Opelika Observer 09-30-2021 E-edition

Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021

Vol. 13, No. 51

pelika Observer O

Opelika, Alabama

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East Alabama Health Opens Level III NICU PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

CONTRIBUTED BY EAH East Alabama Health’s newly constructed level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) will begin welcoming patients on Thursday, Sept. 23.

This new facility will offer 11 patient rooms and be available for babies who are born at 32 weeks or less — full gestation is 40 weeks.

It will include new features such as a milk lab, a pharmacy with a dedicated pharmacist, a dedicated respiratory therapist and a developmental therapy room.

“The presence of a level III NICU significantly impacts our community,” said Desiree Sinclair, NICU nursing unit manager. “Previously,

infants requiring level III care were separated from their mother and transported an hour or two away. This service will allow families to stay in the same community as their infant, surrounded by their support groups.

“I am deeply grate-

ful and blessed to be part of this exciting new service to our community. Having the opportunity to help create a service that will serve our community for generations to come is a once-in-alifetime dream come true. Through gener-

ous support, we have equipped our unit with the most state-of-theart equipment, phenomenal developmental support technology and highly experienced, skilled professionals. The nurses, See NICU, page A2

Lee County Commission Files Court Complaint Against Creekwood, Resources, LLC

BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

Lee County residents are still waiting to see if a quarry will open in Beulah.

The ongoing fight against Creekwood Resources, LLC, for a quarry in Beat 13 has come to a head with a lawsuit.

The Lee County Commission filed a court complaint against Creekwood Resources, LLC, on Sept. 2.

Citizens formed a group, Protect

Beulah, in August of 2020 and began holding meetings, speaking with representatives and speaking out against Creekwood.

Creekwood applied for, and received the necessary permits from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management Agency.

In the meantime, a Lee County Planning Commission was formed which See QUARRY, page A3

Ninth Annual Senior Health, Resource Fair to be Held Oct. 5 PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

The Senior Health and Resource Fair is an annual event hosted by the Opelika SportsPlex. It is a free event and community members ages 55 and older are invited.

CCONTRIBUTED BY THE OPELIKA SPORTSPLEX AND AQUATICS CENTER

The Opelika SportsPlex and Aquatics Center is hosting its 9th annual Senior Health and Resource Fair on Tuesday, Oct. 5 from 8 a.m. to noon. This health fair is free and open to the public and will provide access to numerous free services to adults ages 55 and older.

This event brings together service and resource providers so that seniors and their caregivers can gather information relevant to their current stage in life or plan for the future as they age. They can shop supplemental insurance providers, meet with doctors and get blood work done all under one roof — instead See HEALTH, page A3

East Alabama Arts Announces New Season

BY MICHELLE KEY PUBLISHER

The East Alabama Arts (EAA) has announced

CONTENTS OPINION.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A4 OPINION

SPORTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B1

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY. . . . . A7

POLITICS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B9

RELIGION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A13

CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B11

COMICS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A15 COMICS

PUBLIC NOTICES. . . . . . . . . . . . B12

its 2021-22 Performance Series season with its first showing being Pilobolus on Oct. 5 at the Opelika Center for the Performing

Arts.

For those who bought Flash Sale tickets in 2020, EAA would like to express See EAA, page A3

EMH COVID STATS AS OF SEPT. 28

A2 Sept. 30, 2021

Proper Prep Services: Bringing Health and Happiness to the Community

BY MEGAN MANN FOR THE OPELIKA OBSERVER

our church and have a calling for ministry and giving back.

“We’ve already been able to cook meals for the hospital, we thought that would be a goal we couldn’t accomplish until down the road. We also did 15 meals for Hosanna Homes, which is for people struggling with addiction.”

Likins expressed that being able to give back to the community of Opelika (and Auburn) brings things “full circle” because it is the town he grew up in.

Aside from its coveted lemon pepper chicken, Proper Prep Services offers a variety of other homemade dishes, including: chicken teriyaki bowls, stir-fry and barbecue pork bites, among others.

To keep up to date with what Likin will be cooking each week, check the website properprepservices. com. For more information you can reach them via email at Properprepservices@ gmail.com , on Facebook at Proper Prep Services or by phone number 334-748-8781.

different colored light options, which help with cone development of a newborn’s eyes as well as their circadian rhythm. The red light can be utilized at night because it provides light without interfering with melatonin production and sleep.

The NICU will also offer a suite for twins.

This specially designed suite consists of two adjoining patient rooms that are separated with sliding doors. This

allows families with twins to visit both babies at once.

“During my more than 30-year career here, we have always had to transfer infants who were very sick or too small to stay,” said Executive Director of Women & Children Health Services Rosemary Cummings. “This has always created such a hardship for the families of our community. Now we can keep them together in

our hospital and give them the outstanding care they deserve. My dream for many years has been to be able to care for our littlest patients with top-ofthe-line equipment and the very best staff. Our nurses come with many years of NICU and level II experience and they are ready to take care of these tiniest infants. The nurses, respiratory therapist and neonatologist are amazing.”

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

created.

The family business started in Likins’ kitchen with the help of his wife and daughter and a goal of 15 customers in a week.

“In three days, we filled our 15-slot roster that we wanted and within a week, our waiting list was bigger than the people we were cooking for,” Likins said. “Our first week in the kitchen we did 70 meals. The next week we went up to 130 meals. The third week was just under 300.”

In less than a month, Likins acquired his food safety permit and business license, and passed all safety and food tests.

“Something that was supposed to take five or six months to be where we're at now — God put us there in weeks,” he said.

Since then, Likins’ operation has continued to grow, and he has big hopes for the company’s future.

“We definitely want to expand and see great things in the future,” Likins said. “Me and my wife are both deacons at

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

Proper Prep Services in Auburn and Opelika has taken off. The company is only two years old but is growing at a rapid pace.

The owner of Proper Prep Services is an Opelika native, Brian Likins. He owns and operates the business with his wife, Melody.

Their business offers multiple meal plans to fit the needs of their customers with the goal of helping people create a healthier lifestyle.

The Linkins’ nutritious meals, including one of their most popular dishes — lemon pepper chicken — can be sold by the serving, family style or by the pound. The menu changes weekly and prices for the meals differ based off what is being cooked.

Growing up, Likins said he loved sports and always considered himself to be healthy and athletic. In his recent adult years, however, Likins said he realized he needed to make a lifestyle change for the

sake of his health.

“About three years ago I went through a pretty dark time and got up to about 240 pounds,” Likins said. “It was the biggest I had ever been, and I was miserable.

That’s when everything changed, and my good friend suggested we started taking care of our bodies nutritionally and not just physically.”

Through eating right and exercising, Likins managed to lose over 60 pounds in nine months. He shared his transformation to Facebook and people wanted to know what the secret was to his newfound healthy lifestyle and physique.

“I posted my transformation online and everyone immediately started asking me what I had been doing,” Likins said. “It [food prepping] took off from there. I never asked for anyone, God just kept sending people to us. Still to this day, we have never put out ads or promoted anything, people just kept calling.”

This is how Proper Prep Services was

NICU >>

FROM A1

respiratory therapists and physicians have a deep love and passion for the NICU. The staff have poured their hearts into creating an environment to care for all aspects of our tiniest community members.”

One of the most unique features in the new NICU is the lighting. A touch screen panel in each room provides six

pelika Observer

O

Phone: 334.749.8003 editor@opelikaobserver.com Michelle@opelikaobserver.com

Publisher: Michelle Key Sports Editor: Wil Crews Live Lee Editor: Hannah Lester Marketing: Woody Ross Photojournalist: Robert Noles Sports Writers: Rick Lanier, D. Mark Mitchell

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Opelika Observer is published weekly by Key Media LLC, 223-A S. 8th St., Opelika, AL 36801.

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

340-bed regional referral hospital, while EAMC-Lanier provides inpatient services as well as a nursing home, an acute rehab unit and an ambulatory surgery center. East Alabama Health employs about 3,500 employees and is the second-largest employer in the region, trailing only Auburn University. For more information, visit www.eamc.org.

ABOUT EAST ALABAMA HEALTH: East Alabama Health encompasses East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, EAMC-Lanier in Valley, the Spencer Cancer Center in Opelika, the Auburn Medical Pavilion and a host of other key medical clinics and practices that help provide a continuum of care to patients throughout an 11-county area. EAMC is a

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A3 Sept. 30, 2021

Supporting Students. Serving Communities.

Regions Foundation Awards Tuskegee University a $250,000 Grant for Scholarships Grant reflects the Regions Foundation’s ongoing work to create more inclusive prosperity.

Tuskegee University announced last week it received a $250,000 grant from the Regions Foundation to support scholarships for students. The scholarships are expected to support at least 50 students as they pursue their degrees.

The Regions Foundation is a nonprofit initiative that is primarily funded by Regions Bank. The foundation supports investments in education and workforce readiness, economic and community development and financial wellness.

The $250,000 scholarship grant announced Wednesday is part of a two-year, $12 million commitment announced in 2020 by the Regions Foundation and Regions Bank to support various organizations that are advancing racial equity and economic empowerment for communities of color while creating more inclusive opportunities for success.

Specifically, the grant to Tuskegee University will support students in Tuskegee’s Low-andMiddle Income (LMI) Scholarship Program.

“The Regions Foundation is committed to advancing education op-

QUARRY >>

FROM A1

created zoning regulations for Beat 13, which were voted on and approved by residents.

These zoning regulations would ban a quarry in the Beat 13 area, however, it remains to be seen if legally the planning commission’s regulations will apply to Creekwood.

The complaint filed on Sept. 2 outlined the problems the commission has with a quarry in Lee County, including disruption of Halawakee Creek and harm to residents, among others.

"A preliminary injunction is appropriate here because the case presents a substantial question regarding the rights to be protected, and preservation of the status quo is both expedient and necessary to prevent injuries both imminent and irreparable in a court of law,” the complaint said.

“The trial judge’s action in granting an order to preserve the status quo will not be disturbed unless there is an abuse of discretion

portunities for students across our communities while removing barriers to success,” said Marta Self, executive director of the Regions Foundation. “Those barriers often include financial challenges in obtaining a degree, and our goal is to use the foundation’s resources in a way that connects more students with the opportunity to complete their education and pursue rewarding careers. We appreciate the work of the educators, administrators and staff of Tuskegee University, and we are honored to support their work to empower students through a world-class education.”

In 2020, COVID-19 negatively impacted the university’s enrollment projections by 4%, causing a drop in enrollment by nearly 270 students compared to recent years. Funding from the Regions Foundation will help Tuskegee bridge the enrollment gap by offering scholarships to low-and moderate-income students who are eligible to receive federal funding.

Eligible students can apply for funding through Tuskegee’s Office of Financial Aid as part of their application for financial assistance.

In addition to the grant from the Regions Foundation, Tuskegee University has long received financial and volunteer support from Regions Bank. Last year, Regions Bank provided emergency financial assistance for students impacted by COVID-19. Funding from the bank provided access to technology and equipment for students to transition to online studies. Regions Bank supports annual career fairs and other events on campus as well. Additionally, bank associates taught financial education courses to students as part of the bank’s community engagement priorities.

“We have had a long-term relationship with Regions Bank as they have managed the institution’s financial resources for many years,” said University President Dr. Charlotte P. Morris. “We are grateful for the opportunity to begin a new relationship with the Regions Foundation that has shown a true commitment to helping those in their community. Over 70% of Tuskegee students are on some type of financial aid. As our students continue to strive toward completing their education during these

by violation of some established rule of law or principle of equity. No such violation will occur by maintaining the status quo here.

Other listed defendants in this complaint include Highway 29, LLC and Charles Michael Teel and Wanda K. Teel, along with unnamed defendants X-1 and X-20.

“A declaratory judgment, pursuant to the Alabama Declaratory Judgments Act, Ala. Code §§ 6-6-220, et seq., declaring that the quarry will constitute an imminent and threatened interference with or diversion, degradation, or destruction of property subject to a public trust — including, specifically but not limited to, the common aquifer, Halawakee Creek, its wetlands, habitat, ecology, the public water supply, and its historical, aesthetic and cultural resources,” the complaint asked for judgement against the defendants.

The complaint also asked for “relief against defendants” and the expenses and

costs associated with the complaint.

“Remember we told you to not panic over the issuance of permits from ADEM and to remember our Lee County Commission will continue to fight for us…,” the Protect Beulah Facebook page shared with its followers. “Well, they are doing just that.

Lawsuits were filed against the quarry and affiliates on Sept. 2, 2021, by Lee County Commission. Also, an Administrative appeal hearing to the Alabama Environmental Management Commission will take place October 8th in Montgomery.

“They are moving forward to protect our community, county, people and land. We will update on court dates and news as we get updated information.

If you have any questions or want more information, you may email us at protectbeulah@gmail. com."

The Observer reached out to Creekwood Resources, LLC, regarding the complaint but due to the litigation, Creekwood cannot comment at this time.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

CONTRIBUTED BY REGIONS FOUNDATION

challenging times, the investment by the Regions Foundation serves to reduce the barriers to success for them.”

Savannah Williams, a biology and pre-dental student from Atlanta, Georgia, received a Regions Foundation scholarship and said it will help her focus on graduation.

“Receiving this scholarship has helped alleviate my financial stress, so that I can focus more on my studies,” Williams said.

She is expected to graduate in 2023.

In addition to the Regions Foundation’s support at Tuskegee, the foundation has also recently supported student scholarships at

HEALTH>>

FROM A1

of making multiple appointments and traveling to numerous offices over time.

“It is important for adults to feel empowered as they navigate the aging process,” said Valeri White, SportsPlex adult activities coordinator. “We want to give them the knowledge to advocate for their own needs and be aware of the resources our community has available to them.”

This year’s event will provide a multitude of on-site free services for seniors including: • The Southern Union State Community College Nursing Program will be performing blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol checks and hemoglobin screenings.

• The East Alabama Medical Center (EAMC) Cancer Center will be doing men’s ProstrateSpecific Antigen (PSA)

EAA >>

FROM A1

its gratitude. Those ticket holders already have reserved seating.

For everyone else, please browse the organizations webpage for more information about upcoming shows and dates.

other HCBUs across Alabama, Florida and Tennessee.

About Regions Foundation Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grant-making program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

About Regions Financial Corporation Regions Financial

Corporation (NYSE:RF), with $156 billion in assets, is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation’s largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services.

Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas, and through its subsidiary, Regions Bank, operates more than 1,300 banking offices and approximately 2,000 ATMs. Regions Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. Additional information about Regions and its full line of products and services can be found at www.regions.com.

bloodwork to test for prostate cancer.

• Medical Center Plus will provide sEMG exams to measure muscular compensation around the spine.

• Hearing Life Clinic will perform hearing tests to diagnose potential hearing loss.

• Kindred at Home will perform balance tests to assess static balance and postural stability.

• The Lions Club will provide vision screenings to look for potential vision loss and eye disorders.

• Bubba’s Medicine Shop will be providing flu shots.

This year’s health and resource fair will also provide a wide variety of vendors that will help educate seniors and allow them to shop for providers at one location. This year’s health fair will feature: • Home health providers • Assisted living

providers • Hospice care providers • Insurance providers • Healthcare providers • Vision providers • Rehabilitation providers • Community health resources • Advocacy groups • Volunteer opportunities.

This year’s Health Fair will follow the same COVID-19 protocols as the 2020 Health Fair.

All attendees will be required to wear masks.

The vendors will be spaced out to allow plenty of room for social distancing. Foot traffic will be restricted to a one-way path that takes attendees through the health fair without crosstraffic concerns.

This year’s health fair is supported by the Lee-Russell Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging, the Opelika City Council and the Opelika Observer.

East Alabama Arts count on the subscription support from community members.

When ready to purchase a subscription, please visit its website, www. eastalabamaarts.org and order through the secure online portal.

For those not wanting to complete the form online, call the office at 334-749-

8105, or mail in an order to: East Alabama Arts 1103 Glenn St. Opelika, Alabama 36801.

A portion of ticket purchases may be tax-deductible — please consult with tax professionals regarding this.

Single tickets are on sale now.

A4 Sept. 30, 2021

THANKS

SEAN DIETRICH

T

hank you for holding the door for an old woman at Cracker Barrel. You must’ve been fourteen, you were with friends.

You were laughing and carrying on when you saw the old woman, pushing a walker. You jogged ahead. You beat her to the door. You held it open.

She thanked you. You yes-ma’amed her. And you made my day, kid.

My whole day.

And thanks for giving

money to a homeless man in Birmingham, Alabama. You don’t know me, but I watched you. I was at a stoplight.

You were outside UAB School of Medicine campus. You wore green scrubs and carried a backpack. You gave money. Then, you gave a cup of coffee and a fast-food to-go bag.

Thanks for sitting with that young girl after work. She was seated on the sidewalk outside the bar. She was

waiting for her ride. It was two in the morning.

She didn’t need to be alone at that hour. So you sat with her. You might not think you did much, but you did.

Thank you for filling that backpack with food, then leaving it in a tenth grader’s locker — anonymously. You know who you are.

Thank you for working at Children’s of Alabama Hospital. Each one of you.

Thank you for picking up a hitchhiker outside Anniston, Alabama.

Even though modern wisdom warns against this, you followed your heart.

When the hitchhiker stepped into your car, you could tell he had a mental illness. But you didn’t try to fix him, you didn’t try to be a hero, you didn’t try to do anything major. You were just nice to him.

Second-Grade Uprising — Part III

WENDY HODGE

W

hen last we met, the mood at Carver Elementary was tense. Our two hall monitors, Steve and Andy, were not exactly everybody’s favorite people. Steve handled it the way he handled everything — with an easy smile and a fake laugh.

Things just rolled off his back, for the most part.

Andy, however, remained stoic and silent. I remember trying to start a conversation with him as we stood in the hallway one afternoon. I was in line for the water fountain, and he stood with his back to the wall, always vigilant.

The boy at the head

of the line had apparently just crossed the Sahara Desert and so needed to consume ten or twelve gallons of lukewarm water while we all fidgeted behind him. The close proximity to Andy made silence awkward … at least for me. I’ve often rushed to fill silences with words.

“Hi,” I said quietly.

Nothing. No reaction.

“I’m Wendy,” I tried again.

Still no response.

I’ve never been one to give up easily, so I tried one last tactic: “You’re a very good hall monitor.”

This time he glanced at me and smiled just a hint of smile.

“Thank you,” he said in a hoarse voice, as if he had not spoken in days.

Just then the line moved, and we surged forward.

That afternoon, Mrs. Taylor was called away to the principal’s office on some secret teacher business.

She left us with the instruction to remain

1 OUT OF 10 ELDERLY PERSONS AND ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES ARE BEING: Abused, Neglected or Exploited If you suspect this is happening to someone you know, please report it to Adult Protective Services by contacting your local DHR office or calling the

ADULT ABUSE HOTLINE at 1-800-458-7214

HELP STOP THE ABUSE

IF YOU SEE IT, REPORT IT

Thereʼs no excuse for

ELDER ABUSE

“This project was supported by Subgrant #18-VA-VS-050 #16-VA-VS-076 awarded by the Law Enforcement / Traffic Safety Division of ADECA and the U.S. Department of Justice.” The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice or grant-making component.”

silent and work on our math sheets.

“I’ll be right back,” she said.

We could still hear her heels clicking up the hallway when the murmuring started.

“I hate that we have hall monitors,” said one girl.

“Yeah. They act like we’re all babies,” said another.

I glanced over at Steve, who had a smile plastered on his face but was clearly beginning to feel a bit antsy. Andy, on the other hand, had the same implacable expression on his face.

The murmuring got louder, and pretty soon the entire classroom was on their feet or sitting on the top of their desk. A plot was forming — a complete and formal protest of the existence of hall monitors! Mrs. Taylor had been gone a total of six minutes, and when she returned she had an uprising on her hands.

She knew it the See HODGE, page A5

And he appreciated that.

Thanks for driving a kid named Peter to baseball practice. After his father died, his mother has been working double shifts. Peter has been babysitting and cooking supper for his sisters since his mother started working longer hours.

Peter had to drop out of baseball because he didn’t have a ride to and from practice. But you stepped in and saved the day. He’s a good baseball player, and you’re a good human being.

Everybody wins.

Thanks for taking care of Miss Caroline’s dog while she was away, receiving chemotherapy.

Miss Caroline is a little reclusive, she doesn’t have many friends. That dog is her baby. She didn’t want to leave it alone at home all day.

She had no options.

Then you came along.

So, thanks for watching the dog. And a double thanks for stocking Miss Caroline’s refrigerator. I wish you could’ve seen the look on her face when she opened the fridge to see casseroles, hams and grilled chicken.

And before I go, thank you for reading this. You might not know who I am — why should you? But I know you. Sort of. And you’ve changed me.

Yes, you.

Remember, about twenty years ago, when you sent me an anonymous envelope with three hundred dollars in it, right after I lost my job?

Or how about the time you talked to me in the waiting room, when I was nervous about my wife’s biopsy.

There was the time you cooked for my mother, my baby sister

and I after my father died.

And who can forget when you told me I was special after you finished teaching my college class. You said I had a lot to offer this world. Those words stuck with me.

The time you helped me change a tire on a busy highway in Mobile. The time you bought my lunch. The time you called just to check on me.

So to Miss Deena — who I once met selling parched peanuts on the side of the road in Andalusia. To Jason — who drives a van for a day camp for kids with PTSD issues. To Billie Jean — who leaves money at gas pumps just for the fun of it.

And to the kid who held the door open for the old woman at Cracker Barrel.

Thank you.

We Must Never Forget

BY PERRY HOOPER JR.

A

s I watched 13 brave American heroes being brought home after being killed in Afghanistan, it was tragic and heartbreaking.

All but one were in their early to mid-twenties. They choose to defend the homeland while many of their classmates are playing beer pong, hanging out at the beach and enjoying life without regard to the dangerous world we live in.

They gave their lives for freedom and are shining examples of what it really means to be an American.

They and their fellow heroes who volunteer for military service are the best among us.

Let me highlight five of them.

Maxton Soviak, 22 Navy - Soviak, a Navy hospital corpsman, hailed from Berlin Heights, Ohio, and graduated from Edison High School in Milan in 2017.

His older sister posted to Instagram

“I’ve never been one for politics and I’m not going to start now. What I will say is that my beautiful, intelligent, beat-tothe-sound of his own drum, annoying, charming baby brother was killed yesterday helping to save lives,” the sister wrote.

“He was a medic, there to help people. and now he is gone, and my family will never be the same.

There is a large Maxton sized hole that will never be filled,” Kareem Nikoui, 20, Marine - He was from Norco, California.

Nikoui ‘s father told The Daily Beast his son “loved what he was doing” and “always wanted to be a Marine. He really loved that [Marine Corps] family. He was devoted — he was going to make a career out of this, and he wanted to go. No hesitation for him to be called to duty,” his dad said.

David Lee Espinoza, 20, Marines - He was from Laredo, Texas and graduated from Lyndon Johnson high school.

Representative Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) wrote this on Twitter “Mr. Espinoza, a Laredo Marine killed in Afghanistan, embodied the values of America: grit, dedication, service, and valor. When he joined the military after high school, he did so with the intention of protecting our nation and demonstrating his selfless acts of service” Rylee McCollum, 20, Marines McCollum, from Bondurant, Wyoming,

was on his first deployment, had just gotten married, and was three weeks away from being a dad when he was killed in the blast, according to the Casper Star Tribune.

“He wanted to be a Marine his whole life and carried around his rifle in his diapers and cowboy boots,” McCollum’s sister Roice McCollum told the outlet.

“He was determined to be in infantry …

Rylee wanted to be a history teacher and a wrestling coach when he finished serving his country. He’s a tough, kind, loving kid who made an impact on everyone he met. His joke and wit brought so much joy,” She spoke.

Nicole Gee, 23, Marine - In 2016, Sgt. Nicole Gee graduated from Oakmont High School. Her husband, fellow Marine Jarod Gee, is also a graduate of Oakmont, The Sacramento Bee reports.

Just days before her death, Gee posted a photo on Instagram of herself in uniform while holding a baby in Afghanistan with the caption, "I love my job."

All thirteen have similar stories. They all loved this great country. They all knew that they may have to make the supreme sacrifice, but they signed up anyway. My dad certainly knew when he enlisted to be a Marine. We must never forget these heroes, and the hundreds of thousands that have gone before them. We must be eternally grateful for their sacrifice, or all is lost for our country.

A5 Sept. 30, 2021

Opelika Police to Host Illegal Narcotic Identification Class CONTRIBUTED BY THE OPELIKA POLICE DEPARTMENT The Opelika Police Department is hosting an Illegal Narcotic Identification Class on Thursday, Oct. 14. The class is for Opelika parents, educators and youth leaders who wish to gain additional knowledge and understanding of illegal narcotics and the affects it has within our community. The Narcotics Unit will educate attendees on the different types of illegal drugs, symptoms and behaviors, community trends and items to look for such as paraphernalia. Detectives will also be available to answer any questions.

“We continue to see drug abuse and overdose trends across the country due illegal drug use,” said Detective Division Captain Johnathan Clifton. “We hope parents, and anyone who interacts with our youth communities, will take advantage of this class to truly understand how to identify and prevent illegal drug usage.”

The class will be held at the Opelika Police Department located at 501 S. 10th St. from 6 to 7 p.m. Registration is free and you can reserve your spot by emailing Allison Duke at aduke@opelika-al.gov.

HODGE >>

FROM A4

moment she entered the room. Bless her heart. I hoped she had a well-stocked wine cellar waiting for her at home.

To her credit, she heard us out. Every single comment and criticism was given attention. She even agreed with some of the arguments her class made, and never once did she make us feel like the children we were. She was truly a good teacher.

Once we had aired all our concerns, she drew a deep breath and said, “You’ve all forgotten one very important thing.

Since Steve and Andy started keeping watch in the hallway, we haven’t had one single incident of vandalism.

No graffiti, no missing pencils or broken crayons, no bad words on the blackboard. All of your belongings have been safe. School property hasn’t been harmed.”

No one had a response. She was right, and we knew it.

“I think we owe Steve and Andy a very big thank you.

They’ve been doing a job no one else wanted, and they’ve done it in spite of the way they’ve been treated by the very people they’re trying to help.

I’m talking about all of you. Don’t you feel the least bit ashamed of the way you’ve acted?”

She was good at that, too — making

us feel that blush of shame when we knew we could have behaved better.

Grudgingly everyone made their way back to their seats and accepted the fact that hall monitors were exactly what we needed.

Christmas break came and went, and the cold winter months crept by. We learned how to add and subtract numbers with multiple digits.

We read aloud and memorized vocabulary words. We played Four Square and Red Rover.

Steve and Andy were hall monitors until the school year ended. Steve stayed in our town all the way through high school.

He always kept that same good humor and easy smile. Andy, on the other hand, moved away before third grade. We learned from Mrs. Taylor that he was a military kid and that his year with us was the longest he had ever lived in one place. I wish I could say that he made lots of friends at Carver Elementary, but that wouldn’t be true. The conversation I had with him that day in the hallway was the only one I’d ever have with him. He kept to himself and did what he was asked to do.

But I never felt sorry for him. He was not unhappy. In fact, he seemed quite content in his solitary path.

Maybe he was just naturally that way. Or maybe it was a protective skill he developed

over the years — why attach yourself to friends you would only have to leave and try to forget?

As for the “hoodlum” who vandalized Mrs. Taylor’s second grade … that mystery was never solved.

At least, not to my knowledge. There was gossip, I’m sure. But he (or she) remains a mystery to this day.

Just this morning, the news was on. There was video footage of angry mobs wreaking havoc in an inner-city neighborhood. Thugs with clubs in their hands stood in front of a wall covered with graffiti and screamed at a line of policemen who were trying to control the crowd. A car had been overturned in the street, and trash littered the ground.

I had an instant flashback to the second-grade classroom

and the damage done there.

In response to the situation in her own city, an elected politician (someone who was voted into office by fellow Americans) was standing on the steps of Capitol Hill. Her face was flushed with rage, and she choked out these words: “We don’t need these police! We’ve never needed police! Give America back to these people and defund the police! They are the only reason we have crime and death in this city!”

I stood there a moment, trying to see things from her point of view. Mrs. Taylor would be proud. I actually gave this angry US Representative’s words consideration. But then I thought about Andy.

Quiet, solid, determined Andy. He had no friends. He had an address that changed

TEXTILE MILLS ASBESTOS CLAIMS

more often than we changed lunchboxes.

And he had a job that he was proud to do. A job no one else wanted.

You may part ways with me here because of whatever political views you hold. And that’s okay. That’s what America is — we have to be okay with disagreeing. What we don’t have to be, however, is violent and destructive and completely opposed to any and all authority. We’ve become a society of not just rule-breakers but rule ABOLISHERS. Like second graders, we want cookies and chaos all day long.

But when things go south, and they ALWAYS go south, it is the Andys of the world we need.

As the news story ended, I watched the same angry politician be escorted to safety by her own personal

security detail. Men in uniform with guns on their hips rushed her inside a car with tinted windows. The irony would be funny if it wasn’t so infuriating.

How I pray that our country learns what Mrs. Taylor’s second-grade class already knows — we need laws and law keepers. That is the human condition.

Wherever Andy is today, I imagine him surrounded by family and friends who love him. I imagine him putting on a uniform with pride and serving his neighborhood and his country with the same solid reliability that he gave Mrs. Taylor’s second-grade class. If I could, I would have a second conversation with him and tell him just how much he taught me during those few short months he lived in our town.

Protect with 3! ✔ Tdap ✔ HPV ✔ MCV4 Protect your patients against vaccine preventable diseases.

If you began working in a Textile Mill, Tire Plant, Paper Mill, Steel Mill or any other industrial setting before 1980: You may have a claim against the asbestos manufacturers.

Call now for your free evaluation.

1-(888)432-6020 Asbestos Claims, LLC, Jubal L. Hamil Attorney at Law ARPC 7.2.(e) “No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.”

As healthcare professionals, it is up to you to ensure your patients remain up to date with their vaccines.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) recommend the following vaccines for adolescents: • • • •

Tetanus, Diptheria, Pertussis Human papillomavirus Meningococcal disease Influenza

For more information, please visit alabamapublichealth.gov/imm

A6 Sept. 30, 2021

CONTRIBUTED BY LEE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF OPELIKA

The Lee County Sheriff's Office is deploying Mobilize Rescue Systems to all school resource deputies assigned to Lee County schools.

The systems are enclosed in a hard case and contain first responder medical supplies to manage medical emergencies including severe bleeding, cardiac arrest, seizures, choking, chest trauma and burns while fire rescue and EMTs are en­route.

"These portable case systems are designed to provide immediate medical emergency response capability to our SROs in the first moments of an injury or health distress situation,” said Sheriff Jay Jones. “They provide aid while our fire rescue and emergency transport services are on the way to the scene."

The interactive system utilizes an onboard microprocessor and is designed to aid in assessing, manag-

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

High Tech Medical Kits Issued to Sheriff's SROs

OPELIKA'S ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES UPDATES TO RECYCLING CENTERS

ing and monitoring broad categories of medical emergencies. The system employs protocols and best practices as recommended by the American Heart Association, Tactical Emergency Casualty Care and the American College of Surgeons.

"We plan to provide additional units to our county-wide Tactical Response Team and Detention Center Medical personnel as well," Jones said.

The Mobilize Rescue systems were acquired from CORO Medical/AED US in Franklin,Tennessee.

Craig Leonard, R. Ph. Lisa Leonard, R. Ph. Hours: Monday - Thursday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

334-821-4493 464 N. Dean Road, Auburn

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1810 E. Glenn Ave. Suite 130 Auburn, AL 36830 Cell 334.444.8041 duffystewartrealtor@gmail.com www.BHHSPreferredAuburn.com A member of the franchise system of BHH Affliates, LLC

The City of Opelika Environmental Services (OES) Department is making several changes to the 8th Avenue and Jeter Avenue Recycling Centers in order to better serve residents.

Hours will soon change at both locations. Effective Friday, Oct. 1, the new hours of operation will change to the following: 8th Avenue: Gate will open at 8 a.m.

Friday and close at 8 a.m. Tuesday.

Jeter Avenue: Gate will open at 8 a.m. and close at 2 p.m., Monday through Friday.

These expanded hours will allow citizens more access to “RECYCLE RIGHT OPELIKA”.

City officials are asking everyone to follow the rules and please not

contaminate the material. That is the only way Environmental Services will be able to keep these expanded hours.

OES is in the process of installing a compactor for cardboard at the 8th Avenue Recycling Center.

Once installed, it is required for everyone to breakdown their boxes to fit in the opening. Any cardboard left on the ground will be handled as trash and will end up in the landfill. If city officials find anyone leaving cardboard on the ground they will be fined as per our ordinance — $100 for the first occurrence and increasing after the first occurrence.

Please do your part by recycling your cardboard properly.

Sometime in the next 30 to 60 days OES plans to install

a large storage container at each site in order to get some of recycling material out of the weather.

These containers will house electronics, batteries, paint, used cooking oil, bagged shredded paper and bagged aluminum cans that OES donates to United Way. One change being made is with battery recycling. There will be bins for you to put the various sizes in.

Terry White, director of OES, said, “I feel these changes will enhance the city’s recycling program. Thank you to those using our recycling centers and if you ever want the convenience of curbside recycling, please sign up at Opelika-al.gov.”

For additional information, contact Leigh G. Krehling at 334-705-5136 or lkrehling@opelika-al. gov.

Opelika E vents, Society & Food

UPCOMING EVENTS • NOW THROUGH OCT. 2: LEE COUNTY FAIR • OCT. 2: JOHNNY RAY CENTRUY BICYCLE RIDE 2021 FROM 7 A.M. TO 4 P.M. • OCT 7: TIPOFF AT TOOMERS FROM 4 TO 9 P.M.

Plan Brunch For Houseguests, Fall Hospitality Before Football Games PHOTO BY ANN CIPPERLY

Ann Cipperly

Southern

Hospitality

W

ith the football season in full swing and houseguests visiting during the fall months, weekend brunches are an easy way to provide hospitality for delectable meals. Brunch dishes can be prepared ahead of time and simply baked in the morning, and have coffee cakes on a sideboard ready to serve.

Brunch, a combination of breakfast and lunch, can be a stress-free way to entertain when most of the menu is prepared ahead. When football games are scheduled for mornings or early afternoons, brunch is ideal for inviting friends over before the game for “tailgating” in the comfort of your home or on the patio.

When having houseguests, brunch is convenient, as they can leisurely dress and relax in the morning. Have coffee and

other beverages arranged to allow houseguests to serve themselves.

With brunch dishes prepared ahead, the kitchen will be free of clutter, and cleanup is easier, allowing more time to spend with guests.

Fresh fruit is generally the only last minute dish to arrange.

Prepare the bacon and cheese squares ahead and store in the freezer in plastic bags. Take out the amount you need and bake. Set out a tray of these delicious appetizers for guests while brunch dishes bake.

When I was growing up in Opelika, brunch was not popular. My mother and Little Granny served breakfast early, and there was never a brunch. When we visited Little Granny, she was up so early that she would have a big hearty lunch with fried chicken ready by 11 a.m.

Little Granny would be surprised to know that fried chicken is a popular brunch dish served with waffles and syrup.

This combination is also served as a brunch appetizer with fried chicken nuggets placed on small waffles.

When we have company arriving before lunch, I will often serve brunch dishes as well as lunch favorites. Shrimp and grits or quiche are good for these meals. I featured several quiche recipes in the spring brunch article.

If you missed it, email and I will send you a copy.

I am working on new quiche recipes now since I read about chefs making quiche in spring form pans and using a buttery pastry instead of pie crust.

The filling is doubled for a thick slice. If you are interested in trying these kinds of quiche, you can Google recipes from Chef

Whether you are having houseguests or offering hospitality before a football game, brunch is easy to prepare ahead. Cranberry juice cordials topped with orange sherbet, bacon and cheese squares and baked french toast with praline topping are delectable additions to a brunch menu. Brunch is also enjoyable to savor after church on Sundays.

Thomas Keller of the famed French Laundry in the Napa Valley.

Most brunch dishes can be prepared ahead. For making Jennifer’s shrimp and grits casserole ahead, assemble the recipe without the shrimp. Place in refrigerator until ready to bake. Add shrimp just before baking.

The mini ham and cheese brunch casseroles can be prepared ahead and reheated. The recipe goes together quickly since it calls for ham, so you don’t have sausage or bacon to cook first. The mini casseroles make an attractive presentation when served on a platter surrounded by tomato wedges and green onions.

Prepare the Praline French Toast the day ahead and store in the refrigerator overnight.

The pecans in a buttery brown sugar topping will be ready to simply place in the oven to bake.

The apple stuffed french toast with apple cider syrup is great for an autumn brunch. The recipe is from a former bed and breakfast in Highlands, North Carolina. This was our favorite place to stay for several years. Co-owner Helene was an outstanding cook and would make a huge breakfast every day. We were sad to see the inn close and was renovated into a family home. I was glad Helena shared her

recipes, so we can recreate this delicious French toast dish.

A coffee cake is ideal for brunch since it can be prepared the day before or weeks ahead and frozen. Two excellent ones are Dawn Smith’s grandmother’s coconut pecan coffee cake and Dora James’ plantation coffee cake.

Look over the recipes [page 10] for assembling a brunch menu. While a brunch is great for houseguests and before football games, it is also enjoyable after church around the table with family.

Cipperly can be reached at recipes@ cipperly.com.

Fee-fie-foe-fum, AACT Jr. Performers Will Stage Beanstalk Fun

CONTRIBUTED BY AACT Auburn Area Community Theatre (AACT)

invites those young and those young at heart to come see the Junior Performers show, “Jack and Lil’ and the Beanstalk,” the second show of the AACT 2021-2022 season.

Bring your family, join actors ages 5-12 and come away with us to the Appalachian Mountains for a foot-stompin’,

toe-tappin’ retelling of a folk story classic. Be prepared to be swept up into the action and adventure on a magical journey up the beanstalk with this up-close experience, including singing along — it’s an ideal introduction to theatre for young children.

In this classic tale told country style, banjos

Store Info: Online Website 24/7, Free Local Pick Up, Retail Displays Open Monday & Tuesday 10 am to 3 pm, Saturday 9 am to 3 pm Retail Grand Opening November 1st.

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twang and the hills ring with country-folk music.

With audience participation, join Jack and Lil’ as they meet Lucy the goose, Strum Along the rock star banjo and a giant named Old Dan Tucker in a wondrous world above the clouds.

Performances will take place at the Jan Dempsey Community

Arts Center on 222 E Drake Ave., Auburn, Alabama, on Sept. 30 and October 1, 2, 4, 7 and 8 at 6:30 p.m. with matinees on Oct. 2 and 9 at 4 p.m. Runtime is approximately 60 minutes.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children, students and seniors. Monday Oct. 4 is Family Night, all tick-

ets are $8 for one night only. Call 334-246-1084 or visit www.auburnact. org for ticket purchases and more information.

Email info@auburnact. org for group rate information.

Due to COVID-19 protocols and spaced seating, if you wish to be seated together for the See PERFORMERS, page A11

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A8 Sept. 30, 2021

Making the Grade: Niffer’s at the Tracks

A

s I have said several times, I do love dining in downtown Opelika. The parking is plentiful and free. Also, the brick cobblestones, restaurants and other businesses are very attractive.

Opelika has a charming, lovely downtown. In fact, one of my husband’s earliest and fondest childhood memories relates to the downtown area. When Mike was in kindergarten, he and some other children rode a train from his home in West Point, Georgia, to Opelika. It was his first experience with the “Railroad Town,” and he loved it; now we both do.

Recently, Mike and I joined our friends Amy and David for supper at Niffer’s at the Tracks at 917 S. Railroad Ave. Kevin, our wonderful waiter, was amazing. When we placed our orders, he didn’t write down ANYTHING. Later, he

grilled chicken, guacamole, pico de gallo, lettuce, pepper jack cheese, tortilla strips and Niffer’s homemade salsa ranch in a flour tortilla. Also, I ordered the homemade Mexicali dressing on the side. Delicious!

Niffer’s crunchy onion rings were a tasty side.

Besides what Mike and I ordered, Niffer’s serves a large selection of signature sandwiches and wraps; some of which include: Keely’s Honey Turkey, the Albuquerque, the Ribeye Sandwich, the

Buffalo Chicken Wrap and the Turkey Wrap. All Signature Sandwiches and Wraps are served with a choice of: homemade baked beans, homemade chips, homemade coleslaw, homemade broccoli salad (I believe you can see that “homemade” is a theme.), fries, Cajun fries, tater tots and Cajun tots.

Amy chose the fried chicken salad, which included a choice of romaine and spring mix or shredded iceberg lettuce with tomatoes, cucumbers, mushrooms, cheddar jack cheese and is topped with fried chicken

PHOTO BY MIKE WALLACE

STACEY PATTON WALLACE

brought us everything we had requested. Amy said that Kevin had been their server several times, and he always remembered their orders. That amazed me; I would never be able to remember everything without writing the orders down. In addition, I tend to drop everything, so I would not be a waitress for long.

I really appreciate people who feed me, especially since businesses are often short-staffed these days.

Therefore, Mike and I always support waiters and waitresses because they have tough jobs. And some hungry people can get unpleasant quickly.

Niffer’s at the Tracks also got bonus points for serving Diet Dr. Pepper, my favorite beverage. For an appetizer, Mike and I chose the buffalo dip.

It had shredded chicken, cream cheese and buffalo sauce; it was served with tortilla chips. It was warm, melty and really delicious.

Not much was left when we finished. Again, we managed to refrain from licking the bowl because our parents taught us better.

For his entrée, Mike chose the French Dip, one of his favorites, with fries.

The French Dip is made of thinly sliced roasted beef topped with Swiss cheese on a toasted sub roll. Au jus is served on the side.

Mike really enjoyed it.

I chose the Southwest Wrap, which has freshly

(Diners may also choose grilled.) on a bed of tortilla chips. Amy really enjoyed her salad. Other Super Salads at Niffer’s at the Tracks include: Niffer’s Cobb, Buffalo, Santa Fe, House and Chicken Fajita Salads.

David ordered the Junior Niffersaurus Burger with onion rings. The Niff Jr. came with cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack and Swiss and was topped with a fried egg and bacon on a toasted bun. David said it was really good.

In Niff’s Specialties, diners may choose from a large variety of specialty

sides, two of which include the Sullivan, which is a homemade chili and white cheese dip. “A classic as Pat Sullivan was a classy guy” and the Bramblett, which is a warm and melty buffalo dip piled high “in honor of Rod and Paula Bramblett.”

As an Auburn grad, I especially appreciate those styles.

After choosing a specialty, the next step is to choose your preferred protein: beef, chicken, lean turkey burger, vegetarian or vegan burgers. Last, diners choose a toasted bun or a lettuce bed. Believe me, there is something for every taste palate.

In addition, Niffer’s offers chicken wings, boneless wings, soups, hamburger steaks, Greek quesadillas, chicken burritos or quesadillas, chicken fingers, fish tacos or chili

cheese beef hot dogs.

Niffer’s has it all, including lunch specials on Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is definitely a do-over.

Niffer’s at the Tracks is open on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; on Monday-Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m; on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Niffer’s at the Tracks makes the grade with an A+ from this retired English teacher. Remember, “Pooh-sized” people NEVER lie about food. Enjoy!

Stacey Patton Wallace, who retired from teaching language arts for 30 years, is a professional diner.

Her column, “Making the Grade,” will appear each week in the Observer.

Stacey may be reached at retiredlangartsteacher2020@gmail.com

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A9 Sept. 30, 2021

OCTOBER 15-17, 2021

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN OPELIKA

THE WAR AND TREATY

SHAWN MULLINS DARK WATER SARAH LEE GUTHRIE JOHN PAUL WHITE DAN NAVARRO JEFFREY STEELE MINDY SMITH JEFF BLACK KIM RICHEY GRAYSON CAPPS AMY LAVERE CHARLIE MARS LEIGH NASH CHRIS STILLS STEVE POLTZ MARTHA'S TROUBLE ADAM HOOD ABE PARTRIDGE LIZ LONGLEY PIERCE PETTIS JANET SIMPSON WYATT EDMONDSON KATIE MARTIN BRADLEY COLE SMITH JENNIFER LYNN SIMPSON HARAWAY BROTHERS BB PALMER MARK TRUE EVAN STEGNER BRET MCDANIEL STEPHANIE JECK MAKE SURE WEBSTER’S WHEEL MUTT COOPER DAVE POTTS SCOTT SINGER EDUARDO LEON TED MCVAY BRIAN ATKINS COLEMAN.X

PRODUCED BY

OPELIKASONGWRITERSFESTIVAL.COM

A10 Sept. 30, 2021

CIPPERLY RECIPES >> CRANBERRY JUICE CORDIALS Linda Deyo Cranberry juice Orange sherbet Pour cranberry juice into cordial or other stemmed glasses. Use a small scoop to top each with 1 scoop of orange sherbet. Let these sit while preparing breakfast. When you serve breakfast, there will be an orange foam on top of the cranberry juice.

BACON AND CHEESE SQUARES Makes a tasty appetizer and can be frozen ahead.

2 cups shredded white or yellow cheddar cheese ½ lb. sliced bacon, finely chopped 1/3 cup finely chopped onion 1½ Tbsp. drained bottled horseradish 14 very thin slices firm white sandwich bread Combine first six ingredients; blend well. Spread about 1½ Tbsp. mixture evenly on bread slices. Freeze covered for about 15 minutes. Trim crusts from bread and cut each slice into four squares.

Bake at 375 degrees for about 20 minutes or until edges begin to brown.

Can freeze ahead between layers of wax paper. Thaw slightly before baking.

MINI HAM AND CHEESE BRUNCH CASSEROLES Linda Blythe 8-inch baguette, cut into small cubes 4 oz. cream cheese cut crosswise into 12 slices 1 tsp. extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling 1/4 lb. thinly sliced ham, chopped (about 1 cup) 4 scallions, white and green portions, thinly sliced Ground black pepper 1½ cups half & half 6 large eggs 1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves 1/2 lb. plum tomatoes cut into wedges Salt Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 12-cup muffin pan with cooking spray.

Fill each muffin cup halfway with bread cubes. Top each with 1 slice of cream cheese. Set aside.

Over medium heat in a small saucepan heat olive oil.

Add ham, scallion whites and a pinch of pepper. Sauté until the scallions are tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the half & half and bring just to a simmer, then remove from heat.

In medium bowl, whisk together eggs and thyme, then whisk in the warm half & half mixture.

Pour the egg mixture over the bread in each muffin cup.

Bake until puffed and golden around the edges, about 15 minutes.

Let cool for 5 minutes, then run a knife around the edges and invert onto a cooling rack.

Drizzle the tomato wedges with olive oil; top with green scallions and season with salt and pepper.

Serve with the mini casseroles. Can be prepared ahead and reheated.

EGG, SMOKED SAUSAGE AND POTATO CASSEROLE 4 baking potatoes or 2½ lb. red potatoes, cubed 2 large red or yellow peppers, sliced 1 large onion, chopped Olive oil 1/2 lb. smoked sausage, chopped 8 eggs ½ lb. shredded cheddar cheese Parboil potatoes.

Sauté peppers and onion in olive oil; set aside. Sauté potatoes and sausage; drain. Combine both mixtures and spread into a greased 9 by 13 inch dish. Make eight holes in mixture. Break eggs into holes. Cover with cheese and bake at 350 degrees until set.

MAKE AHEAD SAUSAGE AND MUSHROOM PINWHEELS Two pkg. crescent rolls 1 lb. hot pork sausage ¼ cup minced onion 8 oz. fresh mushrooms, sliced 4 oz. can chopped green chilies 8 oz. cream cheese, cubed 1 egg white, slightly beaten Poppy seeds, optional Press crescent rolls into the bottom of a large baking pan, pressing perforations to seal.

Brown sausage in skillet stirring until crumbly; add onion and cook until tender. Add

mushrooms and green chilies; sauté until tender; drain any fat.

Add cubes of cream cheese into mixture, stirring until melted.

Spread mixture over pastry in pan.

Roll dough. Chill until ready to bake and serve.

Brush pastry with egg white; sprinkle poppy seeds over roll. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Slice and serve.

CANDIED BACON Chef Jason Tardo calls this Pig Candy at the Inn at HalfMile Farm.

1 lb. thick hickory smoked bacon 2 Tbsp. brown sugar 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper 1/2 tsp. black pepper Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix sugar and ground pepper together in a small mixing bowl.

Arrange bacon slices in a single layer in a parchment lined baking pan.

Lightly sprinkle the brown sugar mixture over bacon, using your fingers, spread the mixture evenly over each slice.

Bake the bacon slices 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.

AVOCADO TOASTS WITH TOPPINGS Set out assorted toppings, and let everyone make their own. Double or triple recipe for more servings.

1 avocado, cut in half and pit removed Fresh lemon juice Salt to taste 2 slices toasted whole wheat or sourdough breaded or bread of choice Toppings: Smoked salmon, sliced boiled egg, bacon, soft- cooked egg or sliced cherry tomatoes and feta Remove avocado from shell and place in a small bowl. Squeeze lemon juice over avocado and mash.

Season with salt.

Spread over toasted break. Serve as is or select a topping.

BAKED FRENCH TOAST WITH PRALINE TOPPING 1 loaf French bread 8 large eggs 2 cups half-andhalf 1 cup milk 2 Tbsp. sugar 1 tsp. vanilla

¼ tsp. ground cinnamon ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg Dash of salt Praline Topping Cut French bread into thick slices.

Tightly arrange slices, cutting to fit, in a buttered 9 x 13-inch baking dish. In a large bowl, combine eggs, half-and-half, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Beat with a whisk until blended but not too bubbly. Pour mixture over the bread slices, making sure all are covered evenly with the mixture.

Cover and refrigerate overnight.

The next morning, preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Praline Topping: 1/2 cup butter, melted 1 cup packed light brown sugar 1 cup chopped pecans 2 Tbsp. light corn syrup ½ tsp. ground cinnamon ½ tsp. ground nutmeg Combine all ingredients in a bowl and blend well.

Mixture will be thick. Spread topping by dropping small spoonfuls evenly over cold bread mixture. Put a cookie sheet or aluminum foil under the pan to catch any spills. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until set in the middle. Serve with maple syrup, if desired. Makes 10 to 12 servings.

JENNIFER’S SHRIMP AND GRITS CASSEROLE Carolyn Moore 4 cups chicken broth 1 cup fresh stone ground white grits 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (with peppers optional) 2 Tbsp. butter 1 small onion, chopped 1 green bell pepper, chopped 1 garlic clove, minced 1 lb. fresh shrimp, peeled and cooked 1 can diced tomatoes and green chiles, drained ¼ tsp. salt ¼ tsp. pepper Cook grits in chicken broth. Stir in 3/4 cup cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese.

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat; add green onions, bell pepper, and garlic; sauté 5 minutes or

until tender.

Stir together green onion mixture, grits mixture, shrimp and next 3 ingredients.

Pour into a lightly greased 2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle top with remaining 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes or until thoroughly hot and cheese is melted.

APPLE CHEESE SAUSAGE BALLS Linda Deyo 2 lb. bulk sausage 8 oz. grated sharp Cheddar cheese 1 egg 1 pkg. unseasoned breadcrumbs (or make your own using 4 slices of toasted bread) 4 small apples, cored and cut into bite sized pieces Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Using an ice cream scoop as a measure, form into 2-inch balls. Place on greased baking sheet and bake at 300 degrees until done, about 30 to 45 minutes. Makes about 24.

Note: This recipe can be prepared ahead and frozen, baked or unbaked.

Place the baked sausage balls on a pan and partially freeze. Place in a freezer bag and use as needed. To heat, wrap in foil and heat slowly in the oven for about 30 minutes on 250.

GRANDMOTHER’S COCONUT PECAN COFFEE CAKE Dawn Smith 1 cup sugar 1 stick butter 2 eggs 8 oz. sour cream 1 tsp. vanilla Cream sugar and butter; add remaining ingredients. Then add the following: 2 cups sifted flour 1 tsp. soda 1 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. salt Crumb Topping 1/2 cup sugar 1 cup flaked coconut 1/2 cup chopped pecans Combine ingredients.

Put half of dough in a greased tube pan. Add half of crumb mixture and add remaining dough. Top with rest of crumb topping mix.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes or until tests done.

APPLE STUFFED

FRENCH TOAST WITH APPLE CIDER SYRUP Recipe is from the former 4 ½ Street Inn in Highlands, North Carolina.

1 loaf cinnamon raisin bread 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese 1 can unsweetened apples 10 eggs 1 ½ cups milk ¼ cup butter, melted ¼ cup maple syrup Apple Cider Syrup: 1 cup sugar 3 Tbsp. flour 1 tsp. cinnamon 2 cups apple cider 2 Tbsp. lemon juice ½ stick butter Cut bread into 1½ inch cubes; layer half of cubes in a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.

Slice cream cheese into small pieces and sprinkle evenly over bread cubes. Add apples. Sprinkle remaining bread cubes over top.

In a mixing bowl, stir well eggs, milk, maple syrup and melted butter. Pour egg mixture over bread, pressing the cubes down firmly to soak the liquid.

Cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 40 to 50 minutes.

To make syrup, combine all ingredients. Bring to boil and let thicken. Add butter.

PLANTATION COFFEE CAKE Dora James 1 cup butter 2 cups plus 4 tsp. sugar, divided 2 eggs 1 cup sour cream 1 tsp. vanilla 2 cups flour 1 tsp. baking powder ¼ tsp. salt 1 cup chopped pecans 1 tsp. cinnamon Preheat oven to 350. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter, gradually adding 2 cups of the sugar, beating until very light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Stir in the sour cream and vanilla.

Fold in the flour, which has been sifted with the baking powder and salt.

Combine remaining sugar, pecans and cinnamon.

Place 1/3 of batter in a well-greased 9-inch tube pan.

Sprinkle with ¾ of the pecan mixture.

Spoon in remaining two-thirds of batter. Sprinkle with remaining pecans and sugar.

Bake 60 minutes or until done. Cool on a rack. Makes 10 to 12 servings.

A11 Sept. 30, 2021

Auburn Pine Hill Cemetery Lantern Tour – A Walk Through History Want to meet up with one of Auburn’s most notorious characters, highlighted by the full moon and luminaries in the cemetery? How about the founders of the town? One of Auburn’s most unique and fun events, the Auburn Heritage Association’s Pine Hill Cemetery Lantern Tour is on for Oct. 14 and 15 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

It is a virtual “walk through history”.

One of the best ways to learn about local history, the Auburn Heritage Association conducts this tour every other year in historic Pine Hill Cemetery.

The tour proceeds go toward various projects of the Auburn Heritage Association to promote the history of Auburn and its preservation.

As usual, the tour will feature historical Auburn characters buried in the oldest cemetery in Auburn, Pine Hill. The six acres of land for Pine Hill Cemetery is located on Armstrong Street and

was donated by the City’s founder, Judge John J. Harper in 1837.

Ironically it was his first son, Thomas Harper, who was buried there in 1838. Judge Harper will be back on the tour along with new characters, World War I hero, Arthur Thigpen, Alice Holifield, Mary Cox and Sarah Frances Davis.

Red and Lucky Meagher, who owned the Doll House which became the SaniFreeze will be on the tour again. Come learn and laugh with the characters portraying these interesting inhabitants of Pine Hill.

Local volunteers will portray characters and give a brief biography of those buried at Pine Hill, a catechism of Auburn’s persona.

Some of the characters returning will include Virginia Howe, the 16-year-old who was buried in her front yard and later moved to Pine Hill. How about “Uncle Billy” who is buried above ground in his double bed with his shoes under the bed?

This is a wonderful way

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

CONTRIBUTED BY AUBURN HERITAGE ASSOCIATION

to “experience” local history and discover the true characters and founders of Auburn.

Beautiful ladies in period dress, with lighted lanterns will escort you throughout the historic cemetery, where five of Auburn University’s presidents are buried, as well as numerous pillars of the community which include mayors, ministers, veterans of

all wars, professors and many you will recognize from streets names in Auburn. The history of Auburn and the history of Auburn University are intertwined and come alive at this most memorable event. A blue grass band will be at the gate to entertain patrons entering the cemetery.

The Auburn Heritage Association published a

book, “Auburn, Sweet Auburn, History, Stories and Epitaphs of Pine Hill Cemetery, 18362010”, which is based on scripts from the 20 years the Lantern Tour has been conducted, as well as the numeration of 1600 graves in the cemetery. The book will be available for purchase at the gates.

New Auburn Heritage Association T-shirts highlighting the tour

will also be available.

Tickets are $10 at the door, which includes the Tour Program. Parking is at East Samford School on Samford Avenue, and you can take the buses to the cemetery.

Children are welcome.

Come join the Auburn Heritage Association in celebrating Auburn’s history and be entertained at the same time.

Enjoy Fall, Winter at Kreher Preserve & Nature Center

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

The Kreher Preserve & Nature Center in Auburn is providing a number of programs and events this fall and winter.

The 120-acre nature sanctuary, located at 2222 North College St., has a mission to promote a sense of stewardship towards nature through quality environmental education, recreation and outreach programs.

It is with these fall and winter programs that Kreher hopes to achieve just that. The following is a list of events, with appeal to

people of all ages, that are taking place at the nature center in the upcoming months.

NATURE BABIES: “Nature Babies is designed to encourage caregivers to take their babies out into the natural world — a world that provides endless ways to interact with your little one; from traversing trails together, feeling the textures of the leaves, playing peek-a-boo with trees and more more,” reads a press release from Kreher.

“Classes will be loosely structures with teachers guiding caregivers in ways to learn and connect with their babies and

nature.”

Nature Babies is for children up to 2 years old and meets every Wednesday from Oct. 6 to Feb. 28 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

The class is free to members and $5 for non-members. For more information, visit: www.aub.ie/ naturebabies.

DISCOVERY HIKES & NATURE WALKS: “Family Discovery Hikes and Nature Walks are monthly guided hikes through the Kreher forest,” reads a release from Kreher. “Family Discovery Hikes offer excellent opportunities for the entire family to learn about nature and see

PEPPERELL BAPTIST TO CELEBRATE 95 YEARS CONTRIBUTED BY BETH PINYERD The community is invited to Pepperell Baptist Church on Oct. 3 to celebrate its organization 95 years ago. The Homecom-

PERFORMERS >>

FROM A7

performance you MUST purchase tickets together.

AACT is a non-profit organization that exists to serve the Auburn/Opelika Community. Its purpose is to provide an opportunity for education and participation in the world of theatre and present a quality, entertaining and thought-pro-

ing worship service will begin at 10:30 a.m. with Dr. Bill King bringing the message. Music will be under the direction of Bryan Hawkins.

Kelley Turner, the church pianist, will

voking theatre experience.

AACT is thrilled to be bringing so many great shows to our area this season. This season also offers many opportunities to get involved with AACT. AACT is a non-profit volunteer organization that depends on the time and energy of many wonderful people from within the community.

There’s something for everyone! Please visit

be the accompanist for the special occasion. A covered dish meal will be served after the worship service. Pepperell Baptist is located at 2702 Second Ave. in Opelika. www.auburnact.org to find our volunteer interest form or email info@auburnact.org to get involved. Follow AuburnACT on Facebook or keep up with us at www.AuburnACT. org for the latest information on auditions, volunteer opportunities, tickets and more. Come be a part of the magic of theatre, we can’t wait to see you.

wildlife up close, while enjoying fresh air and exercise in our beautiful outdoors.

Nature Walks are for adults only and offer opportunities to socialize, learn and just relax and decompress in the quiet, peaceful forest.”

Each month offers a different theme.

Discovery Hikes and Nature Walks are free, but donations are welcomed. The events will be rescheduled in the event of rain, so watch for Facebook updates on their page.

Upcoming Themes: - Fall Wildflowers - White-tailed Deer - Attracting Wildlife - Brumation and

Burrows - Hiking for Health AUSOME AMPHIBIANS & REPTILES SHOW: “Join the KPNC educators for a onehour presentation on the AUsome amphibians and reptiles found in our state and beyond,” reads a press release from Kreher. “Children and adults will enjoy this entertaining, handson program with live animals.”

Admission is $5 per person ($4 for members); children ages 3 and under are free. Pre-registration is not required.

The next AUsome Amphibians & Reptiles Show takes

place on Oct. 29 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

IN THE GARDEN WITH CYNDI: The Observer already has a detailed breakdown of these events, here: www. opelikaobserver.com/ learn-to-garden-atkpnc/.

HALLOWEEN ENCHANTED FOREST: “Experience the trails like you’ve never seen them before, enchanted with forest creatures who are ready to tell you about their life in the Kreher woods,” reads a Kreher press release. “Children are invited to wear their costumes and enjoy

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See KREHER, page A12

A12 Sept. 30, 2021 PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

KREHER >>

FROM A11

some early Halloween fun! Pumpkin bowling, a campfire, fortune telling, and face painting will be available! S’mores kits and drinks will be available for purchase.”

Tickets are $10 per person; children 2 and under are free. The event will be cancelled or postponed in the event of rain – so watch out for Facebook updates.

This event will take place on Oct. 21, 22 and 23 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at KNPC. FALL CAMP: Kreher offers a fall camp for children in grades one through six.

“Campers will join the KPNC naturalists outside, exploring our natural world and wildlife communities and discovering new adventures all around us,” reads a Kreher press release.

“Snacks will be provided; children should bring their lunch and a refillable water bottle.”

Fall Camps are $50 per camper per day, with a 10% discount for siblings living in the same residence.

Fall Camp at KNCP is happening on Oct. 11, Oct. 18 and Nov. 11 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit the website to learn more: www. aub.ie/fallcamp.

NATURE ART SERIES: - Leaf Painting: On Nov. 13 at KNCP, local artist Heather Jackson teams up

with the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center to bring you this art workshop series for all ages.

Each workshop has a nature theme and will explore beautiful and interesting art techniques. As Jackson says, “Art is for everyone - no art experience needed.”

Visit the website for more information: www.aub.ie/natureart.

- Holiday Nature Ornament: Jackson teams up with the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center again on Dec. 11.

HOHOHO HIKE: “This year’s HoHoHo Hike has a new twist,” reads a Kreher press release.

“Hikers will visit stations along a well-marked trail to pick up and learn a

little about some of nature’s beautiful treasures. Hikers will use these items to create beautiful, custom nature frames for holiday photos.

A fun holiday photo opportunity will be set up in the Nature Playground for you to take a family photo.

Children will be able to wave at Santa who will be safely nestled in his tree house workshop!”

The event takes place Dec. 4 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Admission is $5 ($4 for members); children 2 and under are free.

Preregistration is recommended but not required.

Rescheduled in the event of rain. Visit the KPNC website to learn more: https://

aub.ie/hohohohike.

A HOLIDAY WALK IN THE WOODS: A walking tour through the piney winter woods with lights, decoration and songs by local talent at stations along the trail. All performances will be family-friendly and highlight the diverse traditions and culture of our community. The Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center will offer a trail stop with woodsy holiday art activities.

Additionally, walks will have special surprises and songs for the kids. Details about timed entries and tickets at www. auburnact.org starting Dec. 1. The Holiday Walk in the Woods will take place Dec.

17 and 18 with time still to be determined.

CAMPFIRE COOKING I: Join this fun, casual cooking class that explores tips, tricks, and recipes for cooking over an open fire. Cyndi Czerkawski (In The Garden instructor) takes a farm-totable approach to campfire cooking using fresh, local ingredients. Whether you are experienced or you are new to open fire techniques, you are bound to get something new out of this class, not to mention the great food! Visit our website for more information: www.aub.ie/ campfirecooking.

Campfire Cooking I is scheduled for Jan. 9 from 1 to 4 p.m.

I AM BECKY BOOTZ

DOWNTOWN EVENTS

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your neighbor I'M ALSO

HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT SELLING? NOW IS THE PERFECT TIME TO SELL! AS A RESIDENT OF OPELIKA, I AM FAMILIAR WITH THE MOST APPEALING ASPECTS OF THE NEIGHBORHOODS AND OUR TOWN'S TRUE VALUE!

I CAN FIND A BUYER WHO LOVES THE AREA AS MUCH AS YOU DO.

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD EXPERT!

live here, work here, and here for you!

CALL ME FOR A FREE MARKET ANALYSIS I appreciate your consideration and referrals, and I look forward to hearing from you!

334.744.1104 becky.bootz@coldwellbanker.com 2021 S College St, Ste A. AUBURN, AL 36832 BECKYBOOTZ.COM

Sept. 30 at 7:30 p.m. — Trivia with Caroline in The Jailhouse, “Horror Movies” at Rock 'N Roll Pinball

•

• Oct. 2 at 11 a.m. — Art Show and Mural reveal at Rock 'N Roll Pinball

A13 Sept. 30, 2021

The Hands of God

WALTER ALBRITTON

A

nyone with a dime’s worth of common sense knows that God is a spirit who has no hands like the appendages that hang from a human being’s arms. Yet the Bible is full of references to the hands of God. And even though theologians warn against making God anthropomorphic, believers find comfort in the idea that God holds them “in his hands.”

My favorite verse in the Old Testament, for

example, is Isaiah 41:10.

The prophet’s words have blessed me for decades: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

Dear friend April Humble, a victim of spina bifida for more than 60 years, tells me Isaiah 41:13 comforts her even more with these words: “For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” I too love the thought of God taking hold of my right hand, especially when I am afraid. As a boy, fearful of lightning, I was less afraid when my Dad held my hand.

Jesus spoke of his

Father’s hands. I love his words in John’s Gospel when Jesus says about his followers, “No one can snatch them out of my hand.” He goes on to say that “no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand” because “I and the Father are one.” In these sunset years, when loved ones and friends are dying, I need the confidence that no one, not even the devil himself, can tear me away from my Lord’s hands. As advancing years remind me of my own mortality, I am praying for the faith to pray as our Lord did on the cross, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”

My good friend Cecil Spear found a prayer which he and I dearly love. Its words are profound but easy to

remember: “Lord, let me take you by the hand, let me feel your hand in mine. Let me know the joy of walking, in your strength and not in mine! Amen.” That’s a great prayer to pray as each day begins.

Our songs remind us God has the whole world “in his hands,” and even better, that He’s got “you and me, brother, sister, in his hands.” That simple song conveys a great truth – that God is the sovereign Lord of the universe and the world He created remains in his control, in his hands.

The nations, and we as individuals, are still accountable to Him. One of the songs I sing to my dog Buddy is “Precious Lord, Take My Hand.”

I think he likes my singing; sometimes he

wags his tail. Now that I am at risk for falling, these words of that song are all about the life I am living: When my way grows drear precious Lord linger near When my light is almost gone Hear my cry, hear my call Hold my hand lest I fall Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home.

When the darkness appears and the night draws near And the day is past and gone At the river I stand Guide my feet, hold my hand Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home When it comes my time to die, I hope someone will hold my hand and remind me that

the good Lord is holding my hand and leading me home. In the meantime, while I live, I shall do what I can to remind all who will listen that the God who created the heavens and the earth is reaching out his hand of love, inviting every person on earth to find the joy of salvation “in his hands.”

God’s hand is easy to recognize. It has the scar of a nail in it. The poet John Moreland said it well: The hands of Christ seem very frail For they were broken by a nail.

But only they reach heaven at last Whom these frail, broken hands hold fast.

In genuine repentance and true faith, ask Him to hold your hand in his strong hands. He will.

Rev. Sylvia Howze officiating. Interment followed at Garden Hills Cemetery.

(Barbara) Webster; grandchildren, Robert Webster, Brianna (Jon) Thompson, Dusty Adair, Sarah (Logan) Kimbrell, Kristina (Robert) Skeen and Johnathon Webster; nine great grandchildren; sisters, Joyce(Doug) Cole, Joan(JW) Woodall, Wayne(John) Burton and Janice "Prudy" (Kenneth) Brown; brothers, Stanley(Rita) Pemberton, Bennie Frank(Lenora) Pemberton and John David(Donna) Pemberton, sister-in-law Bernella Pemberton, as well as a host of nieces, and nephews.

Visitation will be held Sept. 30, 2021 in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home from 5 to 7 p.m.

Funeral service will be held at Providence Baptist Church West Campus Oct. 1 at 11 a.m. with Dr. Rusty Sowell officiating.

Interment will follow at Providence Baptist Church Cemetery.

Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to the Providence Baptist Church Children's Ministry.

OBITUARIES JOHN T. PIANOWSKI, SR. John T. Pianowski, Sr. was born Dec. 3, 1941 to Theofil and Stella Siok Pianowski in Massachusetts. He died Sept. 20, 2021 at Bethany House in Auburn due to complications of a stroke.

John graduated with a degree in finance from University of Massachusetts Amherst.

For many years he worked BAE system of Boston and he also served in the U.S. Army stationed at Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia for basic training. He crossed over the river many a times to visit. He liked Alabama. Many years later he met and fell in love with an Opelika girl.

He married Judy Whatley Clark. For the next 11 years, Opelika became his home.

John was a man of faith. He was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Auburn. He also supported his wife Judy and her church, First Baptist Church Opelika. He made many friends and will be greatly

missed.

John was preceded in death by his father and mother and only brother, Steven. His first wife, Dolores Marasca Pianowski - the mother of his three sons.

Left to cherish his memory are his three sons, John Jr. Pianowski, from Chelmsford Massachusetts; Scott Pianowski (Kit Morehead), from Berkley Michigan; and Chris (Karen) Pianowski, from Nashua, New Hampshire.

One grandson, whom he loved with all his heart, Branden Pianowski, Chelmsford, Massachusetts and his wife of 11 years, Judy Clark Pianowski.

Services were held Sept. 23, 2021 at Saint Michael’s Catholic Church at 1100 N. College St. in Auburn.

Visitation was from noon until 1 p.m. at the church and the service followed.

Father Farmer officiated.

Burial was at Rosemere Cemetery located off Frederick Road on Long Street in Opelika.

Memorials can be made to”

Bethany House 1171 Gatewood Dr., Building 100 Auburn, Alabama 36830.

––––––– MIKE MCCULLOUGH Mike McCullough passed away Sept. 24, 2021 at home surrounded by family.

Mike was born Jan. 2, 1970 in Atlanta, Georgia.

He owned and operated DDM Auto glass in Opelika for many years.

He loved saltwater fishing, playing his guitar and spending time with his family.

Mike was preceded in death by his father, Archie McCullough and granddaughter, Lillian Everly Daniels.

He is survived by his wife, Tammy McCullough; daughters, Tiffany Toland (Mikey), Emily McCullough; grandchildren, Caiden Toland and Camden Toland; mother, Jo Ann McCullough; brother, Doug McCullough (Tracy); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Artisan Coffee Beverages made to order.

Beginning Monday Sept.13, we will open each weekday at 7 a.m.

116 S. 8th Street, Opelika

334-363-0390

www.booniehatcoffee.com

A memorial service will be held at FrederickDean Funeral Home Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021 at 11 a.m. Central Standard Time.

––––––– CLIFFORD (JUNIOR) NORRIS Clifford (Junior) Norris of Opelika, Alabama was born to the late TC and Lela McCormick Norris on July 24, 1951 and passed away on Sept. 21, 2021. He was 70 years old.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Darla Gwen-Maree Norris.

Clifford is survived by his wife, Vicki Norris; sons, Derek Norris and Dayle Norris; grandchildren, Kacey Norris (Kyle) and Britney Norris; brother, James Norris (Talitha).

Visitation was on Sept.

28, 2021 in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home from 5 to 7 p.m.

The funeral service was held in the Chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home Wednesday, Sept.

29, 2021 at 11 a.m. with

––––––– MARIE P. GALLIHER Marie P. Galliher of Opelika, Alabama was born to the late Thurman and Wilma Durden Pemberton in Tallassee, Alabama on Feb. 16, 1941, and passed away at Bethany House on Sept.

26, 2021, surrounded by her loving children. She was 80 years old.

Marie was retired from East Alabama Medical Center, and was a faithful member of Providence Baptist Church. She deeply loved her Lord, family. Marie enjoyed “Sister Trips”, Auburn football and Facebook.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Galliher; brothers, James Pemberton and Charles Earl Pemberton; son-in-law, Bill Conner.

Marie is survived by her children, Melissa (Wayne) Claunch, Buster (Marie) Webster, Lori Conner and Kris

A14 Sept. 30, 2021

The Heavy Heart of Hate

opposite of love — harboring ill will and malevolence toward another human being. To hate is to relegate a person to the lowest place in life and treat them as profoundly less than someone made in the image of God. BRUCE GREEN When we meet Haman Teaching Minister at 10th in Esther 3, he’s enjoying Street Church of Christ remarkable success as in Opelika Xerxes has just promoted him to the equivalent of hile we might be challenged in prime minister of Persia.

He has a place “of honor several ways to understand and appreciate higher than that of any of the significant differences the nobles” (v. 1). You can read the first chapbetween Esther’s world ter to get an idea of the in the fifth century BC and ours, Haman presents grandeur of the Persian Empire, so you would no such problem. That’s think Haman would be at because unfortunately, a good place in life. there’s nothing new or But he’s not. novel about hate.

While everyone else When I speak of hate, bows down in honor to I’m not referring to the Haman, one person does label some are so quick not — Mordecai — Esto put on anyone who ther’s cousin.

Haman is disagrees with their “enraged” by Mordecai’s social/political views. refusal to honor him (v.

Respectful disagreement 5). The text doesn’t exdoes not equal hate — that’s a false equivalency. plicitly say why Mordecai doesn’t want to bow No, I’m talking about the down, so we’re left to sift

W

CHURCH OF CHRIST The church at Cunningham Drive are meeting at their building at 9:30 a.m. for Bible class, 10:30 a.m. for worship, 5 p.m. for evening worship and 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.

through the passage for clues. Verse 4 informs us that Mordecai’s response to the officials who confronted him over the matter involved revealing his Jewish identity to them (something he apparently had kept private as he had told Esther to do in 2:10). The older Jewish commentators think that bowing down to Mordecai involved idolatry — he had proclaimed himself a deity, he wore idolatrous images, etc. Whatever it was, it must have been something substantial and a matter of conscience for Mordecai to draw unwanted attention to himself and his Jewish faith.

Haman’s response catches us by surprise. He scorns the idea of killing Mordecai — he wants to put all Jews in Persia to death. Although honor and shame were very important aspects of the Persian culture and this certainly had the potential to affect Haman’s status, it seems there’s more to his hate than being dis-

honored. Haman’s hatred of Mordecai had as much to do with his nationality as his personality and confirms the wisdom of Mordecai instructing Esther to not reveal her Jewish identity.

We are told in v. 1 that Haman is an Agagite, which means he is a descendant of Agag, who was king of the Amalekites. Jewish readers would have caught this reference immediately and understood why Haman responded the way he did.

The Amalekites were nomadic raiders who preyed upon groups traveling through the desert (Deuteronomy 25:17-19). They attacked the fledgling nation of Israel as they worked their way through the wilderness (Exodus 17:9ff).

Although God gave the Amalekites time and space to repent (as He did with Nineveh in Jonah), He executed judgment on them a few centuries later through King Saul (1 Samuel 15). This histo-

ry between the nations fueled Haman’s animosity to such a degree that he was willing to pay Xerxes an extraordinary amount to decimate the Jewish population in Persia (Esther 3:9).

Hate is a spiritual toxin that has no place in the disciple’s life. It eats away at an individual, warping their perspective and poisoning every aspect of their life. Jesus addressed hate in the Sermon on the Mount when He spoke about it gaining access into our lives through anger in Matthew 5:21-26, and again in v. 43-47 when He talked about loving your enemies and praying for those who persecute you.

Hate destroyed Haman and as it will do to anyone who embraces it. We dig our own graves if we open our lives to it.

You can find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: a-taste-ofgrace-with-bruce-green. com.

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

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

BIBLE VERSE OF THE WEEK Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me. — PSALM 119:133

ST. MARYS CATHOLIC CHURCH/ ST. MICHAEL’S CHURCH SMCC is having Daily Mass on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 8 a.m. and on weekends they are distributing holy Communion on Sundays from 9:30 to 11 a.m. A Mass is also held on Sundays at 12:30 p.m. at St. Michael's Church over in Auburn. For more information people can call the office at 334-749-8359 or go to the parish website: stmarysopelika.org.

APOSTOLIC HOLINESS Emmanuel Temple of Deliverance Inc. 28 Sanford Ave., Opelika 334-745-0210 God’s House of Prayers Holiness Church 301 Highland Ave., Opelika 334-749-9672 True Deliverance Holiness Church 936 N. Donahue Dr., Auburn 334-502-4700

UNION GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH In-person gathering with social distancing.

Masks are available.

Sunday worship is at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Wednesday worship is at 6:30 p.m.

Services are streamed live on Facebook — the page is UGBChurch

BAPTIST Bethesda Baptist Church 201 S. 4th St., Opelika 334-745-7528 Beulah Baptist Church 5500 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-705-0538 Cooperative Baptist Fellowship 128 East Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-8506 Friendship Missionary

CHURCH DIRECTORY Baptist Church 3089 Judge Brown Rd., Valley 334-710-2117 Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church 650 Jeter Ave., Opelika 334-749-9487 Green Chapel Missionary Baptist 390 Lee Road 106, Auburn (334) 749-4184 High Hope Baptist Church 227 Lee Road 673 334-524-8750 Lakeview Baptist Church 1600 E. Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-7094 Pepperell Baptist 2702 2nd Ave., Opelika 334-745-3108 Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Road 166, Opelika 334-745-4608 Union Grove Baptist

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OPELIKA The following are held in-person and online on Sundays: Traditional Service in The Worship Center at 8:30 and 11 a.m.

Contemporary Service in The 3:16 Center at 9:45 a.m.

Evening Service in The Worship Center at 6 p.m.

Watch services online at fbcopelika.com.

Church 4009 Lee Road 391, Opelika 334-749-0461 CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ at Cunningham 2660 Cunningham Dr., Opelika 10th Street Church Of Christ 500 N. 10th St., Opelika 334-745-5181 Church Of Christ 2215 Marvyn Pkwy., Opelika 334-742-9721 Southside Church Of Christ 405 Carver Ave., Opelika 334-745-6015 COMMUNITY OUTREACH Good Sheperd Anglican Church 3015 Opelika Road, Opelika

EPISCOPAL Emmanuel Episcopal Church 800 1st Ave., Opelika 334-745-2054 METHODIST Auburn United Methodist Church 137 South Gay St., Auburn 334-826-8800 Beulah United Methodist Church 5165 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-745-4755 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Church At Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy., Opelika 334-524-9148 Connect Church 2015 West Point Pkwy., Opelika 334-707-3949 St. Ellis Full Gospel Church 5267 US Hwy 80W, Opelika 334-298-4319 PRESBYTERIAN Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Road, Opelika 334-745-4889 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST Opelika Outreach S.D.A. Church P.O. Box 386, Opelika 334-749-3151

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

603 Pleasant Pleasant Drive 603 Drive Opelika, Opelika, ALAL 36801 749-1333 749-1333 Mon-Sat - 8pm Mon- Sat7am 7am-8pm Sun12pm 12pm-6pm Sun - 6pm

Email: editor@opelika observer.com Call: 334-749-8003

A15 Sept. 30, 2021

COMICS

“Life is worth living as long as there’s a laugh in it.” ― Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

A16 Sept. 30, 2021

You’re invited to our

GRAND OPENING October 2, 2021 Ribbon Cutting 10:30 a.m.

Celebration 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

1100 Glenn Street • 334-705-5380

S

S

SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS LEE COUNTY – OCT 12. AT 6 P.M. INSIDE • OPELIKA/AUBURN SCHOOLS • LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS • COMMUNITY SPORTS

AUBURN – OCT. 12 AT 6 P.M. OPELIKA – OCT. 26 AT 4:30 P.M.

OHS Girls’ Flag Football Dominates First Game PHOTO USED WITH PERMISSION

ON THE MARK D. MARK MITCHELL

OHS VOLLEYBALL ON HOT STREAK

T

of runner-up Abigail Garner from Central PC. Remaining team members: Paola Torres finished ninth for Opelika with a time of 22:55.58; Margeret Bice was 12th; Mary Evans Cooper 14th; Violett Alcorn 16th; Joanne Smith T-17th; and Susan Gaston placed 25th.

Opelika won the varsity girls meet with 39 points, followed by Columbus High (54), Northside (67) and Auburn split squad (69).

Auburn High dominated the varsity boys meet, finishing 63 points ahead of second place Columbus High. Opelika placed fourth.

AHS runners Thomas Parnell, Sam Sexton, Braden Ball and Dominik Guifarro finished one through four in the 5K race. Opelika's top runner, Chas Brewer, finished 16th, followed

by Michael Hart's 18thplaced finish and Conner Mullins 23rd.

The Middle School division was won by OMS runner Brantley Turnham. Colt Miller finished 8th; Seth Huling 18th. Opelika Middle’s top girls finisher: Caroline Couey placed 7th, followed by Lilie Flenniken's 8th place and Jada Coleman who finished 12th.

See SPORTS, page B4

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREW@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

The history of Opelika girls’ flag football began with a bang last Thursday.

The Bulldogs defeated Loachapoka in their inaugural game, shutting out the Indians 46-0.

Opelika head coach Jaclyn Button said she was pleased to see her team play well after what she described as an offseason of

learning.

“Initially we were all just kind of learning the sport,” she said. “The first couple of weeks were just throwing and catching the ball, trying to figure out positions, that kind of thing. So, we really kind of had to figure out what roles people would kind of step into too. Nobody has played before.”

Heading into the game, Button said she hoped the girls could implement the plan they had worked on in

practice.

“We just wanted to execute a lot of the stuff we have been doing in practice,” she said. “We really wanted to see that success on offense.

On defense, our goal was again trying to shut the other team down and see if we could get an interception in the right spots.”

From the first drive of the game — when Opelika quarterback Morgan Watts ran in the initial 10-yard touchdown — it was

apparent the Lady Bulldogs were well-prepared to execute.

Just as the offense made an immediate impact on its first drive, the Opelika defense aptly matched its counterpart on its first appearance with a Haley Sanders 20-yard pick six.

The third score of the game came in quick succession via a 25-yard touchdown pass from Watts to See OHS, page B4

Breaking the Curse in Baton Rouge

BY HARRISON TARR FOR THE OBSERVER

Prior to Saturday’s contest, morale within the Auburn fan base was high. The hometown Tigers played what many considered to be above their skill level in Happy Valley, junior quarterback Bo Nix seemed to have shaken off his struggles of playing on the road and Bryan Harsin looked as if his team was going to be able to compete with any opponent on its schedule.

Then the Tigers played host to the Georgia State Panthers on homecoming weekend at Jordan-Hare stadium and Harsin’s squad did not look even remotely similar to the orange and blue of weeks one through three.

Auburn’s highly regarded run defense appeared helpless in the absence of linebackers Owen Pappoe and Zackoby McClain, the receiving core struggled to come down with catchable passes,

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

he Opelika High Volleyball team has won its first three area games of the regular season. Earlier in September, OHS beat Russell County on the road, 3-1. The Lady Dogs recorded 21 aces, 25 kills and eight blocks.

Opelika beat Valley 3-1 in Fairfax last week.

The girls recorded 32 kills and 24 aces in the win. Coach Robin Roberts’ team finished 3-1 in the Wadley Tournament over the weekend. Nylon Thomas was named to the AllTournament Team, recording 10 kills and 13 digs and helped the team earn 41 aces in four games. Emma McSpadden (senior) had 11 kills, Jordan Owens (freshman) had eight kills and MK Kyser (sophomore) played hard and consistent during the entire tournament.

OHS plays at AHS today (Sept. 30) and in Smiths Station on Saturday, Oct. 2.

OPELIKA INVITATION CROSS COUNTRY RESULTS OHS hosted its annual Invitational Cross Country Meet at the Sportplex last Saturday.

Lady Bulldog runner Breckin Gould won the varsity girls meet by finishing the 5K race in 19:57.31. Gould was 15 seconds ahead

Nix was benched in the second half for LSU transfer T.J. Finley and

Auburn struggled to See CURSE, page B7

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B2 September 30, 2021

Glenwood School

PLAYERS OF Panthers Fall to Wildcats on Homecoming Night

BY HARRISON TARR FOR THE OBSERVER

GLENWOOD WAS ON A BYE

of the

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PLAYER OF THE WEEK The City of Opelika is proud to sponsor the Opelika High School Player of the Week.

We applaud you for your HARD WORK and DEDICATION on and off the football field.

JUNIOR RUNNING BACK KADEN COOPER ended with 61 rushing yards and 31 receiving yards to lead the Dogs

IT’S THE OPELIKA WAY.

When the Smiths Station Panthers welcomed their fans and alumni back to the stands for the annual homecoming game on Friday night, the black and silver sought to return to the win column and turn its season around. Head coach Mike Glisson’s squad battled for 48 minutes but was ultimately unable to complete a comeback in a contest which resulted in a 3330 loss at the hands of Benjamin Russell.

The Panthers came out of the gates hot, with junior running back Ahmari Peabody returning the opening kickoff back to the Wildcat 47.

From there, Glisson’s squad continued to build momentum as they marched down to the Wildcat 14 before ultimately turning the ball over on downs on a broken up pass.

“I told the kids I was going to challenge them offensively from the getgo,” Glisson said. “So we did. We had a fourth down deep on the first drive deep in their territory. We ran the play that we knew would work.

He was wide open and the cornerback hit him.”

Following the turnover on downs, the first quarter became a backand-forth affair between the squads. The Wildcats took the ball 86 yards on the ensuing drive, effectively beginning the trading of scores.

From there, Glisson’s squad moved the rock 60 yards, eventually finding paydirt on a 6-yard rush by senior running back Iverson Jones.

The Panthers’ leader pairs Jones’ success in the run game with the offensive line

improvement.

“His role was very big but the offensive line was the one who really improved,” Glisson said.

“They really worked hard. We’ve been on them and been hard on them and they had a great game.”

Benjamin Russell responded with a nine-yard touchdown through the air and began to take advantage of a lack-luster display by the Panther offense by building what eventually became an insurmountable lead.

The black and silver did find pay dirt via a 26-yard touchdown strike off the arm of junior quarterback Jackson Greer, yet still trailed 26-15 heading into the locker room at halftime.

Glisson was critical of his squad during the intermission.

“I told them we did everything we could possibly do wrong,” Glisson said. “We’ve made mistake after mistake and we’re still in the ball game. We’ve got to come out in the second half and overcome the hole we’ve dug.”

Despite having a rejuvenated outlook on the contest, the Panther defense was unable to combat an aggressive Wildcat offensive attack entering the second half of play; the maroon and white marched down the field on its opening drive, posting its final seven points via a 28-yard touchdown pass, pushing the margin to 33-15.

It was at this point at which Glisson’s team began to chip away at its opponent, developing a rhythm on the offensive side of the ball behind what Glisson describes as a more composed version of Greer.

“Let me tell you

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something about (Greer),” Glisson said.

“He’s played really well all year. I think the first half of Friday night was the only game that he didn’t really play his best and he knew that. At halftime we were talking to him and he was very confident and said ‘coach, we’ll be fine.’ He came out after halftime and played lights out.”

The junior quarterback delivered a nine-yard touchdown strike to senior wideout Cianan Williams late in the third quarter to cut the Wildcat lead to 10 with just over 12 minutes remaining in regulation.

With the game within reach, the Panther defense buckled down and forced their opponents to punt, giving senior defensive back Brandon Green the opportunity to take a punt return for a 70-yard house call, bringing the black and silver within just a field goal.

“It did fire us up,” Glisson said. “We got a spark and I think you saw it when our defense got back on the field. We stuffed them and then we got the ball back.”

To the disappointment of fans who returned back to Smiths Station in hopes to see a Panther victory on homecoming night, Glisson’s squad was unable to complete the 18-point comeback and ultimately fizzled out on offense as time expired.

Smiths Station will have the opportunity to bounce back into the win column when the team travels to Montgomery, Alabama, to take on region foe — and 0-5 — Jefferson Davis on Saturday, Oct. 2. Kickoff between the Panthers and the Volunteers is set for 11 a.m. CST.

B3 September 30, 2021

THE WEEK

Beauregard High School

Hornets Start Fast, Fall to Russell County 42-14

BY RICK LANIER FOR THE OBSERVER

Beauregard played toe-to-toe with a much improved 6A Russell County team, but after a promising start, the Warriors were able to take control of the game and defeat the Hornets, 42-14, in a non-regional contest at Richard L. Brown Field Friday night.

With the loss, the Hornets fall to 2-4 (12) in head coach Jason Jones’ first year with the program.

Things started well for Beauregard; just 15 seconds removed from the opening kickoff, the Hornets led 7-0 compliments of an 85-yard return by junior defensive back Kyan Maloy. On the ensuing kickoff, Russell County put together an effective drive of its own and positioned the ball deep into Hornet territory. The Hornet defense held, however, forcing a Warrior field goal attempt which sailed wide right — no good.

Following a Beauregard punt on its next series, the Hornet

defensive backfield missed a coverage assignment, leaving a Warrior receiver wide open for an easy pitchand-catch Warrior touchdown to tie the game at 7-7 at the end of the first quarter.

In response, sophomore Beauregard quarterback Trent Moulton skillfully marched the Hornets down the field to begin the second quarter. Deep in the Warrior red-zone, Moulton called his own number, scampering 12 yards on a quarterback keeper for a touchdown to put the Hornets back on top, 14-7.

In what proved to be a back and forth first half, the Warriors took the next Hornet kickoff and drove the length of the field and scored to tie the game at 14-14. Beauregard’s next drive stalled after a bad snap resulted in a 17-yard loss to force a Hornet punt attempt which was blocked, scooped up by the Warriors and returned for a touchdown to give Russell County its first lead of the night, 21-14.

Unfortunately for the blue and yellow, there

would be no further back-and-forth in scoring. The Hornets would have more chances on offense, but mistakes and penalties stymied those drives, turning the ball back over to the Warriors who went on to score on each of their next three possessions — effectively putting the game out of reach by the end of the third quarter.

As with their previous games, the Hornets displayed flashes of a really good football team; the level of play they are capable of achieving has just not been prolonged. Right now, there are simply too many mistakes — growing pains if you will — to produce the consistency necessary to sustain the standard of play that Jones and his staff are searching for. Rest assured, they will keep striving towards that goal.

Beauregard will travel to Sylacauga High School on Friday, Oct. 8, to take on the Aggies (3-3/1-1) at 7 p.m. CST. Sylacauga High School is located at 701 N. Broadway Ave., Sylacauga, Alabama.

QUARTERBACK TRENT MOULTON Led the Hornets on their longest drive of the game, capping it off with a rushing TD

of the

Week Congratulations From the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Download the app today

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

SMITHS STATION PANTHERS

Serving Lee County since 2006

SENIOR RUNNING BACK IVERSON JONES 100 yards rushing, 1 TD

Serving Lee County since 2006

SENIOR JAMES MIDDLETON Four tackles, four QB hurries and a forced fumble

B4 September 30, 2021

Dawgs Off to Dominant Regional Start PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

The Opelika varsity girls' volleyball team sits at 5-9 on the season and is ranked No. 37 in 6A rankings; the junior varsity Lady Bulldogs is currently 3-4 (according to maxpreps.com).

In her sixth season, head coach Robin Roberts is trying to claim her first area championship since 2018-19.

Southern Christian Marred by Injury, Still Searching for First Win

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

It was the battle of the Patriots Friday night at Moore Stadium in Opelika.

The hometown Southern Christian Academy Patriots played host regional foe, the East Central Patriots (3-3).

Despite a resilient first half showing, miscues and injury woes hampered SCA as the Patriots fell to East Central, 40-8.

The loss means

OHS >> FROM B1 Ashanti Thomas. The final score of the dominant first half came on a 5-yard edge run from Niya Walton.

The second half of the game was more of the same — Bulldog dominace — beginning with another Wattsto-Thomas touchdown connection. Jamiah Williams then came in to get reps at quarterback and quickly put her stamp on the game, passing to Sanders for the Bulldogs’ sixth touchdown of the game.

By game’s end,

SPORTS >> FROM B1 RED DEVILS BEAT OPELIKA 38-7 The Phenix City Central Red Devils (6-0) rolled up 430 yards of offense and beat Opelika 38-7 last Friday in Phenix City.

The Red Devils scored 24 straight points in the first half before OHS scored their only touchdown on a Kaden Cooper 4-yard run.

CHS added two more touchdowns, extending the win streak over Opelika (3-3) to six

Southern Christian remain winless on the season. Head coach Mike Adams can take some positives from the performance, however. Most notably, the hometown Patriots’ tenacious first half defense.

Senior James Middleton (four tackles, four QB hurries and a forced fumble), Camden Chism (three tackles, three QB hurries and a forced fumble) and Landon Hampton (five tackles, two pass breakups and an 18-yard pick six) battled to keep

Southern Christian in the game early.

The defensive front repelled the visiting Patriots twice on the goal line and freshman Noah Freeman played a large part in shutting down the oppositions passing game, defending eight of nine passes that came his way and adding two tackles. On the night, the visiting Patriots were held to just 136 yards through the air.

As the second half clock ticked away, all hopes for a SCA comeback dashed away, especially when

sophomore captain Josiah Frick went down with a foot injury. The already shorthanded hometown Patriots were further decimated when Middleton, Chism and sophomore safety Carter Scott exited the game due to injury.

Several underclassmen stepped in admirably to fill the voids left by the injuries. Elijah Bailey (two tackles), Jedd Scott (one tackle), Eliot French (two tackles and a QB hurry) and Alex Cook (two tackles and a QB hurry) all helped the battered

Patriots get through the rest of the game.

Offensively, the Patriots were once again led by captain Daniel Adams.

The senior quarterback tallied 90 passing yards by completing passes to five different receivers.

Adams also led the team in rushing, registering an additional 90 yards on the ground. Hampton had the longest play of the Patriots’ night, breaking off a 60-yard rush; Sophomore Joshua Adams and freshman Noah Freeman tied for a

team-best two receptions apiece. Frick, Hampton and Cooper all had one catch. In what was one of the few highlights for SCA, senior guard Daniel Freeman got in on the scoring action with a twopoint conversion. A nifty overload play made him an eligible receiver and Freeman found himself wide open in the end zone on the misdirection play.

Southern Christian will be on bye next week and return to action on Friday, Oct. 8, against the Evangel Lions.

another pick-six and a plethora of highlight plays had fulfilled Button’s hopes for week one, she said.

“We were able to execute some plays and see some success,” she said. “That’s really what we wanted to see in this first game.

I think we met expectations and this just shows us how much more we can add on from here.”

Despite her team’s — and her own (Button is the varsity girls’ soccer coach too.) — inexperience with the game of football, Button said the group’s experience in other fields of

athletics has contributed to a great start of the season.

“We have some good athletes and I think that can translate to a lot of different positions offensively and defensively,” she said.

“Across all kinds of sports, a lot of different athletes all are coming together, which I think has been a real positive for us — players getting to interact with people they haven’t normally worked with and just all learning it together has been a really great experience for the whole team.”

While the multi-sport athletes and seven

seniors on the team provide good leadership, Button is just as excited for the opportunity ahead of the girls who are playing their first-ever high school sport, she said.

“That’s exciting too,” Button said of her firsttime athletes. “Getting them playing time; getting them used to what it’s like — game situations and game days — we’re definitely figuring all that out together which has been really fun.”

Moving forward, Button said she is hopeful the Opelika community can get behind her new team.

“Come out and support these girls,” she said. “It’s just exciting for them to be this inaugural team and to represent girls in a new sport. I just think it would be so great if we can have community behind us and get everyone excited and make this hopefully a legitimate sport in the state of Alabama. Give these girls some hype because they deserve it after all this hard work they are putting in.”

The Lady Bulldogs will be back in action for their second game today (Sept. 30), against Eufaula. Button said she wants to see

improvement on route running, execution and communication.

“In the game [the other] night we even had a couple of people almost run into each other, so definitely we are working on sharping up those routes,” she said. “Just kind of quick play calling and getting to the spot … we only have 25 seconds from every snap.

And then the main thing is just communication on defense; getting them used to calling out plays. Real communication on both offense and defense is going to take us to the next level.“

straight.

Opelika gained 184 total yards on the night — 88 passing and 96 rushing — and was 0-11 in third downs. Cooper ended with 61 rushing yards and 31 receiving yards to lead the Dogs.

George Meyers punted six times for a 39-yard average.

Opelika jumps back into Region play against Russell County this Friday night in Seale.

The Warriors, under first-year head coach Dillion Griggs, are off to their best start since the early 90s with a 5-1

record (including 2-1 in 6A region 2).

RCHS opened the season shocking Smiths Station with a 29-22 win. The Warriors won two games by forfeit — Barbour Co and Park Crossing — then added wins over Valley (35-20) and Beauregard (4214). Robert E Lee beat RCHS, 28-14, in Seale.

Since the hiring of Griggs, Russell County added a jumbotron, turfed the field and installed new lights, among other upgrades.

The players seem to be enjoying playing for the

new coach and improving each week.

Opelika has NEVER lost to Russell County, winning 16 straight games by a combined score of 689-68, including 49-7 last year.

Despite the new coach, excitement and facility upgrades, Opelika has a better program and should win Friday night.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

You can listen to OHS football on 97.7 Kicker fm WKKR, online at kickerfm.com or download the iHeartradio app on your smart phone. (google WKKR 97.7).

Fans can watch the game on live stream by going to nfhsnetwork. com. Set up an account and search Opelika High.

GREGORY NAMED ASSISTANT ATHLETIC DIRECTOR Allison Gregory is the new assistant athletic director at OHS. Gregory replaces Devin Booth, who left for an administrative position with the AHSAA this summer. Gregory was hired as a PE teacher and assistant basketball coach in 2016. She has extensive knowledge of

sports, spending time at Reinhardt College, Auburn University Montgomery and Appalachian State.

Gregory left Opp City Schools for OHS and served as head softball and volleyball coach.

Congratulations Allison Gregory!

D. Mark Mitchell is the the sports director at iHeartMedia, host of "On the Mark" Fox Sports the Game 9101319, co-chair of the Auburn-Opelika Sports Council, chairman of the Super 7 and Dixie Boys Baseball director.

B5 September 30, 2021

Beauregard Bested by Russell County PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

The Beauregard High School varsity football team (2-4/1-2) has now lost three straight as the Hornets fell to 6A Russell County (5-1/2-1) 42-14 on Friday.

Homecoming Helter Skelter

Panthers Lose Close One to Benjamin Russell PHOTOS BY JERRY BALLAS / FOR THE OBSERVER The Smiths Station varsity football (1-4/0-2) team hosted Benjamin Russell (1-5/0-3) on homecoming week last Friday. The Panthers lost to the Wildcats 33-30.The school honored its homecoming court at halftime.

Cadee Lin Vining (pictured bottom right) was named Homecoming Queen.

Opelika Falters Against Central

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

PHOTOS BY JERRY BALLAS / FOR THE OBSERVER The varsity Opelika High School football team dropped to 3-3 on the season with a 38-7 loss to Central of Phenix City Friday. The Bulldogs have an away game against Russell County (5-1) this week. On paper, the matchup looks to be a good one. Opelika is averaging 19.2 points scored per contest on the season, while allowing just 16.2; Russell County is averaging 23.7 points per game while allowing only 19.

Youth Football Begins in Opelika

B6 September 30, 2021

ConnectOpelika ConnectOpelika puts communication with the City of Opelika at your fingertips!

Now, you can connect with us 24/7.

Start the conversation today!

TEXT "HELLO" TO (855) 955-5452 OR VISIT OPELIKA-AL.GOV ASK A QUESTION Getting your questions answered has never been easier. Ask us a question anytime and ConnectOpelika will search the city's website and immediately respond to you with an answer.

SUBMIT A SERVICE REQUEST Have a problem to report? ConnectOpelika helps you send requests quickly and easily.

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SEND US A MESSAGE Need additional help from our team or can't quite find what you're looking for? Send a custom message to city staff with ConnectOpelika and we'll make sure someone follows up with you!

B7 September 30, 2021

Tigers Escape Georgia State, 34-24

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

FROM B1 fend off a 1-2 Panther team.

In response to the team’s on-field struggles, Harsin made the decision to cut ties with wide receivers coach Cornelius Williams and — despite listing Nix as QB1 on the depth chart — has yet to publicly name a starter for Saturday night’s showdown in Death Valley.

From the outside looking in, Auburn seemingly has more questions than it has answers about what the remainder of this season looks like; traveling to Baton Rouge this weekend should give fans of the program insight as to what direction the Tigers are headed in 2021.

After a lack-luster display against what most described as a “cupcake” opponent, fans have every right to be critical of their team, especially ahead of the Tigers venture to a place where they have not won since 1999: Baton Rouge.

Here is what the

Auburn faithful should ask of Harsin and company this week: 1. WHO IS QB1?

This is the million-dollar question which Harsin seemingly does not want to answer.

Nix has been ‘the guy’ at quarterback since his arrival on the plains in 2019 and — considering how highly regarded since high school — has yet to become an x-factor for the Tiger offense. His struggles in the completion category are a cause for concern and most fans accredited week four’s victory to backup Finley. In order to be successful going forward, one might think that consistency and a clear vision as to who should start under center is critical.

2. WHAT DOES PLAYCALLING LOOK LIKE GOING FORWARD? Auburn’s loss to Penn State fell largely upon the poor management of timeouts and questionable decision to attempt a goalline fade on fourth down. Not to mention, Mike Bobo seems to abandon the run game in situations where handing the ball off to Tank Bigsby or Jarquez

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PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

CURSE >>

Auburn junior quarterback Bo Nix (left) struggled in the Tigers' game against Georgia State Saturday. Backup T.J. Finley (right) replaced Nix late in the game and led the Tigers on a drive that retook the lead in Auburn's 34-24 win.

Hunter feels like a good idea. Is Harsin complacent with the current offensive approach or does Auburn revert to its commitment to running the ball?

3. HOW MUCH OF THE WIDE RECEIVER STRUGGLES ARE RELATED TO COACHING? Dropped passes and miscommunication on routes have been a blatant issue for the receiving core thus far in 2021. Harsin’s decision to let go of Williams as his wide receivers coach leads one to believe that this is an issue in game preparation from a coaching perspective; there is also a possibility

that this group is inexperienced or just too inconsistent to compete at this point in time.

Which problem is it that Auburn truly needs to resolve?

4. IS IT TOO SOON TO WORRY ABOUT DEREK MASON’S DEFENSE? When the decision to hire Mason as defensive coordinator, the Auburn fan base knew the transition to a new scheme likely required patience and — after essentially shutting down Akron and Alabama State — early results were promising. Weeks three and four quickly tore down the previous

source of confidence, effectively making the Tiger defense reason for concern. Mason’s squad struggled to provide any resemblance of pressure on Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford and gave up 267 rushing yards to Georgia State.

Not to mention, the secondary’s struggle to stay with receivers leaves much to be desired.

5. WHAT IS HARSIN’S REALISTIC VISION FOR YEAR ONE? Currently sitting at 3-1 and staring down his first SEC opponent, it’s unclear as to where Auburn’s first-year head coach envisions his

team come December.

Theoretically, the western division is still wide-open, but the road for the Tigers is seriously lacking in give-me games. At this point in time, merely making — and winning — a bowl game seems to be a fair ambition. Five of Auburn’s final eight opponents are ranked teams, the program has a history of playing below expectations in Baton Rouge and beating either Alabama or Georgia feels all but impossible in 2021. With the “win every game” mentality aside, what should Tiger fans truly expect?

B8 September 30, 2021

Engage Your Children in October Celebrations

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Ecclesiastes 3:1.

O

ctober enters this week with many child-friendly celebrations that the Classroom Observer would like to focus on to benefit your children and families.

This month celebrates Child Health Month, International Walk to School Month, National Clock Month, Emotional Wellness Month, National Book Month and National Reading Group Club.

National Child Health Day occurs on the first Monday of every October. This day emphasizes the kind of daily health care children need in order to live best physically, emotionally and mentally. The guidance tips are to plan and schedule your children’s routine health checkups; make sure your child’s vaccines are current and

up to date; schedule routine dental appointments and checkups; model healthy habits in front of your children like good nutrition, exercise such as walking and playing, getting enough sleep and practicing good hygiene habits.

I know the Greater Generation and we Baby Boomers remember in the “good old days” that we would walk to and from school. It was safer for our generations to be able to do this.

“International Walk To School Day” is a worldwide global event that many schools and communities participate in. Families can plan neighborhood walks with their communities.

Autumn brings in favorable cool days to walk. Children absolutely love to walk

CONTRIBUTED BY SUSCC

Southern Union State Community College (SUSCC) students looking to differentiate themselves in the job market now have the opportunity to gain valuable experience by taking part in the academic internship program launching at SUSCC this spring.

“We are excited to begin this internship program. Our goal is to help students grow and evolve in their fields of study,” said Tyler Laye, director of academic programs at SUSCC .

Laye added that by offering learning opportunities related to a student’s career goals through dynamic work experiences students can develop personal and professional skills and take advantage of networking opportunities

that set them apart from other students.

In addition to student participants, the college is also looking for companies to host interns.

“We welcome the opportunity to begin a conversation with area companies on how our interns can assist in their day to day operation,” Laye said. “We hope that the partnerships formed will help in developing curriculum directed toward industry needs.”

To apply to participate in the Academic Internship Program, students should complete the application found at www.suscc.edu/careerservices/academicinternshipprogram.

For more information, or to inquire about hosting an intern, please contact Laye at tlaye@ suscc.edu or 334-7456437,ext. 5424.

offers an opportunity to get to know how your children feel.

October has been recognized as National Book Month since 2003. Reading has so many benefits in overall learning. We gain knowledge from reading. Our vocabulary increases as we read and learn new words. Our memories are exercised as our brain remembers the characters in the book, how the plot unfolds and other details that contribute to the story. Reading contributes to sensory and mental stimulation, as well as reducing stress.

With all the benefits how can we as educators and parents encourage our children to love reading? Here are some tips that will help your children.

Reading aloud to your children benefits and encourages children to love books. From an earlier article, “Babies Can Read Too!” by Beth Pinyerd, babies and young children can listen to your voice, see the pictures, and help you to turn the thick cardboard pages of vinyl books. Young children can express a choice of the books they want to read. Preschool children love for us to read their favorite books over and over.

Teachers can take time out in the classroom, parents can read aloud in the classroom their children’s favorite books. I had a parent who was an orthopedic

surgeon, in his scrubs, who made it a point once a week to come in between his surgeries to read to my class of children. His daughter was in my class. Readers, this truly made a lasting impression for our class of children, his daughter, as well as this teacher to have this busy parent make time for us. I have had many parents and grandparents give up lunch breaks to come read to my classes.

Provide books around your home. In the preschool and elementary classroom, I love to see children totally absorbed and engaged in looking at books in the Book Center. Providing books, newspapers and magazines reinforces the importance of reading and the enjoyment of reading. Guide children on how to take good care of their books.

Have your children choose books which they will enjoy. Our local libraries and staff are so good at guiding parents and children to the books children show interest in. The Lewis Cooper Library has been this teacher’s best friend in gathering different theme books for my classes when I volunteer or substitute teach in a classroom.

Show or model to children how much you enjoy reading. Share with them what you are reading and ask them to read along with you.

The Greater Generation

of our society are avid readers. I see them reading in libraries, at home and outside on pretty days. Their model encourages this Baby Boomer to want to read more to gain wisdom and for enjoyment.

Reading is a wonderful entertainment activity for children and their families. Too, choosing a night to read and share a good book strengthens family relations for different ages within the family. During sharing time, remove the distractions of television and phones. The entertainment is free.

Also, October is recognized as “National Reading Group Month”.

Its mission is to promote the value of books and reading. Gathering a group of friends to form a book club can provide fellowship with new friends where you read passages from a chosen book and discuss the content. When volunteering with the elderly in facilities, I absolutely love to be a part of their book clubs which usually meet once a month. This same form of fellowship can be done with children, too, in meeting at homes and have inexpensive book theme clubs.

Make reading fun and enjoyable.

Happy October to all.

I hope these few simple celebrations help you enjoy your children.

They grow up so very quick.

Beth Pinyerd Classroom Observer

New Exhibit Space in RBD Library Features Heisman Winners PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

SUSCC Offers Academic Internship Program

because they can explore and notice things as they walk. It is so much fun and exciting to meet people of all ages in your community. It provides a social time where your children can meet up with friends. Too, family walking is good exercise that lowers stress, makes a child happier, more focused on learning new concepts and it helps to improve moods which contributes to a good self-image and self-esteem.

We can see from the benefits of walking for children and how walking contributes to Emotional Wellness Month. This past year with the pandemic, our children had to adapt to new ways of learning.

I truly appreciate our educators and families who adjusted learning and teaching styles. It takes a lot of hard work and time to teach our young children during this unusual time.

Knowing that October is also “National Clock Month” we are gently reminded of the importance of spending time with our children that truly helps in emotional wellness as they grow and develop. Spending one-on-one time with children strengthens the trusted bond between you and them for a lifetime.

Spending time with your child or children says to them that they are important to you as a parent. Spending time with your children

CONTRIBUTED BY JAYSON HILL / AUBURN UNIVERSITY

Auburn University Libraries will celebrate the return of football to the Plains in its newly created Ralph Brown Draughon Library, or RBD, first-f loor exhibit space. The inaugural exhibit, displaying memorabilia and artifacts from the Charles Johnson Collection, is sure to please Auburn football fans. On display are materials showcasing Auburn’s three Heisman Trophy winners: Pat Sullivan (1971), Bo Jackson (1985) and Cam Newton (2010).

“We’re very excited to have this new display space.

It will allow us to better share treasures of the Special Collections and Archives with many more people,”

said Greg Schmidt, acting head of Special Collections and Archives at Auburn University Libraries. “This space was completed in September, so it seemed only logical that we make its first exhibit something for the football season.

Heisman winners are the gold standard of collegiate players and Auburn has had three. We’re proud to honor Sullivan, Jackson and Newton with

this exhibit and we hope that tailgating Auburn fans will make a gameday visit to Draughon Library to see it.”

Unlike previous exhibits displayed in the Special Collections and Archives department on the ground f loor of RBD Library that had limited hours compared to the main areas of the library, the new first f loor exhibit area is open during all hours the RBD Library

is open. With the parking deck adjacent to RBD Library being open to all after 6 p.m., the public will have more opportunities to enjoy Special Collections and Archives exhibits.

Going forward, Schmidt has indicated that he has plans for many more exhibits in the new display area that are sure to educate and entertain both Auburn students and the public at large.

Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics

B9

September 30, 2021

Thursday, September 30, 2021

Inside the Statehouse Citizens Voice Frustrations We Now Have a Very Youthful Federal Judiciary in Alabama

O

STEVE FLOWERS

ur senior senator, Richard Shelby, has left an indelible legacy and imprint on our state. Every corner of the state has been the recipient of his prowess at bringing home the bacon to the Heart of Dixie. Every university has enjoyed a largesse of federal dollars. He has made the Huntsville Redstone Arsenal one of the most renowned high technology regions in the nation, not to mention placing the FBI’s second home in Huntsville.

Shelby’s accomplishments for Alabama would take a book to enumerate. However, what is not universally known is that Shelby has transformed the federal judiciary in Alabama for years to come.

During the entire eight-year presidency of Barack Obama, by nature we had some attrition in our federal judiciary in all three regions, Northern, Middle and Southern Districts. Even though President Obama sought to appoint Democratic judges throughout the state, Shelby and Sen. Jeff Sessions thwarted all Democratic appointees and held these cherished and powerful judgeships vacant.

Shelby and Sessions were hopeful that one day there would be a Republican president coupled with a Republican senate majority and they would be able to appoint Republican jurists to the federal bench in Alabama. That happened when Trump became president. Sessions had parted with his senate seat to become attorney general, so that left Shelby to select and get confirmed a host of new, young federal judges in Alabama.

Shelby assigned his loyal and brilliant Staff Katie Boyd Britt

, Katie Staff Katie Boyd Britt, the job of vetting potential federal judgeships. She and Shelby chose an outstanding cadre of young, well-educated, extremely qualified, moderately conservative men and women to sit on the federal bench in Alabama. This group is stellar and will be the majority of federal judges for the next 25 to 30 years. This coup of appointing young, conservative, extremely capable judges to the federal bench in Alabama may be one of Shelby’s greatest legacies.

Shelby had Andrew Brasher first appointed to the Middle District of Alabama. However, soon thereafter an opening occurred on the Eleventh Circuit and so Shelby had Trump appoint Brasher to the higher appeals court. Prior to Brasher’s appointment to the Middle District, he practiced law with Bradley Arant in Birmingham. He was solicitor general and a law clerk for Judge Bill Pryor. Brasher is a graduate of Samford University and Harvard Law School.

Shelby had Trump appoint Anna Manasco as a federal judge in the Northern District of Alabama. Manasco, like Brasher, practiced law in Birmingham with Arant prior to her federal appointment. She graduated with honors from Emory University, prior to earning her law degree from Yale Law School.

Shelby aligned with Trump to appoint Corey Maze for a seat on the federal bench in the Northern District. Maze was a prosecutor for the State of Alabama attorney general’s office. He is a summa cum laude graduate of Auburn University and a graduate of Georgetown Law. Shelby had Trump appoint Liles Burke to a federal judgeship in the Northern District. Burke was an associate judge of the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals prior to his federal appointment. He obtained his undergraduate and law degree from the University of Alabama.

Annemarie Axon is another Trump and Shelby anointed appointee for the Northern District of Alabama. Axon practiced See FLOWERS, page B11

Over County Garbage Collection Plan

BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

The Lee County Commission met for a host of issues Monday night, including a discussion on frustrations over the county’s new garbage service collection system and on the American Rescue Plan money funding requests.

TRASH COLLECTION: Two weeks ago the Lee County Commission voted to enter into an exclusive contract with Arrow Disposal now that the county has transitioned to curbside pickup.

Originally, the county expressed that curbside collection would not change private

companies’ ability to continue collecting trash. However, the commission voted to enter into an exclusive contract with Arrow, meaning local vendors can no longer provide curbside services, despite having already obtained clients.

“After some discussion, an addendum was sent out referencing the local act that allowed for citizens under our current system to contract with a private disposal service to then be exempt from the county system,” said County Engineer Justin Hardee two weeks ago.

He then said the county was unaware at the time of any services offering disposal in addition to transport.

However, vendors began advertising and contacting the county about providing disposal services, Hardee said.

Additionally, some of the services began advertising falsehoods, Hardee said, which led to a discussion of pursuing an exclusive contract.

Commissioners expressed that they believe this was the decision best made for citizens.

“I can see how we’re going to make a mess out of this thing by doing that and thank you for coming up with a good solution,” said District 4 Commissioner Robert See COMMISSION, page B10

Attorney Gen. Marshall Announces Conviction of Former Lanett Mayor CONTRIBUTED BY ALABAMA ATTORNEY GEN. STEVE MARSHALL

Attorney General Steve Marshall announced the conviction today of former Lanett Mayor Jonathon Kyle McCoy for felony ethics violations.

McCoy pleaded guilty this morning in Chambers County Circuit Court to two charges of using his official position or office for personal gain. As a result of his felony convictions, McCoy was immediately removed from office as mayor, and is barred from holding public office in the future.

Pursuant to a plea agreement, McCoy

NOW OPEN

admitted that he used his position as mayor to provide a city-owned Chevrolet Tahoe to a family member for a period of seven months.

McCoy’s family member was not employed with the city of Lanett and had no government purpose in possessing the vehicle. McCoy’s unlawful actions resulted in his personal gain, which included savings on the cost of a replacement vehicle and insurance as well as money for fuel and maintenance.

McCoy further admitted to using his position as mayor to avoid paying for city utility services (gas, electric, water,

sewage and garbage) on seven different accounts. Beginning at various times between June 2017 and April 2018, McCoy ceased paying utility bills. By August 2019, McCoy owed more than $41,000 to the city of Lanett. At that time, McCoy directed a city employee to put a hold on these accounts, which resulted in McCoy no longer incurring minimum fees and late charges as well as his accounts being removed from the city’s “cut-off” list. McCoy paid the $41,232.84 balance seven months later in March 2020, but he did not pay See LANETT, page B11

Indoor shooting range is open to the public

2195 FIRST AVENUE • OPELIKA

B10 September 30, 2021

AU’s Black Enrollment Dips, While Race Issues Rise In Nation

GREG MARKLEY

W

hile teaching undergrad history at Fort Benning, Georgia, in 2014, I wanted to find out how many fort buildings the soldiers’ were familiar with — the history and the significance of the person it is named for.

Although many students drove by or worked in a particular building, they didn’t care about finding out who was being honored.

That disappointed me, as an inquisitive type. Good news: Every tanker knew who Patton Hall honors: Gen. George S. Patton, “Old Blood and Guts”; the legendary armor officer. Today, at Auburn University, what is increasingly noticeable are

COMMISSION>> FROM B9 Ham to Justin Hardee.

Ham said the situation had gotten out of control. District 3 Commissioner Gary Long said that individual contractors would cherry-pick areas that would not be fair to the contracted company the county uses.

“We have to do what’s best for the group,” Ham said. “… sometimes we just have to make hard decisions and this is one of them.”

Hardee said that all vendors had the opportunity to bid for the exclusive contract but some chose not to do so. Local vendors, however, attended Monday

not titles for buildings, but the small number of students at AU who are black. That is very disturbing as the university in Lee County has been doing better in attracting black students, for years.

In a recent essay for The New York Times, Auburn graduate and former student body chairman of diversity Drake Pooley recounted negative scenes where black AU students were disparaged. As recently as 2020, they were asked such insulting questions as “What sport do you play that got you into Auburn?”

Pooley’s mission is to let people know that the university’s black enrollment is down and that this is a sad thing for an elite Southern university.

“Black enrollment at the university, never large, peaked 14 years ago at 8.7 percent of the student body,” wrote Pooley, now at the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

“The share of black students in last fall’s freshman class was only 3.2 percent. [This fall’s numbers have not

yet been made public.]

That’s compared to a statewide under-30 population that’s around 30 percent Black.”

Auburn’s weak performance in getting blacks enrolled is not an outlier.

There is a similar trend among the 14 schools in the Southeastern Conference, nine of which declined in black students from 2010 to 2018. A wrinkle for AU in getting the numbers higher in black students is that there are two historically black institutions within an hour of Auburn.

Some students there may have considered Auburn but they ended up attending Tuskegee or Alabama State.

“There is something wrong that I lived 80 years, benefited from wonderful institutions of higher education and in my 80th year, I learned about the Tulsa riots,” said George Will, conservative columnist for the Washington Post.

“There is something wrong there. I should have known about that.

That wasn’t just erasure; that was a pogrom.”

Will, in a Politico piece, highlighted that a lot of stories about

terrible events affecting minorities seldom make the press. He found out about the Tulsa tragedy when the anniversary of the 1921 riots became a major news and feature story. He said that diversity efforts must be broader: “There’s a monochrome ideological culture on campus, often enforced through cultural signals in the name of diversity — diversity in everything but thought.”

“Research has shown that one of the strongest levels for colleges seeking more diversity is offering more need-based financial aid,” stated Pooley in his NYT piece.

He noted that Auburn, his alma mater, ranks last among the top 50 public universities in terms of meeting its undergraduates’ financial needs. But optimism is justified: The University increased its needbased aid to freshmen by $2.4 million to $3.5 million, along with expanding scholarship opportunities.

An instance where divergent views were heard was when the AU Board of Trustees unanimously approved the installation of a plaque

noting George Corley Wallace’s segregationist past and his later apologies for racial remarks.

Wallace, a four-term Alabama governor and a national figure in the 1960s and 1970s, has had his name on a building since 1984.

In light of Wallace’s complex public life, an explanatory plaque was chosen. This means adding the “contextualization” plaque as the building keeps Wallace’s name, at least for now. Almost 12,000 people had signed a petition to drop Wallace’s name. (That was as of mid-September.)

Such an approach has been adopted on controversial monikers nationwide. One was at the University of Arkansas, where a statue of segregationist turned race moderate U.S. Sen. J. William Fulbright is to remain. Visitors to buildings, statues or monuments get a caveat to read when they see such paradoxical items.

The plaque points out that Wallace ventured from race-baiting to earning more than 90 percent of the black vote in 1982. But I have

always felt it unconscionable for his name to be on buildings at schools and universities.

Stopping people from going to school to advance themselves, to live the American Dream, is horrible.

As I did in those college classes at Fort Benning, Georgia, in 2014, I suggest that readers get to know why the building you work in or attend school has the name it has.

Maybe you will be upset and start a campaign to oust that historical figure. Or perhaps you may read his biography and be impressed with the rags-to-riches tale. A future Alabama governor at his or her inauguration might say: “Contextualism now, contextualism tomorrow, contextualism forever!”

Greg Markley first moved to Lee County in 1996. He has Masters’ in education and history.

He taught politics as an adjunct in Georgia and Alabama. An award-winning writer in the Army and civilian life, he has contributed to the Observer for 12 years. gm.markley@ charter.net

night’s meeting and contested that point.

Willie Philpot, owner of Virotech Services said that the requirements the county laid out automatically excluded smaller companies, like his own.

“It seems to me and a number of others that the decision made during the Sept. 13 meeting [was] solely based on politics and economical standpoints and not actually what’s best for the citizens of Lee County,” Philpot said.

District 5 Commissioner Richard LaGrand, despite voting for the exclusive contract on Sept. 13, asked the commission if they would revisit

the discussion and vote following citizen comment.

“I think we need to be in consideration about this after listening to the people,” he said.

He made a motion but did not receive a second and the discussion was dropped.

AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN: Two weeks ago, District 2 Commissioner Sarah Brown outlined questions and guidelines different groups would need to answer in order to receive American Rescue Plan money.

Lee County was allocated $32 million as part of the American Rescue Plan, but the money must be spent in very specific ways — COVID-19 related.

Brown provided a form Monday night that local organizations will need to fill out and return to the commission.

Questions and required information includes: the organization address, phone, email, director or CEO, website, mission and funding questions.

Funding requisitions include what the ‘requested funds will be used for …’ and ‘greatest need related to COVID-19’.

Additionally, the form has a space for how much is being requested and which Lee County citizens will be benefitted from the money.

Additionally, organizations are asked to include a financial

report for the last two years, audit, complete breakdown of funding sources and board of directors list.

The form will go live on the county website on Oct. 1 and will be due on Nov. 15.

Organizations should send documents and the form to Wendy Swann (wswann@leeco.us).

OTHER BUSINESS: - The commission approved an agreement with the town of Loachapoka.

- The commission approved a special events retail license application for Greenawalt Hospitality.

- The commission approved an education reimbursement request for Oline Price.

- The commission approved a HRRR funding agreement.

- The commission approved Phase 2 of the Hornet Flats Subdivision.

- The commission approved the highway department’s annual maintenance bid results.

- The commission approved the Alabama Scrap Tire Fund Contract - The commission approved the cable franchise agreement renewal - The commission approved the 2022 Fiscal Year Budget.

- The commission approved changes to the classified position of the chief administrative officer.

B11 September 30, 2021

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LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS HELP WANTED DIRECTOR OF MODERNIZATION & DEVELOPMENT KIND OF WORK: This is administrative work in directing & managing activities of modernization, construction, rehabilitation and maintenance projects & initiatives for the Opelika Housing Authority.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks, which may be found in positions of this class.)

Manages and directs all phases of construction, renovation, revitalization, rehabilitation, modernization and work order initiatives; Plans, budgets, schedules, and coordinates projects and work order

FLOWERS >> FROM B9 law in Birmingham prior to her appointment. She, like all of the other Northern District appointees, is extremely well qualified. Axon also obtained her undergraduate and law degree from the University of Alabama.

Austin Huffaker, Jr. of Montgomery was chosen by Shelby and Trump for a federal judgeship in the Middle District. He practiced law in Montgomery prior to his appointment. He has an engineering degree from Vanderbilt and earned his law degree from the University of Alabama School of Law. Also appointed by Shelby and Trump to the Middle District is Emily Marks of Montgomery. Marks practiced law in Montgomery prior to her appointment.

She is a graduate of Spring Hill

initiatives; - Prepares materials and equipment specifications; - Prepares specifications to acquire architectural, engineering, and related professional services; - Prepares specifications for contract work; - Ability to perform the procurement requirements and functions for services needed; - Supervises work of contractors; - Supervises the inspection of substandard housing and prepares reports for scope of work and cost estimates for repair; - Performs related work as required.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE WORK: - Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of multi and single family

College in Mobile and the University of Alabama School of Law. Jeffrey Beaverstock was appointed to a federal judgeship in the Southern District.

He practiced law in Mobile and is a graduate of the Citadel and the University of Alabama School of Law. Terry Moorer was appointed by Trump and confirmed by the senate for the Southern District. He was previously an assistant U.S. Attorney and is a graduate of Huntington College and the University of Alabama School of Law. This host of federal jurists in Alabama will be one of Shelby’s lasting legacies.

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.

housing design, development and building construction methods, practices and materials; - Comprehensive knowledge of principles and practices of construction, maintenance, and project management; - thorough knowledge of labor and materials costs related to construction and repair; - thorough knowledge of building codes, ordinances, regulations and standards governing construction and maintenance of residential housing; - thorough knowledge of federal and state public bid laws and Section 3 requirements; - working knowledge of public housing development, modernization and maintenance programs desirable; - thorough knowledge of the principles, methods and practices

LANETT >> FROM B9 any late charges or minimum fees for the period of time his accounts were on hold. Pursuant to the plea agreement, McCoy agreed to pay those unpaid fees and charges, which equal $2,069, as restitution to the city of Lanett.

McCoy will pay another $12,124 in restitution to the

of administration and management; - ability to plan, manage and direct multiple projects and initiatives; - ability to plan and supervise the work of professional and technical subordinates; - ability to prepare comprehensive and accurate reports and records; - ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with professional and technical personnel, contractors, government and public officials, other employees and the general public.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Attainment of a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university in business or public administration, civil engineering or a related field and a minimum of

city for money spent on personal items and gifts not related to city government. In total, McCoy will pay the city $14,193.45 in restitution.

“McCoy’s actions are appalling violations of the citizens’ trust and brazen abuses of his authority as mayor,” Marshall said. “The people of Lanett deserve leadership with honor and integrity.

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't You won believe t what jus came in 334-745-3221 • www.angelsmall.info 900 Columbus Parkway, Opelika, AL 36801

State Employment Office or the Lee County Commission Office 215 S. 9th Street, Opelika, AL, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM. Great Benefits: NO COST to employee Option for BCBS health and dental inHELP WANTED surance. Employer Environmental paid Life Insurance Services Truck Driver policy. State Retirement Closing Date: October Benefits. Thirteen Paid 5, 2021 Department: Environmental Services Holidays. Educational Reimbursement.

Status: Full-Time/ Interested applicants Part-Time Starting may also fax a completHourly Salary Range: ed application to (334) $33,966.10 - $39,061.02 737-3609 or emailed Required Hours of to humanresources@ Availability: MondaySunday; 12 hour shifts leeco.us by the closing date. with rotating weekends Previous applicants Scope: This position should reapply. operates a solid waste For more information truck in the collection visit: www.leeco.us of solid waste and Lee County is an recyclables.

Equal Opportunity Applicants should Employer apply at the Alabama five years’ progressively responsible managerial and administrative experience in the housing development, construction, rehabilitation or maintenance industry; or a combination of education and experience equivalent to these requirements.

It is important that McCoy now is removed from office, that he may not be in a position to betray the public trust in the future and that he is being held to account and punished for his crimes.”

Chambers County Circuit Judge Steve Perryman set a sentencing hearing for Oct. 26 at 1 p.m. McCoy faces penalties of two to 20

years imprisonment and fines of up to $30,000 for each of the two convictions, which are class B felonies.

Marshall thanked the staff of his Special Prosecutions Division, noting in particular Assistant Attorney General Kyle Beckman and the division’s investigators.

B12 September 30, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT COURT OF LEE COUNTY ALABAMA ESTATE OF NANCY POOLAS MCKEMIE, DECEASED Letters of Administration with Will Annexed of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 8th day of September, 2021, by the Hon. 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 law or the same will be barred.

Witness our hands, and dated this the 8th day of September, 2021.

RHONDA ANN MCKEMIE Legal Run 09/16/2021, 09/23/2021 & 09/30/2021 ________ IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CHARLIE LEROY HERRON, II, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No: 2021-499 Letters of Administration of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 3rd day of September, 2021, 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.

LARRY GENE CLARK Administrator Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 09/16/21, 09/23/21 & 09/30/21 ------------FORM OF ADVERTISMENT FOR COMPLETION LEGAL NOTICE In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, notice is hereby given, that ADAMS CONSTRUCTION AND ASSOCIATES, INC, CONTRACTOR, has completed the contract for Construction of DINIUS PARK, at 1435 E. Glenn Ave. for the State of Alabama and the (County) (City) of Auburn, Owner(s), 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: N. Shane Yarbrough , P.E., Foresite Group Richard Meinert, Meinert Architecture (Architect I Engineer) Adams Construction & Associates, Inc. /Contractor 6053 Stage Rd. Auburn , AL 36832 Legal Run 09/16/21, 09/23/21, 09/30/21 & 10/07/21 _______ IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF EVERLENA DENNISON, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No: 2021-498 Letters of Administration of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 3rd day of September, 2021, 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.

ROGER DELL DENNISON Administrator Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 09/16/21, 09/23/21 & 09/30/21 _______ FORM OF ADVERTISMENT FOR COMPLETION LEGAL NOTICE In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, notice is hereby given, that WHATLEY CONSTRUCTION LLC, has completed the contract for Improvement of AU 20-539 AU Jordan Hare Stadium Miscellaneous Structural Repairs 2020-2021 at Auburn University Jordan Hare Football Stadium for Lee County, Auburn, State of Alabama.

Owner(s) 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: LBYD, Inc. 880 Montclair Road, Suite 600, Birmingham, AL 35213 WHATLEY CONSTRUCTION, LLC / CONTRACTOR P.O. BOX 137, OPELIKA, AL 36802 NOTE: This notice must run once a week for four successive weeks for projects exceeding $50,000.00. For projects of $50,000.00 or less, run one time only. A copy of the publisher's affidavit of publication (including a copy of the advertisement) shall be submitted by the Contractor to the Design Professional for inclusion with DCM Form B-13: Final Payment Checklist for state agencies, PSCA-funded and other bond-funded projects.

Legal Run 09/23/21, 09/30/21, 10/07/21 & 10/14/21 ------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, STATE OF ALABAMA RE: IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MALCOM FRED SIMS, DECEASED. CASE NO.: 2021- 521 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT TO BE PUBLISHED BY EXECUTRIX Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Susan Gladys Sims, on the 14th day of September, 2021, by the Hon. 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 time allowed by law or the same will be barred. BY: James E. Hall, Attorney for Executrix.

Legal Run 09/23/21, 09/30/21 & 10/07/21 ______ NOTICE OF LEGAL ACTION IN RE: C.N., D.O.B. 10/25/2009: CASE NO.: 12JU2021000057.01 Candice Napier, whose whereabouts are unknown, and/or any woman claiming to be the mother of or to have any paternal rights to a child bearing the initials C.N., born 10/25/2009, must answer Michael Napier’s Petition for Termination of Parental Rights and other relief by no later than fourteen (14) days after the last publication of this notice or thereafter a judgment may be rendered terminating her parental rights to C.N. in case number 12-JU2021-000057.01, filed in the Juvenile Court of Chambers County, Alabama. If you are the Respondent, you are to file your answer to said Petition with the Circuit Clerk of Chambers County, Chambers County Courthouse, 2 South LaFayette Street, LaFayette, Alabama 36862 with a copy of such answer to be served on the Attorney for the Petitioner, Allen C. Jones, at 1323 Broad Street, Phenix City, Alabama 36867.

Legal Run 09/23/21, 09/30/21, 10/07/21 & 10/14/21 _______ IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATIER OF THE ADOPTION PETITION OF NEIKA DEMETRIC WILLIS and SHENETT A KATRAY WILLIS CASE NO.: 2021-489 PUBLICATION NOTICE TO: Unknown Father, address unknown Please take notice that a petition for adoption was filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama by NEIKA DEMETRIC WILLIS AND SHENETTA KATRAY WILLIS on July 14, 2021, for the adoption of K. L. H. born on January 19, 2021, in Opelika, Alabama to Rosetta Harris.

A hearing has been set for the 16th day of November, 2021 at 10 o'clock am Central time in the Probate Court, Lee County Courthouse, 215 South 9th Street, Opelika, AL 36801. Should you intend to contest this adoption you must file a written response with the attorney for the petitioner, Hon. Samantha Copelan, 310 Samford Village Court, Suite 200, Auburn, Alabama 36830 and with the Clerk of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, as soon as possible but no later than thirty (30) days from the last day this notice is published or appear on the date of the hearing as set above to contest said Petition.

Dated on this the 15th day of September, 2021.

HON. BILL ENGLISH JUDGE OF PROBATE LEECOUNTY, ALABAMA Legal Run 09/23/21, 09/30/21.

10/07/21 & 10/14/21 ------------IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF WALLACE E. KILGO, JR., Deceased PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO. 2021-319 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of the Estate of WALLACE E. KILGO JR., deceased having been granted to Alfred Douglas Davidson, on the 8th day of September 2021, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama.

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

ALFRED DOUGLAS DAVIDSON Legal Run 09/16/21, 09/23/21 & 09/30/21 ------------ORDINANCE NO. 018-21 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING LEASE AGREEMENT WITH EAST CENTRAL ALABAMA HIGHWAY SAFETY OFFICE BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Opelika, Alabama as follows: Section 1. It is hereby established and declared that the following described real property of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) is not currently needed for public or municipal purposes, to-wit: One (1) room on the first floor of the Public Works Administration Building located at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama.

Section 2. That the City, having received an offer from East Central Alabama Highway Safety Office to lease said room described in Section 1 above, it is hereby declared to be in the best interest of the public and the City, to lease said office room to East Central Alabama Highway Safety Office at a monthly rental of $1,900.00 for a term of one (1) year commencing on October 1, 2021 and ending on September 30, 2022.

Section 3. That a proposed Lease Agreement to be entered into between the City and East Central Alabama Highway Safety Office, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit “A”, be and the same is hereby approved, authorized, ratified and confirmed in substantially the form submitted to the City Council.

Section 4. That the Mayor and the City Clerk are hereby authorized and directed to execute, attest and deliver said Lease Agreement in the name and on behalf of the City.

Section 5. That this ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its adoption and publication as required by law.

Section 6. That the City Clerk of the City of Opelika is hereby authorized and directed to cause this ordinance to be published one (1) time in a newspaper published in and of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Alabama.

ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 21st day of September, 2021. /s/ Eddie Smith PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK TRANSMITTED TO MAYOR on this the 22nd day of September, 2021. /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR APPROVED this the 22nd day of September, 2021. /s/ Gary Fuller MAYOR ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK Legal Run 09/30/2021 ------------ORDINANCE NO. 019-21 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows: Section 1. That Ordinance 124-91 entitled “Zoning Ordinance City of Opelika,

Alabama”, adopted on September 17, 1991, and the Zoning Map of the City of Opelika provided for and referred to therein, as previously amended and/or modified, be and the same is hereby amended by rezoning or redistricting the parcels of land hereinafter in this section described, so as to change such parcels from one class of district to another class of district as follows, to-wit: From a R-1 District (Rural District) to a R-3 District (Low-Density Residential District), the parcels of land hereinafter described: Lots 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 as shown on the “Harwell Hills Sixth Addition” subdivision plat recorded in Plat Book 43 at Page 154 on May 27, 2020, at the Lee County, Alabama Courthouse.

The above-described property contains 1.26 acres, more or less, and is located in the 500 block of Rustic Street, Opelika, Alabama.

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

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

ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 21st day of September, 2021. /s/ Eddie Smith PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK TRANSMITTED TO MAYOR on this the 22nd day of September, 2021. /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR APPROVED this the 22nd day of September, 2021. /s/ Gary Fuller MAYOR ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK ------------Notice of Public Auction Notice of Public Auction Boardwalk Storage-Opelika, pursuant to the "Self Service Storage Act" (1981 Alabama Acts, Number 81-769, page 1321 and Section 1), hereby gives Notice of Sale under said act, to wit.

Notice of Public Auction.

Boardwalk Storage-Opelika Will be holding a public auction online at Lockerfox. com On October 12, 2021 @11:00am Only bank checks will be accepted.

All sales are final and the units must be cleaned out completely in 48 hours. A 100.00 cleaning deposit is required and will be refunded upon unit inspection. Unit must be clean of all items and swept.

We currently have 1 unit(s) available: E04 - Jessi Deese Living room furniture, dressing, wall hangings, boxes 334-741-9133 - 6790 US Hwy 29 N, Opelika, Al 36854 Legal Run 09/30/21 & 10/7/21 ------------ORDINANCE NO. 020-21 ORDINANCE ADOPTING A REGISTRATION AND INSPECTION PROGRAM FOR RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES BEING RENTED WITHIN THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Opelika as follows: Section 1.

That Chapter 12 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Opelika, Alabama, is hereby amended by adding an article to be numbered IV, which said article shall read as follows: ARTICLE IV RESIDENTIAL RENTAL PROPERTY REGISTRATION AND INSPECTION Sec. 12-40. Title.

This article shall be known as the Residential Rental Property Registration and Inspection Code of the City of Opelika.

Sec. 12-41. Legislative Findings.

The City of Opelika does hereby find and declare that: (a) The Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, Act No. 2006316, codified as Sections 35-9A-101 et seq, 1975 Code

of Alabama, became effective on January 1, 2007; (b) Sections 35-9A-102(b) states that one of the purposes of the Act is to encourage landlords and tenants to maintain and improve the quality of housing; (c) Sections 11-40-10(b) authorizes a municipality to enforce police or sanitary regulations within the city limits and to prescribe fines and penalties for violations of the regulations; (d) Section 11-45-8(c) authorizes a municipality to adopt ordinances, rules and regulations as a code for the construction, erection, alteration or improvement of buildings, the installation of plumbing or plumbing fixtures, installation of gas or gas fixtures, fire prevention, health and sanitation, mechanical, housing, elimination and repair of unsafe buildings and other like codes; (e) Section 35-9A-204(a) (1) requires a landlord to comply with the requirements of applicable building and housing codes materially affecting health and safety; (f) Section 35-9A-301(1) requires a tenant to comply with all obligations primarily imposed upon tenants by applicable provisions of building and housing codes materially affecting health and safety; (g) Pursuant to Section 11-45-1, a municipality is authorized to adopt ordinances not inconsistent with the laws of the state to provide for the safety, preserve the health, promote the prosperity and improve the morals, order, comfort and convenience of the inhabitants of the municipality; (h) In Opinion No. 2007-009, dated October 31, 2006, the Attorney General issued an opinion to Mayor Ronald K. Davis of the City of Pritchard that a municipality has the authority to adopt an ordinance (1) requiring the annual inspection of apartments and rental houses to ensure compliance with the local building code, (2) charging a reasonable fee to defray the expense of performing the inspections, and (3) charging a reasonable fine or revoking the certificate of occupancy of any apartment or rental house failing to comply with the local building code; (i) There is a need to protect the public health, safety and welfare of the occupants of residential rental dwelling units in the City of Opelika; (j) The City Council of the City of Opelika (the “City”) recognizes that the preservation of existing rental housing stock is of tremendous importance.

There are more than 4,500 rental housing units within the City. Rental housing provides needed, affordable housing for many and is a valuable asset that must be preserved and maintained. The City has a significant interest in ensuring that rental housing remains a safe and desirable housing option for its citizens. (k) There exists in the City substandard and unsanitary residential buildings and rental housing units whose conditions violate state and local building, housing, and safety Codes and ordinances.

Property owners may be unaware of some hazardous conditions, or may choose not to make the necessary repairs due to costs. (l) Substandard and deficient rental housing units are unfit or unsafe for human occupancy and their conditions jeopardize the health, safety, and welfare of their occupants and of the public. Substandard housing conditions pose a particularly acute risk to young children (from lead poisoning or asthma attacks from mold and other air-borne irritants), seniors (from falls), and people with chronic illnesses. (m) Relying on a complaintbased enforcement program is inadequate to ensure that rental housing properties are safely and adequately maintained. Inspection authorities often do not receive complaints about rental units with the worst violations of health and safety codes. Tenants may fear being evicted or that their rent will be raised for reporting violations or may face language or education barriers preventing them from using complaint-based programs. (n) Deteriorating and substandard buildings and dwelling units also threaten the physical, social, and economic stability of

neighboring structures and surrounding neighborhoods and the community as a whole.

By ensuring that landlords are aware of poor conditions before they worsen, proactive inspections encourage preventative maintenance, which is more cost effective than deferred maintenance, and thereby helps landlords to maintain their properties.

Proactive rental inspection programs can ensure that properties don’t become blighted, thereby preserving neighboring property values and the local tax base. (o)Public interest demands that all rental housing properties comply with the minimum standards regarding the health and safety of the public. The most effective way to seek universal compliance with the minimum standards is through routine, periodic inspections of all rental housing properties. (p)Residential rental dwelling units are in need of inspection by the Building Official to prevent deterioration and to maintain safe, decent and sanitary living conditions for the tenants of such units.

The City of Opelika now seeks to adopt regulations of the type approved by the Attorney General to provide for the safety and preserve the health of persons residing in rental housing.

Sec. 12-42.Purpose.

The purpose of this article is to ensure that rental housing in the City is maintained in a good, safe and sanitary condition and does not create a nuisance or blighted condition to its surroundings; to protect the character and stability of residential areas; to identify the existence of substandard residential rental properties; to correct and prevent housing conditions that adversely affect the safety, general welfare and health of the residents; to preserve the value of land and structures throughout the City of Opelika; to provide certain minimum housing standards necessary to the health and safety of residents; and to enhance the quality of life of residents of the City living in residential rental units. With respect to rental disputes, it is not the intent of the City of Opelika to intrude upon contractual relationships between tenant and landlord.

The City of Opelika does not intend to intervene as an advocate for either party, nor to be receptive to complaints between tenants and landlords which are not specifically and clearly relevant to the provisions of this article. In the absence of such relevancy with regard to rental disputes, it is intended that the contracting parties exercise such legal remedies as are available to them without the intervention of the City of Opelika.

The express purpose of this article is to provide for and promote the health, safety and welfare of the general public and not to protect individuals or otherwise establish or designate any particular class or group of persons who will or should be especially protected or benefitted by the terms of this article. The obligation of complying with the requirements of this article and the liability for failure to do so is hereby placed on the property owner and/or occupant or persons responsible for the condition of the building or premises.

Sec. 12-43. Definitions.

For the purposes of this ordinance, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings: (a) “Building Official” is the chief building inspector of the building inspection division and all City employees designated by the Building Official to act on his or her behalf to construe and enforce this article. Authorized designees shall possess all mandated certifications to enforce property maintenance codes. (b) “City” means the City of Opelika, Alabama. (c) “Factory built housing” means a factory built structure designed for long-term residential use, the components of which are essentially constructed or assembled prior to its delivery to and installation upon a site. Factory built housing includes modular homes, manufactured homes, mobile homes and house trailers. (d) “Property Maintenance Code” means the International Property Maintenance Code adopted under and pursuant to Section 5-207 of the Code of

See PUBLIC NOTICES, page B13

B13 September 30, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICES >> FROM B12 Ordinances of the City of Opelika. (e) “Property Owner” or “Owner” means a person, persons, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or any other entity holding fee title to the subject real property. If more than one person or entity owns the subject real property, “Property Owner” refers to each person or entity holding any portion of the fee interest in the property, and the Property Owners’ obligations in this article are joint and several as to each property owner. (f) “Rental Occupancy Certificate” means a document issued by the Building Official indicating that the residential rental dwelling unit is in compliance with the Property Maintenance Code and the checklist used as a guide for compliance with the Property Maintenance Code. (g)“Residential Rental Property” means a structure or part of a structure, including factory built housing structures, with one or more residential units which are leased for occupancy.

However, it does not include the property excluded in Section 12-44. Residential rental property includes the following: singlefamily dwellings, duplexes, apartments, townhouses, condominiums and factory built housing structures. (h)“Residential Rental Dwelling Unit” or “Rental Unit” means one (1) or more rooms in a structure designed and used as a residence or living quarters by one (1) or more persons who are not its owners and contained within a residential rental property as defined herein. It is a housing unit that is or may be available for rent or is occupied or rented by a tenant or subtenant in exchange for any form of consideration.

However, it does not include the property excluded in Section 12-44. (i) “Shelter” means a facility with overnight sleeping accommodations, owned, operated or managed by a non-profit organization or governmental entity, the primary purpose of which is to provide temporary shelter for the homeless in general or for specific populations of the homeless. (j) “Tourist Home” is a private home where rooms are rented to travelers or transient guests on a daily or weekly basis. A bed and breakfast facility is an example of a tourist home. (k) “Unit unavailable for rent” means any residential dwelling unit that is not offered or available for rent as a rental unit and where prior to offering or making the unit available as a rental housing unit, the owner is required to register the rental property and comply with all rules adopted under this article. (l) “Vacant” means a residential dwelling unit that is unoccupied or illegally occupied. (m) “Working day” means any day other than Saturday, Sunday and any holiday observed by the City of Opelika.

Sec. 12-44. Scope. (a) The registration and inspection provisions of this article shall apply to: All residential rental dwelling units located within the City of Opelika and all accessory uses thereon, including party lots, driveways, landscaping, accessory structures, fences, walls, interior and exterior common areas, except: (1) Housing accommodations in hotels, motels, inns or tourist homes.

(2) Housing accommodations in hospitals, state licensed group homes, any facilities occupied exclusively by members of a religious order; licensed nursing homes, licensed extended medical care facilities; licensed assisted living facilities, asylums or on-campus housing accommodations owned, operated or managed by an institution of higher education.

(3) Owner or manager occupied rental units.

(4) Rental units that are owned, operated or managed by a governmental agency other than the City or which are exempt from municipal regulation pursuant to state or federal law or regulations, but only so long as such government ownership, operations or management or exemption from municipal regulation continues in effect.

(5) Public Housing Units owned or administered by the Housing Authority of the City of Opelika and/or its subsidiary, Opelika Housing Development, Inc. (6) Owner occupied condominium and townhouse units.

(7) Emergency or temporary shelter or transitional housing accommodations.

(8) Units unavailable for rent.

(9) Short term rental units (such as offered by Airbnb, VRBO and similar operators) if the rental unit is the primary residence of the short term rental operator and it is available for use, or is used for accommodations or lodging of guests for a period of less than sixty (60) consecutive days and for not more than ninety (90) days in any calendar year. (b) The inspection provisions of this article shall not apply to Housing Choice Voucher Program rental units (Section 8 rental units) whose vouchers are administered by the Housing Authority of the City of Opelika. (Units occupied by a tenant on a Section 8 voucher are already inspected annually by the Opelika Housing Authority.)

The registration provisions of this article shall apply to all Housing Choice Voucher Program rental units.

Sec. 12-45. Registration of Residential Rental Property. (a) After January 1, 2022, it shall be unlawful for any owner, as defined herein, to lease or operate a residential rental property without registering it with the City and complying with the provisions of this article. All existing residential rental units must be registered with the City on or before January 1, 2022, but not before October 1, 2021.

The registration of residential rental properties required herein shall expire on the 31st day of December of each year thereafter. (b) After January 1, 2022, a newly constructed or converted residential rental property shall be registered with the City and a rental occupancy certificate obtained before said property is occupied. (c) Upon registration of a residential rental dwelling unit, the Building Official shall issue to the property owner a temporary rental occupancy certificate indicating that said rental unit is registered in accordance with the provisions of this article. This document shall be valid until the first inspection of the property by the City, unless such certificate is terminated by the Building Official.

The Building Official shall automatically terminate the temporary rental occupancy certificate if the Building Official determines: (1) the owner fails to renew the registration in accordance with the provisions of Section 12-47; or (2) the owner fails to comply with any requirement of this article, including, but not limited to, the inspection requirements under Section 12-51.

Sec. 12-46. Application Requirements.

Applications for registration shall be filed with the building inspection department and accompanied by a registration fee as established in Sec. 12-49. Such application shall include the following information: (a) Name, street address and telephone number of the owner of the rental unit. (b) Name, street address and telephone number of the owner’s agent responsible for the management of the premises of the rental unit. (c) Legal address of the rental unit. (d) Number of units in each building within the rental property. (e) Description of rental unit (i.e.) house, condominium, townhouse, apartment, manufactured home, mobile home, etc. (f) Signed statement of owner and owner’s agent indicating that he/she is aware of the City’s Property Maintenance Code and the legal ramifications for knowingly violating said Code. (g) The name and address of the registered agent, if the owner is a corporation. (h) Number of rental units, if property is an apartment complex or multi-unit facility.

A list of unit numbers must accompany the registration. (i) The owner’s signature and date of registration.

Sec. 12-47.Registration Renewal.

If there are no changes in ownership or agent representation, renewals of the registration may be made by filling out the Registration Renewal form furnished by the City and paying the appropriate fee. Registrations must be renewed on or before January 1 of each year, but not before October 1 of the preceding year.

Sec. 12-48. Changes In Ownership.

Within thirty (30) days of any change of ownership of any residential rental property, the new owner shall reregister the property by filing a

registration application as set out in Section 12-46. There shall be no additional charge for the remaining period of the annual registration period.

A change of ownership shall include any change in ownership rights, or execution of a contract or deed, whether recorded or not. The failure of the new owner to register the property within the time specified above is a violation of this article.

Sec. 12-49. Registration Fee. The owner or his/her agent shall pay a registration fee of five dollars ($5.00) for each residential rental dwelling unit when he/she submits his/ her completed application for registration and/or his/ her renewal application. A twenty-five dollar ($25.00) late fee for each residential rental dwelling unit will be charged for the owner’s failure to timely register or renew the registration of a residential rental dwelling unit in compliance with the provisions of this article.

Sec. 12-50. Agent Required. (a) Each owner of a residential rental dwelling unit within the City rented or offered for rent shall appoint an agent upon whom the City may lawfully serve notices pertaining to the administration of this article. (b) The designated agent must reside in Lee County, Alabama. (c) The owner may serve as the agent if the owner resides in Lee County, Alabama. (d) All official notices served on the designated local agent shall be deemed to have been served on the property owner and shall be effective as if made on the property owner.

Sec. 12-51. Rental Property Inspection Upon Change in Occupancy. (a) Inspections Required. With the exception of rental units identified in Section 12-44, all residential rental units are subject to routine periodic inspection as provided in this section to ensure that the rental unit complies with the Property Maintenance Code as adopted

by Section 5-207 of the City Code and the checklist set out below. (b) Frequency of Inspections.

Beginning January 1, 2022, all residential rental dwelling units shall be inspected for compliance with the provisions of this article as follows: (1) Upon first-time registration, if unoccupied (2) Each time there is a change in tenancy, provided no rental unit shall be subject to inspection by the Building Official more often than every three years from the date of the issuance of the initial rental occupancy certificate except for re-inspections by the Building Official under Section 12-52 and inspections in response to citizen-based complaints under Section 12-53. (c) Standards for Inspections.

In determining whether a residential rental dwelling unit is in compliance with the provisions of the Property Maintenance Code, the Building Official and his or her designees shall use the following maintenance standards checklist as the list of items to be inspected during the inspection process: Maintenance Standards Checklist ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLIANCE 1. Property and units registered with the City of Opelika.

2. Ownership and contact information clearly defined on the registration form.

3. Registration fees paid.

4. Landlord contact information posted visibly on site.

EXTERIOR AREAS/ STRUCTURE 1. Property has house numbers clearly visible from the street with numbers not less than 4 inches.

2. Roof and walls are not deteriorated and free from holes breaks and loose or rotting materials, and maintained weatherproof.

3. Foundation appears to be adequate and in good repair and free from open cracks or breaks and shall be kept in such condition to prevent the entry of pests.

4. Accessory buildings and fences in good repair.

5. Exterior doors are operable and able to be locked.

6. Windows and skylights are in good repair and weather tight. Windows are free from cracked, broken or missing panes.

7. Chimneys appear to be structurally safe and in good repair.

8. Property does not have broken, rotten, split, or buckled walls.

9. Stairways, porches, decks, and balconies have flooring, supports, and handrails in good condition and are properly anchored.

10. Roof drains, gutters,

and downspouts shall be maintained in good repair and free from obstruction.

11. Known cisterns, wells, or other hazards are fenced, covered, or filled.

12. Property does not have an accumulation of garbage, junk, or debris.

13. Property is not providing habitation for rodents, wild animals, or other vermin.

14. Property does not have unsafe storage of combustible material.

INTERIOR AREAS/ STRUCTURE 1. Walls, ceilings, and floors structurally sound and in good repair.

2. The building is maintained in a safe and sanitary condition.

3. All stairs are in sound condition and good repair. All stairs must have handrails and balusters or similar feature that prevents a fall hazard from open-sided stairs.

4. Handrails firmly fastened and in good repair for all stairs.

5. All floor coverings are free from tripping hazards and capable of being cleaned.

6. All habitable rooms are provided with adequate electrical service for proper illumination.

7. Every habitable space has at least one operable window or exterior door that faces directly to the outdoors.

8. The bathroom or toilet room have either an operable window or a mechanical means of ventilation.

9. Every habitable room, except the kitchen, have a plan dimension of not less than seven (7) feet wide.

10. The kitchen or nonhabitable spaces used for their intended purposes.

PLUMBING 1. Rental unit has use of operable kitchen sink, toilet, and bathtub or shower.

2. All applicable plumbing fixtures have hot (capable of not less than 110°F) and cold water and are connected to sanitary sewer system with proper clearance for usage and cleaning.

3. Plumbing fixtures are maintained in a safe and functional condition and free of leaks.

4. Bathrooms provide adequate privacy.

5. Clothes dryer, if present, is properly vented to the outside with metal vent pipes.

6. The water heating equipment is properly installed and equipped with a temperature and pressure relief valve and relief valve discharge pipe.

ELECTRICAL/ MECHANICAL 1. Electrical service is properly maintained and is sufficient to support the electrical load.

2. Adequate clearance for service is provided on the control side of all HVAC and utility appliances.

3. Each unit has heating facilities capable of maintaining a room temperature of 65°F degrees in all habitable rooms and bathrooms. Cooking appliances and portable heating units shall not be used to provide heating to meet requirement.

4. All electrical equipment, wiring, lighting, and appliances are properly installed and maintained in a safe and approved manner.

5. Electrical panels are accessible, clearly marked, and circuits are properly labeled.

6. Fuel fired equipment has appropriate and operable flues and shutoff valves.

7. Every habitable room and every bathroom contain at least one (1) properly installed electrical outlet.

8. Every laundry room if present, contains at least one (1) grounded-type receptacle or a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).

9. There are cover plates on all outlets, switches, and junction boxes.

10. GFCI outlets installed for all outlets within six (6) feet of a water source.

FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS 1. Place one smoke alarm in each sleeping room. Place one smoke alarm immediately outside of all sleep areas (e.g., hallway). Place at least one smoke alarm on each floor, including the basement.

2. All sleeping rooms have safe and appropriate access to an operable window for egress.

3. Place one carbon monoxide detector immediately outside of sleeping rooms, such as in the hallway. There must be at least one carbon monoxide detector on each floor, including the basement. (Only applies to properties with gas or propane appliances.)

4. Fire alarm and suppression systems properly installed and operational where required.

5. Two clear and passable egress routes exist for each floor above the first floor.

6. All egress doors and windows are operable without need for keys, special knowledge or effort.

7. All existing fire resistance rating of walls, fire stops, floors, and doors, etc. are properly maintained.

The checklist shall be used solely to determine if a rental unit meets the requirements of this article.

If all checklist items pass, then the Building Official shall issue a rental occupancy certificate. If any checklist item fails, then the inspection fails. (d) Inspection Procedures.

If upon first-time registration, the residential rental dwelling unit is unoccupied, the property owner or his or her local agent shall provide written or electronic notice to the Building Official of the unoccupied status of the residential rental dwelling unit. Except as provided below, the property owner or his or her local agent shall provide written or electronic notice to the Building Official upon each and every change in the tenant’s occupancy that requires a new lease, sublease or an assignment of rights under an existing lease. Notwithstanding any other provision of this article to the contrary, the property owner shall not be required to give notice of a change of occupancy when the rental dwelling unit has passed inspection within the preceding three (3) year period.

Except as provided below, an inspection of the rental dwelling unit shall be required upon the City’s receipt of written notice from the owner or his or her local agent as provided herein. Inspections required under this section shall be performed within ten (10) working days of the City’s written or electronic notice from the property owner or his or her local agent.

Any temporary rental occupancy certificate issued under Section 12-45 shall terminate upon a change of occupancy.

The Building Official shall give written or electronic notice to the property owner or his or her local agent of the date and time of any inspection to be conducted under this section at least three (3) calendar days prior to the date of inspection.

The Building Official shall mail the notice to the property owner or rental agent to the rental address provided on the registration application or send such notice electronically to the email address provided on the registration application.

Alternatively, the property owner or his or her local agent may contact the Building Official or his or her designee to schedule an inspection at a mutually convenient date and time. Inspections will be conducted on a scheduled basis. The property owner and/or his or her local agent have the right to be present at any inspection. It shall be unlawful and in violation of this article for the property owner of a residential rental dwelling unit to refuse to allow the Building Official or his or her designees to inspect a residential rental dwelling unit as required by this article.

If upon inspection, the Building Official or his or her designee discovers one or more violations of the maintenance standards checklist, he shall cause to be issued to the property owner or his or her local agent, a notice and order to correct the violations.

The order shall state in plain language the violations found and the conditions which cause the rental dwelling unit to be in non-compliance.

The Building Official shall specify a reasonable time for correction of the violations, depending upon the severity of the condition and schedule a re-inspection of the rental dwelling unit.

If the condition has not been corrected by the compliance date, but the property owner has made significant progress in correcting the violation(s), the Building Official may grant an extension of time. Nothing in this section precludes additional inspections conducted at the request of the property owner or his or her local agent, subject to the payment of all inspection fees as specified in Section 12-56.

All violations and deficiencies shall be corrected with all City required permits, approvals, inspections and re-inspections within the time specified in the notice before a rental occupancy certificate is issued.

A provisional rental occupancy certificate may be issued if the residential rental dwelling unit is substantially but not entirely in compliance with this checklist and there are no imminent life, health or safety violations.

If, upon inspection, the Building Official finds no checklist violations, the Building Official shall issue to the property owner a rental occupancy certificate as provided in Section 12-54.

Sec. 12-52.

Reinspections.

A residential dwelling unit that exhibits a deficiency or deficiencies shall be subject to reinspection by the Building Official. All violation corrections shall be completed within the time specified by the Building Official.

Noncompliance with a notice and order of the Building Official shall automatically terminate the rental occupancy certificate or provisional certificate.

Sec. 12-53.

Complaintbased Inspection.

Nothing contained herein shall prevent or restrict the authority of the Building Official to inspect any residential rental dwelling unit, or the premises thereof, in response to a citizen complaint alleging code violations or other violations of law at such unit and to pursue all code enforcement remedies permissible under this article or other laws following such a complaint-based inspection of a residential rental dwelling unit. Upon receipt of a citizen-based complaint, the Building Official shall inspect the pertinent residential rental dwelling unit and/or areas of the residential rental property.

Prior to an inspection, the Building Official must provide occupants (tenants) of the property at least two days written or electronic notice that includes the following: (1) The dwelling units that may be inspected; (2) That an inspector intends to enter the dwelling unit to inspect the unit; (3) That the occupant (tenant) has a right to see the inspector’s identification before the inspector enters the residential rental dwelling unit; and (4) Contact information for the Building Inspection Division.

An occupant may refuse an inspection except where the Building Official has produced a valid search warrant issued by a court of competent jurisdiction. The owner must allow the Building Official or his/her designees entry if occupants (tenants) have agreed to it. The Building Official shall not hold an owner in violation of this article who has met the requirements of this section but has been unable to obtain the permission of the occupant (tenant).

The Building Official shall also provide the property owner or his or her local agent at least written or electronic notice of the date and time of the inspection. The property owner and/or his or her local agent shall have the right to be present at the inspection. The Building Official shall follow the inspection procedures specified in Section 12-51(d).

All violations shall be corrected with all City required permits, approvals and inspections and re-inspections within the time specified on the notice and order of the Building Official in order to maintain a current rental occupancy certificate for a residential rental property.

Noncompliance with a notice and order of the Building Official shall automatically terminate the rental occupancy certificate and render it null and void.

Sec. 12-54.

Rental Occupancy Certificate.

Rental occupancy certificates issued pursuant to this article shall specify: the date of issuance, the legal use and occupancy of the unit, the unit address, the name of the unit owner to whom the certificate is issued, and that the unit complies with applicable laws so far as could be determined by inspection. It shall be unlawful and in a violation of this article for the owner of a residential rental dwelling unit to allow occupancy of a residential rental dwelling unit without first obtaining a rental occupancy certificate or allow occupancy after a residential rental certificate has been terminated. Noncompliance with a notice and order of the Building Official shall automatically terminate the rental occupancy certificate or provisional certificate.

Issuance of a rental occupancy certificate shall not constitute

B14 September 30, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICES >> FROM B13 a guarantee or warranty of habitability or complete compliance with International Property Maintenance Code standards, and the occupant of any residential rental dwelling unit shall not rely on a rental occupancy certificate as a guarantee or warranty. The rental occupancy certificate shall contain a notice to this effect.

The City shall not assume any liability to a person by reason of the inspections required by this article or the issuance of a rental occupancy certificate.

Sec. 12-55. Exemptions From Inspection Requirement.

Newly constructed residential rental dwelling units shall be exempt from the inspection provisions of Section 12-51 for a period of seven (7) years from the date the certificate of occupancy is issued by the Building Official. The exemption period shall begin to run on the date the Building Official issues a certificate of occupancy for the unit. This exemption shall not apply to complaint-based inspections under Section 12-53.

Sec. 12-56. Inspection Fees. (a) The owner of the residential rental dwelling unit shall pay to the City a fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) for the initial inspection and one (1) reinspection of the unit to verify that substandard conditions have been corrected in accordance with Section 1252. The owner shall be assessed a fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for each additional follow-up reinspection. (b) If a residential rental dwelling unit has been occupied without a rental occupancy certificate having been issued in violation of this article, the owner of the residential rental dwelling unit shall pay to the City the following fees: (1) $150.00 for the first occupancy without a certificate.

(2) $300.00 for the second occupancy within one (1) year without a certificate.

(3) $500.00 for the third occupancy within one (1) year without a certificate.

Sec. 12-57. Administrative Regulations.

The Building Official is authorized and directed to promulgate administrative regulations pertaining to the implementation and enforcement of this article; provided, however, such administrative regulations shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of this article.

Sec. 12-58. Suspension of Rental Occupancy Certificate. (a) The Building Official may suspend a rental occupancy certificate if the Building Official determines that: (1) the residential rental property is unsafe or in a dangerous condition and the Building Official gives notice to the owner to remedy the unsafe or dangerous condition of the building or structure; (2) the owner fails to comply with a notice of violation; (3) the owner fails to comply with a requirement of this article; (4) the owner fails to comply with other City permitting requirements; or (5) the owner fails to pay the annual registration fee or inspection fee. (b) A suspension is effective until the Building Official determines that the owner complies with: (1) the requirements of this article; (2) an order of the Building Official or court of competent jurisdiction; or (3) a notice of violation. (c) While under suspension, an owner may not lease or otherwise allow vacant rental units to be occupied and may not lease or otherwise allow an occupied rental unit to be occupied by new tenants. (d) The Building Official must give notice to the owner of his intent to suspend the rental occupancy certificate issued under this article. (e) The notice required by this section may specify a reasonable time for compliance under this article. If a time for compliance is specified, the Building Official may not suspend before the time for compliance has expired. (f) If the rental occupancy certificate is suspended, the Building Official must give notice to the tenants.

Sec. 12-59. Revocation of Rental Occupancy Certificate (a) The Building Official may immediately revoke a rental occupancy certificate that has been suspended pursuant to Section 12-58 (Suspension) if the Building Official determines: (1) a condition that is dangerous or impairs habitability exists at the rental property during the suspension period; and (2) the owner fails to take

remedial action to correct the condition. (b) Even if the certificate of rental occupancy certificate has not been suspended, the Building Official may immediately revoke the certificate issued under this article if an order to vacate the rental property is issued by the Building Official or a court of competent jurisdiction. (c) After the rental property is compliant with the Property Maintenance Code, the Building Official may reinstate the rental occupancy certificate for the time specified in sections 12-51 and 12-54.

Sec. 12-60. Appeals.

All denials, suspensions, revocations and decisions of the Building Official shall be final and binding upon all parties unless the property owner appeals to the Property Maintenance Board of Appeals. Any person receiving a notice of an adverse decision, including denial of a rental occupancy certificate, notice of suspension, or notice of revocation, and wishing to appeal the same shall file a written notice of appeal in the office of the Building Official within ten (10) days from the date of notice of the adverse action. The notice of appeal must contain a brief statement of the facts that support the appeal and why the Building Official’s decision should be reversed. The hearing on the appeal to the Property Maintenance Board of Appeals shall be held within thirty (30) days of the notice of appeal. The decision of the Property Maintenance Board of Appeals shall be final.

Sec. 12-61. Penalties For Violation.

Violation of the provisions of this article or failure to comply with any of its requirements shall constitute a misdemeanor. Any person who violates this article or fails to comply with any of its requirements shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) or imprisoned for not more than one hundred eighty (180) days, or both, and in addition shall pay all costs and expenses involved in the case. Each day such violation continues shall be considered a separate offense. Nothing herein contained shall prevent the City from taking such other lawful actions as are necessary to prevent or remedy any violation.

Sec. 12-62. Injunctive Relief and Civil Remedies. (a) If a person has violated or continues to violate the provision of this article, the City may petition the appropriate court for a preliminary and/or permanent injunction restraining the person from activities which would create violations of this article or compelling the person to perform corrective action and/or remediation of any violation. (b) The City may also initiate civil proceedings in any court of competent jurisdiction seeking monetary damages resulting from any violation of this article and may seek other equitable relief to enforce compliance with the provisions of this article or to enforce compliance with any lawful orders of the Building Official.

Sec. 12-63. Liability.

Nothing contained in this article is intended to be nor shall be construed to create or form the basis for any liability on the part of the City, or its officers, employees, or agents, for any injury or damage resulting from the failure of an owner of property or land to comply with the provisions of this article, or by reason and in consequence of any inspection, notice, order, certificate, permission or approval authorized or issued or done in connection with the implementation or enforcement of this article, or by reason of any action or inaction on the part of the City related in any manner to the enforcement of this article by its officers, employees or agents.

Sec. 12-64.

Construction of this Article.

This article shall not be construed to alter the terms of any lease or other agreement between a property owner and a tenant regarding a covered residential rental dwelling unit, except that no provision of such lease or other agreement shall be construed to excuse compliance with this article or with any other law or regulation of the City.

It is not the purpose of this article to prescribe legal rights or liabilities as between an owner and a tenant.

Sec. 12-65.

Severability.

Severability is intended throughout and within the provisions of this article. If any section, clause, sentence or phrase of this article is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, then such holding shall in no way affect the validity of the remaining portion of this article.

Section 2. Repealer Clause.

All ordinances or parts thereof which are in conflict with the provisions of this ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict.

Section 3. Effective Date.

This ordinance and the provisions of article IV of Chapter 12 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Opelika shall be effective as of October 1, 2021, except that the provisions of Sections 12-51, 12-52, 12-53, 12-54, 12-55 and 12-56 shall become effective as of January 1, 2022.

Section 4. Publication.

The City Clerk of the City of Opelika, Alabama, is hereby authorized and directed to cause this ordinance to be published one (1) time in The Opelika-Auburn News, a newspaper published in and of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Alabama.

ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 21st day of September, 2021. /s/ Eddie Smith PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK TRANSMITTED TO MAYOR on this the 22nd day of September, 2021. /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR APPROVED this the 22nd day of September, 2021. /s/ Gary Fuller MAYOR ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK Legal Run 09/30/21 ------------IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF THEODORE ARMOUR, Deceased Case No.: 2021-454 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Ardella Williams, Personal Representative on the 21st day of September, 2021,

by Honorable Bill English, Judge of 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 law or the same will be barred.

Ardella Williams Legal Run 09/30/21, 10/7/21 & 10/14/21 ------------IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CHARLES SOMERS DEAN, III Deceased IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No: 2021-396 Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 22nd day of September, 2021, 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.

NANCY BARRETT DEAN Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 09/30/21, 10/7/21 & 10/14/21 ------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF SHIRLEY F. STOUGH, DECEASED Case No.: 2021-485 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of the Estate of Shirley F. Stough, deceased, having been granted to TANYA ALONGI on August 26, 2021, 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.

TANYA ALONGI Legal Run 09/30/21, 10/7/21 & 10/14/21 ------------STATE OF ALABAMA CASE NO. 2021-453 LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT ESTATE OF LAURIE LEIGH SOUTHERS WILLIAMS, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATOR Letters of Administration of the Estate of Laurie Leigh Southers Williams, deceased having been granted to W. Warner Williams, Jr. this 20th day of September 2021, 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.

W. Warner Williams, Jr., Personal Representative Jeffery A. Hilyer 334-745-2564 Attorney at Law P.O. Box 30 Opelika, AL 36803-0030 Legal Run 09/30/21, 10/7/21 & 10/14/21 ------------STATE OF ALABAMA CASE NO. 2021-540 LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT ESTATE OF PAUL RANDY MOON, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATOR Letters of Administration of the Estate of Paul Randy Moon, deceased having been granted to Jacquelynn Hays Moon this 23rd day of September 2021, 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.

Jacquelynn Hays Moon, Personal Representative Jeffery A. Hilyer 334-745-2564 Attorney at Law P.O. Box 30 Opelika, AL 36803-0030 Legal Run 09/30/21, 10/7/21 & 10/14/21 ------------STATE OF ALABAMA CASE NO. 2021-533 LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT ESTATE OF WILLIAM FREDERICK WOODS, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Letters Testamentary of said William Frederick Woods, deceased, having been granted to Lisa Ellen Greenway 23rd day of September, 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.

Lisa Ellen Greenway, Personal Representative Legal Run 09/30/21, 10/7/21 & 10/14/21 ------------NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain Mortgage (the “Mortgage”) dated April 16th.

2021 executed by David A. May (the “Mortgagor”) in favor of John & Julia Smith (the “Mortgagees”), said Mortgage being recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama in RLPY 4720, at Page 798; and WHEREAS, John & Julia Smith, as Mortgagees and holders of the Mortgage, by reason of such default having declared all of the indebtedness secured by the Mortgage due and payable, and such default continuing, notice is hereby given that, acting under the power of sale contained in the Mortgage, holder will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Lee County Courthouse located at 215 South 9th Street, Opelika, Alabama 36801 on Thursday, September, 30, 2021 between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., the following described property, commonly known as: 533 Lee Road 57, Lot 44, Auburn, situated in Lee County, Alabama, to wit: Commence at the Southwest corner of Section 16, Township

20 North, Range 28 East, Lee County, Alabama, and thence run North 1°25’ East, along the West boundary line of said Section 16; for a distance of 270 feet to the intersection of the West boundary line of said Section 16 with the Southeasterly margin of U.S. Highway #29; thence run North 44°-0’ East, along the Southeasterly margin of said Highway #29, for a distance of 375 feet; thence run North 48°-7’ East, along said margin of said Highway #29, for a distance of 678 feet to a point, which point is the point of beginning of the real property to be herein described and conveyed: From said point of beginning, thence run North 48°-7’ East, along the margin of said Highway #29, for a distance of 210 feet to a point; thence run South 41°-53’ east for a distance of 210 feet to a point; thence run South 48°7’ West for a distance of 210 feet to a point; thence run North 41°-53’ West for a distance of 210 feet to the said point of beginning.

Containing 1 acre, more or less. Also being part of the property conveyed in that certain deed from R.W. Thompson and Mary Thompson, who are now both deceased, to Hila Mae McKemie, who is the same person as Hilda Mae McKemie, dated September 24, 1952, and is of record in Deed Book 383, at page 445, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama. Being the same property conveyed in that certain deed from Hila Mae McKemie and Ralph C. McKemie, wife and husband, to Robert Kenneth McKemie, John Marcus Smith and Julia Karen Smith, dated December 3, 1982, and is of record in Deed Book 1136, at Page 744, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama.

THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS-IS”, “WHERE IS” BASIS AND WITH ALL FAULTS. THIS PROPERTY WILL ALSO BE SOLD SUBJECT TO ANY EASEMENTS, LEASES, ENCUMBRANCES, RESERVATIONS AND EXCEPTIONS REFLECTED IN THE MORTGAGE AND ALL MATTERS CONTAINED IN THE RECORDS OF THE OFFICE OF THE JUDGE OF PROBATE OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AS TO TITLE, USE AND/OR ENJOYMENT AND WILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. Payment terms are cash or cashier’s check (United States Dollars in immediately available funds) made payable to the Mortgagees on the date of the public sale.

Mortgagees reserve the right to bid for and purchase the aforementioned property and to credit its bid against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the Mortgage.

The public sale is subject to postponement or cancellation; contact Benjamin H. Parr at (334) 749-6999 prior to attendance.

This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by the Mortgage as well as the expenses of collection and foreclosure.

JOHN & JULIA SMITH Mortgagees ATTORNEY FOR MORTGAGEES: Benjamin H. Parr, Esquire Benjamin H. Parr, P.C. 830 Avenue A, Suite A Opelika, Alabama 36801 (334) 749-6999 LEGAL RUN 09/09/21, 09/16/21, 09/23/21 & 09/30/21 -----------INVITATION TO BID 21021 Sealed bids for the construction of the WESTSIDE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT IMPROVEMENTS shall be received at the Opelika City Hall 2nd Floor Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until

2:00 p.m., local time on Monday, October 11, 2021, and then publicly opened and read aloud.

Only bids from competent general contractors will be considered. The successful bidder must be a properly licensed general contractor. The attention of all bidders is called to the provisions of State law governing “General Contractors” as set forth in the Ala. Code §348-1, et. seq. (1975) and rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. Bidders must be licensed by the Licensing Board for General Contractors when bids are submitted.

The Project consists of an expansion of a 4 MGD wastewater treatment plant to 6 MGD and is generally described as follows: • Influent Bypass Structure • Upgrade to influent pump station.

• Upgrade to headworks structure including new screening and grit equipment.

• Modifications to Splitter Box No. 1 • Cleaning and equipment demolition of Oxidation Ditch Nos. 1 and 2 • New mechanical aeration equipment for Oxidation Ditch Nos. 1 and 2 • New Oxidation Ditch No. 3 • Upgrade to return sludge pump station.

• Modifications to Splitter Box No. 2 • Cleaning and equipment demolition of Clarifier Nos. 1 and 2 • New clarifier equipment for Clarifier Nos. 1 and 2 • New Clarifier No. 3 and return sludge pump station • Waste sludge pump replacement A non-mandatory pre-bid conference will be held at 2:00 p.m. local time on September 8, 2021, at Opelika Public Works, 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama. A site visit to the Westside WWTP will follow the meeting. Attendance at the prebid conference is not mandatory.

Bids will be received for a single prime Contract. Bids shall be on a lump sum basis as indicated in the Bid Form. All bidders must submit with their proposal, contractor’s license number and a copy of the license. State law Ala. Code §34-8-8(b) requires all bids to be rejected which do not contain the contractor’s current license number. Evidence of this license shall be documented on the outside of the sealed bid.

All bidders shall possess all other licenses and/or permits required by applicable law, rule or regulation for the performance of the work.

Bid documents may be obtained from the City’s website at www. opelika-al.gov/Bids.aspx. Any technical questions should be directed to the Public Works Director at 334-705-5413 located at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika.

The bidder’s proposal must be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished to him by the City of Opelika. All information in the proposal must be completed by the bidder for the proposal to be accepted.

A Bid Bond in the amount of five (5) percent of the bid amount made payable to the City of Opelika must accompany each bid. Performance and Payment Bonds for the full contract sum will be required of the successful bidder. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all bids and to waive irregularities.

Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, Purchasing-Revenue Manager, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama, 36803-0390.

Attn: Westside Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements LILLIE FINLEYPURCHASING REVENUE MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (36801) POST OFFICE BOX 390 (36803-0390) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 705-5120 Legal Run 08/26/21, 9/16/21 9/30/21 ------------In The Probate Court Of Lee County Alabama In Re: The Estate Of: Alfred L. Ly les, a/k/a Alfred LeNard Lyles, Deceased TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to: Annice Lyles Johnson, as Executrix of the Estate of: Alfred L. Lyles , a/ k/a Alfred LeNard Lyles , Deceased, on the 30th day of August, 2021 by the Honorable Bill English.

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

ANNICE LYLES JOHNSON EXECUTRIX Legal Run 09/16/21, 09/23/21 & 09/30/21 -------------

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