The Observer 09-28-2023

BY ANN CIPPERLY FOR THE OBSERVER

LEE COUNTY —

As part of the Auburn Food and Wine Tour, The Depot is hosting a fourcourse wine dinner Oct. 4, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the Lee County Youth Development Center (LCYDC).

Since opening in Auburn’s historic train depot, The Depot restaurant has become known as a modern Gulf-coastal brasserie. An assortment of fresh seafood highlights the menu along with a variety of other excellent dishes.

The Depot is a stunning restaurant with ambiance

See LCYDC, page A5

Night Out Event Planned for Oct. 3

OHA YouthBuild Aims to Help Young Adults

BY BRIONA MCCALL FOR THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA —

The Opelika Housing Authority (OHA) was awarded a $1.3 million YouthBuild grant from the U.S. Department of Labor on Friday, April 28, 2023. OHA is the only organization in Alabama to be awarded this year, and it is just one out of 68 programs across the country selected for the highly competitive opportunity.

OHA is an organization that provides affordable housing for the elderly and disabled throughout Lee and Tallapoosa County. YouthBuild is a community-based preapprenticeship program.

The 8-month-long program provides job training and educational opportunities for youth, ages 18 to 24, who have not completed their high school diploma, except for 10% of those

who have secured their diploma.

“The services that are offered through this grant are not specific to only Opelika citizens,” said Executive Director Matthew McClammey.

“The services are also available to citizens throughout Lee County. In addition, we’re able to allow 10% of the services to go to the Camp Hill community and Tallapoosa County.”

Participants will go through a two-week orientation period called mental toughness. It will be 60% of education, 40% of construction and 10% of leadership. Leadership includes community service, financial literacy, resume writing, mock interviews and more.

The program is structured like a full-time job because OHA is trying to get them into the work field. Monday through Thursday, classes are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and

on Fridays, classes end at noon. The organization has partners where several local banks will teach financial literacy, and construction training will be provided so the participants can earn a certified construction degree through the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER).

The youth will do handson construction work such as rehabbing or building homes for low-income families from the ground up, and they will get a stipend of up to $20 a day and a graduation bonus.

“We ensure that everyone will graduate because we are allowed a certain portion of the grant papers,” said

Community Foundation Announces Mini-Grant Application Deadline

CONTRIBUTED BY CFEA

OPELIKA —

The Community Foundation of East Alabama is excited to announce the application deadline for its 2024 Mini-Grant Cycle; a program aimed at helping local nonprofit organizations secure funding for their vital initiatives during the 2024 calendar year. As part of our commitment to connecting people who care with causes that matter, we are offering a total of three grants, each worth $500.

These grants are specifically designed to support local nonprofits in covering their organizational and operational costs, enabling them to further their missions and continue making a positive impact in East Alabama.

“We understand the

invaluable contributions that nonprofits make to our community, and we believe that by providing this financial support, we can help amplify their efforts and drive positive change,” the community foundation said.

The Community Foundation of East Alabama is dedicated to nurturing the growth of local nonprofits, recognizing that they are the foundation of positive community change.

“We know that operational expenses can affect a nonprofit's ability to provide more direct services to the people it serves,” the foundation said. “With the mini grants we aim to help local nonprofits combat this financial burden, allowing them to dedicate more time and resource toward creating last change throughout East Alabama.”

In 2023, CFEA

awarded three, $500 mini-grants to three integral organizations in the East Alabama region. These organizations included Worthy2, Redeeming Grace and the Jesse Parkhurst Guzman Foundation. More information on these organizations can be found on the website linked below.

“We are thrilled to launch this mini-grant program, once again, to support the nonprofit organizations that work tirelessly to address the needs of our community,” said Barbara Patton, interim president at the Community Foundation of East Alabama. “We had such a successful mini-grant cycle in 2023, where we were able to invest in three amazing organizations in East Alabama. These minigrants are a testament to our belief in the power of collaboration and the

importance of investing in local organizations that make a real difference.”

These mini-grants have a major impact on local East Alabama nonprofit organization and the larger East Alabama community.

Local nonprofits interested in applying for the mini-grants are encouraged to submit applications by the Dec. 31, 2023, deadline. To learn more about the mini-grant opportunity and to access the application guidelines, visit www.cfeastalabama. org/grants.

“We invite all eligible nonprofits, operating within Lee, Russell, Chambers, Tallapoosa and Macon Counties to seize this chance to secure funding that can enhance their organizational capacity and contribute to a stronger, more vibrant community,” the foundation said.

Director of Resident Services Jessica Ford.

“We can pay for any type of supportive services you could think of, such as transportation, childcare and counseling. We can break down whatever barriers that are keeping them from completing the program.”

Southern Union State Community College is

one of many partners that have helped OHA with YouthBuild.

OHA said it is thankful for its many partners that have committed in-kind service contributions, and its look forward to building more relationships among community agencies and organizations.

“I am excited about the opportunities YouthBuild presents to our youth,” McClammey said. “Without a doubt, YouthBuild will make a difference in the lives of our young people, thus, allowing these young men and women to achieve greater heights and to make a difference in our community.”

OHA YouthBuild is currently recruiting for its first YouthBuild cohort, beginning October 2023. Please visit www. opelikaha.org/youthbuild or call 334-748-9913 for details regarding enrollment.

NAMI Offers Family Mental Health Course

BY AUDREY KENT FOR THE OBSERVER

EAST ALABAMA —

The East Alabama National Alliance on Mental Illness, also called NAMI, is sponsoring a local peer education group for families struggling with a mental health crisis or have a family member struggling with mental health.

This peer education group will be an 8-week course co-facilitated by leaders with experience caring for a loved one with a serious mental health issue.

Classes will begin Oct. 9 at Auburn United Methodist Church and will be held Monday

See NAMI, page A5

Director of OHA, Matthew McClammy, received a check of $1.3 on behalf of YouthBuild from the U.S. Department of Labor, to help continue providing affordable housing in Opelika.

The East Alabama National Alliance on Mental Illness is hosting peer education groups for individuals and families in Lee County.

Brown Heating, Cooling and Plumbing Announces Partnerships with AU Athletics and U of A Athletics

CONTRIBUTED BY BROWN HEATING, COOLING AND PLUMBING

AUBURN — Brown Heating, Cooling and Plumbing, a premier provider of heating, cooling and plumbing solutions, announced athletics partnerships today with both SEC schools in Alabama –– Auburn University and The University of Alabama.

Brown Heating, Cooling and Plumbing will become a proud partner for both the Auburn Tigers and the Alabama Crimson Tide. These partnerships will extend support to both universities' athletic programs, encompassing more than 1,300 studentathletes competing across various sports.

"We are thrilled to join forces with both Auburn University Athletics and

University of Alabama Athletics, two renowned programs that exemplify values we hold dear," said David Smith, general manager at Brown Heating, Cooling and Plumbing. "Together, we will continue to serve the community with integrity and dedication, and we look forward to growing stronger as a team. War Eagle and Roll Tide.”

The decision to unite

with these prestigious universities was fueled by shared values of integrity, teamwork, honesty and service. Both Auburn’s and Alabama’s Athletics Departments have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence, on and off the field, which resonates deeply with Brown Heating, Cooling and Plumbing's dedication to providing top-notch

customer service and satisfaction.

“Our partnership exemplifies The University of Alabama’s commitment to delivering first-class experiences for our studentathletes and supporters,” said Jim Carabin, vice president & general manager of Crimson Tide Sports Marketing, the locally based team of LEARFIELD. “Brown Heating, Cooling and

Plumbing shares our values of inclusivity, teamwork and respect, and is committed to providing exceptional customer service. Working together, we will persist in our pursuit of greatness and maintain the legacy of the Crimson Tide.”

These partnerships symbolize a commitment to athletic excellence, See BROWN, page A4

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noon. This health fair is free and open to the public and will provide access to numerous free services to adults ages 55 and older.

This event brings together service and resource providers so that seniors and their caregivers can gather information relevant to their current stage in life or plan for the future as they age. They can shop supplemental insurance providers, meet with local businesses and get blood work done all under one roof — instead of making multiple appointments and traveling to numerous offices over time.

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

This year’s event will provide a multitude of on-site free services for seniors including:

• The Southern Union State Community College Nursing Program will be performing blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol checks and hemoglobin screenings.

• Auburn University Nursing School will help understand

results.

• The East Alabama Medical Center (EAMC) Cancer Center will be doing men’s ProstrateSpecific Antigen (PSA) bloodwork to screen for prostate cancer.

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

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

• Lee Russell Council of Governments will offer dementia screening.

• Lee County Sherriff’s Department will register participants for the Yellow Dot Program.

• Better Bodies Massage will be doing chair massages.

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

This year’s health fair will feature:

• Home health providers

• Assisted living providers

• Hospice care providers

• Insurance providers

• Healthcare providers

• Vision providers

• Rehabilitation providers

• Community health resources

• Advocacy groups

• Volunteer opportunities

This year’s health fair is supported by the Opelika City Council and The Observer.

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Police Chief Shane Healy. “Everything is geared toward educating people about best safety practices and the resources that are available to people to help them get a leg up. It warms

my heart to see the overwhelming support of agencies, and organizations, from all across Lee County coming together to help Opelika citizens. This event is at the heart of our Together Opelika campaign. Please come out and see what we are really all about. Hope to see everyone there.”

Local community

organizations will also provide resources and educational information. There will be free food, drinks, games, activities and more.

This year’s event is planned by a committee of local community partners lead by Chairman Valestine Penn and Co-Chair Sherri Reese.

Removing Barriers to Success: Regions Foundation Awards Grant for Student Workforce Readiness

CONTRIBUTED BY REGIONS

MONTGOMERY —

The Regions Foundation, a nonprofit funded primarily by Regions Bank, announced a $15,000 grant to Jobs for Alabama’s Graduates (JAG) last week to support students across Alabama preparing to enter the workforce.

“The Regions Foundation is committed to funding programs that provide hope and opportunity, helping people overcome barriers and achieve success,” said Marta Self, executive director of the Regions Foundation. “JAG is empowering students by addressing challenges and equipping them for brighter futures. The Regions

Foundation is honored to support this work because we see the impact JAG is making by helping the students of today prepare for

the jobs of tomorrow.”

The Regions Foundation grant will support JAG’s Youth Workforce Development program,

including the 2024 JAG State Career Development Conference. Grant funding will help offset the cost for nearly 1,000 students across

Alabama to attend the state conference in Birmingham, where they will be able to participate in leadership and career workshops, academic competitions and more.

Additionally, Regions Foundation funding will expand access for students in the Youth Development program offering academic support, career development, job-readiness training, job-shadowing opportunities, mentoring and one-on-one coaching from JAG specialists. JAG works with employers, community organizations and other stakeholders across Alabama to help students secure opportunities such as internships, apprenticeships, full-time jobs and more.

Life-Savers Ministries

BY JEREMY WALDEN FOR THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA —

The state’s JAG program is managed by the Alabama State Department of Education.

“Our department is truly appreciative today for the Regions Foundation’s generous contribution to the Jobs for Alabama’s Graduates program,” said Alabama State Superintendent Dr. Eric G. Mackey. “This initiative serves students in grades nine through 12 statewide who may have a greater chance of experiencing negative at-risk circumstances in their lives, which ultimately could create permanent barriers to their high school graduation success, college

See REGIONS, page A8

27 Years of Transforming Lives and Communities

time, attention, respect and commitment they so rightfully deserve, guided by the principles of faith.

In the heart of Opelika, Alabama, where once stood the Hardaway Housing Projects, a remarkable transformation took root 27 years ago. What emerged from humble beginnings has blossomed into a beacon of hope and change for hundreds of children throughout the years from the toughest corners of Opelika and Auburn. As Life-Savers Ministries gears up to celebrate its anniversary on Oct. 12, it’s a momentous occasion to reflect on its incredible journey.

Life-Savers Ministries was born out of a dire need — a need to reach out to the vulnerable members of society. It’s a need that called for action. The ministry said that it firmly believes in the responsibility to uplift these young lives, providing them with the

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community engagement and shared values between Brown Heating, Cooling and Plumbing and two collegiate sports powerhouses.

"We’re excited to welcome Brown Heating, Cooling and Plumbing as a Proud Partner of the Auburn Tigers,” said Ben Harling, general manager of Auburn Sports Properties. “We encourage the Auburn Family in the Metro Birmingham area to support Brown Heating, Cooling and Plumbing as a new member of the Auburn Family and a valued corporate partner of Auburn Athletics.”

In honor of these partnerships, Brown Heating, Cooling and Plumbing held a celebration on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, where the company gave away Auburn and Alabama football game tickets: Alabama – 2 tickets to Ole Miss @ Alabama Sept 23.

The ministry's origin story harks back to 1996 when it was founded amidst the Hardaway Housing Projects. In those early days, Life-Savers Ministries occupied nothing more than an open corner of a vacant lot, sheltered by a couple of big blue tarps. Simple poster boards displayed songs and scripture memory verses for the week. Little did anyone know that this seedling of hope would one day flourish into what it is today.

The ministry's founders, James and Karen Anderegg, articulated its guiding prayer beautifully: “God, do this in such a way, people can look past any human ability and say; surely God has done this thing.”

The ministry began by recognizing an urgent need and heeding the call to

Auburn – 2 tickets to Georgia @ Auburn Sept 30.

For more information about Brown Heating, Cooling and Plumbing and its partnerships, please visit: www. brownheatingandcooling. com/

ABOUT BROWN HEATING AND COOLING

Brown Heating, Cooling and Plumbing is a leading provider of heating, cooling and plumbing solutions and is dedicated to delivering exceptional service and innovative HVAC technology. With a commitment to excellence and community engagement since its establishment in 1961, Brown Heating, Cooling and Plumbing aims to enhance the lives of its customers and partners through reliable, efficient and sustainable heating, cooling and plumbing solutions.

For more visit: www. brownheatingandcooling. com/

ABOUT AUBURN SPORTS

PROPERTIES Auburn Sports

address it. The founders said that they understood that to begin a ministry, one must first comprehend the ‘why,’ and then, God would reveal the ‘how.’

In a neighborhood where traditional methods of outreach failed, Life-

Properties is the locally-based, exclusive multimedia rightsholder for Auburn Athletics.

As a part of the Playfly Sports Properties portfolio of nearly 40 collegiate and high school state association properties, the Auburn Sports Properties team connects brands to Auburn’s passionate and deeply-rooted fanbase. Through broadcast, in-arena, experiential and technology-based marketing and media solutions, Playfly Sports Properties’ fully scalable platform provides marketers unparalleled access to the most highly engaged audiences on a local and national level.

Playfly Sports Properties is a division of Playfly Sports.

Connect with the Auburn Sports Properties team by visiting www.playfly.com/ properties.

ABOUT LEARFIELD

LEARFIELD is a media, data and technology services leader in intercollegiate athletics.

The company unlocks the value of college sports for brands and fans

Savers Ministries charted a unique path. Its approach was simple, yet profound — it picked up the trash, over and over again. The commitment was fierce, and its persistence baffled the residents, both young and old. The children were

through an omnichannel platform with innovative content and commerce solutions. LEARFIELD services include trademark licensing and branding; collegiate sports properties' multimedia

the first to inquire, followed by the adults. Thus, LifeSavers Ministries was born.

Fast forward to the present, Life-Savers Ministries stands as a testament to the power of God’s faithfulness and God’s people. Today, it continues the long-standing tradition of offering Saturday Sunday School — a dynamic and funfilled time of worship for children that connects them to Jesus and teaches them how the Bible applies to their lives at their facility located at 1901 Waverly Parkway.

Additionally, LifeSavers Mission Thrift Store in Auburn serves as a strategic way to serve local families with discount clothes, furniture, household goods and more, all made possible by the generosity of the community. All proceeds from the store fund, not only Life-Savers Ministries but other local ministries that help the community’s

sponsorship management; NIL solutions; publishing, audio, digital and social media; data analytics and insights; ticketing software; and ticket sales, premium seating and fundraising services; campus-wide

most vulnerable.

As the 27th anniversary draws near, Life-Savers Ministries stands as a testament to the power of compassion, dedication and faith. It has not only been used by God to transform the lives of countless young individuals but also had a generational impact. Now, the Anderegg’s own children are part of the staff that serves some children whose parents were served at the beginning of the ministry.

“A special thanks to the countless number of individuals and groups that have supported and volunteered over the years,” the ministry said. “The whole story reminds us all that the simplest acts of kindness motivated by the love of God can indeed be used to change the world. On Oct. 12, let the community thank God and celebrate this extraordinary journey of love, hope and transformation that is LifeSavers Ministries.”

business and sponsorship development. Since 2008, it has served as the title sponsor for NACDA's acclaimed LEARFIELD Directors' Cup, recognizing athletic departments across all divisions.

The Regions Foundation presented a $15,000 grant to Jobs for Alabama's Graduates.

One Opelika ministry — Life-Savers Miistries — is celebrating 27 years.

LCYDC

reminiscent of the golden era of train travel with tucked leather booths for cozy seating and a dazzling crystal chandelier in the main dining room.

Chef Scott Simpson has been executive chef since the restaurant opened. A couple of years ago, the chef was the state winner in the sixth annual Alabama Seafood Cook-off.

Simpson is a native Californian and spent most of his youth in San Diego, and his family took vacations to coastal areas. He developed a passion for food at an early age and knew he wanted a profession in foods. When he began working, it was generally on the coast or near coastal areas.

He received training in Florence, Italy, at the Giuliano Bugialli

Professional Culinary School, and the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley, California, where he trained under chefs including Rick Bayless, Roberto Donna, Michael Chiarello, Terri Sanderson and Karen McNeil.

The chef headed a number of upscale

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nights from 6 to 8:30 p.m. There is no deadline to sign up. A light meal will be served, and there is no cost to sign up for the course.

“There are many people struggling, and we'd like to get those family members in for the class,” said Dan Keidel, peer leader and volunteer for NAMI. “It's totally free. It's paid for by me. We give out books probably four inches thick with a lot of information. We go through every page.” This will be Keidel’s third time teaching a course. The class consists of 10 to 12 people and will be instruction and discussion. The course will offer

restaurants before taking the helm at The Depot.

The wine dinner will kick off with a Happy Hour from 5 p.m. until 6 p.m. with appetizers. These will include Garlic

Sardine Confit and Pesto

Bruschetta, Roasted Yellow Pepper Relish, Jalapeno and Baked Brie Tartlets and Takoyaki (pops or mini blinis).

The plated, four-course dinner will feature:

First Course: Crispy Pork Belly “Hornado,” accompanied by Potato Llapingachos, crushed peanuts, sliced avocado and Aji Salsa

Second Course: Smoked Salmon, Hasselback Beet, Mache and Arugula Salad enhanced with Feta Cacio e Pepe Dressing

Main Course: Szechuan

Pepper and Shoyu

Lacquered Duck Breast served with Sage Butternut

Mash, Roasted Pepitas and Shishito Cherry Demi

Dessert: Ginger and Spice Caramel Roasted Pear Tart drizzled with Earl Grey and Toasted Almond Vanilla Anglaise An expertly curated wine pairing will complement each course.

The wine dinner offers a chance to experience exceptional dining while supporting the LCYDC.

current information about mental health conditions, treatment options, medications and their side effects, communication skills, problem-solving, crisis intervention, resource information and self-care and stress management for family members.

“What we try to do is emphasize but also inform those struggling is that we get it, we have resources,” Keidel said. “So, what our standards and our purpose is, is to educate pretty thoroughly. We’re trying to move people from a crisis situation, where they're overwhelmed, to a coping area but then off to advocacy. Because that's when you're most your best, is when you're trying to advocate not only for your loved ones, but for others,

“We are very excited about this collaboration event and for the support and attention we can raise for the Lee County Youth Development Center,” Simpson said.

Tickets are priced at $135. To purchase tickets, go to 2023 Auburn Food & Wine Dinners (ejoinme. org). For additional information, go to www. allaboardauburn.com.

LEE COUNTY YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CENTER

“This past May the Lee County Youth Development Center (LCYDC) celebrated 50 years of service to the local community and to individuals from all walks of life,” said Executive Director Laura Cooper. “However, according to the official Letters of Incorporation, LCYDC commemorates 54 years of operations this month.”

On Sept. 12, 1969, Judge C.S. Whittlesey, Jane C. Walker and Lucy Locklin signed documents that put into motion programming which would change the landscape of a patch of undeveloped land located at the end of an unpaved road just off of Pepperrell Parkway. Eventually it grew into a footprint which reaches throughout East Alabama and beyond.

too.”

NAMI was founded in 1979 and offers support in multiple locations nationwide. NAMI advocates for families and individuals affected by mental illness, as well as aiding those struggling through educational courses.

“Families are the principal caregivers to their family members,” Keidel said. “That’s why we’re helping family members. Family members are a critical resource.”

For questions or to register, call Emilyn Gipson at 334-444-4032 or Keidel at 678-296-6976. If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health, you can call NAMI’s toll-free helpline at 800950-NAMI.

“While our past is foundational to understanding who we are, the board and staff of LCYDC are firmly rooted in the present,” Cooper said. “They have an ever-evolving vision of remaining relevant to current and emerging needs of children, families and communities. Our present-day programming focuses on meeting needs of families in the least restrictive environments possible.

“Ideally, those children or families experiencing disruption are best served in their homes of origin, in kinship care or in foster homes close to their communities. We get that. Our Project Uplift Program at Auburn University, our family-based intervention service, our Chanticleer Day School and therapeutic foster care homes are key examples of providing excellent home and community-based care.”

The executive director said that there are instances due to trauma, sociobehavioral issues, clinical care needs and other exceptional circumstances where home and community care is not the safest or most appropriate option.

For these children,

teens and young adults, LCYDC operates a Juvenile Detention Center, residential treatment centers, as well as a group home and even independent (apartment) living for young adults who are aging out of the system.

“From our beginning until now, the LCYDC has remained intent on providing a broad continuum of care,” Cooper said. “We understand that one size does not fit all.”

In addition to these programs, there is an entire village of supportive constructs including education and clinical services, medical, psychiatric, food and nutrition and security. The LCYDC is a village that never sleeps; working 24/7/365 with no weekend or holidays off.

To be relevant, LCYDC must be open and prepared to serve at all times.

“We do not operate on an island,” Cooper said. “We are interdependent upon the goodwill of our local and community and upon our key partnerships. These include state and county DHR’s, county family courts, the city of Opelika, the city of Auburn, Auburn University, the Lee County Commission, the

local public schools, East Alabama Health, local law enforcement and far too many other supporters and stakeholders to mention.”

The LCYDC is nationally accredited by the Council on Accreditation and The Learning Center is Cognia accredited.

LCYDC recently further expanded its footprint to the southwest region of the state.

“We have partnered with Prestwick Community Outreach, located in Washington County, in order to open foster homes in this area as well as meet needs in an underserved area,” Cooper said. “We are especially excited to start offering fatherhood programming in conjunction with the Alabama Department of Child Abuse and Neglect, DHR and the Children’s Trust Fund. We will work with single dads on building their job, career and parenting skills with a goal of strengthening family networks.”

It took four years after the agency’s 1969 founding to begin the path of intentional programming.

Those wanting to learn more about the Youth Development Center are asked to visit www.lcydc. org.

Local Christian Singer/Songwriter Releases Debut Single

“I don’t believe that it’s a coincidence that I got clarity about the calling to write and record worship music around the time the Asbury revival was happening earlier this year,” Rush said. “I don’t believe that it’s a coincidence that this song is being released the same week that the revival night happened on Auburn’s campus Tuesday night. It’s all significant…God is using all of it. Revival is happening all around us. People are waking up.

CONTRIBUTED BY

JANIEE RUSH

The night of Sept. 15 was much more than just a birthday celebration for new local Christian artist, Janiee Rush. Her debut single “Washed Away” was released to the public, and more than 100 guests gathered at the Auburn Dream Center to hear it for the first time.

Rush, a Nashville recording artist from Auburn, spoke to the crowd about what made her decide to pursue writing and recording her own worship songs. She mentioned that it was earlier this year that she decided to step into the calling on her life to reach people for Christ

through music. She felt a new sense of urgency to reach the lost and knew it was time to take action. Once she made a public announcement about pursuing Christian music professionally, the community and other friends and family rallied behind her to help raise the funds needed to record her music.

Through the whole process, she knew she needed to walk by faith and in obedience, not focusing on the obstacles, and God would provide the rest.

“As I’ve grown so much closer to God over the past few years, I can see clearly now that He’s prepared me for such a time as

this,” Rush said. “I truly feel like he has revealed life-changing revelations to me. It was in January of this year that I got clarity from Him about this calling for music. I believe he communicated this to me in different ways like through my dreams, other people and through what I was reading in the Word.”

Rush said that she began writing her first song “Washed Away” shortly after she took the step of faith to pursue music professionally. She said that “Washed Away” is a song about celebrating new life in Christ and praising Jesus for all that was washed away when He gave His life on the cross for

[everyone's] sins.

The first announcement Rush made to the public about starting to work on new music came around the time the Asbury revival was happening in February. Rush talked about the significance of all the revivals taking place this year, including the Unite Auburn revival on Auburn’s Campus on Sept. 12.

“I don’t believe that it’s a coincidence that I got clarity about the calling to write and record worship music around the time the Asbury revival was happening earlier this year,” Rush said. “I don’t believe that it’s a coincidence that this song is being released

the same week that the revival night happened on Auburn’s campus Tuesday night. It’s all significant … God is using all of it. Revival is happening all around us. People are waking up.”

While sharing her music with others, Rush also wants to encourage others to follow their Kingdom calling too. She shared about her decision to take her focus off of herself and to see the bigger story — God’s story. She spoke about her struggles in the past with insecurities and rejection, but she was not going to let that have a hold on her any longer.

“Something that is so important to remember is that if

there is something that you constantly feel attacked in, that is a strong indicator that it’s something the enemy is threatened by because of the impact that it was created to have for Christ,” Rush said. Rush has more original music to come later on, as she is currently in the process of working on a worship EP. You can follow her music journey on her social media pages (Instagram: @ janiee_rush, Facebook: facebook.com/janiee. rush).

Her new single “Washed Away” is available on all streaming platforms and can also be heard on local radio.

Meet David Hedges

AUBURNBANK PRESIDENT & CEO

Leadership succession in any business is essential to its sustainability, especially one that has been strong and viable for 116 years. Since our founding in 1907, AuburnBank has had eight presidents—and now David Hedges succeeds Bob Dumas as our ninth. Joining the bank in 2006, David has demonstrated his commitment to AuburnBank and its shareholders. He and his wife, Jill, are members of First Baptist Church of Opelika, and they enjoy raising their three children who attend Auburn City Schools. David is excited to lead AuburnBank into the future, while upholding a tradition of service to our customers and our communities.

Member FDIC | AuburnBank.com

Patrons Feast at Oktoberfest Dinner

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advancement and future career achievement. The Regions Foundation has a clear track record of making meaningful investments that benefit the people of Alabama, and we extend our sincere appreciation for the foundation’s support of JAG and our students.”

Since 2020, the Regions Foundation has provided $45,000 to JAG Alabama. That commitment is part of more than $450,000 in funding the Regions Foundation has provided the national JAG affiliate, Jobs for America’s Graduates. The Regions Foundation prioritizes funding for initiatives that advance three key priorities:

- Education and workforce readiness

- Economic and community development

- Financial wellness Regions Bank’s Central Alabama Market Executive Robert Birmingham said the latest Regions Foundation grant will complement

volunteerism from Regions Bank associates supporting JAG initiatives in Alabama and beyond.

“At Regions Bank, our commitment to community engagement is focused on making life better in the communities we serve,” Birmingham said. “Our teams spend thousands of hours every year volunteering for organizations that make a difference in people’s lives. That includes mentoring through JAG and supporting students who are working hard to succeed academically and prepare for their next chapter.”

JAG Alabama currently operates 47 programs across the state and serves over 1,600 students. In 2022, the Alabama program had a 99% graduation rate of students in the program.

ABOUT REGIONS FOUNDATION Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grant-making program

focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c) (3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

ABOUT REGIONS FINANCIAL CORPORATION Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF), with $156 billion in assets, is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation’s largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas, and through its subsidiary, Regions Bank, operates more than 1,250 banking offices and more than 2,000 ATMs. Regions Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. Additional information about Regions and its full line of products and services can be found at www. regions.com.

Oktoberfest in Auburn saw lots of activities, beer steins and German get-ups to celebrate the momentous occasion. The celebrations were held

and Ag Heritage Park, respectively.

S Food ociety & News

ociety & News vents, E

Jessica Nicholson Enjoys Gathering Family, Friends Around Table

SHouthernospitality

mother-in-law.

An assortment of heritage pumpkins on the porch provides an attractive fall arrangement at the home of Jessica and Adam Nicholson in Opelika’s Camelot subdivision. Jessica loves cooking and enjoys being in the kitchen preparing meals for her large family, as well as friends, using recipes collected from her mother, grandmothers and

“Gathering around the table has always been important to me,”

Jessica said. “We try to make it happen no matter how busy our schedules are. Sharing a meal and conversation is what helps keep us grounded and connected. I want my family to be nourished and enjoy what they’re eating.”

Jessica and Adam

have four children.

Mamie is a freshman at Auburn University following in family footsteps, and John Stuart is a freshman at Trinity Christian School. Jessica homeschools the two younger children, Jude, a seventh grader, and Chip, who is in third grade. Both homeschoolers are involved in sports and are part of Classical Conservations, which

40 Years of Compassion

Women's Hope Clinic Gala Promises Inspiration and Impact

CONTRIBUTED BY JEREMY

WALDEN FOR THE OBSERVER

AUBURN —

Women's Hope Medical Clinic, a cornerstone of support for East Alabama and beyond, is preparing to commemorate four decades of unwavering service. On Oct. 3, Women's Hope will host the annual fundraising gala, bringing stories of hope, transformation and a call to action to life in the Grand Ballroom of the Hotel at Auburn University.

Registration for the event is required and can be made at www.womenshope.org/ gala. Register today before seats fill up.

At this year's gala, attendees will be privileged to hear moving testimonies from families profoundly impacted by the unwavering support received at Women's Hope Medical Clinic. These stories of resilience and hope underscore the clinic's enduring commitment to the community, offering a firsthand glimpse of the

positive change support can bring to countless families.

The gala not only serves as a celebration but also as a call to action. Guests will discover how their support can pave the way for the clinic's next 40 years of ministry. Your contribution can make a significant difference in the lives of many more families in the years to come.

The evening's goal is ambitious yet essential: to raise at least $400,000.

meets at Lakeview Baptist Church. Jude and Chip also take piano classes, while John Stuart is running cross country as part of Trinity’s Varsity Team.

“I am so blessed, and it is a privilege to have

them at home, and I enjoy homeschooling them,”

Jessica said. “We enjoy our time together. It is a sweet time.”

She is also a tutor and teaches a homeschool P.E. class once a week.

Opelika and Auburn

have been home for Jessica and Adam since they came here 21 years ago to attend Auburn University, where they met. They began attending Trinity Presbyterian Church in Opelika and See CIPPERLY page A11

Auburn Celebrates the Grand Opening of New Realm Brewery Co. Taproom

the world of brewing. Auburn University has taken a step further by expanding its College of Human Sciences Brewing Science and Operations program. Thanks to this partnership, the university now offers not one, but two brewery programs, ensuring that students can gain comprehensive knowledge and skills in this burgeoning industry.

BY ELISE MCKINLEY FOR THE OBSERVER

AUBURN — Auburn welcomed a new taproom on Wednesday, Sept. 20, when the community came together for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for New

Realm Brewery Co.’s Taproom. This event marked the beginning of a partnership between Auburn University and The New Realm Brewery Co., aimed at fostering shared values and providing students with hands-on experience in

The event started with Carey Falcone, CEO of New Realm, expressing his gratitude to all who had gathered to celebrate this milestone. Falcone acknowledged the invaluable support from those who had played a role in bringing the business to Auburn.

“This is far more than just another location, it’s an opportunity for us to participate in the development of the next generation of brewers,” Falcone said.

See TAPROOM, page A10

Tickets for 2023–24 season performances are

Jessica and Adam Nicholson with their four children enjoy fall months with football games and the outdoors. Jessica loves cooking and enjoys gathering family and friends around their stunning heart pine table that Adam built. Pictured are, from left, front row, Jude, Jessica and Adam; back row, Chip, John Stuart and Mamie.

Realm Brewery Co.'s Taproom is located at 207 S. College St. in Auburn. It is open until 10 p.m. every night but Sunday. On Sunday, it closes at 8

The Women's Hope Gala will be held Oct. 3 at The Hotel at Auburn University.

Traffic is heavy. There is a blind dog in the passenger seat of my vehicle, emitting strange and exotic smells.

The dog’s name is Marigold. We call her “Marigold the Magnificent.” Or “Marigold the Marvelous.” Or, if she’s chewing another pair of my reading glasses: “Marigold the Maniac.” We have traveled a few hundred miles. I have to make a speech at a private get-together tonight. The audience will include a very famous politician. I am

TAPROOM >>

FROM A9

“We’ve been talking about internships, classroom interactions, case studies — a lot more than just serving beer. But we do serve beer.”

Auburn Mayor Ron Anders was also in attendance, offering his support for this addition to the Auburn community. He underscored the

more than a little nervous.

Also, I haven’t told anyone I’m bringing a canine with me. This gig was booked long before I rashly adopted a blind animal who needs me 24/7.

I’m hoping they allow coondogs at the venue.

I arrive at my hotel. It’s a nice joint. Art Deco interior. The woman clerk looks at me funny when I waltz to the front desk with a purebred hound.

The clerk is aghast.

“Excuse me, sir?” she says. “Is that a dog?”

immense benefit of New Realm’s collaboration with Auburn University, shedding light on the thriving brewery business in the area. As the festivities continued, the array of new beer flavors drew the attention of customers. Beer-tender Sam Stone shared some of his favorites, including “Hazy Like A Fox" and "Tropic Dream." He also said

ROAD TRIP

“Is this a trick question?” I say.

“We don’t allow pets.”

“She’s not a pet.”

“What is she?”

“Episcopalian.”

No response.

“Look,” I say, “they told me I could bring my dog when I called ahead and booked a pet-friendly room.”

She crosses her arms. “I’m sorry, sir, but nobody told me about this.”

“It hurts being left out, doesn’t it?”

It takes some doing, but we finally get things straightened out. The manager is called. He says it’s no big deal. Then I pay a pet deposit. Bada bing, bada boom. He’s glad to have our business.

Although, honestly, Marigold still holds a grudge against the clerk. She decides to let the disgruntled woman know exactly how she feels by making some Art Deco on the hotel grass.

Our room is fancy.

that the seltzer has a delightfully sweet aftertaste that keeps patrons sipping.

Adding to the ambiance, local musician, Kenny on the Keys, serenaded the crowd with timeless classics, providing the perfect backdrop for supporters to enjoy New Realm beers and savor catered dishes from local restaurant, Lucy’s.

The New Realm

It comes with all the trimmings. Huge beds. Fat pillows. Soft towels. Robes so thick and plush you can hardly get your suitcase closed.

I work on my speech for a few hours. Then I get dressed in my formal duds. My attire for the evening is a fine suit, handcrafted by the world-class artisans at Sears. Marigold wears a turquoise collar. We drive across town to the venue. It is a swanky place. Seated dinner. Podium. Chandelier. Circular tables in a ballroom. I believe they are serving prime rib tonight.

It bears mentioning that Marigold has an overdeveloped sense of smell when it comes to food. Marigold is a scenthound. Meaning, her sense of smell is already superior to 99 percent of the animal kingdom. But now that she’s blind, her nose is on steroids.

And the prime rib smells pretty good. Marigold’s handler

Brewery Co.’s Taproom ribbon-cutting event marked not only a celebration of delicious brews but also a testament to the power of collaboration between academia and industry in fostering growth and innovation.

Auburn University and The New Realm Brewery Co. have set the stage for a promising future in the world of brewing, right in the heart of Auburn.

for the evening is Mikayla. Mikayla is a sophomore in high school, daughter of one of the guests. Mikayla likes to play on her phone a lot, which is not a great quality for the babysitter of a canine with a nuclear-powered nose.

The event begins. The band plays. The emcee introduces me. And here I am. Making my speech.

Midway through my speech, something happens.

I notice people in the crowd are snickering. A commotion sort of moving through the audience, akin to people doing the wave at a sporting event.

That’s when I see a dog wandering through the ballroom. Unsupervised.

Marigold the Malnourished has escaped. She is now standing before a nicely dressed older woman in a sequined evening gown. Marigold is politely asking for prime rib.

HOPE >>

FROM A9

This financial milestone will ensure that Women's Hope Medical Clinic can continue providing free services to families in our community. Your generosity can directly impact the clinic's ability to offer vital services, touching the lives of those who need it most. More than 1,000 individuals were served this past year alone.

"Over the past four decades, Women's Hope Medical Clinic has remained steadfast in its commitment to sharing the love of Jesus and providing services to individuals facing unplanned or difficult pregnancies, Daria Monroe, the executive director, emphasized.

These services include medical-grade pregnancy tests, specific STI/STD testing and treatments, ultrasounds, prenatal clinic exams, parenting classes, material support, pregnancy loss counseling and more.

The woman shoos the animal away. But Marigold is a big believer in persistence. So she says please.

Repeatedly.

People laugh wildly. Mikayla rushes into the ballroom and removes Marigold. And as Marigold leaves the ballroom, I can see there is no saving my speech. I might as well take a swan dive off centerstage.

When my performance is finished, I am shaking hands in the lobby. People are sort of avoiding eye contact with me. The event organizer has already taken me off her Christmas card list. The catering staff wishes I was never born.

I see the aforementioned politician weaving through the mass of heads, making his way toward me.

The man pumps my hand sincerely and says, “You did okay tonight, son. But if I were you, I’d keep the dog in your act.”

Doors to this event will open at 5:30 p.m., providing attendees the opportunity to network and engage with fellow supporters. The evening's dress code is business formal attire, reflecting the elegance and significance of the occasion.

Complimentary selfparking is available in the hotel parking deck, ensuring a hassle-free and enjoyable gala experience.

As Women's Hope Medical Clinic reflects on 40 years of community dedication, it said it looks forward to a future brimming with hope and opportunity. The gala presents a chance for all to participate in a meaningful legacy, where each contribution, regardless of size, plays a vital role in transforming lives.

Those unable to attend the gala can support Women's Hope Medical Clinic by visiting www. womenshope.org/donate.

Join Women's Hop[e on Oct. 3, at the Grand Ballroom of the Hotel at Auburn University, and make a lasting impact.

SEAN DIETRICH

New Realm Brewery Co.'s Taproom recently celebrated its partnership with Auburn University with a ribbon cutting event.

became close to families at the church. After they married, they decided to settle in Opelika to raise their family.

While Jessica grew up in Mountain Brook in Birmingham, her family has ties to this area. Her grandparents, Joyce and Sonny Solomon, were living in Auburn when her grandfather was attending pharmacy school, and Jessica’s mother was born during this time. They lived there until she was 2 years old, then moved to Eutaw.

Her grandfather recently celebrated his 90th birthday. Her grandmother is a wonderful home chef and has honed her talent in the culinary arts.

Jessica’s grandparents recently moved from Eutaw back to Auburn to be closer to family. Other family members who have also moved to Auburn include Jessica’s parents, Leesa and Rich Street, and her aunt and uncle, Anna and Greg Solomon.

Both Jessica and Adam are from close-knit families. Adam’s parents, Julie and Tom Nicholson, moved to Stillwater at Lake Martin.

Adam, an engineer with Alabama Power in the Valley, enjoys woodworking in his spare time. During COVID-19, Adam, with his father’s

screened-in balcony at the back of their house.

He tore down a wall with a fireplace to extend the living room. The balcony has a cathedral ceiling with trestle beams. The family has been enjoying the space that overlooks the groomed backyard framed with trees.

Adam also built a beautiful three-trestle table with reclaimed heart pine Jesscia’s grandfather had saved on his farm.

The nine-foot-long table has “live edges.” The family gathers around the table for most of their meals, and the boys also do homeschool work at the table.

In the fall, the screenedin balcony is a great place to watch football games when they are not enjoying the outdoors.

The backyard has a playground, and Adam built a Ninja Warrior course with a zipline, climbing wall and ropes to swing on. Under the balcony, the patio provides a space to hang out.

With an active family, Jessica generally tries to plan well-rounded meals and healthy foods. Usually, what she prepares is going to be quick and easy, as they are on the go.

“I love cooking in the fall and enjoy making comfort food and warm soups with lots of flavor,” she said.

One of her favorites, she said, is beef and

fall breakfast, she serves maple raisin steel-cut oatmeal that has been simmering overnight. In the morning, it is ready to serve and provides a hearty, filling breakfast.

“A lot of times we repeat recipes,” she said. “On Tuesdays, we have tacos that keep everyone happy. Then I try to do a crockpot recipe once a week to keep it easy. We are gone most of the day on Thursdays, so that is a good day for a crockpot recipe. Mrs. Mickle’s Roast is an easy favorite.”

If she has not had time to go to the grocery store, Jessica will prepare a breakfast meal for dinner, and the children enjoy it.

The buttermilk pancakes recipe is a Saturday morning treat. Combining buttermilk and sour cream enhances the flavor and is not too sweet. The pancakes are moist but crispy on the outside.

Brisket is one of her favorite cuts of meat that she serves for special occasions. Jessica’s mother gave her the recipe, which came from her art teacher. Jessica has served it with her grandmother’s recipe for grits casserole for a luncheon and on another occasion with the corn casserole for Mamie and her friends.

Jessica recommends watching YouTube to see how to trim brisket and slice it at an angle. The flavorful meat will fall

mouth.

Adam’s mother makes an apple cake with brown butter frosting that is popular with the children. The boys request it for their birthday cake.

Another dessert, Theodosia Solomon's Muscadine Hull Pie, is an old family favorite that was Jessica’s great-grandmother’s recipe. She lived to be a 100-years-old and lived in Eutaw where the Solomon family had settled.

Jessica and her family enjoy going to Auburn football games and Opelika High School football games. They ride bikes around town and will sometimes ride to O Town Ice Cream for a fun outing.

“We love where we live being near church, school and downtown and I am proud of my town,” Jesica said. “We go to cross country meets for Trinity with John Stuart, and try to find time for more days at the lake and ride the boat while it is still warm enough.

“Whether we are doing something simple on a busy weeknight, eating something fun as we cheer on the Auburn Tigers or gathering for a restful Sunday lunch, my cup overflows with gratitude when I have the people I love around our beautiful family

CIPPERLY RECIPES

NORMA HAGLER’S

BEEF BRISKET RECIPE

5 lbs. brisket

1 onion, sliced into rings

3-4 stalks celery

1 pkg. dry onion soup

3/4 cup chili sauce

1/2 cup water

12 oz. can beer

Bake at 275 degrees about 1 hour per pound.

Brown brisket if desired (I don’t put it in the oven pan.)

Put ingredients (except for beer) on and around meat. Cover tightly with foil.

45 minutes before the end of the baking time, add the beer and recover.

When done, take it out and cool it. Refrigerate it at least overnight. Remove fat and celery (keep the onions) from gravy and discard it. Slice very thin. You can freeze it at this point or just reheat it to serve in remaining gravy.

GRITS CASSEROLE

For a tasty variation, try serving cooked shrimp are delicious to put over each serving of cooked grits. Sauteed onions with red, yellow, green bell pepper, parsley and any other favorite seasoning may be combined with shrimp to give flavor and color.

1 1/2 cups half & half or milk

1 tsp. salt

1 cup quick cooking grits

1/2 cup plus 1 Tbsp. butter

1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions

4 oz. Velveeta cheese, cubed

¼ tsp. garlic powder

2 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, grated, divided 10 oz. can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies

In a saucepan bring water, half and half to a boil then add salt and grits. Reduce heat, bring to a simmer, cover and continue to stir constantly to keep from sticking. Cook 25 minutes or longer, then add 1/2 cup butter and continue cooking about 10 minutes or more until texture is thick and creamy.

Remove grits from heat, add Velveeta Cheese, 1 1/2 cups grated cheddar and stir until cheeses melt, then add Rotel tomatoes. Using a skillet sauté green onions in the 1 Tbsp. butter for 1 minute, then add to grits. Pour grits into a greased

8 x 11 x 2 inch casserole. Bake the casserole at 350 degrees for about 35 to 40 minutes. Sprinkle remaining cheese over the casserole for the last 5 minutes of cooking time.

TWO CHEESE SPINACH AND ROMAINE SALAD

Dressing:

1/2 cup vegetable oil

½ cups water or more

3

1/2 cup chopped red

See CIPPERLY RECIPES, page A12

Sept. 28, 2023

onion

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup vinegar

1 tsp. poppy seeds

1 tsp. mustard

1/4 tsp. salt

Put these ingredients in a tight fitting jar with a lid and shake. Refrigerate overnight.

Salad:

5 cups fresh spinach and romaine lettuce

1/2 lb. sliced fresh mushrooms

8 oz. carton cottage cheese

4 oz. shredded Swiss cheese

2 bacon strips cooked and crumbled

Just before serving, toss spinach and lettuce with mushrooms and cheeses; pour dressing over and toss again. Sprinkle with bacon. Enjoy. Serves 12.

APPLE CAKE WITH BROWNED BUTTER FROSTING

Cake:

1 cup butter, room temperature

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup granulated sugar

3 eggs

2 tsp. vanilla

2 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

2 tsp. ground cinnamon

2 1/.2 cups all-purpose flour

3 cups chopped Granny Smith apples, (about 3 medium)

Frosting:

1/2 cup butter, room temperature

3 cups powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

2-3 Tbsp. milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Generously grease a fluted Bundt pan (12 cup pan).

In bowl of stand mixer beat together butter and sugars until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes.

Add eggs and vanilla and mix until smooth.

Add baking soda, salt and cinnamon and beat until incorporated. Turn mixer to low and add in flour. Mix until just combined.

Stir in chopped apples.

Fill prepared pan with cake batter and bake for 55 to 65 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Allow cake to cool in

pan for 10 minutes and then remove cake from pan onto a wire rack to continue cooling. Can omit frosting for a less sweet dessert.

Frosting:

In a small saucepan melt butter and cook over medium heat until butter is a golden color, stirring consistently. As soon as butter is golden, remove from heat and beat in powdered sugar, vanilla and 1 tablespoon of milk using a hand mixer.

Add more milk until the consistency you desire is reached. If you prefer more of a glaze than a frosting, you will need to add a few more tablespoons of milk than the recipe calls for. Frost top of cake. Slice and serve.

OVERNIGHT MAPLE RAISIN STEEL-CUT OATMEAL

3 cups water

3 cups milk (I used unsweet vanilla almond milk)

1 ½ cups steel-cut oats (must be steel-cut; normal oats won’t work the same)

3/4 cup raisins

1/2 cup maple syrup

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

2 Tbsp. chia seeds

¼ cup coconut oil

Combine all ingredients in an 8 cup heatproof glass bowl. Set bowl in a 6-quart slow cooker, and add cold water to the slow cooker (not the Pyrex), filling until water comes 3/4 of the way up side of bowl.

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.

MRS. MICKLES’ CROCKPOT ROAST

1/4 cup water

3 lb. chuck roast or other roast

1 oz. pkg. dry ranch seasoning

1 oz. pkg. dry au jus gravy mix

6 Tbsp. unsalted butter

5-6 or more pepperoncini (in a jar)

Add 1/4 cup water into the insert of your slow cooker, and place chuck roast on top. Sprinkle dry ranch seasoning mix on top of the chuck roast, then

sprinkle the dry au jus mix on top. Place butter on top of roast and 5 to 6 pepperoncini around the roast.

Cook on low for eight hours.

CORN CASSEROLE

15 oz. can whole kernel corn, drained

14 oz. can cream-style corn

8 oz. box Jiffy cornbread mix

1 cup sour cream

½ cup melted butter

1 to 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, stir together two cans of corn, Jiffy mix, sour cream and butter. Pour into a grease 9 by 13-inch pan. Bake for 45 minutes. Top with cheddar cheese. Return to oven for five minutes until cheese is melted. Let stand five minutes before serving.

TWO VERSIONS

MUSHROOM RICE

1 can French onion soup

1 can condensed beef broth

Small can mushrooms, drained

1 cup uncooked white or brown rice

One or two 4 oz cans slice mushrooms, not drained

1/2 cup melted butter

Combine all ingredients in a 2 to 2 ½ quart casserole. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Variation:

2 cups uncooked rice

2 cans beef broth

2 cans sliced mushrooms, drained

1 Tbsp. Worcestershire

Sauce Combine all ingredients in a 9 by 13inch casserole dish. Bake covered at 325 degrees for one hour. Uncover and bake 15 minutes longer.

FAVORITE BUTTERMILK PANCAKES

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp. baking powder

2 tsp. baking soda

3 Tbsp. granulated sugar

1 tsp. kosher salt

2 cups buttermilk, more or less, divided

2 Tbsp. butter, melted

and cooled, plus more for the skillet

2 large eggs

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2 Tbsp. sour cream

Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar and salt; set aside. Combine 1 cup of the buttermilk with 2 Tbsp. of melted butter and eggs. Add buttermilk mixture to flour mixture. Gently combine, adding vanilla extract, sour cream and additional buttermilk as needed. Mixture should be fairly thick and lumpy, but pourable; avoid overmixing.

Heat a griddle or nonstick skillet over medium high heat, add additional butter, nonstick spray or cooking oil to pan. Spoon 1/3 cup measure of batter onto pan leaving at least 1/2 inch between each. When pancakes begin to bubble up and edges appear to be dry, turn over to brown the other side. Repeat with remaining butter and batter. Serve immediately with additional butter, warmed syrup, a side of sausage and fruit. Skillet apples or peaches are excellent with these. Makes about 16 depending on the size you make them. Can halve recipe.

BA SMASHBURGER

Vegetable oil

1 lb. ground beef chuck (20% fat)

Kosher salt

4 slices cheese

4 potato rolls or good burger buns

Burger toppings: ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, shredded iceberg lettuce, dill pickle slices, etc.

Heat a cast iron griddle or heavy skillet over medium to high heat until very hot, about two minutes, then lightly brush with vegetable oil. Cut ground beef into 4 equal portions, leaving meat as is (do not form patties.)

Working in batches if needed, place portions on griddle and smash flat with a spatula to form patties (craggy edges are your friend). Season liberally with salt and cook, undisturbed, until outer edges are brown, about two minutes. Flip

patties, season with salt, and place a slice of cheese on top of each patty. Cook until cheese droops and burgers are cooked through.

Grill buns in burger grease. Assemble burgers and serve.

GABRIELLE’S SALAD

Romaine hearts

Cherry tomatoes, halved

Sunflower seeds

Dried cherries

Shaved Parmesan

Croutons

Garlic Expressions

Dressing

Combine everything but dressing in a large bowl. When ready to serve, add dressing and toss.

MARY KATHRYN’S

BISCUITS

2 cups self-rising flour

1 cup sour cream

2 sticks melted butter

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a bowl, combine flour, sour cream and melted butter. Stir gently until combined.

Put ¼ cup mixture into greased muffin tins. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until lightly golden brown. Makes approximately 12 biscuits. Can use mini muffin tins.

BEEF AND BARLEY

VEGETABLE SOUP

1 lb. lean ground beef

5 cups water

14 oz. can no salt tomatoes

16 oz. can low sodium cocktail vegetable juice

1/3 cup barley

1/3 cup split dried peas

½ cup chopped onion

1 Tbsp. (2 cubes) beef flavored bouillon

¼ tsp. pepper

¼ tsp. whole dried basil

¼ tsp. whole dried

oregano

1 bay leaf

¾ cup chopped celery including leaves

½ cup sliced carrots

Salt to taste

Pinch of sugar

Coat a large Dutch oven pan with cooking spray. Place over medium-high heat until hot. Add ground beef and cook until brown, stirring to crumble. Drain and pat dry with paper towels. Wipe drippings from pan with paper towels.

Return meat to pan; add water and next 10 ingredients. Bring mixture to a boil; cover, reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes.

Stir in celery and carrots; cover and simmer 30 minutes. Remove bay leaf and serve.

THEODOSIA SOLOMON'S MUSCADINE HULL PIE

5 cups muscadines

Pie crust with bottom and top layer (can use store bought)

1 cup sugar

1 tsp. flour

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

A little lemon juice

1 Tbsp. melted butter

Sauce:

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup water

1/4 cup butter

1 tsp. nutmeg

Wash muscadines.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Pop open muscadine hulls, squeezing out the pulp. Separate pulp and hulls into different bowls. Put hulls in a pot on stove and add water, just enough to almost cover them, not using too much, so pie isn't runny.

Add a little lemon juice, 1 cup sugar, 1 tsp. flour, 1/4 tsp. nutmeg. Put lid on pot, cook on low until hulls are soft and tender, about 45 minutes, stirring frequently for even cooking.

Boil pulp in a separate pot (do not add water), about 5 to 10 minutes until mushy. Put pulp in a wire strainer and strain the seeds out of the pulp by pressing with the back of a spoon, so pulp strains through.

Add strained pulp to the cooked hulls. (Can freeze here if desired.) Let filling cool.

Line deep dish pie pan with pie crust, add filling, and add another pie crust to the top. Press edges together, pour on a little melted butter and sprinkle with sugar. Make 3 small slits in center of top crust.

Bake at 350 degrees until crust is browned, around 20 to 30 minutes.

To make sauce:

Combine sugar, water, butter, and nutmeg in a pot. Simmer while pie is cooking, until it is a thicker but still runny and sticky consistency. Slice the pie carefully, it often needs to be scooped out with a spoon and served in a bowl. Pour sauce over warm pie.

RELIGION —

We took an excursion last week to make some applications from Daniel to our lives. We need to close the loop on the difficult situation Daniel and his friends are in in the first part of chapter one. The young teenagers are away

At Work in Babylon

from home, away from people who share their faith and probably hearing sad things about their family and friends. How did they make it through such troubling times?

1. God was with them. God’s presence was especially associated with the temple in Jerusalem. Daniel and his friends are 500 miles away from that. Yet the book of Daniel makes it clear that Yahweh is not bound to any structure or place — He is present with Daniel and his friends in the pagan world of Babylon. When the official over Daniel and his friends wants to put them on a special diet (likely in violation of Jewish dietary laws), we’re told, “God … caused the official to show

Restore

ANGLICAN

The Good Shepherd

Anglican Church

3015 Opelika Road, Opelika

APOSTOLIC HOLINESS

God’s House of Prayers Holiness Church

301 Highland Ave., Opelika

334-749-9672

BAPTIST

Beulah Baptist Church

5500 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-705-0538

AFB - Cooperative Baptist Fellowship 128 East Glenn Ave., Auburn

334-887-8506

Friendship Missionary Baptist Church

3089 Judge Brown Road Valley 334-710-2117

Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church 650 Jeter Ave., Opelika

favor and compassion to Daniel” (1:9).

2. He is still sovereign. God not only works on the personal level but verse 2 lets us know He also works on the international level. Nebuchadnezzar would have believed that his capture of Judah’s king and the plundering of its temple proved the superiority of his god, Marduk, to Yahweh. After all, the treasure from Yahweh’s temple ended up in Marduk’s temple, didn’t it? And didn’t they give names to Daniel and his friends (indicating their authority over them)?

But appearances don’t always reflect reality. Verse 2 tells us that “the Lord delivered Jehoiakim into his hand” as well as the temple treasures. God, not Nebuchadnezzar, was in

control.

3. He was still working for His people. Correspondingly, the people weren’t to look to Egypt (as Jehoiakim did) for deliverance. Neither military power nor diplomacy would save them — only God could do that. Though he and his friends are caught up in a bad situation, Daniel and his friends know this and that’s what makes them salt and light among the Babylonians. There’s a lot for us to learn from chapter one.

1. It’s helpful if we can learn to look for the bigger picture. The immediate picture of chapter one is the difficult situation Daniel and his friends are in. The bigger picture is how God is working through them to accomplish His will. The immediate picture always

BIBLE VERSE OF THE WEEK

334-749-9487

CHURCH DIRECTORY

Green Chapel Missionary Baptist 390 Lee Road 106, Auburn (334) 749-4184

Pepperell Baptist 2702 2nd Ave., Opelika 334-745-3108

Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Road 166, Opelika

334-745-4608

Union Grove Baptist Church 4009 Lee Road 391, Opelika 334-749-0461

CHURCH OF CHRIST 10th Street Church Of Christ 500 N. 10th St., Opelika 334-745-5181

Church Of Christ 2215 Marvyn Pkwy., Opelika

334-742-9721

Southside Church Of Christ 405 Carver Ave., Opelika 334-745-6015

CHURCH OF GOD Lakeside Church of God 3295 Lee Rd 54, Opelika 334-749-6432

EPISCOPAL- AME

Saint Luke AME Church 1308 Auburn St., Opelika 334-749-1690

EPISCOPAL

Emmanuel Episcopal Church 800 1st Ave., Opelika 334-745-2054

METHODIST

Auburn United Methodist Church 137 South Gay St., Auburn 334-826-8800

Beulah United Methodist Church 5165 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-745-4755

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

Bridge Church of AL 315 2nd Ave., Opelika 334-363-0552

Church At Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy., Opelika 334-524-9148

Connect Church 2015 West Point Pkwy., Opelika 334-707-3949

Father’s House Christian Fellowship 214 Morris, Ave., Opelika

Living Waters Ministry Center 3005 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika

Southern Plains Cowboy Church

needs to be understood in light of the larger one.

2. We should try to think of history as the unfolding of His Story. Looking at the bigger picture can help us to see history as the unfolding of His story. History is headed somewhere. Sometimes we see this clearly but many times we see things in a distorted manner. The book of Daniel assures us that history is headed somewhere because God is in control.

3. We should seek to live honorably even among the dishonorable. Most of us are blessed to go to school, work and live among many good people. We should thank God for that. But all of us know people who live dishonorably. Maybe

13099 U.S. Hwy. 280

Waverly 334-401-1014

PENTECOSTAL Gateway Pentecostal Sanctuary 1221 Commerce Drive, Auburn 334-745-6926

PRESBYTERIAN Providence Presbyterian Church 1103 Glenn St., Opelika 256-405-8697

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

BRUCE GREEN

Teaching Minister at 10th Street Church of Christ in Opelika

us to yourself, O Lord, that we may return; renew our days as of old. — Lamentations 5:21

Sept. 28, 2023

OBITUARIES

LILLIAN COOPER OVERTON

Lillian Cooper Overton received her heavenly promotion early in the morning of Sept. 22, 2023. She was born Oct. 29, 1922, to James Edwin and Ester Darnell Cooper in Franklin, Alabama, (Macon County). She is preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Herman Overton; her parents; siblings, Mildred, Elmer, George and infant Thomas; and grandson infant Charlie Jones. She is survived by her daughter Kathy (Tommy) Hadaway; sister Geraldine Jackson; many nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and greatgreat-great nieces.

Mrs. Overton has been a member of First Baptist Church of Opelika since 1996. She was active in Sunday School, WMU and loved her volunteer job of rocking babies in the Nursery for the 11 a.m. service. She served as a “Pink Lady” volunteer at EAMC for 38 years in escort services. She loved her volunteer work at EAMC. She met many folks and made many friends for life. She loved life and people and when she was able enjoyed playing dominos, visiting and providing transportation for her “old folk” friends (who were all younger than she was.) Her last years were spent at assisted living facilities (Azalae Place and Morningside of Auburn). She leaves behind many dear, cherished friends (residents and employees) from these facilities.

A funeral service was held Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023, at First Baptist Church of Opelika.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorials be made to:

FBCO WMU 301 S 8th Street; Opelika, AL 36801 Samaritan’s Purse P.O.Box 3000 Boone, NC 28607-3000 or to your favorite charity. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home & Crematory directed.

SELWYN M. BOLTON

Selwyn M. Bolton “Roho”, 63, of Auburn, entered his heavenly home on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023. Mr. Bolton is preceded in death by his wife, Debra M. Bolton of Auburn, and parents, J.T. “Jake” and

Louise Bolton of Munford, Alabama. He is survived by two children Ashley Conway of Auburn, and Brett Beckwith (Sherree) of Owensboro, Kentucky; grandchildren Derrick Conway (Tori Simmons), Alicia Conway, Alaya Edwards, Alana Edwards, Skyla Edwards, Jayden Edwards, Quin Edwards Jr., Logan Harper, Will Beckwith and Danielle Beckwith; and two great-grandchildren Dexter Conway and Vaden Conway; sisters, Joda Mann (Randy), Cynthia Watts (John) and brother Dana Bolton (Tirissa).

Selwyn graduated from Jacksonville State University in 1981 with a bachelor of science degree. He retired from Matrix Wire in 2018. He grew up in Munford, and soon after graduating college he moved to Auburn where he married the love of his life, Debbie. His most prized possessions were his grandchildren and great grands. They brought so much joy to his life. He supported every type of sports event that they were participating in.

Selwyn will be remembered for his love of the Auburn tigers and most importantly his love for his family and friends. Being a friend to Selwyn meant a lifelong friendship filled with memories and laughs. This was especially evident if you were ever around him and his “high school” buddies. Those stories that they would often share were real.

Pallbearers were Roy Swafford, Eugene “Blue” Stephens, Thad Core, Harold Washington, Steve Strother and Charles “Corky” Stephens.

A graveside service was held at Town Creek Cemetery in Auburn

Monday, Sept. 25, 2023, at 4 p.m. Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home directed the service.

CHARLES THURMAN "SONNY" SOLOMON Charles Thurman

“Sonny” Solomon, age 90, went peacefully to be with the Lord on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, at his Auburn home after an extended illness. Graveside services was held at Auburn Memorial Park Cemetery at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept 23, 2023, with Rich Street conducting the service offering tribute to his

memory. The family received visitors at the cemetery at 9:30 a.m. prior to the service.

Sonny, also known to his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren as Papa, was born in Eutaw, Alabama, on Aug. 14, 1933, to Emmett and Theodosia Solomon.

He was the youngest sibling to Sue, Jackie, Emmett and Hazel Solomon.

Always a hard worker, he worked for his father delivering medicines from Solomon Drug Company, milked cows and delivered milk from the dairy farm before and after school. After graduating from Greene County High School in 1951, he attended Auburn Polytechnic Institute before joining the Air Force. He worked in the pharmacy while in the Air Force.

He met the love of his life, Betty Joyce Clark, in Montgomery while stationed at Maxwell Air Force Base and they married on Feb. 21, 1957. After leaving the Air Force as a Staff Sergeant, he and Joyce moved to Auburn, where he earned a bachelors of science degree in pharmacy in June 1960 from Auburn University. He served in the Air Force Reserves from 1957 to 1961.

He worked for Price Drug in Montgomery until he and Joyce moved back to Eutaw to raise their family and take over the family business, Solomon Drug Company, in 1965. He loved to farm and raised cattle and catfish. His work in his pharmacy helped citizens in Eutaw until his retirement at 78 years old.

Sonny was an avid sports fan which included anything Auburn and outdoor activities like hunting and fishing at their farm, Thurman Oaks. He excelled in turkey hunting and often served as a teacher and guide. His best advice to a turkey hunter was to “Learn the talk of the hens and learn to imitate them perfectly.” He, Greg, and his friends enjoyed hunting and fishing trips in South Dakota, Alaska, Canada and South Africa.

He was proud of his children and family and loved spending time with people, telling stories about his life, loved the outdoors and adventure, loved sports and enjoyed laughter with his friends. He and Joyce spent time traveling between Eutaw, Gulf Shores, and Auburn so that they could

have quality time with their family. Sonny embodied the Auburn University creed, “I believe that this is a practical world and that I can count only on what I earn. Therefore, I believe in work, hard work.“

He was a member of Eutaw Methodist Church, the National Wild Turkey Federation, Ducks Unlimited and the Alabama Pharmacy Association.

He is survived by his wife of 66 and a half years, Joyce Clark Solomon, his daughter Leesa (Rich) Street, his son Greg (Anna) Solomon, and five grandchildren Jessica (Adam) Street Nicholson, Gabrielle (Stewart) Street Neely, Clark (Christina) Solomon, Leigh Anna (Patrick) Solomon Smyth and Sterling (Chelsea) Street. His beloved great-grandchildren include Mamie Nicholson, John Stuart Nicholson, Jude Nicholson, Chip Nicholson, Ezra Neely, Oak Neely, Eden Neely, Emma Solomon, Avery Solomon, Hazel Solomon and Parker Smyth.

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring his memory with a contribution to Eutaw Methodist Church in Eutaw, Alabama, or the Auburn University Harrison College of Pharmacy.

CHARLES H. GILLIAM

Charles H. Gilliam of the Beauregard Community went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023.

Charles was born in Lexington, Tennessee, on Oct. 14, 1952, to James Wallace and Joy Clifford Gilliam. He was preceded in death by both parents, brother Jim Gilliam, and son-in-law Brent Cobb.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Gail Cross Gilliam; son, Jeremy Gilliam (Jenny); daughter, Catherine Cobb Morrow (Jamie); brothers Denny Gilliam (Janet) and Jeff Gilliam (Tammy); sisters-in-law Cathy Gilliam and Brenda Scott; and brother-in-law Norman Cross (Barbara).

Charles was blessed with eight grandchildren: Carleigh, Andrew and Jack Gilliam, James and Matthew Cobb; step-granddaughters Meredith and Margaret Morrow and foster grandson Dustin.

Growing up on the farm, Charles hoed, picked cotton,

and learned the joys of hunting and fishing as a child.

Charles attended The University of Tennessee at Martin, where he received a bachelors degree in agricultural education. He continued his education at Virginia Tech, earning both a master's degree and his doctorate in horticulture. After a teaching and research appointment of three years at The Ohio State University, Charles joined the faculty at Auburn University in 1980.

During his 38 years at Auburn, Charles was extremely active in both the college and horticultural industry as a whole. He served as horticulture department head from 2000 to 2005. Charles’ main areas of research were weed control and alternative substrates for nursery crops.

Charles loved Jesus and was an active member at Lakeview Baptist Church. He enjoyed sharing his faith with these acronyms: Are you being a F.R.O.G.? Fully Rely On God. Are you being a D.O.G.? Depend On God. Do you know how important C.O.F.F.E.E. is? Christ Offers Forgiveness For Everyone Everywhere.

A visitation was held at Lakeview Baptist Church, Sept. 23, 2023, with a memorial service following A private family burial will be held in Lexington, Tennessee.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Lakeview Baptist Church Benevolence Ministry

1600 E. Glenn Ave., Auburn, AL 36830 or to:

Women’s Hope Clinic 832 Stage Road Auburn, AL 36830.

DR. GERALD HALPIN

Dr. Gerald Halpin, of Auburn, Alabama, passed away on Sept. 24, 2023, at age 83. He was preceded in death by his brother Buddy Halpin; his father Wallace Halpin, and his mother Flois Halpin. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Glennelle Halpin; his two sons, Michael of Atlanta, Georgia, and Mark of Auburn; and his sister Carolyn Kimbrough of Troy, Alabama. He has two grandchildren and one greatgrandchild.

Dr. Halpin served in the United States Army and

received his doctoral degree from the University of Georgia. He was a professor at Auburn University for 35 years until his retirement in 2009.

Funeral services for Dr. Halpin were held Wednesday Sept. 27, 2023, in the Founder’s Chapel of the Auburn United Methodist Church followed by burial in the Pleasant Grove Church cemetery in Lineville, Alabama,.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a charity of their choice.

DEBRA HORNE

Debra Horne, age 70, of Opelika, passed away peacefully on Sept. 24, 2023. She was born on March 21, 1953, in Gadsden, Alabama. Debra attended Emma Sansom High School and went on to marry Larry Horne, with whom she shared 48 beautiful years of marriage. Together, they built a loving family and made countless cherished memories. Debra had a zest for life and a love for travel. Exploring new places and experiencing different cultures brought her great joy. However, her greatest happiness came from spending time with her family. Whether it was gathering for holidays, birthdays, or simply enjoying each other’s company, Debra treasured these moments dearly. Debra will be deeply missed by her children Don (Tara) Waddell, Wendy Waddel, Tracey (Rob) Machen, Kevin (Kristen) Horne; as well as her grandchildren Courtney (CJ) Johnson, Cassidy (Derek) Davis, Carley (Zach) Oliver, Jasmine (Wes) Taylor-Bowen, Savannah (Sam) Taylor-Fisher, Kelsey (Andrew) Eidson, Alex Machen, Austin (Bri) Horne, Brailey (James) Horne; and numerous greatgrandchildren. She also leaves behind many other family members and friends who were touched by her kindness and warmth. A memorial service visitation to celebrate Debra’s life as held Sept. 26, 2023, at Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home & Crematory. In this time of mourning, let us come together to remember Debra’s vibrant spirit and the love she shared with those around her. May her memory live on in our hearts forever.

Learn About Amphibians and Reptiles at Kreher

BY AUDREY KENT FOR THE OBSERVER

AUBURN —

Kreher Preserve and Nature Center will hold its AUsome Amphibians and Reptiles event on Oct. 27 at 2222 N. College St.

According to Kreher’s website, its mission is to preserve nature through quality environmental education, recreation and outreach programs with Auburn University and community partners.

Since the park’s endowment to Auburn University’s College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, it continues to evolve into a refined nature and discovery center with exciting programs offered throughout the year.

The AUsome Amphibians and Reptiles event is one of the many programs Kreher uses to educate the public about nature and the environment. The park is home to various amphibians and reptiles that the staff work to preserve.

GREEN >>

FROM A14

they’ve made a clear choice to live that way or perhaps they are following the lead of others. Either way, their poor choice is no excuse

According to Kreher’s website, the park’s educators spend one-hour presenting different species of amphibians and reptiles from the state of Alabama and beyond, and all ages will enjoy the entertaining and hands-on event.

The educators of this event are passionate and knowledgeable about the amphibians and reptiles they present.

Kayla Wilson, a teacher and naturalist at Kreher, spoke about her experiences with the amphibians and reptiles she presented at a past event on Sept. 15.

“I took care of these snakes for many years when I was an undergrad, so I’m a big fan,” Wilson said while showing a Pine Snake to the crowd. “I love them. They’re awesome.”

Those who are wary of amphibians and reptiles shouldn’t worry as the educators prioritize safety. Guests will have a chance to touch the animals but are told how to do it safely and respectfully.

for us to live at that level. We know better and our behavior should show it. Like Daniel and his friends, there’s always a need for disciples who live clearly and uncompromisingly before the world.

What's Happening in Lee County

FARMER'S MARKETS

Guests can expect to see more than snakes, however, and other reptiles, like turtles. One of the park's favorites is the two box turtles named Wendy’s and Big Mac.

“We named them that because when you hold a turtle, especially a box turtle, it looks like you’re holding a burger,” Wilson said.

The AUsome Amphibians and Reptiles event allows guests to have an up-close and personal experience with the animals presented while learning facts about their habitats, personalities, diets, social lives and more. Tickets for this event are $5 per person, $4 for members and free for children aged three or younger. They can be purchased through Kreher’s website or at the event. In the case of inclement weather, the event may be canceled or postponed. For tickets and more information, visit Kreher’s website: www.wp.auburn. edu/preserve/ausomeamphibians/

God is at work in Babylon — disciples should be too.

Bruce has written a twovolume work on the minor prophets called Known Intimately Loved Ultimately. It is available through 21st Century Christian.

OGrows Fall Market, every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at 1103 Glenn St. in Opelika.

Saturdays 8 to 11 a.m., Camp Hill, Mt. Lovely Baptist Church, 21900 Sen Claude Pepper Dr., Camp Hill (Hwy 50) through Sept. 30

LEE/RUSSELL COUNTY LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP

The group meets 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 Drive in Opelika. Every month different topics are discussed to make life more manageable living with low vision. Contact Shiquita Fulton, M. ED/Vision Rehab therapist for additional details at 334-705-2024, or Melody Wilson, case manager for the blind, at 256-368-3258.

COFFEE & CONVERSATION WITH VFW POST 5404

VFW Post 5404, 131 E. Veterans Blvd., Auburn, next to Ray's Collision off of South College Street, will be open on Wednesdays, 8 to 11 a.m. with coffee, donuts, cake and conversation about service and benefits for all veterans and spouses to stop by.

AUBURN/OPELIKA MOPS ANNOUNCE 2023-24 MEETING DATES

Auburn/Opelika MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and MOMSNext meet at Pepperell Baptist Church located at 2702 2nd Ave. in Opelika.

The next meetings scheduled are:

- Oct. 5, 19 - Nov. 2, 16

- Dec. 7 - Jan. 18 - Feb. 1, 15

- March 7, 21

- April 4, 18

- May 2 Contact Rachel Elrod at 706244-5620 or Kaela Sexton at 719351-8093 for further information.

NAMI MEETING

NAMI East Alabama, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), will meet Oct. 18, 2023, at 7 p.m. NAMI supports families dealing with mental illness through mutual support, education and advocacy. There will be a time for sharing. The public is invited. Meetings are held at 714 E. Glenn Ave. in Auburn.

Schools & S

THE MARK

BY D. MARK MITCHELL

OHS Falls to Central

OPINION —

O pelika (3-2, R 3-1) beat Prattville (2-3, R 1-2) 38-13 on Senior night at Bulldog Stadium last Friday night.

The Bulldogs piled up 459 yards of total offense, 209 rushing yards and 259 passing yards while holding the Lions to 220 total yards.

OHS scored 38-points including two touchdowns in the first quarter. Jhavin

Williams opened the scoring with a 4-yard TD run and Jamari Miller scored the second TD after catching an 18 yard pass from QB Roman Gagliano. In the second quarter Gagliano ran 15-yards for a TD and Johnni Cesena made a 27-yard field goal to end the first half with 24 points.

Miller scored his second TD after catching a 18-yard pass from Gagliano in the third quarter. Calvin Hughley sprinted 62-yards for the last TD. Will Carroll was five for five on PAT.

Friday Night Lights Recap: Week 5

BY D. MARK MITCHELL THE OBSERVER

LEE COUNTY —

The high school football regular season is almost half over, with several teams completing their fifth game last week.

LOACHAPOKA | NOTASULGA

Individually for Opelika, Gagliano was 10 for 11 with 250 passing yards and rushed three times for 38-yards and another TD; Miller caught three passes for 100-yards and two TD's; Hughley rushed 7 times for 99 yards and a TD; and Jamarvion Jenkins made 12 tackles to lead the defense.

The win over region opponent Prattville keeps the Dogs chances of finishing second in the region and a home playoff game alive.

Opelika travels to Mobile to play 6A Theodore (3-2) for the second time in the history of the two schools Friday night.

The Bobcats beat Opelika 34-24 last year at Bulldog Stadium.

THS hired Hall of Fame coach Steve Mask after the former head coach joined the staff at South Alabama. Mask led St Paul's to four state championships in 10 seasons as head coach.

See ON THE MARK, page B5

OHS Wrestling Champion - B2

The Loachapoka Indians won the "Battle of Highway 14" by defeating Notasulga, 12-6 last Thursday in Notasulga. The Indians improved to 5-0 and 3-0 in Region while the Blue Devils dropped to 1-4, R 1-2. Jeremiah Darlington rushed for 127-yards and two TD's. Lochapoka has a bye week while Notasulga host Pike Liberal Arts.

See WEEK 5, page B4

New Business Serves Pickleball Needs

BY JAKAI SPIKES FOR THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA —

Whether you’re experienced in the game of pickleball or a first-timer, the Dink and Volley Pickleball store is here to cater to consumers' pickleball needs.

Owner Deirdre Hill said that the pickleball boutique will open in early October in Opelika. Pickleball is a very popular sport in the Opelika-Auburn community and this boutique hopes to serve all of its needs for the game. The store will offer equipment, clothing, pickleball-specific materials and everything that has to do with the pickleball lifestyle.

“We’re offering an entire

See PICKLEBALL, page B8

Kate Dickerson was crowned the Lee-Scott Academy homecoming queen on Friday, Sept. 22.

Deirdre Hill is the owner of Dink and Volley Pickleball, which is set to open in early October.

Opelika Sees Big Win Over Prattville

The Opelika Bulldogs defeated Prattville Friday, Sept. 22. For an indepth recap of the game, read D. Mark Mitchell's column on B1.

Eyes Still on the Prize: Campbell Vying for New Heights as Reigning Champ

Lee-Scott Warriors Rebound With Big Homecoming Win

BY NOAH GRIFFITH FOR THE OBSERVER

AUBURN —

Rebounding from a loss the prior week is something Lee-Scott Academy had not done since week four of 2021, but senior Jake White and the Warriors got back in the win column on Friday after a loss to rival Glenwood the week before.

Behind five scores and 215 all-purpose yards from White, Lee-Scott got the bad taste out of its mouth by channeling its energy into a dominant 56-7 win over Macon-East Academy. The win on homecoming night over the winless Knights helped the Warriors improve to 4-1 and reestablish themselves as AISA powerhouses.

BY NOAH GRIFFITH FOR THE OBSERVER

AUBURN —

Brady Campbell is entering his junior year as a wrestler at Opelika, and he’s already climbed the mountain. Or so it seems.

But there’s still further to go after his state championship title last season, according to Campbell. Opelika’s wrestling season is approaching in November, and he’s looking to lead the Bulldogs to new heights this year on the mat after having two state qualifiers in his sophomore year.

“Last year, we only had one [other] state placer, and then me the state champ, but I want the team to do better this year,” Campbell said. “[For me], it’s still the same goals ... Of course win two more state titles, but I want to go undefeated these next two years. I lost one match last year, but these next two seasons I want to go undefeated.”

Opelika’s roster is full of upperclassmen, but few have the years of experience that Campbell has. With his father coaching wrestling since he was about 2-yearsold, Campbell has over a decade of wrestling experience. He has been involved in wrestling every year since moving to Opelika in sixth grade.

In addition to the years

of wrestling, the experience of winning the state championship is something Campbell is able to pass on to his team.

Lee Simpson has quickly discovered Campbell to be a leader in his first season as Opelika’s wrestling coach. He described Campbell as a guy that the team can depend on to get a job done and do it wholeheartedly.

“One of the things I’m most excited for [with coaching Brady] is the level of leadership he brings to the table,” Simpson said. “Everybody in the room looks up to him. Any time we’ve been working on something, trying to work on certain techniques or anything like that, he’s always the first one over to help somebody else out.

“He’s got really good leadership qualities. He’s one of the guys I could tell ‘Hey, I need you to go tear down this brick wall by Monday.’ If I told him that on Friday night, when I got there on Monday, if the wall’s not down he’d still be working on it.”

Campbell is keeping most of his preparation the same this year, but he is anticipating a move up two weight classes from his 145-pound weight last season. The wrestler he lost to last year from Gardendale High School has since graduated, but he is keeping himself motivated

by wrestling against, and training with, new guys this offseason.

This summer, Campbell also went to a college camp for the first time at the Citadel and plans to visit there again in the spring. He described that experience as fun and insightful, fueling his next-level aspirations.

Chase Campbell, Brady’s father and an assistant wrestling coach at Opelika, was a former wrestler in high school before joining the military after graduation. Returning to wrestling meant getting to see his son wrestle and grow to love the sport himself. After watching him up close all these years, Brady’s father said he sees the potential for Brady to wrestle at a Division 1 program.

But first, he’ll look to hammer home an impressive career with the Bulldogs. Brady said he knows being a reigning state champion will come with challenges, but he welcomes the challenges that come his way.

“Just knowing, like, as a state champ you have a target on your back,” Campbell said. “Everyone wants to be a state champ or beat a state champ. Just staying focused and being myself — training and putting in the work every day to become the best that I can be. Just staying mentally strong.”

Vote For Your Favorite Athletes of the Month

“Man, we were really angry this week,” White said after Lee-Scott lost its first game in two seasons the prior week. “We wanted to come out and show everyone, like, ‘Hey, we’re a dominant football team and [last week’s performance] was a fluke.’ I think we’re going to see [Glenwood] again in state and we’re going to take it and win state.”

Head coach Buster Daniel said his team had a rough first practice following the loss on Monday but that the team has responded with much better energy and cohesion since then.

The Warriors’ energy resulted in their secondbiggest win this season. They held a 42-0 lead at halftime, and after White returned the kickoff back

for a touchdown to begin the second half, he and starting quarterback Pelzer Reeves — along with many other starters, did not return to the game.

But that wasn’t until White had trotted into the end zone five times. He ran for TDs on both of the Warriors’ opening drives — the latter a 57yard run on the first play of the second drive. He also caught a 22-yard TD pass from Reeves, the lone score through the air, and returned a kickoff to the house to give Lee-Scott a 49-0 lead to open the second half.

“What’s not to say [about White]; he’s a special young man, and he’s a special player,” Daniel said. “He’s just ... he’s really good, and he’s fun to coach.”

The starting defense also had two interceptions in the first half, including a 20yard pick six from junior Tripp Vaughn. Reeves also threw one INT, but the Warriors ended up winning the turnover battle 3-1. The only Macon-East score came on a kickoff return

Acedemy Homecoming Queen.

AUBURN | PERCY JULIAN

score in the second half directly after White began the half by returning one of his own.

The Warriors, without junior running back Parker Wright and senior receiver and defensive back Miles Zachry due to injury, saw a variety of players touch the ball in addition to White. Jonathan Myers had several long carries (and got to show off his leg on the final kickoff), junior Tyler Kennedy ran for a nine-yard TD in the first quarter, junior Banks Sims got a few carries and freshman RB Braxton Cox capped the win off with a rushing TD.

The second half was all about the underclassmen and getting young guys in the game. Sophomore QB Ethan Hardee led a TD drive, capped off by Cox, and Lee-Scott sealed the deal with an interception in the end zone.

“It’s been a while since we’ve been on the L side, but it’s great to get back, and we’re happy to win again,” Daniel said. “I just enjoy watching the young guys get a chance to play.”

a TD on a 2-yard run in the third quarter and Tyler Flakes scored the last TD on a 10-yard run.

Lee-Scott Academy (4-1, R 2-1) blewout Macon East 56-7 on Homecoming night at Jud Scott Field. The Warriors scored 49 straight points before Macon East scored its only points of the game on a 77-yard kickoff return with 9 minutes left in the game.

LSA gained 341-yards on 25 plays for an average of 13.69 yards per offensive snap. Senior runningback/ linebacker Jonathan "JJ" Meyers led the team in rushing with 48-yards on just three rushes, Tyler Kennedy rushed 4 times for 41-yards and a TD. Jake White caught 5 passes for 152-yards and returned the opening kickoff of the third quarter for 75-yards and his fifth touchdown of the game. Mathew Rolader made 6 PAT and kicked every kickoff in the endzone and James Pace made one PAT. QB Pelzer Reeves was 6 of 8 for 164-yards, 4 TDs and 1 INT. Ethan Hardy threw one pass for 17-yards in the second half and Braxton Cox scored the Warriors last TD on a 5-yard run in the fourth quarter. Lee-Scott plays Autauga Acedemy (4-1) Friday night in Prattville.

Congratulations Kate Dickerson for being crowned 2023 Lee-Scott

Auburn High (4-1, R3-1) beat Percy Julian 48-13 on Homecoming at Duck Samford Stadium in Auburn. Quarterback

Henry Allen was 5 of 9 for 131-passing yards and added 53 rushing yards to finish with 184 total yards and two TD's. The Tigers led 34-7 at halftime and added two scores in the second half while Percy Julian scored its second touchdown with 15-seconds left in the game. AHS scored its first TD on 56-yard pass from Allen to by Gibson Loughridge. Auburn added 3-TDs in the second quarter: Allen scored on runs of 32 and 12 yards, Omar Mabson scored on a 44-yard run and Towns McGough made two field goals of 32 and 39 yards. Jalen Foster scored

Auburn travels to Birmingham to take on Ramsay. Congratulations to Trinitee Pritchett for being crowned 2023 Auburn High Homecoming Queen.

IN OTHER ACTION Smiths Station lost to Dothan 66-0, Homewood beat Benjamin Russell 41-21, Beauregard lost to Charles Henderson 35-0 and Luverne beat Lanett 18-6.

Beulah (2-2) will face Prattville Christian Academy for its homecoming game on Sept. 29.

Smiths Station (0-5) meets Benjamin Russell at Panther Stadium at 7 p.m. Sept. 29.

Glenwood (5-0) will go up against Valiant Cross Academy Friday night.

Thank you to all our sponsors: Mr.Gatti's Pizza, State Rep. Debbie Wood, Kelley Legacy Law, Chick-fil-A Tiger Town, Christie Hill State Farm, Johnstone Supply, O Town and USA Cajun Station.

Senior wide-receiver Jake White carries the ball during LeeScott's game against Macon-East Academy.

Opelika High School Junior Brady Campbell won the state wrestling championship last year.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

Senior QB Henry Allen during a play on Sept. 22.

Mask left Pell City after one season to take the Theodore job.

Although an important game for OHS, this is not a region game and does not effect any playoff seeding for either team. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. in Theodore. Tickets

OHTS Weaves A Good Time

can be purchased online at gofan.com or at the stadium. Fans can listen to the game on WKKR 97.7 Kicker FM, online at kickerfm.com and on the free iHeartRadio app. Van Riggs and his crew start the broadcast at 6:30 p.m.

WRESTLING FUNDRAISER

Opelika's wrestling program is holding a pickleball tournament to raise money for

the upcoming season.

The tournament is for doubles only and will have men, women and mixed brackets. There will be trophies for first, second and third place. Cost is $50 per person and $100 for a team. For more information contact David Simpson at Opelika High School, 334-745-9715.

OCS BOARD OF

EDUCATION

The Opelika Board of Education approved the five year capital plan for the school system. The five year plan includes a new turf baseball field and new turf on the football field, new junbotron and new lighting system at Bulldog Stadium and Bulldog Park. There are many other items included in the five year

facilities plan except for upgrading the OMS track and practice field behind Opelika Middle School. The track is in bad shape and needs to be upgraded and repaired. One of the board members inquired about the OHS Track during the meeting but the board voted 4-0 to approve the plan without plans to renovate and upgrade the oldest track

on any school property. The next OCS Board of Education meeting is Oct. 24.

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

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES THE OBSERVER

Scenes from Opelika High Theatre Society's production of "Charlotte's Web." The next performances are scheduled for 3 and 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30 and 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 1. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students.

BY BRANDON HUGHES FOR THE OBSERVER

AUBURN — Auburn’s offense mustered only three points while amassing more penalty yards than passing yards en route to a 27-10 loss to the Texas A&M Aggies, dropping its SEC opener for the first time since 2018. The Tigers fell to 3-1 (0-1), while the host Aggies improved to 3-1 (1-0).

After the game, Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze addressed the offensive performance: “We had people open, and we either

Offensive Woes Doom Tigers

missed them, or the pressure distracted us, it seemed. I've got to watch the film and see exactly what was going on to cause that. But we certainly missed a few opportunities in the passing game. I thought we were running it efficiently early on ... But you have to stay balanced. We just weren't efficient at all in throwing the ball to open receivers when we had them, for whatever reason.”

The defense did yeoman’s work in the first half keeping Auburn in the game as the offense continued to sputter.

In true bend but don’t break fashion, the Auburn defense

held the Aggies — who came into the contest averaging 44 points per game — to a pair of field goals on its first two possessions.

After getting down 6-0 and after going three and out on its first possession, Auburn drove its second possession of the game into Aggie territory to the A&M 30 yard line. Facing a third down and 8, quarterback Payton Thorne was sacked for an eight yard loss taking them out of field goal range and forcing an Auburn punt.

The Tiger defense then

See AU TIGERS, page B7

Auburn Linebacker Cam Riley (13) during the game between the Auburn Tigers and the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas, on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023.

PHOTO BY AUSTIN PERRYMAN / AUBURN TIGERS

Classroom Champions: Auburn Outreach Work Supports K-12 Education

BY AUBURN UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS

AUBURN —

Across the state of Alabama, College of Liberal Arts faculty work to support K-12 education by sharing subject expertise and elevating community stories.

Sharing HERstory

Like many other female historians of her generation, Department Chair and Associate Professor Melissa Blair’s interest in history was sparked by American Girl Dolls. Today, Blair aspires to produce the same effect by introducing K-12 students to stories about real women in history.

“There’s so little women’s history in K-12 curriculums,” Blair said. “When fully half of the population can’t see themselves in what they’re being taught in school, can’t have any sense that anyone who looks like them was historically important except for three or four really remarkable women, that’s a problem.”

Blair serves as a content expert on women’s and gender history for

professional development workshops. She teaches K-12 teachers locally through Auburn City Schools and the Alabama Board of Education, coaching teachers on how to deliver women’s history content to middle and high schoolers.

Through the Remedial Herstory Project, which is supported in part by the Library of Congress, Blair also develops lesson plans on women’s history that

teachers from anywhere can download to use in their classrooms.

“We are here to give our expertise to the people of the state of Alabama,” Blair said. “K-12 teachers have so many demands on their time, they do not have the time to go out and do the research themselves. That’s why online modules are great. It’s already packaged. It really helps, hopefully, move the needle on getting at least a little bit more

women’s history into what’s in front of middle and high schoolers.”

Informing the community Associate Professor of Journalism Nan Fairley has worked at the intersection of outreach and journalism for two decades. Through her involvement in the PACERS Rural Community Newspaper Network and Living Democracy, Auburn’s most valuable resource — its people —

share community stories. Through PACERS, a statewide outreach program started by Jack Shelton, Fairley directs the network in which students and faculty help small communities create their own newspapers. Since PACERS recruited Fairley two years ago, the program has helped establish the Beatrice Legacy, the Packers Bend Times, the Camp Hill Chronicle and the Pintlala Ledger.

Auburn students work with community members ranging from high school students to senior citizens to elevate community news through citizen journalism.

“Once you tell the stories, it connects people in the communities to each other and gets more involvement in local civic activities," Fairley said. “We do a lot of history-related stories in those newspapers and health-related stories, which was particularly important during the pandemic when we started. The local voices were more trusted, so that has been an important focus in a lot of our papers. The newspapers honor their hometowns and the people

in those places, who are always amazing.”

During the Living Democracy program, Auburn students spend 10 weeks in rural communities to find and share stories as they learn basic journalism skills.

Fairley said both projects are mutually beneficial relationships — students help boost civic engagement and engage others in storytelling while learning more about community journalism.

“One of the things we like to do is connect our journalism students to communities,” Fairley said. “Communities are the best classroom, particularly for anybody who wants to learn how democracy works or how to listen and how to understand people from different backgrounds. My passion for community journalism has translated into sharing that with my students at Auburn.”

Teaching Selma Associate Professor of History Elijah Gaddis and Draughon Associate Professor of Southern

forced three consecutive three-and-outs, including two stops on third and short, to keep Auburn within striking distance as the offense tried to get untracked.

The first half concluded on a high note for Auburn's offense, as they embarked on an eight-play drive culminating in a career-long 53 yard field goal by kicker Alex McPherson, sending the Tigers to the locker room down 6-3.

Auburn received the kickoff to open the second half but, just as with their first possession of the game, stumbled out of the gate.

Impeded by yet another third down penalty, went three and out and had to punt the football. Meanwhile, the Ag-

gies took advantage, starting their first drive in Tiger territory at the Auburn 46-yard line. On the sixth play of the drive, Max Johnson, the Aggies' backup quarterback, connected with his brother Jake Johnson for a 22-yard touchdown, extending their lead to 13-3.

Auburn's subsequent possession mirrored its struggles up to this point, with another three-and-out and yet another third-down penalty, thwarting any offensive momentum. Texas A&M capitalized, swiftly surging to a commanding 20-3 lead with a 37-yard touchdown pass from Johnson to Evan Stewart.

The Tigers’ following drive was another threeand-out that saw yet another negative play on third down in the form of a sack on

quarterback Robby Ashford. Desperately needing a stop to keep the visiting Tigers in striking distance, the defense delivered and forced an Aggie punt. But, once again, the Auburn offense went three and out after another negative third down play. A Thorne fumble that was originally ruled an incomplete pass but was overturned after replay review and a false start penalty led to a loss of 19 yards and an Auburn punt.

The Tigers' determination shone through, though, as the defense forced a crucial stop, and Auburn showed signs of life when linebacker Eugene Asante returned a forced fumble by cornerback Kayin Lee for a 67-yard touchdown, narrowing the score to 20-10.

About his first career

touchdown, Asante said, "Coach talks about running to the football. I was on the back side of the play. Just trying to make a play for my team."

The Auburn defense once again did its job forcing a punt on the next Texas A&M drive. With hope rekindled, Auburn's offense took the field at its own 10 yard line, marching downfield under the guidance of quarterback Robby Ashford who had replaced a struggling Thorne. On the eighth play of the drive, a 1st down and 10 from the Aggie 28 yard line, Ashford went to the end zone only to have the pass dropped by wide receiver Shane Hooks. That was as close as the Tigers would get to scoring an offensive touchdown. After yet another penalty on third down that

took them out of field goal range, Auburn punted the football.

However, the Aggies ripped off a devastating 79yard run on the second play of their drive, bringing them to the Auburn four yard line. A touchdown run on the next play would put Texas A&M up 27-10 and seal the victory.

OF NOTE: This was the first game in which the Tigers failed to score an offensive touchdown since its last visit to Kyle Field in 2021. It was the first time since the opening game of the 2019 season that a Hugh Freeze led team was held without an offensive touchdown.

The Good: The Auburn running backs. The running backs averaged 7.4 yards per carry for the game.

THE BAD: Third Downs.

Auburn faced 15 third downs in the game and was either sacked or committed a penalty on eight of them. Twice, once by a sack and once by a penalty, the negative play knocked the Tigers out of field goal range forcing the Tigers to punt the football.

THE UGLY: The Auburn quarterbacks. The quarterbacks combined to go 9-23 throwing the football for 56 yards and seven sacks.

NEXT UP: The Georgia Bulldogs visit Jordan-Hare for the 128th edition of The Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry.

Auburn enters the game on a six game losing streak to the Bulldogs and have lost 15 of the previous 20 meetings.

Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m on CBS.

The Auburn Tigers traveled to College Station to face Texas A&M last Saturday. AU fell 27-10.

Across the state of Alabama, College of Liberal Arts faculty work to support K-12 education by sharing subject expertise and elevating community stories.

PICKLEBALL

range, whether you’re a seasoned player or know nothing about pickleball," Hill said. "We will have the equipment the paddles and the balls we will have clothing apparel, across the board that can be worn for tennis or golf but we will have pickleball specifics, and we will have everything that has to do with the pickleball lifestyle. For example, candles to books to glasses, everything you can think of that you didn’t know you needed ... a pro shop and a gift shop [are some of the things] we will be able to offer to anyone who is interested in pickleball.”

The Dink and Volley Pickleball team makes sure to stay active in pickleball tournaments in the Opelika community and competed in its first pickleball tournament on Sept. 12.

Dink and Volley Pickleball encourages those with no experience with the

H E A L T H & R E S O U R C E F A I R

Seniors ages 55+

game to come to and visit the store, and the employee will be able to help you. For readers who may not know what the game of pickleball is, Hill explained the purpose of the game and how it should be played.

“Pickleball is a cross between tennis and badminton invented in 1965, played on a smaller court than tennis, and if you are a first timer, you can play pickleball even if you do not have professional training,” Hill said. “You can play a match in less than an hour. This game will not physically hurt you, and if you want to go out and play, it's an easy game to pick up, the rules are easy. It's a fun game.”

The Opelika Sportsplex has 24 courts for people who are interested in playing the game. It hosts about five tournaments each year.

“There’s a stigma that pickleball is an old person's game,” Hill said.

“Although, it's not terribly physical, up until this year the largest growing

demographic was 65 and older, [but] now the demographic is 19 and 35 years old.”

The owner of Dink and Volley Pickleball said that she foresees her most popular item at the boutique will be the paddles and the equipment for the people new to the game. Working with the paddle manufacturers in South Florida, the business took its time trying to perfect the details.

“For the experienced gamers, I’m hoping that it will be the fun lifestyle things, that they haven’t had the opportunity to buy ever like T-shirts, sweatshirts and seasonal things,” Hill said. “This store will cater to all of your pickleball needs.”

This boutique doesn’t have a grand opening scheduled yet, but hopes to open within two weeks. To stay updated on information concerning this new boutique in Opelika, follow it on Instagram and Facebook ‘Dink and Volley Pickleball’.

CHAMPIONS >> FROM B7

History Keith Hébert bring teachers from across the country to the Black Belt to engage with history at the local level.

Their latest initiative, the “Bloody Sunday, Selma and the Long Civil Rights Movement” workshop, was funded by the National Endowment for Humanities. Dozens of teachers came to Selma to explore understudied people and places of the Civil Rights Movement.

The workshop focused on place-based learning, which connects community history with broader historical themes by immersing educators in the places where history happened.

“Teaching as a K-12 educator is one of the most difficult jobs in America,” Hébert said. “At Auburn University, we offer opportunities for teachers from across the country to come and gather in Alabama, which was so central to so many stories in American history, to share ideas openly, learn and think critically about how they’re going to take that information back to their students, wherever their districts may be.”

The workshop included tours of important Alabama Civil Rights Movement locations; Auburn facultyled sessions on the history, landscape and teaching of Selma; and conversations with Selma foot soldiers.

Gaddis said in addition to the teaching material imparted by the workshop, teachers leave with an understanding of how to connect their own community’s story with history.

“It’s my mission as a

professor at an outreachheavy institution to really think about how we make connections between communities, their histories, their stories and a broader public that might otherwise not hear them,” Gaddis said. “There are multiple levels on which this acts as sort of a catalyst for bigger and broader work. Teachers can not only take that back to their classroom, but they can really think about how to do some of this outreach in their own communities.”

Protecting the arts

Assistant Professor of Theatre Abdul-Khaliq Murtadha teaches art’s role in outreach by promoting community storytelling in K-12 classes.

A professional actor, director and producer, Murtadha visits schools around Alabama to provide voice and acting lessons to introduce schoolchildren to the power of storytelling.

“If you catch them now, it instills confidence,” Murtadha said. “Storytelling is such a big part of how we go about life, how we talk about different businesses, how we market ourselves, how we market what our interests are, how we share what our interests are and information that we've come upon with the world. Getting them to realize how close they are to being able to tell these stories, the effortlessness that they can take with joy in telling these stories, is a big part of my job.”

In addition to theatre fundamentals, Murtadha encourages collaboration, helps students find their voice and sets them up to succeed in public speaking and presenting later in life. By bringing the arts into science, technology, engineering and math

studies, Murtadha also hopes students embrace creativity regardless of their careers. Murtadha said most K-12 students won’t have substantial arts experience otherwise unless they are enrolled in a specific, artsfocused program.

“The arts are incredibly underfunded in this country,” Murtadha said. “However, there are resources. The wonderful thing that Auburn has helped me to do is to be in contact with those schools that may not have the resources or the time to give a certain type of training, whether it’s voice or acting, to their students. Auburn has been elemental in making sure that the community is a part of the process.”

Learn more about outreach in the College of Liberal Arts.

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 technologybased 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.

The new store will offer the latest pickleball equipment and gear. The business will be located at 510 Geneva St. in Opelika.

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

labama Politics ee County & A

Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023

Inside the Statehouse

Roads Vital and Political for Alabama

STEVE FLOWERS

OPINION —

Roads and bridges have been vital to Alabama since its creation. This is probably true of most states; however, it has been especially true for Alabama for several reasons. First of all, we are a large state, geographically. Most metropolitan areas are a good many miles from the State Capitol in Montgomery. It is a long journey for folks from Huntsville, Mobile and even Birmingham metro, and, if you go from one end of the state from Scottsboro to Dothan or Huntsville to Mobile you have been on a really long journey. We also have a lot of water in Alabama, including lakes and creeks besides the major rivers that traverse our state. Therefore, that is why I included bridges in my opening sentence. Bridges are a necessity in our state more so than in other states. We also have a major Port in Mobile that needs to be sustained along with roads and bridges.

It is an acknowledged fact that having adequate roads is a

major factor when it comes to economic growth and development in a state. Every economic developer will attest to this road factor. Roads and education are the primary components of economic growth for a state. Therefore, roads have been a primary campaign theme and criterion of accomplishment for every governor for as long as I can remember.

It is and has been the most important factor in determining whether a governor has a legacy. It is something they can point to and hang their hat on. Going back the last 60 to 70 years there have been only three or four governors, who have what I call a real legacy, and one of the primary benchmarks for creating a legacy is roads.

John Patterson had a road legacy by virtue of the fact that he was governor during the Dwight Eisenhower Federal Interstate Act. This Interstate Act created by President Dwight Eisenhower is one of the most important presidential acts in history. In fact, most of the growth in the state and most of the population lives along I-65, which traverses the state and includes Huntsville, Birmingham, Montgomery and Mobile.

George Wallace has numerous legacies but, if you knew him, roads were his number one priority. Wallace was also the most brilliant, accomplished and

successful political governor in state history, and I stress the word political, so Wallace played politics when it came to roads. As the ultimate political animal in Alabama’s political history, you would expect nothing less.

Wallace lived by the political adage — you reward your friends and punish your enemies. One slow news day, Wallace held a press conference and a young, liberal, muckraking, Birmingham news reporter asked the governor, “Why do you give all the road projects in the state to your contributors, friends and cronies?” Wallace looked at the young boy incredulously and said, “Who do you think I ought to give them to, my enemies?”

The two political legends of my lifetime were Wallace and Big Jim Folsom. They were elected governor by the rural and smaller, midsize cities and counties in the state. They neither ever carried the metropolitan counties of Jefferson, Madison and Montgomery. Therefore, these metro areas never received their rightful share of road dollars, especially under Wallace.

I have been asked over the years if it is true that the Birmingham area was the last metro area to get interstates completed because Wallace refused to

See FLOWERS, page B10

PUBLIC NOTICES - B12

“How Many More Lives Do We Have To Lose?” Commission Discusses Train Safety

BY HANNAH GOLDFINGER HGOLDFINGER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

LEE COUNTY — EAMC Director Rita Smith welcomed a representative from Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) to speak to the Lee County Commission Monday night about train safety. Sgt. Jeremy Burkett presented “Operation Clear Track” to the commission.

“As y’all know, last Monday, we had a train accident here in Lee County, in the Loachapoka community, that did result in

a fatality, and ironically, the very same day, ALEA had begun their Operation Clear Track initiative,” Smith said.

“Operation Clear Track” is a campaign to raise awareness about motorist safety involving trains.

“We actually send troopers to railroad crossings, and typically what we do, we’ll try to target areas that we’ve seen accidents in,” Burkett said.

Troopers then pass out safety information cards, talk to motorists and promote safety.

While many may think that all train accidents are due to some -

one trying to outrun a train, in many cases it's due to not knowing a track is coming up, a track not having barriers, etc., Burkett said.

District 5 Commissioner Richard LaGrand asked how the county could go about getting speed limits for trains lowered. District 3 Commissioner Gary Long said that in the past when he has inquired about it, he was told that trains are federally protected and will not slow down.

“I get the fact that they’re federally protected, but how many

See COMMISSION, page B16

Auburn Welcomes New Planning Director

CONTRIBUTED BY CITY OF AUBURN BY DAVID D. DORTON

AUBURN —

The city of Auburn will welcome a new planning director, Justice Wahid Cotton, who will begin his work in Auburn on Oct. 16.

Cotton joins Auburn’s Planning team after serving as the director of Development & Planning for the city of Willmar, Minnesota. He has also served as a community planner for the MidMinnesota Development Commission, which serves a four-county area. He began his planning career with the city of Clemson, South Carolina.

“I’ve been impressed by Justice as well as

what I’ve learned from others who have worked with him,” said Scott Cummings, the city of Auburn’s executive director of Development Services. “I look forward to welcoming him to Auburn and our

development services team.”

Cotton is an AICPcertified planner with experience in many aspects of development services and planning, See COTTON, page B13

WAHID COTTON

To Me, It’s Appropriate to Say ‘Greatest Generation’ But Some Say ‘No’ — Part Two

Brokaw wrote a bestselling book in 1998 called ‘The Greatest Generation,’ that phrase supplanted the ‘GI’ one. Brokaw spotlighted the heroic wartime and post-war lives of the veterans.

everybody props. To me, the ‘Greatest Generation’ is the Founding Fathers generation. Those were pretty amazing guys, and the proof is in the pudding.”

OPINION —

My father Joseph Markley of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, easily fits into the category above. Born into a blue-collar home in 1919, he endured the Great Depression and served four years in the Army Air Corps during World War II. A staff sergeant, he was an electrician based in North Africa (Egypt). He and my mother had four children — three boys,

and a girl.

In his hometown, my father was elected to the Model Cities urban renewal board but two years later, he died of a heart attack at age 53. He was one of 16 million Americans who served in the war. My dad would be happy to be part of the Greatest Generation. He was a proud member of the generation born between 1900 and 1927.

It was initially called the ‘GI Generation.’ But when TV journalist Tom

“I agree that the WWII generation is remarkably special,” was a typical positive comment by a reader. “Their military training, the opportunity to go to college and their leadership experience prepared this generation for greatness. It seemed to me that book emphasized the extraordinary soldier who became very successful.” She was disappointed Brokaw did not write of those who had less-than-perfect lives.

Negative feedback was rare, but biting. “Interesting to me was the way the military machinery was sort of being invented on the spot by farm boys who were good with their hands,” another woman said.

“There were definitely themes worth exploring but old Tom (Brokaw) didn’t want to stray too far from simply giving

The Greatest Generation’s depth, work skills and publicspiritedness were seldom questioned by later generations. Baby Boomers such as myself were not well-understood or even much appreciated by other generations because of their activism and radicalism. I was fortunate because being born in 1956, I was age 17 in 1973 and did not participate in the craziness of the 1960s and early 1970s.

Millennials, those now between ages 22 to 36, have had their fair share of criticism. They were the first generation to be heavily into social media and informational technology. However, Dima Ghawi wrote in a Thrive Global publication of Millennials’ nine sturdy characteristics. The first five are fully transparent, sharing

everything; doing well with detailed instructions; desire to make an impact; commerce and conscience together; and value diversity. The rest of the characteristics are love technology; education is a highly expensive necessity; do not perform at their best in a traditional work environment; and finding solutions using technology.

According to Julia Kagan of Investopedia, as of last September, “The youngest members of the Greatest Generation, if using 1925 as the last year they were born, would be nearing their 100s. There are just under 100,000 centenarians living in the United States.” Research by the Washington Post shows that the final members of the Greatest Generation should die around the year 2046 if they can reach age 120 with advances in health care and improvements in life expectancy.

Samuel Goldman, in an article for The Week in September 2021, reported a research project at Virginia Tech ended up

with a less-than-positive appraisal of the Greatest Generation. The initiative analyzed responses to surveys administered between 1940 and 1941 to hundreds of thousands of military personnel. Servicemen, as expected, complained about the food, lack of recreational opportunities and the military bureaucracy.

”Other reports are jarring by 21st century standards, “Goldman wrote. “The surveys found tense and sometimes embittered relations between northerners and southerners, blacks and whites. Contrary to pop culture depictions, many expressed ambivalence about the goals of the war and their willingness to face combat.”

The Greatest motif covers those who ‘kept the home fires burning’ such as relatives, first responders, munitions factory employees and other fine citizens. One of those was my Aunt Helen, who worked at a military plant during the war and

Sen Bernie Sanders Trying to Raise Prescription Drug Costs

CONTRIBUTED BY STATE REP. DEBBIE WOODS

OPINION —

As members of Congress begin settling back into work after their summer recess, Alabama’s United States senators need to be careful not to support wolf in sheep’s clothing healthcare legislation that could cost their constituents ungodly sums at the pharmacy counter.

At first glance, the bill in question, the Affordable Insulin Now Act, may seem like a foolproof way to resolve the Alabama population’s longtime struggles with diabetes and the out-of-pocket costs that come with it.

By capping the price of insulin, among other things, one would think that the bill would

benefit few states more than Alabama, which has the fifth-highest percentage of adults with diabetes in the country. Unfortunately, that’s not the case thanks to a special-interest provision embedded within the legislation that would help major pharmaceutical giants at Alabamans’ expense — wiping away all the gains the rest of the bill would have otherwise provided and then some.

As a political giveaway of sorts for Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and other far-left lawmakers who have sought to regulate them for years, the bill would use the heavy hand of government to make it more difficult for groups known as pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to do their jobs.

While you’ve

probably never heard of PBMs, they are very important to you, your family and your friends and neighbors, with 90% of American with prescription drug benefits belonging to a health plan that uses PBMs.

Your employer, or health insurance company pays PBM to work as their negotiating agents in purchasing your prescription drugs. They go head-to-head with the pharmaceutical giants and secure huge cost savings for you and your family.

Seema Verma, one of former President Donald Trump’s top healthcare cabinet officials, told Congress she was “thankful that we have the PBMs in the [Medicare] Part D program that are performing that

negotiation on behalf of seniors."

With a 2019 Government Accountability Office study finding that PBMs saved Medicare Part D 20% (nearly $30 billion) in budgetary costs in 2016, she had every reason to feel this way.

Yet, some members of Congress are trying to regulate PBMs to please their big drug company donors. These companies want to be able to charge more for their already extremely expensive products. And while members have introduced separate, independent bills to regulate PBMS, they know those pieces of legislation are bathed in controversy and are unlikely to pass. That’s why, now, they’re trying to secretly pass PBM regulations in otherwise

commendable bills like the Affordable Insulin Now Act.

These members think their constituents won’t know better — that they will merely read the flowery press releases about how the bill would lower the cost of insulin and not raise any questions about how it would effectively increase the cost of all other drugs. These political leaders think they’re smarter than them, and while their arrogance is a tough pill to swallow, it’s the sad reality of the situation.

Thankfully, Alabama’s elected representatives have thus far remained steadfast in prioritizing people over political donors. Sen. Tommy Tuberville already sounded concerns about regulating PBMs, voting against them

FLOWERS >>

FROM B9

appropriate any state funds to Birmingham to match the federal dollars needed for completion because they voted against him. My answer is short. The answer is yes. Wallace would acknowledge that to close friends and political allies.

The governor who has the greatest legacy for roads in my lifetime and maybe history is Folsom. Most of the rural roads in the state were built by Folsom’s “Farm to Market” road program.

In Folsom’s era, the state was agriculturally oriented. Almost everybody farmed and had crops they needed to get to the market. Most of the roads in the rural areas were dirt roads. If

in a congressional committee. Alabama is fortunate to have representatives that know that they can reduce the cost of insulin without passing political giveaways, similar to how Gov. Kay Ivey and Alabama State House did in 2021 with House Bill 249, which capped insulin co-sharing at $100 per month for those on state-regulated health plans without providing any counterproductive giveaway to the big drug companies, and I have every reason to believe they will keep fighting for us no matter how tough the political pressure gets in Washington, D.C. Debbie Wood serves in the Alabama Legislature representing Lee and Chambers Counties.

the rain came early, the roads would turn to mud and would be impassable. Therefore, the poor Alabama farmer who had toiled all year to make a crop could not get his produce to market. His year’s work was ruined by poor roads. Folsom, who was the little man’s big friend, knew this and he fixed it by paving most of the rural roads. Folsom has one of the most endearing legacies of any Alabama governor because of his “Farm to Market” road program.

See you next week.

Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Flowers may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.

GREG MARKLEY

See MARKLEY, page B13

Toby Warren Addresses Opelika Kiwanis Club

Auburn Rotarys Learns From SCORE, Boys & Girls Club

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BILL ENGLISH, JUDGE OF PROBATE Legal Run 09/21/2023, 09/28/2023 & 10/05/2023

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: VICKI MILLER PIERCE, Deceased Case No.: 2023-456

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Adam L. Pierce,

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PUBLIC NOTICES

Personal Representative on the 6th day of September, 2023, by Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present he same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Adam L. Pierce Legal Run 09/14/2023, 09/21/2023 & 09/28/2023

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY,

PUBLIC NOTICE: NOW LEASING

1-,

2- & 3-Bedroom Mixed-Income Apartments

ALABAMA KRISTINA HADAWAY, Plaintiff, v. Case No. CV-23-21 Lot Number EightySix in HALLWAY SUBDIVISION –SECOND ADDITION, according to and as shown by map or plat of said subdivision recorded in Town Plat Book 6, at Page 169 in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama; together with all improvements thereon and appurtenances thereunto appertaining.

SUBJECT TO, HOWEVER, the conditions, limitations and restrictions set forth in the declaration executed by W. D. Wittel, et al, dated June 13, 1964, of record in Deed Record Book 663, at Page 252 in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama. Any unknown heirs or assigns of Hagiko Foster, Deceased Fictitious parties AB, CD, and EF, Defendants, PUBLICATION NOTICE

Pre-Application is NOW AVAILABLE on our website!

Don’t wait! Applications are processed in the order they are received.

• The Pre-application is available now for download at: WestPointVillageGA.com

• If you need to pick up a paper Pre-application, they are available from the brochure box outside 1122 O G Skinner Drive, West Point, GA 31833. We will refill the box as often as possible.

• PRE-APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED VIA US MAIL TO: PO BOX 538, West Point, GA 31833

• Application MUST be filled out in its entirety to be eligible for housing (one pre-application per household).

• Submitting the application requires a $25 non-refundable application fee for each adult in your household (including live-in aide) in order to run the credit and criminal background screening.

• The West Point Village leasing office will reach out to schedule an appointment with qualified applicants. See income qualifications on the 2nd page of the flyer on our website.

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WestPointVillageGA.com I WestPoint@pennrose.com

Phone: 256.361.1956 I TTY: 711

The Defendants unknown heirs or assigns of Hagiko Foster, deceased, or any other party or incompetent claiming an interest in the above described property must answer the complaint of the Plaintiff seeking to quiet title in the above described real property within 30 days of the date of the last publication of this notice, or thereafter a judgment by default may be rendered against the said Defendants.

MARY B. ROBERSON CIRCUIT CLERK Legal Run 09/07/2023, 09/14/2023, 09/21/2023 & 09/28/2023

NOTICE OF CIVIL ACTION

Jeremy Hillyard, whose whereabouts is unknown, must answer BC Stone Homes, LLC's complaint for breach of contract and other relief by October 14, 2023, or, thereafter, a judgment by default may be rendered against him in case number 43-CV-2023900119, Circuit Court of Lee County.

Done the 6th day of September, 2023.

MARY ROBERSON, CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY

Blake L. Oliver SAMFORD & DENSON, LLP

P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345

Telephone (334) 745-3504

Facsimile (334) 745-3506

Email: oliver@samfordlaw.com

Attorney for BC Stone Homes, LLC Legal Run 09/14/2023,

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09/21/2023, 09/28/2023, & 10/05/2023

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CV: 2023-900264.00

RIVER RIDGE CONSULTANTS, LLC, Plaintiff, V. WELLS FARGO REAL ESTATE TAX SERVICES, LLC, WELLS FARGO BANK, NA, COLEY LEE JACOBS, A PARCEL OF LAND IN LEE COUNTY, AL (2698 at 333), AP ARCEL OF LAND IN LEE COUNTY, AL (2698 at 335), Unknown persons who may claim an interest in said property whose identities are unknown and who cannot by reasonable diligence be ascertained, Defendants.

NOTICE OF ACTION

To: All Defendants herein, whose whereabouts are unknown and which cannot be ascertained after the exercise ofreasonable diligence. You are hereby notified that on the 13th day of JULY 2023 a Bill to Quiet Title was filed in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama; regarding the following described real property:

Part of Lots 67 and 68 and all of Lots 69 and 70, Smithville Subdivision, lying in Section 27, Township 18 North, Range 29 East, Lee County, Alabama. as shown upon a plat of survey prepared by Michael J. Pattillo, R.L.S. Ala. Reg. No. 16684 and being more particularly described as follows:

Commence at an iron pin located on the southwest corner of the intersection of Lee Road 438 (Bishop Lane) and a sixty foot road not opened and unnamed which marks the Point of Beginning and run thence South 04 degrees 03 minutes West a distance of 108.24 feet to an iron pin found; thence run North 85 degrees 48 minutes 50 seco.nds West a distance of200.78 feet to an iron pin found; thence run South 09 degrees 39 minutes 15 seconds East a distance of 41.97 feet to an iron pin found; thence run North 85 degrees 58 minutes 48 seconds West a distance of 113.03 feet to an iron pin found; thence run North 85 degrees 58 minutes 48 seconds West a distance of 59.16 feet to an iron pin found; thence run North 04 degrees 16 minutes East a distance of 204.03 feet to an iron pin located on

the southernmost right of way of a sixty foot road (not opened and unnamed); thence run South 64 degrees SS minutes East a djstance of 52.50 feet to an iron pin set; thence run along a curve having a radius of 529.0 feet to a chord distance of 56.54 feet to an iron pin found; thence continue along said cunre having a radius of 539.0 fect a chord distance of 84.96 feet to an iron pin found; thence continue along said curve having a radius of529.0 feet a chord distance of 52.37 feet to an iron pin set; thence run South 85 degrees 44 minutes 22 seconds East a distance of 37.71 feet to an iron pin found; thence run South 85 degrees 44 minutes 22 seconds East a distance of 99.89 feet to an iron pin found which marks the Point of Beginning. Together with a 1986 Nobility Mobile Home, Serial No. N4 2321 AB, which is permanently affixed to the land described above with all the intention that it remain a part of said land.

AND AU that lot, tract and parcel of land lying and being in the County of Lee and State of AJabama, and being known as all of Lot Number FOUR (4), Block "A", Philadelphia Estates Subdivision, as said lot appears upon a map or plat of same of record in Town Plat Book 5, Page 5, in the Office of Probate of Lee County, Alabama. All persons having an interest in said lands or any portion thereof, claiming any title thereto or any encumbrance or lien thereo 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 agairu,i all parties who cannot be personally served with a copy of the Complaint. Done this the 14th day of September, 2023.

Mary Roberson, Circuit Court Clerk, Lee County Benjamin H. Parr 830 Avenue A, Suite A Opelika; Alabama 36801

Telephone Number: 334-749-6999

Fax: 334-203-1875

ben@Benparrlaw.com

Legal Run 09/21/23, 09/28/23, 10/05/23, 10/12/23

Smiths Station City Employees to Get 5% COLA

BY HANNAH GOLDFINGER HGOLDFINGER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

SMITHS STATION —

The Smiths Station City Council approved a 5% cost of living adjustment (COLA) for all city employees during its Tuesday night city council meeting.

The finance committee discussed the cost of living agreement during its meeting two weeks ago, as well as other options.

The council unanimously approved the COLA.

“I’ll say, I wish we could pay more, I really do, I appreciate every employee for what they do,” said Smiths Station Mayor F.L. “Bubba” Copeland.

Copeland also specified that this does not apply to council members or the mayor.

JAMES ANDERSON:

In 2009, Lee County Sheriff’s Office Deputy James Anderson was killed in the line of duty.

Copeland said Tuesday night during the work session that he was approached about honoring Anderson in a new way.

Recently, the county held its annual Anderson Memorial Ride.

Copeland said he was asked if the city would consider naming a road

or portion of a road after Anderson. He asked Place 4 Council Member Richard Cooley if he would look into what road or portion of road could be named after Anderson.

The city of Smiths Station also sponsors an award for deputies in Anderson’s honor.

OTHER BUSINESS:

- The council approved and adopted the general fund budget for departments for fiscal year 202324.

- The council approved and adopted the environmental fund budget for fiscal year 2023-24.

- The council approved a rescheduling of a city council meeting on Dec. 26 to Dec. 28, 2023.

- The council approved an event request for The Pavilion on Nov. 4 from 2 to 6 p.m. for a Smiths Station Class of 1993 reunion.

- The council recognized the 40th reunion of the Smiths Station Class of 1983.

- The council heard the general fund budget statement for the month of August.

- The council heard the monthly Smiths Station Fire Protection Board of Directors report from Liaison Dwayne Peterson.

COTTON >>

FROM B9

including overseeing construction projects from housing to industrial. He has been involved in projects addressing blight, revising outdated ordinance language, rights of way regulations and downtown planning. He has led or been involved with the development of comprehensive plans for the cities of Clemson, Willmar and Spicer, Minnesota.

“Justice will fit in well at the city of Auburn,” said City Manager Megan McGowen Crouch.

“I’m confident that he’ll continue our tradition of providing quality planning services to the community as well

MARKLEY >>

FROM B10

who, like many others in her generation, lived to a grand old age — 85.

Aunt Helen echoed the rest of those from her era in often repeating the ideals they held. Helen was a ‘second mother’ to my sister who was long hospitalized for schizophrenia. Helen tell us at least twice a year to do three main things. Those were, don’t waste money, always work hard and don’t make waves.

as finding innovative ways to update and improve planning practices looking forward.”

As Auburn’s planning director, Cotton’s responsibilities will include administration of the city’s Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations, as well as managing the day-today operations of the planning department.

“I’m excited about the leadership in place at the city of Auburn,” Cotton said. “The planning landscape is dynamic and my ideals align with the city's effort to provide quality services. I look forward to the joining the team and to being a part of the city's work in planning and public service.”

But for me, that third one was tough to comply with.

Greg Markley moved to Lee County in 1996. He has a master’s in education from AUM and a masters in history from Auburn University. He taught politics as an adjunct in Georgia and Alabama. An awardwinning writer in the Army and civilian life, he has contributed to the Observer since 2011. He writes on politics, education and books. gm.markley@charter.net

STATE OF ALABAMA

LEE COUNTY ALABAMA

ESTATE OF DONALD J. DAVIS, DECEASED

CASE NO. 2023-452

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE

Letters Testamentary of said

Donald J. Davis, deceased having been granted to Paul E. Tate Jr., this 6th day of September, 2023, 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 law or the same will barred. Paul E. Tate Jr., Personal Representative Legal Run 09/14/2023, 09/21/ 2023 & 09/28/2023.

ORDINANCE NO. 027-23

ORDINANCE ANNEXING

CERTAIN PROPERTY INTO THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA

(Property located at 2282 Old Columbus Road)

WHEREAS, James M. Veasey, Sr., and James M. Veasey, Jr., (hereinafter referred to as the “Petitioners”) being the owners of the property hereinafter described, heretofore filed a Petition for Annexation (the “Petition”) with the City of Opelika, Alabama, a municipal corporation, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit “A”, requesting the annexation of certain property owned by the Petitioners as more particularly described below; and

WHEREAS, the Petitioners are the owners of all of the lands described in their Petition; and

WHEREAS, the territory to be annexed is contiguous to the existing corporate limits of the City of Opelika (substantially

surrounded by the City limits) and does not embrace any territory within the corporate limits of another municipality, and when annexed into the City of Opelika will form a homogenous part of the City; and

WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Opelika did find and determine that it is in the best interest of the public that said property be annexed into the City of Opelika and it did further determine that all legal requirements for annexing said real property have been met pursuant to Sections 11-42-20 through 11-42-24, Code of Alabama (1975).

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Opelika, Alabama as follows:

Section 1. The City Council of the City of Opelika, finds and declares, as the legislative body of the City of Opelika, that it is in the best interest of the citizens of the City of Opelika, to bring the territory described in Section 2 of this Ordinance into the corporate limits of the City of Opelika.

Section 2. The following described property be, and the same is hereby annexed into the corporate limits of the City of Opelika, Alabama, and the boundary lines and corporate limits of the City of Opelika, Alabama shall be extended, altered and rearranged to include within the corporate limits of the City of Opelika, in addition to the territory now included therein, all the following territory, to wit:

Lot 2-A, VEASEY & PENLAND SUBDIVISION, FIRST REVISION, according to and as shown by that certain map or plat thereof of record in Town Plat Book 46, at Page 77 in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama.

LESS AND EXCEPT THEREFROM:

That portion of the above-described property, containing approximately 1.2 acres, that currently lies within the corporate limits of the City of

Opelika.

The above-described property contains 5.2 acres, more or less, and is located at 2282 Old Columbus Road.

Section 3. A map or plat of a survey describing the territory annexed and showing its relation to the corporate limits of the City of Opelika shall be attached to this ordinance, marked Exhibit “B” and made a part hereof.

Section 4. The Clerk of the City of Opelika is hereby authorized and directed to file with the Probate Judge of Lee County, Alabama, a certified copy of this ordinance, together with a certified copy of the petition of the property owners and the Clerk is further directed to take all necessary and proper steps to perfect the annexation of said territory herein described.

Section 5. This ordinance shall be published as provided by law in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Alabama.

Section 6. The territory described in this ordinance shall become a part of the corporate limits of the City of Opelika upon publication of this ordinance as set forth in Section 5 above.

ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 19th day of September, 2023.

/s/ Eddie Smith PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA

ATTEST:

/s/ Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK TRANSMITTED TO MAYOR on this the 20th day of September, 2023.

s/ Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR APPROVED this the 20th day of September, 2023.

/s/ Gary Fuller MAYOR

ATTEST:

/s/ Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK Legal Run 09/28/2023

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

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Take Notice that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION were granted to Roger Dale Johnson on the Estate of Genny Lynn Johnson, deceased, on the 15th day of September, 2023 by Honorable Bill English. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

BILL ENGLISH JUDGE OF PROBATE Legal Run 09/28/2023, 10/05/2023 & 10/12/2023

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of CHARLES WARREN

AMOS. Deceased Case No. 2023-486

NOTICE OF_HEARING

TO: Charles Ray BrownAddress Unknown, Matthew Amos -Address Unknown, William Thomas Amos - Address Unknown and Vanessa Ruth Amos - Address Unknown AND ANY OTHER KNOWN OR UNKNOWN heirs of CHARLES WARREN AMOS,, deceased Notice is hereby given that a Petition to Probate the Last Will and Testament of the Estate of CHARLES WARREN AMOS, deceased has been filed in the Lee County Probate Office. A hearing has been set for the 14th day of November, 2023 at l 0:00 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 to Probate the Last Will and Testament of the Estate of CHARLES WARREN AMOS, deceased.

BILL ENGLISH, JUDGE OF PROBATE, LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Legal Run 09/28/2023,

10/05/2023 & 10/12/2023

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

In the Matter of Carolyn Gafford – Case No. 2022-449

Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Partial Accounting was filed by the ConservatorBertram Norman Gafford, III requesting approval of a partial accounting. A hearing has been set for the 2nd day of November 2023 at 11:00 a.m. central time. Please contact the Lee County Probate Court at 334-737-3670 for access to the electronic hearing should you intend to take part in said hearing.

Bill English, Judge of Probate Lee County, Alabama

Margaret A. Mayfield

Attorney for Petitioner Post Office Box 809 Opelika, AL 36803 (334) 745-0333

Legal Run 09/28/2023, 10/05/2023 & 10/12/2023

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

STORAGE TREASURES

AUCTION

Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated:

1412 Opelika Rd. Auburn, AL 36830 Thursday, October 5,2023 @ 10:00 AM

Unit 280

Unit A11

Unit D68

The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

Legal Run 09/28/2023

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, STATE OF ALABAMA

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MARTHA

DEAN HEDDEN a/k/a

MARTHA D. HEDDEN, DECEASED further and also known as MARTHA DEAN HEDDEN a/k/a MARTHA D. HEDDEN LETTERS TESTAMENTARY for the estate of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned Personal Representative JOHN ARNOLD, on September 14, 2023, by the Honorable BILL ENGLISH, Judge of the Probate Com1 of Lee County, Alabama notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be ba1Ted.

Isl JOHN ARNOLD Legal Run 09/28/2023, 10/05/2023 & 10/12/2023

-------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of Corene McCoy, also known as Corene M. McCoy and Corene Moore McCoy, (Deceased)

PROBATE NO: 2023-477 ESTATE OF CORENE McCOY, ALSO KNOWN AS CORENE M. McCOY AND CORENE MOORE McCOY, DECEASED Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 18th day of September, 2023, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

/s/ Janice McCoy Scott Executrix Legal Run 09/28/2023, 10/05/2023 & 10/12/2023

Sept. 28, 2023

COMMISSION >>

FROM B9

more lives do we have to lose?” LaGrand asked.

OTHER BUSINESS

- The commission heard a funding request for EAMC for a new free-standing psychiatric clinic.

- The commission heard concerns from residents of the OakCreek Subdivision on its dirt road and discussed the possibility of paving dirt roads.

- The commission approved a list of insolvents to the business licensing agencies per Act

2021-452.

- The commission ap -

PUBLIC NOTICES

FROM B13

>>

STORAGE TREASURES AUCTION

Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated:

1242 N Dean Rd, Auburn, AL 36830 Thursday, October 5, 2023 at 10:00AM Unit 187

The auction will be listed and advertised on www. storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

Legal Run Date 09-28-23

proved educational reimbursement requests for the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

- The commission approved the results of Bid No. 2023-13 for 40 or more Glock 9mm handguns.

-The commission approved a liquor license request from B&B Beverage Management for the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

- The commission approved maintenance bids for fiscal year 2023-24.

- The commission approved the budget for the fiscal year.

- The commission approved a speed limit reduction for Lee Road

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF:

DONALD MAX LIVINGSTON, Deceased.

Case No.: 2023NOTICE TO CREDITORS Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Stephen Eston Livingston, Personal Representative on the 26th day of September, 2023, by Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Stephen Eston Livingston Legal Run 09/28/2023, 10/05/2023 & 10/12/2032

202.

- The commission approved a speed limit reduction for Lee Road 64.

- The commission amended its Lee County Substance Abuse Policy.

- The commission approved the Safety Incentive Discount Program Verification form.

- The commission approved the benefits fair funding request.

The Lee County Commission meetings are held the second and last Monday nights of every month unless otherwise noted. The next scheduled meeting will be Oct. 9 at 5 p.m.

Lee County Revenue Commissioner Oline W. Price, ACTA

Oline W. Price, ACTA, Revenue Commissioner, has been striving for 27 years to create the best and most sufficient way to serve Lee County. For the 2023 Property Taxes, Lee County Revenue Commission Offices are introducing their new software program, Ingenuity. We have been testing it for the last several months and feel that the citizens of Lee County will find ease of use of the system and that it is an improvement for our department.

Lee County citizens will still be able to pay property taxes online by visiting our website at www.leecountyrevenuecommissioner.com or www.alproptax.com. We look for it to be available for use no later than October 3, 2023. For any questions, please contact our office at 334-737-3655.

This Week's Puzzle Answers