The Observer 02-16-2023

Covering Lee County, Alabama

award-winning publication

Opelika, Alabama

Putting Out Fires

Man of Many Firsts

BY MADELINE ACOSTA FOR THE OBSERVER

LEE COUNTY —

On Saturday, Feb. 4, I drove to Louise Cardoza’s farm out in Chambers County. Cardoza is a volunteer at the Oak Bowery Volunteer Fire Depart-

ment (OBVFD), which is about a mile down the road from her house. We sat down with volunteers Robert Griffith and Gene Quick, had some breakfast and coffee, and the four of us discussed the fire department and its history.

The department first opened its doors in the ‘80s with about 20 volunteers and Steve Tucker as the original fire chief.

“He was the one that got the original grant money to get the two engines,” Griffith said. “And the engines were used, so

they weren’t new.”

A lack of resources is something all too common at the Oak Bowery Volunteer Fire Department. The equipment being used and outdated can only go so far, and See OBVFD, page A5

Walters' Gas & Grill Gets National Attention

BY ANN CIPPERLY FOR THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA —

Last Thursday night, Walters’ Gas and Grill in Opelika was featured on the national television show

“Restaurant: Impossible” after it was revamped last October by show host Robert Irvine and his team.

Penny and Robert Walters, who were owners at the time, told their story in the 90-minute program. Local residents were invited to attend the filming.

Penny told Irvine about her journey in the restaurant business. When she and Robert married, they each had two children from previous marriages. Penny had a love and passion for cooking and preparing large meals for the family, as

See WALTERS', page A3 Robert and Penny Walters

Impossible."

with Chef

BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

AUBURN — Michael Floyd is man of many firsts. Floyd is a first-generation college student, one of the first to get the Jungle to its full potential and is the city of Auburn’s first student Lamplighter Award winner.

See FLOYD, page A4

United Way Partners With 2-1-1 to Meet Community Needs

BY KENDYL HOLLINGSWORTH KENDYLH@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

LEE COUNTY — National 2-1-1 Day was recognized Saturday, Feb. 11, but the service remains in full swing the other 364 days of the year.

“2-1-1 is a great program for our community because it is available 24/7, and it’s a one-stop shop with all resources in one place,” explained Courtney Dobbs, 2-1-1 impact community support coordinator.

United Way of Lee County partners with the local 2-1-1 agency, which serves Lee, Russell and

Chambers counties. It is affiliated with 2-1-1 Connects Alabama. According to 211connectsalabama.org, the purpose of 2-1-1 is to connect those in need with resources in their communities that can help meet those needs.

“We work in tandem with 2-1-1 to meet the most pressing needs of our community,” said Kerissa Justice, marketing specialist for the United Way of Lee County. “2-1-1 is the most comprehensive source of information about local resources and services in the country. Each local 2-1-1 database is full of resources

Michael Floyd, vice president of The Jungle student section at Auburn University.

(left),

Robert Irvine (right) from Food Network's show "Restaurant

An

created 'For local people, by local people.'

Members of the Oak Bowery Volunteer Fire Department.

Alabama Extension, Auburn University Outreach Partner with OnMed, Bringing Health Care Solutions to Chambers County

AUBURN —

The future of health care is here today for residents of nearby rural Chambers County. A multidisciplinary program at Auburn University — and an innovative virtual care station offered by OnMed — are providing better access to quality health care for a community in need.

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Auburn Outreach and the Auburn colleges of Pharmacy, Nursing and Human Sciences have teamed up with leaders

from the city of LaFayette and Chambers County to provide the facility. Through the OnMed Care Station — one of only four of its kind in the U.S. — residents can experience affordable, private and real-time visits with Alabama licensed health care professionals in a virtual setting, and for the first 60 days, they can use the facility at no charge.

“The installation of an OnMed Care Station signals a new day in health care for our community,” said Rachel Snoddy, Alabama Extension coordinator for Chambers County.

“Patients can expect quality care without the long waits at a doctor’s office, and prescriptions will be sent immediately to their pharmacy. The improved access will change the health of our citizens for the better.”

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

LaFayette currently has no urgent care facility, and the nearest hospital is a 30-minute drive away. The OnMed Care Station, located in the Chambers County Community Health and Wellness Center, is part of Auburn’s Rural Health Initiative. The center is now open to the public and available

to community members for convenient access to affordable primary care, including diagnosis, re-

ferrals, prescription and treatment options.

“Our collaborative team is thrilled with the

opportunity to support the health of the Chambers County community based on the feedback we have received directly from the community members themselves,” said Hollie Cost, assistant vice president of University Outreach and Public Service.

“Residents throughout the area have indicated a need for greater access to health care, as well as health and wellness programming and information during extended hours. This new center is positioned to honor those needs and wishes with additional services being added as See HEALTH CARE, page A5

New Year Brings New Leadership at Opelika Utilities

CONTRIBUTED BY OPELIKA UTILITIES

OPELIKA —

Opelika Utilities has a long history of providing reliable water service for Opelika and the surrounding region.

For 30 years, those efforts were led by General Manager Dan Hilyer. Matt McDougald worked with and learned from Dan for 13 of those years, originally as a consultant and most recently as his assistant general manager. Upon Dan’s retirement last month, McDougald became Opelika Utilities’ new general manager.

McDougald is a registered professional engineer with a civil engineering degree from Auburn University and more than 22 years of experience working in the water industry. He said that he looks forward to the opportunity to work with its great team, customers and area communities to build on this legacy in the years ahead.

Opelika Utilities collects, stores, treats and delivers up to 24 million gallons of water each day. It directly serve over 30,000 area residents and provide treated water to support another 75,000 customers through other

that cater to specific community needs.”

Anyone in need of assistance can dial 211 on the phone to speak with a 2-1-1 call specialist. They can also text their ZIP code to 898211 to message a live 2-1-1 specialist. Calling the toll-free number 888-421-1266 will also connect callers with a 2-1-1 representative for help. Those who are hearing-impaired can call 711 and ask to be connected to 2-1-1 Connects Alabama.

The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) has designated 2-1-1 for commu-

nity information and referral services in the same way 911 is designated for emergency services, according to the state agency’s website.

Those in need may also look through an online database of resources by going to www.211connectsalabama. org and clicking on “Guided Search.” From there, search the database by keyword or browse resources by category.

According to Justice, local call specialists update the database a couple times a year by contacting the service providers already listed to confirm or update their information. The call specialists also research additional local service providers that may

MATT MCDOUGALD

municipalities and water utilities in the region. Under the direction of the Opelika Utilities Board, it have taken a long-term view of the water needs of Opelika’s citizens and industries to

wish to be added.

“We attend community events, network with other local organization leaders and build mutually beneficial relationships to recruit new organizations and resources for the database,” Justice added. “There are so many local organizations that desire to better our community.”

But providers don’t have to wait to be contacted. They can go to www.211.org and click on “Partner with Us” to find out how they can join their local 2-1-1 database.

The COVID-19 pandemic, along with the rising cost of living, have caused 2-1-1 agencies to see an increase in requests for help.

ensure that the essential facilities, infrastructure and workforce are in place to reliably provide safe, plentiful water now and for the future. Opelika Utilities has two water treatment plants and approximately 190 miles of transmission lines to bring water from local lakes to its treatment plants, and then on to its customers.

The W. Warner Williams Water Resource Park at Saugahatchee Lake, which opened in May 2013, is a LEEDcertified, state-of-the-art water treatment plant with administration, distribution and maintenance facilities.

In Lee County, the most common needs change with the seasons, but Justice said assistance with rent and utility bills is one of the most prominent needs overall. Homelessness is also at the forefront, but there are limited local resources available to address that need. Together with several other local organizations, Justice said 2-1-1 meets monthly with the One Voice Homeless Coalition to come up with ways to help.

“Also, as prices continue to rise on everything, people are now having to make more and more difficult decisions on the most important financial needs of their families,” Justice added.

This facility can provide up to 8 million gallons of water per day.

The Robert A. Betts Water Treatment Plant can provide up to an additional 16 million gallons per day from Lake Harding, bringing Opelika’s total treated water capacity to nearly 24 million gallons per day. An agreement in place with Georgia Power will allows Opelika Utilities to increase the amount of water treated from Lake Harding to as much as 42 million gallons per day.

Like other water utilities across the country, Opelika Utilities must keep these facilities

“After bills are paid, they may realize money is scarce for groceries, so the need for grocery assistance and local food pantries is rising every day.”

Each 2-1-1 call specialist is trained to quickly and effectively connect callers with local resources.

“Even if the resource you are looking for isn’t available through the 2-1-1 database, they will do their best to connect you with someone who might be able to help or try and assist with any other needs you have,” Justice said. “There is no shame in asking for help when you need it, and 2-1-1 wants to be the resource you turn to in your time of need.”

PUBLISHER: Michelle Key

in good working condition while also planning for future needs and meeting stringent new regulations. Investments in infrastructure are necessary. Growing communities require system expansion to serve new customers, and the systems and technology installed decades ago are reaching their end of life. Much of the underground water transmission pipelines, pumps and other older equipment need replacement to avoid future reliability and water quality issues — with an estimated $300 million needed in funding

See WATER, page A5

Dobbs said she finds it rewarding to help local people in need.

“I enjoy working for 2-1-1 because I know at the end of the day, I was a friendly voice to them in a time of need and that at least one person was able to get the help they needed,” she said.

Justice added that working together with several local individuals and organizations enhances the help and resources United Way is able to provide.

“Here, at the United Way of Lee County, we believe there is power in the collective,” she said. “Individually we can do little, but together we can do a lot.”

LIVE LEE EDITOR: Hannah Lester

MARKETING: Woody Ross

PHOTOJOURNALIST: Robert Noles

SPORTS EDITOR: Wil Crews

SPORTS WRITER: D. Mark Mitchell

STAFF REPORTER: Kendyl Hollingsworth

CORRECTIONS

The new OnMed Care Station, located in the Chambers County Community Health and Wellness Center, is now open to the public.

Buc-ee’s To Host Hiring Event Feb. 20-22

CONTRIBUTED BY RACHEL AUSTIN

AUBURN —

Buc-ee’s, the Texas-based chain of country stores and gas stations, is looking for smiling faces to join its team in Auburn, Alabama.

Buc-ee’s Auburn will bring 250 new jobs to the area with starting pay ranging between $17 and $20 an hour, benefits, a 100% matching 401k up to 6%, and three weeks of paid vacation.

Buc-ee’s Auburn will host a mass hiring event

well as operating a restaurant called Henny Penny’s.

Everything in Penny’s life changed when her 18-yearold son Matt tragically died from a seizure. It was devastating and difficult for her to function, she said. She went into a depression and could no longer handle Henny Penny's.

“When I lost Matt, a piece of me was gone,” she said. “[But,] I surrounded myself with family and things I loved.”

Ten years later, Penny said that she felt strong enough to operate another restaurant, and she wanted to stay busy and be around people. Penny and Robert opened Walters’ Gas and Grill in 2014 in a property that had been closed.

“When we opened it back up, it was basically a restaurant that sold gas,” Penny said. “It makes me proud to say I built this.”

While Penny knew she was a good cook, she said she didn’t understand the business part of a restaurant, which included selling gas and operating a small grocery.

She hired a manager, but it was difficult to turn over control of the business.

Over time, the stress caused Penny to have health issues, including heart problems and spinal and disc problems. Her doctor told her she needed to slow down and step back from the business, as the stress was harming her health.

“It would be devastating if I had to close the doors,” she told Irvine. “I don’t want that to happen. It would be something else I lost.”

Last October, Irvine and his team arrived to evaluate and redo the restaurant in two days. A group of locals, including myself and my husband, Don, had been selected for the first day of filming. Once they were ready for us to enter, we stood in line to have a COVID-19 test and were given a release form to sign. Then, we waited to have our photo taken, showing our signature on the release.

Once the lunch was ready to serve, we walked into the restaurant and made our selection of a meat and two sides at the cafeteria-style buffet. Everyone who had seen an episode of the show knew that at times, Irvine would announce he was closing the restaurant and send everyone home without finishing their meal.

Not knowing what to expect, we began trying fried chicken, fresh vegetables and

in Auburn, Alabama, from Monday, Feb. 20, through Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Cypress Hill (8015 Lee Rd 53, Auburn). Applications must be submitted online prior to the event. Apply at www. buc-ees.com/careers. Online applications will be reviewed, and phone screens will be conducted. Candidates who advance to the next level will be extended an invitation to interview.

Due to the large volume and need for pre-scheduled interview times, walk-ins are not encouraged and

may be turned away.

Applicants must apply online prior to the event: www.buc-ees.com/careers

Reminder: Phone screen-

ing will take place prior to an interview invitation being extended — but you must apply online first. Open positions include

cashier and deli/food service, as well as janitorial/cleaning-maintenance, stocker/grocery and gift/ merchandise.

Located at 2500 Bucee’s Blvd., Buc-ee’s Auburn will occupy more than 53,470 square feet and offer 120 fueling positions just outside its store with thousands of snack, meal and drink options for travelers on the go. The new travel center will also offer the same award-winning restrooms, cheap gas, quality products and excellent service that have won the hearts, trust and business

of millions in the South for 40 years.

“Auburn is known for its beauty and hospitality, and we are thrilled to bring more high-quality jobs to such a special community,” said Jeff Nadalo of Bucee’s. “Our local team members are vital because they deliver the unique Bucee’s experience — which includes everything from the friendliest environment to award-winning clean restrooms — that travelers have come to know and love, 24 hours a day.”

cornbread. As the cameramen gathered in the room, Irvine came out and said, “I feel I have been transported back into the 1930s where a store meets a restaurant. There is a hutch with pickles, tomatoes and chutneys, but then I have these shelves with snacks and shelves with nothing.”

Irvine pointed out dusty places and areas where work was needed, then asked several people about their meal. While some had complaints, there were local workers who enjoyed lunch there every day. When someone gave a comment, they were soon surrounded by cameramen. Much of this part did not appear on the program.

After the lunch filming, we were told that if we were invited back for dinner the next day, we would receive an email that afternoon. Ours arrived later that day with details for the dinner.

The following day was the coldest we had in October. After another COVID-19 test and photo, we were in line for dinner. Things seemed to be running late as it became dark and colder. We watched as Penny waited at the front door of the restaurant for everything to be ready. When Irvine took her inside, we heard her say, “It is beautiful.”

We listened to the other comments, and slowly those in line were taken inside.

When it was our turn, we were taken to the first table, and another couple was seated with us. We were amazed at how different

the restaurant looked. The store section and restaurant had been reversed and completely revamped. Now, the restaurant was in front, and the groceries were in the back near the coolers with beverages.

We noticed the differences in the restaurant with the large black-and-white mural of a cotton field, the rusty vents now painted a bright green and the other freshly painted areas. Columns with hay feeder screens added interest throughout and separated the front and back. Chairs were new, and fresh cloths covered some tables while others had a rustic look.

We were given a menu for ordering instead of standing in a buffet line as we did for lunch. We thought the menu sounded more upscalesouthern. While it was more expensive than the buffet, it was still reasonably priced.

We ordered the nachos with chips covered in Brunswick stew and topped with cheese sauce ($10) and crispy chicken cutlet with mustard sauce, sweet potatoes and apple slaw ($16). The couple next to us tried the collard pasta ($14), which I wished I had ordered, among other choices. We all agreed the food was delicious. We liked that the food was served on white china instead of a Styrofoam plate.

Other items on the menu included shrimp with field peas with okra, tomato and vinaigrette ($15), pimento cheese plate with smoked sausage ($10), farm fresh

fried rice with vegetables ($12) and others.

Once the filming was finished, Irvine talked to the group, telling us to be kind to others. He talked about being in the military and then had those who served come to the front. He thanked them for their service. Irvine served as a Marine like my husband Don.

Irvine signed menus and allowed us to be photographed with him. I told him I enjoyed his show because I appreciated how he helped owners with their lives as much as he assisted with upgrading their restaurants. He was very personable and easy to talk with as well. When we left that night, we were looking forward to seeing the program and what happened behind the scenes with Penny and Robert.

Last Thursday night on “Restaurant: Impossible,” the program opened showing Irvine driving from Auburn through the countryside with cotton fields on his way to Walters’ Gas and Grill.

Irvine brought Penny and Robert into the store and asked them about their business. Robert replied it was a country store, while Penny added that it was mainly a restaurant, but they were trying to serve other needs of the community.

“This is the only place to get gas within 20 miles, or a package of chips, a beer or soda,” she said. “We have a farm, and I do a lot of canning, catering and trying to run the store. I pretty much have my hands full.”

He tried her homemade Brunswick stew that she sells in jars. Irvine told Penny that he was helping by telling her what was wrong and that she had to understand what it takes to be successful.

With her health issues, Penny had been leaving the cooking to the kitchen staff and her manager, Vanessa Huddleston. Irvine asked Penny to go home and prepare a meal for him. He said he would see her in an hour. Penny prepared lamb, collards, peas and jasmine rice, which Irvine said he thought was good.

Back at the restaurant, Irvine talked to Penny and Vanessa about food costs and expenses. Penny said she loved cooking, but bookkeeping was not her forte. Her food cost was much too high. He explained she needed to make enough on the dishes she prepared to cover the cost of the food, labor and overhead expenses.

Irvine prepared new dishes for the restaurant that, if sold at a certain price, would increase her revenue. Those dishes were served for dinner in the renovated dining room on the second day of filming.

After watching the television show Thursday night, Penny said, “I was apprehensive. I didn’t know how they were going to portray us. Once we saw the show, we were very pleased. They portrayed us just as it was. They came to our home, farm and showed what kind of people we are. It was pretty rough in the beginning when Chef (Irvine)

was criticizing the food and things, but I was very pleased at the outcome of the show.”

While the new dishes were offered for a while, customers didn’t want to pay the prices, so they are no longer served on a regular basis, but once in a while, the Brunswick stew nachos are available.

With her health issues, Penny retired early this year and sold the business.

“I started thinking about my health and the stress,” she said. “I wanted to enjoy retirement and not have my health deteriorate. I decided this was a good time for me to bow out while I am on a high note. I have been successful at my restaurant.

I made it what it is from ground up.”

Huddleston, who was the manager, is leasing the business from the new owner and now operating it.

“The worst part about letting it go was not seeing my customers,” Penny said. “A lot of my customers are like family to us. I miss them. I do go to the store and restaurant a couple times a week. We still stay in contact with a lot of them. We would not have made it what it was without our customers.”

Walters’ Gas and Grill is located at 15930 U.S. Highway 80 E. in Opelika. For further information, call 334-725-1805.

Irvine has shared some of the recipes of the new items he recommended during the show on his Facebook page. Vist www.facebook. com/chefirvine to see these recipes.

SEAN DIETRICH

She was trash. At least that’s how she was treated. She was found wandering a rural Mississippi highway. Beneath the stars.

It was a wonder the girl hadn’t been hit. This was a busy highway. The kind with transfer trucks.

The dog was walking in the center of the road. On the yellow line. Clearly there was

Floyd, before coming to Auburn to study journalism, graduated from T.R. Miller High School — a fact he’s very proud of.

While many students are dying to get away from their hometown, Floyd expressed deep respect for his own.

“I tell people all the time that Brewton, Alabama, is the blueberry capital of the state,” he said. “So I’m very proud to be from there.”

It was Auburn Athletics that drew him closer to The Plains.

“[I grew] up watching Cam Newton win us a national championship in the sport of football,” he said. “Before I arrived here, softball was making appearances in the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City, and our basketball team was slowly coming to prominence.”

Floyd said it wasn’t just athletics, though, that drew him to Auburn — but the education as well.

“Being a first-generation college student, my dad, he went straight into the Army after graduating high school and my mother went straight into the workforce, and I stand on their shoulders today, I stand on my grandparents’ shoulders

Blind Love

spinal disc showed. There were scars all over her, as though she’d been involved in a host of dog fights.

A scar on her face. A scar on her chest. One behind her ear. On her side. Another on her right forelimb.

something wrong with her. Animals don’t walk open highways. But the black-and-tan dog was moving by feel. Because she is blind.

All she knew was that she liked open highway because the surface was smooth, and there were no obstructions. And when you’re blind, no obstructions is a good thing.

She was a skeleton. Every rib visible. Every

because they sacrificed a lot through the years of being able to send a child to college, and it just means a lot to me,” Floyd said.

His mother is an Auburn woman. She never received her degree as a Tiger, but Floyd said she’s an Auburn woman all the same.

“She’s where I get my Auburn love from because I was raised by my mom and my aunt in Brewton and it was just my mom’s passion for Auburn; … I often tell people that even though she didn’t get a degree or came here, she believes in Auburn and loves it and that makes her an Auburn woman,” he said.

His dad, however, is an Alabama fan. This leads to some tense communication at certain times of the year.

Floyd is very involved in Auburn Athletics, despite not playing any himself. He is vice president of the Jungle.

The Jungle is Auburn University’s official student organization — not just for basketball.

“I get to know our coaches of different sports,” he said. “For example, I got to know coach Pearl, Bruce Pearl, and he’s just a mentor to me. He has done a lot for me since I’ve been here at Auburn. Like, he even checks on me on class

Probably, she had been caged with other hunting dogs. The dogs were probably mistreated and hungry. Hunger makes dogs mean.

Nobody knows how the blindness happened. But it didn’t take a rocket engineer to figure it out.

“Someone hit this animal with a blunt object,” the veterinarian later said, choking back tears. “Someone beat this poor dog. Maybe with the butt of a rifle.

Maybe with rebar.”

People say that dogs use smell above all other senses. That’s a lie. A dog doesn’t use her sense of smell to avoid walking headfirst into walls. A dog doesn’t use smell to detect body language in other animals or humans.

A car stopped on that lonesome highway. A Samaritan picked up the dog. The dog was apprehensive to get into the car, but then, she was so hungry.

The Samaritan placed her into the backseat. The Samaritan took photos of the animal and posted them to Facebook. Nobody claimed the animal. Nobody even commented. Nobody wants a blind dog.

A local hound rescue was called. They bathed her multiple times. The bathwater was almost black each time. They doctored her wounds. They took her to the vet. The vet removed her eyes and sewed her eyelids shut.

Not long thereafter a guy heard about this animal through a friend. This guy is a flunky redhead with an overbite and a nose so big he can smell the future. He is not handsome, but he has a weakness for animals. Dogs in particular.

Within hours, the guy and his wife drove to the Mississippi-Alabama state line. They met the dog and her foster mother at a barbecue joint. The dog sat beside

the guy while he ate. She pressed her body against his.

He fed most of his pork sandwich to the animal. She ate the meat. He ate the bread. When it was time to leave, the lady with the animal shelter said, “So do you want to foster her?”

“No,” said the guy, “I want her to be my daughter.” And we haven’t been apart since. Within the months I’ve had her, she’s gained 14 pounds. She sleeps beside my bed. She travels with me. She has visited 18 U.S. states. Slept in dozens of hotel rooms. She has met a lot of people. And I would even venture to

are presented annually by Anders to members of the community that he said he believes are lighting the way.

Floyd is the first college student to have received one of the awards.

Like the other award recipients, Floyd had no idea he would be receiving the award. It was actually the work of his local pastor, Wren Aaron, at the Auburn Church of the Highlands West Campus, who managed to get Floyd to the event.

and makes sure I’m attending classes, makes sure my grades are good. So, I like that — he keeps me accountable because he knows bad grades means no basketball games.”

Even in pursuing journalism, things are still sports-related for Floyd. He covers high school football for the Auburn Plainsman — Auburn’s student newspaper.

“Outside of the Auburn Plainsman, I am a part of this high school media entity called Powerhouse Sports,” he said. “And Powerhouse Sports is a sports media group that covers high school athletics in all of Alabama, parts of Georgia and the panhandle

of Florida. And that’s just also something that I’ve been proud of.”

Managing sports teams in high school, Floyd said he enjoyed listening to how people talked about sports, referred to sports, discussed sports.

Even figures such as Rod Bramblett and Andy Burcham influenced Floyd.

After college, Floyd said he thinks he’d like to stay on The Plains.

“I don’t think I want to leave Auburn,” he said. “I’m a strong man of faith and I’m the type of person that believes that wherever the Lord leads me, I will follow. And I just think that He has brought me to Auburn for a purpose and I

think that purpose, is bigger than my four- or five-year plan — however I take the route — but it’s bigger than my four or five years here at the university. I think it goes way beyond my time of graduation.

“And I just really want to be able to stay here at Auburn and continue to make a difference. And I think that’s what Mayor Anders recognized when he so graciously made me a recipient of the Mayor’s Lamplighter Award.”

Floyd was one of six honorees presented an award, called the Lamplighter Award, by Auburn Mayor Ron Anders at the State of the City Address in November. The awards

Floyd said he had planned on leaving the event early — of course, with no knowledge he would be receiving an award.

“Pastor Wren was in on the plan to get me to the mayor’s address,” he said. “So he was in on it. He was my ride there because Auburn women’s basketball had a game that night … but Pastor Wren was assigned of getting me there. He got me there, but he never told me I was going to be recognized. And when I got recognized, I kind of gave him that death stare like, ‘I can’t believe you knew about this and you didn’t tell me.’” Auburn residents can expect to see Floyd around town for a long time. He truly believes in Auburn and loves it.

See DIETRICH, page A5

Floyd was the first student to win one of the city of Auburn's Lamplighter Awards.

Machen McChesney Announces Advancements

CONTRIBUTED BY MACHEN MCCHESNEY

AUBURN —

Machen McChesney, one of the region's leading CPA and business advisory firms, announced that Michael D. Machen, CPA, CVA, has been named the firm’s new managing partner.

“It has been my privilege for 14 years to serve as managing partner for Machen McChesney,” said Marty Williams, former managing partner. “I will continue serving clients and working side by side with the leadership team returning value to our clients and community. I am confident Mike will lead the firm forward by striving to deliver exceptional client experiences while

progressively navigating through ever-changing technological, economic and regulatory changes. The firm looks forward to his leadership.”

Machen, a lifelong resident of Auburn, has 33 years of experience providing accounting, tax and advisory services to individuals and businesses.

Machen regularly returns value to clients needing his expertise in the areas of accounting & auditing, taxation, business valuation and business advisory services. He also has extensive industry expertise in construction, real estate, manufacturing, distribution, retail and professional services.

Machen has been a partner for 25 of the

cost of equipment and other necessities is still too expensive.

without enough budget, the volunteers are struggling.

As the years passed, the number of volunteers slowly decreased. By the time Quick and Griffith joined as volunteers around 2017, the number of volunteers was down to one.

“The demographic had changed,” Quick said.

“People moved away or died. But we slowly built it back up, and now we’ve got around 15 people.”

While we talked about the department’s past, we also talked about the current state of the department and its struggles.

THEY ARE NOW

WHERE

One of the biggest concerns that the volunteers have is money. While the volunteers have applied for and received grants — as well as donations — the

WATER

FROM A2

“We don’t have the money,” Griffith said. “That’s the piece that we’re missing. The cost of everything is just astronomical.”

Some of the department’s equipment, such as its breathing apparatus, needs to be replaced. The main problem: It cost about $40,000 to replace it. The question that the volunteers have: “How are we going to pay for $40,000 of a replacement with only a yearly budget of $20,000?”

The department also has the cost of insurance every year, which takes out a chunk of its budget. These financial issues have forced the volunteers themselves to start donating in order to supply the department with what it needs. Whether it’s the breathing apparatus or the four new suits which cost

29 years with Machen McChesney, providing leadership in administration, process improvement, quality control, peer review, marketing, business development, client service, mentoring and staff training.

Prior to joining the firm, Machen was employed as an accountant and supervisor at Warren Averett in Birmingham, Alabama. Machen is a graduate of the University of North Alabama with a bachelor's degree in accounting and finance.

Machen is passionate about giving back to the community. He currently serves voluntary positions in multiple community organizations and is a past president of the Auburn Chamber of Commerce and

around $11,000, money is something that the OBVFD is in dire need of.

“I don’t think people realize all of things they depend on,” Griffith said. "You depend on the sheriff’s department; you depend on the ambulance service. You would spend money on those. Why wouldn’t you spend the same amount of money on your volunteer fire department? We do the best we can, but there is only so much you can do with a budget of $20,000.”

WHERE THEY WANT TO GO

As the need for newer and better equipment goes up, so do the prices. The fire engines that the department uses were originally $160,000. Now, the engines cost close to $500,000.

Along with the money concerns, the volunteers also have their fair share of problems with their equipment being outdated. One of the newest volun-

the Foundation for Auburn’s Continuing Enrichment for Schools.

CHRIS EARNEST

The company also announced the promotion of Chris Earnest to director of business services.

"As the firm continues to grow, the promotion of experienced senior leaders strengthens the foundation at Machen McChesney," Williams said. "This promotion recognizes Chris' outstanding accomplishments and commitment to our community, firm core values and delivery of excellent client service."

Earnest has been a business services consultant with Machen McChesney since January 2018. He works closely with

teers was born only three years after the department’s truck was built in 1990.

Currently, a few of the volunteers have donated pieces of land to the department in order to store more water in tanks in the surrounding area. With these additional areas, the volunteers would have access to more water in a shorter amount of time.

HOW THEY ARE GOING TO GET THERE

Volunteers with OBVFD are conducting a fundraiser to build a new water tank for them to store more water at the fire station. With the fire engines the volunteers use now, they can only hold up to 1,000 gallons of water at a time. A house fire or structure fire needs about 30,000 gallons of water to fully extinguish the fire. The water tank will be able to help provide water for the volunteers in a more convenient and

business and individual clients, focusing on the streamlined delivery of client accounting and financial reporting services, outsourced accounting services and business advisory.

Earnest has expertise across numerous industries in business income and transactional tax preparation and planning services.

He is an Auburn University graduate with a bachelor's degree in accounting and forestry.

ABOUT MACHEN MCCHESNEY, LLP

Machen McChesney, a CPA and business advisory firm, has a 69year history of returning value to its individual and business clients, friends and community. The firm

efficient way.

“We’ve never had water so close, like two minutes down the road,” Griffith said. “With this new tank, instead of having to go all the way to Lafayette, we’d have a closer source.”

With more donations and grants, the volunteers at OBVFD will be able to combat some of the problems they face, but what they also need is awareness. Not many people are aware of how few of the firefighters in Chambers County and the surrounding counties are actually paid.

“This is a growing community,” Cardoza said. “People probably don’t even know that we’re all volunteers or that we need their help.”

Originally, I planned on talking to the volunteers about their lives and how they were inspired to become volunteers at the fire department. However, talking and meeting with

has offices in Auburn and Montgomery with 52 professionals and staff members. The firm offers comprehensive services, which include accounting and outsourcing, audit and assurance, business advisory, business valuation, estate and trust tax, family office and elder care, individual and business tax, industry specialization, international tax and wealth management.

Machen McChesney is an independent member of the BDO Alliance USA, a national network of leading CPA firms. For more information about Machen McChesney, its people, services, experience and alliances, visit machen.cpa.

some of them opened my eyes to the hardships that these volunteers face every time they get a call over their radios. And these problems are not exclusive to the Oak Bowery Volunteer Fire Department. With the lack of funding, many of the local volunteer fire departments in Alabama have these same problems and also struggle to make ends meet.

“I think you’re gonna hear the same thing that you’re [hearing] right now,” Griffith said. “There are good folks everywhere; they like the community, but they don’t have the cash. They don’t have the gear. It’s very frustrating.”

If you or someone you know would be interested in supporting OBVFD, get involved by donating to its water tank fundraiser (email admin@oakbowery1400.org) and visit its Facebook page for more information.

>>

for these improvements over the next 20 years.

Opelika Utilities is working to manage those costs for its customers and maintain a system they can count on.

Recently, it modernized the water meters throughout its system, replacing over 16,500 meters. The new meters are connected to the upgraded billing system, which will ultimately provide customers with greater control and support in tracking

HEALTH CARE >>

FROM A2

our faculty and student engagement expands.”

The new center will provide Auburn students and faculty from different disciplines the opportunity to support community members’ overall well-being. Nursing students will support diabetes management and asthma education, pharmacy students will provide medication management education, and students in human sciences will have the opportunity to develop and implement com-

water use and managing accounts. As it closes out the meter replacement project, it will continue to add features to help customers with convenient ways to pay bills and receive support.

The recent billing software changes, account updates and meter change-outs have challenged its customer service team with significantly more phone calls. Consequently, Opelika Utilities is working to enhance and increase communications options for its customers.

As in the past, it recommends customers

munity-based nutrition education programs.

COLLABORATION GOOD FOR ALL

Linda Gibson-Young, professor in Auburn’s College of Nursing, said the new health care center and residents will benefit from the synergy among the Auburn units involved.

“This site is a connector between Auburn University and the community to engage all in health and wellness conversations,” Gibson-Young said. “Nursing students will benefit by collaborating with the other disciplines in a

set up their online account and use balance checks, auto draft and other payment options from their account portal. Opelika Utilities recently launched a new text chat feature as well. Customers can text 334-591-3525 to chat with a customer service representative for account information between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. It also encourage customers to download the free mobile app for notifications and ease of making payments and service requests. Soon, it will also offer payment directly by

rural environment.”

“Establishing good community health and well-being requires a team effort,” said Timothy Moore, interim dean of the Harrison College of Pharmacy. “The Harrison College of Pharmacy is excited to participate in this effort for the people of Chambers County and to involve our future pharmacists as vital members of this multidisciplinary team.”

The project is supported through in-kind and financial contributions by all key partners, as well as corporate grants. Partners and funders include

phone. During the COVID pandemic, Opelika Utilities paused service shut-offs for non-payment to help community members through the crisis. It recently resumed the policy of collecting overdue payments from customers to avoid service disruption. Customers are asked to make every effort to pay past-due amounts and contact customer service staff right away if they need assistance making this happen.

Behind the scenes, the small, experienced and dedicated workforce

the city of LaFayette, Auburn University, Alabama Extension, Chambers County, Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, Alfa Foundation and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama.

“We’re bringing access to health care in a rural environment with modern technology, when you need it, at your convenience, in an area without easy access to an urgent care or hospital. This couldn’t have happened without our partners, both locally and at Auburn University,” said Chief Jim Doody,

makes reliable water services possible.

McDougal said that he is proud to be part of that team and its unwavering commitment to serving our communities — from customer service support and water quality technicians to field crews and plant operators — working in all kinds of weather around the clock. Families, friends and neighbors use water every day, and the team at Opelika Utilities is personally invested in delivering reliable, safe water to the region it calls home.

city of LaFayette Fire and EMS.

MORE INFORMATION

The Care Station employed by Auburn’s Rural Health Initiative was developed by Florida-based OnMed to make affordable health care accessible to all. The OnMed care stations provide 85% of the services received in a traditional primary care visit, using best-in-class devices to capture patient vitals, and clinicians are available for extended hours. Patient visits are private, safe and secure, and the Care Station is automatically cleaned

DIETRICH >> FROM A4

say she’s happy.

At least I hope she is.

Also, I hope the man who hurt her reads these words someday. I hope this man recognizes her photo on Facebook. I hope he realizes that he was wrong about her. She isn’t trash. No way. No how.

Her name is Marigold. And while I’m sad the last face she ever saw was his, I’m thrilled the first face her little eyes will ever see will be God’s.

and sanitized for the next patient.

"Our partnership with Auburn University, the city of LaFayette and the Chambers County Commission is a perfect reflection of our mission to provide access to quality affordable health care for all,” said OnMed CEO Tom Vanderheyden. “We are extremely proud of our involvement in this innovative Rural Health project, and most importantly, serving the people of this community."

An open house for the Community Health and Wellness Center is planned for April 21.

SBA Adds Counties to Alabama Disaster Declaration for Jan. 12 Severe Storms

CONTRIBUTED TO U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

LEE COUNTY —

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced last week the addition of more Alabama counties to the disaster declaration for severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes that occurred on Jan. 12, enabling more Alabama businesses and residents to be eligible to apply for SBA’s low-interest disaster loan program.

The disaster declaration now covers Autauga, Coosa, Dallas, Elmore, Greene, Hale, Sumter and Tallapoosa counties in Alabama, which are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA. Small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations in the following adjacent counties are eligible to apply only for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs): Bibb, Chambers, Chilton, Choctaw, Clay, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Montgomery, Perry, Pickens, Randolph, Shelby, Talladega, Tuscaloosa and Wilcox in Alabama; and Kemper, Lauderdale and Noxubee in Mississippi.

"A core tenet of SBA’s mission is to render federal disaster assistance as quickly as possible to small business owners and provide critical disaster relief to the communities

they serve during these types of devastating disasters," said Francisco Sanchez Jr., associate administrator, Office of Disaster Assistance.

"Our team is already on the ground actively coordinating with FEMA and other emergency

Alabama, 36701

- Hours: Monday to Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; closed Sunday.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the SBA has established protocols to help protect the health and

up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate.

Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed personal

caused by a similar disaster.

“The opportunity to include measures to help prevent future damage from occurring is a significant benefit of SBA’s disaster loan program,” Sanchez said. “I encourage

should be mailed to:

U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, Texas, 76155. The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is March 16, 2023. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Oct. 16, 2023.

ABOUT THE U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

response officials to provide all of the assistance we can render."

SBA is operating two local Business Recovery Centers to assist business owners and residents in filling out a disaster loan application and providing one-on-one help and program information. The centers will operate as indicated below until further notice:

BUSINESS RECOVERY

CENTER AUTAUGA COUNTY - Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce, 131 North Court St., Prattville, Alabama, 36067

- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; closed Sunday.

BUSINESS RECOVERY

CENTER DALLAS COUNTY - GTC Administrative Building, 2300 Summerfield Road, Selma,

safety of the public. All visitors to the BRCs are encouraged to wear a face mask. Businesses and private nonprofit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private nonprofit organizations, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage. Disaster loans

property. Interest rates are as low as 3.305% for businesses, 2.375% for nonprofit organizations and 2.313% for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition. Building back smarter and stronger can be an effective recovery tool for future disasters. Applicants may be eligible for a loan amount increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements may include a safe room or storm shelter, sump pump, elevation, retaining walls and landscaping to help protect property and occupants from future damage

everyone to consult their contractors and emergency management mitigation specialists for ideas and apply for an SBA disaster loan increase for funding.”

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https:// disasterloanassistance. sba.gov/ela/s/ and should apply under SBA declaration No. 17759.

To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance, applicants should register online at DisasterAssistance. gov or download the FEMA mobile app. If online or mobile access is unavailable, applicants should call the FEMA toll-free helpline at 800-621-3362. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services should call 800-6213362.

Disaster loan information and application forms can also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (if you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services) or sending an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba. gov. Loan applications can also be downloaded from sba.gov/disaster. Completed applications

Recently, U.S. SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman announced a policy change granting 12 months of no payments and 0% interest. This pertains to all disaster loans approved in response to disasters declared on or after Sept. 21, 2022, through Sept. 30, 2023. This policy change will benefit disaster survivors and help them to decrease the overall cost of recovery by reducing the amount of accrued interest they must repay. Details are available through the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800659-2955. Individuals with verbal or hearing impairments may dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, Monday to Friday, or email: DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba. gov.

S Food ociety & News SHouthernospitality

UPCOMING EVENTS

FEB. 17: FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY

FEB. 18: CITY OF AUBURN MARDI GRAS PARADE

FEB. 18: COLORS FOR CHILDREN 5K

FEB. 21: MARDI GRAS

Celebrate Mardi Gras with Recipes from Jewel Green Baking Company

hen Pastry Chef Melissa Dorman Baysinger and Executive

Sous Chef Derek Land are not working at their fulltime jobs with the Marriott at Grand National, they are busy with their cottage business, Jewel Green Baking Company. While Baysinger handles the baking, Land manages the business side. The baking company offers a variety

of baked goods, including its popular seasonal cookie trays and cookie decorating kits.

Both chefs grew up in Lee County and worked at various local restaurants before joining the staff at Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort and Spa at Grand National which has received numerous awards. Land has been at the resort for four years. He works on menu development as

they strive to be No. 1 out of 373 hotels around the globe. They are currently No. 5 and ranked third overall.

Baysinger has worked there for almost three years and is the morning supervisor. She also prepares the desserts. After her shift, one of the other chefs takes over. She assists others who have questions on how to design, flavor or serve a dessert or pastry.

Baysinger grew up in Opelika, where her parents, Deborah and Brad Dorman, still live. With her mother’s sister living in Louisiana, the family has been involved in celebrating and preparing dishes for Mardi Gras.

OTC's Black History Showcase Kicks Off Feb. 17

CONTRIBUTED BY OPELIKA THEATRE COMPANY

OPELIKA —

The second annual Black History Showcase produced by NAACP-Act/So, R.E.A.C.H. Ministries and Opelika Theatre Company (OTC) kicks o ff this weekend, Feb. 17 through 19, with

an amazing local and national talent lineup.

The lineup for Friday night features Opelika native Brandon Dewuan, along with dancers from Make Your Move Performing Arts, master tapper Danielle Pierce from Memphis, Tennessee, Jackie Jones, Rosalyn Thomas and a special

skit written by Lynda Morris with Novelette Seroyer, Beatrice Allen and Ella Howard that will be performed all three shows. Saturday will be a jam-packed day. Donald Frison, nationally acclaimed choreographer, performer and current resident choreographer for West Coast Black

Theatre Troupe, will be conducting a special free workshop for kids ages 6 to 18 in the community. The workshop will be from noon until 3:30 p.m. All the kids participating in the workshop will be able to perform with Frison at the Saturday

When her aunt and uncle, Celeste and Barry Dorman, attended Mardi Gras with Baysinger’s entire family in Louisiana several years ago, her uncle became smitten with the celebration.

“After he was in-

volved in it for the first time, he loved it so much that he brought it back to Auburn and started a group that became Krewe De Tigris,” Baysinger said.

Over the years, Krewe

Sundilla Presents Buddy Mondlock

CONTRIBUTED BY SUNDILLA

AUBURN —

Singer-songwriter

extraordinaire Buddy Mondlock returns to Sundilla on Thursday, Feb. 23. Showtime at the AUUF is 7:30 p.m.; admission at the door will be $25, but advance tickets are just $20 and are available at Spicer’s

Music, Ross House Coffee and online at www.sundillamusic. com. At every Sundilla concert you’ll find free coffee, tea, water and food, and attendees are invited to bring whatever food or beverage they prefer.

Mondlock is wellknown as a songwriter, a singer and a

FEB. 22: AUBURN TIGERS GIVING DAY See SUNDILLA page A9

Pastry Chef Melissa Dorman Baysinger and Executive Chef Derek Land, who both grew up

J.W. Darden Foundation Holds 10th Annual Black Tie Legacy Gala

The 10th annual J.W. Darden Foundation Black Tie Legacy Gala was held last Saturday, Feb. 11, at the Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa at Grand National. Members of the J.W. Darden Foundation Inc. organized this event and it included a reception, dinner and awards ceremony to honor contributions to the community made by Dr. Richard M. Freeman (seen in top right photo). Freeman, a local pediatrician and aviation medical examiner, is also a U.S. Navy veteran and has been presenting pediatric lectures to Auburn students at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) since 2016.

Scholarship recipients were also recognized during the event. More than $30,000 in scholarships have been gifted to students in medical school, including aspiring doctors, nurses and pharmacists.

Named after Opelika’s first black physician, Dr. J.W. Darden, and his wife Maude, the foundation carries on his legacy through the Darden Wellness Center, which provides free health screenings and access to other medical resources. Events like the gala help sustain those efforts, scholarship provision and the necessary funding for the upkeep of Darden’s historical home at 1323 Auburn St. in Opelika.

HPM Announces Completion of Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center

CONTRIBUTED BY HPM

AUBURN —

HPM is pleased to announce the grand opening of Auburn University’s Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center, an innovative, dual-purpose building that houses a learning environment blended with a luxury boutique hotel, restaurant, food hall and more.

HPM served as program manager on the project, providing project management support for Auburn University Facilities Management during the pre-construction and construction phases of the world-class educational and hospitality facility.

The Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center is a 142,000-square-foot complex with the capacity to facilitate hands-on, immersive learning experiences for students pursuing careers in hospitality and culinary sciences.

Students will train alongside world-renowned chefs and hospitality professionals in Class-A training kitchens, restaurants and labs, as well as

SHOWCASE >>

from A7

night and Sunday shows.

At 5 p.m., guests can shop with local vendors until the show begins at 7 p.m.

Saturday night’s show features recording artist

SUNDILLA >>

from A7

performer, and though his career has been highly successful, parts of it can be summed up quite simply. As a songwriter, he’s “the guy who has had his songs recorded by Guy Clark, Joan Baez, Nanci Griffith, Garth Brooks, Peter, Paul & Mary, Janis Ian, David Wilcox and Maura O’Connell, just to name a few.”

As a performer, he’s “the guy who Guy Clark heard before immediately walking into a Nashville publishing house with the demand, ‘Listen to this kid and sign him now; he’s good!’” As a singer, he’s “the guy who performed in a group with Art Garfunkel.” (No, “Buddy Mondlock” isn’t an alias for Paul Simon, but he and Garfunkel did indeed team up with Maia Sharp, and the trio recorded a CD and toured North America and Europe.)

Despite his success as a recording artist, as a solo performer and as a member of a group, Mondlock will

a brewery, retail food hall and boutique hotel. Also located on the first floor of the building is 1856, a tasting-menu-only teaching restaurant. Situated at the corner of East Thach Avenue and South College Street in downtown Auburn, construction on the building began in 2019.

“We have had a wonderful experience working with Auburn University Facilities Management to bring this one-of-a-kind hospitality learning environment to life,” said HPM President Ryan Austin. “The strong relationships we have formed with our partners have driven home success for this project and kept us focused throughout every step, even as we faced a global pandemic. This is another successful project that we are pleased to add to our portfolio of high-profile hospitality and higher-education initiatives across the Southeast.”

HPM provided pre-construction and construction services on the project, including contract oversight, and quality

Demetriace "Chee Chee" Jordan, Donald Frison, dancers from Make Your Move, Katherine Jones, and Natasha Staples-White. Sunday’s lineup includes Jackie Jones, Rosalyn Thomas, Donald Frison, Greater Peace Male Church Choir, Make Your

forever be known as a songwriter. He does it so well that some great songwriters have recorded his songs on their own albums. Clark, Griffith and Ian are just a few of them; names familiar to Sundilla fans, like Tom Kimmel and Pierce Pettis, are also on that list. But there’s nothing like hearing the guy who wrote them sing them. He’s not going to pin your ears back with those songs. He’s going to draw you into his world — where a single snowflake follows the trajectory of a relationship, where you get your pocket picked by a Roman cat, where you might swim over the edge of the world if you’re not careful and where dreams that don’t come true still count. He does it in little folk clubs and on a stage by a grassy hill, in someone’s living room or in the Royal Albert Hall. When Mondlock grabs his guitar and does his thing, it’s always a magical evening for the audience. For more information, go to www.sundillamusic.com.

control and assurance. The firm worked closely with design teams during the planning stages to ensure the initial drawings aligned with the budget and timeline, while also managing communication with all partners and subcontractors to ensure that progress remained on schedule.

HPM scoped out and managed the bidding of a separate utility and enabling works package for the building contractor,

Move dancers and Danielle Pierce. Admission to all shows and workshops are free. Donations will be accepted.

helping bypass time-intensive utility relocations and keeping the overall project schedule on track. The firm also oversaw the construction of a six-story, $10 million parking deck nearby before beginning work on the culinary facility.

“I am proud of our team’s dedication to collaboration and preplanning, which ultimately led to a smooth transition between each phase of the project lifecycle,” said

Showtimes are 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and a matinee on Sunday at 2 p.m. Even though admission is free, you must

HPM Operations Manager Caleb Camp. “This facility is a trailblazer in both the hospitality and higher education industries, providing a range of training opportunities that are not offered at other institutions in the country. HPM’s expertise in owner’s representation and construction management maintained cost efficiency and ensured this project was completed to Auburn University’s high standard of excellence.”

make reservations through Eventbrite or by going to www. opelikatheatrecompany .com.

Black History

Auburn alumnus and Board of Trustees member Jimmy Rane helped kickstart the project with a $12 million gift dedicated to the building’s construction. The board later approved naming the facility in honor of his parents, Tony and Libba Rane.

“It’s been a privilege to work with the HPM team,” said Mary Melissa Taddeo, campus architect at Auburn University.

“Their support through pre-construction and construction phases was invaluable, especially as our Facilities Management team navigated staffing transitions and procurement hurdles throughout construction. HPM’s consistent, high-quality leadership and ‘boots on the ground’ guidance in the field was key to this project’s success.”

HPM helped administer the state of Alabama bid process during the pre-construction phase to select qualified, experienced contractors and partners.

Additional project partners include architecture and design firm Cooper

Showcase and workshop will be held at Southside Center for the Arts at 1103 Glenn St. in Opelika.

The Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center at Auburn University prepares graduates for an array of careers within the broad hospitality industry with immersive, hands-on learning opportunities, while also providing exceptional service to patrons visiting the facility’s state-of-the-art restaurant, hotel and food hall.

De Tigris expanded and recently held its annual gala. Its sixth annual parade will be held in downtown Auburn on Saturday, Feb. 18, at 3 p.m.

Baysinger has had an interest in cooking from an early age. When she was 6 years old, she was “helping” her mom make dinner. Her mom sat her on the kitchen island with Sister Shubert’s yeast rolls and a large container of margarine in her lap and asked her to butter the rolls. Baysinger remembers saying, “Look at me. I am being a master chef.” Then she looked at her mom and announced, “When I grow up, I want to be a master chef.”

After that, Baysinger began preparing a variety of dishes. When she was 12 years old, her interest shifted to baking rather than general cooking. From that

point, her maternal grandparents became interested in her cooking and gave her a chef’s coat. The baking company is named after her grandfather, Jewel Green Belcher Jr.

Business partner Land was born and raised in Salem. Cooking has been big in his family. His grandmother would always have the family over for the holidays and prepare a big meal around the table. While she passed away when he was young, Land was influenced in cooking by his mother, Tricia Land, and an aunt, watching them cook growing up. His mother and her sister were close in age and enjoyed getting together to cook with the children running around the house.

When he was 8 or 9 years old, Land decided he wanted to be a chef. His aunt, Jo Ann Perrella, opened Happy Belly Deli in Beauregard. He helped her at the deli, which served fresh products. He watched them prep the

food and helped in other areas. It inspired him to go into hospitality and become a chef. He attended restaurant management at Auburn University.

He first worked at Jim Bob’s Chicken Fingers while he was in high school and then worked at other local places, including Newk’s Eatery in Opelika — where Baysinger was also working — and they became friends.

Land and his wife Kelley have two children, a 4-year-old daughter and an 18-month-old son. Baysinger and her husband Brian don’t have children of their own, but he is a father to five children from a previous marriage. Both Kelley and Brian are supportive of the bakery business.

Although Baysinger and Land tossed around the idea of opening a business together for about 10 years, they began the cottage business bakery last November.

“Everything is homemade,” Baysinger said. “I

think it is a better quality than what is mass-produced. Everything that comes out of the kitchen is painstakingly done.”

Cinnamon rolls are among their most popular items, as well as seasonal cookie trays with assorted varieties. They offer decorating kits with cookies and three different colors of royal icings that come packaged for a fun family activity. They also have cookies and decorating kits for Mardi Gras and Easter.

Baysinger also bakes other Mardi Gras favorites, such as king cakes and king cake cupcakes. She gets inspiration from her family in Louisiana. Sometimes, she uses family recipes that have been passed down through generations. She tweaks them as her own. She offers a classic king cake that generally takes four to five hours to make.

“The ones from [a] grocery store are more like croissant than actual bread,”

she said. “Traditionally, a king cake is a cross between a cinnamon bread and a brioche loaf with that nice, crisp outer shell, which is what I make. Almost everything we offer can be tweaked to customize it. I am also making a cinnamon and cream cheese king cake.”

Baysinger and Land also use the inspiration from what they have learned from their careers so far. They will brainstorm ideas for every holiday.

Along with seasonal cookies at Easter, they will have favorite spring cakes.

Baysinger is planning a special lemon cake.

For the bakery, Land manages the business side with marketing, the website and Facebook page. With him handling those things, it has been easier for Baysinger to be in the kitchen baking.

In recent months, food prices have increased. “With rising cost in supplies, we want to keep everything as

reasonably priced as possible,” Land said. “We look at the food prices, but we are going to go a little less to get the loyal customers.”

At some point, they hope to have their own shop. Then, they can make wedding cakes and offer local coffee. Until then, they will continue to sell online and plan to be at local farmers markets when in season.

“When we started, I didn’t realize how difficult and labor-intensive it was going to be,” Baysinger said. “I don’t regret that, as this is what I have wanted to do my entire life. It set in quickly how important it is to support local and small businesses in the community. Buying local can change people’s lives in ways others can’t imagine.”

Their menu is available on the website, jewel-green-baking-company-llc.square.site, as well as on Facebook at @ Jewelgreenbakingco and Instagram. They require at least 48 hours for orders.

Carry, facility operator Ithaka Hospitality Partners, the Auburn University Facilities Management department and general contractor Bailey-Harris Construction.

With a presence throughout the U.S. and a total management portfolio value of $1 billion-plus annually, HPM has

established itself as one of the industry’s leading program managers and owner’s representative companies. The firm’s recent notable clients and accounts include a program management contract for Airbus’ campus, including the A320 and A220 assembly lines in Mobile, Alabama; an assignment to lead the site selection process, planning, design and

construction of Boom Supersonic’s first manufacturing facility; project management services for several new minor league baseball ballparks and major league spring training facilities in Florida; a pre-construction services and construction administration contract for facilities owned by Regions Financial Corporation; a partnership with the World Games 2022

as the official program management partner; and program management services for multiple K-12 school districts and higher education institutions throughout the South. For more information on HPM and its services, visit www.hpmleadership. com/.

ABOUT HPM

HPM provides comprehensive planning, design and construction-related

experience to offer clients a one-stop approach to complete program management and owner’s representation. From real estate acquisition analysis and facilities assessments to construction auditing and move management, HPM services clients in aerospace, automotive, sports and entertainment venues, commercial and industrial, higher education, K-12, and state and

local government. With a footprint of accounts, projects and offices spanning throughout the U.S., the HPM team manages its work for national and international clients while providing a flexible, scalable team of experts at just the right time in the life of your facilities. For more information, please visit wwwhpmleadership. com.

CIPPERLY RECIPES >>

NEW ORLEANS

BEIGNETS

1/4 oz. active dry yeast

1/4 cup warm water (110 to 115 degrees)

1 cup evaporated milk

½ cup canola oil

¼ cup sugar

1 large egg, room temperature

4½ cups self-rising flour

Oil for deep-frying

Confectioners’ sugar

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add milk, oil, sugar, egg and 2 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky). Do not knead. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Punch down dough. Turn onto a floured surface; roll into a 16x12inch rectangle. Cut into 2-inch squares.

In a deep cast-iron or electric skillet, heat 1 inch oil to 375 degrees. Fry squares, in batches, until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels. Roll warm beignets in confectioners' sugar.

KING CAKE

CINNAMON ROLLS

Dough:

¾ cup lukewarm whole milk

2 large eggs plus 1 large egg yolk

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/3 cup sugar

2¼ tsp. instant yeast

¾ tsp. salt

3¼ cups all-purpose flour, with more for flouring surfaces

½ cup unsalted butter at room temperature

Filling:

5 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted

¾ cup brown sugar

1 Tbsp. cinnamon

Pinch of salt

Icing:

2 cups powdered sugar

1/8 tsp. salt

1 tsp. vanilla extract

¼ cup milk, plus more as needed

To prepare dough:

In the bowl of a stand mixer, stir to combine milk, eggs, egg yolk and vanilla extract. Add sugar, yeast and salt, and stir to combine. On low speed with paddle attachment, add

flour, ½ cup at a time, scraping sides of bowl as needed. Increase to medium speed and begin adding softened butter 1 tablespoon at a time. Scrape sides of bowl and then continue beating for an additional 4 minutes. Dough will be soft and slightly sticky.

Lightly grease a large bowl and place dough inside, covering tightly with plastic wrap. Allow dough to rest in a warm spot until it has approximately doubled in size, about 1-1/2 to 2 hours.

Once dough has nearly doubled in size, prepare filling.

To prepare filling, stir to combine butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt; set aside.

To prepare rolls:

After first rise, roll dough out into a 11x2-inch rectangle. Use an offset spatula to spread filling onto rectangle. Starting with one of long ends, roll dough into a tight log and pinch edges together to seal. Use a sharp knife to cut 2-inch pieces out of the log. Lightly grease a muffin tin and place a roll, face-up, into each compartment of the muffin tin, which will be 12 rolls. Lightly over tops of the dishes with plastic wrap for about a half hour. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. When rolls have risen, remove and bake until golden brown, about 20-25 minutes. Allow to cool slightly before stirring together icing ingredients and drizzling over top. For thinner icing glaze, add an additional tablespoon milk until desired consistency is reached. Rewarm and enjoy.

PECAN PRALINE COOKIES

Cookies:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

1½ cups light brown sugar, packed

1 large egg

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1½ cups all-purpose flour

1½ tsp. baking powder

¼ tsp. kosher salt

1 cup pecans, roughly chopped

Praline Icing:

1 cup light brown

sugar

½ cup heavy whipping cream

1 cup powdered sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and brown sugar with an electric hand mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.

Add in egg and vanilla extract and mix until well incorporated.

Combine all-purpose flour, baking powder and kosher salt in a separate mixing bowl; add to creamed butter and mix well with a baking spatula by hand until the dry ingredients are just before they are fully mixed in. Add in pecans and gently mix them in until all the ingredients are mixed in well. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and chill for about 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Form dough into balls using a cookie scoop then place 2 inches apart on silicone baking mat lined (or parchment paper-lined) baking sheets. Bake praline cookies for 10 minutes.

Let cool on pans for 5 minutes then remove to cool on wire racks.

Praline Icing: Stir together brown sugar and cream in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook until sugar is dissolved and the mixture comes to a boil, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat and whisk in confectioners' sugar until smooth. Drizzle over cookies or dip the cookies into icing.

KING CAKE

CUPCAKES

Cupcakes:

1 cup granulated sugar

1 2/3 cups all-purpose Flour

1¼ tsp. baking powder

¼ tsp. nutmeg

½ tsp. salt

6 Tbsp. butter, softened

2/3 cup milk, at room temperature

1 tsp. vanilla plus 1/8 tsp. lemon oil, optional

2 large eggs at room

temperature

Icing:

3 Tbsp. butter, at room temperature

4 oz. cream cheese, room temperature

½ tsp. vanilla extract

1/8 tsp. lemon oil, optional

2 cups confectioners' sugar

1 to 2 Tbsp. milk, enough to make a spreadable icing

Colored sugars, preferably purple, yellow and green

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease and flour a muffin tin. You can also line muffin tins with papers and spray the insides of the papers.

To make cupcakes: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, baking powder, nutmeg and salt.

Add butter and beat with an electric mixer at low speed, until mixture looks sandy.

Combine milk and vanilla and add, all at once. Mix at low speed for 30 seconds, then increase speed to medium and beat for 30 seconds. Scrape bottom and sides of mixing bowl.

With mixer running at low speed, add 1 egg. Increase speed to medium and beat for 30 seconds. Add second egg, again beating for 30 seconds.

Scrape bottom and sides of the bowl and beat briefly, just until smooth.

Scoop batter by heaping 1/4-cupfuls into prepared muffin tin.

Bake cupcakes for 23 to 25 minutes, until they are lightly golden brown around edges, spring back when pressed gently on top, and a toothpick inserted in the center will come out clean.

Remove cupcakes from oven and place on a rack to cool completely before icing.

To make icing: Combine butter, cream cheese, vanilla and lemon oil in a medium-sized bowl and beat them together until light and fluffy.

Adds sugar gradually, beating well.

Beat in milk a little at a time, until frosting is a spreadable consistency.

Spread each cake with icing, and immediately dip in gold, purple and green sparkling sugars, covering about 1/3 of cupcake with each color sugar.

Store at room temperature for several days. Can freeze.

LOUISIANA BANANA PUDDING

¾ cup sugar

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

2 cups 2% milk

2 large egg yolks, lightly beaten

1 Tbsp. butter

1 tsp. vanilla extract

36 vanilla wafers

3 medium ripe bananas, cut into ¼ inch slices

Meringue:

2 large egg whites, room temperature

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/8 tsp. cream of tartar

3 Tbsp. sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large saucepan, combine sugar and flour. Stir in milk until smooth.

Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat; cook and stir 2 minutes longer.

Remove from heat. Stir a small amount of hot milk mixture into egg yolks; return all to pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from heat; gently stir in butter and vanilla.

In an ungreased 8-inch square baking dish, layer a third of the vanilla wafers, bananas and filling. Repeat layers twice.

For meringue, beat egg whites, vanilla and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff peaks form. Spread evenly over hot filling, sealing edges to sides of dish. Bake until meringue is golden, 12-15 minutes. Cool on a wire rack 1 hour. Refrigerate at least 3 hours before serving. Refrigerate leftovers.

SOUTHERN BUTTERMILK DROP BISCUITS

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 Tbsp. baking powder

1 Tbsp. sugar

1/2 tsp. salt ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

1 cup whole buttermilk

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

In a food processor, pulse to combine flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. Once those ingredients are combined, add cold butter cubes and pulse mixture about 10 times to break down butter into small pea-sized pieces. Add buttermilk, then pulse about 10 times until dough clumps together in one side of the food processor.

Use a large 3-tablespoon cookie scoop to drop scoops of biscuit mixture onto a baking sheet. You should have 12 scoops. Bake for 15 minutes in the lower third of the oven until golden brown.

HOMEMADE PIE CRUST

2½ cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp. kosher salt

1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

6 Tbsp. very cold water

1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. With a pastry cutter or your fingers, gradually work the butter into the flour until dime-sized pieces form. In a small bowl, combine cold water and apple cider vinegar. Add mixture 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gently in between each addition. Stir together until ingredients are incorporated and mixture holds together when pinched together with your fingers. Turn mixture out onto a clean countertop and knead 4-5 times until combined. Divide into 2 evenly sized balls and flatten each to a disk shape (with minimal cracks). Wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours or up to 2 days before rolling out.

from A10

Dads Just Want to Have Fun

RELIGION —

Greed is wanting more than we need. It’s never a good look. It’s the attitude that says, “More, more, more!” when there is no legitimate purpose or reason for it.

People can be greedy because of status. They buy into the lie that you are what you own. They are under the erroneous assumption that having more means they are

More, More, More

somehow a better person than those who have less.

People can be greedy because they are putting their trust in whatever it is they have, rather than in God who allows them to have it in the first place (1

Timothy

6:17).

People can be greedy because they mistakenly believe the goal of life is to have more, more, more.

I suppose the worst part of greed is that having too much can mean that those who have genuine needs will not have them met.

The beauty of God’s system under the old covenant was that everyone was taken care of. It was hard (though not impossible) to be greedy because God built benevolence into the system. If you were a landowner, you didn’t reap the edges of your fields, go a second time through

when gathering fruit, or pick up anything that dropped to the ground. You left it for those who were in need (Deuteronomy 24:19-22).

But you didn’t give it to them. They had to come to your field and harvest the grain or pick the fruit. In other words, they had to work. We see this principle at work in Ruth gleaning in the fields of Boaz (Ruth 2). Everyone worked and no one went hungry — that’s true social justice!

That system is no longer in place today as law given through Moses has been replaced by the new covenant of Christ. The law of giving we’re under today was expressed by Jesus in Matthew 10:8 when He told His apostles, “Freely you have received; freely give.” When we follow this principle, we are practicing generosity.

Generosity is the opposite of greed. It’s the willingness to share what we have with others. We see it practiced by the church in the early chapters in Acts (2:44-45, 4:3235) and again when the Gentile churches took up a collection for the disciples in Judea (2 Corinthians 8-9).

It’s possible to be neither greedy nor generous. Someone can live simply — refusing to get caught up in the "more, more, more" of greed, but see no need to share what they have with others. Then there are those who will only give if it’s tax deductible. There’s certainly nothing wrong with getting a tax break, but does anyone think Jesus would fail to help someone out because He wasn’t going to get a tax break for it? People are

more important than tax breaks!

Let me close by moving away from the financial because greed is about more than money. Greed, in the larger sense, is the tight-fisted, stingy spirit that refuses to give the word of praise, the benefit of the doubt, or a smile to a stranger. It is a miserly approach to life. Generosity is just the opposite. It is a gracious approach to life where we freely give because we have freely received. When we live generous lives, God is able to use us to bless others more, more, more!

Green has written a book on the model prayer called “Praying in the Reign.” It is available through 21st Century Christian.

You can find more of his writings at his website: www.a-taste-of-grace-withbruce-green.com.

BIBLE VERSE OF THE WEEK

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

CHURCH DIRECTORY

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 1901 Waverly Pkwy., Opelika 334-524-9148

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

Southern Plains Cowboy Church 13099 U.S. Hwy. 280 Waverly 334-401-1014

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 —

The next time you wonder why God allows people to suffer, turn in your Bible to Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians. There you learn about the suffering of Saint Paul, the greatest missionary of the Christian faith. Read chapters 11 and 12. Pause after reading verses nine and 10 of chapter 12. Here is a modern translation of

Grace Enough for Hard Times

those two verses: 9 Each time he (God) said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. (10) That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong (NLT).

Verse nine contains one of the most significant faith statements in the Bible: “My grace is all you need.” Memorize it. Believe it and you have embraced a foundational truth of Christian faith. The more popular translation is “My grace is sufficient for you.” In either translation, it is God’s answer to Paul’s

prayer for deliverance from his suffering. It can also be the answer to your prayers.

Without this letter to the Corinthians, every persecuted Christian might be tempted to wallow in self-pity, moaning about why God allows bad things to happen to good people. But when we read about the troubles Paul faced as a servant of Christ, you and I must admit that God allowed Paul to suffer far more than we have suffered and He provided Paul with grace enough to handle his hardships without abandoning his faith. When you wrestle with your own suffering, you can say with Paul, “God’s grace is all I need.” When doubt knocks on your heart’s door, you can

say, “Trouble, my God is greater than you, and His grace is sufficient for every need I face!” God’s power can be made “perfect” in your weakness too. And you can “take pleasure” in your troubles because the power of Christ is as available to you as it was to Paul. So, you too can handle insults, hardships, persecution and trouble in a way that brings glory to Christ.

Paul surprises me by saying he had decided to “boast” of his weaknesses. He even admitted that once he had been “a basket case,” having to run for his life when his friends lowered him in a basket from a window in a Damascus wall. Are you mature enough to “boast” of your weaknesses? I find it hard

to do. Our culture values impressive “credentials” and counterfeit “honors.”

Yet Paul had no pride in his own achievements; what he valued most was his relationship to Jesus. Knowing Jesus and serving him was his life purpose. That’s where I want to be, and that’s where I am headed. Are you headed that way. God allows suffering. And He uses it in many different ways to accomplish his will. Sometimes suffering makes us more sensitive servants of Jesus. Like Paul, you may suffer with a “thorn in the flesh” that God will not remove. And you may ask why God does not answer your prayers for deliverance. Well, He does answer your prayers; sometimes He

says no or wait.

Learning to depend upon the grace of God, and not yourself, is one of the great secrets of the Christian life. Life works God’s way when you live in Christ and welcome his living in you. Pride causes you to trust in your own cleverness rather than admit your need of God’s grace. But when you admit your weaknesses and turn in simple faith to Christ, his power enables you to “soar on wings like eagles” in the worst of times. That’s when you can celebrate the eternal truth that no matter what you must face, God’s grace is all you need!

Regina passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Feb. 11, 2023.

Our mother, Regina, was one of the strongest women to ever walk this earth and our family was blessed to have her as the head of the family.

Regina graduated from Smiths Station High School in 1957, where she was Miss Citizenship of her graduating class. She gave her all to her family and we will never be able to fill the space left behind by her.

Regina went on to meet the love of her life, Stanley J. Zenisek Jr., in 1961. Together they raised four children. She was a wonderful and loving mother.

Regina worked for Ampex Corporation in Opelika for 35 years where she retired. She was a dedicated employee as a quality assurance technician.

There were many games and activities she enjoyed. Most days you would see her doing crossword puzzles, word find and jigsaw puzzles. She enjoyed playing dominos, card games and bingo. Her love for plants and flowers was always evident and she enjoyed taking anyone who would go for a stroll in the yard to see her many plants. Another activity she enjoyed was fishing and catching shrimp and crabs.

Regina was preceded in death by her father Hayward

Hall, mother Gertrude Littleton Hall and husband Stanley J. Zenisek Jr.

She is survived by her four children: E. Darlene Gullatte, Stanley P. Zenisek, P. Kathleen “Kathy” Patterson (Mike) and Melinda R. Fair; eight grandchildren: Samuel Gullatte, Kathryn Gullatte Luper (Marc), Steven Randolph (Chelsea), Joey Randolph, Jade Randolph, Finn Adams, Sydney Beville, Ashlyn Beville; and three great-grandchildren: Maria Gullatte, Hunter Randolph and Rosie Randolph. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. She is also survived by her sisters, Lora (Harold) Jones and Lottie (Eric) Chandler, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services were held on Feb. 15 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home in Opelika.

FAYE BASS

Faye Bass, 80, of Opelika, passed away Friday, Feb. 10, 2023, at Bethany House in Auburn. A funeral service was held Monday, Feb. 13, 2023, at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. Burial followed at Garden Hills Cemetery.

Faye Bass was a longtime resident of Lee County. Faye was married to Coy Bass for 56 years. Faye is a member of

Central Baptist Church. She loved being a homemaker and managing Bass Mobile Estates. She was a loving wife and mother of two children that she raised in a loving home.

Faye is preceded in death by her father, Grover Hammock; stepmother, E.T. Hammock; mother, Hendon White; grandson, Jamie Bass; brother, Billy Hammock; and sister, Carolyn Harrelson. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Coy Bass; sons: Ben Bass (Candy) of Notasulga, Alabama, and Barry Bass (Terri) of Lanett, Alabama; sister, Nancy Bence of Foley, Alabama; four grandchildren: Kameron Phillips (Corey) of Notasulga, Karson Bass of Opelika, Breana Frantz of Notasulga and Casper Frantz of Notasulga; along with a host of nieces and nephews.

DONALD MAX LIVINGSTON

Donald Max Livingston, 81, of Auburn, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023, after a brief stay at the Oaks at Grove Park Memory Care community. Visitation was held Sunday, Feb. 12, at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home, and a graveside service was held Monday, Feb. 13, at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Max was born July 17, 1941, in Madison County, Indiana, to Howard and Elene

Livingston. He graduated in 1964 from Lipscomb University with a bachelor’s degree in history. Max worked for Sears for 23 years, moving to Auburn in 1972 to open the Sears store in the Village Mall. He was a deacon and longtime member of Auburn Church of Christ. He was preceded in death by his wife of 36 years, Reneice Aderhold Livingston.

Max is survived by his wife of 19 years, Elizabeth “Egie” Scott Zachry Livingston of Notasulga, Alabama; children: David (Kathy) Livingston of Hebron, Kentucky, Joel (Christy) Livingston of Christiana, Tennessee, and Stephen (Sharla) Livingston of Auburn; grandchildren: Vanessa Livingston, Jessica Livingston, Kasey (Nick) Messick, Keith Livingston, Kiley Livingston, Benjamin Livingston and Nate Livingston; great-grandchild Henry Messick; brothers: Jim (Carol) Livingston and Dale (Sue) Livingston; a niece, several nephews and cousins. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed.

MICHAEL C. MANLEY

Michael C. Manley, of Opelika, passed away at his home on Feb. 11, 2023. He was 77 years old. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carlos and

Mary Manley; brother, Carlton Manley; and daughter, Tracey Wilson.

He is survived by his wife, Elane Eastridge Manley; children: Shane (Laura) Manley, Lisa Coggins, Jennifer Day; grandchildren: Randi Beasley, Riley Wilson, Lane Wilson, Tristen Manley, Karston Manley, Courtney Johnson, Isabella Triplett, Abigail Day, Emerson Day, Thomas Day; greatgrandchildren: Everly Nelson, Tidis Johnson, Trip Triplett, Malachi Triplett; brothers: Kenneth (Nell) Manley and Gary (Merry) Manley; and one very special son-in-law, Brent Wilson.

A visitation was held at Providence Baptist Church East Campus on Tuesday, Feb. 14, and a service followed at 1 p.m. with Dr. Rusty Sowell officiating. Burial followed at Providence Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Providence Baptist Church. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home handled all arrangements.

WILLIAM DANIEL POUNCEY

William “Bill” Daniel Pouncey was born to William and Lula Mae Pouncey on Jan. 13, 1942.

Bill was joined in marriage to Sharon Taylor on March 23, 1984.

Bill proudly served in the U. S. Navy for four years.

Bill was born in Glenwood, Alabama, but lived in Opelika, where he went to sleep in death at EAMC on Feb. 10, 2023.

Bill was preceded in death by his father William Albert Pouncey and his mother Lula Mae Bozeman Pouncey, his sisters Barbara Koerner and Martha Nan Sanders.

Bill is survived by his wife Sharon of 38 years, just one month shy of 39, where he was a longtime resident of Lee County. Survived also is his sister Norma Jean Sizemore (Peg), his son Brett Pouncey, daughter Staci Colley (Dale), grandchildren Josh Taylor (Christina) and Kayla Greathouse, greatgranddaughter Chloe Taylor, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bill loved his fur babies Libby, Longboy and Pepper.

Bill enjoyed attending meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses on Zoom with his wife Sharon and was studying with her in the Brochure Live Life Forever. He looked forward to his weekend visits with his son Brett, who often would prepare a meal for Bill and Sharon. He dearly loved his grandchildren Kayla, Josh and his wife Christina. Then there was his greatgranddaughter Chloe, who Papa Bill shared his ice cream with.

See OBITUARIES, page A15

PRISCILLA REGINA ZENISEK

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 meet Feb. 21, 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.

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.

things to a resurrection of life, and those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment.”

NEW PARKING KIOSKS IN DOWNTOWN AUBURN

Four new parking kiosks have been installed throughout downtown Auburn, including one on Tichenor Avenue, one on East Magnolia Avenue and two on North College Street. These parking kiosks became functional Jan. 10.

Parking along Tichenor Avenue and on Gay Street adjacent to Hamilton's is now $1 per hour, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Parking will be limited to two hours, like other on-street parking spaces throughout downtown.

Find more information about downtown parking at auburnalabama.org/downtown-parking

LEE/RUSSELL COUNTY LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP

The group meets every month on the third Wednesday from 1:30 to 3 p.m. The meeting will be held at the AIDB-Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind Opelika Regional Center on 355 Dunlop Drive in Opelika. Every month different topics are discussed to make life more manageable living with low vision. Contact Shiquita Fulton, M. ED/Vision Rehab therapist for additional details at 334-705-2024, or Melody Wilson, case manager for the blind, at 256-368-3258.

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 include planting, story time, crafts or art projects for children and hanging out with the goats.

Bill worked at EAMC in Facilities Improvement until his health no longer allowed him to work. But that didn’t keep him from his yard work.

A Celebration of Life was held on Tuesday, Feb. 14, at 10 a.m. in the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Opelika.

John 5:58 – “Most truly I say to you, the hour is coming, and it is now, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who have paid attention will live. 26 For just as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted also to the Son to have life in himself. 27 And he has given him authority to do judging, because he is the Son of man. 28 Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice 29 and come out, those who did good

Rev 21:3 – “With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: ‘Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. 4 And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.’ 5 And the One seated on the throne said: ‘Look! I am making all things new.’ Also he says: ‘Write, for these words are faithful and true.’”

FREDERICK F. HARSHBARGER

Frederick F. Harshbarger

Jr. was born to Rosemary and Frederick Harshbarger in Alton, Illinois, on Oct.

31, 1941. He graduated from Marquette High School in June 1959, and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. After completion of Recruit Training at MCRD San Diego, California, and Infantry Training Camp Pendleton, he was assigned to MCAS El Toro as a Navy stock clerk. His officer in charge discussed with him a possibility of becoming a marine aviator, and after a flight in an F9F Cougar jet, he was hooked on flying. He was accepted into the Marine Aviation Cadet program in November 1960 and began pre-flight training at NAS Pensacola, Florida. After 18 months of flight training, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the USMC and was awarded his Naval Aviator Wings, four months before his 21st birthday.

He reported to MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina, and was assigned to fly the A4 Skyhawk, a light attack single seat jet aircraft. This

was the primary aircraft he flew throughout his career. During his 21-year career, he served in various attack squadrons, as well as staff tours, and flew several different kinds of aircraft, but the Skyhawk was always his “first love.”

He served two tours in Vietnam. His first year was as a forward air controller with the 1st Battalion 7th Marines and his second as the operations officer of Marine Attack Squadron 311. He also served three years as a flight instructor in Kingsville, Texas. In 1972, he was selected for the college degree completion and received his bachelor's degree in business administration from Auburn University in 1974.

He was awarded the Bronze Star, 17 Air Medals, the Navy Commendations Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon for his combat service, as well as several other service awards. He was retired from the USMC

as a lieutenant colonel in 1980 and returned to Auburn with his family. He was the executive assistant to the dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine for 21 years until his second retirement in 2004.

Fred and his family moved to the Marvyn community in southern Lee County in July 1989. There he enjoyed the joys and benefits of country living. He could fix almost anything and was happiest building, taking care of our animals, or just “piddling” in his workshops. He was an animal lover, a “tree hugger,” and most of all, a man devoted to his wife and sons.

He was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church for 49 years. He served on the Lee County Humane Society Board of Directors for two years. He was also a member of the Billy Stelphlug Detachment of the Marine Corps League in Auburn.

Fred was loved and respected by his family and will be remembered

for his strong sense of personal responsibility, his perseverance, determination, diligence and gentle kindness. Fred had a compassionate, gentle side that most people never saw.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother John, and sisters Rose Marie McNamee, Patricia Maher and Debbie Violet. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Linda Harshbarger, and his two sons William A. and Eric C. Also, his brothers Ronald E. (Renee) and Andy J. (Mary), as well as many nephews and nieces. We will miss him dearly. A memorial service was held for Mr. Harshbarger at Trinity Lutheran Church in Auburn on Feb. 11, 2023.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, Auburn or Paws Humane Society 4900 Milgen Rd. Columbus, GA 31907.

Schools S

ON THE MARK

BY D. MARK MITCHELL

OHS Basketball Season Ends

OPELIKA —

The Opelika High School girls and boys basketball seasons ended with first round losses in their area tournaments.

The Lady Bulldogs’ (10-15) season ended after a 66-53 loss to Auburn in the first round of the area tournament in Phenix City. OHS was led on the offensive end by Naomi Whack's 22 points and Cherdi Daniels’ nine points. Head coach Blake Smalley played several freshmen and sophomores this season, which should help next year's team improve.

Opelika's varsity boys

Stayin’ Alive: Glenwood Seizes Second Chance Turns It Into State Championship

basketball team (9-12) ended its season after losing to Central (72-55) in the opening round of the area tournament last Thursday at the AHS gymnasium.

The Auburn girls and Central boys won their area tournament championships. The Central girls and Auburn boys advanced to the playoffs by finishing second in the area tournament.

OPELIKA WRESTLING

PLACES THIRD IN SOUTH

SUPER SECTIONAL

The OHS wrestling team finished third (165 points) last weekend at

BY NOAH GRIFFITH FOR THE OBSERVER

GLENWOOD —

The Glenwood boys

basketball team asked for a shot at redemption, and that’s all it needed to win its first AISA 3A State Championship since 2017.

The Gators lost both of their regular-season matches with rival LeeScott Academy, and they split a pair of in-season

Opelika Boys Soccer in Full Swing

BY DANIEL LOCKE FOR THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA —

February is upon us, which means spring sports are starting to get underway in Lee County. The Opelika High School boys soccer team is among the teams that have already gotten their seasons underway. After earning a 10-8 record last year, the Bulldogs, under the leadership of head coach Derek Hovell, are looking to build on that with a solid showing in 2023.

Moving to 7A this year

presents challenges, but this Bulldog team welcomes them. The schedule will be tougher than in past years, but the Bulldogs are excited to take on a fresh set of opponents.

Hovell said there are three new area games on the schedule that excite him most: Smiths Station, Central Phenix City and Auburn.

“We have to play those teams twice now because we moved up to 7A Area Four,” he explained.

“Those are obviously the games that you need to win to move on to the

matches with Macon East Academy before losing a rematch with them in the Region Tournament,

See GLENWOOD, page B7

playoffs.”

The Bulldogs’ roster provides a good amount of experience because of the number of seniors that make up the team. According to Hovell, this has the potential to be a difference-maker for the Bulldogs.

“We have several really good seniors this year,” Hovell said. “Luke Roberts — he’s a guy that’s playing a little bit of midfield and defense at the same time.

Nathan Faison — he’s been in literally every position

See SOCCER, page B2

The varsity Glenwood Gators boys basketball team won the AISA Class AAA State Championship in Montgomery Feb. 10.

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

No. 11 for Opelika boys varsity soccer team, senior Dexter Graham.

OHS Female Wrestling Earns State AAU Title

Pair of Opelika 8-year-olds Get Team USA Invite

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA —

Opelika High School’s female wrestling program hasn’t been around for long, but one of its pupils is shaking up the sport that has long been associated with men.

Heidi Peralta, a 16-year-old sophomore at OHS, has only been wrestling for three years.

“I got interested in wrestling because I heard it was the same as jiu-jitsu, and I was already doing jiu-jitsu before,” she said.

But on Feb. 4 in Thompson, Alabama, she captured the AAU Alabama Youth Wrestling Organization (AYWO) State Championship.

“I won by points,” she said. “I didn’t know I had won it until they were calling out for the awards.”

Peralta wrestled in the 113-pound division, but due to the limited number of female participants, she wrestled girls weighing up to 130 pounds at the state meet.

“They were tougher because in my weight class, it ranged all the way to 130, so I had to wrestle bigger girls than me,” she said. “I wasn’t nervous, but I guess I was excited just about getting to wrestle.”

Peralta had to win two matches to advance to

SOCCER >>

FROM B1

on the field except goalkeeper; he’s going to play a huge role for us. But our two strikers that were also two of the leading goal scorers last year, Moe Forbes and Dexter Graham, we have those guys back up top. I would expect those four to play huge roles.”

A change in goalkeeper is one of the most notable differences in the Bulldogs’ lineup going into this season.

“We have a new goalkeeper this year; his name is Eduardo Moran,” Hovell said. “He didn’t play with us last year at all and is now stepping into a starting role and has done great.”

the championship round of the tournament. In her time between matches, Peralta said she scouted her opponents to try and gain a competitive advantage.

“I was watching the match before to see what [my opponent in the championship] did on bottom or on top,” she said.

For her achievements, Peralta earned a special lunchtime announcement at school last week. While she knows the significance of her accomplishment, the quiet-natured high schooler said she didn’t love the extra attention.

“No, [I didn’t like it],” she said. “Not fun.”

While Peralta often dominates on the mat, off it she is just another everyday girl, according to Opelika High School head wrestling coach Tucker Brown.

“Heidi is very quiet and nice and just your everyday girl that you wouldn’t think would be aggressive and dominant on a wrestling mat,” he said.

When she is competing, however, Peralta quite literally gets her game face on.

“As soon as she hits the mat … she wears glasses all day long; … as soon as she takes those glasses off, she will go out there and it’s a different Heidi,” Brown said. “That’s when it gets serious.”

Brown, in his first year

Despite having a slew of returning players, Opelika will be without two of last year’s biggest contributors — all-state players Ethan Nieman and Said Rujana.

“We had an all-state player at center back last season, Ethan Nieman,” Hovell said. “His junior year, he was selected to the all-star game in Montgomery. That’s obviously one leader that’s left the defense. We also lost a three-year starter, Said Rujana. So, we’ve lost two key leaders from last year’s team.”

While playing in a new classification brings plenty of new challenges, as well as opponents, this season will be a crucial time for the Bulldogs to adjust to

as head coach at OHS, said it has been a pleasure watching and coaching Peralta this year. Additionally, he said it’s impressive just how much she has kept up with boys who train alongside her.

“They practice the same as the boys do,” Brown said. “She was held just as accountable as they were, and I had the same expectations for her to keep up.”

Peralta was also recognized with the Governor’s Award for Excellence at the state meet Feb. 4. Brown said when describing Peralta that one trait in particular separates her from her counterparts.

“Grit,” he said. “She just has that fight in her, and at the end of the day, when it comes down to who is going to win in those six minutes of a match, she is going to be the one who is going to take it all because she wants it more than the other girl.”

The sport of female wrestling is still growing at the high school level in Alabama, with about 300 girls competing in AHSAA this past season. Peralta, who said her favorite part of wrestling is her “teammates,” is doing her part to help inspire other girls to get involved and help grow the sport in her home state.

“I have heard other girls come up to me and ask if they can join wrestling,” she said.

playing at a higher level.

“Scheduling-wise, you’re scheduling extra games with those teams that you used to just play once a year,” Hovell said. “This year for our schedule, we went ahead and just went all out. Over half of our games are 7A opponents because we know that’s what we’re going to have to play to get to the goal of a state championship, so we started scheduling 7A schools.”

The Bulldogs have started their season 2-0, with wins over Eufaula and Trinity Presbyterian.

Stay tuned for a preview of the Opelika girls soccer team’s season next week.

BY NOAH GRIFFITH FOR THE OBSERVER

—

OPELIKA

In the first year of the East Alabama Jaguars youth travel football league, two of its players are already moving onto the national stage.

In 2020, Opelika’s Skylan Holstick went to Mexico to play for Team USA at age 12, garnering national attention. Now, his younger brother, Jonah Eaton, and his Jaguars teammate, Karter Blackmon, will get a head start at age 8.

This June, Jonah, son of Jaguars President Tianna Summers, and Karter will hop on a plane to Monterey to play Mexico’s National 8U team.

In addition to Skylan, Jonah is Summers’ second son to play for Team USA, so she is familiar with the benefits the boys will reap from getting to travel out of the country to play the game they love.

“It feels good to get an early start because I feel like when my son Skylan went [to Mexico] it really

put him on the map,” Summers said. “When you Google his name, all this pops up, and you don’t find too many kids who come up when you type in their name. So, I feel like he really gained a lot of exposure. … It gives [Jonah and Karter] a chance to see what they got to look forward to.”

The boys are going to familiar territory, too. Jonah and Karter accompanied Skylan to Mexico three years ago, but that was just the start of a football journey for them. When they put on a helmet for the first time at 6 years old, they both fall in love with the physicality of the game.

“Hitting [is my favorite part of playing football],” Karter said. “I love being on defense.”

Also, Jonah has tagged along on his brother’s visits to colleges such as the University of North Carolina and the University of Texas, as well as camps in Las Vegas, Nevada and several other states across the country.

While this might

sound like another day in the life for them, there are many firsts happening — starting when they lift off the ground. When Skylan went to play in Mexico three years ago, they drove.

Jaguars Vice President Nellie Torbert, Karter’s mom, said this trip will help prepare the boys for school ball and serve as a big social stepping stone early in their journeys. The boys will experience a lot of cultural diversity by seeing a team with another playing style and values, participating in three practices alongside them and spending five days in the heart of Monterey. There will be many lessons learned, but the trip serves as a reward for the hard work the children have put in, according to Summers. In the Jaguars’ first year of existence, they made it to the second round of the playoffs.

Jonah already knows exactly what reward he wants.

“As long as there’s food, I’m happy,” he said

See JAGUARS, page B3

Opelika High School sophomore, 16-year-old Heidi Peralta, won the AAU-AYWO wrestling state championship Feb. 4.

Jonah Eaton and Karter Blackmon of the East Alabama Jaguars.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY TIANNA SUMMERS

Loachapoka Boys and Girls Have Successful Seasons

Central, Auburn Boys Make State

BY DANIEL LOCKE FOR THE OBSERVER

LOACHAPOKA —

The 2022-23 season has been a successful year in basketball for the Loachapoka High School Indians. Both the boys and girls teams were able to win their area and have played a good brand of basketball in the postseason tournaments.

The girls team defeated Calhoun 58-24 on Tuesday night to advance to the second round of the AHSAA 1A girls' tournament. The Indians' next game will be Feb. 16 against University Charter.

The team has several talented players who have made an impact on games and have contributed greatly to their success.

“Senior Taylah Murph is my point guard,” said head coach Anthony Edwards. “She makes this team go. Junior Jasmyn Thomas plays on both sides of the ball. She lights up the stat sheet in all areas. Senior Myana Chenier is a force on the boards and her scoring is improving. Sophomore Kaylan Dowdell is our most improved player by far and she leads us in blocked shots.”

Focus is hard to come by at times, so teams have methods of staying locked in.

“It’s not easy to keep them focused,” Edwards said. “We set simple goals for each game [and] we go after those goals each

game.”

Roster turnover is a problem all coaches deal with, but it can be extra hard to overcome at the high school level. That has been a focus for the Indians this season.

“Last year’s team had a little more leadership,” Edwards said on how this team is different from last year’s. “This year’s team is smaller but faster and able to match up with other teams a little better.”

The Indians had to learn how to play without the special group of seniors that they had last year.

“The seniors from last year were so knowledgeable about the game,” Edwards said. “They didn’t mind stepping on the toes of their teammates if they had to benefit the team.”

Defense has been regarded as one of the most important aspects of a basketball game.

Loachapoka puts an emphasis on defense and has an undefeated area record to show for it.

“The key to success in our area was defense,” Edwards said. “We held teams in our area to 20 points or less per game.”

In addition to the girls, the Loachapoka Indians boys team has enjoyed a good amount of success as well this season.

On the talented team, there is one player who sticks out in the mind of head coach Sheroderick Smith.

“Xavion Moore has been the biggest impact,”

WRESTLING TITLE

the South Super Sectional at Montgomery's Garrett Coliseum. The following Opelika grapplers finished in the top two: Brady Campbell (39-1, won the 145-pound class by pinning Auburn's Maciej Paszek in the finals). In the 113-pound weight class, Deandre Manora Jr. placed second after losing a 2-0 decision to Auburn's Josh Adams. The State Championship meet will be in Huntsville's Von Braun Civic Center, Feb. 16 through 18.

PERALTA WINS AAU

OHS student-athlete Heidi Peralta won the AAU Alabama Youth Wrestling Organization's state title in the 113-pound weight class. Peralta earned the honor of winning the Governor’s Award for Excellence.

OHS SOCCER

The Bulldog girls and boys soccer teams opened the season last week with a pair of matches. The Lady Bulldogs split a pair of matches last week, beating Eufaula 8-0 and losing to Trinity, 1-0.

Against Eufaula, Amiya Brown scored a "hat trick” (three goals) to lead OHS, followed by goals from Liseth Vera, Maelee

Smith said. “He is a player that has really elevated his game from last year. Last year he would get into foul trouble and not play defense like he needed to but this year he was tremendously better.”

Much like the girls team and every high school team, the Indians had trouble remaining focused at times this season. The team was able to lock in when it mattered the most, however.

“The practice before the area championship game was one of the most focused practices we had,” Smith said. “Then to follow it up by beating our rival school.”

Roster turnover has been one of the biggest obstacles that the Indians have had to overcome.

“This year's team doesn't have the experience that the reserve players had last year,” Smith said. “Right now, we have seven players who have only played varsity for one year.”

Like many high school teams, Loachapoka has been heavily dependent on its senior class.

“Those seniors mean a lot to this team,” Smith said. “They bring the vocal experience back to the team that needs to have it for the lack of experience that this team was playing with.”

With both teams still alive in their postseason tournaments, a good year could become even better for the Loachapoka Indians.

Story, Kam McDaniel, Maricela Cruz and Aimie Alcantara. Recording assists: McDonald (two), Kaitlun Spoon, Vera, Karly Phatsadavong and Brown.

The Bulldog boys beat Eufaula, 4-0, behind a hat trick by three Moe Forbes and one goal by Dexter Graham. Assists were recorded from Nathan Faison (two), Forbes and Graham.

The varsity boys capped off the week with a 2-1 win over Trinity of Montgomery. Faison and Graham scored one goal apiece while Rigo Ramirez and Forbes added an assist.

OHS BASEBALL OPENS MONDAY

JAGUARS >>

FROM B2

with a smile on his face.

He is ready for some tacos, and Karter said he is excited to hop on a plane for the first time in his life — although

his mom does not reciprocate those feelings. Torbert said she prefers her feet to be on the ground.

In the end, this is an experience that will likely help put Opelika on the map and be an experience for two young ballplayers to

grow on. Just like Torbert on the plane, the boys will have to adapt to a new situation.

“It shows more than this area of football; it broadens the horizon,” Torbert said. “I think it puts them ahead of the game.”

The OHS varsity baseball team opens the 2023 season Monday, Feb. 20, against Wetumpka at Bulldog Park, with first pitch set for 1:30 p.m. Fans can listen to the OHS vs. Wetumpka baseball game on FOX Sports the Game 910-1310 and on the free iHeartRadio App on your smartphone. The broadcast is presented by the Orthopaedic Clinic.

AHSAA KICKOFF CLASSIC INVOLVES TWO LOCAL TEAMS

I have learned two local high school football teams, Opelika and Beauregard, will open the 2023 season playing in the Kickoff Classic at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery. The AHSAA has not

officially announced the two games featuring Beauregard versus Selma and Opelika versus Thompson, but the announcement is expected any day.

This is exciting news for both Beauregard and Opelika football programs. The date and time of each game has not been released.

OPELIKA DIXIE BOYS

BASEBALL

The Opelika Dixie Boys Baseball League for ages 13 through 15 will hold registration in March at the Opelika Sportsplex. The league is open to anyone wanting to play baseball between 3 and 15 years old. The control date

for age is April 30.

All registered players will be on a team and receive a jersey and cap. The Dixie Boys 13U and 14U State Tournament will be held at West Ridge Park July 7 through 10. The 13U World Series is scheduled to be at West Ridge Park July 24. Opelika will automatically receive a bye to the World Series by hosting the tournament.

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.

MVPs from the Auburn High School boys varsity basketball game against rival Central last week. Central beat the Tigers 59-56. Both teams advanced to the state regionals.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY HOLLIE AUTRIE

The East Alabama Jaguars in a game last fall.

Auburn players gather around their coach during the game against Central.

The Loachapoka girls and boys teams won their sub-regional matchups Feb. 13 and 14, respectively, to advance to the second round of the state tournament.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY ANTHONY EDWARDS

Bulldogs Blow Out Competition in Opener

Panthers Push Through Season's End

Auburn University Students Nominated for 42nd College Television Awards

Auburn Baseball to Appear on Eight National Broadcasts

CONTRIBUTED BY AU ATHLETICS

AUBURN —

As a part of ESPN’s college baseball coverage announced last Tuesday, Auburn baseball will appear on national television on eight occasions during the 2023 regular season. Following is Auburn’s national TV slate, which includes broadcasts for five home games and three road contests.

Tuesday, Mar. 14 vs. Georgia Tech at 6 p.m. — SEC Network

at South Carolina at 11 a.m. — SEC Network

Saturday, May 6 vs. LSU at 8 p.m. — SEC Network

Thursday, May 11 at Ole Miss at 7 p.m. — ESPNU

Saturday, May 13

at Ole Miss at 2 p.m. — SEC Network

the regular season from May 18 to 20 and will allow for the network to televise games of the most significance to the SEC race.

CONTRIBUTED BY TELEVISION

ACADEMY FOUNDATION

AUBURN —

Three Auburn University students are up for a College Television Award.

Zach Card (director/ producer/writer), Colin Beyersdorf (writer) and Mikayla Kelly (writer) have been nominated in the Sports category for an episode of “Sports Night in Auburn,” a weekly sports program on the university’s student-run television station Eagle Eye TV. The episode was selected by Television Academy members from more than 120 submissions from colleges and universities nationwide.

The program features sports coverage on Auburn athletics, including Auburn’s basketball win over Ole Miss Rebels, gymnast Suni Lee’s perfect 10 on the beam, and Auburn team updates including golf, softball and tennis.

“Auburn is a huge sports college [but] no one gives updates on the smaller sports such as softball or equestrian,” Card said. “That’s where ‘Sports Night in Auburn’

came in. It’s a sports news show that [covers] every Auburn sport.”

Nominees of the 42nd College Television Awards also have the opportunity to participate in professional development programs March 29 to April 1. These include a special screening of all nominated projects attended by members of the Television Academy, an industry-professionals networking breakfast, Hollywood studio visits and more career-enhancing opportunities before they hit the red-carpet awards show.

In addition, nominees and winners automatically become members of the Television Academy Foundation's alumni family, gaining access to year-round networking opportunities, events and professional development resources. Prominent College Television Awards alumni include CNN national correspondent Natasha Chen, Tom Clancy’s “Jack Ryan” Director Patricia Riggen, “Maya and the Three” Executive Producer Jorge Gutierrez and “Love, Victor” Executive Producer Jason Ensler. The foundation’s

annual College Television Awards recognizes and rewards excellence in student-produced programs. Winners in the competition will be announced by television stars at the awards ceremony in Hollywood April 1, 2023.

ABOUT THE TELEVISION

ACADEMY FOUNDATION

Established in 1959 as the charitable arm of the Television Academy, the Television Academy Foundation is dedicated to preserving the legacy of television while educating and inspiring those who will shape its future. Through renowned educational and outreach programs, such as The Interviews: An Oral History of Television Project, College Television Awards and Summit, Student Internship Program and the Media Educators Conference, the foundation seeks to widen the circle of voices our industry represents and to create more opportunity for television to reflect all of society. For more information on the foundation, please visit www. TelevisionAcademy.com/ Foundation.

Thursday, Mar. 23 vs. Georgia at 6 p.m. — SEC Network

Thursday, Apr. 6 vs. Texas A&M at 7 p.m. — SEC Network

Tuesday, Apr. 18 vs. Samford at 6 p.m. — SEC Network

Sunday, Apr. 30

In addition to the nationally televised games, 24 of Auburn’s remaining 26 home games are currently scheduled to be broadcast on SEC Network+ and available for streaming on Watch ESPN. As opening day approaches, continue to check the Auburn baseball schedule page for broadcast information for the Tigers’ road schedule.

ESPN’s Wildcard coverage on SEC Network is scheduled for the final weekend of

The entirety of the SEC Baseball Tournament from May 23 to 28 will also be broadcast on national television with the first five days of action airing on SEC Network and the championship game airing on ESPN2.

Auburn opens the 2023 season with a three-game series against Indiana beginning Friday, Feb. 17, at 6 p.m. CST at Plainsman Park. Season tickets have been sold out for the third straight season, but limited single-game tickets and mini plan options remain. Visit www.aubtix. com to check available inventory.

Auburn Golf Primed for Big Season

BY DANIEL LOCKE FOR THE OBSERVER

AUBURN –

The Auburn Tigers golf team is in a good position to accomplish big things in 2023. After having the third-best finish in school history last season, the sky is the limit for the Tigers.

Auburn has not been caught looking back to last season — the exact opposite is true — as the Tigers have set a record for the best start in

school history.

“We'll play some good golf,” said head coach Nick Clinard on the key to getting off to a hot start. “I mean guys played very well, we got off to a hot start out in Scottsdale with the Maui Jim and shot 45 under par and beat a really good field. We just kinda continued that confidence and kind of got the ball rolling. We’re making a lot of putts and the guys just played very well. We

got a deep team; we got a talented team, so it didn’t really surprise me they performed at a high level.”

A big part of Auburn’s early success can be attributed to returning all five of last year’s starters.

“Well, I think it’s good for maturity,” Clinard said on the benefit of having an experienced lineup. “It’s good for that locker room, the See GOLF, page B8

Eagle Eye TV anchors Jenny Jordan and Mikayla Kelly.

Members of the Auburn golf team pose after winning The Hackler.

Lee County School Board Welcomes New Smiths Station Coach

BY KENDYL HOLLINGSWORTH KENDYLH@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

LEE COUNTY —

It’s official — Smiths Station High School has a new head football coach.

The Lee County Board of Education approved the hire of Bryant Garrison at its Feb. 14 meeting.

“I’d like to first welcome you, coach Garrison, to the community of Lee County, specifically Smiths Station,” Superintendent Mac McCoy told Garrison at the meeting. “We’re looking forward to seeing what you can do with our kids, and we’re glad to have you here.”

Garrison succeeds Mike Glisson, who announced his resignation in December 2022 after five seasons as the Panthers’ head football coach. Glisson had served in that role since 2018 and previously served as defensive coordinator for the Beauregard High School Hornets. He was also head football coach for the Glenwood Gators in the late ‘90s.

Garrison comes to

47-45.

But Glenwood won when it mattered most. It beat Lee-Scott by one point in the Final Four, and junior forward Brandon McCraine knocked down a buzzer beater to return the favor on Macon East by the same margin it was previously defeated by.

“I’m still in disbelief that the shot went in… The Final Four and the Championship game is as locked in as my boys have been all year,” said head coach Dusty Perdue. “They never gave up, even when we got down by seven in the championship game. It was two heavyweight fighters punching back and forth, and we were lucky enough to get the ball last.”

That’s only after Glenwood beat Springwood in the Region Tournament 58-57 to clinch an Elite 8 appearance at the Crampton Bowl in Montgomery, where Glenwood was able to slow down the game and use its

Smiths Station High School after a season as head football coach for the Slocomb High School Redtops. According to WTVY News 4 in Dothan, Garrison has coaching experience that spans the past decade, serving as defensive coordinator and head strength and conditioning coach at Central Gwinnett High School in Lawrenceville, Georgia. This will be his second run as a head coach.

Earlier in the meeting, the board officially selected Schneider Electric to be an energy partner of Lee County Schools, per the superintendent’s recommendation.

At the Jan. 10 board meeting, representatives from Schneider Electric gave a presentation on what that partnership means and how it could benefit Lee County Schools as it has several other school systems across the state. The end goal is to cut down on energy costs so that more funds can be allocated to the classroom.

Now that the partnership has formed, the board will

post presence to hold each of its opponents under 40 points.

Overcoming its rivals in the playoffs meant a change in strategy to utilize its size advantage that Perdue said Glenwood has had all season. With brothers Mason and Brandon McCraine standing around 6-foot-5 and senior forward Lukas Holman at 6-foot-4, the Gators knew the venue would allow them to force other teams to play to Glenwood’s strength.

“Playing at the Cramton Bowl, the court goes from 84 to 94 feet, so it’s a very long court, and it’s harder for those teams like LeeScott to get on a run,” Holman said. “That’s what they love to do. That’s how they wear you down.

Coming into that game, we knew if we could get back on defense and make them run a half-court offense, we could win that game.

It was also us not having to rush our offense and do what we needed to do.”

After the emotional roller-coaster of a long football season ending in a State Championship loss to Lee-Scott, losing nine

allow Schneider to assess areas for improvement in the schools.

The board also approved amendments to the contracts for the superintendent and chief school financial officer, but according to District 5 Board President Ralph Henderson, the changes are minor — just verbiage — and will not alter any part of the agreements already set forth.

Lee County CSFO Ken Roberts also gave his

basketball players from last season, and playing an arduous 34-game schedule, it all came down to Brandon McCraine.

And he had no idea he was getting the ball. With 3.8 seconds on the clock, Perdue lined his boys up in a box set, and Macon East responded with a timeout to adjust. That didn’t bother Perdue. He lined up his team out in the same formation as before, but it was followed by confusion from his team, so he answered with a timeout of his own. He then directed them back out with the exact same scheme as originally planned.

The play was designed for Brandon’s brother, sophomore Mason McCraine, to get the ball. When two Macon East players locked in on him, that left Brandon one-onone. Holman wisely spotted Brandon breaking to the basket and hit him with a bounce pass, and then, as Perdue put it, “the rest is an athletic player making a play.”

Brandon drove to the goal, Macon East kept

monthly financial report

for December 2022. Roberts said at the previous board meeting that it was too soon for the information to provide meaningful data as it relates to budget goals. But now that the first quarter of the fiscal year has come to pass, the data can start to reveal where the system is headed.

By the end of the first quarter, Roberts said Lee County Schools has spent just over 25% of its budget. In addition, local revenue

some space in order not to foul, and he went up. The ball rolled around the rim, the gym fell silent and the ball fell through the rim to a roaring crowd of orange.

“I was kind of lost for words. I really didn’t know what was happening or what was going on, but it felt great,” Brandon said.

It was the team’s motto all season: “Why not us?” Everyone else might have been shocked, but Glenwood knew all along that they were as capable as anyone – it was all a matter of coming together at the right time.

According to Holman, the Gators started the season with little respect from opponents. They finished second in its region in the regular season and third out of four in the region tournament, but it’s them who hoisted the trophy in the Cramton Bowl.

“None of us were basketball players. We were just good athletes, and that’s what got us there,” Brandon said.

But with just a 10-man roster and only three seniors, it took more than coming together on the

has increased 29% over the last five years with an average annual growth of 5 to 6%. Payroll has also increased about 7 or 8% compared to the first quarter of the previous fiscal year.

“Obviously, we had a 4% cost of living raise, we had larger raises for advanced degrees and more years of experience, so that is where we’re at there,” Roberts explained. State-mandated raises also contributed to the increase.

Roberts said Lee County Schools is also working to diversify its investments.

“We technically have $23 million of our reserves at the moment currently invested, and we’ve committed to $20 to 28 million, depending on cash flow, depending on what our needs are,” he added.

IN OTHER BUSINESS:

• The board approved various overnight and out-of-state field trips for students.

• The board approved the Lee County Schools Seclusion and Restraint monthly report for January 2023.

• The board approved

court to make a championship team. It took perseverance, trust and determination, and all of that came to fruition when Holman scratched the game plan, trusted his eyes and hit his teammate in stride.

“You put a bunch of athletes together, they fight. They might fight each other, and that’s okay because when it’s cuttin’ time, there’s no quit in them,” Perdue said. “That’s what being a competitor and an athlete is all about is you don’t quit. They didn’t quit, and we found a way to beat our two nemesis’ in the

pupil personnel service recommendations.

• The board also approved four student expulsions.

McCoy said all members of the Lee County Board of Education are set to take part in a training next month.

The meeting closed with public comments from four citizens, three of whom spoke at the Jan. 10 board meeting. They each reiterated the need for action in what they deem inappropriate in the schools, such as LGBTQ clubs, sex education and students being disruptive with animal-like behavior. The fourth speaker raised concerns about the “dangerous” behavior of one of his daughter’s elementary school classmates.

The Lee County Board of Education typically meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the central office, located at 2410 Society Hill Road in Opelika. Find the schedule and meeting agendas at www.lee.k12.al.us/domain/1399.

Final Four and the State Championship. The rest is history, and now we get to celebrate all the accolades of that.”

For Perdue, that means celebrating his fourth State Championship as the Glenwood boys basketball coach. For Holman, that means ending his high school basketball career on a high note, and now him, Brandon and three of the other basketball players will aim to go to their third State Championship in the academic year on the baseball field.

NOW HIRING ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICE,  FAMILY  SERVICE AND  FAMILY  SELF  SUFFICIENCY  CASE  AIDES

TEAM ONE, a program under Talladega Clay Randolph Child Care Corporation, provides statewide support services for children, adults, and families to aid them in a safe and successful life. Adult Protective Service, Family Service and Family Self Sufficiency Case Aide positions available Statewide at $13.00 per hour; M-F (8:004:30 pm. Work hours may vary depending on the position).

Email resume with cover letter to TeamOne@tcrchildcare.org

GLENWOOD >> FROM B1

PHOTO BY KENDYL HOLLINGSWORTH THE OBSERVER

Bryant Garrison, far right, was approved as the new head football coach for the Smiths Station Panthers. Also pictured, from left to right, are Roland Huff Jr., Garrison’s wife Jennifer and son Brody.

Iabsolutely love winter activities for young children, especially outside. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that toddlers be active three or more hours daily, or about 15 minutes every hour they are awake. The recommendation for elementary and middle school children is 60 minutes of physical activity each day.

Depending on where you live, it is important to bundle up your young

Fun and Education in a Great Backyard Bird Count

weather-appropriate days.

This weekend, from Feb. 17 through 20, I want to invite you to join “The Great Backyard Bird Count.” You can go online and simply type in “Great Backyard Bird Count” and it will come up. This free activity, that will help broaden your understanding of bird populations, is held all over the world. The Great Backyard Bird Count’s website provides very clear instructions on how to participate:

• Step 1: Decide where you will watch birds.

children appropriately in winter clothing — coats, hats, thin layers, etc. — as well as stay indoors when the temperatures are very low or there is a severe wind chill. This is why it is so important for young children to run, walk and have free play in their own backyards and neighborhoods when the winter weather and temperatures allow. How fun and refreshing it is for early childhood classes to be able to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine on pretty,

• Step 2: Watch birds for 15 minutes or more, at least once every four days from Feb. 17 to 20.

• Step 3: Identify all the birds you see with your choice of a bird guide. Suggestions are to take pictures of the birds, jot down descriptions of the birds you see, then use a bird guide on how to identify the different birds.

This activity can be done alone or with other people. When my son was young, living in Daphne,

hard. Like I said, we’re a really talented team and I’m really proud of them.”

Auburn has put the nation on notice of its talent as the Tigers are ranked No. 2 in all three major polls.

“Expectations to me are very result driven and result oriented,” Clinard said on his expectations for the team. “I don’t really get involved with that too much, we talk about standards a lot. What are our standards academically, athletically, socially and spiritually? We just try to keep our standards very high with our work ethic, our character and our integrity. Control the stuff that we can control. We fall in love with the process and results will come with that.”

With last year’s team achieving the third-highest finish in school history, there

Alabama, he would do the Great Backyard Bird Count with his grandfather, the late Frank Jones Sr. who lived in Opelika. He would count the birds he would see in South Alabama, and his grandfather would count the different birds he would see in Opelika. It was truly a great intergenerational project in which my son and his grandfather worked together and shared their results. Both beginning and seasoned bird watchers can participate from their home, backyard or anywhere in the world. The checklists that are submitted during the event help researchers at the Cornell University Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society learn more about how birds are doing, how to protect them and the environment we share.

Infants and toddlers are very observant of their surroundings. Put up a bird-feeder outside a window in your home so that your child can watch the birds fly back and forth. I have thrown out

will be a lot of pressure to top it in 2023.

“I think it helps when you have that nucleus of guys coming back that have experienced it and tasted it,” Clinard said on what it will take to achieve another high finish. “We had a young team last year and having everybody back, we just kind of keep doing what we do and we just kind of chip away and try to get better every month and every week. Then hopefully at the end of the year, we’re playing some of our best golf.”

Auburn will be hosting a regional in the NCAA Tournament which will be beneficial to the team as they compete with some of the nation’s best.

“It’s huge,” Clinard said. “Anytime you sleep in your own bed and [get] be in your own environment. The little stuff matters like knowing where the

breadcrumbs, stepped back and observed with my class of young children the different birds that come up and feed.

Senior adults in facilities or in their homes can participate in the Greater Backyard Bird Count as well. Many senior facilities hang bird feeders year round outside the windows of bedridden patients’ rooms. Observing and counting the different birds keeps their minds active and engaged.

Also, young children love to go on nature walks and on scavenger hunts for different nature items they find each season. Stress to the young nature hunters not to eat or put any of their finds into their mouths. In the winter, they can look for leaves and seeds, or look at buds on trees that are still encased and growing until springtime. Different colors of grass, berries and slices of bark can also be found on the ground after winter winds. Parents, you will be so surprised at all the different items you and your

locker room is, the food and the whole deal. It’s just different when you travel versus competing at home. Then obviously the knowledge with the golf course helps them feel more comfortable on the tee boxes and certain puts than other teams will.”

As talented as this team appears to be, even more talent is on the way as Auburn has signed the No. 3 recruiting class for next season, including No. 1 recruit Jackson Koivun.

“It’s great,” Clinard said. “I mean, you got three guys coming in that are ultra-talented and have a high drive for the game. Obviously, Jackson (Koivun) kind of headlines the class, he is the best player in the country and he’s dynamic, he’s a difference maker. I think he’s an instant All-American type player. Then obviously you know, Cayden (Pope) and Josiah (Gilbert) are

child will find. They get so excited to show you the different items they have found.

Ask them about the color, shape, texture, etc. of these items they find on their nature hunts. This is good for language development.

As an early childhood teacher, I keep bubbles at my fingertips year round.

In cool, winter temperatures, blowing bubbles is a young child’s favorite activity to do. The bubbles seem to hold together and freeze a little bit.

After bird watching this week, or going on winter nature hunts, why not enjoy a warm s’more treat and a warm cup of cocoa? This is a great way to celebrate warm family togetherness in the winter.

I hope you have a wonderful week, and happy bird watching.

Matthew 6:26 — “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet their Heavenly Father feeds them.”

Beth Pinyerd, Classroom Observer

very, very good players as well and they’ll be pushing hard for playing time because they can compete at a high level too.”

Auburn is hosting the Tiger Invitational at Grand National in Opelika on March 5 through March 7. This is one of the biggest events of the season for the Tigers.

“Yeah, we’re looking forward to it,” Clinard said. “It’s just an opportunity to play at home. You know, you get to play in front of your donors and your fans and your families. We don’t get to do that a lot in our sport, so it’s nice to have a home tournament and we look forward to getting out there and competing and hopefully coming out on top.”

There is a lot of potential for 2023 to be a season to remember for the Auburn Tigers golf team. The talent is there and so is the coaching.

BETH PINYERD

c ulture and we also have

some other guys that are really pushing these guys to get better. I think our depth is phenomenal and they’re working

GOLF >> FROM B6

L labama Politics ee County & A

Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023

Inside the Statehouse

Congressional Delegation Garnered Good Committee Assignments

Fortunately, as he was walking out the door, he brought so much largesse home with him that it will take other states 10 years to catch up.

Commission Updates COVID-19 Policies

vital to UAB — the heart and soul of the 6th District.

BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

edits in our updated policy ... reflect all of the CDC recommendations.”

hours to 1,080 hours.

OTHER BUSINESS:

STEVE FLOWERS

OPINION —

For the past several decades, Alabama’s power has been centered around the U.S. Senate — primarily because of Richard Shelby’s immense power and influence. During Shelby’s 36-year tenure as senator, he chaired the Intelligence, Banking and Rules committees. However, he became immensely powerful his last six years as chairman of the Appropriations Committee.

Shelby practically moved Washington, D.C., to Alabama when it came to bringing home procured earmarked funds to the Heart of Dixie. We received more federal funding than any state in America. National publications labeled Shelby the “Greatest Pork King” in federal history, surpassing the late Sen. Robert Byrd of West Virginia. Lest we forget, Shelby also had a very respected and tenured wingman in Sen. Jeff Sessions, who served with distinction for 20 years in the Senate. They were a great team.

In the halls of Congress, and especially in the U.S. Senate, seniority equates power and we had it. However, we who follow Alabama politics have been cautioning you that our day of reckoning would arrive in January 2023, when Shelby retired from the Senate, and that day has arrived. Alabama will never be able to raid the federal vault like Shelby has done.

Under the U.S. Senate seniority system, it will take young Katie Britt about 10 years before she will have any impact and influence in the Senate. Britt took office with zero years of seniority, and that places her 99th in seniority status in the U.S. Senate. Our senior U.S. senator, Tommy Tuberville, has two years of seniority. That places him 89th in seniority in the 100-member senate.

However, we have several members of our U.S. House delegation who are garnering some seniority and are emerging as powerful members of the lower body. Therefore, for at least the next decade, our power in Washington will be in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Jefferson/Shelby 6th

District Congressman Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) has been instrumental in helping to garner extremely good committee assignments for our six Republican members of Congress. Palmer, who is a quiet, policy issues congressman, was the founder and leader of the Alabama Policy Institute prior to going to Congress. Therefore, it was apropos that he would gravitate to the 30-member Republican Party Steering Committee. This committee has emerged as a powerful entity in the past decade. They essentially chose the House Committee Assignments along with Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

Congressman Gary Palmer will serve as chairman of the House GOP Policy Committee. He will also retain his position on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. This committee has jurisdiction over health care, which is

Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) is our senior congressman. He got to Washington at a very young age. He is now only 57 years old and has 28 years of seniority. He is one of the cardinals on the House Appropriations Committee and is now chairman of the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Resources. This committee will be very important to Alabama because of the biomedical research going on in Birmingham and Huntsville. If the Republicans maintain their majority into 2025, Aderholt is in line to become chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.

Congressman Mike Rogers (R-Saks/Anniston) has emerged as chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. This is a very important coup for Alabama and an impressive appointment for Rogers. The U.S. Military has a very large footprint and importance in the Heart of Dixie. Defense dollars dominate Alabama’s economy.

In addition to Rogers, two of our newest members of Congress have scored seats on the Armed Services Committee: Reps. Jerry Carl (R-Mobile) and Dale Strong (R-Huntsville). Both Carl and Strong are bright stalwart stars for our congressional delegation. They have also become close friends and allies.

In addition to garnering a seat on the Armed Services Committee, Carl has been placed on the Appropriations Committee. He will be a workhorse for his coastal Alabama

LEE COUNTY —

The Lee County commission made its first revision to the COVID-19 policies since Dec. 30, 2021, on Monday night.

The change reflected several recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), including removing phrasing regarding wearing masks, reducing sick leave, allowing those in contact with someone with COVID-19 to still come to work and more.

"The Centers for Disease Control updated their recommendations for isolation and precautions for people with COVID-19 and for exposure to the COVID-19 virus,” said County Administrator Holly Leverette. “The

The first reflected change removed phrasing that encouraged unvaccinated employees to wear masks.

The second change dealt with hospitalization as a result of COVID-19, requiring employees to return to work only after 10 days following first symptoms, with no fever for 24 hours and improving symptoms.

The county will now allow employees to come to work even if they have had contact with someone with COVID-19 and are not vaccinated. However, a mask is required for 10 days following exposure.

The amount of sick leave was adjusted from 80 hours to 40 hours for new employees, and a cap for sick leave balances was adjusted from 1,120

- The commission presented LUCAS Automated CPR Devices to the Firefighters Association.

- The commission heard the first reading of an appointment to the Lee County Recreation Board/ Beulah/Commission District 4.

- The commission heard the first reading of an appointment to the Lee County Recreation Board/Smiths Station/ Commission District 3.

- The commission set a hearing for the Lee Road 196 vacation for the April 24, 2023, meeting.

- The commission approved the allocation of ARPA Revenue Replacement Funds for the Engineering Complex.

- The commission discussed rural internet at

Tuberville Honors Notasulga Veteran

CONTRIBUTED BY THE OFFICE OF TOMMY TUBERVILLE

WASHINGTON, D.C.

— On Feb. 9, U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (RAL) released a video honoring U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Dawn Smith of Notasulga, Alabama, for her 20 years of service in the military. Ex-

cerpts from Tuberville’s remarks can be found below, and his complete remarks can be found on Tuberville's Facebook page (www.facebook. com/SenatorTuberville post dated Feb. 6, 2023.)

“She [Sgt. Smith] credits the ‘no-fail’ mentality learned in the military for helping her succeed as a first-time farmer,” Tuber-

ville said. “Sgt. Smith is truly a ‘lifelong learner' who is always willing to share her knowledge and experiences with others. That’s why she’s proud to be a 4-H agent assistant for the Tallapoosa County School System, where she teaches ag-related skills to more than 1,000

See HEROES, page B10

Top Secret Documents and Delays: Trump’s Troubles — Part One

investigation into the former president’s handling of classified government documents, especially those that would impact national security. The bureau was hunting for possible violations of the Espionage Act. Trump's lawyers informed the national archives in December that they had found 12 boxes of documents at Mar-a-Lago.

‘it’s declassified’ — even by thinking about it.’”

The paragraphs above are from “Presidential Power to Declassify Information, Explained,” in the Aug. 14, 2022, New York Times. I add that although a president has plenty of power and leverage, he cannot “declassify” anything without at least two things preceding.

grave’ damage to the national security.” “Secret” is defined for “information deemed to be able to cause ‘serious damage’ to national security if revealed.” Finally, confidential is the least sensitive level of classification, applied to information that is reasonably expected to cause ‘damage’ to national security if disclosed.

The practice was to get two signatures on each top secret cabinet drawer and then bolt it in so the doors could not open. The only signatures as a witness could be people like us, with top secret clearances. Luckily, there were a lot of people with top secret status at Fort McPherson because it hosted a major command.

tall as five feet, dwarfing a duck.

OPINION —

Columnist Molly Ivins told the story of a man seeking a seat on the Public Utilities Commission of Texas. In filling out an ethics form, he did fine when he wrote that he had a few minor traffic violations. But he added that he had shot a whooping crane, protected by the Endangered Species Act; he had to pay a $15,000 fine. Plus, he said he had killed the whooping crane while on a duck hunt. Whooping cranes grow as

Citizens of Texas, a state of hunters, noticed that and concluded he was so dumb that he hit a big bird, not the duck. Embarrassed, the nominee had to resign from his role. Former President Donald Trump, President Joe Biden and former Vice President Mike Pence are being investigated for having top secret documents at their homes or offices. All appear to be offering rationales. This two-part series begins with Trump. The FBI started a criminal

I caution, as someone trained in archives, that we must be attuned to the words “document” and “box.” On your living room table, for instance, you may find a document in a piece of mail. Or you may open an Amazon container; that would likely be in a box. When someone claims another person has more top secret materials than himself, determine whether those are boxes full of classified items, or documents of which dozens can fit in a regular box.

“In a Fox News interview broadcast on Wednesday, Mr. Trump insisted that he ‘declassified everything.’ There does not have to be a formal process to do so, he added, because ‘if you’re the president of the United States, you can declassify just by saying

First, as archives officials have said, the president must log in what he is doing; second, the agencies that use those would-be declassified items must be notified.

There is a strong possibility that at least some of the documents may be sensitive or unfavorable for Trump, as he eyes his legacy. Having key parts hidden from historians is something presidents almost to a man desire. President Richard Nixon sought to minimize Watergate, but presidential archivists opted for more details of the scandal. President Bill Clinton was in no hurry to get an exhibit on Monica Lewinsky placed in his shrine in Little Rock.

A common definition for top secret is “a classification given to information that reasonably could be expected to cause ‘exceptionally

You Deserve More of Your Overtime Pay

CONTRIBUTED BY REP. ANTHONY DANIELS

—

OPINION

As we prepare for the 2023 Alabama Legislative Session, my Democratic colleagues and I will be presenting several pro-growth economic bills designed to help hard-working Alabamians prosper and keep more money in their pockets. Our comprehensive economic plan includes ending regressive taxes, ensuring that businesses have the infrastructure and resources they need, and that we create a worker- and business-friendly environment that will nurture entrepreneurship and attract high-paying jobs to Alabama. The first bill in our economic plan is about you — you, the worker, and you, the business owner.

A common misconception about taxes is that overtime wages are taxed at a higher rate than a worker’s regular hours. The truth is that both are taxed at the same rate, but it definitely feels like much more when that percentage is taken from one and a half times the normal rate of pay. Of course, right now,

FLOWERS >>

FROM B9

district.

As a freshman

many hard-working Alabamians are feeling financially squeezed due to rising grocery and gas prices, not to mention state taxes on top of these essentials.

Yet, this is why so many Alabama workers choose to work overtime when they have the opportunity so that they can offset the rising cost of living. Wouldn’t it help workers and their families put more money in their pockets if we eliminated the state tax on overtime pay? Simply, yes. Wouldn’t it also benefit employers dealing with the current staffing shortage who need employees willing to put in extra hours to make up for labor shortfalls? Yes. In fact, this is a big win for both — employee and employer — and could ease labor shortages in critical areas such as health care, as well as manufacturing and retail.

Here's how it would work: So, let’s say John has a full-time job making $15 per hour and gets paid every other week. His usual paycheck is $960, after taxes. Right now, if John was to work 10 hours of overtime, his pay would be $1,140 after taxes. If we take

congressman, Strong’s appointment to the Armed Services Committee is a great feather for him given the importance of the Redstone Arsenal and the immense amount of defense

out Alabama’s tax on the 10 hours of overtime pay, John’s check would then be $1,251.25. That’s $111.25 more, which is more money in John’s pocket to spend on the things that he and his family need.

You deserve more of your overtime pay. Especially because you chose to go above and beyond for your employer, and that extra money will likely be spent locally, benefitting Alabama’s economy. That’s the difference between a “trickle-down” economy that favors the wealthiest versus an economy that grows from the bottom up and the middle out.

In Alabama, this is an innovative and practical idea that would bring an immediate economic benefit to workers and their families. During the pandemic, we learned how important it was to give targeted tax breaks, financial incentives and other types of economic relief as a way to keep local businesses and economies afloat. Although we seem to have weathered the worst of the financial storm brought on by the pandemic, many Alabama families are

dollars in Huntsville.

Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) landed an appointment to the prestigious Judiciary Committee.

Alabama’s lone congressional Democrat, Rep.

I had a fellow grad student at Auburn University who was a retired U.S. Navy captain. He said there was too much classification of items as top secret when he was in the military. He argued so many top secret documents might make people jaded — the opposite of what they should be: alert. In 2011, there were about as many people with top secret access as attorneys (1.2 to 1.23 million) in the United States.

While serving in an Army military history attachment at Fort McPherson, we all had top secret clearances. Why? Because we handled documents that were justifiably classed top secret. In assessing plans, doctrines and interviews, we and three training and doctrine command PhD historians had to always be on guard.

HEROES >>

FROM B9

still struggling to pay basic bills. Eliminating the state tax on overtime pay would provide a significant and real-time relief for these families. The point is that you deserve to keep more of what you earn. Whether it’s bolstering workforce training or incentivizing employer-provided child care, we strongly believe that investing in Alabama workers is how we nurture sustainable long-term growth. For too long, we’ve given incentives and breaks to those at the top hoping the economic benefits would “trickle down,” but that seems to have only widened income inequality. That’s why we need a more practical and balanced approach that rewards hard workers like you. Contact your representative today, and let them know that you strongly support eliminating the tax on overtime pay because you deserve more money in your pocket, and you want trained and trusted workers to stay on the job.

Together, this is how we build a more prosperous Alabama.

fourth, fifth and sixth graders each month. And twice a year, she works with high schoolers, helping them learn how to work with their hands and grow their own produce.

“Now, Sgt. Smith helps develop new curriculums for students, including a ‘Respect for the Flag’ lesson that teaches the American flag’s history, meaning and how to properly care for it.

“Sgt. Smith credits the military for giving her greater awareness and compassion for the needs of others around the world. She went to Guatemala for the first time on a medical mission while in the service, which inspired her and her husband to continue mission trips to Guatemala and Alaska after their retirement.”

During her time in the Air Force, Smith served as a missile maintainer, ophthalmology technician and non-commissioned officer academy instruc-

COMMISSION >>

FROM B9

the request of a citizen.

- The commission approved the FY2023FY2024 Annual Levy of Alcoholic Beverage Fees.

- The commission approved an ABC License Application for Premium Pours Bartending for a one-day event.

- The commission

Terri Sewell, will retain her position as chief deputy whip within the Democratic caucus. Sewell will also continue to serve on the powerful and prestigious House Ways and Means Committee.

When I had to leave for the day and no one I worked with was available, I could call someone at the main headquarters (“head shed”) and he or she would come there and sign, if they had the appropriate clearance and access.

This two-part series concludes next week with “Biden’s Blunders” and “Pence’s Problems.”

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.

tor. After retiring, she started a cattle operation called Lone Oak Farm with her husband Tim, who is also a U.S. Air Force veteran. The Smiths now sell fresh beef to families across Alabama. Additionally, Smith uses her military and farming experience as a 4-H agent assistant for the Tallapoosa County School System.

Smith’s recognition is the first in Tuberville’s new “Veteran of the Month” video series in which the senator will recognize a different Alabama veteran each month for their service and contribution to their community. Constituents can nominate an Alabama veteran and submit their information to Tuberville’s office for consideration by emailing press_office@tuberville. senate.gov.

Tuberville represents Alabama in the U.S. Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs and HELP Committees.

approved an ABC License Transfer Application for Happy Hour Bar and Grill.

- The commission approved a speed limit reduction for Lee Road 371 and 785.

- The commission approved two new positions for the Building and Maintenance Facility: supervisor and administrative assistant.

The paradigm of our power in Washington has moved to the U.S. House of Representatives.

See you next week.

Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist.

His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www. steveflowers.us.

GREG MARKLEY

BY SAM DICHIARA THE OBSERVER

LEE COUNTY —

The Lee County branch of the NAACP held a community and law enforcement town hall discussion on Friday, Feb. 10.

Citizens gathered at Southside Center for the Arts to voice questions and concerns to a panel of top law enforcement officials, including Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones, Auburn Chief of Police Cedric Anderson and Opelika Chief of Police Shane Healey.

The conversation began with discussion of the police killing of Tyre Nichols in Memphis, Tennessee, on Jan. 7. This expanded into topics such as hiring and decertification policies, relationships between police and the community, and training in de-escalation, unconscious bias and mental health.

“The more we talk about tonight, the more questions we answer for you guys, the more

NAACP Holds Town Hall Meeting

information you get from us, the better you can feel about the police agencies that represent you,” Healey said.

Community members asked how law enforcement is attempting to address mistrust issues and raised concerns about interactions that friends and loved ones have said they experienced with police. Some of the issues brought up involved police questioning, traffic stops, mental health calls and public intoxication arrests.

The panel of law enforcement leaders frequently emphasized their focus on maintaining high standards and strict accountability.

“You have to hold your people accountable for their actions,” Healey said. “It should be a simple thing in a police agency to put systems in place to hold your people accountable for their actions.

“None of us are perfect. And if we do have an officer that makes a mistake — that does something wrong — we

hold them accountable to the policies and procedures, and to the letter of the law.”

Anderson emphasized the Auburn Police Department’s high standards, first citing a lengthy hiring process involving a sequence of in-depth interviews, a polygraph test and a psychological evaluation.

He also outlined training and supervision policies.

“Before we do anything else, we have them sit for weeks and read our directives,” Anderson said. “We make sure they know what’s expected of them, what the rules are that they have to follow at the Auburn Police Department.”

The conversation shifted toward relations with community members with input from local educator Dwight Howard.

“As we look at all the issues that take place on television, young people are affected,” Howard said. “I mentor young people in Lee County, and I want to make it real to you:

YFC Director Speaks to Kiwanis

They hate you, some of them. They don’t like you. They have these things at a young age. Think what will happen as they grow older. … What do you do to diffuse that?”

Healey responded first, saying, “We try to put in the work on the front end.”

He emphasized the importance of conversation and rapport between police and civilians before a traffic stop or 911 call occurs.

Healey also mentioned the Knowledge Is Power program, which aims to familiarize young people with traffic stop procedures and what expectations officers and civilians can have of each other.

“It’s all about building some sort of a relationship before something happens,” Healey added.

Jones spoke on the importance of student resource officers (SROs).

“The primary reason they’re there is to establish relationships with these young people at an early age, and

establish bonds in a non-adversarial atmosphere to where they can become friends,”

Jones said. “Where they can understand that, ‘Hey, these deputy sheriffs, these police officers, they’re just like me. They go to church. They go to the Kroger. They have kids that play with ours.’”

As the forum continued, attendees expressed sentiments ranging from frustration over cases they considered to have been handled unjustly to appreciation for the police departments’ work. Many questions centered on how to properly handle the wide array of calls police departments receive and how to increase trust between officers and civilians.

The panel of law enforcement officials often circled back to the importance of accountability and service.

“At the end of the day, we have an obligation to the people that we work for,” Healey said. “That’s not the mayor of Opelika. It’s not our city

council. It’s y’all. That’s who we’re accountable to.”

Anderson assured those in attendance, “[Our officers] go out with the mentality that they’re there to serve. They’re there to do what the public really needs them to do: to keep [Auburn] safe.

“The final thing I think makes us different and unique is prayer. At the end of every one of our roll calls, our officers sit down at the table together and pray — not just for one another, but for our community.”

The event ended with a prayer from Lee County NAACP Chaplain Apostle Carolyn Morton, as well as comments from President Laticia Smith.

“It’s all about bringing our community together, having our law enforcement officers share information [and letting] us ask questions, but more importantly, walk out of here with a certain level of understanding and knowledge gained,” Smith said in closing.

Miracle League Visits

Lee County NAACP invited Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones, Auburn Police Chief Cedric Anderson and Opelika

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

ALDOT PROJECT NO.

IAR—041-000-020

CITY BID NO. 23003

CITY OF OPELIKA

LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

SEALED BIDS WILL BE RECEIVED BY THE CITY OF OPELIKA

PURCHASING

DEPARTMENT (ATTN.

LILLIE FINLEY) AT OPELIKA CITY HALL

LOCATED AT 204 SOUTH 7TH STREET, OPELIKA, ALABAMA 36803, UNTIL

2:00 P.M., MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2023, AND AT THAT TIME

PUBLICLY OPENED FOR CONSTRUCTING THE FOLLOWING:

CONSTRUCTION OF RIGHT TURN LANE AND ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS FOR ANDREWS ROAD FOR THE CITY OF OPELIKA, PROJECT NO. IAR-041-000-020. THE BRACKET ESTIMATE ON THIS PROJECT IS FROM $425,000.00 TO $500,000.00. THIS BRACKET RANGE IS SHOWN ONLY TO PROVIDE GENERAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION TO CONTRACTORS AND BONDING COMPANIES CONCERNING THE PROJECT’S COMPLEXITY AND SIZE. THIS BRACKET SHOULD NOT BE USED IN PREPARING A BID, NOR WILL THIS BRACKET HAVE ANY BEARING ON THE DECISION TO AWARD THE CONTRACT. THE PRINCIPAL ITEMS OF WORK ARE APPROXIMATELY AS FOLLOWS:

2,051 PLAIN CEMENT CONCRETE PAVEMENT, 11 INCHES THICK, PER TON

2,144 CRUSHED AGGREGATE BASE COURSE, TYPE B, PLANT MIXED, 4” COMPACTED THICKNESS, PER SQUARE YARD

1,375 UNCLASSIFIED EXCAVATION, PER CUBIC YARD 161 COMBINATION

CURB & GUTTER, TYPE C (MODIFIED), PER LINEAR FOOT THE ENTIRE PROJECT SHALL BE COMPLETED IN SEVENTY-FIVE (75) WORKING DAYS. TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION, BIDS MUST BE SUBMITTED ON COMPLETE ORIGINAL PROPOSALS

MADE AVAILABLE BY THE OWNER.

BID DOCUMENTS (INCLUDING PLANS AND PROPOSALS) ARE AVAILABLE AT CDG, INC., 197 EAST UNIVERSITY DRIVE, SUITE #1, AUBURN, AL 36832, (334) 466-9431.

PAPER COPIES ARE

AVAILABLE UPON RECEIPT OF A NONREFUNDABLE DEPOSIT IN THE AMOUNT OF $100 FOR ONE SET. PDF ELECTRONIC COPIES ARE AVAILABLE VIA EMAIL AT NO COST TO THE BIDDER, OR ON A CD FOR $25. NO BID DOCUMENTS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED LATER THAN 24 HOURS PRIOR TO THE SCHEDULED OPENING OF BIDS. A CASHIER’S CHECK (DRAWN ON AN ALABAMA BANK) OR BID BOND FOR 5% OF THE AMOUNT BID (MAXIMUM - $10,000.00) AND MADE PAYABLE TO THE CITY OF OPELIKA MUST ACCOMPANY EACH BID AS EVIDENCE OF GOOD FAITH. IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 34-8-8, CODE OF ALABAMA, AS AMENDED, “ALL OWNERS, ARCHITECTS, AND ENGINEERS RECEIVING BIDS PURSUANT TO THIS CHAPTER SHALL REQUIRE THE PERSON, FIRM OR CORPORATION TO INCLUDE HIS OR HER CURRENT LICENSE NUMBER ON THE BID.” IT ALSO STATES THAT “…IT WILL BE NECESSARY FOR HIM OR HER TO SHOW EVIDENCE OF LICENSE BEFORE HIS OR HER BID IS CONSIDERED.” PREQUALIFICATION IS NOT REQUIRED ON THIS PROJECT. FURTHER DETAILS

AND DEFINITIONS REGARDING THIS PROVISION ARE INCLUDED IN SECTION 102 OF SPECIAL PROVISION 22-LPA001 AND ALDOT’S 2022 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS. PROOF OF INSURANCE COVERAGES OF THE TYPES AND AMOUNTS AS SET FORTH IN THE PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS WILL BE REQUIRED OF THE CONTRACTOR, AND ANY AND ALL SUBCONTRACTORS, PRIOR TO BEGINNING WORK. THE CONTRACTOR WILL BE REQUIRED TO PERFORM WORK AMOUNTING TO AT LEAST 30% OF THE TOTAL CONTRACT COST WITH HIS OWN ORGANIZATION. THIS IS A STATEFUNDED PROJECT THROUGH ALDOT. THE PROPOSED WORK SHALL BE PERFORMED IN CONFORMITY WITH ALL APPLICABLE LAWS, RULES, AND REGULATIONS. THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY OR ALL BIDS AND TO DISREGARD ANY MINOR IRREGULARITIES IS RESERVED BY THE OWNER. HONORABLE GARY FULLER, MAYOR LEGAL RUN 02/02/2023, 02/09/2023 & 02/16/2023

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DANNY KAY ADAMS, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Case No. 2023-018

Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 17th day of January, 2023, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

AMY LYNN HARTZOG

Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP

P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 02/02/2023,02/09/2023, 02/16/2023

-------------NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF RANDY JACKSON HODGE, DECEASED PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY

CASE NO. 2023-003

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of the Estate of RANDY JACKSON HODGE are hereby granted to Gloria Bass Hodge on the 4th day of January, 2023, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama. Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Gloria Bass Hodge LEGAL RUN 02/02/2023, 02/09/2023 & 02/16/2023

SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION IN THE FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, UTAH COUNTY, STATE OF UTAH, FOURTH DISTRICT COURT 137 NORTH FREEDOM BOULEVARD, PROVO, UTAH 84601, CASE NUMBER 234400194 JUDGE BRADY, PETITION FOR DIVORCE: Garenton Flowers. THE STATE OF UTAH TO GARENTON FLOWERS: You are hereby informed that you have thirty (30) days to file a response in this proceeding if you wish to contest the Petition for Divorce. Failure to file a response within thirty (30) days of this notice will result in a judgment by default entering against you and the divorce being finalized without your involvement.

Any response to this notice and the divorce proceeding must be filed with the Fourth

PUBLIC NOTICES

Judicial District Court, Provo, Utah County, Utah at the address listed above, and a copy shall be mailed to Petitioner’s attorney, John S. Larsen, at 75 South 300 W., Provo, Utah 84601. Legal Run 02/09/23, 02/16/23, 02/23/2023 & 03/02/23

-------------STATE OF ALABAMA IN THE PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY DOCKET NO. 2023-046

RE: ESTATE OF PATRICIA WATERS JACOBS, DECEASED:

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

Letters of Administration of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 3rd day of February, 2023, by the Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

/s/ Jacob J. Key Jacob J. Key, Administrator Legal Run 02/09/2023, 02/16/2023 & 02/23/2023

--------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CASIMIRA D. VOELKEL, DECEASED

CASE NO.: 2023-050

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Take Notice that Letters

Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to John Paul Voelkel on the 6th day of February. 2021, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County. Alabama. Notice is hereby given to 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.

J. TUTT BARRETT

P.O. Box 231 Opelika, AL 36803-0231

Legal Run 02/09/2023, 02/16/2023 & 02/23/2023

CITY OF OPELIKA

NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARINGS

TO: RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA AND ALL OTHER INTERESTED CITIZENS

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of Opelika, Alabama will hold a regular meeting and will be conducting public hearings on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. in the Meeting Chamber at Opelika Municipal Court located at 300 MLK Boulevard, Opelika, Alabama. A Planning Commission work session will be held at 2:45 pm before the regular meeting. The purpose of the public hearings is to receive public comment on the following:

I. Some items at the meeting will have a designated public hearing (noted below). Individuals are limited to 5-minute comment period per public hearing.

A. Approval of Minutes

B. Update on Previous PC Cases

C. Preliminary Plat and Conditional Use - Public Hearing

1.A public hearing on a request by Harris Gray, LLC, authorized representative for Sallie H. Deen, property owners, for preliminary approval of the Hillpointe part of Parcel D subdivision consisting of 41 lots accessed from Waverly Place.

2. A public hearing on a request by Bryan Stone, authorized representative for Sallie H. Deen, property owner, for conditional use approval for a 41 unit townhome development in a R-3 zoning district

D. Conditional Use – Public Hearing

3.A public hearing on a request by Mike Maher and Paul Brumett, authorized. representative for Jimmy Golden, property owner, for a conditional use approval to construct a new church sanctuary in a R-2 zoning district at 1550 North Uniroyal Road.

4. A public hearing on a request by Marrell McNeal, authorized representative for Farm Family Limited Partnership, property owners,

for conditional use approval for an event venue location in a R-2 zoning district at 2611 Columbus Parkway.

5.A public hearing on a request by Gustavo Diaz Cax, property owner, for conditional use approval multiple buildings per lot (Section 8.7.1) single family dwelling and duplex on a single lot located in a R-4 zoning district at 114 Brannon Avenue.

E.Rezoning – Public Hearing

6a. An agenda item related to a rezoning request concerns an amendment to the Future Land Use Map for 229.2 acres accessed at the corner of Anderson Road and Andrews Road from a low density residential to a mixed use development land use category. If the Planning Commissionvotes to send a positive recommendation to the City Council to rezone the 229.2 acres and Council approves the rezoning, then approval of said amendments to the Future Land Use map will be approved.

6b. A public hearing to consider a recommendation to the City Council on a request by Foresite Group, LLC, authorized representative of Keith B. Norman, Electra Estates, property owner, to Rezone 229.2 acres accessed at the corner of Anderson Road and Andrews Road from R-1 to PUD. All interested persons are invited to attend the meeting/ public hearings and be heard. Written comments concerning the above matters may be mailed to the Planning Director at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama 36801 at any time prior to the meeting/public hearings and may be further submitted to the Planning Commission at the meeting/public hearings. The Planning Commission reserves the right to modify or alter any of the proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and to make its recommendations accordingly to the City Council. Please contact the Planning department at 334-705-5156 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability.

PLANNING DIRECTOR

Legal Run 02/16/2023

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF HENRY CARSON JACKSON, JR. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NUMBER 2023-060 Letters Testamentary on the Estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 10th day of February, 2023 by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate of said county in said State, notice is hereby given that all persons having c]aims against said estate are required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Laurel Jackson Buckalew, Executor of the Estate of Henry Carson Jackson, Jr., Deceased Name and Address of Attorney: Catherine H. Richardson, Esq. Michael P. Dalton, Esq. Capell & Howard, P.C. Post Office Box 2069 Montgomery, Alabama 36102-2069 Legal Run 02/16/2023, 02/23/2023, 03/05/2023

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Opelika will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. in the Courtroom of the Opelika Municipal Court Building, 300 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama.

PURPOSE

The purpose of said Public Hearing will be to consider the adoption of an ordinance to pre-zone certain real property located on the south side of Columbus Parkway (U.S. Highway 280) within the unincorporated area of Lee County, Alabama, to a Planned Unit Development (PUD). At said Public Hearing all who desire to be heard shall have the opportunity to speak for or in opposition to the adoption of the following ordinance:

ORDINANCE NO.

AN ORDINANCE TO

PRE-ZONE PROPERTY LOCATED ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF COLUMBUS PARKWAY TO A PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (FIREFLY SUBDIVISION PUD)

BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as

follows: Section 1. FINDINGS. The Council has determined and hereby finds and declares that the following facts are true and correct:

(a) Rodney C. Jones and Laurie S. Jones, the owners of 209.71 acres located in the 3200 block of Columbus Parkway within the unincorporated area of Lee County, Alabama, have requested that said property be pre-zoned to a Planned Unit Development (PUD) prior to annexing into the City of Opelika.

(b)Said real property is located on the south side of Columbus Parkway (U.S. Highway 280) and is more particularly described as follows:

Commencing and beginning at a found 4”x4” concrete monument 0.40’ Southwest of a 1” crimp top iron pin, said concrete monument accepted at the Southwest corner of Section 14, Township 19, Range 27 East, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, said point being the Southwest corner and the Point of Beginning of the parcel described herein: from this POINT OF BEGINNING, thence North 01°07'22" West, a distance of 119.43 feet to a 1” crimp top iron pin; thence North 00°44'26" West, a distance of 199.62 feet to a 1” crimp top iron pin; thence North 00°48'54" West, a distance of 304.19 feet to a 1” crimp top iron pin; thence North 00°18'09" West, a distance of 294.77 feet to a 1” crimp top iron pin; thence North 00°33'53" West, a distance of 104.09 feet to a 1” crimp top iron pin; thence North 00°18'21" West, a distance of 191.44 feet to a 1” crimp top iron pin; thence North 00°24'22" West, a distance of 401.28 feet to a 1” crimp top iron pin; thence North 00°23'32" West, a distance of 989.11 feet to a 1” crimp top iron pin 37.1 feet East of another 1” crimp top iron pin; thence North 01°45'04" East, a distance of 1534.43 feet to a set ½” rebar by Precision Surveying (CA788) 6” from a fence corner in the South right of way of US Highway 280; thence along said right of way South 83°01'03" East, a distance of 643.83 feet to a 4”x4” disturbed concrete monument; thence along said right of way along a curve concave to the south having a radius of 2824.80 feet and a chord which bears South 72°17'12" East 1102.83 feet for an arc distance of 1109.95 feet to a set ½” rebar (CA788); thence continue along US Highway 280 South 61°31'03" East, a distance of 416.27 feet to a 1 ½” crimp top iron pin; thence leaving US Highway 280 South 00°28'12" East, a distance of 2546.01 feet to a set ½” rebar (CA788); thence South 88°03'58" East, a distance of 723.36 feet to a painted rock accepted as the property corner; thence South 01°35'00" East, a distance of 1073.94 feet to a 1 ½” crimp top iron pin at a fence corner; thence North 87°37'08" West, a distance of 2855.88 feet to the Point of Beginning. Said parcel lies within Section 14, Township 19, Range 27 East, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama and contains 209.71 ACRES, more or less.

The above-described property contains 209.71 acres, more or less, and is located in the 3200 Block of Columbus Parkway (U.S. Highway 280).

(c) Holland Homes, LLC, an Alabama limited liability company (the “Company”) has an option to purchase the above-described real property.

(d) The Company, with the consent of the owners of record, heretofore submitted to the City a development plan for a planned unit development (“PUD”) entitled “Firefly Subdivision PUD” consisting of approximately 209.71 acres.

(e) The proposed development is a residential development consisting of approximately 599 residential units. The residential units will consist of three product types: single-family detached homes, twin homes

and townhomes. The development will include platted open space and amenity areas totaling over 100 acres. Planned amenities include quad lawns for entertainment, a dog walk with community firepit, an artificial turf putting green, bocce ball court and a pool and pavilion. The proposed density of the development is 2.86 dwelling units per acre.

(f)At a regular meeting of the Planning Commission on January 24, 2023, the Commission did vote to send a report to the City Council recommending approval of the pre-zoning request and approval of the development plan.

(g) Due notice of said pre-zoning request has been provided to the public as required by law through publication.

(h) The City Council of the City of Opelika, after due consideration, finds and determines that the application for pre-zoning of the above-described real property is proper and in the best interest of the citizens of the City of Opelika, Alabama.

Section 2. APPROVAL OF THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN. The Development Plan as submitted for review is hereby approved and affirmed as required by Section 8.18(N) of the Zoning Ordinance of the City.

Section 3. ZONING. The above-described real property is hereby pre-zoned to a Planned Unit Development (PUD). Upon annexation of said property, the property shall be designated the PUD District and the zoning ordinance and zoning map shall be amended to reflect said zoning. Should the annexation not occur prior to the expiration of the pre-zoning as set forth in Section 6, this pre-zoning shall have no effect, and the property shall remain in the unincorporated area of Lee County, Alabama.

Section 4. RETENTION OF COPIES OF DEVELOPMENT PLAN. Copies of the Development Plan shall be maintained in the office of the City Clerk, City Planner, City Engineer and Building Official and shall be open for public inspection.

Section 5. REPEALER. Any ordinance or part thereof in conflict with provisions of this Ordinance be and the same are hereby repealed.

Section 6. EFFECTIVE DATE AND EXPIRATION DATE. This Ordinance and in particular the pre-zoning shall take effect after the date of its approval by the City Council of the City of Opelika and publication as required by law. Pursuant to the Code of Alabama (1975), §11-52-85, the zoning of the property shall become effective upon the date the territory is annexed into the corporate limits. If any portion of the territory is not annexed into the corporate limits within 180 days of the initiation of annexation proceedings as provided by law, then the pre-zoning shall be null and void. Should the pre-zoning become null and void, the applicant may reapply for re-zoning at any time as long as an annexation petition is pending.

Section 7. PUBLICATION. This Ordinance shall be published one (1) time in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama.

END

All interested persons are invited to attend the Public Hearing and be heard. Written comments concerning the above matter may be mailed to the City Clerk at City Hall, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, AL 36803 at any time prior to the Public Hearing and may be further submitted to the City Council at the meeting and Public Hearing. Please contact Brian Weiss, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334-705-5134 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability.

WITNESS my hand this the 16th day of February, 2023. /s/Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 02/16/2023

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her in Case No. DR-2022900274.00, in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama.

DONE This the 6th day of Feb. 2022. MARY B. ROBERSON, CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Jem1ifer M. Chambliss Samford & Denson, LLP

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Attorney for the Plaintiff Legal Run 02/16/2023, 02/23/2023, 03/02/2023 & 03/09/2023

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Notice of Appointment

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of said deceased having been granted to VIVIAN PRIDGEN BROCKWAY on the 25th day of January 2023, by the Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, 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.

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