The Observer 01-05-2023

BY MICHELLE KEY MICHELLE@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA —

Opelika has lost one of its popular meatand-three, country-

style restaurants.

Susie K's, owned by Suzanne and Timothy Lowery, decided to shutter its doors at the end of the year.

New Year's Eve was the final day for its

in-restauarant food service.

The Lowerys opened Susie K's in August 2017 and it has served thousands of breakfasts and lunches since that time.

The restaurant served dinner for almost a year in 2018, but reverted back to serving just breakfast and lunch in January

See SUSIE K'S, page A3

Opelika Pastor Develops Unique Digital Photo App

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA —

An Opelika resident is changing the way we look at pictures.

GrouPixx, a new photo app developed by Alzata Florence, a pastor at Opelika’s Fellowship of Faith Christian Center, makes family or friend portraits without everyone being in the same location.

“The purpose of it is to bring people together,” Florence said of the app. “It’s different … unique.”

How does it work?

Well, after downloading GrouPixx, signing up and syncing your contacts with the app, the first step is for the user to take a photo. Then, the user can

invite their contacts to take a picture from wherever they are in the world.

Next, the user simply picks out the silhouettes

See APP, page A2

BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

AUBURN —

After 19 years of teaching, Shannon Brandt said she had no intentions of doing anything else. But when a friend approached her with an opportunity to step into a position as an instructional coach or local reading specialist at Yarbrough Elementary, apparently she couldn’t pass it up.

“I’d been a fourth- and fifth-grade teacher for 19 years at Wrights Mill Road Elementary,” Brandt said. “Did not see myself ever leaving the classroom. I don’t have an administrative degree, was not looking to be a principal or anything and the opening came up at Yarbrough — and the person who had the job before me called and said, ‘Would you be interested?’ And I thought my mouth was saying, ‘No, not interested.’ But apparently, I was saying, ‘Sure, tell me more.’ So I just think it was just a God thing.”

Brandt has now been at Yarbrough for 10 years. But what is an instructional coach?

“I tell people that I help teachers do whatever helps students,” she said. “So, primarily I guess [I’m] a support for teachers in whatever they want. So, if it’s working with one child, trying to help them teach one child, I can do that — or if it’s teaching the whole entire group a lesson, or if they’re looking for a resource.”

Opelika

the area since 2017, officially closed its doors Saturday, Dec. 31.

Shannon Brandt (middle) received one of the city of Auburn's 2022 Lamplighter Awards highlighting individuals who have made great contributions to the local community.

GIS specialist Joe Norris (left) and Alzata Florence (right), the creator of GrouPixx, a new photo app for your phone.

Randy Causey Prepares for Next Chapter

BY KENDYL HOLLINGSWORTH KENDYLH@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA —

Randy Causey has spent the last several years preparing East Alabama Medical Center for potential disasters, but now he’s preparing for a new chapter in his life.

After 44 years working at East Alabama Health (EAH) — formerly Lee County Hospital, and then East Alabama Medical Center — Causey is set to retire this week.

“I’ll miss the people, but I’m loving getting ready for retirement,” he said. “… I could have actually retired a couple of years ago but just really wasn’t ready.”

Causey began his journey with EAH on Sept. 5, 1978. His wife Debra, who was working in personnel at Lee County Hospital, told him about a job opening in the business office and encouraged him to apply.

“The gentleman that hired me felt like I could do a good job and work with the community,” Causey recalled. “At the time everybody’s hospital bills were sent out, I was kind of the guy known in the community as the person who sent out all the hospital bills. That was kind of a daunting task for a few years.”

In 1985, the hospital contracted a security firm and Causey was appointed to a new role: safety officer/emergency planner.

Vice President Dan Chilldress gave Causey his start in the field and “taught

me a lot” about safety and security, he said. But his new role came with another big task — hiring people across several departments.

“That’s a program that is still in place today,” he said. “There are obviously a whole lot of different people, but over the years I’ve literally hired a few thousand students and different people in the community to work in the departments of security, patient transportation, communications and patient information services.”

Many of those employees went on to enjoy fruitful careers — some in the medical field, some in other professions — and Causey has even hired children of former employees, forming memories and bonds he’ll “never forget.”

That wasn’t all Causey was up to, though; he graduated from Faulkner University in 1990 with a

bachelor’s degree in human resources management.

He would also receive a certification in emergency preparedness from the University of South Alabama in 2015. For two years he served on the education committee at the University of Alabama Mobile Center for Emergency Preparedness to help develop the certification process for health care emergency managers.

As he evolved professionally, becoming more experienced and educated with hospital safety and security, Causey said his duties also evolved.

“The job that I’ve always had is to develop emergency response plans to different types of disasters, and we would always have to have two disaster drills a year,” he explained. “I’ve always worked real closely with Southern Union, and most recently Auburn University

(how each person will be positioned in the photo) and sifts through the various backgrounds available in the app. Places like the beach, and holiday-themed backgrounds for Christmas, the Fourth of July, New Years and more are available for users to choose. The user can even use a stylist function to write special messages in the background of the photo.

Furthermore, the hope for future versions of GrouPixx is to allow for users to employ live gelocations as backgrounds in real time, and to submit

their own backgrounds to the app for general use by all users. Once all that is finished, GrouPixx syncs to social media so that users can share their creations.

The insipiration behind GrouPixx dates back to 2018, Florence said. It was during that time that Florence realized her desire for a new family portrait, like the ones people used to get at Sears or JCPenney.

“I had a desire for my family to take a portrait,” Florence said. “It had been 18 years since we had a family portrait. But it was just hard to bring everyone together because of our geographical locations and schedules.”

At the time, Florence

said she gave up on the idea of getting her family all together for a photo, and went about her life as God told her to lead it.

It wasn’t until later in 2019 that a churchgoer approached Florence in the parking lot of a grocery store with what some may call a moment of epiphany. The churchgoer told Florence she had experienced a dream in which Florence created something that was going to change the world.

“Well, I’m not going to create a cure for cancer … so I said whatever it is God wants me to do, I’m going to do it,” Florence said.

Also in the dream was a man. A man that the

students into that, and then there’s a whole team of people inside the hospital.

“In most recent years, the emphasis of my career has been in emergency management. After 2005 when Hurricane Katrina went through, more emphasis was placed on hospitals and health care organizations to be responsible for emergency preparedness.”

While most of these plans are created with the hope they won’t be needed, Lee County has seen its fair share of disasters with hurricanes, tornadoes, snowstorms and the COVID-19 pandemic. It was Causey’s job to create the just-in-case plans for these, but he credited the teams and partners in and out of the hospital for successfully carrying out those plans when they’ve been put to the test.

“I think the night of the 2019 tornado — that was the first night that the EAMC ever [experienced a disaster] of that magnitude, and of course we had developed all sorts of plans over the years,” Causey recalled. “… Of course, we all know what the results of that night was, but we had lots of disaster drills.”

Serving as chairman of the East Central Health Care Coalition of Alabama, which covers eight counties, also connected Causey with several agencies to learn from and call on for help. The Lee County Emergency Management Agency has been one such partner, he said.

“My philosophy’s always been, ‘You want to know who you’re going to call at 2 a.m. if you’ve got a disaster,’” he added.

Although Causey said he’s sad to leave the people he has come to know and love through work, he has enjoyed spending the past few months training and mentoring a younger generation of employees to do what he does.

Still, he said he is looking forward to spending more time with family — and being able to sleep during storms.

“When I was raising my children … I would have to hug them and say, ‘You know where the safe places are. I’ve got to go to work,’” Causey recalled. “And I would drive out the driveway and not come back for a couple days sometimes, especially when it snowed. My wife

Debra … has been real strong, and real willing and able to take care of [everything]. … I didn’t have to worry about it, but that was always something I didn’t enjoy doing.”

Causey’s son Jon is now a registered nurse at EAH, and his other son Justin is a supervisor at UPS. Both have families of their own.

“I want to see snowfall so I can go play with my granddaughters because I was never able to do that with my own sons, but they’re 3-and-a-half and 4, and they’re the absolute loves of my life,” he said.

“So we’re going to spend a lot of time with them.”

The family also has a house at Lake Martin, and Causey said he’s “going to spend a lot of time in a boat.” First, though, he plans to photograph plenty of Lake Martin sunsets.

Besides that, Causey said he is looking forward to resting, relaxing and traveling — but he’ll still be around.

“I’ll miss the people, I’ll miss the drills, I’ll miss my relationship with the people in the community … but I live here,” he said. “I’m not moving off to some island, so I’ll see them all at some point in time.”

church-goer said would help Florence on her journey to changing the world. Enter Joe Norris. Norris is a computer geographic information system specialist and consultant in Opelika. He is also now the lead technological developer of GrouPixx.

“I thought that would be a good challenge,” Norris said of the moment Florence presented him with the idea for GrouPixx. “The app itself had a uniqueness and novelty to it. It piqued my interest to get involved in the project.”

Then, in July of 2020, in the midst of the pandemic which changed traditional schools of thought in many industries, Flor-

ence’s inspiration turned into full-on motivation following a personal moment with her God — and the popular TV show “Shark Tank”. Florence got hooked on “Shark Tank” — a show where start-up companies present their ideas to a board of “sharks” — big-wig investors from various industries. “Shark Tank”, according to Florence, truly got the wheels spinning on the idea of GrouPixx. Ultimately, however, Florence was convinced through prayer to pursue the idea of her new app.

“When I got up, I was just in awe of what He had revealed to me,” Florence said. “He connected the dots. It started with the

desire, then He confirmed it with the dream, then He brought it to me in prayer. That’s how it [GrouPixx] got started.”

Earlier this month, Florence and her team held a press event announcing GrouPixx to the public. However, the app won’t go public until sometime in late January, she said. Once public, GrouPixx will be free to download, but will cost a minimal fee to access its features.

Florence said she hopes the app can further bring families and friends closer together — even if they are apart — in the new world of ever-constant, ever-changing connectedness.

RANDY CAUSEY

“My philosophy’s always been you want to know who you’re going to call at 2 a.m. if you’ve got a disaster.”

Fuller Center for Housing to Build New Homes in Opelika

Nonprofit to build three homes

CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OPELIKA

OPELIKA —

The Fuller Center for H ousing is a nonprofit organization seeking to eliminate poverty by promoting partnerships with individuals and community groups to build and restore homes for those in need.

They will be building three homes for three

different families in Opelika beginning in October 2023. The application process will begin Jan. 1, 2023, and end April 28, 2023. You can access the application here: www.opelika-al. gov/DocumentCenter/ View/5414.

All completed qualified applications will receive a letter or a phone call to set up

a house visit before families are chosen.

If you don't have access to print the application, you can pick up applications at 700 Fox Trail Opelika, Alabama, 36801 in the Community Development Office. You may submit your application to the city of Opelika Purchasing/ Revenue Department at 204 S. 7th St. in

Opelika.

Completed applications can also be mailed to the Fuller Center at 421 N. Gilmer Ave. Lanett, Alabama, 36863.

If you need help filling out the application or want to know the status of your application, contact the Fuller Center at 706518- 9942. Do not call the city of Opelika.

New Additions with New Beginnings at Lee County Humane Shelter

CONTRIBUTED BY LCHS

LEE COUNTY —

It is with great excitement that the Lee County Humane Society announced it will be expanding the shelter to add muchneeded space for large dogs.

This endeavor could not be possible without the generous donation and support of Walter and Virginia Woltosz. The Woltoszes are passionate animal lovers and have been active Lee County Humane Society Volunteers since 2014. When an animal is in need, one can bet that the Woltoszes are right around the corner to help.

In the past few years

K'S >>

the cities of Auburn and Opelika have increased their populations rapidly. With this

increase, Lee County Humane Society has been at nearly full capacity for two years.

Its larger dogs have suffered the most, being that they are harder to adopt and/or get into foster homes. Its larger dogs also require more physical space for their care and well-being.

If you haven’t been to the Lee County Humane Society, its facility is not very big. It currently has 66 large dog kennels. One might see this as a lot, but if you break down a typical day it might make more sense as to why more space is needed. One day it may have 11 adoptions, but also 21 intakes. That means it has 10 more cats and dogs than it began with that day. It’s almost like trying to climb out of credit card debt by only

paying the interest.

This forces some very difficult decisions to be made in order to keep its space at capacity. Its expansion will help ease or eliminate difficult decisions and provide more chances for positive outcomes for animals at the shelter.

This project will consist of enclosing the current carport and adding space for kennels to house a minimum of 10 large dogs and possibly more smaller dogs and puppies. This addition is sponsored by the Woltoszes. This wouldn’t be possible without their support and love for the pets at the shelter.

The Woltoszes are

just as generous with their donations as they are with their time spent supporting the shelter. Virginia has helped on many occasions with fundraising and auction baskets. Both make efforts to attend any reception, sporting event or campaign to raise awareness in the community for the homeless animals at the shelter. In the early stages of this project, they agreed to sponsor the expansion financially and have supported LCHS every step of the way.

Lee County Humane Society’s board has been in discussions with contractors and

FROM A1

2019.

Suzanne cited the rising food costs, staffing challenges and the slow economy as the main reasons for the decision to close the restaurant at this time.

"Sometimes pulling back and refocusing is needed," Suzanne said.

As word spread that last Saturday would be the final day for in-restaurant dining service, crowds filled the business with patrons looking to get one last "fix."

The restaurant’s menu was deeply rooted in Southern cuisine and culture. Included within the meat-and-three specials were Southern staples like fried chicken, meatloaf and pork chops, and sides like cabbage, cornbread, field peas and fried okra. Local favorites included the cinnamon roll pancakes, grilled biscuits and more.

"To end the year, we had brunch at Susie K’s on their last day as a brick and mortar establishment, making sure to get our fill of the famous cinnamon roll pancakes," said Erin Beaver. "It was a bittersweet meal, for sure. I have known Suzanne for the better

part of a decade, and soon after the restaurant opened five-plus years ago, Susie K’s became a part of our weekly Saturday morning routine."

At times on Saturday morning, every table in the restaurant was full and people were waiting to be seated. Nearly 200 people were served during breakfast and lunch.

Suzanne said she will miss the people that made Susie K's a regular part of their week.

"The relationships I have built with customers have been some of my favorite parts of operating Susie K's," Suzanne said. "Some of them have basically become family and many of them know my children, too, and have watched them grow up in the restaurant over the last five years."

Suzanne said that she is grateful for all the people who have visited the restaurant over the past five years and that she will miss the daily interaction with them.

WHAT'S NEXT Suzanne said she plans to remain in operation as a catering company and will continue to offer the same catering options as the restaurant had offered.

"We will continue to offer catering services through Next Level Cafe," Suzanne said. "Catering and cakes has always been my favorite part of Susie Ks."

Next Level Cafe is also owned by the Lowerys. It was formerly operated under the name Jim Bobs, but underwent re-branding last year.

It is located at 1006 First Ave. near downtown Opelika.

SUSIE

The Lee County Humane Society is located at 1140 Ware Drive in Auburn.

Restaurant patrons flocked to Susie K's for one last chance to get their favorites before the doors closed.

SEAN DIETRICH

Goodbye old year. You were a decent year, I don’t care what they say about you. Yeah, a lot of crummy stuff happened in 2022. But a lot of good stuff happened in 2022.

For starters, scientists finally pinpointed the origins of the universe. Researchers theorized that a chain reaction of exploding supernovae, 14 million years ago, created a 1,000-lightyear-wide bubble, at the epicenter of which lies our humble galaxy. Many top scientists agreed that this galac -

tical event could NOT have happened by randomized chance.

When skeptical scientists were asked whether this new galactical discovery proved or disproved the existence of, ahem, Intelligent Design, they remarked, “We, um, well, next question.”

Also, this year marked the first year in history that women refereed the men’s World Cup. Which is a big deal in the soccer world. And even though, personally, I only follow sports involving either Richard

Petty, Dale Murphy or Miller Lite, I am very proud of my fellow soccer-loving human.

Also, this year Victoria’s Secret featured its first model with Down syndrome, Sofía Jirau, who writes:

“When I was little, I looked myself in the mirror and said, ‘I'm going to be a model and a businesswoman.’”

Today, Jirau can be seen sporting a high-dollar bra “in my favorite color, pink,” she said. “Victoria’s Secret, I love it.”

Jirau’s story was shared with me by my friend, Kandy, from Cleveland, Ohio, whose adult daughter has Down syndrome. Kandy writes:

“Before the ‘80s, the majority of people with Down syndrome were shoved into institutions, but today people

A New Year

with Down syndrome are kicking butt, contributing to their communities, becoming famous. We aren’t just talking about changing the world anymore, we are actually doing it.”

Also this year, my truck hit 189,000 miles. I don’t know how my Ford F-150 manages to keep running even though it is 20-odd years old, but it does.

This truck has been so abused and battered, and has traversed 39 different states. And yet the thing keeps going.

Yes, the interior smells like a giant dog’s hindparts. Yes, the seats are missing vital pieces of upholster foam. But the truck is still going strong, and that must count for something.

This is also the year that Freida, an 18-yearold from Kansas City, Missouri, had an exper-

imental cancer surgery. The operation was done in California. The surgery worked. Today, she is cancer-free.

This year Chelsea (69), of Detroit, Michigan, got married for the first time. She met a man over the internet, an environmental scientist named Bud. Bud has never been married, either.

They hit it off. They went to TGI Friday’s. They kissed on the third date. They had a private wedding in Miami.

“I used to think my life was over,” Chelsea said. “I guess God had other plans.”

This year, a 12-yearold kid named Zion got adopted. Zion’s caseworker emailed me early in January. Zion and I began emailing back and forth for several months.

Zion’s father was

murdered. His mother was a drug addict who left him lying on his back for the first seven months of his life. Zion almost starved to death. But that was not the end.

Today, Zion has been adopted by two loving parents who are smitten with him. Zion is an honor student.

He told his mother yesterday, “God has always been my looker-outter. He looks out for me; I have always known this.”

Also, 2022 was the year I discovered I don’t have cancer. Earlier this year, doctors told me they thought I had a major problem. They sent me in for test after test. I was so scared that my personal life started to fall apart.

I lost nearly 40 pounds just from stress.

During one particular

too.

Although she isn’t in the classroom working with students every day, Brandt said she hopes she’s impacting even more students through her work now.

And she works hard to keep a good attitude.

“One of my big things that I try to pour into teachers is that everybody knows how hard our jobs are; why do we keep telling how bad they are?” she said.

“And really we need

to be talking about the great things in our job because we want future people to go into education, and we want the best and the brightest to be our teachers.”

Brandt was one of six Auburn residents given a Lamplighter award in 2022. Each year, Auburn Mayor Ron Anders presents a few local individuals with Lamplighter awards during his State of the City address.

Typically, these awards are presented as a surprise to the recipi-

ents, who have no idea for the real reason they are at the State of the City address.

Brandt already knew Anders, too.

“He coached my youngest son’s travel basketball team and was just an incredible mentor to him,” she said. “Anders’ son was about the same age.”

The award was a surprise to Brandt. She said that her husband asked her to attend with him and actually convinced her that he would be the one winning an award.

“My husband, just a like a week and a half before, came in and said, ‘Oh, my principal’ — he’s a teacher at the high school — ‘My principal just told me that I’m being honored by Ron at the State of the City thing in a couple weeks,’” she recalled. “And I was like, ‘Oh, that’s amazing.’ I was so proud of him.”

The family and in-laws were invited. And even after Brandt received her award, she still kept waiting for her husband to receive one,

“Somebody asked me from out of town — they were like, ‘I saw you got this award; what is it? It’s called the Lamplighter. Why’s it called that?’” she said. “So, I just thought back to 30 years in Auburn, because so many people have been a light to me. It just makes me think of our Christmas Eve service at church where they light one light, and it lights another. So really it was kind of a way for me to say thank you to some people who

did that for me, and then to think, ‘Wow, I’ve been around long enough that hopefully, or at least Ron sees, that I’ve done that for other people.’”

Both of Brandt’s children will be teachers as well, so she hopes they will be a light to other lives.

“[The award] shines a light on our profession in a time when so many people are running from being teachers,” Brandt said. “And I want people to know that it’s important work.”

ALProHealth Funds Pocket Park Dedicated to Civil Rights Activist

CONTRIBUTED BY ACES/ BY DUSTIN DUNCAN

TUSKEGEE —

Rosa Parks, a civil rights icon, once said, "Memories of our lives, of our works and our deeds will continue in others.”

The memory of Parks and the legacy she left behind now lives on in downtown Tuskegee. Recently, The Rosa Park was officially opened as the newest pocket park in downtown Tuskegee on Westside Street. The park is named in honor of Parks, who was born in Tuskegee. She is best known for refusing to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus in 1955. This event led to the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a pivotal event in the American civil rights movement.

YEARS IN THE MAKING

Janice Hall, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) coordinator for Macon County, said the pocket park project has been in the making for more than three years. The former shell of an old building now has professional landscaping with trees, planters, benches and a stage for events. Additional improvements to the park will

Alabama Extension at Auburn University’s ALProHealth program funded most of the improvements at the site through a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

ALProHealth is an obesity prevention and reduction program funded through the CDC. The program works to increase community health in 13 Alabama counties with an adult obesity prevalence of 40% or greater.

Through the grant, Macon County formed

architects for the past year to get the ball

a community leader coalition including Hall, Tuskegee City Council members, Macon County commissioners and leaders from Tuskegee University.

“The park is a major asset to the city of Tuskegee because it is located in an ideal space to promote health and wellness to the citizens of Macon County,” Hall said. “People can walk in downtown Tuskegee and relax at the pocket park.”

NOT TAKING NO FOR AN ANSWER

Olga Bolden-Tiller, dean of the Tuskegee University College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition

rolling on this muchneeded addition.

Sciences, said the pocket park is a result of several entities working together and not taking no for an answer.

“This was a very valiant community effort,” Bolden-Tiller said.

“These folks (coalition members) have met every month to talk about this project and also went to many city council meetings and many other meetings to make sure this project came to fruition.”

Ruth Brock, ALProHealth program manager, said the work of the community coalition was the key ingredient for making sure the pocket park became a reality.

“We are excited for

This endeavor has been spearheaded by a dedicated volunteer, Tom Gober. Gober agreed to take the lead on the expansion project and has been a crucial part of the process. With Gober leading the way, along with LCHS’s passionate and hardworking board members, a contract with J.A. Lett Construction has been signed, and work should begin soon. Groundbreaking is set for January 2023 and should be completed in early April of this year. This is great timing because warmer weather is always busier with more intakes for the shelter.

If you are interested in helping the Lee County Humane Society, we offer several avenues for you to do so. Fostering is one of those avenues. Lee County has an amazing foster community, which is

DIETRICH >>

FROM A4

test involving a large digital-imagery apparatus, I was instructed by a young college-age female medical tech to drop my trousers.

I did.

Whereupon the young tech said, “Um, you also have to drop your underpants.”

“But,” I pointed out, “then I’ll be buck-naked.”

After which the college-age girl said — and this is true — “Don’t be embarrassed,

people get out and moving around in downtown Tuskegee,” she said.

Tuskegee Mayor Lawrence Haygood also commented on the collaborative aspect of the project.

“This is about rebuilding our community,” Haygood said. “Our community is being rebuilt by our citizens stepping forward, making the sacrifice and not giving up. This is a small change, but it is a big step forward.”

PROMOTING HEALTHY LIVING

Bolden-Tiller said the coalition wanted to do something that could beautify downtown Tuskegee but also promote healthy living. She said the pocket park gives people a reason to get outside and walk downtown to experience the pocket park.

“We really wanted to enhance the experience people have when they come to downtown Tuskegee,” Bolden-Tiller said.

Hall said the pocket park is one of several projects in the plans to improve downtown Tuskegee and Macon County.

“It is our vision that people will find it therapeutic to offer their

why the Lee County Humane Society can provide great care for our animals, have a 99% live release rate and so on. If you are interested in fostering any of our available furry friends, visit our website or contact our foster coordinators at foster2@ leecountyhumane.org.

It also runs the shelter and foster programs with the valiant efforts of our volunteers and donors. If you are interested in volunteering and/ or donating, you can contact Kim Reeder at Volunteer2@ leecountyhumane. org, or Jenny Warren, LCHS’s outreach and development coordinator at Outreachanddevelop@ leecountyhumane. org. You may catch up on exciting events and learn more about donating, fostering or volunteering on LCHS’s website: www.

I’ve seen millions of thingies doing this job.”

After weeks of waiting, the doctor called me with the test results. I was at an Atlanta Braves game, standing in line at a vending booth, ordering an Ovaltine.

The doctor said, “You don’t have cancer, Sean. You’re all clear.”

I started to cry, in front of God and country. And I mean REALLY cry. Snot and tears and everything. And try as I may, I cannot unfeel the gratitude I felt

musical talents by utilizing the stage area to play while people just sit for a while,” Hall said. “It is our hope that this park will be the first of many placemaking ideas in downtown Tuskegee, as well as Macon County.”

Bolden-Tiller said the land was originally owned by the Etzioni family. They offered use of the land once they learned it would be renovated to add value to the area.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about ALProHealth, contact Brock at rlw0031@aces.edu. For more information about Macon County Extension, contact Hall at (334)727-0340 or email her at howarje@aces. edu.

ABOUT THE ALABAMA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SYSTEM

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System takes the expertise of Auburn University and Alabama A&M University to the people. Our educators in all 67 counties are community partners — bringing practical ways to better our homes, farms, people and the world around us. Our research extends knowledge and improves lives.

leecountyhumane.org. Don’t forget to check out our adoptable pets. This is just the beginning of growing and expanding as LCHS continues to have long-term goals for its shelter. The shelter is always grateful for its volunteers, fosters and donors and look forward to continuing to serve the community and finding adopters the perfect addition to their family. As the shelter grows it continues to seek your support to care for these pets now more than ever.

If you would like to support the shelter, please join our No More Wasted Lives Campaign and donate here: http://weblink. donorperfect.com/ NMWL2022.

Drop by and see LCHS’s pets. The shelter welcomes visitors and cannot wait to share its mission with you.

that fateful evening. I kicked back a few celebratory Ovaltines that night.

So, as we stand on the cusp of a brand new frightening year, I’ll be honest, I don’t know what 2023 will bring. It might be good. It might be a bad year. It might be the hardest, most disastrous year of my life. Or maybe it will be the best.

But, truthfully, I don’t care what 2023 holds. Because I know who holds 2023.

include murals depicting Rosa Parks and other scenes by local artist Caroline Carson.

A ribbon cutting was recently held for the opening of The Rosa Park in downtown Tuskegee. The park is named in honor of civil rights icon Rosa Parks, who was born in Tuskegee.

P H O T O C O N T R I B U T E D T O T H E O B S E R V E R

Price of Fitness Memberships to Increase in January

CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF AUBURN / ANN BERGMAN

AUBURN —

Auburn Parks and Recreation's fitness and non-resident basketball memberships for Frank Brown Recreation Center and Boykin Community Center have increased from $25 to $30 as of Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023.

Memberships are a onetime fee and do not expire; however, replacement cards cost $30 and can be purchased online.

Parks and Recreation memberships are available for citizens who live or work in Auburn. A Daily Guest Pass for the fitness center may be purchased

for $5 per visit. Members will be required to take a photo during their first visit to Frank Brown Recreation Center or Boykin Community Center. Membership cards can be printed at Frank Brown Recreation Center during regular business hours.

Citizens must have an online account in order to purchase a membership. To access the online system and create an account, visit auburnalabama.org/ parks and click “Register." Those who previously had a membership will have until Dec. 31 to transfer to the new system without a fee. Please call 334-5012930 if you are a previous member and did not receive the promo code.

The Galley on McCoy is excited to announce the first ever “Street Food Saturday” event this Saturday, Jan. 7, from 12 to 4 p.m.

This event will be held at the Twin City #76 Mason Lodge, across the street from the EAMC parking garage, on Pepperell Parkway in Opelika. Easy access to and from the Lodge, as well as ample parking, makes this the perfect event venue. Bring the family and friends for a taste of Opelika’s street food scene brought to you by some of the best in business

For more information about creating an online

account or purchasing a membership, please con-

tact Parks and Recreation's administrative office at 334-501-2930 or registration@auburnalabama.org

Frank Brown Recreation Center is located at 235 Opelika Road in Auburn.

JAN.

JAN.

JAN.

Ann Cipperly

SHouthernospitality

fter so much rich food over the holidays, steaming bowls of soup are soothing comfort food on chilly January days. Whether it is creamy smooth, a chunky chowder or robust with beans, soup warms body and soul. Most soup recipes make a large pot, which can be prepared ahead and frozen in sev-

eral containers to have on hand for busy days. When you come home tired from a hectic day, you will be glad to have a batch of soup tucked away in the freezer to heat and serve.

A variety of soup recipes are featured here from good local cooks. While some of the soup recipes simmer for hours, others use convenient

foods, with the soup ready to serve in minutes. Vegetable soups are popular as they become a meal when prepared with beef or chicken, and there are many versions to suit any taste. Cornbread served warm from the oven is a welcomed addition. My mother made a simple recipe by boiling stew beef for a couple of hours, then

adding a

hour. On a cold night in our drafty old house, her soup was a blissful supper.

Many of the best soups start with simmering

chicken, stew beef or chuck roast with onion for making your own broth. Once you have simmered the meat, remove it from the stock and chop it into bite sized pieces. Then, add fresh or frozen vegetables of

your choice. A can of diced tomatoes is always good. Other additions can include beans, rice or pasta.

These days, I prepare a variety of vegetable soups, and often the veg-

BY EMERY LAY FOR LIVE LEE MAGAZINE

Working From The H’Art Girl Scout Cookie Season is Here

LEE COUNTY —

For Pam Coxwell, using art as a creative outlet had always been a part of her life. It was not until more than two decades ago that Coxwell realized she could make a career out of her love for art.

“From the Heart Art” is now Coxwell’s full-time job and has been since its inception 15 years ago.

While Coxwell attempted a brick-and-mortar store a couple of times, she said the art shop worked best as a website.

Through “From the Heart Art,” Coxwell travels to sell her work at various art shows. She recently participated in the Christmas Village in Birmingham, which spanned from Nov. 1 through 6.

Today, Coxwell teaches art classes, sells her art to admirers and even works with stores such

as Kirkland’s and Hobby Lobby. However, she said she may not have believed you if 30 years ago you told her this is where she would be now.

Originally, Coxwell started out as a cosmetologist. After marrying her Beauregard High School sweetheart, Terry, Coxwell tried her hand at hair for a year.

“I enjoyed doing hair [and] learning how to do it,” Coxwell said. “I just didn’t enjoy doing it every day.”

For the next 10 years, Coxwell transitioned into ministry, working at Trinity Presbyterian Church and Youth for Christ. Yet, her crafts never left her side.

“I ended up doing several things, but always did … something creative on the side,” Coxwell said. “I really don’t remember a time where I did not have some sort of craft, supply … something creative going on, no matter what season of life that I was in.”

This included her

pregnancy with her youngest daughter, in 1990, in which Coxwell was confined to bed rest — or, rather, couch rest.

“My sister and my mother — to help preserve my sanity and everybody else’s — set the couch up with TV tables all the way around, with all kinds of paints and all kinds of supplies, so that I could do that,” Coxwell said. “And

it was during that time that I crossed paths with some ladies in Opelika who had a business called S.L.K. Jewelry.”

Before she knew it, Coxwell was painting papers for their business. Her sister would pick up the papers and beads, bring them to the couch and return Coxwell’s finished work.

Steaming

can of tomatoes and chopped potatoes to simmer for another

CONTRIBUTED BY GIRL SCOUTS OF SOUTHERN ALABAMA

ALABAMA — Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama kicked off

Girl Scout Cookie season Jan. 1, as Girl Scouts and their troops rally the community to support the world’s largest entre-

P H O T O B Y M I C H E L L E K E Y / T H E O B S E R V E R

See ART , page A11

Virginia Meyer of Troop 7022 delivers samples of cookies to The Observer.

Local resident Pam Coxwell sells her art Kirkland's and Hobby Lobby as well as teaches art classes.

Alabama Symphony Orchestra Announces January Concert Events

CONTRIBUTED BY ALABAMA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

BIRMINGHAM —

The Alabama Symphony Orchestra (ASO) invites all to amazing performances to start off 2023.

Whether you’re interested in experiencing exciting guest soloists like Joyce Yang and Anthony McGill, or seeing the orchestra accompany a rock band live for “The Music of Queen,” January has something for everybody. Tickets are available at alabamasymphony.org or by calling 205-975-2787.

McGill, principal clarinet of the New York Philharmonic, will be the featured soloist on Jan. 13 and 14 at 7 p.m. at the beautiful Alys Stephens Center. McGill will be

performing two works — Haitian composer Julio Racine’s “Concertino for Clarinet and Orchestra” and the world premiere of a clarinet concerto by ASO Music Director Carlos Izcaray.

“We are thrilled to have Anthony McGill join us again to showcase his talent in two virtuosic works,” Izcaray said.

“Anthony is a longtime friend of mine, and I'm so glad to have another opportunity to share that friendship and amazing artistry with our musicians and audiences.”

In addition to these works, the ASO will perform Prokofiev’s heroic “Symphony No. 5” and Izcaray’s “Geometric Unity.”

Bridging the gulf between rock ‘n' roll

and classical music, the Alabama Symphony Orchestra will also present “The Music of Queen,” a program scored to extend the listening experience of Queen's iconic tunes. With an amplified rock band and vocals, the evening will capture Queen's distinct sound while presenting some familiar tunes and lots of new musical colors. The show is set for Jan. 21 at 8 p.m. at the BJCC concert hall, offering a chance to experience this exciting blend of orchestra and rock band.

Finally, see the triumphant return of Yang performing alongside the Alabama Symphony Orchestra Jan. 27 and 28 at UAB’s Alys Stephens Center. Yang, “an astonishing virtuoso with

tremendous suggestive power and imagination,” will perform Edvard Grieg’s masterful “Piano Concerto.” The orchestra will also perform Jean Sibelius’ lushly romantic “Symphony No. 1” and Robert Schumann’s “Overture from Genoveva.”

January with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra is full of opportunities to see classic favorites and exciting new sounds. Visit alsymphony.org/ events for tickets and information, or contact the box office at 205-9752787.

ABOUT THE ALABAMA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The formation of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra (ASO) began with the first performance by a group of volunteer

musicians in 1921. That group would evolve from a volunteer ensemble to the state's only full-time professional orchestra. Today, the ASO is continuing to make music and provide vital services to the residents of the state, serving nearly 100,000 individuals a year through concert series, youth programs and educational and community engagement efforts to fulfill its mission to change lives through music.

We proudly work to produce creative, dynamic programming and to be recognized as an artistically innovative leader in the field — winning ASCAP Awards in 2010 and 2011 for Adventurous Programming and Dedication to New American

Music and receiving an invitation to perform at Carnegie Hall in May 2012 as a part of the competitive Spring For Music Festival, which is underwritten by a $1 million grant from the Mellon Foundation.

The Alabama Symphony Orchestra has entertained and enriched audiences for over 100 years, playing a variety of classical and popular music and hosting performances by some of the finest guest artists in the world. The 53 talented musicians of the ASO bring to life some of the world’s most treasured musical masterpieces and introduce listeners to exciting new works and composers, performing 100 concerts annually.

From The Live Well Kitchen: Casseroles and Brownies

CONTRIBUTED BY ACES

BY DUSTIN DUNCAN

AUBURN —

This recipe is perfect for the fall season. Live Well Alabama’s Baked Apples and Squash is a sweet side dish to add to any meal without skipping vegetables. An added bonus: One serving of this recipe provides nearly 40% of the daily vitamin A recommendations.

“Adding apples to a meal is a great way to sweeten a dish and boost fiber without going overboard on added sugar," said Alabama Cooperative Extension System Specialist and registered dietian Sofia Sanchez.

INGREDIENTS

2 cups yellow squash, diced

2 cups apple, diced 1 tablespoon olive oil

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 tablespoon brown sugar

½ teaspoon salt

PRO TIPS

Cut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds before dicing. After 15 minutes of baking, sprinkle a tiny amount of orange juice and brown sugar and toss. Then resume baking.

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Combine all ingredients in bowl. Mix evenly.

Spread mixture onto metal baking pan.

Bake for 20 to 30 minutes or until squash is soft.

SECRET INGREDIENT

Scout S’mores and gluten-free Toffee-tastics.

Live Well Alabama has a secret, and we’re not sure how much longer we can keep it.

Live Well Alabama’s Secret Ingredient Fudge Brownies recipe is lower in sugar and higher in fiber than traditional boxed brownies. Okay, we can’t hold it any longer — the secret ingredient is black beans.

“Black beans are a great ingredient to hide in comfort meals to make them secretly healthy. One ½ cup of cooked black beans provides 8 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber. It’s also a low-fat food, which makes it ideal for incorporating in other desserts,” Sanchez said.

INGREDIENTS

booth sales will begin Jan.13.

Cooking spray

One can black beans, 15 ounces, drained and rinsed

Three eggs

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

¼ cup cocoa powder

¼ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

¾ cup unsweetened applesauce

2 tablespoons honey PRO TIPS

Mix in or top with your favorite dried fruit or nuts. Get creative.

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly spray an 8x8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray.

Use a fork or hand mixer to mash black beans into a smooth paste.

Combine black bean

paste with all other ingredients. Pour into baking dish.

Bake for 30 minutes or until top is dry and edges start to pull away from sides of the pan.

Want to learn more?

Step-by-step instructions for the Baked Apples and Squash and Secret Ingredient Fudge Brownies recipes and an instructional videos are available at LiveWellAlabama.com.

ABOUT LIVE WELL ALABAMA

Live Well Alabama is a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) initiative developed by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System at Auburn University. This initiative reaches residents across the state

with research-based education.

“Cooking at home on a regular basis is a key ingredient to overall health, and it doesn’t have to be difficult or break the bank,” said Katie Funderburk, Alabama Extension’s SNAP-Ed coordinator.

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Live Well Alabama provides numerous recipes that are simple and budget-friendly.

For more information about Live Well Alabama and to find more Live Well Alabama recipes, visit www. LiveWellAlabama.com. Also, check out more Live Well Alabama tips and recipes on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

preneurial program for girls.

Stock up on all the favorite Girl Scout cookies and help power unique and amazing experiences for girls with every purchase. This year, iconic favorites such as Thin Mints, Samoas, Tagalongs, Do-si-dos, Adventurefuls and Trefoils are back, as well as the newest addition to the Girl Scout cookie lineup, the Raspberry Rally. Also new to customers in southern Alabama this year: Lemon-Ups, Girl

The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the nation’s largest girl-led business and leading financial literacy program for girls. Through the Girl Scout Cookie Program, girls learn five essential skills for leadership: goal-setting, decision-making, money management, people skills and business ethics.

If you know a Girl Scout, ask how they are selling cookies via the Digital Cookie online platform for local delivery. Door-to-door sales will begin Jan. 6, and

The highly anticipated, online-exclusive Raspberry Rally cookie joins the iconic lineup for the 2023 cookie season. Raspberry Rally is a thin crispy cookie infused with raspberry flavor and dipped in the same delicious chocolaty coating as the beloved Thin Mints cookies. This must-try new cookie will be the first in the Girl Scout Cookie lineup to be exclusively offered for online sale and direct shipment only, enhancing girls’ e-commerce sales and entrepreneurial

skills. Online and direct ship sales of all flavors, including the Raspberry Rally, will begin Feb. 27.

HOW TO PURCHASE GIRL SCOUT COOKIES THIS YEAR

• Buy from a Girl Scout in your local area.

• Text COOKIES to 59618 to be among the first to receive information about Girl Scout Cookies and to find out about other exciting Girl Scout news. Visit www. bit.ly/3E7ViYa for terms and conditions. Visit www.bit.ly/3Fajz0V for the SMS privacy policy.

• Beginning Jan. 13, enter your ZIP code into the Girl Scout

Cookie Finder at www. girlscoutcookies.org to find a booth near you, to purchase cookies from a local Girl Scout troop for delivery or to donate cookies to local causes.

The 2023 Girl Scout Cookie Program will end on March 5, so make sure to stock up. The more cookies girls sell, the more earnings they have to power impactful community projects and personal enrichment experiences, such as STEM activities and traveling. Every purchase of Girl Scout Cookies is an investment in girls both now and

in the future and their leadership capabilities, with 100% of the net revenue staying local. To learn more about the Girl Scout Cookie Program, and to find out when Girl Scouts will be selling near you, visit www. girlscoutssa.org.

Girl Scouts in grades K–12 can start their journey to fun, friendship and new experiences by joining the world's largest entrepreneurial organization for girls at any point in the year. Girls can join and adults can become volunteers at www.girlscoutssa.org/ join.

FUDGE BROWNIES

A D O B E S T O C K P H O T O S / U S E D W T H P E R M I S S I O N

The 2022 Christmas Banquet was hosted by Minister Alicia and Deacon Tyrone Ogletree of OCM Ministries Inc. in Opelika on Dec. 17 at 4 p.m. The event was sponsored by OCM Printing & Design, Lollie Steiner of Auburn Bank and Gentry & Ware. The banquet was held at the Covington Receational Center in Opelika. The keynote speaker was Bishop Designate Carterris Tucker of Believers International in Auburn.

FROM A7

etables and meat depend on whatever is on hand.

For a quick soup on busy days, the base starts with a 32-ounce container of chicken broth. A package or two of frozen soup vegetable mix goes into the broth with a dash of salt and sometimes a chopped onion. Then, the refrigerator is checked for any fresh or leftover

CIPPERLY RECIPES

PAT’S SHRIMP

BISQUE

4 Tbsp. unsalted butter

1 onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced

2 lb. raw shrimp, shelled and deveined 4 Roma tomatoes, chopped

4 cups seafood or chicken stock

½ cup fine breadcrumbs

1/2 cup or more heavy cream

2 Tbsp. dry sherry Salt to taste

Pinch of cayenne pepper

3 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley

Melt butter in skillet; add onion and garlic. Sauté until slightly softened. Add tomatoes and stock; cook until tomatoes are softened, about 5 minutes.

Set aside half of shrimp. Add remaining shrimp to broth with breadcrumbs. Cook over medium heat until shrimp turn pink, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Puree soup mixture in processor or blender until smooth.

Return mixture to pan; add cream, sherry, salt and pepper.

Slice reserved shrimp into one-inch pieces. Just before serving, add shrimp and cook until pink. Garnish with parsley. Makes 6 to 8 servings. Better prepared a day or two ahead.

COUNTRY HAM AND POTATO SOUP

Mary Lauderdale

¼ cup butter

1½ cup chopped onions, optional

1 Tbsp. minced garlic, optional

1 cup chopped or ground country ham

2 Tbsp. flour 3 cups chicken broth

4 cups unpeeled new potatoes or peeled regular potatoes, chopped

1½ cups heavy cream

¼- ½ tsp. dried thyme

½ tsp. red pepper flakes

½ tsp. black pepper or to taste

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

½ cup sour cream

In a stockpot over medium high heat, melt butter; add onion, garlic and ham. Cook

vegetables. If there is leftover chicken or roast, that is chopped and goes in the pot.

For a quick soup, brown a pound of ground beef or turkey in olive oil with an onion, then drain the fat. Add a 32-ounce container of chicken or beef broth, along with a package or two of frozen soup vegetables and any leftover ones you have on hand. A can of tomatoes is always a good addition, and if there is

approximately 4 minutes or until onion is soft and ham begins to brown. Add flour and stir for 1 minute. Add broth; stir and cook until mixture thickens and bubbles. Add potatoes; bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium low, cover and cook for 15 minutes until potatoes are tender.

With a potato masher, mash potatoes until a few chunks remain. Add cream, thyme, red pepper flakes and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes. Stir in cheese and sour cream. Remove from heat.

Garnish with additional chopped ham and cheese, if desired. Serve with bread or crackers.

MY GRANDMOTHER SMITH’S VEGETABLE SOUP

Susan DeLoach

Both my dad’s (Smith) and my mother’s (Howell) parents grew up in Stroud on farms, so fresh vegetables were always available. When fresh is not available, fresh frozen is the next best thing. Recipe is easy to double.

1/2 lb. lean ground beef

1 medium onion, chopped 2 cups cut okra 2 cups black-eyed peas

2 cups small lima beans

1 cup yellow corn

3 medium potatoes, diced

2 cans petite-diced tomatoes

Salt and pepper to taste

Brown ground beef and drain. Add ground beef and all other ingredients to large Dutch oven. Salt and pepper to taste. Add 1 to 2 cups water to fill pot. Cook on stovetop for one hour. It freezes well if you have leftovers.

TORTILLA SOUP

Linda Letlow

This is my family’s favorite soup. I don’t always fry the tortilla strips. Sometimes I just crumble some store bought tortilla chips on the top when I serve it!

Chips

3 Tbsp. oil 4 corn tortillas,

no meat, a can of pinto beans will add protein. If you use a bay leaf in soup, be sure to remove it before serving, as it can cause choking.

A variety of chicken and beef broths or stocks are available for making soups, and they have improved over the years.

If you are making soup from an older recipe that calls for chicken or beef bouillon cubes and water, substitute with a container of broth instead, using

halved, cut crosswise into strips Soup

6 Tbsp. oil 8 6-inch corn tortillas, cut into bite-size pieces

1 medium onion, chopped ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro 6 garlic cloves, minced

Two 14 ½-oz. cans diced tomatoes in juice

8 cups chicken broth

1½ Tbsp. cumin

1 Tbsp. chili powder

3 bay leaves 4 skinless boneless chicken breast halves ½ tsp. cayenne pepper

Monterey Jack cheese, grated Sour cream

Heat 3 Tbsp. oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add tortilla strips and fry until golden, stirring frequently. Transfer to paper towels and season with salt.

Heat 6 Tbsp. oil in large saucepan over high heat. Add tortilla pieces, onion, garlic and cilantro; sauté about 3 minutes. Stir in tomatoes with juices; bring mixture to a boil. Add broth, chili powder, cumin and bay leaves; return to boil.

Add chicken and cayenne. Simmer until chicken is done, about 15 minutes.

Using slotted spoon, remove chicken and bay leaves, and transfer chicken to plate. Chop chicken. Discard bay leaves and return chicken to soup. Serve and top with sour cream and grated cheese.

DADDY’S CLAM CHOWDER

Karen Herring

1 can minced clams

1/3 cup chopped bell pepper

1 stalk celery, chopped

1 can cream of potato soup Half and half

Real butter

Sauté bell pepper and celery in plenty of butter until soft. Add clams and stir into butter; add potato soup. Fill soup can with half and half and add to mixture. Heat and enjoy! (If it is too thin, thicken with cornstarch mixture with milk.)

To figure amount

the same amount as the water called for in the bouillon recipe.

Years ago, a friend shared a recipe for potato soup using frozen hashbrown-style potatoes when she didn’t have time to peel fresh potatoes after work. The potatoes cook in chicken stock with a chopped onion, then condensed chicken and celery soup are added with milk for a rich, creamy soup. Shredded cheddar

for a crowd: one can of potato soup for every two people.

MEATBALL MINESTRONE SOUP

Debbie Broughton

1 clove garlic

1 Tbsp. olive oil 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans (white beans), undrained, divided 32 oz. box chicken broth

1 pkg. (1.4 oz) vegetable soup mix 25 cooked meatballs ( homemade or frozen)

1 can (14.5 oz.) Italian style diced tomatoes (basil, garlic, oregano) ½ tsp. dried crushed red pepper 8 oz. uncooked rotini pasta 1 bag (10 oz.) fresh spinach

Sauté garlic in hot olive oil in a stockpot. Add one can of beans and chicken broth. Bring to a boil and add meatballs, tomatoes and red pepper. Return to boil, add rotini and cook for 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in remaining can of beans and spinach. Cook 5 more minutes.

Garnish with Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve with breadsticks.

MOM’S CHEESY CHICKEN AND VEGETABLE SOUP

Carrie Watts

3-4 lb. chicken, cooked and chopped 10 cups water, divided 1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. pepper

1 chopped onion

2 cups chopped celery

2 cups diced carrots

2 cups diced potatoes

2 cups uncooked Minute Rice

4 cubes chicken bouillon

16. oz. Velveeta cheese, cubed

Bring chicken to a boil with 4 cups water. Simmer 1 hour or until cooked. Tear chicken into pieces. Save broth.

Add enough water to broth to make a total of 10 cups. Add chicken and remaining ingredients except cheese.

Simmer 90 minutes, stirring occa-

cheese, diced ham or bacon bits make a tasty topping.

Condensed cream of potato soup is used in other quick and easy recipes, especially for chowders. Almost any meat or seafood can be used in hearty chowder recipes.

A favorite sandwich, cheese toast or green salad are good accompaniments for soup. While apples or pears are good on greens with toasted nuts for a winter salad,

sionally to prevent sticking.

Add cheese and stir until melted. Do not boil.

If freezing the soup, do not add cheese until ready to serve. Makes 12-15 servings.

LORNA’S QUICK AND EASY POTATO SOUP

Garnish with shredded cheddar, diced ham or bacon, if desired.

32 oz. frozen diced hash browns, divided 1 cup chopped onion

1 can chicken broth

2 cups water 1 can cream of celery soup (undiluted)

1 can cream of chicken soup (undiluted)

2 cups milk

Combine half of the hash browns with the onion, chicken broth and water in a Dutch oven; bring to a boil.

Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes. Add remaining hash browns and simmer for an additional 15 minutes.

Stir in soups and milk; heat thoroughly. Makes 2 quarts. Serves six.

TOMATO BASIL SOUP

Allison Drake

2 Tbsp. olive oil or canola oil

2-3 shallots or 1 small yellow onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cans Italian-style diced tomatoes

4 cups low sodium chicken or vegetable broth

4 Tbsp. fresh basil or 2 tsp. of dried basil

1 cup half and half or milk

4 Tbsp. fresh basil or 2 tsp. of dried basil

Heat oil over medium heat and add in shallots (or onions) and cook until tender. Add in garlic. Add the tomatoes and broth and simmer for 1520 minutes. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup. Before serving add in the half and half and basil.

try serving pink grapefruit aAnd avocado on a salad with a light vinaigrette dressing.

For dessert on a chilly evening, bread puddings, apple pies or cookies warm from the oven are yummy with a cup of hot chocolate.

Check the recipes for a variety of scrumptious soups to serve your family during cold January days, and create happy memories around the table.

QUICK SHRIMP, CHICKEN OR HAM

CHOWDER

2 Tbsp. butter 1 medium onion, chopped 2 (10 3/4-oz.) cans cream of potato soup, undiluted 3½ cups milk

¼ tsp. ground red pepper

1½ lbs. medium-size fresh shrimp, peeled, or 3 cups chopped cooked chicken or ham

1 cup (4 oz.) shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat; add onion, and sauté 8 minutes or until tender. Stir in cream of potato soup, milk and pepper; bring to a boil. Add shrimp; reduce heat, and simmer, stirring often, 5 minutes or just until shrimp turn pink (or add cooked chicken). Stir in cheese until melted.

CORN AND SAUSAGE CHOWDER

Recipe from Sissy Easton’s former Village Cookery of Auburn

6 Tbsp. butter ½ lb. Kielbasa sausage 1 onion, chopped 4 stalks celery, diced 1 lb. red new potatoes, unpeeled Two 12 oz. cans niblets corn 4 cups half and half 4 Tbsp. flour Salt and pepper to taste ½ cup parsley, chopped

Melt 2 Tbsp. butter in Dutch oven. Dice sausage. Add sausage, onion, and celery and sauté until the vegetables are tender. Dice unpeeled new potatoes. Add potatoes and the juice from the canned corn. If there is not enough juice to cover potatoes, add water. Cover pot; simmer 10 minutes.

Add corn and stir; simmer 10 minutes more. Add half and half; simmer almost to boiling point.

Prepare a roux by melting the remaining 4 Tbsp. butter in a small pan. Add flour to butter and stir until mixture is smooth. Whisk the roux into chowder and cook over medium high heat until chowder has thickened.

After her daughter was born, Coxwell kept painting cards so that she could stay at home with her newborn.

“I did it for a while,” Coxwell said. “But about the time that door was closing, my husband’s aunt was about to open a craft store right outside of Opelika called The Sawmiller’s Daughter, and she talked me into painting some stuff to put in their store. And I think that’s [when] I saw that people would buy something that I made.”

Around 1995, the Coxwell family was working to send their two daughters to Trinity and needed to raise the tuition. It was during that time that Coxwell found the courage to make art her true profession after selling her work at the Syrup Soppin’ Festival in Loachapoka.

“It was a blessing to my family,” Coxwell said. “I could stay home, take care of them and do something I enjoy to help pay for their tuition to go to school there.”

For a while, Coxwell continued to work part-time jobs in ministry as she built her repertoire and to enjoy school holidays with her children. It was not until 2007 that Coxwell had the opportunity to jump into the deep end.

Thus, From the Heart Art was born.

“It took me a long time to have enough confidence to be able to even say that it’s a business,” Coxwell said. “I’ve always been kind of reluctant, I guess, to start out.”

Now, From the Heart Art has an official online presence where the business sells both resale and wholesale art across the country. Coxwell’s work is created and sold in a metal warehouse located beside her house in Opelika,

which she has worked out of for the past four years.

Born in Dothan, Alabama, Coxwell spent most of her childhood summers at her grandparent’s farm in Hartford.

“In the past few years, I’ve started incorporating some of the memories … from summers spent on their farm into my artwork,” Coxwell said.

In fact, incorporating memories into her work has created some of Coxwell’s favorite pieces. One in particular came about over five years ago.

“My brother-in-law was really sick with cancer,” Coxwell said. “I had to have some artwork turned in and I didn’t really have time to do it.”

On the cusp of a deadline, Coxwell began painting a church — a small, white one like the one her grandfather used to take her to in the country.

“My brother-in-law was a grandfather,” Coxwell said. “I don’t know, it was just bothering me. … It was just very emotional. So, I did that church in honor of both of them.”

To this day, Coxwell said that piece has remained one of her bestsellers. In fact, at one point, it had been licensed for and sold at Hobby Lobby for several years.

“It was a way of me processing what was happening in my life,” Coxwell said. “I think the majority of my artwork is that: just processing life, and it comes out on paper. I think that’s one of the most precious designs because of that.”

A primary source of inspiration for Coxwell is the Bible. She said her artwork is “faith-based” and is influenced by the sermons she hears and the studies she is in.

As a self-professed visual

FROM A10

Add salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle each serving with freshly chopped parsley. Serves 8.

VEGETABLE SOUP WITH CABBAGE AND PASTA

Cynnie James

Cut recipe in half for a smaller pot of soup.

3 lbs. ground sirloin

3 medium-large sweet onions, chopped Vegetable oil 10 cans (original) stewed tomatoes

3 Tbsp. ground thyme Salt and seasoned pepper

6 whole bay leaves

3 Tbsp. file

Large bag frozen cut green beans

½ small cabbage , sliced thin

Large bag frozen tiny butter beans

Large bag frozen shoe-peg corn

Handful of angel hair thin noodles

Brown meat and onions in small bit of vegetable oil in a large heavy pot.

Place tomatoes (2 cans at a time) in blender, and lightly blend. Add blended tomatoes and 2 or 3 blenders (or more) full of water to beef.

While bringing to a boil, add seasonings

and mix thoroughly. Boil mixture on medium for about 30 minutes.

Then add green beans and cabbage and cook for another 30 minutes. Add butter beans and cook another 30 minutes. Lastly, add corn and cook until soup is the desired consistency.

Five minutes before soup is done, add noodles.

Be sure to stir the soup regularly in order to prevent it sticking to the pot and burning. Remove bay leaves before serving.

QUICK CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP

2 Tbsp. butter or oil

1 carrot, peeled and chopped

1 onion, chopped

2 ribs celery, chopped Salt and pepper

6 cups chicken stock

2 cups cooked chicken, chopped

½ lb. wide egg noodles

Parsley, optional Sauté vegetables in butter; season with salt and pepper. Add stock; bring liquid to a boil. Add chicken; return soup to a boil, and reduce heat to medium. Cook chicken 2 minutes and add noodles. Cook soup until noodles are tender. Stir in parsley, if desired.

learner, Coxwell said she would often draw out Bible verses in order to commit them to memory. Eventually, she began incorporating Bible verses into her art pieces, writing the words around the original design.

“It felt like it was burned on my heart that that’s how I needed to do it,” Coxwell said. “I learned that if I made the artwork, it was what would draw [people] into the booth to read the words. I saw how it was a tool to get people into my booth to look closer and read the verse, whether they bought it or not.”

Oftentimes, Coxwell said she could hear them reading

the verses under their breath. Other times, Coxwell saw onlookers in tears after reading a verse that spoke with their situation.

“I know that it’s bigger than me,” Coxwell said. “It’s just a tool and how the Lord uses my hands.”

Though she did not originally begin by including verses in her art, Coxwell said she finds it hard now to send out a piece without including one.

As the new year approaches, Coxwell said that she hopes to be able to focus more on the workshops that she began in October.

During the first week of every month, Coxwell sends

out recorded tutorials for the members signed up for her class. Then, the group meets virtually later in the month to discuss their completed work and get feedback from Coxwell herself.

A waitlist is open now on the website for both the Online Lettering Membership — $24 a month — and the Mixed Media Workshop — $34 a month — at www.fromtheheartart. com.

“I want to teach other women how to experience the joy that I’ve found in creativity,” Coxwell said.

“And I feel like that’s my new season that I’m entering into.”

For more information, and to stay up to date on the latest From the Heart Art news, visit the company’s Facebook page at Reminders. FromtheHeart, or follow them on Instagram at PamCoxwellDesigns.

RELIGION —

“Hear O Israel:

The Lord our God, The Lord is one,” (Deuteronomy 6:4).

It’s hard to overstate the importance of this text for Israel or for the follower of Jesus.

For Israel, it was spoken to them as they were f-i-n-a-l-l-y about to enter the land of Canaan. The previous

generation of Israelites was supposed to inherit the land, but they had died in the wilderness due to their unbelief. Even their leader Moses would not be entering the land due to an act of unbelief on his part (Numbers 2:2-12; Deuteronomy 3:23-26). So, it’s a monumental moment for the nation, and God wanted them to be prepared for it. That’s why Moses ties the law in with the land in v. 1-3. They are inextricably related and the principal law is “The Lord our God, The Lord is one.”

Following Brueggemann (who follows McBride), I think we are to understand “the Lord is one” as a self-revelation made with idolatry in mind. After all, that’s what Israel came out of in Egypt, it was part of their

wilderness experience and it’s what they were going to be exposed to in Canaan.

Like the golden calf, idolatry appeared sleek and shiny. What could be wrong with bowing down to a beautiful image? But idolatry never stopped in the abstract stage.

It always served as a catalyst for evil (Exodus 32:5-6; Numbers 25:13) and the worst kinds of destructiveness (Leviticus 18:21). Yes, it was sleek and shiny, but underneath, as Jesus would say in another context, it was full of “dead people’s bones and all uncleanness,” (Matthew 23:27 ESV).

But there was something more. At the heart of idolatry was chaos, fragmentation and destruction. There was no overarching unity or harmony to life

or the universe — only a multiplicity of gods with conflicting agendas and competing interests. It was up to people to sort through all of the confusion and somehow keep the gods placated. In Athens, they felt this uncertainty to such a degree that they had built an altar to the unknown god. Predictably, there was little peace or refuge to be found in idolatry. Appeasement was the best you could hope for.

In Yahweh’s selfrevelation that “the Lord is one.” Israel was not only to understand that idolatry and its attendant behaviors were wrong, but to hear these words about Yahweh as a statement concerning the most fundamental realities of the universe. Despite appearances, despite idolatry’s reflection of

BIBLE VERSE OF THE WEEK

CHURCH DIRECTORY

ANGLICAN

The Good Shepherd Anglican Church 3015 Opelika Road, Opelika

APOSTOLIC HOLINESS

God’s House of Prayers Holiness Church 301 Highland Ave., Opelika 334-749-9672

BAPTIST Bethesda Baptist Church 201 S. 4th St., Opelika 334-745-7528

Beulah Baptist Church 5500 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-705-0538

AFB - Cooperative Baptist Fellowship 128 East Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-8506

Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 3089 Judge Brown Rd., Valley 334-710-2117

Greater Peace Missionary

Baptist Church 650 Jeter Ave., Opelika 334-749-9487

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

High Hope Baptist Church 227 Lee Road 673 334-524-8750

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

Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Road 166, Opelika 334-745-4608

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

CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ at Cunningham 2660 Cunningham Dr., Opelika

10th Street Church Of

Christ 500 N. 10th St., Opelika 334-745-5181

Church Of Christ 2215 Marvyn Pkwy., Opelika 334-742-9721

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

EPISCOPAL

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

METHODIST

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

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

NON-DENOMINATIONAL Church At Opelika

those appearances, there was and is a oneness and an overarching harmony to the universe and life because “the Lord is one.” The Creator and Sustainer of all things is one, and so ultimately is everything He made. Understanding this would bring peace and refuge and keep the nation from falling into the abyss of idolatry.

When you have a relationship with this God in all His immensity, it allows you, like Israel, to live in the land of promise. If your God is something less, then you’re probably still knocking around in the wilderness.

Where are you living these days?

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

1901 Waverly Pkwy., Opelika 334-524-9148

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

St. Ellis Full Gospel Church 5267 US Hwy 80W, Opelika 334-298-4319

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

PRESBYTERIAN Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Road, Opelika 334-745-4889

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST Opelika Outreach S.D.A. Church P.O. Box 386, Opelika 334-749-3151

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

WALTER ALBRITTON

RELIGION —

If you have inner turmoil caused by unresolved conflicts, you can use the end of the year to bring closure. This is a good time to exchange the rubbish of your heart for peace.

Take anger, for example. Anger for hurt you didn’t deserve. You can’t forget a friend’s insinuating criticism. A

Exchange Inner Turmoil for Peace

colleague got a job you were more qualified for.

Your husband is a “street angel” but a “house devil.” When your mother died, your sister got all her jewelry and you got nothing but an old blanket. You married into a family that treats you like a stepchild.

Anger lingers inside us for different reasons. So, how do we rid ourselves of this damaging attitude that robs us of joy?

Three affirmations offer a solution. First, anger hurts me, not the person who is the object of my anger. Second, no one can make me angry unless I give that person permission to do so.

Third, I can choose to let my anger go.

Apply common sense.

Since anger disrupts the normal functions of your body’s organs, why allow a disposition of your mind to injure your liver or your kidneys?

As this calendar year ends, we can dispose of lingering anger just as we handle the garbage — throw it out. That’s what anger is anyway — garbage. The longer we let it hang around, the worse it stinks.

Bitterness and resentment are cousins of anger. If we allow them lodging in our hearts, they can eventually destroy us. No one is immune to these villains. Like the flu, they can attack us and wound us.

That’s why it’s important to guard the

JAMES SHERRELL PARKER

James Sherrell Parker, 94 years old, was born on a farm in New Hope, Alabama (Randolph County). He grew up helping his dad on the farm. Sherrell studied agriculture at Auburn University. With one quarter until graduation, he was drafted into the Army and sent to Korea for a two-year hitch in the Army. Upon his return to the States, he met and married Ann Nolen from Roanoke, Alabama, and they moved to Auburn, for a short time, so that he could finish his degree from Auburn.

Upon graduating, he taught high school vocational agriculture until he went to work for the USDA Soil Conservation Service. He and his wife had three children and moved around the state of Alabama until finally settling back in Auburn in 1974. They were active members of Auburn United Methodist Church for close to 50 years. Sherrell retired from the USDA in the state office in 1982. After his retirement from USDA, he stayed busy helping his son in the construction business and tending to his cows and trees at his home place in New

Hope. His work ethic was legendary, and he always led by example. He and Ann spent countless hours with their children and enjoyed spoiling their grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

Mr. Parker is survived by his children: Sherry Parker Henderson (Dwight), James “Jim” Nolen Parker (Lisalyn), JoAnn Parker Penovi (Don); grandchildren: Jake Parker (Erica), Caroline Matthes (Ben), Alexandra Alonso (Gonzalo); greatgrandchildren: Spence Parker, Liz Parker, James Matthes, Laura Zeta Matthes, Elena Alonso, Philip Alonso.

We wish to convey special thanks to Sherrell’s dedicated and loving caregiver team led by Michelle Brooks.

The family respectfully declines the gift of flowers and suggests memorials be made to:

Auburn United Methodist Church 137 S. Gay St. Auburn, AL 36830

Visitation was held held Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. with the funeral service beginning at 2 p.m. at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. Burial followed in Auburn Memorial Park Cemetery.

JAMES WESLEY KNOWLES

James was born in Tallassee, Alabama, on April 3, 1951, and passed away at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, Alabama, on Dec. 24, 2022. He was 71 years old.

He was of the Holiness denomination. After 23 years of service to the City of Opelika Transportation Department, he retired in 2014. He graduated from Smiths Station High School in 1970. He enjoyed fishing, woodworking, Auburn football, NASCAR races, country music, attending class reunions and helping others.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John D. and Lucille Knowles; a brother, Wayne Knowles; and a brother-in-law, Donald Plott.

He is survived by his three sisters, Marla Herron (Mike), Kathy Plott and Janice Doler (Frank), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members.

Visitation was held on Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, in the Frederick-Dean Parlor from 10 a.m. until 10:50 a.m. The funeral service was held in the FrederickDean Chapel at 11 a.m. with the Revs. Jackie

door of our hearts. If a friend gets a promotion we thought we deserved, we must deal sternly with any resentment that pops up. We can tell ourselves our turn will come later. We can find the grace to help our friend celebrate their good fortune.

A problem for some of us is our tendency to want other people to adopt our standards for living. Our society is highly complex, and more so every day. We must learn to allow others the freedom to make a myriad of personal choices that may be different from our own.

None of us can make these choices for others. We must make our

own and learn to adjust to what we consider strange decisions some people make in a free society. It helps to remember that we are not all alike.

Some people like chicken; others like fish. Some folks like country music; others like opera. We can make ourselves miserable if we insist that everybody prefer chicken and country music. People are different. The art is to learn to enjoy our own uniqueness and not focus on the weirdness of others.

In every arena there is one basic principle that helps us live with peace. I call it the principle of the Ditch. To live well we must discern which

ditches are worth dying in. Some ditches are not worth dying in. So, we should save our energy for those moral issues that demand from us the courage to stand for the right no matter the cost.

An automobile runs better if the radiator is flushed now and then. The human mind can use a good flushing now and then. There are attitudes, ideas and dispositions that are detrimental to good health. By bringing closure to those that cause us inward turmoil, we can get a jumpstart on making the new year a year of inner peace — and not just any peace, but the peace of Christ which He gives gladly to all who seek it.

Happy New Year!

Prickett and Lavon Delee officiating. Interment followed at Garden Hills Cemetery.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff of East Alabama Medical Center for their excellent care.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

RAYMOND ALBERT MILLER

Raymond Albert Miller, formerly of Smyrna, Georgia, passed away after a short battle with lung cancer on Dec. 21, 2022, in Alexander City, Alabama. He was born to John W. Miller and Jessie Browning Miller on Oct. 21, 1931. He was 91 years old.

He was preceded in death by both his parents, along with his sister, Johnnie Mae Miller; brothers Burl E. Miller, Kenith H. Miller and Bobby G. Miller; his daughter Deborah L. Townley; daughter-in-law Janet K. Miller; son-inlaw Lamar Pierce; his former wife Bobbie R Miller.

Raymond is survived by his son Dennis (Kathy) Miller, Mark (dec. Janet) Miller; daughter Vicki (dec. Lamar) Pierce; grandchildren Adam

(Kathi) Pierce, David Miller, Stephen Miller, Jessica (Jason) Ward and Nichole (Ben) Rice. He leaves great-grandchildren Hannah Pierce, Maddie (Mason) Bass, Zach Pierce, Keidi, Vera and Haleigh Rice, along with a host of nieces and nephews.

Ray, as he was known by his co-workers, spent over 30 years working for Lockheed in Marietta, Georgia, where he was instrumental in the construction and safety verifications of many different types of military aircraft. One of his most notable was certifying for flight worthiness the very first C5 to come off the production lines. These aircraft have made a difference in our military operations around the world. His love of aircraft stemmed from his time of service in the U.S. Air Force. He was stationed for most of his time in the service at Lake Charles AFB in Louisiana and was active in the Korean Conflict.

After his career in the aeronautical industry was over, Ray spent his time travelling as often as possible. He made many driving trips out west where he enjoyed seeing in person the scenes he had read about in his love for Louis Lamour and

Zane Grey novels. When not travelling, he enjoyed spending as much time as possible with his family. He will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Benevolence Fund at the Bill Nichols State Veterans Home in Alexander City, Alabama. He spent the last months of his life there and was helped tremendously by their caring staff. Checks should be mailed to: Bill Nichols VA Home 1784 Elkahatchee Rd. Alexander City, AL 35010

Please indicate Benevolence Fund in the For/Memo line of the check.

Visitation was held at the parlor of FrederickDean Funeral Home on Friday, Dec. 23, 2022, from noon until 12:45 p.m., followed by a service in the Chapel of Frederick-Dean at 1 pm. Burial will follow at a later date in Altoona, Alabama, where his mother and father are interred.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home and Cremation handled the arrangements.

EVELYN "BROWNIE" BOND

What's Happening in Lee County

2023 CITY MARKET VENDOR APPLICATIONS OPEN

Are you a local grower or artisan wanting to share your products with those in the community? Apply to be a vendor at Auburn Parks and Recreation's 2023 City Market. City Market vendor applications opened Nov. 14. City Market will be held Saturdays from May 20 through Aug. 26 at Town Creek Park from 8 to 11 a.m., with vendor setup beginning at 7 a.m.

Farmers, growers and artists who are interested in participating in the City Market must fill out an online application or apply in person at the Harris Center (425 Perry St.).

For more information, including a link to vendor applications and the City Market handbook, please visit www.auburnalabama.org/citymarket or contact Sarah Cook, market coordinator, at scook@auburnalabama.org.

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 Jan. 15, 2023 at 7 p.m.

NAMI supports families dealing with mental illness through mutual support, education and advocacy. There will be a time for sharing. The public is invited. Meetings are held at 714 E. Glenn Ave. in Auburn.

O GROWS — SATURDAYS AT THE GARDEN

Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon outside the Southside Center for the Arts, located at 1103 Glenn St. in Opelika. Activities will include planting, storytime, crafts or art projects for children and hanging out with the goats.

OBITUARIES >>

FROM A13

Mrs. Evelyn “Brownie” Bond, 97, of Auburn, Alabama, passed away Monday, Dec. 26, 2022.

Mrs. Bond was born May 12, 1925, in Lawrence County, Georgia, to parents James and Aline Branch. She attended Berry College at the young age of 16, where she met her husband Merrill Dean Bond, and also went on to attend Auburn University. Mrs. Bond was an associate professor at the Auburn University School of Business Education. She was also very active at First Baptist Church of Auburn. At the age of 87 she retired and became an avid bridge player and fan of the Auburn Tigers and a devoted grandparent. She is preceded in death by her husband, Merrill Dean Bond.

Mrs. Bond is survived by her son, Johnny Bond (Connie) of Charlottesville, Virginia, and their children, David and Katie; daughter, Jeanne Bond Townsend (Jim) of Knoxville, Tennessee, and their daughter, Ashley Townsend West (Stephen) of Franklin, Tennessee; and two greatgrandchildren: Anna and Eli West.

Funeral services for Mrs. Evelyn “Brownie” Bond were held Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, at 2 p.m. at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. A visitation was held one hour prior to the service beginning at 1 p.m. Interment followed at Memorial Park Cemetery of Auburn. Pastor Tripp Martin officiated

The Rev. Roy Sherman Isbell Sr. fell asleep in Jesus on Dec. 23, 2022, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Birmingham, Alabama, at the age of 103. He was the son of William Jesse Isbell (a 1917 graduate of Alabama Polytechnic Institute) and his wife Frances Adaline (McMahan) Isbell, longtime residents of Auburn, Alabama. Roy was born on Nov. 21, 1919, in the teacherage at Startown, Catawba County, North Carolina, where his father taught and coached sports at one of North Carolina’s experimental Farm-Life Schools, which provided practical experience in vocational agriculture.

Roy began school at Green’s Creek, Polk County, North Carolina. In 1928 the family returned to Auburn so that his father could study veterinary medicine, and Roy spent most of his growing up at Auburn. He made a profession of faith in Christ at First Baptist Church, and began studying at A.P.I., where his participation in the Baptist Student Union made a profound impression on him. Before the United States entered World War II, he took advantage of the free lessons in flying which the government was offering at Auburn. He then entered the Navy, and later the Merchant Marine, in which he served five tours on Atlantic and

Pacific convoys in 1944 as a deck cadet on the oil tanker “White River.”

At the end of the war, Roy went directly to Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky, to study for the ministry.

On Dec. 15, 1946, he was ordained to the ministry at Langdale Baptist Church, Chambers County, Alabama, and on Dec. 18 was married at Auburn to Louie Verle Warren, of Tallapoosa County, Alabama, whom he had met at the Auburn B.S.U. After a honeymoon at Gatlinburg, Tennessee, they both pursued studies at Southern Seminary, where he graduated in 1948. They then returned to Alabama so that Roy could complete his degree at A.P.I. in 1949.

In 1950 he accepted an appointment as B.S.U. director at Delta State College in Cleveland, Mississippi, where his son Roy Sherman Isbell Jr. was born. In 1951 Roy became B.S.U. director at Mississippi State College, at Starkville, where his daughter Sally Frances Isbell was born.

In 1960 he began studies at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, where he graduated with a master’s degree in religious education in 1961. He was B.S.U. director at the University of Missouri (Columbia) from 1961 to 1970, and Lou taught child development at the university and was heavily involved in the early development of the Head Start program. Both at Mississippi State, and again at the University

DOWNTOWN AUBURN PARKING

Downtown parking will be free during Auburn University's winter break from Dec. 9 to Jan. 10. Free parking includes on-street parking, the Gay Street Parking Lot and the ground floor of the Municipal Parking Deck.

On-street parking is available along Magnolia Avenue, College Street, Gay Street, Tichenor Avenue and Wright Street. Additionally, more than 200 off-street parking spaces are available in the Gay Street Parking Lot, on the ground floor of the Municipal Parking Deck and in the Tichenor Avenue Lot behind City Hall. Visit the city's parking application to find open spots in the Gay Street parking lot and Municipal Parking Deck. Take advantage of the free parking as you shop, dine and explore downtown Auburn.

Parking in the Wright Street Parking Deck will remain $1 an hour with a limit of $15 per 24-hour period. Find more information about downtown parking on the city's website.

LEE/RUSSELL COUNTY LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP

The group will meet every month on the third Wednesday from 1:30 to 3 p.m. The meeting will be held at the AIDB-Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind Opelika Regional center on 355 Dunlop Drive in Opelika. Every month there will be different topics discussed to make life more manageable living with low vision.

Contact Shiquita Fulton, M. ED/Vision Rehab Therapist for additional details at 334-705-2024, or Melody Wilson, case manager for the blind, at 256-368-3258.

COFFEE & CONVERSATION WITH

VFW POST 5404

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

of Missouri, he helped secure land and lay plans for new B.S.U. facilities. Besides working in real estate in Missouri, Roy did pioneer B.S.U. work in New England and in South Florida between 1985 and 1995. Roy and Lou moved to Boca Raton, Florida, in 1992, and Lou died there on Dec. 7, 1996. Roy then married Ruth (McCulloch) Jones in 1998, and they resided in Birmingham, Alabama. Ruth died Dec. 13, 2019.

Roy is survived by his two children, the Rev. Sherman Isbell (Lisa) of Fairfax, Virginia, and Dr. Sally Powers (David) of Pelham, Massachusetts; his two grandchildren, Dr. Sophia Powers (Martin Lin) of New York City and Max Powers (Lucy Bicks) of Los Angeles; 10 nieces and seven nephews; and two stepdaughters, Brenda Jones (Steve Johnson) of Birmingham and Debbie Greer (Kip) of Collierville, Tennessee.

There was a visitation on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, from 11:30 a.m. to noon, at JeffcoatTrant Funeral Home in Opelika, Interment was at Memorial Park Cemetery in Auburn, with a graveside service at 1 p.m. Pastor Danny Wood officiated. A further memorial service will be held at JeffcoatTrant Funeral Home in March, on a date yet to be determined.

SHIRLEY LONG POPE

Shirley Long Pope, 87, of Opelika, was born on Feb. 2, 1935, and passed

AUBURN PUBLIC LIBRARY TO HOST JOB FAIR ON JAN. 11

AUBURN — The Auburn Public Library is partnering with the Goodwill Career Center to host a hiring event on Wednesday, Jan. 11. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to noon at the Auburn Public Library, located at 749 E. Thach Ave. More than 14 employers will be in attendance.

Job seekers should bring multiple copies of their resume and be ready to interview on the spot. The Goodwill Career Center at 3740 Pepperell Parkway in Opelika offers assistance for those who may need to refresh their resume or those who are interested in taking a free career readiness workshop before the event.

For more information, email Library Events at libraryevents@auburnalabama.org or contact the Goodwill Career Center at 334-275-4815.

away on Jan. 1, 2023. She was a member of the Opelika First Baptist Church. She was the daughter of the late Ora Lea Garrett Long and William Press Long Sr. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 62 years, James Vernon Pope; brothers, William Long (Lou), Dwight Long, Forrest Long; and sisters, June Long, Glenda Jumper (Jimmy) and Jean Lane (Riley).

She is survived by her sons, James Jeffrey Pope (Amy, of Hazel Green, Alabama), John Steven Pope (Connie, of Auburn) and three grandsons, John Zackery Pope of Charleston, South Carolina; Russell Steven Pope of Jerusalem, Israel; and Jared Blakely Pope of Hazel Green. She is also survived by her beloved sisters-in-law, Jeanine Long of Smiths

Station and Betty Jo Long Nelson of Opelika, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She worked at various places after marriage, but then decided to stay home with the two boys, and help run the cattle farm alongside her husband.

Visitation will be at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, beginning at 11 a.m. with a service to follow in the chapel at noon. Mrs. Pope will be laid to rest at Garden Hills Cemetery.

Afterwards the family invites you to join them at First Baptist of Opelika for a meal and the chance to share memories.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital PO Box 1893 Memphis, TN 381019950.

THE REV. ROY SHERMAN ISBELL

BY D. MARK MITCHELL

OHS to Begin

Basketball Play

OPELIKA —

Opelika's varsity boys basketball team (6-6) split games in the "LaGrange Holiday Tournament" last week at LaGrange High School gymnasium.

OHS beat Harris County 64-33 in game one, and lost to McIntosh 77-65 in the second game.

The Opelika girls and boys varsity basketball teams start playing area competition next week by hosting Central on Tuesday (Jan. 10), Auburn on Friday (Jan. 13) and Smiths Station on Tuesday, Jan. 17.

OHS this season returns to the area with longtime rivals Auburn, Central and Smiths Station after moving up to 7A.

The varsity girls begin around 5:45 p.m. with boys following around 7 p.m. All three area games will be played in the OHS Mainstreet Gym. Tickets can be purchased online at www. gofan.co or purchased at the gate. To ensure you have a ticket, gofan.co is the best way to purchase tickets. You can listen to the

girls and boys varsity basketball games on iHeartRadio's FOX Sports the Game 9101310, presented by iHeartRadio and the Orthopaedic Clinic. The games are also online at foxsportsthegame.com and on the iHeartRadio app. Van Riggs begins the broadcast of the girls game at 5:45 p.m. 2022

As we start 2023, I wanted to give you a quick summary of 2022.

The year started with OHS girls and boys basketball teams trying to make the AHSAA State playoffs. The girls, under firstyear head coach Blake Smalley, finished 1515, earning a berth in the state playoffs.

Wesley Button, in his second year as the boys’ head coach after one year as interim coach, helped the Bulldogs finish 6-16.

Opelika's baseball, softball and girls and boys soccer teams enjoyed successful seasons.

BASEBALL

Head coach Zach Blatt rode a bunch of seniors to 26 wins

See

, page B5

LEE COUNTY: JAN. 10 AT 6 P.M.

AUBURN: JAN. 10 AT 6 P.M.

OPELIKA: JAN. 24 AT 4:30 P.M.

A Year in Local Sports: Recapping 2022’s Best Moments

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

LEE COUNTY —

The sports calendar is flipping to 2023 and it’s time for reflection. In 2022, numerous local high school teams and individuals achieved great success in their respective sports. The story of East Alabama’s 2022 prep sports unfolded right before our eyes, and it’s a

See RECAP, page B7

Auburn Athletics: A Year in Review

CONTRIBUTED BY 1819 NEWS / ALEX HUSTING

AUBURN —

It was a long and eventful year for Auburn athletics. Sometimes labeling the year as a success or failure is the way to go, but a season of Auburn athletics can rarely be classified as that, so eventful

just seems right. But what were some of the biggest stories for the Tigers during 2022, and could there be more of the same in 2023?

AUBURN BASKETBALL SETS RECORD FOR REGULAR SEASON VICTORIES AND WINS SEC CHAMPIONSHIP

With a roster rebuilt behind transfers like Wendell Green

Jr., K.D. Johnson and Walker Kessler, along with one of Auburn's highest-rated recruits ever in Jabari Smith, the Tigers won 22 of their first 23 games on their way to a 27-5 record, an SEC regular season championship and another NCAA Tournament berth. Auburn's season was ultimately cut short in a second-round loss

to Miami, but it was a big turnaround for Auburn heading into 2023.

THE BRYAN HARSIN INQUIRY

The story of Auburn athletics in 2022 and the story of the Bryan Harsin era cannot be told without mentioning the inquiry that occurred in February 2022. As rumors ran

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY ROBERT NOLES /THE OBSERVER

Auburn University mascot Aubie at Tiger Walk before a fall football game.

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

The varsity Auburn High School girls flag footbal team won the second ever AHSAA 7A Flag Football State Championship on Nov. 30 inside Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Glenwood Hosts Border Wars

Glenwood High School hosted its annual "Border Wars" basketball tournament Friday, Dec. 27, and Saturday, Dec. 28. A total of 10 schools accepted invites to play in the tournament, including Glenwood, Macon East, Calvary, Southland, Lee-Scott, Abbeville, Mosley, St. Anne Pacelli, Chambers and Quitman.

PHOTOS BY MATT AUSTIN / FOR THE OBSERVER

Gators Get Cross-State Test

PHOTOS BY MATT AUSTIN / FOR THE OBSERVER

The varsity Glenwood girls basketball team competed in the annual "Border Wars" tournament at Glenwood High School. The Gators went 1-1 in their two games, winning against Mosley, 53-40, and losing to Southland by a score of 59-34.

PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

is a proud sponsor of local sports and will be drawing for a free photo shoot (one per school) at the end of the season.

AUBURN HIGH SCHOOL CLYDE PITTMAN

BEAUREGARD HIGH SCHOOL JACORI TARVER

BEULAH HIGH SCHOOL L.J. FITZPATRICK

GLENWOOD SCHOOL

J.T. BANKS

LEE-SCOTT ACADEMY

JAKE WHITE

LOACHAPOKA HIGH SCHOOL

GA'KUAN PALMER

OPELIKA HIGH SCHOOL

ROMAN GAGLIANO

SMITHS STATION HIGH SCHOOL DEVYN PEARMAN

We have selected The Observer Players of the Year from each school. Each winner will receive a free photo session from either Noles Photography or Love and Legacy Studios. We are proud of every athlete that went out and poured their hearts into the games during the entire football season. Congratulations to the winners. **These names were randomly selected from all players of the week during the football season.

SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

ELIJAH BAILEY

Marcus Davis Named Wide Receivers Coach at Auburn

CONTRIBUTED BY AUBURN ATHLETICS

AUBURN —

Former Auburn standout Marcus Davis has been named wide receivers coach at his alma mater, Tigers’ head coach Hugh Freeze announced last Thursday.

A four-year letterman from 2013-16 who helped Auburn win a Southeastern Conference title and appearance in the BCS National Championship game as a freshman and team captain as a senior, Davis comes to the Plains after serving as wide receivers coach at Georgia Southern.

“Marcus has achieved success at every stop of his career, from his time as a player at Auburn to each of his coaching

SPORTS

while only losing eight games. OHS finished 8-0 in the area but lost a tough opening-round playoff series in the state playoffs.

SOFTBALL

The Lady Dogs started slow under first-year head coach Jessica Thornton but started playing hot at the end of the season. The girls finished 20-19-1, winning the area tournament and advancing to the South Regionals. OHS finished 5-2 in the regionals.

GIRLS/BOYS SOCCER

The Lady Bulldogs soccer team finished with a 13-4 overall record, going 6-0 in region and advancing to the third round of the 6A Playoffs. OHS lost to McGill-Toolen, 3-2, in the quarterfinals.

Opelika's boys won the area with an undefeated 6-0 area record, despite finishing 12-8 overall. The Dogs lost to McGill-Toolen in the quarterfinals as well.

ADMINISTRATION

CHANGES

Opelika City Schools made numerous personnel moves in 2022. Superintendent Mark Neighbors retired in May. Assistant Superintendent Ken Burton announced his retirement around the same time.

The Opelika Board of Education named

positions,” Freeze said. “He is one of the bright young coaches in our business, and his knowledge of Auburn combined with his work ethic will be a tremendous asset to our program.”

At Georgia Southern, Davis coached receivers Khaleb Hood and Jeremy Singleton, who received second team and honorable mention all-Sun Belt recognition. Hood led the team with school single-season records for receptions (87) and receiving yards (925), while his 6.7 receptions per game ranked 10th nationally in 2022.

Singleton had 66 catches for 714 yards, and fellow receiver Derwin Burgess Jr. had 58 receptions for 717 yards and a team-high seven

Dr. Farrell Seymore superintendent during its first meeting after Neighbors’ retirement. Seymore named Katherine Fischer principal at OHS, Russ Hardwick attendance and community affairs coordinator after spending several years as Seymore’s top assistant at OHS, Jamie Williams as full-time system athletic director, Allison Gregory as OHS assistant principal and Tiffany Yelder as assistant superintendent.

"ON THE MARK " RADIO TURNS 16

I've had the pleasure of writing "On the Mark" in The Observer since day one. The same can be said for "On the Mark" radio show on iHeartRadio's FOX Sports the Game 910-13190.

This week, "On the Mark" radio turns 16 years old! My co-host Jeff Sasser and I will celebrate 16 years of hosting the local morning sports show from 6 to 9 a.m. There are many people, sponsors and guests to thank. The main partner for "On the Mark" is our presenting sponsor, the Orthopaedic Clinic. In the past 16 years, the following businesses continued to sponsor "On the Mark" on the radio: Bubba's Medicine Shop, Western Sizzlin, Opelika Parks and Recreation, Jeffcoat Trant Funeral

touchdowns. The trio of Hood, Burgess Jr. and Singleton were first, fourth and fifth, respectively, in the Sun Belt in receptions per game.

This past season Georgia Southern was fourth nationally in passing offense (329.2 ypg) and tied for 20th in the country with 28 passing touchdowns. GS receivers combined for a school-record nine 100-yard receiving games on the season.

“This is a great opportunity to return home to Auburn, a place that means so much to me,” Davis said. “It’s one of those things I don’t take for granted and I am very appreciative to coach Freeze for this opportunity. I’m ready to ‘work, hard work’ and do the little things to

Home, Reynolds Outdoors, Goree's, Gentry & Ware, the Opelika Sportsplex, Auburn Bank, AO Tourism, Hamilton's on Magnolia, Great Southern Wood, Frederick Dean, FH, Four Seasons FCU, Hyundai of Auburn, Kenny Knox Tires, Opelika Animal Hospital and many more.

Sixteen years ago, Sasser and I made a decision to talk local sports, including high school, recreation and other important news items affecting our listening audience.

The following are cohosts that helped make our show interesting: coach Dan Washburn, coach Joe Wilson, coach Doug Barfield, Terry Rosenthal, coach Gene Stallings, Derek Lee, pastor Jeff Meyers, Chris Wood, Anthony Terling and Sen. Tommy Tuberville.

"On the Mark" airs on weekdays from 6 to 9 a.m. on FOX Sports the Game 910AM-1310AM, online at foxsportsthegame.com and on the iHeartRadio app.

D. Mark Mitchell is the sports director at iHeartMedia, host of “On the Mark” Fox Sports the Game 910-1319, co-chair of the Auburn-Opelika Sports Council, chairman of the Super 7 and Dixie Boys Baseball state director.

help get Auburn back to where it belongs.”

Davis came to Georgia Southern after spending the 2021 season as the wide receivers coach for Hawaii, where he coached all-conference selection Calvin Turner Jr. After a standout season under Davis, Turner. earned an invitation to the East-West Shrine Bowl.

A second-team AllMountain West selection, Turner Jr. ranked fourth in the league in all-purpose yards (1,523) and touchdowns (12) and was sixth in receptions (73) and receiving yards (876). He was the team’s fourth-leading rusher (316) and scored at least one touchdown in nine of 13 games. Also, Nick Mardner was named an honorable mention all-conference

REVIEW >>

FROM B1

rampant, the university looked into the reports and tried to "separate fact from fiction." In the end, eight days after the inquiry began, Auburn University President Jay Gogue announced that Harsin was staying since the investigation "did not yield information that should change the status of our coaching staff or football program."

AUBURN GYMNASTICS

MAKES THE FINAL FOUR Suni Lee's arrival immediately changed the landscape of Auburn Gymnastics, with the program earning its highest ticket sales of all time. While many people predicted Lee's impact on ticket sales, she also played a vital role in Auburn having its most successful season ever. With scoring records for home and road meets and new records on each event, Auburn earned its highest SEC Championship meet finish (third) since the eightteam format was

selection for his play under Davis. He caught 46 passes for 913 yards and five touchdowns with a long reception of 79 yards in 2021.

The Rainbow Warriors had 3,916 yards receiving and 21 touchdown catches in an offense that averaged over 300 passing yards per game.

Davis spent the 2020 season at Florida State as an offensive graduate assistant where he worked with the wide receivers and assisted with recruiting.

Prior to Florida State, Davis spent two seasons at Auburn. In 2019, Davis helped oversee player personnel and development for a squad ranked as high as No. 7 nationally. As an offensive analyst in 2018, he helped guide the

introduced and made the Final Four for the first time ever.

AUBURN BASEBALL MAKES SECOND COLLEGE WORLD SERIES IN FOUR YEARS

Under head coach Butch Thompson and behind the bat of Sonny DiChiara, Auburn baseball went 43-22, its best record since 1999, and 16-13 in SEC play. That was Auburn's fourth winning record in conference play since 2004 and its third since Butch Thompson was hired. Auburn rode a 37-18 regular season record into a successful postseason, hosting a regional for the first time since 2010, winning its second road super regional in the last three tournaments and earning its first College World Series win since 1997.

CADILLAC TAKES OVER, REVIVES PROGRAM

When Auburn ultimately fired Bryan Harsin following a lopsided loss to Arkansas at home, the program turned to Carnell "Cadillac" Williams to be the interim head coach. An Auburn great on the field, Williams forever cemented his

running backs and kick returners.

A four-year receiver at Auburn, Davis played a part in four bowl teams, including as a starter in the 2014 BCS National Championship game against Florida State as a freshman. Davis played in 50 career games with 15 starts. He finished his career with 83 receptions and was eighth all-time at Auburn in punt return average (9.76) when he left.

A native of Boynton Beach, Florida, he graduated from Auburn with a degree in communications in 2016 and earned a master’s in education from Auburn in 2017. He and his wife, Amberly, have a daughter, Milah Patrice, who was born in March of 2022.

legacy as an Auburn legend, going 2-2 in Auburn's final four games and bringing a new level of enthusiasm and honesty around the program. When Auburn hired Hugh Freeze as the next head coach, keeping Cadillac was Freeze's first move.

AUBURN VOLLEYBALL EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS WITH SECOND NCAA TOURNAMENT BERTH IN PROGRAM HISTORY

Brent Crouch had one of the youngest teams in NCAA volleyball with no seniors, two juniors, two sophomores and eight freshmen, but that did not stop the team from making history. A 14-0 start, including 3-0 in SEC play, was the best start in program history, and the team did not look back, finishing the year with its first winning record since 2017. The 22 total wins were the most for the program in the rally-scoring era, and the Tigers' win over No. 14 Creighton in the first round of the NCAA Tournament was their second NCAA Tournament victory ever.

PHOTO

Pictured from left to right is Jeff Sasser, Butch Thompson and D. Mark Mitchell in the radio studio.

Auburn Basketball Searching for Answers Offensively

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

AUBURN — Auburn basketball just doesn’t look right.

The Tigers, in the infancy of Southeastern Conference play, are doing fine on paper. Entering their game against Georgia Wednesday, the Tigers have a 11-2 record and are the fourth-highest ranked SEC school in the country at No. 20. However, dedicated fans or casual onlookers don’t have to squint very hard to see the cracks beginning to swell.

Head coach Bruce Pearl’s teams have always been predicated on defense, and the 2022-23 version of the Tigers is no different. Auburn ranks No. 1 nationally in blocks per game, No. 5 in threepoint percentage defense and in the top 50 in field goal percentage defense, scoring defense and steals per game. Posting those numbers, the Tigers

are theoretically good enough to keep any matchup they play this season close.

So, what is the problem? Well, for starters, Auburn was always going to struggle to replace the production of Jabari Smith Jr. and Walker Kessler — the No. 3 and No. 22 overall picks in the 2022 NBA draft last summer, respectively.

Coming into this season, it appeared Pearl and his staff had “rebuilt” a roster capable of competing for an SEC championship and Final Four appearance. Preseason All-SEC nods to guards Wendell Green Jr. and K.D. Johnson supported and bolstered that notion. Furthermore, the addition of Ohio Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year Johnni Broome (by way of transfer from Morehead State), and the signing of a No. 14 freshmen class nationally had risen expectations on The Plains yet again.

But, despite the strong,

CONTRIBUTED BY ACES

BY CODY SIKES

AUBURN —

Deer hunting is a popular recreational pastime for many Alabamians. In fact, the 2021-22 hunting season saw more than 228,000 hunters spend a combined 4.9 million days in pursuit of whitetailed deer. Last season was also the safest on record, with minimal recorded incidents. In support of Alabama’s hunting safety education efforts, two Alabama Cooperative Extension System forestry and wildlife experts share a refresher on hunting safety.

A HUNTER’S PLEDGE

According to

early-season record, Auburn is approaching a tipping point between expectations and results. It is a victim of its own success… and the ever-growing prowess of rival Alabama (who is ranked No. 7 nationally).

Laboring, discombobulated and sluggish are all words that have described the Tigers — mainly their offense — on too many occasions this season.

Green Jr. and Johnson, as electric and stupefying as ever, haven’t quite lived up to their pre-season acknowledgements. Unlike Green Jr. last season, Johnson perhaps has struggled with his sixth-man, off-the-bench role; both are small in stature and clearly struggle against teams with longer, athletic guards. Green Jr. is a facilitate-first player who is

being forced to operate as a lead scorer… which he can do, but struggles to when defenses key in on him.

Broome has been as advertised, a quotient of consistency on the defensive and offensive end, but has unsurprisingly failed to match the level of impact made by Kessler last year.

Amidst the rest of the ensemble cast, senior

Jaylin Williams

are contributing considerably more than what has been requested of them in seasons past. Bar Cardwell, maybe, the trio are career college players (i.e: not professional quality).

Moreover, the other experienced stalwarts in Auburn’s team — Allen Flanigan and Zep Jasper — are flight risks due to their penchant for disappearing for the entirety of games.

Additionally, the three freshmen from the top15 2022 class — Yohan Traore, Chance Westry and Tre Donaldson — have struggled to assimilate to the college game, averaging a combined 8.6 points over an average of 34.4 minutes of floor time per game. It’s too early to say, but as of now, the 2022 class is not flourishing like fans had hoped.

Lastly — and it has to be said because it refers back to the fundamental

2023 Deer Hunting Safety Refresher

Alabama Extension Forestry and Wildlife Sciences Professor Mark Smith, no deer in the woods is worth the risk of a hunting injury. This is especially true when hunting with loved ones. Carelessness and complacency are often the cause of injury while spending time in the woods. However, the good news is injury can be prevented. Even the most veteran outdoor enthusiast needs a safety refresher.

“With deer season now in full swing, let’s all do our part and pledge to continue keeping safety as a top priority,” Smith said.

Last year, the Alabama Department of Conservation and

Natural Resources (ADCNR) reported 15 hunting-related accidents. Ten of these accidents were caused by

firearms and five were related to tree stands.

"Our state witnessed approximately five to six hunting fatalities according to the past 10-year average," Smith said. "Fortunately, Alabama did not record any fatal hunting incidents last year."

A HUNTER’S SAFETY GUIDE

Smith said hunting is one of the safer recreational activities with fewer annual accidents compared to football, bicycling, golf and even bowling. Review the guide below keep yourself and others safe while enjoying the outdoors.

CARELESSNESS AND COMPLACENCY

Generally, most accidents will occur when someone is careless or complacent about their safety. In some cases, safety equipment and precautions may seem like an inconvenience. However, they exist for a reason. Below are a few examples of mistakes while hunting.

- Failing to double check the safety switch on a firearm

- Not pointing a firearm muzzle in a safe

direction (i.e., treat all firearms as if they are loaded)

- Uncertainty of a target as well as what is behind it and

- Forgetting to wear hunter orange to let a fellow hunter know you are not their next target.

TREE STANDS

Tree stands are one of the most frequent causes of hunting accidents. As previously mentioned, exactly one third of ADCNR’s documented 2021-22 incidents involved tree stands — further reinforcing the need for safety refreshers.

Bence Carter, an Alabama Extension regional agent, said using a simple safety measure can reduce these accidents.

“Everyone who prefers to hunt in tree stands should wear a safety harness,” Carter said. “Using this tool is important to prevent injury from a potential fall.”

Smith adds hunters should also be sure to wear harnesses when checking or moving tree stands prior to the beginning of hunting season.

EDUCATION

As the saying goes, you are never too old to learn. This motto is also beneficial when adapting it for youth. Similar to wearing a seatbelt while driving a vehicle, leading by example is important to spread knowledge of hunter safety.

“Although it isn’t required for hunters younger than 16 years of age, attending a hunter safety course hosted by ADCNR is recommended,” Carter said. “For hunters 16 years old or older, this course is required for purchasing a hunting license.”

Alabama has a relatively successful hunter safety record. Smith said this did not occur by chance. Instead, he attributes this accomplishment to the hard work of the ADCNR staff and their statewide team of volunteers.

“Each year approximately 13,000 new students are provided hunter safety instruction,” Smith said. “This effort helps keep hunting as one of the safest activities for enjoying Alabama’s wonderful natural resources.”

SPREADING THE WORD

To continue ensuring hunting as a safe recreational opportunity in Alabama, everyone must do their part. Spread the word of this safety refresher at a hunting camp or practice safety with children at home before embarking into the woods.

Learn more about hunting and youth in the content piece titled, Hunting and Outdoor Skills. More information about hunting antler sheds and deer processing are available on Alabama Extension’s website, www.aces.edu.

and juniors Dylan Cardwell and Chris Moore

A buck deer laying in front of a hunters tree stand.

ADOBE STOCK PHOTO

Auburn basketball head coach Bruce Pearl in his post-game press conference following Auburn's 61-58 home win against Florida on Dec. 28.

PHOTO BY WIL CREWS / THE OBSERVER

Workout Anytime Opelika Can Help You Stick to New Year’s Health Resolutions

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA —

Trying to become a new you this new year?

Workout Anytime Opelika can help you stick to your fitness goals in 2023.

“A lot of people come into the gym and do too much too quick,” said Opelika Workout Anytime General Manger Roger Good. “The most important thing is having a plan and sticking to that plan… have a plan for the whole year.”

Workout Anytime is a 24/7 facility based out of Atlanta that prides itself on “providing a friendly, convenient and life changing journey

with passion,” Good said. Its vision is to reshape the fitness community to where everybody aspires to be the best person they can possibly be, he continued.

Workout Anytime is smaller than most other fitness clubs and touts its friendly and family-like atmosphere, Good said.

“It’s a different vibe,” he said. “They [Workout Anytime] are smaller clubs. It’s more of a one-on-one. You walk through the door at my gym and I know who you are.”

Good said he thinks Workout Anytime’s approachable culture can ease the intimidation that is associated with people trying to start

working out again, or for the first time ever.

“Joining a gym or any club, especially this time of year, it’s intimidating, especially if you don’t know what you are doing,” Good said. “I know we do a good job here of when you walk in and sign up, you feel like, ‘OK, I can do this; and if I can’t do this, I know someone has my back.’”

Good works out daily, as a way to “set the tone,” he said. But if you’re looking to start or restart your fitness and health journey in 2023, Good suggests easing into the process.

“For so long people try to go from not doing anything at all to going all in and having this mindset of ‘I am going

to get in the best shape of my life,’” Good said. “If you’re not in fitness, getting in the best shape of your life in reality means you want a little bit more endurance, a little more strength, a little more mobility.”

Good said the best thing people can do to achieve their 2023 health and fitness goals is to make a workout plan and stick to it.

“The biggest thing right off the bat is having a plan,” he said. “Not only are you keeping yourself motivated to where you are always looking forward to something else, you’re not going to plateau doing too much of the same thing.

“If you come in and

start working out five days a week, how are you going to stick to that before you finally just fall off? If you can get results coming to the gym two days a week, then do that. And then add a third day, or a walk on a third day.

“Try to do as little as you can to elicit change in your body, that way you don’t run in to those plateaus where we aren’t seeing results and get upset about it.”

Workout Anytime Opelika offers memberships in the range of $10 to $29. It offers tanning, hydro massage, personal training and one-on-one consultations.

Just not a fan of the gym? You’re in luck! Good has some

suggestions to help you achieve your health goals right from home.

“Even when you are at home, you start with a plan,” he said. “Give yourself small goals that you can achieve very easily and then build off those for longterm success. Start slow; start small. It can be as simple as looking at what you do bad. Build on it.

“Losing weight is not hard. You eat less and move more. The problem is keeping it off. In January everyone hits the ground going and tries to get in shape really quick. That’s not sustainable. What you can do is build on these little things.”

FROM B1

museum of memorable feats. The following are just some of the best moments.

JANUARY: Opelika basketball’s Haley Sanders scored her 1,000th career point.

- Opelika senior girls basketball player Haley Sanders scored her 1,000th career point as a Bulldog in a game against Eufaula on Jan. 7, 2022.

FEBRUARY: Glenwood girls basketball wins state championship.

- On Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, 2022, the Glenwood Gator girls basketball team won its second of back-to-back AISA 3A State Championships with a 58-56 win over Tuscaloosa Academy at the Cramton Bowl Multiplex in Montgomery. The Gators trailed by as many as eight points in the fourth quarter before Tuscaloosa’s Alex Brownlee missed a full-court heave at the buzzer that fell short of the basket.

MARCH: Beauregard softball honors Maddie McClendon.

- The Beauregard varsity softball team March 16 faced off against Dadeville and honored the life of Maddie McClendon, a former LeeScott Academy student from Dadeville who lost her battle with ovarian cancer in 2021. Before the action on the diamond began, the two teams met in the center in a show of solidarity and in an effort to raise awareness of the disease. Both teams had their own special jerseys designed specifically for the game.

APRIL/MAY: Beulah softball, Auburn and Glenwood baseball make deep playoff runs.

- Beulah varsity softball finished its 2022 regular

season 36-6, securing both the regular season and postseason area tournament championship. The Bobcats went on to advance to the state semifinals before losing to Mobile Christian.

- The varsity Auburn High School baseball team started the 2022 season hoping to secure back-to-back AHSAA 7A state titles. The Tigers won their region in the regular season and advanced all the way to the state semifinals before losing to Central Phenix City.

- The varsity Glenwood Gator baseball team raced out to a 34-4 AISA 3A regular season record in 2022 and advanced to the state championship before ultimately losing to Pike.

JUNE: Local athletes named to North-South All-Star game.

- As the school year ended and the 2021-22 sports calendar wrapped up, several local athletes were named to the AHSAA North-South All-Star teams. The athletes selected include Connor Cosby (Auburn baseball); Chapman Marlow (Auburn boys soccer); Hannah Arnal (Auburn girls’ soccer); Claire Bosman (Auburn girls soccer); Lanier Bankson, Luis

Jeong and Kaleb Kirkland (Auburn boys tennis); Jackson Williams (Smiths Station golf); Brandy Phillips (Beulah softball); McKay Yountz (Opelika softball); and Amiya Brown (Opelika girls soccer).

JULY: High School media days.

- The Observer shared coverage of 23 local high school football teams at the fifth annual East Alabama High School Media Days at the Bottling Plant Event Center in Opelika during the final week of July.

AUGUST: Tim Hudson named Lee-Scott baseball coach; Smiths Station introduces new head basketball coach; Lanett’s Clifford Story breaks program all-time win record; Auburn’s Keith Etheredge named head coach at AL-MS All-Star game.

- Lee-Scott kicked off August by naming 17-year MLB veteran pitcher and former Auburn University volunteer assistant and pitching coach Tim Hudson as its new head baseball coach.

- Smiths Station High School announced the hiring of Armon Ingersoll as its new varsity boys basketball coach. Ingersoll took over for former coach Steven Davis, who led

the Panthers to the quarterfinals of the 2021-22 state tournament.

- In the first ever high school football Kickoff Classic between Lanett, LaFayette, Loachapoka and Notasulga, Lanett varsity head football coach Clifford Story became the program’s all-time leader in wins with a 27-0 victory over Notasulga. With the win — Story’s 110th — he surpassed former Lanett coach Dan Washburn, who had held the record for 40 years.

- Auburn High varsity head football coach Keith Etheredge was selected as the Alabama coach for the 36th annual Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic.

September: Opelika upsets Central; Smiths Station hires Shana Johnson as AD; Opelika’s Speakman named All-Star coach.

- The AHSAA 7A No. 1-ranked Central Phenix City Red Devils lost to Opelika, 17-14, in overtime on their home field on Sept. 9. Opelika kicker Johnni Cesena kicked the game-winning field goal in the extra period, snapping Opelika’s six-game losing streak to Central and handing the Red Devils their first region loss

in two years.

- Smiths Station hired Shana Johnson as athletic director after 17 years of working with the schools and within the Panthers’ athletics.

- Opelika varsity head football coach Erik Speakman was selected to coach in the 64th annual North-South All-Star game. Speakman was slated to head the South squad on Dec. 16 at Mobile’s Hancock Whitney Stadium.

OCTOBER: Beauregard, Auburn High volleyball win area tournaments.

- The varsity Beauregard Hornets and Auburn High School volleyball teams won the 5A and 7A postseason area tournaments, respectively. The Hornets swept the Eufaula Tigers 3-0 on their way to the school’s first ever postseason area championship. The Auburn Tigers defeated Opelika 3-0 in round one, and Central Phenix City, 3-0, in round two to win the tournament.

NOVEMBER: Lee-Scott football and Auburn High girls flag football win state; Auburn High football finishes as state runner up.

- The Lee-Scott Academy varsity football team won its first state championship since

1994 when it defeated rival Glenwood 35-21 in the AISA 3A State Championship at Montgomery’s Cramton Bowl on Nov. 17. The Warriors finished the 2022 season with a perfect 12-0 record.

- The Auburn High School varsity girls flag football team Nov. 30 defeated Oxford High School 26-6 to win the second ever AHSAA flag football state championship.

- The Auburn High School varsity football team finished as the runner-up in the AHSAA 7A class. The Tigers defeated Fairhope 35-17, Dothan 48-20 and Central Phenix City 14-13 before losing the championship game to Thompson, 49-24, on Nov. 30.

DECEMBER: Smiths Station head football coach Mike Glisson resigns; Air Force donates mat to Beauregard High School; early National Signing Day.

- Following five seasons as the head football coach of the Smiths Station Panthers, Mike Glisson resigned from the position. Glisson amassed a 15-35 record during his time with the Panthers.

- The Beauregard High School wrestling team received the donation of a new wrestling mat for its program, courtesy of Air Force recruiters Staff Sgt. Joseph Glasgow and Tech Sgt. Greg Deachan.

- A number of local football players inked commitments to continue their athletics career at a college or university on early National Signing Day Dec. 21. Most notably, Auburn’s Bradyn Joiner, Opelika’s Brenton Williams and Loachapoka’s J.C. Hart committed to Auburn University.

PHOTOS BY KENDYL HOLLINGSWORTH THE OBSERVER

Workout Anytime Opelika is located at 501 2nd Ave. in Opelika.

Lee-Scott (left) capped a perfect 12-0 season by defeating Glenwood 35-21 in the AISA 3A State Championship at Montgomery's Cramton Bowl on Nov. 17. The varsity Auburn High School football team reached the state championship of the AHSAA 7A playoffs by beating Central Phenix City 14-13 in the semifinal round.

This past Christmas I spent 11 wonderful days with my son, Gus, and his wife Alison in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Each year at Christmas I have prayed to see a little snow when visiting my only child, but this year I received enough snow for many years’ worth of wishes. Grand Rapids was hit with a snow blizzard they had not seen and endured for several years. Many inches of snow, ice and low temperatures greeted my Alabama boots when I landed there. My arthritic bones were also greeted cruelly by the cold weather!

As I hopped into my son’s warm car over Christmas, my first thought was, “How am I going to endure this

cold challenge?” But quickly my son, who has lived in Grand Rapids for six years now, put me at ease when he said, “Mom, folks in Grand Rapids are used to this and know how to get around.” So, instead of worrying and complaining about the cold weather, I decided to start thinking about gratitude to God for the cold weather. I know my Alabama friends kept texting me about how cold Lee County was during Christmas.

My thoughts turned to how we can teach young children acts of kindness during these winter months of cold, ice and snow. I noticed as we were driving to my son’s home that folks who live in cold climates have

A Snow Blizzard of Kindness

to be absolutely polite, respectful and patient in driving on ice and snow. This is a lesson that can be pointed out and taught to young children as they wait their turn to speak to their parents or each other.

In the early childhood classroom, patience is practiced daily. When young students wait their turn to interact in learning centers, raise their hands to answer questions during lessons, line up to go outside or go to the lunchroom, patience skills are practiced. As parents and teachers, we need to praise children when they are showing patient behavior. Children are especially encouraged by praise. Young children are learning, and they are good observers of behavior. As adults, when we model patience, children want to imitate us. As parents and teachers we also have to remember to be patient with young children as they finish tasks and activities.

As we drove slowly into my son’s driveway, I noticed neighbors were already out in the middle of the snow to check on each other. When the snow would take spells of not falling, neighbors would get out with snowplows and help each other make

walkways in the snow. Also, if cars or trucks got stuck in the snow, neighbors would come out and help each other push vehicles out of the snow. During a time that could be very hard on families, neighbors were coming together to show random acts of kindness.

I noticed young children in the neighborhood trying their best to help, too. Young children are very sensitive to extending random acts of kindness to others. When acts of kindness are modeled in front of them, they quickly catch on.

Guiding young children to hold the door open for others is such a delightful responsibility for young children. A big grin stretches across their faces when they are properly thanked. I absolutely love to hear a young child wish me a good day with no prompting or probing.

For us parents, grandparents and teachers, to receive a child-made card of happiness is a delight; it’s a child’s way of expressing happiness straight from their hands and hearts.

One very simple way of keeping up with random acts of kindness is to have a gratitude board. This can be done on a dry erase board, small chalkboard, piece of paper or poster board. When you catch your young child doing something kind, record it by writing or drawing a simple picture of what your child has done. When you record their

act of kindness, explain to them why you recorded it. You can do this too as a whole family by recording what different members of the family do as acts of kindness and come together for family discussion.

Planning kindness projects with your children, such as preparing and taking warm meals to a family who has been sick or in need, is a wonderful lesson for children to feel and model kindness.

It may be helping another family or doing chores. These acts of kindness not only help the recipients, but they also help you and your child. Actions of kindness teach the heart of a young child to reach out to others with love, which truly can melt away the winter blues.

On my last night in Grand Rapids,

Michigan, before coming home, I looked out of my bedroom window at the snowy neighborhood where I had celebrated Christmas with my family for 11 days. One thing that really brought a smile to my heart was the warmth of bright lights shining from every house down the street. These neighborhood families had definitely shown this Alabama mom acts of kindness during a challenging time, even up to the time of helping my son dig his car out of the snow to take his Mom to the airport to return to Alabama!

Happy New Year to everyone as we look forward to 2023 — a year of hope and love for children!

problems facing Auburn — is the general lack of ingenuity in the offensive system overall. The Tigers’ cutting off-ball and motion-screen offense has been predictable and unreliable. To me, introducing some new blood to the Auburn coaching staff is imperative if the Tigers want to refresh their championship expectations sooner rather than later.

Put simply, the Tigers lack the quality offensively — in both the personnel and system — to compete with the best teams in the country. Don’t get me wrong, the Tigers can compete on any given night. But the absence of a star like Smith has blatantly diluted Auburn’s upside. And while Pearl’s Tigers this season are theoretically 11-men deep, they are missing a star.

Teams usually try to iron out their kinks prior to conference play beginning, and Auburn is continuing to find its offensive identity past that point. As for now, the Tigers don’t look right; And there just might not be enough talent on this team to provide a solution to their problems.

Classroom Observer Beth Pinyerd

BETH PINYERD

PHOTO BY BETH PINYERD / FOR THE OBSERVER

L labama Politics ee County & A

Jan.

Inside the Statehouse

Two New U.S. Senators for Alabama

that, Tuberville’s people covertly and almost overtly campaigned for Britt. She well knows that and appreciates it.

STEVE FLOWERS

OPINION —

Richard Shelby walked out of the U.S. Senate this week after 36 years. Walking out with him is almost all of Alabama’s seniority and power in Washington.

Seniority equals power in the halls of Congress, especially in the Senate. National publications have illustrated the fact that Alabama has benefited more than all 50 states from federal earmarked funds due to one man, Shelby.

It will be impossible to replace Shelby. His legacy will last for generations, especially in Huntsville, Birmingham, all defense facilities in Alabama and the new docks he built in Mobile. There has been no senator that brought more federal dollars to their state, unless it was Robert Byrd of West Virginia.

You would think that we would be, what some say, “up the creek without a paddle.” We are a state that depends on federal defense dollars, and we have zero seniority in the U.S. Senate. Our senior senator, Tommy Tuberville, has two years seniority and our junior senator, Katie Britt, has zero years. That probably makes us 50th in seniority in the Senate.

However, I contend that our freshman senators, Tuberville and Britt, are the best and right choices for this time. First of all, they will work together as a team. They like each other, and deeper than

Primarily, Tuberville’s and Britt’s personalities will prevail to Alabama’s advantage. They both have larger-than-life, gregarious, vivacious, winning personalities, and in a 100-member body, this is admired, respected and appreciated. You have some pretty big personalities and egos in that 100-member elite chamber.

Shelby has shared with me in past years that you can recognize the prima donnas and show horses, who are running for president, immediately. Then there are those that want to be a long-term, effective workhorse senator for their state. The first group immediately starts looking for a TV camera to get in front of. Those in the second group are finding their offices, making friends, building a solid staff and jockeying for committee assignments that help them be effective for their state.

Britt will be greeted and treated like a rockstar. She is young and looks even younger than she is. She is a very articulate and attractive media subject. However, if you know Britt, she will not be swayed by this allure from the national media.

She is grounded and has already made inroads with the Senate GOP establishment leadership and will be rewarded with surprisingly powerful committee assignments. She will settle into being in Washington as a senator for Alabama rather than a show horse.

Tuberville is now our senior U.S. senator. When he ran and won two years ago, most of us thought it was a whim, something he wanted to do in his later years. When you first meet him, you can gather that he is a very patriotic fellow. He is doing this for the right reason. He truly wants to

serve his country.

Tuberville, from the getgo, fell in love with politics. He campaigned. Especially one-on-one. But, when he got to the Senate, it has been like Britt bar the door. Folks, he likes it and the other Republican senators like him. He has really fit in. He has the brightest, happiest contented smile on his face. He looks 10 years younger than his 68 years. He is always around his GOP Senate buddies. He votes totally with the Republican caucus and does not seek fanfare. He knows the golden rule of politics, “Your word is your bond,” and, “You dance with those who brung you.”

He knew the Alabama Farmers’ Federation (Alfa) was an integral part of his election. His first allegiance was to gravitate to committees that could help Alabama farmers as well as Alabama military veterans. He has put together a good staff. It will not surprise me if Tuberville runs for another six-year term in 2026.

The aforementioned Alabama Farmers’ Federation is the most important lobbying group in the state with our two U.S. senators. Alfa early and ardently supported both Tuberville and Britt. Its endorsement of Britt and Tuberville were pivotal and instrumental to their wins. Both know it.

Another young man named Paul Shashy was an integral part of both Britt’s and Tuberville’s campaigns.

We may be in better shape in the Senate than some think.

See you next week.

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

BY THE OBSERVER STAFF EDITOR@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

AUBURN —

The Auburn City Council met for its

regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday, Dec. 3, and approved a license agreement for airspace encroachment into rightof-way for the property located at 145 E. Magnolia

Ave. — what will be Stacks Pancake Kitchen.

“Stacks Pancake Kitchen is set to occupy the former Fusion Bar & Eats space within

See AUBURN COUNCIL, page

January Proclaimed as Human Trafficking Month

BY MICHELLE KEY MICHELLE@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA —

January 2023 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month during its meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 3.

The proclamation reads as follows:

is a form of

in which victims are forced to work in various forms of exploitation, including debt bondage, forced marriage, labor and commercial sexual exploitation of adults and minors, that are

The Opelika City Council and Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller issued a proclamation declaring

modern-day slavery

Stacks Pancake House needs to make exterior exhaust alterations to the building located at 145 E. Magnolia Ave.

PHOTO FROM LIVE STREAMED COUNCIL MEETING

Omicron, Loamy and More Words of the Year 2022: Part Two

This week, I present part two of a two-issue study of Oxford Press’s most popular words, some new and others older but that grew in prominence in 2022. For the first time, individuals voted online and 300,000 responded. “Goblin mode” earned 93% of those votes, a stunning result for the word(s) defined as “self-indulgent, slovenly or greedy.”

words have become unusable because of disputed meanings or difficult associations. Martin of Oxford Languages notes that “We wondered if that would happen to the verb ‘trump’ but it didn’t.” She is referring to former U.S. President Donald Trump.

out despite people earlier berating the idea.

OPINION —

In early December 1987, I was stationed at Fort McPherson, Georgia, as an enlisted leader with a small military history unit. An Army major approved a memorandum on the spot. When he gave it to me, I saw it read “Request for Christmas” with the vital word “Party” missing. I quickly added “Party” to the memo.

I was delighted we

caught the missing word; if it had gotten out someone might say, “Look at that, soldiers in Atlanta must make a special request to celebrate Christmas!” We were not worried about celebrating Christmas itself but having an office get-together. Christmas break was already authorized.

That story emphasizes the power of words and the problems that arise when key words are missing in a sentence.

In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given that Phoenix Fabricators and Erectors, LLC has completed its work on the Proposed Alabama Highway 169 – 300,000 Gallon Elevated Water Storage Tank/ GMC Project No. CMGM190165(1) for the Smiths Water & Sewer Authority. Any person(s) having a claim against the project should notify Wheeler Crook, P.E., Goodwyn Mills Cawood, LLC, 2660 EastChase Lane, Suite 200, Montgomery, AL 36117. All claims should be filed within 30 days of the first publication of this notice. Legal Run 12/15/2022, 12/22/2022, 12/29/2022 & 01/05/2022 ---------------

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

IN RE: The estate of Robert David Niesen, Deceasased Case No.2022-683

TAKE NOTICE that Letters Administration having been granted to David Matthew Niesen as Administrator of the Estate of Robert David Niesen, deceased, on the 13th day of December, 2022.

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 be barred.

DAVID MATTHEW NIESEN, Administrator of the Estate of Robert David Niesen, deceased Marrell J. McNeal, Attorney at Law, PC PO Box 308 Opelika, AL 36803 334-745-7033

Legal Run 12/22/2022, 12/29/2022 & 01/05/2023 ---------------

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF DELILAH FAYE MARSHALL, DECEASED

Case No. 2022-689

TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Liberty Marshall Powell and Deanna Faith Ethridge Marshall, as CoExecutrices of the Estate of Delilah Faye Marshall, deceased, on the 20th day of December, 2022, by the Honorable Bill English.

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

Liberty Marshall Powell, Co-Executrix Of the Estate of Delilah Faye Marshall, Deceased Deanna Faith Ethridge Marshall, Co-Executrix Of the Estate of Delilah Faye Marshall, Deceased Marrell J. McNeal, Attorney at Law, PC PO Box 308 Opelika, AL 36803 334-745-7033

Legal Run 12/29/2022, 01/05/2023 & 01/12/2023

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA HARDWOOD, LLC, Plaintiff v. Case No.: CV-2022-900402.00

A tract or parcel of land designated as: Lot 9, Lower Acres Estates Subdivision, being More particularly described as follows, to wit: Commence at the Southwest corner of Section 8, Township 17 North, Range 27 East, in Lee County, Alabama; thence run North 88 degrees 50 minutes 49 seconds East, 485.92 feet; thence run North 01 degrees 09 minutes 11 seconds West, 240.00 feet; thence run North 03 degrees 11 minutes 43 seconds East, 55.03 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING of the parcel to be described herein: FROM SAID POINT OF BEGINNING, thence run South 89 degrees 02 minutes 07 seconds West, 208.31 feet to a point on the east margin of Alabama Highway No. 51; thence run in a northerly

“The Word of the Year is based on using evidence drawn from Oxford’s continually updated corpus of more than 19 billion words,” explained Katherine Connor Martin, product director at Oxford Languages. “Those words are gathered from news sources across the English-speaking world. The selection, according to Oxford, is meant “to reflect the ethos, mood or preoccupations” of the preceding year, while also having potential as a term of significance.

Bryan Garner, editor of Black’s Law Dictionary, developed the idea of “skunked words.” Those

To review, “trump” is a common word in America with four listed uses or qualities. According to MerriamWebster Dictionary, a trump is a playing card of the suit chosen to rank highest. It can win a trick (or a sequence of cards forming a single round of play). Each player lays a card down, with the highest card named the winner. A second definition for a trump is “a helpful or admirable person.”

In terms of a verb, which is when a contestant “plays a trump” on a card of another suit and also when an opponent is batted down or “trumped.” As for the former president, New York Daily News reported that Donald Trump’s digital trading cards sold

PUBLIC NOTICES

direction along said margin of said highway on the arc of a curve to the right having a radius of 5,013.20 feet for an arc length of 120.0 feet; thence run South 89 degrees 35 minutes 36 seconds East, 215.29 feet; thence run South 03 degrees 11 minutes 43 seconds West, 115.14 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING, containing 0.572 acres, +/-. And Howard J. McNally, and/or the unknown heirs Of Howard J. McNally, And Linda J. McNally, and/ or the unknown heirs Of Linda J. McNally, And Fictitious Defendants A, B, C, D, E, F & G, Being Persons, Individuals, Firms, Associations, Partnerships, Corporations or other Entities, Whose names are otherwise unknown to the Plaintiff, but who claim interest in and to the above-captioned parcel of land, and whose correct names and legal identities will be added by Amendment when ascertained, Defendants.

NOTICE OF ACTION

To: All Defendants herein, whose whereabouts are unknown and which cannot be ascertained after the exercise of reasonable diligence.

You are hereby notified that on the 18th day of November, 2022, a complaint to quiet title was filed in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama, and the following are the names of all parties to the action: Hardwood, LLC, as Plaintiff; Howard J. McNally, Linda J. McNally, and/ or the unknown heirs for Howard J. McNally and/ or Linda J. McNally, as Defendants, whose additional heirs, executors and/or administrators are unknown and cannot be ascertained after the exercise of due diligence, and which are believed to have claimed some right, title, interest or claim in and to the property described as follows: Lot 9, Lower Acres Estates Subdivision, being more particularly described as follows, to wit:

Commence at the

17 North,

The internet-based cartoon cards depict Trump as a superhero. They sold out at a price of $99, according to the seller’s website. In addition, as mentioned by the two usage experts, the word trump (lowercase) has not been negatively affected by the abrasive Donald Trump (uppercase) or his family. No “skunking” there.

“Omicron” and “codify” are among the most used words, according to Oxford’s methods of determination. Omicron has been used since November 2021 to mark the most recent variant of the coronavirus.

Curiously, “endemic” describing “a disease constantly present in a particular place” increased 874% in January lookups. “Codify,” not at all a new word, refers to the process of Congress making laws.

Codify gained renewed attention in 2022 because of three spikes in people looking it up. On May 3, lookups rocketed to

5,347% due to the leak of a draft of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson decision. On June 24, it gained 1,293% of known use; that was the day abortion was outlawed. Finally, on June 30, President Joe Biden endorsed ending the filibuster to codify the right to abortion; that executive action had lookups of 830%.

Another word, “LGBTQIA,” added letters to stand for “lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (one’s sexual or gender identity), intersex and asexual/aromantic/ agender.” Pride Month, in June, led to lookups at 1,178%. In total, LGBTQIA secured an 800% increase over 2021.

“Sentient” means “able to perceive or feel things,” while “loamy” is “consisting of loam, a soil consisting of a friable mixture of varying proportions of clay, silt and sand.” Both words grew dramatically in lookups. Sentient increased 480% after a Google engineer

in

thence run North 88 degrees 50 minutes 49 seconds East, 485.92 feet; thence run North 01 degrees 09 minutes 11 seconds West, 240.00 feet; thence run North 03 degrees 11 minutes 43 seconds East, 55.03 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING of the parcel to be described herein: FROM SAID POINT OF BEGINNING, thence run South 89 degrees 02 minutes 07 seconds West, 208.31 feet to a point on the east margin of Alabama Highway No. 51; thence run in a northerly direction along said margin of said highway on the arc of a curve to the right having a radius of 5,013.20 feet for an arc length of 120.0 feet; thence run South 89 degrees 35 minutes 36 seconds East, 215.29 feet; thence run South 03 degrees 11 minutes 43 seconds West, 115.14 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING, containing 0.572 acres, +/-. All persons having an interest in said lands or any portion thereof, claiming any title thereto or any encumbrance or lien thereon, are hereby directed to plead, answer, or otherwise respond to the Complaint on or before the expiration of 30 days after the last publication of this notice, or thereafter suffer judgment by default to be rendered against them, it being intended that this notice shall be used to perfect service against all parties who cannot be personally served with a copy of the Complaint.

Done this the 19th day of December, 2022 /s/ Mary Roberson Mary Roberson Circuit Court Clerk, Lee County J. Brandon Rice Davis, Bingham, Hudson & Buckner, P.C. 724 North Dean Road, Suite 100 Auburn, AL 36830 Legal Run 12/29/2022, 01/05/2023, 01/12/2023 & 01/19/2023

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA JOE R. COFIELD, JR, Plaintiff, v. No.: CV-2022-900417

A Parcel of Real Property described as: Tract A: Commencing at a 1 1/2" open top pipe at the Southwest corner of the Northwest 1/4, of Section 19, T -20-N, R-29-E, Lee County, Alabama (purported); thence North 1 Degree 57' 00 West, a distance of 210.91 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING, North 1 degree 57' 00" West, a distance of 290.00 feet to a 3/4" crimped top pipe on the Southerly right of way of Lee Road 270; thence along said right of way, North 86 degrees 30' 25'' East, a distance of 109.54 feet to a 1/2 inch iron bar; thence leaving said right of way, South 3 degrees 25' 49" East, a distance of 290.00 feet; thence South 86 degrees 33' 30" West, a distance of 117.03 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING.

Containing 0.754 Acre, located in Section 19, T-20-N, R-29-E, Lee County, Alabama.

Tract B: Commencing at a 1 1/2" open top pipe at the Southwest corner of the Northwest 1/4, of Section 19, T-20-N, R-29-E, Lee County, Alabama (purported), said point also being the POINT OF BEGINNING. From said POINT OF BEGINNING, North 1 degree 57' 00" West, a distance of 210.91 feet; thence North 86 degree 33' 33" East, a distance of 117.03 feet; thence South 3 degrees 25' 49" East, a distance of 251.31 feet; thence South 68 degrees 58' 19" West, a distance of 130.73 feet; thence North 1 degree 54' 00" West, a distance of 80.00 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING.

Containing 0.750 Acre, located in Section 19, T-20-N. R-29-E, Lee County, Alabama.

And Ken Belton, and/ or the unknown heirs Of Ken Belton, And Capital One Bank (USA), N.A.

And Fictitious Defendants A, B, C, D, E, F & G, Being Persons,

Individuals, Firms, Associations, Partnerships, Corporations or other Entities, Whose names are otherwise unknown to the Plaintiff, but who claim interest in and to the above-captioned parcel of land, and whose correct names and legal identities will be added by Amendment when ascertained, Defendants.

NOTICE OF ACTION

To: All Defendants herein, whose whereabouts are unknown and which cannot be ascertained after the exercise of reasonable diligence.

You are hereby notified that on the 1st day of December, 2022, a complaint to quiet title was filed in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama, and the following are the names of all parties to the action: Hardwood, LLC, as Plaintiff; Ken Belton, and/or the unknown heirs of Ken Belton, as Defendant, whose additional heirs, executors and/or administrators are unknown and cannot be ascertained after the exercise of due diligence, and which are believed to have claimed some right, title, interest or claim in and to the property described as follows:

Tract A: Commencing at a 1 1/2" open top pipe at the Southwest corner of the Northwest 1/4, of Section 19, T -20-N, R-29-E, Lee County, Alabama (purported); thence North 1 Degree 57' 00 West, a distance of 210.91 feet to the POINT

OF BEGINNING, North 1 degree 57' 00" West, a distance of 290.00 feet to a 3/4" crimped top pipe on the Southerly right of way of Lee Road 270; thence along said right of way, North 86 degrees 30' 25'' East, a distance of 109.54 feet to a 1/2 inch iron bar; thence leaving said right of way, South 3 degrees 25' 49" East, a distance of 290.00 feet; thence South 86 degrees 33' 30" West, a distance of 117.03 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING.

Containing 0.754 Acre,

Southwest corner of Section 8, Township

Range 27 East,

Lee County, Alabama;

GREG MARKLEY

Tuberville’s Second Bill Becomes Law

CONTRIBUTED BY HANNAH EDDINS DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY FOR SEN. TOMMY TUBERVILLE

ALABAMA —

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s (R-AL) bill to streamline post-9/11 GI Bill benefits was signed into law in December by President Joe Biden, marking the senator’s second piece of legislation to become law after the Supporting Families of the Fallen Act was signed in October.

“The burden our military and veteran families shoulder is immense enough without additional bureaucratic red tape weighing them down,” Tuberville said. “I’m proud we could deliver another win for our military families and ensure dependents aren’t barred from using

the educational benefits they’ve earned.”

A bipartisan group of nine senators supported the bill, including U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-SD), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Mike Braun (R-IN), Tim Scott (R-SC), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Boozman (R-AR), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT). The bill also had bipartisan support in the U.S. House of Representatives, where it was introduced by U.S. Congressman Vern Buchanan (R-FL-16).

BACKGROUND

Tuberville introduced S. 3606 in February 2022 after learning of a small, but correctable, error on the post-9/11 GI Bill benefit transfer forms that made it difficult for dependents to receive their post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.

A section of current U.S. Veterans Affairs (VA) and U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) transfer forms requires the service member to fill out a field labeled “end date,” which refers to the date on which the dependent may no longer receive the benefit. There are multiple examples of service members misreading the information requested in the GI Bill benefit transfer forms, resulting in eligible dependents being barred from education benefits due to an easily amendable error.

Tuberville’s bill clarifies the information required on the forms by giving the VA and DoD the statutory authority required to remove the “end date” on forms and prevent further issues. The VA and DoD could not amend the information

on the form without this statutory authority. Specifically, this bill would allow a service member to transfer his or her post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to a spouse or child so long as the service member has done the following:

- completed at least six years on the date the service member requests to transfer the benefit, - agreed to add four more years of service - and the individual receiving the benefits has enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS).

Tuberville’s bill passed the U.S. Senate in August 2022. More recently, a House-led bill containing language identical to Tuberville’s S. 3606 passed both chambers with broad bipartisan support.

The state of Alabama is home to more than 400,000 veterans.

Since assuming office, Tuberville has been focused on identifying targeted, meaningful changes that can be made to how the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) delivers benefits and care to America’s veterans and service members.

Earlier this year, his bill, Supporting Families of the Fallen Act, was signed into law by the president.

This legislation raises the maximum coverage amounts under U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) and Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) from $400,000 to $500,000 — the first update since 2005.

Along these lines,

Tuberville has also introduced the HBOT Access Act of 2021 and Restoring Benefits to Defrauded Veterans Act. Through his work on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, he has supported several bills — including the Veterans Health Care Freedom Act, GHAPS Act and the Strengthening and Amplifying Vaccination Efforts to Locally Immunize all Veterans and Every Spouse (SAVE LIVES) Act.

He has written about his efforts to help veterans and their families in The Birmingham News.

Sen. Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs and HELP committees.

CONTRIBUTED BY CRAIG MONGER / 1819 NEWS

ALABAMA —

With the start of the new year, eligible Alabamians are now allowed to carry firearms without having to purchase a license from the state.

Permitless carry, also called constitutional carry, was among the more contentious issues during the 2022 regular legislative session.

House Bill 272 (HB272) by state Rep. Shane Stringer (R-Citronelle) became the spearhead bill that passed the Legislature. The bill was signed into law by Gov. Kay Ivey in March but was not considered law until Jan. 1, 2023.

The bill did away with certain laws, most notably those requiring people to buy a permit to carry a weapon concealed

in their vehicle or on their person. It also changed the definition of a shotgun to comply with technological advancements in shotgun design.

WHO CAN CARRY

The new law does not change who is allowed to possess and carry a weapon; it only removed the requirement to have a permit. Any person over 18 who has not been convicted of a violent crime — including misdemeanor domestic violence — has not been adjudicated mentally deficient and

does not currently have a protective order against them may carry a concealed weapon in Alabama.

The new law also changed language in Alabama's existing code, which clarifies that the mere possession or carrying of a firearm in a public place cannot be construed as a crime.

Only if a person is "brandishing" a firearm can they be arrested or charged with disorderly conduct.

Brandishing is defined as the "waving, flourishing, displaying

or holding of an item in a manner that is threatening or would appear threatening to a reasonable person, with or without explicit verbal threat, or in a wanton or reckless manner."

WHERE YOU CAN CARRY Federal law prohibits carrying on several locations, such as military bases, federal courthouses, federal law enforcement offices and others; those remain restricted whether or not you have a permit.

In Alabama, a person may not carry a concealed weapon in police departments, sheriff's offices, courthouses, courthouse annexes, prisons, jails, psychiatric facilities, drug treatment facilities and halfway houses.

You are still required to have a permit if you intend to carry a weapon within a public K-12 school or

University, even if you are merely attending an athletic event.

The new law did away with one provision that forbade carrying in a temporary courthouse annex. New code dictates a building can only be considered a proper annex while court proceedings are taking place.

A person without a permit may not carry a concealed weapon on private property without the owner's express permission. However, this falls under trespassing law, meaning you could only be charged with trespassing for refusing to leave a business or property after being asked by the owner.

PERMITS

The new law has not done away with permits. Any applicable person can still obtain a concealed weapons permit from their local sheriff's office. In fact, for those who regularly travel, it may be more advantageous to maintain a permit to avoid legal issues when

traveling to other states.

RECIPROCITY

With the exception of Florida, every neighboring state with Alabama also has permitless carry laws. Some exceptions exist in each state, so you should always research a state's gun laws before traveling there while armed.

Most states that do not have permitless carry laws recognize Alabama permits as valid, known as reciprocity. South Carolina is the only southern state not to share reciprocity with Alabama. Always study state laws before traveling with a weapon.

POLICE INTERACTION

Under the new law, a law enforcement officer may relieve a person of their weapon if the officer has "reasonable suspicion" that the person has committed or is planning to commit a crime. The officer may also relieve a person of their weapon if the person presents a threat to themselves, the officer or the public.

Magnolia Plaza, located at 145 East Magnolia Avenue,” the city’s e-packet reads. “Stacks is a breakfast, brunch/ lunch restaurant and is not anticipating serving dinner. The new tenant will be making minor interior alterations to the current space. One such alteration is the addition of griddle tables, allowing customers to make their own pancakes.”

The existing kitchen exhaust system does not have the capacity to handle the business’ needs, according to the e-packet, and will also undergo alterations to its exhaust ventilation system to support the extra demand for air exhaust from the cooking area. The owner’s proposal is to have an exterior exhaust system which will encroach over the pedestrian sidewalk on the north side of East Magnolia Avenue.

The council authorized the airspace lease agreement for the owner’s proposed exterior exhaust system, which would overhang the sidewalk on the north side of 145 E. Magnolia Ave.

“In essence it hangs over the sideline,” said City Manager Megan McGowen Crouch. “To meet code and the volume of things they are doing, they must have this type. If they

wait for some other type it would be nine-plus months in fabrication and slow down their opening. We feel this is the best solution at this time. We have them all over the backs of these buildings.”

IN OTHER BUSINESS:

- The council recognized Laquetta Ware, Community Services, as employee of the month.

- The council gave service awards to Montavious Ray for 10 years of service with the Auburn Parks and Recreation department, Crouch for 25 years with the office of the city manager and David France and Rick McCarty for 25 years with water resource management.

- The council recognized Debra Hoyett for her retirement from the police force after 27 years.

- The council heard a report from Crouch

on the expenditures pertaining the Rebuild Alabama Act funds.

- The council approved the purchase of one F-250 Truck from Stivers Ford for the Parks And Recreations Department in the amount of about $66,500.

- The council approved a contract with WHP Trainingtowers to design and construct a public safety training structure for the Auburn Fire and Police departments in the amount of nearly $348,000.

- The council approved three board appointments, one to fill the supernumerary position on the Board of Zoning for a term beginning Jan. 21, 2023, running until Jan. 20, 2026.

The next Auburn City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 17, at 6 p.m.

OPELIKA COUNCIL >>

FROM B9

induced through force, fraud, or coercion.

The City of Opelika, Alabama is committed to ensuring that our community is prepared to recognize signs of human trafficking; and WHEREAS, the City of Opelika seeks to enhance public welfare, protect public safety, and promote human flourishing for all residents and visitors by declaring that freedom from human trafficking is a fundamental human right; and

WHEREAS, due to its isolating nature, many individuals remain unaware that trafficking is a threat to their neighborhoods, families, and children. The first step in eliminating human trafficking in our community is to educate others. We must work diligently to ensure that all front-line industries, educators and first responders are aware of this issue and how to spot it; and

WHEREAS, the City of Opelika has proudly earned its certification as a “Trafficking Free City” by combating the human trafficking of our children and vulnerable adults and mitigating the

MARKLEY >>

FROM B10

mistakenly indicated a chatbot had developed

associated public safety, economic and health risks to our community in collaboration with the Child Trafficking Solutions Project and other antihuman trafficking organizations; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gary Fuller, Mayor of the city of Opelika, Alabama do hereby proclaim January 2023 as “Human Trafficking Awareness Month” in Opelika, Alabama and encourage all residents to join us in raising the visibility of this crime and to become more informed about ways to prevent, to recognize and to respond to potential victims of human trafficking in our community.

The proclamation was presented to Worthy2 Founder Kathryn Guthrie in appreciation for her work toward the goal of ending human trafficking in the community.

"I am very proud of Opelika and what y'all have done," Guthrie said. "Chief Healey, Capt. Clifton and all, we have met several times and have some things planned for this coming year, and it is an honor how Opelika has stepped forward and not only recognize this but taking action against it."

IN OTHER BUSINESS

• The council voted to

human-like consciousness. Due to a rash in 2022 of people finding joy in puzzling with five-letter words, loamy bounded to 4.5 million more lookups.

Next December, I plan to present Words of the Year 2023. I dedicate these word columns to the memory of Gillis Morgan, a newspaperman who died in 2018. He wrote the popular column “A Study of Words” for several newspapers and taught journalism at Auburn University. We

approve a request from the BigHouse Foundation for a 5K Event to be held at Grand National on Jan. 21.

• The council approved the purchase of a John Deere 7200A mower for the Public Works Department for just over $50,000.

• The council approved the purchase of a Bobcat Compact Excavator E60 R2 for Opelika Power Services for nearly $68,000 after a trade-in allowance of $45,000.

• The council approved the purchase of two 2023 Ford F150 SuperCrew pickup trucks for Opelika Power Services utilizing the state of Alabama Contract #T191 for about $80,200.

• The council voted to suspend the rules and vote on an ordinance to amend the city of Opelika Personnel Policies and Procedures manual after it was introduced for its first reading. The ordinance was passed. The significant changes include a change in the period of time required for firefighters to be eligible for promotions — a decrease from two years to 18 months — and an increase in the number of paid holiday hours for police officers as it pertains to the addition of Juneteenth as a state holiday.

miss seeing your byline, Gillis.

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 award-winning 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

Three possible tax cuts in Alabama in 2023

CONTRIBUTED BY 1819 NEWS / CALEB TAYLOR

ALABAMA —

With a new year, new legislature and a string of annual budget surpluses, hope springs eternal for tax relief in Alabama.

With that, there are three key areas for policymakers to consider in 2023.

INCOME TAX

Alabama was one of the only southeastern states in 2021 and 2022

PERMITLESS >>

FROM B13

Under the previous rules, citizens were not compelled to inform police if they had a weapon in their vehicle or on their person. However, the new law does require the disclosure of that information if asked by an officer.

A person is also prohibited from touching their weapon during the course of a police interaction unless otherwise directed by police.

To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email craig. monger@1819news.com.

not to offer its citizens any significant, broadbased sales or income tax relief despite large state budget surpluses. Will that change in 2023?

Possibly, but whether that happens in the form of a one-time tax rebate or a permanent tax cut remains to be seen.

Gov. Kay Ivey came out in favor of a tax rebate in October but ruled out making

See TAXES, page B16

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PUBLIC NOTICES >>

FROM B10

located in Section 19, T-20-N, R-29-E, Lee County, Alabama.

Tract B: Commencing at a 1 1/2" open top pipe at the Southwest corner of the Northwest 1/4, of Section 19, T-20-N, R-29-E, Lee County, Alabama (purported), said point also being the POINT OF BEGINNING.

From said POINT OF BEGINNING, North 1 degree 57' 00" West, a distance of 210.91 feet; thence North 86 degree 33' 33" East, a distance of 117.03 feet; thence South 3 degrees 25' 49" East, a distance of 251.31 feet; thence South 68 degrees 58' 19" West, a distance of 130.73 feet; thence North 1 degree 54' 00" West, a distance of 80.00 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING.

Containing 0.750 Acre, located in Section 19, T-20-N. R-29-E, Lee County, Alabama.

All persons having an interest in said lands or any portion thereof, claiming any title thereto or any encumbrance or lien thereon, are hereby directed to plead, answer, or otherwise respond to the Complaint on or before the expiration of 30 days after the last publication of this notice, or thereafter suffer judgment by default to be rendered against them, it being intended that this notice shall be used to perfect service against all parties who cannot be personally served with a copy of the Complaint.

Done this the 19th day of December, 2022 /s/ Mary Roberson

Mary Roberson Circuit Court Clerk, Lee County J. Brandon Rice Davis, Bingham, Hudson & Buckner, P.C. 724 North Dean Road, Suite 100 Auburn, AL 36830

Legal Run 12/29/2022,

01/05/2023, 01/12/2023 & 01/19/2023 ---------------

STATE OF ALABAMA LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT CASE NO. 2022-617 ESTATE OF HAZEL S. PLUMMER, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE

Letters Testamentary of said Hazel S. Plummer, deceased, having been granted to William Charles Plummer this 19th day of December 2022, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by the law or the same will be barred.

William Charles Plummer, Personal Representative Legal Run 12/22/2022, 12/29/2022 and 01/05/2022 ---------------

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF MARK A. RAY, DECEASED COURT OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY

Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 20th day of December, 2022, 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 20th day of December, 2022.

WENDY C. RAY Legal Run 12/29/2022, 01/05/2023 & 01/12/2022 ---------------

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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

ESTATE OF WILLIE TAYLOR, DECEASED COURT OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 15th day of December, 2022, 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.

GLENN TAYLOR

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Legal Run 12/29/2022, 01/05/2023 & 01/12/2022 ---------------

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY ALABAMA CASE NO. 2022-684 IN RE: THE ESTATE OF BETTY FAY NORRIS, DECEASED TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to: REGINA FAY HATTAWAY as Executrix of the Estate of Betty Fay Norris, deceased on the 13th day of December, 2022, by the Honorable Bill English.

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.

REGINA FAY HATTAWAY, EXECUTRIX

Legal Run 12/29/2022, 01/05/2023 & 01/12/2022 ---------------

STORAGE TREASURES AUCTION

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

location indicated: 1412 Opelika Rd. Auburn, AL 36830 Thursday, January 19, 2023 at 10:00 AM Unit 203 Unit B23 Unit F89 Unit G97

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

Legal Run 01/05/2023

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

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION FOR THE RENEWAL AND CONTINUATION OF THE LEVY OF AN 11 MILL AD VALOREM TAX FOR THE SUPPORT AND FURTHERANCE OF EDUCATION IN THE CITY OF OPELIKA (Amendment No. 8, Constitution of Alabama of 1901)

Notice is hereby given thata special municipal election will be held in the City of Opelika in the State of Alabama on Tuesday, the 28th day of February, 2023, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Central Time, at which there will be submitted to the qualified electors of the said City, for their determination by ballot, the following proposition: Shall the City of Opelika be authorized to continue to levy and collect at the excess rate of one and one-tenths percent (or 11 mills) of the assessed value of taxable property in the City the special annual ad valorem tax now being levied at the excess rate of 11 mills, said tax to be levied and the net proceeds thereof to be

used exclusively for the support and furtherance of education, commencing with the tax year for which taxes become due and payable on October 1, 2025, and continuing thereafter until and including the tax year for which taxes become due and payable on October 1, 2052, which levy shall represent a renewal and continuation of the said tax and shall not operate to increase the rate of taxation for public school purposes now being levied in the City? The said election shall be held at the following voting places established by the City at which shall be cast the ballots of the electors customarily voting at the said respective places: WARD NO. LOCATION OF VOTING PLACE

1 - Covington Community Center - 213 Carver Avenue

2 - Opelika Learning Center (formerly Old Jeter School)

- 214 Jeter Avenue

3 - Opelika Community Center - 1102 Denson Drive

4 - East Alabama Medical CenterEducation Center - 2027 Pepperell Parkway

5 - Opelika Sportsplex1001 Andrews Road Absentee Ballot Box City Clerk’s Office Municipal Building 204 South 7th Street By order of the City Council.

/s/ Gary Fuller GARY FULLER MAYOR OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA

Legal Run 12/15/2022, 12/22/2022, 12/29/2022 & 01/05/2023 ---------------

Opelika Self Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location and time indicated:

710 Columbus Pkwy, Opelika AL 36801 Friday, January 20, 2023 at 1:00PM CST Montina Alvis –Unit 1346 711 Orchard Ave Opelika AL 36801 boxes, totes, furniture, miscellaneous BridgetAnn Atkinson 4519 Woodruff Rd Unit 4 351 Columbus GA 31904 Boxes, furniture, etc Renee Johnson 552 N Antioc Cir Apt A Opelika AL 36801 Furniture and boxes

The auction will be listed and advertised on www. lockerfox.com. Purchases must be made with credit card only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Opelika Self Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property. Legal Run 01/05/2023 ---------------

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 CLEMENT LEE

BENNETT, deceased Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the LEE COUNTY Probate Office by Arnita Bennett on December 29, 2022, 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.

ENGLISH, PROBATE JUDGE Legal Run 01/05/2022

BILL

"permanent structural change" to the state tax code.

State Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) said earlier in December that both tax rebates and permanent tax cuts would be considered in 2023.

GROCERY TAX

Alabama has the fifth-highest state and local average sales tax rate, according to the Tax Foundation.

Proponents of cutting or eliminating the grocery tax in Alabama consistently come from both the left and right sides of the political aisle. Eliminating Alabama's state sales tax on groceries is a" logical first step in our

tax reduction efforts," according to incoming State Rep. Ben Harrison (R-Cartwright).

OCCUPATIONAL TAX

Occupational taxes are an additional tax in certain municipalities in Alabama that is withheld from an employee's salary, wages and/or commissions by their employer and paid to the municipality if the work is done or the employer is based in that municipality.

With the rise of teleworking and working from home during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, some Alabamians are likely paying tax to certain municipalities if their employer's address is in the municipality, even if they themselves don't physically live or work

there.

Twenty-five municipalities in Alabama levy such a tax, some at a rate as high as 2%. Birmingham and Auburn charge a 1% occupational tax on workers employed in the city.

State Sen. Andrew Jones (R-Centre) proposed legislation during the 2022 session that would've phased out the tax statewide by reducing the tax by a tenth of a percent annually until it was abolished entirely in Alabama. The bill didn't garner enough support to be passed into law, but Jones told 1819 News in September he planned to run similar legislation again in 2023.

To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email caleb. taylor@1819News.com.

THIS WEEK’S PUZZLE ANSWERS: