the Identifier questionnaire, veterans should have documents available about their military service (DD Form 214), information about medical conditions and any prior VA decisions or related communications.

Upon completing the survey, veterans are advised to schedule an appointment with a veteran’s advocate chosen from a list of Veterans Service Organizations furnished in the app.

Veteran’s advocates are regularly available to assist with applications for VA disability benefits, free of charge.

A key highlight of the NVLSP VA Benefit Identifier is its ability to appropriately recommend when veterans should file for specific conditions, prompting them to submit an “intent to file” form with the VA, while further providing timelines and instruction on how to proceed with a formal claim.

NVLSP’s app features an easy-tonavigate interface allowing veterans to interact with a support point person and can be downloaded from the NVLSP website to any web-enabled smart device. NVLSP recently fixed some bugs in the app in May that had frustrated a handful of users, and the problems identified were corrected.

Download the NVLSP VA Benefit Identifier app on NVLSP’s website, from the Apple App Store or from the Google Play Store.

VOTE AND ELECT Pat “Patsy”

JONES

Alabama House of Representatives

District 83

TUESDAY, JULY 17

IN THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY RUNOFF ELECTION

“EXPERIENCE MATTERS” Count On Patsy To Bring Her Experience To The State House.

• 24 Years Teaching in Tallapoosa County Schools • 13 Years as an AEA UniServ Director • 23 Years on Opelika City Council • President Pro Tem Opelika City Council

As your state representative, Patsy will advocate for you by: • Creating more jobs and cutting unemployment • Strengthening neighborhood schools • Protecting access to affordable health care • Supporting programs to make our communities safer

Proven leadership you can trust!

Paid by Committee to Elect Pat “Patsy” Jones, P. O. Box 651, Opelika, AL 36803

pelika Observer O

A12 July 11, 2018

Downtown,

from A1

people who are talking about moving their businesses here, which is exciting, and if there was a word for what I’m seeing right now, the right one would be ‘exciting,’” Gafford said. “There’s a lot of great energy bubbling right now and lots of things in the works in terms of continuing downtown Opelika’s growth.”

For more information or updates, follow the organization on Facebook and Instagram.

& Flea Mall

BARN DOOR ENTERTAINMENT CENTER

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Coffee,

from A7

LOOK

FOR A NEW FIND EACH WEEK! 334-745-3221 • ANGELSANTIQUEANDFLEAMALL.COM 900 COLUMBUS PKWY, OPELIKA 36801 OPEN EVERYDAY 10-7 • SUN 1-5

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

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

– Steve Schroder, Business Owner

For whatever lies ahead, we’re always there.

ELLIOTT & ASSOCIATES INSURANCE OPELIKA • 334.745.0888 elliottinsuranceagents.com

®

operator of the specialty coffee bar, started the process of opening the venue earlier this year.

Gill moved her coffee roastery operations to downtown Opelika early this spring and started working on plans for the storefront.

Gill’s husband Taylor manages the roastery while Gill works the espresso bar. The roast-

ery offers local home delivery of both whole bean and ground coffee.

When asked about the challenges that arose while trying to get the new venue open, Gill said, “It’s so important as a small business owner and a young Mama to stay fluid when obstacles come up. It keeps me creative as limitations foster creativity, but also takes patience with others and my own processes.”

The new coffee bar will feature breakfast items such as biscuits available with a variety of toppings, bagels with cream cheese and, of course, coffee.

“It’s so good to dream and create this small espresso and breakfast bar knowing my vision is not forced,” Gill said. “We don’t always have to have everything together and picture perfect at once, we’re allowed to dream and then build those dreams.

That’s one of my favorite parts of life.”

Mama Mocha’s is located at 715 1st Ave. in downtown Opelika and is open from 7 a.m.

- 2 p.m. daily.

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

TURN TO B10 FOR MORE PHOTOS

Former Auburn University running back Pettway joins the East Alabama Predators

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor Former Auburn University running back Kamryn Pettway is the newest member of the Gridiron Developmental Football League's East Alabama Predators.

Signed June 30, Pettway’s presence is a huge boost to a team looking to make a deep playoff run, according to Predators owner/head coach Michael Martin.

“Kamryn has been a great addition to the team.

He has brought more momentum with his style of running and experience,” Martin said. “He’s a team player, and we’re look-

ing forward to finishing out the season on a high note.”

In his first start against the division rival Georgia Crush, Pettway rushed 20 times for 190 yards and three 2-point conversions.

Following an injuryfilled junior season last year, Pettway declared early for the NFL draft.

Going undrafted, Pettway, along with fellow Auburn teammate Tray Matthews, signed as undrafted free agents with the Minnesota Vikings April 28.

At the conclusion of the Vikings’ rookie camp May 7, Pettway was one of four players waived.

A Prattville native and

lifelong Auburn fan, Pettway redshirted as a freshman in 2014. After spending the 2015 season at fullback, Coach Gus Malzahn moved him to running back for 2016.

Malzahn’s decision was richly rewarded, as Pettway rushed for 1,224 yards on 209 carries, scoring seven touchdowns and receiving firstteam All-SEC honors.

The Predators play all their home games at Notasulga High School’s Knapp-Sanderson Stadium, which is located at 500 E. Main St. in Notasulga.

Visit www.gdfl.org for schedules and more information.

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Make Your Move named 2018 Lutzie 43 Foundation’s Mike Lutzenkirchen to speak to ‘Grand National Champion’ The Exceptional Foundation

By Michelle Key Editor

Make your Move Performing Arts Studio was awarded the Grand National Championship Award at the 2018 Star Systems National Dance Competitions in Sevierville, Tennessee.

The teams competed against 64 other acts, and their hard work paid off with the big win.

The studio also brings home a National Championship Studio title in two different divisions. Both the beginner’s and intermediate levels - Shining Stars and Shooting Stars respectively - received the recognition in an award ceremony Saturday. This award is given based on the accumalative level of points earned over the entire week of competitions, according to Marty Moore. Throughout the course of the week more See Dance, page B3

Special to the Opelika Observer Mike Lutzenkirchen, father of former Auburn football player Philip Lutzenkirchen and executive director of the Lutzie 43 Foundation, will be speaking to participants and

members of the Exceptional Foundation on July 19 at 6:30 p.m. at Stinky’s Fish Camp located at 610 Shug Jordan Parkway in Auburn.

The Lutzie 43 Foundation was established in loving memory of Philip LutzenSee Foundation, page B5

Opelika siblings medal at meets

Special to the Opelika Observer

Photos submitted to the Observer Left: Siblings Georgia and Tripp Vaughn won high point awards in their age divisions at the Spring Fling Meet. Right: Tripp swims in a meet in Valley where he placed 2nd in the backstroke competition.

pelika O Observer

B2 July 11, 2018

Lee County Special Olympians medal in mini-javelin, bowling

Special to the Opelika Observer Top: A-Team Alabama sweep of the mini-javelin event. Left to right: Brittnay Stewart -Silver, Ladazah Finley - Gold, Sherrell Caldwell Bronze. Bottom: Robert Crouch winning a medal for bowling.

CALLING ALL CONSERVATIVES!

RANDY PRICE IN THE RUNOFF ELECTION

ON JULY 17

RANDY PRICE is businessman, not a politician.

And he’s ready to bring OUR VALUES to Montgomery.

o

Lower taxes on Alabama families and small-businesses

VOTE

o

Eliminate government waste by fighting for yearly department-wide audits

REPUBLICAN

o

Run government like a business, remembering that taxpayers are the owners

A small-business owner and political outsider, Randy Price is committed to bringing common sense solutions to Alabama:

A CHRISTIAN CONSERVATIVE COMMITTED TO COMMON SENSE SOLUTIONS.

Paid for by Randy Price for State Senate P.O. Box 545 | Opelika, AL, 36803

Grounded in his Christian faith, Randy Price will be a staunch defender of our Christian values: o Committed to protecting the unborn and 100% pro-life o

Fighting for our rights and liberties as Christians

o

Defender of our conservative Alabama values

CONSERVATIVE

RANDY PRICE FOR STATE SENATE IN THE REPUBLICAN RUNOFF ON

JULY 17

NO NONSENSE. COMMON SENSE.

pelika O Observer

B3 July 11, 2018

Community Calendar: Events around town

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

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

• The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR chapter is appealing for sweaters, jackets, trousers, shirts and socks, women’s clothing, soft soap in individual containers, shaving supplies, disposable razors, denture cleanser, toothpaste and toothbrushes, DVDs, games, books and magazines to take to veterans at the CAVHCS in Tuskegee. The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR Chapter regularly visits veterans living in assisted living, the homeless domiciliary and psych (trauma) ward in Tuskegee. Donations are tax deductible and will be much appreciated. Pick up is provided. Please call Linda Shabo at 887-6659 or at 256307-1449.

Mondays: • “Gimme A Break” Support Group for parents whose children have autism will be held from 9-11 a.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika.

This is a monthly event on the first Monday of each month for parents to connect with each other.

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

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

Dance,

from B1 than 650 performances were judged. Moore’s daughter Mandy is

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

the current owner and operator of the studio, and her sister Jamie is the choreographer for the studio.

Mandy opened MYM in 1993 in Auburn and relocated the studio

webinars to provide quick updates for producers on various topics of interest. Whether you are interested in the proper way to plant fruit trees or have questions in turf management, these webinars cover a wide range of subjects. Webinars are streamed live via Panopto on the last Monday of every month starting in January and ending in November. During the presentation, participants can send questions via email.

The webinars also are recorded and stored in the archive on the Beginning Farmer website.

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

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

Tuesdays: • Ballroom Dance Classes at the Opelika Sportsplex from 7-8 p.m. every Tuesday. Instructor is Cody Wayne Foote.

For more info call Diane at 749-6320.

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

to Opelika in 2004.

It was in 2004 that Jamie joined Mandy in running the operation.

Jamie had also pursued a career in dance and choreographs the studio’s performances.

from 6-7:30 p.m. Childcare is provided, but reservations need to be made by contacting Maria Gutierrez at mariag@ leecountyautism.com to make sure there are enough volunteers.

• The East Alabama Old Car Club meets every first Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Monarch Estates Clubhouse, located at 1550 East University Drive, Auburn.

A program of interest to the old car enthusiast is presented. Car ownership is not required.

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

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

• A Grief Support Group meets at Oak Bowery United Methodist Church Tuesdays at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. for anyone dealing with the pain of loss and feeling the need for support on their journey as they attempt to bring order and wholeness back into their life.

Attendance and participation is strictly voluntary for any and all sessions. There are no fees or charges involved. The church is located on U.S. Highway 431 – eight miles north from Southern Union State Community College and Opelika High School. For more information contact Bill Parker at 459-0214 or 706-518-9122.

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

Wednesdays: • The second Wednesday of each month a Community Grief Support Group meets from 10-11 a.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center. No reservations are necessary. For more info call 826-1899 or 502-0216.

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

climate change. We consider a national carbon fee which would be distributed as a dividend to all U.S. households as the most important solution to climate change. Meetings are held at the Hubert and Grace Harris Center Meeting Room (425 Perry St., Auburn, AL 36830 --- directly across from the Auburn, AL U.S. Post Office), 7 -8:30 p.m. To learn more about CCL go to our website: citizensclimatelobby. org.

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

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

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

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

Visit leecountyautism.com for more information.

• Opelika-Auburn Newcomers’ Club provides a variety of programs for the betterment of the Auburn/Opelika community to assist women transitioning into the area or to help women adjust to recent lifestyle changes. The club meets on the third Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. for a luncheon at various local restaurants. Please call or email Cheri Paradice at 334-737-5215 or cheri.paradice@gmail.com for more information or luncheon location of the month.

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

• T.O.U.C.H. Cancer Support Group meets the third Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. at EAMC’s Health Resource Center. This is a support group for people living with any type of cancer or their families and friends. Call 334-5281076 for more information.

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

• Auburn/Opelika MOPS

& MOMSnext Summer Play Dates • July 19: Meet us for a fun craft at Monkey Park in Opelika.

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

• July 11 - East Alabama Mental Health Center will provide a “Mental Health First Aid Training Seminar” July 11 at the Smiths Station Ruritan Club, located at 2000 Lee Road 430. The course is free but space is limited. For more information or to register, call Chelsea Neighbors at 334-7422112 or email chelsea.neighbors@eamhc.org.

• 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 334-4802008.

• July 17 - The July meeting of NAMI East Alabama, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), will take place at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 17, 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. The public is invited.

• July 18 - Auburn resident Drew Eason will hold a Chickfil-A fundraiser July 18 to help cover the cost of his wife’s medical expenses. Following is a list of ways people can support the fundraiser: - Sandwich only $4 - Sandwich, chips, drink $6 - Two sandwiches, chips and drink $10 There will be two pick-up locations July 18 from noon - 1 p.m. : Fountain Gate Church in Auburn and the law offices of Gullage and Tickal LLP in Opelika. For more information or to volunteer, call Drew at 334-559-3026, Jan Eason at 334-864-3024 or Lacey Gullage at 334-864-3025.

• 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.

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 334-480-2008.

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

Make Your Move Performing Arts Studio is located at 1220 Fox Run Ave. in Opelika.

For more information, visit their website: makeyourmovedance. com.

Special to the Observer Left: The MYM team poses with their many trophies.

Above: Camden Moore with her grandmother Marty Moore and her aunt/dance instructor Mandy Moore.

Camden won Platinum for her solo at the national competition.

pelika O Observer

B4 July 11, 2018

Pioneer Park to host Mary Lynn Porter during ‘The Second Saturday’ Special to the Opelika Observer Pioneer Park in Loachapoka will be open and free to the public all day on July 14, the second Saturday in July.

In addition to visiting the museums and open-air exhibits at Pioneer Park, visitors may wish to take advantage of a workshop in pressed flower art offered by Mary Lynn Porter at 10 a.m. Pressed (dried) flowers and needed supplies will be available for use in making greeting cards and other artwork.

Participants will also learn the techniques for drying flowers and other greenery for later use. Class will be in the air-conditioned Trade Center Museum.

Come early and take advantage of the many gardens at Pioneer Park to collect some flowers for drying. Dr. Charles will be leading a mid-summer, garden walk ‘n talk at 9 a.m. through the Herb

and Medicinal Plant Garden, the Pioneer Kitchen Garden and the Crops Garden.

See what our pioneer forefathers had to endure just to survive in 19th Century Alabama.

Blacksmiths will be working at the forge, spinners and weavers are upstairs in the Trade Center Museum and someone is always cooking up a meal in the Cook House or outdoors.

Pick and shuck your own sweet corn fresh from the garden and cook it for lunch or try some field corn.

Our ancestors did not have sweet corn as we do today.

The museums are always open on “Second Saturdays,” and The Whistle Stop Players gather to play dulcimers at 1 p.m.

If you would like to learn basket making, there’s a group that meets in the morning to work on their baskets, “The Basket Cases.” What a great opportunity for Lee County Historical Society mem-

Special to the Opelika Observer Peggy Mitchell, a LCHS member, selects flowers for drying from the Herb and Medicinal Plant Garden at Pioneer Park in Loachapoka. There will be a dried flower workshop during Second Saturday activities on July 14 at Pioneer Park. bers and visitors to enjoy Pioneer Park.

If you have a skill to demonstrate or just would like to help out on “Second Saturdays,” just

show up and join the fun. Dress up in 19th Century attire if you wish.

“Second Saturdays” are like a mini-Pioneer Day throughout

the year. Pioneer Park is sponsored by the Lee County Historical Society, an all volunteer, nonprofit organization founded in 1968 and dedicated to

the preservation and presentation of local history.

For more information visit the website leecountyhistoricalsociety.org.

Lee County Extension office to host summer projects, activities for all ages

By Tara Barr Special to the Opelika Observer The Lee County Extension office has several upcoming events: • 4-H Summer Projects Children from ages 9-18, please register at 334-749-3353, Lee County Extension System for the project you would like to attend. Limited spots for each project. Fee $10 each project except JoAnn’s, which is free. Must be enrolled in 4-H online. Make checks payable to Alabama 4-H Foundation • Painting with Passion-Canvas Painting Classes on 16X20 canvas!

July 12 from 1-3

p.m. Fee $10. Youth will learn basic acrylic technique while creating a painting of their choice.

• Creative Cooking CampsJuly 13, 9 a.m.-noon Simple meals. Fee $10 July 23, 1- 4 p.m.

Creative Snacks-Fee $10 • JOANN Fabric & Crafts August 1, 9 a.m.

- noon FREE Sessions will be held at JOANN’s Warehouse.

Must register for each event! CALL 334749-3353 July 11- MG Meeting -- Program - Why Southern forests need more fire.

Dr. John S. Kush is a research fellow in the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences

at Auburn University.

His Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Science came from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

He received his Master’s and PhD, both in Forest Ecology from Auburn. He has been conducting research for more than 34 years with a focus on stand dynamics, fire effects and restoration. Location: Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve, 2222 N College St. in Auburn All Bugs Good & Bad 2018 Free Webinar Series: Aug. 3 at 1 p.m.

Bees, Wasps, & Hornets, Oh My!Lynn Braband, Sept.

7, Winterizing Your Home to Keep Out Pests-Janet Hurley,

Oct. 5, Structural Misidentified PestsElizabeth “Wizzie” Brown, Nov. 2, Lice, Scabies, & Mites-Dr. Nancy Hinkle, Dec. 1, Pantry Pests-Dr. Dan Suiter. For more information on the series and how to connect to the webinars, visit articles.extension.org/pages74590 • Hands-On Drip Irrigation Class program sponsored by: Alabama Extension, OGrows and 2018 Lee County Master Gardener’s • Intern Class OGrows 1103 Glenn St, Opelika, Aug. 16, 9 am - noon, Thinking about putting in a new drip irrigation system? Gain hands-on knowledge about the parts and pieces of a

system. This class can help you learn what to look for and the tools needed to do it right.

This workshop will include both handson and interactive learning opportunities as we put together a simple vegetable garden irrigation system.

Dress accordingly.

There is no charge for the class, but please register by calling the Lee County Extension Office @ 334-7493353 or drop by: 600 S. 7th Street, Opelika.

• Serv Safe classes will take place at Lee County Extension Office August 20 and 21. If interested or for more information please contact Janet Johnson at 334703-2237 or email Johns16@aces.edu.

Want to be a Friend of Master Gardeners?

A friend supports the projects and mission of the Lee County Master Gardeners program, enjoys spending time with other gardeners and learning more about gardening, likes to attend gardenrelated fieldtrips and programs, and just having loads of fun.

Your participation is flexible and voluntary.

Find out more about our projects, programs and community partnerships at www.

LeeMG.org or call 334-749-3353. LCMGA Annual Friend Membership is $20 annually.

Tara Barr is the Lee County Extension Coordinator.

pelika O Observer

B5 July 11, 2018

Summer camp options abound in Lee County

By Savannah Vicker For the Opelika Observer Chilren and teens throughout Lee County have several summer camp opportunities during the rest of July and August.

• July 14 Sponsored by City of Auburn Parks and Recreation, the Dean Road Ceramics Studio will host the 9th Annual Day in Clay. Suitable for all ages, visitors will have the chance to watch demonstrations by studio members, enjoy snacks and beverages and, for $10 per person, create clay masterpieces. All projects are led by DRCS instructors and will be taught at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Visit the Harris Center at 425 Perry Street

by July 12 to reserve a spot to work with clay.

• July 16-20 The Art Studio in Auburn will host a children’s art course from 9 a.m. - noon. The camp will focus on an array of art mediums from painting, drawing and printmaking.

Children will have the opportunity to create unique projects while discovering the ins and outs of a variety of techniques.

•July 17- July 20 Hosted and led by the Saugahatchee Country Club, the children’s Discovery Camp will be from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Children ages 6-12 are invited to participate in a variety of physical and academic challenges such as golf and tennis instructions, cooking class, Incredible Insects Show, music lessons, painting instruction, dining etiquette and much more. Discovery Camp is $250 for club members and $275 for non-club members. For more information call 334-749-3441.

• July 17-19, July 31- Aug. 2 J&M Bookstore in Auburn will host two children’s art camps in the months of July and August. The first session will focus on Pablo Picasso’s cubism style with paint and paper collage. The second session will feature abstract approach employed by Russian painter Wassily Kandinsky. For more information call 334-887-7007. The store is located at 115 S College St. • July 18-22, July 23-27 The Spicer’s Music store will host the second session week-long summer music camp that encourages children ages 6-7 to explore musical instruments and music. At Rock Band Camp Jr., the staff will introduce the children to guitar, ukulele, drums, bass, keyboard and vocals.

Children will choose their favorite instrument, and campers will begin working on basic musical skills.

Together the campers will practice their skills and collaborate on a positive rock song. At the end of camp the campers will host a concert where they will showcase and perform for their friends and families.

For more information call 334-3297529 or visit www. spicersmusic. com/camps • July 31- Aug. 2 The Saugahatchee Country Club will host the second part, Advanced Junior Golf Camp. Beginning at 10 a.m. the junior golfers ages 10-15 will develop their golf etiquette, practice putting, chipping, full swing, learn rules and receive oncourse instruction. The camp is $129 and ends at 2 p.m. each day. Golfers are expected to bring their own equipment. Lunch will be provided.

For more information, visit www. saugahatcheecountryclub.com.

Special to the Opelika Observer

Foundation,

from B1

kirchen shortly after his death in a fatal car accident in LaGrange, Georgia, in 2014.

The objective of the Foundation is to pass on Philip’s many remarkable characteristics in terms of community service, leadership and service to others.

The Foundation’s motto for young students and athletes is to “Live like Lutz, Love like Lutz, and Learn from Lutz,” reflecting our desire to help others live out the many positive character attributes that Philip displayed while learning from the circumstances that led to his death.

Mike Lutzenkirchen continues to spread the

word through his honest and courageous discussion of Philip’s life: “Philip’s Legacy…What Legacy Are You Leaving?”

About Lutzie 43 Foundation The Lutzie 43 Foundation is an Alabama Non-Profit Corporation

and real world application.

Philip Lutzenkirchen, the inspiration for the Lutzie 43 Foundation, was a remarkable young man that gave of himself to others.

However, it was through a series of poor decisions that led to his tragic death.

The foundation hopes that

and 501(c)3 entity which was established in loving memory of Lutzenkirchen.

The Lutzie 43 Foundation aims to develop the character of young people and their influencers by focusing on leadership, charity, compassion, mentorship, hard work, honesty and faith through education

through its mission and support programs others will know and understand Philip’s living legacy, and most importantly, learn from his death.

All funds contributed to the foundation will be used to establish and support programs consistent with its mission.

July 17 Fedoras July 24 James Brown Trio July 31 Back to School Bash Enjoy a final concert as we bid summer farewell!

pelika O Observer

B6 July 11, 2018

Opelika Ozone undefeated at sub-state tournament, advances to State Special to the Opelika Observer The Opelika Ozone All-Stars are heading to State after winning the sub–state tournamant held July 5-7. They won their first game 5-3 over

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

Done this 14th day of June, 2018.

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

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

NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Linda McPheeters, as Executrix of the Estate of Edwin Joseph Bengtson, 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 Bengtson, Sr., deceased Legal Run 7/4/18, 7/11/18 & 7/18/18

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: ESTATE OF MARY L. KELLEY, DECEASED PETITION TO PROBATE WILL NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR Letters of Testamentary for the Estate of MARY L. KELLEY, deceased, having been granted to the SHERRY D. THARPE OLIVER, on the 19th day of June, 2018, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. s/Raymond L. Jakcson, Jr./ Raymond L. Jackson, Jr. Attorney for SHERRY D. THARPE OLIVER Executor of the Estate of MARY L. KELLEY, Deceased Attorney for Personal Representative: Raymond Jackson Alsobrook Jackson 126 S. 8th Street Opelika, AL 36801 (334) 991-3143 Legal run 6/27, 7/4 & 7/11

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of Rita Faye Griggs, Deceased NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration have been grant-

Enterprise in dramatic fashion with a walk-off home run by catcher Max Littleton.

Leading the way at the plate were Littleton and Carter Dees with 2 hits each while Ethan Lewis had a hit, and Jackson

Sanders added a home run. Starting pitcher Jackson Sanders allowed no hits and no earned runs while striking out 11 batters before reaching the pitch count limit.

Russell Copous took the mound in the sixth

inning and finished the Enterprise All-Stars off while maintaining the no-hitter.

In the night cap of the winner’s bracket, Opelika defeated Southeast Montgomery Gray 6-1.

Jake Cummings pitched

a complete game, allowing three hits with no walks while striking out seven batters for Opelika.

The offense was led

by Jackson Sanders with a home run and Russell Copous, Jackson Killcreas, Dees, Jack

McKay, Judson Cherry, Littleton and D’Andre Smith all with hits in the game. Ethan Lewis also scored a run. Opelika now sets its sights on Greenville where they will compete in the state tournament July 12-17.

ed to Michael Edward Griggs, as Administrator of the Estate of Rita Faye Griggs deceased, on the 22nd day of June, 2018, by the Hon. Bill English.

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

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

NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARINGS TO: RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA AND ALL OTHER INTERESTED CITIZENS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of Opelika, Alabama will hold a regular meeting and will be conducting public hearings on Tuesday, July 24, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. in the Commission Chambers in the Public Works Administrative Building located at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama. The purpose of the public hearings is to receive public comment on the following: 1. A public hearing on a request

by Mike Maher, authorized representative for MidSouthBank-Auburn, property owners, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Dickson subdivision consisting of 3 lots accessed at the 2000 block of Andrews Road.

2. A public hearing on a request

by Mike Maher, authorized representative for Mike Teel, property owner, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Orchard View subdivision, consisting of 3 lots accessed from Lee Road 2085.

3. A public hearing on a request

by James L. McCrory, authorized representative for Stephanie Moore Causland, property owner, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Stoney Creek subdivision, Second Revision, consisting of 2 lots accessed at 2720 Anderson Road.

4. A public hearing on a request

by Barrett-Simpson, Inc/Blake Rice, authorized representative for SMB Land, LLC, property owners, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Trillium subdivision, Fourth Revision consisting of 6 lots accessed between 1900 to 1914 Rocky Brook Road.

5. A public hearing on a request

by Blake Rice, Barrett-Simpson, Inc. authorized representative for Gulf South Development Group, LLC, property owners, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Eagle Ridge Townhomes subdivision, Phase 1, consisting of 14 lots accessed at the southwest corner of Academy Drive & Veterans Parkway.

6. A request by Gary Fuller, Mayor of the City of Opelika, for preliminary and final plat approval of the City of Opelika Police Station Property subdivision to combine lots into one lot accessed at 501 South 10th Street.

7a. An agenda item is added relating to a rezoning request (rezoning is 7b.) that concerns an amendment to the Future Land Use Map from low density residential to a mixed-use development if the Planning Commission votes to send a positive recommendation to the City Council to rezone the property; the rezoning property is 205.8 acres accessed at the 1500 block of Westpoint Parkway and Sportsplex Drive (currently under construction).

7b. A public hearing to consider a recommendation to the City Council on the request by Barrett-Simpson, Inc., authorized representative for 280 Land Company, LLC, property owners, to rezone 205.8 acres accessed at the 1500 block of Westpoint Parkway and Sportsplex Drive (currently under construction) from a R-1 zoning district to a PUD (Planned Unit Development) zoning district.

7c. A public hearing on a request

by Blake Rice, Barrett-Simpson, Inc., authorized representative for 280 Land Company. LLC, property owners, for preliminary approval of the Hidden Lakes subdivision, Phase 1 North, consisting of 107 lots a cessed from Sportsplex Drive.

7d. A public hearing on a request

by Blake Rice, Barrett-Simpson, Inc., authorized representative for 280 Land Company. LLC, property own-

ers, for preliminary approval of the Hidden Lakes subdivision, Phase 1 South, consisting of 95 lots accessed at the 1500 block of Westpoint Parkway.

8. A public hearing on a request

by Donna Black/Mike Maher, authorized representative for Tiger Town Developers., LLC, property owners, for preliminary approval of The Chimneys subdivision, consisting of 35 lots accessed at 1009 Westpoint Parkway.

9. A public hearing on a request

by Blake Rice, Barrett-Simpson, Inc., authorized representative for Scott Land Company, Inc., property owners, for preliminary approval of the Camelot Northbrook subdivision, consisting of 77 lots accessed from Lancelot Lane & Northbrook Drive.

10. A public hearing on a request

by Barrett-Simpson, Inc/Blake Rice, authorized representative for Scott Land Company, Inc., for conditional use approval for a residential condominium development consisting of 22 condominiums accessed at Lafayette Parkway & Freeman Avenue.

11. The following agenda item is included for review as “Other Business” at the July 24th Planning Commission meeting: The Estates SD, Phase II, 53 lots, Hampstead Lane, Blake Rice, Preliminary plat approval granted by the Planning Commission at the August 22, 2017 meeting; applicant requesting an extension of this preliminary plat approval for one year or August 22, 2019.

All interested persons are invited to attend the meeting/public hearings and be heard. Written comments concerning the above matters may be mailed to the Planning Director at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama 36801 at any time prior to the meeting/ public hearings and may be further submitted to the Planning Commission at the meeting/public hearings.

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

Please contact Lisa McLeod, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334705-5132 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability.

PLANNING DIRECTOR Legal Run 7/11/2018

to Carolyn Craft Hood this 2 nd day of July 2018, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by the law or the same will be barred.

Carolyn Craft Hood, Administratrix Jeffery A. Hilyer 334-745-2564 Attorney at Law P.O. Box 30 Opelika, Alabama 36803-0030.

Legal Run 7/11, 7/18 & 7/25/2018

Probate Office. The 31st day of August, 2018, at 11:00 a.m.

CST is appointed the day for hearing thereof at which time you can appear and contest the same if you see proper.

Given under my hand the 29th day of June, 2018. BILL ENGLISH, JUDGE OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA LEGAL RUN 7/4, 7/11 & 7/18/18

FORM OF ADVERTISEMENT FOR COMPLETION LEGAL NOTICE In accordance with Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given that Diversified Steel Fabrication, Inc., Contractor, has completed the Contract for (Construction,) (Renovation) (Alteration) (Equipment) (Improvement) of GRAND NATIONAL HOTEL ADDITION at Opelika, AL for The Retirement Systems of Alabama, Owner, and have made request for final settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify Goodwyn, Mills, & Cawood, Inc. (Architect), Diversified Steel Fabricators, Inc. (Contractor) 195 Jeanette Barrett Ind. Pkwy, Wetumpka, AL 36092 (Business Address) NOTE: This notice must be run once a week for four successive weeks for projects exceeding $50,000.00, for projects of less than $50,000.00 run one time only. Proof of publication is required.

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

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF C. C. TORBERT, JR., CASE NO. 2018-B-045 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Letters Testamentary upon the Last Will and Testament of said decendent, having been granted to the undersigned on the 8th day of June, 2018, by the Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are registered to file an itemized and verified statement of such claim in the office of the said Judge of Probate within six months from the above date, or said claim will be barred and payment prohibited.

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

In the Matter of: BLF, a minor.

Notice of Filing of Partial Accounting Interested persons: Kenneth R. Ferguson, Conservator of the minor, has filed his accounting requesting approval of partial settlement. August 20, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. is the time set to review said accounting at the Lee County Courthouse, 215 South 9th St. Opelika, AL. at which time all persons interested can appear and contest the appointment if they deem it proper.

Done this the 2nd day of July, 2018.

BILL ENGLISH/PROBATE JUDGE LEGAL RUN 7/4, 7/11 & 7/18

NOTICE OF ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE SALE To be held on Monday, July 30, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. at Best 4 Less at 2509 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika, AL 36801.

KNDUP131626331432 - 2002 KIA SEDONA LEGAL RUN 7/4 & 7/11/18

CITY OF OPELIKA

LEGALS

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LEO D. HAYWOOD, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA NOTICE OF DAY SET FOR HEARING TO PROBATE WILL TO: Kathy Early Leo Dewayne Haywood, Jr. WHEREABOUTS UNKNOWN AND ANY OTHER UNKNOWN HEIRS On the 28th day of June, 2018, a Petition to Probate the Will of Leo D. Haywood, deceased was filed in the Lee County Probate Office. The 31st day of August, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. CST is appointed the day for hearing thereof at which time you can appear and contest the same if you see proper.

Given under my hand the 29th day of June, 2018. BILL ENGLISH, JUDGE OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA LEGAL RUN 7/4, 7/11 & 7/18/18

STATE OF ALABAMA CASE NO. 2018-B-80 LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT ESTATE OF LOUIE DANIEL HOOD, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATRIX Letters of Administration of the Estate of Louie Daniel Hood, deceased having been granted

NOTICE TO CREDITORS PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY ESTATE OF BEAUMON PETERS, DECEASED NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION of said deceased having been granted to Jamauall Peters on the 10th 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.

Jamauall Peters Legal Run 7/11, 7/18, & 7/25/2018

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF GLADYS MARIE TARVER BYRD, DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 28th day of June, 2018, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

ROBERT MORRIS BYRD, II DAVID SCOTT BYRD Co-Personal Representatives Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 Legal run 7/4, 7/11 & 7/18/2018.

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT MORRIS BYRD, DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 28th day of June, 2018, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

ROBERT MORRIS BYRD, II DAVID SCOTT BYRD Co-Personal Representatives Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MAMIE L. HAYWOOD, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA NOTICE OF DAY SET FOR HEARING TO PROBATE WILL TO: Kathy Early Leo Dewayne Haywood, Jr. WHEREABOUTS UNKNOWN AND ANY OTHER UNKNOWN HEIRS On the 28th day of June, 2018, a Petition to Probate the Will of Mamie L. Haywood, deceased was filed in the Lee County

IN THE JUVENILE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA A.L.D., a minor child (DOB 6/10/2010) Case JU-2015 374.04 NOTICE TO: Any alleged or unknown father of A.L.D. born at Columbus Regional Medical Center in Columbus, Georgia on 6/10/2010 to Jessica M. Darling.

The Legal custody of A.L.D. was vested in Connie Waites on April 30, 2018. Any alleged or unknown father must answer the Petition to Terminate hisparental rights filed in the Family Court of Lee County, Alabama, within fourteen (14) days from the last date of Publication of this Notice with the Clerk of Court located 2311 Gateway Drive, Opelika, AL 36801, or thereafter, a final judgment may be rendered in Case JU-2015374.04 terminating his parental rights and placing said child for adoption.

MARY ROBERSON, CIRCUIT CLERK LEGAL RUN 7/4, 7/11, 7/18, 7/25/18

IN THE JUVENILE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA J.M.J., a minor child (DOB 03/23/2006) Case JU-2015 373.04 NOTICE TO: Monty Jackson, whose address is unknown, and or any alleged or unknown father of J.M.J. born at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, Alabama on 03/23/2006 to Jessica M. Darling. The Legal custody of J.M.J. was vested in Connie Waites on April 30, 2018. Any alleged or unknown father must answer the Petition to Terminate hisparental rights filed in the Family Court of Lee County, Alabama, within fourteen (14) days from the last date of Publication of this Notice with the Clerk of Court located 2311 Gateway Drive, Opelika, AL 36801, or thereafter, a final judgment may be rendered in Case JU-2015-373.04 terminating his parental rights and placing said child for adoption.

MARY ROBERSON, CIRCUIT CLERK LEGAL RUN 7/4, 7/11, 7/18, 7/25/18

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ROVERT LOUIS HALL, JR., DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Vodalyn Jones Hall, as Personal Representative of the Estate of Robert Louis Hall, Jr., deceased, on the 3rd day of July 2018, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama.

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

VONDALYN JONES HALL, Personal Representative PREPARED BY: Phillip E. Adams, Jr. Adams, White, Oliver & Short, LLP 205 S. 9th Street, P.O. Box 2069, Opelika, AL 36803-2069 (334) 745-6466 Legal Run 7/11, 7/18, & 7/25/2018

See Legals, page B11

Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics VOTE JULY 17 • RUN-OFF ELECTION WILL BE JULY 17 • VOTE JULY 17

Price and Sparks to face off in Ala. Senate District 13 election

Sparks

Price

Inside the Statehouse

By Steve Flowers

W

ell folks, if you vote in the Republican primary, you may want to go back to the polls next week and finish selecting the GOP nominees for several important state offices. If you are a Democrat, the only reason you will need to vote on Tuesday is if you have a runoff in a local race, and there are very few of those around.

We are still a very red Republican state.

There are 29 elected statewide officials in Alabama.

All 29 are held by Republicans. When all the votes are counted in November, that 29 out of 29 figures will more than likely be the same in the Heart of Dixie. The Blue wave has not reached here. There were twice as many Republican voters, 590,000 to 283,000, as Democratic voters on June 5.

In addition to having all 29 state offices

held by Republicans, six out of seven of our members of Congress are members of the GOP. That will also remain the same when the dust settles in the fall.

The only contested Congressional race is for the Second District, which encompasses most of the Montgomery River Region, including Elmore and Autauga Counties, coupled with the Wiregrass. It is a very conservative district. Therefore, it is a Republican seat.

The winner of the GOP runoff between Martha Roby and Bobby Bright will be the Congressman.

Whichever one is elected will vote consistently conservative with the GOP leadership in Congress.

Roby is on the ropes because she vowed openly, two years ago, that she would not vote for Donald Trump for President.

That unnecessary display of disloyalty has made her very

unpopular in the district. Trump has a 90 percent approval rating among Republican primary voters in southeast Alabama.

She would have lost two years ago if the primary had been held after her statement.

There was an unprecedented number of write-in votes against her. She has been considered very vulnerable since that time.

National special interests stuck to their script and stayed loyal to the incumbent and loaded her up with Washington money.

She was able to outspend her four male opponents by an over 2 to 1 margin. However, she fell short in the primary garnering about 38 percent.

Bobby Bright received 27 percent and is well-known and liked in the district.

However, President Trump’s endorsement of Roby three weeks ago may have wiped the slate clean for Roby and given her a See Flowers, page B8

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor Following the June 5 primaries, Randy Price and Mike Sparks will go head-to-head in a special run-off election July 17 to determine who will become the Republican nominee for Alabama State Senate

District 13 seat.

Multiple attempts to contact and request an interview from Sparks were unsuccessful. Following are platforms and ideas that Price would hope to implement if elected.

What is the most important topic that you hope to focus on in the

upcoming run-off?

Price: Being a champion of the people “I'm continuing to run in the same way that I did before the primary -- reaching as many voters as possible, conveying the message that I want to serve in the State Senate to ensure See Price, page B9

Todd Rauch surpasses 5,000 door knocks in pursuit of Republican nomination for House Special to the Opelika Observer Todd Rauch, candidate for State Representative in District 38, has always known the path forward was an uphill battle. When he decided to pursue the Republican nomination for State

Representative in District 38, it was early January, just five months before the primary election.

As a first-time candidate (and non-politician) with very low name recognition, Rauch knew he had to do four key things in a very short time period:

• Tell people who Todd Rauch is, • Tell people what Todd Rauch is about, • Tell people how to pronounce Todd Rauch (it’s R-O-W-K by the way), and finally, • Ask them for their See Rauch, page B9

Reed endorses Gray for Ala. House of Representatives District 83 run Special to the Opelika Observer On July 4, Russell County Commissioner Ronnie Reed publicly endorsed Jeremy Gray’s campaign run as the Democratic nominee for Alabama

House of Representatives for District 83.

Reed finished third behind Gray in the recent June primary to replace the late Rev. George Bandy.

Reed’s decision to announce his endorsement came

on the heels of Lee County Commissioner John Andrew Harris’ endorsement on June 30, as both men agreed that they need to help support Gray as the change See Gray, page B8

pelika O Observer King challenges Marshall in Attorney General race B8

July 11, 2018

By Morgan Bryce and Anna Riley For the Opelika Observer Following the June 5 primaries, Troy King and Steve Marshall will go headto-head in a special run-off election July 17 to determine who will become the Republican nominee in the race to become Alabama’s next attorney general.

Multiple attempts to contact and request an interview

different candidates with two very different records. There is a reason that Troy King was fired from this job by the people of Alabama in 2010.

During my time in office, I have proven that my priorities are defending life, protecting gun rights and supporting President Trump’s policies. Our campaign is focused on making sure voters see my commitment to the

from King were unsuccessful. Following are platforms and ideas that Marshall would hope to implement if elected.

What is the most important topic that you hope to focus on in the upcoming runoff?

Marshall: Prioritizing conservative Christian values “Over the next few (days), I hope Alabama voters will see the stark differences between my opponent and me. We are very

King

Marshall

See Marshall, page B9

Jenkins family visit with July 12 the final day for Rep. Rogers during tour absentee ballot applications

By Michelle Key Editor

July 12 is the final day for those planning to vote via absentee ballots to make their applications.

Applications can be made at the Absentee Voting office located at 205 S. 10th St. in Opelika. Applicants can also apply online via their website: leeco.us/business/voter_ registration/index.php. An absentee ballot returned by mail must be

postmarked no later than the day prior to the election and received by the Absentee Election Manager no later than noon on election day.

If hand-delivered, the ballot must be in the office of the Absentee Election Manager by the close of business (but no later than 5 p.m.) on the day prior to the election. For questions about absentee voting, please call 334-737-3490.

The final day to vote via absentee ballot will be July 16.

Gray,

Special to the Opelika Observer This Auburn family visited with Rep. Mike Rogers today at his “Mornings with Mike” event before their tour of the U.S. Capitol. Pictured left to right are: George, Carla and Eli Vincent, Rogers and Omarion Jenkins.

Flowers,

from B7

clear path to reelection.

Winning the Republican nomination for Attorney General and Lt. Governor in Alabama is still pretty much tantamount to election in Alabama, although the Democrats have a viable candidate for Attorney General in young Joseph Siegelman in November.

Don Siegelman’s son Joseph along with youthful Tuscaloosa mayor, Walt Maddox, have viable chances of winning as a Democrat in November.

The GOP race for Attorney General has been the best contest in the primary season. Troy King began the race as the favorite and will probably prevail next Tuesday. There were four formidable horses in

this race. King has previously served as Attorney General and therefore was perceived as the incumbent. Bentley appointee Steve Marshall had been a Democratic DA for a while. This one will boil down to who votes.

In a GOP runoff, only the hardcore Republican base will vote. Those voters will not be excited about Steve Marshall, who was appointed by Robert Bentley and as late as a few years ago was expediently a Democrat who was appointed

by Don Siegelman. In fact, he voted for and contributed to Barack Obama. My guess is that folks will vote for Troy King, a lifelong Republican.

The race for Lt. Governor will be close between Twinkle Cavanaugh and Will Ainsworth. This contest has attracted

more attention and money than ever. The odds say that there is a 50-50 chance that whoever wins this contest next Tuesday will ascend to Governor over the next few years.

Our current governor moved from Lt. Governor to Governor without being elected. It has happened more than once over the past few decades.

If you vote on Tuesday, you will be in a pool of about 10 to 12 percent of voters.

Therefore, if you show up, your vote will be enhanced exponentially.

See you next week.

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

He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www. steveflowers.us.

from B7 that will bring together people from every walk of life.

“Jeremy Gray is a positive role model that will change the image of what people see and believe to be true about the black male,” Reed said. “As a candidate with a strong diverse support network, Jeremy Gray is a guy that has garnered the support of both Democrats and Republicans.”

Reed explained that both he and Gray met several times, and from those meetings came an assurance that when elected, Gray will be a present representative for both Russell County and

Photo special to the Opelika Observer Lee County.

With the support of Ronnie Reed, Gray is demonstrating the type of leadership necessary to forge the coalitions needed to bring about true change within the district.

“I appreciate the endorsement from Commissioner Reed,” Gray said.

“It says something that I have been

endorsed by my fellow opponents in the primary - it shows that they see I have the ability and the drive to build coalitions and bring people together for the betterment of all the people in this district.”

Gray will face Patsy Jones in the July 17 runoff.

Letters to the Editor: Rauch is for education, community, veterans I am writing to urge all voters to continue the celebration of freedom by exercising your right to vote in the upcoming runoff election for District 38's House of Representatives on July 17. Voter turnout is generally low during non-presidential election years and I urge registered voters to change this! YOUR voice is important.

As an educator, I know that Lee County's TODD RAUCH has a strong desire to represent the people that live in Lee and Chambers Counties. Todd's plan if elected is to form an EDUCATION COMMITTEE right here to help him make decisions in Montgomery. This committee will be made up of teachers, principals, and

superintendents.

Todd's mother is a long time teacher so he has heard from her the frustration of having people that are not in education making decisions regarding our schools.

He strongly desires to change this!

Also, not only is Todd a Purple Heart Veteran, he is a veteran that wants more than anything to change the way our veterans

are cared for. It is upsetting to him that our states Veteran's Committee does NOT have a veteran on it. If elected, his goal is to become a part of this committee so that he can use his voice to improve how our state cares for veterans.

I hope to see you at the polls on JULY 17.

Jennifer Krug Opelika

I would like to encourage people to study the candidates for Opelika in the upcoming runoff this month. I have met Todd Rauch.

A military veteran that after being injured choose to live in Opelika.

He has chosen to dedicate himself to many activities: Museum of East Alabama, Chamber of Commerce, Citizen Advisory boards, and many other local causes.

He also helps with nu-

merous Veterans groups from helping them in the legal system as a fellow disabled veteran to helping them obtain American flags. He and his wife Ali love East Alabama as does there dog Forrest. I met Todd when he volunteered as a buddy for Miracle League and was impressed with his warmth and concern.

Thanks, Jeremy Crowder, Opelika

pelika O Observer

Todd Rauch forms Veterans Task Force to support local veterans Special to the Opelika Observer Todd Rauch recently announced the formation of a Veterans Task Force (VTF) aimed at helping veterans in District 38 and throughout the surrounding region.

Rauch, an Iraq

Price,

from B7 our community has a fighter for quality jobs, better roads and conservative values.

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

Price: Restore faith in Alabama politics “No one person is going to change the world from day one.

But the first thing I hope to accomplish is to work with other leaders to restore the public's faith in government once again.

Montgomery is broken, and I want to be part of the solution.”

Are your campaign tactics expected to change now that there are less people

War Purple Heart recipient, learned first hand how challenging it can be to transition from military to civilian life with little support and communication from officials in the veteran community.

The mission of the VTF is to build a veteran-based net-

work by providing additional resources to both current and newer veterans that are transitioning out of the military into civilian life.

“Veterans often fall through the cracks when seeking out federal and state programs that are

running?

Price: Keeping on point “I was proud to win four out of five counties and the majority overall votes in our district. I believe our positive message of progress for better jobs, higher wages and conservative values has worked, and I don't plan on changing my tune.”

What is one thing that you want the voters to know about you?

Price: Maintaining accessibility to constituents “If elected, they will have a hard worker and a fighter in the State Senate. I want to remain accessible to all voters both during the campaign and in office, and I plan on doing just that.”

See VTF, page B11

Marshall,

from B8

important issues our state is facing.”

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

Marshall: Fight for the safety of Alabama’s citizens “My office recently launched a Violent Crime Initiative - a program focused on working with local, state and federal law enforcement to reclaim, restore and

Rauch,

from B7 vote. With very limited financial resources, he set his sights on running a lean, but very hard working campaign.

“I believe the way a campaign should be ran is at the grassroots level,” Rauch shared, “connecting with voters, learning what matters to them, and personally asking for their vote. I want to serve the people of District 38, being a true meaning of the title, a Representative of the people. What better way to prove my commitment to working hard for them than putting my words into action during the campaign?”

The door knocking paid off in the primary, where he earned 41 per-

B9 July 11, 2018 revive our neighborhoods. My top priority as the state’s chief law enforcement officer is to keep the people of Alabama safe, and I look forward to continuing this work after being elected to a full term.”

What is your strategy for the upcoming run-offs?

Marshall: Run with character “My strategy for the run-off is to focus on running a positive campaign with integrity. My conservative record as Attorney General thus far

cent of the vote, a difference of just 307 votes between the No. 1 and No. 2 spot. Now, Rauch is in a runoff and is focused on earning a majority of the vote come July 17. “We knew door knocking was essential.

We have knocked on over 5,000 doors so far, but we expect to surpass 6,500 by July 17,” Rauch said. “We hope that each person we’ve connected with shows up to the polls on the 17 and will also encourage their family, friends and neighbors to do the same. Voter turnout will make or break the results of our election.”

If elected, Rauch said he is focused on a few key issues: improving education, fighting corruption, workforce development, and supporting our veterans. “When it comes to education, I want to give our schools

and school districts a voice in legislation concerning education. Our district is full of trained teachers, educators, administrators and staff who are passionate and have years of expertise in education. I believe that we need to bring teachers and educators into the decision-making process,” Rauch said.

Additionally, Rauch is the only candidate in this race who had defended the right to bear arms and promises to continue to defend the Second Amendment if elected. He is also the only Pro-Life candidate endorsed by the Alabama Citizens for Life, the state’s oldest pro-life organization.

Rauch went on to say, “I went into the Army at 17 because I wanted to serve my country. After I was wounded in combat in

speaks for itself, and I will continue working earnestly to serve the people of Alabama.”

What is one thing you want the voters to know about you?

Marshall: Faith means everything “I am a long-time prosecutor, husband and a father, but the most important thing I want Alabama voters to know about me is that I am a follower of Christ. My faith guides the decisions I make in and outside of office.”

Iraq in 2003, my desire to serve never ceased. I want to continue serving my community and district in a bigger way, by giving them a true voice in Montgomery.

I believe we deserve someone who is truly of the people, by the people, for the people, not someone whose campaign is funded by special interest groups in Montgomery.”

“The people of District 38 deserve to be at the top of the priority list, and I look forward to doing just that after I’m elected. It would be my honor to earn your vote on July 17,” Rauch said.

To read more about Todd Rauch and where he stands on the issues you can visit his website at www.toddrauchforalabama.com or on Facebook at www.facebook. com/toddrauch.

Photos by Robert Noles / Opelika Observer

pelika O Observer VTF,

from B9 available to them, or when trying to find ways to stay connected with other veterans in their community,” Rauch said. “I earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Auburn University because I witnessed the onset of mental health issues amongst fellow

Legals,

from B6 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY STATE OF ALA-

B11 July 11, 2018

service members during my time at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Over the years, I’ve connected with other veterans and created an amazing support network where we all look out for one another. I want to make it easier for veterans to become involved, earn a degree, get a good paying job and pay it forward by volunteering to help other veterans in the

community.”

The VTF will focus on six key areas: veterans affairs benefits/ claims, education, jobs, service organizations, non-profits and veterans justice system.

Members of the task force include: • Deborah Mitchell, Valley area lawyer: Veterans Affairs Benefit & Claims Process • Robyn Westbrook, veteran & advisor for Auburn Student Vet-

erans Associations: Education • Charles Livings, Still Serving Veterans & Coretta Bozeman, Alabama Career Center Systems: Jobs • Vann Daughtry, Retired U.S. Army: Service Organizations.

• Jamie Popwell, Founder of Flags for Vets: Nonprofits • Todd Rauch, Candidate for State Representative in District 38: Veterans Justice

System Rauch explained the need for this program with a few key words: “Alabama has the fifth highest recorded veteran suicide rate in the nation, higher than the national average. Due to the tax exemption for military pensions in Alabama, we have a large veteran community in District 38 and the surrounding areas.

As veterans, we are personally accountable

for each other,” Rauch explained. “I’m committed to increasing the quality of life for our veterans in the region and eliminating veteran suicides throughout the state.”

If you are interested in any of the resources available to the Veterans Task Force, you can email VeteransTaskForce38@gmail. com or call Todd Rauch directly at 334610-1820.

BAMA CASE NO.: CV-2018900100 TRACI AMIRI, PLAINTIFF, VS. THOMAS MICHAEL FULLER, DEFENDANT. NOTICE OF SERVICE

BY PUBLICATION

TO: THOMAS MICHAEL FULLER, his heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns, whose whereabouts are unknown; and, Take notice that a Complaint has been filed against you in the

Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama, in case styled, “Traci Amiri vs. Thomas Michael Fuller”, Case No. CV-2018900100.

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 26th day of June, 2018. /s/ Mary B. Roberson Circuit Court Clerk, Lee County, AL Legal Run 7/4, 7/11, 7/18 & 7/25/18

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B12 July 11, 2018

pelika O Observer

Last week’s answers:

7-4 SCRAMBLER ANSWERS: 1), Method 2) Outfit 3), Debate 4), Snide Solution: Husband

pelika O Observer

B13 July 11, 2018

COMICS

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

-Erma Bombeck

pelika O Observer

B14 July 11, 2018

Cipperly,

from A7

“I cut my teeth as an apprentice while I was still working,” she says.

“On weekends I would get down as soon as I could.”

For 25 years, Selena tore pages out of magazines with pictures of living rooms, bedrooms and gardens, as she planned her inn. She worked on floor plans and studied marketing. She did extra work to save money, including making stained glass to sell for her dream.

While she felt called to offer hospitality to strangers, she prayed to be sure she was doing God’s will.

When the economy had a downturn, Selena lost her job, but she was so well along in her plans that the inn became a reality. She had a list of towns she had visited where she considered opening her

inn.

When she found the six acres in Mills River, she knew it was ideal. “I did this during the recession of 2008,” Selena says, “as a single woman who lost her job. I bought six acres where I didn’t know anybody, and then built this inn from the ground up.”

Tiffany Hill opened June 5, 2009, with two buildings. There are five rooms in the main building and two in the carriage house, all with private suite baths. The rooms are named after places Selena considered building her inn, including Seaside, Florida, Charlottesville, Virginia, Natchez, Mississippi, Beaufort, South Carolina, Madison, Georgia, Lexington, Kentucky, and Mountain Brook, Alabama. These are her favorite southern towns.

In decorating each room, she looked at a palette that reflected the area.

For instance, Seaside has a

Recipes Apple Country French Toast 1 loaf French bread 5 large eggs 11/2 cups milk 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 cup light brown sugar, packed 1/2 cup butter or margarine 2 Tbsp. light corn syrup 8 Golden Delicious apples, peeled and sliced Cinnamon Cut bread into ¾ inch thick slices. Place in a single layer in a lightly greased 13 x 9 inch baking dish. Wisk together eggs, milk, and vanilla.

Pour over bread. Cover and chill for 8 hours.

Preheat oven to 350.

Remove bread from dish. Wipe dish clean; coat with cooking spray.

Cook brown sugar, butter and syrup in a saucepan, over low heat, stirring often until mixture is smooth. Pour into baking dish. Top with apples; arrange bread over apples.

Bake for 40 minutes.

Loosen with knife; invert onto platter.

Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with cinnamon.

Serves 10.

Tiffany Hill’s Artichoke Ham Strata 3 English Muffins, split and quartered 1 Tbsp. butter 1 cup chopped lean ham ½ cup (2 oz.) grated fresh Parmesan Cheese 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh chives 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped 3 garlic cloves, minced 1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg 1 (12 oz.) can evapo-

rated milk 3 large eggs 3 egg whites Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Spray baking dish with Pam. Arrange muffin pieces in bottom of 8 inch baking dish.

Drizzle with melted butter. Layer ham and next 4 ingredients. Mix remaining ingredients and then pour over dish. Cover and let set overnight. Bake for 50 minutes or until puffy and golden brown.

FOOD RATINGS

beach feel, while Lexington has a horse theme.

“I wanted something fresh and calming,” says Selena. “Tiffany Hill was not built for parties, it was built for rest and restoration. I grew up in an urban market, so I wanted to see white picket fences and horses. I wanted to give people the opportunity to breathe.

“When people walk in here, they feel that sense of relaxation, and that was what I was hoping to achieve.”

She had already decided on the name and thought it would be great to have “breakfast at Tiffany’s.”

Selena wears pearls every day that were given to her by a friend, as Aubrey Hepburn did in the movie “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”

Before she opened the inn, Selena would invite friends over to try breakfast and provide feedback. She holds two test kitchens a year now,

and everything served has to go through those test kitchens before they are served to guests.

Selena wants to pay it forward as so many have helped her for 25 years to achieve her dream. She holds boot camps four times a years for people who think they want to open a bed and breakfast inn.

Selena feels the inn received the Southern Living award because of the details that go into making guests comfortable. “We have a heart for customer service that makes us stand out,” she says.

Featured in Select Registry, the inn will celebrate its 10th anniversary next year. The inn’s logo is a pineapple, which is the symbol of hospitality. The scroll under the pineapple is a platter of service, and the name of the inn is shaped like a rainbow.

Caramelized Banana Pudding 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1/4 cup butter ¼ tsp. ground cinnamon ½ cup chopped pecans 4 large ripe bananas, sliced 1 small package (3.4 oz.) vanilla pudding mix 4 large egg whites 1/4 cup sugar 48 vanilla wafers Preheat oven to 325.

Cook first 4 ingredients in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly, 2 to 3 minutes or until bubbly. Add bananas; cook another 2 to 3 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

Remove from heat.

Make pudding according to package direc-

Savory Bread Pudding 1 Tbsp. olive oil 4 oz. sliced portabella mushrooms 1/2 Tbsp. minced garlic 1 cup milk 1 cup heavy whipping cream Salt and pepper 1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg

tions.

Divide half of banana mixture, pudding and wafers among 8 (1cup) ramekins or ovenproof glass dishes.

Layer with remaining banana mixture, pudding and vanilla wafers.

Beat egg whites at high speed with an electric mixer until foamy. Add 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 Tbsp. at a time, beating until stiff peaks form and sugar dissolves (2 to 4 minutes). Spread meringue over ramekins.

Place ramekins on a baking sheet.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the meringue is golden.

Let cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes.

Serves 8.

4 eggs 4 large croissants, cut into ½ inch pieces 1/4 cup butter, melted 1 1/2 cups Swiss cheese 1/2 lb. asparagus (approx. 12 stalks), peeled and sliced into 1 inch pieces 1 1/2 cups diced ham Mince mushrooms and sauté with olive oil

BurgerFi 2145 Interstate Drive Opelika Score: 98

Zoe’s Ice Cream Delite 2757 Alabama Highway 169 Opelika Score: 100

McDonald’s 2057 Tiger Town Pkwy Opelika Score: 98

Eighth & Rail 807 S. Railroad Ave. Opelika Score: 99 Olive Garden 2254 Tiger Town Pkwy Opelika Score: 99

Louie’s at Bett’s Crossing 1479 Fox Run Pkwy Opelika Score: 96 Pizza D’Action 8018 Lee Road 379 Salem Score: 96

Egg Puffs 1 full sheet of puff pastry (from frozen box) 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1/4 cup crumbled bacon 12 oz. cream cheese 1/4 cup milk 4 eggs 4 Tbsp. green peppers, finely chopped 2 Tbsp. red peppers, finely chopped Cut the full sheet of pastry in half and continue quartering until the sheet is 16 individual rectangles.

Stretch dough in 2 directions and press into greased muffin tins, allowing edges to hang over.

Sprinkle an even amount of cheese

until water is rendered and they start to brown.

Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds.

Remove from heat.

Sauté the asparagus pieces in a very small amount of olive oil until crisp tender; then set aside.

Combine milk, cream, salt, pepper and nutmeg, then heat

three is about people who have been touched by the inn’s story and followed their dreams.

Since so many people requested her recipes, she created “Breakfast at Tiffany Hill Experience the Dream” cookbook.

In addition to recipes, the cookbook shows the inn during different seasons.

While at Tiffany Hill, guests can enjoy entertainment at the Flat Rock Theater in downtown Hendersonville along with a wide variety of restaurants. The DuPont State Recreational Forest has 90 miles of trails and waterfalls to explore.

With about 20 orchards in the area, the state’s apple festival is held Labor Day weekend.

There is also a Cheers Trail with beer, wine and cider brewing companies providing tours.

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

and bacon into each cup.

Put the cream cheese into a microwave safe bowl, covered, for 2 minutes on 50% power.

Whisk until smooth, then add the milk and whisk again.

Add the eggs and beat until smooth, then add the peppers.

Ladle egg mixture evenly into the cups. (It is fine if the mixture runs into the pan!)

Pull the edges of the pastry up and pinch the four corners together.

Bake uncovered at 375 for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown.

Serves 8 (two puffs per person).

until mixture is barely simmering. Toss croissant pieces with melted butter. Fold mushroom mixture, asparagus and cheese together.

Slowly add eggs to the milk mixture; then pour over croissants.

Spoon into greased ramekins.

Bake at 325 for 30 minutes. Serves 8.

BurgerFi fires up the grill for chicken Special to the Opelika Observer

Gigi’s Cupcakes 3794 Pepperell Pkwy Opelika Score: 100

“I do believe I have found what I was put on this Earth to do,” says Selena with one of her warm smiles. “If you are fortunate and blessed to do that, then you have lived large. I have a peace that surpasses all understanding that I did what I was told to do.”

When we were leaving Tiffany Hill, we looked up to see Selena standing in the yard waving goodbye. She does this when guests leave because that is what her grandmother did when she left her home after a visit. Selena detailed her inspiring journey to owning an inn in her book, “Courage is Abundant in the Abstract, Take Your Dreams from Abstract to Reality.”

The first part of the book details how she came to own the inn, while the second part gives plans and outlines on achieving a dream, whether it for an inn or anything else. Part

Winner, Winner -- Chicken Lunch and Dinner! BurgerFi, one of the nation’s most rapidly growing fast-casual restaurant chains has announced the system-wide debut of their first ever grilled chicken sandwich offering. The Chicken Avocado BLT sandwich is the newest gourmet creation joining the lineup of better burgers. Chicken lovers across the nation will be able to savor the new creation beginning on July 2 for a limited time, with the possibility of the sandwich becoming a permanent staple on the menu.

The new Chicken Avocado BLT features an all-natural, free-range grilled chicken breast stacked with fried avocado, then topped with white cheddar, bacon, lettuce, tomato and honey mus-

tard-bbq sauce. One dollar from each sandwich will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to help end childhood cancer – leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats these life-threatening diseases.

“We’ve been testing variations of the chicken sandwich for almost a year to ensure our guests have a craveable culinary experience,” said Paul Griffin, the executive chef at BurgerFi. “We always try to infuse our own innovative twist to the standard on anything we do. The fried avocado adds a unique crunch factor – you definitely don’t see that everywhere!”

Known for delivering the all-natural burger experience in a fast-casual environment, the brand has a commitment to quality food that ensures no steroids, antibiotics, growth hormones,

chemicals or additives are ever used.

From chef-driven menu items, including BurgerFi’s unrivaled certified angus craft burgers, their newest plant-based Beyond Burger, hand-cut fries and onion rings and Vienna hot dogs, to frozen custard and shakes, BurgerFi offers guests an uncompromising and rewarding dining experience.

“We recognize that our guests value expanded options, so we wanted to add a chicken sandwich that had a novelty factor,” said BurgerFi CEO Corey Winograd.

“We’re thrilled to finally be able to serve up a chicken sandwich that not only will do good but is good.”

BurgerFi will continue expanding its better burger brand this year with 15–20 stores planned for the second half of 2018 and another 25–30 in 2019.