The Observer | 01-25-2024

Polar Plunge Photos A11

IN THIS ISSUE BUSINESS NEWS A2 | SOCIETY A7 | OBITUARIES A13 | COMICS A15 SPORTS B1 | POLITICS B7 | PUBLIC NOTICES B10 | PUZZLES B15

2022 — APA DIVISION D GENERAL EXCELLENCE DESIGNATION — 2023 COVERING LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Vol. 16, No. 16 Opelika, Alabama Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024 Your local publication created 'for local people, by local people.'

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Floral Park to get $7.2 million facelift OPELIKA — Opelika Parks and Recreation has launched a $7.2 million project to renovate Floral Park, located on Floral Street. The project, which will begin in February is expected to take 10 months to complete and will feature several pavillions, multi-purpose athletic fields, a splash pad, extra parking and an “inclusive” playground.

One of the reasons for the renovation is in response to the lack of space and parking in current recreational areas like Moore Stadium and Municipal Park.

Instead of trying to make cramped spaces work for overpopulated areas, Parks and Rec decided to renovate Floral Park.

Municipal Area Supervisor Matt Battles said he is excited and hopeful for the project to begin.

“It was a great answer [to the problem],” Battles said. “Hey, let's move. Let's

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY CITY OF OPELIKA

BY KADIE VICK FOR THE OBSERVER

The $7.2 million renovation project at Floral Park will provide additional sporting fields, a splash pad, expanded parking and disability-inclusive playground equipment.

take the pressure from the Sportsplex soccer program.

We can put some of that over here and then we can also use the [area] for our football league within parks and rec.”

Floral Park will be inclusive for all ages and will provide accessible play

BY KADIE VICK FOR THE OBSERVER

AUBURN — Bringing a taste of upscale cuisine to The Plains, Boulangerie, a French bakery, will open in downtown Auburn on Thursday, Feb. 1, at 138 N. College St. Boulangerie will offer cakes and pies by the slice, as well as tarts, macarons, cookies, cake balls, breads, mini quiche, cupcakes, dessert bars, donuts, sweet rolls and a variety of other treats The shop will also offer custom cakes and catering options.

Owner Jessica Rizzo has a background in pastry baking and is excited to share her pasSee BOULANGERIE, page A4

in the afternoon during the summer, and of course there's [the] splash pad ...”

Battles, an Opelika native, said the Floral Park project is an exciting investment in future generations.

“It’s really neat to grow up here,” Battles said. “I

live in the house that I grew up in, which is half a mile up the street. So, being a part of the change and revitalization of areas that I grew up as a kid going to is just really neat.”

The project is an investment that will serve the people of Opelika for

many years to come, he said.

“Opelika is thriving, growing,” said Sam Bailey, director of Opelika Parks and Rec. “To do that, you've got to offer people recreational opportunities, and I think we're heading in the right direction here.”

The fight against human trafficking PHOTO BY MICHELLE KEY | THE OBSERVER

French Bakery to open Feb. 1

equipment for children with disabilities. There will be concrete walkways, and turf will be under the playgrounds.

“When we were designing this, I said, ‘Everything's got to be shaded,’” Battles said. "You can get on it at two o'clock

BY DAVID BELL FOR THE OBSERVER

LEE COUNTY — Each year throughout the world, an estimated 40 million people are subjected to human trafficking and forced labor, which is responsible for approximately $250 billion annually in illicit profits.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the most common form of human trafficking is sexual exploitation, accounting for 79% of all cases. The victims are predominantly women and girls, 20% of whom are children under the age of 18.

It’s easy to think of this as a far-away problem, plaguing societies of third world countries. In reality, Lee County is part of an area where human trafficking not only exists, but victims within our own community are targeted each and every day.

A local organization, known as Worthy2 (Worthy squared), advocates for those who have been

Kathyrn Guthrie, center, founded Worthy2, which works locally to fight human trafficking.

exploited through commercial sex or sex trafficking, so they may reclaim their dignity and self-worth.

“We are a faith-based organization. We believe that we are worthy, because He is worthy,” said founder Kathryn Guthrie. “Our mission is two-fold. We focus on prevention and intervention, first working to eradicate the problem and then

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compassionately guiding survivors as they navigate exiting a life of exploitation and beginning a new life of renewal and restoration.”

Guthrie first became aware of sex trafficking when she witnessed it firsthand while in the process of adopting a child.

“My daughter is Vietnamese, and when I went to Hanoi to finalize the adoption,

human slavery and abuse were rampant all around me. It dawned on me that, if left in North Vietnam, my daughter would likely have become a victim,” said Guthrie. “When I returned home, I got involved with an anti-trafficking organization and began to learn more about efforts to combat it.”

See WORTHY2, page A3

O O

A2 Jan. 25, 2024

Rauch receives Economic Mobility Fellowship United States to participate in the Fellowship for Economic Mobility. This immersive, six-month program will provide them the education and tools to improve workforce ecosystems and remove barriers to access living wage jobs.

“Chambers of commerce are uniquely positioned to address pressing talent issues in their communities," said Sheree Anne Kelly, ACCE president & CEO. "We look forward to working with the fellows as they explore ways to enhance economic mobility for low-income workers in their regions and foster prosperous and equitable local economies.”

With the support of the Truist Foundation, the ACCE Foundation will help the fellows determine how they can best advance economic mobility. They will consider how to transform workforce development and talent ecosystems by using data, leveraging partnerships and other practices. Participants will create a roadmap to implement workforce strategies.

“Being selected for the economic mobility fellowship is a great honor, and a perfect opportunity at this time,” Rauch said. “Our Forward Opelika initiative has initiated new efforts for the Opelika Chamber, specifically workforce and talent attraction efforts, and I’m excited to put my learnings into action here in Opelika.”

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

Carr opens Opelika COUNTRY Financial

JEREMY CARR CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA – To better serve Opelika clients, COUNTRY Financial insurance agent Jeremy Carr has opened an office at 36 Samford Ave. Unit C. Carr will host an open house on Thursday, Feb. 15, from 9 to 11 a.m.

“I am looking forward to providing Opelika residents with coverage for their insurance needs,” Carr said.

“I joined COUNTRY

ABOUT THE OPELIKA CHAMBER For more than 80 years, the Opelika Chamber has worked to strengthen the community as the champion of business by building bridges, cultivating community, and elevating business in order to achieve excellence.

Representing more than 900 businesses and over 20,000 employees in the region, the Opelika Chamber has been recognized for its operational best practices among 501(c)6 not-for-profit Chambers of Commerce. The Opelika Chamber is one of only three 5-star accredited chambers in the state of Alabama. You can learn more at www.opelikachamber.com.

ALI RAUCH CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA — President and CEO of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce Ali Rauch has been selected for the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives’ Economic Mobility Fellowship.

The ACCE Foundation selected 20 chamber professionals from communities throughout the

Financial because of their great reputation in the insurance industry.”

Carr has lived in the Opelika area for 23 years. As COUNTRY Financial insurance agent, Carr will help clients protect their home, auto or business – that process begins with an insurance and financial review to make sure they have peace of mind that they are protected.

Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call (205) 702-9002.

Auburn, Opelika Chambers host ribbon-cuttings PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

LifeCare Solutions The Opelika Chamber recently hosted a ribbon-cutting to welcome LifeCare Solutions to the community. LifeCare Solutions helps guide individuals and families facing complex care needs. Their mission is to support, educate and provide on-going expertise and resources to their clients & their families through compassion, guidance and understanding. They offer care management, thoughtful engagement, personal assistants and even home repairs.

Learn more at lcscaresolutions.com or call (334) 363-0807.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

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Ludlum & King Attorneys The Auburn Chamber recently hosted a ribbon-cutting for Ludlum & King LLC, attorneys at law, to celebrate the opening of their expanded offices, located at 845-B N. Dean Road. At Ludlum & King, "Our passion is the client. Our mission is personal service.

Our goal is peace of mind." For more information go to ludlumandking. com or call (334) 737-5566.

LIVE LEE EDITOR | Hannah Goldfinger PHONE: 334-749-8003 Editor@opelikaobserver.com Michelle@opelikaobserver.com

MARKETING | Woody Ross

PUBLISHER | Michelle Key

SPORTS WRITER | D. Mark Mitchell

MANAGING EDITOR | Anita Stiefel

VIDEOGRAPHER | Samantha Sweatman

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

A3 Jan. 25, 2024

Auburn University's Applied Research Institute to oversee $50 million manufacturing project

Three-year Army project is the largest research contract in university history AUBURN — How much is Auburn University’s advanced manufacturing expertise worth to the U.S. Army? Up to $50 million.

That’s the total of a new three-year project — the single largest prime research contract ever awarded to Auburn University — designed to help the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center boost its modernization efforts.

Titled “Lightweight, Advanced Manufacturing of Metallic, Polymer and Composite Structures for Aviation and Missile Weapon Systems,” the project will be facilitated through the Auburn University Applied Research Institute (AUARI) in Huntsville and will rely extensively on research expertise from Auburn’s National Center for Additive Manufacturing Excellence (NCAME) and the Inter-

disciplinary Center for Advanced Manufacturing Systems (ICAMS).

“Our main objective is to enable the Army to incorporate advanced manufacturing materials and methods into existing and future aviation and missile systems,” said Robert Dowling, AUARI director of research development. “To do that, we’ll develop prototype advanced manufacturing processes required to analyze, design, develop, test, integrate and sustain qualified components for existing and future aviation and missile systems. The advanced manufacturing materials we’re considering include alloys, polymers and composites.

The methods will include everything from machine learning to material properties characterization.”

Specific to the latter, $9.3 million of the award has already been designated for NCAME, which will use the funds to continue its industry-leading research into the

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

BY JEREMY HENDERSON AU NEWSWIRE

AU researchers will help the Army utilize advanced manufacturing materials and methods.

materials, parts and process qualification necessary for furthering implementation of additive manufacturing in Army operations.

“While existing and future aviation and missile systems will be the direct beneficiaries of the project, successful results may be transferable to other government advanced manufacturing projects,” Dowling said. “A

lot of effort has gone into developing this opportunity. We’re excited to get to work.”

“It goes without saying, but this is a significant accomplishment for Auburn’s research enterprise and our Applied Research Institute,” said Steve Taylor, AU’s senior vice president for research and economic development. “But it also

speaks volumes about how our Army partners in Huntsville, and beyond, are placing significant value on Auburn’s work in advanced manufacturing, which is a key research focus area for Samuel Ginn College of Engineering. To say it’s paying off is an understatement.”

Dowling also calls the project tailor-made for fulfilling one of the AUARI

administration’s stated goals — creating a pipeline for real-time engagement between stakeholders in Huntsville’s defense sector and Auburn University’s main campus.

“With this award, we’ve demonstrated the significant opportunities that can be created for faculty and students when we combine our core research expertise with customer proximity and knowledge,” Dowling said. “AUARI’s proximity to Redstone Arsenal and familiarity with Army customers and missions enabled the AUARI team to develop a highly responsive proposal representing a broad spectrum of Auburn’s research capabilities both on-campus and in Huntsville.”

In other words, mission accomplished.

“President Roberts’ vision for Auburn is built around dreaming bigger, being bolder and pushing our research endeavors to the next level,” Taylor said. “This historic award does exactly that.”

Donut Worry No. 5 opens doors at new Dean Road location PHOTO BY ANITA STIEFEL | THE OBSERVER

Donut Worry No. 5 is now open at 231 N. Dean Road in Auburn, across from Kroger. The shop is open weekdays 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Donut Worry features dozens of varieties of classic and specialty donuts, hot Community brand coffee, iced frappe and boba and popping bubble teas. They also serve cronuts, donut holes and breakfast sandwiches on croissants and bagels.

Pictured above at right, Jurnee Valdes helped customer Santwayla Moore of Auburn choose from all the options.

from A1 About three years ago, Guthrie founded Worthy2 in Lee County, and their efforts were immediately recognized and supported by the city of Opelika.

“By proclamation, the City Council established the Trafficking-Free Zone Initiative in 2022, pledging their support and resources.” Guthrie said. “Since then, more than 300 city employees have been trained in how to spot and report suspected incidents.

Police officers have also been trained in how to investigate and prepare cases for effective prosecution.”

In 2022 alone, Worthy2 identified 111 local victims, recovered 17 who accepted the organization’s help, and restored 12 of them. Its average active caseload is 31 clients.

“We were also the advocate team for a big case in Montgomery which resulted in a conviction on all counts and a 60-year sentence in federal prison, Guthrie said. “Opelika has two other human trafficking cases that are awaiting trial in federal court.”

“We will soon begin working with Sheriff Jay Jones and the Lee County Sheriff’s Department in a similar training endeavor over a wider area,” said Guthrie.

“The greatest single obstacle to our

success is the internet, which provides predators access to our children and young people,” Guthrie added. “It is also used to facilitate sex trafficking in our community, across our state and beyond.”

“The best thing parents can do to prevent their children from becoming victims is to be aware of who they are communicating with on the internet,” she said. “Perpetrators are very good at portraying themselves falsely and gaining the confidence of naïve youngsters who agree to meet them somewhere. It’s also a good idea to have a code system whereby a child who experiences a potentially dangerous situation away from home can alert their parents via text, and appropriate action can be taken.

“We are very grateful to Mayor Gary Fuller, the city of Opelika and the Opelika Police Department for the help and support we’ve received to date. With continued assistance and guidance from God, we will pursue our mission of prevention and intervention throughout our community,” Guthrie concluded.

For more information about Worthy2 or to find out how you can help, call the 24-hour helpline at (334) 352-8280.

A4 Jan. 25, 2024 PHTOO BY KADIE VICK | FOR THE OBSERVER

BOULANGERIE >> from A1 sion with the community.

“Everyone loves sugar, it just makes you happy,” Rizzo said.

Rizzo has approached decorating her bakery in a way that helps customers relax and feel at home.

“I feel like if you walk into a beautiful pink and purple room, it gives you the happy girl thoughts.

Yes. Girl boss all day long,” she said.

Being so close to campus, Rizzo plans to stay open later in the day and have plenty of comfortable seating to cater to students who want to study and while eating delicious pastries.

Rizzo also said she wants to provide events, like cake and cookie decorating classes, for those who want to have fun with friends without having to go to bars.

“We're here downtown; we're in walking distance (to campus)," she said. "In winter time football season is over. There needs to be stuff to do. So if I can help facilitate that, then I shall do so."

Rizzo said she is thankful for the overwhelming love from the community since the beginning.

“The great thing about the bakery not even being open yet, like people have been so supportive,” Rizzo

says, tearing up.

Rizzo said she wants to bring French culture with a modern twist to the community.

“It means 'bakery' in French, but a lot of people can't say it,” she said. “So we're having T-shirts made with our emblem that says Boulangerie, but it says just call us 'bougie.' It’s in the name, and it's such a phrase that everyone's using right now. So we're like, leaning into it.”

Rizzo owns three other downtown Auburn businesses in the 100 block of North College Street — Halftime, IlForno and Oz. Halftime is a popular sports bar that serves up cold beer and dishes out pub grub. The lively atmo-

sphere features multiple televisions on which to catch all the sports action, and regular events include trivia and bingo. Rizzo has been refurbishing and refreshening Halftime in recent weeks.

Next door is Il Forno, her Italian restaurant which features a selection of freshly-made pastas paired with fine wines from around the globe. The upscale restaurant offers fine dining in an intimate setting.

Last month, Rizzo opened Oz, a Roaring 20s style speakeasy accessible through the back entrance of Il Forno.

“The speakeasy is just kind of masculine and dark and fun and a vibe," she said. "Then the Italian

Opelika Community Theatre production of popular play 'Mean Girls' to open Jan. 25 CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA — "Mean Girls" fans may have been a little disappointed in the new movie release two weeks ago that doesn't include favorite songs and scenes — namely, Damian's "Where Do You Belong" and "STOP." But never fear, Opelika Community Theatre is presenting the full show with all the songs and scenes.

From Jan. 25 through Feb. 4, Mean Girls enthusiasts and newbies alike can hear all the songs and relive all the scenes in all their glory at Opelika Community Theatre's new facility, located at1220 Fox Run Ave., Suite 216 at USA Town Center.

There will be eight performances, with evening shows starting at 6:30 p.m. and two Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m.

The new 6,000-square-foot theatre is designed to hold 100 audience guests in raised seating in an intimate black-box setting.

A limited number of tickets remain and can be purchased by visiting the website at opelikacommunitytheatre.com. Admission is $17 for single tickets or a package of four tickets for $58. All transaction fees are included in the price.

Mean Girls does contain some mature content and is suggested for those ages 12 and older.

For further information, visit the website or call (334) 400-9660.

restaurant reminds me of my family and love and, you know, the sports bar and then we have the French bakery, which is just so feminine and wonderful,” Rizzo said.

Excitement over the opening of Boulangerie has reminded Rizzo how thankful she is for her community and the support they have given her.

“I want it to be a place where people feel really comfortable and they can sit and study. I feel like a lot of times aesthetic and your surroundings really impact your mood and what you do,” she said.

For more information about the French bakery, visit www.auburnboulangerie.com.

Jessica Rizzo's new French bakery in downtown Auburn, Boulangerie, will feature cakes, pies and pastries.

A5 Jan. 25, 2024

Opelika Chamber hosts All Things Marketing Summit

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

The Opelika Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2024 All Things Marketing Summit, held Jan. 19 at the Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa at Grand National.

Study: News from local sources more trusted CONTRIBUTED BY PRFIRE.COM

Despite a decline in the number of local news outlets nationwide, local journalism retains a significant degree of public trust. Furthermore, local news sources are more trusted than national news sources, according to a recent study.

A substantial 60% of the 3,000 respondents surveyed expressed confidence in local media, markedly higher than the 47% who trust national outlets, according to a survey conducted

by PRFire.com, a leading press release distribution service.

This suggests that local media continues to play a crucial role in informing communities, a testament to its relevance and resilience. In Alabama, local publications are highly regarded, with 67% of respondents affirming their trustworthiness, positioning these media outlets as some of the most trusted in the country.

Nationally, 64% believe their local news outlets foster a sense of community cohesion and

representation. The perceived integrity of local news appears to be on solid ground, with 65% feeling that its trustworthiness has either improved or remained consistent over the past five years. This could be attributed to local media's closer ties to the communities they serve, potentially making them more responsive and account-able to their audiences.

Over half of the respondents (55%) feel that local media provides a sufficiently diverse array of perspectives and opinions.

In a polarized era, the ability of local news to offer a variety of viewpoints is more important than ever, suggesting that while there is always room for improvement, local media is on the right track.

As the national media landscape becomes more partisan, local news offers a more trusted, inclusive and community-focused alternative, and while challenges remain, the findings from PR Fire's survey offer a hopeful outlook for the future of local journalism in America,

explained Sam Allcock, who conducted the research.

"As the national narrative grows more divisive, local media stands as a beacon of community trust and engagement,” Allcock said. “Our survey underscores the resilience of local journalism and its critical role in providing a platform for diverse voices. It's a clarion call to support and sustain the local outlets that so faithfully reflect America's rich journalism." www.PRFire.com

Hunley Group Lambert Transfer and Storage An Interstate Agent for North American Van Lines 1102 Fox Trail Opelika, Alabama 36801 334-745-5706

A6 Jan. 25, 2024

E vents,Food & SocietyNews

ENTERTAINMENT SEE UPCOMING EVENTS ON THE COMMUNITY CALENDAR, PAGE A8

Making the Grade

Lucky Pot lives up to hype

OPINION —

A

s I have probably mentioned before in this column (It’s hard to remember because, unbelievably, I have written for The Observer for almost three years), my sweet Daddy LOVED to eat Chinese food once a week. Therefore, Daddy, my sweet Mama and his two older sisters Virginia (Jenny) and Betty would travel from Alexander City (“Eleck” City to the locals) to Auburn to feast on Chinese cuisine.

As I have mentioned, I called this group the Fearsome Foursome, and besides their weekly trips to Auburn, they traveled to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, in the fall for about 25 years.

On one of these yearly excursions, my Aunt Jenny, who was one of the sweetest most giving Christian women I’ve ever known, didn’t live up to the group’s name; instead of “Fearsome,” she became “Fearful.”

On this particular trip to Tennessee, there was ice in the Smoky Mountains, and my Daddy had a rough time maneuvering the van on the treacherous and very busy road. In fact, the van kept creeping over closer to the edge of the mountain despite Daddy’s valiant attempt to stay on the road.

Now, according to Siri, the most annoy-

PHOTOS BY MIKE WALLACE / FOR THE OBSERVER

BY STACEY PATTON WALLACE

ing “assistant” on my iPhone, the highest elevation of the Great Smoky Mountains is at Clingmans Dome at 6,643 feet. While the Fearsome Foursome weren’t at the highest point of the mountains, they were still probably over a mile high.

A mile is 5,280 feet.

Thanks to my long-suffering math teachers (I detested math.), I remember that fact without asking Siri, my nemesis. But I digress.

Daddy was an excellent driver, but the ice was hard to handle.

After all, most Alabamians, including myself, don’t have snow tires because we don’t need them since it only snows everyfive or so years in our great state.

My sweet Aunt Jenny, afraid that they were all about to fall to their deaths over the mountain, lost her cool and bailed on all of them. Climbing over her own husband, my Uncle Nelson (He went on trips with them before his death in 2001), she opened the door and got out of the van.

Aunt Jenny wasn’t about to fall to her death.

Instead, she fell on the ice and sprawled on the asphalt, with cars everywhere. Mama saw what had happened and said that Jenny kept trying to put her feet on a tire to get up, but her feet just kept slipping.

Mama opened her door to try to help Aunt Jenny get back in the van.

Daddy, who was so intent on trying to keep the van from going over the mountain, yelled, “Barbara, what are you doing?” He had no idea that Aunt Jenny had flown the coop.

Thankfully, Aunt Jenny finally managed to get back into the

At Lucky Pot, located at 1780 Opelika Rd. in Auburn, diners can order prepared dishes from the kitchen or cook themselves at stove-top tables.

van, and Daddy saved the day and five people, including himself, by not allowing the van to plummet off the mountain. But I digress again.

I really wish that the Fearsome Foursome, whom I miss terribly, could have joined Mike, Jack, William and me recently at Lucky Pot at 1780 Opelika Road, Suite 103 in Auburn. Since the Fearsome Foursome loved Chinese food, they would have loved eating there.

The restaurant is locally owned and operated by the Chen family, who bought it from the previous owner last June.The interior of the restaurant is very bright and

Dream on the Move celebration PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

Pastor Carolyn Morton and the Samford Community Outreach Group presented the Eighth Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dream On The Move Celebration. Those attending included Evangelist Lucile Gray, Camari and Brandi Gray, Valenstine Penn, Mary Stephons, Opelika Police Department Community Relations Specialist Allison Duke and members of the OPD. The group hopes to continue to support the life and legacy of Dr. King through love and unity.

attractive. Also, it has wide booths, which this “Pooh-sized” woman really appreciated.

I don’t like narrow booths which can hold only two slender people. Sindy Chen, our server, was absolutely delightful. She was so kind, helpful and patient. Also, Vivian Chen, her daughter, who waited on us later, was just as kind and attentive to us.

Lucky Pot is a really fun, unique restaurant. Diners may order regular dinners, as we did, or they may cook their dinners at the table, which is actually a stove top. I talked to a group of young peo-

ple who had chosen to cook their dinner at the table and asked them if they had enjoyed it.

They all enthusiastically said, “Yes, Ma’am!”

One girl said that they had dined there several times, and that the food was always great.

Don’t you love it when young people are taught good manners?

It warms this retired English teacher’s heart.

Since Mike and I love to eat but hate to cook, we let the experts prepare our meal, as did William and Jack.

Mike ordered the hibachi steak and shrimp, which came with fried rice, soup and salad. I ordered a shrimp egg

roll as an appetizer, egg drop soup and sesame chicken with fried rice.

We are Southerners, so, of course, we prefer fried anything.

Jack selected a vegetable spring roll as an appetizer, salad and orange chicken (mild) with fried rice. I’m glad that Lucky Pot lets diners choose the level of spiciness because I’m a wimp. If my lips are burning while I’m eating, I’m not having a good time. William chose egg drop soup, sesame chicken and fried rice.

Oh, my three times.

All of our meals were See WALLACE, page A9

A8 Jan. 25, 2024

The Millers Elizabeth Wood Rodgers and Andrew Gibson Miller were married Dec. 15, 2023, at Jaws Beach, Nassau, The Bahamas.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Hosea Rodgers of Auburn, Alabama. She is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. William Yancey Jernigan, III and the late Mr. and Mrs. Hosea Weaver Rodgers of Brewton, Alabama.

She is a graduate of Auburn University and is a recruiting manager within the Human Resources People Team at Holder Construction in Atlanta, Georgia.

The groom is the son of Mrs. Kathy Gibson Miller and Mr. Robert Ward Miller of Auburn, Alabama. He is the grandson of the late Mrs. Margaret Ward Miller of Auburn, Alabama and the late Mr. and Mrs. Joe Neil Gibson of Dadeville, Alabama.

He is a graduate of Auburn University and is self employed with R.W. Miller Farm in Auburn, Alabama.

Mr. and Mrs. Miller are at home at Miller Farm in Auburn, Alabama.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR OPELIKA THEATRE PRESENTS MEAN GIRLS Opelika Community Theatre will present Mean Girls Jan. 25 through Feb. 4. The show is recommended for ages 12 and up.

Admission is $17, with tickets on sale at www. opelikacommunitytheatre.com/ticketsshows.

CANADIAN BRASS ENSEMBLE @ OPAC The Canadian Brass Ensemble will be in concert on Thursday, Jan. 25, at 7:30 p.m. at the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts, located at 1700 Lafayette Pkwy. in Opelika.

Tickets range in price from $20 to $59 and are available at www.eastalabamaarts.org/tickets.

PIANIST PERFORMANCE @ GOUGE CENTER Don’t miss world-renowned pianist Simone Dinnerstein’s performance of The Eye Is the First Circle on Jan. 26, at 7 p.m. at Woltosz Theatre in the Jay and Susie Gouge Performing Arts Center, located at 910 S. College St. in Auburn. The performance is part of the Gouge Center’s orchestra and chamber music series. Ticket prices range from $30-65 and are available at the website goguecenter.evenue.net.

LIBRARY BOOK SALE The Friends of the Library Book Sale will be held Saturday, Jan. 27, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Lewis Cooper Jr. Auditorium at the Opelika Public Library. Hardbacks will cost $1, while paperbacks will be 50 cents.

Members of Friends of the Library can shop early from 8 to 10 a.m. Memberships will be available at the door or can be obtained online in advance at www.opelikallibraryfriends. com/friends-membership.

LITERACY WONDERLAND The Lee County Literacy Coalition will present Literacy Wonderland on Saturday, Jan. 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 505 W. Thomason Circile in Opelika. The event, which is free and open to the public, will feature games, prizes, refreshments and more.

TWO CROWS FOR COMFORT @ SOUND WALL Two Crows for Comfort, a folk-roots duo, will perform at the Sound Wall, located at 605 Ave. B in downtown Opelika, on Saturday, Jan. 27. Ages 21 and up. Doors open for a BYOB cocktail reception at 7 p.m., followed by the concert at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25.

SQUARE DANCE CLASSES Learn “America’s Dance,” meet some great people, exercise your body and brain and laugh a lot at square dance classes with the Village Squares. The group will meet at Auburn United Methodist Church on Jan. 30 and on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month beginning in February. Classes are held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Mathison Lobby until the Jan Dempsey Center reopens in March. Lessons cost $5 per person.

OLLI BROWN BAG SERIES AU’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) continues its Winter 2024 Brown Bag Series on Wednesday, Jan. 31, with the program “How voting procedures have changed since 2020: For good or ill?” David Nordness and Larry Gerber will present a summary of voting laws in the various states and how they changed before and after the 2020 election. They will then offer their contrasting views on the wisdom of those changes. A spirited exchange is expected. The event will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pebble Hill, located at 101 S. Debardeleben Street in Auburn and is free and open to the public.

AUBURN CHAMBER ANNUAL MEETING The Auburn Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting will be held on Thursday, Feb. 1, at 4 p.m. at Jay and Susie Gouge Performing Arts Center.

POETRY @ PEBBLE HILL A poetry reading will be hosted at Pebble Hill, 101 S. Debardeleben St. in Auburn, on Thursday, Feb. 1, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Readings will be by poet Molly McCully Brown.

OYP KICKOFF PARTY Opelika Young Professionals invites the community to a casual night of mingling, live music, drinks and snacks at its kickoff party on Thursday, Feb. 1, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Southerly Warehouse, 1007 Ave. B in Opelika. The event is for ages 21 to 45 and is free to attend.

ANYA HINKLE @ THE SOUND WALL Singer-songwriter Anya Hinkle will perform with Andrew Finn Magill at the Sound Wall, located at 605 Ave. B in downtown Opelika, on Thursday, Feb. 1. Ages 21 and up. Doors open for a BYOB cocktail reception at 7 p.m.,

Want help spreading the word about your event?

We can help! editor@opelikaobserver.com (334) 749-8003 * Deadline is noon on Mondays

followed by the concert at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 SUNDILLA CONCERT SERIES The Sundilla Concert Series will feature a performance by House of Hamill on Friday, Feb. 2, from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, located at 450 E. Thach Ave. in Auburn. Free coffee, tea, water and food will be available, and the audience is welcome to bring their own favorite food and beverage. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $15 with student ID and free for children under age 12. Tickets are on sale at www.sundillamusic.com.

HIROYA TSUKAMOTO @ THE SOUND WALL Innovative Japanese guitarist Hiroya Tsukamoto will perform at the Sound Wall, located at 605 Ave. B in downtown Opelika, on Saturday, Feb. 3. Ages 21 and up. Doors open for a BYOB cocktail reception at 7 p.m., followed by the concert at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25.

MY FAIR LADY @ GOUGE CENTER The classic play "My Fair Lady" will be presented on Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 6 and 7, at 7 p.m. at the Jay and Susie Gouge Performing Arts Center, located at 910 S. College St. in Auburn. Ticket prices range from $45 to $105 and are available at the website goguecenter.evenue.net.

OLLI BROWN BAG SERIES AU’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) continues its Winter 2024 Brown Bag Series on Wednesday, Feb. 7, with “Dramatic monologues: Fannie Lou Hamer.” Educator and storyteller Roz Thomas will perform as Fannie Lou Hamer, an American voting and women’s rights activist, community organizer and leader in the civil rights movement. The event will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pebble Hill, located at 101 S. Debardeleben Street in Auburn and is free and open to the public.

SUNDILLA CONCERT SERIES The Sundilla Concert Series will feature a performance by Joe Crookston on Friday, Feb. 9, from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, located at 450 E. Thach Ave. in Auburn. Free coffee, tea, water and food will be available, and the audience is welcome to bring their own favorite food and beverage. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $15

with student ID and free for children under age 12. Tickets are on sale at www.sundillamusic. com.

SECOND SATURDAY AT PIONEER PARK On the second Saturday of every month, a group of history re-enactors gather at the Lee County Historical Society Museum in period attire to demonstrate their arts and crafts. On Feb. 10 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., come see blacksmiths working at the forge, spinners and weavers in the textile room and gardeners in the gardens. There will be crafts and seasonal activities, and someone is always cooking up a meal in the fireplace or outdoors. The Whistle Stop Pickers dulcimer group meets at the Museum at 1 p.m.

AUBURN MARDI GRAS The Auburn Downtown Merchants Association will host the 5th Annual Krewe Krawl on Saturday, Feb. 10, starting at 11 a.m. and featuring exclusive discounts and specials to those who purchase a wristband.

The event will feature live music from noon to 2:30 p.m., and the Krewe De Tigris Mardi Gras Parade will begin at 3 p.m. in downtown Auburn. Wristbands will be available to purchase for $10 (cash or venmo) at the following downtown businesses: Behind the Glass, Charming Oaks, Ellia, Auburn Oil Co. Booksellers and Ware Jewelers.

SQUARE DANCE CLASSES Learn “America’s Dance,” meet some great people, exercise your body and brain and laugh a lot at square dance classes with the Village Squares on Tuesday, Feb. 13. The group meets at Auburn United Methodist Church on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. Classes are held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Mathison Lobby until the Jan Dempsey Center reopens in March. Lessons cost $5 per person.

COMEDY @ RED CLAY BREWING Enjoy locally-made craft beer and standup comedy on Tuesday, Feb. 13, as Zane Lamprey brings his 'Thirsty!' comedy tour to Red Clay Brewing Company, located 704 N. Railroad Ave. in downtown Opelika. This event is strictly for ages 21+. Doors will open for VIP ticket holders at 7 p.m., with general admission at 7:30 p.m. and showtime at 8 p.m. For more information and tickets, go to zanelamprey.com.

A9 Jan. 25, 2024

Winter offers a great opportunity for a pantry cleanout CONTRIBUTED BY ACES AUBURN — Take advantage of the cold weather and make the time spent indoors productive with a winter pantry cleanout.

Angela Treadaway, an Alabama Cooperative Extension System food safety and quality regional agent, said now is a great time to inventory canned food items and spices that may have been in your pantry or kitchen cabinets for many years.

SHELF LIFE Home-canned and commercially canned foods are both good options for consumers to keep produce on the shelf at home.

“Canned foods are safe alternatives to fresh and frozen foods and help meet dietary needs and avoid preservatives,” Treadaway said. “Proper storage can greatly increase the shelf life and quality of canned foods.”

But, Treadaway said, canned good will not last forever.

HOME-CANNED FOOD While home-canned

from A7 delicious. Also, the portions were enormous. I asked for a togo box so that I could make a second meal of my supper; needless to say, this rarely happens with me because when I eat, I don’t play.

Then when Mike and I returned home, we realized that after I put on my sweater and grabbed my purse and notebook, I forgot and left my to-go box on the table. I was an unhappy camper because I wanted to eat that tasty food again for lunch the next day.

Besides our outstanding choices, Lucky Pot serves diners a large variety of delectable dishes.

Besides many fried

COMMERCIALLY CANNED FOOD Treadaway said commercially canned foods are much better for storing longer periods of time.

“A can of commercially canned vegetables — such as green beans, peas or corn — will last more than five years,” she said.

“Commercial canners can closely control quality and safety to produce the best product.”

Treadaway said commercially canned, high-acid foods — such

rice, Lucky dry pot and chow mein entrees, the restaurant also serves traditional dishes, some of which include: braise beef noodle, mushroom chicken noodle, soup wonton, tasty wonton and dumplings. Some beef dishes include beef & broccoli, kung pao beef, Mongolian beef, pepper beef and General Tso’s beef. The restaurant also serves a variety of chicken, cold dishes, pork, shrimp and vegetable dishes.

Trust me, run, do not walk, to Lucky Pot. Mama, Daddy, Aunt Jenny, Uncle Nelson and Aunt Betty, this review was for you. I love and miss y’all very much.

Lucky Pot is open on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The restaurant is closed on Mondays.

shelves because moisture — especially from concrete floors — can wick up the side of the jar or can and cause rust,” she said. “Crawling pests can also cause contamination.”

mon pantry spices and flavorings: • Vanilla extract and salt have indefinite shelf lives. Other extracts will fade in two to three years.

• Whole spices — including unground peppercorns, whole allspice, caraway seeds and others — have a shelf life of three to four years.

• Cumin, ginger, garlic, mustard, paprika and chili powder have shelf lives of two to four years.

• Whole leafy herbs — including basil, dill, oregano, rosemary and most seasoning blends — have a one-to-three-year shelf life.

“All of us have a few jars that have been sitting in the pantry for over a decade,” Treadaway said.

“It is okay to let those spices go. Label or put a date on the new ones, with a month and year, so you know how long you have had them.”

SPICES & FLAVORINGS

MORE INFORMATION

Home-canned food is desirable because of the ability to control added salt and sugar, but it does not have as long a shelf life as food canned commercially.

as fruits and tomatoes — will not last much longer than 18 months because of the acid content.

“It’s best to throw away canned foods — home or commercial — that spew or have bulging cans or lids, just to be on the safe side,” she said.

STORAGE CONDITIONS When storing homecanned or commercially canned foods, make sure they are labeled. It is also

important to ensure that they are not out of date and are stored in a cabinet or pantry that is cool, dry and dark. Avoid storage in places where temperatures change.

Treadaway said it is best to store canned goods in the house or a in a room where the temperature is somewhat controlled and unlikely to freeze or get extremely hot.

“Always store canned foods off of the floor on

In general, Treadaway said dried seasonings, herbs and spices in jars will last one to two years.

The following are the shelf lives for some com-

Learn more about food safety and preservation by visiting the Food Safety section of the Alabama Extension website, www. aces.edu.

PHOTOS BY MIKE WALLACE | FOR THE OBSERVER

WALLACE >>

produce may be more desirable because of the ability to control added salt and sugar, Treadaway said it is important to only preserve the best produce because home-canning cannot improve the quality.

“Home-canned foods — such as vegetables, meats, jams and jellies — are good for one to two years,” Treadaway said. “This is a shorter shelf life than commercially canned items, but for the best quality, they need to be used in one to two years.”

It is open on Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 to 9:30 p.m.; and on Friday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Lucky Pot makes the grade with an A+ from this retired English teacher.

Remember, “Poohsized” people NEVER lie about food.”

Enjoy!

Stacey Patton Wallace, who retired from teaching language arts for 30 years, is a professional diner. Her column, “Making the Grade,” will appear every other week in The Observer. Stacey may be reached at retiredlangartsteacher2020@gmail.com.

Drive up hours: Mon - Fri. 6:30 - 9:30 a.m.

Lucky Pot is locally owned and operated by the Chen family, who purchased it from the previous owner in June 2023.

A10 Jan. 25, 2024

Sean of the South

BY SEAN DIETRICH OPINION —

N

obody knows when it started. But it did. The first jar of pickles to appear on Aunt Bee’s grave in Siler City, North Carolina, showed up in in 1989, the year she died. Legend states that the pickles were probably homemade.

Although some claim they were store pickles.

Since that fateful day, nobody has found a good reason to stop leaving pickles.

Pickles show up by the hundreds. Maybe even thousands. From all over the United States.

“I think it’s just a form of respect,” says Billy, age 73, from Bentonville, Arkansas.

Billy traveled 840 miles to Siler City in his 2007 Ford Ranger, which is more rustcolored than green, to

deliver a single jar of Kosher Dill Snack’mms to the grave of Frances Bavier, the actress who played Aunt Bee on “The Andy Griffith Show.”

“She was America’s mom,” says Billy.

“She was my whole childhood.”

The pickles are a salute to season two, episode 11, “The Pickle Story.” In the episode, Aunt Bee makes pickles that taste so bad they could take the paint off navy ships.

“Kerosene cucumbers” they were called in the episode.

“That’s my favorite episode,” says Billy.

“Mine, too,” says Billy’s brother, Roger, who is busy taking Billy’s picture with his phone camera. Roger is 80 this year. He is vaping. His flavor du jour is tropical cherry, and he is puffing so frequently that we are all able to enjoy this flavor with him.

“Best show ever,” says Roger between puffs. “Period.”

Billy and Roger have visited this cemetery twice before. And they say that each

America's Aunt

time they come, there are multiple pickle jars sitting on the gravemarker.

“Sometimes there are ten or twenty of’em,” says Billy. “Depending on if it’s tourist season or not.”

The Oakwood Cemetery is a nondescript burial place, nestled within the black gums and post oaks of the Old North State, with headstones stretching back toward the horizon. You’d never guess that this particular plot belonged to one of America’s most beloved celebrities.

There’s nothing remarkable about the marker. Nothing glitzy.

Nothing fancy. The gravestone looks just like the headstone of, well… Your favorite aunt.

On Aunt Bee’s tomb are a few handwritten postcards, a couple dozen pennies, dragon tears, various trinkets, and I count six jars of pickles. Among the brands represented are: Best Maid, Famous Dave’s Spicy, Wickles, Claussen, Mount Olive, and Walmart’s flagship

brand Great Value.

I read one of the handwritten notes. It’s more personal than I expected. “Dear, Aunt Bee… You raised me…

I love you.” It was signed by a woman from Marietta, Ohio.

Another vehicle pulls up. A Honda SUV. It is a family of five. They are from Salina, Kansas. They have been hanging out in the nearby town of Mount Airy all week, hometown of Andy Griffith. The kids leap out of the dusty vehicle.

One of them is carrying a jar of pickles.

“My kids all wanted to bring their own jars,” says Melinda (age 44).

“And I was like, um, no, guys. Three jars of pickles is expensive.

And it’s not like Aunt Bee is gonna eat them, since, you know, she’s dead.”

Melinda says her kids are religious fans of the show. It all started a few years ago when her husband lost his job. The family had to cancel their movie streaming services to save money. They had nothing to watch.

“So,” Melinda

Relay for Life plans underway CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

LEE COUNTY — Now is the time to begin fundraising for the Lee County Relay for Life, coming up in the spring.

A planning meeting

was held in at the Opelika Public Library on Jan. 23.

An official “First Lap” for the Lee County Relay for Life will be held on Saturday, Feb. 3, at 10 a.m. at the Opelika Sportsplex.

The annual Relay for Life event is set for Friday, May 3, in downtown Opelika.

Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society (ACS), which provides funds to the local Spencer

Cancer Center to assist patients in need.

To join an existing team or to start a new team, contact Randy Causey at (334) 703-6621 or Debra Causey at (334) 703-5188.

explains, “I went to the store and bought a television antenna. Like in the old days.”

A local station out of Hutchison-Wichita played Andy Griffith in all its black-andwhite glory. After the very first episode the children were spellbound.

“We plan our whole days around that show,” Melinda says.

“To my kids, it was like the show was brand new, like it’d just come out.”

I watch the children stand reverently before the gravestone of everyone’s favorite aunt. Hands in their laps. Heads bowed.

They are solemn. Much the same way you’d behave at the graveside of a loved one or a close relative.

And it makes me feel pretty good to be an American right about now. Because say what you will about us, but our country’s children know Andy Griffith, Jim Nabors, Frances Bavier, Don Knotts, Ron Howard and Betty Lynn.

I am a lot like the other people here

today; Andy Griffith practically raised me.

Our station played two “Andy” episodes every evening after school.

I was a fatherless kid who needed someone to pay attention to me, to love me, to teach me, to make me laugh, to show me how to be a man. Andy did this for me. Every weekday at five o’clock.

After all these years, I’ve never gotten over him. And I don’t want to, either.

The words on Aunt Bee’s tombstone read: “To live in the hearts of those left behind is not to die.”

Would that the same be said of you and me someday.

I left a jar of Vlasic.

Sean Dietrich is a columnist, novelist and stand-up storyteller known for his commentary on life in the American South. His column appears in newspapers throughout the U.S. He has authored 15 books, he is the creator of the Sean of the South Podcast and he makes appearances at the Grand Ole Opry.

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A11 Jan. 25, 2024

Brrrrrrr!

Polar Plungers undeterred by sub-freezing temps

PHOTOS BY ED SIKORA | FOR THE OBSERVER

A record number of people braved the frigid 22 degree temperature to participate in this year's Polar Plunge, which took place Jan. 20 at the Samford Pool in Auburn.

The annual event raises money to support local Special Olympics athletes.

Lee County LITERACY COALITION

BEING JOBLESS IS DIFFICULT ENOUGH. Getting help to bridge the gap shouldn’t be.

Go to Labor.Alabama.gov to locate a center near you and bridge the gap of unemployment.

LITERACY

Wonderland

Saturday, January 27, 2024 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

FREE Tablet plus monthly internet (1 per household) via Affordable Connectivity Program Scan the code for the application.

505 W. Thomason Circle Opelika, AL

Door prizes

Starter Libraries Delicious Refreshments Games, family fun and more!

Funding provided by USDOL. An Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

This event is FREE and open to the public.

Visit www.leecountyliteracy.org or call 334-705-0001 for more information.

WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTOR Plumbing & Heating Supplies Pipes - Valves - Fittings 334.625.3384 800.625.3384 1975 MALL BLVD. STE. 106, AUBURN, ALABAMA

A12 Jan. 25, 2024

Studying His word

Out of this world — part two

BY BRUCE GREEN Teaching Minister at 10th Street Church of Christ in Opelika

OPINION —

L

ast week we looked at the “heavenly realms,” a phrase Paul uses five times in Ephesians. We talked about it being 1) different than heaven, 2) the realm of spirit activity, 3) a place of both good and evil spiritual powers and 4) as real as the earthly realms where we live.

5. People of the first century understood

these truths better than we do today.

It’s easy to think we are at the pinnacle of human knowledge.

After all, through the Webb telescope we can see into parts of the universe no one has seen before. We can split an atom and map the human genome.

Sometimes the only thing we lack is… humility. After all, we still can’t cure a cold or stop a microscopic virus from wreaking havoc on our planet.

In the matter of evil spirits, demons, angels and the like, the people of the first century have an edge on us: Many of them saw and experienced these things. It’s clear from the gospels and Acts it was God’s will

to allow this activity on earth during that time as part of showing Jesus’ dominion over all powers. “Sophisticated” people today wink and nod as they hear these texts and think about the poor, superstitious people of the first century. They’re not enlightened like us who know that we came from a cosmic explosion of some sort — though we can’t say where the mass came from or what caused it to explode — we just know that something was swimming in the sea, started swinging in a tree and now it’s me. And we’re sure this is all somehow more respectable to believe in than angels and evil spirits!

6. Jesus is Lord over

the heavenly realms.

Now we’re back to 1:20-21. As God’s representative, Jesus demonstrated this power on earth. As the enthroned Lord of all, He reigns over everything.

7. We have been seated with Him in the heavenly realms.

Paul says, “And God raised us up and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus” (2:6). This speaks to a spiritual reality. We’re on earth but we experience all the blessings of the heavenly realms (1:3) because they are available through Jesus who resides and reigns there. In Hebrews this is pictured by Jesus entering through the veil on our behalf (Hebrews

9:24, 10:19-22). He is in the heaven part of the heavenly realms as our representative, so we are there experiencing these benefits through Him. Normally we think of Jesus being with us (and that’s correct), but it’s also true that we’re with Him! 8. We need to rely on His strength as we do battle with the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

We are in a spiritual battle (6:12ff). We can survive and be victorious only if we stand in the strength of the One who overcame everything. As we do so, “the manifold wisdom of God” is made known to “the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms” 3:10. God is bringing

the alienated, fractured cosmos together in and through Jesus. The chasm created by Satan and fostered by the spiritual forces of evil has been overcome by the redemptive work of Christ and the church is the outworking of that victory. It shines its light in the darkest of places as it bears witness to the manifold wisdom of God. I hope this brief look at “heavenly realms” will provide you with a little more traction as you read through Ephesians and think about God’s eternal purpose in the church.

Find more of Green’s writings at his website: a-taste-of-grace-withbruce-green.com.

Bible verse of the week: Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. — Isaiah 1:17

CHURCH DIRECTORY

Opelika 334-745-4608

ANGLICAN The Good Shepherd Anglican Church 3015 Opelika Road, Opelika

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

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 E. 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 334-749-9487 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,

CHURCH OF CHRIST 10th Street Church Of Christ 500 N. 10th St., Opelika 334-745-5181 The Opelika Church 2660 Cunninghan Dr., Opelika 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

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

REACH OUT BY ADDING YOUR CHURCH Add your church to the directory above for only $75 a year, or consider a display ad like the ones at left for only $20 per week.

Email michelle@opelikaobserver.com or call (334) 749-8003.

A13 Jan. 25, 2024

Altar call

BY WALTER ALBRITTON OPINION —

H

e was already 77 years old when I met E. Stanley Jones, but God used that encounter with Brother Stanley to change my life.

He was the evangelist at an Ashram, a spiritual life retreat that my wife and I attended at Silver Springs, Florida, when we were 29.

I was mesmerized by his preaching that focused on Jesus. Within minutes he had us joyfully raising three

We have to live by affirmation

fingers and saying with him, “Jesus is Lord!” He spoke of Jesus with such calm confidence that It became crystal clear – for him Jesus was everything. The more he spoke, the more I wanted what he had – a life-giving relationship with Jesus.

The next day, I met privately with Brother Stanley. After sharing with him and admitting my need for assurance, he said, “Let’s claim the promise of Jesus in Mark 11:24 for you.” He quoted the verse from memory: “When you pray and ask for something, believe that you have received it, and you will be given whatever you ask for.”

We knelt and he prayed, asking Jesus to give me the assurance I longed for.

No angels sang; I heard no bells or whistles, but God’s gracious gift of assurance has been mine since the hour he prayed for me.

Ten years later Brother Stanley suffered a paralyzing stroke that left him with what seemed like insurmountable handicaps.

Doctors said he would never walk or preach again. His sight, hearing and speech were seriously impaired.

He could no longer read and had lost the use of one arm. But when his daughter reached his bedside in the hospital, with a feeble voice he said, “Daughter, I cannot die now. I have to live to complete another book – The Divine Yes!” Before his death 14 months later, Brother Stanley surprised his doctors

Upcoming Services Stuart Warren Whatley Sr Jan. 25, 2 p.m. Trinity Methodist Church Gary Scott Taylor Jan. 27, 12 noon, Frederick-Dean Funeral Home Betty Walker Sims Jan. 27, 3 p.m., Town Creek Cemetery William M. McLeroy Jr. Jan. 29, 11 a.m. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home GARY SCOTT TAYLOR Gary Scott Taylor, 67, of Opelika passed away on Jan. 20, 2024.

A ceremony to celebrate Gary's life will be held on Saturday, Jan. 27, at 12 noon in the Chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral home.

Born on July 13, 1956, in Battle Creek, Michigan, Gary loved sports, particularly the Detroit Lions, and enjoyed spending time talking and

telling jokes on the phone with his family and friends. He had a passion for landscaping and enjoyed playing various musical instruments.

Gary graduated Battle Creek Central High School in 1974 and attended Kellogg Community College. He was in the U.S. Army from 1975 to 1986, serving four tours of duty overseas. He worked at the Veterans Hospital in Fort Custard, the Federal Center

by learning to walk and preach again. With the help of his daughter Eunice, he completed his book, affirming the conviction of Saint Paul that Jesus is “the Divine Yes.” In 2nd Corinthians 1:19-20, Paul says that “The divine ‘yes’ has at last sounded” in Jesus, “for in him is the ‘yes’ that affirms all the promises of God” (Moffatt). (A revised edition of the book is available from Amazon.)

Jones wrote, “Before Jesus life was a no. The ancients did not know how to say yes.” Rejecting the cynicism of those who live by no, he insisted that we cannot live by negation. “We have to live by affirmation, for we are affirmative beings.” After ages and ages of no, Jones

declares, we have this great affirmation by which to live – Jesus is the Divine Yes of God! Brother Stanley said yes to his suffering – and used it to “demonstrate” the truth of what he had been preaching.

Refusing to whine about his handicaps, he wrote, “If I keep my eye on Jesus, I can say to life, ‘Come on.

I’m healed at the heart. Let life do its worst or its best.

I’ll take it and make it into something else by his grace and power.’”

Old people often fall, and because of his handicaps, Brother Stanley fell a few times. But he said he had learned “the art of falling well.” “Usually,” he wrote, “I have managed to fall forward!” Though his stroke had left him in shambles,

Jones said, “I knew that the only Christian way to fall was to fall on my knees and thank God that though outwardly I am only a half person, in Jesus I am whole and well and the same person as before.”

Brother Stanley has taught me, by his teaching and the way he faced his suffering, that when Jesus is Lord, when Jesus is everything, he gives you the power to live by affirmation. So in the challenges of my own life, I keep trying to say yes to life, yes to whatever I must face, yes to Jesus the divine yes. I want to die with “Yes Jesus” on my lips. Glory!

Thank you Brother Stanley for teaching me to not only say “Jesus is Lord,” but to live it out in daily life.

Yes, Lord, yes!

OBITUARIES in Battle Creek and the city of Battle Creek.

Gary is survived by his wife Aletha Howard Taylor; son Gary Taylor II; daughter Gabrielle Taylor; brother Terry Taylor, sister Cathy Cotton; cousin Karon Taylor; aunt Johnnie Taylor; cousin Rande Johnson and many others. He was preceded in death by his mother Brenda Franklin-Taylor, grandmother Delores Taylor, aunt Carolyn Taylor, uncles Fred and Kent Taylor and cousin Tamesha Taylor.

BETTY WALKER SIMS Services for Betty Sue Walker Sims will be Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, at 2 p.m. at Town Creek Cemetery Pavilion.

Betty was born on May 11, 1935, in Anniston and passed away surrounded by her daughters on Jan. 18, 2024, after a brief battle with

pancreatic cancer.

She grew up the eldest daughter of three children. She met and married her husband, John Sims, at the age of 18 and followed alongside of him to Boston, Mass., during his time in the service. They returned to Anniston to raise their three daughters before moving to places like Dothan, Birmingham, Panama City, Homasassa, Florida, and Decatur, Alabama. Betty worked for many years as a dental hygienist. Betty moved to Auburn after her husband’s passing and spent the past 10 years yelling her head off at Auburn basketball, baseball and softball games. She loved her weekly card game with the girls as well as her service in a local PEO group. She was especially proud to have eight Auburn grads in her family.

Known to many in her

family as Grandmom, Betty was a fantastic cook and had fabulous taste in clothes and cars. Her oldest grandkids remember her scooting around in her 50s in a Chevy 280Z and then later, when she was in her 60s, in a white Chevy Camaro.

She lived a long, full and active life up until the very end.

Betty is survived by her daughters: Laura McCullars (Mike), Teresa Cooper, Karen Waters (Jeff); her brother: Bubba Walker; eight grandchildren: Jennifer Johnson, Jason McCullars, Drew McCullars (Jessica), Josh McCullars (Hannah), Dana Newton (Josh), Katie Hines (Hunter), Will Waters, Walker Waters; five great grandchildren: Jack Johnson, Peyton McCullars, Mattie Johnson, Elizabeth Hines, James Hines; a niece Sandy Simpson; and several nephews,

Pre-Need Services Available Call 334-749-8700 for an appointment Your Full-Service Funeral Home

Brian Walker (Sylvia), Michael Walker (Jennifer), Todd Walker, and Elliott McMichael. She was preceded in death by her father: Kenneth Walker; her mother: Louise Sorrell; her sister, Mary Evelyn McMichael; her husband of 54 years, John Sims; her son-inlaw, Dr. Charles Cooper; and her great granddaughter, Isabel McCullars.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Moving Forward Methodist Church at P.O. Box 2491, Auburn, AL 36831. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

LAURA DIANE SQUIERS Laura Diane Squiers passed away Jan. 17, 2024, at the age of 52 in Birmingham. She is survived by her husband,

See OBITUARIES, page A14

A14 Jan. 25, 2024

OBITUARIES >>

and uncles.

He was loved by so many and will be greatly missed.

Kenneth L. Knowles, her sons Nicholas Andrew Squiers and Christopher Sean Squiers, her parents Lennie and Martin Squiers, and her adopted sister Liberty M. Powell.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Christopher Shane Squiers; maternal grandparents, Sadie and Herman Kimbrough; paternal grandparents Kay and Dale Squiers; and aunt, Susan Squiers.

Born June 17, 1971, Laura was a graduate of Auburn High School (1989) and Auburn University (1996). She was employed by the Auburn Housing Authority for the last 14 years. Laura loved her sons and spending time with her family. A lifelong Auburn football fan, she lovingly and dutifully watched Alabama football games with her husband Ken. A graveside service was held at Memorial Park on Samford Avenue in Auburn on Jan. 20. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

WILLIAM F. “BILL” FAUROT William Lorin (Bill) Faurot died on Jan. 14, 2024. Bill was born on June 21, 1946, in Montgomery to Gladys Sadler Faurot and William L. Faurot, Sr. He was adopted at the age of 13 by his maternal grandparents, Joseph B. and Lila Vinson Sadler.

He graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1964 and from Auburn University in 1969 with a B.S. in electrical engineering. Upon graduation from Auburn, Bill was commissioned second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

He served at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland and at Ft. Riley, Kansas, before being deployed to South Korea.

Bill was a proud father and granddaddy. He worked for Alabama Power in various capacities, including as junior engineer and superintendent.

He began his career in Montgomery, then was moved to Tallassee, Prattville, Demopolis and Tuscaloosa.

After 37 years and 3 months he took early retirement and moved to Auburn. He volunteered for over 10 years at East Alabama Medical Center and served on a few committees at Auburn First Baptist Church during his retirement.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, his adoptive parents and a daughter-in-law, Julie Dunn Faurot. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Ellen Faurot; daughter, Susan (John) DiJulio; son, John Mark Faurot; four grandchildren, Nicholas DiJulio, Justin Faurot, Sophia DiJulio and Dylan Faurot; and his brother, Jimmy Bryant.

On Jan. 19, a graveside service was held at Town Creek Cemetery and a memorial service was held at Auburn First Baptist Church, with Dr. Tripp Martin officiating. Frederick Dean Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Auburn First Baptist Church, 128 E. Glenn Ave., Auburn, AL 36830 or to the charity of your choice.

FOM A13

BILLIE LYLES Billie Lyles, 96, formerly of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away on Jan. 17, 2024, in Opelika. She was born on July 21, 1927.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Martin Lyles, son, Chuck A. Lyles, parents, Martha Peel Malloy and William Gillis Malloy, eight sisters and one brother.

She is survived by her two daughters, Patty Owen (Eddie) of Opelika and Jan Bachus of Nashville, along with her granddaughters, Angela Walton (Glenn), Kimberlee Metcalfe (Keith), Stephanie Lehman (Alex) and Ashley Conley (Shane) and grandson Matt Owen (Tommie). Billie had numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

The family would like to express their thanks for the wonderful care Billie received from Gentiva Hospice.

Billie will be cremated and buried with her husband at the Chattanooga National Cemetery sometime in early spring.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home of Opelika assisted the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to Alzheimer's Research Foundation (alzheimer'sressearch.com/ makeadonation/) or your favorite charity.

TOMMY L. BROWN Tommy L. Brown, 68, of Opelika passed away Jan. 17, 2024, at EMAC. Visitation was held on Jan. 21 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home of Opelika.

Tommy was a machinist for Carquest for 35 years. He was full of love and kindness and lived for his family. He loved the outdoors.

Tommy was preceded in death by his father Thomas Coon, and brother-in-law Billy Templeton. He is survived by his wife Marcia Brown; mother Janice O’Hern; daughters, Jamie Brown, Candace Taylor (Shorty) and Heather McElvaine (Eric); grandkids: Braydon Cole, Aryn Cole, Kaese Davis, Nacoma Taylor, Neven Taylor and Nova Taylor; sisters: Debbie Templeton and Kim Gray (David); and aunts

NEAL LEE SCOTT Neal Lee Scott, 73, of Auburn passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 15, 2024, at UAB Hospital. A celebration of life with military honors was held Jan. 21 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. A private family burial followed at Memorial Park in Auburn.

Neal was born in Santa Monica, California, on July 16, 1950, to Sylvia Arshawsky and John Scott. He served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam, Korea, Germany and several stateside locations. He became a Warrant Officer in CID (Criminal Investigation Division) and through the years served as the Special Agent in Europe and the United States. He graduated from the State University of New York (SUNY) in 1987. He enjoyed his years in the military before retiring from the Army in 1992 at the rank of CW4.

Neal had great memories of people and places where he served. One of his favorite memories was when he was on the personal security team for Caspar Weinberger and Colin Powell. Another event that was memorable was when he

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 334705-2024, or Melody Wilson, case manager for the blind, at 256-368-3258.

and his family were assigned to Germany and witnessed the fall of the Berlin Wall. He was given a piece of the wall to pass on to his son as a symbol of freedom.

Upon retirement from the Army, Neal and his family moved to Auburn. Neal completed a master's degree in education from Jacksonville State University. He taught special education, then became the Junior High School Principal in Russell County. He finished his educational career in the Russell County Central Office, retiring after 17 years.

Neal was an avid fan of Auburn University baseball and served on the board of directors for the Auburn Diamond Club. He was an active member of First Baptist Church of Opelika and loved his Empty Nest Sunday School class.

Neal was preceded by his parents and his in-laws, Jerry and Robert H. Ingram. He is survived by the person he loved most in the world, his wife of 43 years, Princie Ingram Scott; the son he was so proud of, Robert Neal Scott and Robert's fiancé, Stephanie Henderson; his sister-in-law, Kathy Ingram Voltz; brother-in-law, Jim Voltz; and three special nephews, Ingram, John and Will Voltz.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the CARE Humane Society, First Baptist Church of Opelika or a charity of one's choosing.

BRUCE BYLSMA Bruce Bylsma, age 74, of Auburn passed away at home on Jan. 15, 2024. Bruce was born on March 5, 1949, in Indianapolis, Indiana, and spent his youth in Arkansas before settling in Montgomery, Alabama. Bruce received a football scholarship to Auburn University, where he lettered three years playing defensive end under Coach Shug Jordan from 1968-71. He married Patricia (Pat) Worthington on March 5, 1968, and together they raised three rambunctious boys. He worked as the safety director at Ampex Corporation in Opelika for 25 years, then represented several companies as a loss control consultant.

After retiring, he became a driver for Tiger Transit. He was active at Church of the Highlands.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents James Bylsma and Phoebe Bylsma Hillsamer.

In addition to his loving wife of 55 years, he is survived by his children, Mark Wade Bylsma (Donna), David Wayne Bylsma (Lori) and Steven Wyatt Bylsma (Kelly). He is also survived by his siblings, James Bylsma (Dee), Christopher Bylsma (Annette), Kathy Branch (Steve) and Suzanne Burns (Gerald). He and Pat have twelve grandchildren, Seth, Madison, Alyssa, Hayley, Emily, Chandler, Jackson, Matthew, Austin, Zachary, Kenzie, and Kole along with 12

great-grandchildren.

A memorial service was held Jan. 19 at Church of the Highlands East Campus, with Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home assisting with arrangements.

Donations can be made to the American Heart Association in Bruce’s name at www.heart. org.

BERNARD W. FULLER Bernard W. Fuller of Opelika passed away at the Bethany House on Jan. 15, 2024. He was 86 years old.

He was a former teacher and coach, retired from Michelin and was a member of First Baptist Church of Opelika.

He is survived by his wife, Nellie R. Fuller; children, Deron Fuller (Susan) and Dawn Fuller (Rickey); four grandchildren, Cathryn, Aubrey, Grace and Conner; and sister, Dean Ballien (Ken).

A service was held Jan. 19 in the chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home, with Pastor Cade Farris officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association https://act.alz. org>donate, First Baptist Church of Opelika or any charity of your choice.

CHRISTIAN KALEB “C.K.” HOLLOWAY Christian Kaleb Holloway passed away on Jan. 13, 2024.

C.K., as he was called by his friends, was born on Oct. 8, 2001, in Selma. He married the love of his life, Makayla Morris, on Aug. 8, 2023.

Kaleb lived life to the fullest. He was quite a handful, bringing joy and laughter to everyone around him. There was never a dull moment when he was around. He gave the best hugs in the world and stole any snack cake in reach. He loved his truck, and he loved to eat, but his greatest joy was spending time with his dad and brothers and annoying his mom.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his parents, Michael and Terrica Millender and Dale Holloway; grandparents, Wayne and Melinda Smith, Regina Gates, Rose Millender and Danny and Sarah Davenport; siblings, Maliq, Micah and Marques Millender, Katlyn Robinson, Lance Holloway, Lauren (Nick) Brannon, Vanessa Holloway, Hannah Cottingham and brother from another mother, Carson Coates; aunts and uncles, Tia Smith, Tanya (Michael) George, Elizabeth Davenport, Russell (Crystal) Smith, Leon Prater, Chris Millender, Morgan (TJ) Herrod and Stephanie (Dennis) Shepard; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and special friends Danielle, Tommy, Ashleigh, Jenessa and Kyleigh. He was preceded in death by his brother, Brandon Geremiah, grandmother Rose Prater, grandfather Oliver Millender and Pawpaw Roger.

A memorial service was held at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home on Jan. 20, with Eric Ingram officiating.

ROY WILSON DICKEY Roy Wilson Dickey, age 83, passed away Jan. 13, 2024, in Hogansville, Georgia.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow and Olivia Dickey; and sisters Katherine Olivia Sanders and Linda Pearl Roop. He is survived by his wife Kristen; brother Harold (Barbra) Dickey of Montgomery; sons Troy Wilson (Donna) Parmley of Lawrence, Kansas, and Jimmy (Kay) Head of Hogansville; and many grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Mr. Dickey served in the Air Force from 1957 until 1960.

He was a retired meat cutter from Winn Dixie in Opelika.

He enjoyed antiques, playing music, telling jokes and being a part of the Retired Old Men Eating Out (ROMEO) club in Lafayette.

A funeral service was held on Jan. 17 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home with burial following in Garden Hills Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to a charity of your choice.

HARRIETTE WORTHINGTON Harriette Faye McLain Worthington passed away on Jan. 12, 2024, at the age of 87.

She was born in Chambers County on Dec. 28, 1936, to Eugene Milton McLain and Wynell Hamil McLain. After a childhood in Langdale, she graduated from Auburn University where she met and married the love of her life, Jack Emory Worthington Sr. After 25+ years with the state, she retired as the deputy director of the Alabama Medicaid Agency. Following retirement, she cherished time with her husband and family and was an avid flower gardener.

She is survived by her son, Jack Emory Worthington Jr. (Angela) daughters Laura Lynn Ellis (David) and Jeanna Faye Kervin (Isaac).

Grandchildren, Sydney Gaines (Brian) Jacob Worthington (girlfriend Anna), Keenan Worthington (girlfriend Haley) and, Zachary Kervin (fiancé Melissa), Lilly Worthington and Aurelia Worthington. Great Grandchildren, Ivy Gaines, Wren Gaines, and Violet Gaines. Dearest Sister-In-Law Ruby Worthington, lifelong friends Patricia Norrell and Annette Reardon and family member Leslie Worthington as well as a large extended family and friends.

Mrs. Worthington was proceeded in death by her husband of 46 years; an infant son, Jeffery McLain Worthington; her parents; a brother, Gene McLain, and a sister, Salley McLain Aaron.

A funeral service was held on Jan. 17 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home, with burial following in Garden Hills Cemetery. To make a donation in her name, please consider the American Lung Association or your local church.

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 2024 MEETINGS Auburn/Opelika MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and MOMSNext meet at Pepperell Baptist Church located at 2702 2nd Ave. in Opelika.

Meetings are scheduled for: Feb. 1, 15; March 7, 21; April 4, 18; May 2 Contact Rachel Elrod at 706-244-5620 or Pastor Zac Gardner or Pastor Josh Elliott at 334-745-3108 for further information.

NAMI MEETING

NAMI East Alabama, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), will not meet in December. The next meeting will be Feb. 20, 2024 at 6 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.

Opelika Lions Club meets noon on Mondays at Western Sizzlin' in Opelika.

Email gm.markley@ charter.net.

A15 Jan. 25, 2024

A16 Jan. 25, 2024

Schools & Sports

INSIDE SCHOOL & SPORTS • LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS | BOARD MEETING FEB. 6 AT 6 P.M. • AUBURN CITY SCHOOLS | BOARD MEETING FEB. 6 AT 6 P.M. • OPELIKA CITY SCHOOLS | BOARD MEETING FEB. 27 AT 4:30 P.M.

Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024

Lee County's Brad Hunter receives award from Alabama Music Educators

On the Mark

PHOTO BY JOHN HILLSMAN | FOR THE OBSERVER

Girls wrestling perfoms well

BY D. MARK MITCHELL OPINION —

The OHS varsity won the Bobcat Bash last weekend in Beulah. The Dogs scored 270-points, 142 points ahead of AHS. Some of the top wrestlers are listed below: 126- 1st Place Match Derrick Hoyett (Opelika HS) over Harry Grant (Beulah) (Dec 10-5) 138-1st Place Match Brayden Wilson (Opelika HS) over Julian Anthony (Russell County) (MD 10-0) 138-Champ. Round 1 - Jackson Renfroe (Reeltown) over Alexander Rivera (Opelika HS) (Fall 2:50) 138-1st Place Match Brayden Wilson (Opelika HS) over Julian Anthony (Russell County) (MD 10-0) 138-Champ. Round 1 - Jackson Renfroe (Reeltown) over Alexander Rivera (Opelika HS) (Fall 2:50)

See ON THE MARK, page B2

Dr. Brad Hunter, assistant superintendent of Lee County Schools, has been named the 2024 Alabama Music Educators Association (AMEA) Outstanding Administrator. Under his leadership, Lee County Schools added music education in all elementary schools beginning this school year. He has allocated Title IV funds to purchase instruments to reduce the financial barrier to music education access, and most recently he allocated over $1.3 million through ESSER Funds to purchase instruments, provide instrument tutors, fund a summer music camp and more. Pictured, from left, are Lee County music educators Gene Butler, Anna Shepherd-Jones, Hunter, John M. Hillsman and Rusty Courson.

OCS Board announces Opelika 2023-24 Teachers of the Year PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY OCS FOR THE OBSERVER

WRESTLING Two Opelika High student-athletes, Heidi Peralta-Fernandez and Gabrielle Reese, earned a trip to the AHSAA Girls State Wrestling Championship. Neither won their weight class, but both performed well at the meet.

The results are below: 114 – Champ. Round 1 - Heidi Peralta-Fernadez (Opelika HS) received a bye 114 Champ. Round 2 - Heidi Peralta-Fernadez (Opelika HS) over Elizabeth Herhold (Gulf Shores) (Fall 0:13) 114 Champ. Round 3 Emily Smith (Daphne) over Heidi Peralta-Fernadez (Opelika HS) (Fall) 114 Cons. Round 4 Verona Prishtina (Grissom HS) over Heidi PeraltaFernadez (Opelika HS) (Fall 2:26) 114 Champ. Round 1 Gabrielle Reese (Opelika HS) received a bye 114 Champ. Round 2 Gabrielle Reese (Opelika HS) over Kelsey Seigler (Thompson HS) (Dec 6-2) 114 Champ. Round 3 Gabrielle Reese (Opelika HS) over Alana Marky (W. S. Neal) (Fall 0:43) 114 Quarterfinals Gabrielle Reese (Opelika HS) over Jaylee Carter

(Weaver) (Fall 3:22) 114 Semifinals - Juliana Eldridge (Wetumpka) over Gabrielle Reese (Opelika HS) (Dec 6-2) 114 Cons. Semis Gabrielle Reese (Opelika HS) over Rin Curtis (Bob Jones) (Fall 3:37) 114 3rd Place Match Gabrielle Reese (Opelika HS) over Jaylee Carter (Weaver) (Fall 2:57)

Pictured, left to right, are Marta Harrison of Opelika Middle School, Laura Childs of Jeter Primary, Traci Meyers of West Forest Intermediate, Tamera Garner of Fox Run School, Haley Thomas of Morris Avenue Intermediate, Mandy Baker of Opelika High (OCS Secondary Teacher of the Year), Meagan Pritchard of Carver Primary, Branham Smith of Northside (OCS Elementary Teacher of the Year) and Kasi Davis of Southview Primary.

BY ANITA STIEFEL ANITAS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM OPELIKA — At the reg-

ularly scheduled meeting on Jan. 23 of the Opelika City Schools Board of Education, Superintendent Dr. Farrell

Seymore announced the 2023-24 Teachers of the Year.

Among this year’s

honorees are Kasi Davis of Southview Primary School,

See TEACHERS, page B2

Excellence. Innovation. Compassion.

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

www.theorthoclinic.com

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

B2 Jan. 25, 2024

AU student wins prestigious Churchill Scholarship

Maggie Nelson has earned more prestigious scholarships than anyone on The Plains AUBURN — Maggie Nelson, a senior from Birmingham, Alabama, has won the prestigious Churchill Scholarship, a first for Auburn University. This fall, Nelson will attend Churchill College at the University of Cambridge and work toward her MPhil in materials science and metallurgy.

Nelson now sits comfortably at the top of the list of Auburn’s most prestigious scholars. Over the course of her time at Auburn, she has won two Astronaut Scholar Awards, the German Exchange DAAD RISE Award, the Barry M. Goldwater Award and now the Churchill Scholarship.

No other undergraduate in the history of Auburn University has won as many prestigious scholarships as Nelson.

“It feels like a little much, but I’m honored and thankful. I would like to thank all

the people who supported me through my undergraduate journey at Auburn,” she said.

Nelson was quick to note that even though it seems she has achieved a lot, she has also failed about the same amount of times.

“Winning these awards is a testament to building a tolerance for failure, but I’m always trying,” she added.

This attitude of hard work exemplifies Nelson’s nature.

"Maggie is the personification of the Auburn Creed, particularly where it reads ‘I believe in work, hard work.’

While her performance in the classroom has been truly outstanding, we have always emphasized the importance of quality experiences outside of the classroom. This is where I think Maggie has truly shined,” said Brian Thurow, chair of the Department of Aerospace Engineering in Auburn’s Samuel Ginn College of Engineering.

While at Cambridge, Nelson will research ways of improving the efficiency of solar energy cells in interior light.

She hopes she can apply this knowledge to Earth and spacebased solutions for sustainable energy production.

Nelson, an Honors College student, will graduate this spring with a bachelor’s in aerospace engineering and minors in materials engineering, philosophy and sustainability studies within the Ginn College of Engineering and the College of Liberal Arts, respectively.

The Winston Churchill Scholarship is an annual award given to only 16 students nationally to study at Churchill College in Cambridge. The scholarship is regarded as one of the nation’s most prestigious awards.

Established at the request of Sir Winston Churchill as part of the founding of Churchill College, the Churchill Schol-

PHTOO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

MAGGIE NELSON arship fulfills his vision of deepening the US-UK partnership in order to advance science and technology on

both sides of the Atlantic, ensuring our future prosperity and security.

Auburn High's Cate Herring competes for state DYW title PHTOO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

CATE HERRING

TEACHERS >>

FROM B1

Laura Childs of Jeter Primary School, Meagan Pritchard of Carver Primary School, Haley Thomas of Morris Avenue Intermediate School, Traci Meyers of West Forest Intermediate School, Tamera

215-Champ. Round 1 - Thomas Fenn (Opelika HS) over Brandon Gaskins (Russell County) (Fall 1:31) 285-Champ. Round 1 E`Mauri Smiley (Opelika HS) over Russell Jones (Beulah) (Fall 2:5) OPELIKA BASKETBALL Opelika boys and girls varsity basketball teams had a tough week, losing two games apiece to Auburn and Smiths Station.

The Lady Bulldogs lost to AHS 75-35 at Auburn last week. The girls lost at Smiths Station 55-44.

Monica Whack led the team with 10 points and nine rebounds, along with KK Dowell's 14 points and five rebounds.

Opelika's girls are

AUBURN — Distiguished Young Woman of Lee County Cate Herring, a senior at Auburn High School, competed against 41 other participants representing counties throughout the state at the Distinguished Young Women (DYW) of Alabama program held Jan. 19-20 in Montgomery.

Participants were evaluated in five phases of competition: scholastics, interview, talent, self-expression, and fitness.

Herring was named

a top-eight finalist, and she received scholarship awards in the self-expression and talent categories.

During the preliminary self-expression competition, Herring was asked what skill she would like to gain and how she would use it. She stated as an aspiring attorney, she would like to gain the skill of conflict resolution. A competition dancer at Variations Dance Studio, Herring impressed the judges with her performance of a contemporary ballet en pointe entitled, “Planetarium,” featuring music from her favorite film, La La

Garner of Fox Run School and Marta Harrison of Opelika Middle School.

System-wide, the Elementary Teacher of the Year is Branham Smith of Northside Intermediate School, and the Secondary Teacher of the Year is Mandy Baker of Opelika High School.

Also at the meeting, the

board voted to replace the turf at Bulldog Stadium at a cost of $407,055. The board accepted the lone bid from Krebs Engineering Inc. Work will begin immediately so the project will be finished in time for the stadium to be used for spring graduation.

Turf in the school’s inside practice facility will also be

replaced.

In discussing the project, Superintendent Dr. Farrell Seymore explained that the current turf has been used beyond its 10-year warranty, is worn and must be replaced for safety purposes. The project is part of the board’s ongoing plan to upgrade facilities.

playing without several

girls continue to have good seasons. The AHS Lady Tigers improved to 3-1 in the area after beating Central 69-57.

The Auburn boys lost to the Red Devils 57-54 last Friday. The Tigers and Red Devils are tied for the area with 1-3 records.

10 points, two assists and two steals. Madison Davis scored nine points and grabbed nine rebounds.

Clark Ivatt scored nine points and had six rebounds. Mary Kathrine Harris scored eight points with nine rebounds.

The LSA varsity boys (19-4) lost two games in a row last week after beating Macon East. Lee-Scott beat Macon East on senior night at Samford Gym on the LSA campus. Seniors Ben Aldridge and Owen Gibson were honored prior to the game.

The Warriors lost two region games at the end of the week, Springwood 61-50 and Valiant Cross 71-59. The two losses were without two starters, senior Ben Aldridge and sophomore Parks Myers.

The two were out because of an injury and sickness.

ON THE MARK >> players who are out to due

FROM B1

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

various reasons. There are two eighth grade girls on the Opelika Middle School that could start and help the varsity team, but Coach Smalley will have to wait until the OMS season is completed before the players can join the varsity. It is interesting that this rule is in place because several big schools across Alabama play eighth graders on varsity: Hazel Green, Auburn, Central, Eufaula, Oxford, Grissom Bob Jones, and some have played seventh graders.

The varsity boys team lost two close games last week, Auburn won 65-61 and SSHS slipped by OHS 62-58 last Friday. Both teams are 1-3 in the area.

AUBURN BASKETBALL Auburn High boys and

LSA BASKETBALL Lee-Scott Academy girls won two games last week.

They beat Macon East 6620 behind 24 points from Madison Davis, along with five steals and three assists.

Mary Kathrine Harris added 10 points and three rebounds. Clark Ivatt added nine points, five rebounds and five assists. Railey Langford scored seven points and recorded three steals.

The Lady Warriors beat Springwood in Lanett, 37-36 behind Ellie Keesee's

Land.

In total, she received $1,600 in cash scholarships from the Alabama DYW program. Combined with her awards from winning the Lee County DYW program, Herring has received $4,100 to use toward her education at Auburn University.

Current high school juniors interested in participating in the program are invited to attend an information session hosted in the library of Opelika High School on Tuesday, Feb. 6, at 6 p.m.

Anyone interested in the program can also email lee@distinguishedyw.org for

In other business, the board: • Approved updates to the Opelika High School cheer tryout score sheet; • Agreed to increase the state per mile travel reimbursement rate for use of personal vehicles, per a memorandum from the Office of the State Comptroller;

D. Mark Mitchell is the sports director at iHeartMedia, host of “On the Mark” Fox Sports the

more information.

ABOUT DISTINGUISHED YOUNG WOMEN

Founded in 1958, Distinguished Young Women is a free program that encourages participants to reach their full individual potential. Its mission is to empower young women by providing over $1 billion in scholarship opportunities throughout the local, state, and national levels, connecting participants with a nationwide network of women, developing their self-confidence, and preparing them for success after high school.

• Approved recommended revisions to the Sick Leave Bank guidelines; and • Approved the recommended 2024-25 school year calendar for Opelika City Schools.

The next school board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 27, at 4:30 p.m.

Game 910-1319, co-chair of the Auburn-Opelika Sports Council, chairman of the Super 7 and Dixie Boys Baseball state director.

B3 Jan. 25, 2024

Auburn men's basketball team breaks into AP Top 10 Victories over Vandy, Ole Miss extend winning streak to 11

Wednesday, Jan. 17: Auburn 80, Vanderbilt 65 Jaylin Williams put together a perfect night as Auburn defeated Vanderbilt (5-12) to extend its win streak to 10 and move to 4-0 in SEC play.

PHOTO BY GRAYSON BELANGER

AUBURN –– With 11 wins in a row, No. 8 Auburn University men’s basketball (16-2) possesses the best overall record in the SEC, and the Tigers are the only undefeated team in conference play at 5-0.

Auburn has won each game during its win streak by double digits, rising from being unranked to No. 8 in the country during that span. With a win and an Alabama loss to Tennessee on Saturday, Auburn sits alone in first place in the SEC after wins over Vanderbilt and Ole Miss last week.

"We're deep at every position, and we have each other's back," said senior guard Lior Berman. "If one guy is off, we've got another guy coming in and we're going to support each other through that. Having that at each position has allowed us to be effective every night."

Here are some highlights from the Tigers’ two most recent victories.

Leading the team with 21 points, Williams shot 7-for-7 on field goals, including 2-for-2 on 3-pointers, and went 5-for-5 from the free-throw line in addition to grabbing eight rebounds and three assists.

Going into Saturday’s game, the fifth-year senior owned a 62.9% shooting percentage from the floor this season and 43.9% on threes – both of which are career highs.

It was all smiles after winning its tenth straight game by double digits, but the Commodores didn’t make it easy early on. Vanderbilt took its only lead of the game eight minutes into the first half. Auburn responded with a 27-8 run to take a 17-point lead to the half.

Vanderbilt outscored Auburn 41-39 in the second half, but it was too little too late as Auburn escaped with the win and career nights from three Auburn big men.

Another veteran big man, Johni Broome, gave a curtain call in Nashville as he finished with his seventh double-double of the season – his 17th in an Auburn jersey – with 15 points and 12 rebounds. After absorbing a hard foul in the final minutes, he went to the bench with a big smile and slight limp after knocking down the latter of his two

PHOTO BY ZACH BLAND | AUBURN TIGERS

BY NOAH GRIFFITH FOR THE OBSERVER

Auburn's Jaylin Williams (2) scored 21 points against Vandy. Against Ole Miss, Williams and Johnni Broome (4) led the team with 13 points each.

free throws.

In addition to big nights from Williams and Broome, senior Dylan Cardwell recorded a career-high 12 points.

Following Cardwell’s lead, Auburn flexed its muscles inside, outscoring Vanderbilt 36-20 in the paint and shooting 81% on 22 freethrow attempts to secure its fourth consecutive win to start SEC play.

Saturday, Jan. 20: Auburn 82, Ole Miss 59 Auburn held off Auburn transfer Allen Flanigan and Ole Miss (15-3) to become

the sole unbeaten team in SEC play.

Twelve different players scored for the Tigers and 10 recorded an assist as Auburn’s big men stayed in charge. Broome and Williams led the team with 13 points, while Cardwell notched his second consecutive 12-point game – matching his career-high that he set in the prior game.

Ole Miss jumped out to a 4-2 lead, but Auburn led for the remainder of the game. The Tigers led by as much as 31 after a 16-6 run to begin the second half,

but a late 8-0 run by Ole Miss shrunk the final point deficit to 23.

In his return, Flanigan put up 10 points and four rebounds despite coming into Neville Arena with 16.5 points and a team-best seven rebounds per game.

Despite the underwhelming performance, Flanigan was the sole Ole Miss player to score in double figures.

Auburn’s unrelenting pressure forced Ole Miss to shoot a lowly 36.8% from the floor, and 58 points was a season low for Ole Miss.

It has now lost two straight games for the first time this

season as it falls to 2-3 in SEC play.

Oppositely, the red-hot Tigers continue to climb the ladder. During its 11game win streak, 10 wins have come by 15 or more – including seven by 20 or more. Seven of the 11 wins have come against Power 5 opponents.

After a week consisting of two wins by 15 or more, Auburn looked to extend its win streak and climb a step higher when it traveled to Tuscaloosa to face Alabama (12-6) on Wednesday, Jan. 24. Results were unavailable at press time.

AU women lose close one at Vandy, dominate Bama at home CONTRIBUTED BY AUBURNTIGERS.COM

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A game that featured eight ties and 17 lead changes saw Auburn unable to hold onto a late lead in a 53-50 loss at Vanderbilt on Jan. 18.

The score was tied with a minute to play, but Vanderbilt scored with 33 seconds left to take the lead. Auburn had two possessions in the final seconds but was unable to convert those into points, and the Commodores held on.

Trailing 52-50, Auburn had an opportunity to tie the game with six seconds to play with two free throws coming. The Tigers missed the first and had the second waved off on a lane violation.

After a Vanderbilt timeout, a stellar sideline defensive play gave the ball back to the Tigers with 4.6 seconds left. But the Tigers could not get a shot off, Vandy would draw a foul and make one shot, then a half-court heave hit the backboard to end the game.

On a cold day in Nashville, the shooting wasn’t much warmer inside Memorial Gym as neither team topped 40 percent from the field.

Auburn was 21-of-59 for 35.6 percent, and Vandy wasn’t much better at 18-of-47 (38.3 percent).

Auburn made just one

PHOTO BY ZACH BLAND | AUBURN TIGERS

Thursday, Jan. 18: Auburn 50, Vanderbilt 53

3-pointer on 13 attempts.

Honesty Scott-Grayson continued her stellar week with a team-leading 15 points along with a season-high six assists.

She also had six rebounds on the day. Taylen Collins just missed a doubledouble with 10 points and nine rebounds.

Auburn was missing two key rotation players, as McKenna Eddings and Oyindamola Akinbolawa did not make the trip due to illness.

Sunday, Jan. 21: Auburn 78, Bama 65

BY JEFF SHEARER AUBURNTIGERS.COM

AUBURN — On the day Auburn retired the jersey of all-time scoring leader DeWanna Bonner, the Tigers used a stellar start and a fabulous finish to defeat Alabama 78-65 on Jan. 21 at Neville Arena.

In the first and fourth quarters, Auburn outscored Alabama 50-20, defeating their in-state rival for the first time in their past 10 meetings.

“Really feels good to get my first win over Alabama, and this team’s first win in a while,” Auburn coach Johnnie Harris said. “It was special to do this in front of our alumni. We prepared well.

Our team was focused, they were locked in. We wanted to set the tone and I felt like we did. Really happy with the win.

Honesty Scott-Grayson

Two-time WNBA champion DeWanna Bonner, Auburn's all-time leading scorer, (2,162 points), was on hand to see her No. 24 jersey retired prior to the victory over Alabama on Jan. 21. Bonner has had a 13-year career in the WNBA and is currently a forward with the Connecticut Sun.

led Auburn with 19 points, JaMya Mingo-Young scored 12 and grabbed a team-high nine rebounds, and Savannah Scott added 10.

“We knew what we had to do, DB was here, great win,” Scott-Grayson said.

“We always appreciate the support. The crowd is growing each and every home game, and we appreciate it. That game was all about who wanted it more, and we wanted it more.”

With Bonner’s No. 24 hanging from the rafters, Auburn started the game in a manner reminiscent of the team she led to the 2009 SEC Championship.

The Tigers made their first five shots, including 3-pointers from Kaitlyn Duhon and Mingo-Young

en route to a 12-0 lead.

Auburn forced eight turnovers in the opening quarter, converting them into 10 points and taking a 15-point lead on Shaw’s 3-pointer.

Duhon’s 3-point-play gave the Tigers a 22-6 lead after the first quarter.

“The energy in the building was crazy to start the game,” Mingo Young said. “We started off hot.”

Alabama trimmed Auburn’s lead to single digits in the second quarter before MingoYoung drove and beat the shot clock with a nifty left-handed layup against her former teammates to help the Tigers take a 4030 halftime lead.

“It’s not anything personal. We just needed a win,” Mingo-Young said.

“It felt good to beat them.”

Auburn struggled against Alabama’s zone in the third quarter while being outscored 2110. Alabama’s Jessica Timmons, who led all scorers with 26 points, capped an 8-0 run that put the Crimson Tide ahead by three before Scott scored in the paint to pull the Tigers within one point at 51-50 going to the fourth quarter.

Auburn opened the fourth quarter with a full-court press that led to an 8-0 run on a pair of free throws and three consecutive steals and layups to take a 58-51 lead.

“We hadn’t pressed all game,” Harris said. “I really wanted to get some energy going. We went

on a run, and I felt like that was the difference in the ballgame. I think it caught them off guard. It got the energy going in the building. That’s the way we play.”

After the visitors pulled within two, Sydney Shaw hit a 3-pointer to start a 9-0 run that put the Tigers on top by 11 with 3:05 to play after Scott-Grayson’s floater.

On Monday, Jan. 29, Auburn (13-6, 2-4) will welcome Georgia to Neville Arena, where the Tigers are 10-2 this season. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m., and the game will be televised on SEC Network. General admission tickets are available in advance for $8 at Auburn Ticket Central.

B4 Jan. 25, 2024

Introducing the first Lee County Honor Band PHOTOS BY JOHN HILLSMAN

BY JOHN HILLSMAN FOR THE OBSERVER

BEAUREGARD — In February 2023, the band directors teaching in Lee County Schools were invited to a meeting with assistant superintendents Dr. Brad Hunter and Dr. Jason Wright and Dr. Anna Shepherd-Jones, director of federal programs, accountability and improvement. The purpose of the meeting was to develop goals and strategic planning for the band programs in the school system.

One of the outcomes was that LCS would host the first ever Lee County Schools Honor Band. The dates of Jan. 12 and 13 were chosen and a decision was made that the event would be hosted in the V.E.S.P.A. (Venue for

Educating Students in the Performing Arts) auditorium on the campus of Beauregard High School.

In the fall of 2023, Carlton Wright, band director at Alabama A & M University, and Regina Yates Raney, band director at Austin Middle School, were selected to be guest conductors for the inaugural event, with Wright directing students in grades 10-12 and Raney directing grades 7-9.

Students from Beauregard High School, Beulah High School, Loachapoka High School, Smiths Station Junior and Senior High Schools and Sanford Middle School were selected to comprise the Lee County Honor Band.

The original plan was to host a two-day event with rehearsals on both

Friday and Saturday morning with the event culminating in a concert at 1 p.m. Saturday; however, because of the school closure on Friday, the practices and the concert all occurred on Saturday.

Students met at 9 a.m. and immediately began rehearsing. The first rehearsal session ran until noon. After being treated to lunch, it was back for a second rehearsal. Following a short break, the students presented a concert for the parents and community at 4 p.m.

Beauregard High School Principal Richard L. Brown Jr. welcomed the audience members, followed by comments by Hunter and board of education member Dr. Rusty Courson.

According to event coordinators Gene

Band directors collaborated to create the Lee County Honor Band, and its inaugural event was held at Beauregard High School on Jan. 14.

Outstanding band students in grades 7-9 and 10-12 were selected to participate. Guest conductors were Carlton Wright of Alabama A&M University and Regina Yates Raney of Austin Middle School in Decatur, Alabama.

Butler, John Hillsman and DeZayveon Dickerson, the event was a resounding success, providing a positive experience for the school system’s young musicians. For many students, it was their first honor band activity.

In addition to the event coordinators, band directors Belinda Wright, Chris Cox, Jason Hallberg, Michael Floyd and Alex Rochowski all assisted with hosting the event. Ken McConnell and Wendy Burroughs, president and treasurer, respectively, of the Beauregard Band Booster Club, Chef Jason Haywood, Lori Messer and Lucious Lapelis prepared and served lunch. Marcia Hillsman hosted the band directors and guest conductors for dinner and an evening of fellowship following the event.

B5 Jan. 25, 2024

Tuberville nominates local students for appointments to U.S. service academies CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) today announced his nomination of 30 high school and preparatory school students to U.S. service academies as a part of the class of 2028.

Included among the nominees to the U.S. Air Force Academy are William Carroll, Opelika High School, son of Andrew and Ann Carroll, and Daeun Lee, Auburn High School, daughter of Hyunjoo Kim and Goojin Lee. Nominees to the U.S. Military Academy include four students from Auburn: Connor Hofbauer, St. Andrews High School, son of Lutz and Gina

Hofbauer; Jackson Seidman, Auburn High School, son of Mindy and Bruce Seidman; Daniel Troy, Auburn High School, son of Aelee and Daniel Troy; and Jordan Wilson of Auburn, West Point Scholarship to Georgia Military College, son of Kelly and Robert Wilson.

Among nominees to the U.S. Naval Academy is Greyson Wood, Auburn High School, son of Jennifer and Brian Wood.

“In a time of global instability, our military needs brave young men and women to ensure America continues to have the strongest fighting force in the world,” said Sen. Tuberville. “It’s an honor to nominate these great Alabamians to

our United States service academies. I am thankful for their desire to serve and defend our country. I look forward to following their continued success and know they will continue to make our state proud.”

Service academy nominees must be residents of Alabama and undergo an extensive application process to receive a nomination. Applicants must complete the required ACT and SAT exams, and provide letters of recommendation, a school transcript, along with the required application form.

More information on applying for a U.S. service academy can be found at www. tuberville.senate.gov/ services/academies.

Education briefs CLINTON, MISSISSIPPI — Lauren Yendle of Auburn was named to the Fall 2023 Dean's List at Mississippi College. To be eligible for the Dean's List, a student must maintain a 3.5 grade point average while taking a full course load of at least 12 semester hours.

JACKSONVILLE, ALABAMA — More than 500 students were awarded degrees as part of Jacksonville State University's Fall 2023 commencement on Dec. 15, including: From Auburn: Logan Cheaney, M.S. in Instructional Technology, and Riley Kinard, B.S.E. in Early Childhood Elementary Education; From Opelika: Jayla Callaway, B.S. in Exercise Science/Wellness; Kyla Chambers, B.S.E. in Early Childhood Elementary Education; Jada Murphy, Master’s Degree in Social Work; Caleb Williams, M.S. in Emergency Management and Daylan Wright, B.F.A. in Art; and From Smiths Station: Sierra Anderson, B.S. in Forensic Investigation HANCEVILLE, ALABAMA — Wallace State Community College has recognized McKinnon Laure Howard of Smiths Station, who earned a place on the President's List for the Fall 2023 semester. To earn a spot on the President's List, students must maintain a perfect 4.0 GPA for the semester while taking a course load of 12 or more hours.

JACKSONVILLE, ALABAMA — Several area students have been named to the Dean's and President’s and lists for outstanding academic performance at Jacksonville State University in Fall 2023.

On the Dean’s List are Jessica Mace, Xavier Rashad Sanford, Caroline G. Norred and Charlee Marie Elizabeth Whitcomb, all of Auburn; Jackson Ernest Washburn, Kason Levi Martichuski, Jayla Symone Callaway, Darrius Harris, Jenniffer McKenzey Coxwell and Emilee Larson Cook, all of Opelika; Jacob Ryan Zimdahl of Salem and Sierra D. Anderson of Smiths Station.

On the President's List are Madison Marie Pritchett of Auburn, Morgan Nicole Hayes and Margaret Irene Bice, both of Opelika, and Kobe M. Smith of Salem.

STATESBORO, GEORGIA — Delisha Salter of Auburn has been named to the Fall 2023 President's List for excellence in academics by Georgia Southern University. To be el-igible for the President's List, a student must have a 4.0 grade point average and carry a minimum of 12 hours for the semester.

ST. GEORGE, UTAH — Utah Tech University recognized Saache Ensley of Smiths Station on the President's List for the Fall 2023 semester. To qualify for this honor, students had to achieve a semester GPA of 3.9 and higher as well as complete at least 15 credits.

Smiths Station receives award for AP computer science diversity CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER LEE COUNTY — Smiths Station High School has received a Female Diversity Award for AP Computer Science. The award, presented by the College Board, recognizes schools across the U.S. that expanded young women’s participation in the course and improved gender representation in computer science during the 2022-2023 school year.

Schools receiving the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award have achieved either 50% or higher female exam taker representation in AP computer science courses or a percentage of female computer science exam takers that meets or exceeds that of the school’s female population. Smiths Station was among only a handful of schools from Alabama to receive the award and was the only recipient from a school in Lee County to do so.

According to the AP Central website, “Studying computer science can open doors for students, giving

them the tools to excel and setting them up for high-paying careers, but girls have been left behind for far too long.

That’s why College Board is honoring schools for expanding young women’s access to AP computer science classes and for the important steps they’re taking to improve gender representation.”

College Board research has shown that women are five times more likely to major in computer science in college when given the opportunity to explore it in high school.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2019 there were 5.6 million people employed in computer and information technology occupations with a median salary of $88,000.

Women only earned 21% of computer science bachelor’s degrees and made up 34% of the STEM workforce in 2023, according to the National Girls Collaborative Project.

ABOUT THE COLLEGE BOARD The College Board is a mission-driven notfor-profit organization that connects students

to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, College Board was created to expand access to higher education. Today, the membership association is made up of over 6,000 of the world’s leading educational institutions and is dedicated to promoting excellence and equity in education. Each year, College Board helps more than seven million students prepare for a successful transition to college through programs and services in college readiness and college success—including the SAT, the Advanced Placement Program, and BigFuture. The organization also serves the education community through research and advocacy on behalf of students, educators, and schools.

College Board’s AP Program is a collaborative community of AP teachers and students, states, districts, schools, colleges, and universities committed to the daily work of developing college-level knowledge and skills. We’ve been delivering excellence in education to millions of students across the country since 1955.

4-H Camp registration now open New this year: Teen camp for ages 14-18 CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER AUBURN — Get ready to leave the cold days of winter behind. Warm, sunny days at Alabama 4-H summer camp are just on the horizon. Each year, hundreds of 4-H members from across the state converge on the Alabama 4-H Center in Columbiana for days of learning and fun in the summer sun. Traditionally for ages 9-13, Alabama 4-H is excited to offer a new teen summer camp this year for ages 14-18.

“Teens love camp just as much as the younger kiddos,” said Amy Carbone, environmental education manager at the Alabama 4-H Center. “Part of why the campers come back every year is because of how fun camp is and how great their experiences are. Our teenagers want to continue their experiences just like the younger ones do. Now they get to do that with campers their own age.”

Molly Gregg, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s assistant director for 4-H programs, said summer camp is a place where 4-H members can foster a deep sense of community with youth and adults from across the state.

“Alabama 4-H camp is more than just a summer escape,” Gregg said. “It is an experience that cultivates leadership, teamwork and a lifelong appreciation for nature and being outdoors. Through hands-on

activities and mentorship, participants develop essential life skills, build a foundation for success and connect with the natural world around them.”

2024 Summer Camp Sessions In 2024, 4-H members living in Lee County are assigned to attend Session 2, June 5-7, along with eight other counties.

Because counties are assigned to a session, members must register through their county 4-H program in order to attend summer camp. Registration for youth camp sessions is now open. The base cost for summer camp is $175.

However, because of transportation, some counties may charge more to cover those costs.

“Parents and guardians should contact their county Extension office or the 4-H agent in their county for information on how to register for camp,” Carbone said. “Every county does something different and has a limited number of open spots.”

In Lee County, only 15 spots are available, and the deadline for all payment and paperwork to be submitted is Friday, Feb. 16. For more information about 4-H Summer Camp for ages 9-13, contact the Lee County office of ACES at (334) 749-3353.

This year, there is only one session for the teen camp, May 29-31, with a $175 cost. Registration is open online at http://

v2.4honline.com. Unlike the youth camps, teens do not register for this camp through their county 4-H program. Registration will remain open until Alabama 4-H receives 100 registrants in 4HOnline.

Camp Activities When it comes to activities — you name it, 4-H summer camp has it.

Campers of all ages get to enjoy their time on Lay Lake — paddle boarding and kayaking — or swimming in the nearby pool. Other activities include shooting arrows at the archery range, climbing the rock wall, going to new heights on the giant swing, meeting live animals and much more.

“Everyone should experience summer camp,” Carbone said. “Camp is a great way to make new friends and get out of your new comfort zone, all while participating in fun and exciting activities.”

In addition to the traditional youth camp activities, the teen camp will have a few new experiences. The teen campers will get to build their leadership skills while still having fun.

“This new teen camp keeps our teenage members active in 4-H, and once they age out of teen camp, they can apply to be counselors,” Carbone said.

For more information about 4-H Summer Camp, visit the website alabama4hcenter.org/ alabama-4-h-center/summer-camp.

B6 Jan. 25, 2024

Classroom Observer Winter needs snow, soup, sleep, sharing

BY BETH PINYERD CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER OPINION — My little dog, Cookie, keeps this fur Mom on a regular routine and schedule.

At 6 a.m. she wakes me up for her morning walk. She and I go through the seasons of early morning walks which I love as I see the light of the sun rising and hear the early morning birds chirping away.

This is the time even with sleepy eyes I look upon God’s beautiful world and pray in gratitude, “Today is going to be a good day.” In the winter, the sun shines brightly on the frozen grass blanketed with frost as Cookie and I make our way on our daily morning walk. Even though some trees and plants look dormant, Cookie and I see a little yellow or purple clover trying to peek out its petals as they bloom even in the cold winter. In the wintry mix

we might catch a glimpse of snowflakes, which reminds us that no two snowflakes are alike. Each snowflake is unique and different just like children as it tells us in the Bible in Psalm 139:14 — I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Upon entering the early childhood and elementary classroom, coats, sweaters, caps are hanging on hooks and coloring pictures of snowmen and round paper snowflakes decorate the classrooms. As teachers we realize that winter can be a challenge with teaching and encouraging our students because this season can have winter blues or blahs in trying to get going but I am in awe at how children truly meet the day with smiles in seeing their friends and embarking on a day of learning. An enjoyable early childhood

lesson is for children to listen to good winter books. Two books which have won my heart in teaching children about sharing, friendship, and getting along are “Cozy” by Jan Brett and “The Mitten”

by Jan Brett. Cozy is a musk ox who lives in Alaska who has very soft fur. A snowstorm hits Cozy while he is separated from his family.

Loneliness begins to set in but not very long because different forest animals begin to realize just how warm Cozy’s fur is, so they get his permission to burrow into his soft fur to stay warm and protected from the winter elements. Animals such as lemmings, snowshoe hare, snowy owl, artic fox and wolverine begin to settle into the comfort of Cozy’s fur. All these animals learn to share the warmth of Cozy’s Fur. “The Mitten,” which is a Ukrainian folktale of a mitten lost by a young boy named Nicki, carries the theme of sharing among animals who need a winter home. Animals big and small make the mitten their host home, and they must learn to get along. I have used these two books as a winter theme for friendship and kindness with my young students.

In thinking about winter, children truly love helping in preparing a warm bowl of soup. For early childhood, I love to read “Surprise Soup”

by Mary Ann Rodman and illustrated by G. Brian Karas.

This is a wonderful book about sibling relationships in which siblings work together to put just the right ingredients in the soup to surprise their Mama and new baby. The children see how the father, older brother and younger brother come together, and by trial and error put in the best ingredients.

Including children in a cooking measurements lesson, parents and teachers can also teach about life ingredients in presenting the Fruit of The Spirit from Galatians 5:22-23 — But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.

Children respond so well to learning and applying these truths. I would like to review these.

1. Take a gallon of love.

This ingredient is one we need so much of. Children love to sing songs of love for each other. As parents as teachers of children we are so blessed to be unconditionally hugged and hearing the words, “I Love you.”

2. Sprinkle in a dash of joy. Children love to clap, sing and laugh. In teaching toddlers, I realize just how fresh they are from Heaven in feeling the love of God. When we are happy it is conditioned by and often dependent on what is “happening to us” but joy is truly a divine dimension not shackled by

circumstances.

3. Be sure to weigh out a pound of peace. Sharing and getting along with family, siblings and friends promote peace. It takes time to listen to each other’s needs and contributions. Forgiveness is also a key ingredient.

4. Throwing in a pinch of patience is such a necessary ingredient in the fast-paced world. In the early childhood classroom, patience is practiced daily. When young students wait their turns to interact in learning centers, answer questions during lessons, line up to go outside or go to the lunchroom, patient skills are practiced.

These patient skills can be practiced and encouraged in families by praise when children are showing patient behavior. Children are so encouraged when we notice they are trying so hard, and we praise them in practicing patience.

5. Pour in a cup of kindness. Kindness is learned by children when we adults teach not only by our words but by our actions.

6. Measure out a tablespoon of goodness which is doing what is right in the sight of the Lord and man. It is simply doing what is right for the right reason. Making a practice of outreaching to others in goodness to others overrides bitterness and leads to forgiveness and joy.

7. Pouring out a quart of faithfulness is love hanging

on. Children love to pray.

With their young hearts, they believe in prayer. They trust and know that God will keep His promises.

8. Pour in a pint of gentleness. When we think of gentleness we think of humility, lack of pride and mercy. Children seem to understand this when given examples of thinking of other people first and how to help them. It is a wonderful sight to see when children help each other.

9. A bowl of self-control rounds out the flavor of this recipe. Self-control for children means that they obey and submit to their parents, teachers and rules.

During the winter, maintaining a consistent bedtime and wake up time for your children facilitates a smoother morning schedule.

In the winter it is a challenge for children to get up in the morning. Establish a consistent morning routine by planning and preparing the night before, like packing backpacks, preparing lunches, setting out school clothes, shoes, etc. Use sound to wake up your children by setting an alarm clock, radio or phone alarm. Setting a music alarm with your child’s favorite songs makes waking up more pleasant. I am so thankful for my fur buddy little dog who is my alarm every morning to meet the day.

Readers stay warm and happy.

WHERE THE TAILGATE Never Ends

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L ee County & A labama Politics

B7

B7

Jan. 25, 2024

Nov. 24, 2021

Thursday, Jan. 25, 2025

Inside the State House

The race to watch

BY STEVE FLOWERS OPINION—

T

he most interesting race to watch this year in Alabama will be for the newly drawn second con-gressional district.

The new seat was drawn by the federal courts to create a second majority minority district in Ala-bama.

Currently we have six Republicans and one Democrat representing Alabama in Washington.

If a Democrat wins the seat, we will have five Republicans and two Democrats on the Potomac in 2025. The new seat includes all of Montgomery and extends through the Black Belt and gathers most of the black voters in Mobile.

The race to fill the new open second congressional district is very crowded. When the federal courts drew the new lines, they strived to make sure that the new district would favor a Democrat. The proof in the pudding was an index attached to the plan presented by the Special Master selected by the court, which revealed that in 16 of the last 17 general elections a Democrat would have won this seat had it been on the ballot.

It is a monster of a field seeking the seat.

The Montgomery and Mobile television

stations will make some money on this race, both preceding the March 5 primary and after the primary because there will be a runoff in both Republican and Democratic primaries six weeks later. There will be a boatload of money spent by both national parties, shipped into Alabama for the November general election. This will be one of the most pivotal, marginal swing seats in the nation.

The Democratic field includes State House Minority Leader, Rep. Anthony Daniels, who lives in and represents a district in Huntsville.

Although Daniels has deep ties to the district, he was born and raised in Bullock County where he graduated high school and was a basketball star, and he has extensive family in Troy. His uncle is a recently retired city administrator and his grandmother, Eva Daniels, was a revered leader in the Bethel Baptist Church in Troy.

Rep. Napoleon Bracy, who actually lives in the district and has represented Prichard in the State House for a decade will be formidable.

Shomari Figures the son of legendary state Sen. Vivian Figures, has ties to the district having been born and raised there. However, he currently resides in Washington where he has been deputy chief of staff to the U.S. Attorney General.

Two Jefferson County legislators, Sen. Merika Coleman of Pleasant Grove/Bessemer and Rep. Juandalyn Givan of Birmingham, have joined the fray in the Mobile/Montgomery seat, as well as Opelika

State Rep. Jeremy Gray, who is also from outside the district but at least close to it.

Federal law does not require that a candidate be a resident of the congressional district to be elected to it. In fact, the early favorite to win this crowded Democratic race is probably Daniels of Huntsville. If indeed he does ultimately win, it will be the first time in my lifetime that I have ever seen someone elected to a congressional district they did not live in and actually represented a legislative district in a distant part of the state.

There are eight Republican candidates in the race for the new second district. The Republican favorite will be former Montgomery State Rep. and State Sen. Dick Brewbaker.

His family has owned a car dealership in Montgomery for three generations.

His four terms in the legislature, along with the Brewbaker Motors advertising in the Montgomery media market for over the last 30 years, gives him immense name identification in Montgomery and the surrounding counties.

Brewbaker’s biggest Republican challenge may come from veteran South Alabama State Sen. Greg Albritton, who is from Conecuh/ Escambia counties. He will be able to raise sufficient funds be-cause he is chairman of the State Senate Budget Committee. He also has some name identification in the Mobile area of the new district.

The third major Republican to watch

ALGOP issues statement on 'School Choice Week' CONTRIBUTED

BY THE ALGOP ALABAMA — Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl issued the following statement on National School Choice Week, which runs through Jan.27: "The Alabama Republican Party has been a longtime advocate for school choice and parental

rights in general.

We believe every child is unique, and that their parents are best equipped to determine what type of education meets their needs. We also believe that no child’s quality of education should be decided by where they live. Low income and minority families should have the same opportunities to alternative education

and a strong school choice bill will give them a chance for a better education and open up new paths of success. Now is the time to pass school choice in Alabama.

"I am thankful to Governor Ivey for declaring this school choice week in Alabama, and for her commitment to passing school choice legislation during the 2024 session."

Alabama House Democratic Caucus to hold inaugural Unity event “Your Freedom, Your Future” CONTRIBUTED BY THE ALABAMAM HOUSE DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS ALABAMA — The Alabama House Democratic Caucus invites the public to its inaugural unity event, “Your Freedom, Your Future”, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024, at 4 p.m. CT at the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Church Fellowship Hall, which is located at 454 Dexter Ave., in Montgomery.

This first ever unity event will be cohosted by the Alabama House Democratic Caucus, the Alabama Senate Democratic Caucus, the Alabama Democratic Party and Alabama Values

Progress.

The purpose of this free public event is for Democratic elected officials and partner organizations to come together and share their platform and policy priorities with the community prior for the 2024 Alabama Legislative Session which begins Feb. 6. There will be live music, information tables for constituents and an opportunity for fellowship with Democrats and elected officials from across the state.

Alabama House Democratic Caucus Chair Barbara Drummond said, “This will be a fantastic

event as we share our legislative agenda, which is a bold and inclusive vision for progress for all of us.

A unifying vision, focusing on ‘Your Freedom and Your Future.’”

Alabama House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels added, “Along with my colleagues, I am very excited to be a part of this landmark event to show voters that we have listened carefully to their input and that we support practical policies that will directly help everyone in Alabama. When we come together in unity, there’s nothing we can’t achieve.”

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B8 Jan. 25, 2024

By Greg Markley New faces in DC: House and Senate gain Millennials and Gen Xers

BY GREG MARKLEY OPINION —

W

hen Lee County election results were announced for the 1996 general election, it was apparent that Republicans made great gains. This was my first election as a political writer in Alabama. At the then 100-year-old courthouse a delighted man yelled, “It’s like an invasion.”

In a larger sense, it was a night that marked plenty of victories for the GOP. In the 27 years since, the Republican Party gradually became dominant almost all over the state.

Other big changes have come in American politics, and the public may not fully grasp how much more diverse the U.S. House and U.S. Senate are, all across the demographics. Pew

Research Center, two weeks after the 118th Congress convened, released charts that identified the categories.

Congress was shown to have a “changing face” that indicated the diversity in the body grew fast.

“The 118th Congress is the most racially and ethnically diverse in history,” wrote Katherine Schaeffer, a research analyst at Pew. “Overall, 133 lawmakers identify as Black, Hispanic, Asian American, American Indian, Alaska Native, or Multiracial. Together, these lawmakers make up a quarter of Congress, including 28% of the House of Representatives and 12% of the Senate.”

In 1945 the 79th Congress had nonWhite lawmakers who represented just 1% of the House and Senate combined. It is designed as a “representative” body but it has taken decades to really make the place where most people see and can say: “I saw someone who looks like me among the congress men and women.”

“We cannot change Washington if we keep sending the same establishment politicians to Congress,” said Hampton Harris, 27, a Republican candidate for the redistricted 2nd Congressional District. “America is at a crossroads, and members of my generation are desperate to fight for the values that seem to be under assault from the radical left. Weakness won’t defeat the woke.”

Harris is an attorney and a realtor. Woke means “concerned about social injustice and discrimination.”

In the 115th Congress, Millennials had 16% in the Senate; but at the current congress, 23% of the senators are Millennial (born 1981-1996). Also in the congress of 20172018, there was just one Millennial for an 0.2 average. But on the down side, only 97 members have served in the military. This is among the lowest number since World War II. More congressman are retiring earlier to work for corporations, as “talking-heads” on

TV, to run for governor or president, etc. But as we see below, some members of Congress stayed 50 or more years.

Rep. John Dingell stayed in the House 59 years and 21 days.

After Dingell retired from the House, he was succeeded by Debbie Dingell, his widow. So that one congressional seat has been filled for 65 years so far by just two related people!

“Our military is not fit to fight nor ready to defend our nation against terrorists who want to cause destruction,” said Harris, the Republican candidate in the 2nd Congressional District.

“VA is more concerned with providing gender conforming treatments and surgeries than providing elders who served with basic medical needs.” He had two grandfathers who served in the military and his wife is a JAG officer in the Air Force.

According to Pew Research, 13 voting members of Congress identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual.

This includes two U.S Senators and 11

members of the U.S. House. No openly transgender politicians are members. The 13 LGBTQ+ people in Congress represents now 2% of the voting legislators. That means LGBTQ people are dwarfed by the US Population (2.0 to 6.5%).

The 2nd Congressional District includes all of Montgomery, the eastern half of the Black Belt, the northern half of the Wiregrass, and part of Southwest Alabama, including most of Mobile. The 2nd District race has 21 candidates qualified to run, 13 Democrats and eight Republicans.

African Americans are expected to take that district on March 5 as it approximately — they may have 48 %of the vote. There could even be a 94% vote total due to the redistricting. The new 2nd Congressional District then, is likely to give another the state two black House members, for the first time. But any way you look at that, it is big news.

Results for the 1996 election, cited

in the introduction were not only terrific for Republicans, they were sometimes difficult to read due to old technology. Later contests were much better. Credit Bill English, the probate judge and county commission chair for 24 years. He is ending his successful tenure due to term-limits. I consider English not just a source, but a friend.

Good luck judge!

Today I am reading— “Afternoons with Harper Lee” by Wayne Flynt for a book review; also, “Don’t Ever Call a State’s Results Where People Are Still Voting,” in National Review.

Greg Markley moved to Lee County in 1996.

He has a master’s in education from AUM and a master’s 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.

The Rightside Way

The Legend of the Black Ghost

BY PHIL WILLIAMS OPINION —

A

labama is car country.

Legends have been born here. Names like Bobby Allison, Neil Bonnett and Red Farmer were all born, bred and raced in their home state. The Talladega Motor Speedway is a motorsports crown jewel, but dirt tracks, drag strips and custom car garages abound in every corner of sweet home Alabama.

I love hot rods and classic muscle cars. On the shelf in my office is a picture of my first car, a hopped up ’68 Mustang.

I drove it all through high

Become an

school and asked my wife to marry me in that car. As a young married couple expecting a child, I sold my four-wheeled baby to have our first baby.

No regrets, but the day is coming when I will get back to a classic muscle car, just wait. For now, I just admire them from afar and dream.

Muscle cars came of age in the late ’60s and early ’70s. Factories made cars you could pick up from the dealership and race that night at the track. Hemi ’Cudas, Boss Mustangs, Camaros, Chevelles, GTO’s — it was testosterone in motion.

In Detroit, there was a 24-mile strip called Woodward Avenue with an underground street racing culture that was almost semi-sanctioned.

Drivers ran mostly for pride, sometimes for

ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF

ADULT HUMAN RESOURCES 1-800-458-7214 FOSTER dhr.alabama.gov/AFC CARE Provider

This ad is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $3,686,987 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

“Love Never Ages”

money, but always for the love of cars.

In the Spring of 1970, a black Dodge Challenger showed up. No one knew the driver of the thunderously loud Hemipowered monster with the darkened windows.

It always won, and then always disappeared. The locals began calling it the Wraith of Woodward, and eventually just called it the Black Ghost. Sometimes it would come back the next night, or the next week, and sometimes it was gone for months. In 1975, the Black Ghost raced down Woodward for the last time, slipping away into street racing legend.

But recently the Black Ghost was found. In December 1969, one of only 22 1970 R/T SE Dodge Challengers was sold, complete with a 426 Hemi engine and 4-speed “Super Track Pack”

transmission. It was a rare car, built for racing from the factory, black on black with a black vinyl gatorskin roof.

The buyer was Godfrey Qualls, a Vietnam veteran who earned a Purple Heart with the 82nd Airborne Division. Oddly enough, Qualls was also… wait for it… a Detroit police officer. He knew where the cops would be, and only raced when the coast was clear.

Qualls passed away in 2015, leaving the Black Ghost to his son. It had sat untouched since the mid-70s with only 45,000 original miles. The younger Qualls tells how, as a child, his dad would put a $100 bill on the dash, telling him if he could reach up and grab it before fourth gear that he could have it. He never did.

The original Black Ghost recently sold at a

Mecum Auto Auction for just over $1 million and was added to the National Historic Vehicle Registry.

In 2023, Dodge decided to honor the memory of the Black Ghost by creating a factory made 2023 Black Ghost Challenger with a 6.2 liter Hemi engine that could do zero-to-60 in 3.7 seconds with a top speed of 200 mph.

Unfortunately, the 2023 Black Ghost Challenger tribute car was one of what Dodge referred to as its “last call” models.

Dodge Motor Company recently ended all further production of gas-powered performance cars, and that my friends is a crying shame. Succumbing to the forces of a government shakedown, the powers that be at Stellantis, the parent company of Dodge, have decided to move the vast majority of

their manufacturing to all electric vehicles (EVs).

But fear not, gearheads!

They are going into it with an all-electric line of muscle cars. Oh boy. Call me old fashioned but this is a changing of the guard that feels very hollow.

There is something magical about the smell of exhaust and getting grease on your hands while turning a wrench on a fire-breather that actually looks, smells and feels like a dragon waiting to be unleashed. Something special exists when you shift gears on a controlled explosion combusting under the hood, hear air sucking into an oversize carb, the whine of a supercharger and the rumble of the exhaust fumes passing through the pipes.

Dodge is trying to See WILLIAMS, page B9

B9 Jan. 25, 2024

Alabama tax season kicks off Jan. 29 ALABAMA — Tax Season 2024 is set to begin on Jan. 29 with a filing deadline for individual income tax returns of April 15. ALDOR offers these tips to help you file safely and get your refund quickly: Filing FILE ELECTRONICALLY — File your return electronically, direct deposit your refund, and receive your refund quicker than those who file paper returns. If you must pay, electronic payment options are convenient, safe and secure. For more information on electronic filing options, visit www. revenue.alabama.gov/ individual-corporate/ individual-income-taxelectronic-filing-options/.

FILE FOR FREE – File state returns for free using My Alabama Taxes at myalabamataxes.alabama. gov.

FORMS – 2023 Individual Income Tax forms and instructions can be found at www.revenue.alabama. gov/forms/?jsf=jetdata-table:formtable&meta=formyear:2023&tax=formcategories:154.

WILLIAMS >>

FROM B8

reclaim the high ground with what it calls its Charger Daytona SRT EV. It is said to be epically fast with its “Banshee powertrain.” The superEV has an electronic transmission, but will allow the driver to shift gears manually if they choose. Most importantly, the new electric hot rod from Dodge will also have a tailpipe containing a speaker that will generate fake V-8 style engine sounds with up to 126 decibels of computergenerated rumble.

I understand that the pressure to move to EV’s is significant. But the false government-subsidized market is already selfcorrecting. The recent auto workers strikes, that included Stellantis,

Security FILE EARLY – File as soon as possible after you receive your W-2s, 1099s and other documents. Filing early can help ALDOR get refunds approved earlier, plus it enables you to get ahead of ID thieves.

SAFETY FIRST — ALDOR plays a critical role in preventing taxpayer money from ending up in the wrong hands. We take a little extra time to perform fraud detection reviews and accuracy checks and to match against employer W2s, but this diligent work helps ensure that you get your money instead of fraudsters.

EMPLOYERS FILE THOSE W-2s — Employers must file employee W-2 information with ALDOR by Jan. 31.

Employers who file late may face penalties and will slow the processing of their employees' tax returns.

KEEP IN TOUCH – After you file, ALDOR may ask for more information. If you receive a letter from us, respond quickly so we can review your information and get your refund to you as soon as possible. Remember: ALDOR will never contact taxpayers initially by phone, text or email, only by letters represented a war between labor and management over the future of EV manufacturing with one union representative saying, “Corporate America is not going to force us to choose between good jobs and green jobs.

That’s a false choice.”

Meanwhile car lovers get false exhaust.

The mere fact that Dodge chose to make a final run of tribute cars stuffed with high-revving gas-burning engines is a clear signal that they know the mistake being made.

They are trying to win people over as they step off the ledge.

If folks want an EV, by all means go get one. Most of us just want a choice in the matter. We don’t want fake muscle. We want the real Black Ghost back.

Williams is a former State Senator, retired

ADOBE STOCK PHOTO | USED WITH PERMISSION

CONTRIBUTED BY ALDOR

sent through the mail.

Beware of scams – do not give anyone your personal information without confirming they are the proper authorities.

Fraud Detection ALDOR uses a variety of methods to validate identities and tax returns. To help protect personally identifiable information and keep dollars from going to criminals, ALDOR may send: • An Identity Confirmation letter that asks you to take a short online quiz or provide copies of documents to verify your identity www.revenue. alabama.gov/individualcorporate/alabamataxpayer-identity-protectionprogram/).

• A return verification

letter that asks you to verify online whether you or your representative filed the tax return ALDOR received.

Accuracy Checks ALDOR stops and reviews about 3 to 5 % of individual income tax returns each year to resolve mathematical errors or request missing information. To be sure that tax returns correctly reflect information and intent, ALDOR may send: • A Request for Information letter that asks for missing or additional information to support data reported on the tax return.

• A Tax Computation Change letter that explains changes that were made to the tax return.

Refunds HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE? When and how you file your return largely determines when your refund can be issued. For example, we receive and process electronically filed returns significantly faster than mailed returns. Also, returns tend to pile up later in the season and take longer to process. Generally, about 30 percent of income tax returns are filed in April. Returns filed this close to the deadline may require as many as 90 days to process.

• First-time filers: It takes additional time for new filers to be validated and entered into ALDOR’s system (approximately 1012 weeks). Until then, the Refund Status website won't

recognize these taxpayers and will report their returns as "not entered in system."

• E-filers: Generally, e-filers can expect their refund about eight to 10 weeks after the date they receive their filing acknowledgment from the state.

• Paper filers: These returns take about eight to 12 weeks to process. ALDOR personnel must manually enter information from paper returns into the database.

If you receive a letter from ALDOR asking for more information or to verify identity, the refund will be delayed until the requested information is received and reviewed by ALDOR. WHERE’S YOUR REFUND? ALDOR will begin releasing income tax refunds on March 1. The best way for you to track the progress of your refund is My Alabama Taxes (www.myalabamataxes. alabama.gov), available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you don’t have internet access, then you can track your refund by calling the refund hotline at 1-855894-7391 or the daytime refund status line at 334-3092612.

For more information about Individual Income Tax, visit www.revenue.alabama. gov/individual-corporate/.

Army colonel and combat veteran, and a practicing attorney. He previously served with the leadership of the Alabama Policy Institute in Birmingham.

Williams currently hosts the conservative news/ talkshow Rightside Radio Monday through Friday from 2 to 5 p.m. on multiple channels throughout north Alabama. (WVNN 92.5FM/770AMHuntsville/Athens; WXJC 101.FM and WYDE 850AM – Birmingham/ Cullman.) His column appears weekly throughout Alabama.

The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of this news source. To contact him or request a speaking engagement, go to www. rightsideradio.org.

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B10 Jan. 25, 2024

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PUBLIC NOTICES IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA, IN RE: THE MATIER OF MASON LEE ROGERS CASE NO. 2021-675 NOTICE OF HEARING Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Final Settlement and Affidavit of Final Accounting of the Conservatorship of Mason Lee Rogers, was filed by Conservator, Samantha Johnson requesting approval of a final accounting. A hearing has been set for the 29th day of February 2024 at 10:00 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 said hearing.

Bill English Judge of Probate County, AL Legal Run 01/11/2024, 01/18/2024 & 01/25/2024 -------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE MATTER OF ROSA MAE PARKER CASE NO. 2022-062 NOTICE OF HEARING TO: Any unknown heirs of Rosa Mae Parker filed on February 1 I, 2022. A hearing has been set for the 4th day of April 2022 at 1 I :00 a.m. central time, electronically via "ZOOM". Please contact the Lee County Probate Court at 334-737-3670 for access to the electronic hearing should you intend to take part in the hearing of the Petition for Letters of Administration for the Estate of Rosa Mae Parker.

Bill English Judge of Probate, Lee County, Alabama Legal Run 01/11/2024, 01/18/2024 & 01/25/2024 -------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE MATTER OF ROSA MAE PARKER CASE NO. 2022-062 NOTICE OF HEARING TO: Any unknown heirs of Rosa Mae Parker filed on February 1 I, 2022. A hearing has been set for the 4th day of April 2022 at 1 I :00 a.m. central time, electronically via "ZOOM". Please contact the Lee County Probate Court at 334-737-3670 for access to the electronic hearing should you intend to take part in the hearing of the Petition for Letters of Administration for the Estate of Rosa Mae Parker.

Bill English Judge of

Probate, Lee County, Alabama Legal Run 01/11/2024, 01/18/2024 & 01/25/2024 -------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DOROTHY SMITH SWEENEY, deceased CASE NO.:2023-597 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Claudette Weeks, Personal Representative on the 10th day of January, 2024, 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 sam_e within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Claudette Weeks Legal Run 01/18/24, 01/25/2024 & 02/01/2024 -------------IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF SHIRLEY L. BAKER, DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No: 2023-589 Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 10th day of January, 2024, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

SHERYL ANNE BAKER WEST Personal Representative Legal Run 01/18/2024 01/25/2024 & 02/01/2024 -------------NOTICE OF LEGAL ACTION An adult whose initials are D.A.L., Sr., or any man who claims or who could claim any legal rights of any kind to any of the three children listed below, and an adult whose initials are S. A., who is the mother of the children listed below, or any woman who claims or who could claim any legal rights to any of the three children listed below; whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer the petition of the Chambers County Department of Human Resources to terminate their parental rights in the following three cases,

each of which is filed in the Juvenile Court of Chambers County, Alabama, within thirty (30} days of service, or thereafter a judgment may be rendered terminating their parental rights to each of these children: L.A., a female child born on or about May 12, 2014, case number JU-2021-17.02; D.L.A., Jr., a male child born on or about November 22, 2012, in case number JU-2021-18.02; C.G. A., a female child, born on or about April 12, 2018, in case number JU-2021-19.02.

Signed electronically by Lisa Burdette, Chambers Count Circuit Court Clerk Legal Run 01/18/2024, 01/25/2024, 02/01/2024 & 02/08/2024 -------------STATE OF ALABAMA LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT CASE NO. 2024-011 ESTATE OF DONALD FRANKLIN LAWRENCE, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Letters Testamentary of said Donald Franklin Lawrence, deceased, having been granted to Joel Franklin Lawrence this 10th day of January 2024, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by the law or the same will be barred.

Joel Franklin Lawrence, Personal Representative Legal Run 01/18/2024, 01/25/2024 & 02/01/2024 -------------NOTICE OF CLOSEOUT PUBLIC HEARING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG-CV) ADECA CARES ACT FUNDING GRANT The City of Opelika will conduct a closeout public hearing on Monday, February 5, 2024, at 4:30 pm at 300 MLK Boulevard, Municipal Meeting Room, Opelika, AL for the purpose of affording citizens an opportunity to submit comments and receive a final report on the completion of the ADECA CARES Act Funding Grant.

The CDBG-CV grant provided funding to assist in costs associated with COVID-19. Funds were used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the

coronavirus. The CDBGCV projects benefited at least 51% low to moderate income individuals.

Interested parties are invited to comment on the activities in person at the public hearing or in writing through March 5, 2024.

Lisa Thrift Community Development Administrator 700 Fox Trail Opelika, AL 36801 (334) 705-5155 lthrift@opelika-al.gov Legal Run 01/18/2024 & 01/25/2024 -------------NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE WHEREAS, default has been made in the terms of the Mortgage executed on the 19th day of June, 2018, by Daniel Sanders, a married man mortgaging property that was not the homestead of he or his spouse, as Mortgagor in favor of Chetan Corporation, as Mortgagee, as recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, in Mortgage Book 4398, at Page 925, as said Mortgage and accompanying Promissory Note was assigned to Kim James Bond West, by Assignment dated July 25, 2023, and said default continuing, the assignee-mortgagee, under power of sale contained in said mortgage will sell at auction for cash to the highest bidder on the steps of the Lee County Courthouse in Opelika, Alabama on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, during the legal hours of sale, the following described real estate embraced in said Mortgage, situated in Lee County, Alabama, to-wit: “Commence at the Northwest corner of Section 31, Township 18 North, Range 30 East, in Lee County, Alabama, thence run East 1379.0 feet to the Southwesterly margin of Lee County Highway No. 427, formerly U.S. Highway 280/431; thence along said margin of said highway run South 40 deg. 00 min. East 995.5 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING of the tract or parcel of land herein to be described and conveyed: thence continuing along said margin run South 40 deg. 00 min. East 329.7 feet; thence leaving said margin run South 50 deg.

50 min West for 51.2 feet; thence run South 28 deg.

53 min. West for 46.0 feet; thence run South 39 deg.

07 min. East for 150.9 feet; thence run North 88 deg. 2 min. West for 304.0 feet; thence run North 7

deg. 44 min. East for 435.8 feet to said POINT OF BEGINNING as shown on map or plat of survey dated August 1, 1984, prepared

by James L. McCrory.

Alabama Licensed Registration No. 12493.

THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN "AS IS, WHERE IS" BASIS, SUBJECT TO ANY EASEMENTS, ENCUMBRANCES, AND EXCEPTIONS REFLECTED IN THE MORTGAGE AND THOSE CONTAINED IN THE RECORDS OF THE OFFICE OF THE JUDGE OF PROBATE OF THE COUNTY WHERE THE ABOVE-DESCRIBED PROPERTY IS SITUATED. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AS TO TITLE, USE AND/OR ENJOYMENT AND WILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances.

Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process.

Said sale is made for the purpose of foreclosing of said mortgage, paying the mortgage debt, the costs and expenses of foreclosure, including a reasonable attorney's fee. Mortgagee reserves the right to bid on the subject property. Said mortgage is a first mortgage and is not junior to another mortgage of record.

Said sale is also subject to unpaid taxes or assessments whether of record or not.

This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation.

Kim James Bond West, Mortgagee J. Brandon Rice Davis, Bingham, Hudson & Buckner, P.C. Attorney for Mortgagee 724 North Dean Road, Suite 100-A, Auburn, AL 36830 Legal Run 01/18/2024, 01/25/2024 & 02/01/2024 -------------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, February 1, 2024 @ 10:00 AM Unit 209 Unit C47 Unit X388 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.

Run Date 1-25-2024 -------------IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF MICHAEL KEITH HOOD Case No. 2023-524 NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Testamentary have been granted to Kenneth Lowell Moody as Executor for the Estate of Michael Keith Hood, deceased on January 2, 2024, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County.

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.

Done this the 2nd day of January, 2024.

Bill English, Probate Judge Lee County, Alabama Legal Run 01/18/2024, 01/25/2024 & 02/01/2024 -------------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, February 1, 2024 at 10:00AM Unit 209 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.

Run Date 1-25-2024

See PUBLIC NOTICES, page B12

B11 Jan. 25, 2024

The Laurel GM Josh Head was Opelika Kiwanis speaker PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

The Opelika Kiwanis Club heard a presentation by speaker Josh Head, general manager of the Laurel Hotel and Spa. On Feb. 1, the speaker will be Marilyn Bopp of Mercy Medical Clinic.

Kiwanis holds "On the Air Day"

Glad to be serving Lee County, Alabama.

Inquire today on this home and more!

Call Bradley Robertson (334) 321-8686

FLOWERS >>

FROM B7

16 years in the state legislature.

He may be reached at: www.steveflowers.us.

in this race could well be young Montgomery attorney Caroleene Dobson. She hails from Monroe County in the southern part of the new second district. Her family has deep roots in that area and are prominent cattle farmers.

By garnering the coveted Alfa endorsement, she has become a player in the race.

A Republican can win this seat, especially one from Montgomery/Pike Road. This one will be fun and interesting to watch.

See you next week.

The Opelika Kiwanis Club took over the airwaves with its annual Kiwanis On Air program. The club said it is thankful for all the listeners and sponsors. To learn more about Kiwanis and what it does or if interested in becoming a member, the club invites you to its weekly lunch meeting each Thursday at Saugahatchee Country Club at 11:45 p.m. CST. Fun fact — Did you know that the club's first Kiwanis on Air was in 1955?

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served

Indoor shooting

2195 FIRST AVENUE • OPELIKA

B12 Jan. 25, 2024

PUBLIC NOTICES >>

FROM B10

-------------NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Opelika will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in the Courtroom of the Opelika Municipal Court Building, 300 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama.

PURPOSE The purpose of said Public Hearing will be to consider the adoption of an ordinance to amend the Development Plan for Brookstone PUD. The Development Plan for Brookstone PUD was approved by the City Council as required by Section 8.18(n) of the Zoning Ordinance. At said Public Hearing all who desire to be heard shall have the opportunity to speak for or in opposition to the adoption of the following ordinance: ORDINANCE NO.____ AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR BROOKSTONE PUD BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows: Section 1. FINDINGS. The Council has determined and hereby finds and declares that the following facts are true and correct: (a) Pursuant to Ordinance No. 131-97, adopted on December 16, 1997, the City Council approved a Development Plan for Brookstone PUD and amended the official Zoning Map of the City to designate the zoning classification of PUD for approximately 81 acres. (b) Brookstone PUD is a mixed residential development, consisting of six acres with up to 48 assisted living units, six acres with up to 24 garden homes, 18 acres with 44 single-family homes and 81 acres for apartments. (c) Out of the total project area within Brookstone PUD only the assisted living area has been developed and the apartment area has been removed from the PUD. (d) Holland Homes, LLC is the owner of record and/or has a property interest in the remaining 24.05 acres within the Brookstone PUD. (e) Holland Homes, LLC, has heretofore submitted to the City a proposed Amended Development Plan for the 24.05 acres of land owned by it within Brookstone PUD. The subject property is located east of Fox Run Parkway and is further described as follows: Commencing at a found 5/8” rebar by Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood (GMC), said point is in a disturbed condition and is located at the locally accepted Southeast Southeast corner of Section 5, Township 19 North, Range 27 East, Lee County, Alabama and is the Southeast corner of Lot 27 of Foxrun Industrial Park, 1st Revision, 1st Addition, Redivision of Lots 19-38 and Resubdivision of Lots 4 and 7 (plat book 21, page 103); thence North 00°14'27" East, a distance of 192.42 feet to a found ½” open top iron pin at the Northeast corner of Lot 27; thence North 00°00'55" East, a distance of 158.93 feet to a set ½” rebar

by Precision Surveying LLC (CA788), said point being the Southeast corner of a proposed parcel of land and is the Point of Beginning of said proposed parcel described herein: from this POINT OF BEGINNING; thence South 89°45'25" West, a distance of 1050.33 feet to a set ½” rebar (CA788); thence North 42°46'37" West, a distance of 138.09 feet to a set ½” rebar (CA788); thence North 27°31'17" West, a distance of 85.87 feet to a found 5/8” rebar (GMC); thence North 32°57'23" West, a distance of 101.67 feet to a found 5/8” rebar (GMC); thence North 09°50'00" West, a distance of 136.50 feet to a calculated point in a creek centerline; thence North 02°30'52"

West, a distance of 47.40 feet to a calculated point 5.07’ Westerly of a found 5/8” rebar (GMC); thence North 27°56'32" East, a distance of 112.87 feet to a set ½” rebar (CA788) in a creek centerline; thence North 23°48'39" East, a distance of 264.08 feet to a set ½” rebar (CA788) in the centerline of a creek; thence North 04°36'56" East, a distance of 98.59 feet to a set ½” rebar (CA788) in the Southerly line of Fox Run Subdivision; thence along the South line of Fox Run Subdivision North 89°06'59" East, a distance of 186.57 feet to a set ½” rebar (CA788); thence along the South line of Fox Run Subdivision North 89°18'39" East, a distance of 248.84 feet to a found ½” crimp top iron pin; thence along the South line of Fox Run Subdivision North 89°02'21" East, a distance of 377.20 feet to a found ½” crimp top iron pin; thence along the South line of Fox Run Subdivision North 89°05'57" East, a distance of 279.91 feet to a found ½” crimp top iron pin; thence along the West line of Lot 35, The Chimneys Subdivision in Plat Book 44, Page 191 South 00°13'41" East, a distance of 195.42 feet to a found ¾” crimp top iron pin; thence along the West line of Lot 116, The Willows Plat No. 1, A Redivision Of Lot Future Of Stephens Woods Subdivision, Phase 2-A Section 2 as recorded in Plat Book 45, Page 148; thence continue along Lot 116 South 00°34'09" East, a distance of 402.92 feet to a found ¾” crimp top iron pin; thence continue along Lot 116 South 00°03'19" West, a distance of 68.46 feet to a found ¾” crimp top iron pin; thence continue along Lot 116 South 00°00'55" West, a distance of 229.61 feet to the Point of Beginning.

Said parcel is in Section 5, Township 19 North, Range 27 East, Lee County, Alabama and is a revision of Lots 19 through 30, part of Lots 32, 33, 38 and Lots 34 through 37, Foxrun Industrial Park, 1st Revision, 1st Addition, Redivision of Lots 19-38 and Resubdivision of Lots 4 and 7 (plat book 21, page 103) and contains 24.05 acres, more or less.

The above-described property, containing approximately 24.05 acres, is located at 1001 Fox Run Parkway and is located on the east side of Fox Run Parkway. (f) The Amended Development Plan is a mixed residential development, consisting of 43 single-family homes and 90 twin homes.

The proposed development will create an extension of Fox Run Village, and the residential units within the development will mirror those in Fox Run Village. The development will have a density of 5.53 units per acre. (g) On December 19, 2023, the Planning Commission heretofore conducted a public hearing of the proposed Amended Development Plan and referred to the City Council its recommendation to approve the Amended Development Plan for Brookstone PUD with the condition that the applicant/ developer provide an additional public access to the development.

Section 2. CONDITIONAL APPROVAL OF THE AMENDED DEVELOPMENT PLAN. The Amended Development Plan for Brookstone PUD as submitted for review is hereby approved and confirmed as required by Section 8.18(N) of the Zoning Ordinance of the City, subject to and conditioned upon the applicant/developer providing an additional access through an extension of Brookstone Drive to the development as approved by the Planning Director and City Engineer.

Section 3. RETENTION OF COPIES OF AMENDED DEVELOPMENT PLAN. Copies of the Amended Development Plan shall be maintained in the office of the City Clerk, Planning Director, City Engineer and Building Official and shall be open for public inspection.

Section 4. REPEALER. Any ordinance or part thereof in conflict with provisions of this

Ordinance be and the same are hereby repealed.

Section 5. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall become effective upon its adoption, approval and publication as required by law.

Section 6. PUBLICATION. This Ordinance shall be published one (1) time in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama.

END All interested persons are invited to attend the Public Hearing and be heard. Written comments concerning the above matter may be mailed to the City Clerk at City Hall, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, AL 36803 at any time prior to the Public Hearing and may be further submitted to the City Council at the meeting and Public Hearing.

Please contact Brian Weiss, the City’s Interim ADA Coordinator, at 334-705-5134 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability.

WITNESS my hand this the 25th day of January, 2024. /s/ Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 01/25/2024 -------------ORDINANCE NO. 001-24 ORDINANCE APPROVING PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY USE AGREEMENT WITH CROWN CASTLE FIBER LLC WHEREAS, the City of Opelika (the “City”) possesses the obligation and the right to reasonably manage the public rights-of-way within the City; and WHEREAS, Crown Castle Fiber LLC, a New York limited liability company (the “Company”) has requested the City authorize the placement of the Company’s fiber network, small wireless facilities, utility poles and associated components and accessory equipment (collectively hereinafter the “Facilities”) within the public rights-of-way of the City; and WHEREAS, to ensure that the residents, businesses and public safety operations within the City have reliable access to wireless telecommunications network technology and mobile broadband communication services, the City desires to accommodate the deployment of the Company’s Facilities within the City’s public rights-of-way; and WHEREAS, the City desires to minimize the negative impacts of wireless facility placement within the public rights-of-way; and WHEREAS, the City and the Company have been in negotiations regarding the use of the City’s rights-of-way; and WHEREAS, a proposed Public Right-of-Way Use Agreement (hereinafter the “Agreement”) has been prepared and submitted to the City Council for approval, and the City Council has determined that it is now in the best interest of the City and its citizens to approve said Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Opelika, Alabama, as follows: 1. That the proposed Agreement between the City and the Company, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit “A”, is hereby approved, authorized, ratified and confirmed in the form substantially submitted to the City Council with such changes thereto (by addition, deletion or substitution) as the Mayor shall approve, which approval shall be conclusively evidenced by the execution and delivery of said Agreement.

2. That the Mayor is hereby authorized and directed to execute and deliver said Agreement in the name and on behalf of the City.

3.That the officers of the City and any person or persons designated and authorized by any officers of the City to act in the name and on behalf of the City, or any one or more of them, are authorized to do or cause to be done or performed in the name and on behalf of the City such other acts and to execute and deliver or cause to be executed and delivered in the name and on behalf of

the City such other notices, certificates, assurances or other instruments or other communications under the seal of the City or otherwise, as they or any of them deem necessary or advisable or appropriate in order to carry into effect the intent of the provisions of this Resolution and the attached Agreement.

4. That within thirty (30) days of the passage of this Ordinance, the Company shall deliver to the City a certified or cashier’s check, approved by the City, in the amount of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) made payable to the order of the City of Opelika as required by Section 3 of the Agreement to serve as reasonable reimbursement to the City for all expenses arising from and related to the preparation, execution and initiation of the Agreement.

5. That this Ordinance shall take effect and be enforced immediately upon its adoption and publication as required by law.

6. That the City Clerk of the City of Opelika is hereby authorized and directed to cause a copy of this Ordinance to be published one (1) time in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Alabama.

ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 16th day of January, 2024. /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 17th day of January, 2024. /s/ Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR APPROVED this the 17th day of January, 2024. /s/ Gary Fuller MAYOR ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK Legal 01/25/2024 -------------NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Opelika will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in the Courtroom of the Opelika Municipal Court Building, 300 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama.

PURPOSE The purpose of said Public Hearing will be to consider the adoption of an ordinance to amend Ordinance Number 124-91 (entitled “Zoning Ordinance of the City of Opelika”) adopted on September 17, 1991. At said Public Hearing all who desire to be heard shall have the opportunity to speak for or in opposition to the adoption of the following ordinance: ORDINANCE NO. _____ AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows: Section 1. That Ordinance 124-91 entitled “Zoning Ordinance City of Opelika, Alabama”, adopted on September 17, 1991, and the Zoning Map of the City of Opelika provided for and referred to therein, as previously amended and/or modified, be and the same is hereby amended by rezoning or redistricting the parcel of land hereinafter in this section described, so as to change such parcel from one class of district to another class of district as follows, to-wit: From a R-2 District (LowDensity Residential District) to a I-1 District (Institutional District), the parcel of land hereinafter described: Parcel A of Renfro Subdivision, a resubdivision of Lots 3 and 4 in Block 67 of the lands of the L. P. Grant Land Company, according to and as shown by that certain map or plat of said subdivision recorded in Town Plat Book 10, at Page 166, in the

Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama.

The above-described property contains 1.24 acres, more or less, and is located at 414 N. 10th Street, Opelika, Alabama.

Section 2. Any ordinance or part thereof in conflict with provisions of this Ordinance be and the same are hereby repealed.

Section 3. This Ordinance shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama.

All interested persons are invited to attend the public hearing and be heard. Written comments concerning the above matter may be mailed to the City Clerk at P.O. Box 390, Opelika, AL 36803 at any time prior to the public hearing and may be further submitted to the City Council at the meeting and the public hearing.

Please contact Brian Weiss, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334-705-5134 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to any disability.

WITNESS my hand this the 25th day of January, 2024. /s/ Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 01/25/2024 -------------IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.: 43-CV-2022-900003 ANGELA HORACE, Plaintiff, v. CHRISTOPHER PRITCHETT, Defendant.

NOTICE OF ACTION TO: Christopher Pritchett, Defendant named above, whose whereabouts are unknown and cannot be ascertained after the exercise of reasonable diligence: You are hereby notified that on the 7th day of January 2022, a Complaint was filed in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama, regarding a tortious injury allegedly caused by your negligence that occurred on or about April 28, 2020. By reason of an Order for service of summons by publication entered by the Court in this cause on February 10, 2023, you are hereby directed to plead, answer, or otherwise respond to the Complaint and file such response with the Clerk of Court and mail a copy of said filing to Kenneth S. Nugent, PC, attorneys for the party to this action whose address is 1234 First Avenue, Suite 200, Columbus, Georgia, 31901, on or before the expiration of 30 days after the last publication of this notice. If you fail to do so, judgment by default will be taken against you for the relief demanded in the complaint.

This the 19th day of January, 2024.

Clerk of Circuit Court, Lee County Legal Run 01/25/24, 02/01/24, 02/08/24 & 02/15/24 -------------Notice of auction of an abandoned vehicle. The Only One, Inc will be auctioning off the below mentioned vehicle on MARCH 1, 2024. This auction will be held at 3601 PEPPERELL PARKWAY, OPELIKA, ALABAMA, 36801 at 10:00 a.m. If you have any questions regarding this vehicle, call 334-745-2166.

VIN# JF2SJABC0JH404892– 2018 Subaru Forester Legal Run 01/25/2024 & 02/01/2024 -------------INVITATION TO BID (Bid #24011) Sealed bids for the construction of the Opelika City Hall Basement Renovations shall be received at the 2nd Floor Opelika City Hall Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., local time on Tuesday February 20th, 2024 and then publicly opened and read aloud. All interested parties are invited to attend. Only bids from competent general contractors will be considered. At the time of contract award, the

successful bidder must be a properly licensed general contractor. The attention of all bidders is called to the provisions of State law governing “General Contractors” as set forth in the Ala. Code §348-1, et.seq. (1975) and rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. Bidders must be licensed by the Licensing Board for General Contractors when bids are submitted.

There will be a Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference on Tuesday February 13th, 2024 at 2PM CST at 204 S. 7th St., 2nd floor conference Room, Opelika, Alabama 36801.

Any potential bidders must attend this mandatory pre-bid conference meeting.

Bidders are required to have a State of Alabama General Contractor’s License. All bidders must submit with their proposal, contractor’s license number and a copy of the license. State law Ala. Code §34-8-8(b) requires all bids to be rejected which do not contain the contractor’s current license number. Evidence of this license shall be documented on the outside of the sealed bid.

All bidders shall possess all other licenses and/or permits required by applicable law, rule, or regulation for the performance of the work.

Options for obtaining Bid Documents are as follows: Hardcopy: Contact Auburn Reprographics, 660 North Dean Road, Auburn, AL 36830; (334) 501-8235; Attn: Greg Sellers; (E-mail greg@ auburnrepro.com) to obtain bid documents. Hardcopy sets are non-refundable. Bidders may view bidding document on the Auburn Reprographics digital plan room without charge. All bidding General Contractors must register with John Randall Wilson, Architect and Auburn Reprographics to receive updated bidding information including but not limited to potential Addenda, RFI’s and Changes to Bid Date.

Electronic (CD): Make check payable to Auburn Reprographics & Supply in the amount of $25. This amount is non-refundable. Shipping arrangements shall be made by the Contractor.

The bidder’s proposal must be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished to him/her by the City of Opelika. All information in the proposal must be completed by the bidder for the proposal to be accepted.

A certified check or Bid Bond payable to the City of Opelika, Alabama in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000.00 must accompany the bidder's sealed proposal - refer also to Instructions to Bidders.

Performance and statutory labor and material payment bonds will be required at the signing of the Contract.

The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities.

As a condition for award, the business entity and its subcontractors shall not knowingly employ or hire an unauthorized alien within the State of Alabama. The awarded business entity must provide documentation of enrollment in the E-Verify program. The business must participate in the E-Verify program for the length of the contract.

Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, Purchasing-Revenue Manager, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Ope¬li¬ka, Alabama 36803-0390. Attn: Opelika City Hall Basement Renovations LILLIE FINLEYPURCHASING REVENUE MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET 36801 (Delivery) POST OFFICE BOX 390 36803-0390 (Mail) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 705-5120 Legal Run 01/25/2024, 02/012024 & 02/08/2024

See PUBLIC NOTICES, page B14

B13 Jan. 25, 2024

B14 Jan. 25, 2024

PUBLIC NOTICES >>

FROM B12

INVITATION TO BID (Bid #24010) Sealed bids for the construction of the City of Opelika Public Works Building shall be received at the 2nd Floor Opelika City Hall Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., local time on Tuesday February 27th, 2024 and then publicly opened and read aloud. All interested parties are invited to attend. Only bids from competent general contractors will be considered. At the time of contract award, the successful bidder must be a properly licensed general contractor.

The attention of all bidders is called to the provisions of State law governing “General Contractors” as set forth in the Ala. Code §34-8-1, et.seq.

(1975) and rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. Bidders must be licensed by the Licensing Board for General Contractors when bids are submitted.

There will be a Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference on Monday, February 19th, 2024 at 2PM CST at 204 S. 7th St., 2nd floor conference Room, Opelika, Alabama 36801. Any potential bidders must attend this mandatory pre-bid conference meeting.

Bidders are required to have a State of Alabama General Contractor’s License. All bidders must submit with their proposal, contractor’s license number and a copy of the license. State law Ala. Code §34-8-8(b) requires all bids to be rejected which do not contain the contractor’s current license number. Evidence of this license shall be documented on the outside of the sealed bid.

All bidders shall possess all other licenses and/or permits required by applicable law, rule, or regulation for the performance of the work.

Options for obtaining Bid Documents are as follows: Hardcopy: Contact Auburn Reprographics, 660 North Dean Road, Auburn, AL 36830; (334) 501-8235; Attn: Greg Sellers; (E-mail greg@ auburnrepro.com) to obtain bid documents. Hardcopy sets are non-refundable. Bidders may view bidding document on the Auburn Reprographics digital plan room without charge. All bidding General Contractors must register with John Randall Wilson, Architect and Auburn Reprographics to receive updated bidding information including but not limited to potential Addenda, RFI’s and Changes to Bid Date.

Electronic (CD): Make check payable to Auburn Reprographics & Supply in the amount of $25. This amount is non-refundable. Shipping arrangements shall be made by the Contractor.

The bidder’s proposal must be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished to him/her by the City of Opelika. All information in the proposal must be completed by the bidder for the proposal to be accepted.

A certified check or Bid Bond payable to the City of Opelika, Alabama in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000.00 must accompany the bidder's sealed proposal - refer also to Instructions to Bidders.

Performance and statutory labor and material payment bonds will be required at the signing of the Contract. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities.

As a condition for award, the business entity and its subcontractors shall not knowingly employ or hire an unauthorized alien within the State of Alabama. The awarded business entity must provide documentation of enrollment in the E-Verify program. The business must participate in the E-Verify program for the length of the contract.

Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, Purchasing-Revenue Manager, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Ope¬li¬ka, Alabama 368030390. Attn: Opelika Public Works LILLIE FINLEYPURCHASING REVENUE MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET 36801 (Delivery) POST OFFICE BOX 390 36803-0390 (Mail) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 705-5120 Legal Run 01/25/2024, 02/01/2024 & 02/08/2024 --------------

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION PETITION OF HATTIE ELIZABETH MORRIS CASE NO.: 2024-008 PUBLICATION NOTICE TO: Christina Peacock Weed, address unknown Please take notice that a petition for adoption was filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, by Hattie Elizabeth Morris on January 5, 2024, for the adoption of H.D.N. born on December 21, 2009, in Opelika, Alabama to Dexter Norwood and Christina Peacock Weed.

A hearing has been set in the Lee County Probate Court, Opelika, Alabama. Should you intend to contest this adoption you must file a written response with the attorney for the petitioner, Hon. Jason C. Riggs, P.O. Box 954, Auburn, AL 36831 and with the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, P.O. 2266, Opelika, AL 36803 as soon as possible but no later than thirty (30) days from the last say this notice is published.

Dated on this the 12th day of January 2024.

HON. BILL ENLGISH, JUDGE OF PROBATE, LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Legal Run 01/25/24, 02/01/24, 02/08/24 & 02/15/24 -------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION PETITION OF REBECCA MARIE EVANS CASE NO.: 2023-622 & 2023-623 PUBLICATION NOTICE TO: Donald Wayne Watson, address unknown Please take notice that a petition for adoption was filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, by Rebecca Marie Evans on December 13, 2023, for the adoption of S.W.W. born on December 15, 2014, in Valley, Alabama to Kristina Marie Alberto and Donald Wayne Watson and for the adoption of J.A.R.W. born on October 8 2013, in Valley, Alabama to Kristina Marie Alberto and Donald Wayne Watson.

A hearing has been set in the Lee County Probate Court, Opelika, Alabama. Should you intend to contest this adoption you must file a written response with the attorney for the petitioner, Hon. Susan K. Harmon, P.O. Box 127, Lafayette, AL 36862 and with the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, P.O. 2266, Opelika, AL 36803 as soon as possible but no later than thirty (30) days from the last say this notice is published.

Dated on this the 19th day of January 2024.

HON. BILL ENLGISH, JUDGE OF PROBATE, LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Legal Run 01/25/24, 02/01/24, 02/08/24 & 02/15/24 -------------PUBLICATION NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF THOMAS J. BRYAN, DECEASED TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to MARY LYNN BRYAN, as Executor of the Estate of THOMAS J. BRYAN, deceased, on the 19th day of January, 2024, by the Honorable Bill English.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

MARY LYNN BRYAN, as Executor of the Estate of THOMAS J. BRYAN, deceased Michael W. Kelley II Kelley Legacy Law, LLC 3320 Skyway Drive, Suite 711 Opelika, AL 36801 334-801-9797 Legal Run 01/25/2024, 02/01/2024 & 02/08/2024 -------------ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS SMITHS WATER & SEWER AUTHORITY SMITHS STATION, ALABAMA WATER MAIN EXTENSION ON LR 602, LR 604 & LR 207 Sealed bids for the Water Main Extension on LR 602, LR 604 & LR 207 CMGM230111 will be received by the Smiths Water & Sewer Authority, Attn: Mr. Andy Morris, GM, located at 2848 Lee Road 243, Smiths Station, AL 36877, until Thursday, February 22,

2024 at 11:00 EDT local time at which time the Bids received will be publicly opened and read.

The Project includes the following Work: Approximately 5,000 LF of 6” PVC water main, service connections and related appurtenances.

Information for the Project can be found at the following designated website: www. gmcnetwork.com The Issuing Office for the Bidding Documents is Goodwyn Mills Cawood LLC, 11 N. Water St., Suite 15250, Mobile, AL 36602, Ashley.Morris@gmcnetwork. com. Prospective Bidders may examine the Bidding Documents at the Issuing Office on Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and may obtain copies of the Bidding Documents from the Issuing Office as described below.

Copies of the Bidding Documents may be obtained from the Issuing Office, during the hours indicated above, upon payment of a deposit of $20.00 for a one-time administrative fee for digital access/ file sharing and/or $100.00 for each printed set. Said cost represents the cost of printing, reproduction, handling, and distribution, therefore no refund will be granted. Checks for Bidding Documents shall be payable to “GMC.” Partial sets of Bidding Documents will not be available from the Issuing Office. Neither Owner nor Engineer will be responsible for full or partial sets of Bidding Documents, including Addenda if any, obtained from sources other than the Issuing Office.

Bid security shall be furnished in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders.

The Owner reserves the right to waive any informalities, or to reject any or all bids, and to award the contract to the best and most responsible bidder.

All bidders shall submit, upon request, a list of projects "successfully completed" in the last 2 years, having the same scope of work and approximate construction cost as specified in this project. All bidders must comply with requirements of the Contractor's Licensing Law of the State of Alabama and be certified for the type of work on which the proposal is submitted. Each bidder must deposit with his bid, security in the amount, form and subject to the conditions provided in the Instructions to Bidders.

All Bidders bidding in amounts exceeding that established by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors must be licensed under the provisions of Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama, 1975, and must show evidence of license before bidding or bid will not be received or considered by the Engineer; the Bidder shall show such evidence by clearly displaying the license number on the outside of the envelope in which the Proposal is delivered.

No bidder may withdraw his bid within 60 days after the opening thereof.

Bidders will be fully responsible for the delivery of their bids in a timely manner.

Reliance upon the U.S. Mail or other carriers is the bidder’s risk.

Owner: Smith Water & Sewer Authority By: Mr. Joe Walden Title: Chairman Legal Run 01/25/2024, 02/01/2024 & 02/08/2024 -------------STATE OF ALABAMA LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT CASE NO. 2024-037 ESTATE OF JANET BOIES TAYLOR, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Letters Testamentary of said Janet Boies Taylor, deceased, having been granted to Michelle Taylor Pendergraph and Kara Layne Taylor this 22nd day of January 2024, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by the law or the same will be barred.

Michelle Taylor Pendergraph and Kara Layne Taylor, Personal Representatives Legal Run 01/25/24, 02/01/24 & 02/08/24 -------------NOTICE OF COURT PROCEEDING IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution In the Estate of JANICE FAYE DUNCAN, deceased.

Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the LEE COUNTY Probate Office by KRISTI NICOLE BOYER on JANUARY 18, 2024, pursuant to Section 43.2.690, Code of Alabama and that 30 days after the notice of publication hereof and pursuant to law the Court shall be requested to enter an Order directing Summary Distribution of the Estate of said decedent.

BILL ENGLIHS, PROBATE JUDGE Legal Run 01/25/2024 -------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of HENRY B. THOMASON, Deceased CASE NO.: 2024-003 NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to HERBERT NEIL THOMASON, as Personal Representative of the Estate of HENRY B. THOMASON, deceased, on the 11th day of January, 2024, by Bill English, Lee County Probate Judge.

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.

HERBERT NEIL THOMASON Personal Representative of the Estate of HENRY B. THOMASON Legal Run 01/25/2024, 02/01/2024 & 02/08/2024 -------------NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF HARRIETTE AMANDA CORDI DECEASED LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 12th day of January, 2024, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Witness our hands, and dated

this the 12th day of January, 2024.

THOMAS LOUIS CARDI Legal Run 01/25/2024, 02/01/2024 & 02/08/2024 -------------NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF SANDRA C. CONTI, DECEASED COURT OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY Letters of Administration of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 12th day of January, 2024, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Witness our hands, and dated this the 12th day of January, 2024.

RICHARD E. CONTI Legal Run 01/25/2024, 02/01/2024 & 02/08/2024 -------------NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF BETTY JEAN WALTON, DECEASED LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 12th day of January, 2024, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Witness our hands, and dated this the 12th day of January, 2024.

LEWIS WALTON MICHAEL G. WALTON, SR. Legal Run 01/25/2024, 02/01/2024 & 02/08/2024 -------------STORAGE TREASURES AUCTION Extra Space Storage (Life Storage) will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 3951 Pepperell Pkwy Opelika AL 36801 Thursday, February 1st 2024 at 10:00AM Unit B62 Unit C18

Unit C25 Unit C42 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.

Run Date January 25, 2024 ------------STORAGE TREASURES AUCTION Extra Space Storage (Life Storage) will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: (1231 Gatewood Dr. Auburn Al. 36830) Thursday, (2-12024) at 10:00AM Unit - 116 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.

Run Date 1/25/2024 ------------STORAGE TREASURES AUCTION Extra Space Storage, on behalf of itself or its affiliates, Life Storage or Storage Express, will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 2020 S. College St. Auburn, AL 36832 Thursday, February 1, 2024 at 10:00AM Unit C250 Unit C370 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.

Run Date 01/25/2024

B15 Jan. 25, 2024

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B16 Jan. 25, 2024

Toddlers learn 'Stranger Danger' PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

Auburn Police Officer Elliott gave a talk on stranger danger to students at Auburn Day Care. He gave out badge stickers to the new junior deputies and showed everyone the police car lights and sirens.

OPD builds training facility

Crime Watch

Auburn Police announce arrests CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES | THE OBSERVER

AUBURN — In addition to previous arrests made on Dec. 19, 2023, continued investigation

by Auburn Police led to developing additional suspects connected to the auto burglaries that occurred on Nov. 25, 2023.

BAILEY BREWER On Jan. 9, Erwin Trevor Brewer, 19, of West Point, Georgia, was arrested on felony warrants charging him with unlawful breaking and entering into a vehicle and theft of property second degree.

Brewer was transported to the Lee County Jail and held on $3,000 bond.

On Jan. 13, Almarion Raquez Bailey, 21, of Roanoke was arrested on warrants charging him with four counts of unlawful breaking and entering into a vehicle, three counts of theft of property second degree and theft of property fourth degree. Bailey was transported to the Lee County Jail and held on $22,000 bond.

PRITCHETT On Jan. 19, 2024, Auburn Police arrested Breyonna Keishona Pritchett, 26, from Selma, Alabama, on a felony warrant charging her with theft of property first degree.

The arrest stems from Auburn Police receiving a report of theft resulting in financial loss on Dec. 15, 2023. After further investigation, it was determined that a check, which was sent in the mail, was stolen prior to reaching the intended recipient. An altered version of the check was then deposited at a bank by unknown suspect(s).

Breyonna Keishona Pritchett was developed as a suspect, and after further investigation, an arrest warrant for theft of property first degree was obtained. Auburn Police made contact with Pritchett on Jan. 19, 2024, and placed her under arrest in obedience to the warrant. Pritchett was transported to the Lee County Jail and held on a $5,000 bond.

All defendants are innocent until convicted in a court of law.

OPD looking for identication of suspect CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

A ribbon cutting was held Jan. 16 for the Opelika Police Department's new training center located at 3809 Saugahatchee Lake Road. Attendees were able to see a demo of the Apex Officer Virtual Reality Simulator, take a look at a new Lenco Armored Vehicle, learn about SIG SAUER firearms and watch demonstrations by Gracie instructors and a K9 unit.

OPELIKA — On Nov. 1, 2023, the Opelika Police Department began investigating a report of Enticing a Child, which occurred in the area of Video Street and Wittel Avenue. At approximately 3:10 p.m., a juvenile excited a school bus and was approached by a white male, occupying a black 4-door Audi, who attempted to get them to enter his vehicle. The suspect is described as an older heavyset white male with dark hair and light eyes, and was wearing a teal shirt with a teddy bear and a gold necklace.

The suspect had a scar near his left eye and a tattoo of cards on his left forearm. If you have any information on this incident or the identity of the suspect, please contact the Opelika Police Department Detective Division at (334) 705-5220 or the Secret Witness Hotline at (334) 7458665. Tips can be submitted through our Opelika Police Mobile App. You may wish to remain anonymous.

Tips can also be forwarded through Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at (334) 215-STOP(7867), toll-free at 1-833-AL1-STOP, or via their Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/215stop or their website: www.215STOP.com.

All defendants are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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