Vol. 14, No. 39
Thursday July 7, 2022
Opelika, Alabama
FRED ERi CK-DEAN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY
Covering Lee County, Alabama
Compassion • Integrity • Tradition
An award-winning publication created 'For local people, by local people.'
334-745-4667 On-site Crematory Coming Soon
A Life of Service Remembered by Colleagues, Community BY MICHELLE KEY PUBLISHER
LEE COUNTY — The Lee County community reeled from the news of the sudden passing of County Coroner Bill Harris last week. Harris, who had been undergoing cancer treatments, died on June 29 while visiting his favorite vacation spot with his family. The Opelika native was 67 and had served the Lee County community for his entire professional life. Not only had he served in the coroner's office for more than 30 years, he had also worked as a paramedic supervisor for EAMC and as a photographer for the Opelika-Auburn daily newspaper. Community members and colleagues turned to social media to share their memories and to express their grief. "Job well done faithful servant. You were loved and admired by so many and I appreciate your kindness and encouragement to me . Go
ANDERS
HARRIS rest easy on that mountain my friend and I will see you one day." — Barry M. "I will always cherish our friendship. Bill did so much for the Office of the Coroner not only in Alabama but here in Georgia as well. Bill and I
have traveled all over the country and his heart was always for his family and for helping people and for helping Coroners be better at serving their communities." — Harold Reece, Coroner Twiggs See HARRIS, page A2
Taste of Lee County Community Comedy Roast Coming to Opelika July 16
See ROAST, page A3
Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones at the 2021 Greater Peace Community Development Corporation Community Comedy Roast, of which he was the honorary guest getting roasted.
2 1 y l u J . m . p 7 at
n w o r B s e m a J Trio
AUBURN — Auburn Mayor Ron Anders will serve another four years. Auburn’s municipal
election for several City Council seats will take place on Aug. 23, however, the mayor’s race will not be among them. Qualifying ended See MAYOR, page A3
PHOTO BY JUSTIN TRAUSCH / FOR THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA –– The Greater Peace Community Development Corporation (GPCDC) will be hosting its Taste of Lee County and Community Comedy Roast Saturday, July 16, 2022. This event will be held in the Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church Family Life Center at 650 Jeter Ave. in Opelika, Alabama, beginning at 6 pm. Founded in 2000, by
BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
Jim Bob’s Chicken Fingers Celebrates Two Longtime Employees PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER
CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
Ron Anders, Two City Council Members Win Seats
BY JUSTIN TRAUSCH FOR THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA –– They say a business is only as good as the people that work there. That’s probably why Jim Bob’s Chicken Fingers has been a staple in Auburn and Opelika for the past 20 years — that and the great food, of course. Two employees in particular have been a key reason for the family-friendly atmosphere that people keep coming back for. Lisa Hoyle and Mary Anne
Pictured: Longtime Jim Bob’s employees Lisa Hoyle (left) and Mary Anne Bryant (right), and owner Gina Ferrell.
Bryant have worked at Jim Bob’s for 20 and 15 years, respectively, and not a day goes by where they don’t love every second of it, they
said. For them, it’s more than a restaurant, it’s a family. “This is not just a job See JIM BOBS, page A3
CONTENTS
OPINION ..................... A4 ENTERTAINMENT ........... A7 OBITUARIES ............... A13 RELIGION ................... A14 COMICS ....................... A16 SPORTS ........................ B1 POLITICS ...................... B9 PUBLIC NOTICES ........... B12 CLASSIFIEDS ................ B13 PUZZLES ..................... B15
A2 July 7, 2022
Opelika Woman Marks 80 Years with New Book BY KENDYL HOLLINGSWORTH KENDYLH@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
OPELIKA — Roxie Ramsey may have just celebrated her 80th birthday, but she’s quick to tell you she’s still learning and growing. Through a lifetime of meeting challenges with faith and perseverance, Ramsey has grown in gratitude, as well as her love for God and others — topics she explores in her book, “Roxie: My Journey of Trials, Tribulations, and Triumphs”, published in May. “That’s why I had the book done — because
God and them, they have been so good to me,” she said. While she has spent the last 30 years or so back at her childhood home in Opelika, Ramsey recounted a time of uncertainty she faced while living in the projects as a young mother. An incident involving her husband at the time and the furniture in their house became a turning point in Ramsey’s faith. “God said, ‘Don’t worry about it. Let it go. I will take care of you and your children,’” Ramsey recalled. “And God has been taking care of me since then.” And while that divine
help didn’t come in the form of a life free of trials and tribulations, Ramsey said she was
ed for her children. “I worked hard with my children,” she said. “The first thing I taught them: You have to have respect, and you’re going to learn how to respect people and care about people.” Now that her children have graduated and become successful adults, Ramsey still names that divine guidance as the source of the blessings that followed. “All of that was God,” she said. “God was helping me do everything.” But Ramsey also began to face various health challenges, resulting in numerous surgeries over the years. Each time,
able to triumph over the ones that came her way. She got a car. She had employment. She provid-
Ramsey said she felt the care of God and her doctors, and she knew she was in good hands. In her book, however, Ramsey recalls a period of “despair and hopelessness” — a time she dubs “the wilderness”. Accustomed to health concerns, she wrote about going to the doctor for constant chest pain. When the doctor found nothing wrong, she went to get a second and third opinion only to receive the same answer: There was nothing physically wrong. Ramsey came to the realization that it was emotional pain she was See ROXIE, page A5
AARP Awards Grants to Five Alabama Organizations as Part of Nationwide Program to Make Communities More Livable Opelika Main Street to Use Funds for Outdoor Game Station
communitychallenge and learn more about AARP’s livable communities work at aarp.org/livable. ABOUT AARP AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation’s largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org, www.aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @ AARPenEspanol and @AARPadvocates, @ AliadosAdelante on social media.
CONTRIBUTED BY AARP
MONTGOMERY — Last Wednesday, AARP Alabama announced five organizations throughout the state will receive 2022 Community Challenge grants — part of the largest group of grantees to date with $3.4 million awarded among 260 organizations nationwide. Grantees will implement quickaction projects that help communities become more livable in the longterm by improving public places; transportation; housing; diversity, equity and inclusion; digital access; and civic engagement, with an emphasis on the needs of adults age 50 and over. “AARP Alabama is committed to working with communities to improve residents’ quality of life through tangible changes,” said AARP State Director Candi Williams. “We
HARRIS >>
FROM A1
County, Georgia "We are saddened to learn of Coroner Bill Harris passing away. He was dedicated to his position, the people of Lee County
are proud to collaborate with this year’s grantees as they make immediate improvements in their communities to jumpstart long-term change, especially for Alabamians 50 and over.” Here in Alabama, projects funded include: Mobile Medical Museum: Renovating walkways around the museum’s community garden to make them fully ADA-compliant. Monroeville Main Street: Funding community activities that are healthy, affordable, educational and multigenerational.
Opelika Main Street: An outdoor game station will be installed downtown for residents and visitors of all ages to enjoy. Town of Boligee: Improvements to the Bobcats Paw Trail to include flower boxes and lighting. Urban Impact: This Birmingham organization will use its grant to develop intergenerational activities and lifelong learning opportunities, with an emphasis on strengthening communities and inclusion. AARP Community
Challenge grant projects will be funded in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. True to the program’s quickaction nature, projects must be completed by Nov. 30, 2022. This year, AARP is bolstering its investment of affordable and adaptable housing solutions in response to the national housing crisis. With additional funding support from Toyota Motor North America, the program is also increasing its support of projects that improve mobility
and most of all to his family. We share his loss with Christy and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The citizens have lost a dedicated and compassionate public servant. We suffer the loss of a good man and friend." — Lee County
Sheriff’s Office "I will never forget the care, compassion and love Bill Harris showed the victims of March 3rd tornadoes. He met with every family who lost lives on that tragic day. A true servent who served his community
well. Rest high on thst mountain, Bill. Job well done, Sir! You will be missed, friend." — Debra W. A memorial service for Harris was held on July 5.
PHONE: 334.749.8003 editor@opelikaobserver.com Michelle@opelikaobserver.com
PUBLISHER: Michelle Key
LIVE LEE EDITOR: Hannah Lester MARKETING: Woody Ross, Rená Smith PHOTOJOURNALIST: Robert Noles SPORTS EDITOR: Wil Crews SPORTS WRITERS: Rick Lanier, D. Mark Mitchell, Harrison Tarr STAFF REPORTER: Kendyl Hollingsworth
www.opelikaobserver.com 223-A S. 8th St., Opelika, AL 36801 Copyright 2009. All right reserved. The 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 The Observer, 223-A S. 8th St.,, Opelika, AL 36801
CORRECTIONS The Observer will correct any errors, omissions or inaccuracies deemed to be substantive. Corrections may be requested by contacting the editor at 334-749-8003.
innovation and transportation options. The grant program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for people of all ages. Since 2017, AARP Alabama has awarded fifteen grants and more than $170,000 through the program to nonprofit organizations and government entities across the state. View the full list of grantees and their project descriptions at aarp.org/
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A3 July 7, 2022
Conquer Functional Wellness Aims to Change Lives for Better CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
AUBURN — Conquer Functional Wellness is changing lives in the Auburn – Opelika area through natural wellness services. Its mission is to help people conquer their health goals and live their best lives. Conquer utilizes technologies that elite athletes have been using for decades in their recovery process and making these available to anyone looking to elevate their health. These technologies include hyperbaric oxygen therapy, infrared sauna, cryotherapy, lipo laser and red light therapy. Conquer also provides functional nutrition led by our registered dietitian nutritionist who has 30 years of experience helping people improve their wellbeing through nutrition. The functional nutrition program
JIM BOBS >>
FROM A1
to me,” Bryant said. “This is my ministry, because if I want to stop and pray with somebody, I can. My husband passed away five-and-a-half years ago, and if it was not for my Jim Bob’s family, I don’t know where I would be.” The owners of Jim Bob’s, Steven and Gina Ferrell, worked at the restaurant for many years before finally taking over the business from Steven’s parents last year. Chuck and Bonnie Ferrell hired Hoyle back in 2002 when they first opened for business, and Bryant came in a little bit later in 2007. "We joke around here and it's just like a big family," Hoyle said. "We're not employees here, they treat you like you're part of their family." The friendly, Christian atmosphere that the Ferrells started has been instilled in their employees since day one and passed down to their son. It’s a huge reason why people come from other states to eat their food and enjoy the atmosphere. The impact that the Ferrells have had on Hoyle’s and Bryant’s life also cannot be understated. “My daddy passed away in 2002, and I really feel like the Lord put this place in my life because Mr. Chuck and Ms. Bonnie were like my parents,” a tearful Hoyle said. “I had my mom still
looks at the whole person, data from their comprehensive blood work, their unique circumstances and health goals. This information directs our dietitian to create a customized plan for each individual. Functional nutrition is a powerful component to functional wellness, by using food to help restore balance, replete nutrient deficiencies, improve digestive function and more. A functional approach to health translates into improved function, decreased recovery time, more energy, more stamina, more strength,
less sickness, improved hormone balance, natural weight loss, improved mood and mental state, increased production, better health outcomes and ultimately a better quality of life. "We look forward to helping you start your journey of a healthier life," Conquer said. Young athletes, busy professionals, fatiqued parents or retirees seeking to stay active can find what they need to elevation function at Conquer Functional Wellness. Function better. Feel better. Live better. Start today and CONQUER your health goals.
until 2017, but [they] were like my surrogate parents. Me and my husband renewed our vows in 2012, and Mr. Chuck walked me down the aisle because my daddy wasn’t here to walk me down the aisle.” Hoyle and Bryant’s loyalty to the restaurant does not go unnoticed, according to Ferrell. For their 20th and 15th year anniversaries with Jim Bob’s, Ferrell gifted them with plaques to commemorate their hard work and dedication. “[Their loyalty] means the world. It makes it all worth it because we know everything is taken care of,” Ferrell said. “We have five kids and a whole ‘nother life outside of this that we juggle, so when we’re not here I know that my customers are going to be taken care of and I know that the place will be taken care of.” Hoyle said that Jim Bob's has always been loyal to her. "If I ever needed anything, they were there for me," she said. "Gina has always been a person I could go to for advice because, like she said, we’re like sisters.” Alongside Jim Bob’s loyalty to its employees, what sets the restaurant apart from the rest is the Christian-oriented style of business. That may be obvious by the big “ichthys,” also referred to as a Jesus fish, on the sign, but Christianity a big reason it has been able to build such a devout
and tight-knit customer base within their community. “We have customers that come in here and we know exactly what they want, and we have them rung up before they even get to the register,” Bryant said. “We have customers that come in and ask us to pray for them, and we can walk away and pray for them because it’s a Christian restaurant.” This aspect of their job is what has kept Hoyle and Bryant coming back every week for the past two decades. And would they ever think of going somewhere else? “I was going to retire right before my husband passed away,” Bryant said. “He passed away five years ago. I’m a people person, and I said, ‘There’s no way I can retire and stay at home by myself,’ you know? So, no, I’ve never thought about going anywhere else.” “After being here for 20 years, I just can’t see myself anywhere else,” Hoyle said. “I can’t even see myself retiring. I joke around with her all the time, ‘It’s time for me to go.’ I’m starting to have grandbabies come along, but I just can’t do it. I can’t make myself do it. Because I don’t want to leave the environment. I like getting up coming to this place every morning.” Stop by Jim Bob’s at 2070 Frederick Road across from Tiger Town in Opelika.
MAYOR >>
FROM A1
on June 28 and no candidates other than Anders qualified to run. Therefore, by state law, the seat is Anders’ by default. He was declared elected during the July 5 City Council Meeting. “I am honored that I will be serving as mayor for four more years until 2026,” he said. “I look forward to continuing the work that we set out to do four years ago, and some of that work was delayed due to the difficult times that we have worked through with the pandemic, but we certainly have more work to do, and I look forward to working with the great people of Auburn for four more years.” Anders said that his goals for his campaign have remained the same, “to protect our citizens and educate our children,” however, there are some specific goals for the next four years as well. “One is the annual maintenance and improvement of our infrastructure, specifically our roads, and our intersections and our sidewalks,” he said. “With the great growth we have in Auburn, that is an area in our community that we can never take our eye off of, and we have to annually make sure that we’re chipping away and improving our roadways and making them safer. “Second, is we have got to catch up on the needs of our children and our families with our recreation facilities. Our growth has surpassed our capacity when it comes to fields and community centers, and we have got to attack that here early and often in this next term.” These needs will be easier to fulfill, Anders said, with more funding coming into the city through new businesses and sales tax. This also brings jobs to Auburn,
ROAST >>
FROM A1
Rev. Clifford E. Jones, the GPCDC is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit that focuses on improving the quality of life for East Alabama residents by providing affordable housing, childcare, educational programs, training and resources. Jones, pastor of Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church and GPCDC Founder, said he is thrilled to be roasting his friend, Brother Chette Williams, at this year’s event. Chette serves as Auburn University’s Football Chaplain and he will be bringing a few of his friends to join in on the festivities. Former Auburn University Head Football Coach Gus
he said. There were several challenges Auburn faced during Anders’ first term, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the death of Auburn Police Officer William Buechner, the abduction and murder of Aniah Blanchard and more, Anders said. Despite the difficulties, Auburn’s mayor had praise for the people of his city and said he feels more prepared now to lead Auburn over the next four years. “I look forward to every day serving the great people of Auburn,” Anders said. “We have a community that has more blessings and resources than a majority of cities of our size, and so being able to work within all the wonderful things of Auburn University, our people, our industries, our university, our school system — we have a deep bench of opportunity in our community, and I just love being a part of that.” Anders is not the only one who will be serving again. Ward 3 Council Member Beth Witten and Ward 8 Council Member Tommy Dawson were both unopposed following June 28’s deadline. They were also both declared victors July 5 without opposition. “I am thrilled to be working with Beth and Tommy,” Anders said. “The three of us represent the core of the senior leadership of our council. We are the three people who returned four years ago. Tommy and Beth have invaluable city experiences that I believe benefit their constituents of their wards but benefit the city as a whole. They are invaluable resources of wisdom, and guidance and advice to me, [and] I simply could not guide our city without having them.” The other city council seats are up for election on Aug. 23:
Ward 1: Arthur L. Dowdell Sr. and Connie Fitch-Taylor (i) Ward 2: Kelley Griswold (i) and Paul West Ward 4: Tyler Adams and Chad Leverette Ward 5: Sarah Jan Levine, Henry G. “Sonny” Moreman III and Leah Billye Welburn V Ward 6: Bob Parsons (i) and Phillip Pollard Ward 7: Max Coblentz, Jay Hovey (i) and Greg Lane “I’m excited about the other individuals, the other citizens in our community who are seeking to run," Anders said. "That includes the people who I’m currently serving with and some of the new faces that we’re seeing. “I’m proud and thankful for all of those people. This is a very difficult job to serve on the city council. It takes a lot of time.” Auburn voters need to register by Aug. 9 and can find registration information online here: www.sos. alabama.gov/alabamavotes/voter/register-tovote. More voting information is available on Auburn’s website: www.auburnalabama. org/elections/ and given that Auburn has new boundary lines due to redistricting, some citizens may live in a new ward. That information is available online. “I want our citizens to know that Auburn is a great community, but Auburn is not a perfect community,” Anders said. “And the way to make Auburn the best it can be is for everybody to work together. I hope that they have seen that we have an open door at City Hall and that our citizens are invited to share their opinions or their concerns with their city leaders. And that door will stay open for the next four years, and I look forward to moving Auburn into the future with their assistance.”
Malzahn and former AU football players Jason Campbell and Ronnie Brown will be in attendance along with several other special guests. In addition, local vendors will be on site providing samples of their most popular menu items. “We are able to do what we do because of the continued support from our community”, said Clarinda JonesTurner, GPCDC executive director. “It takes money to help those in need, and this fundraiser allows us to raise the money needed to continue and expand our programs. The GPCDC, in partnership with the Bennett Group, built Jordan’s Gates in 2008, 48 craftsman-style
homes in an effort to help low-to-moderate income families become homeowners. Additionally, the GPCDC provides a First Class Pre-K Program, six-week Summer Educational Enrichment Program, STEM After School Program, free tutoring, Youth Leadership Academy, W.I.R.E.D for Success Program, HBCU Spring Break Tour, Financial Literacy classes, College/Trade School Scholarships, a Food Pantry and more to assist East Alabama residents. “We are looking forward to a wonderful event full of great food, fellowship and laughter,” Jones said. Tickets can be purchased at eventbrite. com or by contacting the church office at 334749-9487.
A4 July 7, 2022
Tough
T
SEAN DIETRICH
hree of us sat beside Mama’s above-ground pool, out in the wilds of Black Creek. We were beneath a dollarstore umbrella, and a canopy of live oaks and longleafs. My mother, my kid sister and me. Mama’s old transistor radio played Don Gibson’s “I Can’t Stop Loving You.” My nieces were splashing in the plastic-framed pool, trying to see which child could rupture a vocal cord first. It was hotter than the hinges of hell outside. “You look good,”
Mama said to me. “So do you,” I said. “You’ve gained a little weight since the last time I saw you.” “Well.” The last time I saw Mama, my wife and I were moving away from the Florida Panhandle. That night, not so long ago, Mama and I were sitting on the Choctawhatchee Bay of my youth. It was sunset. A heron was on the shore. And I was saying goodbye to Walton County, Florida, bound for Jefferson County, Alabama. Mama didn’t cry. But I did, a little.
She’s shorter than I remember. The woman has always been fivefoot-two. But I’d guess she’s more like four-eleven now. If she were any shorter you could put her in your pocket and carry her around. She has two brilliant white streaks of hair up front. The rest of her hair is stubbornly brunette. Because that’s what she is. Stubborn. My father once said she was the most stubborn woman he ever met. “She makes talking to a mule look easy,” is how he put it. The radio was now playing to Conway Twitty’s “Linda On My Mind.” The nieces were engaged in a mutant version of Marco Polo, the worst game ever created by humankind. “So what’s been going on?” Mama asked. “What have you been doing with yourself since you’ve been living in Birmingham?” “Not much.” “You write all the dang time.” “Yes, ma’am.”
“Is that all you do is write?” “Sometimes I go to the bathroom.” The sun was overhead, baking the world into submission. Black Creek was looking good today. I once caught the most fish I’ve ever caught within the brackish waters of Black Creek. At one time, I errantly believed I was an actual fisherman. But the truth is, I’m more of a Pabst Blue Ribbon enthusiast with a boat. I looked at Mama. It was hard to believe this was the same woman who raised me. She only faintly resembles the smooth-skinned young woman who reared two children after the suicide of a troubled husband. When my father engineered his own end, Mama was nearly the age I am now. I remember how people treated her after it happened. I remember going into town to shop for groceries. I remember how people would sort
of edge away from her because “suicide” is a dirty word, and nobody wanted to get trapped in a conversation where that particular subject might come up. I also remember the way some people sort of forgot my family after my father’s death. Not because they were trying to be ugly, they weren’t, but because nobody quite knows what to say. What do you say? It’s easier just to leave it alone. So I remember my mother walking through the supermarket, pushing her buggy. She was covered in a rainbow of bruises that my father had left her as a parting gift. Her skin was blackened. Her lower lip was busted and scabbed over. Some of her hair was missing because it had been pulled out. She was trying to buy ground beef from the meat department. The butcher looked like he wanted to vanish. The cashier said three words to her. Very few folks made
eye contact. But my mother was unfazed. She acted like there was nothing wrong. Like nothing had happened. She acted as though my family had not recently landed in the newspaper. Mama looked people directly in the eyes. She spoke to everyone as though they were pals. She cracked jokes. She smiled a lot. That was a long time ago, but she is still the toughest person I have ever known. “So you’re doing good?” she asked me. I nodded. “I think I’m doing okay.” “You’re sure?” “Yes, ma’am.” She patted my thigh. “That’s good.” Our life wasn’t easy. Many have had it worse than we did. But looking back, I now realize that our lives were a little bit easier than they should have been. Not just because of Providence. But mostly, because I had the privilege of being raised by a stubborn woman.
What A Prince Looks Like
WENDY HODGE
I
dreamed the other night that my daughter was a little girl again. In my dream, she sat in front of the TV in the house she grew up in and, on the TV in front her, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast played on the screen. The original animated version … the good stuff. That was my Abbey’s favorite movie for several years. We watched it together approximately 2,729 times. I’d give anything to watch it again with her right now, her little girl fingers wrapped around mine. We sang along with the teapot and the candelabra. We cringed
when the beast roared at Belle. We clapped when Gaston was defeated and the beast became a prince again. But our favorite part was the beginning — the part where Belle dances through the village singing about the joy of reading. Abbey’s eyes would light up. Here was a Disney “princess” who was an absolute book nerd. She was smart and beautiful and wanted nothing more than to live in a library and be left alone to read. Abbey loved the rest of the movie, too … but the beginning, before the prince entered the picture, was when her eyes lit up. I asked her once why she enjoyed Belle in her pre-prince days. She said, with the wisdom of a little girl’s mind, “There’s no such thing as a prince, but books are real.” And so I have battled through her whole life, and quite possibly my own as well, to overcome the myth that Disney has spun for our daughters. And for our sons, too.
Books are indeed real, and so are princes. They just don’t look like Disney’s creations. It took a long time to figure it out, but I know what a prince looks like. He is not always handsome. In fact, he often is a bit scruffy around the edges. His hands are not manicured and pretty. They are rough and worn because he works hard. He works at his job and in his home and in his yard. His shoulders are strong because he bears so many burdens. He supports his family, and that includes parents as well as children. He listens and takes on the problems of those he loves. He wants to solve them, even when there is no solution. His eyes are not perfectly shaped with long lashes and a permanent twinkle. They are sometimes bloodshot and tired because nights don’t always mean peace. There are lines around his eyes because he smiles often and laughs loudly. Because he is always watching over
others, his eyesight may have begun to dim a bit. His smile is not a photoshopped thing of perfection, but it is a thing of beauty because his heart shines through. He grins at the absurd and lovely things life offers, and his smile is most full when his family is happy and safe. He doesn’t sing like Pavarotti or even like Harry Styles, but his made-up songs ring through the house. He serenades from the shower. He sings along with the radio. He is shameless in his inability, singing with gusto and more laughter. His daily uniform is not a royal crown and scepter. It is work clothes and a working man’s shoes. He is not escorted around a palace, and he rarely rides a horse. He drives a truck and hauls around large bags of dog food and charcoal for the grill. He doesn’t slay dragons. He fights the good fight of a parent who will never stop worrying. He does not run a
kingdom, but he runs a household. He fixes things when they’re broken. He plants things, and they grow. He makes things safe. His arms are strong and his heart is true because he is a man. It isn’t politically correct for any woman to say they need a prince. Link in to social media for more than a minute, and you will see commercials and songs and books that proclaim that any woman worth her salt doesn’t need a man. She doesn’t need anybody, “they” say. But I beg to differ. I am a capable woman, well-read and educated, hard-working and strong. And yet, I am not at all ashamed to say that I need a man. I need a prince. Not to survive, because I can certainly survive by myself. But I want to do more than survive. I want to be fulfilled and happy. I want to share my life and myself with a man who is my prince. And I’m fortunate enough to say that I have
that. He drives a Cook’s truck and catches bass and trout and cooks a mean beef stroganoff and shrimp fettuccini. And I’m wise enough to recognize him for what he is. I hope we haven’t short-changed our daughters when we’ve taught them to be strong. I hope we haven’t misled them into thinking that being strong means you need no one. I hope we haven’t taken away their natural desire to be half of a pair that makes them whole. I hope my Abbey knows that Belle is wonderful, with her books and her brain and her songs. I hope she knows, too, that a real prince will sing along with Belle and be proud of her intelligence. And buy her books, not because she can’t buy them herself, but just because he loves her and wants to see her smile. I hope we paint a picture for all our girls of what a real prince looks like, so they’ll know him when they see him.
Located in beautiful downtown Opelika 223 S. 8th St. • 334-749-8003 www.opelikaobserver.com
Publishing LIVE Lee, The Observer and NeighborhoodTour Homes and Real Estate
A5 July 7, 2022
Auburn Welcomes New Businesses
All Strung Out Yarn Shop — Bodegas in Midtown, 1188 Opelika Road in Auburn
Artifactory — 2298 E. University Drive in Auburn
Kelley Legacy Law
Schooley Mitchell PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
Troy Bank & Trust — 2900 E. University Drive, Suite 140 in Auburn
ROXIE >>
FROM A2
feeling, and it was beginning to take a toll on her body. “I asked God to deliver me from the wilderness and instead of removing me, he sent Skylar to me,” she wrote in her book. “… I knew God had sent her to me because I had been in the wilderness for too long.” Skylar is Ramsey’s granddaughter who she brought to live with her for a while, with the permission of Skylar’s parents. At just 4 years old, Skylar not only brought joy and light into Ramsey’s world, but she also saved her life. “One day, I lost my balance and fell and she called 911,” Ramsey wrote. “She was only four years old. They told her to stay on the phone, but she said she needed to call her father and tell him to come home. “She told them the name of the street, but not the address. I was able to get close enough to the phone to give the address. Once they arrived, they were impressed by her. She later asked me the address, so she could remember. “I found myself feeling intense and lonely until God sent Skylar to me. The hand of God has never left me and for that I am grateful.” Ramsey said she spent about three years writing “Roxie” as
she reflected on the people and events that have shaped her. Ramsey’s young home caregiver also helped her publish the book — another “God-send” for her. Through it all, Ramsey said she still recognizes God’s hand in the details, past and present. “God is in control,” she said with a smile. Ramsey’s book is 122 pages recounting these stories and more, complete with photos, Bible verses and a notes section with prompts to help the reader journal his or her own journey. With her book, Ramsey said she hopes she can inspire more people to build a relationship with God and experience his love and guidance as she has. She also urges her readers to make the most of the time they have and be open to the lessons they can learn along the way. “While enduring challenges and the storms of life, my focus was usually on the problem and how to fix it, but there is always a bigger picture,” she wrote in one chapter. “Life lessons are usually learned after the fact because we’re so consumed with the problem we can’t see past ourselves ... Every circumstance, situation and every person we cross paths with is an opportunity for a lesson if we’re open to receiving it.” “Roxie” is available to purchase for $14.99 through Amazon.
A6 July 7, 2022
Assistant Project Manager Reagan McGuirt Joins 360 Management in Auburn CONTRIBUTED BY 360 REALTY
AUBURN — Three Sixty {real estate} is pleased to welcome assistant property manager reagan McGuirt to our 360 Management office. McGuirt grew up just north of Birmingham in Trussville, Alabama. An athletic scholarship for cheer at Southern Union State University brought her to the Auburn area. It wasn’t long before she discovered her love for real estate and decided
to pursue a license full time. She found her way to property management when working at The Fairways at Auburn apartment complex as a leasing consultant, and Three Sixty {real estate} said it is thrilled that she has decided to continue that path as a property manager at 360 Management. “I enjoy working in a professional environment, and love meeting new clients every day,” McGuirt said.
MCGUIRT She loves to be out on Lake Martin, hanging out on the water and enjoying time with her
sister and best friend Baylee and her mom Tanya, who she said is her rock and her strength. She enjoys working out, spending time with her maltipoo fur baby Crush, and trying to be the best version of herself. “We are thrilled to have Regan on board, and are excited to see her grow in her role,” said Leigh Bass, branch broker, 360 Management. About Three Sixty Three Sixty is in the
business of home. We offer a family of services including real estate, property management, interior design and staging, vacation rentals and commercial real estate. While our disciplines are varied, our entire team operates from the same set of core values, making Three Sixty the sought-after firm to work with in Auburn, Birmingham, and Lake Martin, Alabama. Utilizing forward-thinking and creative processes,
Three Sixty strives to make every experience unique and as smooth as possible by providing a consistent partner to maintain the integrity of projects as a whole. As a respected and profitable company, we strive to make a positive impact on the communities that we serve. To learn more about Three Sixty visit us online at www.concepttoclosing.com or call 334.887.3601.
FreedomFest at Fort Benning
PHOTOS BY JOHN HILLSMAN / FOR THE OBSERVER
The National Infantry Museum at Fort Benning held its annual community-wide Independence Day celebration, Freedom Fest on July 4. The day was filled with music, children's activities, historical reenactments, food and fun. Food trucks and vendors served up treats.
Lee County Humane Society to Host Its First Open House LEE COUNTY — Join the Lee County Humane Society (LCHS) on July 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. for its first open house. There will be games, snacks, drinks, adoptable pets and a behindthe-scenes tour of the shelter. Have you ever wondered what goes on at the shelter on a day to
day basis? Want to see the medical assessment every animal receives? Do you have questions about the process for bringing in a stray or the alternatives? Have you ever wondered what activities the dogs do everyday or the training they receive? Come join LCHS and learn all about the daily care, exercise, love and training the adoptable pets receive leading up to the day they find their forever homes.
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
E vents, Food, & SocietyNews
UPCOMING EVENTS: JULY 7: APL FAMILY STORY TIME AT BOYKIN COMMUNITY CENTER IN AUBURN, 6 P.M. JULY 11: "ROOTED IN MUSIC" AT KREHER PRESERVE & NATURE CENTER IN AUBURN, 9 A.M. JULY 12: OPEN-AIR FARMERS MARKET, 3 TO 6 P.M. AT 1103 GLENN ST. IN OPELIKA
PHOTO BY ANN CIPPERLY
Cool Off With Refreshing Ice Cream Desserts Ann Cipperly
Southern
Hospitality
O
n sultry Sunday afternoons, ice cream suppers were once a favorite southern pastime. Family members would gather under a shade tree in the backyard while the ritual of turning the crank on an ice cream maker continued until it became too difficult. The cold, creamy goodness was savored until tummies were full, as children chased fireflies. Carlton Hunley III of Opelika has happy childhood memories of his family gathering on Sunday afternoons once a month during summer
to make homemade ice cream. Sometimes out of town family visited his grandparents Estella and Thomas M. Lambert, and they would make vanilla, strawberry and peach ice cream. The children would take turns turning the crank. They would also have homemade pound cakes to serve with the ice creams. Now Carlton’s wife Kathy makes the special ice cream recipe for their two grandchildren, Lucy and Mark Hunley. Kathy sets out fresh strawberries and other toppings for the children to make
their own sundaes to enjoy on the porch or outside by the waterfall. Lucy’s and Mark’s parents are Karen and Brian Hunley. Making homemade ice cream also brings back blissful childhood memories for Emily Mullis of Opelika. When she was growing up, her family would often meet on Sunday afternoons at her grandparents’ home for homemade ice cream. The children took turns sitting on the ice cream freezer as their grandfather turned the handle. Instead of an ice cream maker like her grandfa-
Gogue Performing Arts Center Announces 2022-23 Season Subscriptions Available Now
ther used, Emily has a wooden electric one that is much easier. Mike Bennett of Opelika makes homemade ice cream and sherbet using recipes from each of his grandmothers. His Grandmother’s Bennett’s Homemade Ice Cream recipe cooks the eggs with the milk and sugar. His Grandmother O’Brien’s Grape Sherbet recipe is easy to assem-
ble and is then placed in the refrigerator freezer. The mixture is stirred occasionally as it freezes. Try making the sherbet with other fruit juices for different flavors. Homemade ice cream is a special treat, and today it is a much easier process of freezing the container, adding the ice cream mixture and plugging it up. In a fairly short time, the ice cream
is ready. While it is easier to make ice cream now, you don’t have to make your own to have a refreshing dessert. An ice cream pie can be assembled quickly using store bought ice cream. Let the children help. You can make it days ahead and have it ready to pull out of the freezer when ready to serve. See CIPPERLY, page A9
Funny Maine Coming to Auburn BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
CONTRIBUTED BY GOGUE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER AUBURN — The Gogue Performing Arts Center announced last week the 2022-23 season and series subscriptions are available now. Additional savings of 10 to 15% are available for series subscriptions as opposed to single ticket purchases. Adding to the stacked lineup, the Gogue added three new engagements to its 2022-23 season lineup: Alabama’s own Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit (Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022; amphitheatre)
Lucy Hunley and Mark Hunley are pictured enjoying ice cream sundaes on a hot afternoon at the home of their grandparents, Kathy and Carlton Hunley III of Opelika. Lucy’s and Mark ‘s parents are Karen and Brian Hunley. The children’s other grandparents are Cindy and Mark Mortensen.
Country music legends Crystal Gayle and Lee Greenwood (Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023; Woltosz Theatre) Motown icon Smokey Robinson (Saturday, April 22, 2023; amphitheatre). Isbell and Robinson will complete the Gogue Center’s first-ever Amphitheatre Series, while Gayle and Greenwood will be presented as part of the 2022–23 Celebrity Series. Patrons who have already booked
full season and/or Amphitheatre and Celebrity series subscriptions will automatically receive tickets for these performances; no additional subscription or ticket purchase is necessary. To book your 2022–23 season and series subscriptions, click the links below or visit the Gogue website: https:// goguecentertickets. auburn.edu/Online/default.asp?doWork::WScontent::loadArticle=See PERFORMING, page A8
AUBURN — An original Alabama talent, FunnyMaine, will visit Crown of Comedy in Auburn. Jermaine “FunnyMaine” Johnson was born in Opelika but began his professional career at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in 2010 opening for Steve Harvey. Soon after, he began hosting a weekly comedy series in Tuscaloosa. Johnson continued performing in Birmingham and Tusca-
loosa throughout 2011 and branched out to Georgia in 2012. Johnson’s career broadened in 2013
with appearances on sitcoms and traveled even further after 2015 to California, See COMEDY, page A12
“Our Mission is Your Health”
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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
A8 July 7, 2022
Making the Grade: On the Road to Hamilton, Georgia PHOTOS BY MIKE WALLACE / FOR THE OBSERVER
STACEY PATTON WALLACE
A
few weeks ago, our good friend William brought a new member into his family: a black and white bundle of energy he named Gus. A Boston terrier puppy, Gus now weighs a whopping 5 pounds and is too cute for words. Last week, Mike and I went to William’s house, as did Jack and Thomas, so that we could all ride together to an out-of-town/state destination for supper. We were going out to celebrate Jack’s birthday a day late. While waiting for the last person to arrive, we were entertained by Gus, who gnawed on my purse (which I put up on the coach out of his short-legged reach) and Mike’s shoelaces. Mike removed his shoes and put them out of harm’s way. No matter; Gus then attacked his sock-covered feet. Mike did manage to halt Gus’s gnawing by scratching his belly and making his leg jump. I wish I had half the energy of this cute, cuddly canine. (Remember, I love alliteration.) When the last person arrived, we piled into our car, headed for Hunter’s Pub and Steakhouse at 11269 Highway 219 in Hamilton, Georgia. Hunter’s Pub, which was established in 1998, has an
PERFORMING >>
FROM A7
Load&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::article_id=92FD80CE4D1E-428A-934B-FC1395CA7AF3&menu_ id=FD275C5F-EEF24DF5-8384-449CED98A9D0 Once you’ve logged in to your Gogue Center patron account,
unusual history. According to Mike, who is from Georgia but now is 100% Alabamian, the restaurant was originally a gas station. As a little boy, Mike and his parents passed the former gas station on their way to Columbus because back then, there was no I-185. Back when Mike and I lived in LaGrange, Georgia, we enjoyed going to Hunter’s Pub. Once we took my Mama and Daddy, who really enjoyed it, too. Therefore, we decided that it was time to revisit the past. As we entered Hunter’s Pub, we were seated by a wall which had menus signed by famous people on it. We read the signatures of U.S. Sen. and former Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville, former Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue, former Chick-Fil-A Founder S. Truett Cathy and a host of others. We couldn’t read a lot of the signatures, which made me feel better about my own terrible handwriting. Cecelia, our server, was very sweet, attentive and patient with us. For his entrée, Mike chose the 8-ounce petite filet, cooked medium-well with a baked potato and side salad. As I’ve mentioned before, Mike likes a little pink in his steak.
you can select a full-season subscription or choose from the genre-specific series available. Single tickets for all 2022–23 season performances will be available to the public beginning Tuesday, Aug. 9. Have questions? Need assistance booking your 2022–23 season
Not me. The only pink I want to see is in my cheeks. Therefore, I ordered a WELL DONE 8-ounce petite filet with a side salad and French fries. We really enjoyed our meals; our steaks were lean, juicy and tender, just as we like them. Also, Hunter’s Pub and Steakhouse makes their own special blend steak sauce, which was quite tasty. In fact, diners may purchase bottles or packs of it. Jack chose the steak tips with onions and mushrooms, a side salad and baked potato. William selected the 12-ounce ground chuck steak with brown gravy,
and series subscriptions? Our patron services team is here to help. The Gogue Center box office is currently open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with in-person service hours from 1 to 4 p.m. You can reach them by telephone at 334-844-TIXS (8497) or via email at gpactickets@auburn.edu.
SUMMER SWING - EVERY TUESDAY NIGHT
July 12: James Brown Trio Concerts are held at Municipal Park at 7 p.m. Hamburgers and hotdogs provided by Opelika Band Boosters and lemonade provided by SouthState Bank will be available from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m.
Camp Hill Marketplace
Come out and buy your fresh produce, honey, jams and hand-crafted items at the Camp Hill Marketplace, a state-certified farmers market Every Thursday, 8 to 11 a.m., June 2 through Oct. 20, rain or shine, at Mount Lovely Baptist Church at 21900 Senator Claude Pepper Dr., Camp Hill, (AL Hwy 50). Potential vendors contact Sharon at 256-749-5100 to apply to join.
COFFEE & CONVERSATION WITH VFW POST 5404
VFW Post 5404, 131 E. Veterans Blvd., Auburn (next to Ray's Collision off of S. College St.) will be open on Wednesdays 0800 - 1100 with coffee, donuts, cake and conversation about service and benefits for all veterans and spouses to stop by.
baked potato and green beans. Thomas also ordered the ground chuck steak with green beans and sweet potato fries. They all really enjoyed their meals. Besides our delectable dishes, Hunter’s Pub and Steakhouse also serves diners: ribeye, New York strip, country fried steak with brown gravy, fresh fish of the day, center cut pork chop, marinated chicken breast and a chicken finger dinner. The restaurant also has a great selection of appetizers, sandwiches and salads. Everyone was good and skipped dessert. However,
this was especially hard for me because Hunter’s Pub’s peanut butter pie is out-ofthis-world delicious. Nope, my sugar average has to come down a lot before I get to partake of that delicacy. Hunter’s Pub also serves Ghiradelli Chocolate peanut butter pie, key lime pie and Mama Kay’s cheesecake (to which strawberries may be added). Once again, Happy Birthday, Jack! William and Gus, this review was for you. May God bless you with many happy years together. Hunter’s Pub and Steakhouse is open Tuesday through Thursday from 5 to 9:30 p.m. (Eastern Time)
and on Friday and Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. (Eastern Time). I recommend that you get there early because the restaurant fills up quickly. Hunter’s Pub and Steakhouse makes the grade with an A+ from this retired English teacher. Remember, “Pooh-sized” people NEVER lie about food. Enjoy! Stacey Patton Wallace, who retired from teaching language arts for 30 years, is a professional diner. Her column, “Making the Grade,” will appear each week in The Observer. Stacey may be reached at retiredlangartsteacher2020@gmail.com
NAMI OF EAST ALABAMA TO MEET NAMI East Alabama, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), will meet at 7 p.m., on Tuesday, July 19, at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, 714 E. Glenn Ave. in Auburn. NAMI supports families dealing with mental illness through mutual support, education and advocacy. There will be a time for sharing. The public is invited. THE MARKET AT AG HERITAGE PARK Every Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m. at AG Heritage Park located at 620-A S. Donahue Dr. in Auburn O GROWS FARMERS MARKET Every Tuesday from 3 to 6 p.m. outside the Southside Center for the Arts located at 1103 Glenn St. in Opelika. LEE/RUSSELL COUNTY LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP
will meet every month on the third Wednesday from 1:30 to 3 p.m. The meeting will be held at the AIDB-Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind Opelika Regional center on 355 Dunlop Dr. in Opelika. Every month there will be different topics discussed to make life more manageable living with low vision.
“Alone we can do so little: together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller Contact: Shiquita Fulton, M. ED/Vision Rehab Therapist for additional details at 334-705-2024, Melody Wilson, Case manager for the blind at (256)-368-3258
A9 July 7, 2022
CIPPERLY >>
FROM A7
Most of the following ice cream pie recipes use a graham cracker or Oreo cookie crust. The crust made with melted chocolate and Rice Krispies cereal is good, and you can top with any flavor of ice cream
CIPPERLY RECIPES >> ICE CREAM SUNDAE BAR Sundaes are one of the easiest desserts to serve. Set out the ice cream and toppings, and offering brownies for a base is a delicious addition. Offer one or two flavors of ice cream, such as vanilla and chocolate, and let everyone make their own sundae. Assorted Toppings: Chocolate sauce Caramel sauce Toasted pecans Whipped cream Peaches, strawberries, blueberries Chocolate chips M & M’s candies Sprinkles Sliced bananas Heath Bar broken into pieces Cherries Squares of brownies ICE CREAM COOKIE SANDWICHES Favorite cookies baked in a small or medium size, such as chocolate chip, oatmeal with white chocolate chips or chocolate fudge Favorite flavor ice cream Slightly soften ice cream and place a scoop between two cookies. Wrap individually in plastic wrap and freeze until ready to serve.
GRANDMOTHER ESTELLA LAMBERT’S HOMEMADE ICE CREAM Carlton Hunley III Fresh chopped peaches or strawberries can be added to the mixture before freezing. 4 eggs, beaten ½ cup sugar 2 cans Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk 1 large can evaporated milk Vanilla extract to taste Milk to fill container Add sugar to beaten eggs, then stir in other ingredients. Pour into ice cream maker container and add enough milk to fill to the line. Process as directed on manufacturer’s instructions.
ICE CREAM PIE WITH MERINGUE PECAN CRUST 1 egg white ¼ tsp. salt ¼ cup sugar
for a quick dessert. The Ice Cream Squares and Layered Butter Pecan and Praline Ice Cream Squares with Hot Chocolate Toasted Pecan Sauce are made in a 9 by 13 inch pan. Both of these desserts will offer many servings. If you are planning on serving the entire pan at once,
it will be easier to line the pan with foil before making. When ready to serve, you simply pull the dessert out of the pan with the foil. Lay the foil on the sides flat and cut with a sharp knife. That is easier than lifting each serving out. If you are a fan of ice cream sandwiches, then
make your own using your favorite cookie recipe. They will be easier to eat if you make small or medium-sized cookies. Then, slightly soften ice cream of your choice and put a scoop between two cookies. Wrap them individually and freeze until ready to serve. While ice cream is yummy by itself, you
can enhance it by serving a sundae bar. Offer one or two kinds of ice cream and assorted toppings, such as chocolate or caramel sauce, chopped nuts chocolate chips or fresh fruit. A plate of brownie squares are a tasty addition for making a special sundaes. Ice cream makes an
ideal summer dessert whether it is made from scratch or purchased and used to create scrumptious pies and other desserts. When temperatures soar this summer, prepare an ice cream dessert to provide a cool and refreshing lift for family and friends on the hottest days.
1½ cups chopped pecans 1 pint to 1 qt. coffee ice cream 1 pint to 1 qt. vanilla ice cream Caramel or chocolate sauce Butter a 9 inch pie pan. Beat egg white until dry. Add salt and sugar. Fold in nuts. Spread in pie pan and prick with fork. Bake at 400 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Chill. Spread ice cream in two layers. Cover and freeze. Cut into wedges and serve with caramel or chocolate sauce. Serves 8.
cracker crumbs ¼ cup (½ stick) butter, melted Sauce: ½ cup sugar 2 Tbsp. baking cocoa 2/3 cup evaporated milk 1 Tbsp. butter ½ tsp. vanilla extract Filling: ½ gallon coffee ice cream, softened ¾ cup slivered almonds, toasted Whipped topping For the crust, mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl. Press into a greased pie plate; chill. For the sauce, combine sugar, baking cocoa and evaporated milk in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the mixture begins to boil, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla, Pour into a bowl and chill. For the filling and assembly, spread ice cream into the prepared pie shell until it is almost full. Spread prepared sauce over the ice cream layer. Sprinkle with the almonds. Freeze until firm. To serve, cut into slices and top with whipped topping. Serves 8.
When ready to freeze, pour into container and add enough milk to bring to about 2 inches from top. Freeze. Makes enough for a 4 qt. freezer.
processor until smooth, stopping to scrape down sides. Stir together evaporated milk and pudding mix in a large bowl. Stir in peach puree, condensed milk and half-andhalf. Pour mixture into freezer container of 4-quart hand-turn or electric freezer, and freeze according to manufacturer’s instructions. Makes 2 quarts.
ened condensed milk 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract Whip cream. In a large bowl, combine yogurt, condensed milk, and vanilla. Fold in whipping cream. Pour into a loaf pan or other 2 quart container. Cover. Freeze 6 hours or until firm. Electric Freezer Method Do not whip cream. Pour all ingredients into freezer container and process according to manufacturer’s instructions.
ICE CREAM PIE WITH KRISPY CHOCOLATE CRUST 6 oz. chocolate chips 2 Tbsp. butter 1¾ cups Rice Krispies 2 Tbsp. hot water 1 qt. ice cream of choice Melt chocolate chips over hot water. To half of melted chocolate add the butter and Rice Krispies. Stir until thoroughly mixed. Press into a well-buttered 9 inch pie plate. Fill with your choice of ice cream. To the remaining melted chocolate, stir in the hot water. Drizzle the chocolate over the ice cream. Freeze several hours. ICE CREAM PARFAIT SQUARES 16 oz. pkg. Oreo cookies ½ cup butter or margarine ½ gallon vanilla ice cream 2 jars chocolate fudge topping 10-12 oz carton Cool Whip Crush cookies into fine crumbs. Reserve 3/4 cup. Melt butter and mix with crumbs. Press into 9x13 inch pan. Spread softened ice cream over crumbs. Freeze until firm. Next, spread chocolate topping over ice cream. Freeze for 30 minutes. Then spread Cool Whip over chocolate topping and sprinkle the reserved crumbs on top. Freeze until ready to serve. COFFEE ICE CREAM PIE WITH TOASTED ALMONDS Crust: 1½ cups graham
GRANDMOTHER BENNETT’S HOMEMADE ICE CREAM Mike Bennett 5 1/3 cups milk 2 2/3 cups sugar 5-6 eggs 1 can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk 1 large can evaporated milk 2 tsp, vanilla Additional milk, if needed for filling container In large boiler, heat 5 1/3 cups milk. Slowly heat but do not let boil. While heating, in a large bowl mix sugar and eggs together, beating well. When milk almost comes to a boil, take a cup and add a little hot milk at a time to the eggs and sugar, mixing well. When combined, return to boiler and heat again just to the boiling point. Turn off heat. Add Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk. Then add vanilla. Let cool.
GRANDMOTHER O’BRIEN’S FREEZER GRAPE SHERBET Mike Bennett 1 cup sugar 2 cups hot water 1 can crushed pineapple Juice of 3 lemons 1 cup Welch’s grace juice 1 can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk Dissolve sugar in 2 cups hot water. Add crushed pineapple, juice of 3 lemons, grape juice and sweetened condensed milk. Pour into a metal cake pan (or other metal pan) and freeze until firm, stirring occasionally as it freezes. Serves 6. ICE CREAM SQUARES 1 pkg. Oreo cookies, crushed 1 stick butter, melted ½ gallon butterscotch swirled or vanilla ice cream Chocolate Sauce Whipping topping In a 9 by 13-inch pan, spread crushed Oreos and pour melted butter over top. Slice ice cream and place on top of cookie crust. Pour cooled Chocolate Sauce on top and cover with whipped topping; freeze. Chocolate Sauce: 1 Tbsp. melted butter 2/3 cup evaporated milk ½ cup sugar 1½ squares semisweet chocolate Combine ingredients and cook until thick. PEACH ICE CREAM Emily Mullins 4 cups peeled, diced fresh peaches (about 8 small size peaches) 1 cup sugar 12 oz. can evaporated milk 3.75 pkg. vanilla instant pudding mix 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk 4 cups half and half Combine peaches and sugar; let stand 1 hour. Process peach mixture in a food
MILKY WAY ICE CREAM Emily Mullins 8 Milky Way candy bars 2 cups whole milk 6 eggs, well beaten 1½ cups sugar 2 tsp. vanilla Two 14 ½ oz. cans evaporated milk Melt candy bars in whole milk over low heat until only flecks of chocolate remains, stirring constantly. Cool. Mix eggs and sugar in large bowl; beat well. Add Milky Way mixture; mix well. Pour into one gallon freezer container and add enough milk to fill container to within 3 inches of top. Mix well and freeze according to manufacturer’s instructions. BUTTERMILK ICE CREAM Chef Collin Donnelly 5 egg yolks 2 cups heavy cream 1 ¼ cups sugar 1 ¼ cups buttermilk 1 vanilla bean, split Bring cream and vanilla bean to simmer in saucepan. In a medium bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar together. Gradually whisk hot cream into egg yolk mixture. Return mixture to saucepan and stir over medium heat until custard thickens slightly (do not boil). Strain into bowl and stir in the cold buttermilk. Refrigerate custard until cold and then spin in ice cream maker according to manufacturer's instructions. FREEZER VANILLA YOGURT ICE CREAM 1 pint (2 cups) whipping cream Two 8 oz. containers vanilla yogurt 14 oz. can sweet-
LAYERED BUTTER PECAN AND PRALINE ICE CREAM SQUARES WITH HOT CHOCOLATE TOASTED PECAN SAUCE Crust: 1¼ cups graham cracker crumbs 3 Tbsp. sugar 1/3 cup butter, melted Filling: 1-qt. butter pecan ice cream, softened Hot Chocolate Sauce 1 to 1½ cups chopped toasted pecans, divided 1-qt. pralines and cream or butterscotch swirl ice cream, softened Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar and butter; mix well. Firmly press mixture into bottom of a 9-inch spring-form pan or 9 by 13-inch pan. Bake at 350 for 8 minutes. Cool completely. Spread pecan ice cream evenly over crust; cover and freeze. Remove ¾ cup of Hot Chocolate Sauce; cool. Spread cooled sauce over ice cream; sprinkle with ½ cup pecans. Cover pie and freeze. Spread pralines and cream ice cream evenly over pie; cover and freeze until ice cream is firm. To serve, cut into slices and drizzle Hot Chocolate Sauce over each slice and sprinkle with remaining pecans. Hot Chocolate Sauce: ¾ cup sugar Two small 5 oz. cans evaporated milk 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 Tbsp. butter 1 tsp. vanilla Combine sugar, evaporated milk and chocolate chips in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring until chocolate melts and mixture boils. Remove from heat, and stir in butter and vanilla Makes 2 cups.
A10 July 7, 2022
Opelika Enjoys Freedom Festival PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER Opelika's annual 4th of July event, Freedom Celebration, took place on Saturday, July 2. Hosted by Opelika Parks and Recreation, the community gathered at the event to enjoy food, musical entertainment and fireworks. The Silver Wings Parachute Team made a grand entrance for all to see.
A11 July 7, 2022
PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER
Let Freedom Ring!
A12 July 7, 2022
God Expects Believers to Live Holy Lives
WALTER ALBRITTON
S
RELIGION ― ome Christians are content to think of themselves as poor sinners, saved by grace. They reason that since no one can live a perfect life, God does not expect them to live much differently from non-believers. They believe God loves them and will forgive their sins. They believe Jesus was
a great teacher. But they pay little attention to holiness. If you happen to be one of those “poor sinners,” I have news for you. Yes, you are a sinner; we are all sinners. Yes, when you repent, believe and are baptized, you are saved by grace. But you are not saved so you can sit around thinking you are a poor sinner on the way to heaven. God saves you so you can begin living a holy life in this broken, unholy world. The holy scriptures consistently affirm this as God’s expectation of all believers. Jesus confirms God’s call to holiness in his
sermon on the mount. In his letters Paul invites believers to “live by the Spirit” and “walk by the Spirit.” Peter in his letters joins Paul in asserting that God calls all Christians to live holy lives. Peter in his second letter reminds us that those who are saved by grace are expected to grow in grace and through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit become more and more able to live holy lives. Asked how believers can practice such godliness, Peter said God has given us “everything we need,” making it possible for us to become “partakers of the divine nature.” Godly
living, Peter said, is possible through “His divine power” which is released in us as we trust “His very great and precious promises.” When then is our part? Simply, to grow. To surrender to the Spirit’s indwelling and allow God to make us more than “a poor sinner.” The growth begins with our willingness “to make every effort to add” those qualities which make us more like Jesus. These virtues enable us to be fruitful rather than “nearsighted and blind,” having “forgotten” that we have been “cleansed from our past sins.” Peter raises the question, “What kind
of people ought you to be?” His answer: “You ought to live holy and godly lives.” If we pursue holiness, because God expects it, we soon learn we can accomplish it only with His help. Saint Augustine was right: “Nothing whatever pertaining to godliness and real holiness can be accomplished without grace.” Jerry Bridges echoes that truth: “We are 100% responsible for the pursuit of holiness, but at the same time we are 100% dependent upon the Holy Spirit to enable us in that pursuit. The pursuit of holiness is not a pull-yourself-upby-your-own-bootstraps
COMEDY>>
FROM A7
Virginia, Tennessee, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nevada, Texas, Arizona, Oklahoma, Kansas,, Illinois, New York, Ohio and more. In July, FunnyMaine will make appearances in Butler, Alabama, Auburn and Jasper, Alabama. Some of Johnson’s openers and collaborations have included Kevin Hart, Steve
approach to the Christian life.” Nevertheless, sufficient grace is available so it should be the goal of every Christ follower to live a holy life and thus bring glory to the Father of our Lord Jesus. The first step may be to give up the notion of being “a poor sinner” and begin thinking of ourselves as a forgiven sinner in whom the Holy Spirit is releasing the power to live a more and more holy life. May Peter’s words ring in our ears: “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”
Harvey, Rickey Smiley, Tony Rock, Tommy Davidson and more. If in need of a laugh — check out some of his media here: http://funnymaine.com/media/. The Auburn show, at Crown of Comedy, will take place July 9 at 8 p.m. with tickets available at www.facebook. com/crownofcomedy/?ref=page_internal.
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A13 July 7, 2022
OBITUARIES BILL HARRIS Lee County Coroner Bill Harris passed away Wednesday June 29, 2022 surrounded by family, while at his favorite vacation spot, the beach. He was born in Opelika, Alabama, on Nov. 24, 1954, to the late William Stephen Harris, Jr. and Helen Harris. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Christy Mann Harris; children: Drew (Claire) Weaver, Dylan (Rachele) Weaver, Mary Catemann (Remington) Peters, Will Harris; grandchildren: Margaret and Owen Weaver, Hut, Rhett, and Ann-Elise Weaver, Andrew and Adlee Peters; brother: Marc (Suzanne) Harris; nieces and nephews: Lindsey Pearce, Clayton Harris, Jackson Harris. He is preceded in death by his father-in-law: Huey Andrew Mann, Sr. Bill was a loving and devoted family man. He adored his wife, children and grandchildren. One of his greatest hobbies was photography. During family gatherings he was always there with his camera capturing memories of his children and grandchildren. He was never so happy than the day he became Papa, and the six times that followed that. He loved and was loved so much. Bill was a devoted public servant to the citizens of Lee County. He worked for the Opelika/Auburn Newspaper, retired as a paramedic supervisor from EAMC, and served more than 30 years in the Lee County Coroner’s Office. He was so keenly aware of his responsibilities to the deceased and their families during the most difficult of times. He endeavored to do his job with professionalism and compassion. He was the first coroner in the state to be certified as a Diplomate of the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators. He served as President of the
Alabama Coroners Training Commission, board member of the Alabama Organ Center Advisory Board, State Fatality Management Group, Lee County Child Death Review Team, Alabama Violent Death Reporting System and was an active member of the Alabama Coroners Association, serving as a past president. The family would like to give a special thank you to Gene Manning, who has been by his side as a friend and deputy coroner for many years, Charlotte Patterson, Daniel Sexton, Jackie Hamby and to all the funeral homes Bill has worked with over the years. Bill is remembered by family, friends, and colleagues for being a warm, caring, positive, dedicated and loving person. He was a pillar of our community and will be missed dearly. A memorial service was held Tuesday, July 5, 2022 at 7 p.m. The family received friends and family beginning at 5 p.m. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
JESSIE NOBLE SMITH Jessie Noble Smith, 80, passed away on Friday, June 24, 2022. A graveside service will be 10 a.m. Monday, June 27, 2022 at Garden Hills Cemetery. Visitation was held Sunday, June 26, 2022 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home from 4 to 6 p.m. Mr. Smith is preceded in death by his wife of 60 years Jean Smith Mr. Smith is survived by his children: Gary (Traci) Smith of GA, Cindy (Jeff) Noland of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Karen Baker of Opelika, Renay (Scott) Dillard of Salem and Bobby (Tiffany) Smith, of Opelika; 36 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren; sister, Iris (John) Simpson; brother, Charles (Laura) Yates.
Pallbearers were William Armstrong, J.J. Armstrong, Little Gary Smith, Little William Armstrong, Jr., David Pritchard, Jeff Noland and Scott Dillard. ELIZABETH ANNE FORSTER (LIZ) KNIGHT Elizabeth Anne Forster (Liz) Knight was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loving family on June 28, 2022. Liz was born on Aug. 24, 1956, in Honolulu, Hawaii, into an Army family. Her father’s military assignments brought her to Fort McClellan, Alabama, as a child where she met her lifelong best friend and future husband, Tim Knight. Liz and Tim were married soon after high school and recently celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary. She is survived by her husband, Tim, of Auburn; three children: Emily Knight of Birmingham, Becky (Johnathan) Peavy of Orlando, Florida, and Andrew (Carrie) Knight of Lexington, KY; three grandchildren: Elliott Griffin (Emily), Primlee Knight and Nolan Knight (Andrew); two fur grandchildren: Penelope “Pig” and “Tater” Woods Peavy (Becky); two sisters: Kathy Forster and Mary (Albert) Still both of Tucker, GA; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Forster and Gene E Forster, previously of Jacksonville, Alabama. Liz was a graduate of Jacksonville State University and recently retired from Auburn City Schools where she served as an assistant to the Special Education Department. She was an active member of Church of the Highlands, serving as a greeter, a legacy team member, on the hospitality team and a small group leader for many years.
Liz will always be remembered for her sweet and gentle spirit, her kindness towards everyone she met, her Christ-like service to others and her love for and devotion to her family. Liz was a dog rescuer and gave a loving home to many pups that were fortunate enough to come her way. She was a supporter of the Lee County Humane Society and Homeward Trails Animal Rescue ( www. homewardtrails.org ). In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either of these organizations, or an adoption in honor of Liz. There will be a Celebration of Life service at Church of the Highlands – Auburn East, 2001 E. Samford Ave., Auburn at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 9, 2022. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 is scripture by which she lived her life as a wife, mother, sister, and friend, and is how she will always be remembered: Liz is patient, Liz is kind. She does not envy; she does not boast; she is not proud. She does not dishonor others, she is not self-seeking, she is not easily angered, she keeps no records of wrongs. Liz does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. She always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. JOHN F. BROWN, SR.
On Sunday, June 26, 2022, John F. Brown, Sr., better known as “Mike Brown”, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones. Mike was born on Sept. 14, 1955, to Ida Pearl and John Taylor Brown. He began painting houses at the age of 10 with his stepfather John Dean. He made this a career and worked up until shortly before his passing. He was known as one of the best in the area. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother
Taylor. He is survived by his wife, Terrie, and four children: John Brown Jr., Crystal (Russell) Lackey, April (David) Hughes, and Gracie Brown. He is also survived by a sister, Susan (James) McGhar, close niece Kim (Jamey) Ward, five grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He did not want a memorial service, but a celebration of life will take place at his home on July 16, 2022, at noon. NANCY MCGAVIN PALMER Nancy was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennslyvania. the oldest of four girls, of Thomas and Catherine McGavin, who have predeceased her. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Michael J. Palmer of Auburn, and her four children; Jon Palmer and his family residing in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts, Scott Palmer and his family residing in Fairhope, Alabama, Jill Adams and her family residing in Auburn, and Mark Palmer and his family also in Auburn. Nancy fought Alzheimer’s for the last 12 years, and we wish to thank her Caregivers at Magnolia Place and more recently, Arbor Springs for the excellent care provided to her. There are no arrangements at this time. WALTER LAMAR PIERCE Walter Lamar Pierce of Opelika, was born to Willard Walter Pierce and Ersil Othell Stough Pierce on Aug. 13, 1951 in Tallassee, Alabama. He passed away June 30, 2022, at the age of 70 at Bethany House in Auburn after a battle with cancer. Lamar was preceded in death by his father Walter, and his brother Tim Pierce.
He is survived by his spouse of 48 years, Vicki Pierce; his son Adam (Kathi) Pierce, his daughter Jessica (Jason) Ward, his mother Ersil Pierce; his three grandchildren, Hannah, Maddie, and Zach Pierce. He had numerous cousins and several nieces and nephews. Lamar spent 23 years of his life at Ampex which later became Quantegy in Opelika. He was known there as Walter. He worked mostly in the warehouse, but held various positions before he medically retired in 2000. His passion after retirement included his ability to serve as a volunteer for East Alabama Medical Center. He and Vicki have served as volunteers together for a number of years and have made many friends through those interactions. One of his most enduring dedications was to his church, Providence Baptist Church. He served as a deacon and was one of the most dedicated servants in whatever role was asked of him. Probably his most notable area of service was to serve as “Uncle Sam” whenever a patriotic event was held. His smiling face and perfectly manicured grey goatee fit the character to a T. He loved to see the smiles and relished the chance to have his picture made while in character. He will be missed greatly! A celebration of life service will be held at Providence Baptist Church on July 16, 2022 from 4 until 6 pm. The address for the church is 2807 Lee Rd 166 in Opelika. The West Campus location will be used to allow space for family and friends to spread out as much as possible. Dr. Rusty Sowell will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to either the Building Fund at Providence or to the Spencer Cancer Center in his name. Frederick Dean Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
THE SHEPHERDS LIFE TOUR Saturday, July 16 at 6 p.m. Family group singing mainly Southern Gospel - most music written by Debra Shepherd – appeals to a diverse group of audiences. Check them out at theshepherdsonline.net. First Freewill Baptist Church 103 19th Street on the corner of 1st Ave. in Opelika
Pre-Need Services Available Call 334-749-8700 for an appointment. Your Full-Service Funeral Home
A14 July 7, 2022
Faith and Your Rearview Mirror trust in the Lord. It’s “Trust in the Lord with all your heart,” so that’s there’s no wiggle room. God wants us to learn to trust in Him and His purposes in a complete BRUCE GREEN Teaching Minister at 10th and unqualified way. As I said, Street Church of Christ this isn’t tough in Opelika to do in the OPELIKA — abstract. When his is one you’re sitting in a of those comfortable church texts that building among is both comforting fellow believers, and if we’ll admit thinking about this it — challenging. The over a cup of coffee fact of the matter is in your favorite room disciples are all for of the house or talking trusting in the Lord about it in a small in the abstract, it’s group, everyone is just those real-life unreservedly for it. moments that prove The difficulty to be difficult. We’ll comes in the second come back to this in a part of verse 5 — bit, but first let’s think “and lean not on your about the command to own understanding.”
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That’s what makes this passage challenging to translate into life. That’s because the truth is, we’re used to leaning on our understanding quite a bit. And, we’re encouraged in a book like Proverbs to pursue understanding (1:2, 6, 2:2, 3, 6, 11, etc.) — so it’s easy to feel conflicted by this text. Part of this tension can be resolved by noting that the “understanding” we’re not to lean upon is our limited, fallible human understanding — while the “understanding” we’re to pursue is God’s understanding. In 9:10 we’re told that, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of
the Holy One is understanding.” Just as there’s a difference between worldly wisdom and God’s wisdom (James 3:13-18), there is a difference between worldly understanding and the understanding of God. We’re to grow out of one and into the other. And returning to our passage, that’s helpful to a degree. Still, it’s our default setting to lean on our own human understanding and that isn’t easily overcome — it’s one of those lifetime achievement kind of things. I’m guessing no one understood this better than Abraham. Abraham was the man who packed everything up and
hit the road because the Lord told him to — even though he didn’t have a clue where he was going (Hebrews 11:8). I’m sure that made for some interesting conversation with Sarah. But Abraham is also the same man who not once, but twice, played fast and loose with a pharaoh and a king about Sarah being his sister (Genesis 12, 20). And then in one crowning moment of glory, he took his son Isaac on a three-day trip to Mt. Moriah to sacrifice him to God. A threeday trip — he had l-o-t-s of time to think about it. What God told Abraham to do went against love, law and logic. Abraham had to suspend his
ABOUT BRUCE GREEN
understanding in all those areas. A father putting his son to death. A person killing another. Taking the life of his promised son through whom his descendants would be named and numbered. Abraham did this because, as the Hebrew writer wants us to see, he had faith. Someone said faith is believing in advance what will only make sense in your rearview mirror. That’s the kind of trust the writer of Proverbs is urging us toward. You can find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: a-taste-of-gracewith-bruce-green. com
You can find more of Bruce’s writings at his website:www. a-taste-of-gracewith-bruce-green.com
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BIBLE VERSE OF THE WEEK
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. — Psalm 33:12
CHURCH DIRECTORY
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APOSTOLIC HOLINESS God’s House of Prayers Holiness Church 301 Highland Ave., Opelika 334-749-9672
334-887-8506 Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 3089 Judge Brown Rd., Valley 334-710-2117
334-749-0461 CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ at Cunningham 2660 Cunningham Dr., Opelika
BAPTIST Bethesda Baptist Church 201 S. 4th St., Opelika 334-745-7528
Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church 650 Jeter Ave., Opelika 334-749-9487
10th Street Church Of Christ 500 N. 10th St., Opelika 334-745-5181
Beulah Baptist Church 5500 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-705-0538
Green Chapel Missionary Baptist 390 Lee Road 106, Auburn (334) 749-4184
AFB - Cooperative Baptist Fellowship 128 East Glenn Ave., Auburn
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High Hope Baptist Church 227 Lee Road 673 334-524-8750
Church Of Christ 2215 Marvyn Pkwy., Opelika 334-742-9721 Southside Church Of Christ 405 Carver Ave., Opelika 334-745-6015
Pepperell Baptist 2702 2nd Ave., Opelika 334-745-3108
COMMUNITY OUTREACH Good Sheperd Anglican Church 3015 Opelika Road, Opelika
Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Road 166, Opelika 334-745-4608
EPISCOPAL Emmanuel Episcopal Church 800 1st Ave., Opelika 334-745-2054
Union Grove Baptist Church 4009 Lee Road 391, Opelika
METHODIST Auburn United Methodist Church 137 South Gay St.,
Auburn 334-826-8800 Beulah United Methodist Church 5165 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-745-4755 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Church At Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy., Opelika 334-524-9148 Connect Church 2015 West Point Pkwy., Opelika 334-707-3949 St. Ellis Full Gospel Church 5267 US Hwy 80W, Opelika 334-298-4319 PRESBYTERIAN Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Road, Opelika 334-745-4889 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST Opelika Outreach S.D.A. Church P.O. Box 386, Opelika 334-749-3151
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A15 July 7, 2022
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A16 July 7, 2022
COMICS
“Life is worth living as long as there’s a laugh in it.” ― Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
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INSIDE B1 - B8:
S D. MARK MITCHELL
Excitement Builds for Football Season
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coaches from area high schools bring up to three players and speak about the upcoming season. Media representatives from East Alabama, Columbus and Montgomery gather to take notes, record audio video and ask questions to players and coaches so they know about each team. Tuesday's tentative schedule: 8 a.m. – Alvin Briggs AHSAA 8:15 a.m. – Valley Rams 8:35 a.m. – Beauregard Hornets 8:55 a.m. – LaFayette Bulldogs 9:15 a.m. – Lee-Scott Academy Warriors 9:35 a.m. – Loachapoka Indians 9:55 a.m. – Tallassee Tigers 10:15 a.m. –Springwood Wildcats 10:35 a.m. – Dadeville Tigers 10:55 a.m. – Beulah Bobcats 11:15 a.m. – Eufaula Tigers 11:35 a.m. – Auburn Tigers and 1 1:55 a.m. – Central Red Devils. Wednesday's tentative schedule: See SPORTS, page B8
AUBURN: JULY 12 AT 6 P.M. LEE COUNTY: JULY 12 AT 6 P.M. OPELIKA: JULY 28 AT 4:30 P.M.
Speed, Agility Football Camp Coming to Opelika Former Auburn Players Sammie Coates, Corey Grant, Chandler Cox to Instruct
BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM OPELIKA — Tyler Stovall, founder of Stovall Athletics and former member of the Auburn University football team and baseball staff, is bringing his speed and agility camp back to Opelika for the second year running. The camp is for youth ages 8 and up, and will take place at Opelika High School, July 16, 2022, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It provides a unique opportunity for youth who are trying to further their sporting craft, as attendees will have the opportunity to receive direct instruction from former Auburn players
Sammie Coates, Corey Grant and Chandler Cox. Through video analysis and competition, the three former Tigers — all of whom have NFL experience — will assist Stovall in coaching campers on footwork, speed work and detailed running mechanics. The cost of the camp is $200, covering instruction, a camp T-shirt, catered lunch, a camp bag, autographed gifts and an awards ceremony. “I always partner with guys who, first, are big in their faith and are good Christian men,” Stovall said. “And then second, they have a lot to offer to those kids who look up to them; that’s how I decide who to partner with. Those guys
have been gracious and understand that God has given them a big platform and influence, so we just use it to the best of our ability to help develop the next generation of athletes.” Stovall played football for Auburn from 2013-17 as the holder for kicker Daniel Carlson. Before that, he spent six years in Major League
Baseball (MLB) as a second-round pick to the Braves directly out high school. During his time on the Plains, Stovall developed a close relationship with many of the players, earning the endearing nickname “Papa Stove” because of his advanced age. Now, Stovall turns See SPEED, page B3
Auburn Football 2022 Outlook BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
AUBURN — Regarding football, things have been rather quiet on The Plains recently. Following a drama-filled offseason for head coach Bryan Harsin, the Tigers’ skipper is heading into year two with purpose and optimism. Despite some early offseason roster movement, not one player has entered the transfer portal since the program’s April 9 spring game, signaling that the Tigers are together in their chase for improving last season’s
6-7 finish. Athlon Sports predicts Auburn to finish seventh in the SEC West, with an
est truth is that the Tigers have more questions than answers entering the 2022 season.
overall record of 6-6 and a 2-6 conference record. That’s a low win-total for hopeful fans, but the hon-
The end of the 2021 season resulted in the departure of both offensive coordinator Mike Bobo
PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA — ummer is a tough time for high school sports, other than camps, 7-on-7 tournaments and workouts. As we get close to August, football lovers begin to get the itch. For the past four years, iHeartRadio has held "High School Media Days presented by the Orthopaedic Clinic" at the Bottling Plant Event Center. This year's iHeartRadio Media Days are slated for July 26 and 27 at the Bottling Plant Event Center in downtown Opelika. Fans can listen from 8 a.m. to noon on FOX Sports the Game 910-1310, or watch on WOTM TV (channel 80 on Charter Spectrum), home of the Alabama High School Athletic Association. Van Riggs and I will host media days along with Jeff Sasser and Eddie Owen. High School Media Day's presented by the Orthopaedic Clinic begins Tuesday with AHSAA Executive Director Alvin Briggs. Wednesday morning begins with AISA Athletic Director Roddie Beck. At media days, head
SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
ON THE MARK
• AUBURN CITY SCHOOLS • AUBURN UNIVERSITY • COMMUNITY SPORTS • LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS • OPELIKA CITY SCHOOLS • SUSCC
and defensive coordinator Derrick Mason, both of whom spent only one season on The Plains. Harsin has, in turn, traded in much of his year-one coaching staff for new coaches at the O.C., D.C., wide receivers, defensive line, linebackers and special teams positions. Harsin internally promoted Eric Kiesau (last year’s wide receivers coach who followed him from Boise State when Harsin was hired in December of 2020) to offensive coordinator/ quarterbacks coach, Jeff Schmedding (who also followed Harsin from Boise State) to defenSee FOOTBALL, page B3
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B2 July 7, 2022
Smiths Station Announces New Coaches SMITHS STATION — Smiths Station High School this week announced the hiring of two newly appointed athletics coaches. Cencade Pennington was announced as the new girls’ track & field coach. “I am honored to follow behind my great mentors, former head girls’ coaches, Adonica Ferguson, Cassidy Stecenko and Markita James-Smith,” Pennington said. “I am very excited to take on this new role in my coaching career. Let’s get it!” Pennington attended Charles Henderson High School and Auburn University, where he played football. Pennington has been a teacher for 22 years, with at Lyman Ward (2000-07)
PENNINGTON
WOMBLE
and Smiths Station (2007-present). He has coached Jr. high basketball, Jr. high wrestling, JV/varsity girls’ basketball, varsity football and track (sprinters) during his time with the Panthers. Pennington was inducted into the Smiths Station High School Hall of Fame for coaching varsity football for
15 years. Following the retirement of coach Jeff Carrero, who spent 16 years coaching boys’ soccer at Smiths Station, the school announced Daniel Womble as the new varsity boys’ soccer head coach. Womble attended Bob Jones High School and Auburn University. He played club soccer for his high school team. He has been a geometry teacher at Smiths Station Freshman Center for three years, coached junior varsity soccer for two years and assisted with varsity for one. “I am grateful for the opportunity, and I see the development of these young men as a great responsibility," he said. "I hope the players are ready to work hard and build a great team — both on and off the field.”
Auburn Gymnastics Star, Lee, Nominated for Multiple ESPY Awards PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER
BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
AUBURN –– Auburn University gymnastics star and Olympic gold medalist Suni Lee has been nominated for Best Athlete in Women’s Sports and Best Olympian in Women’s Sports at the 2022 ESPY Awards. Lee had a noteworthy 2022. After taking home a gold and bronze medal at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, Lee began competing for Auburn this past year. She became the 2022 National balance bean champion and placed second in the allaround at the NCAA Championships in April. Lee was nominated alongside Candace Parker (basketball),
Katie Ledecky (swimming) and Oksana Masters (cross country skiing, road cycling and biathlon) for Best Athlete in Women’s Sports. Ledecky, Masters and Allyson Felix (track & field) were alongside Lee for Best Olympian in Women’s Sports.
The sophomore is expected to return to Auburn for her second season competing as part of Auburn’s gymnastics in 2023. The ESPY’s is a yearly awards show presented by ABC (formerly ESPN) to recognize individual and team athletic
achievements and performances. The first ESPY’s were in 1993. Similar to other notable awards shows like the Grammys, Emmys or Oscars, the ESPY’s are hosted by a contemporary celebrity. The 2022 ESPYs will take place July 20, at 7 p.m. CT on ESPN.
Opelika City Schools Unveils New System Logo CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA — During the Board of Education meeting on June 28, 2022, the Opelika City Schools unveiled a new system logo. The goal
was to create a consistent, cohesive look across all of the schools in the district and create a bold mark that can grow with the system. The process took about six months to complete and unveiling the new logo is just the beginning.
"We're excited about the new Opelika City Schools logo," said Superintendent Dr. Farrell Seymore. "While our tradition of strong values and educational excellence remains unchanged, our new logo will present an updated, cohesive look for
our entire system." Opelika City Schools worked with Katy Doss and the staff at Here Molly Girl to create the new logo and branding suite. The new logo will be rolled out over the next few months throughout the district.
PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER
BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
A Dawg Pound Summer
BY JAKE GONZALEZ FOR THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA — It may be summer but football is looming just around the corner. The NFL has already held its annual draft and its training camps are upcoming. For high school players and younger, summer is the time for camps to work on their game. The Opelika Dawg Pound is preparing to host a coaches and quarterback/wide receiver camp on July 29 and 30 at Loachapoka High School with the help of UT Ingram and Tuskegee University offensive coordinator Aaron James. That event is not the only thing that the Dawg Pound is up to this summer. “[UT Ingram] has a pretty impressive resume,” said Anthony Bryant, founder of the Dawg Pound. “It is only right to bring one of Opelika’s back to come back and give a camp. It is really big to have someone from your city go play at the collegiate level or higher and come back and give back for free. That’s big. I wish more coaches and athletes from the area would come back.” The Opelika Dawg Pound is a youth football group that fields teams from ages 6 to 12. The Dawg Pound is a part of The Knee High Foundation whose mission is to serve the youth in Opelika with life skills, teach them financial literacy and proper etiquette. “A lot of them have never been outside the city,” Bryant said. “We are helping them to be upstanding citizens.” Along with hosting the coaches and quarterback/wide receiver camp at the end of
July, the Dawg Pound is hosting a book bag drive on July 23 in coordination with the city of Opelika and Ambassadors of Change (AOC). That will take place at Covington Recreation Center This is the first time that it has partnered with the city and AOC, and Bryant said he expects them to have a big turnout for the event. “Last year we gave away 1,000 [book bags],” Bryant said. “The year before that we gave away 1,000 and the year before that we gave away 1,000. I expect us to give away at least 500 with the city and other organizations coming in.” The book bag drive might be the biggest thing that the Dawg Pound will do all summer, but the community service work it does with The Knee High Foundation extends beyond that one event. "I'm going to be honest, my organization has touched the lives of 500 to 700 boys and girls," Bryant said. "We've countless stories of parents coming to us telling us how much we’ve helped their kids.” Recently, The Dawg Pound gave $2,000 in scholarships to the class of 2022 and visited veterans' homes in the area to bring toiletries and other supplies. It also participates in community cleanups. On Aug. 6 and 7, the Dawg Pound will host the Showdown in O-Town Part 2 to round out the summer. After that, the Dawg Pound will start its fall season in the Columbus Youth Football League. “We have our hands in so much stuff,” Bryant said. “We are embedded in the community.”
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B3 July 7, 2022
FOOTBALL >> FROM B1 sive coordinator and Roc Bellantoni (who was an analyst in 2021) to special teams coordinator. Both Kiesau and Schmedding bring prior experience at these positions from their time at Boise State. Bellantoni brings coordinator experience with him from his time at Utah State and Washington State. Externally, Harsin poached two coaches from other power-5 conference teams, assigning Florida’s Christian Robinson to be the linebackers coach/run game coordinator, and Oregon’s Jimmy Brumbaugh (an Auburn alum) to coach the defensive line. Robinson was previously with Florida for four years under former head coach Dan Mullin, and Brumbaugh spent 2021 as an analyst for the Ducks. Harsin also went to the next level to find replacements on his coaching staff, convincing Ike Hilliard, former Florida and NFL-receiver who spent the last two seasons as wide receivers coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL, to become Auburn’s coach at the same position. Harsin was able to keep the knowledge and recruiting prowess of running backs coach Carnell “Cadillac” Williams and secondary coach Zac Etheridge on the staff, fending off interest from Georgia as it pertains to Etheridge. Rounding out the staff is the returning Brad Bedell (tight ends coach) and Will Friend (offensive line coach). It can be presumed that these new additions and internal promotions will further strengthen
SPEED >> FROM B1 the relationships he made in his playing days into a practical benefit that helps develop young athletes. “I was kind of like a big brother to those guys [at Auburn], so I just kind of developed those relationships and now try to use those to help impact young people and use those guys that have a platform and influence to help others,” Stovall said. After coaching as an assistant for the Auburn baseball team and coach
the staff’s commitment to Harsin’s vision for the program. That sounds like a good thing, but the greatest concern comes from replacing the recruiting connections that the likes of Bobo and Mason — both recognizable and respected faces in the ever-revolving SEC coaching carousel — had. But, on to the roster. Auburn enters 2022 needing to replace significant production at the wide receiver, quarterback and secondary positions. The offensive line appears to still be middle of the pack, and the bleeding out of players from the Gus Malzahn era has reshapen the roster this offseason. Auburn faces the usual tough slate of games in the SEC West this year, and welcomes the Big-Ten’s Penn State to Jordan-Hare for an early-season clash in week three. It’s going to be an uphill battle for the Tigers to improve on their 2021 campaign. It starts with returning players like running back Tank Bigsby, linebacker Owen Pappoe and edge Derrick Hall setting the standard, and from there, hopefully newly-recruited talent or transfer portal players can fill in the gaps. For most teams in general, and particularly for Auburn this season, however, the buck stops — or starts — with the quarterback. Auburn saw three-year starter Bo Nix transfer from the program and land at Oregon, leading to an open offseason competition between LSU transfer T.J. Finley, who arrived in 2021 and started multiple games for the Tigers down the stretch of the schedule, sophomore Texas A&M transfer Zac Calzada, freshman
Oregon transfer Robby Ashford and true freshman Holden Geriner — Harsin’s first hand-pick recruit at the position. Calzada is the odds-on early favorite to secure the starting spot, but each player has their own leverage for becoming the long-term solution at quarterback. Finley has more experience than anyone, and the presumed best level knowledge of the playbook; Ashford looks like the most athletic; Geriner possesses the youth and upside of a multi-year starter in the offense; Calzada is the most well-rounded. All this results in a quarterback room that has a relatively high floor, low ceiling. None of these guys have a chance to succeed, however, if Auburn’s supporting cast of pass catchers does not make a significant jump in 2022. The Tigers lost their top two most prolific pass catchers from last season, with Georgia transfer Demetris Robertson exercising the last of his eligibility, and junior Kobe Hudson shockingly exiting the program to join Malzahn at UCF. If Shedrick Jackson hadn’t elected to return for his extra year of eligibility, the Tigers would have been left with a combined 487 career receiving yards to its returning roster in 2022. Jackson’s return is certainly a plus, but the likes of LSU transfer Koy Moore and Miami transfer Dazalin Worsham will be expected to make up some lost production given their previous experience at power-5 conference teams. Juniors Ze’Vian Capers, Malcolm Johnson Jr. and Tar’Varish Dawson could make the
leap to key contributors, and incoming freshman Camden Brown, Jay Fair and Omari Kelly enter the program with a great chance to make an impact in year one. Going from weakness to strength, Auburn boast a talented tight end room in 2022. John Samuel Shenker, the team’s fourth most prolific pass catcher in terms of receptions in 2021, cashed in on his extra year of eligibility to return to the program; sophomore Landen King is an exciting name that looks poised to break out in year two; juniors Luke Deal and Tyler Fromm should be solid contributors; and Micah Riley-Ducker was a nice three-star addition to the roster. The remainder of the offensive positions are more solidified. Bigsby is returning for his junior campaign as a pre-season favorite for All-SEC first team and the undeniable engine of the Auburn offense. Sophomore Jarquez Hunter hopes to recover from an offseason ACL injury to build on an impressive first season as Bigsby’s primary backup. The offensive line returns four super seniors (those who are using their extra year of eligibility due to the 2020 season COVID rule) to its ranks — Austin Troxell, Alec Jackson, Brandon Council and Nick Brahms. Four more are first-time seniors. Kilian Zierer, Brendan Coffee, Kameron Stutts and Jalil Irving are all competing for playing time this offseason. The 2022 juniors include Keiondre Jones, Tate Johnson and Jerimiah Wright. Avery Jernigan is the lone sophomore and three freshmen, Colby
Smith, Garner Langlo and E.J. Harris provide depth. The Auburn offensive line was average at best in 2021, and struggled particularly in the area of run blocking. This will be one of the most experienced groups in the nation come this season, but significant improvement will need to happen for Bigsby and the unproven quarterback room to have the type of year Harsin wants. Defensively, the Tigers have one of the best front sevens in the SEC. Despite the departure of some depth pieces, Auburn returns the majority of its key players from a defense that finished with 36 sacks in 2021, the programs' most since 2018. Hall and Eku Leota provide a deadly edge rushing combo; Colby Wooden anchors the interior of the line with Oregon transfer Jayson Jones figuring to come into the mix; and other names like juniors Marcus Harris and Zykeivous Walker, senior Marquis Burks and junior college (JUCO) transfer Jeffrey M’Ba should be notable contributors. Owen Pappoe is the lone returning starter from the linebacker group, with Zakoby McClain and Chandler Wooter gone after stellar careers on The Plains. Juniors Cam Riley and Wesley Steiner and North Carolina transfer Eugene Asante are each predicted to get significant playtime alongside Pappoe. The biggest weakness in the 2022 Auburn defense is in the secondary. The departure of All-American cornerback Roger McCreary and three-year starter Smoke Monday hurt the unit, but the upside of the remaining cornerbacks Jaylin Simpson,
Nehemiah Pritchett and others lend to the idea that improvement in this position is not impossible. At the safety position, inhouse returners Donovan Kaufman, Zion Puckett and Cayden Bridges will have opportunities to earn significant play time, and, if not, Iowa State transfer Craig Morgan and/or the highly-rated JUCO transfer Marquis Gilbert, will take their places. Lastly, there is special teams. Senior Anders Carlson has been Auburn’s kicker ever since his big brother Daniel Carlson left the program after a distinguished career and became a premiere kicker in the NFL. He will need to improve on his 14-for21 showing from 2021 to fend off competition from incoming freshman Alex McPherson (brother of another NFL kicker, Evan McPherson), the No. 1-rated kicker in his class. The punter position is locked up barring any injury, as junior Oscar Champan performed well enough in 2021 to secure a 2022 pre-season AllSEC Second Team nomination. Altogether, it would be easy to be cynical about the outlook for Auburn in 2022, but the truth is, the Tigers return a solid team. With a full year of implementing his culture under his belt, Harsin will carry heavier expectations from an often-unforgiving fan base. The Observer will go into further detail on each position group, and Auburn’s schedule, as the season approaches. The Tigers open their season on Sept. 3 against Mercer in Jordan-Hare Stadium at 6 p.m., with the broadcast on ESPN+.
Butch Thompson in 2018, Stovall accepted a normal 9-to-5 job. Before long, he realized his passion was helping others through sports. Stovall then created Stovall Athletics, and the first camp took place later that year. The camp was such a success that Stovall decided to hold a baseball pitching and catching camp in which he enlisted the help of a former Tiger and No. 1 overall pick to the Detroit Tigers in the 2018 MLB draft. “I saw there was such a need for it so I went fulltime with Stovall
Athletics in 2020, and the rest is history,” he said. The organization holds
Chocolooco Park in Oxford, Alabama, or local high schools and other facilities for its
multiple camps throughout the year, often using
operations. Stovall offers individual training as
well as camps, he said. “It’s kind of neat because I get kids from all over the state, sometimes out of state,” he said. In the end, everything Stovall does is rooted in his faith. His beliefs give him an added motivation for helping youth develop into not just great athletes, but great men and women. “Everything from my logo down represents my faith,” he said. “I’m big on not only adding value to young people through sports, but also adding value to young people by helping them become leaders and good men
one day — and the girls the same way. At the end of the day, its more than about sports, it’s about life. I love helping young people, and helping them take not just tools that will help them in the sports world, but tools that will help them in everyday life. I think god has definitely given me a platform through that and I just want to use it to the best of my ability and help represent Christ the right way.” To find out more about Stovall Athletics or to register for a camp, visit: https://www.stovallathletics.com/.
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B4 July 7, 2022
Auburn University and The Brandr Group Launch Group Licensing for Student-Athletes CONTRIBUTED BY AU ATHLETICS
AUBURN — Auburn University Athletics and The Brandr Group (TBG) have established a group licensing program for the university’s student-athletes covering all the Tigers’ 21 varsity sports. This collaboration creates new opportunities for Auburn University student-athletes who want to use their Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) together with the school’s official trademarks and logos. “Partnering with The Brandr Group will tremendously benefit Auburn student-athletes, Auburn Athletics and the Auburn Family,” said Director of Athletics Allen Greene. “TBG’s
best-in-class leadership in group licensing will create opportunities that elevate the student-athlete experience while generating merchandise that allows fans to show their Auburn colors.” The partnership with TBG allows for the collective use of student-athletes’ NIL in licensing and marketing programs, co-branded with Auburn University logos and marks. Student-athletes will have the option to voluntarily join a group licensing program. TBG will facilitate group licensing opportunities on behalf of the student-athletes. Participation in the program will not limit any student-athlete’s NIL rights in their individual licensing and
marketing activities. Potential licensees interested in learning more about the program should contact Chris Reimer at TBG. TBG, a brand management, marketing and licensing agency, will manage and administer the program as well as develop licensing opportunities on behalf of the student-athletes. With decades of collective management experience for some of the world’s largest brands, TBG also manages group rights programs for the NFL, NBA and MLB players associations in the college space. Products that combine team logos and player names and numbers have accounted for a large portion of
licensed sports merchandise sales at the professional level for decades, and this program provides similar opportunities for collegiate student-athletes. Some examples of group licensing include athlete inclusion in trading card programs, video games and co-branded jerseys that would include the student-athlete’s name and number along with Auburn University trademarks and logos. “Auburn University has a tradition of success across its athletics programs, and we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to support their student-athletes in the NIL space,” said Wesley Haynes, TBG CEO. “Now, Auburn’s talented
student-athletes will be able to benefit from a number of co-branded opportunities spanning across the school’s merchandise and sponsorship portfolio. This agreement will also unlock creative new ways to engage dedicated Tigers fans.” Fans can expect to be able to purchase official Auburn University merchandise, including team jerseys with the name and number of their favorite Tigers players who have joined the respective group licensing program, once TBG enters into agreements with applicable school trademark licensees. About The Brandr Group The Brandr Group (TBG) is a brand management, marketing
and licensing agency powered by a team with decades of collective management experience for some of the world’s largest brands. TBG has emerged as the leading agency in group licensing programs, with rights to over 50 college athletic programs and their student athletes in the Name, Image and Likeness category including the biggest brands in college athletics. TBG partners with prominent brands, colleges, sponsors, corporate trademarks, athletes and events to cultivate, diversify and monetize intellectual property through professional brand management and licensing endeavors. For more information, please visit tbgusa.com.
Auburn Volleyball Unveils 2022 Schedule CONTRIBUTED BY AU ATHLETICS
AUBURN — Returning to the court for the third season of the Brent Crouch era, Auburn volleyball released its 2022 schedule on Tuesday. “We are going to have a young, talented squad this year, perhaps one of the youngest in the country,” Crouch said. “I expect multiple freshmen to have major and probably starting roles. Accordingly, we have scheduled knowing that we need some early time on the road to connect and team build, a process that happens faster on road trips. I also expect our team to be substantially improved as the year progresses in tandem with the development of the freshmen and sophomores. Our preseason schedule sets us up for that development, and we will be ready for the rigors of the SEC season while we compete against many of the best teams in the NCAA. This will be an exciting year.” Auburn opens the season on the road, participating in a tournament hosted by Georgia State in Atlanta. The Tigers open the tournament on Friday, Aug. 26, facing Belmont and the host Panthers.
Auburn then faces Marist on Saturday, Aug. 27. The Tigers open their home slate with a pair of midweek matches, beginning with Alabama State on Wednesday, Aug. 31. Auburn welcomes Alabama A&M to Neville Arena on Tuesday, Sept. 6. Rounding out nonconference action with a pair of road tournaments, Auburn first travels to Birmingham, Alabama, on Sept. 9 through 11 for a tournament at UAB. Auburn is slated to face the Blazers, Troy and North Florida. The Tigers then travel to Jacksonville, Alabama, on Sept. 16 and 17 to compete in the JSU Invitational against Southern Miss, Jackson State and Jacksonville State. The Southeastern Conference schedule consists of 18 matches in which each member institution will play each other at least once. Auburn opens conference play in hostile territory with a two-match series at Alabama on Sept. 24-25 before returning to the Plains to host Mississippi State on Wednesday, Sept. 28. October features four home matches for the Tigers as Auburn hosts Georgia for a
two-match series on Oct. 8-9. The Tigers are also scheduled for matches against Tennessee on Friday, Oct. 21 and Florida on Wednesday, Oct. 26. The Tigers travel to LSU on Wednesday, Oct. 5 and also hit the road for a pair of two-matches series at Missouri (Oct. 15-16) and Kentucky (Oct. 29-30). Kicking off the final month of the regular season at Neville Arena, Auburn hosts Texas A&M for a pair of matches on Nov. 5 and 6. Auburn’s lone road matches of the month are single contests at Ole Miss on Friday, Nov. 11 and at South Carolina on Wednesday, Nov. 23. The Tigers conclude the season with a pair of home matches against Arkansas on Nov. 25 and 26. The 2022 NCAA Championship is scheduled for Dec. 15 through 17 at the CHI Health Center Omaha in Omaha, Nebraska. Dates and locations for the first and second rounds of postseason play as well as regional championships will be announced later by the NCAA. TV broadcast information will be released closer to the start of the season.
Auburn’s SEC Basketball Opponents Announced CONTRIBUTED BY AU ATHLETICS
AUBURN –– Auburn’s league opponents for the 2022-23 men’s basketball season were announced by the Southeastern Conference on
Wednesday. The defending regular-season champion Tigers will play home-and-home series with Alabama, Georgia, Ole Miss, Tennessee and Texas A&M. Road dates include trips to Kentucky, LSU,
South Carolina and Vanderbilt, while Auburn hosts Florida, Arkansas, Missouri and Mississippi State at Neville Arena. Times, dates and television information will be announced at a later date.
2022 Auburn Volleyball Schedule Date
Opponent
Location
Time (CT)
August 26
Belmont
Atlanta, Ga.
10:30 a.m.
August 26
Georgia State
Atlanta, Ga.
7 p.m.
August 27
Marist
Atlanta, Ga.
11 a.m.
August 31
Alabama State
Neville Arena
TBA
September 6
Alabama A&M
Neville Arena
TBA
September 9
UAB
Birmingham, Ala.
7 p.m.
September 10
Troy
Birmingham, Ala.
2 p.m.
September 11
North Florida
Birmingham, Ala.
12 p.m.
September 16
Southern Miss
Jacksonville, Ala.
1:30 p.m.
September 17
Jackson State
Jacksonville, Ala.
10 a.m.
September 17
Jacksonville State
Jacksonville, Ala.
6 p.m.
September 24
Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Ala.
2 p.m.
September 25
Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Ala.
2 p.m.
September 28
Mississippi State
Neville Arena
TBA
October 5
LSU
Baton Rouge, La.
TBA
October 8
Georgia
Neville Arena
TBA
October 9
Georgia
Neville Arena
TBA
October 15
Missouri
Columbia, Mo.
TBA
October 16
Missouri
Columbia, Mo.
2 p.m.
October 21
Tennessee
Neville Arena
TBA
October 26
Florida
Neville Arena
TBA
October 29
Kentucky
Lexington, Ky.
3 p.m.
October 30
Kentucky
Lexington, Ky.
12 p.m.
November 5
Texas A&M
Neville Arena
TBA
November 6
Texas A&M
Neville Arena
TBA
November 11
Ole Miss
Oxford, Miss.
TBA
November 23
South Carolina
Columbia, S.C.
1 p.m.
November 25
Arkansas
Neville Arena
TBA
November 26
Arkansas
Neville Arena
TBA
TBA
NCAA First and Second Rounds
TBA
TBA
TBA
NCAA Regional Championships
TBA
TBA
Dec. 15-17
NCAA Championships
Omaha, Neb.
TBA
2023 CONFERENCE OPPONENTS Alabama Arkansas Auburn Florida Georgia Kentucky LSU Ole Miss Mississippi State Missouri South Carolina Tennessee
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B5 July 7, 2022
Auburn Engineering, Air University Reach Educational Partnership Agreement CONTRIBUTED BY AUBURN UNIVERSITY BY JOE MCADORY
Force recognize we produce some of the nation’s most gifted engineers and world-class researchers, and our experience
environment that promotes unique opportunities for students and faculty to participate in Air Force-related
of Engineering transcends state and regional borders,” said Steve Taylor, interim dean of engineering. “Entities such as the U.S. Air
working with our nation’s defense sector makes this a perfect fit.” According to the agreement, its objective is to develop an
research, while enhancing educational and research opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and
PHOTO USED WITH PERMISSION
AUBURN –– Auburn University Samuel Ginn College of Engineering professors will soon have access to new and exciting research opportunities. The U.S. Air Force will soon have access to Auburn Engineering’s brainpower. A recently-signed, five-year educational partnership agreement provides Auburn Engineering students and faculty an opportunity to collaborate scientifically with Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery — an arm of the U.S. Air Force — to expand and create knowledge, solve engineering-related problems
and optimize existing modes of operation. “The reputation of Auburn University and the Samuel Ginn College
other disciplines relevant to education, collaboration and innovation properties. “As a military organization, we at Air University talk a lot about joint operations between the different service branches and while that’s of utmost importance we also need to work more strategically with our civilian partners,” said Mehmed Ali, director of academic services at Air University. “Auburn brings so much to the table and this agreement is just the beginning of a key relationship that will greatly benefit both sides.” Steve Mills, principal research scientist in the College of Engineering, considered the agreement a “win-win for Auburn University and Air
University.” “Air University will work closely with our experts to collaborate on cutting-edge research across all engineering disciplines while also providing our faculty access to new and exciting research opportunities,” said Mills, who will serve as the university’s partnership program manager and help identify, select and prioritize collaborative activities for both organizations. In September 2021, the college signed an educational partnership agreement with Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, Georgia, to “develop new technology by engaging with faculty and students and increase the potential for transfer and commercialization of Air Force technology.”
American Excellence
PHOTOS BY MATT AUSTIN / FOR THE OBSERVER
The Team USA Softball Women's National Team played exhibition games July 4 against Aussie Spirt and Japan in Columbus, Georgia. Team USA defeated Aussie Spirti, 7-1, and Japan, 3-0
B6 July 7, 2022
Auburn Alumna Becomes Vital Resource Across the Country for COVID-19 Treatment Protocols
McCreary is first pharmacy grad to receive Auburn’s Young Alumni Achievement Award
AUBURN — As hospitals and clinics across the country attempted to navigate the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, so many things were happening in such a short amount of time. Pharmacists, including Erin McCreary, a 2015 graduate of the Harrison College of Pharmacy, and other health care workers worked tirelessly to identify treatments for struggling patients. Never one to be afraid of “work, hard work,” McCreary did not stand idly by. Asking questions at a crucial time, she assumed a vital leadership role within the hospital system and became a key resource in pharmacy circles across the country for COVID-19 treatment and protocols.
An infectious diseases pharmacist and director of Stewardship Innovation, Infectious Disease Connect with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, or UPMC, as well as a clinical assistant professor of medicine with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, McCreary noticed some trends in orders coming through the pharmacy. With so much information coming through her system, she spoke up and volunteered to coordinate the summarization and cataloging of information coming through the pharmacy. Just by asking the question, she became a pivotal leader in the health system’s approach to COVID-19. “That led to the first draft of our first COVID-19 treatment guideline. We started truly putting out systems
PHOTO USED WITH PERMISSION
CONTRIBUTED BY AUBURN UNIVERSITY BY MATT CROUCH
Erin McCreary, a 2015 graduate of the Harrison College of Pharmacy, was recognized this year by the Auburn Alumni Association with the Young Alumni Achievement Award as a key resource in pharmacy circles across the country for COVID-19 treatment and protocols.
and protocols and information technology support across the entire health care system: rural, critical access hospitals, community and the academic and urban areas. They were all operating under the same oversight, which was our committee,” McCreary said. “I went from being kind of one pharmacist at
Living the Creed: Dr. Barry Booth’s Lifetime of Service Commemorated with Auburn Surprise could enter medical and dental school after their junior year and qualify for an Auburn degree after their first year of professional school. Such was the case for Booth, and he transitioned to dental school never having received his diploma
PHOTO BY PHILLIP COXWELL
Vice President Lt. Gen. (ret.) Ron Burgess. “I’ve bled burnt orange and blue since 1958 — AUBURN –– the diploma is appreSixty years ago, ciated,” Booth said. “I Dr. Barry Lee Booth will see it every day and (’63 pre-dentistry) finthink of the moment I reished his instruction at ceived it and the special Auburn University and people that were around me at the time. It was certainly an unexpected surprise.” ‘I believe in education’ Booth said he distinctly remembers who led him to attend Auburn. In 1958, after graduating from Aiken High School in South Carolina, he planned on enlisting in the U.S. Navy with a couple of classmates. However, Booth’s mothDr. Barry Booth, center, was surprised by Auburn University President er had a different plan Christopher B. Roberts, left, and Executive Vice President Ron Burgess in mind, indicating he with the presentation of his undergraduate diploma. Booth graduated needed to find a way to from Auburn in 1963, but went directly to dental school and never reattend college. ceived his diploma, until May 27. Just like a few years earlier when Booth’s entered dental school from Auburn — un10th-grade counselor in at the University of til now. West Virginia advised Alabama, taking with In a surprise ceremohim to be a sheet methim cherished memories ny on May 27, Booth was al worker, his mother of the Plains, yet leavpresented his Auburn thought otherwise, stating behind one special diploma by Auburn ing that she would like document. President Christopher B. See BARRY, page B7 At the time, students Roberts and Executive CONTRIBUTED BU AUBURN UNIVERSITY BY LESLIE LEAK
one hospital, to being the system lead pharmacist for all COVID-19 therapeutics basically by asking if anyone was writing a basic guideline.” As pharmacists and physicians learned more about COVID-19 and ways to combat the disease, monoclonal antibodies became an important tool in treating
those infected with COVID-19. Made for use in people already infected with it, monoclonal antibodies look for and attach to the spike protein that sticks out of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. When monoclonal antibodies attach to the spike protein, they can block the virus’ ability to enter cells and slow down the infection. With this treatment coming to the forefront, McCreary once again stepped to the front to lead the charge and is the lead pharmacist for the UPMC Monoclonal Antibody Network. When the antibody treatments received emergency use authorization in November 2020, McCreary and her team shifted their inpatient work to outpatient, utilizing their network to treat as many patients as possible. “Monoclonal
antibodies are highly effective, but they are logistically challenging to get to patients, and it takes a whole village of people to coordinate this,” she said. Their success did not go unnoticed. Soon The White House was calling to find out what exactly they were doing at UPMC. “They said, ‘We have invested in all of these drugs, and people aren’t using them and you guys seem to have figured out how to use them, we want to help you do more of this,’” recalled McCreary. “So, with these efforts from an incredible team of people, we were able to go from treating about 3% of all eligible patients to 35% of all eligible patients in just shy of a couple months, which is a really, really tremendous increase in access and something we are very See COVID, page B7
The Hunt for Truck Drivers: Auburn Alumnus, AAA Cooper Transportation CEO Updates Supply Chain Managers on Must-Have Transportation CONTRIBUTED BY AUBURN UNIVERSITY BY TROY TURNER
supply chain management, and Dove drove home the point in his speech.
AUBURN –– Experienced truck drivers who do their homework can garner a salary between $100,000 and $120,000, and demand for their services is only going to grow, an industry leader said. “It’s a really, really good time to be a truck driver,” said Reid Dove, 1994 Auburn University graduate Reid Dove is the CEO of AAA Cooper and AAA Cooper Transportation and a 1994 Auburn University graduate. Transportation CEO. “And they’re good peo“We are short 80,000 ple. They deserve what drivers in our industry,” they are getting.” he said, citing 2021 naDove made the retional statistics and what marks at the recent companies are doing to Fusion 2022 conference, recruit more drivers. the fifth annual supply “Team drivers, such chain symposium hostas a husband-anded by the university wife team, can make and its Harbert College $250,000 annually” in of Business Center some cases, he said. for Supply Chain Why are so many Innovation. drivers needed now and The importance of the in the near future? trucking/transportation Retirements of longindustry was echoed time, experienced drivby speakers throughout ers is one leading cause, the event as playing a Dove said, while another crucial role in today’s is the rapid growth of In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/
diverse industries in a strong economy that has become ever more aware of the need for dependable transportation in meeting supply chain demands. Companies that depend on truck drivers often are having to respond by offering higher salaries, better benefits and more schedule flexibility. DIESEL TO ELECTRIC? Dove was asked about the future of trucking using electronic vehicles. That day is coming, perhaps sooner than later, and he embraces it, he said. However, the trucking industry “is not there yet.” One of the primary challenges is production and availability when comparing traditional diesel fuel to electrical charged trucks, he said, citing an example of trying to plan a limited 200-mile range on an eight-hour charge for each truck in a fleet of 300, “when it takes 14 minutes to fuel a diesel” See DRIVERS, page B8 files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20 P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-50811-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 6329992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by: 1.mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or 2.fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 6907442; or 3.email: program.intake@usda.gov This institution is an equal opportunity provider. 05/05/2022
B7 July 7, 2022
BARRY >> FROM B6 for him to attend college and become either a physician, a dentist or a lawyer. She ultimately told him that her recommendation would be for him to attend dental school, to which he respectfully responded, “Yes ma’am.” After his mother made arrangements for him to meet with a relative in Auburn, Booth packed a bag, and his mom drove him to the city limits of Aiken and said, “Here’s where you start.” Booth recalled, “Mom insisted I get out of that ’49 Ford, pointed down the Augusta highway and said, ‘Auburn, Alabama, is that way. Call me when you get there.’ Again, ‘Yes ma’am.’” Booth stuck out his thumb, hitchhiked across Georgia and arrived in Auburn. His relative advised him to try to meet with James E. Foy, the dean of students, about getting into school. Foy indicated that, if Booth had $55 for tuition, he could start classes at Auburn. Booth stated that he didn’t have $55, but if Foy would loan him the money for tuition, he would have him paid back by the end of the quarter. That day, not only was a deal made, but also a lifetime friendship between the two men. Booth described Foy as “a friend
COVID >> FROM B6 proud of.” RECEIVING RECOGNITION The leadership and determination shown by McCreary during such a critical time exemplifies why she was selected as the Young Alumni Achievement Award winner by the Auburn Alumni Association. “I am so honored and humbled to receive this award, it still doesn’t feel real,” said McCreary. “I’m so proud to represent pharmacists and to represent women. It admittedly feels a bit odd to celebrate work related to COVID-19 since the pandemic has been such a horrible experience in so many ways; however, when I step back and think more about the systems we built, the ways we collaborated, the patients we helped and the path forged for future young female scientists, I am so proud and this award recognizes a path forward for so many more future leaders to continue this work and improve it even more.” McCreary is the first graduate of the Harrison College of Pharmacy to receive the Young Alumni Achievement Award and just the second graduate in as many years to be recognized by the Auburn Alumni Association. With the valuable contributions of pharmacists, particularly during the COVID-19 era, McCreary is happy to
to everyone, but most of all, he loved his students.” Booth and Foy stayed in close touch until Foy’s passing in 2010, when Booth was honored to serve as a pallbearer. ‘I BELIEVE IN WORK, HARD WORK’ As a student at Auburn, Booth worked his entire time there, getting jobs on campus and around town, always securing a job that provided room and board. His jobs included working the front desk and driving the ambulance at Drake Student Infirmary, running a milk route every morning at the dairy, working for the agriculture department and library, selling popcorn and taking up tickets for Percy Vaughan at the War Eagle Theatre and as a dispatcher with the Auburn Police Department for Police Chief Clyde Ellis. “For my milk route, I would leave the infirmary about 4 a.m. and jog past the fieldhouse to the football field,” Booth said. “There were no fences, so I would jog right down the middle of the field through both ‘H’ goalposts on to the dairy, where Mr. Wayne Jones and I would run our route to all the campus dorms. Our last stop would be the Auburn Grille and a visit with Mr. Gus every morning. At the time, the milk route job was the highest-paying student job on campus at 90 cents an hour, with three hours
a day guaranteed, seven days a week.” For Booth, saving that $2.70 a day began to add up. When he graduated from Auburn, he was debt-free, having paid off Foy’s loan at the end of his first quarter. To be a debt-free Auburn graduate after some of the toughest times of his upbringing — he, his brothers and mother had to live in an abandoned World War II Army box car near Fort Bliss, Texas, through the winter of 1947-48 until they could get on their feet — was a humbling accomplishment and an opportunity he never took for granted. ‘I BELIEVE IN MY COUNTRY’ Booth graduated from dental school in 1966 and began active duty with the U.S. Navy at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. Following field medical school at Camp Pendleton, he was sent to Vietnam and assigned to the Naval Support Activity — Danang. He volunteered to work in the McNamara Hearts and Minds program treating Vietnamese locals with the Marine Corps 1st and 3rd divisions and 5th Special Forces at Camp Kham Duc. He has returned to Vietnam on three occasions to assist in various other dental missions, and through those subsequent visits, has reunited with people he knew during the war. “I have one pal that
was a young kid during the war who is a retired police chief now, and we still communicate to this day,” Booth said. “Through the years, I’ve taken photographs of the same neighborhoods and the same people in their villages, so they’re able to see historical photos of themselves and their friends at a young age. On my visit in 2019, I was invited to a home and looked up to see my picture hanging on their wall from 1994.” ‘I BELIEVE IN THE HUMAN TOUCH’ A pillar in the Spanish Fort, Alabama, community, Booth practiced dentistry there for 54 years before COVID-19 prompted his retirement. He was named the recipient of the Fuller Award in 2019, the most prestigious alumni honor awarded by the University of Alabama School of Dentistry Alumni Association. Booth made available the land for the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Spanish Fort, which came to fruition and was dedicated in 2012. He has been named Veteran of the Year in both Fairhope and Mobile and other communities, was recognized at USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park in 2020 with the commendation from Gov. Kay Ivey and presented with the highest civilian award the
state can bestow—the Distinguished Service Medal — for his support of veterans. Booth was key in orchestrating Honor Flight South Alabama, a program that took almost 1,000 World War II veterans to see their memorial in Washington, D.C. According to his friend and fellow COSAM alumnus, Dr. Michael O’Brien ’79, “There were a lot of veterans who would have not been able to go on the honor flights if it weren’t for Barry, and a large majority of them do not even know who made it possible.” ‘WALKING HUMBLY’ When asked what accomplishments have been most impactful in his life, Booth stated, “All efforts were meaningful. They were successful because of an entire team of people pulling the wagon in the same direction. Successful programs are never a singular effort.” O’Brien pointed out that’s exactly how Booth has lived his life — by doing so much for so many yet taking the least credit. “That quality might be the biggest asset of a good leader — it is to give praise to your team,” O’Brien said. “I saw him recently enable a young man to go to school, a total stranger he’d just met that day. You would have to search far and wide to find someone who Barry
Booth hasn’t helped in some way.” As a student at Auburn, Booth will tell you he did not live solely by the Auburn Creed, although he fully ascribes to it now. It’s been taped to his refrigerator for 50 years — right beside the picture of Dean Foy. Now, with his diploma in hand, he has one more treasured keepsake to add to his collection of memories. Auburn University is a nationally ranked land grant institution recognized for its commitment to world-class scholarship, interdisciplinary research with an elite, top-tier Carnegie R1 classification, life-changing outreach with Carnegie’s Community Engagement designation and an undergraduate education experience second to none. Auburn is home to more than 30,000 students, and its faculty and research partners collaborate to develop and deliver meaningful scholarship, science and technology-based advancements that meet pressing regional, national and global needs. Auburn’s commitment to active student engagement, professional success and public/ private partnership drives a growing reputation for outreach and extension that delivers broad economic, health and societal impact.
see the spotlight shown on the meaningful work as part of patients’ health care teams. “Pharmacists are an essential member of every patient care team—no matter the location of the patient or the specialty or medical condition requiring care,” said McCreary. “When we collaborate with our physician, nursing and other health care partners, we truly can design trials and build systems that optimize care while using resources judiciously. It’s never too early to work hard and make a difference.” GIVING CREDIT For McCreary, her interest in infectious diseases started during her second year of pharmacy school in Jack DeRuiter’s class. “Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics fascinate me, and I think one of the best parts of being a pharmacist is diving into these data for different compounds, combining that knowledge with available clinical data and optimizing dosing to a desired effect,” she said. “During our ‘bugs and drugs’ course P2 year, I realized antimicrobials were the coolest drug class ever. I think it’s fascinating how the chemical structures directly relate to their spectrum of activity against various pathogens and adverse events we see in patients.” Along with DeRuiter, she credits several others from the Auburn
Pharmacy Family for helping her along the way. Salisa Westrick taught the research elective where she learned about writing research studies and applying for grants, and the late Anne Marie Liles was an important faculty mentor who helped McCreary and others start and grow the Equal Access Birmingham interprofessional free clinic in Birmingham. She also credits Courtney Watts Alexander and Kent Owusu, members of the HCOP Class of 2014, who taught her about residencies and getting involved with professional organizations. She also credits Brent Fox for helping her create her first Twitter account. That account now has a blue checkmark beside it, boasting nearly 15,000 followers as she has become one of the leading voices around the country regarding COVID-19 treatment. NEXT CHAPTERS Upon leaving Auburn, McCreary completed two years of residency work with University of Wisconsin Health, specializing in infectious diseases in her second year. Additionally, she has served as a member of the American Society for Microbiology Planning Committee and is chair of the Society of Infectious Disease Pharmacists, or SIDP, publications committee. She was recently elected to the executive board of
SIDP and will complete a two-year term from 2021-23. Her practice interests include infectious diseases and antimicrobial stewardship in immunocompromised hosts, antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic optimization. Within UPMC, she chairs the COVID-19 Therapeutics Committee, which oversees writing guidelines and developing order sets for all inpatient and outpatient COVID-19 treatments across 35 hospitals and eight electronic health records. She is the pharmacy lead for two large randomized, adaptive trials: REMAP-CAP COVID-19 and OPTIMISE-C19 and leads UPMC’s outpatient monoclonal antibody treatment network and 22 Evusheld administration clinics. With all the data, studies and trials, McCreary is still shocked at how complex and unique COVID-19 is, making it all the more difficult to treat. “COVID-19 is phenotypically complex, meaning it presents very differently for different patients. We see patients with absolutely no symptoms and patients that die tragically,” she said. “It also has very
heterogeneous sequela, meaning outside of respiratory symptoms, patients can present with maladies of almost every other organ system which range in severity. “Finally, we’re just now beginning to understand the terrible consequences of ‘Long COVID and so we will not only be trying to optimize care for acute illness for the foreseeable future, but now we are learning how to manage patients with long-term comorbidities associated with their infection.” Still in her first 10 years as a professional, McCreary has seen her whole world change in a small amount of time. “COVID-19 changed
everything. For the past two-plus years, the majority of my work and the work of many on my teams has shifted to exclusively COVID-19,” she said. “We also had to learn to navigate providing clinical care and collaborating with teams almost exclusively virtually for a while, appreciate the social and mental challenges we all faced throughout the pandemic and work faster and more ready to pivot plans completely with changing information more so than ever before. “The silver lining has been meeting people all throughout the health system, in various roles, as we all collaborated to improve outcomes.”
B8 July 7, 2022
Summer Welcomes Childrens’ Curiosity where you feel comfortable for your children or grandchildren to explore. Children want to explore objects and see how they work and why. In the summer, it is so much fun sitting outside to hear summer sounds when it is cooler. One can hear crickets, cicadas and the sound of frogs croaking here and there. Also, set out certain days that you and your children can go on family field trips. This could be something as simple as going to the grocery store with your infants or toddlers. Seeing colorful shapes of fruit and other foods is a wonderful curiosity lesson. Taking the time to truly engage in nature, such as looking at the stars and moon, watching birds and their habits, insects’ habits, making out shapes and forms in clouds as well as watching clouds build up to rainstorms encourages the curiosity drive in our children. I love seeing my little fellows on the playground bending over to observe an ant or bee rather than even playing. They bring their little playground pet over to their teachers and ask many questions. Young children love to take time to “watch” summer. Looking for the glow of fireflies in the evening, watching hummingbirds get nectar from a flower or feeder and seeing butterflies beautifully darting around can truly
fill a young child’s day with enjoyment and observation. I love early childhood where children have that freedom of spirit to explore without worrying about a thing. When your child expresses their thoughts, ideas and questions, focus on what they are expressing to you with excitement, understanding and interest. We adults may not know all the answers, but you and your child can explore the path of knowledge which leads to a solution and problem solving. I love the way early childhood teachers set up their classes to tinker and explore through learning centers. Our young students build elaborate Lego creations, construct tracks for cars, play house in the “pretend” center and read and look at books of pictures of animals they might see on a camping trip like squirrels, birds, porcupines, raccoons and different kinds of insects. I love having a discovery table with nature items for children to closely look at with a magnifying glass or microscope. It encourages curiosity. I remember like it was yesterday when we children played outside more. Our parents and grandparents let us play outside more during the summer months. Play is truly welcome during the summer months after spending many months of structure in a school setting.
Play is a child’s work. Children love to use their imaginations more as they play house or other wholesome, pretend situations. When traveling on long trips, making up stories together not only encourages language development, but this kind of reading a few paragraphs and letting your child finish the story is a curiosity booster. Last week I traveled up to Grand Rapids, Michigan, to join my 36-year-old son and his fiancé for a wonderful family wedding shower. As a mom, I observed how my son and his fiancé allowed the young nephews and nieces help them open up their wedding shower gifts. It won my heart because the wedding couple knew that these children wanted to interact with the wedding shower by helping. The young children wanted a task and they did a wonderful job. They would carefully remove the wrapping paper and bows and tell my son and his fiancé what they had received as a gift. Not only did this simple involvement meet curiosity needs, but the children felt so appreciated and needed with a summer and lifetime celebration. Even the smallest involvements are so appreciated in the hearts of young children.
ummer offers more time for young children to explore their world around them. In summer preschools and camps, I love the way teachers take time to point out things in nature for children to question and explore. Summer is also a time where families can plan and relax more, as well as point out nature all around. Questions that I have heard from my young students include: “Why is the sky blue? Why does the moon shine, and the stars twinkle at night?” Summertime offers many sensory lessons of feeling and touching. Touching a flower or lawn with early morning dew, as well as walking barefoot through the cool grass helps
us appreciate the touch and feel of summer. Touching shells bring memories of waves crashing against the beach and shore. Too, the gentle smells of summer such as the fragrance of Honey Suckle, Magnolias, Gardenias or the smell of a summer rain after a very hot day floods us all with sensory enrichment and a heartfelt appreciation of summer. Young children love to engage in their surroundings and to verbalize what they see, feel or smell. For adults, the seeing, touching and smelling of summer revives many pleasant memories of past summers. From infants to older children to adults, God has given each child a born drive to find out about the world
around them. As parents and teachers, it is a wonderful opportunity to stimulate and encourage a child’s curiosity at a young age. Curiosity encourages the brain to develop as children learn to read, do math and science, explore, investigate and manipulate. Curiosity motivates children to want to learn. Summer tastes, such as quenching thirst with fresh squeezed lemonade or the smells of barbecue, fish, hotdogs and other meats, has always been a favorite summer pastime. The fresh tastes of watermelon, strawberries, peaches, blueberries, etc., is a huge favorite of Opelika and Lee County. There is nothing like homemade ice cream full of fresh fruits. Too, summer is a great time for a young child to be introduced to the tastes of fresh vegetables. Preschoolers can help shell peas and butterbeans, as well as shucking corn under family guidance. Young children absolutely love to help. As parents and teachers, what can we do to encourage and enhance curiosity with our children? Providing a curiosity-driven environment of wonder and awe allows children to explore. Remove items which may be dangerous to your children. This will allow your child to explore in a safe environment. Too, remember to set limits and boundaries in your home
SPORTS >>
10:35 a.m. – Reeltown Rebels 10:55 a.m. – Bullock County 11:15 a.m. – Smiths Station and 11:35 a.m. – Opelika Bulldogs. iHeartRadio's High School Media Days would not be possible without the support of the Orthopaedic Clinic and the Bottling Plant Event Center. The Ortho Clinic has been involved in high school sports since they opened the business.
The Orthopaedic Clinic doctors: Trent Wilson, Frazier Jones, Adam Dooley, Ryan Palmer and Todd Shiels are all dedicated to high school athletics along with their regular practice. Ortho Clinic President and CEO Terry Rosenthal along with Director of High School Sports John Rich play a huge part in supporting our local schools. The Orthopaedic Clinic offers a Saturday morning clinic for athletes that were injured
during the game on Friday. This allows student-athletes to see an Orthopeadist instead of a regular physician. You can also keep up with high school games by listening the the “Orthopaedic Clinic wrap-up Show" every Saturday morning (8 a.m. to 9 a.m.) on WZMG, FOX Sports the Game 910-1310. The first show will air, Saturday, Aug. 20. OPELIKA HOST DBB STATE TOURNAMENT
Opelika Dixie Boys Baseball will host the DBB State Tournament at West Ridge Park this weekend. Opelika will play Friday night at 7:50 p.m. Auburn University head baseball coach Butch Thompson will join Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller, Auburn Mayor Ron Anders and other special guest for opening ceremonies at 5:30 p.m. Friday afternoon. The tournament is scheduled to end Sunday
evening. The Junior DBB State Tournament features Opelika and Dothan in a best-of-three game series. First game is scheduled Friday at 5:50 p.m. D. Mark Mitchell is the sports director at iHeartMedia, host of “On the Mark” Fox Sports the Game 9101310, co-chair of the Auburn-Opelika Sports Council, chairman of the Super 7 and Dixie Boys Baseball state director.
travels its 200 miles “and there is not a place to recharge it. “Or if it breaks down, and there is not someone who can fix it. We have diesel mechanics. We don’t have many electrical mechanics yet.” That said, “I don’t doubt the power of
innovation, which is beautiful,” Dove said, pointing to a similar time of debate and dramatic change when transportation moved from horse-and-buggy to the earliest gas-powered automobiles. Electric trucks already are just as powerful to
drive, Dove said, and the day will come when innovation will make the change in fuel supply a more likely endeavor. “There are a lot of people working on the technology of this, and I suspect it will be done right,” he said. “We are very much looking
forward to the day that this is available.” MAKING THE HAUL The American Trucking Associations reports that “nearly every good consumed in the U.S. is put on a truck at some point. “As a result, the trucking industry hauled
72.5% of all freight transported in the United States in 2019, equating to 11.84 billion tons. “The trucking industry was a $791.7 billion industry in that same year, representing 80.4% of the nation’s freight bill.”
S
BETH PINYERD
FROM B1 8a.m. – AISA Athletic Director Roddie Beck 8:15 a.m. – Chambers Academy Rebels 8:35 a.m. – Southern Prep 8:55 a.m. – Russell County Warriors 9:15 a.m. – Notasulga Blue Devils 9:35 a.m. – Lanett 9:55 a.m. – Glennwood Gators 10:15 a.m. – Benjamin Russell Wildcats
DRIVERS >> FROM B6 that can range hundreds more miles. “That is problematic. This is a problem, and it is going to take time to solve it,” he said, adding that it also is a problem when a charged truck
HOME FOR THE SUMMER? Take a class at your local community college that transfers back to your university in the fall. Ask about our transient classes.
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L ee County & A labama Politics
B9
Nov. 24, 2021
Thursday, July 7, 2022
Inside the Statehouse
Katie Britt won the Senate Race the Old-Fashioned Way
K
OPINION — atie Boyd Britt won the Republican Senate Primary the old fashioned way. She got out and worked for it and earned it and, folks, she won big. She beat Mo Brooks 63% to 37% in the GOP runoff. Britt carried an amazing 66 out of 67 counties. Britt was born to win this senate seat at the youthful age of 40. Those of us around Alabama politics recognized early on that she had unique, God-given leadership abilities and integrity. We watched her grow up in Enterprise. She won everything in the Wiregrass from Debate to Dance. When I saw her become governor of girls’ state as a junior in high school, I looked at Jack Hawkins, the chancellor of Troy University, and said that young lady has governor or senator written all over her. Britt went on to the University of Alabama and was elected Student Government president, then she graduated from Law School at Alabama. She practiced law brief ly then became Sen. Richard Shelby’s chief of staff for five years. She then headed the Business Council of Alabama for three years before beginning her journey to follow her mentor, Shelby, in the U.S. Senate seat he has held for 36 years. Some of us who have known Shelby and been his friends and confidantes for over three decades were told soon after his sixth reelection victory in 2016 that these last six years would be his last hurrah. He told us he was going to encourage and support Britt to succeed him. He
See FLOWERS, page B10
Hovey Is Republican Nominee WRITTEN BY THE OBSERVER STAFF ALABAMA — In a statement given to The Observer writer D. Mark Mitchell, Sen. Tom Whatley announced that he had decided to end his bid for re-election. The statement reads: The last twelve years have been fantastic. I have loved serving in the Alabama Senate. I have made lifelong friendships with many fantastic people. Hands down, the best thing about my Senate service has been speaking to an Auburn University
PHOTO USED WITH PERMISSION
STEVE FLOWERS
wisely knew because of her age and acumen she has the potential to be one of Alabama’s greatest senators. The seniority system in the United States Senate is so enshrined and entrenched that in order to be great you have to serve awhile. In fact, in order to reach pinnacles of power in the senate you have to be there at least 20 to 25 years. We have had three great senators in Alabama history. Shelby is the most powerful and accomplished. The other two are Lister Hill and John Sparkman, who served Alabama in the U.S. Senate for 30 and 32 years, respectively. They were both powers. By the way, both Hill and Sparkman were SGA presidents at the University of Alabama like Britt. Britt is younger than Shelby, Hill and Sparkman were when they arrived in the U.S. Senate. She will have the distinction of being the first female elected to the Senate from Alabama as well as the first female Republican senator from the Heart of Dixie. There are several adages in politics that definitely apply to Britt's overwhelming landslide victory. First of all, you do not ever want to get into a race where you are going to be outworked and outspent. She checked both boxes. She outspent her opponents significantly. Shelby made sure of that. Money is the mother’s milk of politics. More importantly, she worked this state like nobody’s business. She campaigned thoroughly in all 67 counties several times. It would be safe to say she outworked Mo Brooks and Mike Durant combined three to one. Katie built a statewide grassroots organization and it paid off with her carrying 66 of Alabama's 67 counties. She started early and stayed late. Winning the GOP Primary for a U.S. Senate seat in Alabama is tantamount to election. However, Britt will take nothing for granted. She will run hard and outwork her Democratic opponent, Will Boyd, and will prevail as expected in November.
Sen. Tom Whatley Ends Bid for Re-election
class where I met my wife Lauren. We are thrilled to have recently welcomed our daughter, Laurel, into the world. I am a Republican. I want to thank all my supporters and friends who have reached out
to me during this process. I’ve been a delegate to the last three Republican conventions. I am the Republican nominee who was voted by See ELECTION, page B11
Auburn City Council Approves Retainer For City BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM AUBURN — The Auburn City Council approved a resolution to hire a retainer with Bradly Arant Boult Cummings, LLP (BABC) for “the continuation of professional federal governmental affairs representation services.” So, for $9,000 a month, the representative from BABC will seek funding from the federal government for the city of Auburn. The city utilized BABC services in the past to receive funding from the Alabama Department of Transportation for over $18 million for the Exit 50 construction, which will soon house a Buc-ee’s.
NOW OPEN
“The city of Auburn $1.6 million in funding spent $9,000 per month for Public Safety and totaling $108,000 for a transportation projects. one‐year retainer [during As this agenda packet April 2021],” said ingoes to press, it appears formation from the city that at least $1 million of Auburn. “During the to improve signage and year, BABC worked information on traffic closely with the city of conditions for travelers Auburn and our conon I‐85 is progressing gressional delegation, in the appropriations ultimately securing a process. I recommend $3,000,000 appropriation we renew this agreement to fund an expansion of with BABC as we look our Auburn Center for toward the 2022/2023 Developing Industries. appropriations cycle and “Congressman Mike beyond.” Rogers requested the During citizens’ comfunding on our bemunications for items on half, and Congress the agenda, one resident, approved it as part Susan Bolt, expressed of the Consolidated displeasure with the Appropriations Act on contract. March 15, 2022. This Bolt said that the conrepresents a rate of tract was the same as an return of 2,777% on item proposed in April our 2021 investment. about hiring a lobbyist For the 2022/2023 for a senate bill, though appropriations cycle, Auburn Mayor Ron Congressman Rogers has requested over See AUBURN COUNCIL, page B12
Indoor shooting range is open to the public
2195 FIRST AVENUE • OPELIKA
B10 July 7, 2022
Hey, Students! Bored With A Textbook? Just Pace Yourself.
GREG MARKLEY
I
f you are an Auburn University or Southern Union student enrolled this summer, the advice below is of immediate help. I hope so. If you are taking a break from books, keep this information handy; in mid-August you may be back in a classroom or studying online. When I taught part-time at Fort Benning, many students flatly told me they “hate to read.” That is symptomatic of
many Americans — don’t blame yourself for not being a book-nut. Benjamin E. Mays (1894-1984) was a Baptist minister and American civil rights leader. He was a big influence on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and other leaders of the modern civil rights movement. He became a national figure with his 27-year presidency at Morehouse College, in Atlanta. “The tragedy of life is often not in our failure, but rather in
complacency,” Mays argued. “(It is) not in our doing too much, but rather in our doing too little; not in our living above our ability, but rather in our living below our capacities.” He is right: “doing too little” causes failure. Still, one can learn that “pacing” oneself in reading for classes yields dividends. Some students or recreational readers take breaks at every chapter end, for “The Broken Road” that would be every 15 to 18 minutes. But that book is well-written and well-paced, so one could easily read two or more chapters before a break. August Birch is a fiction and non-fiction author who writes for Medium.com. He says fiction and non-fiction (such as textbooks) must have appropriate chapter lengths to guide readers. “When I write a chapter I picture a single episode of a TV show,” Birch noted. “The chapter should stand alone — a complete scene. There’s a beginning, middle and end — a crisis, conflict and resolution — with a tiny question
or cliffhanger at the end. This works for both fiction and non-fiction. There’s nothing worse than a non-fiction book that doesn’t engage the reader to keep reading.” In non-fiction, about 85% of my personal reading, it usually takes me about an hour to read 30 to 32 pages. That is about right for a long-time reader, at age 66, who enjoys non-fiction (history, politics and biography). I know students with other majors get bored with non-fiction textbooks, but planning to stop at 25 to 30 pages will ease the pain. You will gradually jump over 60 to 80 pages a day if you have to for a major exam (Mid-term or Final). It may not be fun, but you will be happy when finished and do not have to face the professor unprepared. If you are reading a fiction book, you tend to read more pages before seeking a break. Why? That’s because novels use a lot of dialogue, and so, as in my case, I can read 1/3 more than with a tedious, fact-filled nonfiction book. Novels
Opelika Kiwanis Hosts Municipal Judge PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
are also easier to read because they are exciting, have lovable or despicable characters and more action than non-fiction. A story titled “Why you get tired when reading,” at myReadingWorld.com, has four tips to stay awake that I recommend. First is to sit in an uncomfortable way, which sounds counter-productive, but if you are reading in bed, you will want to nap very quickly. Second is to grab a healthy snack (yogurt, eggs, apple, nut and such). Junk food is not a good idea because it drains you and induces sleep. The third idea is to drink something, from water to coffee or soda, they will keep you alert for a while. The last idea is to stay active while you read. For example, taking notes or highlighting crucial passages in a textbook will likely keep you awake. While in Houston in 2017, I bought a pamphlet that read “What Northerners know about Texas.” I opened it and there were about 50 pages of white blankness.
Having lived in Texas, I know the good people of that great state are a little bit prideful. And, not without reason, they believe the rest of the country cannot approximate the Lone Star State’s greatness. Some students at Lee County secondary and post-secondary schools may be delighted to be given a textbook full of blank pages. Nothing to read in that class! Yet that is unreal. Don’t panic with a lot to read. Take “small bites” of 10 to 12 pages, then take a break. You will be ready to read “War and Peace” by Leo Tolstoy in one week. Don’t bet your house, though. Greg Markley 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 since 2011. He is a member of the national Education Writers Association (focus-Higher Education). gm.markley@charter.net .
FLOWERS >>
an impressive victory, which she earned on her own merits. Britt will hit the ground running when she takes office as our first female elected senator in January. She could be in the Senate for 40 to 50 years and will become one of Alabama’s greatest U.S. senators. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at: www.stevef lowers.us.
FROM B9 The last minute Trump endorsement had no effect on behalf of Britt. She was leading in all polls by 20 points with momentum and money on her side. She was going to win, overwhelmingly, on her own. It helped Trump a lot more than it did Britt. All he did was see a candidate who was going to win and jumped on the train. Thus, Trump used the old sayings, “I bet on a sure thing,” and “find a parade and act like you are leading it.” Britt knew Trump’s endorsement was not necessary. However, she graciously and quietly accepted and continued unabated to
The Opelika Kiwanis Club speaker last week was Opelika Municipal Judge Wes McCollum. He came and spoke on how he serves the community and told some stories from the past three years.
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B11 July 7, 2022
Opelika City Council Disagrees on Weed Abatements OPELIKA — Weed abatements were a main topic at the Opelika City Council meeting July 5. The council held three public hearings at the meeting, all related to weed abatement assessments: one for a parcel of land at 100 Ave. C, one at Avenue C and another at 200 Ave. C. William Key (Bill), who owns property near the land in question at 100 Ave. C, raised concerns about two of the abatements during the first public hearing. “I was leaving Bay Court and driving down Avenue C when I saw an interesting piece of equipment clearing some property,” Key told the council. “I stopped to talk to the gentleman, and imagine my surprise when I found out that these woods that he was clearing, he was clearing under a weed abatement. I’m not sure how that occurred.” The ordinance pertaining to weed abatements states that it does not apply to heavily wooded areas in their natural state which are undeveloped. Key also read a letter to the council from his daughter, Emily, who was unable to attend the meeting
ELECTION >> FROM B9
and that only legal votes should be counted. “We also believe that the ability to vote is a sacred right, and one that the Alabama Republican Party is committed to protecting and defending. The Candidate Committee did not want to discount Mrs. Kenney’s provisional ballot while there was any reasonable doubt that she could have actually been registered to vote. We believe that everyone deserves that respect. “The election contest process is incredibly difficult for the Alabama Republican Party. We care about each of our candidates, and we want them all to be successful. The rulings in these cases took longer than some wanted, but we felt it critical that all sides had a chance to gather information and investigate what happened. The ALGOP Candidate Committee heard arguments from both sides of all cases, considered the information presented to it, and made its rulings based on what was set forth. “This election cycle has
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revealed several areas of serious concern in the election process. These issues led to problems that hurt the Alabama Republican Party, our candidates and our voters. We plan to work with lawmakers, the Secretary of State, Probate Judges, Boards of Registrars and ALEA to find solutions to these problems, and to make sure they don’t happen again. The ALGOP believes Alabama and our voters deserve better. We invite Councilman Hovey and Senator Whatley – as well as our other candidates – to join us in this effort. “We would like to thank Senator Whatley for his many years in the legislature on behalf of his district. His commitment to public service and our Party’s values are to be commended. “The Party looks forward to working with Councilman Hovey as he now turns his focus to the general election. The ALGOP is united and energized more than ever to take back our country this November.”
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Republicans in my district. With that said, I now believe that it is in the best interest of my friends, colleagues, family and the Republican Party, for me to step away from this tied race so that we can move forward and have success in November. I am looking forward to spending some quality time with my wife and daughter, focusing on my law practice and other business interests. It has been the honor of a lifetime serving the people of Lee, Russell, and Tallapoosa counties. Sen. Tom Whatley The Alabama GOP issued a statement as well: “Election security and making sure that every legal vote is properly counted is of paramount importance to the Alabama Republican Party. ALEA’s statement makes it clear that Mrs. Kenney was not registered to vote for the primary election. We believe in the rule of law,
in person. In the letter, she In response, City shared her concerns about Administrator Joey Motley the need for weed abatesaid the city followed the ments at 100 Ave. C and same process for these weed Avenue C, the subjects of abatements as others before the first two scheduled hearit. That process includes ings. She also noted that the research on the property to addresses are listed differmake sure it has been develently in the Alabama Global oped before and reaching out Information Systems and the to property owners to ask Lee County Delta Computer them to take care of overSystem. growth, among other steps. “Also, the property was “The proper notices were heavily wooded before being sent to the property owners cleared by heavy machinery like all other weed abatewith a mulcher,” Bill read ments,” Motley said. “Every from the letter. “I firmly step was followed. We got believe that this corner of the green cards back, signed Second Street and Avenue by the recipients, and so C should not have been everything was followed just cleared. It was not overlike we do all others.” ridden with weeds. It was Motley said no large trees a well-established habitat/ were cut in the abatement, forest. The addresses on file and costs are figured based for citizens to find are 0 S. on the square footage of the 2nd St. and 0 Willow St. I project and type of work own the adjoining property required. and am concerned this will Both Aja and Ward 2 be a precedent for future Council Member Erica decisions.” Baker-Norris called for more Emily said in the letter documentation, including that the addresses listed in photos, receipts and copies the computer systems indiof citizen complaints. cate undeveloped land. Ward 5 Council Member She also called for the Todd Rauch said he is in council to table the weed favor of the abatement. abatement assessments “to “If you have property that give us all more time to used to have houses on it, make sure we are doing what then it’s hard to maintain is best for Opelika.” that property,” he explained. Ward 3 Council Member “It just causes a lot of unnecTim Aja asked how the essary hassle for existing or properties were chosen for weed abatement. See OPELIKA COUNCIL, page B12
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AUBURN COUNCIL >> FROM B9 Anders informed her that these items were not the same. Bolt claimed that City Manager Megan Crouch did not present enough information to the council and was asking for a lobbyist. Soon following this claim, Anders interrupted to clarify. “The one you’re talking about earlier was a state contract, this is a contract with our federal delegation,” he said. “… You’re still talking about lobbying but it’s two different areas.” Bolt said that another expenditure for the city may mean Crouch could not perform the duties within the city and then said she wondered if city employees may be replaced by lobbyists. “As city council members, you are the break stop between citizens and governmental overreach,” Bolt said. “While it is your job as a council member to help facilitate the business of the city, it is imperative that you remember that your allegiance is first to the citizens and not bigger government.” Anders stood up for Crouch, along with other council members, Ward 3 Council Member Beth Witten and Ward 8 Council Member Tommy Dawson. “I’m very concerned that the accusation against our city manager is that she did not present all the facts and there was deception,” he said. “The use of the word deception is unfortunate.” Ward 2 Council Member Kelley Griswold said that while he believes accusations against Crouch are unfounded he does believe that elected officials can take care of the job on their own to support the city. Crouch said that if the contract is not benefitting the city she can cancel it with only 30 days notice. The vote passed 5-2-1. BIENNIAL BUDGET: The council postponed a discussion on the FY2023/FY2024 Biennial Budget at the last meeting in June after Anders denied unanimous consent. From the city’s documents, for FY2023,
the proposed budgeted revenue includes $119,579,779, while other sources constitute $767,250 for a total of $119,346,029. FY2024 includes $120,912,853 in budgeted revenue with $771,250 in other financing sources for a total of $121,684,103. The total expenditures for FY2023 is $139,776,049, while for FY2024, the amount is $128,777,816. Anders proposed an amendment to the budget, which was approved, to increase the funding for outside agencies by $68,473 for FY2023 and by $73,710 for FY2024. “As I queried each of the council members to ask them what their thoughts were on outside agencies, they all responded back to me, I got with the city manager and we put together a new request for outside agencies based on the totality of what the council offered in that,” Anders said. “So that’s what we have here tonight.” More information on the budget can be found on the city’s website. “I think the city should know that you’re in great hands, and as mentioned before, we do run a very lean shop and we are very good stewards of the taxpayer dollars and I just commend you [Crouch] and the staff for your efforts,” Witten said. OTHER BUSINESS: - The council approved a 300 Hospitality Management Program ABC alcohol beverage license for Ithaca Hospitality Partners Auburn Beverage, LLC, d/b/a The Hotel at Auburn University and The Tony and Libby Rane
Culinary Science Center. - The council approved a 070 - Retail Table Wine (off premises only) alcohol beverage license for Publix Alabama, LLC d/b/a Public Alabama, LLC 1822 for 138 S. Gay St. - The council approved the certification of election for Mayorth Ron Anders, Jr., Ward 3 Council Member Beth Witten and Ward 8 Council Member Tommy Dawson. For more on this, see A1. - The council approved a tax abatement for Sodecia Safety and Mobility Auburn, INc. at 2440 Innovation Drive for Auburn Technology Park West. - The council approved a contract with Ryan Public Safety Solutions for calltalking equipment for the Emergency Communication Consoles for more than $18,600. - The council approved a contract with Southeastern Scales, LLC for the purchase of two RJ-250 self-contained 34 yard compactors for the Environmental Services Department. One, used for recycling will be purchased for more than $39,700, while the second will cost more than $52,600. - The council approved the establishment of a stop sign at Piper Glenn, Phase 1. - The council approved a resolution by John Cobden on behalf of WWS Properties, LLC for a Circle K at the southwest corner of Shelton Mill Road and US Highway 280. The next city council meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 19 at 6 p.m.
B12 July 7, 2022
OPELIKA COUNCIL >> FROM B11 adjacent property owners. We need to do better with this, and I appreciate this comment.” Aja said he was fine with the abatement at 200 Ave. C because it was more apparent that a structure once existed there, but he feels “like we’re dangerously setting a precedent of clearing land and charging somebody for it without actually having true documentation.” Rauch, along with Ward 1 Council Member George Allen and Ward 4 Council President Eddie Smith, voted in favor of the abatement
at 100 Ave. C. while Aja and Baker-Norris voted against it. In the following two hearings, Aja voted “nay” for the abatement at Avenue C, and Baker-Norris voted “nay” for the abatement at 200 Ave. C. OTHER BUSINESS The council awarded bids to the following five entities: • Top Notch Cleaning Inc. in the amount of $8,590 per month for the first three years for custodial services at the Opelika SportsPlex • Point Broadband in the amount of $97,200 for fiber connection to Aubix Datacenter • WOW in the amount of $86,400 for fiber internet connection to Aubix Datacenter
• Gordy Construction Co. in the amount of $630,825 for a sewer line extension to serve Andrews Road • River Region Sports Fields LLC in the amount of $2,108,812.50 for drainage and turf fields at Floral Park. The council also approved the following items: • Expense reports from various departments • The sale of a city trash truck, deemed and designated as “surplus,” to the city of Smiths Station in the amount of $20,000 • The purchase of a threeyear contract with KnowBe4 Security Awareness Training for the IT department in the amount of $17,868 • The purchase of two 2023 Ford vans from
National Auto Fleet Group in the total amount of $106,442.72 • An addendum concerning warranty to the professional services agreement with Osmose Utilities Services Inc. • A letter of engagement with Lanier Ford Shaver & Payne P.C. for legal advice and services • An annual action plan to HUD that “identifies and describes activities which the city intends to undertake with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds” and a budget for plan year 2022 in the total amount of $258,169 • The three weed abatement assessments at 100 Ave. C, Avenue C and
200 Ave. C. The total for the three assessments was $6,008.78. The council took the following actions related to ordinances: • Tabled again the second reading of an ordinance to approve and adopt a plan for redistricting Opelika’s council districts • The second reading of an ordinance to amend the text of the city’s zoning ordinance: Section 7.3A district regulations, Section 7.7 “Downtown Residential Living” and Section 7.3C use categories (matrix table) • The first reading of an ordinance to amend the city’s Code of Ordinances by adding a section outlining the policy for electronic
participation in meetings by council members. Aja formally introduced the ordinance. The council deliberated on the ordinance to amend the text of the city’s zoning ordinance because of traffic concerns and how the city would handle it, including if the city would pay for any amount of the work done. Mayor Gary Fuller said the city “very well could be paying” for part of the cost of a turn lane. The vote was 3-2, with both Aja and Baker-Norris voting nay and Allen, Smith and Rauch voting in favor. For more information on the agenda items for this meeting, visit www. opelika-al.gov/129/ Agendas-Minutes.
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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA HARDWOOD, LLC, Plaintiff, v. Case No.: CV-2022-900172 A tract or parcel of land designated as Parcel “C” containing 1.500 acres, as shown on a plat of survey of part of Section 5, Township 17 N, Range 29 E, Lee County, Alabama, prepared by F. Wayne Allen, Registered Land Surveyor, Ala. Reg. No. 9534, dated 12/26/96, and being more particularly described as follows: COMMENCE at the northeastern corner of the NW ¼ of said Section 5 and run thence South 70 deg. 08 min. 59 sec. East a distance of 146.69 feet to an iron stake found; run thence South 56 deg. 56 min. 08. sec. West to a distance of 14.72 feet to an iron stake found; run thence South 56 deg. 56 min. 08.sec. West for distance of 135.30 feet to an iron stake found; run thence South 42 deg. 43 min. 47 sec. East a distance of 390.63 feet to an iron stake found; run thence South 42 deg. 43 min. 57 sec. East a distance of 283. 66 feet to an iron stake set; run thence South 42 deg. 43 min. 51 sec, East a distance of 489.87 feet to an iron stake set which marks the POINT OF BEGINNING. From said POINT OF BEGINNING run thence South 42 deg. 43 min. 51 sec. East a distance of 494.43 feet to an iron stake found; run thence North 43 deg. 20 min. 53 sec. East a distance of 133.70 feet to an iron stake found; run thence North 42 deg. 43 min. 52 sec. West a distance of 485.29 feet to an iron stake set; run thence South 47 deg. 16 min. 08 sec. West a distance of 133.38 feet to the iron stake set which marks the Point of Beginning. AND ALSO AN EASEMENT FOR THE
PURPOSE OF INGRESS AND EGRESS: COMMENCE at the northeast corner of the NW ¼ of said Section 5 and run thence South 70 deg. 08 min. 59 sec. East a distance of 146.69 feet to an iron stake found; run thence South 56 deg. 56 min. 08 sec. West a distance of 14.72 feet to an iron stake found located on the easternmost right-ofway of Lee Road 425 which marks the POINT OF BEGINNING: FROM SAID POINT OF BEGINNING run South 56 deg. 56 min. 08 sec. West a distance of 15.00 feet to a point; run thence 42 deg. 43 min. 52 sec. East a distance of 1626.73 feet to a point; run thence North 43 deg. 20 min. 50 sec. East a distance of 15.00 feet to an iron stake found; run thence North 42 deg. 43 min. 52 sec. West a distance of 1627.73 feet to the iron stake found which marks the Point of Beginning. And Bonnie A. Bonner, and/ or the unknown Heirs of Bonnie A. Bonner, And OneMain Financial Group, LLC Defendants. NOTICE OF ACTION To: All Defendants herein, whose whereabouts are unknown and which cannot be ascertained after the exercise of reasonable diligence. You are hereby notified that on the 23rd day of May, 2022, a Complaint to Quiet Title was filed in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama, and the following are the names of all parties to the action: Hardwood, LLC, as Plaintiff; A Parcel of Real Property, described below, as Defendant; Bonnie A. Bonner, and/or the unknown Heirs of Bonnie A. Bonner, as Defendant; OneMain Financial Group, LLC, as successor in interest to American General Finance, Inc.; and unknown persons or entities who cannot be ascertained after the exercise of due diligence, and which are believed to have claimed some right, title, interest or claim in
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and to the property described herein. All persons having an interest in said lands or any portion thereof, claiming any title thereto or any encumbrance or lien thereon, are hereby directed to plead, answer, or otherwise respond to the Complaint on or before the expiration of 30 days after the last publication of this notice, or thereafter suffer judgment by default to be rendered against them, it being intended that this notice shall be used to perfect service against all parties who cannot be personally served with a copy of the Complaint. Done this the 14th day of June, 2022. /s/ Mary Roberson Mary Roberson Circuit Court Clerk, Lee County J. Brandon Rice Of Counsel, Davis, Bingham, Hudson & Buckner, P.C. 324 East Magnolia Avenue Auburn, AL 36830 Legal Run 06/23/2022, 06/30/2022, 07/07/2022 & 07/14/2022 --------------ESTATE OF ALABAMA LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT - CASE NO. 2022-361 ESTATE OF JANICE B. WIGGINS, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Letters Testamentary of said Janice B. Wiggins, deceased, having been granted to J. Frank Wiggins this 30th day of June 2022, 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. J. Frank Wiggins, Personal Representative Legal Run 07/07/22, 07/14/22 & 07/21/22
See PUBLIC NOTICES, page B13
B13 July 7, 2022
PUBLIC NOTICE >> FROM B12 [ADVERTISEMENT] NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS ALDOT PROJECT NO. IAR—041-000-019 CITY BID NO. 22027 CITY OF OPELIKA LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Sealed bids will be received by the City of Opelika Purchasing Department (Attn. Lillie Finley) at Opelika City Hall located at 204 South 7th Street, Opelika, Alabama 36803, until 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, July, 12, 2022, and at that time publicly opened for constructing the following: Construction of Grade, Drain, Base & Pave, Opelika North Park Industrial Access Road for the City of Opelika, Project No. IAR-041-000-019. The bracket estimate on this project is from $1,100,000.00 to $1,300,000.00. The principal items of work are approximately as follows: 360 Superpave Bituminous Concrete Wearing Surface Layer, per ton 719 Superpave Bituminous Concrete Upper Binder Layer, per ton 719 Superpave Bituminous Concrete Lower Binder Layer, per ton 5,554 Crushed Aggregate Base, Type B, Plant Mixed, per square yard 7,025 Unclassified Excavation, per cubic yard 2,098 Solid Yellow, Class 2, Type A Traffic Stripe (5” Wide), per linear foot The entire project shall be completed in SEVENTYFIVE (75) working days. Bidding documents for a unit price contract may be obtained from the office of CDG, Inc., 197 East University Drive, Suite #1, Auburn, Al 36832, (334) 466-9431. Paper copies are available upon receipt of a non-refundable deposit in the amount of $100 for one set. PDF electronic copies are available via email at no cost to the bidder, or on a CD for $25. No bid documents will be distributed later than 24 hours prior to the scheduled opening of bids. A cashier’s check (drawn on an Alabama Bank) or bid bond for 5% of the amount bid (maximum - $10,000.00) and made payable to the City of Opelika must accompany each bid as evidence of good faith. In accordance with Section 34-8-8, Code of Alabama, as amended, “all owners, architects, and engineers receiving bids pursuant to this chapter shall require the person, firm or corporation to include his or her current license number on the bid.” It also states that “…It will be necessary for him or her to show evidence of license before his or her bid is considered.” ALDOT prequalification is required on this project. Further details and definitions regarding this provision are included in Section 102 of Special Provision 22-LPA-001 and ALDOT’S 2022 Standard Specifications. Proof of insurance coverages of the types and amounts as set forth in the project specifications will be required of the contractor, and any and all subcontractors, prior to beginning work. The contractor will be required to perform work amounting to at least 30% of the total contract cost with his own organization. This is a State-funded project
through ALDOT. The proposed work shall be performed in conformity with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. The right to reject any or all bids and to disregard any minor irregularities is reserved by the owner. Honorable Gary Fuller, Mayor Legal Run 06/23/2022, 06/30/2022 & 07/07/2022 --------------INVITATION TO BID 22026 Sealed bids for the construction of the South Long Street Sidewalk and Drainage Upgrades shall be received at the Opelika City Hall 2nd Floor Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m. local time on July 12, 2022, and then publicly opened and read aloud. All interested parties are invited to attend. Only bids from competent general contractors will be considered. At the time of contract award, the successful bidder must be a properly licensed general contractor. The attention of all bidders is called to the provisions of State law governing “General Contractors” as set forth in the Ala. Code §34-8-1, et.seq. (1975) and rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. Bidders must be licensed by the Licensing Board for General Contractors when bids are submitted. Bidders are required to have a State of Alabama General Contractor’s License with a specialty of “Highways and Streets, Clearing and Grubbing, Earthwork, Erosion, Site Work, Grading or Municipal and Utility”. All bidders must submit with their proposal, contractor’s license number and a copy of the license. State law Ala. Code §34-8-8(b) requires all bids to be rejected which do not contain the contractor’s current license number. Evidence of this license shall be documented on the outside of the sealed bid. All bidders shall possess all other licenses and/or permits required by applicable law, rule or regulation for the performance of the work. Drawings and Specifications may be examined at the Office of the City Engineer located at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama, and phone number: 334-705-5450. Bid documents may be obtained from the Office of the City Engineer at no charge as an electronic file if the bidder supplies a storage drive or as an email attachment or electronic drop box. The bidder’s proposal must be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished to him/her by the City of Opelika. All information in the proposal must be completed by the bidder for the proposal to be accepted. A Bid Bond in the amount of five (5) percent of the bid amount made payable to the City of Opelika must accompany each bid. Performance and Payment Bonds for the full contract sum will be required of the successful bidder. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities. Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, Purchasing-Revenue Manager, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama, 36803-0390. Attn:
South Long Street Drainage and Sidewalk Upgrades LILLIE FINLEYPURCHASING REVENUE MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (36801) POST OFFICE BOX 390 (36803-0390) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 705-5120 Legal Run 06/23/22, 06/30/22 & 07/07/22 --------------STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF AIKEN IN THE FAMILY COURT SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT Case No. 22-DR-02-54 South Carolina Department of Social Services, Plaintiff Vs. Keith Bishop, Defendants. SUMMONS, NOTICE AND PETITION FOR CENTRAL REGISTRY ENTRY TO: Keith Bishop YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to answer the Summons, Notice an Petition for Central Registry in this action, the original of which has been filed in the Aiken County Office of the Clerk of Court at 109 Park Ave., Aiken, SC 29801, on February 17,2022, a copy of which will be delivered to you upon request; and to serve a copy of your answer to the complaint upon the attorney, Susanna M. Ringler, for the Plaintiff at Post Office Drawer 1268 , Aiken,SC 29801, within thirty (30) days following the date of service upon you, exclusive of the day of such service; and if you fail to answer the complaint within the time stated, the Plaintiff will apply for judgment by default against the Defendant for the relief demanded in the complaint. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that you have the right to be present and represented by an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint an attorney to represent you. It is your responsibility to contact the Aiken County Clerk of Court’s Office, 109 Park Ave., Aiken, SC 29801, to apply for appointment of an attorney to represent you if you cannot afford an attorney (take all of these papers with you if you apply). YOU MUST APPLY FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF AN ATTORNEY IMMEDIATELY. IF YOU DO NOT APPLY FOR AN ATTORNEY WITHIN THIRTY DAYS OF RECEIPT OF THE COMPLAINT, AN ATTORNEY WILL NOT BE APPOINTED FOR YOU. YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that a hearing will be held in this matter on August 16, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.. at the Aiken County Courthouse located at 109 Park Ave., Aiken, SC 29801. You should attend this hearing. If you do not attend, the relief sought may be granted in your absence. Legal Run 06/30/22, 07/07/22, 07/14/22 & 07/21/22 --------------MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE Default having been made in the terms and payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by JAMES HOLLEY GRESHAM AND SUSAN MARIE GRESHAM, A MARRIED COUPLE, to DONNA MONTGOMERY on SEPTEMBER 29, 2005,
said mortgage being recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate of LEE County, Alabama, Mortgage Book 3270, Page 526, the undersigned DONNA MONTGOMERY, as mortgagee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, at the entrance of the Lee County Courthouse, located at 215 South 9th Street, Opelika, Alabama, 36801, on July 29, 2022, between the legal hours of sale of 8:30 to 4:30 local time, the following described real estate situated in LEE County, Alabama, to wit: A tract or parcel of land lying in Section 31, Township 20 North, Range 29 East, Lee County, Alabama, being known and designated as PARCEL "A", according to a plat of survey prepared by Jack B. Shay, R.L.S. Ala. Reg. No. 15457, dated January 4, 2000, and being more particularly described as follows: COMMENCING at the Southeast corner of the Northeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 31, run thence South 01 degree 11 minutes 32 seconds West a distance of 99.40 feet to an iron pin; thence run South 86 degrees 37 minutes 21 seconds West a distance of 278.12 feet to an iron pin located on the West right of way margin of Old Chattahoochee Valley Railway; thence run South 86 degrees 37 minutes 21 seconds West a distance of 505.00 feet to an iron pin marking the POINT OF BEGINNING; thence run South 86 degrees 37 minutes 21 seconds West a distance of 984.14 feet to an iron pin; thence run North 21 degrees 23 minutes 36 seconds West a distance of 698.74 feet to an iron pin located on the centerline of Lee Road 357 "Murphy Drive"; thence run along said Lee Road No. 357 "Murphy Drive" along a curve having a radius of 401.46 feet for an arc distance of 169.66 feet to an iron pin; thence continue along said Lee Road No. 357 "Murphy Drive" North 09 degrees 58 minutes 33 seconds East a distance of 74.44 feet to an iron pin which marks the centerline of a creek; thence continue along said Lee Road No. 357 "Murphy Drive" along a curve having a radius of 231.77 feet for an arc distance of 82.13 feet to an iron pin; thence run South 51 degrees 34 minutes 42 seconds East distance of 1446.14 feet to an iron pin and Point of Beginning. Situated in Lee County, Alabama. ALSO SUBJECT TO ANY EASEMENTS, RESTRICTIONS, OR RIGHTS OF WAY WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT BE OF RECORD Subject to all zoning, easements, restrictions, restrictive covenants and reservations appearing of record. Said sale will also be made subject to any Federal Tax Liens, Ad Valorem Real Estate Taxes and\or Special Assessments of any nature, if any, which might adversely affect the title to the property. The property is being sold "as is, where is". Said property is sold without warranty or recourse, expressed or implied as to title, use, enjoyment or condition. The mortgagee or transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate.
All bidders will be required to execute a bidding agreement prior to sale. Copies of the bidding agreement may be obtained prior to the sale. The successful bidder will be required to pay the bid amount at the time of sale in cash. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the attorney’s fees and expenses of foreclosure. This sale is subject to cancellation or postponement. DONNA MONTGOMERY, Mortgagee-Transferee Donna Montgomery 1004 Lee Road 357, Valley, AL 36854. 706-905-5999 Legal Run 06/30/2022, 07/07/2022, 07/14/2022 --------------IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF WANDA SZOSTAK CASE NO: 2016-A-168 NOTICE OF HEARING Notice is hereby given that an Annual Accounting for Partial Settlement for the Conservatorship of Wanda Szostak has been filed. A hearing has been set for the 3rd day of August 2022 at 9:00 a.m. central time, electronically via “ZOOM”. Please contact the Lee County Probate Court at 334-737-3670 for access to the electronic hearing should you intend to take part in the hearing. Bill English Judge of Probate, Lee County, Alabama Legal Run 07/07/22, 07/14/22 & 07/21/22 --------------NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Opelika will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, at 6:00 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 ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows: Section 1. That Ordinance 124-91 entitled “Zoning Ordinance City of Opelika, Alabama”, adopted on September 17, 1991, and the Zoning Map of the City of Opelika provided for
and referred to therein, as previously amended and/or modified, be and the same is hereby amended by rezoning or redistricting the 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: From a C-2 District (Office/ Retail District) and a R-1 District (Rural District) to a C-2 District (Office/Retail District), the parcel of land hereinafter described: A tract or parcel of land located in Section 24, Township 19 North, Range 26 East, Lee County, Alabama and being more particularly described as follows: Commence at the southeast corner of said Section 24; thence N89°58’22”W 783.90 feet to the west right-of-way limit of Society Hill Road, the point of beginning; thence leaving said right-of-way limit N89°58’22”W 2078.79 feet to the east line of Lot 1 of Broad Metro, LLC Plat No. 1 as recorded in Plat Book 42, Page 41 and 42, Probate Office, Lee County, Alabama, thence N42°46’46”W 381.76 feet along the east line of said Lot 1; thence N38°54’12”E 736.91 feet along the east line of said Lot 1 to the southwest corner of Lot 2 of Helen Mitchell Subdivision as recorded in Plat Book 18, Page 160, Probate Office, Lee County, Alabama; thence along the south line of said Lot 2 the following bearings and distances: S88°59’08”E 478.12 feet; N88°53’53”E 237.89 feet; N88°59’08”E 291.63 feet; N88°08’11”E 500.42 feet; S89°08’39”E 89.83 feet to the northwest corner of Lot 2 of Elaine Subdivision as recorded in Plat Book 10, Page 221, Probate Office, Lee County, Alabama; thence S19°31’02”W 395.80 feet to the southwest corner of Lot 2 of said Elaine Subdivision; thence N89°04’03”E 589.63 feet along the south line of said Lot 2 to the west right-of-way limit of Society Hill Road; thence S19°28’48”W 538.21 feet along said right-of-way limit to the point of beginning. The above-described property contains 40.0 acres, more or less, and is located on the west side of Society Hill Road and north of Gateway Drive, 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. 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 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 ADA Coordinator, at 334-705-5134 at least 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 July, 2022. /s/ Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 07/07/2022 ---------------
See PUBLIC NOTICES, page B14
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B14 July 7, 2022
PUBLIC NOTICES seconds East, 301.54 feet to the point of beginning. This description is taken from survey prepared by Boles Engineering dated September 3, 1991, and filed for record in Plat Book 15, at page 42, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama. PARCEL 2 Commencing at the Southeast corner of the Northeast quarter of section 25, Township 19 North, Range 26 East in Lee County, Alabama, Run thence North 89 degrees 28 minutes West 2010.70 feet to a point; run thence North 44° 03’ East 82.80 feet to an iron pin found located where the Southeasterly margin of Lee County Highway 43 intersects the Northerly margin of a private drive; run thence along the margin of said Lee County Highway 43 North 35° 14' 47” East 419.58 feet to a concrete right-of-way monument being PT 453 + 32.85; continuing along the margin of said highway run thence North 28° 07’ 20” East 21.30 feet to a point; continuing along said highway, continue to run North 28° 07’ 20” East 174.55 feet to an iron pin set and the Point of Beginning of the parcel of land to be herein described and conveyed: From said Point of Beginning continue to run along the margin of said highway North 28° 07’ 20" East 261.79 feet to an iron pin set; leaving the margin of said highway run thence South 68° 34’ 44" East 153.70 feet to a point; thence continue to run South 68° 34' 44" East 238.98 feet to an iron pin set; run thence South 00” 01' 20" West 195.70 feet to an iron pin set; run thence North 76° 33' 03" West 289.39 feet to an iron pin set; run thence North 84° 16' 09" West 44.25 feet to a point; run thence North 77° 24' 14" West 167.42 feet to a point and the Point of Beginning. Containing 2.252 acres, more or less, and being further described in that certain survey for John L. Riddle prepared on June 15, 990 by Walter Pryor White, Al. Reg. Land Surveyor No. 12504. LESS AND EXCEPT: A part of Parcel V according to the survey of the Second Revision of Clay Subdivision the map or peat of which is recorded in Plat Book 14, Page 212 in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama and being more fully described as follows: Commencing at a point on the present southeast right-of-way line of Society Hill Road, the southwest corner of said parcel; then northeasterly along said present southeast right-of-way line a distance of 76 feet, more or less, to a point that is southeasterly of, and at right angles to, the centerline of said road at Station 456‘00 and the point of beginning of the property herein to be conveyed; thence continuing northeasterly along said present southeast right-of-way line a distance of 185 feet, more or less, to the north property line; thence easterly along said north line a distance of 48 feet, more or less,
PUBLIC NOTICE >> FROM B14 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Opelika will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, at 6:00 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 12491 (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 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 12491 entitled “Zoning Ordinance City of Opelika, Alabama”, adopted on September 17, 1991, and the Zoning Map of the City of Opelika provided for and referred to therein, as previously amended and/or modified, be and the same is hereby amended by rezoning or redistricting the parcels of land hereinafter in this section described, so as to change such parcels from one class of district to another class of district as follows, to-wit: From a R-1, GC-P District (Rural, Gateway CorridorPrimary Overlay District) to a C-2, GC-P District (Office/Retail, Gateway Corridor-Primary Overlay District), the parcels of land hereinafter described: PARCEL 1 Begin at the Southeast corner of the Northeast Quarter of Section 25, Township 19 North, Range 26 East, Lee County, Alabama; thence North 89 degrees 25 minutes 00 seconds West, 1404.14 feet to a point; thence North 0 degree 45 minutes 12 seconds West, 345.09 feet to the point of beginning of the parcel to be described; thence continue North 0 degree 45 minutes 12 seconds West, 194.56 feet to a point; thence North 64 degrees 16 minutes 09 seconds West, 44.25 feet to a point; thence North 77 degrees 24 minutes 14 seconds West, 167.42 feet to a point on the Easterly margin of Lee County Road No. 43; thence along the margin of Lee County Road No. 43, South 28 degrees 07 minutes 20 seconds East, 165.31 feet to a point; thence leaving said margin of Lee County Road No. 43, South 72 degrees 41 minutes 47
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to a point on a line which extends from a point that is 90 feet southeasterly of, and at right angles to, said centerline at Station 458’00 to a point on said present southeast right-of-way that is southeasterly of, and at right angles to, said centerline at Station 456’00; thence southwesterly along said line a distance of 195 feet, more or less, to the point of beginning and containing 0.10 acre, more or less. The above-described property contains 3.14 acres, more or less, and is located at 3373 Society Hill Road, 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. 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 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 ADA Coordinator, at 334705-5134 at least 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 July, 2022. /s/ Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 07/07/2022 --------------INVITATION TO BID 22028 Sealed bids for the construction of the City of Opelika Fire Station #5 shall be received at the 2nd Floor Opelika City Hall Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., local time on Tuesday August 2, 2022, and then publicly opened and read aloud. All interested parties are invited to attend. Only bids from competent general contractors will be considered. At the time of contract award, the successful bidder must be a properly licensed general contractor. The attention of all bidders is called to the provisions of State law governing “General Contractors” as set forth in the Ala. Code §34-8-1, et.seq. (1975) and rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. Bidders must be licensed by the Licensing Board for General Contractors when bids are submitted. There will be a Mandatory PreBid Conference on Tuesday July 26, 2022, at 2PM CST at 204 S. 7th St., 2nd Floor Conference Room, Opelika, Alabama 36801. Any potential bidders must attend this mandatory pre-bid conference meeting. Bidders are required to have a State of Alabama General Contractor’s License. All bidders
must submit with their proposal, contractor’s license number and a copy of the license. State law Ala. Code §34-8-8(b) requires all bids to be rejected which do not contain the contractor’s current license number. Evidence of this license shall be documented on the outside of the sealed bid. All bidders shall possess all other licenses and/or permits required by applicable law, rule, or regulation for the performance of the work. Options for obtaining Bid Documents are as follows: Hardcopy: Contact Auburn Reprographics, 660 North Dean Road, Auburn, AL 36830; (334) 501-8235; Attn: Greg Sellers; (E-mail greg@ auburnrepro.com) to obtain bid documents. Hardcopy sets are non-refundable. Bidders may view bidding document on the Auburn Reprographics digital plan room without charge. All bidding General Contractors must register with John Randall Wilson, Architect and Auburn Reprographics to receive updated bidding information including but not limited to potential
Addenda, RFI’s and Changes to Bid Date. Electronic (CD): Make check payable to Auburn Reprographics & Supply in the amount of $25. This amount is non-refundable. Shipping arrangements shall be made by the Contractor. The bidder’s proposal must be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished to him/ her by the City of Opelika. All information in the proposal must be completed by the bidder for the proposal to be accepted. A Bid Bond in the amount of five (5) percent of the bid amount made payable to the City of Opelika must accompany each bid- refer also to Instructions to Bidders. Performance and Payment Bonds for the full contract sum will be required of the successful bidder. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities. As a condition for award, the business entity and its subcontractors shall not knowingly employ or hire an unauthorized alien within the State
of Alabama. The awarded business entity must provide documentation of enrollment in the E-Verify program. The business must participate in the E-Verify program for the length of the contract. Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, Purchasing-Revenue Manager, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Ope¬li¬ka, Alabama 36803-0390. Attn: Opelika Fire Station #5 LILLIE FINLEYPURCHASING REVENUE MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET 36801 (Delivery) POST OFFICE BOX 390 36803-0390 (Mail) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 705-5120 Legal Run 07/07/22, 07/14/22 & 07/21/22 ---------------
See PUBLIC NOTICES, page B16
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B15 July 7, 2022
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B16 July 7, 2022
PUBLIC NOTICE >> FROM B14 IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA - THE ESTATE OF DERRICK LEROY YOUNG DECEASED NOTICE OF HEARING TO: Rodney Adams, Brittney Young, Derrick
Young Jr., and Marques Young Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution for the Estate of Derrick Leroy Young. A hearing has been set for the 28th day of July 2022 at 9:00 a.m. central time, electronically via “ZOOM”. Please contact the Lee County Probate
Court at 334-737-3670 for access to the electronic hearing should you intend to take part in the hearing of the Petition for Summary Distribution for the Estate of Derrick Leroy Young. BILL ENGLISH Judge of Probate, Lee County, Alabama Legal Run 07/07/22,
07/14/22 & 07/21/22 --------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of DARIUS S. SLUSHER, Deceased - Case Number 2022-335 TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to
DARIUS NICHOLAS STUTZMAN, as Executor of the Estate of DARIUS S. SLUSHER, deceased, on the 10th day of June, 2022, by the Honorable BILL ENGLISH. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same
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