The Observer | 04-11-2024

Pictured, from left, are

Chief Shane Boyd, Kendall Tamburello of Cardiac

and Police Chief Shane Healey.

Community members gathered throughout the area to view the solar eclipe that occured April 8. While Lee County was not in the path of totality for the event, viewers did get to experience a partial eclipse of approximately 84%.

Cops on Top fundraiser for Special Olympics is April 19

raise funds for the Alabama Special Olympics with the 2024 Cops on Top event, scheduled for Friday, April 19, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at two locations.

The Opelika Police Department and Lee County Sheriff’s Department will fundraise at the Tiger Town Kroger, while the Auburn Police Department will raise money at the Kroger on Dean Road.

Cops on Top is a regional effort to raise funds and awareness for Special Olym -

pics, which sponsors competitive events each year for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Some officers will be on the roof at the Kroger locations while other officers will be available outside the store to accept donations alongside Special Olympics athletes.

Lunch will be served at both locations from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will cost $5 for chips, a drink and a hot dog. For more information about Special Olympics or the Cops on Top event, please contact Elizabeth Kaufman at (334) 501-2939 or ekaufman@auburnalabama.org.

New tourism center will offer interactive visitor exprience

center to become an attraction in itself, inspiring people to stay longer and keep coming back to the area.”

firm, has been selected to design and create an all-new interactive visitor experience.

Created in partnership with Auburn-Opelika Tourism and local artists and craftspeople, this new experience will utilize innovative technologies to tell the community’s story in a fresh, unique way.

The visitor experience will be housed inside the new home of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce, which is currently under construction at the site of the former Opelika Public Library on Glenn Street. The visitor experience will highlight popular features of the area to spark guest interest, drive engagement and ultimately attract visitors to the area again and again.

“We’re thrilled to be part of this new chapter in Auburn-Opelika’s story,” said Matt Ferguson, chief innovation officer at Storyland Studios. “This interactive visitor experience is designed to surprise and delight

“Auburn-Opelika is a destination of great stories,” said Robyn Bridges, president and CEO of Auburn-Opelika Tourism. “We are thrilled to work with Storyland Studios to bring to life the people and places of our community. The commitment and vision they bring to the table will showcase our authentic experiences and local legends in ways our visitors could never have imagined.”

The interactive experience will change frequently, drawing visitors back again and again. A social sharing component will encourage guests to engage and share their visit across social media. And, according to Ferguson, the experience will also have a built-in “Easter egg” component that will keep visitors guessing.

“We have some great surprises in store,” he says.

The Auburn-Opelika area attracts a wide variety of visitors each year who enjoy a rich culinary scene, which includes upscale restaurants and craft breweries. The area is a

Golf Trail, and sports and outdoor enthusiasts alike can find a variety of activities in which to engage. The new visitor experience will also feature fan-favorite local stops, including arts and entertainment offerings.

“This experience will be a great way to not only discover opportunities in the Auburn-Opelika area, but also learn things you didn’t know about its history and current story.” Ferguson said.

ABOUT STORYLAND STUDIOS:

Storyland Studios is a full-service experience design and strategy firm with offices in the US and Europe. Established in 2001, Thea Award winning Storyland Studios follows the design principles of the original Walt Disney Imagineers. By collaborating closely with its clients and partnering with top IP owners, developers and visionaries, Storyland Studios professionals imagine, design and create experiences that lift the spirit, bringing stories to life in a consistent and connected way through experience design, immersive storytelling and exceptional

Lee County leads state in capital investment

“Lee County is the home of some great communities, and we’re proud to stand with them as we each play a role in this success story,” said Auburn Mayor Ron Anders.

“We are proud to be part of the economic growth in Lee County,” said Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller. “New investments and career opportunities mean families and communities will flourish. We’re grateful for our partner industries for choosing to bring their business to Opelika and the surrounding areas.”

The Atelier hosts ribbon cutting for new location

Bessie Coleman featured at Opelika library's story hour

Life of first Black female aviator told by niece

BY KADIE VICK FOR THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA — The Opelika Public Library (OPL) recently hosted a story hour about the life of Bessie Coleman, the first African-American female Aviator, told by Bessie’s great niece, Gigi Coleman.

“Bessie Coleman's story is important, because she overcame racial and gender barriers to become the first African American woman to earn a pilot's license, inspiring generations with her courage and determination,” said Library Director Rosanna McGinnis. “Everyone should listen to stories like Bessie's to learn from the struggles and triumphs of trailblazers, fostering empathy, understanding and motivation for positive change.”

McGinnis said OPL prioritizes highlighting stories that represent diverse experiences and history.

“Events like this are important because they shed light on untold narratives, enriching our collective understanding of history and inspiring future generations to break

barriers and pursue their dreams despite obstacles,” she said. “This show was provided to us by our fantastic partners at the Auburn University School of Aviation.”

For those who missed the event and want to learn more about the history of aviation and all those who influenced the field, the library is currently displaying the museum exhibit, Aim High.

The OPL will also host other programs that explore important stories that need to be told, as well as provide opportunities to build community and meet new people.

“Storytime isn't just about the stories themselves; it's like opening a treasure chest full of diverse narratives,” McGinnis said. “When we pick stories from different cultures and backgrounds, it's like peeking into worlds we might not have explored otherwise. It's like having a cozy chat with friends, sharing experiences and perspectives that make us go, ‘Wow, I never thought of it like that!’"

To learn about this and other library events, view the calendar at www.opelikalibrary.com.

'FarmHub' directly connects consumers with local farmers

BY KADIE VICK FOR THE OBSERVER

EAST ALABAMA —

Opelika is home to an abundance of farmers, but few community members eat the foods these local farmers produce. Moises Gonzalez is working to make local products more available through his website FarmHub.

On FarmHub, he said customers will find a list of local farmers.

"You can select a farmer and get a product from that farm, or if you don't know any farmers, you can just browse the products. Each product is going to say which farm it is from. They will buy from that and you will get it delivered to your house.”

Gonzalez, a student at Auburn University studying applied mathematics, said wanted to begin research around data science or AI. He was fascinated by the abundance of farms in the Opelika area and posted a survey about where people purchase food on a local Facebook group.

"The survey asked people if they like buying fresh products or if they like foreign products, and if they like it, how often they

buy those products,” he explained.

Many community members responded to this survey and the results were clear — people wanted local products but did not know how to access them.

Gonzalez said the responses all said the same thing: “I would love to have farm products, but the farm is far away, I don’t have access. I don't know where the farmers are. I don't have time for that because it's not like going to Walmart or just ordering online and getting into my house.”

“Instead of continuing with trying to play with the data or trying to get some interesting stuff to learn AI, I decided to build a website,” he said.

Gonzalez sees the benefit of purchasing local food for the community and wants to encourage locals to support their farmers and enjoy the fresh food that they produce.

“People want food that is quick, want food that is high quality," he said. "Through buying locally you will have all that you want. Plus, the money that is given is taken back to the community, because you’re helping farmers, like you're like a protector of your farmers.

Because farmers are in a huge crisis right now,” he said.

Most farmers only make 17 cents on the dollar, but with FarmHub the farmers will make 85 cents of every dollar paid for their products.

“You've helped your own community to grow," he said. "You open jobs in your own community. It's like the butterfly effect. You don't know what you're doing right now, but that purchase is that raw, local honey that you bought the mind helped someone to get a job.”

Gonzalez is from Havanna, Cuba and moved to Opelika from Miami to join his parents who were called to ministry at First Baptist Church of Opelika. He was nervous to move to Opelika after living in such big cities his whole life. His mind was quickly changed.

“This place is awesome. I fell in love with Opelika and the community and it's quiet. People are super nice. And you get to know a lot of people.”

Gonzalez is passionate about helping his community flourish and access fresh local products. Visit his website: www. farmhub.online.

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

AUBURN — 360 Management announces the addition of four new team members to its growing Auburn office, marking a significant step forward in its commitment to delivering stellar service to both property owners and tenants alike.

Katie Wright has been named property manager of 360’s three The Vue properties. With her husband’s military service leading them across the map over the years, Wright was thrilled to discover that their last duty station would be back in Alabama where she grew up. She has worked in military housing, conventional leasing and now student housing.

Tori Ninde and Libby Silverman have been named Portfolio property managers. Originally from the West Coast, Ninde

Bessie Coleman's great-niece, Gigi Coleman, poses with Opelika Public Library Director Rosanna McGinnis.

ALDOT launches new info hub

Auburn National Bancorporation elects two new directors to board

Mr. Dumas.

stated

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

ALABAMA — Alabamians have a new way to learn about road projects, traffic conditions, highway safety and more, thanks to ALDOTNews.com, an online news hub launched recently by the Alabama Department of Transportation.

This digital news source provides timely information about the projects, programs and people of ALDOT.

On the home page, articles about the most current news from ALDOT will be featured. At the top of the page, the Projects & Programs link will take readers to a map where they can find details about active road projects in their area.

A link to the latest schedule of public involvement meetings for upcoming projects is also easy to find from the ALDOTNews home page. For up to the minute traffic information and live traffic camera feeds, there will be a link to the ALGO Traffic website. Answers to many frequently asked questions related to transportation in Alabama can be found in the FAQ section of ALDOTNews. There is an easy to find list of details from how to report a road concern to where to find ALDOT reports and other documents. Job seekers can use the Join the Team link to find out about current ALDOT job openings.

AUBURN — Auburn National Bancorporation Inc., the parent company of AuburnBank, announced that Sandra J. Spencer and Michael A. Lawler have been elected to the board of directors for both the company and the bank.

“We are pleased to provide ALDOTNews to Alabamians as the primary source of state transportation news,” said Media and Community Relations Bureau Chief Tony Harris. “We believe this new initiative will help people stay better informed of the projects designed to enhance quality of life and economic success across the state.”

“We are delighted to have Ms. Spencer and Mr. Lawler join our team of directors,” said Board Chairman Robert W. Dumas. “They both bring valuable experience to our board.”

Before retiring from Auburn University, Spencer served as director of the Alabama 4-H Youth Development and Conference Center in Columbiana from 2000 to 2014. She received a B.S. degree in business administration from Auburn University and

is a member of Chapter A, P.E.O., a philanthropic organization focused on the education and advancement of women.

She is the daughter of E. L. Spencer Jr., Auburn Natonal Bancorporation’s former chairman.

“Ms. Spencer’s extensive experience in hospitality and customer service along with the relationships she has developed in the community and with Auburn University make her uniquely qualified to assist the company and the bank with its commitment to meeting the financial needs of the communities we serve,” said Dumas.

Lawler is founder and CEO of Fullsteam Holdings LLC, a payments and software company head-quartered in Auburn and established in 2018. Prior to Fullsteam,

he was an executive officer and president of the Strategic Markets Group for Heartland Payment Systems, where he led mergers and acquisitions and established Heartland in several vertical markets by acquiring core business software platforms and leading their growth through continuous product development and payment integration. Lawler graduated from Auburn University with a B.S. in computer engineering and a master’s degree in computer science.

“Mr. Lawler’s background in providing software and payment solutions for a variety of small business industry verticals brings valuable insight and knowledge to the company and the bank as the importance of technology in banking continues to accelerate,”

ABOUT AUBURN NATIONAL BANCORPORATION:

Auburn National Bancorporation Inc. is the parent company of AuburnBank, with total assets of approximately $975 million. AuburnBank, an Alabama state-chartered bank, is a member of the Federal Reserve System, which has operated continuously since 1907. Both the company and the bank are headquartered in Auburn. The Bank conducts its business in East Alabama, including Lee County and surrounding areas, with eight full-service branches in Auburn, Opelika, Valley, and Notasulga and a loan production office in Phenix City. For more information, visit www. auburnbank.com.

The buzz about bees: Stay alert during swarm season

BY KADIE VICK FOR THE OBSERVER

LEE COUNTY — Swarm season has arrived, and community members must be informed on what to do if they see a bee swarm. Seeing a swarm of bees can initially be intimidating but, if informed, people will realize there is nothing to be concerned about.

“As long as people understand the importance of bees to the ecosystem and the value a swarm is to a beekeeper they're gonna have no problem getting rid of a swarm. People want them, they're gonna come get them,” Beekeeper Cody Spence said.

Bee swarms occur when a queen bee produces too many eggs and there is not enough room in the hive for all the bees living there so half of them leave to find a new home.

“In the meantime, they'll park on a fence post or park in a tree or a bush or at the side of someone's car while the other bees are looking for a home to move into,” Spence said. “So when you see a

swarm, the bees are just hanging out waiting for the scouts to get back with a home.”

For anyone who sees a swarm of bees, Spence advises them to contact a local beekeeper.

“I went to a call last night at eight o'clock at night. Because I got bees in the bush. I said 'I'll be there in a minute.' I had a headlamp and a bee suit. And they're not aggressive. I mean, you can grab them with your hands,” he said.

Spence explained that videos of swarms on social media popular.

"You can look at any social media and there's just be videos just nonstop," he said. They go viral because people are so interested.”

Spence currently has 50 hives and hopes to become commercial eventually.

“I started in 2019. I've always been interested in bees. By chance there was a doctor out of Montgomery that said he had some hives that he couldn't take care of anymore,” Spence said. “I went with a couple of buddies to a field and picked them up. We were very under-geared and

very overwhelmed. We got stung a lot, but we figured it out.”

Bees are important pollinators but are not native to America. Because of this, they have to be cultivated like livestock.

“The natural pollinators in our area are things like yellow jackets, hornets and bumblebees,” Spence said. “Honeybees are native to Europe and Africa. And they were brought over here so they have to be kept and cultivated to survive.”

For those with allergies this spring, raw honey could be the answer. Local honey is known to lessen allergy symptoms by building up resilience to pollen.

“Any honey you get at the grocery store has been cooked and preserved,” Spence said. “So raw honey from a local beekeeper is way better than anything you can get at a grocery store.”

To rescue a swarm or to purchase raw, local honey, contact Spence through Facebook or by phone at (334)734-4268.

entry will capture the importance a tree can have and the role trees play in making Auburn the Loveliest Village on the Plains. Submit nominations at auburnalabama.org/trees/awards.

Christian Women Job Corps of Lee County is proud to announce 12 students from the spring session graduated on April 3. These graduates completed eight weeks of life skills training, job skills training, English language study and Bible study and received an array of community information which will be of benefit to them and their families. Christian Women Job

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F

S Food ociety & News

BY ANN CIPPERLY

OPINION —

With azaleas lining the drive, the home of Karen and Judge James Anderson is picture perfect nestled in a woodland setting. Native azaleas in pink, orange and yellow are also abundant on each side of the pond in the back of the Auburn home with a spacious deck for relaxing and dining while overlooking the view. Karen enjoys entertaining family and friends on the deck, as well as in their great room, which was once an indoor swimming pool.

The Andersons feed birds and have gourds hanging from a pole for purple martins, as well as bird feeders throughout the garden. A fountain near the front door and next to the deck in back provides soothing sounds of cascading water. Pots of yellow pansies, boxwood topiaries and other plants accent the deck.

Karen and James enjoy relaxing on the deck and dining outdoors, and the family will fish in the pond with the wood ducks. Last fall, they noticed something unusual in the pond, and it was an alligator! The pond overflows into a creek that goes to Chewacla. Karen later saw a post that someone found an alligator in Twin Creeks. On the other side of the pond, they have an area with a huge firepit, a grill, benches and picnic tables that they enjoy during cooler months. They feed deer on that side of the pond so they

Southern Hospitality

Karen Anderson enjoys cooking, other home arts

won’t eat the azaleas.

Karen moved into her attractive home 28 years ago after changes were made to the house. The indoor pool at one end of the house was converted into a great room with a large fireplace, and the screened porch was changed to a sunroom to enjoy year around.

While the Andersons savor time at their Auburn house, they also enjoy time at a lake house and their home in Montgomery, where Judge Anderson is circuit judge of Montgomery County.

Karen grew up living in numerous places. She was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and lived in San Diego, California, for 10 years while her father received his master’s and doctorate degrees at UCLA. The family then moved to Des Moines, Iowa, where he taught at Drake University for three years. From there, they lived in Ithaca, New York, where her father taught at Cornell University, then in Harrisonburg, Virginia, at James Madison University.

When Karen graduated from high school, the family moved to Auburn, and her father was head of physics at Auburn University for 10 years. Her father lives next door, and Karen misses her mother who passed away during Covid.

Karen has a love of cooking and baking desserts. Both of her grandmothers and her mother were good cooks. Growing up, Karen was in charge of making dessert while her mother prepared dinner. “I would get cookbooks out all the time looking for recipes,” she said. “My three younger brothers never asked Mom what was for dinner; they asked me what was for dessert. Baking is still my favorite thing.”

Karen’s specialty is cakes, and she is sharing her favorite cake, Chocolate

Buttermilk Cake with Chocolate Buttermilk Frosting. The recipes came from a friend. She is also sharing her Lemon Blueberry Muffin and Strawberry Pie recipes.

Karen passed her love of cooking to her daughter, Holly Muncie, who lives in Auburn. Holly, and her husband, Alex, have three children, Kirkley, almost 17; Jay, 14; and Mac, 12. Karen has two bonus grandchildren, Keyes, 5, and Kruce, 1, who are the children of James’ daughter. While Karen mostly entertains their large family, she also enjoys having friends over for dinner. She is in a prayer group that meets at homes, and they take turns providing lunch.

Her Mom’s Crockpot Beef Stroganoff is a family favorite, and it was her mother’s go-to dish for company. It makes a good amount to serve a large group, and it is easy to cut the recipe in half. Karen’s paternal grandmother would make the Strawberry Pretzel Salad when she visited, and it was her favorite that Karen now makes for family. When having

company, she will prepare dessert a day ahead. The Barbecue Chicken Wings are popular with grandchildren. James enjoys grilling and will sometimes grill the wings and other entrees.

Shrimp Creole and Shrimp and Vegetables Stir-

Fry are also family favorites. They are good one-dish meals that only need rice and crusty bread. When her brothers visit, they request the shrimp dishes and their mother’s stroganoff. When family spends the night, she makes the Overnight Breakfast Casserole and muffins with blueberries from her garden. Along with cooking, Karen has a love of working in the yard. Decorating is also one of her hobbies. In the living room, she decorated the mantel of the large fireplace with brass candlesticks flanking a collection of antique mirrors. On the other side of the room, the wall is covered in stone that was found on the property with 21 acres. Portraits of their daughters hang in this room.

Decorator Linda Ayers helped Karen with

selecting antiques for the house, including a large dining room table that seats 12 in the great room. Karen collects brown transferware that is display in arrangements on walls and on two hutches.

Karen relishes time at home. “I love living here,” she said. “We are just so glad to have a place to share with family and friends.”

Clip and save Karen’s family’s favorite recipes, and treat your family to scrumptious dishes.

Buttermilk Chocolate

Cake with Buttermilk

Chocolate Icing

My favorite cake to make!

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

3 oz. semi-sweet baking chocolate, melted 2 cups cake flour

(measure after sifting)

1 tsp. baking soda

Pinch of salt

1 cup buttermilk

1 tsp. vanilla

Cream butter and sugar together using a handheld mixer. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each

addition. Stir in melted chocolate. In another bowl, mix together flour, soda and salt. Add flour mixture and buttermilk alternately to wet ingredients, beating after each addition. Add vanilla. Beat until all ingredients are mixed.

Spray two 8-inch cake pans with Pam before pouring in batter. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes or until tests done when a toothpick is inserted near the center. Cool 10 minutes and remove from pans.

Buttermilk Chocolate

Icing:

3 cups granulated sugar

1/2 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup whipping cream

1 Tbsp. butter

3 oz. semi-sweet baking chocolate, melted 1/2 tsp. vanilla

Mix sugar, whipping cream and butter together in a Dutch oven. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and let boil for 1 minute.

Take off heat and add chocolate and butter. Add vanilla. Stir until

Karen Anderson has a love of cooking and baking, and she also excels at flower gardening and decorating. She and her husband, Judge James Anderson, enjoy entertaining at their Auburn house overlooking a pond and garden. Karen is pictured with brown transferware that she collects. She is sharing a variety of her family's favorite recipes.

'Cheese Curd Update'

MasterChef Junior was on hiatus again this week, as FOX Network aired a repeat of episode two from earlier this season. Hopefully the show will air the second half of season nine next Monday night. Meanwhile, keep up with Opelika's own MasterChef Junior, Bryson McGlynn, on his Facebook page, Cookin' with Cheese Curd. BRYSON McGLYNN

CIPPERLY >> from A7

thick enough to frost cake (5 to 10 minutes

Frost quickly as it gets too thick fast.

Mom’s Crockpot Beef Stroganoff

This was my Mom’s goto dish for company, and it is my most requested dish to make. It is easy to cut the recipe in half.

2 lb. round steak, cut into ¾-inch cubes

2 Tbsp. vegetable oil

1 cup chopped onion

2 cloves of minced garlic

4 cups sour cream

4 cans cream of mushroom soup

4 Tbsp. Worcestershire

1 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

Two 6 oz. jars of sliced mushrooms

Cook steak, onion and garlic in oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat until meat is browned. Add rest of ingredients and mix well.

Put in a large crockpot (6 quarts) and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours until meat is tender. Serve over rice and with a side of green beans.

Makes about 10 servings.

Lemon Blueberry Muffins

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup sugar

3 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

2egs

1 cup half and half cream (I use fat free)

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 tsp. lemon extract

1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Spray muffin pans with Pam for baking for 16 muffins.

In a large bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.

In another bowl combine eggs, cream, oil and lemon extract. Stir this into dry ingredients just until moistened.

Then gently fold in blueberries (do not thaw if using frozen).

Divide batter equally into the greased muffin

tins. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan. Makes 16 muffins.

Blue Plate Special Halibut

1 1/2 lb. halibut fillets or steaks

Vegetable cooking spray

1/2 cup lite mayonnaise

2 Tbsp. minced red onion

1 tsp. dried dill weed

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Coat halibut with vegetable cooking spray. Place fish in baking dish. Mix together mayonnaise, red onion and dill weed; spread over top of halibut. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until halibut flakes when tested with fork. Makes six servings.

Spicy Shrimp Creole

1 small onion, chopped

1 small green pepper, chopped

1/2 cup celery, chopped

2 cloves minced garlic

2 Tbsp. butter

16 oz. can chopped tomatoes, undrained

8 oz. can tomato sauce

2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1/2 tsp. dried oregano

1/2 tsp. dried thyme

1/8 tsp. red pepper

1 lb. frozen medium shrimp, peeled, deveined and thawed

Sauté onion, green pepper, celery and garlic in butter in a Dutch oven until tender. Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, thyme and red pepper.

Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes or until desired consistency. Stir in shrimp, and simmer over medium heat 5 to 10 minutes or until shrimp are done.

Serve over rice.

Shrimp and Vegetable Stir-Fry

A great one dish meal.

1 lb. frozen medium frozen shrimp, peeled, deveined and thawed

4 Tbsp. cornstarch, divided

8 Tbsp. teriyaki sauce, divided

1 ½ cups water

2 Tbsp. vegetable oil, divided

2 stalks celery, cut diagonally into ¼-inch slices

1 medium size red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares

1/4 lb. green onions (white parts), cut into 1-inch lengths

Mix shrimp with 2 Tbsp. cornstarch and 2 Tbsp. teriyaki sauce in small bowl; stir to coat evenly. Let stand 15 minutes.

Meanwhile combine 1 1/2 cups water, 2 Tbsp. cornstarch and 6 Tbsp. teriyaki sauce; set aside.

Heat 1 Tbsp. oil in hot wok or large skillet over high heat. Add shrimp and stir-fry 1 minute; remove.

Heat remaining 1 Tbsp. oil in same pan. Add celery, red pepper and green onions; stir fry 2 minutes. Stir in shrimp and teriyaki sauce mixture. Cook and stir until mixture boils and thickens.

Serve over rice with crusty bread.

Makes four servings.

Oven Baked Barbecue Chicken Wings Grandkids request this recipe!

1 cup flour

1 tsp. onion powder

1 tsp. sea salt

1 tsp. chili powder

1 tsp. black pepper

1 tsp. paprika

1 tsp. garlic powder

20 chicken wings

1 cup barbecue sauce

1/2 cup honey or maple syrup

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. In a small bowl, combine flour with all the spices.

Coat wings with flour mixture and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them for 40 minutes, turning once.

In a medium sized bowl, mix together barbecue sauce and honey.

Coat the cooked chicken wings with the honey barbecue sauce and lay them onto a

Auburn companies host city's first 'Fitness Crawl'

Event includes several downtown businesses

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

AUBURN — Have you ever heard the term “bar crawl"? The Auburn fitness community is putting a twist on this popular outing style by presenting the city’s first-ever fitness crawl.

The Yoga Room Auburn, Lux Lab, Rumble Boxing, Purvelo Cycling, ROAR Fitness, True40 Studio and PureBarre are partnering to present the event in Downtown Auburn on Saturday, April 13, from 8 a.m. to noon.

The event is broken into five 30-minute class sessions of your choosing,

baking sheet covered with clean parchment paper. Bake for 8 to10 minutes until caramelized.

Grandmother’s Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Crust:

2 cups crushed pretzels

3/4 cup melted butter

3 Tbsp. sugar

Filling:

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

1 cup sugar

12 oz. Cool Whip

2 small pkg. strawberry Jell-O

2 cups boiling water

Two 10 oz. pkg. frozen sliced strawberries

Mix together pretzels, 3/4 cup melted butter and 3 Tbsp. sugar. Press in a 1 3x9 baking dish and bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes. Cool completely.

Beat together with an electric mixer on medium the cream cheese, 1 cup sugar and Cool Whip until smooth. Spread over pretzel crust. Refrigerate for 1 hour.

Dissolve Jell-O in boiling water. Add unthawed strawberries and stir until dissolved. Cool until slightly thickened in the refrigerator (check after 10 minutes).

Spread over cream cheese and refrigerate for several hours., then cut in squares and enjoy!

Overnight Breakfast Casserole

1 lb. ground sausage

3/4 loaf of sliced bread

2 cups shredded cheddar

8 eggs

2 egg whites

2 cups half and half

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. black pepper

1/4 tsp. Cajun seasoning

Brown and drain

sausage. Remove crusts from

with a celebratory drink after the final class. There will be an array of local vendors accompanied by the usual busy atmosphere of Downtown Auburn. This event is the perfect combination of fitness and fun.

Tickets are still available for purchase for the full event or a single class with this link. The full event plus one drink is $50 and a single class plus one drink is $20.

To stay up to date with the upcoming Auburn Fitness Crawl, follow them on Instagram.

bread. Cut slices to fit side by side in a greased 13 x 9-inch pan.

Sprinkle sausage over bread.

Sprinkle cheese over sausage.

Mix eggs, half and half and spices together. Pour over bread.

Cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove casserole from refrigerator and sit on the counter when you turn oven on to preheat at 350 degrees.

Bake for 45 minutes or until brown on top.

Macaroni and Cheese

6 oz. pkg. elbow

macaroni

6 Tbsp. and 4 Tbsp. butter

4 Tbsp. chopped onion

1/2 cup flour

1 tsp. salt

4 cups whole milk

1 lb. grated sharp cheddar

1 cup plain breadcrumbs

Cook macaroni 12 to 15 minutes, drain.

Melt 6 Tbsp. butter in a saucepan. Sauté onion just until tender. Stir in flour and salt. Remove pan from heat and gradually stir in milk.

Heat to boiling, stirring constantly until white sauce has thickened. In a greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish layer 1/3 each of macaroni, white sauce and cheese. Repeat twice. In a small saucepan melt 4 Tbsp. butter. Remove from heat and stir in breadcrumbs. Spoon over top of casserole.

Bake at 375 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbly and browned.

Strawberry Pie

1 1/2 cups sugar

5 tsp. quick-cook tapioca 1/4 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

4 cups fresh sliced strawberries

1 box Pillsbury refrigerated pie crust (the kind you unfold)

1 Tbsp. butter

Combine sugar, tapioca, salt and nutmeg. Add strawberries and mix to coat fruit. Let stand 20 minutes.

Line a 9-inch pie plate with pastry. Fill with fruit mixture. Dot with the butter. Cut the top pastry in strips to make a lattice top, seal. Bake at 400 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes.

Mom’s Double Frosted Brownies

One of my most requested desserts!

2 boxes of brownie mix

Ingredients for brownie mix

Topping:

1 cup butter, softened (2 sticks)

4 Tbsp. vanilla instant pudding powder

6 Tbsp. milk

4 cups powdered sugar

1 1/2 tubs fudge frosting

Line a 13 x 9-inch pan with foil that hangs over the sides 2 inches; spray with Pam. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Make brownies as directed on box. Bake for 55 minutes. Cool in pan.

For next layer, beat butter until fluffy. Beat in pudding mix and milk. Gradually beat in powdered sugar. When smooth spread on cooled brownies. Chill until firm.

Carefully spread fudge frosting over top after chilled. Chill again and then carefully pull brownies out of pan by the foil hanging over. Put on large cutting board and cut into bite size squares. Wipe the knife after each cut to get clean cut brownies.

Store in refrigerator until ready to serve.

ATTENTION ORCHID LOVERS

The East Alabama Orchid Society meets at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the Opelika Public Library in Meeting Room 2, located at the rear of the library next to the train mural. Anyone interested in growing orchids is encouraged to attend the meetings. There are orchid growers of all levels and abilities who meet to learn and discuss growing orchids from the members. At each meeting, members will bring their blooming plants to share with the group. For more information about the meetings, contact David Stanbury at: stanbdm@auburn.edu.

SUSCC DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI DINNER

Southern Union State Community College will host its annual Distinguished Alumni Dinner on Thursday, April 11, at The Farm at Rocky Top in Auburn. A cocktail reception will begin at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and the Awards Ceremony at 7 p.m. Individual tickets are $100, and patron-level sponsorships are also available. Nominations for the award are open until March 24. For more information about the Distinguished Alumni Award Dinner or nominating someone for the award, please contact Shondae Brown at (256) 395-2211, ext. 5145.

AU SYMPHONIC WINDS CONCERT

The Auburn University Symphonic Winds & Concert Band will perform on Thursday, April 11, at 7 p.m. at Woltosz Theatre. General admission tickets are $15.

AULNA PLANT SALE

The Auburn University Landscape and Nursery Association’s annual plant sale will be held April 12-14 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 407 S. College St. in Auburn.

PICKLEBALL SENIOR OLYMPICS

The Opelika Pickleball Club will host the Senior Olympics April 12-14, featuring a round-robin format. For more information go to www.opelikapickleball.com, and follow Opelika Pickleball Club on Instagram.

SMITHS STATION SPRING FLING

The city of Smiths Station will host the Spring Fling Community Event on Saturday, April 13, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at City Hall. There will be vendors, food trucks, a bake-off and a BBQ cook-off featuring chicken, ribs and pork butts. For vendor information and registration information, contact event coordinator Jilmeka Ashford at (334) 297-8771, ext. 8, or email jilmekaashford@smithsstational.gov.

BEST BUDDIES FRIENDSHIP WALK

The Best Buddies will host The Friendship Walk on Saturday, April 13, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 pm. at Dinius Park in Opelika, featuring food, games and a DJ for dancing. The event is one of the fundraisers that help support the organization’s mission to prepare its participants to live independently, acquire a job that aligns with their passion and other important opportunities. It is free to attend. To register to walk and create a team visit https:// www.bestbuddiesfriendshipwalk.org/auburn.

AU SPRING CHORAL CONCERT

Auburn University’s Spring Choral Concert will be held Sunday, April 14, at 3 p.m. at Auburn United Methodist Church.

PAUL TAYLOR DANCE COMPANY

The Paul Taylor Dance Company will perform in Woltosz Theatre at the Gouge Center for Performing Arts on Tuesday, April 16, at 7 p.m. Tickets, which range in price from $35 to $60, are available at https://goguecenter.auburn.edu/ticketinformation.

THIRD THURSDAY POETRY @ PEBBLE HILL

The Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities’ Third Thursday Poetry Series on April 17 will feature readings by graduating students at 6 p.m. at Pebble Hill, located at 101 W. Debardeleben St. in Auburn.

ART SHOW SUBMISSION DEADLINE

The Auburn Arts Association will accept artists’ submissions through Friday, April 19, for the 19th Annual Juried Art Show and Preview Reception, to be held April 25, at the historic Nunn-Winston House in Auburn. Visit auburncityfest.com for a registration link.

AUBURN FLORAL TRAIL

The 2024 Auburn Floral Trail is underway now through April 19. The 14-mile, self-guided trail is broken into a 10.5-mile south trail and a 3.5-mile north trail with two bonus sections. Wayfinding signs are posted along the north and south trails to help visitors, cyclists and pedestrians navigate. Brochures with trail maps are available at City Hall, Auburn-Opelika Tourism and other city facilities. Brochures are also available online at auburnalabama.org/public-works/auburn-floral-trail.

APL HOSTS TWO EARTH DAY EVENTS

The Auburn Public Library will celebrate Earth Day with two events. On Saturday, April 20, kids of all ages are invited to participate in a variety of eco-friendly crafts and activities from

2 to 4 p.m. in the Youth Room. On Monday, April 22, APL will host an Earth Day movie matinee featuring the film “Wall-E” from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. These events are free and open to the public. For more information, send an email to libraryevents@auburnalabama.org or call (334) 501-3296.

OPELIKA LIBRARY HOSTS EARTH DAY EVENT

The Opelika Public Library will host an Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 20, from 11 a.m. to noon in the Special Programs Room. Participants will paint planters, plant seeds and make seed bombs. All ages are welcome to the free event. For more information, email library@opelika-al.gov or call (334) 705-5380.

TASTE OF THE TOWN Local chefs and caterers will showcase a tasting of their favorite dishes at the annual Taste of the Town on Tuesday, April 23, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Museum of East Alabama in downtown Opelika. Proceeds from the fundraiser provide for repairs and upkeep of the museum, located at 121 South Ninth St. Tickets cost $30 and are available at the museum or online at eastalabama.org. For more information, call (334) 749-2751.

JURIED ART SHOW

Thursday, April 25, is the date set for the 19th Annual Juried Art Show and Preview Reception presented by the Auburn Arts Association, the Auburn CityFest Committee and Auburn/Opelika Tourism. The reception will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the historic Nunn-Winston House on the grounds of Kiesel Park in Auburn. Food and drinks will be provided, and more than $1,000 in awards will be presented. This event is free to the public.

BO BIKES BAMA KICKOFF PARTY

Bo Bikes Bama will host a kickoff party on Friday, April 26, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Red Clay Brewing Company in Opelika. The event will feature a performance by Gretsch Lyles & The Modern Eldorados, as well as food and drinks. Bo Bikes Bama, an annual charity ride to raise money for disaster recovery and preparedness in Alabama, is set for Saturday, April 27. For more information, visit www.bobikesbama.com.

AUBURN CITYFEST

The 23rd Auburn CityFest will take place Saturday, April 27, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kiesel Park, and this year’s theme is “Space Adventures.” The rain or shine event will live music, interactive events and more than 100 arts and crafts, food and nonprofit vendors. CityFest is free and open to the public. For more info, visit auburncityfest.org.

SMITHS STATION SPRING FLING

The city of Smiths Station will host the Spring Fling Community Event on Saturday, April 13, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at City Hall. There will be vendors, food trucks, a bakeoff and a BBQ cook-off featuring chicken, ribs and pork butts. For vendor information and registration information, contact event coordinator Jilmeka Ashford at (334) 297-8771, ext. 8, or email jilmekaash-ford@smithsstational.gov.

AUBURN LIBRARY BOOK SIGNING

The Auburn Public Library will host local children’s book author Dr. Sarah “Mimsy” Odom on Saturday, April 27, who will read from her book, “Xantu Learns to Read,” at Family Story Time, which starts at 9:30 a.m. Odom has written a series of children’s books using her grandson as her muse. She also writes devotional and journal motivational books. In addition to her writing, she is the president and chief executive officer for a student educational and motivational consulting company.

MAD HATTER’S TEA PARTY

The Junior League of Lee County (JLLC) will host its annual Mad Hatter’s Tea Party on Sunday, April 28, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Moore’s Mill Club Pavilion, located at 1957 Fairway Drive in Auburn. Proceeds enable the nonprofit JLLC’s mission of promoting volunteerism, developing women and improving the local community through effective action by trained volunteers. Spaces are limited — only 150 guests will be eligible to attend. Tickets are available online now at www. juniorleagueofleecounty.com.

KENTUCKY DERBY DAY

The 16th Annual Kentucky Derby Day is set for Saturday, May 4. Gates open at 1 p.m. at Storybook Farms, located at 300 Cusseta Road in Opelika. The fundraising event, "where horses, fashion and philanthropy race to the finish line," is the largest Kentucky Derby party in Alabama. Tickets are on sale online now at https://secure.qgiv.com/event/derby2024.

AUBURN LIBRARY AUTHOR SIGNING

The Auburn Public Library will host nine-year-old

Tribute

Gregory Michael Markley, a beloved husband, son and brother, passed away on March 15, 2024, at the age of 67. A funeral service was held in the Chapel at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home on April 6 and he was laid to rest April 10 at Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery. Markley, a native of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, was born to Joseph and Helen Markley on May 31, 1956. He soon began his military career, first in the Rhode Island Army National Guard, before beginning his active Army career in June 1981 as a public infor-

mation specialist at Fort Bliss, Texas. This would be the first of many editorial jobs. In the 1980s, he contributed either as editor or senior journalist to the Diogenes Review, Turkey; The Sentinel, Fort McPherson, Georgia; 44th Military History Detachment, Fort McPherson, Georgia; Tropic Times, Panama; and Public Affairs Office, Fort McClellan, Alabama. He also redesigned the McClellan News and wrote many WAC-related articles and special reports on family support activities during Operations Desert Shield/Storm.

In the 1990s, he served as the editor of the Berlin Observer, where he published the last print edition and worked closely with the Women’s Army Corp. From 1996 to 1999 he was chief political writer and assistant city editor for the OA News, where he won seven AP awards for news and features.

From 1999 to 2001, he became the military/general assignment reporter of the Albany (Georgia) Herald, after which he spent a year as a staff writer for the Maxwell AFB/Gunter Dispatch in Mont-

Upcoming Services

DR. STEWARD SCHNELLER Memorial service 10:30 a.m., Thursday, April 11 Auburn United Methodist Church

ANTHONY "TONY" DEAN, JR. Funeral Service 10 a.m., Friday, April 12 Jeffcoat Trant Chapel

JOHN AARON BATCHELOR JR. Funeral service 11 a.m., Saturday, April 13 Auburn church of Christ

JOHN AARON BATCHELOR JR.

August 29, 1937 ~ April 6, 2024

ANOSHIRAVAN "ANOOSH" BAGHERNEJAD

February 1, 1963 ~ April 5, 2024

ALICIA HANKS 1952 ~ 2024

ANTHONY "TONY" DEAN JR.

October 12, 1972 ~ April 1, 2024

DR. STEWART SCHNELLER Stewart W. Schneller, Dean Emeritus of the College of Science and Mathematics and Professor Emeritus of the

gomery.

In 2002, he decided to further his education at Auburn University as a full-time graduate student. This supplemented his BA in political science degree from Rhode Island College and his journalist, photojournalist, PA supervisor and newspaper editor degree obtained from Defense Information School at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana.

By 2008, Markley had worked extensively to obtain a master of education degree from Auburn University Montgomery and a master’s degree in history from Auburn University. With this newfound success, he would spend the next decade teaching world history at AUM, U.S. and African American history at Vincennes U. in Ft. Moore (formally known as Ft. Benning), Georgia, and modern U.S. history at AUM. He was a part-time columnist and political writer at The Observer, where he won Alabama Press Association awards for Best Editorial and Best Politics Column.

Besides his outstanding career

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Auburn University, passed away on April 5, 2024, after a brief hospital stay, surrounded by his family. He was 82. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky, on Feb. 27, 1942, the only child of Doris Wright and Henry Schneller. Upon graduation from the University of Louisville with a B.S. (1964) and an M.S. (1965), he attended Indiana University where he earned a Ph.D. in chemistry.

Following

in journalism, Markley was also a well-traveled gentleman, most notably living or visiting Canada, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Haiti, Honduras, Macedonia, Mexico, the Netherlands, Panama, Turkey and 37 U.S. states. Some of his travels were due to deployments. This travel allowed him to receive several international writing awards, including U.S. Army-Europe Journalist of the year, Best Army Newspaper in Europe and Best Commentaries, TRADOC. As well as these writing awards, he received four Army Commendation Medals, three Army Achievement Medals, Humanitarian Service Medal, UN Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal and several other accolades.

Markley was also greatly involved with his community. He was part of several associations and societies, a few of which were the Georgia Political Science Association, Alabama Historical Association, Lee County Literacy (Board Member 1997-99), South-

ern Political Science Association, Texas State Historical Association, Society of Alabama Archivists (Executive Board Member 201214), Kappa Delta Pi (Education), Phi Alpha Theta (History) and Pi Sigma Alpha (Political Science). He was also heavily involved with the ESGR (Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve) and spent many weekends volunteering at Ft. Moore.

Markley was preceded in death by his father and mother, his brother, Larry Markley, his sister, Ann Marie Markley and many aunts and uncles.

Markley is survived by his loving wife of many years, Angeline Markley of Auburn, his brother, Thomas J. Markley of North Providence, Rhode Island, and many cousins. His is also survived by his beloved cat, Fauna, and his beloved dog, Emma.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you plant a tree in his memory or donate to the CARE Humane Society. -30-

postdoctoral studies at Stanford University and the University of Massachusetts he began his teaching career at the University of South Florida, where he quickly rose through the ranks to full professor and chairman of the department.

In 1994, Stewart came to Auburn as Dean of the College of Science and Mathematics, a post he held for almost 17 years. Upon stepping down as dean in 2010, he returned to his first love, teaching organic chemistry to sophomore students (200 at a time).

Throughout his time as Dean and teacher, he maintained an active research program with a focus on antiviral drug design and discovery. This generated over $10 million in external funding, 163 refereed journal publications, domestic and international patents, invited lectures, consultancies and the direction of 29 Ph.D. students and 29 postdoctoral associates.

Among his numerous awards were excellence in teaching and professional distinctions. He was a Fellow of the American Chemical Society and of the American Association for the Advancement of Sciences.

He was an avid sports fan, especially Auburn sports, an amateur radio operator, and most of all, a model son, exemplary husband to his wife of 58 years, Aina, devoted father to son Matthew Dexter Schneller (Jessica) and daughter Katherine Schneller (Todd), and

GREG MARKLEY

OPINION —

Abraham was 75 years old when he left Haran for Canaan (Genesis 12:4). God told him He would give Canaan “to your offspring” (v. 7), so he knew he would have descendants. But it didn’t happen over the next few years so when God spoke

Studying His word

to him through a vision in 15:1ff, Abraham wanted to know, “What can You give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus? . . . You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir” (v. 3-4). God didn’t provide Abraham with a lot of details on this occasion. He simply told him Eliezer would not be his heir, “but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir” (Genesis 15:4). He then took him outside, had him look up at the stars in the sky and said, “So shall your offspring be”

Happily ever laughter

(v. 5). And Abraham believed everything God told Him.

But later he wavered in his belief in that instead of patiently waiting, he decided to take things into his own hands. At Sarah’s suggestion, he had a child (Ishmael) through their servant, Hagar (Genesis 16).

Now, at 86, 11 years after entering the land, Abraham had a son. The land could be passed on to his descendants.

Problem solved, right? More like problems had just begun. Abraham and Sarah’s lack of patience didn’t solve anything — it simply created more problems.

More to the point — it wasn’t God’s plan. Abraham had to wait 13 more years, until he was 99 before God spelled things out to him in Genesis 17. He was told that in a year, he would have a son through Sarah (17:15-16). She would be bearing Abraham a son at age 90. Abraham fell down laughing in delight (v. 17).

When Sarah later heard the news (18:10-12), she also laughed. But her laughter was different than Abraham’s — it was the kind of laughter you have when something is too silly to be taken seriously — like if I told you I could fly. She was

rebuked for her laughter and God asked, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” (v. 14).

It’s enough to give laughter a bad name.

But we’re not finished with it. Sarah had a change of heart. She took God’s rebuke to heart and realized that the One who made the universe, the One who made her, was more than capable of giving a son to her and Abraham.

The Hebrews writer tells us, “And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise,”

Bible verse of the week: He must become greater; I must become less. — John 3:30

CHURCH DIRECTORY

ANGLICAN

APOSTOLIC

BAPTIST

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

AFB - Cooperative Baptist Fellowship

128 E. Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-8506

Opelika 334-476-1531

3295 Lee Rd 54, Opelika 334-749-6432

(Hebrews 11:11).

Notice what Sarah did. She identified her obstacle — her impoverished view of God — that He couldn’t bring a life through a “worn out” body like hers. As God had said to her, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” With that in mind, she reversed course and “considered Him faithful who had made the promise.”

That’s how she experienced the happily ever laughter.

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

Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church 650 Jeter Ave., Opelika

334-749-9487

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

Pepperell Baptist 2702 2nd Ave., Opelika

334-745-3108

Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 3089 Judge Brown Road Valley 334-710-2117

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

Shady Grove Baptist Church 2194 Lee Road 177,

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

CHURCH OF CHRIST 10th Street Church of Christ

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

The Opelika Church 2660 Cunninghan Dr., Opelika

University Church of Christ 449 N. Gay St., Auburn www.auchurch.com

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

CHURCH OF GOD Lakeside Church of God

GLOBAL METHODIST Christ Methodist Church of Auburn

434 E. Magnolia Ave., Auburn | Worship at LeeScott Academy 334-209-0074

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

EPISCOPAL

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

BY WALTER ALBRITTON

OPINION —

After he was hanged by the Gestapo in 1945, Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s writings became a treasured testimony for Christians around the world. None has blessed me more than his book, Life Together, in which he shares his experience of Christian community during Hitler’s reign. His focus is on God’s plan for the church to be life together in Christ. Some-one has called Life Together “bread for all who

adored grandfather of Quinn Benjamin (12) and Daniel Gene (8).

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 11, at the Auburn United Methodist Church, with Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home of Opelika assisting with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy should be made to the Auburn Food Bank (www. foodbankofeastalabama. com) or Embrace Alabama Kids (www. embracealkids.org).

WILLIAM H. SELLERS

Former Brandon resident William H. (Bill) Sellers passed away April 4, 2024, in Auburn at age 96.

Born July 25, 1927, in Nashville, Tennessee, he grew up on farms around nearby Franklin. While working at a local bank after graduation from high school, Bill felt a call to ministry during a youth rally, and God opened doors for him to attend Carson-Newman College. Following his graduation in 1954, he reported for duty with the U.S. Army and spent his two-year service as the statistics clerk at the 121st Evac Hospital in South Korea. Upon return to civilian life, he continued his education with a degree in church music from the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Bill served as minister of music in Denison, Texas, before moving to Mississippi to serve as Minister of Music at First Baptist Church of Vicksburg. While there, he met his wife Jeanette, and after a whirlwind courtship the two were married on Sept. 23, 1961. He then served 15th Avenue Baptist Church in Meridian and First Baptist Church of Canton before being recruited to be the director of circulation and advertising for The Baptist Record, the news journal of the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board (MBCB). He spent most of his ministry with the MBCB in the Office of Church-Minister Relations and Annuity and served occasionally as interim minister of music for

Altar call Life together

are hungry for the real life of Christian fellowship.” It is that and much more. Our Creator has hardwired us for dependency upon Christ and the unique fellowship of believers surrendered to our Savior. There is no option for “Lone Ranger” discipleship. The word “together” is paramount. The fullness of joy in Christ is found in “life together” with other followers of Christ. The word “together” came alive for me when our children were growing up.

One day my youngest son, Steve, then eight years old, asked if he could accompany me to the hospital as I made pastoral calls on patients. As we were walking to the hospital nearby our home, I took his hand as we crossed a street. He looked up at me

various churches in central Mississippi. The family moved in 1970 to Brandon, Mississippi, and joined First Baptist Church, where Bill and Jeanette made several close, lifelong friends, with whom Bill was always “cutting up” and laughing. His humor and wit brought joy to everyone he knew, whether with his church family, with friends playing games or sharing a garden or with colleagues.

Bill’s work with the Annuity Board gave him opportunity to minister to those in need with a sweet, gentle, pastoral spirit, especially in his work with churches and pastors’ widows all over Mississippi. After his retirement in 1995 following more than 25 years of service, Bill and Jeanette continued ministering to those experiencing illness and grief in their community of faith, having joined many of their friends at the newly begun Brandon Baptist Church.

In 2006, the two moved to Clinton, South Carolina, and later, Auburn, to be close to and cared for by their daughter Dawn and her family. Bill was a loving and often fun, silly Pappaw to his six grandchildren, and he enjoyed the adoration of all their families’ dachshunds.

Most of all, Bill loved to lift his voice in praise and worship to his Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. One of the greatest joys of his life was being a charter member of the Mississippi Singing Churchmen, with whom he was able to literally travel the world, working with missionaries in many countries. He later was able to participate in church mission trips to work with his daughter Alicia and her family as they served in Brazil.

Bill and Jeanette were founding members of the Mississippi Missionary Parents’ Fellowship, the first group of its kind that served as a model for what is now a nationwide support network.

Bill was predeceased by his beloved wife of 60 years, Jeanette Anderson Sellers, his four siblings and his “forever friend” Eddie McKenna of Uddingston, Scotland. He is survived by his

and melted my heart with these words: “We like being together, don’t we Dad?”

Those words remain etched in my memory bank. They symbolize for me what I think Bonhoeffer meant by “life together.” There are no words adequate to describe the joy that filled my heart as my young son affirmed the joy he felt in being “together” with me.

To me, this all starts with God himself. Having created us, He was unable to ignore the plight we were in because of our sins. He loved us so much that He sent His Son to deliver us from our sins. He wanted fellowship with us, even if that required the sacrificial death of Jesus. He raised Jesus from the dead so we could live “life together” with Christ and one another. Nothing else

two daughters, Alicia (Larry) Braswell of Winchester, Kentucky, and Dawn (Morris) Driggers of Auburn; grandchildren Wray (Rachel) Braswell of Garner, N,C., Taylor (John) DriggersMcDowall of Glasgow, Scotland, Andrew Braswell of Jackson, MS, Caitlyn (Garrett) Perkins of Cary, N.C., Benjamin Driggers of Auburn and Lucas (Reanne) Braswell of Cleveland, Mississippi; great-grandchildren Zoë Perkins, Rex Braswell, Ezra Perkins and Rob Braswell; a host of nieces and nephews, including his favorite niece, Constance (Conni Campbell) Stevens of Bentonia, Mississippi; and extended family Ann and Russ Middlemas of Uddingston, Scotland.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation and gratitude for the impeccable, compassionate care given by the entire staff at Bethany House, as well as to the 7th floor nursing staff at East Alabama Medical Center.

A memorial service was held April 9 at Auburn First Baptist Church, with Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home of Opelika assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice, or to Auburn First Baptist Church.

ALBERT LEE HAYSLIP JR.

Albert Lee Hayslip Jr. passed away on April 4, 2024. He was 75.

The family held a memorial service on April 6 at the Opelika American Legion. Jeffcoat Trant Funeral home assisted the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to C.A.R.E. Humane Society.

LOUISE HENN

Louise Henn, 77, of Opelika passed away at her home on March 26, 2024. Born on June 9, 1946, in Washington, Georgia, Louise was a loving mother, wife, sister, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend.

She had an avid passion for Elvis and Elvis memorabilia and loved collecting other genres including dolls

can give us the joy our hearts crave – to know God and have the assurance of “life together” with Him forever. Look at the earthly ministry of Jesus. He could not fulfill the will of His Father without living “life together” with his disciples, which included women and men. Clearly Jesus needed the fellowship he shared with his apostles. He walked, talked and prayed with them for three years. In the garden, praying about the crucifixion He knew was coming, he wanted his disciples with him.

After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples who were meeting secretly out of fear for their lives. Thomas was not there; so a week later, Jesus went back, evidently out of love for doubting Thomas.

and chicken décor. Louise adored her cats and dogs, as well as all animals. Decorating her home for Christmas brought her immense joy and made it a cherished gathering place for her family.

Louise had an entrepreneurial spirit and, alongside her late husband Tom, was the owner of The Henn House in Tallahassee, Florida, where they specialized in selling collectibles and antiques.

She is survived by her son, Billy (Normi) Strickland; daughter, Harriett (Brian) Hodges; grandchildren, Wesley (Brittney) Hodges and Christa (Keith) Washington; and partner, Les Digman. She was preceded in death by her parents, William J. Robinson and Genieva Reid Robinson; husband, Thomas Henn; sister, Mary Harrison; and brothers Joe, Buddy, Troy and Roy Robinson. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any gifts or donations be made to Southeast Hospice Network in Opelika, (334) 748-9400.

JIMMIE L. SMITH Beloved son, husband, father and grandfather Jimmie Linton Smith entered into his eternal rest on April 1, 2024.

Born to Al and Bennie Smith on Sept.18, 1942, he lived in Atlanta, Mobile, Houston and after retirement settled in Opelika. Jimmie married his high school sweetheart and they both graduated from Florida State University. Jimmie worked his entire career in the family business, DixonTom-A-Toe Co.

When the company was sold, he was able to focus more of his time on his love of golf, skeet shooting and sporting clay shooting and with his family. He enjoyed his many travel adventures and cherished the friendships he made through these sports. A long-time member of Atlanta Country Club, he had many wonderful times with the “infamous” Big Table Group. His greatest joy was his grandchildren and watching them play sports and spend time with them. He was a successful businessman, devoted and supportive father and husband and a beloved

One person mattered to Jesus! Dare I say it? Jesus liked being with Thomas! He was not satisfied until the fellowship included his friend Thomas.

In recent days “life together” for me has been meeting twice a month to pray with several men in my home. We enjoy a unique and enriching fellowship with each other and with Jesus, for He said, “Where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” Every time we meet, I feel like saying, “My brothers, we like being together, don’t we?”

As I near the end of my earthly journey, I often wonder what heaven will be like. But I am not anxious for answers. Jesus will be there, and that will be enough for me. In the

"Papa." Time spent with his family was his greatest joy in this life. He was a blessed man who knew the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal savior and lived his life accordingly.

Jimmie is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Marion Ireland Smith; his daughters, Laura Smith Welch (Trey) and Jennifer Smith Guthrie (Joe Kelly); his five grandchildren, Tanner Guthrie, Garrison Guthrie, Davis Welch, Campbell Guthrie and Riley Welch; his brother, Greg Smith; and his sister, Debra Henderson.

A private family memorial will be held, with Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home of Opelika assisting. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to St. Jude’s Foundation in his memory.

HENRY DAVID STOKES

Henry David Stokes (U.S. Army Ret.) was called home to be with the Lord on March 28, 2024. He was 75 years old.

Henry was born on Feb. 14, 1949, in Opelika, the youngest of three siblings. He married the love of his life, Darelin Lee, in 1969, and they were blessed with two children and five grandchildren.

Henry proudly served his country in the Army during the Vietnam War, receiving a bronze star for his dedication. He was a founding member of Purpose Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon for several years. He enjoyed spending time with his family, making them laugh, taking his grandchildren fishing and shooting and watching TV with his beloved Boston Terrier. He always put his family before himself, and his dedication to providing and caring for his family is one thing his family admires the most about him.

Henry was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Stokes Sr. and Catherine Nichols Stokes, his sister, Barbara Ray, and a small legion of beloved family pets.

He is survived by his wife, Darelin; his daughter, Sharron Dutton; his son, Chris Stokes; his grandchildren, Emilee Dutton, Ryan Dutton, Rhiannon Stokes, Christopher Stokes Jr. and Micheal Stokes; and

meantime, I want to spend the rest of my days walking daily with Jesus, holding His hand and hearing him say, “Walter, I like being with you.” And on the day or my departure, I want so much to hear my Lord say, “Walter, I like being with you. Come on, let’s go in; my Father is waiting inside to welcome you home.”

Real life, authentic life, is being together with Jesus –here and yonder, where life together at its best continues forever! The opportunity to share in this fellowship is available to anyone who will, on their knees, ask forgiveness for their sins, and say what Thomas said when he met the resurrected Jesus, “My Lord and my God!” That’s when “life together,” in Christ, begins –and it never ends!

his sister and brother-inlaw, Sylvia Sizemore and Bobby Donald Sizemore.

Henry Stokes is, and will continue to be, greatly missed by all those who were blessed to know him.

A memorial service was held at Fredrick-Dean Funeral Home Parlor on April 6. The family requests that any gifts be made to the American Cancer Society in Henry's name.

GEORGE B. WINGARD

George was the middle son of Prof. Robert Wingard Sr. and Estelle Wingard.

The first branch of his family, the Whitakers, arrived in Auburn in 1879 and someone has been here ever since, either associated with the college or a business. George was a greatgrandson of John Jenkins Wilmore, the first dean of engineering at Alabama Polytechnic Institute from 1908 until his death in 1943. The building on campus, Wilmore Labs, and Wilmore Drive were named in his honor.

George’s senior class of 1966 was the last to graduate from the old Auburn High School on Samford Avenue.

After graduation from Auburn University, he was accepted for the Air Force Officer Training School with a followon assignment to attend undergraduate navigator training. Between those two assignments he married his beloved wife, Jackie London, on April 17, 1971, and they were married for 46 years, four months and 28 days until her death on Sept. 15, 2017.

After earning his wings, George was assigned to an element of the Strategic Air Command (SAC) as a line navigator in the KC-135A air refueling aircraft. SAC was part of the Nuclear Triad during the Cold War, providing the airborne and missile component while the Navy provided the submarine launched MIRV missiles.

Upon retirement, George had accumulated over 3200 flying hours of which 132 were combat hours which included 29 combat sorties during the Vietnam War. Some of his awards and decorations are: Meritorious Service

'Oh to be 100 again;' Boody Brown celebrates 104

The Flower Store celebrates 43rd anniversary

The Flower Store in Auburn recently celebrated its 43rd anniversary with champagne and scrumptious spring party foods served next door at Fig and Ivy. Arrangements of spring flowers were featured throughout the store. Pictured left are Stanley Sistrunk, owner of The Flower Store, and Mary Hodson, floral designer. Stanley is also known for his philanthropic achievements in giving back to the community. Pictured right, Laura Cooper and Julia Moreman, were among those attending The Flower Store’s 43rd anniversary. Floral arrangements provided an attractive spring setting for the celebration. Champagne and spring-inspired dishes were served.

Medal with one oak leaf cluster; Air Medal; Air Force Commendation Medal; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with “V” Valor device and two oak leaf clusters; Vietnam Service Medal and others. After Air Force retirement, he and Jackie moved to Opelika and George worked for

a number of years as the business office manager for Opelika Welding, Machine and Supply, Inc. and then it was renamed and became Opelika Metalfab Inc. George was a member of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Auburn University Alumni Association, American Diabetes Association (ADA), National Rifle

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.

Association (NRA), Auburn University Samford Club, The James E. Foy Loyalty Society, Tigers Unlimited and the North Opelika Historic Neighborhood Association (NOHNA). In NOHNA, he served as a board member or officer for many years. NOHNA brought the city of Opelika the Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour and NOHNA ran it from December 1993 until December 2006. At that

time, the creator of the life size Santas moved and the city bought the Santa figures and the city has continued the tour ever since.

George is survived by one brother and a sisterin-law.

On April 13 at 10:30 a.m., a graveside burial of his ashes at the family plot in Pine Hill Cemetery on Armstrong Street in Auburn. His lifelong friend, Cmdr. Robert L. Hare, will speak and read

a prepared statement. Half of George’s ashes will be buried there and the rest will be distributed into the wind and water of his beloved Lake Martin, along with ashes of his beloved wife Jackie. Honorary ash bearers will be Sam Chesnutt, Bobby Chesnutt, Jack Marshall, Rick Burns, Mike Evans and Bobby Hare. Friends are invited for a gathering at 3809 Heritage Place, Opelika, Alabama 36804 immediately after the

COFFEE & CONVERSATION WITH VFW POST 5404

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

AUBURN/OPELIKA MOPS IS NOW 'MomCO'

MOPS International changed its name from MOPS, Mothers of Preschoolers to MomCo to include moms of children of all ages. Auburn Opelika MomCo will meet at Pepperell Baptist Church, 2702 2nd Ave. in Opelika at the following dates/ times: April 18, 5:30-7 p.m. Contact Rachel Elrod at (706) 244-5620 or Pastor Zac Gardner or Pastor Josh Elliott at (334) 745-3108 for further information.

NAMI MEETING

NAMI East Alabama, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), will meet at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, 714 E. Glenn Ave. in Auburn. Jere Colley Jr. who is the unopposed candidate for Lee County Probate Judge will discuss the process for hospitalization of an adult who needs involuntary commitment. NAMI supports families dealing with mental illness through mutual support, education and advocacy. NAMI of Alabama is providing a virtual family education program (on zoom) beginning May 9, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The NAMI Family-to-Family Program is a free eight-week educational program for families and significant others of people with a mental health condition. The program is peer lead by individuals who have been through similar situations, provides information and strategies for taking care of the person you love. Registration is required. Please email laurajnh@gmail.com or call 205-267-2986 for more information.

graveside service. The family wishes to thank Synergy Home Care for their dedication to George for these last several months.

“These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.” — Thomas Paine.

Opelika's Orrin "Boody" Brown celebrated his 104th birthday last week at his home, surrounded by family and friends. Pictured left, Brown is with Anna and Rusty Jones.

Pictured on the far right is Brown with former Opelika Fire Department Chief Albert Smith. Right before blowing out the candles on his cake Brown was heard saying, "Oh to be 100 again!"

On the Mark

Opelika Dixie Baseball underway

BY D. MARK MITCHELL

OPINION —

Opelika City Council President Eddie Smith threw out the official opening pitch last Saturday at West Ridge Park for opening ceremonies on a beautiful sunny day. The league played two games prior to opening day. I will provide more in the coming weeks on Opelika Dixie Baseball. Find schedules, team rosters and other info at www.opelikadixieyouth.com.

SPRING ROUND-UP

The Auburn and Opelika Soccer teams raised over $3,700 last Friday night at Duck Samford during the annual "Soccer for a Cure" match. The two schools joined together several years ago to raise money to help local cancer patients with expenses. Auburn swept the two varsity games, with the girls winning 9-0 and the boys winning 5-1.

The Opelika boys team tied Tallassee 3-3 last week. David Cruz scored all three goals in the second half to give the Dawgs a tie, with the assist by Rigo Ramirez.

LADY BULLDOG SOFTBALL

The Opelika softball team swept a doubleheader against Eufaula, 8-4 and 6-3.

In game one, the Lady Bulldogs scored four runs in the bottom of the first inning, three runs in the sixth and one in the seventh on their way to an 8-4 win. Katie Harrelson pitched seven innings to earn the win, allowing only three earned runs on five hits and striking out seven over seven innings in the circle.

Opelika recorded 10 hits including the following four players that hit a double: Emily Birmingham, K. Harrelson, Katie Johnson and K.G. Soltau.

OHS completed the two-game sweep by winning game two by the score of 6-3. Katelyn Foley pitched seven innings, allowed three runs on five hits while earning the win. Jas Smith led the Dogs at the plate with three hits, followed by two each from Soltau and Johnson. The remaining two hits were from Jamiah Williams and Caitlyn Morgan. Benjamin Russell stopped Opelika's two game win streak with a 13-6 win last Thursday at West Ridge Park. Despite recording 13 hits, OHS could not score enough runs to See

, page B3

Auburn City Schools announce 2023-24 Teachers of the Year

BY ANITA STIEFEL ANITAS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

AUBURN — At its regularly scheduled meeting on April 9, the Auburn City Schools (ACS) Board of Education recognized student art competition winners and the system’s 202324 Teachers of the Year.

The board congratulated Shiloh Lora, a seventh grader at East Samford School, won the Middle School Division of the statewide Youth Art Month flag design contest. This year, the Alabama Art Education Association’s theme is “Dream in Art,” and with her design, Shiloh will be recognized at the AAEA state conference in October. Her flag was designed under the tutelage of East Samford art teacher Tricia Oliver.

Twenty pieces of art by ACS students were sent to the 2024 Super-

intendent’s Visual Arts Exhibit, a statewide competition that has approximately 800 submissions annually from more than 40 school systems.

Shiloh and two other

Auburn students were also honored at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival in Montgomery on March 13. Shiloh placed second in the 7-8 grade division with a piece titled “Apples in

the Afternoon.” Cedar Linhoss, a third grader at Ogletree Elementary School, earned third place in the 3-4 grade division with her entry, “Crazy Picasso Chicken.” Eli Kiser, a fifth grader at Pick Elementary School, won Best of Show in the elementary level with his piece entitled, “Washing Waves.” The board recognized the Teachers of the Year from each of the city’s 14 schools. The ACS Elementary Teacher of the Year is Deana Hooks from Pick Elementary, who has also been named as a “Sweet 16” finalist in the Alabama State Department of Education’s statewide contest. ACS’s Secondary Teacher of the Year is Greg Sanders from Auburn High School. Other Teachers of the Year are: Bob Cloud,

Pictured, left to right, are Auburn City Schools’ Teachers of the Year: Autumn Young of the Early Education Center, Laura Rubin of Yarbrough Elementary, Traci Stewart of Ogletree Elementary, Katharine Martin of Auburn Junior High, Greg Sanders of Auburn High School (ACS Secondary Teacher of the Year), Adriane Smith of Woodland Pines Elementary, Cassie Davis of Cary Woods Elementary, Mykia Duncan of Richland Elementary, Allison Murfee of Dean Road Elementary, Lindy Tapley of Creekside Elementary, Laura Corder of Wrights Mill Road Elementary, Deana Hooks of Pick Elementary (ACS Elementary Teacher of the year and Sweet 16 state finalist), Bob Cloud of East Samford School and Tammy Flanagan J.F. Drake Middle School.

Cedar Linhoss, a third grader at Ogletree Elementary School, earned statewide hoors for her "Crazy Picasso Chicken."

SU nurses achieve 100% pass rate on board exams

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

LEE COUNTY — Southern Union State Community College’s most recent Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN) graduates achieved a 100% first-time pass rate on their board exams.

According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, the current average national pass rate for firsttime test takers of the national licensure exam, known as the NCLEX, is 87.75%.

“We are committed to producing quality nurses to serve the east Alabama and west Georgia area and strive

to offer quality instruction to our students," said Rhonda Davis, dean of health sciences at SUSCC. We are extremely proud of the 53 students in the Fall 2023 ADN graduating cohort.”

For more than 40 years, Southern Union has been developing nurses ready to enter the workforce in two years through its competitive program.

For more information on the ADN program at SUSCC or any program in the health sciences division, visit suscc.edu. Applications are currently being taken for Fall 2024 admission.

win the game.

Opelika's Jas Smith and Katie Johnson recorded three hits and Katie Harrelson added two hits.

OHS VS. CENTRAL

The Bulldog baseball team (17-12, A 0-2 ) lost three games to Central (15-2, 0-4, 2-3) to fall 0-2 in the Area despite winning 17 games. (The third game is the tie-breaker and does not count in Area standings).

The AHSAA's Area format leaves no room for error, because the top two teams in the Area advance to the state playoffs. Opelika probably needs to win the series against Smiths Station and Auburn to make the 7A State Playoffs.

Opelika opened the series at Bulldog Park last Wednesday night. Central scored seven runs in the first inning, one run in the second inning and seven runs in the seventh to beat the Bulldogs 15-2. Brodie Jones, Jackson Killcrease, Slade Clayton, T.J. Arnold and Chris Floyd recorded hits for the Bulldogs.

Central won game two 0-4 and 2-3. The tiebreaker games two and three were held at Darnell-Nelson Field in Phenix City. The Red Devils shut out the Dogs 4-0 in the opener. Opelika's Brodie Jones, J. Killcrease and Slade Clayton recorded hits.

CHS finished the three-game series by scoring the game winning run in the bottom of the seventh inning in to win 3-2.

I talked to Opelika head baseball coach Zach Blatt Monday morning during my radio show, On the Mark (airing on FOX Sports the Game 910-1310). Blatt was very positive heading into the series with Area foe Smiths Station.

“I am confident in these guys,” Blatt said. “There is no need to panic or make changes. We believe we have a very good team, full of good kids that love the game. I am looking forward to our series with SSHS, this is a tough league."

OHS VS. HARRIS COUNTY

Opelika baseball team honored the seniors Monday prior to beating Harris County 11-6 at Bulldog Park. Floyd had a record night with three hits including two homeruns, three RBI and scored three runs. Peyton Lovelace added two hits while Jones, J. Killcreas, Rowell, P. Killcreas, TJ Arnold and Copous recorded hits.

OHS VS. SMITHS STATION

Opelika lost the opening game to SSHS Tuesday night, 10-3 in Smiths. The Dogs are now 0-3 in area play with a double-header scheduled Wednesday against the Smiths Station at Bulldog Park. (The results were not available at press time)

The Bulldogs scattered six hits and scored one run in the 5th inning and two runs in the 6th inning while the Panthers scored at least one run in every inning but the second. Three Dogs hit doubles: Copous, Clayton and Hudson while Jones, J. Killcreas and Floyd recorded hits.

Thursday's double-header at Bulldog Park starts at 4 p.m., weather permitting.

TRACK AND FIELD

Opelika's track and field teams participated in two meets last week. On Friday night, OHS ran in the Challenge of Champions and in the ProState Meet at Central High School in Phenix City.

MOBILE CHALLENGE of CHAMPIONS

The girls results:

100 METER DASH

12.19

Tierra Agee, 2nd

100 METER HURDLES

17.76

Makiah Paschal, 9th

300 METER HURDLES 45.77

LONG JUMP

Makiah Paschal, 1st

SB Tierra Agee, 3rd

100 METER DASH 13.14

Harper Threat, 3rd 13.18

Kahliya Cloud, 4th 13.19

Ca'Niya Mitchell, 5th

200 METER DASH

Harper Threat, 1st

Kahliya Cloud, 3rd

Arianna Thomas, 5th

400 METER DASH

Jada Coleman, 2nd

Amaia Spratling, 7th

800 METER RUN

Lillie Flenniken, 3rd

1600 METER RUN

Caroline Couey, 1st

Lillie Flenniken, 2nd

3200 METER RUN

Caroline Couey, 1st

100 METER HURDLES

Mitchell, 4th

Alexander Burgess, 2nd 5:41.16 Seth Huling, 5th

3200 METER RUN 10:22.48 Brantley Turnham. 1st 11:19.43 Alexander Burgess, 5th 11:57.65 Drew Schoonhoven, 6th 12:35.87 Seth Huling, 7th

110 METER HURDLES 18.33 Richard Howard, 3rd

300 METER HURDLES 47.26 Richard Howard, 5th

HIGH JUMP 5-10 Jaxson Freeman, 2nd 5-6 Leland Bell, 4th

LONG JUMP 19-8 Leland Bell, 2nd

DISCUS 107-10 Michael Cosgriff, 4th

JAVELIN

142-3 Jaxson Freeman, 1st 120-6 Jahmere Schley, 3rd

SHOT PUT

34-4.75 Michael Cosgriff, 7th

32-2 Reginald Williams, 8th

Opelika hosts the Mike Spain Invitational on Friday, April 12, at 4:30 p.m. at Sam Mason Track. Spectators are asked NOT to arrive on campus prior to 4:30 p.m.

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

Opelika varsity baseball tops Harris County

On April 8, the Opelika High School varsity baseball team played against Harris County. The Bulldogs won the game by a score of 11-6.

On Thursday, April 4, the Beauregard varsity boys baseball team won the game against Eufaula High School by a score of 12-2.

AU previews next season's team at A-Day

Trinity falls to Spring Wood

ACS >> from B1

East Samford; Laura Corder, Wrights Mill Road Elementary; Mykia Duncan, Richland Elementary; Tammy Flanagan, Drake Middle; Katharine Martin, Auburn Junior High; Allison Murfee, Dean Road Elementary; Adriane Smith, Woodland Pines Elementary; Traci Stewart, Ogletree Elementary; Laura Rubin, Yarbrough Elementary; Lindy Tapley, Creekside Elementary; and Autumn Young of the Auburn Early Education Center.

In other action, the board voted unanimously to accept the low bid of $2.35 million from Hellas Construction to refurbish turf on the field and track at the high school.

The board received a clear audit report

for fiscal year 2023 from Melissa Motley of Machen McChesney accounting firm, who said the city schools experienced “another good year.”

In other action, the board approved personnel recommendations and appointed the nominating committee for 2024-2025 officers.

Upcoming events were announced, including the Career and Technical Education Awards on Tuesday, April 30, at 6 p.m. at the Auburn High School Performing Arts Center and AHS graduation on Thursday, May 23, at 7 p.m. at Duck Samford Stadium.

On May 14, the board will hold its Annual Meeting at 6 p.m. at Auburn Junior High School’s multi-media room, preceded by a retiree recognition ceremony at 5:15 p.m.

April 8 was a big day on the campus of Auburn University, as fans of the Tigers turned out for the annual A-Day events.

Trinity Christian played Spring Wood in varsity baseball on April 4. Trinity lost the game 14-7.

Classroom

Observer

The easel of your child's life

OBY BETH PINYERD

ne of the special learning centers I enjoy children rotating through in the classroom is the art center. A fresh white sheet of paper stretched and clamped on an easel or laid out on a table is just waiting to be drawn, colored or painted on by the hand of a child. The blank easel page waits for the artist’s touch. This is the way it is with our children’s lives. The drawing and painting on the easel of a child’s life is done at home. Our homes provide a place of refuge, security, peace and where we can let down and sense we are loved and accepted for who we are. You have heard the expression “Home is where the heart is.” This expression means so much to a child’s growth, development and life. A child’s school and teachers help to draw and paint on the easel of a child’s life. Parents, grandparents, family, teachers are all part of the paint brush and palette in a child’s life. In focusing in on our homes and our roles as parents, grandparents and family, how can a home prepare a child emotionally, learn new skills appropriate for their age, learn rules of discipline which lead to a well-adjusted life and respect for others, and for children to use and recognize their gifts and talents.

Celebrating the life of your child is so very important. Set aside special days within your home to spend time one on one with your child. You don’t have to wait until their birthdays. Stay in tune to what your child likes to do such as drawing, reading, music, building with blocks, Legos, observing the world through the eyes of science, playing with mud pies, a tendency toward certain sports and games. Spend time with your child at home on the couch, in the kitchen, bedroom, giving bubbly, sudsy nightly baths for your child to blow bubbles and laugh in glee. They are little people, whose young lives can be molded within the home.

1. Gifts and Talents: What better environment can a child realize that they have certain gifts, talents, unique personalities than in the safety and love of their families and homes.

2. Emotionally: Children are moldable and bendable by the words we say to them. Children need clear lines of rules and boundaries, but yet they need words of encouragement in order to learn, grow, and just believe and know how special they are. I have mentioned this before but another art center I love to spend time in the classroom with children is the Play-Doh Center because we can mold, roll, pat Play-Doh into different animals such as frogs, snakes, birds and bird eggs, cookies, cakes, etc. Play-Doh is just plain

old fun. Like Play-Doh, children’s lives can be shaped into objects they don’t desire to be or into objects that radiate like the bright colors of Play-Doh by the words, actions and time we spend with our children. The home is the perfect environment where words of encouragement and time spent with your children are the essential building blocks in their adjustment, well-being and good self-esteem. Also, getting off the very busy routine at home and letting your child or children just unwind is very important for your child. Free play is so important in the development steps of a child. It is voluntary, spontaneous, open-ended play with no wrong or right answers. Home provides a safe haven to develop a good emotional foundation.

3. Learning New Skills: There are so many readiness and academic lessons to be learned at home through household chores that truthfully aid your child’s developmental learning. Sorting laundry into piles like the family’s dirty or clean clothes, they can sort what belongs to mom, dad, brother, or sister. Sorting silverware is to take time to set the table for a family meal. Children have to count and remember how many family members to set the

table for, which is one-toone correspondence. In the kitchen, have your children read food labels by looking at the pictures on the jars or cans. Measurement of quantities, fractions and comparison of sizes can be taught as children help mom or dad in the kitchen. Social skills can be taught as you interact with your child. Too, role playing is an excellent way to teach your child the wrong and right way. Discovery skills in science can be taught by having your child observe his/her surroundings. Reading together a favorite book is an excellent way to wind down the day while at the same time teaching your child new words and concepts.

4. Discipline: As a parent it is our responsibility to discipline our children. Home provides the environment in helping a child learn to get along with his/her family as well as his/her friends. Children are born with the desire for we parents or caregivers to set boundaries for their health and safety. We have rules for driving on the road, being careful, as well as respecting the lives of others. As I tell my young students in the classroom, I set up rules for you to follow because I do care and love you. With children they understand a few simple

rules. Rules differ for each family according to their needs and lifestyles as well as cultures. Children remember and follow the rules you consistently set down and expect them to follow. When discipline and rules are set at home it is important for, we parents to be in keeping and knowing the child’s age and abilities. Consequences of disobedience should be appropriate and carried out immediately with a child. One truth that I have always used with my students and own child is that “little obedience is no obedience.” When parents call their children to come in and eat dinner or clean their room, if they are slow to come or say wait and find other things to do instead of minding their parents, they are not minding their authority. It is so important for children to have boundaries and routines in order to be healthy and happy physically as well as emotionally and mentally.

Let’s paint a beautiful Godly rainbow on the easel of our child’s life!

Beth Pinyerd has taught many years in the early childhood classroom. She has a master’s degree in early childhood education.

L

labama Politics ee County & A

Primary runoff is this week

BY STEVE FLOWERS

OPINION —

Those of you who live in the new 2nd congressional district have runoffs this coming Tuesday, April 16. This is the most interesting and entertaining political contest in Alabama this year.

This new seat is comprised of all of Montgomery County, as well as most of the more rural counties surrounding Montgomery, including Macon, Lowndes, Bullock, Pike, Butler, Crenshaw, Barbour and Russell. It continues through rural Black Belt counties like an arrow toward Mobile and gathers most of the Black voters in Mobile.

This gerrymandered new district was created by the federal courts to implement a new Democratic Black District in the Heart of Dixie. Currently, we have six Republican congressmen and one Democrat. If the court plan succeeds with the election of a new Black congressman to join our lone Democrat, Terri Sewell, then we will have two Democrats and five Republicans representing us on the Potomac. The Democrat will be favored to win this seat come November.

Alabama has a super majority Republican legislature, which diligently fought the court, to make it a less Democratic district. However, their arguments to the court were very lame. The argument that because Mobile County had never been split in half and the county needed to be together because of a “community of

interest” flew in the face of what the court was asking for and actually made the plaintiffs’ case for them. If you know that area of the state, you also know that those seven aforementioned counties surrounding Montgomery have more of a “community of interest” with Montgomery than Black voters in Mobile/ Pritchard have with white flight Baldwin County Republicans.

Half of the folks in the counties south of Montgomery have kinfolk, brothers, cousins and grandchildren that live in Montgomery. Most of those people have moved from those counties to Montgomery to work or still live there and commute. They have shopped and gone to the doctor in Montgomery and watched Montgomery television stations for generations.

Bless the folks in Macon County’s heart. The most historic Black city in the country, Tuskegee, along with the rich HBCU Tuskegee University legacy, have been stuck in the bottom of the gerrymandered Republican 3rd district for decades with a White Republican congressman from Anniston supposedly representing them. You cannot tell me that the good folks of Macon County will not be more at home with and better taken care of by having a congressman of their persuasion who knows their interests.

The Democratic runoff will be between Mobile’s Shomari Figures and Huntsville State Rep. Anthony Daniels. Some of you may be scratching your head and asking how in the world a Representative from Huntsville is running for Congress in South Alabama. Federal law does not require a person to live in the district to run for Congress.

A host of Anthony’s legislative colleagues attempted to use this

carpetbagging loophole to capture this new open perceived Democratic seat, but it did not work out too well for them. The homegrown boy Shomari Figures trounced them, especially in his home county of Mobile. It did not hurt that Shomari’s mother, Vivian Figures, is probably one of the most popular Democratic state senators in the history of the Port City.

One of the more remarkable victories for Figures in the March 5 primary, was the amazing vote he received in Montgomery. Figures campaigned extensively in the two urban vote centers of Mobile and Montgomery and it paid dividends. He got a whopping 50% of the vote in Mobile. That means he outdistanced all 10 of his opponents combined. His 40% of the vote in Montgomery was even more amazing. He crushed Joe Reed’s vaunted ADC machine, who backed Mobile State Representative Napoleon Bracy.

Bracy finished a distant third in the race with 15%. It stands to reason that Bracy’s votes will accrue to this fellow Mobilian on Tuesday. Shomari Figures has a substantial lead going into next week, and his lead is probably insurmountable. In the Republican primary, former Montgomery State Sen. Dick Brewbaker led young Attorney Caroleene Dobson 39% to 27%.

Brewbaker won most of his votes in his home county of Montgomery where he garnered an impressive 67% of the vote. If Caroleene is to overtake him, she will have to do it in Mobile and the southern portion of the new district.

See you next week.

Steve Flowers' weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. steve@ steveflowers.us.

As the Lee County Commission continued discussing increasing broadband in the county, it has moved into Phase Two of its plan.

The broadband discussion has been ongoing since Lee County received it’s American Rescue Plan Act funding from the COVID-19 pandemic. Part of this money has been allocated to expanding broadband

potential priority areas that we would like to see … and then, our hope is that the ISPs will also contribute with some areas that they feel like also are unserved or underserved, where they can help as well.”

The applications are due May 10, Leverette said.

LOACHAPOKA PARK:

The commission heard an update on the Loachapoka park on Monday night.

The park is in the hands of the contractor now, said Lee County Parks Manager Ryan Norris.

A waterline has also been installed.

“[It's] Moving right along,” Norris said.

“I first want to give you an update of where we are with … Phase One,” said County Administrator Holly Leverette. “As of Friday, two of the agreements have been signed with BEAM. So the two projects, the one in Salem and the one in South Central, have been signed and those projects are ready to begin.”

The Salem project should be finished by the fall and the South Central will begin afterward, Leverette said.

The Loachapoka project is in Point Broadband’s hands, she said, and it estimates the completion within a year.

With Phase Two ISPs will hopefully help identify other unserved or underserved areas, Leverette said.

“With Phase Two, we developed some

The parking lot is ready for asphalt and the pavilion pad is ready for the structure to be installed, Norris said. The plants for the park will arrive and be planted by the end of the week.

The highway department will come back in near the end of the process for final touches, Norris said.

“I say this every time but I want to thank the highway department for what they did down there also,” said District One Commissioner Doug Cannon.

OTHER BUSINESS:

- The commission swore in two new Lee County Emergency Management Agency employees.

- The commission heard the annual coroner’s office report.

- The commission heard a report on National Work Zone Awareness Week.

- The commission heard the first reading for a vacancy on the Smiths Station Fire and Rescue Board.

- The commission approved the county “No Trucks” route list.

- The commission approved a field rental fee consideration.

- The commission added an item to the agenda a discussion on the new Lee County planning director.

- The commission approved a memorandum of understanding for improvements to the Lee County Health Department.

- The commission approved the results of a bid for 14 or more Chevrolet Tahoes for the Lee County Sheriff’s Department.

- The commission did not make a determination for Lee Road 515’s jurisdiction.

- The commission approved a federal aid agreement for resurfacing Lee Road 240.

- The commission approved the final plat approval for the subdivision plat for Crowder Properties LLC.

- The commission tabled the final plat approval for Hornet Hills Subdivision.

- The commission approved the FY 2024 Local Resurfacing Project No. LCP 41RALR-24.

- The commission approved the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Formula Allocation.

- The commission recognized EMA Communications Officer Clinton Knox.

Secretary of State Wes Allen warns Alabama voters about 'misleading election mailer'

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

ALABAMA — Sec. of State

Wes Allen is warning Alabama citizens of a misleading, unsolicited mass mailing of prefilled voter registration forms targeting Alabama mailboxes. The mailer is not affiliated with the state of Alabama and has, in fact, been officially discouraged by Allen.

The Voter Participation Center and Center for Voter

Information, the two groups operating the mass mailing, appear to be run by the same organization. They have communicated their intent to send at least two mass mailings of pre-filled voter registration forms to Alabama citizens, beginning as early as this month.

The Sec. of State has submitted written objections to their efforts, due to the confusion they will create. “On two occasions, this

office was contacted on behalf of Voter Participation Center and Center for Voter Information regarding a mailer they planned to send to Alabama citizens. In response, I strongly discouraged the group’s plan to mass mail our citizens,” Allen explained. “This type of targeted, partisan interference by out-of-state, third-party organizations is unnecessary, confusing and counterproductive.”

In past election cycles, the Office of the Secretary of State has fielded complaints from concerned Alabama residents who received incorrect pre-filled voter registration forms similar to the ones being mailed by the Voter Participation Center and Center for Voter Information.

“Alabama citizens can rest assured that the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office and local election officials

Voter advocacy groups push back against Secretary of State's claims

to register and turn out eligible voters in Alabama. This is non-partisan work and its aim is one that all election administrators should support. This is about bringing Democracy to eligible American’s doorsteps.

VPC and CVI focus largely on underrepresented populations — people of color, young people and unmarried women. Since 2003, VPC and CVI have helped more than 6.1 million people register to vote. Our mail programs have a tangible and positive impact on the voters, and on representative democracy. In Alabama alone, VPC and CVI will be sending out more than 138,000 pieces of mail.

Eligible Alabamians can simply fill out the state voter registration form, sign it, and mail in their voter registra-

Reader takes exception with Flowers column

I take issue with the recent column by Steve Flowers. His statement “these silly indictments are so transparently politically orchestrated” regarding the former president apparently thinks the former president did not break the law. Does he think that hiding documents whether classified or not that do not belong to him but belong to we, the people, is not breaking the law? Does he think that spawning a riot at the capital is not breaking the law? Does he think that orchestrating a plan to overturn a legitimate election is not breaking the law? Does he think that evading taxes for decades is acceptable

when the rest of us pay our fair share? Does he think that just because someone is running for office and he happens to be a former president that he is above the law and should not be held accountable?

Of course, Mr. Flowers is an opinion columnist and he can have his opinion. My opinion is that our former president should be indicted just like you or I would be if we had done the same thing. If he is found guilty by a jury and a court of law, then he should pay the consequences. Our court system is the one to decide if a law has been broken, not Mr. Flowers.

Marilyn Garrett Auburn

tion application. VPC and CVI use the very same voter registration forms used by county election officials and, as stated by Secretary of State Allen, we provide sample letters to state election officials months before the mailers go out. If an individual receives our mailer and is already registered to vote, they can simply discard it. We make this clear in the letter that voters receive from our organizations.

Our hope is that all election officials will support our efforts to promote democracy, instead of misleading and alarming voters about our effective and non-partisan voter registration programs. For more information, visit www. voterparticipation.org.

The Voter Participation Center and Center for Voter Information are nonprofit, non-partisan organizations founded in 2003 to help members of the New American Majority — unmarried women, people of color and young people — register and vote. Since then, the organizations have helped 5.7 million people register and cast ballots.

are well-equipped to handle voter registration in Alabama. Trusted voter registration and election information can be found on the Secretary of State’s official website,” said Allen.

Eligible Alabama citizens may register to vote online at www.AlabamaVotes.gov or mail a voter registration form to their local Board of Registrars.

Opelika police seek identification of man suspected of stealing from Anything Goes

Club News

Kiwanis guest speaker informs about services of Lee-Russell Council of Governments

Planned Unit Development”.

(c)The proposed development is a mixed-use planned development, consisting of various commercial uses, as well as several types of multi-family residential uses with corresponding open space areas and onsite stormwater detention. Multi-family residential uses include town homes, twin homes, apartments and cottages. Commercial uses are to be determined, but may include a shopping center, climate-controlled storage and other commercial/light industrial uses.

(d)The development will be accessed primarily from Gateway Drive and Cunningham Drive but will also have access to Frederick Road via Center Hill Drive. The City of Opelika has plans to construct a collector roadway from Gateway Drive to Cunningham Drive that will facilitate development opportunities within the area.

(e)On March 26, 2024, the Planning Commission heretofore conducted a public hearing of the proposed development and referred to the City Council its recommendation to approve the proposed development.

(f) It is advisable and in the interest of the City and the public interest that the proposed property described in Section 3 below should be developed as a residential planned unit development.

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. DESIGNATION OF A PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT. The official Zoning Map is hereby amended and the zoning classification for the following parcels of land shall be changed from a C-2 District (Office/Retail District), C-3 District (General Commercial District and R-4 District (Medium-Density Residential District) to a Planned Unit Development (PUD)

75°43’58” East, 235.42 feet to a point located on the southwesterly right of way of U. S. Highway 280; thence along a curve to the left of said right of way South 41°31’11” East, a chord distance of 68.29 feet to a point; thence continue along said right of way South 57°21’45” East, 211.05 feet to a point; thence continue along said right of way South 52°09’35” East, 200.25 feet to a point; thence continue along said right of way South 47°14’05” East, 322.91 feet to appoint; thence continue along a curve to the right of said right of way an arc length of 621.33 feet, a chord bearing 30°02’18” East, a chord distance of 615.56 feet to a point located on the south line of Section 14; thence along the south line of Section 14 North 89°42’42” West, 1163.48 feet to the point of beginning. The above-described property contains 18.8530 acres and is more fully shown as Lot 4 on a survey by Joe D. McElvy Alabama Registration 9686 dated September 29, 1995, made a part hereof by reference.

1285.95 feet; thence South 89 degrees 47 minutes 17 seconds West, a distance of 1573.89 feet; thence South 00 degrees 45 minutes 36 seconds East, a distance of 1600.35 feet to the northerly margin of Fredrick Road; thence along said northerly margin South 71

43 seconds 24 minutes West, a distance of 648.06 feet to the easterly margin of Cunningham Drive; thence along said easterly margin North 00 degrees 43 minutes 55 seconds West, a distance of 40.01 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING; said described tract containing 49.505 acres, more or less. Gateway Development, LLC – (21.20 Acres Center Point Subdivision) That certain Property consisting of 21.20 acres of land at terminus of Center Point Subdivision and designated for future development on that certain plat of Center Point Subdivision First Revisions and First Addition recorded in Plat Book 14, at Page 152 in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama. Gateway Development, LLC - Parcel 1-C (Saucier Investments, LLC) Parcel 1-C of the Administrative Subdivision, Saucier Investments, LLC as shown on that certain map or plat of said subdivision of record in Plat Book 44, at Page 158, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama. Cornerstone, LLC – Lots 4 & 5 (Virginia Woods Subdivision) All those tracts or parcels of land lying and being in Section 14, Township 19 North, Range 26 East, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama and being more

particularly described as follows:

Begin at the southwest corner of Section 14, Township 19North, Range 26 East, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama; thence along the south line of Section 14 South 89°42’42” East, 3949.86 feet to a point of beginning of the property herein described; thence North 00°00’33” East, 976.13 feet to a point; thence North

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

END

110.16 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 00°49'55" WEST, A DISTANCE OF 99.88 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 00°49'55" WEST, A DISTANCE OF 99.90 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 00°49'55" WEST, A DISTANCE OF 99.92

submitted

Rodney C. Jones and Laurie S. Jones - Lot 5 (Virginia Woods Subdivision)

Beginning at the southeast corner of Section 14, Township 19 North, Range 26 East, Lee County, Alabama; thence North 89°42’42” West, 1320.01 feet to a point; thence North 00°31’35” East, 976.13 feet to a point, said point being the point of beginning of the property herein described; thence North 00°31’35” East, 406.00 feet to a point located at the intersection of the southerly right of way of CSX Railroad and the southwesterly right of way of U.S. Highway 280, thence along the southwesterly right of way of U.S. Highway 280 a chord bearing 32°49’14” East, a chord distance of 414.06 feet, an arch length of 415.25 feet to a point; thence leaving said right of way South 75°43’58” West, 235.42 feet to the point of beginning, containing 0.9750 acres. The above-described property is more fully shown as Lot 5, Virginia Woods Subdivision, by Joe D. McElvy Alabama Registration 9686 dated September 29, 1995, as recorded in Book 17, Page 194, Lee County, Alabama. The above-described property, containing approximately 98.8 acres, is located between Gateway Drive and Cunningham Drive. Section 4. RETENTION OF COPIES OF DEVELOPMENT PLAN. Copies of the Development Plan shall be maintained in the office

shall become effective upon its adoption, approval and publication as required by law. Section 7. PUBLICATION.

and

Hearing. Please contact Brian Weiss, the City’s Interim ADA Coordinator, at 334-705-5134 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability. WITNESS my hand this the 11th day of April, 2024. /s/Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 04/11/2024

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING OPELIKA CITY COUNCIL May 7, 2024, 6:00 P.M.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN in accordance with §23-4-2, Code of Alabama, 1975, that the City Council of the City of Opelika will conduct a Public Hearing during the regularly scheduled City Council meeting on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the Courtroom of the Opelika Municipal Csourt Building, 300 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, to receive the benefit of public input concerning a proposal to vacate a portion of the right-of-way of Speedway Road between Randall Drive and Veterans Parkway. All persons interested in the proposed vacation are invited to appear at the public hearing and express their views. Written statements or objections may be submitted to the City Clerk prior to the time of the hearing. The portion of Speedway Drive proposed to be vacated is more particularly described as follows: RIGHT-OF-WAY VACATION OF A PORTION OF SPEEDWAY DRIVE COMMENCE AT A POINT UNDER ASPHALT LOCALLY ACCEPTED AS THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SECTION 15, TOWNSHIP 19 NORTH, RANGE 26 EAST, AUBURN, LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA; THENCE NORTH 21°46'52" EAST, A DISTANCE OF 2070.89 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING OF A RIGHT-OF-WAY VACATION MORE FULLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: THENCE NORTH 00°49'50" EAST, A DISTANCE OF 216.29

FEET; THENCE NORTH 00°49'50" EAST, A DISTANCE OF 110.44 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 89°10'10" EAST, A DISTANCE OF 48.78 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 00°49'55" WEST, A DISTANCE OF

to these petitions could

the development as approved by the Planning Director and City

ORDINANCE NO. 004-24

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR BROOKSTONE PUD

BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows: Section 1. FINDINGS. The Council has determined and hereby finds and declares that the following facts are true and correct:

(a)Pursuant to Ordinance No.

131-97, adopted on December 16, 1997, the City Council approved a Development Plan for Brookstone PUD and amended the official Zoning Map of the City to designate the zoning classification of PUD for approximately 81 acres.

(b)Brookstone PUD is a mixed residential development, consisting of six acres with up to 48 assisted living units, six acres with up to 24 garden homes, 18 acres with 44 single-family homes and 81 acres for apartments.

(c)Out of the total project area within Brookstone PUD only the assisted living area has been developed and the apartment area has been removed from the PUD.

(d)Holland Homes, LLC is the owner of record and/or has a property interest in the remaining 24.05 acres within the Brookstone PUD.

(e)Holland Homes, LLC, has heretofore submitted to the City a proposed Amended Development Plan for the 24.05 acres of land owned by it within Brookstone PUD. The subject property is located east of Fox Run Parkway and is further described as follows: Commencing at a found 5/8” rebar by Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood (GMC), said point is in a disturbed condition and is located at the locally accepted Southeast Southeast corner of Section 5, Township 19 North, Range 27 East, Lee County, Alabama and is the Southeast corner of Lot 27 of Foxrun Industrial Park, 1st Revision, 1st Addition, Redivision of Lots 19-38 and Resubdivision of Lots 4 and 7 (plat book 21, page 103); thence North 00°14'27" East, a distance of 192.42 feet to a

top iron pin; thence continue along Lot 116 South 00°03'19" West, a distance of 68.46 feet to a found ¾” crimp top iron pin; thence continue along Lot 116 South 00°00'55" West, a distance of 229.61 feet to the Point of Beginning. Said parcel is in Section 5, Township 19 North, Range 27 East, Lee County, Alabama and is a revision of Lots 19 through 30, part of Lots 32, 33, 38 and Lots 34 through 37, Foxrun Industrial Park, 1st Revision, 1st Addition, Redivision of Lots 19-38 and Resubdivision of Lots 4 and 7 (plat book 21, page 103) and contains 24.05 acres, more or less. The above-described property, containing approximately 24.05 acres, is at 1001 Fox Run Parkway and is located on the east side of Fox Run Parkway.

(f)The Amended Development Plan is a mixed residential development, consisting of 43 single-family homes and 90 twin homes. The proposed development will create an extension of Fox Run Village, and the residential units within the development will mirror those in Fox Run Village. The development will have a density of 5.53 units per acre.

(g)On December 19, 2023, the Planning Commission heretofore conducted a public hearing of the proposed Amended Development Plan and referred to the City Council its recommendation to approve the Amended Development Plan for Brookstone PUD with the condition that the applicant/developer provide an additional public access to the development.

West, a distance of 101.67 feet to a found 5/8” rebar (GMC); thence North 09°50'00" West, a distance of 136.50 feet to a calculated point in a creek centerline; thence North 02°30'52" West, a

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

Section 4. REPEALER. Any ordinance or part thereof in conflict with provisions of this Ordinance be and the same are hereby repealed.

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

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

ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 2nd day of April, 2024. /s/Eddie Smith PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA

ATTEST:

/s/Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK TRANSMITTED TO MAYOR on this the 3rd day of April, 2024.

/s/Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR

APPROVED this the 3rd day of April, 2024.

/s/Gary Fuller MAYOR

ATTEST: /s/Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK Legal Run 04/11/2024

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

CASE NO.: PC 2024-180

IN RE: THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CAROL EDWARDS DAVIS, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Valarie Davis McCalman on the 25th day of March, 2024, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, 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.

Valarie Davis McCalman

BY: Patrick McCalman, Attorney for Personal Representative Legal Run 4/11/24, 4/18/24 & 4/25/24

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Adoption of: LME (6/16/2020) LME (6/16/2020) JLC (9/5/2018) JJC (7/22/2019) TJC (3/2/2016)

TO: Any and all alleged/unknown fathers

Take notice, that Petitions for the Adoption of the children, LME, female child born 6/16/2020; LME, female child born 6/16/2020; JLC, female child born 9/5/2018; JJC, a male child born 7/22/2019; to Jasmine Lynette Erskine at Baptist Medical Center South in Montgomery, Alabama and TJC, a female child born 3/2/2016 to Jasmine Lynette Erskine at Vaughan RMCParkway Campus in Selma, Alabama have been filed in this Court by Charles Ballard, III, Amy Renea Ballard and by Gailrenette Patrice Pickett. Your failure to file an answer

ENGLISH, Probate Judge

Margaret Ann Mayfield Attorney for Petitioners P.O. Box 809 Opelika, Alabama 36803 (334) 745-0333 Legal Run 04/11/24, 04/18/24, 04/25/18 & 05/02/24

zoning district accessed at the 4800 block of Birmingham Highway (Hwy 280 West).

3.A public hearing on a request by Gustavo Diaz Cax, property owner, for conditional use approval for multiple dwellings on a single lot (duplex and single family home) in a R-4 zoning district accessed at 114 Brannon Avenue (This conditional use approval expired; reapplying for conditional use approval).

4.A public hearing on a request by Foresite Group, LLC, authorized representative for ALYSSA Corporation, property owner, for conditional use approval to convert a 108 unit hotel into a multi-family residential development (apartments) in a C-3, GC-P zoning district at the 1105 Columbus Parkway.

C. Master Sign Plan Review

5.An agenda item to send a recommendation to the City Council concerning the Master Sign Plan for The Landing Entertainment/ Restaurant PUD zoning district. The master sign plan includes two pylon freestanding signs: 399 square feet at 50 foot height and 215 square feet at 20 foot height. Freestanding signs for each tenant parcel: maximum 50 square feet sign area and maximum 10 foot sign height. City Council shall make the final decision on the master sign plan. V. Old Business D. Conditional Use Extension – Public Hearing

04/18/24 & 04/25/18 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

6. A request by Howard Weissinger to extend a conditional use approval for 12 months starting at the current expiration date of May 23, 2024. The said conditional use approval is The Townes multi-family development (apartments) in a C-2. GC-P zoning district consisting of 151 units accessed at 2400 Frederick Road. E. Text Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance - Public Hearing

7. A public hearing to consider a recommendation to the City Council on proposed text amendments to the Zoning Ordinance concerning Bed & Breakfast use: Section 2.2 Definitions; 7.3 C. Use Categories-- (matrix table); Add new section: Section 8.28.4 Bed and Breakfast. This item was tabled at the March 26th PC meeting.

8. Institutional Zone - A public hearing to consider a recommendation to the City Council on proposed text amendments to the Zoning Ordinance concerning Bed & Breakfast use Section 6.4 Purpose and Intent of Zoning Districts; Section 7.3 A. District Regulations; Section 7.3 C. Use Categories (matrix table). This item was tabled at the March 26th PC meeting.

IV. New Business

A. Plat (Preliminary and Final ) – Public Hearing

1.A public hearing on a request by Blake Rice, authorized representative for Plainsman Development, Inc., property owner, for preliminary and final approval of the Foxchase on Emerald Lake Phase 4D subdivision consisting of 8 lots accessed from Firefly Bend. B.Conditional Use – Public Hearing

2.A public hearing on a request by RaceTrac, Inc., Victor Sutapaha, authorized representative for WWS Properties, LLC, property owner, for conditional use approval for a convenience store and gas station (RaceTrac) C-2. GC-P

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

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