Opelika Observer 10-07-2021 E-edition

Vol. 13, No. 52

Thursday, Oct. 07, 2021

Opelika, Alabama

pelika Observer O

“An award-winning publication for local people, by local people.”

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

CONTRIBUTED BY EAH

On Oct. 1 every two years, the chief of staff role at East Alabama Health rotates. It just so happens that the transition this year finds an Auburn High School graduate succeeding an Opelika High School graduate in the lead physician role that is responsible for providing leadership and guidance to the medical staff and promoting effective communication between the medical staff and administration.

Mary Ann Shannon, an internist and hospitalist — and AHS Class of 1992 — takes over as the new chief of staff today, replacing fellow hospitalist, ICU medical director and friend, Michael Rob-

Balloon Release For Double Homicide Victims

BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

It’s been more than 20 years and an Opelika double homicide is still unsolved.

On Sept. 28, 2001, Tramaris Bryant and Tyrone Brooks were

See EAH, page A2

SHANNON

Lee County Young Leaders Kick Off Annual Program CONTRIBUTED BY THE OPELIKA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The Lee County Young Leaders program (LCYL) is an annual program of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce. The 202122 program kicked off Sept. 14, 2021, with a Team Building Session at Camp Chandler in Wetumpka, Alabama.

One of the goals of the Opelika Chamber, in alignment with our mission, is to help grow leaders in our community to meet future challenges that arise in our city, county and state. This nine-

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

EAH New Chief of Staff is AHS Graduate

month program serves as a vehicle to help cultivate the potential in our young people to assume positions of responsibility in their communities at an early age.

Twenty-seven juniors in high schools, home schools and private schools in Lee County are chosen for the program through an application process. This program is sponsored by Glynn Smith

Chevrolet, the city of Opelika, Christie Ray Hill State Farm, Golden State Foods, Hanwha Advanced Materials America and Pharmavite, LLC. 2021-22 CLASS: AUBURN HIGH SCHOOL Patrick Bingham Kylie Nimmo Jahanzeb Rafay Gracie Wilson Jack Wisdom BEAUREGARD HIGH James Conway Joshua Len Gracie Sosebee BEULAH HIGH Emma Brewer Caty McConnell LOACHAPOKA HIGH SCHOOL Latunda Echols See LEADERS, page A3

murdered in Bryant’s mobile home in Opelika.

Connye BrooksSmith, Tyrone’s cousin, has worked to keep the two men’s memories alive over the last 20 years.

“From that point to this one, which is twenty years this year, See BALLOON RELEASE, page A3

OCT. 9 is PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day CONTRIBUTED BY JESSICA GAVIN Oct. 9 serves as a reminder of the 1 in 200 children who suffer tremendous neuropsychiatric symptoms following immune insults ranging from bacterial infections such as strep and lyme, to environmental and/or food allergies. PANS stands for Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome. PANDAS, a subset of PANS, is theorized to be the result of an autoimmune attack on the brain reflected in its name, Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Strep-

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

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

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY. . . . . A7

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

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

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

COMICS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A16 COMICS

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

tococcus. While PANS and PANDAS both have pediatric in their name, some patients report that they remain symptomatic even after they age out of adolescence.

PANS is a clinical diagnosis that makes identifying which patient suffers especially challenging for physicians. Patients may exhibit a broad range of symptoms including, but not limited to, a mix of OCD, tics, sleep disturbances, sensory abnormalities, emotional lability, urinary incontinence and severe anxiety.

Families and brave physicians face over-

O GROWS FARMERS MARKET SATURDAYS FROM 9 A.M. TO NOON

whelming challenges getting patients the treatment they so desperately need in order to stabilize their condition. This makes Oct. 9th awareness a critical part of PANS advocacy efforts. Just eight states have mandated insurance coverage for patients with PANS and some states, such as Florida, refuse to even recognize the day despite fierce legislative advocacy efforts. There are incredible gaps of knowledge among medical providers.

Fortunately, the tides are changing as a few progressive university hospitals such as StanSee PANDAS, page A3

A2 Oct. 7, 2021

Opelika's New Library is Now Open PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER CONTRIBUTED BY THE AUBURN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Auburn Chamber of Commerce Welcomes New Businesses

Ribbon cutting for the Downtown Burton Street Parking Deck — The five-level parking deck is open 24 hours to the public with 500 spaces.

Located behind AuburnBank in Auburn with access from Burton Street and East Magnolia.

EAH >>

FROM A1

erts, M.D., OHS Class of 1993. After spending their formative years as archrivals, the two have worked together over the past year to provide for a smooth transition for the top medical staff position.

Shannon joined the local medical community in 2006 as a physician in practice with Internal Medicine Associates (IMA). That also made her an active member of hospital’s medical staff. In 2010, she transitioned to work full-time as a hospitalist — physicians who only

see patients in a hospital setting.

Coincidentally, her medical roots can be traced back to the hospital she has now been at for 15 years. Shannon was majoring in chemical engineering at the University of Tennessee, but was home for the summer in 1996.

Through a connection, she was able to assist William Webb, M.D. during the summer.

“Dr. Webb let me work at EAMC and I loved it,” she said.

Looking back on it now, she jokingly said, “I ‘blame’ Dr. William Webb, Dr. Robert Brown, Dr. Steve Lock, Dr. John Thomas and

pelika Observer

O

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

Ribbon cutting for Seay, Seay & Litchfield Architects — For nearly 45 years, Seay Seay & Litchfield has served residential, private, educational, government and commercial clients with Architecture services. Its Auburn office is located at 570 Devall Dr., Suite 303.

Groundbreaking for the Pivotal Business Center — located at 2372 E. University Dr. in Auburn, at the corner of Dean Road and University Drive, adjacent to River Bank and Trust.

Dr. Edie Graves for getting me interested in medicine. Working with them and watching them take care of patients was the reason I went to medical school.”

Prior to moving back home to Auburn and joining the medical staff at East Alabama Health, Shannon was an internist at the Kirklin Clinic at UAB and was on the teaching faculty for the internal medicine residency program at UAB. When asked what she learned by watching Dr. Roberts the past two years, she quipped “That I do not want to be chief of staff during a pandemic.”

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

www.opelikaobserver.com

223-A S. 8th St., Opelika, AL 36801 Copyright 2009. All right reserved.

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

Periodicals postage is paid at Opelika, AL. USPS #025104 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Opelika Observer, 223-A S. 8th St.,, Opelika, AL 36801

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.

with each other. My hope is everyone will do what he or she can do to keep safe from COVID and out of the hospital.

And remember, the virus is our common enemy — not each other.”

Away from the hospital Shannon likes to cook, eat, write, travel, read and run. Along with five pets, she has two sons, Charlie and Sam, so she spends a lot of time watching them run track and cross country and play soccer.

Regarding COVID-19, of which she has played a direct role in the ICU, Shannon states the following.

“I hate to see a pandemic that’s causing so much unnecessary death, and that is monopolizing our hospital resources, become such a political topic and a trigger for anger and discourse. It’s a virus. It’s killing some of us, and it’s overwhelming our healthcare system.

“I hope going forward we can get to a point where it stops: the dying, the suffering of those who are ill and those left behind, and especially the anger

ABOUT EAST ALABAMA HEALTH:

East Alabama Health encompasses East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, EAMC-Lanier in Valley, the Spen-

cer Cancer Center in Opelika, the Auburn Medical Pavilion and a host of other key medical clinic and practices that help provide a continuum of care to patients throughout an 11-county area. EAMC is a 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.

Subscribe to the Opelika Observer today!

Name: Address: City:

State:

ZIP:

Phone number: Email address: Payment Type (circle one): Check / Credit Card Visa or Master Card # Exp. Date:

/

Security Code:

Amount Paid:

• $34 for 1 year (inside Lee County) $45 for 1 year (outside of Lee County) •

Return to:

Opelika Observer 223-A S. 8th St./ Opelika, AL 36801

Please do not send cash through the mail.

A3 Oct. 7, 2021

Shine a Light Alabama Makes Resource Kits Available to Community Members In an effort to support remembrance of loved ones and healing from loss experienced during the pandemic, Alabama Forward is making Shine a Light Alabama resource kits available to Alabamians at no cost. Each kit contains: a votive candle and glass candle holder; a resource guide featuring reflective activities, guidance on candle lighting ceremonies, grief resources and advocacy information; a sticker; an informational flyer; and vaccination information provided by the Kaiser Family Foun-

dation. Most of these resources are available in English, Spanish and Korean.

Shine a Light Alabama is a community-based outreach effort, created by Alabama Forward, a network of community-based organizations.

The central activity is a candle lighting ceremony of remembrance that makes space for grief, comfort and hope. Such a lighting ceremony can be held in individual households, outdoors in a neighborhood park or block setting or in small, safe gatherings of faith communities or community organizations. Alabama Forward hopes that

by encouraging community members to hold these ceremonies, the more than 12,200 Alabama families that are grieving the loss of someone to COVID-19 — and other Alabamians who have lost loved ones during the isolation of the pandemic can begin to heal while honoring those lost.

The website, www.

ShineAlabama.org, features a video and downloadable resource guides in English, Spanish and Korean.

There are also links to healthcare and vaccine information, as well as grief support and mental wellness resources. A memorial wall on the website

invites people to add a photo of an object that uniquely reminds them of the loved one they lost. People who have experienced the loss of loved ones throughout the pandemic, regardless of cause of death, are invited to remember their loved one on the site.

For more informa-

tion on Shine a Light Alabama or to get involved, visit www.

ShineAlabama.org.

Alabama Forward is a state-based 501(C) (3) civic engagement coordinating table committed to advancing movement towards greater freedom and progressive, solution-oriented policy

among a diverse coalition of Alabama-based partner organizations, so that every Alabamian can engage in the democratic process. In pursuit of this mission, Alabama Forward will prioritize race and gender equity to engage every Alabamian in all aspects of our democracy.

a constant reminder when you pass by the street all the time,” she said.

“Not that it’s bad enough that it’s a void in your family and then under the circumstances, you have to always remember this is how it happened.”

Just finding out what happened may not be enough to provide

closure, Brooks-Smith said. Justice, however, for those who murdered the two men, may.

Every other year, Brooks-Smith holds a memorial event to help honor and remember Bryant and Brooks.

This year, she held a balloon release on Saturday.

These events are not only a way of memorializing but of involving public figures, Brooks-Smith said.

This is a way to keep the unsolved murders fresh in the minds of local politicians and law enforcement.

Opelika Police Chief Shane Healey was in

attendance, along with newly-appointed DA Jessica Ventiere, and two Opelika City Council members.

Brooks-Smith said she’s known Healey a long time, and he’s asked her to give him some time regarding the case.

However, BrooksSmith said there were

things she would have liked to have seen handled differently with the case — such as offering a reward in this double-homicide.

“He’s been on this ride with me for twenty years,” she said. “… He’s reassured me from his standpoint that no case is different.”

Jaelyn Chance Latham Girona Mary-Carol Graydon Thomas Kelley Cadence Vining TRINITY CHRISTIAN Anna Kate Hammett LEE- SCOTT ACADEMY Libby Williamson Emma Frances Zellner “After skipping a year due to COVID-19, we are extremely excited to

have kicked off our Lee County Young Leaders Program for the 20212022 school year,” said Mackenzie Poole with the Opelika Chamber.

“We have a great group of students who are eager to learn more about Lee County while also developing their leadership skills.”

The program will

continue in October with an Education Day where the class will have the opportunity to learn more about Auburn University and Southern Union State Community College.

Founded in 1941, the Opelika Chamber, whose mission is

to build economic and member vitality through partnerships, programming, education and community involvement, has been serving the Opelika business community for more than 80 years. Under the leadership of Ali Rauch, the president and CEO, a staff

works diligently to be the recognized leader and advocate of the business community, acting as a catalyst for a thriving economic and entrepreneurial environment, collaborative community initiatives and a better quality of life for its business owners and citizens alike.

medicine, it can be near impossible for some families to get their children immune-modulating treatments and antibiotic therapies which are the mainstay of treatment.

New Found Hope Fortunately for these families, the international crisis born from the COVID pandemic has made it increasingly difficult to ignore the immense influence the immune system has on the brain. According to one peer-reviewed research publication in Frontiers Journal, “COVID has the potential to cause nervous system damage. And the virus itself plays a possible role in the development of acute psychiatric symptoms and long-term neuropsychiatric sequelae of COVID-19. The brain

pathologies associated with COVID-19 infection are likely to have a long-term impact on cognitive processes.” https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/ fpsyg.2021.577529/full Most puzzling is the fact that these types of research studies are only now coming underway. It has been six years since the extraordinary discovery

by Johnathan Kipnis, PhD, and then professor at the University of Virginia’s Department of Neuroscience overturned decades of what was once thought of as scientific “fact”, when he definitively proved the brain was directly connected to the immune system through lymphatic vessels previously thought not to exist.

The historical belief

that the central nervous system was an immune privileged organ was built upon the idea that the blood brain barrier resulted in a physical disconnect with the immune system. However, for families who have been beating the drum for years, it’s been their hope that the conclusive work happening in the lab would have made its way to the doctor’s office over a half a decade later. While the post-pandemic world has marveled at the idea that viruses could cause both short- and long-term psychiatric symptoms, this is no surprise to the tens of thousands of families and few physicians who have been dealing with the crippling effects of PANS for decades.

While researchers everywhere work to

better understand these neuroimmune reactions in order to mitigate the devastating consequences of long haulers, the overlap with PANS gives families hope that the work being done on COVID-19 may propel PANS research initiatives forward.

Despite much more work needing to be done, public awareness has increased significantly in recent years, thanks to non-profits and parent advocacy efforts working diligently to change the landscape.

One such charity, the Neuroimmune Foundation, has launched the largest physician education effort to date, educating over 2,000 physicians in 2020 alone through a series of Continuing Medical Education (CME) activities and their annual

Inflammatory Brain Disorders conference.

The loss of innocent childhoods of the early PANS pioneers due to a lack of awareness among physicians and families need not be in vain. We can learn from our failures and forge forward on a path that emphasizes awareness and understanding but prioritizes action. Let’s look at the plethora of research highlighting the interconnectedness of the gut, brain and immune system and urge physicians and hospital systems to bring it to the bedside now. There is no time to spare. The time is now to provide suffering families with the resources they so desperately need.

To learn more about PANS, visit neuroimmune.org.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

BALLOON RELEASE >>

FROM A1

the double homicide is still an unsolved murder,” she said. “Over the years, of course, the police have said that they have people, certain suspects and just people saying what they’ve heard. To my knowledge, there hasn’t been any solid evidence as far as bringing anyone to justice for these crimes.”

Brooks-Smith said that Bryant and Brooks are the only ones who could fully share the story of what happened that night on Sept. 28.

“I wasn’t living here when it happened but since I’ve been back it’s

LEADERS >>

FROM A1

Jahunna Neston GLENWOOD ACADEMY Tristan Mayhand OPELIKA HIGH SCHOOL Railey Jones Lindsie Klepper Sydney Lowe Ellis Andrew Royal Vera SmithT SMITHS STATION HIGH

PANDAS >>

FROM A1

ford, Virginia Commonwealth University, University of Arizona and Mass General now house multi-center treatment clinics.

PANS awareness demands honest reflection of the harsh realities of the disorder; with no clear biomarkers, coupled with the ongoing stigma around mental health, families suffer traumatic experiences due to skeptical physicians, unconvinced family and ineffective and misinformed legislatures assuming the child’s symptoms are “all in their head”, or worse, an exaggeration from unstable parents.

In a world where the insurance industry increasingly dictates how physicians practice

ABOUT THE OPELIKA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

A4 Oct. 7, 2021

To You

H

SEAN DIETRICH

i. We hardly know each other. And I know this won’t mean much coming from a stranger like me, but I have to say it: I’m sorry for what you’re going through.

I mean it. I am sorry.

I’m sorry about the big and the little things that happen to you. I’m sorry you didn’t sleep last

night. I’m sorry your back hurts. And I’m sorry about the long-term repercussions of fiscal American inflation.

Also: I’m sorry you don’t laugh as often as you used to. I’m sorry money doesn’t grow in the backyard—God help me, I am. I know what it means to work long hours and get nothing but a bloody lip in

FAN

WENDY HODGE

O

nce upon a time, a young man from the Carolinas moved to Auburn and attended The Alabama Polytechnic Institute. He spotted a girl waiting for a bus and offered her a ride to campus.

She accepted, and they spent the next 70 years together. During that time, they raised my brother and sister and me, they worked and prayed and they grew old.

That’s the condensed version. But oh, there is a lifetime of stories and memories those words can’t begin to tell.

My dad was a public whistler, often filling whatever silence may fall with a whistled version of How Great Thou Art alternating with Dust in the Wind with equal gusto. He loved to tell jokes, cracking himself up before he even got to the punchline. I’d love to say his jokes were funny, but, more often than not, they were cringeworthy. It was hard not to laugh when he was so clearly enjoying himself, though.

My dad was protective of us all, sometimes to a fault. Being the youngest child by more than a decade, he seemed to be most concerned about my safety. Imagine my embarrassment when he showed up at a New Year’s Eve party I was attending because he was worried that I was out so late. That would have been sweet, had I not been 20 years old.

And had he not been

wearing his bathrobe.

That same year, I was on a canoe trip with several others making our way down the Tallapoosa River. As we circled through Horseshoe Bend National Park, a rock landed in the water directly in front of my canoe. And then another landed directly behind me. From the riverbank, came the sound of my name being called. And there was my dad, emerging from the trees, a handful of rocks and a worried look on his face.

“Just checking on you,” he called out.

That, too, would have been sweet, had I not been sharing a canoe with my older brother. And I was still 20 years old.

“I’m not a fan of you being out on the water,” he said later.

“There’s snakes and alligators out there, you know.”

The summer I went to Europe, my dad had watched news of the IRA bombings in that part of the world and decided that I just could not make such a dangerous trip. Calmer heads prevailed, and I did go to London. But as I left for the airport, my dad said, “I’m not a fan of you flying.”

My mother told me later that he watched the news every night I was gone and paced the floor, no doubt imagining every worstcase scenario a parent can torture themselves with.

For all his worrying, he was a man who loved to have a good time. He was a fan of many things — a plate full of good food, his broken-in recliner, brightly colored new shirts (the man was color blind and had the worst fashion sense) and babies. He couldn’t resist a sweet little baby — they turned him to mush.

return.

I’m sorry your car won’t start. I’m sorry alternators cost more than booze-cruises to Barbados. I’m sorry that every time you get some money saved, your roof begins leaking, your water-heater goes out, your toilet backs up or you need a root canal.

I’m double-sorry about the root canal.

I’m sorry your dog died. And for the sour feelings you get when you see the empty foodbowl on your kitchen floor.

I miss every good dog I’ve ever owned.

I’m sorry your loved one died recently. I’m sorry grief has become a permanent part of you, and that your heart has been polished with a cheese grater.

He was a lifetime Auburn football fan — and that’s no small feat. He once told me, “It’s easy to be an Alabama fan because they’re expected to win. But being an Auburn fan takes grit.

You never know what kind of season we’re going to have.”

He watched every Auburn game he could beginning way back in the late 60s or early 70s, which means that he watched over 50 years of SEC football. Many hundreds of games, all with the hope that Auburn would win the Iron Bowl. The SEC championship is just icing on the cake. Everyone in Alabama knows the Iron Bowl is the real prize.

November of 2013, our family gathered in a cabin in the Smokies for our Thanksgiving holiday. The 78th Iron Bowl found us all gathered around an enormous television anchored above an equally large fireplace.

Feasting on leftovers, we watched as Auburn ran the ball the entire length of the field to score the winning touchdown in the final second of the game.

My dad practically levitated. He clapped, he laughed, he yelled.

With sheer pleasure beaming on his face, he announced to the room, “Man, it’s good to be an Auburn fan!” And it really was.

My dad was so proud of all his grandchildren. Whenever there was a concert or a play, my dad was there in the front row cheering them on. He sat in the bleachers for his grandsons’ ball games and in an auditorium for his granddaughter’s ballet recital. Maybe because she was the youngest, my daughter Abbey could make my dad’s face light up like no See HODGE, page A5

I’m sorry the doctor said you need surgery.

I’m sorry you’re diabetic. I’m sorry your entire world caved in when they said, “Ma’am, you have cancer.” I’m sorry for the undiagnosed illness that no medical people can seem to figure out.

I’m sorry you have felt sick and rundown for so long that you don’t remember what the old you felt like.

I’m sorry life doesn’t go the way we want it.

I’m sorry the clock runs out too quickly, and that our bodies don’t last longer.

I’m extra-sorry for anyone who feels unimportant. I know what it’s like to lose your confidence. Confidence is a funny thing. Once you

lose it, you can’t get it back.

Such losses cause you to look carefully into mirrors. But, even though you stare long and hard, you don’t see what’s really there.

Instead, you see a dumb face, a big nose and two ugly eyes.

Then you walk through life, thinking of yourself as small. Maybe you can’t remember the last time anyone listened to you — and I mean, REALLY listened.

And all this makes you wonder. You wonder when things will get better. You wonder when someone will touch your shoulder and tell you they love you — with no strings attached. You wonder when someone will

help you by telling you nothing and just holding you.

Well, I’m a painfully mediocre man. I drive a rundown truck that leaks oil. I have no achievements, and no credibility to my hillbilly name. You don’t know me, and you have no reason to keep reading my ten-cent words. But, there are a few things I believe: I believe in good. I believe in you. I believe that you’re stronger than you think. And I believe that you are beautiful.

You are so beautiful, in fact, that a complete stranger stayed up very late tonight, writing what you just read. A guy who just wanted to tell you that I love you.

And you’re going to make it through this.

Knots on a Rope: JH Outback

I

BRADLEY ROBERTSON

like to look at my life with my family as a story. A story each of us is writing, as part of a bigger picture. Each member has their own place in our family story, each a character, walking their own path, but we grow and learn and love as a unit.

As much as our story is binded together, as family, we each as individuals have different parts that stick out and are unique.

And, since all memories and ideas are different, the story told through each of us is also different. The story I tell of my family will likely not match the way in which they tell the story. And I love this. Like the gospels in the Bible, Braxton, Janie Belle and Shep will have a different idea just as Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

It’s amazing really, one giant incredible story, told through many, that many may come to know the Kingdom of Heaven.

In our story, we have specific moments and memories that are so unforgettable they shape the rest of the narrative in a big way. I like to call these “knots on a rope.” It’s like looking at your past on a rope and being able to go back to each big “knot” that tied you into a greater meaning of life. And when you go back to those knots, you are reminded of who you are, where you came from and what God has done for you.

Each knot in our story, represents a holy moment.

Like going back and saying, “Do you remember when God blessed us with our first born? Remember his head full of red hair?

Remember how healthy and loud he was when he came into our world?”

We reach back to the knot of Braxton’s birth and we are reminded of Gods provision, and we can see that today, God still provides. Today he still cares and today, he still does incredible things through our lives.

Four out of five of our family members got a new knot on our rope just recently. The farmer and I took Braxton and Janie Belle on a weekend retreat to JH Outback. It is part of the bigger organization, JH Ranch, located in California. We were able to put our phones away for 48 hours and focus on the most precious thing we hold in life, each other.

Though our time together was short, it was the most giving and breathing 48 hours I have had in years. Proof that quality over quantity is fact. Our hearts were spoken to, our time was used well and our faith was strengthened through action and purpose.

One of the common themes at JH Outback is “I heard and I forgot, I saw and I remembered, I did and I understood”.

And so our weekend was full of memorable moments with our kids meant to knot a place in our soul that we can always go back to.

Would you believe me that the knot placed in my beloved Braxton was him catching two loose chickens in a haybale arena at sunset surrounded by 100 random people in bandana’s he did not know?

It was as comical as one can imagine. Tall boy, wrangler jeans, cowboy boots, running and diving for chickens. The entire crowd of soulful strangers, teens and adults, was

cheering and laughing at the point of no return.

While I, the mother, sat in awe knowing full and well, he was meant for a moment such as this. And proof that you can never take the farm away from the boy, no matter where he shows up in life.

The beauty of the moment was that my reluctant son was able to relax the rest of the weekend, have fun and open space for God to speak to him.

And so God did what only He does incredibly well, he used a chicken, a karaoke machine, a tent and a handful of amazing people to let truth and life shine into our relationship.

You see the knot on the rope of Braxton’s life will forever be the chicken he caught the weekend he spent at JH Outback, but under that knot are the seeds that God placed in his heart that will last him the rest of his life and into eternity. Seeds that he will pass onto his brother.

Seeds that will take him through high school. Seeds that will see him into and out of his young adulthood. Seeds that will be planted and grow in spaces only God knows of.

Of course, my knot will be watching my son catch those chickens. His smile, his laughter, the crowd cheering and his joy at having fun. And under my knot is the gentle reminder God put in my ear that I must slow down. I must pay attention. My time on earth is precious, may it be used well. My hope IS in God. God hears, God answers and God provides in ways we can never imagine.

If you look back on your life as of today, what knots on your rope can you go back to and see the work of the Lord? I promise there are many. God does provide. God does show us the way into life everlasting. We just have to go back to our knots on our rope and remember.

A5 Oct. 7, 2021

SmartBank Announces New Corporate Banking Team in Auburn SmartBank continues to grow and invest in Alabama, recently announcing a new corporate banking office and the addition of a corporate banking team in Auburn. Members of the team include John Whittenburg, corporate relationship manager; Haven Duff, corporate relationship manager; and Marsha Pinkston, loan administrator.

“SmartBank’s commitment to the Alabama market is evidenced by this recent move of adding such an experienced team of banking professionals that not only have years of banking experience in the area, but also possess strong leader-

ship capabilities and a variety of specialized lending and treasury management backgrounds,” said Billy Carroll, SmartBank president and CEO. “With their combined decades of experience in the industry and local community involvement in the market, we are confident this leadership team will drive our plans for continued growth in Alabama.”

In their roles, Whittenburg and Duff will be focused on lending in the Auburn market. Whittenburg has been in banking for over 25 years, most recently working as commercial relationship manager and senior vice president for BBVA. While Duff has been in banking for al-

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

CONTRIBUTED BY SMARTBANK

L to R - Haven Duff, Corporate Relationship Manager; John Whittenburg, Corporate Relationship Manager; Marsha Pinkston, Loan Administrator most 15 years working as commercial relationship manager and vice president for BBVA. Pinkston has spent the last 14 years work-

ing with BBVA, most recently as a relationship support specialist.

“We are excited to continue to invest and grow our presence in

Auburn Parks and Recreation Presents Rec. VIP Volunteer Program

HODGE >>

FROM A4

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

Pictured above is a group that participated in a Rotary Work Day in the community.

CONTRIBUTED BY CITY OF AUBURN / WRITTEN BY GABRIELLE FILGO / COMMUNITY & SPC PROGRAMS ADMIN

Auburn Parks and Recreation invites you to become a Rec. VIP Volunteer. Rec. VIP is a volunteer program for individuals age 19+ who are interested in

helping with programs and events offered through Auburn Parks and Recreation.

The Rec. VIP program strives to improve the quality of life for all citizens by involving volunteers who offer their time, effort and skills to enhance the city of Auburn. The program

Protect with 3! ✔ Tdap ✔ HPV ✔ MCV4

incorporates volunteers into all facets of the organization including athletics, Special Olympics, therapeutics, 50+ programs, special events, cultural arts and park cleanup.

Rec. VIP Volunteers will receive a free t-shirt each year, a quarterly

newsletter with upcoming volunteer opportunities, as well as recognition and appreciation events.

For more information or to apply to become a Rec. VIP Volunteer, contact Gabby Filgo at gfilgo@ auburnalabama.org or visit auburnalabama. org/parks.

TEXTILE MILLS ASBESTOS CLAIMS

Protect your patients against vaccine preventable diseases.

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

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.”

Alabama,” said Jeff Williams, SmartBank regional president, south Alabama. “We believe there’s a bright future for this team and

one else could. He was so proud of her accomplishments. The day she graduated from Auburn University (his own alma mater), my dad was beaming.

Though bedridden, he raised up to hug her when she stopped by and asked for his checkbook so he could write her a check to show how proud he was.

“He’s her biggest fan,” my mother whispered to me.

“You’re one in a million,” my dad said to Abbey. And he meant it.

Dad isn’t here to whistle or tell jokes anymore. His loudly colored shirts hang limply in the closet.

No one sits in his recliner, as if it’s an unspoken rule that only the owner sits there.

My dad’s not here to watch football this

a tremendous opportunity for SmartBank in the Auburn market with the team we’ve assembled.”

ABOUT SMARTBANK Founded in 2007, SmartBank is a full-service commercial bank providing banking, investment, insurance and mortgage financial services, with 37 branches and four loan production office spanning Alabama, Tennessee and Florida. Recruiting the best people, delivering exceptional client service, strategic branching and a disciplined approach to lending have contributed to SmartBank's success. For more information on SmartBank, visit www. smartbank.com. year. It will be the first season he’s missed in as many years as I’ve been alive.

But the family he built is still here. We have retold his jokes and shared memories and stories, and somehow that has helped.

We have held my mother up and shared the uniquely painful grief that losing your other half, the person you’ve spent seven decades with, must surely be.

The other day my daughter called me and said, “I’m sending you a picture.” I waited a moment for the text to come through, and there it was. A picture of my daughter’s arm, freshly tattooed with this perfectly elegant symbol: I/MM. “It’s Roman numerals. One in a million.

Just like Papa always said,” she explained.

“It’s perfect,” I answered. “Papa would be such a fan.”

Vehicle Title Problem?

We have a Solution!

Unclaimed/Abandoned Vehicles, Mobile Homes & Surety Bonds

JSE:Alabama's Vehicle Title Recovery Service!

We can help with most Titled Vehicles in Alabama, including Cars, Trucks, Motorcycles, RV’s & Trailers. Stop in, by phone or online!

Fre e Phone C onsu ltation Cal l 1-205-267-5735 www.JSEAL.com

A6 Oct. 7, 2021

Medical Arts Pharmacy Hits One Million Prescriptions Sold The Miller family has owned Medical Arts Pharmacy in Opelika for over 40 years. Since Nov. of 1968 their business has been up and running.

Dennis Miller was 15 when his father first opened the store, and he has been helping out and working there ever since.

The pharmacy hit 1 million prescriptions sold recently, a goal that Miller has had for his store since he took it over from his father many years ago.

“I realize now how important it was for me to achieve that,” Miller said. “The great thing about hitting 1 million was that we hit a big goal. We got through the competition and the tough times. It was very exciting to hit it.”

Miller was born and

raised in Opelika. He attended Opelika High School, then went on to graduate from Auburn University’s pharmacy school. He took over the family business in 1984 when his dad retired.

“It took my father about two years to get the business off the ground,” Miller said. “I would help out however I could. Throughout the summers when we opened the store, they didn’t need my help much, so I worked lots of different jobs, like construction, at a Marina at Lake Martin and other things that built my work ethic.”

Medical Arts Pharmacy has always been a family run business.

“My mother was the bookkeeper here for 15 years, but her main job was keeping us all in line,” Miller said.

“My father passed this business down to me

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

BY MEGAN MANN FOR THE OBSERVER

and I hope to pass it on to my son whenever I retire. It will be three generations of our family keeping this store going.”

Hitting 1 million in sales was a big goal for Miller and the loyalty of his customers is what helped him achieve it.

Miller knows most of his customers personally and knows what they

need right when they walk in the door.

“We have a lot of regulars, 90% of the people that come in here we know them by name,” Miller said. “We have people that drive from Lafayette, people from Jackson’s gap and Lake Martin. We even have one couple that lives in Florida somewhere that we send

their medicine too.”

The Opelika Native believes that there are key components to keeping a business alive.

“Keeping a business going requires good personnel, good patient communication and constant reassurance to the patient that what you're doing is to benefit them,” he

said. “My favorite thing about pharmacy is knowing I helped somebody.”

The experienced pharmacist had some advice to give to current pharmacy school students.

“To the students pursuing pharmacy I would say work hard in school and learn as much as you can because once you graduate and enter the real world there is a lot more you will learn after,” Miller said. “There is a lot of common-sense stuff that goes into pharmacy.

People skills and looking at the whole picture rather than a single prescription is important.”

Medical Arts Pharmacy is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and is located on 121 N. 20th St. in Opelika. The shop can be contacted at 334745-5756.

'Summer's Gone' But Not for The Beach Boys

PHOTOS BY HANNAH LESTER / THE OBSERVER

Opelika E vents, Society & Food

UPCOMING EVENTS • Oct. 7: Tipoff At Toomer's From 4 to 9 p.m.

• Oct. 7: Book Signing With Madison Prewett from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

• Oct. 8 and Oct. 9: 9th Annual Haunted Auburn Walking Tour from 6 to 9 p.m.

Serve Variety of Sliders For Tailgating at Auburn-Georgia Game PHOTO BY ANN CIPPERLY

Ann Cipperly

Southern

Hospitality

W

hen Auburn and Georgia play on Saturday in the “Deep South’s oldest rivalry,” plenty of good food will be needed for tailgating, and sliders offer delicious, easy-toeat choices. The “game between the hedges” goes back to the first intercollegiate football game in the Deep South between Au-

burn and Georgia on Feb. 20, 1892, at Piedmont Park in Atlanta with Auburn winning 10-0, according to Wikipedia.

While there is no record of tailgating at that game, there are many theories about the history of tailgating. Some claim the first tailgating began in the intercollegiate football game between Rutgers

and Princeton in 1869 as spectators ate pork and corn from chuckwagons or grilled sausages at the “tail end” of a horse.

Others say tailgating started when people traveled by train to sports events and took their own food. Others believe tailgating started when fans of the Green Bay Packers would park trucks around

Women’s Club of Auburn to Host Art Walk Oct. 16 CONTRIBUTED

BY EMILYN GIPSON The Woman’s Club of Auburn will host its third Art Walk on Oct. 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Woman’s Club, 712 Sanders St., in Auburn. Nineteen artists will display and sell their work and former Auburn Athletic Director, David Housel, will be on hand from 10 a.m. to noon to sign copies of his latest book, “From the Backbooth of Chappy’s.” The book is based on thoughts, essays and conversations with

OPELIKA ARTIST, TAMMY CHASE

friends over 30 years, many as germane as when they were written.

We would like to introduce you to one of our Opelika artists, Tammy Chase. Chase calls her art “Tammy Chase Art.” Chase is also on the board of the Woman’s Club, serving as membership vice-president.

Chase grew up in South Georgia in the small town of Nashville and on St. Simons Island. She also lived in St. Augustine, but calls Georgia “home.”

She met and married

the wonderful man who brought her to Opelika in 2016. Chase works for Coldwell Banker Alliance in Auburn.

Interested in art since she was a child, Chase said she is self-taught, but has picked up different techniques from artist friends and, “of course,” she said, “from happy accidents along the way."

She considers herself an abstract artist that uses a variety of mixed mediums from acrylics, oil, glue and clay on canvas.

“I approach a blank canvas with my thoughts and emotions about what I would like to create and let those feelings guide me,” she said.

“My art is an outward projection of the images inside that are inspired by the beauty of this world that God has made for all to enjoy.”

We invite Chase's friends from both Opelika and Auburn to visit her at the Woman’s Club Art Walk and see what fun things she has been painting.

Mississippi roast sliders are made by cooking a chuck roast in a slow cooker with a package of dry ranch seasoning, package of au jus gravy mix, butter and pepperoncini. Sliced mushrooms are optional. After cooking, slices of roast are served on Hawaiian or small dinner rolls with whipped cream cheese and pepper jelly. The combination creates delicious sliders great for tailgating.

the field and serve food from the back of a truck.

However it started, tailgating is popular on the Plains before Auburn Tigers football games.

Tailgating looks different now than it did years ago when everyone dressed up to attend games. The men wore suits, while ladies wore their Sunday best, often with a hat.

Fran McCurry Plott recently posted a photo that ran in the newspaper years ago of her parents tailgating in the 1950s at an Auburn game with other Opelika couples. The couples were dressed up, and several were sitting on a blanket enjoying a beverage and snack.

One of the most inter-

esting stories of tailgate fare was when Debra and Alex Whatley would take a whole pig for tailgating when Auburn played Arkansas at home. Debra said she remembers one year a student put the pig’s head on a stick and took it to Toomer’s Corner.

While there are many popular dishes to serve for tailgating, sliders offer a hearty, easy-to-eat snack.

Slider buns can be found at grocery stores or you can use yeast, Hawaiian or dinner rolls. Just don’t overfill them or they could be messy. For really small rolls, you may need to place a long toothpick in the center to secure the filling and bun.

Two of the following

slider recipes are made with chuck roast, with one cooked in a crock-pot and the other in the oven.

Cherry Bruce’s sliders are made with an easy to combine horseradish sauce, while Lynn Hammond’s Mississippi roast sliders recipe calls for spreading the rolls with whipped cream cheese and pepper jelly. Be sure to use a good quality pepper jelly, such as Hornsby’s or Rose and Ivy’s southern pepper jelly. Both of these sliders are delicious.

Jim Ryan’s sliders are made with his scrumptious bourbon grilled pork tenderloins. Cook the pork tenderloins a day ahead.

See CIPPERLY, page A10

A8 Oct. 7, 2021

Making the Grade - Hamilton’s on Ogletree

Editor's Note: The Opelika Observer would like to note and apologize for an error made in last week's Making the Grade printing. Sheila C's Burger Barn was misspelled as 'Shelia'.

Our staff would like to apologize for any embarrassment or confusion resulting from the mistake. s I’ve mentioned several times, I was born and raised in Alexander City, Alabama (“Eleck” City to the locals). I’m proud of my hometown and loved growing up there.

However, social opportunities were scare there from 1962 to 1990, the year of my birth to the year I moved to LaGrange, Georgia, to begin my 30-year teaching career.

As I’ve previously mentioned, my two closest friends from Alex City are Amelia and Leigh Ann. We are proud members of the Benjamin Russell High

A

ers in Alex City amused themselves by driving up and down Cherokee Road or by talking in the parking lot of the Western Auto. I even remember one classmate telling me that on the past Saturday night, she and her friends drove up and down Cherokee Road with a full tank of gas to see how many times they could travel it before the tank was empty. Ah, small towns.

Personally, I found The Love Boat and Fantasy Island to be more entertaining; I had a crush on Ricardo Montalban.

That said, I once again thank the Good Lord that I live in Lee County, the best place to wait until you get to Heaven. And obviously, we have numerous restaurants, many more movie choices and countless other entertainment possibilities than did my hometown.

Awhile back, Amelia, Leigh Ann and I went to Hamilton’s on Ogletree in Auburn. We were celebrating Leigh Ann’s birthday and wanted to dine somewhere special. Hamilton’s did not disappoint.

Gabe, our waiter, was fabulous, being helpful, kind and patient. We all ordered different salads. Leigh Ann chose the Classic House, which included iceburg lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, parmesan, wonton strips, with choice of dressing.

PHOTO BY MIKE WALLACE

STACEY PATTON WALLACE

School class of 1981.

Back in our high school days, Alex City had a Pizza Hut, Western Sizzlin, Cecil’s and a few fast food restaurants. Young people could roller skate at a local church’s gym, but by high school, that wasn’t cool.

The Strand, our local movie theater, only had one show, but it holds fond memories for me.

For instance, when Amelia and I were in the 11th grade, we went to the Strand to see the original Friday the 13th. When the movie was about over (or so we thought), Amelia opened her purse to put up her glasses.

Suddenly, a very scary scene surprised us all.

Amelia’s purse flew up in the air, sending a shower of glasses, lipstick, a compact, etc.

Searching in the dark for lost articles was quite a challenge. Also, the Strand’s floor made your feet stick to it, which was strange and disconcerting.

We really thought we were uptown in Alex City when the Playhouse Twin opened; it had TWO different movies playing. Later, a third screen was added, and we were beside ourselves. I laugh now when I think of the various gigantic movie houses which have 24 different screens.

Believe it or not, back then, many teenag-

Amelia picked the Wedge, which had iceburg lettuce, bleu cheese crumbles, tomatoes, bacon and bleu cheese dressing. I ordered the Sensational Spinach Salad, which consisted of baby spinach, feta cheese, cranberries, pecans, strawberries, oranges, sunflower seeds and raspberry walnut vinaigrette. All our salads were delicious, and mine was well named because it was sensational.

For an entrée, Amelia chose the Catfish & Crawfish, which could be grilled or blackened catfish, cheese grits, sautéed spinach, fried crawfish tails and remoulade sauce. She said it was excellent.

Leigh Ann and I both ordered the Shrimp & Grits, which was

listed as Hamilton’s specialty. It included shrimp sautéed with Capps’ sausage (Hamilton’s earns bonus points for using local sausage.), bell peppers, and crystal cream sauce cheese grits. Too. Delicious. To. Describe.

For dessert, we split an amazing bread pudding. Thankfully, Leigh Ann asked if the bread pudding had raisins or not; we’re not fond of raisins. Gabe, our sweet waiter, said that the bread pudding no longer had raisins. Instead, it was filled with melted milk and white chocolate chips. Oh, my two times. My compliments to Executive Chef Patrick Gallagher for an amazing meal. Run, do not walk to Hamilton’s on Ogletree. Amelia and Leigh Ann, this one was

for you. Love y’all.

Hamilton’s is located at 1849 Ogletree Road in Auburn. The restaurant is open on Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Hamilton’s on Ogletree makes the grade with an A+ from this retired English teacher.

Remember, “Poohsized” 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

Call me for all your real estate needs!

Craig Leonard, R. Ph.

1810 E. Glenn Ave. Suite 130

Lisa Leonard, R. Ph.

Auburn, AL 36830 Cell 334.444.8041 duffystewartrealtor@gmail.com www.BHHSPreferredAuburn.com A member of the franchise system of BHH Affliates, LLC

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

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

A9 Oct. 7, 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 Oct. 7, 2021

CIPPERLY

>>

FROM A7

The sliders are made with Hawaiian rolls and a horseradish and grainy mustard sauce.

The ham or turkey

CIPPERLY RECIPES >> HAM AND CHEESE SLIDERS Linda Letlow This is super quick and easy to prepare, and everyone loves them!

For the melted butter topping: 3 2/3 Tbsp. butter, melted ½ tsp. garlic powder 12 count pkg. Hawaiian or soft dinner rolls 12 slices baked ham 12 slices cheddar cheese 12 slices Swiss cheese Preheat oven to 350.

Make butter topping: Melt butter and add garlic powder.

To make the sliders: Split slider buns in half, place one half in the bottom of a 9 x 13inch baking dish. Brush a little bit of the melted butter mixture on rolls.

Top with slices of cheddar cheese on the bottom layer, then layer with the ham slices, and then top with the Swiss cheese.

Place the other half of rolls on top and brush with remaining butter mixture.

Cover with foil and bake in preheated oven for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Slice into individual sliders and serve with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, if desired.

CHUCK ROAST WITH HORSERADISH SAUCE SLIDERS Cherry Bruce Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2 sheets aluminum foil Pam spray Roughly a 5 lb. chuck roast 2 Tbsp. Cavender’s AP Greek seasoning 2 tsp. Salt Line your broiler pan with one sheet of foil.

Spread the second sheet out and spray with Pam or another cooking spray then place the room temperature roast in the middle. Sprinkle all sides of the roast with salt and then Cavender’s. Wrap the roast like a gift, folding one side over, then the next, until you have a nice little package.

Bake at 350 degrees for approx. one hour.

Reduce heat to 300 degrees and finish baking for another 30 minutes or until tender to the touch. Remove from oven and allow to rest.

Slice into small planks.

Dipping Au Jus: 1 can French onion soup 1 soup can water Pour the au jus from the pan into a saucepan and add one can of French onion soup and one can of water. Bring this to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Allow to reduce by half or until thickened. Serve in individual ramekins for dipping.

Sandwiches or Sliders

sliders with poppy seed mustard spread have been popular at our house for many years. They can be assembled the day ahead, wrapped in foil and refrigerated. The next day, simply place in the oven

until hot throughout and the cheese has melted.

If you are making sliders for a crowd, check out Linda Letlow’s ham and cheese sliders. You can bake a ham the day before and assemble the sliders.

They are really cheesy with a slice of cheddar on the bottom and Swiss cheese on top of the ham.

These will go fast.

Whether you are tailgating at the stadium or at home, the sliders will be a

big hit. If you are interested in knowing more of the history of Auburn football, read the book about the father of football on the Plains, Auburn Man: The Life and Times of George Petrie by Mike Jernigan

I used Sister Shubert yeast dinner rolls for making sandwiches or sliders.

Horseradish Spread: 1-2 heaping Tbsp.

Hellmann’s mayo 1-2 heaping Tbsp.

Kraft horseradish sauce Mix well. Smear over rolls and add roast beef to make your sandwich or slider.

make up another batch of the Dijon-room temperature butter mixture.

Take two pieces of crusty bread: on one side, slather with sauce.

Use plenty! On the other piece of bread, spread more of the butter-Dijon mixture.

Add arugula and thinly sliced filet, put it all together, and serve.

allow extra time for cold rolls. Make the rolls the day before and refrigerate until ready to heat.

Note: I slice slider rolls in half before baking when wanting smaller rolls.

PORK TENDERLOIN SLIDERS WITH BALSAMIC SAUCE Deidra Bell 2 pork tenderloins 2 tsp. vegetable oil 1½ tsp. coarse salt ½ tsp. pepper 1 1/3 cups balsamic vinegar 4 Tbsp. packed brown sugar Slider rolls or small yeast rolls Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Lightly oil a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.

Place pork in baking pan; season with salt and pepper.

In a small saucepan, bring vinegar and brown sugar to a boil.

Cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture is reduced by half, about 3 minutes.

Roast pork for 5 minutes. Brush with half of the vinegar reduction. Cook 5 minutes more and coat with remaining vinegar mixture. Roast 10 minutes longer or until internal temperature reaches 155. Remove from pan. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.

Place pork with a little sauce in rolls.

Can spread rolls with Dijon mustard and add a slice of red onion, if desired.

MISSISSIPPI ROAST SLIDERS Lynne Hammond Mississippi Roast: 4 lb. chuck roast 1 oz. pkg. dry ranch seasoning 1 oz. pkg. dry au jus gravy mix 1 stick butter 1/2 jar pepperoncini or to taste Place chuck roast in crock-pot. Add remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 8 hours.

Sliders: Hawaiian rolls Whipped cream cheese Pepper jelly Slice roast and place in rolls with cream cheese and pepper jelly.

½ cup Heinz Barbecue Sauce Take a sharpened carving knife on a large cutting board and thinly slice pork on an angled bias less than a ¼-inch thick. One pork tenderloin or pork loin strip should yield 30 or more slices. Set pork aside and flip the cutting board over.

Using a long serrated bread knife, slice 12pack of Hawaiian rolls height-wise into two halves. Lay the top portion aside, making sure to keep all 12 roll halves connected.

On the bottom portion, layer sliced pork over entire connected 12 roll half. Drizzle Horseradish and Barbecue sauces separately over pork layer (I use a squeeze bottle or a qt.

Ziploc bag with a corner cut). Layer Wickles Pickle chips over the pork and sauce layers.

Place top portion of the roll pack over pickle layer to yield one large pork sandwich.

Take the long serrated bread knife and slice down the vertical and horizontal lines on top of the roll pack to yield 12 pork sliders.

For appetizers, further slice the three columns of rolls in half to yield 24 large bite servings.

Cover sliders with plastic wrap to keep the bread soft until serving.

FILET OF BEEF AND ARUGULA SLIDERS WITH DIJONHORSERADISH SAUCE Served at the Heritage House a few years ago.

1/2 filet of beef Butter, unsalted and at room temperature Dijon mustard (the grainier the better) 1/2 Tbsp. Kosher salt 1/2 Tbsp. cracked black pepper Pat filet dry and coat in a mixture of butter and Dijon mustard (give it a nice healthy coating). Sprinkle with salt and cracked pepper. Roast on a sheet pan in the oven at 500 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes. (Test for desired doneness.)

Remove filet from oven, cover with foil, and allow it to rest for 15 minutes.

French bread baguette, sliced on diagonal or crusty small rolls Arugula Dijon-Horseradish Sauce: 3/4 cup mayonnaise 1-1/2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard 1/2 Tbsp. horseradish 2 Tbsp. sour cream Kosher salt, to taste Mix the sauce and

FAVORITE SLIDERS Dr. Ron Herring 2 lbs. hamburger meat ½ cup ranch dressing ¼ cup Dale’s Marinade 1 Tbsp. seasoning salt 1 Tbsp. pepper (coarse ground) 1 tsp. garlic powder 1 Tbsp. minced onion (optional) Mix ingredients thoroughly. Pat out to make 10 to 12 small burgers. Grill until done.

Top with cheese of choice as well as usual condiments. Serve on Pepperidge Farms Slider buns.

HAM OR TURKEY SLIDERS WITH POPPY SEED MUSTARD SPREAD These are a long time family favorite. Make them ahead, wrap in foil and store in refrigerator until ready to bake.

Slider buns, small rolls or Sister Shubert frozen dinner yeast rolls Shaved ham or turkey Swiss cheese, sliced 1 stick butter, softened Dijon mustard, use about half the jar or to taste 1 Tbsp. poppy seeds To prepare spread, mix butter, Dijon mustard and poppy seeds.

Slice rolls and spread with mustard mixture and fill with shaved ham or turkey and a small slice of Swiss cheese.

Wrap rolls in foil and heat in a 300 or 325 degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes.

These can be made ahead, refrigerated or frozen. If frozen, thaw before heating and

CHEESY MEATBALL SLIDERS 1 lb. cooked meatballs, homemade or purchased frozen, thawed Marinara sauce, homemade or jarred 1 cup or more sliced or shredded mozzarella cheese 1 pkg. slider buns or yeast rolls Combine meatballs and marinara sauce.

If meatballs are large, slice in half to be easier to eat.

Slice buns and place a slice of cheese on bottom half. Place meatball with sauce on top of cheese, being careful not to use too much sauce. Place bun top on meatball.

Place sliders on baking pan; cover. Bake at 350 for about 15 minutes or until heat thoroughly.

CHICKEN WITH WING SAUCE SLIDERS 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 cup wing sauce such as Frank’s, divided ½ onion, chopped finely Ranch dressing 12 slider buns In a slow cooker, add chicken breasts and top with 1/2 cup wing sauce and onions.

Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours.

Remove chicken from slow cooker and shred using 2 forks or stand mixer. Reserve 1/4 cup of liquid from slow cooker and discard the rest. Place shredded chicken back into slow cooker bowl, add 1/4 cup reserved liquid, and remaining 1/2 cup wing sauce.

Stir to coat chicken.

Place about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of chicken on each bun. Garnish with additional wing sauce and ranch dressing if desired. Enjoy!

PORK TENDERLOIN SLIDERS Jim Ryan 1 pork tenderloin or 1 piece of pork loin prepared from Bourbon Grilled Pork (recipe follows) 1 pkg. 12 count Original King’s Hawaiian rolls 1 jar Wickles Pickles Original Horseradish Sauce: 1 Tbsp. prepared horseradish ½ cup sour cream 1 Tbsp. course-grind mustard Barbecue Sauce ¼ cup Jim N Nick’s Habanero Barbecue Sauce

JIM RYAN’S BOURBON GRILLED PORK TENDERLOINS 3 pork tenderloins with silver-skins removed or 1 half pork loin cut length-wise into 3 pieces with excess fat removed Salt and pepper to taste (freshly ground sea salt and black pepper recommended) Marinade 1 bottle Wishbone Italian dressing (The low or reduced calorie product has less flavor) 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 1 Tbsp. cayenne pepper sauce (Frank’s Hot Sauce or Tabasco works well) 1 Tbsp. course-grind mustard Barbecue Sauce 1½ cups bourbon whiskey (Jack Daniels or Evan Williams black label works well) ½ cup lemon juice ½ cup brown sugar Place pork in a large sealable plastic freezer bag. Combine marinade ingredients, mix well, and pour over pork. Let pork rest in the refrigerator for at least one hour or overnight.

Heat grill to high and place pork at an angle to get nice sear marks.

Use marinade and ladle over pork as it sears.

When all sides are seared, raise pork to a higher rack or reduce heat to medium. Continue ladling marinade over pork as it cooks

of Auburn. Petrie was responsible for bringing football to Auburn, was the first coach and also wrote The Auburn Creed.

Ann Cipperly can be reached at recipes@ cipperly.com. until all marinade is used. Depending on the cut/size of pork, grill for 25 to 30 minutes until internal temperature on a meat thermometer registers 165 F. During last 5 to 10 minutes, ladle barbecue sauce over pork and be careful as the bourbon will flame. It is best to use a ladle/big spoon with a long handle.

When internal temperature of pork reaches 165 F, remove from grill and allow to rest. Cut pork on an angled bias, about a ¼-inch thick.

BURGER SLIDERS Small, cooked beef or turkey burgers Slider buns Optional Toppings: American and Swiss cheese slices Crisp cooked bacon Guacamole Pickles Sautéed mushrooms Salsa Lettuce, tomato and onion slices Mayonnaise, ketchup, barbecue sauce and mustard Shape burgers to fit buns. Grill burgers and toast buns. Serve patties on slider buns with assorted toppings.

Turkey and Pesto sliders Make ahead of time and pour the sauce on right before baking.

1 lb. deli turkey thinly sliced ½ lb. Swiss cheese slices 2 pkg. Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls ½ cup pesto 2 Tbsp. butter 1 medium sweet onion, sliced and sautéed ½ cup butter 2 Tbsp. prepared mustard 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire 1 Tbsp. poppy seeds ⅓ cup brown sugar Heat 2 Tbsp. butter in medium pan. Thinly slice the onion; sauté in the butter for about 5 minutes, or until clear and cooked.

Leaving the (24) rolls attached, horizontally slice the top off; set aside. Place the bottom (attached 24 pieces) rolls in a 9 x 13-inch foillined baking pan. (You may need to squeeze them into the pan or remove a row if you choose.)

Spread the pesto evenly over the bottom bread.

Next layer on top of the pesto the turkey, sautéed onions, and cheese slices.

Place the top section of the rolls that you already removed back on top of the sandwich.

In a medium saucepan bring the 1/2 cup butter to a soft boil. Add mustard, Worcestershire, poppy seeds, and brown sugar.

Pour sauce over the 9 x 13 sandwiches.

Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 20. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes.

Serve hot or cold.

A11 Oct. 7, 2021

A 'Fairly' Good Time

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / FOR THE OBSERVER

A12 Oct. 7, 2021

Lee County Humane Society Partners With HundredX to Raise $20,000 CONTRIBUTED BY LCHS Lee County Humane Society is excited to announce a campaign with a great partner, HundredX. Our goal is for the community to come together and generate $20,000 for Lee County Humane Society without spending a cent.

Now through Oct. 30, each time you share a

quality brand opinion via HundredX, $2 goes towards saving the lives of homeless pets in our community. You can personally create up to $150 (75 opinions).

Anyone in the United States ages 18+ can participate to raise money for LCHS. Each brand opinion takes less than two minutes to submit.

To get started, text

LCHS to 90412.

It is so important for the community to come together and support this easy fundraising platform.

This time of year is especially difficult for our shelter because the number of intakes tends to outnumber our adoptions on a daily occurrence. Our shelter becomes crowded and it is so important to be

able to raise the money necessary to care for a full shelter. All funds raised via HundredX will directly benefit the 3000 homeless pets Lee County Humane Society takes in every year.

Lee County Humane Society is a 501(c) (3) organization, and all membership fees and donations are tax-deductible. Our

mission is to advance humane treatment and responsible ownership of companion animals through community education, animal sheltering and adoption, and alleviation of animal suffering. Our vision is to be the leading advocate for companion animals in our community. We envision a future in which

animals are valued, pet overpopulation is eliminated, and every adoptable companion animal has a loving and responsible home.

Follow Lee County Humane Society on Facebook. com/LeeCounty HumaneSociety, Twitter (@leecountyhumane), and Instagram (@leecounty humanesociety.)

AHMRE Project Brings Free Relationship Classes to Auburn

BY MEGAN MANN FOR THE OBSERVER

DOWNTOWN EVENTS • Oct. 7 at 5:30 p.m. — Opelika High School Pep Rally at Courthouse Square • Oct. 7 at 7:30 p.m. — Trivia in The Jailhouse, “Tim Burton” at Rock 'N Roll Pinball • Oct. 8 — Open Mic Night at Rock 'N Roll Pinball • Oct. 9 — Live Music at Rock 'N Roll Pinball

The Alabama Healthy Marriage and Relationship Education Project (AHMRE) has come to Auburn with the hopes of helping couples build and continue healthy relationships.

Julianne McGill is an assistant research professor in the department of Human Development and Family Science at Auburn University and the project manager of AHMRE. Through the AHMRE project, Auburn University is now offering free relationship classes to anyone in the Auburn and Opelika community who is 19 years of age and in a partnered relationship. McGill said the classes are not just about people with relationship problems, but couples who want their healthy partnership to remain that way.

“We serve couples in the community in order to promote

healthy, stable relationships and to support child wellbeing as well because we believe that if family life is healthy and functioning in a positive way that children are best able to grow and learn,” McGill said.

All class offerings will present ELEVATE, an evidence-based relationship education program that teaches couples how to take their relationships to the next level by focusing on core relationship skills.

“When you go to the dentist you might not be having issues with your teeth, but you go regularly to check in to prevent issues from popping up," she said. "When you get your oil changed you do this regularly as a preventative measure and that’s really what we think of in these classes.

We’ve had couples in our program that have been married for over 50 years and they are just there to kind of improve their

relationship where it is.”

The sessions are offered virtually and in-person, and both are free. There are two options for the program which include one class a week for six weeks or one class a month for six months. This round of classes begins on Oct. 25 and 26 and will take place on Auburn University's campus.

The AHMRE project not only provides a free meal at each class but offers childcare services, as well as compensation for travel fees.

All couples who register will also have the opportunity to participate in a program impact study and receive compensation for completing surveys.

Each person can earn up to $160 over one year or $320 per couple. Couples will also be eligible for a program completion payment of $60 if they complete all sessions.

“Our project director Dr. Interested?

Contact Us At:

marrfam@ auburn.edu

ELEVATE YOUR RELATIONSHIP AND EARN COMPENSATION AS A PARTICIPANT IN A COUPLES STUDY

CLASS INFORMATION

CLASS DETAILS

- Open to ALL couples (married - FREE or non-married) - 5:30-6:00 Dinner & 6:00-8:00 Class - Choose Monday or Tuesday - Opportunities for connection & - Randomly assigned to a weekly or growth. monthly series - Educational (not therapy).

- 6 sessions in total - Presented in partnership with - Starts October 25th or 26th Auburn University and the US COMPENSATION & SUPPORT Dept. of Health & Human Surveys: up to $320 per couple for 4 Services surveys over 1 year - Program completion: $60 per couple ELIGIBILITY for attending all classes - 19 years or older - Childcare supports: Provided per - Enroll as a couple class to help pay a babysitter - Be available to attend classes - Travel supports: Provided per class for those traveling more than 10 miles SCAN THE QR CODE to attend TO LEARN MORE OR

ENROLL

Funding for this project is provided by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Grant: #90ZB0007. These services are available to all eligible persons, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or religion. The production of this flyer was supported by Grant #90ZB0007 from ACF. Its content are solely the responsibility of Auburn University and do not necessarily represent the official views of ACF.

Francesca Adler Bader is the one who had this vision when she first came to Auburn — she was extensive faculty and working with the Alabama cooperative extension system,” McGill said. “She really saw a need for families and the couple part of families, like parenting education.”

The AHMRE project is designed to help couples work on key components in their relationship, with hopes that a healthy romantic relationship will lead to a good home life for a couple's family.

“We believe you have to be able to one, take care of yourself first and then be able to be a good partner in order to parent a child you have in your home,” McGill said.

AHMRE and its partner projects have had more than 61,000 people participate in the classes throughout the past 10 years. The organization hopes to grow those numbers higher and continue to help positively impact relationships throughout the community.

“We would love to just be involved at every level in the community,” McGill said. “I think that is kind of our goal, is for people to see that it is important to take care of your couple relationship and that this isn’t therapy and it's not intimidating.

Our ultimate goal and hopes are that down the road we could see healthier relationships, decreases in divorce rates and higher quality interactions in the home to support children.”

For more information or to register for a class you can contact the AHMRE Project via email at marrfam@ auburn.edu, over the phone 334-844-8711 or scan the QR code on the flyer.

A13 Oct. 7, 2021

Putting Ourselves in the Position of Power position spiritually when we fail to trustingly humble ourselves before God. In the book of Esther, Haman is badly out of position due to his hatred of Esther’s cousin, Mordecai (chapter 3), as well as his pride (chapter 6). Living BRUCE GREEN Teaching Minister at 10th out of position not only brings him to ruin, but it Street Church of Christ also costs him his life. in Opelika Though nowhere to the degree of Haman, Esther e’ve all had the finds herself temporarily out of position. When she experience of learns about the edict to being out of kill all the Jewish people position — position the living in Persia and wrong lane in congested Mordecai tells her she traffic, in the checkout must go before the king, line behind someone she balks at the request. whose gift card has brought the system down She sends back a message saying that such an action or in a job that doesn’t would put her life in danmatch our skill set. It’s not a good place to be ger. To her credit, she is and we try to get out as willing to rethink the matquickly as possible. ter and ends up intercedWe can also be out of ing for her people. She

W

tells Mordecai she will go before the king and “If I perish, I perish” (4:16).

It’s not that she no longer cares about her life — it's just that she’s now gained a different perspective by putting her life back into the hands of the One who loves her more than she loves herself.

In making this decision, Esther has placed herself in the position of power. We thought as Queen of the Persian Empire she was already in such a position, but it’s a mistake to see it that way. Before she rethought her decision, Esther was looking to her own resources and strategies and filled with worry. Then she reconsidered her situation, made the course correction and placed herself in the care of God. She went from a

place of impotence and anxiety to the place of power and peace.

Paul did the same thing regarding his thorn in the flesh. He prayed three times for God to remove it. God told him His grace was sufficient and His power was made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Paul changed his thinking and said he would “boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses.” Like Esther, his change of attitude was a change of position and put him in a powerful place.

He found ability in his disability and strength in his dependency.

That same Paul would write: "Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think

of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you." (Romans 12:3) Some many of our problems come from seeing ourselves (rather than God) as the leading character in our story.

There’s a real ability in the humility Paul is speaking about that he and Esther practiced. It’s the power John spoke about when he said, “He must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:30).

Let’s quit getting in our own way by getting in God’s way. Let’s live with humility and put ourselves in the position of true power.

You can find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: a-taste-of-gracewith-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 I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws. — Psalm 119:30

CHURCH NEWS

DIRECTORY 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 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 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 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 Place your ad here!

Fresh Foods...And A Whole Lot More!

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

A14 Oct. 7, 2021

See What God Has Done

WALTER ALBRITTON

T

he Ken Burns television series on Muhammad Ali filled me with mixed emotions — admiration and sadness. I admired Ali’s relentless determination to prove to the

world that he was the greatest boxer of all time.

He did that by winning the heavyweight championship three times.

But I was saddened by his abuse of basic moral principles, especially the institution of marriage.

When Muhammad stepped into the ring, he was focused on one thing — to show everyone what he could do. As I reflect on that trait in him, it occurs to me that there is something of that in all of us.

As children we grow up eager to show our parents what we can do. It starts

early. "I can walk," "I can use the potty," "I can recite my ABC's," "I can be a cheerleader," "I can play on the varsity team."

The Olympics showcase this aspect of human nature.

Every athlete wants to win the gold medal. When Caeleb Dressel won the men’s swimming gold medal last July, he turned toward the camera smiling as if he were saying, “Look what I have done! I am the fastest swimmer in the world!”

As Americans we are proud of Dressel. We love our champions. We want the US to head the list of

gold medal winners. When our hometown heroes achieve greatness, we arrange a parade to celebrate what they have done.

This desire for recognition goes beyond athletics.

In our communities we love to vote for “the best" in everything: the best bank, the best truck, the best car, the best barbeque sauce, etc. This feeds our passion to show others what we can do.

When it comes to following Christ, this is not God’s plan. He does not ask his people to show how great they are but to proclaim

God’s greatness. This may be seen plainly in the Acts of the Apostles, chapter 14, when Paul and Barnabas return from a missionary journey. On arriving back in Antioch, Paul and Barnabas “gathered the church together and reported on all that God had done through them, and how God had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.”

Paul does not boast that his mighty prayer had caused a cripple in Lystra to jump up and start walking. Nor does Paul claim that he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. He

spoke humbly of what God had done.

The early disciples had a simple message: God has raised Jesus from the dead — what God had done.

They did not invite people to admire their greatness; they invited them to look to God and praise Him for his mighty deeds. And the church grew.

Today, our mission as Christ followers is to tell others what God has done, what He is doing now and what He can do when we surrender to His Son Jesus.

Tell it — and you’ll see what God can do.

OBITUARIES FRED P. JONES Memorial service for Mr. Fred P. Jones, 82 of Opelika was on Saturday, Oct. 2, at 1 p.m. at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. Pastors Chris Duncan and Bruce Bowers are officiating. Fred passed away Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021 at Bethany House of Auburn.

Fred was born on May 16, 1939 in Lanett, Alabama, to Autry and Daisy Jones.

He is survived by his wife, Renetta Kenady Jones; children, Kathy Jones Bryant of Covington, Kentucky, J. Paul Jones (Marla) of Alexander City, Alabama, G. Alan Jackson (Sallye) of Snellville, Georgia and Carolee Mitchell Bills (Roger) of Allen, Texas; 13 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; son, Richard Jones; great grandson, Reid Birch; brothers, Herbert and Rance Jones; sisters Inez Grisham, Helen Parks, Connie Stodghill and Antho Franklin.

Fred retired from Uniroyal Goodrich with 23 years of service. He managed the sound for many years for Miss Lee County Fair pageant. He was involved annually with southern gospel singings during fair week at the Lee County Fair Grounds and the Summer Swing Concert Series with Opelika Parks and Recreation.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial donations be made to Trinity Presbyterian Church of Opelika or Bethany House of Auburn. A private internment preceded the memorial service at Garden Hill Cemetery.

––––––– JENNIFER CHERIE SHERWOOD BRASWELL

Jennifer Cherie Sherwood Braswell went to be with our Lord and Savior on Sept.

27, 2021. She passed away at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika.

Jennifer was born on Aug. 3, 1953. She attended college at Georgia college where she met her husband Timothy Braswell at the BCM. She graduated college in May of 1974 and she and Tim were married in July of 1976. She loved teaching, crocheting, her family and her church family. One of her favorite things was greeting everyone with a smile on Sundays at First Baptist Church of Opelika.

Jennifer is preceded in death by her late husband Timothy Braswell, her father and mother Albert and Margaret Sherwood, brother Traywick Kent Braswell, her step-mother Mary Kull Sherwood and her father-inlaw Edward Braswell.

She is survived by her son Kent (Paige) Braswell, step-sisters Linda (Jimmy) Fountain and Janet (Doyle) Stewart, her mother-in-law Sara Braswell and several “nieces and nephews” and cousins whom she loved dearly.

In lieu of flowers, the family asked for memorial donations to be made to First Baptist Church of Opelika Building Fund.

Services have been postponed and will be announced at a later date.

––––––– ROBERT A. COBURN Robert A. Coburn of Opelika was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Jan.15, 1943 and passed away at East Alabama Medical Center of Lanier on Sept. 27, 2021. He was 78 years old.

Robert worked for Lowes for 15 years as the store manager before his

––––––– 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 and 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 (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 was held on Sept. 30, 2021, in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home from 5 to 7 p.m.

The funeral service was held at Providence Baptist Church West Campus Friday, Oct. 1, 2021, at 11 a.m. with Dr. Rusty Sowell officiating. Interment followed at Providence Baptist Church Cemetery.

Donations may be made to the Providence Baptist Church Children’s Ministry.

––––––– LUCY ROBINSON SPEIR Lucy Speir (nee Robinson), or “Miss Lucy” as she was lovingly known by so many, passed away at her home in Opelika on Saturday, Sept. 25, surrounded by many who loved her.

While she was the mother to four (Buster, T, Andy (deceased) and Jeanne), she was the loving caregiver and dear friend to many others (Betty, Steve and Rhonda were just a few who called for her frequently).

She and Pop had nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren – Patrick and Dena were fortunate to be by her side; brother, Jimmy Robinson and sisterin-law, Janice; cousins, Michael Odom, Jeanne Cathy Luellen, and others of Georgetown, Georgia and points beyond. Loving friends – Marla, Linda, Kay, Donna, Ella and T were able to be there as well.

One of her last statements - “I want to have my birthday” – and so she did.

A private memorial will be held at a later date.

––––––– REX T. SCOTT A memorial service for Rex T. Scott of Opelika was held on Oct. 3, 2021, at 3 p.m. at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. Chaplin Grady Dubose officiating.

Visitation for Mr. Scott was held on Sunday prior to the memorial service at 2 p.m.

Scott, who died on Sept.

29, 2021, at East Alabama Medical Center was born on Nov. 23, 1953, in Benevola, Alabama.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry W. Scott and Alice Bigham (Big Mama); his brothers Jerry W. Scott, Roy “Bud” Scott, and Emmet Ray Scott.

He is survived by his girlfriend, Janice Dubose; son, Jonathan R. Scott; daughter, Christy Eblin; grandchildren: Brian Scott, Crystal Hamby, Pebbles Rice, Brandon Scott, Caleb Liles; Sister-in-laws: Dorothy Scott and Paulette Scott, and 12 greatgrandchildren.

Please send any flowers to Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home.

––––––– MICAH LUKE FARR Funeral services for Micah Luke Farr, age 27, of Roanoke were held on Friday, Oct. 1, 2021, at 4 p.m. at Heritage Baptist Church with Bro. Dennis Farr and Bro. Derek Farr officiating. Burial followed in the adjoining cemetery with Quattlebaum Funeral Home in charge of arrangements The family received friends at the funeral home from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021.

Micah lay in state at the church for one hour prior to services beginning on Friday.

Micah passed away on PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

Health and Wellness Fair Held at Sportsplex

retirement in 2005. He loved Auburn football and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Robert grew up Catholic and was a member of Elks Lodge #1834.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Virginia and Charles Coburn.

Robert is survived by his wife of 36 years, Carolyn J. Coburn; daughter, Robin Marie East; son-in-law, Robin Lee East; grandson, Jackson Lee East; sister, Joanne C. Rich, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members.

Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021, in Chambers County, Alabama.

Survivors include his parents, Derek and Becky Young Farr of Roanoke; two sisters, Katie Farr and Annsley Farr, both of Roanoke; a brother, Xavier Watkins of Roanoke; maternal grandmother, Joan Young of Roanoke; aunts and uncles, Brooke Young, Brock Young, Dajuana Cohran, Delaina Burns, Danissa Kirk, Dennis Farr, David Farr, Daryle Farr and Dwayne Farr.

Pallbearers will be Xavier Watkins, Chris Cohran, Caleb Kirk, Jonathan Head, Bryant Mapp and Coty Yarbrough. Honorary pallbearers will be Micah’s cousins.

A Roanoke native, Micah was born in Jacksonville, Alabama, on May 22, 1994, the son of Derek and Becky Young Farr. He had an Associate’s Degree in Nursing and a Bachelor’s Degree in History, Theology and Education and taught history and psychology for Opelika City Schools.

Micah had a thirst for knowledge, was a trivia buff, loved picking his guitar, and enjoyed history and reenacting it. He was a PA announcer for Handley Tiger Football, an avid Alabama fan, and was always wearing his lucky jersey every Saturday.

More than anything, Micah was a Christian who loved serving the Lord. He was a member of Heritage Baptist Church where he served as Assistant Pastor. He also hosted a podcast named Patriotic Preachers. Micah was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Tommy Gene Young and paternal grandparents, William Lindsey and Martha Neal Farr.

Memorials may be floral or donations may be made to the Heritage Baptist Church Youth Fund c/o Derek Farr, 2000 Omaha Rd, Roanoke, Alabama 36274.

The Health and Wellness Fair was held Tuesday at the Opelika Sportsplex.

Some of the services offered included: • The Southern Union State Community College Nursing Program performed blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol checks and hemoglobin screenings.

• The East Alabama Medical Center (EAMC) Cancer Center offered men’s Prostrate-Specific Antigen (PSA) bloodwork to test for prostate cancer.

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

• Hearing Life Clinic conducted hearing tests.

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

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

• Bubba’s Medicine Shop provided flu shots.

A15 Oct. 7, 2021

05 OCT 2021

14 NOV 2021

07

25

DEC 2021

JAN 2022

PiloboluS: The biG five-oh!

The Simon & G a r f u n k e l S T o ry

million Dollar QuarTeT: ChriSTmaS

The kniGhTS wiTh aaron Diehl

Pilobolus at 50 is still wowing audiences with its irresistible mix of wit, sensuality, and stunning physical acumen, bringing its greatest-hits mix of dances, plus the dynamically reimagined and never-beforeseen, using new projection technology and hand-held cameras operated by the dancers themselves.

The timeless music of folk-rock legends, Simon and Garfunkel, comes alive in a staged tribute to the record-breaking reunion concert in Central Park, September 19, 1981.

Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis are all back in Memphis, reunited in Sam Phillip’s legendary Sun Records studio for a jam session of their favorite Holiday songs.

The Knights, New York City’s eclectic and internationally sought-after orchestral collective, returns to Opelika with an electrifying program including Stravinsky’s “Firebird Suite” and George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody In Blue”, featuring acclaimed jazz pianist, Aaron Diehl.

30

27

Scan each QR code with the camera app on a smart phone or tablet to watch a preview!

07 FEB 2022

28 FEB 2022

MAR 2022

APR 2022

a TribuTe To areTha franklin: The Queen of Soul

S y n C o PaT e D laDieS

mnoZil braSS

an ameriCan i n Pa r i S

Damien Sneed’s new multimedia production celebrates the life and career of the most successful female recording artist in history, featuring fourtime Grammy Award-winning gospel legend, Karen Clark Sheard

Take Chloe Arnold’s cross section of today’s most popular music, mix in the swing of syncopation, the thrill of improvisation, and the energy of tap, and you have a recipe for the empowerment of young women ready to take on the world.

Mnozil Brass, the Austrian band known as the Monty Python of the music world, seamlessly combines slapstick comedy with extraordinary musical ability for an over-the-top fun, virtuosic, and laugh-out-loud experience.

With gravity-defying dance, this four Tony Award-winning Broadway production, based on the Academy Award-winning film, soars with youthful optimism and the power of love. Featuring the songs of musical geniuses George and Ira Gershwin - I Got Rhythm, Liza, ‘S Wonderful, But Not for Me, and Stairway to Paradise - who could ask for anything more!

for TiCkeT informaTion Call 334-749-8105 or viSiT www.eaSTalabamaarTS.orG

A16 Oct. 7, 2021

COMICS

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

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.

Celebrating Like It's 1999 Nix Leads Tigers out of Baton Rouge with Victory

D. MARK MITCHELL

DOGS BEAT WARRIORS ON THE ROAD, 52-35

O

RCHS kept his starters in the game.

Opelika returns home to play RE Lee on Friday at Bulldog Stadium. The Generals (4-1, R 3-1) opened the season with a 41-13 win over Jeff Davis, beat Eufaula 17-10, lost to Lanier 20-6, beat Russell County 28-14 and beat Carver 33-15.

Lee and Opelika will be playing for the 24th time, with OHS holding a one-game lead in the series (12-11). OHS beat LHS, 19-0, in 2020 on a rainy Saturday morning in Montgomery. The first game between the two schools in 1955 resulted in a 20-19 win for the Dogs. The Generals won the next 11 games until 1996. OHS has won the last 11 games dating back to 1999.

An Opelika win moves the Dogs one game closer to clinching their seventh straight region title, including the two ties in 2017 and 2018.

Fans can listen to OHS football on WKKR 97.7 Kickerfm, or online at www.kickerfm.com and at nfhsnetwork.com.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased at the gate or at Bubba’s Medicine Shop or Victory Design.

See SPORTS, page B4

defense was determined to take away the rushing element of Auburn’s offense. So, instead of fighting it, the Tigers took what the defense was giving them and placed the onus of winning the game on Nix’s arm — and legs.

“Bo is a weapon with his legs,” Harsin said.

“So I thought the offensive staff had a good plan for him to utilize him in the run game and

to utilize some movement. But also for him to stand back there and really be a good thrower. He showed that. Bo scrambled and guys got open and were able to finish.”

With his team trailing 24-19 in the final minutes of the game, Nix led No. 23 ranked Auburn on an 11-play, 92-yard drive to accomplish something no Auburn quarterback has done

since 1999 — defeat the Bayou Bengals in Death Valley.

The final drive was the culmination of an impressive performance for Nix — who repeatedly bailed out the Tigers with Houdini-like scramble acts and situationally big throws.

The game began in all-too-familiar fashion for the visiting Tigers, See NIX, page B4

Opelika’s Stinson Commits to Ole Miss

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

Opelika’s Jarell Stinson is taking his talents to Oxford.

The senior defensive back on the varsity football team announced his commitment to Ole Miss via Twitter last Friday.

The 5-foot-10-inch prospect is the rated No. 47 defensive back in the country and the No. 19 at the position in the state of in Alabama, according to 247’s composite rankings.

Following a prolonged commitment to Auburn University,

Stinson re-opened his recruitment in July and the likes of UCF, Florida, Penn State, Florida State and Ole Miss began coveting coveting the versatile athlete.

Stinson told WTVM that he made the decision to commit to Ole Miss because of “the coaching staff,” and “things like the football team going up.”

Stinson further said Lane Kiffin played a Opelika senior Jarell Stinson (No. 2) takes a handoff in the big role in his comBulldog’s 16-14 loss to Auburn on Aug. 27. mitment as he feels like “it’s going to be a Ultimately, he said Speakman talked about journey,” and that “it’s Ole Miss feels like “the what an honor it has going to be very, very perfect spot” for him. been to watch Stinson fun” and he cannot wait Opelika high school to get to campus. head coach Erik See COMMITS, page B4

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

pelika beat Russelll County, 52-35, last Friday in Seale to remain unbeaten in Region 2.

The Bulldogs scored 24 first-half points and 28 third-quarter points to rout the Warriors.

Offensively, Kaden Cooper rushed for 122 yards and scored three rushing TD’s to lead OHS. Opelika’s 52 points were scored by the following: Charles Gagliano kicked a 25-yard field goal with 7:54 left in the first quarter, giving OHS a 3-0 lead. Jayden Doolittle scampered 63-yards for the first TD. JaKori Thornaton ran 25 yards for a score with 5:38 left in the second quarter.

Cooper scored on a 2-yard run with three minutes left in the first half and opened the third quarter with a 1-yard run for another score. Javvontay Conner caught a 53-yard pass from Roman Gagliano for a touchdown. Cooper scored his third TD on a 3-yard run with 0:16 seconds left in the third quarter and OHS blacked a punt for another TD. Placekicker Charles Gagliano made every PAT. Coach Speakman turned to the reserves in the fourth quarter, while

Auburn quarterback Bo Nix helped the Tigers snap a 10-game losing streak in Baton Rouge on Saturday, leading his team to its first SEC win of the season, squashing all claims of a quarterback controversy and producing highlight after highlight in the process.

“There’s obviously a lot of history with this game and being here,” said Auburn head coach Bryan Harsin after his first SEC win. “But the most important thing tonight was what we had to do with this team in order to be successful and find a way to win and those guys did that and we finished, which I’m proud of our team for that.”

For much of the game, it appeared the LSU

PHOTO BY TODD VAN EMST / AU ATHLETICS

ON THE MARK

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

Excellence. Innovation. Compassion.

East Alabama's "Go-To" Center For Orthopaedic Care Auburn 1800 Lakeside Circle, Auburn Opelika 18 Medical Arts Center 121 North 20th Street, Opelika

www.theorthoclinic.com

334-749-8303 1-800-327-6519

B2 Oct. 7, 2021

Glenwood School

PLAYERS OF Hornets Fall 35-7

BY RICK LANIER FOR THE OBSERVER

JUNIOR AJ. HARRIS 92-yard kick return TD; 47 yard rushing TD

of the

Week Congratulations from

Lee Co. Revenue Commissioner Oline Price Opelika 215 S. 9th St. Opelika 334-737-3655

Smiths Station 2366 LR 430 Ste. 140 Smiths Station 334-664-0296

Auburn 1266 Mall Pkwy Auburn 334-737-7298

It had been 11 years (2010) since the Tallassee Tigers came to Beauregard and departed Richard L. Brown Field with a football victory, but after Friday night’s 35-7 regional win over the Hornets, the drought is over.

With the loss, the Hornets drop to an overall record of 2-5, 1-3 in regional play, with only three games remaining in the regular season.

Although Beauregard’s offense struggled somewhat against the big Tiger front for most of the game, it managed to drive the ball well enough to create some good red-zone scoring chances.

Frustratingly, however, the Hornets were unable to capitalize on those opportunities and came away empty on each occasion.

Even so, the Hornets managed to hammer out 262 total yards (127 pass/135 rush) on the night which was highlighted by a 61-yard touchdown pass from

quarterback Brayden Blackmon to wide receiver Chris Gamble in the first quarter.

The Hornet defense also found themselves with the formidable task of finding an effective way of working against the stout, well-seasoned Tiger offensive unit.

The Hornet’s defense played well in spurts, but more missed assignments and untimely penalties resulted in a lack of consistency — and Tiger touchdowns. Do-it-all defensive player Frankquon Bridges provided the Hornet’s defensive play of the night when he stepped in front of and picked off a Tiger pass right before the end of the first half.

The rest of the game was tough sledding.

While this year’s Hornet team is relatively young and inexperienced, has a lack of depth at some key positions, has been hit by the injury bug and is trying to adapt to a new coaching philosophy and implement new offensive and defensive schemes, the harsh reality is that after Friday night’s loss,

Beauregard finds itself in the unenviable position of having a few more questions than answers right now.

Even to the casual observer, it is apparent the Hornets have made some significant strides in the betterment of the football program this season — things are headed in the right direction. It is also apparent that head coach Justin Jones and his staff are still working overtime on possibly the biggest stride of them all, an overarching culture change.

In his brief post-game remark to the Hornet radio broadcast team, a frustrated Jones said, “I’ll tell everybody that’s listening — until we become more upset about losing than we are excited about winning, we can’t get to where we want to be.”

The Hornets are back on the road this Friday, Oct. 8, as they travel to Sylacauga to take on the Aggies (4-2/2-1) in a regional showdown beginning at 7 p.m.

CST. Sylacauga High School is located at 701 N. Broadway Ave., Sylacauga, Alabama, 35150.

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

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 122 RUSHING YARDS & 3 TD'S

IT’S THE OPELIKA WAY.

GO DAWGS!

SOPHOMORE LINEBACKER CHRISOPHER RUDD 5 tackles, 1 forced fumble and a blocked kick

#myOpelika • #beOpelika www.opelika-al.gov 2018 observer

B3 Oct. 7, 2021

THE WEEK

Beauregard High School

A Tale of Two Halves Blue Devils Emerge Victorious

BY HARRISON TARR FOR THE OBSERVER When the Loachapoka Indians traveled to Notasulga, Alabama, on Friday night, the atmosphere inside of Blue Devil Stadium could only be described as electric.

The red and black entered the contest 4-1, hungry to place a blemish on the perfect 5-0 record of their region rivals but eventually found themselves on the losing end of a 32-12 clash.

From the very beginning of the game, it became apparent to any spectator that these two squads were playing for much more than a spot in the class 1A region race. The pair of cross-town rivals were playing for pride.

After pooch kicking the opening kickoff, the Indian defense took the field with a clear goal in mind: shutting down Notasulga sophomore quarterback Elijah Rogers and the Blue Devil offense. Loachapoka head coach Frederick Newton’s squad forced its opponents into a 3-and-out on the opening possession and initiated what developed into a first-half defensive battle.

The two squads continued to trade possessions throughout the duration of

the first quarter with the Blue Devils finally breaking the deadlock nearly five minutes into the second period of play via a touchdown pass to sophomore running back Tyrese McCullough in the back of the endzone.

Despite very little life shown from the Indian offense in the early going, it took the red and black just five minutes of game time to respond with a touchdown of its own when senior running back Nicholas Farrow turned the corner behind his lead blocker and found paydirt.

Newton was proud of his team’s ability to find the endzone in the first half but remained critical of the Indians’ inability to maintain any form of momentum.

“It was good,” Newton said of his team’s performance after the game.

“Everybody’s got to play four quarters, but we didn’t play four quarters.

We played two.”

The Indians headed to the locker rooms in a 6-6 deadlock and were the first on the board in the second half when junior wide out Jacorious Hart hauled in a 50-50 ball off the arm of junior quarterback Ja’Kuan Palmer in the back of the endzone.

From that point forward, the remainder of

the contest belonged to the Notasulga offense.

The Blue Devils answered Hart’s reception with an impressive 50-yard touchdown reception. The blue and white never looked back.

In the final 18 minutes of play, McCullough and company posted an additional three unanswered touchdowns, pushing the Blue Devil lead to 20, where it eventually stood when the final whistle blew to signal the end of regulation.

Newton was visibly frustrated with his squad’s lack of life in the latter portion of the contest.

“Six-six going in, but we came and stumbled in the last two quarters,” Newton said. “Just didn’t come out playing football. We didn’t come out relaxed, we didn’t hit them in the mouth like we did in the first half.”

With the rivalry loss now behind them, the plan for Loachapoka going forward is simple.

“We evaluate our injuries, get our guys back and go out and play football,” Newton said.

The Indians will spend this week preparing for Friday’s home contest against the Red Devils of Verbena. Kickoff in Loachapoka is set for 7 p.m. CST.

JUNIOR RECEIVER CHRIS GAMBLE Hauled in a 61-yard TD pass for the Hornet's only score of the game

of the

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

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE

PHOTO BY HARRISON TARR / FOR THE OBSERVER

SMITHS STATION PANTHERS

Serving Lee County since 2006

SENIOR WIDE RECEIVER AHMARI PEABODY 80+ scrimmage yards and 2 TD's

Serving Lee County since 2006

LEE-SCOTT'S SENIOR QB TATE MCKELVEY 95 rushing yards, 30 passing yards, 2 TD's

B4 Oct. 7, 2021

Second Half Defense Pushes Lee-Scott Over Bessemer

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

Last week, Lee-Scott head coach called his team’s matchup against the Bessemer Rebels “an important game,” because the Warriors are “not getting the respect that [they] deserve.”

Well, the Warriors (4-2 / R 1-1) used a dominant third quarter to beat their region foes 35-12 on Friday, snapping a 10-game losing streak to the Rebels, winning for the first time at Bessemer in 21 years — and presumably earning some of that sought after respect.

Things started well for the Warriors as Matthew Rolader’s kickoff was muffed, fumbled and recovered by Lee-Scott inside the Bessemer 10-yard line.

Three run plays later and the Warriors took an

SPORTS >>

FROM B1

OHS FLAG FOOTBALL TEAM 4-0 The OHS flag football team won its second straight game beating Eufaula, 38-7, last week.

Lady Bulldog quarterback Morgan Watts hit KeKe Williams with a 17-yard pass for the first TD. Cherdi Daniels intercepted a Eufaula pass and returned for a touchdown on the ensuing possession. Watts threw a second TD to Haley Sanders, covering 40 yards for the third score, and Sanders returned an interception for a touchdown and ran for another score in the second half.

NIX >>

FROM B1

with the hometown gold and purple gashing its opposition for a 55-yard pass to Kayshon Boutte on the first play of the game. LSU quarterback Max Johnson then delivered a peach of a 31-yard touchdown throw to Boutte to give LSU the early 7-0 lead. The ensuing Auburn drive ended in a missed 51-yard field goal from Anders Carlson and the Tigers had their backs against the wall early.

With key defensive playmakers Owen Pappoe and T.D. Moultry inactive for the game, the thinned-out Auburn defense overcame a failed onside kick attempt and

COMMITS >>

FROM B1

grow as a player from a young age.

“It’s been really fun to watch him just really grow up,” Speakman said. “I’ve probably known him since he was in about third grade. You could always tell Jarell was a great

the ensuing extra point and preserved the LeeScott lead, 7-6, with 10 minutes remaining in the half.

Lee-Scott started its next drive on the 35-yard line and responded by marching down the field in 10 plays, scoring on a 27-yard touchdown run

by Andrew Hahn to take a 14-6 lead with 5:02 left in the second quarter.

The Rebels managed to put points on the board just before halftime with a 20-yard touchdown pass, but the Lee-Scott defense held strong on the two-point conversion to maintain the Warrior’s 14-12 halftime lead.

Lee-Scott received the ball at the start of the third quarter but quickly punted the ball back to the Rebels. The Warrior defense — which dominated the second half, allowing zero points — forced a three-andout and blocked the Bessemer punt to give the ball back to offense on the 20-yard line.

Co-starting LeeScott quarterback Ryan Dearing then found Landry Cochran a few plays later on a crossing pattern in the middle of the field and the receiver scampered into the end zone to give the Warriors the 21-12 lead.

Lee-Scott never looked back as the Warriors forced their third turnover of the game on the ensuing Rebel possession. Tate McKelvey would take a quarterback keeper 19-yards on the next drive to extend the Warrior’s lead to 27-12 with 5:22 remaining in the third quarter.

The ensuing drive would once again end in a Bessemer turnover as the Warriors sacked the Rebel quarterback on fourth down near the 50-yard line. The advantage was quickly lost, however, when Hahn fumbled the back over to the Rebels just a few plays later.

The Lee-Scott defense continued to make up for its offense’s misfortunes and forced an interception on both of Bessemer’s next two possessions.

The final score of the game came courtesy of a

The first drive of the first game against Loachapoka ended in a touchdown run by our quarterback Morgan Watts. The extra point was good on a pass from Watts to Ashanti Thomas. The second possession started with a long pass from Haley Sanders to Thomas who ran it in for a touchdown.

On defense, Z Fanning

had a pick-six for the Dawgs.The extra point was good on a pass from Watts to Sanders. Next time on offense, Watts ran it in for a Opelika touchdown. On the fifth offensive possession, Watts handed the ball off to Niya Walton who ran it all the way down the field for a touchdown.

On the final possession, Opelika's second quarterback, Jamiah Williams, came in and scored on a touchdown run. The defense only let in one touchdown run during the heavy downpour last night. The Dawgs won by a final score of 43-6.

In the second game against Eufala, the 'Dawgs started out

slowly, but picked up momentum when Watts had a 25-yard long pass to Thomas who ran it in for a touchdown. The 'Dawgs went for two for the extra point and were successful on a pass from Watts to KeKe Williams. On the next defensive set, Fanning stepped up and intercepted the ball and ran it back in for a touchdown.

In the second half, Z had another defensive interception, which set OHS up for a touchdown play. Watts found Ashley Hilyer for a short, 5-yard pass into the end zone.

On the next offensive set, Watts found Hilyer again and she ran 20 yards for a touchdown. The OHS defense held strong

and did not give up any points. The game ended 26-0 in favor of Opelika.

OHS CROSS COUNTRY Opelika girls and boys cross country teams participated in the “Jesse Owen Classic” at Oakville Indian Mounds in Oakville. The meet is a preview of the state championship, which will take place on the same course.

Breckin Gould crossed the line in 32nd place in the top division — the Gold division — with a time of 19:37.69. The boys’ top finisher, Chas Brewer, placed 8th in the silver division with a time of 16:54.26.

In total, Opelika ran 13 girls and 12 boys at the one-day meet. The

Bulldog cross county teams travel to Smiths Station Saturday to run in the “Panther Invitational”.

TIDBITS Congratulations Jarell Stinson for committing to play football at Ole Miss. The senior announced his choice last week after changing his mind about going to Auburn. Stinson’s older brother, Jalen, is currently playing at Duke.

D. Mark Mitchell is the sports director at iHeartMedia, host of "On the Mark" Fox Sports the Game 910-1310, co-chair of the Auburn-Opelika Sports Council, chairman of the Super 7 and Dixie Boys Baseball state director.

buckled down to prevent the LSU offense from reaching the end zone for the remainder of the game.

“That was a huge opportunity for the defense to really step up and they did that,” Harsin said of the LSU drive following the failed onside kick.

“I thought the defensive staff, the defensive players all did a really good job on the sideline making those adjustments.”

Auburn’s first score of the game came at the 5:14 mark in the second quarter when Nix improvised, ran the span of 40 yards laterally across the field, evaded six LSU pass rushers like a professional dancer quick-stepping through a line of hot coals and delivered a striking 24-yard

touchdown pass to tight end Tyler Fromm. The Nix drop back, scramble-for-his-life and find an open receiver on a broken play formula was something that proved fruitful for Auburn throughout the rest of the game and left disbelieving fans with only one jocular comment to make — “just how we drew it up.”

The momentum would complete its swing back to the orange and blue Tigers when Carlson nailed a 49-yard field goal to cut LSU’s lead to 13-10 with 14 seconds remaining in the half.

The second-half battle of attrition then continued as both offense moved the ball well but Nix and the Auburn defense made the necessary

plays to give Auburn the win.

LSU was held to a field goal again on its first drive of the second half as the Auburn defense made its stand on the six-yard line. A field goal attempt by Carlson was then blocked by the LSU special teams before Cade York buried his fourth field goal of the game to help LSU geaux up 19-10 with 4:02 remaining in the third quarter.

The ensuing drive saw Auburn move the ball into LSU territory quickly with a precise back-shoulder throw to receiver Kobi Hudson and a first-down scramble by Nix. Nix then executed a five-yard keeper and dove into the end zone to

bring the score to 19-17 with 14:16 remaining in the game.

The rest of the fourth quarter was dominated

by Auburn’s defense — which emptied the box and dared LSU to throw it — holding Ed Orgeron’s Tigers to just 54 yards of total offense, 2.8 yards per play, 2-for6 on third downs (0-for-1 on fourth downs) and intercepting Johnson on the final drive of the game.

The heroics of Nix and the confidence-building Auburn defense proved to be the difference as the Tigers from the Plains escaped Death Valley with a win just before the clock struck midnight.

“Ultimately, tonight was about this football

team,” Harsin said.

“Certainly, about the fans and the people that have been a part of this program for a long time.

We’re very happy for them. That was something that our guys are very proud of — they were able to accomplish that. And, I felt it in the locker room, just something that is really important that we have to have on this team is that comradery and that belief in each other and guys supporting their teammates when they’re on the field. And then going out there like I said — we made some plays tonight, LSU made plays and it was just a back and forth, it was a tight ball game.

But at the end of it, we were able to finish.”

football player and most importantly a great kid and great person.”

Despite being slightly undersized, Stinson makes up for it with elite-level speed. A multi-sport athlete, Stinson is the defending 6A outdoor 100-meter (10.52), 200-meter (21.22) and 400-meter (47.74) state champion.

“I think the sky is

the limit for him when he gets to college and continues to grow,” Speakman said. “He’s such a hard worker, always working on his speed, his footwork … he’s always in here lifting weights trying to get better. I think that Ole Miss is really getting a steal on a player coming over here and getting a kid that can probably

help them year one or year two.”

Last season as a junior, Stinson anchored the Bulldog secondary making 95 tackles and one interception, while also returning nine punts for 126 yards and two touchdowns.

Stinson earned plaudits for his contribution to the team, later being named to the 2020 6A

All-State team.

Despite missing three games due to injury early this season, Speakman praised Stinson’s work ethic and impact on the team — as well as spoke highly of his leadership characteristics.

“He’s one of the hardest workers on the team,” Speakman said.

“And that’s always good

when your best players are your hardest workers because it really shows these other guys how to act, how to play, how to approach the game and how to approach the weight room.

He’s been a great role model for these young guys coming along and I imagine that he will continue to do that once he gets to Oxford.”

early 7-0 lead, punching the ball into the end zone via a 1-yard Johnathan Meyers rushing touchdown.

The two teams then looked well-matched, trading three-and-outs before Bessemer retook the ball and were faced with a fourth-and-one from the Lee-Scott 49.

The Rebel quarterback’s sneak attempt was thwarted by a mound of Lee-Scott defenders and the ball was turned back over to the Warriors near midfield.

The Warriors failed to capitalize off the momentum gained by the fourth down stop as a holding penalty stunted the ensuing drive after two first downs. Momentum swung back to the Rebels when the Lee-Scott punt attempt was blocked and returned 50 yards for a touchdown. A silver lining for the Warriors — Joseph Horne blocked Williams added her second TD after catching a 40-yard pass from Williams. Ashley Hilyer converted two point after attempts.

The Lady Bulldogs then played Loachapoka and Eufala at home on Tuesday, winning both games to improve to 4-0.

12-yard touchdown run

by McKelvey. Rolader added the extra point as icing on the cake to push Lee-Scott’s lead to 23.

The Warrior defense made one last statement by turning the Rebels over again, giving the ball back to the LeeScott offense which knelt the ball to trickle out the running clock.

Offensively, McKelvey lead the way for LeeScott with 95 rushing yards, 30 passing and two TD’s. Hahn followed him closely with 94 on the ground and one TD. Cochran and Meyers were responsible for the other Warrior scores. Pete Lanier led the Warrior defense with eight tackles.

Lee-Scott will look to build off its three-game win streak this week on the road against Valiant Cross (2-2 / R 0-1).

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

CST.

B5 Oct. 7, 2021

Auburn to Unveil Namesake Statues at Jordan-Hare Stadium, Pat Dye Field

CONTRIBUTED BY AU ATHLETICS

Statues of Shug Jordan, Cliff Hare and Pat Dye, the three men whose names adorn Auburn’s football stadium and playing field, will be unveiled Friday at 3 p.m. CST outside the southwest corner of Jordan-Hare Stadium near the Tiger Walk entrance.

In a ceremony preceding the unveiling, former players will share memories of Jordan and Dye, and former Auburn Director of Athletics David Housel will

speak on Hare’s significance to Auburn’s football program.

After each statue is unveiled, a member of the Hare, Jordan and Dye families will formally accept on their behalf.

“Coach Jordan, Coach Dye and Dean Cliff Hare are most deserving of this esteemed honor,” said Director of Athletics Allen Greene. “Their extraordinary contributions created the foundation on which Auburn’s football program has ascended. These statues will serve as visible reminders of their commitment to

Auburn, inspiring the Auburn Family for generations.”

Auburn commissioned the Chicagobased Fine Art Studio of Rotblatt-Amrany and lead sculptor Lou Cella to create the 8-foot bronze artworks.

A member of Auburn’s first football team in 1892, Hare served as dean of Auburn University’s chemistry department, and as the first president of the Southern Athletic Conference, precursor to the SEC. As the longtime chairman of Auburn’s Faculty Athletic Committee,

he worked for more than a half-century to see Auburn’s football program come to maturity. In 1949, Auburn renamed its then 10-year-old football venue “Cliff Hare Stadium.”

A three-sport athlete at Auburn, Jordan coached the Tigers from 1951-75, amassing a program-record 176 victories and leading Auburn to the school’s first national championship in 1957.

Auburn in 1973 renamed its football facility “Jordan-Hare Stadium,” becoming the first stadium in the country to be named for an active coach.

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

Auburn University Crowns Homecoming Queen; Gov. Kay Ivey Attends

Jordan was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1982.

Dye, a two-time All-American at the University of Georgia and the SEC Lineman of the Year in 1960, coached the Tigers from 1981-92, winning 99 games and four Southeastern Conference championships.

As director of athletics, he oversaw the expansion of JordanHare Stadium and brought the Iron Bowl to Auburn’s campus in 1989. Dye was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2005, the same

year Auburn named its playing surface “Pat Dye Field” in his honor.

The public is invited to attend on a standing-room-only basis, as limited seating will be reserved for families, former players and dignitaries. In the event of rain, the program will move indoors to the Anderson-Thorne Tigers Den and be closed to the public, except for the unveiling outdoors.

The statues will be unveiled on the eve of Auburn’s game against Georgia, the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry which began in 1892.

Auburn University Student Lady Frances Hamilton (second from right) was crowned 2021 Miss Homecoming at the Auburn versus Georgia State game on Sept. 25. Accompanying her at halfitme was Gov. Kay Ivey (middle), Auburn University mascot Aubie the Tiger, university President Dr. Jay Gogue (far right) and Miss Homecoming candidate Peyton Hill (far left).

Diminishing the Dawgs How Auburn Upsets Nation’s Best Defense HARRISON TARR FOR THE OBSERVER

1. HOW DO YOU GAME PLAN FOR A DEFENSE WHO HAS SHUT EVERYONE DOWN THUS FAR?

If there were ever a perfect opportunity for Mike Bobo to prove his worth as offensive coordinator, Saturday’s contest is it.

To this point, the Dawgs have shut their opponents down, holding teams to an average of just 178.6 yards allowed per contest, 3.34 yards per play and only allowing two touchdowns across five games. If Auburn wants to play its opponent even remotely close, creative — and aggressive — play calling will be imperative.

Abandoning the run game is not an option and efficient clock management will be crucial.

2. HOW SHORT IS BO NIX’S LEASH?

Just as creative play calling will be imperative, so will be giving Nix the opportunity to play his game.

The third-year quarterback has undoubtedly regained his role as starter following an impressive display in Baton Rouge in week five; that considered, the length of his leash is still unknown. There is no doubt that there must be balance in allowing Nix to use his remarkable athleticism

while maintaining a commitment to checking down his receivers. The question is “what does that look like?”

3. HOW DOES THE AUBURN DEFENSE LIMIT UGA FROM RUNNING UP THE SCORE?

The simple answer here is to keep the Georgia offense off the field as much as possible by chewing clock and maintaining long, steady drives. The reality? With a stifling Dawg defense, that’s probably not going to be an option.

Derek Mason’s scheme has been hit-or-miss thus far in 2021. The unit has shown up in late-game situations such as Penn State and LSU; that’s not going to cut it against UGA. It is imperative to Auburn’s success that the Tiger defense keeps itself healthy, minimizes penalties and cleans up what has been a confusingly inconsistent secondary.

4. WHY SHOULD FANS HAVE ANY FAITH IN THE AUBURN RECEIVING CORE?

Most people couldn’t blame you if you don’t have faith in this group.

Dropping passes is a surefire way to kill momentum and put an end to drives. In 2021, Auburn’s receivers have often done just that (Bo Nix ranks fifth in the nation in terms of number of dropped passes by his receivers.). While there have been glimpses of greatness and displays of athleticism to this point, the real test of this group will come this week when

the players get a taste of the red and black’s stingy secondary. Making routine catches is a must; the bigger concern lies within the squad’s ability to come down with any pass that might not be thrown on a dime.

5. HOW MUCH DOES THIS GAME MEAN FOR BRYAN HARSIN?

If Auburn had lost in Baton Rouge on Saturday,

taking care of business against UGA might be a significantly bigger deal than it is now. Sure, a coach should approach every game as if it were the most important game of the season. Every game matters in the moment.

Beating UGA is extremely important to the Auburn fan base and should be the goal of any member of the

Tiger football program; that said, this one doesn’t mean as much as it might in 2022. As previously mentioned, this team has next-to-no expectations in 2021. After qualifying for a bowl game, any win is a bonus. Beating your rivals never hurts a head coach but — in his first year — a loss won’t prove harmful for Harsin.

Auburn linebacker Chandler Wooten had an increased roll Saturday in Baton Rouge with starter Owen Pappoe innactive.

PHOTOS BY TODD VAN EMST / AU ATHLETICS

Auburn fans spent the night of Oct. 2 rolling the oaks at Toomer’s Corner, sharing hugs and rejoicing over the Tigers breaking the curse of Death Valley.

What was there not to be excited about? In Bryan Harsin’s first year at the helm of the Auburn football program, the orange and blue left Baton Rouge victorious for the first time since before quarterback Bo Nix was born.

With a significant victory now on the record, it is now easier to forget about the nail-biter that was the Georgia State game and have confidence that Harsin has the program headed in the right direction.

That being said, the remainder of the 2021 campaign still poses a significant challenge to an Auburn team who has yet to find any form of consistency in any discipline within the game. Five of Auburn’s final seven opponents are currently ranked in the AP Top 25. A pair of them are ranked in the top two.

The Tigers’ battle to prove their worth begins on Saturday when they play host to the No. 2 University of Georgia Bulldogs, a team that Auburn has not beaten since the regular season in 2017 and has lost to on four consecutive occasions since.

Auburn enters this year’s

installment of the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry as 14.5 point underdogs.

UGA has the statistically best defense in the country.

Tiger fans have questions regarding what they should expect in this game and beyond.

Bryan Harsin attends Tiger Walk before the game against LSU Saturday.

B6 Oct. 7, 2021

Blue Devils Batter the Indians PHOTOS BY HARRISON TARR / FOR THE OBSERVER

The 1A Region 4 Notasulga Blue Devils (6-0 / R 4-0) hosted their cross-town rivals, the 1A Region Loachapoka Indians (3-3 / R 1-2), on Friday night and claimed a 32-12 victory thanks to a strong second half. The Blue Devils have now won eight straight against Loachapoka. Notasulga is on the road this week against the 1A Region 4 Maplesville Red Devils (6-0 / R 3-0). Loachapoka plays host to regional opponent Verbena (4-3 / R 1-2) on Friday.

Tigers Tame Beauregard PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

The Beauregard Hornets (2-5 / R 1-3) fell, 35-7, to the Tallassee Tigers (3-3 / R 2-1) on Friday. The Hornets travel to face Sylacauga this week in hopes of ending a four-game losing streak.

is celebrating 17 years of service to our customers with a 50% OFF SALE storewide Oct. 4 - Oct. 22

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

MARIA JEWELERS

Opelika Varisty Girls Beat Eufaula 3-0

B7 Oct. 7, 2021

Opelika Teacher Wins Award CONTRIBUTED BY OPELIKA CITY SCHOOLS

During the Alabama Leaders in Educational Technology conference held recently in Orange Beach, Alabama, Opelika City Schools Technology Director Stacy Royster won the ISTE Making It Happen Award.

Each year the Alabama Leaders in Educational Technology (ALET), an affiliate of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), selects one candidate as Alabama’s ISTE Making It Happen Award Winner.

Royster was presented this statewide award on Sept. 21, 2021.

“Having a vision for technology’s impact on learning is one thing, but being an actual change agent is quite another,” said Susan Poling, ALET executive director.

“For years, Stacy Royster has been just that. She is recognized statewide and beyond for her innovative application of technology to teaching and learning and her dedication to supporting teachers and students in this pursuit.

Her enthusiasm and expertise have reached far beyond the classroom. As the leader of ALET’s chief technology officer certification program and as executive vice president, Stacy has also positively impacted the effectiveness of Alabama’s

EdTech leaders, whose role in education is more critical than ever before.”

During the ALET conference, Royster was also presented with a Resolution of Appreciation by the ALET Board of Directors for “her tireless support of her peers regarding the PowerSchool conversion” after which she received a standing ovation.

“The Opelika City Schools are extremely proud of Stacy and her leadership in our system and across the State regarding technology in education and with the implementation of PowerSchool,” said Dr. Mark Neighbors, superintendent of Opelika City Schools.

Farmers Federation Awards $133,250 To Auburn Ag, Forestry Students PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

CONTRIBUTED BY MARLEE MOORE

The Alabama Farmers Federation is planting seeds for a healthy future by awarding $133,250 in scholarships to Auburn University (AU) students seeking degrees in agriculture, forestry and related industries.

Eighty students were honored during the organization’s scholarship reception at Lazenby Farms in Auburn on Sept. 27. During the event, Federation President Jimmy Parnell encouraged students to make connections with fellow students — and future colleagues — during their time at Auburn.

“While I was at Auburn, I built a network of friends all across this state,” Parnell, an AU alumnus in agricultural business and economics, said. “That was probably the most important thing I got at Auburn.

I encourage each of you to build that network.

“We’re excited to recognize an outstanding group

of young people who have a very bright future in front of them. We’re glad to be a little part of that.”

A matching program with the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation (AFAF) and county Farmers Federations funded 57 scholarships worth $1,750. Local Federations in Baldwin, Chilton, Covington, Dale, Henry, Houston, Jefferson, Lee and Madison counties provided 21 additional scholarships.

Two students earned memorial scholarships honoring industry leaders.

Clay Conaway of Cullman County received the Ronny Donaldson Memorial Scholarship, while Mobile County’s Cole Lincoln won the Mike Henry Memorial Scholarship. Conaway is a senior studying poultry science, production track; Lincoln, a junior, is studying animal sciences, meat science track.

During the program, AU sophomore Ka’Shiya McKinney thanked Federation leaders for their support.

'1/a.ssle hee Va.cat:on..Whj Not Ca.II Us. www.mytravelatmidtown.com

334 749 0877 3051 Frederick Road, Suite 7, Opelika -

-

� Circle of Excellence 2008-2011

MilhonA1r 2010 & 2011 & 2012 --------(between Sam:� Club and Tiger Town)

“Thank you for taking a little of the financial burden off us so we can be the future of ag and focus on our classes,” McKinney, a poultry science pre-vet track student from Tallapoosa County, said. “We want to pour back into the industry that has supported us.”

Lee County Farmers Federation President Jamie Lazenby commended students on their dedication to education and the state’s largest industry.

“Of all the things we do in this organization, giving scholarships is one of my favorites,” Lazenby said.

“This is a great opportunity for students.”

The Federation began awarding AU students scholarships in 1983. In 2009, the AFAF was founded to provide additional support for agriculture education and is funded through Ag Tag sales.

Scholarship applications for the 2022-23 academic year open in November at AlfaFarmers.org/ scholarships.

ROYSTER

Auburn University Alum, CEO of Ducks Unlimited Giving Virtual Talk Oct. 7 CONTRIBUTED BY AUBURN UNIVERSITY

Auburn University will host a virtual talk with Nick Wiley, CEO of Ducks Unlimited, the largest wetlands and waterfowl organization in North America, on Oct. 7 as part of the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences’ 75th Anniversary Celebration.

Wiley is the sixth speaker in the virtual “7 for 75 Speaker Series” as part of the school’s yearlong celebration, which began in the spring of 2021. In addition to his role as CEO of Ducks Unlimited, or DU, Wiley has served in key leadership positions within several conservation organizations.

Before joining DU in 2017, he was executive director of Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and former president of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. He is also the past chair of the Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports.

Wiley received a bachelor’s degree in biology from Georgia Southern in 1983 and a master’s degree in wildlife management from Auburn University in 1986.

He serves on the Georgia Southern College of Science and Mathematics Advisory Board and School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences Advisory Council.

Wiley is a National Conservation Leadership Institute Fellow and a

Auburn University will host a virtual talk with Nick Wiley, CEO of Ducks Unlimited, on Oct. 7 as part of the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences’ 75th Anniversary Celebration.

member of the Boone and Crockett Club and the North American Wetlands Conservation Council. He has also served on the State and Federal Joint Task Force on Endangered Species Act Implementation.

“Nick has been a powerful force for wildlife conservation during his 35-year career. In his current role at DU, he has a unique perspective on the challenges we’ll face going forward to protect and conserve waterfowl habitat both domestically and abroad,” said Janaki Alavalapati, dean of the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences.

“We are eager to hear Nick’s insights and to learn about DU’s vision for the conservation and restoration of landscapes that are most critical to the survival of waterfowl species and the management implications of those efforts for wildlife professionals.”

The talk is open to the public via Zoom from 2 to 3 p.m. CT

at https://auburn.zoom. us/j/87052882997 and will be live-streamed via the school’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook. com/ausfws/live/.

The “7 for 75 Speaker Series” features distinguished alumni and industry leaders representing an array of forestry, wildlife and natural resource fields and enterprises who will cover a wide range of topics, from land management to current and future technology to stakeholder engagement.

For more information about upcoming events in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences at Auburn University, visit www.sfws.auburn.edu/ sfws-75th-anniversary/ The Auburn University School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences is a flagship institution for natural resources-based degrees including natural resource management, geospatial and environmental informatics and sustainable biomaterials and packaging.

The school serves as the backbone for Alabama’s $30 billion-plus forest, wildlife and natural resources related enterprises. Its mission is to create next-generation professionals and leaders, to develop new knowledge and disseminate science-based solutions to our clientele to improve the social, economic and environmental well-being of citizens in Alabama and beyond.

B8 Oct. 7, 2021

National Newspaper Week Oct. 3-9

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

H

appy National Newspaper Week to The Opelika Observer. We say thank you for serving our community so well.

Newspapers let us know what is happening now.

It provides motivation for reading and discussion which is so important in education.

The newspaper is such a wonderful teaching tool for the classroom, families and individual children. At times we think of our newspaper being used by older children bringing in weekly current events but we

early childhood teachers use the newspaper for teaching reading, language arts, math, social studies and science.

Newspapers make learning so much fun.

A newspaper project area with the different sections of the newspaper spread out like community news, weather, sports, education is a good starting point.

Provide crayons, markers, construction paper, plain paper and glue to encourage learning and creativity in the preschool mind.

My classroom room

mothers would cut out newspaper pictures to use in teaching the alphabet letters of the week as well as phonics.

Children can match pictures to the correct letters and sounds. Too, cutting out newspaper stories in pictures and learning what comes first, second, etc. teaches language arts sequencing skills.

My favorite newspaper resource is for a young child to choose and cut out their favorite picture from any part of the newspaper, whether it be advertising or cartoons, then glue this picture on tag board or construction paper. During reading group time, the children can tell a story about the picture. As a teacher, I write down the story the child is telling and attach it to their chosen picture. Families can do this at home as well and share during family time together.

Have you ever noticed that the newspaper is full of numbers? As a teacher, I love to set up a grocery center in my classroom for the children to pretend to go shopping and buy groceries. The newspaper food ads and coupon sections can provide a good money

lesson. Have the children count out pretend monies on how much something costs that is advertised in the Looking at the scores in the sports section can provide math lessons in numbers and which team wins vs. loses.

Newspapers have many different shapes in their content. In preschool we teach and sing about shapes such as squares, rectangles, triangles or circles. Children will love pointing out different shapes they see in the newspaper and teachers and adults can make it a game. We are blessed to have a wonderful recipe section in our newspaper by Ann Cipperly. Young children love to help their families prepare delicious dishes.

They can learn about measurements, steps of preparing a recipe and helping to serve special dishes. Include your preschoolers in family meal preparations. These build warm memories.

Too, what better lesson can be taught to preschoolers than about their community. The newspaper is always highlighting the activities going on in our community. Community Helpers is a favorite unit to teach young children.

Community Helpers being rewarded or recognized is good for our young children to learn.

Point out Community Happenings in the newspaper that you and your young child might want to attend. As teachers we look at the newspaper to see interesting places that we might want to take our children on a field trip. Too, the newspaper can teach our young children about different cultures and help them begin to have an understanding and appreciation that we are all different and we are all special. Preschoolers can be taught character lessons from our newspaper.

Our columnists provide wonderful weekly family lessons that can be read to your preschoolers.

Newspapers also highlight science lessons for young children. There is always coverage of our weather in the newspaper which can help preschoolers learn different kinds of weather.

Will the temperature be hot or cold over the next few days? This will help them learn the skill of predicting outcomes.

Too, we always see all kinds of animals in the newspaper such as pets, farm animals, forest

animals, zoo animals or water animals. Children can make simple animals posters or books with newspaper pictures of animals. Remember, young fingers get inky when working with newsprint projects.

Provide wipes, water, soap and paper towels when young children finish projects.

Our newspapers not only teach and benefit our younger children, but they are excellent teaching resources for us older folks too. I love to do “Sit and Chats” with the Greater Generation as we reflect and remember famous front page stories like landing on the moon in 1969, different national, state and local elections in years gone by or the end of different wars in the United States.

We certainly remember the Personal Advice Columns in our newspapers. This can set up wonderful interactions of stating questions asked then how would they offer advice and solve the problems. Too, recalling newspaper stories from the past is so very good as a resource for Memory Care.

Classroom Observer, Beth Pinyerd

Paddles at the Plex Returns to Opelika

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

The Opelika SportsPlex hosted the fall Paddles at the Plex Pickleball Tournament last weekend. The tournament was composed of 300 players representing nine states. The games began on Thursday with Mens 60+ singles and Womens 60+ doubles, and concluded Sunday with Womens under 60 doubles and Mens under 60 singles.

Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics

B9

Oct. 7, 2021

Thursday, October 7, 2021

Inside the Statehouse Prison Issue Tackled, New Prisons on the Way

T

STEVE FLOWERS

BY MICHELLE KEY PUBLISHER

The Opelika City Council approved more than $375,000 in appropriations to various organizations during Tuesday night’s city council meeting. The funds were allocated as follows: • Alabama Cooperative Extension System $12500 • American Red Cross - East Alabama Chapter $10,000 • Circles Opelika $2,500 • Violence Intervention Center (DVIC) $4,500 • East Alabama Services for the Elderly, Inc. (EASE) $9,000 • Keep Opelika Beautiful, Inc. (KOB)

$38,000 • Lee County Youth Development Center (LCYDC) $40,000 • Opelika Chamber of Commerce $90,000 • Downtown Redevelopment Authority $6,000 • Opelika Industrial Development Authority $125,000 • Storybook Farm $6,000 • The Museum of East Alabama $30,500 • 3D Youth Development Academy, Inc. $2,000 • Chattahoochee Council, Boy Scouts of America $500 • Sound Wall Music Initiative for the 2nd Annual Songwriters Festival $2,500.

Also during the meeting, Mayor Gary

Fuller recognized Opelika High School student, Will Randolph, as a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist and he also presented Barbara Arrington, administrative assistant to the mayor for an ‘Atta Girl Award’ for her work and efforts to help support other departments throughout the city.

IN OTHER BUSINESS:

- The council approved a request from Opelika Main Street for the annual Snopelika event on Nov. 30.

- The council approved a request from Opelika Main Street for the annual Christmas Parade on Dec. 4.

- The council held public hearings on weed See OPELIKA, page B13

Toomer’s Corner Sit-In Hosts Women’s March PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

he problem of overcrowded prisons is a dilemma that has been facing Alabama for close to a decade. It was not something that Kay Ivey created.

She simply inherited the situation and the chickens have come home to roost during her tenure. To her credit, she did not hide from the issue. She has tackled it head-on and with gusto and resolve. She and the legislature were and are under the gun because the U.S. Justice Department is breathing down their necks to resolve the inequities and unconstitutional conditions in our prisons.

When you get into a scenario where the Justice Department adamantly demands some concrete resolutions, you have to act.

Otherwise, they will take over the state’s prison system, mandate the resolutions and hand you the bill.

Just ask California. The Justice Department is not only building new prisons at the Golden State’s expense but also releasing a good many of their prisoners.

The bottom line is if the Justice Department will mandate and take over the California Prison System, you can bet your bottom dollar that they will do the same to Alabama.

We have been down this path before. Years ago, in the 1960s during all the segregation and civil rights wars raging in the Heart of Dixie, the federal courts took over Alabama’s prison system. Governor George Wallace and Justice Frank Johnson were law school classmates and friends. Johnson was married to his lovely wife, Ruth Jenkins, while in law school. Ruth was an excellent cook, and they would have George over for dinner.

Their friendship ended when they

clashed over civil rights and integration. Johnson handed down most of the rulings that integrated schools and other institutions throughout the state, while Wallace lambasted Johnson daily as a scalawaging, carpetbagging, integrating liberal.

Wallace won the demagogic battle and rode it to being governor for eternity. However, Johnson and the federal courts won the war. Johnson took over the state prisons and the bill was so costly that it took the state of Alabama 25 years to dig out of the financial hole.

Ivey is old enough to remember this disastrous solution for Alabama. That is probably why she took the bull by the horns and declared boldly in her State of the State address over two years ago that this is an Alabama problem and we need to find an Alabama solution.

Ivey and, probably, more importantly, the state legislature have worked to resolve this imminent and pressing problem. This current Special Session called by Ivey to address the need for new prisons will more than likely resolve the issue for at least the next 25 to 30 years.

The legislative leadership and governor have worked prudently and harmoniously to implement a solution to this prison overcrowding issue. This joint success follows months of negotiations between Ivey and legislative leaders in determining the scope and scale of the project. The two General Fund Budget Chairmen, Representative Steve Clouse and Senator Greg Albritton, deserve a lot of credit and accolades for orchestrating the pieces of the puzzle. Ivey and legislators knew that the gravity of the situation required for the governor to call a Special Session.

The solution will be to build two new men’s prisons with at least 4,000 beds, one in Elmore County and one in Escambia County, in addition to a new 1,000 bed women’s correctional facility in Elmore County. The new Elmore men’s facility will provide enhanced medical and mental health, substance abuse and educational programming

Opelika City Council Approves Nearly $380,000 in Appropriations to Local Groups

BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

The Toomer’s Corner Sit-in hosted one of 650 women’s marches across the United States this past Saturday at Toomer’s Corner.

“On Saturday, the Women’s March Organization encouraged people all over the country to hold sister marches,” said Kelli Thompson, an organizer for the Toomer’s Corner Sit-in. “They were going to, of course, have the big march in DC but with COVID being the way it is, they wanted to really encourage people not gather too much and do stuff in their own towns.

“Given a lot of the

See FLOWERS, page B10

NOW OPEN

activity that’s been going on this month, not only with news in Texas, but our own local news with sexual assault, I just heard a lot of people, heard a lot of talk. ‘Is there going to be anything local

nearby? Is there going to be anything? And are we going to do anything on Toomer’s Corner?’”

Thompson said Toomer’s Corner has become a place for See MARCH, page B10

Indoor shooting range is open to the public

2195 FIRST AVENUE • OPELIKA

B10 Oct. 7, 2021

Despite Surges in Auburn, ‘Everybody Knows Everybody.’ Untrue.

GREG MARKLEY

T

he U.S. Census Bureau recently released population numbers for the states and cities. Huntsville is now Alabama’s largest city, with more than 215,000 citizens. But Birmingham keeps its title as the largest metropolitan area in this state. Remember: this is an opinion column, not a news story. So I use quotes and humor since most non-engineers get turned off by too many statistics.

Unofficially nicknamed “The Loveliest Village on the Plains,” Auburn is a village only in reminiscences. It had

FROM B9

conversation and action regarding social and political issues.

There were nine other marches in Alabama this past Saturday.

People gathered at Toomer’s Corner Saturday evening and were able to converse with one another for about an hour before the group marched around Samford Hall and made a loop back to Toomer’s Corner.

Additionally, Thompson

FLOWERS >>

FROM B9 as suggested by the Justice Department.

The two new men’s prisons will cost an estimated $1.2 billion and the women’s

If these people really believe they know 76,000+ people in Auburn, seven times the normal number of people an individual meets in a lifetime, they must have hectic days.

No wonder they go to Starbucks so much.

What a student who lives in Opelika, for example, probably means is that he or she knows everyone in their own circle. Even then, not everybody meets everybody say, who are fellow students in an academic department.

For instance, graduate students pursuing a doctorate are in an archives or a practicum sector where they won’t get to know every student in the similar major.

A lady once told me that her city, I think it was Dothan, was getting a second Walmart. It was her anecdotal way of saying her city was progressing. The reverse is saying ‘Everybody knows everybody’ to mean they live in a “village” atmosphere although it looks like a city. One year, Auburn

won awards for both Best College Town and Best Small City. (Yet, as a political scientist myself I know different groups have different criteria for their awards.)

Of the top seven most populated cities in Alabama, Huntsville had nearly 20% growth in population from 2010 to 2020. The next three had negative growth: Birmingham at -5.4%, Montgomery at -2.5% and Mobile with -4.1%. Huntsville had a 215,000 population in the Census, while Birmingham had some 201,000. Montgomery recorded 201,000 and Mobile 187,000.

Fifth-place city Tuscaloosa had 10.16% growth and sixth place Hoover had 13.5%. The seventh most populated city in Alabama, noted the 2020 Census, was Auburn, with a superb growth of 42.6%.

Opelika recorded a very good growth of 16.7%, for a population nearing 31,000.

As reported earlier, Alabama’s herculean

efforts to maintain all seven congressional seats were successful.

The results of the 2020 census determine the number of seats for each state in the U.S. House and also the number of electors for each state in the Electoral College, for elections from 2022 to 2030.

“The first census in 1790 asked just six questions: the name of the head of the household, the number of free white males older than 16, the number of free white males younger than 16, the number of free white females, the number of other free persons and the number of slaves,” said Tom G. Palmer, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute. Many people say that more than those initial questions are needed in today’s complex world.

With the 2020 Census results, California, New York, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia will each lose one seat. That is the first time California lost a House seat. Colorado,

Florida, Montana, North Carolina and Oregon will each gain one seat. Again on a roll, Texas will gain two seats.

A major development nationally is that the Sunbelt city of Phoenix toppled Philadelphia for fifth most populated city in the United States.

The Arizona capital has 1,608,139 residents to 1,603,797 for Philadelphia.

Perhaps “Brotherly Love” will not be seen among many Philly people when this news is disseminated. The consolation is that with Phoenix’s large population it is unlikely that ‘Everybody will know everybody.’”

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

said that thanks to donations, the group had postcards on hand ready to send to local and national representatives.

“This particular women’s march was in response to abortion justice throughout the country and to attacks on Roe V. Wade so this particular postcard was designed to say ‘keep abortion safe, legal and rare,’” she said.

Thompson encouraged people to get involved by joining the Toomer’s Sit-In every evening from 5 to 7 p.m.

“Thank you for everyone who came out because I know that it’s a tough subject to stand up for,” she said.

Damarius Nolan-Watts is a regular member of the Toomer’s Corner Sit-In but Saturday was his first Women’s March.

“I’ve seen the Women’s Marches on social media and TV and I wanted to take part,” he said.

Being a part of the march is a way to “live out our dream”, Nolan-Watts said, referencing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s speech.

“Not only me, but I guess everybody felt at home in this space right here,” he said. “… Don’t be afraid to come out of your shell a little bit. Speak often and keep your ears open.”

Toomer’s Corner Sit-In updates the public regularly on the interactions at the corner. The organization can be found on Instagram here: www.instagram.com/ toomerssitin/.

“I would like to encourage people that it can be very overwhelming in these times and it can be very easy to feel helpless

and overwhelmed so please find any way to plugin,” Thompson said.

“Find any organization, locally, that is doing work that can help you feel engaged and empowered

in this moment because there is no more powerful one person in a representational democracy than a citizen and so we have to engage that power this very moment.”

prison and renovations of existing prisons will cost between $600 to $700 million. The prisons will be paid for by a $785 million bond issue. The salvation for the plan was the

state receiving $400 million from the federal American Recovery Plan ACT (“ARPA”), which was like manna from heaven.

The heroes for their area and constituents

were Albritton of Escambia and Senator Clyde Chambliss of Elmore, who won the new prisons for their people. These prisons are an economic bonanza for Elmore

and Escambia.

Chambliss got two.

Hopefully, this will resolve this issue for at least a few decades.

We will see.

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. Flowers may be reached at www. steveflowers.us.

PHOTO BY HANNAH LESTER / THE OBSERVER

MARCH >>

76,143 people as of the 2020 Census. It grew more than 42% between 2010 and 2020. Since I moved here in June 1996 , the city doubled in size. Opelika is on the move, as well, with a populace of 31,000 that increases daily. Its motto is “Rich in Heritage With a Vision for the Future.”

“Considering the thousands of individuals any one person meets just during their adolescence alone, the average person may well meet upwards of 10,000 people in a lifetime," according to Reference. com. “Nonetheless, calculating how many people the average person physically meets in a lifetime is a somewhat impossible statistic.”

This is an answer to: “How many people will the average person physically meet in their lifetime?”

I looked that question up because I run into many people who say ‘Everybody knows everybody’ in the city they live in, whether Opelika or Auburn.

B11 Oct. 7, 2021

Community Mapping Forum Set For Oct. 13 CONTRIBUTED BY ALABAMA VALUES

Voting rights and social justice groups across Alabama have united for a night of education and discussion on community mapping.

The Alabama Reapportionment Committee wrapped up its public hearing series on Sept.

16, after hearing from numerous

Alabamians, breaking records for attendance for all previous decennial hearings, even though all but one of the 28 hearings were held during working hours. While Alabamians had the opportunity to speak about what they would like to happen, the reapportionment committee did not share maps for review or comments from constituents.

Gov. Kay Ivey is expected to call a special session to redistrict in the coming weeks.

The League of Women Voters of Alabama (LWV Alabama), Alabama Forward, Alabama Values, The Ordinary People Society (TOPS), Southern Coalition for Social Justice (SCSJ), NAACP’s Legal Defense Fund (LDF) and

the American Civil Liberties Union of Alabama (ACLU Alabama) are united in the belief it is vital for Alabama’s communities of interest to be able to review and provide feedback to proposed district maps before they are passed into law. To help engage the public in the review of the maps, the organizations are sponsoring a two-part community

mapping forum to provide an opportunity for organizations and individuals to learn about fair maps and fair districting.

The first forum is slated for Wednesday, Oct. 13, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Dr. Regina Moore, professor of political science at Alabama State University, will serve as the moderator for the event.

The forum will

feature presentations from redistricting experts and community mapmakers to build a common understanding of the problem and the challenges we are facing. The goal for the first forum is to achieve a common purpose so that when the state releases its maps, we are ready to work together to push for fair maps.

See MAPPING, page B13

B12 Oct. 7, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICES 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 _______ 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 20202021 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, PSCAfunded and other bondfunded 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 ------------Notice of Public Auction Notice of Public Auction Boardwalk StorageOpelika, 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 ------------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: 2021396 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 368032345 (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 368030030 Legal Run 09/30/21, 10/7/21 & 10/14/21

Legal Run 10/07/21, 10/14/21 & 10/21/21

-------------

NOTICE OF COURT PROCEEDING CASE NO: 2021-557 IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution In the Estate of LARRY HEDGES, deceased Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the LEE COUNTY Probate Office by Elizabeth Anne Hedges on September 30, 2021 pursuant to Section 43-2-690, Code of Alabama and that 30 days after the notice of publication hereof and pursuant to law the Court shall be requested to enter an Order directing Summary Distribution of the estate of said decedent.

BILL ENGLISH, PROBATE JUDGE Legal Run 10/07/2021

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 368030030 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 TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF JAMES LAMAR CROWDER Deceased PROBATE COURT LEECOUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION of said deceased having been granted to Shara Cumins on the 21st dav 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 said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Shara Cumins

-------------

------------IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF VIRGINIA ANNE GODFREY HARRIGER, DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No: 2021-527 Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 1st day of October, 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.

JIMMY A. LAFOY Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal 10/7/21, 10/14/21 & 10/21/21 ------------NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF JOHN DAVID ROBINSON Deceased PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY CASE NO. 2021-128 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of the Estate of JOHN DAVID ROBINSON are hereby granted to David Nicholas Robinson on the 16th day of March, 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.

DAVID NICHOLAS ROBINSON Legal Run 10/07/21, 10/14/21 & 10/21/21

ALASCAN CLASSIFIEDS SERVICES ADVERTISE STATEWIDE or by Region in over 100 Newspapers, reaching over 1 million readers each week! Run your ad in our Classified Network for just $210 per week! Make one call to this newspaper (participating Ala-SCAN newspaper) or call 1-800-264-7043 to find out how easy it is to advertise statewide!

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime

warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 833-449-1307.

BECOME A PUBLISHED AUTHOR! We edit, print and distribute your work internationally. We do the work… You reap the Rewards! Call for a FREE Author’s Submission Kit: 888-283-4780 LONG DISTANCE MOVING: Call today for a FREE QUOTE from America's Most Trusted Interstate Movers. Let us take the stress out

of moving! Speak to a Relocation Specialist, call 844-925-3534 EDUCATION ATTENTION ACTIVE Duty & Military Veterans!

Begin a new career and earn your Degree at CTI! Online Computer & Medical training available for Veterans & Families!

To learn more, call 866475-1014 (M-F 8am6pm ET).

HEALTH/BEAUTY ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Inogen One G4 is capable

of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds.

FREE information kit. Call 844-322-9935.

ATTENTION: VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices!

50 Pill Special - $99 + FREE Shipping! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW: 866-505-0828.

WANTED TO BUYFREON WANTED: We pay $$$ for cylinders and cans. R12 R500 R11 R113 R114. Convenient.

Certified Professionals.

Call 312-291-9169 or visit RefrigerantFinders.com.

FOR SALE Directv Satellite Service starting at $59.99/month!

1 Year Price Lock! 155+ Channels available. Call Now to get the Most Sports on TV! 888-404-2087.

NEED NEW Flooring?

Call Empire Today to schedule a Free in-home estimate on Carpeting and Flooring. Call Today!

1-888-381-0916.

UPDATE YOUR HOME with Beautiful New Blinds

& Shades. FREE in-home estimates make it convenient to shop from home.

Professional installation.

Top quality - Made in the USA. Call for free consultation: 844-809-9165. Ask about our specials!

AUTOMOTIVE SUPPORT THE BLIND! Donate a car to the American Council of the Blind. FAST FREE PICKUP. 24 hour response. Running or not. maximum tax deduction and no emission test required! Call 24/7: 844-601-1342.

B13 Oct. 7, 2021

Auburn Pickleball On Its Way

BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

The Auburn/ Opelika Pickleball Club is no more. The Opelika Pickleball Club made the decision recently to no longer promote Auburn pickleball.

However, for many in Auburn, this decision did not sit well.

“The recent decision by the Auburn/ Opelika Pickleball Club to no longer support pickleball in Auburn has resulted in a group of Auburn citizens working to form an Auburn organization,” said the Auburn City Council e-packet.

“The club has begun operations and is beginning to offer ‘how to play’ instruction as well as organized play

MAPPING >>

FROM B11

Participants will gain insight concerning constitutionally questionable districting practices, especially in Alabama. Historically these practices include packing of Black and minority voters across the Black Belt and poor urban areas and cracking of Black communities in and around Madison and/ or Mobile Counties.

“In this way, representatives select their constituents rather than having constituents selecting their preferred representatives.” said Tish Gotell Faulks, Legal Director ACLU Alabama. She will be presenting at the first forum..

LWV Alabama Advocacy Team Lead Robin Buckelew added to Faulks’ comments.

"Alabama reaches all of the way down into communities, where neighborhoods are split with surgical precision to achieve partisan and racial gerrymanders,” she said. “This effectively silences a community’s ability to hold their leaders accountable for health and safety issues.”

opportunities.”

Samford Avenue already has six pickleball courts in place, but the city council voted Tuesday night to approve a contract with the Foresite Group to design new pickleball courts at the Yarbrough Tennis Center for over $24,000.

“The Foresite Group worked with Parks and Recreation to evaluate sites for pickleball and create a concept plan which is included in the contract packet,” the packet said. “The optimal site was in the north corner of Yarbrough Tennis Center.”

LEE COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY: The council approved an animal sheltering services agreement with the Lee County Humane Redistricting affects many facets of Alabamians’ lives over the next decade, so partners encourage participation in this process.

“It’s important for all citizens to participate in creating the electoral lines that will govern their future.

That requires community members to see and consider multiple maps and hear how their choices could affect their collective power going forward,” said Kathryn Sadasivan who is the Redistricting Counsel, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund.

“This is particularly so in Alabama during the first redistricting cycle the state has undertaken without the protections of Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act.” Evan Milligan, executive director of Alabama Forward, said this forum allows neighbors and advocates to work and discuss maps that are being presented.

“Over the summer and September, neighbors and advocates have been meeting to learn more about redistricting,

Society, Inc. for over $170,500.

“The contract includes animals surrendered to the LCHS by Auburn citizens as well as the city’s animal control officers,” said the city’s e-packet.

The city and LCHS agreed to a 30-year contract in 1999.

“LCHS has for several years assisted CITY with its animal control program by housing, tending, administering and disposing of stray and unwanted animals originating within the city,” said the e-packet.

This agreement will also include allowing city employees to use LCHS equipment as needed for wildlife, vaccinate animals, veterinary care and more.

See AUBURN, page B14

apportionment and mapmaking,” Milligan said. “Many have produced congressional district maps or legislative maps that they will be asking the legislature to consider. This forum allows those neighbors and advocates to gather and discuss the details of the maps they believe offer the best and most fair deals to our communities. Having this conversation in a forum that allows for deep listening and explanation of numbers and related laws will allow for a rich discussion and hopefully, an opportunity for groups to find points of mutual interest and agreement.”

There will also be demographers at the forum to provide insights and answer questions about how voting district maps are generated using census data and federal and state laws and criteria.

“The districts we draw this year will shape our communities for the next decade, however certain politicians in Alabama want to remove community districting from the public domain and

OPELIKA >>

FROM B9

abatement assessments and voted to approve the assessments on the following properties: - 308 Brannon Ave. - 120 Chester Ave. - 1709 Frederick Rd. - 1302 Rocky Brook Rd. - The council held a public hearing for a weed abatement assessment for a property located at 1109 Alton Ct. Stephen Ward addressed the council pertaining to this assessment and asserted that the city has been maintaining this property for years.

Following the public hearing, a motion was made and was approved to table this item until more information could be determined.

- The council approved the disposal of surplus city personal property.

- The council approved the purchase of one 2022 Ford Explorer for the revenue conduct the process behind closed doors,” said Sailor Jones, communications director for SCSJ. “Alabama’s Community Redistricting Mapping Forum will help open up redistricting to all Alabamans and give them the information they need to provide effective and actionable input in favor of the maps they deserve.”

The two-part series go hand-in-hand.

A second forum will be announced at a later date and is contingent upon when the Legislature releases proposed maps but will be held concurrently with the special session on redistricting.

“Each evening during the special redistricting legislative session, we will review the state’s maps to understand which communities of interest, counties and municipalities have been divided and evaluate whether the state’s maps are more or less gerrymandered than the current maps,” said Kathy Jones, president of the LWV Alabama.

“And experts will discuss whether the state’s maps would likely meet federal laws such

ANGEL'S ANTIQUE

& Flea Mall

Angel's has a wide variety of collector's items

Find the unique and unusual at Angel's Antiques.

334-745-3221 • www.angelsmall.info 900 Columbus Parkway, Opelika, AL 36801

department.

- The council approved the purchase of Meraki Security Hardware and Software.

- The council approved the purchase of two 2022 Nissan Frontiers for the Inspection department.

- The council approved the purchase of seven 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Trucks for OPD. - The council approved the purchase of seven 2022 Chevrolet Tahoes for the OPD. - The council approved the purchase of one 2023 Peterson Knuckle Boom.

- The council approved the purchase of one 2023 Heil Automated Side Loader.

- The council approved a three-year agreement with CDW Government, LLC. - The council approved a contract with the Lee County Humane Society for Animal Shelter Services.

- The council as the Voting Rights Act or the state and federal constitutions.”

To register for the Oct. 13 forum, visit www.it.ly/3AoMc8r.

Alabama Values is a state-based 501(C) (3) communications hub seeking to amplify progressive voices and policies in Alabama.

Our goal is to provide messaging and communications leadership and infrastructure to organizations and coalitions advocating to build power and break down barriers to civic participation for communities across the state.

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. (This is the mission statement of all Leagues — local, state and national.)

Alabama Forward is a state-based 501(C) (3) civic engagement coordinating table committed to advancing movement towards greater freedom and progressive,

authorized a request for a firework display

by First Baptist Church Opelika on Oct. 31.

- The council approved a grant application to ADECA for Recreational Trails Program with Creekline Trails of Opelika.

- The council approved an agreement with ALDOT for the Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) Grant for a bike and pedestrian path along Waverly Parkway.

- The council introduced an ordinance to approve a franchise agreement with Knology of Alabama, Inc. for its first reading.

- The council approved the reappointment of Dr. Cathy Long to the Library Board for a new term that expires on Oct. 19, 2025.

- The council approved the reappointment of Shirley Carter to the Library Board for a new term that expires on Oct. 19, 2025.

solution-oriented policy among a diverse coalition of Alabama-based partner organizations, so that every Alabamian can engage in the democratic process. In pursuit of this mission, Alabama Forward will prioritize race and gender equity to engage every Alabamian in all aspects of our democracy.

Since our founding in 2001, The Ordinary People Society has played a critical role in organizing and mobilizing communities across the deep South.

T.O.P.S. recognizes the disparities in homelessness, arrest and bail in impoverished areas and provides advocacy and support to those impacted by the criminal justice system.

We work with the most impacted people and provide support services to those living in the shadows of society and to those who suffer the consequences of generational poverty. Our framework is movement orientated, challenging barriers that continue to disenfranchise the “least of those among us”. Our hope is to see all communities restored.

B14 Oct. 7, 2021

USDA To Launch Loan Guarantee Initiative Leverage $100 Million for Meat, Poultry Processing and Food Supply Chain Infrastructure CONTRIBUTED

BY USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT ALABAMA

As part of the administration’s efforts to address food systems challenges arising from the pandemic as well as those going back decades, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA plans for another $100 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act. The funding would leverage hundreds of millions more in lending through community and private sector lenders to expand meat and poultry processing capacity and finance other food supply chain infrastructure. These investments will help deliver more opportunities and fairer prices for farmers and address bottlenecks in the food supply chain revealed and exacerbated by the pandemic.

The Department plans to publish specific details on the new program and how to apply as part of USDA’s Build Back Better Initiative, a comprehensive plan to invest $4 billion to strengthen the

AUBURN >>

FROM B13

For more information on the LCHS agreement visit: / www.auburnalabama. org/agenda/.

OTHER BUSINESS: - The council

resiliency of America’s food supply chain while promoting competition.

This announcement follows the Biden-Harris Administration’s announcement earlier this month of steps it is taking to address concentration in the meat-processing industry, adding a new commitment of $100 million for loan guarantees on top of the previously announced $500 million investment to expand meat and poultry processing capacity.

“Under the leadership of President Biden and Vice President Harris, USDA is shifting the balance of power back to the communities and small businesses of America by investing in ways we can build more, better and fairer markets for farmers and families alike,” Vilsack said. “COVID-19 revealed vulnerabilities in our food system.

As we build back better, we must create more, better and fairer markets that enhance competition and create economic opportunity across America’s agriculture and food supply chains.

“This is another meaningful step in our

efforts to act on lessons from COVID-19 to build a food system that is fair, competitive, distributed and resilient where a greater share of the food dollar goes to those growing, harvesting, processing and preparing our food.”

BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic created extreme disruptions in America’s food supply chain, exposing vulnerabilities due to consolidated processing capacity. By expanding access to capital, USDA will help increase private investment to create a more resilient, distributed, and fairer food supply chain.

Through this program, USDA will use $100 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act to catalyze millions more in lending available for working capital, facilities, equipment and other investments. The loan guarantees will help to: • start-up or expand entities in our food supply chain that aggregate, process, manufacture, wholesale or distribute food.

• address supply chain bottlenecks.

• increase the

resiliency of the food supply chain.

As co-Chair of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force, Vilsack and the USDA have brought together industry, labor and federal partners to address the short-term supply chain disruptions arising from the administration’s strong economic recovery.

This is one of several key steps that USDA will take to build a more resilient supply chain and better food system and to increase competition in agricultural markets, pursuant to Biden’s Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy and his Executive Order on America’s Supply Chains. This initiative will support key supply chain infrastructure investments to expand and scale existing capacity, as well as support long-term investments in new operations.

The USDA is preparing to issue a notice soon to announce eligibility requirements and the application window. USDA encourages lenders and other interested stakeholders to sign up for email

updates to receive the latest information about the program and related events.

The USDA is hosting a lender training webinar on Oct. 14 to inform rural lenders, community development financial institutions, food sector lenders and community lenders about how they can become approved to participate in this program. In addition, the USDA is planning a forum for financing entities aligned with the announcement of the eligibility and application requirements.

Earlier this year, the USDA announced more than $150 million for existing small and very small processing facilities to help them weather COVID, compete in the marketplace and get the support they need to reach more customers.

Under the BidenHarris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities

such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas.

For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.

If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.

The USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways.

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, the USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, promoting competition and fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America and committing to equity across the department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

approved an agreement with Gonzalez — Strength & Associates, Inc. for ‘amendment No. 1’ for the Auburn Soccer Complex Project for $49,500.

- The council approved a contract

with AuburnBank for electrical receptacles in tree wells on North Gay St. and East Magnolia Ave. for $20,400.

- The council approved drainage and utility easements and right-of-ways

for a property in the Woodward Oaks Subdivision, Phase 4-B. - The council approved a water line easement for the Loachapoka Water Authority for property on Wire Road from

Cox Road to Talhiem Street.

- The council approved an ordinance to place a stop sign in Camden South, Phase 1.

- The council rezoned a little over 20 acres from Rural to

Development District Housing for property on Southview Drive.

The next council meeting will be held on Oct. 19 at 7 p.m.

Meetings are held in the city council chambers located at 141 N. Ross St. in Auburn.

k n i P k n i TDh rive tehvreuntd only SAV E SATURDAY

THE

DATE

10.23.2021

9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

SPENCER CANCER CENTER register online

@

www.eamc.org/thinkpink or in person on day of event

$15 Registration Fee—includes Think Pink T shirt, breast cancer survivor’s gift and sweet treat

@

Contact Karen Calton 334-528-4370 for more information

B15 Oct. 7, 2021

Like Crossword Puzzles? Sudoku?

Play Online at www.opelikaobserver.com/puzzles/

B16 Oct. 7, 2021

Hunley Group Lambert Transfer and Storage An Interstate Agent for North American Van Lines 1102 Fox Trail Opelika, Alabama 36801 334-745-5706

WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTOR Plumbing & Heating Supplies Pipes - Valves - Fittings 334.625.3384 800.625.3384 1975 MALL BLVD. STE. 106, AUBURN, ALABAMA

Located in Historic Downtown Opelika

334-745-4618

“Our Mission is Your Health”

BEAUREGARD DRUGS

WE DELIVER!

• Drive Thru Only • Regular Operating Hours • Please Call Ahead on Refills to Avoid Wait

Piedmont Fertilizer Co. Inc. 201 2nd Ave. • Opelika, AL SINCE 1910

Nothing better for your lawn exists

334-364-9993 | 334-364-9997 7667 Alabama Hwy 51, Suite A, Opelika www.beauregarddrugs.com Mon-Fri 8am–6pm | Sat 9am–12pm | Sunday Closed

THIS WEEK’S PUZZLE ANSWERS:

Thursday, Oct. 07, 2021

pelika Observer O

Opelika, Alabama

TO HAVE PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLISHED, EMAIL EDITOR@OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

SPECIAL SECTION PUBLIC NOTICES FOR THE CITY OF OPELIKA CITY OF OPELIKA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS (NEW SIGN REGULATIONS) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Opelika will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. in the Courtroom of the Opelika Municipal Court Building, 300 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama.

PURPOSE The purpose of said Public Hearing will be to consider the adoption of an ordinance to amend Ordinance Number 124-91 (entitled “Zoning Ordinance of the City of Opelika”) adopted on September 17, 1991. At said Public Hearing all who desire to be heard shall have the opportunity to speak for or in opposition to the adoption of the following ordinance: ORDINANCE NO. _______ AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE OPELIKA ZONING ORDINANCE (ORDINANCE NO. 124-91)

BY AMENDING SECTIONS 2.2, 6.4, 7.3, 7.6, 7.8, 8.14, 8.18.1, 8.24, 8.26, 8.27 AND SECTION IX AND SPECIFICALLY

BY ADOPTING NEW SIGN REGULATIONS WHEREAS, exterior signs have substantial impact on the character and quality of the environment; and WHEREAS, signs provide an important medium through which individuals may convey a variety of messages; and WHEREAS, signs can create safety hazards that threaten the public health, safety and welfare. Such a safety threat is particularly great for signs that are structurally inadequate or may confuse or distract drivers or pedestrians or that may interfere with official, directional or warning signs; and WHEREAS, signs can also threaten the public welfare by creating aesthetic concerns and detriments to surrounding properties. Such aesthetic concerns and detriments to surrounding properties are particularly great when the accumulation of signs results in visual clutter or when one or more signs spoil vistas or views or when one or more signs add or increase commercialism in non-commercial areas; and WHEREAS, the City of Opelika’s population has grown substantially in recent years.

With the increase in population there has become an increase in the volume of traffic in the City. Uniform regulation of signage, providing information to the motoring public, is essential; and WHEREAS, various diverse businesses are located within the City of Opelika. The need to advertise products and services must be balanced by the City’s obligation to restrict clutter, maintain an aesthetically pleasing environment, and enhance public safety; and WHEREAS, the number, size, design, characteristics and locations of signs in the City directly affect the public health, safety and welfare; and WHEREAS, regulation of the location, size, placement and certain features of signs is essential to enable the public to locate goods, services and facilities in the City without difficulty and confusion, to improve the general attractiveness of the community and to take advantage of the beauty of this community’s natural environment; and WHEREAS, such regulations are necessary to facilitate and aid in the identification and location of business in the City in the event of police, fire or other emergencies, and to avoid confusion and delay in the

response of such emergencies.

Accordingly, it is the intention of the City to establish regulations in governing the display of signs which will (1) promote and protect the public health, safety and general welfare; (2) enhance the economy and the business and industry of the City by promoting the reasonable, orderly and effective display of signs; (3) restrict signs and lights which increase clutter or which increase the probability of traffic accidents by obstructing vision; (4) promote signs which are compatible with their surroundings. ; and WHEREAS, it is the purpose of this Ordinance to ensure proper maintenance, for safety and structural soundness, as well as the appearance and attractiveness of signs; and WHEREAS, the City of Opelika recognizes that as a result of Reed v. Town of Gilbert, Ariz., and later cases, it is appropriate and necessary for local governments to review and analyze their sign standards and regulations, so as to make the necessary changes to conform with the holding in Reed; and WHEREAS, the City of Opelika finds and determines that the sign regulations adopted hereby are not content-based and are consistent with the Supreme Court ruling in Reed; and WHEREAS, on September 28, 2021, the City of Opelika Planning Commission considered text amendments to the Opelika Zoning Ordinance and after having given proper public notice and holding a public hearing, the Planning Commission recommended that the City Council adopt text amendments to the Opelika Zoning Ordinance; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds it is in the best interest of the City to amend the Opelika Zoning Ordinance as herein provided.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (“City Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows: Section 1. Adoption of recitals.

That the foregoing recitals and findings in the preambles and each of them, are hereby adopted and are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in full.

Section 2. Amendment of Section 2.2 of the Zoning Ordinance. Section 2.2, “DEFINITIONS”, of Ordinance No. 124-91 entitled “Zoning Ordinance of the City of Opelika, Alabama”, adopted on September 17, 1991, as further amended (hereinafter referred to as “Zoning Ordinance” or “Zoning Code”) is hereby amended as follows: (a) Section 2.2 is amended and supplemented by adding to Section 2.2 the definitions of “City”, “City Council”, “Code of Ordinances”, “Fence”, “Parking lot”, “Person”, “Planning Commission”, “Planning Director” and “Right-of-Way”, as follows: City. The City of Opelika.

City Council. The City Council of the City of Opelika, Alabama.

Code of Ordinances. The Code of Ordinances, City of Opelika, Alabama, also known as the Opelika City Code.

Fence. An artificially constructed barrier of any material or combination of materials erected to enclose or screen areas of land.

Parking Lot. An off-street, ground level area or plot of land used for the storage or parking of vehicles.

Person. Any person, individual, public or private corporation, firm, association, joint venture,

partnership, municipality, governmental agency, political subdivision, public officer or any other entity whatsoever or any combination of such, jointly or severally.

Planning Commission. The City of Opelika Planning Commission.

Planning Director. The person appointed to direct the Planning Department of the City of Opelika, Alabama, or the planning director’s designee.

May also be referred to as the “Director of Planning” or “Director” is this ordinance.

Right-of-Way. The area of a highway, road, street, way, parkway, electric transmission line, gas pipeline, water main, storm or sanitary sewer main, or other such strip of land reserved for public use, whether established by prescription, easement, dedication, gift, purchase, eminent domain or any other legal means. (b) Section 2.2 is amended by amending the definition of “parcel” to read as follows: Parcel. Any quantity of land and water capable of being described with such definiteness that its location and boundaries may be established, which is designated by its owner or developer as land to be used or developed as a unit, or which has been used or developed as a unit. May also be referred to as “parcel of land.” (c) Section 2.2 is amended by deleting the definition of “subdivision identification marker”. (d) All definitions not added, amended or deleted shall remain unchanged.

Section 3. Deletion of Subsection 6.4E. The Zoning Ordinance is amended by deleting subsection 6.4E. Section 4. Amendment of Subsection 7.3. Section 7.3 of the Zoning Ordinance is amended as follows: (a) The Use Category “Outdoor Advertising” is deleted and removed from the matrix table in subsection 7.3. (b) The following footnote at the end of the matrix table in Section 7.3 is deleted: “*The prohibition of outdoor advertising as a permitted use does not extend to lawfully existing billboard structures and to certain billboard structures that may be construed in the future pursuant to vested rights obtained prior to December 31, 2015 through an approved settlement agreement with the City, subject to the conditions, limitations and restrictions set forth in Section 8.26 Outdoor Advertising which describe the exceptions to the prohibited use of the business of outdoor advertising.”

Section 5. Amendment of Subsection 7.6B(7)(c)(2).

Subsection 7.6B(7)(c)(2) of the Zoning Ordinance is amended to read as follows: “2. Drive-in displays, ordering areas, and parking canopies are permitted but shall not serve as the singularly dominant feature on the site. Order box and pick-up window shall not be oriented towards the designated corridor. Drive-through signs shall be regulated in accordance with Section IX.” Section 6. Deletion of Subsection 7.8H. Subsection 7.8H of the Zoning Ordinance is deleted.

Section 7. Amendment of Subsection 8.14(5). Subsection 8.14(5) of the Zoning Ordinance is amended to read as follows: “5. No outdoor display or storage of materials, goods, supplies, or equipment used in the operation of the business shall be permitted outside the dwell-

ing unit. No alteration to any building shall indicate from the exterior that the building is being utilized for any purpose other than a residential unit. No flammable, caustic, or noxious material not commonly found in the home may be stored or kept on the premises.”

Section 8. Amendment of Subsection 8.18.1B. Subsection 8.18.1B of the Zoning Ordinance is amended to read as follows: “B. Permitted Uses.

Single, two (2) family and multiple-family residential dwellings or a combination thereof may be allowed with conditional use approval. However, at least seventy percent (70%) of the total number of dwelling units must be single-family detached residence and no single multi-family dwelling complex shall be designed to house more than four (4) households.

Detached residential dwelling units may be required in lieu of attached multi-family units when determined to be in the interest of the neighborhood.

A PRD may include accessory commercial and office uses, as approved by the Planning Commission, provided such uses are of the size and capacity to meet the needs of the occupants of the development.

The nonresidential use should be primarily for the service and convenience of the residents in the PRD. Each property owner of the PRD shall be notified by certified mail about Planning Commission review of a proposed nonresidential use. No building permit for an accessory commercial use will be issued until sixty percent (60%) of the PRD’s dwelling units have been issued a certificate of occupancy.

Standards for retail and office use shall require the development to contain a minimum of fifty (50) dwelling units; the total floor area of all commercial and office uses in the development shall not exceed ten (10%) percent of the total floor area of all dwelling units, or fifteen thousand (15,000) square feet, whichever is smaller; the total floor area of any single establishment shall not exceed three thousand (3,000) square feet; and the land uses shall be limited to: offices, financial institutions, retail shops, personal service establishments, and restaurants without drive-thru windows.”

Section 9. Amendment of Subsection 8.18.1(N). Subsection 8.18.1(N) of the Zoning Ordinance is amended to read as follows: “N.“Entrance Features.

Entry landscaping shall meet the minimum requirements of one (1) canopy tree with the remaining area filled with shrubbery and complimentary ground cover. Plant sizes shall meet requirements stated in Section X Landscape Regulations.”

Section 10. Deletion of Subsection 8.24D(5). Subsection 8.24D(5) of the Zoning Ordinance is deleted.

Section 11. Deletion of Subsection 8.26. Subsection 8.26 of the Zoning Ordinance is deleted.

Section 12. Deletion of Subsection 8.27B(4). Subsection 8.27B(4) of the Zoning Ordinance is deleted.

Section 13. Deletion and Replacement of Current Section IX. Current Section IX, “Sign Regulations”, of the Zoning Ordinance is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with new Section IX “Sign Regulations”, consisting of subsections 9.1 through 9.15 to read as follows: SECTION IX SIGN REGULATIONS Section 9.1. Purpose, Intent

and Scope It is the purpose of this section to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of the public through reasonable, consistent, and non-discriminatory regulations for the erection, placement and maintenance of signs. The City does not intend to infringe on the rights of free speech as protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and Section 4 of the Alabama Constitution. The sign regulations are especially intended to address the secondary effects that may adversely impact aesthetics and safety. The sign regulations are designed to serve substantial governmental interests and, in some cases, compelling governmental interests such as traffic safety and warning signs of threats to bodily injury or death.

This section regulates signs, as defined in this section, which are placed on private property or on public property (e.g., property owned by governmental agencies or rights-ofway) but is only intended to regulate signs over which the City of Opelika is empowered to regulate. This section is not intended to extend its regulatory regime to objects that are not traditionally considered signs for purpose of government regulation.

The City is a community that cherishes and preserves its rich heritage, while at the same time embracing all of the visions and opportunities for a bright future for its residents and businesses In order to preserve and promote the city as a desirable community in which to live and do business, a pleasing, visually attractive environment is of foremost importance. The regulation of signs within the City is a highly contributive means by which to achieve this desired end.

These sign regulations have been prepared with the intent of enhancing the visual environment of the City and promoting its continued well-being, and are intended to: (1) Encourage the effective use of signs as a means of communication in the City; (2) Maintain and enhance the aesthetic environment and the City’s ability to attract sources of economic development and growth; (3) Safeguard and promote the aesthetic quality of the City by establishment of reasonable standards for the number, size, height, spacing, placement and illumination of such signs in the interest of public safety and the general welfare; (4) Improve pedestrian and traffic safety; (5) Minimize the possible adverse effect of signs on nearby public and private property; (6) Foster the integration of signage with architectural and landscape designs; (7) Lessen the visual clutter that may otherwise be caused by the proliferation, improper placement, illumination, animation, excessive height, and excessive size (area) of signs which compete for the attention of pedestrian and vehicular traffic; (8) Allow signs that are compatible with their surroundings and aid orientation, while precluding the placement of signs that contribute to sign clutter or that conceal or obstruct adjacent land uses or signs; (9) Encourage and allow signs that are in context within the zoning district in which they are located based on sign type, height, size, illumination, setbacks, and overall scale; (10) Establish sign area in relationship to the scale of the lot and building on which the sign is to be placed; (11) Regulate signs in a manner so as to not interfere with, obstruct the vision of or distract motorists, bicyclists or pedestrians; (12) Except to the extent expressly preempted by state or federal law, ensure that signs are constructed, installed and maintained in a safe and satisfactory manner, and protect the public from unsafe signs; (13) Provide for the installation

of electronic message signs with limitations for the purposes of aesthetics and minimizing distractions along streets; (14) Regulate the illumination and brightness of signage to minimize driver distractions and to minimize impacts on adjacent uses; (15) Allow for traffic control devices consistent with national and state standards and whose purpose is to promote highway safety and efficiency by providing for the orderly movement of road users on streets and highways, and that notify road users of regulations and provide warning and guidance needed for the safe, uniform and efficient operation of all elements of the traffic stream; (16) Regulate the appearance and design of signs in a manner that promotes and enhances the beautification of the City and that complements the natural surroundings in recognition of this City’s reliance on its natural surroundings and beautification efforts in retaining economic advantage for its community, as well as for its major subdivisions, shopping centers and industrial parks; (17) Enable the fair and consistent enforcement of these sign regulations; (18) Provide standards regarding the non-communicative aspects of signs, which are consistent with city, county, state and federal law; (19) Provide flexibility and encourage variety in signage, and create an incentive to relate signage to the basic principles of good design; and (20) Assure that the benefits derived from the expenditure of public funds for the improvement and beautification of streets, sidewalks, public parks, public rights-of-way, and other public places and spaces, are protected by exercising reasonable controls over the physical characteristics and structural design of signs.

Section 9.2. Definitions The words, phrases and terms used in this Section IX shall have the meanings herein ascribed to them. Words and phrases not defined in this Section IX but defined elsewhere in the Zoning Ordinance shall be given the meanings therein ascribed to them. Any word, phrase or term not defined in this Zoning Ordinance shall have its commonly understood meaning.

Architectural Embellishment • Any projection, relief, change of material, window or door opening, exterior lighting, inlay, or other exterior building features not specifically classified as a sign or containing sign copy. The term includes, but is not limited to, relief or inlay features or patterns that distinguish window or door openings, exterior lighting that frames building features, and changes in façade materials to create an architectural effect.

Awning • Any secondary covering attached to the exterior wall of a building. It is typically composed of canvas woven of acrylic, metal, cotton or polyester yarn, or vinyl laminated to polyester fabric that is stretched tightly over a light structure of aluminum, iron or steel, or wood.

Building Unit • A stand-alone building or a building divided into separate units or spaces that are individually owned or leased by different enterprises, businesses, firms, or other nonresidential occupants, and which meets the following conditions: a. Where a building is divided into individual spaces, each space with its own exterior entry or access point directly into the space shall be consider a building unit. b. Where a building contains individual spaces that are all accessed from the interior through a joint entry, such building shall be considered one building unit. c. Where a lot contains multiple principal buildings, each building shall be considered a building unit.

• “Building unit” shall not be

C2

Oct. 7, 2021 used to define an apartment building or similar residential-only building that is divided into individual dwelling units. For a mixed-use building that contains nonresidential and residential uses within the same building, the number of building units on any given lot shall be determined by the number of nonresidential enterprises, businesses, firms, or other nonresidential occupants.

Canopy • An overhead roof or structure that is able to provide shade or shelter. It is typically ground supported or supported by metal frame.

Copy • See definition of “sign copy.”

• Erect. To construct, build, raise, assemble, place, affix, attach, create, paint, draw, or in any way bring into being or establish: but it does not include any of the foregoing activities when performed as an incident to the change of message or customary maintenance or repair of a sign.

Façade • The exterior wall of a building exposed to public view or that wall viewed by persons not within the building.

Flag • A sign composed of cloth, canvas, plastic, fabric or similar lightweight, non-rigid material that can be mounted to flagpole or a building-mounted post or stanchion.

Flagpole • A pole on which to raise a flag.

Frontage, Building • The maximum width of a building measured in a straight line parallel with the abutting street, public parking lot, or pedestrian walkway.

Frontage, Lot • The horizontal distance between the side lot lines measured at the point where the side lot lines intersect the street right-of-way. All sides of a lot that abut a street shall be considered lot frontage.

Maintenance • In the context of this Section IX, means the repairing or repainting of a portion of a sign or sign structure, periodically changing changeable copy, or renewing copy, which has been made unusable by ordinary wear.

Marquee • Any permanent wall or roof-like structure projecting beyond a building or extending along and projecting beyond the wall of the building, generally designed and constructed as part of the principal structure to provide protection from the weather. A marquee is not an awning or canopy.

Pennant • Any lightweight plastic, fabric, or other material whether or not containing a message of any kind, suspended from a rope, wire, or string, usually in a series, which will flutter or swing in the wind.

Right-of-Way • The area of a highway, road, street, way, parkway, electric transmission line, gas pipeline, water main, storm or sanitary sewer main, or other such strip of land reserved for public use, whether established by prescription, easement, dedication, gift, purchase, eminent domain or any other legal means.

Sign • A structure, device, or surface that contains, supports, or displays sign copy.

Sign Area • The total area of a sign face as measured pursuant to Section 9.5: General Provisions for Signs.

Sign Cabinet • A structure that contains all the text and/or logo symbols within a single enclosed cabinet and may or may not be illuminated.

Sign Copy • Letters, numerals, figures, symbols, logos, pictorial, or graphic elements comprising the content or message of a sign.

Sign Height • The height of a sign as measured pursuant to Section 9.5: General Provisions for Signs.

Sign, A-Frame • A detached temporary sign that is ordinarily in the shape of an “A” or some variation thereof, which is readily moveable, and is not permanently attached to the ground or any structure.

Sign, Attached • Any sign attached to, on, or supported by any part of a building (e.g., walls, awning, windows, or canopy), which encloses or covers useable space.

Sign, Awning • Any sign that is a part of or printed, stamped, stitched or otherwise applied onto a protective awning, canopy, or other fabric, plastic, or structural protective cover over a door, entrance, window, or outdoor service area.

Sign, Banner • A temporary sign made of wind and weather resistant

cloth or other lightweight material, intended to hang either with or without frames or in some other manner as not to be wind activated, and possessing characters, letters, illustrations, or ornamentations applied to paper, plastic or fabric of any kind. Flags shall not be considered banners for the purpose of this definition.

Sign, Blinking • A sign or any portion of a sign, whose illumination is characterized by a repetitive cycle that changes at a frequency of eight (8) seconds or less.

Sign, Canopy • A sign affixed to a canopy, awning, eave, cantilever story of extended roof of a building.

See also Sign, Awning.

Sign, Changeable Copy • A sign with the capability of content change by means of manual or remote input, including the following types: a. Manually activated. Changeable sign whose message copy can be changed manually on a display surface. This includes signs that are typically called a “reader board.” b. Electronically activated. Changeable sign whose message copy or content can be changed by means of remote electrically energized on-off switching combinations of alphabetic or pictographic components arranged on a display surface. Illumination may be integral to the components, such as characterized by lamps or other light-emitting devices, or may be from an external light source designed to reflect off of the changeable component display. See also Sign, Electronic Message.

Sign, Door • A sign attached to, in contact with, placed upon, or painted on a door which is intended for viewing from the outside of such building. A door sign shall also include any permanent signs mounted inside the building, but not attached to the door, that is mounted in a way to be viewed from the outside of such building in the same manner as a sign attached to the door. This does not include merchandise located in the building.

Sign, Double-Faced • A sign which has two display surfaces backed against the same background, one face of which is designed to be seen from one direction and the other from the opposite direction, every point on which face being either in contact with the other face or in contact with the same background.

Sign, Drive-Through • Any signage allocated along a drive-through lane that is oriented toward the customer or user in the drive-through lane.

Sign, Driveway • A small permanent sign located near driveway access points or at the intersection of internal access drives.

Sign, Electronic Message • An electronically activated changeable copy sign whose variable message capability can be electronically programmed.

Sign, Feather • A sign extending in a sleevelike fashion down a telescoping or fixed pole that is mounted in the ground or on a building or stand. A feather sign or flutter sign is usually shaped like a sail or feather, and attached to the pole support on one vertical side.

Sign, Fixed Aerial Advertising • An aerial sign medium tethered to, or controlled from, the ground.

Sign, Flashing • Any illuminated sign, on which the artificial source of light is not maintained stationary or constant in intensity and color at all times when such sign is illuminated; a sign that contains an intermittent flashing light source, or which includes the illusion of intermittent or flashing- light, or in which any part of the light source varies in intensity and/ or hue, or in which a message constantly flashes on and off, or alternates with other copy.

For the purposes of this definition, any moving illuminated sign affected by intermittent lighting shall be deemed a flashing sign. See also Sign, Blinking.

Sign, Flutter • See also Sign, Feather.

Sign, Freestanding • Any sign supported upon the ground by a monument, pedestal, pole, bracing, or other permanent measure and not attached to any building. A freestanding permanent sign may be a pole sign or a monument sign.

Sign, Holographic Display • A sign that creates a three-dimensional image through projection, OLED (organic light emitting diode), or any similar technology.

Sign, Illuminated • Any sign or portion thereof which is illuminated by artificial light, either from an interior or exterior source,

including outline, reflective or phosphorescent light (including but not limited to plasma or laser), whether or not the source of light is directly affixed as part of the sign, and shall also include signs with reflectors that depend upon sunlight or automobile headlights for an image.

Sign, Indirectly illuminated • Any sign, the facing of which reflects light from a source intentionally directed upon it.

Sign, Inflatable or Balloon • A sign consisting of a flexible envelope of nonporous materials that gains its shape from inserted air or other gas.

Sign, Internally Illuminated • Any sign which has a source of light not visible to the eye and entirely enclosed within the sign.

Sign, Marquee • A sign affixed or inherent with the structure of metal, glass, canvas or other material projecting over and from points of ingress or egress of a building or other structure in nonresidential use. A marquee sign is not an awning or canopy sign and is calculated as part of the wall signage allowance.

Sign, Monument • A type of freestanding sign that is not supported by a pole structure and is placed upon the ground independent of support from the face of a building and that is constructed of a solid material such as wood, masonry or high-density urethane. A monument sign is not a pole sign.

Sign, Moving • Any sign in which the sign itself or any portion of it physically moves or revolves.

Sign, Multi-prism • A sign made with a series of multiple sections that rotate and stop, or index, to show multiple images or messages in the same area at different times.

Sign, Nonconforming • Any sign that was validly installed under laws or ordinances in effect prior to the effective date of the Zoning Ordinance or subsequent amendments, but which is in conflict with the provisions of the current Zoning Ordinance.

Sign, Permanent • Any sign which is intended to be and is so constructed as to be of lasting and enduring condition, remaining unchanged in character, condition (beyond normal wear and tear) and position and in a permanent manner affixed to the ground, wall or building. Unless otherwise provided for herein, a sign other than a temporary sign shall be deemed a permanent sign unless otherwise indicated elsewhere in the Zoning Ordinance.

Sign, Pole • A type of ground sign that is supported by one or more poles and otherwise separated from the ground by air. A pole sign is not a monument sign.

Sign, Portable • Any sign, banner, or poster that is not permanently attached to the ground or to a structure that is attached to the ground or a sign capable of being transported, including, but not limited to, signs designed to be transported by means of wheels or carried by a person.

For purposes of this division, a cold air inflatable sign shall be considered to be a portable sign. The definition of a portable sign does not include “A-frame signs” or “T-frame signs”.

Sign, Projecting • Any sign permanently affixed to a building or other structure, extending beyond said building or other structure more than twelve (12) inches beyond the surface of such building or wall and located not less than eight (8) feet above the ground or finished surface of a sidewalk, street, driveway, or alley beneath it.

Sign, Reader Board • A permanent type of a manual changeable copy sign in the form of a structure or framework on which copy is posted in the form of removable letters or posters.

Sign, Revolving • See Sign, Rotating.

Sign, Roof • Any sign which is mounted on the roof of a building or which extends above the top edge of the wall of a flat roofed building, the eave line of a building with a hip, gambrel, or gable roof.

Sign, Rotating • A sign that rotates, revolves or turns or has external sign elements that rotate, revolve or turn. Such sign may be power-driven or propelled by the force of wind or air.

Sign, Scrolling • A sign that by mechanical or electronic means displays a message that moves up, down or across a display screen or surface.

Sign, Street Address • Any sign denoting the street address of the premises on which it is attached or located.

Sign, Swinging • A sign which, because of its design, construction, suspension, or attachment, is free to swing or move noticeably because of the wind.

Sign, Temporary • A non-permanent sign that is neither permanently anchored to the ground, nor permanently affixed to a structure, nor mounted on a chassis.

Sign, T-Frame • A detached temporary sign that is ordinarily in the shape of an upside down “T” or some variation thereof, which is readily moveable, and is not permanently attached to the ground or any structure.

Sign, Traffic Control Device • Any government sign located within the right-of-way that is used as a traffic control device and that is described and identified in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and approved by the Federal Highway Administrator as the National Standard.

Sign, Tri-vision • A sign made with a series of triangular sections that rotate and stop, or index, to show multiple images or messages in the same area at different times.

Sign, Twirling • Any sign that is twirled or otherwise spun or whirled to attract attention from motorists or drivers of vehicles on public roads and highways.

Sign, Umbrella • A sign printed on umbrellas used for legal outdoor seating areas, which is made of a lightweight fabric or similar material.

Sign, Unsafe • A sign posing an immediate peril or reasonably foreseeable threat of injury or damage to persons or property.

Sign, Vehicle • A sign which is supported by or attached to, mounted, pasted, painted, or drawn on a motorized or drawn vehicle, and is parked and visible from the public right-of-way; unless said vehicle is used for transporting people or materials in the normal day to day operation of the business.

Sign, Wall • Any sign attached and parallel to but not painted directly on, a wall or similar architectural element that is an integral part of a building, and which extends not more than twelve (12) inches from the wall to which it is attached.

Sign, Wall Wrap • A sign composed of fabric, plastic, vinyl, Mylar or a similar pliable material that drapes or hangs over the side of a building, wall or window.

Residential Zoning Districts • Residential zoning districts are the R-1, R-1A, R-2, R-3, R-4/M, R-5/M, VR-1, and VR-2 Districts.

Nonresidential Zoning Districts • Nonresidential zoning districts are the C-1, C-2, C-3, I-1, M-1, M-2, and VC Districts.

Sign, Window • A sign attached to, in contact with, placed upon, or painted on a window which is intended for viewing from the outside of such building. A window sign shall also include any permanent signs mounted inside the building, but not attached to the window, that is mounted in a way to be viewed from the outside of such building in the same manner as a sign attached to the window. This does not include merchandise located in a window.

Section 9.3. Applicability (1) It shall hereafter be unlawful for any person to erect, place, relocate, expand, modify, maintain, or otherwise alter a sign in the City except in accordance with the provisions of this Section IX. (2) Unless explicitly exempted from permitting requirements in Section IX, no permanent sign shall be erected, altered, relocated, maintained or displayed until a sign permit is obtained from, and the appropriate fee paid to, the City.

See Section 9.10: Sign Permits.

The sign permit is in addition to any building permit required to be obtained pursuant to the provisions of the building code of the City.

(3) The following signs and activities are allowed by this Section IX but do not require a sign permit or fee. Additionally, any sign area for these signs do not count toward the sign area allowances specified in this Section IX for all other permitted signs. Permit-exempt signs may still be subject to building code or other applicable code requirements and may still be limited or restricted in number, size, height, setback placement, or duration of time under this Section IX. a. Signs the erection and maintenance of which are beyond the City’s regulatory control or authority; Any sign that deemed necessary by a governmental agency having jurisdiction, including the City of Opelika, for the protection

of the health and safety of the public and avoiding hazards that could result in serious bodily injury or death, including traffic control signage and directional / street name signs the absence of which could present serious traffic safety hazards; A sign, other than that defined as a window sign or door sign, that is located entirely inside the premises of a building or enclosed space. b.

A vehicle sign other than those that are specifically prohibited in Section 9.4: Prohibited Signs. c. Signs that are located within a stadium, open-air theater, park, arena or other similar outdoor use that can only be viewed by persons within such stadium, open-air theater, park, arena or other similar outdoor use provided that any structure on which the sign is attached is permitted, as may be required by the City; d. Any sign not visible from a public street, sidewalk, rightof-way, or from a navigable waterway or body of water; except that the foregoing does not exempt a sign for a nonresidential building that is visible from an abutting residential use; e. Signs that are an integral part of the original construction of vending or similar machines, drive-through facilities, automated teller machines, or similar devices that are not of a size or design as to be legible from a street or by any person other than those using the machine or device; f. Sign face changes where the sign structure is designed with interchangeable panels and one of the panels is replaced without changing the structure, including any changes to the total sign face area, height or alteration of the sign cabinet; g. Changes of copy on signs with changeable copy, including electronic message signs and reader boards or other manual changeable copy signs; h. Certain temporary signs as established in Section 9.7: Temporary Signs Allowed in Zoning Districts; i. Signs that are an integral part of the historic character of a structure that has been designated an official landmark or historic structure by any agency or body of the governments of the United States, State of Alabama, Lee County, or the City of Opelika, or that otherwise forms an original part of the structure and has only historic significance; j. Warning signs or traffic safety signs installed or erected by public utility or infrastructure providers and necessary to avoid life threatening conditions or circumstances; Handheld signs not set on or affixed to the ground; k. One wall sign, mounted flush to the façade of an individual residential dwelling unit, that is not illuminated and does not exceed four square feet in area; and l. General maintenance, painting, repainting, cleaning and other normal maintenance and repair of a sign or any sign structure lawfully erected unless a structural change is made. This shall include the replacement of plastic or glass panels or panels of a similar material. Any structure changes shall require the issuance of a sign permit as established in this Section IX. Section 9.4. Prohibited Signs The signs and sign types listed below are prohibited within the city limits and shall not be erected, operated or placed on any property, except as may otherwise be provided in this Section IX. Any lawfully existing permanent sign structure or sign type that is among the prohibited signs and sign types listed below shall be deemed a nonconforming sign subject to the provisions of Section 9.11: Nonconforming Signs.

(1) Animated signs; (2) Flashing signs; (3) Moving signs; (4) Blinking signs; (5) Scrolling signs; (6) Twirling signs; (7) Swinging signs that swing or move to an extent that could pose injury to a person or damage to a structure; (8) Multi-prism signs; (9) Tri-vision signs; (10) Revolving signs; (11) Rotating signs; (12) Flutter signs; (13) Feather signs; (14) Wind-activated signs, such as streamers, pennants, and balloons, including wind-activated banners, cold air inflatables, and other fixed aerial advertising signs or signage; (15) Holographic display signs; (16) Floodlights and beacon lights used to display messages, except when required by the Federal Aviation Administration; (17) Signs attached to standpipes, gutters, or drains; (18) Signs that impair access

to a roof; (19) Signs that interfere with any opening required for ventilation under the Building Code; (20) Signs that obstruct any fire escape, any required exit way, window, or door opening used or intended to be used as a means of egress, or obstruct any other means of egress required by the Building Code; (21) Any sign that is tacked, nailed, posted, pasted, glued, or otherwise attached to or placed on public property such as, but not limited to, a public utility pole, a public street sign, a public utility box, a public fire hydrant, or public street furniture without authorization for the agency controlling such components or not expressly allowed by this Section IX; (22) Signs in the right-of-way unless specifically authorized by this Zoning Ordinance (e.g., A-frame signs, T-frame signs, projecting signs, awning signs, etc.); (23) Signs nailed, fastened, affixed to, or painted on any tree or part thereof (living or dead), or other vegetation; (24) Signs that emit sound, vapor, smoke, odor, or gaseous matter; (25) Pavement markings unless specifically allowed by this Section IX or as may be required by law; (26) Signs within a sight visibility triangle obstructing a clear view of pedestrian or vehicular traffic as established in Section 8.8; (27) Portable signs, except for A-Frame and T-Frame signs as allowed in this Section; (28) Roof signs except that wall signs may be attached to mansard roofs as provided for in Section 9.5: General Provisions for Signs, with a sign permit; (29) Attached signs that are taller than the wall of the building to which the sign is attached; (30) Any single attached sign that exceeds two hundred fifty (250) square feet in sign area; (31) Freestanding signs that have a height of more than thirty (30) feet; (32) Freestanding signs that exceed three hundred (400) square feet in sign area; (33) Signs that have either deteriorated or been damaged to such an extent that the cost of reconstruction or restoration of such sign is in excess of fifty percent (50 %) of its replacement value exclusive of its foundation; (34) Signs that obstruct, conceal, hide, or otherwise obscure from view any traffic control device sign or official traffic signal; (35) Signs that are not effectively shielded as to prevent beams or rays of light from being directed at any portion of the traveled public rights-ofway thereby creating a potential traffic or pedestrian hazard or a nuisance to inhabitants of an adjacent neighborhood.

No sign shall be so illuminated that it interferes with the effectiveness of, or obscures an official traffic sign, device, or signal.

(36) Wall signs or banner signs that are attached to a surface with adhesives; (37) Vehicle signs that are attached or mounted on a vehicle that is not operational or does not have a valid license; (38) Vehicles signs with a total sign area in excess of twenty (20) square feet on the entire vehicle and where: a. The vehicle is visible from a street right-of-way within fifty (50) feet of the vehicle, and b. The vehicle is parked for more than a twenty-four (24) hour period of time within fifty (50) feet of any street rightof-way; (39) Signs located on real property without the permission of the property owner; and (40) Any sign not specifically authorized by this Zoning Ordinance.

Section 9.5. General Provisions for Signs The following general sign provisions shall apply to this section and to all lawful conforming and nonconforming signs, unless otherwise indicated.

(1) Measurement of Sign Area The area of a sign is measured or calculated as follows: a. Background panel signs.

Sign copy that is mounted, affixed, or painted on a background panel or area distinctively painted, textured or constructed as a background for the sign copy, is measured as that area contained within the sum of the smallest rectangles, squares, triangles, parallelograms, circles or ellipses, or combination thereof, that will enclose both the sign copy and the background. See Figure A and Figure B.

C3

Oct. 07, 2021

Figure A: Illustration of sign area calculation for a monument sign with copy on a distinct cabinet. b.

Background surface signs. The area of a sign consisting of copy mounted as individual letters or graphics against a wall, fascia, or parapet of a building surface or another surface, that has not been painted, textured, or otherwise altered to provide a distinctive background for the sign copy, is measured as the sum of the smallest rectangles, squares, triangles, parallelograms, circles or ellipses that will enclose each word, graphic or discrete visual element in the total sign.

See Figure C. c.

The area of a sign with copy mounted, affixed, or painted on an illuminated surface or illuminated element or a building or structure, is measured as the entire illuminated surface or illuminated element which contains sign copy. d.

If a sign has two display faces, and the perimeter of both faces coincide, are parallel, and are not more than twenty-four (24) inches apart, then the sign area is

Figure B: Illustration of computing the sign area for wall signs with a background panel or cabinet.

Figure C: Illustration of sign area calculation for a wall sign with individual letters. measured by one sign face only Otherwise, the sign faces are considered to be separate signs and sign faces and subject to any and all applicable restrictions. e.

If a sign has three or more faces, then the sign area is equal to fifty percent (50%) percent of the aggregate area of all sign faces.

The area of each face shall be determined according to Paragraphs Section 9.5(1) a and Section 9.5(1)b, as

applicable. f.

When a sign is in the form of a three-dimensional object, the area shall be determined by drawing a square, rectangle, triangle, circle or combination thereof, which will encompass the projected image of the sign and multiplying that area by two (2). The “projected image” is that image created by tracing the largest possible two-dimensional outline of the sign.

(2) Measurement of Sign Height a.

The height of a freestanding sign shall be measured as the vertical distance from the finished grade of the ground below the sign excluding any filling, berming, mounding or excavating solely for the purposes of increasing the height of the sign, to the top edge of the highest portion of the sign.

The maximum height allowed for a freestanding sign, how-

ever, shall not include any architectural embellishment provided the embellishment does not contain any sign copy and does not exceed thirty-six (36) inches below the sign copy and eighteen (18) inches above the sign copy. b.

The filling of a pre-existing hole or depression to create an average grade at the same level as that surrounding the hole or depression is permitted, pro-

vided such filling is allowed by other ordinances. c.

In cases where the normal grade is below grade at street level, sign height shall be computed on the assumption that the elevation of the normal grade at the base of the sign is equal to the elevation of the nearest point of the crown of a public or private street. See Figure D.

Figure D: Illustration of the measurement of sign height when the grade at the bottom of the sign is below the grade of the adjacent street.

d.

Where a distance is established for the clearance of a sign, such measurements shall be made from the normal grade of the ground, directly under the applicable sign or structure supporting the sign, and the bottom most point of the sign or the structure supporting the sign, whichever is closest.

(3) Façade or Building Unit Measurements When calculating the

permitted sign area based on the width of any façade, such calculation shall be based on viewing the façade from a 90-degree angle (i.e., straight on) from the adjacent street, regardless of façade insets, offsets or angles.

See Figure E.

(4) Signs in Overlay Districts Unless otherwise specified, where there is an overlay zoning district, the base zoning district shall control the signage allowed on any given parcel.

(5) Sign Illumination for Temporary Signs and Permanent Signs a. A permanent sign located on a parcel with a residential use in any zoning district may not be separately or specially illuminated, unless otherwise specified in this Section IX. b. A permanent sign on a parcel with a nonresidential use may only be illuminated by internal illumination, internal indirect (halo) illumination, or lit by external indirect illumination, unless otherwise specified in this section.

However, a permanent sign may not be illuminated in a manner that leaves the illumination device exposed to public view except with the use of neon tubing as provided in Section 9.5(5)i. c. Outdoor internally illuminated signs, including but not limited to awning signs, canopy signs, cabinet signs (whether freestanding or attached), or changeable copy signs, shall be constructed with an opaque background and translucent sign copy elements, or with a colored background and sign copy elements. d. Externally lit signs are permitted to be illuminated only with steady, stationary, down directed and shielded light sources directed solely onto the sign. Light bulbs

Figure E: Illustration of façade width measurement on varied façade shapes or tubes (excluding neon), used for illuminating a sign, shall not be visible from the adjacent public rights-of-way or residential properties. e. No sign located within fifty (50) feet of a property with a single-family use or zoned for a single-family use shall be internally illuminated. f. Any portion of the sign face or sign structure that is illuminated shall count against the total square footage of sign area allowed. g. Artificial light used in conjunction with the lighting of any sign shall not be directed or reflected onto any structure or constitute a hazard to the safe and efficient operation of vehicles upon a street or highway. h. Brightness Levels of Electronic Message Signs (i) Illumination levels shall be measured in foot-candles with a foot-candle meter sensor in a horizontal position at an approximate height of three feet above grade. (ii) Illumination of electronic message signs shall not exceed 0.3 footcandles over ambient lighting conditions when measured at 50 feet in any direction from an electronic message sign. (iii) Audio emissions from electronic message signs shall be prohibited. (iv) Electronic message signs shall be equipped with manual diming or scheduled dimming controls, or photocell/ light sensors that automatically dims the brightness of the sign as ambient conditions change. (v) Prior to issuance of a sign

permit for any electronic message sign, the applicant shall provide a written certification from the sign company or sign manufacturer that brightness levels will not exceed the ambient light conditions specified herein. i. Use of Neon (i) Exposed neon tube illumination is not permitted in residential zoning districts or for residential uses in any zoning district. It is allowed in all other places, unless otherwise specified. (ii) Neon illumination used as a sign copy projection, border, frame or other embellishment of sign copy shall not be included in the total size or area of the sign, provided the measured area of any such projection or detailed embellishment does not exceed twelve (12) square feet in area, or twenty-five percent (25%) of the sign area, whichever is greater.

If neon embellishments exceed these limits, then the embellishments shall be included and counted as part of the permitted sign area for the use. (iii) Devices that illuminate a sign or signs shall be placed and shielded so that the direct light rays reflecting from such devices or from the sign itself shall not be cast into the eyes of any passing motorist.

(6) Electronic Message Signs.

Where allowed, the City reserves the right to amend the frequency of message changes and permitted brightness levels for electronic message signs for safety purposes. All electronic message signs shall

be required to comply with the frequency and brightness standards for electronic message signs in this Section IX regardless of the frequency of message changes and brightness levels permitted at the time of approval of such sign.

(7) Viewpoint And Speaker Neutrality.

Notwithstanding anything in this section to the contrary, no sign or sign structure shall be subject to any limitation based upon the speaker or viewpoint of the message contained on such sign or displayed on such sign structure.

(8) Consent of Legal Owner of Property.

No sign may be displayed without the consent of all legal owners of the property on which the sign is mounted or displayed. For purposes of this standard, "owner(s)" means the holder(s) of the legal title to the property and any party and person holding a present legal right to possession, control, or use of the property including person or entity holding any easement, right-of-way, or other legal right to the subject property.

(9) Signs on Public Property.

Any sign installed or placed on public property, except in conformance with the requirements of this Section IX, shall be deemed illegal and shall be forfeited to the public and subject to confiscation.

In addition to other remedies hereunder, the City shall have the right to recover from the owner or person placing such sign the cost of removal and disposal of such sign. The

foregoing shall not apply to temporary A-Frame signs and T-Frame signs as allowed pursuant to the conditions and limitations set forth herein.

(10) Signs Must Maintain Clearance.

Signs shall maintain a minimum distance of: a. Six (6) feet horizontal clearance and twelve (12) feet overhead clearance from electrical conductors and from all communications equipment or lines. b. Signs and their supporting structures shall maintain clearance from and noninterference with all surface and underground facilities and conduits for water, sewage, electricity, or communications equipment or lines. c. Sign placement shall not interfere with surface or underground water or with natural or artificial drainage. d. Signs that are mounted to project over sidewalks, paths, or other pedestrian ways shall maintain a minimum vertical clearance of nine (9) from the surface of the sidewalk, path, or way to the bottom of the sign. e. Signs that are mounted to project over alleys or drive aisles shall maintain a minimum vertical clearance of sixteen (16) from the surface of the alley or drive aisle to the bottom of the sign.

(11) Signs Declared a Nuisance and Repair; Signs Presenting Immediate Peril to Public Health or Safety.

The chief building inspector of the building inspection division or his or her designee; a. May order the repair of

signs which in his or her professional opinion determines to be a nuisance; b. Without notice, may cause any sign determined in his or her professional opinion to be structurally unsafe or structurally insecure, including any sign not securely affixed to the ground or otherwise affixed in a permanent manner to an approved supporting structure, to be immediately removed if in his or her professional opinion the sign presents an immediate peril to the public health or safety; and c. With notice, may order the removal of a sign which in his or her professional opinion has deteriorated or been damaged to such an extent that the cost of reconstruction or restoration of such sign is in excess of fifty percent (50 %) of its replacement value exclusive of any foundation.

(12) Unsafe Signs: a. If the building official determines any sign or sign structure to be in an unsafe condition, he/she shall immediately notify, in writing, the owner of such sign who shall correct such condition within forty-eight (48) hours. b. If the correction has not been made within forty-eight (48) hours, the building official may have the sign removed if it creates a danger to the public safety or have any necessary repairs or maintenance performed at the expense of the sign owner or owner or lessee of the property upon which the sign is located.

(13) Street Address Signs.

C4

Oct. 7, 2021 For each parcel and for each tenant space, one sign for the official street address shall be displayed for public safety and to serve as visible street address for delivery of mail and official governmental notification. a. For a parcel in residential use, the street address sign shall not exceed two (2) square feet in sign area. b. For a parcel in non-residential use, the street address sign shall not exceed four (4) square feet in sign area. c. The street address sign in a residential use may be externally illuminated and in a non-residential use may be externally or internally illuminated. d. Street address signs may be located on mailboxes, street pavement (where allowed by City ordinance) or as part of a permitted permanent sign type. Where included on a permanent sign, the area of such street address shall be included in the calculation of the sign area.

(14) Driveway Signs. a. For safety purposes and for traffic circulation purposes, permanent driveway signs are allowed where specified in Section 9.8: Permanent Signs Allowed in Zoning Districts, provided the signs do not exceed four (4) square feet in sign area and do not exceed

three (3) feet in height. b. Up to two driveway signs may be permitted per individual driveway or internal intersection. c. Driveway signs may be internally or externally illuminated, unless otherwise stated. d. Driveway signs shall not contain electronic message centers. e. Driveway signs may be mounted on a pole provided the entire structure does not exceed the maximum sign height established above.

(15) Flagpoles and Flags; Flag Brackets, Flag Stanchions and Flags. a. Flagpoles and Flags. (i) For each parcel in residential zoning district with one principal structure, one flagpole may be installed and up to two (2) flags may be displayed per flagpole. A flag in a residential zoning district displayed on a flagpole shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet in size. (ii) For each parcel that is over one-half (1/2) acre in size and is in a nonresidential zoning district, up to three flagpoles may be installed and up to two (2) flags may be displayed per flagpole.

A flag in a nonresidential zoning district displayed on a flagpole shall not exceed one hundred fifty (150) square

feet in size. (iii) For each parcel that is one-half acre or less in size within a nonresidential zoning district, up to one flagpole may be installed and up to two (2) flags may be displayed per flagpole.

A flag in a nonresidential zoning district displayed on a flagpole shall not exceed one hundred fifty (150) square feet in size. b. Flag Brackets, Flag Stanchions, and Flags.

Article I. For each principal structure on a parcel, up to two flag brackets or stanchions may be attached or placed on the building for the display of flags on posts.

A flag displayed from a flag bracket or a flag stanchion shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet in size. c. For the purpose of determining the size of a flag, only one side of the flag shall be counted as the display surface. d. Flags on parcels in non-residential zoning districts may be externally illuminated. The lighting should be directed away from roadways, traffic areas and adjacent residential properties. e. In-ground flagpole requirements are as specified in Table 9.5(1):

Table 9.5(1): Flagpole and Flag Size Standards Maximum Height (Feet) Maximum Size (Square Feet) 60-65 150 50-59 96 40-49 72 30-39

50

20-29

30

Under 20

15

(16) Parking Space Signs.

Parking space signs identifying parking spaces necessary for traffic safety, regulation, control and circulation. A parking space sign shall not exceed two (2) square feet of sign face per sign. Parking space signs shall be allowed on each parcel having multiple parking spaces onsite.

One such sign shall be allowed for each parking space.

The maximum height for a freestanding or an attached parking space sign shall be six (6) feet.

(17) Freestanding Signs.

A freestanding sign may be a pole sign or a monument sign, unless otherwise restricted and where allowed, and subject to the following: a. General Requirements. (i) Pole signs and monument signs allowed under this Subsection may display two or more sign faces subject to

the additional provisions set forth in this Section IX. (ii) In the event that a reader board (manual or electronic message sign) is attached to a freestanding sign, the reader board sign surface shall be no larger than fifty percent (50%) of the principal sign surface area. The principal sign surface area includes all signage on the freestanding sign except the reader board. (iii) Electronic message signs are prohibited in the C-1 District. b. Lots with One Building Unit in the C-1, C-2, C-3, M-1, M-2, 1-1, R/E, and GC Zoning Districts (i) For lots that have one building unit, the maximum area of a freestanding sign shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet. (ii) The maximum height of a freestanding sign shall be twenty (20) feet.

(iii) Only one (1) freestanding sign is allowed per single-frontage lot; and up to two (2) freestanding signs are allowed for a corner lot or for double-frontage lots. (iv) No lot shall have more than two freestanding signs. (v) Notwithstanding the foregoing, freestanding signs are not allowed in the C-1 Zoning District for lots that have one building unit. c. Lots with Two or More Building Units in the C-1, C-2, C-3, M-1, M-2, 1-1, R/E, and GC Zoning Districts (i) Only one (1) freestanding sign is allowed for each street frontage of a lot with two or more building units. (ii) Each freestanding sign shall not exceed the maximum sign area and sign height established in Table 9.5(2).

Table 9.5(2): Maximum Sign Area and Sign Height Regulations for Lots with Two or More Building Units Aggregate Floor Area of all Building Units on the Lot

Maximum Freestanding Sign Area

Maximum Freestanding Sign Height

Less than 30,000 Square Feet

120

20

30,000 to 64,999 square feet

200

20

65,000 Square Feet or more

300

30

(18) Subdivision or Development Entrance Signs Permanent signs may be permitted at the entrance of a residential subdivision, multi-family development, commercial development, or industrial park in accordance with the following: a. Such signs may be permitted within a residential subdivision with more than 25 lots, a multi-family building with over 25 units, or for a nonresidential subdivision with more than 10 acres that includes more than five lots b. The placement and allocation of the permanent sign may be reviewed and decided upon during the subdivision platting process or as part of a site plan review, whichever is applicable or comes first where both are required.

However, a sign permit will be required for the installation or any changes to the signs in accordance with this Section IX. c. The monument sign may be installed in the right-of-way if located in a landscaped boulevard and as authorized by the City Engineer. d. One (1) monument sign is permitted for each arterial/collector entrances. As an alternative, a maximum of two (2) wall signs may be installed if attached to entrance fences, gates, or architectural features.

Where a monument sign is

installed, wall signs shall not be permitted and where wall signs are installed, a monument sign shall not be permitted. e. The maximum sign area of any individual sign shall be forty (40) square feet. f. The maximum height of a monument sign shall be six (6) feet. Wall signs shall be mounted so as to not exceed the height of the fence, wall, or architectural feature. g. The signs shall be located within 150 feet of the established major entrance. h. Where a freestanding sign is permitted on a lot that is part of a subdivision (i.e., an industrial park), the subdivision or development entrance sign may be allowed on a lot in addition to the other permitted freestanding signs. i. The signs shall not be located in the right-of-way. j. The signs shall be located in a landscaped area. k. Special Provisions for the VC District Article II. One (1) sign per principal structure shall be permitted in the Village Commercial District. This sign may be a ground sign, projecting sign, or wall sign. The area of the sign on any one (1) side shall be two (2) square feet per thousand (1000) square feet of lot area, not to exceed thirty-two (32) square feet. Ground signs shall be no taller than eight

(8) feet above the true finished grade (i.e., not on top of an earthen berm or other elevated location). Signs shall be illuminated only by shielded exterior lighting. The intent is to have commercial signage, which is compatible in scale, and character with nearby residential uses.

(19) Wall Signs. a. Wall signs shall not extend above the top of a building wall. b. Walls signs may be mounted on the building façade, in conformance with all other provisions of this Section. Walls signs may also be mounted on mansard roofs provided the sign is mounted to generally run parallel with the building façade and where the sign does not exceed the height of the roofline. c. Wall signs may be installed on one or more exterior walls. The total square footage of all wall signs installed must not exceed the maximum total wall sign area allowed. d. Wall signs are permitted on each primary façade which are facades that face a street, parking lot, or drive aisle or driveway as illustrated in Figure F.

Figure F: Illustration of primary façade locations e. The wall sign allowances below shall apply to each separate façade. The total area of wall signs allowed per façade shall not used on other facades. f. For buildings that contain more than one building unit, the maximum total sign area allowed below shall be based on the portion of a building that is owned or leased by a single occupant or tenant. The building frontage for a building unit (tena nt) space shall be measured from the centerline of the party walls defining the tenant space. g. The maximum total sign area for wall signs in the C-1, C-2, C-3, M-l, M-2, I-I, R/E, GC, and HOD Zoning Districts are as follows: (i) On any single lot that contains one building unit with 30,000 square feet or less of floor area, the maximum total sign area for wall signs shall be the lesser of: A. The sign area calculated at one and six-tenths (1.6) square feet of sign area for each lineal foot of exterior wall business frontage, or B. 200 square feet. (ii) On any single lot that contains one building unit with more than 30,000 square feet of floor area, the maximum total sign area for wall signs shall be the lesser of: A. The sign area calculated at one and six-tenths (1.6) square feet of sign area for each lineal foot of exterior wall business frontage; or B. 320 square feet. (iii) For a lot with two or more building units with an aggregate floor area of 30,000 square feet or less, the maximum total sign area for each building unit for an exterior wall sign on the exterior wall business frontage shall be the lesser of: A. The sign area calculated at one and six-tenths (1.6) square feet of sign area for each lineal foot of exterior wall business frontage; or B. 200 square feet. (iv) For a lot with two or more building units with an aggregate floor area of more than 30,000 square feet, the maximum total sign area for wall signs shall be the lesser of: A. The sign area calculated at one and six-tenths (1.6) square feet of sign area for each lineal foot of exterior wall business frontage; B. 320 square feet. h. Up to fifty percent (50%) of any single wall sign may consist of a changeable copy sign; provided, however, that the sign copy of the changeable copy sign shall not change more than once in any twenty-four (24) hour time period. The wall sign shall not project more than twelve (12) inches from the wall. If the wall sign projects more than two and onehalf (2%) inches from the wall, the wall sign shall be mounted so that the bottom of the wall sign is at least nine (9) feet above ground at finished grade below the wall sign. The wall sign may be illuminated.

(20) Drive-Through Signs. a. For a drive-through establishment, one (1) sign is allowed for each drivethrough lane provided that such sign does not exceed forty (40) square feet in size and does not exceed eight (8) feet in height. The additional display sign may be internally illuminated and may emit sound only as part of a business transaction. b. One (1) additional drivethrough sign is permitted for each drive-through lane provided that it is completely screened from view from

an adjacent residential use and from any street or public right-of-way. c. Such signs shall be in addition to any other signs allowed in Section IX. (21) Umbrella Signs For each table in a permitted outside seating area in a nonresidential zoning district, a maximum of one (1) umbrella sign is permitted per umbrella. An umbrella sign shall not exceed three (3) square feet in area and shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height. An umbrella having an umbrella sign shall be mounted on or in the table or in an umbrella holder adjacent to the table.

A sign permit is not required for an umbrella sign.

(22) Awning Signs For each awning, one sign is allowed. The awning sign shall not exceed an area greater than thirty (30) percent of the surface area of the awning. The total square footage of the awning sign shall count toward the maximum square footage of the wall sign area allowed for a parcel or a tenant. The sign copy area of an awning sign may be internally illuminated, otherwise the awning shall only be externally illuminated.

(23) Canopy Signs For each canopy, one sign is allowed. A canopy sign shall not exceed an area greater than thirty (30) percent of the surface area of the canopy. The total square footage of the canopy sign shall count toward the maximum square footage of the wall sign area allowed for a parcel or a tenant. A canopy sign may be internally illuminated.

(24) Changeable Copy Signs. a. As part of a permitted on-premise freestanding sign or wall sign and notwithstanding Section 9.4: Prohibited Signs, or any other provision of this Section IX to the contrary, an on-premise changeable copy sign, manual or electronic (LED), may be installed. The changeable copy sign shall not occupy more than fifty percent (50%) of the total sign area of the freestanding sign or wall sign. b. Notwithstanding Section 9.4: Prohibited Signs, or any other provision of this Section IX to the contrary, the static display time for each message on an on-premise changeable copy sign shall be at least ten (10) seconds, and the time to change from one (1) message to another shall be no greater than two (2) seconds. c. In no event shall the message scroll in any direction. d. All changeable copy signs shall be subject to the illumination standards of Section 9.5(5). e. Changeable copy signs must include a default designed to freeze a display in one (1) position if a malfunction occurs. f. Electronic message signs must have a process for modifying displays and lighting levels where and if directed by the Alabama Department of Transportation or the City Engineer to assure safety of the motoring public.

(25) Projecting Signs. a. In all nonresidential zoning districts and for nonresidential uses in a PUD, one (1) projecting sign is allowed for each ground floor building unit with an external entrance. The projecting sign shall be attached to the building frontage on the street or driveway on which the sign is located. b. The maximum size of a

projecting sign shall be the lesser of: (i) Sixteen (16) square feet; or (ii) One (1) square foot per linear foot of occupant or tenant building frontage on the street or private driveway on which it is located; however, the square footage of a projecting sign shall count toward the maximum square footage of wall signage allowed for the building. c. The maximum thickness of the sign face of a projecting sign shall not exceed twenty-four (24) inches when such sign is of solid construction. d. A projecting sign that extends over a sidewalk in the public right-of-way shall be limited to a projection distance not to exceed twothirds (2/3) of the width of the sidewalk. e. In the C-1 District, a projecting sign shall only be externally illuminated. In all other districts, the projecting sign may be internally or externally illuminated.

(26) Window Signs.

Permanent window signs are permitted provided that the window sign may not cover more than thirty percent (30%) of the area of any window. Permanent window signs may be internally illuminated. A sign permit is not required for a permanent window sign.

(27) Door Signs.

Permanent door signs are permitted provided that the permanent door sign may not cover more than thirty percent (30%) of the area of any door. Permanent door signs shall not be illuminated. A sign permit is not required for a permanent door sign.

Section 9.6. Temporary and Permanent Signs Allowed in Zoning Districts (1) The signage rights and responsibilities for temporary signs and permanent signs shall be determined by the provisions of Section 9.5: General Provisions for Signs, and by the sign provisions for the zoning districts as set forth below in Section 9.7: Temporary Signs Allowed in Zoning Districts, and Section 9.8: Permanent Signs Allowed in Zoning Districts.

(2) However, in connection with residential uses in nonresidential zoning districts and nonresidential uses in residential zoning districts, the signage rights and responsibilities applicable to any particular use shall be determined as follows: a. In a residential zoning district where a nonresidential use is allowed, whether as a matter of right or by way of a conditional use permit or other process with stated criteria governing the allowance of the nonresidential use, the nonresidential use shall be allowed to have the same amount of signage as a nonresidential use in the C-2 District; and b. In a nonresidential zoning district where a residential use is allowed, the residential use shall be treated as if it was located in the residential zoning district where that type of use would be allowed as a matter of right.

(3) Within a Planned Unit Development Zoning District (PUD), and subject to any applicable provisions within Section 9.5: General Provisions for Signs, the City shall allow permanent and temporary signs that meet the following criteria and limitations: a. For single-family residential uses within an approved PUD, the City shall allow

C5

Oct. 07, 2021 the permanent and temporary signs that meet the criteria for residential uses in the R-2 District. b. For all other residential uses within an approved PUD, the City shall allow the permanent and temporary signs that meet the criteria for residential uses in the R-4 District. c. For non-residential uses within an approved PUD, the City shall allow the permanent and temporary signs that meet the criteria for nonresidential uses in the C-2 District. d. The criteria for permanent or temporary signs within an approved PUD may be revised by the City Council as necessary to meet the particular needs within a PUD development on a case-bycase basis.

(4) Master Sign Plan a. The master sign plan allowance established herein is to provide for a single

review of permanent signage for large-scale developments when the plan will promote consistency among signs within a development and enhance the compatibility of signs with the architectural and site design features within a development, as well as with the surrounding neighborhood. b. A master sign plan may be submitted when a project contains over 25 acres or a minimum of 300,000 square feet of nonresidential floor area. c. The master sign plan may only be authorized as part of a site plan review or approval of a PUD or PRD. d. A master sign plan may include more than one freestanding sign per frontage and more than one attached sign per façade as is otherwise provided for in Section 9.8: Permanent Signs Allowed in Zoning Districts. e. A master sign plan may

include a freestanding sign with a maximum sign area of 400 square feet and up to ten percent (10%) more sign area, per sign, for all other sign types, as is otherwise provided for in Section 9.8: Permanent Signs Allowed in Zoning Districts. f. An application for review of a master sign plan shall include: (i) A master sign plan, drawn to scale, delineating the site proposed to be included within the master sign plan and the general locations of all permanent signs including freestanding and building signs and the property lines, buildings and roadways; (ii) Drawings and/or sketches indicating the dimensions in square feet, location and sign area for all the permanent signs; (iii) Drawings and/or sketches indicating the exterior surface details of all buildings on the site on which wall

signs, awning signs, canopy signs, projecting signs, window signs or other building signs are proposed; (iv) Samples or photos of colors and materials to be used for signs and the relationship to the building materials; and (v) Information regarding the illumination of any signs. g. In order approval of a master sign plan, each of the following conditions must be met: (i) That the plan's contribution to the design of the site and surrounding area will be superior to the quality that would result under the regulations and standards of this Section IX; (ii) That the signs proposed as part of the master sign plan will create a uniform sign package for the site related to materials, lighting, design and other features of the individual signs; and (iii) That the proposed signs

are compatible with the style or character of improvements and are well-related to each other in terms of location and spacing. h. Where a master sign plan is submitted as part of a PUD or PRD, the City Council shall make the final decision on the master sign plan and may impost reasonable conditions to the master sign plan to carry out the intent of Section IX. i. Where a master sign plan is submitted for a development outside of a PUD or PRD application, the Planning Commission shall review and make a decision on the approval of a master sign plan through the conditional use review process. The Planning Commission may impose reasonable conditions to a master sign plan necessary to carry out the intent of this Section IX. j. No building permits or other permits required for the

construction of any sign shall be issued unless the sign is in compliance with the approved master sign plan. k. An approved master sign plan may only be amended or modified through the same review process required for its approval.

Section 9.7. Temporary Signs Allowed in Zoning Districts (1) The City shall allow temporary signs within each zoning district as specified below as well as subject to any applicable provisions with Section 9.5: General Provisions for Signs.

(2) If a sign required a building permit or electrical permit, it shall be considered a permanent sign and not a temporary sign.

(3) Regulations for Temporary A-Frame and T-Frame Signs a. The regulations of this subsection and Table 9.7(1) shall apply to all temporary A-frame and T-frame signs.

Table 9.7(1): Temporary A-Frame and T-Frame Signs Requirements

ARTICLE III. Zoning Districts Where Permitted

C-1, C-2, C-3, VC, R/E Districts and for nonresidential uses in PUD Districts 1 per Building Unit

ARTICLE IV. Maximum Number of Signs ARTICLE V. Maximum Width

3 feet

ARTICLE VI. Maximun Height

3 1/2 feet

ARTICLE VII. Minimum Setback/Distance From Curb

1 foot

ARTICLE VIII. Article VIII. Maximum Width of Public Sidewalk that the Sign May Obstruct

No more than one third of width of public sidewalk

ARTICLE IX. Maximum Distance of Sign from Main Entrance to Business Unit ARTICLE X. Duration Allowed

10 Feet Only during hours while Business is open

ARTICLE XI. Allowed on Public Property and Right-of-Way

yes

ARTICLE XII. Allowed on Grass or Other Landscaped Areas

No

ARTICLE XIII. Allowed in a Sight Visibility Triangle

No

ARTICLE XIV. Illumination Allowed

No

b.The A-frame or T-frame sign must be free-standing and shall not be affixed, chained, anchored, or otherwise secured to the ground or to any pole, parking meter, tree, tree grate, fire hydrant, railing, or other structure. c. The A-frame or T-frame sign must not obstruct access to parking meters, bicycle racks and other features legally in the right-of-way. d. The A-frame or T-frame sign must not interfere with the opening of car doors in legal spaces, or with the operation of wheelchair lifts and ramps, cab stands, loading zones or bus stops. e. The A-frame or T-frame sign shall not block any sidewalk or accessible path. f. The A-frame or T-frame sign shall be internally

weighted so that it is stable and windproof. g. Where an A-frame or T-frame sign is to be placed upon a public sidewalk, each of the following shall apply: (i) The City of Opelika shall be held harmless from any liability resulting from accident or injury caused by the placement or maintenance of such sign; and (ii) The right to place a sign upon the public sidewalk may be revoked or suspended by the Planning Director if the sign is being maintained contrary to the provisions of this section, or if the sign becomes a hazard to the public safety. h. If the provisions of this section are amended or repealed, the signs allowed hereunder shall be removed or altered to conform to said action.

(4) Regulations for All Other Temporary Signs a. Temporary signs shall not be mounted, attached, affixed, installed, or otherwise secured in a manner that will make the sign a permanent sign. b. There shall be no direct illumination of any temporary sign. c. No temporary sign shall be installed that requires a foundation, support, wiring, fittings, or elements that would traditionally require a building permit or electrical permit. d. Temporary signs shall not require a sign permit but are subject to the provisions of this Section IX, as may be applicable.

Banners signs may require a banner permit from the Building Inspection Division. e. Temporary signs shall not contain any changeable

copy. f.

All temporary signs shall be secured in such a manner as to prevent swinging or other significantly noticeable movement resulting from the wind that could pose a danger to people, vehicles, or structures. g. Mobile signs on wheels, runners, casters, parked trailers, parked vehicles, or other temporary or movable signs shall not be permitted unless otherwise specifically stated in this Section IX. h. Temporary signs shall be constructed of durable fabric, plastic, paper, or other light pliable material.

Because of the nature of materials typically used to construct temporary signs and to avoid the unsightliness of deteriorating signs and all safety concerns which accompany such

a condition, temporary signs shall be removed or replaced when such sign is a deteriorated sign. i. Temporary signs shall be located outside the public right-of-way, which shall be presumed if the sign is located at least 10 feet from the back of curb or the edge of pavement if there is no curb. j. No part of any temporary sign shall be erected closer than ten feet to any overhead electric, cable, telephone or other transmission line nor closer than five feet to any property line. k. Temporary signs may be located in a required yard provided that they do not create a visibility obstruction or violate the visibility obstruction regulations established in Section 8.8. l. Flags located on flagpoles, flag brackets, or

flag stanchions shall not be considered a temporary sign under this section but shall be regulated as established in Section 9.5: General Provisions for Signs and Section 9.8: Permanent Signs Allowed in Zoning Districts. m. Temporary signs may have two faces but they must be mounted back-toback with both faces being identical in size. n. Temporary signs are prohibited on public property and in the public rightof-way with the exception of an approved A-frame or T-frame sign as allowed in Section 9.7(3). o. A temporary sign displayed on a window surface must be displayed on the inside of the window surface and shall cover no more than thirty (30%) of the window surface.

Table 9.7(2): Signs Requirements for Other Permitted Types of Temporary Signs

Zoning Districts

R-1, R1-A, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-4M, R-5, R-5M, VR, PRD, PUD

C-1, VC, C-2, C-3, M-1, M-2, I-1

AP, PUD, R/E, FP, GC, HOD

8

4

4

Article XVI. Maximum Sign Area for a Temporary Sign

6 sf.

16 sf.

16 sf.

Article XVII. Maximum Sign Height for a Temporary Freestanding Sign

6 ft.

6ft.

6ft.

Article XVIII. Maximum Sign Height for a Temporary Banner Sign or Window Sign

15 ft.

15 ft.

15 ft

Article XIX.Minimum Sign Setback required to be maintained by a Temporary Ground Sign from any property line or from the edge of any paved street or road [2]

3 ft.

3 ft.

3 ft.

Article XX. Minimum Spacing that is required to be maintained by a Temporary Ground Sign from any other Temporary Ground Sign

15 ft.

15 ft.

15 ft

Article XXI. Maximum Aggregate Sign Area Allocated for All Temporary Signs on a Parcel [3]

48 sf.

64 sf.

64 sf.

Article XV. Maximum Number of Temporary Signs Per Parcel [1]

Article XXII. Table Notes: Article XXIII. [1] No more than one sign may be a banner sign. Temporary banner signs may be displayed for a maximum duration of 30 days up to three times per calendar year.

Article XXIV. [2] The minimum sign setbacks do not apply to temporary wall signs, banner signs, or window signs.

[3] There is no limit to the number of separate messages that may appear on the allowable surface(s) of any Temporary Sign. The maximum aggregate surface area allowed is subject to circumstances that may reduce the maximum aggregate surface area allowable on some parcels.

C6

Oct. 7, 2021 Section 9.8.

Permanent Signs Allowed in Zoning Districts (1) The City shall allow permanent signs within each zoning district as specified in Table 9.8(1) and subject

to any applicable provisions within Section 9.5: General Provisions for Signs..

(2) Unless otherwise provided herein or in Section 9.3(3), a permanent sign shall require a sign permit; (3) The foregoing shall

have no impact on separate requirements established by state statute for building code permits or other code permits.

(4) Permanent signs are accessory structures to other principal uses allowed by this

Zoning Ordinance. No permanent signs are permitted on vacant lots unless specifically stated in this Section IX. (5) The following are the meanings behind the symbols in Table 9.8(1): a.

“P-E” shall mean

the permanent sign type is permitted without a sign permit in the applicable zoning districts. b.

“P-SP” shall mean the permanent sign type is permitted with a sign permit in the applicable zoning

districts. c.

“XX” shall mean the permanent sign type is explicitly prohibited in the applicable zoning districts.

Table 9.8(1): Permanent Signs Allowed in Zoning Districts R-1, R-1A, R-2, R-3, and VR

R-4, R-4M, R-5, R-5M

C-1, C-2, C-3, VC, M-1, M-2, PRD, R/E, FP, GC, HOD

I-1 and AP

PRD

Signs Permitted in Accordance with:

Article XXV. Street Address Signs

P-E

P-E

P-E

P-E

P-E

Section 9.5(13)

Article XXVI. Driveway Signs

P-E

P-E

P-E

P-E

P-E

Section 9.5(14)

Article XXVII. Flagpoles and Flags

P-E

P-E

P-E

P-E

P-E

Section 9.5(15)

Article XXVIII. Flag Brackets and Stanchions

P-E

P-E

P-E

P-E

P-E

Section 9.5(15)

Article XXIX. Parking Space Signs

XX

XX

P-E

P-E

P-E

Section 9.5(16)

Article XXX. Freestanding Signs

XX

P-SP

P-SP

P-SP

P-SP

Section 9.5(17)

Article XXXI. Wall Signs

XX

XX

P-SP

P-SP

P-SP

Section 9.5(18)

Article XXXII. Drive-Through Signs

XX

XX

P-SP

P-SP

P-SP

Section 9.5(19)

Article XXXIII. Umbrella Signs

XX

XX

P-E

P-E

P-E

Section 9.5(20)

Article XXXIV. Awning Signs

XX

XX

P-SP

P-SP

P-SP

Section 9.5(21)

Article XXXV. Canopy Signs

XX

XX

P-SP

P-SP

P-SP

Section 9.5(22)

Article XXXVI. Changeable Copy Signs

XX

XX

P-SP

P-SP

P-SP

Section 9.5(23)

Article XXXVII. Projecting Signs

XX

XX

XX

P-SP

XX

Article XXXVIII. Window Signs

XX

XX

P-E

P-E

P-E

Section 9.5(25)

XX

XX

P-E

P-E

P-E

Section 9.5(26)

Article XXXIX. Signs

Door

Section 9.9. Building Permits It shall be unlawful for any person, business, or the person in charge of the business to erect, construct, alter or maintain a sign structure, without first obtaining a building permit from the City in accordance with the provisions of the Building Code and applicable law, where a building permit is required. Permit fees for a building permit shall be paid in accordance with the applicable City fee schedules. The requirement of a building permit under the building code of the city is a separate and independent of the requirement for a sign permit under this section.

Section 9.10. Sign Permits (1) No sign permit shall be issued for the erection of a prohibited sign.

(2) Sign Permit Applications A sign permit required by this section shall be prepared and submitted on forms available at the Department of Planning. The sign permit application is in addition to any building permit application required by the Building Code of the City. The applicant shall furnish the following information on or with the sign permit application form: a. Name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address (if available) of the person making application for the permit. If the applicant is anyone other than the property owner, the applicant shall provide written authorization from the property owner permitting the installation of the sign. b. Name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address (if available) of the property

owner. If the owner is an entity other than an individual, list the contact person's name. c. Name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address (if available) of the business tenant, if applicable. If the tenant is an entity other than an individual, list the contact person's name. d.

Name, address, telephone, e-mail address (if available), and license number of the contractor, if applicable.

If the contractor is an entity other than an individual, list the contact person’s name. e. An address or legal description of the property upon which the sign is to be located.

The legal address may be located on a certified boundary survey. f. Lot frontage on all streets and public rightsof-way. g. Indicate in feet and inches the location of the sign in relation to property lines, public rights-of-way, easements, overhead utility lines, other utility facilities and equipment, buildings and other signs on the property. h. An accurate and scaled drawing showing the location, dimensions, heights, and other relevant measurements, of all signs on the parcel.

Freestanding signs, including monument signs, i. For all signs attached to the building, the facade elevation with dimensions, drawn to scale. Windows and doors and other openings shall be delineated. j. Sign dimensions and elevation, drawn to scale. k. Maximum and minimum height of the sign measured from finished grade. l. Dimensions of the supporting members of

the sign. m. Sign illumination, specifying illumination type, placement, and intensity. n. Two (2) copies of the plans, specifications, calculations and details, signed and sealed as required by the building code of the city; and specifications documenting the applicable wind load and electrical specifications, if applicable, meeting the minimum requirements of the applicable Electric Code. o.

Number, type, location and surface area of all existing signs on the same property. p.

Landscape plan, as applicable. q.

Signature of Property Owner or complete an "Authorization to Act as Applicant for Property Owner" form.

(3) Sign Construction Specifications a. The erection of signs shall be in accordance with the structural requirements set forth in the Building Code. b. Signs having electrical connections of any kind shall be wired in accordance with the National Electrical Code. c. Any sign having an electrical connection shall be permitted, inspected and approved by the electrical inspector prior to its completion.

All sign structures shall be inspected and approved by the building official. The inspection point shall be selected by the building official.

All excavations for concrete sign support bases shall be inspected and approved by the building official prior to the pouring of concrete. d. The supporting members of all signs shall be free of any external bracing such as guy wires or cables. All supporting columns shall be designed as integral

or architectural features of the sign. e. Paper or cardboard signs and cloth or plastic fabric banners may only be used in for temporary signs as provided herein.

However, paper or cardboard signs may be used for indoor window or door signs, when such signs are allowed. f. Construction standards. All signs shall be installed and constructed in a professional and workmanlike manner; and shall be maintained in good and safe structural condition and good physical appearance. All exposed structural components shall be painted, coated, or made of rust inhibitive material.

(4) Design Requirements All signs and sign structures, except temporary signs and except for prohibited signs, shall be subject to the design requirements below. a. All tenant panels in a monument sign, including those added to an existing sign structure, shall be constructed of similar materials and illuminated by a similar method. b. All manufactured signs requiring a sign permit shall have a permanent and visible weatherproof identification plate affixed to the sign exterior. The plate shall identify: (i) The name of the manufacturer; (ii) The date of installation; (iii) the sign permit number; and (iv) The electric permit number (if any) with the input VA (Volt Amperes) at full load for electric.

(5) Sign Permit Application Review a. When required, an applicant shall submit a sign permit application to the Planning Director, or such other person or office as may be desig-

nated by the City. The sign permit application shall be reviewed for a determination of whether the proposed sign meets the applicable requirements of this section and any applicable provisions of the City’s Zoning Ordinance and Code of Ordinances. (i) The review of the sign permit application shall be completed within thirty (30) calendar days following receipt of a completed application, not counting the day of receipt (ii) A sign permit shall either be approved, approved with any condition that is specifically described and set forth in the Zoning Ordinance or the Code of Ordinances, or disapproved, and the decision shall be reduced to writing. A disapproval shall include or be accompanied by a statement of the reason(s) for the disapproval. (iii) In the event that no decision is rendered within thirty (30) calendar days following submission, not counting the day of receipt the application shall be deemed denied and the denial shall be a final decision of the City. In the event of a denial pursuant to this paragraph, the applicant may submit a written request via certified mail to the city and request a decision setting forth the reason that the application was not approved and the city shall promptly respond within ten (10) calendar days after receipt of the written request, not counting the day of receipt by providing a written explanation of the reason(s) for the non-approval of the application for the sign. b. An approval, an approval with conditions, or disapproval by the

Section 9.5(24)

Planning Director shall be deemed the final decision of the City upon the application. c. All decisions shall be mailed, transmitted electronically, or hand delivered to the applicant.

A record shall be kept of the date of mailing, electronic transmittal, or hand delivery. For the purposes of calculating compliance with the thirty (30) day deadline for a decision, the decision shall be deemed made when deposited in the mail, transmitted electronically, or hand delivered to the applicant. d. Any person aggrieved by the decision of the Planning Director upon a sign permit application, or aggrieved by any failure by the Planning Director or by any other city official to act upon a sign permit application in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance, shall have the right to an appeal to the Board of Adjustment pursuant to Section 4.1. e. If an application is deemed incomplete, the applicant may either take steps to submit a complete application or challenge the City’s decision by seeking judicial review by or relief from the Circuit Court or by any other court of competent jurisdiction, filed in accordance with the requirements of law, seeking such appropriate remedy as may be available.

(6) Before issuance of a sign permit, the Planning Director shall collect the necessary sign permit fees. The sign permit fees shall be as designated by resolution or ordinance of the City Council.

(7) The Planning Director may make or require any inspections to ascertain compliance

C7

Oct. 07, 2021 with the provisions of this Section IX and the Zoning Ordinance.

(8) Revocation of sign permit. If the work under any sign permit is proceeding in violation of this Section IX, the Zoning Ordinance, or the Building Code, or should it be found that there has been any false statement or misrepresentation of a material fact in the application or plans on which the sign permit was based, the permit holder shall be notified of the violation.

If the permit holder fails or refuses to make corrections within ten (10) calendar days, it shall be the duty of the Planning Director to revoke such sign permit and serve notice upon such permit holder. Such notice shall be in writing and signed by the Planning Director.

It shall be unlawful for any person to proceed with any part of work after such notice is issued.

Section 9.11. Nonconforming Signs All signs that are lawfully in existence or are lawfully erected and that do not conform to the provisions of this Section IX or the Zoning Ordinance are declared nonconforming signs.

It is the intent of this section to recognize that the eventual elimination of nonconforming signs as expeditiously and fairly as possible is as much a subject of health, safety, and welfare as is the prohibition of new signs that would violate the provisions of this section. It is also the intent of this section that any elimination of nonconforming signs shall be effected so as to avoid any unreasonable invasion of established property rights.

(1) Legal Nonconforming Signs: a. A legal nonconforming sign is a sign that lawfully existed at the time of the enactment of this section that does not conform to the regulations as specified in this section. b. A legal nonconforming sign may continue to be utilized only in the manner and to the extent that it existed at the time of the adoption of this section or any amendment thereof. c. A legal nonconforming sign may continue in the manner and to the extent that it existed at the time of the adoption and shall not be altered in any manner not in conformance with this section. This does not apply to reasonable re-

pair and maintenance of the sign or to a change of copy provided that by changing the copy structural alterations are not required. d. Legal nonconforming signs that are located on a parcel of property that is severed from a larger parcel of property and acquired by a public entity for public use by condemnation, purchase or dedication may be relocated on the remaining parcel without extinguishing the legal nonconforming status of that sign provided that the nonconforming sign: (i) Is not increased in area or height to exceed the limits of the zoning district in which it is located; (ii) Remains structurally unchanged except for reasonable repairs or alterations; (iii) Is placed in the most similar position on the remaining property that it occupied prior to the relocation; and (iv) Is relocated in a manner so as to comply with all applicable safety requirements.

Article XL After relocation pursuant to this subsection, the legal nonconforming sign shall be subject to all provisions of this section in its new location. e. A new sign shall not be installed on a lot where a nonconforming sign exists until all signs on the lot conforms to the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance. f. A nonconforming sign shall lose it legal nonconforming status and have to be removed entirely or replaced by a conforming sign if: (i) If such sign is damaged to an amount exceeding 50 percent of the sign’s replacement value; (ii) The structure of the sign is altered in any form; (iii) The sign is relocated unless as specifically authorized by this Section 9.11; (iv) The sign is defined as a temporary sign and has been in use for more than one year following the effective date of this amendment; or (v) The nonconforming sign and its structure (including support and frame and panel) are determined by the building official, or their designee, to be unsafe or in violation of this code and are declared a nuisance. g. All existing portable signs still located in any zoning district shall be considered nonconform-

ing and shall be removed unless permitted herein.

(2) Illegal Signs Any sign that was not specifically allowed or that did not comply with any previous version of the Zoning Ordinance is illegal if the same was relocated, enlarged, structurally altered or extended prior to the effective date of this Section IX unless the same had been made to conform to all the provisions of the Zoning Code prior to the effective date of this Section IX or unless the same received any vested right through a settlement agreement.

(3) Signs for a Legal Nonconforming Use: New or additional signs for a nonconforming use shall only be permitted if the proposed signs conform to the sign standards for the applicable district.

Section 9.12. Miscellaneous Provisions For a sign requiring a sign permit, weeds and grass, all foliage shall be kept cut in front of, behind, underneath, and from around the base of the sign for a minimum distance of ten (10) feet from the sign base, and there shall be no rubbish or debris within ten (10) feet of the sign base or underneath the sign.

Section 9.13. Violations and Penalties (1) No person shall erect on any premises owned or controlled by that person any sign which does not comply with the provisions of this Section IX. (2) No person shall maintain or permit to be maintained on any premises owned or controlled by that person any sign which is in a dangerous or defective condition.

Any such sign shall be removed or repaired by the owner of the sign or the owner of the premises, or as otherwise provided in this Section IX. (3) Each sign installed, created, erected or maintained in violation of this Section IX shall be considered a separate violation when applying the penalty portions herein.

(4) Any violation of this Section IX is hereby declared to be a public nuisance.

(5) Both the owners or other persons in charge or control of the sign and owners or other persons in charge or control of the property on which the sign is located are responsible for assuring compliance with Sec-

tion IX. Any failure or refusal to comply with Section IX shall be in violation and punished as herein provided.

(6) Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this Section IX shall, upon conviction, shall be fined not more than $200.00 plus costs of court. Each day that such a violation continues shall constitute a separate offense.

(7) The City, as an additional or alternative remedy, may institute injunctive, mandamus, or other appropriate action or proceeding in a court of competent jurisdiction to prevent, remove, repair, abate or correct any violation of this Section IX. Section 9.14. Removal of Unlawful and Dangerous Signs (1) Removal. The City may order the removal of any sign in violation of this ordinance by written notice to the property owner. If a permit has been issued, such notice shall operate to revoke the permit.

(2) Procedure Following Removal Order. If the sign is not removed within fourteen (14) days after the order of removal, or fourteen (14) days after the date an appeal becomes final, the City shall remove or cause to be removed the sign and collect the cost thereof.

(3) Removal Without Notice. The City shall remove or cause to be removed any sign in violation of this Section IX without giving notice to any party, if: a. said sign is upon the public right-of-way or upon other public property; or b. said sign imposes an immediate safety threat to the life or health of any members of the public.

(4) Reclamation/Fees.

The City may collect any costs incurred by the City in removal of any sign. Signs not claimed will be destroyed after fourteen (14) days.

Section 9.15. Severability Generally. If any part, section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, phrase, clause, term, or word of this Section IX is declared unconstitutional by the valid judgment or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction, the declaration of such unconstitutionality shall not affect any other part, section, subsection, paragraph, subpara-

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Opelika will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. in the Courtroom of the Opelika Municipal Court Building, 300 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama.

to speak for or in opposition to the adoption of the following ordinance:

and/or modified, be and the same is hereby amended by rezoning or redistricting the parcel of land hereinafter in this section described, so as to change such parcel from one class of district to another class of district as follows, to-wit:

the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama.

PURPOSE The purpose of said Public Hearing will be to consider the adoption of an ordinance to amend Ordinance Number 124-91 (entitled “Zoning Ordinance of the City of Opelika”) adopted on September 17, 1991.

At said Public Hearing all who desire to be heard shall have the opportunity

ORDINANCE NO. ________ 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

From a C-2, GC-P District (Office/Retail, Gateway Corridor—Primary Overlay District) to a C-3, GC-P District (General Commercial, Gateway Corridor-Primary Overlay District), the parcel of land hereinafter described: Parcel 1-C of Harley-Davidson Subdivision according to and as shown by map or plat of said subdivision of record in Plat Book 29 at Page 6 in

The above-described property contains approximately 3.2 acres and is located in the 1200 block of South Fox Run Parkway, 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 _____day of

graph, sentence, phrase, clause, term, or word of this section.

TRANSMITTED TO MAYOR on this the _____day of

Section 14. Repeal of conflicting ordinances.

All former ordinances or parts thereof inconsistent or in conflict herewith, to the extent of such inconsistency or conflict with the provisions of this ordinance, are hereby repealed.

2021.

CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR APPROVED this the _____day of

Section 15. Severability. It is hereby declared to be the intent of the City Council that the sections, subsections, paragraphs, sentences, clauses and phrases of this Ordinance are severable, and if any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance be declared unconstitutional or invalid by a valid judgment or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction, such unconstitutionality or invalidity shall not affect any of the remaining sections, subsections, paragraphs, sentences, clauses or phrases since the same would have been enacted without the incorporation of any of the other sections, subsections, paragraphs, sentences, clauses or phrases.

Section 16. Captions.

The captions, section headings and section designations used in this Ordinance are intended for the convenience of users only and shall have no effect on the interpretation of the provisions of this Ordinance.

_________________,

____________________,

2021.

MAYOR ATTEST: CITY CLERK END: All interested persons are invited to attend the public hearing and be heard. Written comments concerning the above matter may be mailed to the City Clerk at City Hall, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama 36803 at any time prior to the public hearing and may be further submitted to the City Council at the meeting and public hearing.Please contact Brian Weiss, the City’s Interim ADA Coordinator, at 334705-5134 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability.

WITNESS my hand this the 7th day of October, 2021. /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 10/07/2021

Section 17. Effective date. This Ordinance shall take effect and be enforced immediately upon its adoption and publication as required by law.

Section 18. Publication.

The City Clerk is directed to publish a synopsis of this Ordinance in a newspaper of general circulation published in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, pursuant to §11-45-8(b)(2) of the Code of Alabama (1975) as amended.

Section 19. Codification. Codification of this Ordinance in the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Opelika, Alabama, is hereby authorized and directed.

ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the _____day of _____________, 2021.

PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA ATTEST: CITY CLERK

____________________, 2021.

PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA ATTEST: CITY CLERK TRANSMITTED TO MAYOR on this the _____day of ____________________, 2021.

CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR APPROVED this the _____day of _______, 2021.

MAYOR ATTEST: CITY CLERK END: All interested persons are invited to attend the public hearing and be heard.

Written comments con-

cerning the above matter may be mailed to the City Clerk at P.O. Box 390, Opelika, AL 36803 at any time prior to the public hearing and may be further submitted to the City Council at the meeting and the public hearing.

Please contact Brian Weiss, the City’s Interim ADA Coordinator, at 334705-5134 two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to any disability.

WITNESS my hand this the 7th day of October, 2021. /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 10/07/2021

Oct. 7, 2021