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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