Opelika Observer 7-18-18 by OpelikaObserver

Vol. 10, No. 41

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

pelika O Observer

Opelika, Alabama

“By local people, for local people.”

Newcomers Jeremy Gray, Todd Rauch win State District races Richard LaGrand wins Lee Co. Commission seat five; Randy Price wins State Senate District 13 race By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor

Photo by Robert Noles / Opelika Observer

Opelika’s Jeremy Gray defeated opponent Patsy Jones for the Democratic nomination in the State Representative District 83

race Tuesday night. With an 8-percent margin of victory (5446), Gray will run against Republican Michael Holden in November’s mid-term elections. “Man, it just feels great.

Being a newcomer, having a bit of a learning curve, and all I had to go through to endure to the end, being told you’re too young ... it just feels great to come through and See Election, page B7

Fifth-generation Duncan offers ‘rest’ to vets assumes duties at Mrs. Story’s Dairy Bar By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor

Giving military veterans, first responders and law enforcement officers a chance to take a reprieve from their demanding jobs and grow closer to God are the goals of Warriors’ Rest, an umbrella program of the Tommy Tuberville Foundation. According to WR Founder Jonathan Duncan, his ministry’s message is tailored to Matthew 11:28-30, an appeal from Jesus Christ to those with heavy burdens to come find rest in Him and replenish their souls. An Army veteran, former worship pastor and Opelika Police Depart-

ment officer, Duncan said he uses his background to build rapport with others, provide an environment to experience God on a deeper level and form lifelong relationships. “One thing a buddy of mine told me a while back stuck: ‘where you need to go to serve; as God develops you, He shows you who you need to serve,’” Duncan said. “I love people. There’s nothing I enjoy more than helping someone discover the real reason why they’re on this earth. My desire is to not only help people know God in a deeper way but to provide an environment for them to determine what He is saying and how they should respond.” Ac-

Duncan cording to Duncan, his blend of life experiences led him to forging Warrior’s Rest last year. During a deployment to Iraq in 2006, close friend and comrade Sgt. David Herrera died in the line of duty. Duncan said he believes that the boxing up of grief and tragedy, along with a

lack of purpose, are key contributors in the rising numbers of suicide among America’s military personnel and first responders. Currently, the ministry’s format features a monthly two week retreat for Duncan and program participants to dive into intensive Bible studies, prayer times and musical praise. There is also a six-month follow up process so that no one gets left behind. Held in a remote location on Lake Martin, Duncan said they value the “privacy of (their) participants and the solitude provides the perfect opportunity for closeness and ability to

See Rest, page A6

Sheriff Jay Jones to be honored as a ‘Heartsaver Hero’ Special to the Opelika Observer

Photo by Robert Noles/ Opelika Observer

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor Opelika’s chili dog and milkshake destination “Mrs. Story’s Dairy Bar” has been passed down to fifthgeneration family member Blake Boothe. Becoming the store’s official owner July 1, Blake said he looks forward to the challenge of building and maintaining the store’s

solid reputation which spans more than 66 years. “There’s a pride aspect to it, but it’s definitely all on me now. There’s not so much pressure as it is just realizing that it’s all yours now,” Blake said. “It’s just going to take some getting used to.” Sweet beginnings Mrs. Story’s was See Story’s, page A10

Jones

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

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

A “Heartsaver Hero” award presentation will be held July 18 to honor Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones and other responders whose quick thinking and actions saved the life of a co-worker. The presentation will be held at the Lee County Sheriff's Office and will include members of the Lee County Sheriff's Office, Opelika Fire and Rescue Department

and East Alabama EMS, LLC. Presented by CarePoint Resources, LLC, the award is offered through the American Heart Association to non-medical bystanders who respond to sudden cardiac arrest victims in an effort to save lives. The event will highlight the actions performed by Sheriff Jones and others to save the life of Iris Bridges, an administraSee Jones page A10

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A2 July 18, 2018

HomeLink Realty announces expansion, new location Link Principal Broker and Realtor Carrie King. In a shared building space with Davidson, Davidson, Umbach & Forbus and Guild Mortgage, King said she believes the new location will help further increase their business presence. “We believe visibility and ample parking are very important factors in obtaining new business as well as retaining current clients and customers. There are so many businesses in our community that have struggled with parking and being able to retain their customer and client base," King said. "We took those factors into consideration in the planning of our new location, as we would never want that to hinder our success." Currently, HomeLink has three employees and 20 agents with more than 200 years of combined experience. For more information, visit www. homelink.com or call 334-329-5055.

to include a new location at 310 Samford Village Court. Open since 2016, the business's rapid growth necessitated an expansion, according to Home-

By Anna Riley For the Opelika Observer HomeLink Realty, an Auburn-based real estate business, has expanded

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A3 July 18, 2018

Former Auburn player, best-selling author to hold book signing in Opelika By Anna Riley For the Opelika Observer Ace Atkins, an Auburn University alum and a New York Times best-selling author, will make a stop in Opelika July 25 at John Emerald Distillery to promote his new book, "The Sinners." With 21 published novels under his belt, the accomplished author said he is excited to return to the area and see the progress that has been made. “The Auburn-Opelika area has changed so much from when I lived there. I look forward to seeing the new and

visiting the old," Atkins said. "I can't think of a better place than John Emerald to catch up. Times have changed. When I was at Auburn, the idea of a nearby distillery was only a dream. Now it's all coming full circle." An Auburn High School and Auburn University graduate, Atkins said he has been working on his fiction writing since the late 1980s. Many of Atkins' novels delve into crime, a subject that he said he likes to explore in detail. “(My books) take on the good, bad and the ugly of the community

where they are set. I love the deep South, but there’s also a lot of dysfunction to explore," Atkins said. "The crime novel takes on the ills of the community, hopefully to find some type of resolution, although you always know the next problem is right around the bend.” Copies of The Sinner will be available to purchase at the event from Books-a-Million. The event is scheduled for 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.aceatkins.com. John Emerald Distillery is located at 706 N. Railroad Ave. in downtown Opelika.

Atkins

Prewett Insurance Group announces new development program; accepting resumes Special to the Opelika Observer Prewett Insurance Group, an Allstate agency located in Auburn and Opelika, has launched The Prewett Development Program to train and develop professionals in sales, management, and entrepreneurship. Applications are now being accepted for two spots in the program. Visit www.prewettinsurancecareers.com to learn more and apply today. Rusty Prewett began growing his Allstate insurance and financial services business nine years ago by developing a specialized team of customer service, sales, employee benefits and financial consulting services professionals. This team is dedicated to not only company growth but community and individual growth as well. All new team members complete the 90-day training and discover their custom career path to team leadership, agency management, and even entrepreneurship. This unique approach to business growth and hir-

ing is based on Prewett’s vision to develop leaders and create insurance and financial service agencies that positively impact the communities they serve. The full job posting can be found below. THE NEED: Prewett Insurance Group is currently seeking driven professionals to join our team of specialized agents. Their current offices are based in Auburn and Opelika, with plans to grow as team members advance and grow. THE PROGRAM: Once hired, individuals will begin a 90-day training period to adequately train and equip them to be a successful licensed agent. During the initial 90 days, trainees will be working directly with a licensed agent who will assess their strengths and outline a dynamic career path for each individual. Though the Development Program is structured, it is customized to each individual. Together, Prewett Insurance Group will determine if one is best suited for insurance sales, customer service, employee benefits sales, or financial

services. Prewett Insurance Group believe in leadership development for everyone. Each agent is trained using a state of the art, virtual training and coaching system. They also support their agents with marketing education and resources including: local branding, social media, direct mail, and networking opportunities (chamber of commerce, association of realtors, civic clubs). In order to excel in the program and progress through the program, individuals must possess internal drive, an entrepreneurial spirit, and the ability to thrive in a hi-energy environment. Each person will begin as a Licensed Associate with the opportunity for promotion to Licensed Agent, Licensed Agent + Team Leader, and Agency Manager. THE IDEAL TEAM MEMBER: The Development Program is appropriate for entry level professionals as well as established professionals looking for a career change. We have created two paths: development and ac-

celerated; in order to challenge every professional depending on their experience level. THE RESPONSIBILITIES AND REQUIREMENTS: • property and casualty and life/health license required. (will be obtained at the start of the program) • you will be responsible for learning, educating, and selling the following products: • home, auto, life, and renters insurance • financial products • group employee benefits • retirement products • responsible for new client acquisition through proactive, outbound prospecting and referral marketing • required to engage with customers and strengthen sales and customer service skills • must be able to handle any and all customer service requests efficiently and quickly • will be asked to network and build relationships at local events each month • serve the community through fundraisers and events with the Prewett

Genealogical Society of East Alabama to host program July 21 Special to the Opelika Observer The Genealogical Society of East Alabama quarterly program will be held July 21 at 11 a.m. at the Museum of East Alabama located at 121 South 9th St. in historic downtown Opelika. The program is free and the public is invited to attend. The Office of Archaeological Research, a division of the University of Alabama Museums will present a program highlighting its findings on a site in historic downtown Tuscaloosa.

The Bank of the State was located there as well as structures preceding and following that use. The excavation uncovered artifacts ranging from a log cabin constructed in 1816 to the Bank of the State and its subsequent use as an internment camp for captured Union prisoners during the Civil War. There are many interesting stories associated with the site including the political debate surrounding the establishment of the Bank of the State at the time Tuscaloosa was

serving as the Alabama state capital after it was relocated from Cahaba. There was a printing press in the bank building. The press was out of service at the time Union prisoners were held there, but some enterprising prisoners figured out how to bring the press back into action and printed counterfeit Confederate currency. Whether this audacious counterfeiting operation was done for profit or to undermine the value of Confederate currency, it was certainly a bold

and unique activity for prisoners of war. The speaker Brandon Thompson received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Alabama specializing in bioarcheology and forensic anthropology. He has worked for the University's Office of Archaeological Research for ten years and has led several large scale excavations at both prehistoric and historic archaeological sites including Moundville, downtown Tuscaloosa, and Civil War-era sites.

Insurance Team • assist in the recruitment and training of new interns and associates THE COMPENSATION: Prewett Inursance Group compensation packages are very competitive and rewards hign-performing team members. • our average customer service agents earn $40K-$65K/year. • our sales agents and team leaders earn $100K+. • our agency managers earn $100K+ with profit sharing. • base salary + commissions + bonuses + benefits package THE QUALIFICATIONS: • experience in insurance or sales is preferred but not required as this program will teach you the business, products, and how to be a successful agent. • associate degree or bachelor degree, preferred but not required • must possess internal drive, an entrepreneurial spirit, and the ability to thrive in a hi- energy environment. THE REQUIRE-

MENTS FOR APPLICATION: • 1 page resume • Cover letter specifying which area(s) of the business you are most interested in and why: • insurance sales (Property & Casualty and Life) • customer service • employee benefits • financial and retirement services Visit our careers site at www.prewettinsurancecareers.com or check us out online at www. prewettinsurancegroup. com and www.facebook. com/prewettinsurancegroup ABOUT PREWETT INSURANCE GROUP: We are an insurance and financial services firm representing Allstate Insurance Company. We offer a complete program of insurance and financial services including home, auto, life, retirement planning, business, longterm care, annuities and workplace benefits. The agency is ranked in the Top 100 out of 10,000 Allstate agencies in the country. We serve both Alabama and Georgia and have offices located in Auburn and Opelika.

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pelika O Opinion Women in combat A4

July 18, 2018

(Let me hastily add that ot long ago some I knew nothing then, and of our professional know nothing now, that politicians began would suggest that they, offering their opinions on personally, deserved such whether or not women approbation though what should be sent into a comfollows suggests that the bat situation. assessment might have My opinion is this. If you By Hardy Jackson been accurate.) are gonna have combat, It was at PE that the reckI see no reason to keep oning came. We were all herded into women out. the gym – I don’t recall why, maybe Let me refer you to my niece Sarah it was raining – but as anyone will tell – really a cousin, the daughter of my you, large numbers of teenagers millcousin Benny, but years ago I got ing around in a confined space is never tagged as “Uncle Hardy,” and I like a good idea. it. She is a major in the United States Then we heard the shout, a high Air Force and has done a tour in Iraq. shrill, banshee-like cry that chilled my Before that, she was also a competitive cheerleader. Recently, for fun, she blood. Out of a group of girls on one side of the basketball court the crier and her sister Leanna, a former Miscame, heaping verbal abuse on the sissippi State cheerleader and now in law enforcement, took part in a “Tough object of her wrath. That object immediately emerged Mudder” competition that was billed as from another group and began giving “Probably the Toughest Event on the as good as she got. Planet” (http://toughmudder.com/). I looked around for the boy who was Looking at the pictures, I can believe the subject of this shouting match, but it. he was nowhere to be seen. (Someone Lord help the enemy if those girls told me later that he retreated into the were sent into battle. But long before my nieces convinced boy’s locker room which, considering what he had done to cause what folme that women could hold their own lowed, was the first wise move he had under combat situations, I witnessed something that made the point about as made in the matter.) Now I had been around fights before well as it could be made. I was in high school. Back in the 50s. and in my experience, when there is a The rumor was going around (as high lot of talking and yelling there really is not much actual fighting. The combatschool rumors do) that a boy I knew ants get it out of their systems, cooler was dating two girls at the same time, heads intervene and prevail. a violation of the gentlemanly code But, in this case, precedent did not young men of my class and circummatter. stances were taught to obey, but a Screaming shrill, profanity-filled violation we guys admired since he epithets at the top of their lungs the two was able to accomplish this without came to the center of what was now a one knowing about the other. circle of spectators and went at it. For a while. Punches were thrown, there was Then the girls discovered the duplicity and each vowed to their friends that hair pulling, scratching and wrestling. Down they went in a cloud of crinoline they would get even with the other – then they would get even with the guy. petticoats (remember, the 50s). Up they came for air and the fight continued. Let us pause here a moment to conNo one intervened. sider the context. Not even the coaches who were presIn rural counties like mine, children ent. They had been college linemen. were identified through their families They had broken up fights before. and the families, which often shared But they held back. So did guys like the same name without direct (or myself. We just stood there, transfixed acknowledged) blood-kin would be and not a little bit frightened. identified by their accomplishments. It came to an end when the combatSo, for example, you might have the ants wore out and other girls, their sup“preaching Jacksons” or the “fightporters, stepped in to call it a draw. ing Jacksons” or the . . . you get the And from that day to this I have conpicture. sidered what an army of fighters such Well, these two girls came from as those could accomplish. families best known for confrontaThe mind reels. tions with local law enforcement that Harvey H. (Hardy) Jackson is Emileft their clans with a record of misdenent Scholar in History at Jacksonville meanors and a reputation that would automatically put the two into the “bad State University. He can be reached at hjackson@cableone.net. girl” category.

ou have to pull the cord exactly three times for the light to come on in the kitchen. Don’t turn it off by the switch, because then the fan will turn off. It gets hot without the fan. To turn the light off, you only have to pull once. Old houses are quirky. The birth of this old farm house took place around the turn of the century. We decided to inhabit it before the birth of our daughter, Abigail. I was so sick during the pregnancy that we were unable to follow through with our plan. Abigail surprised us with an early arrival. Our current residence grew smaller with an infant, a pre-teen, three dogs and a cat. After settling in with the new responsibilities of caring for an infant, we decided it was time. We hopped into the car and made the 40-minute drive to the old farmhouse and walked around. The

The Nurse

ies and frozen yogurt. It frozen yogurt joint. was twenty-one days of I’ve just finished caregiving. supper. My belt is When I ask the girl tight from eating too much about it, she only shrugs pizza. and says: There are too many yo“Sometimes, you just gurt flavors to choose from gotta do what you gotta in this place. Triple Dark By Sean Dietrich do.” Peruvian Fudgesicle, Very She changed his bandages, Berry Quite Contrary, Oreo Delight, cooked his breakfasts, fixed his Midnight Mudpie in Mississippi— lunches, dusted his furniture and shut my mouth. Of course, the Orange Julius flavor even mowed his lawn. I haven’t cut my own lawn in 30 doesn’t taste too shabby, either. years. Then again, artificial orange “That’s when we realized she doesn’t always set well with me. When I was a boy, the doctor gassed was special,” says her father. “She came home one day, saying, ‘Dad, I me with orange-flavored laughing wanna be a nurse.’ And I was like, gas just before tonsil surgery. All I remember after that is hearing ‘A what? Who is this small adult, and where’d she come from?’” nurses play Righteous Brothers muAnd that brings us to the aforesic through a transistor radio while I mentioned incident, when her little breathed in orange fumes. brother tested the weight-bearing Ever since then, I detest Sunkist, capabilities of residential gutter, and I can’t hear “Unchained Meloonly weeks ago. Due to his accidy” without breaking into a nervous dent, she is a nurse once again. sweat. A girl’s gotta do what she’s gotta So I’m sampling yogurt flavors, do. and that’s when I see her. She’s 12, So I’m watching her feed Little maybe 13. She’s with her family. She Brother one mouthful at at time. is small. She is a redhead. She dabs his chin. She tells a joke. I have a soft spot for redheads She is trying to make him laugh. since God made me one. Her brother will make a full reThe girl is feeding her little brother covery, her parents tell me. And one with a spoon. The boy has a cast on day, he might even pitch in the maone arm, and a sling on the other. “He fell,” the boy’s father explains. jor leagues—if all goes according to the plan. But until then, he has big “He was climbing our gutter on the sister. porch.” And it’s my turn to order. Before “The gutter?” I say. I do, I ask for expert yogurt-flavor “The gutter.” advice from the girl, but she’s too He broke one arm and injured his preoccupied with little brother to other shoulder. No sooner had he hit hear me. the ground than his twelve-year-old So I ask junior himself which flasister came running to the rescue. vor he recommends. And as the story goes: she carried “Get the orange,” says the the her brother indoors—over her shoulboy. “That’s my sister’s favorite, der. Big Sister has been caring for she knows everything.” Little Brother ever since. Why not. Orange it is. “I love taking care of people,” the The family finishes their yogirl tells me. “I’m gonna be a nurse gurt cups. They leave. They walk one day.” through the parking lot. I see them The girl’s mother says that her beneath the glow of the street lamp. daughter has always wanted to be a Sister wraps her arms around her nurse, from day one. And earlier this brother and muscles him into a giyear, before little brother attempted his solo flight, the girl got her chance ant SUV. She buckles him into his seat. She kisses his face. I watch to be a real nurse. It happened when her grandfather their tail lights disappear. I was going to write about somewas diagnosed with skin cancer. After his invasive surgery, recovery thing else tonight. But I’ve changed my mind. was slow. So, the girl volunteered Sometimes, a boy’s gotta do what to live with her grandfather for a boy’s gotta do. three weeks. Sean Dietrich is a columnist, and Three weeks. That meant no novelist, known for his commentary hanging out with friends, no on life in the American South. sleepovers, no going out for mov-

The Kitchen Sink

pruned, we inside was litweeded, tered with cans we poured of paint and sweat and paintbrushes we felt from where excited. We we began the then made renovation it a point process a year By Lucy Fuller to drive up earlier. There here every was no power, day thereafter to work so the house smelled on the inside. Painting, of old wood, forgotten memories and loneliness. tearing out cabinets, Something inside of me fixing pipes, doing what we could with what our told me this was home. limited budget would This was our home. allow. Within 10 days, I was aware of the we started moving in workload that was in furniture and appliances, store for us in order to and I began decorating. prepare it for our family. Jody’s grandparents Nevertheless, it felt right. raised their family in I had a peace about it. this house. Furthermore, It was almost as if God whispered in my ear, “It’s Jody’s dad was born in this house, a house which time,” and for the first held moments of laughtime in my adult life I ter, tears, pain, struggles answered Him back and and triumph. This old said “okay.” I turned to house has seen a lot in its Jody, smiled and said, 100 years. My only wish “Let’s move”. We came back the next is that it will see at least another 100. day and began phase one I lived in Auburn on of clean up. We started with the yard. We cut, we the same street for a

majority of my childhood and early adult life. I sold my house when Jody and I married in 2014. The new owners were in the middle of demolition and had set several appliances and items out in the yard. I mentioned to Jody what was going on and begged him to go retrieve what he was able to from the “throw away” pile. Something told me that I needed to keep a few things, especially the kitchen sink. It just didn’t seem right leaving it there. I went through a lot while I was living in that house. The walls held many secrets. It was the house where my older daughter was raised. Emily and I shared so many “firsts” in that house: her first laugh, her first words, her first steps and her first bath in the kitchen sink, which, by the way, was the first thing I had Jody grab from the pile of rubbish in the front yard.

He must have thought I was half crazy for wanting to keep it so badly, but little did he know what memories it held. I must admit, it was a nice sink: stainless steel, double basin, deep, and a spray nozzle built into the faucet, which was very handy. The sink sat in storage for several years collecting dust, because I knew I’d want to use it again someday. It may seem silly to some people, but to me, it was important. When we decided to make the move to the farmhouse, also known as Terrapin Slide, we knew we’d have to make improvements and updates to turn the house into a home. Painting was my first concern. We had started painting months before now. The rooms were littered with dried out paint brushes, half-full cans of paint and half-painted walls. We finished painting. “The

Slide” got its name from Jody’s late father due to the fact that this part of the county is so slow it “slides like a terrapin.” We continued a pretty vigorous process of a “mini” renovation. We tore out cabinets, made a few small improvements to the bathroom, and added new countertops in the kitchen. We also installed the kitchen sink I had saved all of those years. Renovation and relocation is hard on a tight budget, but we are making it work. We are using what we have and saving for what we need. We are truly blessed. Everything is coming together and we are really enjoying making this house our home. We are almost entirely moved in. We have moved our big pieces of furniture and are now at the stage of organizing. Its starting to feel like See Fuller, page B8

pelika O Observer

Around Lee County

July 18, 2018

Auburn Area Community Theatre County gets closer to Spay Neuter Program approval presents AACT OUT! July 26 Special to the Opelika Observer The Auburn Area Community Theatre is presenting AACT Out July 26 from 6 -7:30 p.m. at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, located at 222 E Drake Ave., in Auburn. AACT invites all members of the community to join them for the 2018-2019 season kick-off party. Come help celebrate their 15th season, “A Story for Everyone.” This free event will include refreshments, recognition of sponsors

and volunteers, information on how to get involved, live previews of the upcoming season titles, and, for the first time ever, the option to buy season tickets. The 2018-2019 season will showcase “Silent Sky”; “The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley”; “To Kill A Mockingbird”; “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”; and “Last Roundup of the Guacamole Queens.” Auburn Area Community Theatre is a non-profit organization that exists to serve the Auburn/Opelika Com-

munity. Its purpose is to provide an opportunity for education and participation in the world of theatre and present a quality, entertaining and thought-provoking theatre experience. A member of the Auburn Arts Association, the AACT is actively soliciting new members who have an interest in helping the growth of community theatre. AACT members and the community-at-large are encouraged to participate. For more information, visit www.auburnact. org.

By Fred Woods Opelika Observer The Lee County Commission, in a relatively short meeting last week, discussed but deferred action on the renewal of the pilot spay-neuter program (to give commissioners time to study new materials), passed a bond resolution for the Lee County Board of Education and filled a number of vacancies on several county boards. Fourth District Commissioner Robert Ham, who has become a vocal leader on the commission since the spay-

time The four entities have agreed on a two-part funding formula whereby one-half the cost of the program will be based on each entity’s share of total county population and the other half on each entity’s share of total surgeries. For the next fiscal year (FY2019), surgery data will include results since the inception of the program in spring 2017. Thereafter data will be from the preceding fiscal year. Since Lee County leads in both population and surgery numbers, its

neuter program was introduced, has discussed program continuation with the leadership of all four Lee County government entities (Lee County Commission and mayors of Auburn, Opelika and Smiths Station) and has gained agreements on program continuation and a funding formula and, more importantly, commitment that a meaningful program evaluation will be based on several years of program operation, say 9 –10 years. This seems to commit all entities to continuing the program for at least this period of

See County, page A6

Smiths Station denies resident’s de-annexation petition By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor

Members of the Smiths Station City Council breezed through their meeting last Tuesday night. The one business item on the council’s agenda was a de-annexation petition submitted by Smiths Station resident Charles Harper, owner of land located along Lee Road 243.

Following the signing of House Bill 373 into law by Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, Harper is among 199 other property owners whose land was annexed in to the Smiths Station city limits. The legislation expanded the city’s current borders by 400 acres and 740 parcels, according to several media interviews done by Mayor Bubba Copeland.

Harper said his reason for submitting the petition stemmed over concerns of increased costs of pick-up services and property tax rates for his land, which is now considered to be a part of Smiths Station. “I’ve owned that land all these years now, and it was in Lee County. I want to stay in Lee County, I want no part of being in the Smiths Station city limits,”

Harper said. “I’m not against Smiths Station, but I just don’t want my land rezoned without my authority. I fought for my land and bought my land ... it was just mudholes when I got there, and I’ve done everything by the book and kept it clean.” After hearing Harper’s concerns, Copeland rebutted, stating that Harper’s cost of pick-up service increase would

mendation stating their opinion that the council deny the petition, which they later did in a 5-0 decision. The council’s next planned meeting is July 24, with a work session beginning at 5:30 p.m. E.S.T. They meet the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at the Smiths Station Government Center, which is located at 2336 Lee Road 430.

be minimal and that the city’s recent 5-mill tax plan adoption would not go into effect until 2020. “...the property tax situation will not affect you until the end of 2020, because of you being annexed in,” Copeland said. Morris Jackson, Place 2 Councilman and chairman of Smiths Station’s annexation committee, read a recom-

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pelika O Observer

A6 July 18, 2018

Rest,

Duncan, who also serves as a chaplain at Opelika’s Global K9 Protection Group, said he is in the process of turning Warriors’ Rest into a 501c3 nonprofit and one day hopes to be involved with the ministry on a full-time basis. “My goal is to have a physical location for Warriors’ Rest, with full-fledged counseling services provided through a fully Biblical approach. That is the only way we can truly make a difference, using it as our foundation,” Duncan said. Duncan, a member of the Opelika branch of

from A1 worship God without distraction.” “We go through a Christ-centered curriculum, and because we do it for two weeks, there’s nothing else to do but place God first. We get to praise God through music … I play guitar and lead a short worship service right where we are,” Duncan said. “People have asked me, ‘hey man, you leading worship anymore?’ And I say, ‘yeah man, just on a different platform.”

Church of the Highlands, expressed his gratitude to his wife Katherine, as well as the support of Beallwood Baptist Church, Church at the Crossing in Dothan, Tapestry Community Church and Act6missions in Roswell, Georgia, First Choice Personnel of Gadsden and Lee County’s Flags for Vets. For more information, email Duncan at Jonathan@tommytubervillefoundation.org, visit www.tommytubervillefoundation.org/warriors or like and follow the organization’s Facebook page.

County,

• announced that two vacancies will arise on the Lee County Youth Development Board at the end of September, • appointed Tara Barr as the District 2 representative on the Lee County Recreation Board, • re-appointed Joel Pittard, David Smalley and Larry Fillmer to the East Alabama Health Care Authority (The commission had previously appointed Dozier Smith T to fill an unexpired term), • re-appointed Jay Jones and Randy Causey to the E-9-1-1 Board, and • appointed Mark Aderholdt to the Loachapoka Water Authority Board.

of Education is in the process of borrowing $23 million to “pay the costs of acquiring, constructing and renovating certain capital improvements to Beauregard High School,” and asked the Lee County Commission to provide a resolution assuring that the commission has no intention of rescinding or discontinuing the county sales tax, at least during the period of the school board loan to provide assurances to prospective lenders regarding the safety of the loan. The resolution was approved unanimously. In other action, the commission:

from A5 share of program funding for FY-2019 will be 40% of the total. Although all participants see areas for improvement, benefits include: • reduced euthanasia rate and increases in adoption and owner return rates • there seems to be a good feeling about initial results and a strong commitment to continue and improve the Lee County Spay-Neuter Program. The Lee County Board

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Opelika E vents, Society, & Food

U PC OM I NG EVENT S: • SUMMER SWING • FARMER’S MARKETS • WAY TO SERVE • HABITAT DINNER • DOWNTOWN LOVES YOU • OTC’S HAIRY TALE ROCK • AACT OUT!

Grandmother, granddaughter enjoy special time during summer Ann Cipperly’s

Southern

Hospitality

fter Martha Hill’s husband, Hoyt, passed away in 2015, life has changed, but faith and family have remained the most important. Martha finds when the children and grandchildren visit it is even more special. This summer, her granddaughter, Sara Kate Taylor, decided to spend the summer with her grandmother in Opelika. Martha has been teaching Sara Kate how to grocery shop, and they are having fun cooking together. Sara Kate is enjoying living in the house her mother grew up in and attending the same church, Trinity United

Methodist, where she works at Children's Day Out. Both of her parents, Sandra Hill and Walt Taylor, grew up in Opelika. Sara Kate is also spending time with her other grandmother, Sandra Knight Thomaston, in Opelika. Sara Kate is a sophomore at the University of Alabama, majoring in public relations. Her mother graduated from Alabama, as well as her Hill grandparents. Martha and Hoyt have three children, who all grew up in Opelika, and eight grandchildren. Sandra and Walt live in Lawrenceville, Ga., and also have two sons; Walton, who just

graduated from Georgia Tech, and Will, a high school senior. Their other daughter Susan and her husband, Bob, reside in Birmingham and have three children; Anna, a senior at Mississippi College; Allison, a sophomore at Mississippi College; and Matthew, who is in high school. Son John and his wife, Jinsook, have two sons, Jaemin, 12, and Jaden, 10, live in Maricopa, Arizona. “My grandchildren are one of the greatest blessings in my life," says Martha. "Grandchildren are spoken of in the Bible as the crown of the elderly in Proverbs 17:6. When I think of them joy and

Summer Swing 5K fun for all By Robert Noles Opelika Observer During the last 15 years, Tuesday nights at 6 p.m. have brought out runners to run a 5K before each Summer Swing concert. Doug Underwood heads up the event by keeping the time clock, provide water, cool towels, music and food for the runners. A customized t-shirt can be acquired for the event each year. The 5k begins behind the Denson Park and Recreation Center and follows a route around the area with the fastest runners coming in around

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer 20-25 minutes, to others finishing up to as late as 45 minutes, just in time to go to Municipal Park and enjoy Summer Swing. The event welcomes runners, beginning runners and walkers. The fee is $1 per race or $10 for the entire series with those 18 years and under

free. Last night, there was watermelon after the run and next week which ends the series there will be pizza after the run. For more information, visit www.lastlap-dougu. blogspot.com or email Doug Underwood at durunforfun@yahoo.com.

Photo by Ann Cipperly Martha Hill’s granddaughter, Sara Kate Taylor, is spending the summer with her and learning about cooking. Sara Kate’s parents, Sandra Hill and Walt Taylor, both grew up in Opelika. She also has another grandmother in Opelika, Sandra Knight Thomaston. Sara Kate will return to the University of Alabama this fall. pride come to mind. How special the times we’ve shared together have been. I hope that these times have created special memories for them. “Over the years, I have always tried to make sure that each of my grandchildren felt special," adds Martha, "and that they knew how much they are loved. Faith and family was important to Hoyt and me in our lives.” Hoyt was well known in Opelika and active in church. He was an at-

torney with the Walker Hill Law Firm for many years and finished his career at the Walton Law Firm. Martha met Hoyt while they were attending the University of Alabama. She graduated in nursing with bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Her nursing school was moved to UAB, She has a special relationship with the staff and former faculty members and visits the school often. During one of her visits, she was interviewed by the

local Fox News station about when she attended nursing school. Martha plans to be at the dedication of the new School of Nursing building in September. When the Hills’ children were growing up, Martha’s mother made the Chocolate Pound Cake when they visited, and then Martha began making it for her children. It is her grandchildren’s favorite dessert, and Walton asks for it on his birthday. When her grandchilSee Cipperly, page B14

‘Habitat around the Heart’ planned for July 26 By Anna Riley For the Opelika Observer The Auburn-Opelika branch of the Habitat for Humanity will host their largest annual fundraiser, "Habitat Around the Heart," July 26 from 6-9 p.m. at the Saugahatchee Country Club. Executive director Mark Grantham said that the 10-year-old

event has grown each year, and has raised as much $52,000 in years past to benefit their initiatives. “All the money stays local and helps us build homes for qualified partner families in Auburn and Opelika,” Grantham said. There will be a silent and live action, including items such as scenic plane flights, dinners around town, sports

tickets, vacations to the white sands of the Gulf Coast, a vacation for 4-7 nights to Marciano, Italy and more. The Auburn High Jazz Band will perform live jazz and they will also have food catered by local chef Trey Dorsey. Tickets are $40 but are limited and can only be purchased online at www.auburnSee Habitat, page A

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

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

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Opelika

Family & Religion

July 18, 2018

Building on Jesus and nothing else

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he immaturity of the disciples at Corinth was anchored, to a large degree, by their infatuation with worldly wisdom (the words “wisdom” and “wise” appear 28 times in the first four chapters). Despite the eighteen months Paul had spent there and the letter he had written to them (5:9), they were stubbornly clinging to their cultural value of looking to themselves rather than to God for answers. Their immaturity manifested itself in numerous ways—taking each other to court (chapter 6), their failure to practice church discipline (5), their competition in regard to spiritual gifts (1214), etc. As critical as these issues were, Paul doesn’t begin his letter by addressing any of them. Instead, he targets

task.” He the fragspeaks of mentation them as that was workers in taking place God’s field among with one them due to planting, them makBy Bruce Green the other ing celebriTeaching Minister at watering ties out of 10th Street Church of but God those who Christ in Opelika giving the shared the growth (v. message of 6). Paul then moves from Christ (1:11-12). this agricultural picture He was deeply disto one of construction turbed by this because it where he is the builder brought disunity to the and Jesus is the foundabody of Christ (v. 10) tion (3:10). There can be and showed their failure many builders but only to understand the implione foundation (v. 11). cations of Jesus’ death He reasserts their as well as their own servant-identity in 4:1: baptism (v. 13). Paul initially addresses “This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as the celebrity status servants of Christ and foisted upon them in as those entrusted with 3:5ff where he identithe mysteries God has fies himself and Apolrevealed.” He then enlos as “Only servants, through whom you came courages them to apply what he has said about to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each His himself and Apollos to

themselves (v. 6). If they think of themselves as servants, they will not be puffed up because servants have no basis for boasting—all they have has been given to them (v. 7). In identifying himself and Apollos as servants and encouraging the Corinthians to do the same, Paul is practicing what he preaches by building on the foundation of Jesus. Christ was a servant. If anyone builds on the foundation of the One who was a servant, they will be a servant as well. If they are not, the question should be asked if they are really building on Jesus or something else. Paul knew what kind of foundation he had laid in Corinth and I think he had a good idea of the follow-up work of people like Apollos.

Yet for all of the healthy instruction the Corinthians had received, many of them were still locked into an immature a war of wills over who was the superior spokesman for Christ, which of them had the greater spiritual gift, or the rights they had that needed to be defended and exercised. They were acting like spoiled children rather than following the model of servanthood embodied in Jesus and practiced by Paul, Apollos and others. It wasn’t a pretty picture then and twenty centuries have done nothing to improve it. May our hearts be transformed so that we don’t just do the deeds of a servant—we become one. You can find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: atasteofgracewithbrucegreen.com.

Church calendar James Brown Trio to

• 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 334-7033333. • Join the church at Cunningham Drive for a quarterly singing July 20 beginning at 7 p.m. The church meets at 2660 Cunningham Dr in Opelika. • The James Brown Trio will perform at Pepperell Baptist Church July 29. The group is known

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

for its seamless blending of southern and classic gospel with a tinge of modern influence. PBC is located at 2702 Second Ave. For more information, call 334-745-3108. • The popular contemporary Christian group Big Daddy Weave will perform at First Baptist Church of Opelika Sept. 14 as a part of their “Jesus, I Believe” tour. Brandon Heath will serve as the show opener. Visit ticketfly.com for tickets or call 334-745-5715. 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

perform at Pepperell Baptist Church July 29 Special to the Opelika Observer Pepperell Baptist Church will host the James Brown Trio in concert for its fifth Sunday night service July 29, beginning at 6 p.m. Together since 2000, the group is known for blending southern and classic gospel with a blend of modern-day style. The groups consists of members Charles Story, retired Chamber County circuit clerk; Adam Traylor, Lakeview Baptist Church’s minister of music and Teel Traylor, Adam’s wife and stay-at-home mother of three.

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

James Brown Trio The event will feature an evening full of fun, fellowship and spiritual uplifting. Pepperell Baptist Church is located at 2702 Second Ave. in Opelika. For more information, call 334-745-3108.

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 18, 2018

OBITUARIES Alice “Bert” (Kramer) Foster Mrs. Alice “Bert” (Kramer) Foster, born on February 6, 1943 in Oak Park, Illinois, passed away at age 75 on July 12, 2018 in Opelika, Alabama. Alice attended Oak Park River Forest High School. Alice was the beloved wife of Terry Foster and most beloved mother of her son, Mark Foster Sr. of San Jose, CA; daughters: Lee Ann Foster and Vicki (Phil) Davis, all of Atlanta, GA; Alice is also survived by her grandson, Mark (Jane) Foster, Jr.; and great-grandchildren: Joseph and Emma Foster. After raising her family in the Chicago area, she and her husband relocated to Opelika and made their home in the area for the last 35 years. She preceded in death by her son, William

Story’s,

from A1 founded in 1952 by Pepperell residents Dan and Annie story, who originally opened it under the name of “Dari Delite.” Following a visit in 1950 to see Dan’s sister in New Mexico, Dan’s experience

Foster; parents, Robert and Bessie (Anderson) Kramer; sister, Ruth (Kramer) Zwierz; grandparents, Marshall and Alice (Miller) Kramer, and Andrew and Bertena (Torkelson) Andersone. She enjoyed bowling and was a member of many teams over the years. She loved playing cards, and she was a great conversationalist who loved visiting with family and friends. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Alice’s remains will be buried next to her son at Mount Emblem Cemetery in Elmhurst, Illinois at a future date. The family wishes to thank Dr. Jonathan Commander, his staff and all those who cared for her over the years at EAMC. No services are planned per her wishes. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home & Crematory.

at a similar restaurant “Dari Delite” inspired him to open one of his own in Opelika. After purchasing a franchise agreement from the company, the Story’s operated the business under the Dari Delite name for the next 10 years until the agreement expired. In 1962, at the conclusion of their

Shonnia Jenkins Causey Funeral services for Mrs. Shonnia Jenkins Causey, age 47, of Opelika, AL were held Saturday, July 14, 2018 at 10:00 a.m., at Providence Baptist Church West Campus. Burial was at Providence Baptist Church’s Cemetery. Dr. Rusty Sowell officiated. The visitation service was Friday, July 13, 2018, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. Mrs. Causey, who died on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 in Opelika, AL, was born September 19, 1970 in Chambers County, AL. She was native of Chambers County, AL, and lived most of her life in Roa-

agreement with Dari Delite, the Story’s renamed the business “Mrs. Story’s Dairy Bar,” one of the few changes made in its existence. The restaurant changed hands twice during the next 56 years, as Blake’s grandmother Cora Reames and parents Bob and Rhonda Boothe operated the business from 1976-

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noke, AL and the Opelika/Auburn area. Mrs. Causey was a member of Providence Baptist Church in Opelika. She is preceded in death by her father, E.H. Jenkins. She is survived by her husband, Jack Causey; sons: Steven (Kayla) Causey, Kenneth Thrower, and Brandon Thrower; daughter, Haylee (Danny) Causey; mother, Sybil Jenkins; brother, James (Kellie) Pridgen; uncles: Bob King, Jim (Evie Haynes) King; ten grandchildren: Mackenzie, Jordan, Ava, Addison, Brazton, Avery, Wyatt, Cayden, Jackson, and Tracey; as well as various cousins. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home & Crematory.

1997, and 19972018, respectively. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” The restaurant’s reputation for consistency and quality has spread beyond the Opelika city limits to both Alabama and the Southeast, winning multiple recognitions and was recognized last year as being the source of “Alabama’s Best Milkshake.” “The food hasn’t changed. It’s the same deal, same people day in and day out,” Blake said. Rhonda added that their loyal customer base within the Opelika-Auburn area is another cornerstone of the business. “You hear people say after they come for the first, ‘oh, I’ll be back’ or those coming from out of town say ‘that’s the first place they’ll want to go eat when they get here.’ And we hear that all the time,” Rhonda said. “We pride ourselves on having a friendly environment. There may be long lines from time to time, but that’s just a part of it,” Blake said. “Here, you’re always guaranteed to have good food and a good experience, and that’s something (that) I want to keep offering to our customers.” Mrs. Story’s Dairy Bar is located at 1900 Pepperell Parkway. For more information or to place a to-go order, call 334749-1719.

Jones,

from A1 tive assistant and longtime Lee County Sheriff's Office employee. On May 10, Sheriff Jones found Bridges to be unresponsive at her desk. Discovering that she was not breathing and did not have a heartbeat, Jones immediately began CPR. His calls for help were answered by fellow employees who dialed 9-1-1 and retrieved a nearby AED, a device that can help re-start the heart of a cardiac arrest victim. Within minutes, responders from Opelika Fire and Rescue and East Alabama EMS arrived to help Sheriff Jones revive Bridges who was then able to be transported to East Alabama Medical Center and treated for her heart condition. “Iris and I have always been very close (and) I really believe this was a product of faith. The Lord provided the opportunity for this to take place as it did,” Jones said of his actions. “I didn’t think, I just did. I remember thinking ‘just do chest compressions

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

and breathing…find the AED and get it in here.’” Bridges added that Jones’ quick response was a key factor in sparing her life. “If not for Jay, I wouldn’t be here. Life can change in a moment, so everyone should know some form of CPR…if not for your family, just as a passerby,” Bridges said. Jones describes receiving the award as “very humbling, but it’s something that I feel like other people would do if given the opportunity.” "With this event, we are celebrating survival and honoring heroes. (More than) 1,000 people each day experience sudden cardiac arrest in the United States, and only 8-10 percent of them actually survive,” said CarePoint Resources CEO Randy Boone. He added that Jones’ quick response and treatments provided prior to EMS arrival most-likely doubled or tripled Bridges’ chances of survival The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. For more information, visit leecountysheriff.org. The LCSO is located at 1900 Frederick Road.

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

Coughing & Sneezing

Sharing Drinks & Utensils

Kissing

Living in Close Quarters

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

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

pelika O Observer

A11 July 18, 2018

Pepperell Baptist Church enjoys Vacation Bible School; rated â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Best VBS everâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; by young attendee

Special to the Opelika Observer Pepperell Baptist Church was blessed to have great participation in this summers VBS. Children from pre-school to 6th grade enjoyed Bible study, music, crafts, food, and game time. Special thanks to the Opelika Fire Department for visiting and giving a fun presentation. All of the hard work was well worth it as one little girl exclaimed as she was getting ready to go home, "Grampa, this was the best VBS ever." For more information, visit www.pbcopelika.org

pelika Observer O

A12 July 18, 2018

Alabama Lions Sotelo introduces ‘Yoga Ignited’ to Observer District Gov. Mark Alridge intern Anna Riley meets with local club Special to the Opelika Observer Alabama Lions District Governor Mark Alridge, left, recently met with the Opelika Lions club to give an update on current and future district activities and projects. He was introduced by club president, Doug Hicks, right.

Photo by Morgan Bryce/Associate Editor

By Anna Riley For the Opelika Observer Inner Sunshine Yoga and Wellness founder Kimberly Sotelo recently developed a new yoga practice called Yoga Ignited that builds muscle, confidence, endurance, strength and self-esteem by focusing on high-intensity interval training and proper alignment. By using good alignment, exercise is considered safer because the joints are protected for an injury-free practice, joint longevity which activates more muscles. The physical benefits of high-intensity training, or HIIT, go beyond the typical health improvements associated with normal exercise. Evidence from studies conducted by researches from the University of New Mexico and the Norwegian School of Science and Technology have proven that HIIT

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promotes better sugar regulation, improved blood vessel function and reverses age-related muscle decline. The effects have been studied in participants with Parkinson’s, coronary heart disease, diabetes and older people, and have found mostly positive results, which researchers say stems from its overall accessibility, participant engagement and brevity. Yoga Ignited is a heart-centered practice, where students will be taught to live intensely and take care of themselves in a loving way, according to Sotelo. “When we evoke that courage to be ok with intensity, there is an integrity that feels so awesome. When you know you’ve given your absolute best and didn’t give up because it was too hard, the heart just wants to sing,” Sotelo said. Sotelo has been practicing yoga since 1996 and opened up her first yoga studio in Auburn in 2003. She is now located at 705 Ave. D in Opelika in a building that has been historically renovated and includes a sustainable, edible garden where she offers many different types of classes including yoga, thai yoga and one-onone sessions. Yoga Ignited classes are slated to begin in the next two weeks. To learn more about Inner Sunshine Yoga and Wellness and what classes they offer, visit www.innersunshineyoga.com or call Sotelo at 334-787-2110.

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

Turn to B10 for photos of a recent “Serve Day” at a local veterans home

Seven Opelika athletes honored with Sportsmanship Awards

Photo by Robert Noles/ Opelika Observer By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor Seven Opelika High School athletes were recognized with Sportsmanship Awards from the Alabama High

School Athletic Association during a ceremony last Tuesday. The award winners, Londarius Baldwin, Will Beams, Cade Blackmon, Jaylin Cummins, James Dawson,

Cole Lazzari and Timothy Scott, each contribute to the solid reputation of Opelika’s athletic programs, according to OHS Principal Dr. Farrell Seymore. “Thank you families,

and thank you students, for representing your teams, your school and your families and your communities in the most positive way,” Seymore said. Tied for the most

Bowen, Vaughn named as members of Panther broadcast team Special to the Opelika Observer

iHeart Media announced last week that Brit Bowen and Henry Vaughn will serve as the new members of the Panther broadcast team this fall on Mix 96.7 FM. Bowen will handle play-by-play duties and Vaughn, longtime Smiths Station assistant coach, will provide color commentary. Chris Tarno will also return as the sideline reporter. An announcer on the SEC Network’s

television coverage of Auburn University volleyball, swimming and diving, softball, and women’s basketball, Bowen also serves as the manager of Auburn’s studentrun radio station and helps broadcast softball, women’s basketball and baseball for the Auburn Sports Network’s radio team. Vaughn was a longtime teacher and coach at Smiths Station High School. He previously served as a color commentator for Smiths Station

ketball, football and wrestling programs, Head Football Coach Erik Speakman and OHS Athletic Director Mike Pugh both shared

award recipients of any school in the state, Opelika’s winners received their Award of Excellence certificates from Sen. Tom Whatley. With representation from Opelika’s bas-

See Awards, page B5

Opelika’s Pitts to pursue walk-on spot at Alabama

Pitts By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor

Bowen

Vaughn

games from 20112015. He has worked with numerous Smiths Station coaches including T.C. Britton, E.L. “Moose” Godwin, David Ziegler

and Joe Wilson. He has more than 30 years of teaching and coaching experience. For more information, visit www. mix967online.iheart. com.

Following his breakout senior season, former Opelika High School point guard Austin Pitts has announced that he will pursue a walk-on opportunity at the University of Alabama. Averaging slightly more than 13 points

per game, Pitts’ play was noticed by smaller schools, receiving offers from Gulf Coast Prep Academy in Mount Vernon, Alabama and DME Sports Academy of Daytona, Florida. Despite the lack of overall game experience and his 5-foot 6-inch statSee Pitts, page B3

B2 July 18, 2018

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OMS announces 201718 Duke Tip Scholars

Special to the Opelika Observer The 2017-18 Duke Tip Scholars from Opelika Middle School were named in April. This group of 7th grade students is selected each year based on scoring at or above the 95th percentile on an accepted grade level national standardized achievement or abilities test or at or above the 95th percentile on a state assessment. Duke Scholars include: Alondra Alfaro, Samuel Anderson, Leah Bales, Leah Bethea, Madison Blaschke, Linsey Boies, Robert Brasher, Caleb Chisum, Liseth Colorado-Vera, Kaden Cooper, Susannah Couey, Raina Curtis, Jaleigha Doolittle, Will Garner, Kadiri Gates, Ann Marie Halverson, Tristan Hart, Emily Hess, Nathan Jamieson, Morgan Jones, Norah King, Stanley King, Ally Kinser, Keâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Aja Lee, Levi Martichuski, Charles McCullough, Jared McKay, Justin McKemie, Kasman Moss, Timothy Nelms, Darsh Patel, Harsh Patel, Christopher Pinckard, Elliott Poole, Keely Rider, Italy Slaughter, Aaliyana Smith, Bryce Speakman, Kalie Strickland, Nylen Thomas, Joshalyn Tolbert, Paola Torres Morales, Kaylee Traylor, Allie Vickers, Morgan Watts, and Brenton Williams. In addition, two outstanding students, Susannah Couey and Justin McKemie, qualified for the Duke TIP State Recognition Ceremony in Tuscaloosa. The sponsor of the Duke Tip program at Opelika Middle School is Mrs. Emily Finck, school counselor.

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B3 July 18, 2018

Community Calendar: Events around town

Ongoing: • Village Friends/Village Values is a nonprofit organization that supports seniors who prefer to stay in their own homes as they grow older. For info or to schedule a presentation to your group, call 334-209-4641. For the website, Google “village friends village values.” • The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR chapter is appealing for sweaters, jackets, trousers, shirts and socks, women’s clothing, soft soap in individual containers, shaving supplies, disposable razors, denture cleanser, toothpaste and toothbrushes, DVDs, games, books and magazines to take to veterans at the CAVHCS in Tuskegee. The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR Chapter regularly visits veterans living in assisted living, the homeless domiciliary and psych (trauma) ward in Tuskegee. Donations are tax deductible and will be much appreciated. Pick up is provided. Please call Linda Shabo at 887-6659 or at 256-3071449. 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

Pitts,

from B1 ure, Pitts said the allure of playing for the Crimson Tide’s up-andcoming basketball program led by Coach Avery Johnson was too great to turn down. “I chose to walk on simply from my family’s (belief) ... they felt it was best for me (and) I felt the same also. I accept the challenge as I know that I’m under sized but as I (say) all the time, it’s heart over height, and you always move with a purpose,” Pitts said of his decision to try out at Alabama.

Point Parkway in Opelika. • The Opelika Community Band practices from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Auburn High School band room. Everyone is welcome, amateurs and professionals alike. • Smiths Station Military Chapter of Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) meets weekly at Mike & Ed’s at 5 p.m. For more information, call 2975581 or visit www.nonukesforiran.org. • The Lee County Voters League meets the first Monday of every month at St. James Missionary Baptist Church, located at 1335 Auburn St. in Opelika. • The Touched by Suicide Support Group meets the first Monday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at the East Alabama Medical Center Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway. For more information, contact Deborah Owen, EAMC’s director of Psychiatric Services at 334528-4197 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.

“We’re in this for the marathon not the sprint. And if put on the roster, Coach Avery Johnson would be a great person who could teach me how to get better mentally and physically at my position and (work with my) size also. (He’s a) great mentoring coach who’s been through all phases of basketball.” Alabama’s basketball program has rebounded under Johnson’s leadership. Since the 2015 season, he has compiled a 57-46 overall record and guided the Crimson Tide to the second round of the NCAA Tournament this season.

• The Lee County Commission meets the second and last Mondays of each month at the courthouse beginning at 5 p.m. • The Commercial Horticulture Extension Team organizes webinars to provide quick updates for producers on various topics of interest. Whether you are interested in the proper way to plant fruit trees or have questions in turf management, these webinars cover a wide range of subjects. Webinars are streamed live via Panopto on the last Monday of every month starting in January and ending in November. During the presentation, participants can send questions via email. The webinars also are recorded and stored in the archive on the Beginning Farmer website. Webinar topics include: trap cropping for reducing squash insect pests, cowpea curculio updates, nutsedge control, introduction to potting mixes in ornamental container production, dealing with drought in commercial horticulture crops, and many more. To view the full schedule, please visit www.aces. edu/anr/beginningfarms/ webinars.php. Please send questions during the presentations to Ann Chambliss, thameae@auburn.edu. For questions regarding the webinar series or for providing suggestions, please email Dr. Ayanava Majumdar at bugdoctor@auburn.edu. Tuesdays: • Ballroom Dance Classes at the Opelika Sportsplex from 7-8 p.m. every Tues-

Until Alabama’s walk-on tryouts Sept. 5, Pitts said he will continue his strenuous daily workouts in pursuit of a goal bigger than basketball. “I see myself as the epitome of heart and hustle and that size doesn’t mean anything. Always chase your dreams ... just cause one door is closed doesn’t mean God won’t open another one,” Pitts said. “I want the next kid who see themselves as being small to not be knocked by other guys who are bigger. Be bigger than them. This whole situation I’m doing is bigger than me. I’m going to give hope.”

day. Instructor is Cody Wayne Foote. For more info call Diane at 749-6320. • A monthly educational program on topics for autism parents, caregivers and teachers will be held on the second Tuesday of each month at Trinity United Methodist Church, 800 2nd Ave., Opelika from 6-7:30 p.m. Childcare is provided, but reservations need to be made by contacting Maria Gutierrez at mariag@ leecountyautism.com to make sure there are enough volunteers. • The East Alabama Old Car Club meets every first Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Monarch Estates Clubhouse, located at 1550 East University Drive, Auburn. A program of interest to the old car enthusiast is presented. Car ownership is not required. • The Opelika City Council meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 7 p.m. Meetings are preceded by non-voting work sessions that typically begin about 6:30-6:45 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 334-528-1076 for more information. • American Legion Auxiliary Unit 152 meets the first Thursday of every month at 11 a.m. at Niffer’s Place, 917 S. Railroad Ave. in Opelika. • Auburn/Opelika MOPS & MOMSnext Summer Play Dates • July 19: Meet us for a fun craft at Monkey Park in Opelika. • August 30: Meet us at George’s Farmers Market for a fun day on the farm. • The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art in Smiths Station is now offering summer studio art classes. The weekly classes are open to all skill levels, and cost of registration covers the cost of art supplies. For more information, call 334-480-2008. • July 18 - Auburn resident Drew Eason will hold a Chick-fil-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 pickup 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 334559-3026, Jan Eason at 334864-3024 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 334-4802008. 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.

A summer at the Observer: intern Anna Riley shares her experiences

y name is Anna Riley and I started interning at the Opelika Observer in the middle of May this year. I grew up in Rome, Georgia, but have been going to Auburn University for the last four years and officially graduate on Aug. 4 with a bachelor’s degree in communication and a minor in business. I love that Opelika reminds me a lot of my home, Rome. They are both small towns with a lot of history, a loving community and both are continuously growing. Before interning at the Opelika Observer, I considered myself to be a very shy person and avoided interaction, especially phone calls, at all costs.

By Anna Riley

My writing skills were not up to par and I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do as a career. I had no idea what to expect coming into this internship because I’ve never had a job that requires you to interview various individuals or to write stories. I couldn’t even tell you the last time I read an actual newspaper! I was especially scared about the interviewing aspect

of this internship because of my shy and awkward nature. But, working here for the past two months has really forced me out of my comfort zone and has brought up my confidence level. I am no longer afraid to speak to individuals that I don’t personally know and actually consider myself to be a much better communicator than before. With this internship, you never know what to expect. Getting to interview such diverse groups of people about various topics can be extremely entertaining. The other day I had no plans to interview anyone and the next thing I knew, I See Riley, page B8

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B4 July 18, 2018

Local ministry director selected as trainer at National Training Institute

Special to the Opelika Observer Neeley Caldwell, executive director for the Christian Women’s Job Corps of Lee County, recently served as trainer for Level 1 Training for site coordinators from across the country. Every two years, the national organization for Christian Women’s Job Corps and Christian

Men’s Job Corps establish a site in Alabama to provide training for all who will lead local ministries of the CWJC and CMJC. Caldwell conducted training in Prattville June 19 – 22. In order for Caldwell to be selected as a trainer, she had to complete her own Level 1 Training in 2014 and Level 2 Training in 2016. When asked to serve as

trainer, Caldwell agreed to complete a leadership class as well as several meetings with national leaders. “It was an honor to be asked to be a trainer. WMU (Women’s Ministry Union) has been so good, so helpful to me, I wanted to give back,” Caldwell said. Caldwell has served as executive director for CWJC of Lee

County for five years, working with hundreds of volunteers to provide a wide array of classes to local women in need, from computer skills to job skills to life skills. Serving as Trainer challenged Caldwell’s own leadership and teaching skills. “It was motivating and encouraging to hear about God working in representatives

and sites throughout the country. I love being kept in the know with what’s going on in so many places. I will definitely like to serve again as trainer. Although it is hard work, I experience a sense of refreshing knowing I will return to lead the women in Lee County,” Caldwell said. For more information on being a participant,

instructor, or volunteer in the fall session of CWJC in September, contact Caldwell at neeley@cwjclc.com, 334-524-5529 or 334821-0591. Photo: Neeley Caldwell, left in back row, with her class. Co-leader, Janice Carter, Tennessee State Coordinator for CWJC-CMJC, second from left, front row.

Southern Union OLLI at Auburn Hosts Brown Bag names new president Lecture Series Guest Bill Wilson Special to the Opelika Observer At the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees meeting Wednesday, Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker announced the selection of Todd Shackett as president of Southern Union State Community College. Shackett’s appointment was unanimously approved by the board of trustees. The selection was made after a 10-month strategic planning process designed to culminate with the selection of a permanent president at the college. The strategic planning effort included multiple avenues for community input including a public survey and town halls held on every Southern Union campus. Baker also formed a 10-member

community council to give input on the attributes and characteristics desired for the president of Southern Union, which will serve as an advisory resource for the new president moving forward. Shackett has more than 30 years of leadership and management experience and for the past 8 years has worked for Baxter International in Opelika, most recently as the Director of Operational Excellence. He is a recognized leader in the local community serving as an industrial advisory board member at Southern Union, as an executive board member of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce, and as chair of the Auburn University Graduate School Advisory Board. “Southern Union

is a unique place and has been a pillar of the communities it serves for many years. Today’s selection of a permanent president marks a significant step in the history of the college,” Baker said. “Throughout his career, Todd has demonstrated his commitment to training the future workforce through partnerships with community colleges and the development of apprenticeship programs. Todd is the right person to lead Southern Union into the future, and I am confident that once the Bison community gets to know him, they will have as much confidence as I do in his commitment to their college.” Prior to Shackett’s work at Baxter International, he spent See SUSCC, page B6

Special to the Opelika Observer

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Auburn University (OLLI at Auburn) will host its “Summer Brown Bag Lecture Series” July 31 from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts Humanities (Also known as Pebble Hill) located at 101 Debardeleben St. in Auburn. OLLI members, guests and the public are all invited to enjoy this lecture series and to learn more about OLLI at Auburn course offerings, social engagements and initiatives. The featured lecture guest will be Bill Wilson presenting “A Survival Guide for Widows and Widowers” to address the research and resources for widowers, along with accounts dealing with grief firsthand. “Newly widowed myself, I am researching and

writing a survival guide for new widowers. Based on my research and personal grief journey, this presentation will include information such as: howto’s, group sharing/discussion and a questionnaire for additional research in addition to accounts of personal grief journeys,” Wilson said. Wilson has been a professional communicator for more than 50 years. He has written or ghost-written six books, magazine articles, columns, newsletters and radio PSAs. As an accredited public relations professional (APR) and a certified association executive (CAE), he devised and taught professional development programs in public relations and marketing. Wilson has previously served as an adjunct instructor at Northern Virginia Community College. “A Survival Guide for Widowers” is a direct outgrowth of Wilson’s

loss of his wife in August 2015 and his subsequent grief journey. He shares help and experience as a fellow widower who has walked the lonesome road of recovery after losing a beloved wife of 41 years. OLLI at Auburn offers academic not for credit programs for adults aged 50 years or older through program sites at Auburn University, AUM in Montgomery, and the Chambers County Public Library in Valley. OLLI at Auburn is a program of the Office of the Vice President for University Outreach at Auburn University. OLLI administrative offices and select classes are located at the historic Sunny Slope property, at 1031 South College St. in Auburn. For more information regarding this event, to volunteer or be a sponsor, please contact Ileeia A. Cobb, Ph.D., OLLI Director, at 334-844-3105, olli@auburn.edu, or visit www.olliatauburn.org.

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OHS’s Philanthropy 101 presents check to seven local nonprofit organizations

B5 July 18, 2018

Awards,

from B1

their excitement on the award and what it means for the school’s image. “We’ve done that all the way back since I started here (in 2000), going back to Coach (Spence) McCracken. When we talk to them, what it really boils down to is being good people,” Speakman said. “Football, for all of us, is going to end at some point. We ask them, ‘what do you want to be remembered as?’ And these kids are living up to that.” “When your (student-athletes) get an award like this, it shows what a great student they are and what leaders they are and that’s all very important,” Pugh said.

For Baldwin, Blackmon and Cummins, they said ability the ability to positively represent their families, school, communities and city were the biggest takeaways from receiving the award. “I was really overjoyed. I am so thankful for this,” Baldwin said. “Besides wanting to win (on the gridiron), I want to represent my community, and my team and my coaches and my family with class. I’ve always prided myself on character, and that means a lot to me,” Blackmon said. “This is a big honor for me, but especially my school and city. Any chance I get to represent my city and do good, I treat it as a privilege,” Cummins said. For more information on the award, visit www.ahsaa.com.

CALL TODAY

(205) 695-0274

Special to the Opelika Observer Members of the Opelika High School Philanthropy 101 program presented a total of $7200 in monetary donations to seven local non-profit organizations at the fourth annual presentation and luncheon at OHS on June 21, 2018. Ten students gave presentations on selected nonprofits and presented each group with a check. Recipients included: Exodus Ranch, Miracle League, Storybook Farm, Big House Foundation, Ogrows Community Garden, and JeanDean RIF. The three week program, for rising seniors at OHS, introduces students to the principles of philanthropy and brings those principles to life through classroom learning and hands-on experiences. The program is sponsored and funded by the W. James Samford, Jr. Foundation. Philanthropy 101 Members pictured (l-r): Ms. Stacy Guyton-OHS Philanthropy Instructor, Gus Bell, Caroline Hawkins, Jah Williams, Ayrika Harris, Lucinda Samford Cannon-W.James Samford, Jr. Foundation, Ethan Lindsey, Montel Norman, Ishan Patel, Makai Gagliano, Celeste Frazier, Martavia Burditte, Mr. Don Shirley-OHS Philanthropy Instructor.

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BUZZ ON OVER!! It's time for the 15th annual GREAT GROWN-UP SPELLING BEE Thursday, August 9th Auburn Alumni Center 317 South College Street (Plenty of parking available) 5 p.m. BBQ & cocktails 5:30 p.m. Competition Begins Tickets $40 There's still time to sign up a team or just come for the fun! Call 334-705-0001 for more information

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Zero painting, ceiling or coating required. Once installed...you’re done.

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B6 July 18, 2018

Opelika’s Dixie Youth Ozone All-Star team falls 6-1 to Auburn Orange in state final Tuesday

Special to the Opelika Observer The Opelika Dixie Youth League’s Ozone All-Stars fell to the Auburn Orange 6-1 in the state finals yesterday. The Orange advance to the Dixie Youth World Series in Lumberton, North Carolina.

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

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.

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 Tuesday, August 14, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. at Best 4 Less at 2509 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika, AL 36801. 1GKCS13W5X2519013 1999 GMC JIMMY LEGAL RUN 7/18 & 7/25/18

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 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 334-7452564 Attorney at Law P.O. Box 30 Opelika, Alabama 368030030. Legal Run 7/11, 7/18 & 7/25/2018

NOTICE TO CREDITORS PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY ESTATE OF BEAUMON PETERS, DECEASED NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS

SUSCC,

from B4

several years with Becton Dickinson and Company, a medical technology manufacturing company, in Durham, North Carolina. Shackett has a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from Kettering University and both a master of science in mechanical engineering and a master of science in operations management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Shackett also has a certificate in executive management from Stanford University. “For the past three decades my diverse experience working in business and industry has convinced me of the importance that community colleges play in providing a path to a better future,” Shackett

LEGALS

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 7/4, 7/11 & 7/18/18

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 UN-

KNOWN 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 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

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-2015-374.04 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 ROBERT 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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY STATE OF ALABAMA 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

ADVERTISEMENT FOR COMPLETION In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given that Commercial Door Products, Inc., has completed the Contract Improvements of the Grand National Hotel Addition, Opelika, Alabama - Bid Pkg #6 - Bid ITem 6 for the Teachers’ Retirement System of Alabama and the Employee’s Retirement System of Alabama and have

said. “As a local businessman, I know first-hand the critical role Southern Union plays in the community and the important impact the quality education and training the college provides has on the local economy. I have been awarded significant titles in the past, but I’m most excited to become President of Southern Union State Community College. In the coming weeks, I look forward to meeting with students, faculty, staff and administrators to begin our important work together.” Shackett’s tenure at Southern Union will begin in early August. Meet and greet events will be held at every campus to introduce President Shackett to the Bison community. Dates for these events will be announced in the near future. For more information, visit www.suscc.edu.

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) Commercial Door Products, Inc. P.O. 210186 Montgomery, AL 36121 Legal Notice to run 7/18/18, 7/25/18, 8/1/18 & 8/8/18

NOTICE OF ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE SALE To be held on Thursday, August 16, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. at Best 4 Less at 2509 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika, AL 36801. 1FMZU63E32UB51959 2002 FORD EXPLORER 4A3AC34G61E226811 - 2001 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE 1G1TB68C1FA143284 1985 CHEVROLET CHEVETTE LEGAL RUN 7/18 & 7/25/18

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF DAYLYNNE VIRGINIA COX ROGERS, DECEASED. TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Bertha Webb, as Executrix of the Estate of Daylynne Virginia Cox Rogers, deceased, on the 9th day of July, 2018, by the Honorable Bill English. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same be barred. Bertha Webb, Executrix Of the Estate of Daylynne Virginia Cox Rogers, Deceased Legal Run 7/18, 7/25 & 8/1/2018

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LILLIAN RANDALL JACKSON, 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 9 th day of July, 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. HENRY CARSON JACKSON, JR. Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 7/18, 7/25 & 8/1/2018

Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics Results,

Inside the Statehouse By Steve Flowers

ou have the results of Tuesday’s runoff elections. I had to go to press with my column before the results were known. There are some fantastic runoff races which should be close and interesting. The four best will be Troy King v. Steve Marshall in the Attorney General’s race. The Lt. Governor runoff between Twinkle Cavanaugh and Will Ainsworth will be interesting. The agriculture race between Rick Pate and Gerald Dial will be good. It will be interesting to see if Bobby Bright ousted Martha Roby from Congress in the 2nd district. Let me share some thoughts and analyses from the first primary on June 5. Kay Ivey and Walt Maddox won their party’s nominations impressively. Governor Ivey used the mantle of incumbency to win a decisive victory with 56 percent of the vote against three thought to be viable, well financed opponents. Her campaign was brilliantly run. Her television ads were excellent. The mastermind of her campaign was Brent Buchanan. He is now the master of political campaigns in Alabama. His polling arm, Cygnal, is the most accurate on the scene. He uses his polling adroitly to design brilliant ads. Buchanan runs many campaigns out of state. He only ran two in the state, Ivey’s gubernatorial contest and Gerald Dials’ race for Agriculture Commissioner. In fact, Buchanan came up with the best ad of the campaign season. The jingle ad for Dial in the Agriculture race was spectacular. Maddox’s waltz to victory over five opponents without a runoff was impressive. It became apparent in the closing days that he was going to win without a runoff. He ran the table on all of the important endorsements. He got the Alabama Democratic Conference, New South Coalition, but even more importantly the endorsement of and use of the young Birmingham Mayor, Randall Woodfin’s organization. This was a recipe for a big win. Maddox is the best candidate that the Democrats have fielded for governor in two decades. He is young, vibrant, and has a proven track record as a Chief Executive/Mayor of one of Alabama’s largest and most important cities, Tuscaloosa. However, we are still a very red state. All 29 of our statewide elected offices are held by Republicans. Ivey is not only the Republican nominee, she is the sitting Republican governor who

can continue to cut ribbons and claim credit for every industrial announcement, as well as the outstanding national economy and job growth. She will refuse to debate or go unscripted. In addition, as the incumbent she can raise substantial campaign funds. In the June 5 primary, there were twice as many votes cast in the GOP Primary as there was in the Democratic Primary. There were 340,000 votes cast for Kay Ivey, whereas there were only 284,000 votes cast for all of the Democratic gubernatorial candidates combined. Therefore, 174,000 more people voted for Governor Kay Ivey than Mayor Walt Maddox. I would handicap this race 56 to 44 in favor of Ivey going into the fall. The only way that Maddox can win is for Ivey to falter. Her handlers should keep her close to home and limit her appearances. They should continue to not discuss the issues that face the state or take any positions or offer any plans for the state woes. Under no circumstance should they allow her to debate. The young articulate mayor would eat her lunch. The contrast in appearance itself would be dramatic. Maddox, if not elected, will live to run another day. The divide between the two political parties is narrowing in the state. Younger voters are trending Democratic, even in the Heart of Dixie. Tommy Battle ran a very successful, get-acquainted race for governor. He will be the favorite in 2022. You could see a Walt Maddox v. Tommy Battle contest in four years. Battle built name ID and got 25 percent of the vote against a popular incumbent governor. He goes back to being mayor of Alabama’s most prosperous and fastest growing city. If you think Huntsville has prospered and boomed the last 10 years, you ain’t seen nothing yet! It could very easily be the boom town of America in the next 5-10 years. Maddox’s city of Tuscaloosa is growing right behind Huntsville. Quite frankly, Battle and Maddox have much better jobs as mayors of Huntsville and Tuscaloosa than if they were governor of Alabama. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.

from A1 prove people wrong. But this isn’t about me, it’s about the youth,” Gray said. “Somebody had to bridge the gap and be the leader, and I was the one to do it. I’m elated to go to Montgomery and represent these people that worked so hard for me during this election.” The State Representative District 38 race was the closest of the local races. Todd Rauch, a political unknown, inched ahead of Debby Hamby Wood, a seasoned politician, to win the Republican nomination with a 52 - 48 percent result. “I knew that this was going to be a fight all the way to the end and going into the primary election and into a run-off as a unknown candidate with a hard name to pronounce, pushing it to a run-off was a miraculous feat,” Rauch said. “This proves that people do want a fighter and I am looking forward to going into the general election and continuing to fight for District 38 because that is what they deserve.”

Rauch will face the Democrat Brian McGee in the general election in November. Vying for the Lee County Commission’s 5th District seat, LaGrand soundly defeated Bishop A.L. Dowdell Sr. by a 65.22 percent -34.78 percent point margin. Once a crowded field in that race, LaGrand’s victory makes him the de facto nominee for the seat, as he will run unopposed in November. “I felt really good coming into today, but you never know what will happen in a runoff. We worked hard for this,” LaGrand said. “I (was) nervous all the way till the end. It’s been a really exciting (ride).” Randy Price perservered over Mike Sparks in the State Senate District 13 race, winning with a 60-40 percentage-point margin in Lee County. He will face Democratic nominee Darrell Turner in November. Following is a list of results for Lee County that were available as of 9 p.m. last night, broken down by party and office. Democrat State Rep. District No. 82 Peblin Walker Warren

66.9 percent Johnny Ford 33.1 percent Republican Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth 46.3 percent Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh 53.7 percent Attorney General Steve Marshall 55.1 percent Troy King 44.9 percent Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, Place No. 1 Brad Mendheim 44.8 percent Sarah Hicks Stewart 55.2 percent Court of Civil Appeals Judge, Place No. 1 Christy Olinger Edwards 55.7 percent Michelle Manley Thomason 44.3 percent Court of Criminal Appeals Judge, Place No. 2 Rich Anderson 52.5 percent Chris McCool 47.5 percent Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Gerald Dial 52.8 percent Rick Pate 47.2 percent State Board of Education, District No. 2 Tracie West 75.6 percent Melanie Hill 24.4 percent For additional results, visit sos.alabama.gov.

Photos by Robert Noles / Opelika Observer Top: Richard LaGrand is all smiles after learning of his win last night. Center: Todd and Ali Rauch study results from the District 38 race. Bottom: Jeremy Gray receives a well-deserved hug from his mother, Valerie upon learning of his win.

pelika O Observer

B8 July 18, 2018

Campaign Legal Center, SPLC launches Voting Rights Restoration Project Special to the Opelika Observer Seeking to guarantee the voting rights of Alabama residents with felony convictions who have paid their debts to society, the Campaign Legal Center (CLC) and the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) are launching the Alabama Voting Rights Project, a grassroots campaign to re-enfranchise thousands of Alabama voters. The Alabama Voting Rights Project will take a simple message across the state: a felony conviction does not permanently take away a person’s right to vote. Many Alabama residents who have

paid their debts to society are eligible to vote or to have their voting rights restored by obtaining a certificate of eligibility to register to vote. Workers in the campaign will organize and train local leaders in communities across the state, participate in community events and forums and go doorto-door to work with formerly incarcerated people who may be eligible to vote under Alabama law. They will also make use of an online tool, www.alabamavotingrights.com, that will guide formerly incarcerated Alabamians through the process of registering or re-establishing their

voting status. “So many people fought and died to ensure that all citizens have a voice in American society through the right to vote, yet many men and women – disproportionately African Americans and poor people – have been denied the right to vote even after completing their sentences,” said Lecia Brooks, outreach director for the SPLC. “The Alabama Voting Rights Project is dedicated to ensuring that every person who is eligible to vote in Alabama is registered, and that each one of them can access the franchise. A healthy democracy depends on full

participation by all members of society.” For more than a century, the violations that disqualified a voter in Alabama were decided by individual county officials throughout the state, resulting in different standards for each county. This relic of the Jim Crow era effectively silenced the voices of more than 280,000 Alabamians. By passing the Definition of Moral Turpitude Act (HB 282) in 2017, Alabama finally clarified which felonies, state or federal, will not disqualify Alabamians from voting. It also started the process of restoring the right to vote for

Letter to the Editor: Farm Bill can help bridge rural America’s digital divide Special to the Opelika Observer While the 2018 Farm Bill has stoked controversy over work requirements and agriculture subsi-

dies (Senator Doug) Jones applauds passage of ‘Farm Bill’ that protects Alabama priorities, July 5) – one underappreciated area where the bill is an unqualified and widely

popular success is its provisions to boost rural broadband. Ensuring that all Americans have access to high-speed internet has been a bipartisan priority for years. This Farm Bill rightly focuses on getting more rural Americans connected to high-speed broadband networks. The Senate version of the bill includes smart reforms to prioritize and better target taxpayer dollars to unserved rural areas. It takes lessons learned in recent policy experiments like the Omni Pilot Program by increasing the community participation threshold for “unserved” households to 90 percent, laser targeting limited funds to

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the areas most in need and ensuring that rural build out does its job. The bill also adds a new grant process to run alongside the traditional rural loan model, providing a pathway to high speed internet for the most impoverished rural areas where loans may not be realistic. Additional “good government” transparency, notice and challenge processes to will ensure policymakers act on up-to-date information and guard against waste, fraud and abuse. Rural Americans know that broadband access changes lives. And the Senate version of the farm bill moves us towards universal access faster and with greater efficiency. There may be controversies in the farm bill, but the Senate rural broadband provisions aren’t among them. Niel Ritchie Main Street Project League of Rural Voters

tens of thousands of people. Those Alabamians can now register to vote, even if they were previously told they could not. Tens of thousands of additional Alabamians may be eligible to restore their right to vote through a simple application for a state certificate of eligibility to register to vote. Although Alabama passed the “moral turpitude” law that clarified which felonies would not block people from voting, Secretary of State John Merrill has said that his office would not take action to make sure the thousands of people affected by the law actually know about

Fuller,

from A4 home. Its starting to feel like our home. I will never forget our first night in our new (old) farmhouse. I bathed my second baby in my beloved kitchen sink. I smiled as I wrapped her up in her towel and held her in my arms. My heart was full. I didn’t flip the light switch, because I didn’t want to turn off the fan. It gets hot when you turn off the

Riley,

from B3 was on a yoga mat doing an intense workout for a story! Working here has also tremendously improved my writing skills, which I will be able to use to my advantage in whatever career choice I may choose down the road. The staff here at the Opelika Observer have been so welcoming and friendly and I couldn’t have asked for a better team to work with. I have Michelle Key and Morgan Bryce to

it. Through their new voting rights project, the CLC and the SPLC will actively reach out to Alabama residents who are affected by the law, make sure they know about it and help them access their right to vote under it. “The Alabama Voting Rights Project is going to organize door to door, community by community in every region of Alabama to reach tens of thousands of Alabamians affected by recent changes in the law,” said Blair Bowie, Alabama Voting Rights Campaign Manager and Skadden Fellow at the Campaign Legal Center.

fan. I gently pulled the cord once to turn off the kitchen light, and, just like that, we were off to bed. That was our first night together in our little country home. I’m so glad I saved that kitchen sink. Lucy Fuller is a lover of nature, animals, gardening, and old houses. She is a full time mother and wife. She currently resides in Dadeville with her husband, two daughters, 3 dogs, and cat. She may be reached at fullalove2017@ gmail.com.

thank for such a fun and positive working environment, where I have learned so much not only about journalism, but about myself as well. I also couldn’t have asked for a better community to work in. Opelika is full of lively people who aspire to do good and it is truly inspiring. Although I never thought I would want to have a career in journalism, working at the Opelika Observer has really changed my mind and I am beyond excited for the upcoming opportunities that this internship has given me.

SAR stands for “The Sons of American Revolution. Our sister organization is the DAR “Daughters of the Revolution.” The name of our local SAR Chapter is "Richard Henry Lee.” Both DAR & SAR were founded by our Patriot Ancestors who fought the British in the "American Revolution" between the years 1775 – 1783. The purpose of the contests is to assist educators, in subject areas of History, Art, English and Speech and provide incentives to students to understand American History and what makes the U.S.A. great. SAR will reward students from 3rd – 12th grades who participate in one or more of the contests the SAR sponsors each year. Some students may be rewarded with certificates and others monetary rewards at the local, state and national level. These contests are open to all home-schooled, private or public, and religious school students in Chambers and Lee counties. All contests open in September and close by the 1st Saturday after Thanksgiving with Judging to take place on the 1st Saturday in December. Contest Coordinator: Charles Segrest Phone Number: 334-821-0157 Email Address: chasdseg@mindspring.com

CONTEST INFORMATION

B10 July 18, 2018

pelika O Observer

Local churches, groups and nonprofits come together to benefit Loving Touch Veteran’s Home in Smiths Station

Photos special to the Opelika Observer Pictured are highlights from Saturday’s work day at Loving Touch Veteran’s Home in Smiths Station. Representatives from the Opelika Church of the Highlands, Flags for Vets, Todd Rauch for Alabama District 38’s campaign and other local volunteers came together to revitalize the facility.

pelika O Observer

B11 July 18, 2018

Lee County School Board approves food bids, hears from ELI Fellows By Michelle Key Editor During last week's school board meeting for the Lee County School system, board members and attendees heard presentations from the Early Leaders Institute. These presentations, called a LEAP (Leadership Engagement and Action Plan), were created by fellows in the ELI program. The LEAPs were designed to highlight problematic issues within a school system and to offer real solutions to the problems. In other business, the board: • approved the annual

membership dues to the Alabama Association of School Boards in the amount of $14, 500. • approved of the 20192020 school calendar • approved Policy # 5.30.1 Corporal Punishment • approved Policy #8.83 Employee Salary Schedules • approved a resolution authorizing the issuance of a $23,000,000 Lee County Board of Education Subordinated Capital Outlay Anticipation Warrant, Series 2018 Dated the Date of its delivery • approved an overnight, out-of-state field trip for the Smiths Station High School Football

team to Hamilton, Georgia for a 7 on 7 Camp • awarded bids to Quality Produce, Flowers Bakery, Barber's (Milk) and the Ice Cream Warehouse • reviewed the presentation of the financial report for the month of May 2018 from Ken Roberts. Roberts reported that LCS have reecived 69.5 percent of anticipated revenue with total expenditures being only 64.3 percent which is slightly less than what would be expected at the two-third mark in the fiscal year. • held an executive session to discuss several human resources recom-

mendations What is the Early Leadership Institute? The Early Leadership Institue is an NEA affiliate-based program designed for early career Fellows to strengthen their professional connections across the association, develop new skills and formalize an action pathway toward increased association engagement and leadership. In order to become an ELI Fellow, teachers must be 35 years of age or younger and have no more than five total years of teaching experience. ELI is overseen by Lee County Education Association President, Pam

Gregory and is coached by Vivian Martin, a teacher at Smiths Station High School. Gregory, Martin and Teresa Ratliff, District 19 Uniserve director, travelled to Chicago to attend the 2018 national Leadership Summit, in order to train on recruitment, informing, empowering and motivating educators toward leadership excellence. The first group of fellows met for monthly meetings from January to May and one of the requirements for the program was to create and engage with a sounding board of other early career educators

as well as with veteran teachers. The goal of this sounding board was to highlight issues deemed important by other early career educators. This information became the foundation for the LEAPs (Leadership Engagement and Action Plan) that were presented at the recent meeting of the Lee County School Board. The LEAP is not designed to be fully implemented at this time but is the starting point of of learning to identify an actual problem or policy or practice and make it applicable at the local level, as well as presenting potential solutions to these problems.

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HUGE 2-DAY PUBLIC AUCTION Huge Contractors Equipment & Truck Auction

B12 July 18, 2018

pelika O Observer

Last weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s answers:

7-11 SCRAMBLER ANSWERS: 1), Homily 2) Target 3), Lottery 4), Derange Solution: Hot Dog

pelika O Observer

B13 July 18, 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 18, 2018

Cipperly,

from A7

dren visit, the first thing they ask is if she has any pumpkin muffins. She feels Pumpkin Bread is a nutritious snack. To assure that her two grandchildren in Arizona grow up enjoying her cooking, she often mails them Pumpkin Bread and Chocolate Pound Cake at Christmas. Martha experiments with recipes to cut fat, sugar and sodium. On her Sweet Potato Pie she cut the sugar in half and uses fat free evapo-

rated milk. “Sweet potatoes are a nutritious powerhouse filled with vitamins and fiber,” says Martha. She often takes this dish to people who are not feeling well, as it is soft and easy to eat. Martha became interested in healthy foods while taking a nutrition class. Her interest was sparked by the lab, which impressed her how much healthier the mice were who were fed nutritious meals. Martha talks to her grandchildren about having color on the plate and food safety. Last summer Sara Kate’s brother Walton visited his grandmother

Recipes Squash Casserole 2 ½ - 3 lbs. squash 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise 2 Tbsp. sour cream 1 Tbsp. margarine ½ cup shredded sharp cheese 1 egg ¼ tsp. salt ½ tsp. sugar Clean, slice and cook squash until tender.

Drain all water, then place in a colander and mash until smooth. This helps remove more of the liquid. Add all the ingredients and place in a Pyrex buttered casserole dish. I use a 6 x 10 dish. Bake at 350 for 3035 minutes.

Blueberry Coffee Cake Muffins 1 ½ sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 ½ cups sugar 3 large eggs 1 ½ tsp. vanilla extract 8 oz. sour cream ¼ cup milk 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour 2 tsp. baking powder ½ tsp. baking soda ½ tsp. salt 2 cups fresh blueberries Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, and place liners in muffin pans.

In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. With the mixer on low, add the eggs on at a time, then vanilla, sour cream and milk. In a separate bowl, add flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. With the mixer on low, add the flour mixture and beat until just mixed. Fold in blueberries with a spatula and be sure it is fully mixed. Scoop the batter into the pans. Bake for 2530 minutes.

Turkey Meatloaf 1 lb. ground turkey 1 5.5 oz. can tomato juice ½ cup oatmeal 1 egg ¼ cup finely chopped onion ¼ tsp. salt Heat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all ingredients; mix thor-

oughly. Press into an 8 x 4 loaf pan. Bake for one hour. Topping: ½ cup catsup 2 Tbsp. brown sugar 1 tsp. mustard Mix all together. Spread on meatloaf after it has been baking for 30 minutes.

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The Breezeway 213 S. 8th St. Opelika Score: 93

Zaxby’s Restaurant 2089 Frederick Road Opelika Score: 95

Waffle House 907 Fox Run Pkwy Opelika Score: 91

Bojangles 2520 Pepperell Pkwy Opelika Score: 94 Taco Bell 2400 Pepperell Pkwy Opelika Score: 94

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often and wanted to learn how to cook. He learned how to make pumpkin and blueberry muffins, pound cake and Turkey Meatloaf. Sara Kate has enjoyed making Quesadillas. Her Aunt Susan made them when she visited, and everyone enjoyed them. They make a quick and nutritious lunch. Chicken, cheese or vegetables are tasty fillings. The Spaghetti Casserole is another family favorite, and all the grandchildren enjoy it. They also request the Striped Delight Pudding. Martha makes two pans and puts chocolate pudding at the botGrandmother Jackson’s Chocolate Pound Cake 2 sticks butter, softened ½ cup shortening 3 cups sugar 5 eggs 3 cups plain flour ½ tsp. baking powder ½ tsp. salt 4 Tbsp. cocoa 1 cup milk 1 tsp. vanilla Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Cream butter and shortening; add sugar and eggs. Sift dry ingredients; add alternately with milk

to creamed mixture. Stir in vanilla. Bake in a greased bundt pan for about 80 minutes or until tests done. Can bake in two loaf pans. Cool and frost. Frosting 1 stick margarine 4 Tbsp. cocoa 4 to 5 Tbsp. milk 1 box powdered sugar In a saucepan, melt margarine; add cocoa and milk. Bring to a boil. Remove from the burner. Add sugar and blend and smooth.

Spaghetti Pie This is a favorite of all the children, and John Hill makes it for his children. 1/2 lb. cooked spaghetti, drained 2 Tbsp. olive oil or melted butter 2 large eggs, well beaten 1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese, divided 1 cup ricotta cheese (about 3/4 of a 15.oz. container) 1 cup spaghetti sauce 1/2 cup (2 oz.) shredded mozzarella cheese Preheat oven to 350. In a large bowl, toss the hot spaghetti with olive oil. In a small bowl, combine eggs and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. Stir into the spaghetti. Pour the spaghetti mixture into a lightly greased 10-inch pie plate and form into a crusty. Spread ricotta evenly over the crust, but not quite to the edge, and top with spaghetti sauce. Bake, uncovered, for 25 minutes. Top with the shredded mozzarella. Bake for 5 minutes more, or until the cheese melts. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with remaining 2 Tbsp. Parmesan. Cool for 10 minutes before cutting into wedges. Makes 6 servings.

Striped Delight Pudding See the note about making a chocolate and banana pudding. 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs ¼ cup sugar ⅓ cup melted butter or margarine 8 oz. cream cheese softened ¼ cup sugar Potato Casserole 2 lb. bag hash browns thawed 1 can cream chicken soup ¼ cup butter 16 oz. sour cream 2 cups grated cheddar cheese ½ onion, chopped Coat an 11 x 14 with pan nonstick spray.

2 Tbsp. milk 8 oz. Cool Whip, thawed 2 pkgs. Jell-O Brand Chocolate Flavor Instant Pudding 3 ½ cups cold milk Combine graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup sugar and melted butter. Press firmly into bottom of 13 x 9 in pan. In large bowl, combine all ingredients and stir. Add potato mix and bake for 45 minutes in a 350 degrees oven. Casserole is ready when the top is golden brown. Scoop out a spoonful after 45 minutes to taste, and see if potatoes are tender.

of your life; make them known to your children and your children’s children.’ Along with these stories she has included pictures. “Mine and Hoyt’s legacy was and is to pass on to our children our faith in God and His promises of eternal life to those who trust in Jesus as their savior,” says Martha. “Our desire is that our children and grandchildren know God and that they have a personal saving relationship with Him. We felt that nothing else in life is more important.” Ann Cipperly can be contacted at recipes@ cipplerly.com

volunteers in the church office once a week and is involved in the Congregational Care Ministry, visiting shutins and those who are ill. She is also involved in the Brown Bag Bible Study, Widow’s Mite, Trinity Troopers, the food committee and her Sunday school class. Martha also has been writing her life stories for her grandchildren. “I feel that is important that we pass along family history and stories that are part of the family heritage,” she says. “God instructs us to do this. Deuteronomy 4:9 reads ‘Do not forget the things your eyes have seen all the days

tom in one and vanilla pudding with bananas in the other. Then she layers the cream cheese mixture and tops with Cool Whip. Martha has been making many of the following recipes with Sara Kate for her to prepare and pass on to her children. “It has been a special time this summer to have Sara Kate here,” Martha says. “I feel it has been a gift.” In addition to cooking, they also enjoy an evening walk together and watching movies. When the grandchildren are not here, Martha stays busy with church activities. She

Spaghetti Casserole 1 lb. ground turkey ½ lb. angel hair spaghetti or thin spaghetti 8 oz. sour cream 1 jar Ragu or Prego pasta sauce 8 oz. ricotta 8 oz. bag mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided 1 lb. ground turkey Spray a 9 x 13 glass dish with Pam. Brown and drain the turkey. Cook spaghetti noodles per package instructions. While pasta cooks, add sauce, ricotta and

all but 1/3 cup of the mozzarella cheese to the meat. Mix well. Drain noodles and mix in sour cream. Spread noodle mixture in the bottom of the dish. Spread the meat mixture on top of the noodle layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1/3 cup of mozzarella cheese on top after casserole has baked 15 minutes. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes. Check to be sure the cheese doesn’t get too brown.

Pumpkin Bread or Muffins 3½ cups flour 3 cups sugar 1 tsp. salt 2 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. nutmeg ½ tsp. allspice 1 cup vegetable oil 4 eggs 2/3 cup water 2 cups canned pumpkin Grease loaf pans. Blend dry ingredients in bowl until well mixed. Combine oil, eggs,

water and pumpkin; beat until well blended. Add dry ingredients slowly and beat well. Bake in a preheated 325-degree oven for 60 to 65 minutes. Cool 10 minutes before removing from pans and continue cooling on wire racks. Wrap in foil and store in refrigerator or freeze. Makes three 8 ½ x 4 ½ x 2-inch loaves. Bake muffins for25 to 30 minutes or until test done.

Vegetable Soup 2 pkg. frozen soup vegetables 1 can tomato soup 1 or 2 cans diced tomatoes 3-4 cups water 2-3 chicken bouillon cubes (dissolve in a little boiling water first

before adding to soup mixture) 1 lb. ground turkey, browned 1 can pinto beans, optional Bring to boil, reduce heat. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally for 30-45 minutes.

Beat cream cheese with sugar and 2 Tbsp. milk until smooth. Fold in half the whipped topping. Spread over crust. Using 3 ½ cups cold milk, prepare pudding. Pour over cream cheese layer and chill for several hours. Spread remaining whipped topping over

Baked Honey Dijon Salmon ¼ cup melted Herb butter (I use Kerrygold Garlic and Herb Butter) 3 Tbsp. Dijon mustard 1 ½ Tbsp. honey ¼ cup dry breadcrumbs ¼ cup finely chopped pecans 4 (6-7 oz.) fillet salmon Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a small bowl stir to-

pudding and garnish with chocolate, nut or bananas. Note: You can divide this recipe in half and use one chocolate pudding for one half and one vanilla pudding for the other half. If desired, add bananas to the vanilla to make it banana pudding. gether the butter, mustard and honey. Set aside. In another bowl mix breadcrumbs and pecans. Brush each fillet lightly with honey mustard mixture and sprinkle the top of the fillet with the crumb mixture. Bake salmon for 15 minutes in the preheated oven until it flakes easily with a fork.