The Observer 04-14-2022 by OpelikaObserver

Thursday April 14, 2022

Vol. 14, No. 27

Opelika, Alabama

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Covering Lee County, Alabama

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Creating Art To Help Ukraine LEE COUNTY — Leslie Reid Brasher and her husband, Jon, adopted their son David from Ukraine 20 years ago. And now, David wonders if he’ll ever get to visit his birth home again. Leslie and her husband had experienced years of infertility before turning to adoption. Ukraine wasn’t their original choice — they looked domestically first, then at Russia. Domestic adoption didn’t pan out for the couple, so they turned abroad. “We were looking at Russia, because Ukraine wasn’t on our radar, simply because I’d been to Latvia (on a mission

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA — A birthday party for Opelika native and World War II veteran Orin "Boody" Brown IV was held at his place of residence on April 4. Brown turned 102. Born and raised in Opelika, Brown attended the Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now referred to as Auburn University), where he pursued a degree in aeronautical administration. Following his graduation in summer 1941, Brown

See UKRAINE, page A3

See BIRTHDAY, page A2

Downtown Opelika To Host Spring Open House

great items to fit any taste or budget.” Live music will be playing throughout downtown during the event. Friday is also the Opelika Chamber of Commerce’s ‘Food

Truck Friday’ night, so attendees are encouraged to visit the many food trucks that will be downtown. ABOUT OPELIKA MAIN STREET: Founded in 1987, Opelika Main Street has helped assist in the growth of historic downtown Opelika through facade grants, beatification projects, small business assistance efforts and various community events. Learn more about Opelika Main Street by going to opelikamainstreet. org.

RE-ELECT

Richard LaGrand Sr. for District 5 Commissioner

on May 24

2900 WATSON ST., OPELIKA, AL, 36801

Outstanding Tree Award Submissions Open Through April 20 CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF AUBURN BY DAVID DORTON/ DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

AUBURN – Community members are invited to nominate their favorite tree for the city of Auburn’s second annual Outstanding Tree Awards. Managed by the Landscape and Sustainability Division, the awards celebrate Auburn’s beautiful urban forest and its stewards. Those interested in nominating a tree are invited to share their story about the tree along with a photo now through April

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

CONTRIBUTED BY OPELIKA MAIN STREET

OPELIKA Opelika Main Street will present its Downtown Opelika Spring Open House on Friday, April 15, from 5 to 8 p.m. This year’s event will include many downtown stores, each offering a wide array of unique items for sale. “Spring is a great time to visit downtown Opelika,” said Opelika Main Street Executive Director Ken Ward. “Our locally-owned stores have lots of

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

ARTWORK BY LESLIE BRASHER

BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

"Boody" Brown Celebrates 102 Years

20. The Auburn Tree Commission will evaluate submissions and announce a winner during the last week of April. The winning entry will capture the importance a tree

Keep Progress Moving Lee County

Your VOTE is important. Paid for by Friends of Richard LaGrand Sr.

can have and the role trees play in making Auburn the Loveliest Village on the Plains. Nominations can be submitted at auburnalabama.org/trees/ awards.

CONTENTS

OPINION ..................... A4 ENTERTAINMENT ........... A7 RELIGION ................... A14 OBITUARIES ............... A15 COMICS ....................... A16 SPORTS ........................ B1 POLITICS ...................... B9 CLASSIFIEDS ................ B10 PUBLIC NOTICES ........... B12 PUZZLES ..................... B15

A2 April 14, 2022

The Pants Store to Join Publix-Anchored Center in Auburn AUBURN – Crawford Square Real Estate Advisors (CSREA) announced today that The Pants Store will open this fall at The Shops at Gay Street in Auburn, Alabama. The Pants Store is the first of several tenants to join the new Publix-anchored development in the heart of downtown Auburn. Started by owners John and Michael Gee’s grandfather, The Pants Store opened in 1950 as a pants wholesaler in downtown Leeds, Alabama. Gee’s father took over the family business in 1976, followed by Michael Gee and his brother John in 2007. “We are always looking for the right opportu-

nity and this location was something we couldn’t pass up,” said Owner Michael Gee. “We are looking forward to being a part of the Auburn family.” The Pants Store since expanded to seven locations in Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Huntsville and Auburn. “The Shops at Gay Street is an excellent new development project located in the heart of Auburn,” said Mary Beyer Lell, head of leasing for Crawford Square Real Estate Advisors. “Our team has a strong history of working on grocery-anchored developments and The Pants Store is a natural fit for the college town.” The Pants Store is set to open later this year. For more information

bama-based, full-service leasing and management company specializing in the Southeast region. The company relies on its team of experienced professionals to provide clients with superior service in leasing, property management, accounting, marketing and construction management — producing exceptional asset results and value enhancement. CSREA currently manages and leases 32 retail and mixed-use venues in six states comprising over 9.3 million square feet including The Shoppes at EastChase in Montgomery, Alabama, Camp Creek Marketplace in East Point, Georgia, and Westport Village in Louisville, Kentucky. Additional information can be found at crawfordsq.com.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

about The Shops at Gay Street, visit crawfordsq. com. ABOUT THE SHOPS AT GAY STREET The Shops at Gay Street is a new development opening this fall in the heart of Auburn,

Alabama. Anchored by Publix, The Shops at Gay Street is located directly off Magnolia Street near the Auburn University campus. The shopping center totals approximately 35,600 square feet. For information

about leasing opportunities at The Shops at Gay Street, visit crawfordsq. com/properties. ABOUT CRAWFORD SQUARE REAL ESTATE ADVISORS Crawford Square Real Estate Advisors (CSREA) is a Birmingham, Ala-

Happy 102nd Birthday Boody Brown PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES/ THE OBSERVER

BIRTHDAY >>

FROM A1

applied and was accepted into the U.S. Army’s Aviation Cadet Program. With his bombardment group, "The Carpetbaggers", Brown served in France and England in support of the allied forces of World War II. Brown has been recognized for his service multiple times, including receiving a congressional medal from the government of Norway in 2019.

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A3 April 14, 2022

Standard Deluxe Presents the Old 280 Boogie April 23 & 24 CONTRIBUTED BY STANDARD DELUXE

WAVERLY – Spring has arrived in Alabama, which means one of our state’s most beloved festivals is right around the corner – Standard Deluxe’s Old 280 Boogie. On a grassy yard, under an open sky and Alabama pines, attendees to the Boogie will enjoy an outdoor event celebrating music, printmaking, art, Southern food and welcoming vibes. Fully accessible to all, the two-day event happens Saturday, April 23, and Sunday, April

24, at Standard Deluxe in Waverly, Alabama. Visitors to the Old 280 Boogie can expect an entertaining time that fosters community and honors the homegrown, do-it-yourself values of Alabama. Garden and Gun wrote: “…the Boogie has built a strong track record, with previous performers including Jason Isbell and Alabama Shakes before they began selling out to far bigger venues.” Saturday’s musical lineup showcases five bands representing some of the finest musicians from across Alabama and the South.

The one exception being the surprise finale set – a band that sure sounds like they were raised in the South, but actually hails from the northern metropolis of Saskatoon, Canada. The Sheepdogs are a blues-rock group influenced by the retro sounds of soul and southern rock and roll, and were the first unsigned band to make the cover of Rolling Stone. They have multi-platinum albums and have traveled the globe with their classic sound – one of rich harmonies and guitar riffs sure to leave everyone feeling good.

Playing before The Sheepdogs on Saturday will be The Pine Hill Haints, a mainstay of Standard Deluxe boogies, sharing their “Alabama Ghost Country Music” from Florence, Alabama, followed by the country-blues singer-songwriter Taylor Hunnicutt of Birmingham, Alabama. Robert Finley will grace the stage – a Roots Soul musician from Bernice, Louisiana, known for his “voice that could light the darkest street corner,” Tennessean – and Seratones of Shreveport, Louisiana, will bring their electric, funky, interstellar sound that

they describe as “all about waking people up.” Adding to the day’s enjoyment will be tasty spreads by Hot Box/ Rougaroux of Birmingham, authentic Mexican food by Taqueria Durango of Auburn, 100-year-old historic Chris’ Hot Dogs of Montgomery, Mama Mocha’s and O Town Ice Cream of Opelika and Clever Bev Cakery + Goods of Montgomery. Saturday will also feature a dozen regional artisan and farm vendors. Sunday’s Boogie Brunch includes music by Larry Mitchell of Opelika, Alabama and Caleb Caudle

of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Mitchell is a Grammy-award winning musician who has toured the world playing guitar and Caudle is a country-soul singer-songwriter who has “created his own version of Mountain Music,” according to The Boot. Sink in to the relaxing atmosphere and musical groove with a mimosa or Bloody Mary and a mouth-watering plate prepared by Twice Baked of Opelika. For more information and to purchase tickets in advance, please visit www. standarddeluxe.com.

River Bank & Trust Opens Second Auburn Location AUBURN – Lee County President Boles Pegues has announced the opening of River Bank & Trust’s second Auburn office at 1192 S. Donahue St., the Alabama-based bank’s 20th location. In celebration, the bank will host a grand opening on Friday, April 29, at noon. “We’re thrilled to

UKRAINE >>

FROM A1

trip),” she said. “And Latvia, wasn’t, at the time, open to adoption internationally. And while we were looking at Russia, the cost to adopt from Russia at the time was about $36,000.

provide the Lee County community with even more convenience,” Pegues said. “Customers will enjoy the corner location as well as the hospitality, personal attention and local banking expertise they’ve come to expect from River Bank & Trust.” Vice President / Relationship Manager Mike Waldrop is based at the new office, and Assistant Vice-President Riki Mills

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

CONTRIBUTED BY RIVER BANK & TRUST

serves as office manager. Visitors will be delighted by River Bank’s signature client living room, complete with a fireplace, freshly baked cookies, cold drinks and a gourmet coffee bar. Pegues welcomes friends, neighbors and customers to stop by for a tour and experience the River Bank & Trust difference. ABOUT RIVER BANK & TRUST In 2006, River Bank &

Trust opened with two main goals: 1) establish a community-focused financial institution that would support local decision making and 2) re-circulate money back into the communities it serves. Since then, River Bank & Trust has grown to be one of the largest state-chartered banks in Alabama, with current assets of $2.4 billion and 20 locations throughout the state.

to go back again,’” Leslie said. David’s orphanage was mentioned early on in the news reports as having been attacked. “We still have connections with people there,” Leslie said of the people they met in Ukraine. “He is

remained in touch with people there and are extremely concerned about what’s happening. “… It breaks our hearts, it absolutely breaks our hearts. We know there are people we haven’t heard from, people from his orphanage.” She encouraged everyone

with sunflowers, Ukraine’s national flower, to sell for donations. “I’ve done several sunflower paintings, and made notecards and prints of them, and 100% of the proceeds that go from any sales of those cards and prints, the proceeds are going to an

the refugees as they come out.” Leslie said she gave a donation of $200 last week and plans to donate more, as items continue selling. To find her art, contact Leslie at thebrashers1@ bellsouth.net. “Until this over, which

about his birth home, but had always imagined going back to visit. “Part of him, what he said when he saw this going on was, ‘I guess I’ll never get

actually from Kramatorsk, which is in the Donetsk region. Where, of course, the Russians have attacked and taken over and done terrible things … We’ve

to pray that the conflict in Ukraine ends soon. Leslie, an artist, is raising money to help those in need in Ukraine. She has been painting cards and prints

agency called Send Relief (sendrelief.org),” she said. “And 100% of it goes to humanitarian relief on the ground, either in Ukraine or on the borders, helping with

is years, I think 100% of what I make from any of the sunflower things are going to support the help, either through Send Relief or Samaritan’s Purse,” she said.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

and now David has been living in America for 20 years. He was almost 6 when they adopted him from Ukraine. He’d been 3 years old when his adoption center found him on the streets. Leslie said that David doesn’t remember much

And we, neither one of us were making very much money at the time.” At that time, one of the couple’s pastors asked if they’d considered Ukraine. One thing led to another,

APRIL 23, 2022

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A4 April 14, 2022

Neighbor

SEAN DIETRICH

y phone rang. I didn’t recognize the number, so I answered. I expected to be greeted with an automated voice, delivering exciting information about my auto warranty. Instead, it was a young man. I’ll call him Fred, although that’s not his name. I’d forgotten I was expecting his call. “Where do you want me to start?” said Fred. “Start wherever you want.” He was calling from the third-floor of the oncology unit. Thirteen years old. When he told me that he was dying, I lost the air in my lungs. “Are you still there?” he said. “Yeah,” I answered.

At first, I was tempted to ask if this was all some kind of elaborate prank. Cynical, I know. But it’s not every day you meet a kid like Fred. He went on. “I just wanted to tell you what I’ve learned on my personal journey. I thought maybe you could write about it.” Big words from a young man. I couldn’t even answer. “Are you still there, Mister Sean?” “I’m here.” I fumbled for a pencil. “Go ahead, Fred. I’m listening.” I could hear his mother in the background urging him to speak. And I got the sense that I was involved in a deeply personal family moment. I felt like an intruder. “I’ve learned that

people are great,” he began. “People are nice to you when you need them. But not the people you think will be nice. People I didn’t even think were my friends are now friends and they would probably do anything for me. “Like, my friend Rachel has come to the hospital pretty much every day this year. Sometimes she sleeps here and we play games and stuff like that. We weren’t even friends before I got sick, she was just in my class. There are, literally, a bunch of people like that in my life right now.” I wrote it all down, but said nothing. “I’ve learned that nobody is invisible, even when you think you are invisible and, like, when you think nobody cares about you. God watches you, and I’ve actually seen him.” I stopped him. “You’ve seen who?” “God.” “Are you being literal?” “Yep,” he said. “Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and I just know he’s standing here, I’ve seen

something big in the corner, something bright, like, actually in my room, giving me strength, and making me feel that it’s going to be okay.” My eyes were beginning to drip all over my paper. “You mean you saw an angel?” I said. “Maybe,” he said. “Or maybe it was God.” I took a moment to blow my nose. I was surprised that I was feeling a little angry inside. Angry that — let's just call it what it — God would let a kid like this die. Angry that this world is so unfair. “But how can you say all these nice things about God?” I asked. “How can you have so much faith when you’re…” “Dying?” His little voice sounded a hundred years older than mine. “Even though God doesn’t answer my prayers,” he said, “it doesn’t mean he doesn’t care. I mean, I prayed and prayed to be healed, and a lot of people are praying for me. But it didn’t work out and that doesn’t make him a bad God.”

I wiped my eyes with my sleeve. “How do you feel, Fred?” I asked. “About all this bad stuff happening?” “Honestly, I don’t feel anything. I’m not mad or sad or anything because I don’t have energy to be mad. I’m tired a lot. And I’m not scared. Everyone has a purpose and I’m really lucky I found mine.” “May I ask what that purpose is, Fred?” I asked. I heard him sigh. “Just to be with the people I love. To love my mom and dad and my brother, and to just ... To make them happy, to laugh and stuff, to go and do whatever with them, to just have fun. Just playing and hanging out with my friends. Just being with my dad and watching a movie together. That’s really all.” I could not answer. And even writing this, I have had to wipe my keyboard a few times. Because I don’t understand. I am incapable. We talked for about an hour before his nurse came in, whereupon his

mother took the phone. In the background, I could hear Fred laughing with his nurse. I could hear his cheerful voice, telling her that he felt okay today, even though his mother told me this was entirely untrue. A small crowd attended Fred’s funeral. Family and close friends only. I wish I had a clever closing line for this column, but I don’t. So I will leave you with a song that was Fred’s favorite. A song his mother says her son had been singing since he was a baby, when sitting in front of the television screen. “It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood, “A beautiful day for a neighbor, “Would you be mine, could you be mine?” “So let’s make the most of this beautiful day, “Since we’re all here, we might as well say, “Would you be mine? Could you be mine? “Won’t you be my neighbor?”

Undeserved Kindness

WENDY HODGE

here is an ancient Indian proverb that states “Be kind to unkind people. They need it the most.” Whoever penned that sentiment many centuries ago never met the guy in line behind me at the ATM. This guy is in a hurry — the kind of hurry where good manners go out the window and polite language is bypassed. I’ve been sitting here a total of 2.5 minutes,

and this man is losing his mind. He’s gestured. He’s honked. He’s lowered the window and shouted something I cannot repeat here. Apparently, there is an emergency of the highest level that requires he get his money out of this machine immediately. What this lunatic doesn’t know is that his behavior has only caused me to fumble in my wallet, drop my debit card and forget my PIN number. And, if I’m honest, there is a devilish streak in me that is whispering in my ear, “If he’s going to be such a jerk, let’s make him wait just a bit longer than necessary.” I shouldn’t listen to the devil in my ear, but today I’m just about to the end of my tolerance level. People have been

ugly all day. Maybe it’s the weather. Maybe it’s the phase of the moon. Or maybe, just maybe, they’re all on a diet like I am and just need a piece of chocolate and a hot bath. Nevertheless, the person behind me in line right now is just not getting any sympathy from me. Why should I be nice to someone so intent on creating a scene? And then, as sometimes happens at the most unexpected of times, I can hear my sister’s voice. Her voice was so similar to my own in tone and inflection, but she always spoke so patiently. She was kind when kindness was not easy, and she made it seem effortless. There’s a memory that is as clear today as it was

47 years ago. It stands at the center of my mind — a touchstone. I was seven years old, and my grown-up sister had a new camera. It was polished black and silver, small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. On top was a cube that flashed when she took a picture. It fascinated me, those flashing lights and the clicking and whirring as the film advanced. My sister, Carol, told me her new camera was not a toy, and while she loved taking pictures of me and my friends it was most definitely off limits. She trusted me to leave it alone. But, oh that devil was already whispering in my ear even at seven years old. My hands itched to make the shutter click and the flash burst. “Go ahead,” whispered

that devil, “no one will know.” And so, with trembling hands, I picked up the camera and attempted to take what would now be called a selfie. The click was deafeningly loud, and the flash was blinding. I was startled into dropping the camera, and the flash cube broke. A thousand shattered pieces of spent flashbulb rained all over the floor. I was horrified. “What have I done?” I asked myself. The devil on my shoulder was conspicuously silent. “Now you have nothing to say?” I hissed at him. But he was nowhere to be found. Just then my sister walked around the corner. It took only a couple of seconds to take in the scene and realize what I’d done. I braced

myself for the fury she must surely have been feeling. Or, even worse, that look of extreme disappointment that is far worse than anger. But my sweet sister, who was ever patient and kind, knelt down and picked up the camera. “I should have taught you how to use this camera. You’re smart enough to be able to do it yourself.” And she taught me all about the shutter and the flash cube (she had a spare one in her purse) and how to load the film. She let me take what we now call a selfie. It was goofy and out of focus, but I had so much fun. And then we had a photo shoot — myself and every one of my stuffed animals, all See HODGE, page A6

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A5 April 14, 2022

COVID-19 Housing Relief is Available CONTRIBUTED BY CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU

ALABAMA – COVID-19 stressed renters who are worried about inflation and the economic impact of the war in Ukraine can get help with missed rent and utility payments by accessing federal government relief programs, said information from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). All 50 states and hundreds of local, tribal and other programs are

distributing funds. As part of an unprecedented economic recovery effort, the federal government has allocated more than $46 billion to assist households unable to pay rent, utilities and other housing costs. Renters can get help STAT, by using the following tips: SEARCH FOR A HUDAPPROVED HOUSING COUNSELOR TO DISCUSS OPTIONS THAT MIGHT WORK FOR YOU. You can find a housing counselor (https:// www.consumerfinance. gov/find-a-housingcounselor/) or call 800-

569-4287 for information on how to find one. A housing counselor can help you consider your options and make a budget. TALK TO YOUR LANDLORD ABOUT APPLYING FOR GOVERNMENT RELIEF FUNDS. Many rental assistance programs are accepting applications from both landlords and renters. Where renters can apply, they often need help from landlords to complete the application process. Working together, you’ll have a better chance of getting rental assistance funds. You don’t have

to be behind on rent to get assistance. Some programs offer help with future rent. However, if you have overdue rent, the money you get must go toward rent that you owe before it can be used for future rent. APPLY FOR HELP COVERING YOUR MISSED RENT OR UTILITIES. Find out where to apply by using the CFPB Rental Assistance Finder, www. consumerfinance.gov/ renthelp and apply for assistance in Alabama. Federal rules allow local rental assistance programs to

cover rent or utilities for low-income families. This generally includes renter households with income up to 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), with adjustments for family size. Yearround help with utility bills may be available through your local Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) office, or by calling the National Energy Assistance Referral Hotline at 866674-6327. TOUCH BASE WITH YOUR LANDLORD, RENTAL COMPANY, OR UTILITY COMPANY ABOUTDEFERRED

PAYMENT OR OTHER OPTIONS. This can be a tough conversation to have. Start by helping your landlord understand why this conversation is important to you. Jot down your thoughts to the following questions if needed and think about what you want to say. What would it mean for you and your family to remain housed where you are? What can you offer for a deferred payment? Is your home close to work and school? What do you appreciate about your landlord, your home or your neighborhood?

Envision This

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

Southern Union State Community College and Envision Opelika joined forces to bring the community another great 5k and 1 mile fun run last weekend. Hosted at the Opelika SportsPlex, the Unity Stampede 5k encouraged participants to run in unique outfits and then stick around the enjoy live music from The Steffi Ledbetter Band, food vendors and door prizes. According to its Facebook page, the mission of the run was to strengthen relationships among citizens of all cultures in our community.

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The Alabama Department of Public Health is seeking LPNs and RNs for parttime positions in the Wellness Program. Responsibilities include conducting biometric screenings and administering influenza vaccine at worksites. Must enjoy working with the public, teamwork with other nurses, and strong interpersonal skills. To request more information, go to alabamapublichealth.gov/worksitewellness/contact.html. To apply visit alabamapublichealth.gov/employment/opportunities.html, apply for Licensed Practical Nurse-Hourly – 40122 or Nurse-Hourly – 40251. The Alabama Department of Public Health complies with the State and Federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, citizenship, age, or physical or mental disability. The Alabama Department of Public Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

A6 April 14, 2022

Kiwanis Hosts Elijah Beaver

Genealogical Society of East Alabama to Meet April 16 PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

CONTRIBUTED BY GSEA

LEE COUTY — The Genealogical Society of East Alabama will hold a meeting on April 16 from 11 a.m. to noon. The event will be held at the Museum of East Alabama which is located at 121 S. 9th St. in Opelika. Bob Parsons will present a program

entitled “From Horses to Horsepower: a Brief History of the Opelika Fire Department”. The program chronicles the changes in fire-fighting apparatus and techniques from the early days of Opelika to today’s modern equipment an Fire House Exhibit at the Museum of East Alabama including a 1949 pumper

truck. The Fire House Exhibit will be open for viewing. Parsons has been a member of the fire department since 2005, prior to which he worked as a dispatcher in the Opelika 911 Call Center. At the encouragement of Opelika Fire Chief, Shane Boyd, Parsons has taken on the role of

managing the department’s social media, as well as curating the department’s historical photographs and documents. Today’s presentation is the first of what Bob hopes will be a series, celebrating the department’s 150-year anniversary in 2023. Admission is free and the public is invited.

NAMI Meeting Set for April 19

AUBURN – NAMI East Alabama, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), will meet at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 19, at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce which is located at 714 E. Glenn Ave. in Auburn. NAMI supports families dealing with mental illness through mutual support, education and advocacy. There will be a time for sharing. The public is invited.

The speaker at last week's Opelika Kiwanis Club was Elijah Beaver. He is a candidate for circuit judge. The speaker for the April 21 meeting will be Jim Buxton. He is with the Museum of East Alabama and will talk about the new mural and tractor pavilion.

Auburn, Opelika Celebrate Global Community Day

PHOTOS BY ED SIKORA / FOR THE OBSERVER PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER Opelika and Auburn celebrated Global Community Day last friday with festivals at the Opelika SportsPlex and Jule Collins Smith Museum, respectively. It was a day for bringing international and noninternational communities together to learn and experience global culture, history and related opportunities. The K-Pop band "MustB" performed in Auburn and international citizens came out in droves, sporting garments of their traditional native culture. Internationality focused family activities and food were enjoyed by all.

HODGE >>

FROM A4

dressed to the nines. There is a picture in my box by the bed. In it, I am seven. My face is flushed, and my eyes are bright. I am clutching a bright pink stuffed cat around the neck. And I am as loved as I ever was in my whole life. I had been forgiven. I’d been shown mercy and kindness even when I did not deserve it. And so, now I have completed my transaction at the ATM, and it is time to show mercy and kindness. Even to the

jerk behind me in line. I lower my window and wave back at him. “I’m sorry it took so long. I appreciate you being so nice. Have a wonderful day!” I say with genuine kindness in my voice. I have no idea if he thought I was being sarcastic or if he even heard me at all. But it doesn’t matter. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “You can never do kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.” Ralph said it, but my sister taught me that. She is still teaching me so many things.

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E vents, Food, & SocietyNews

UPCOMING EVENTS: APRIL 14, 15, 16 : OHS PRESENTS MARY POPPINS APRIL 15: COPS ON TOP FUNDRAISER FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS APRIL 16: KIESEL PARK 42 ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT; EASTER EGG DECORATING AT GRAND NATIONAL APRIL 17: EASTER BRUNCH AT GRAND NATIONAL

Earle Wilkes Prepares Festive Easter Lunch For Family PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE OBSERVER

Ann Cipperly

Southern

Hospitality

OPELIKA — ibrant, pink azaleas provide a warm welcoming setting at the lovely home of Earle and Kenny Wilkes in Opelika as they prepare for family to visit on Easter for a festive lunch after church. Earle will have the dining room table set with her fine china and serve dishes her children have enjoyed over the years that are now favorites of their grandchildren. The Wilkes’ daughter, Emily Garner, and her two children, Wilkes, 11, and Gray, 10, who live in

Auburn, will be attending the Easter lunch. While their son, Sam, a practicing attorney in Baldwin County, and his wife Libba with their two sons, Henry, 7, and Miller, 5, often visit at Easter, they will be at home in Fairhope this year. Earle’s traditional Easter menu has changed some over the years, but many dishes remain favorites. When Emily was 11 years old and Sam was 7, Earle was featured in my Southern Gourmet food column that I was writing at the time. The article featured Earle and the children in a photo

with a Mandarin Orange Cake, which is pictured in this year’s photo as still the Easter favorite. Growing up in Selma, Earle has wonderful memories of going to her grandmother’s home after church on Sundays for dinner with many family members. Her grandmother was an excellent cook and generally served two types of meat. If they had roast beef at lunch, she would make hash for supper. For Easter dinner at her grandmother’s home, turkey would be served instead of ham. Her grandmother would

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

LEE COUNTY – To help a child, invest in adult literacy. Imagine for a moment, what it would be like not being able to read. For some, this is a reality. More than 43 million adults in the United States lack basic work skills like literacy, numeracy and problem-solving. One in four Alabamians is functionally illiterate with more than 24,000 men and women in Lee County alone. The Lee County Literacy Coalition’s mission

continues to increase access and leverage technology to meet the demand for literacy services. The pandemic has illuminated this urgent necessity. LCLC’s advocacy includes adults who have, through a multitude of circumstances, been left in the margins to navigate the barriers illiteracy brings. Learners are paired with tutors for online or in-person

assessments and sessions, live webinars and on-demand options. Other topics include financial, health, digital/ workplace and an ESL book club. We are equally committed to engaging the next generation of philanthropic leaders and have offered internships and AmeriCorps VISTA opportunities to talented undergraduate and graduate students. LCLC will host its 10th Annual Reading Between the Wines on Thursday, April 28, at 6 p.m. at Legacy at Serenity Farms located at See LITERACY, page A8

make a creamy vegetable casserole called ragout and an almond macaroon charlotte for dessert. Earle sometimes watched her grandmother cook and always enjoyed being in her home. Earle met Kenny, who grew up in Opelika, when they were students at the University of Alabama. He was in law school, while she majored in social work.

They married after graduating and moved to Opelika. Earle went to work as a social worker for the Department of Human Resources before Emily was born. Along with his law practice, Kenny served as an Opelika municipal judge for 30 years. He retired four years ago. The former judge enjoys fishing at their lake home and spending time with

their grandchildren. Since retiring, he began cooking as a hobby, but Earle still cooks the holiday meals. When Emily graduated high school, Earle began her hobby of monogramming which became a small business. She still enjoys monogramming and sewing. Earle was active in the Arts Association of East Alabama See CIPPERLY, page A10

Victory Belongs To Jesus Celebration in Opelika April 16 BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM OPELIKA — Easter is chocked full of events in the community — but this is the 14th year for the Victory in Jesus celebration in Opelika. “It’s a community event to celebrate the life, death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” said Oscar Penn, one of the organizers for the event. The event, which will be held on April 16 at 12 p.m. at Jeter Park, will have lots of fun activities for children and families, but it will also spread the importance of sharing the gospel, Penn said. “We’ll have several

PHOTO BY EMILY KEY / FOR THE OBSERVER

10thAnnual Reading Between the Wines - “Celebrating 10 Years of Living Learning & Literacy”

Easter is a special day at the home of Earle and Kenny Wilkes of Opelika. Earle prepares a celebratory lunch with traditional family favorites. Pictured with the Mandarin Orange Cake and Easter Rice Krispie Nests are, from left, Gray Garner, Earle Wilkes, Emily Garner and Wilkes Garner.

different ministers that are going to be there,” he said. Numerous churches and organizations will also be represented, including His Place and Church of the High lands. There will also be local political leaders and representatives, such as The event will kick off with a co-ed flag football

game, Penn said, from the Jaguars. Then there will be an awards ceremony, with memorial awards. There will be an award for active citizens, however, called the Game Changer Award. There is a special award for children in the community too, the Youth AchieveSee VICTORY, page A8

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221 9th St, Opelika • 334.741.0808

A8 April 14, 2022

Making the Grade: Wok ‘n Roll Restaurant & Bar

OPELIKA — he Fearsome Foursome — that’s the nickname that my husband Mike gave to Tom Patton (Daddy), Barbara Patton (Mama), Aunt Jenny and Aunt Betty (Daddy’s older sisters) some years ago. That lively, funny quartet had a lot of adventures before my aunts and Daddy left to be with the Lord in 2017 and 2018, respectively. In fact, Mike and I were blessed to have traveled with this group on at least four occasions; we only wish it could have been more because they always kept us entertained and on our toes. For example, on one trip to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, we went to dine at the Old Mill Restaurant, a very popular establishment in the area. Mike, who drove Daddy’s maroon Honda Odyssey van, dropped us off at the curb while he went to find a distant parking space. “I’ll go and put our names down for a table,” I told the Fearsome Foursome. In a few minutes, I returned and the group was nowhere to be found. When Mike walked up after having parked a few miles away, I asked, “You didn’t tell them to wait right here?” Mike erroneously thought that

LITERACY >>

FROM A7

1995 W Farmville Road in Auburn. Join us for an evening to remember that serves a great cause. The event features a wine tasting, dinner, music and other surprises. Auburn University’s own Jonathan E. Taylor will be the featured speaker. Donation for a table of 10 is $1,000 with individual seats for $100. For more information, visit A U T H O R I Z E D

ter having given our name for a table, so I couldn’t imagine where they’d gone. A few minutes later, Mike saw a sign for the elevator, so we took it. Sure enough, as we got out, we spotted the four senior delinquents calmly waiting for us. “We thought we’d go on up in the elevator,” said Mama. Of course; sigh. After supper, we saw the sweet lady, who had prayed for us, and thanked her again. Besides going on trips to the mountains, Daddy LOVED going to eat Chinese food. Therefore, the Fearsome Foursome usually traveled from Alexander City (“Eleck” City to the locals) to the Auburn Mall once a week to eat Chinese food for lunch. In fact, they’d www.leecountyliteracy. org/reading-betweenthe-wines-2022 or call 334-705-0001. Your generosity is critical to our success. About the Lee County Literacy Coalition. LCLC is a non-profit agency dedicated to helping adults learn to read, write, and use mathematics and computers at a level necessary to succeed and thrive. Learn more at www.leecountyliteracy. org. R E T A I L E R

PHOTOS BY MIKE WALLACE

STACEY PATTON WALLACE

they would stay put. The Fearsome Foursome was on the loose. We began searching for them, walking up to strangers and asking, “Have you seen four octogenarians walking around? One is on a walker.” Unfortunately, no one had seen them; however, one very sweet lady offered to pray for us, and I thanked her. We even looked in the little store which was attached to the restaurant. Nothing. I hadn’t seen them coming up the ramp when I had been walking down it af-

have enough for supper as well. After eating, Daddy would hang out in the mall, chatting up strangers, while Mama and my aunts did a little shopping. Then they would pile back into Daddy’s van and hit 280 Highway, stopping at the Tiger Express, a convenience store. The Fearsome Foursome had to fortify themselves with peanuts and soft drinks for the 40-mile trek back to Alex. City. After all, they didn’t want to risk a drop in their blood sugar levels on the way home. Like the Fearsome Foursome, Mike and I love Chinese food, too. Recently, we dined at the Wok ‘n Roll Restaurant & Bar at 1703 Columbus Parkway in Opelika. Elaine, our server,

VICTORY >>

FROM A7

ment Award Attend the event to learn who these awards will honor. “Back when we started it years ago, it was an event where we came out and basically just sat around, and drink and celebrated our own personal things and we didn’t have anything to say about the life, death and resurrection of Christ,” Penn said. “And so when the opportunity

was so charming. Also, she was helpful and patient; we really enjoyed chatting with her. Elaine told us that she had been working since she was 15. Currently, she works at Wok ‘n Roll and attends Auburn University, both full time. As retired teachers, Mike and I know that this young woman will be very successful. As an appetizer, I ordered an egg roll. Also, Mike and I split an order of crab wontons. They were crispy, warm and very tasty. Mike ordered hot and sour soup, while I chose egg drop. For his entrée, Mike selected cashew chicken with fried rice, while I chose crispy sesame chicken with fried rice. Again, everything tastes better fried. Our dishes were really came that I could get my hands on it and run it, I wanted to make sure that we did nothing to belittle what Christ has done for us through his death and resurrection. And there is so much going on in the world; there’s crime, and hatred of fellow man and all that, and I felt like, at least this day, we could take and bring the community together and recognize the victory that we have in Christ Jesus through his life, death and resurrection.”

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delicious. I did warn Mike against the spicy mustard sauce since he’d had two bouts of acid reflux in a week. Of course, he ignored me. “Just a little,” he said. Oh, well. We wives do try to look out for our husbands. Thankfully, acid reflux didn’t show up a third time. Besides our wonderful appetizer, Wok ‘n Roll offers diners spring rolls, Thai spring rolls, Peking dumplings, chicken lettuce wraps, vegetarian lettuce wraps, crispy tofu and crispy calamari. Wok ‘n Roll has an extensive menu of seafood, pork, beef, chicken, duck and vegetable dishes. In addition, the restaurant also serves cold dishes, soups, noodle dishes, burgers, sandwiches and catfish. Believe me,

you’ll find plenty to enjoy at this restaurant. Fearsome Foursome, this review was for you. Love y’all bunches! Wok ‘n Roll is open Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; closed on Monday; open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Wok ‘n Roll Restaurant & Bar makes the grade with an A+ from this retired English teacher. Remember, “Poohsized” people NEVER lie about food. Enjoy! Stacey Patton Wallace, who retired from teaching language arts for 30 years, is a professional diner. Her column, “Making the Grade,” will appear each week in The Observer. Stacey may be reached at retiredlangartsteacher2020@ gmail.com

Penn said there will be those who will hear this message for the first, or last, time. “So doing what the word

of the Lord says, I don’t want to be held accountable for not being able to pass it on, the news about Jesus Christ,” he said.

A9 April 14, 2022

Upcoming Performances at the Gogue CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

AUBURN – Grammy, Tony winner Lauren Patten takes the Marentes Stage April 24 The Gogue Center presents star of stage and screen Lauren Patten live in concert on Sunday, April 24. Patten is probably best known for her role as Jo in the Alanis Morissette musical Jagged Little Pill, which earned her the 2021 Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. She also received a Grammy, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle award for her work in the production. She has achieved considerable success in the worlds of musical theatre, television and film. In addition to Jagged Little Pill, her stage credits include Fun Home on Broadway, the off-Broadway smash The Wolves and the original Deaf West revival of Spring Awaken-

PATTEN ing in Los Angeles. On television, she played Officer Rachel Witten in seasons 8 to 12 of CBS's Blue Bloods and has guest starred on The Good Fight and HBO’s lauded drama series Succession. She also played the supporting role of Brooke in Michael Showalter’s 2017 film The Big Sick. Patten’s April 24 performance is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in the Woltosz Theatre and will include musical theatre numbers along with covers of pop and rock favorites. Tickets can be purchased online, by telephone at 334.844.TIXS (8497) or in person at the Gogue Center box office, lo-

cated at 910 S. College St. in Auburn, Tuesday through Friday, 1 to 4 p.m. This performance has been rescheduled from its original performance date of Oct. 13, 2021. All tickets issued for the original date are valid for admission to the new rescheduled engagement on Sunday, April 24, 2022. Righteous Brothers' sold-out April 23 concert brings that lovin' feelin' to the Gogue Center Blue-eyed soul legends the Righteous Brothers croon their way into the Gogue Center for a much-anticipated (and sold-out) concert on Saturday, April 23 at

RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS 7:30 p.m. in the Woltosz Theatre. For this tour, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Bill Medley is joined by Alabama native and Auburn alumnus Bucky Heard, who has performed with Medley since 2016. A powerhouse rock and roll singer with astounding vocal range, Heard has shared the stage with legends like Andy Williams and Glen Campbell, and has been the ideal counterpart to Medley for conjuring the classic Righteous Brothers’ sound throughout the last six years of live performances. The April 23 concert will feature many of the Righteous Brothers'

immortal hit songs — "Lovin’ Feelin’,” “Soul & Inspiration,” “Unchained Melody,” “Rock and Roll Heaven” and Medley’s Grammy-winning “(I've Had) The Time of My Life” from Dirty Dancing. Originally formed by Medley and Bobby Hatfield in 1963, the Righteous Brothers are widely regarded as one of the greatest duos in popular music history. Their 1964 number-one charting "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'," recorded by Phil Spector, is considered a landmark recording and one that carved the foundation for the Righteous Brothers' indelible 60-year legacy.

Patrons requesting information on this performance are encouraged to contact our patron services team at gpactickets@auburn. edu, by telephone at 334.844.TIXS (8497) or in person at the Gogue Center box office, located at 910 S. College St. in Auburn, Tuesday through Friday, 1 to 4 p.m. This performance has been rescheduled from its original performance date of Thursday, November 5, 2020. All tickets issued for the original date and all subsequent rescheduled dates are valid for admission to the new rescheduled engagement on Saturday, April 23.

Empty Bowls Helps Fill Community Needs PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

The annual Empty Bowls event, featuring bowls, soup, bread, pottery demonstrations and a silent auction, brought the community together last weekend to raise funds for The East Alabama Food Bank.

A10 April 14, 2022

CIPPERLY >>

FROM A7

for many years and is currently involved in the Opelika Historic Preservation Society, serving as secretary. After graduating from the University of Alabama and physical therapy school at UAB, Emily married and was living in Carrolton, Georgia. In 2017, Emily and her two children moved to Auburn. Wilkes and Gray both attend Ogletree Elementary School. Emily is a busy mom working as a physical therapist and in home health, and the children are active in after-school activities. Sometimes they don’t get home

CIPPERLY RECIPES >> TRADITIONAL STUFFED EGGS 6 eggs ¼ cup mayonnaise 1 tsp. yellow mustard ¼ cup pickle relish Lemon juice Salt and pepper, to taste Paprika, to garnish Place eggs in a single layer in a saucepan and fill with enough water to cover. Add a little baking soda to make it easier to peel the eggs. Heat on high until water comes to a full boil. Cover and remove from heat. Let stand for 15 minutes, then rinse with cold water. Crack eggshells and peel under running water. Slice eggs in half lengthwise, removing yolks. Mash yolks and add mayonnaise, mustard, pickle relish, lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste. Spoon egg yolks into egg halves. Garnish with paprika, if desired. EASTER RICE KRISPIE NESTS 4 cups marshmallows 5 cups rice cereal ¼ cup coconut oil 2 tsp. vanilla 2 cups mini eggs or jelly beans Grease a 12-cup muffin tin and set aside. Place the marshmallows in a large microwave-safe bowl and heat for 25 to 30 seconds. Stir well and repeat heating if needed. Add the melted coconut oil and vanilla extract to the marshmallows and stir well to incorporate. Add the rice cereal a cup at a time, gently folding it into the marshmallow mixture, until all the cereal is incorporated. Scoop heaping ¼ cup portions of the Rice Krispie treats into the prepared muffin tin. Wet hands to keep from sticking and press mixture into a cup shape. Place in

until seven at night, and then it is time to do homework. Emily is glad to be back living near her parents and being at their home on holidays for her children, as they create happy memories. “I love being back here,” she said. “My parents are always reliable for a good meal and have traditions at holidays that are important to us.” At Easter, Wilkes and Gray color eggs and make festive cookies, such as Easter Rice Krispie Nests, with their mom and Grandmother Earle. After church, they will go to Emily’s parents for Easter lunch. Earle plans ahead and will freeze some of the the refrigerator for 2 hours or overnight to set. When set, pop them out of the tin and fill with mini eggs or jellybeans.

MANDARIN ORANGE CAKE 1 box golden butter cake mix 1 cup canola oil 4 eggs 1 can mandarin oranges, do not drained Combine all ingredients and mix well. Pour into 3 greased and floured cake pans. Bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees. When layers are cool, frost and refrigerate. Frosting: 1 large can crushed pineapple, drained 1 large pkg. instant vanilla pudding 1 large container Cool Whip Mix frosting ingredients together and spread on cooled cake. This cake freezes well. POTATO SALAD I always make this a day ahead to let the flavors meld. 6 medium Yukon gold potatoes, skin on and quartered 2 Tbsp. white vinegar 2 celery stalks, diced ½ cup sweet onion, diced 3 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped 1 ½ cups Hellman’s mayonnaise 2 tsp. yellow mustard 1 tsp. celery seed ¾ cup sweet salad cubes 2 Tbsp. lemon juice Salt and pepper, to taste Add the potatoes to a large pot of cold water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a lightly rolling boil over medium heat and add 1 tsp. salt. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes or until the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork. Drain and set aside until cool enough to handle.

dishes for Easter lunch and prepare others the day before. When they return from services at the First United Methodist Church in Opelika, it will be easy to assemble the meal and bake the pork tenderloin that has been marinated overnight. Sometimes Kenny will grill the pork, but for lunch after church, it is easier to

bake it. Favorites include stuffed eggs, rolls, potato salad, macaroni and cheese and, of course, the Mandarin Orange Cake and Carrot Cake with Coconut and Pecan Cream Cheese Frosting. Earle will set the table ahead with her good china and arrange flowers as the centerpiece. She sets a small table for the

children in the dining room so they are all in one room. “I want the children to know that Easter is a special time because of what it means,” she said. “Having the kids move back has been so much joy and I enjoy helping with carpooling at times.” “Being home takes me back,” Emily said.

“I get to feel like a kid again. When I walk in the house I grew up in, it slows me down and makes me feel relaxed and comfortable. “I like the traditions of Easter with the table set and favorite foods. My parents make it special, and my kids get to see that Easter is a special day, and new memories are being created.”

Peel the skins from the potatoes and cut into ½ to ¾ inch square pieces. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and sprinkle with the white vinegar and toss. Set aside to let cool, about 15 to 20 minutes. Add the celery, onions, pickle and chopped eggs to the potato mixture. In a medium bowl, mix the mayonnaise, mustard, celery seed and salt and pepper. Fold into the potato mixture and season with more salt and pepper.

about 12 minutes. Drain well. Cheese Sauce: Melt ½ stick butter in a 1-quart saucepan. Using a wire whisk, stir in flour and 1 tsp. salt, stirring and cooking over medium heat until the roux bubbles and the flour turns pale brown, about 3 minutes. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of the milk and then whisk in the remaining 1 cup milk. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Add the cheese and stir until melted. Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix thoroughly. Transfer to a buttered 1-quart casserole dish and bake in preheated 350 degree oven for about 20 minutes or until it bubbles around the edges.

grated Parmesan cheese Juice of ½ lemon Heat oven to 425 degrees. Wash the asparagus and trim the bottom inch or so of each stalk to get rid of the tough part. Pat dry and spread by single layer on baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle generously with kosher salt. Toss to coat evenly and roast for 8 to 10 minutes until tender. Remove from oven and sprinkle garlic, Parmesan cheese and lemon juice over top.

pan at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Icing: ½ cup butter, room temperature 1 box confectioner’s sugar 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, room temperature 2 tsp. vanilla 1 cup chopped pecans 3 ½ oz. can coconut Cream softened butter and sugar. Add softened cream cheese. Beat until smooth. Add vanilla, nuts and coconut. Frost cake. Freezes well.

VEGETABLE CASSEROLE 1 can white shoe peg corn, drained 1 can French-style green beans, drained ½ cup chopped bell pepper ½ cup grated sharp cheese ½ cup chopped celery ½ cup chopped onion ½ cup sour cream 1 can cream of celery soup Salt and pepper to taste Topping: ½ box (small) crumbled Ritz cheese crackers ½ stick butter, softened or melted ½ can slivered almonds Mix all ingredients, except for topping, in a 2 qt. casserole. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Combine topping ingredients. Add topping and brown slightly. BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE 1 lb. elbow macaroni Kosher salt ½ stick unsalted butter 2 cups milk 2 cups grated sharp cheese Macaroni: Bring 4 quarts water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add 2 tsp. salt and macaroni. Bring the water back to a boil and cook until tender,

BROCCOLI SLAW 12-16 oz. bag of broccoli slaw 2 cups small broccoli florets 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled or bought bacon bits ½ cup thinly sliced red onion 2/3 cup dried cranberries ½ cup chopped walnuts (can use toasted almonds) ½ cup crumbled feta cheese ½ to ¾ bottle coleslaw dressing Combine all the salad ingredients in a medium bowl and toss. Pour some of the coleslaw dressing on the top. You will only need ½ to ¾ of the bottle. Can be made the day ahead. Serves 6. OVEN ROASTED ASPARAGUS 1 bunch asparagus 3-4 Tbsp. olive oil Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 2 garlic cloves, minced 3 Tbsp. freshly

GRILLED OR BAKED PORK TENDERLOIN 2 pork tenderloins ½ bottle Allegro Original Marinade ½ bottle Italian dressing 1 tsp. rosemary Place 2 full pork tenderloins into a resealable plastic bag. In a small bowl whisk together ½ bottle each of Allegro Original Marinade, Italian dressing and rosemary. Marinate 4 hours to overnight in the refrigerator. Cook on grill or bake in oven at 350 degrees for around 30 minutes. (Internal temperature 145 degrees or higher) CARROT CAKE WITH COCONUT AND PECAN CREAM CHEESE FROSTING 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 tsp. soda 1 tsp. salt 2 cups sugar 2 tsp. cinnamon 1 ½ cups canola oil 4 beaten eggs 3 cups finely grated carrots Sift together dry ingredients add oil, eggs and carrots. Mix well. Bake in 3 8” layer cake pans at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Make sure pans are greased and floured well. Can be baked in 13x 9-inch

STRAWBERRY CONGEALED SALAD 6 oz. pkg. strawberry Jell-O 1 cup boiling water Two 10 oz. pkgs. frozen sliced strawberries, thawed 20 oz. can pineapple crushed, drained 3 bananas, mashed 1 cup pecans, chopped 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened 1 cup sour cream In large bowl, stir Jell-O in boiling water until dissolved. Add strawberry, pineapple, bananas and nuts. Pour ½ mixture into 13 x 9 pan and refrigerate until firm. Combine cream cheese and sour cream and spread over bottom layer of Jell-O. Gently spoon on remaining Jell-O and chill. SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE 3 cups cooked sweet potatoes 1 cup sugar ½ cup butter, room temperature 2 eggs, slightly beaten 1 tsp. vanilla 1/3 cup milk Combine all ingredients and pour into casserole. For topping mix: 1 cup brown sugar ½ cup flour 1/3 cup butter, room temperature Sprinkle topping over casserole and bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Serves 8 to 10.

A11 April 14, 2022

Auburn Goes Full Throttle

PHOTOS BY ALLIE FOX / FOR THE OBSERVER

The first annual Auburn Downtown Cruise-in Car Show took place on Saturday, April 2, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Gay Street parking lot. Hosted by local real estate company, The Talons Group, and the Auburn Downtown Merchants Association, this free, family-friendly event featured over 50 vehicles, appearances from the Auburn Police Department and Auburn University mascot Aubie the Tiger, a $500 detailing giveaway and activities for children.

A12 April 14, 2022

Opelika Chamber Stays Busy

Hometown Lenders on the Plains Ribbon Cutting – The The Hometown Lenders on the Plains way of doing business has always been to make sure that each customer receives the highest level of personalized, customer service throughout the entire mortgage loan process. Its team is ready to assist you with a smile. A special thanks to @nil_ auburn for bringing the Auburn athletes to join in on the fun. War Eagle and welcome to the Auburn-Opelika area.

Azalea Trail Ribbon Cutting — This event brings in visitors from across the state that appreciate the beautiful blossoms and lovely homes. The Trail begins and ends at the corner of 2nd Avenue and 8th Street and is approximately 5 miles. There are green arrow signs throughout the city directing each turn. Along with directions printed and online, the signs usher visitors and residents through the Azalea & Dogwood Trail. The trail opened on March 18 and closed April 4.

dermaLab Ribbon Cutting – dermaLAB offers lash extensions, hormone therapy, waxing, facial treatments and luxury skincare products to fulfill all of your self-care needs. It also carries Cire Trudon candles, which truly smell amazing. To learn more about dermaLAB, please visit its website at www.dermalabauburn.com or meet the team in person at 115 S 8th St., in Opelika.

Era Opelika Ribbon Cutting — Jasmine Oliver, the owner of Era in Opelika, brings liveliness through her new store by providing Downtown Opelika with a curated collection of vintage fashions and decor. If you are looking for something unique & special to add to your home, visit Jasmine's store located at 925 S. Railroad Ave, Opelika, AL 36801.

First Community Mortgage Ribbon Cutting & Busi After Hours — Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or have purchased several homes, Kevin and Kyle's team will support you in a way you have never experienced. You can feel confident knowing you have experienced professionals always on your side. Its office located at 126 8th St., in Opelika.

Crawford/Willis Group Business After Hours — This was a Mardi Gras themed Business After Hours hosted by the Crawford-Willis Group. Crawfish, Louisiana brews and laughs were had by all. Thank you to Crawford Willis Group for providing everyone with a fantastic evening and to Big Blue Crawfish for the Cajun cuisine.

Las Latinas Ribbon Cutting — Evelyn Ponce’s Food Truck. Las Latinas, offers delicious authentic Spanish food. A few of its menu favorites are Chicken Tacos, Chicken Empanadas, Birria Quesadillas and Butter Pecan Cinnamon Rolls. It has participated in all of the Opelika Chamber's Food Truck Friday events and people only have amazing things to say about the dishes. Be sure to check the business out on Facebook to see where it will be located next.

Minority Business Council “Speed Networking Mixer” — The Opelika Chamber of Commerce heard raving reviews of its first ever “Speed Networking Mixer” brought to you by its very own Minority Business Council. This event was held at the Heritage House in downtown Opelika. Guests were able to create tons of new connections through speed networking rounds. Through the delicious hors d'oeuvres, desserts and exchanging of conversations and business cards, people are already looking forward to the next one.

Home Care Assistance Ribbon Cutting — Home Care Assistance offers comprehensive hourly and live-in care that enables older adults to maintain the lifestyle and freedom they want and deserve. This team is made up of kind women whose main goal is to provide the best home care for older adults in our community. If you are interested in visiting the office, it is located at 2701 Frederick Road in Opelika.

Sweet Gees Ribbon Cutting — Sweet Gees Restaurant & Catering is a new southern comfort restaurant in Opelika. It offers menu items including hamburger steak, baked/fried chicken, grilled salmon, ribs and fantastic sides such as Corn Casserole and Collards. It also has a great dessert selection with items such as cream cheese pound cake and peach cobbler. It is located at 3101 Frederick Road in Opelika. Stop in and give its amazing comfort food a try.

Zen Steak & Sushi Ribbon Cutting — The new hibachi and sushi restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and has a variety of incredible menu options including an ahi tuna appetizer with ponzu sauce, volcano roll with fried shrimp and filet mignon and shrimp hibachi. Stop in and enjoy some sushi or hibachi at its restaurant located at 2820 Pepperell Pkwy., in Opelika.

Pokemen Ribbon Cutting — Pokemen offers a unique build your own Poké and Ramen bowl experience. It offers Hawaiian, Korean and Japanese dishes with a variety of fresh proteins including salmon and tuna, mixes including seaweed & crab meat, sauces including spicy mayo and original, sides such as avocado and toppings including fried onions and tempura flakes. All of its bowls are available for either dine in or takeout as well as delivery throughout the Auburn and Opelika area. Pokemen is located at 2701 Frederick Road in Opelika.

Urgent Care for Children Ribbon Cutting — Allury Arora-Lal, Urgent Care for Children founder and CEO, spoke about the vision & mission for the Urgent Care for Children stating, “Urgent Care for Children creates a continuum of care by supplementing the hours of local pediatric offices and providing an affordable alternative to the emergency room." The facility, located at 2564 Enterprise Drive, is directly in front of Target. It’s the Birmingham-based company’s 10th location in Alabama. The team is thrilled to expand its network of services into the Auburn-Opelika market and look forward to becoming the area’s trusted after-hours provider for convenient pediatric urgent care needs all 365 days of the year.It is open from 2 p.m. until 10 p.m. on weekdays and from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. on weekends. Patients can walk in or reserve a spot online.

A13 April 14, 2022

Z & Z Cigar Co. Ribbon Cutting — For an awesome cigar bar experience, you need to head over and check the business out. A space that used to be a kitchen for a bakery now accommodates a walk-in humidor including a huge fine cigar selection, and the rest of the space is furnished in comfortable leather couches and chairs. It has also added an amazing outdoor patio where you could play poker with friends or even watch a sporting event all while enjoying a cigar and bourbon. It is located at 108 S 9th St., in downtown Opelika.

Women’s Business Council “Sandwich Generation” Speaker Series — The Sandwich Generation is defined as a group of middle-aged adults who care for both their aging parents and their own children. At this event, guests were able to learn about resources and financial assistance available for their aging parents as well as on how to prepare their children to be financially stable on their own by building credit and instilling a desire to work. This workshop was held in hopes of women coming alongside each other to help those currently in the sandwich situation or to prepare those that may soon be consumed by it. The ladies enjoyed group discussions all over a lovely high tea bar and pastries from The Well. A special thanks to the four panelists, Jan Neal from Jan Neal Law Firm, LLC, Jeanna Thomas, Lee-Russell Council of Governments, Katherine Murray from Opelika City Schools and Marie Gill from Troy Bank & Trust for providing our attendees with resources and such beneficial information.

The Coffee Shop Ribbon Cutting — Gleason Jones, owner of The Coffee Shop, started out making coffee on a former school bus that he retrofitted for mobile coffee sales. Now, he owns his own brick and mortar store in downtown Opelika, The Coffee Shop. It offers delicious coffees such as the Ms. Addie, Mama Knows Best and Hustle and Bustle. The shop also offer alternative options to coffee such as refreshers with flavors including the Melon Berry and Sunburst as well as delicious breakfast foods such as cinnamon rolls. It is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stop by and get your morning coffee fix from The Coffee Shop. It is located at 122 S 8th St., in Opelika.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Trinity Custom Homes Ribbon Cutting — Connie and her team are so excited to be in the Opelika area. Trinity Custom Homes offers superior quality construction and the most dependable customer service to its Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Alabama customers. Its customers receive the best value in the industry because it can pass on its discounts and make its superior products affordable. If you are looking to build your own custom home, please visit its website at trinitycustom.com or stop by its office located at 2760 Enterprise Dr., in Opelika.

Auburn has a 'Hoppy' time at Breakfast With The Bunny PHOTOS BY ALLIE FOX / FOR THE OBSERVER

Breakfast with Bunny at Kiesel Park, hosted by Auburn Parks and Recreation and sponsored by Christine's Unlimited, saw community members and their children participate in a buffet-style breakfast, Easter egg hunt and of course, pictures with the Easter Bunny.

A14 April 14, 2022

Reflecting on the Death of Christ

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

RELIGION — hough He died the death of a common criminal by being crucified on a cross, there was nothing common about Jesus’ death. The gospels zero in on its uniqueness: Matthew writes, “When Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, He gave up His spirit,” (27:50). Luke records, “Jesus called out in a loud voice, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit,” (Luke 23:46). Mark tells us of the centurion’s reaction

to watching Jesus die, "when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how He died, he said, ‘Surely, this man was the Son of God!’” (Mark 15:39). John’s account is even more pointed, “Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, He bowed His head and gave up His spirit,” (John 19:30). These passages point out two important and overlooked aspects in regard to the death of Jesus. First of all, they indicate that Jesus was both conscious and in command at the time of His death. He wasn’t unconscious or slowly drifting away. He called out in a loud voice, He bowed His head, He gave up His spirit. There are the actions of someone who was in control. Secondly, think about the phrase “gave up His spirit.” It is worth careful consideration because it is a point of emphasis in all four accounts. Not only was Jesus’ life not taken from Him, but He

also chose the moment in which it would be given. The centurion, who had likely witnessed many deaths by crucifixion, saw something in the death of Jesus that he hadn’t seen before and concluded that Jesus was no mere human. All of this leads us to something Jesus said in John 10:17-18: The reason My Father loves Me is that I lay down My life — only to take it up again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from the Father. Jesus claimed to have control over His life, His death, and His resurrection. What an incredible claim. A cursory look at John’s gospel reveals numerous occasions when the opponents of Jesus sought to take His life (5:18, 7:1,19,25, 8:37,40, 11:47-53). Their attempts were all unsuccessful. Why? The

answer is simple: Jesus was unwilling to lay His life down on any of these occasions and since He alone had the power to do so, His death wasn’t going to happen without His permission. At Golgotha, in accordance with His Father’s will, Christ chose to give His life and make atonement for our sins (John 19:30). Yet even at the cross, He was in total control down to the moment of His death. This was what impressed the centurion. Anyone suffering the torturous death of crucifixion would wish for such control, but only Jesus possessed it. This is why the centurion says, “Surely, this man was the Son of God” (Mark 15:39). Christ’s ability to choose the moment of His departure from this world is a fulfillment of His claim and a clear sign of His deity. We need to treat it as such. The portrait of a barely conscious Jesus bleeding out on the cross under-

mines this claim and is not in sync with the gospel writers’ presentation. Similarly, it is misguided to look for the suffering of Jesus primarily in the physical aspects of the crucifixion. Not only do the writers of the gospels not emphasize this, but a careful sifting of their testimony will cultivate a recognition and appreciation that the ultimate suffering of the cross was not physical, but the loneliness, isolation and forsakenness Jesus experienced there as the land was shrouded in darkness and He tasted death for us (Hebrews 2:9). History is full of people who gave their physical lives for others but knows only One perfect man who bore the sins of mankind through His death. That is what makes the cross the nexus of history. May we always treat it that way. You can find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: a-taste-ofgrace-with-bruce-green. com.

ABOUT BRUCE GREEN You can find more of Bruce’s writings at his website:www. a-taste-of-gracewith-bruce-green.com

Hunley Group Lambert Transfer & Storage An Interstate Agent for North American Van Lines 1102 Fox Trail Opelika, AL 36803 745-5706

BIBLE VERSE OF THE WEEK

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. — 1 Peter 2:24

CHURCH DIRECTORY APOSTOLIC HOLINESS Emmanuel Temple of Deliverance Inc. 28 Sanford Ave., Opelika 334-745-0210 God’s House of Prayers Holiness Church 301 Highland Ave., Opelika 334-749-9672 True Deliverance Holiness Church 936 N. Donahue Dr., Auburn 334-502-4700 BAPTIST Bethesda Baptist Church 201 S. 4th St., Opelika 334-745-7528

Beulah Baptist Church 5500 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-705-0538 Cooperative Baptist Fellowship 128 East Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-8506 Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 3089 Judge Brown Rd., Valley 334-710-2117 Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church 650 Jeter Ave., Opelika 334-749-9487 Green Chapel Missionary Baptist 390 Lee Road 106,

Got Questions? Come Study With Us

THE CHURCH OF CHRIST AT CUNNINGHAM DRIVE 2660 CUNNINGHAM DR., OPELIKA SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY 9:30 A.M. SUNDAY WORSHIP 10:30 A.M. / 5 P.M. WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY 6:30 P.M.

Auburn (334) 749-4184 High Hope Baptist Church 227 Lee Road 673 334-524-8750 Lakeview Baptist Church 1600 E. Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-7094 Pepperell Baptist 2702 2nd Ave., Opelika 334-745-3108 Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Road 166, Opelika 334-745-4608

500 N. 10th St., Opelika 334-745-5181 Church Of Christ 2215 Marvyn Pkwy., Opelika 334-742-9721 Southside Church Of Christ 405 Carver Ave., Opelika 334-745-6015

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

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

CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ at Cunningham 2660 Cunningham Dr., Opelika 10th Street Church Of Christ

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

COMMUNITY OUTREACH Good Sheperd Anglican Church 3015 Opelika Road, Opelika

Church 5165 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-745-4755 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Church At Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy., Opelika 334-524-9148 Connect Church 2015 West Point Pkwy., Opelika 334-707-3949 St. Ellis Full Gospel Church 5267 US Hwy 80W, Opelika 334-298-4319 PRESBYTERIAN Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Road, Opelika 334-745-4889 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST Opelika Outreach S.D.A. Church P.O. Box 386, Opelika 334-749-3151

Christ Is Alive Community Sunrise Service OPELIKA – First United Methodist Church in Opelika will conduct a sunrise service from 6 to 7:30 a.m. on April 17 at Garden Hills Cemetery which is located at 1218 Frederick Road in Opelika. There will be special music and congregational singing. The public is invited. Refreshments will be served before and after the service. Social distancing and masks are required. Handicapped parking will be available. Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Opelika. Place your ad here! Fresh Foods...And A Whole Lot More!

Catch ‘On the Mark’ with D. Mark Mitchell and Jeff Sasser weekday mornings from 7-9 a.m.

603 Pleasant Pleasant Drive 603 Drive Opelika, Opelika, ALAL 36801 749-1333 749-1333 Mon-Sat - 8pm Mon- Sat7am 7am-8pm Sun12pm 12pm-6pm Sun - 6pm

Email: editor@opelika observer.com Call: 334-749-8003

A15 April 14, 2022

The Best Way to Relate to Jesus

WALTER ALBRITTON

RELIGION — ow shall I relate to Jesus? That may be the most important question you will ever answer. There are several options. You can relate to him by admiring him as a great

teacher. He was indeed one of the wisest men of all time. You may gain wisdom by studying what he said. You can relate to him by believing he was a great prophet. He was himself the fulfillment of many Old Testament prophecies and most of his own prophecies have been fulfilled. You may admire Jesus as the supreme example of how to live. He actually did several things as an example of how he wanted his disciples to live. You would surely live a nobler life if you based all your decisions

on “What would Jesus do?” Diligently following the example of Jesus would make you a finer person and a blessing to others. Study the New Testament and you will discover that the best option for relating to Jesus is to worship him as your Lord and Savior. To do so is to go beyond admiring him as a great teacher or prophet and example. Authentic worship of Jesus begins when you believe he was sent by his Father to die on the cross for your sins, that God raised him from the dead and that

by surrendering your life to him, you will receive forgiveness of your sins and the assurance of eternal salvation. When you decide to let Jesus control your life, he begins changing you into a person who lives and acts like Jesus. That is the work of the Holy Spirit in your life. Everything changes when you begin worshiping Jesus. Life is gloriously new. Light and joy displace darkness and sadness. The more you worship Jesus, the more you feel like singing instead of complaining. You are thrilled to realize

you have been saved by grace so you can honor Jesus the rest of your life. Your life suddenly has new meaning. Worship Jesus and you realize he needs you. Yes, even you! He needs you on his team. He needs your smile, joy, skills, resources, witness and influence. How remarkable is that — to think that the God who created the heavens and the earth needs you. He has the power to do all things himself, but that is not his plan. He wants you to partner with him by sharing the good news that by worshiping Jesus

his disciples can change the world. When Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, he rode on a donkey. That reminds us that in the business of King Jesus, there are no insignificant places of service. If he could use a humble donkey, he can use you. Worship him. Let him use you. Praise him for using you even in the smallest of ways. As you worship Jesus, your heart will overflow with joy in the service of others because that is the best way to relate to your Lord and Savior.

OBITUARIES THELTON WAYNE MCCORCLE Thelton Wayne McCorcle was born on May 19, 1933, in Colorado City, Texas, to Finnis McCorcle and Julia Robison. After graduating from Odessa High School (TX) he was accepted into the U.S. Marine Corp and served in the Korean War. His service in the Marines and US Army earned him the GI Bill which afforded him two bachelors and ultimately the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Texas A&M. After leaving active duty with the Army he found a career with USDA where he served in Puerto Rico, Miami and Alabama. He was the Export Veterinarian at the International Airport in Miami for 12 years while attending Army Reserves. The completion of the General Staff College allowed him to be promoted to Colonel. Being transferred to Auburn with USDA was a welcome change from the hectic Miami life. While being stationed in Germany he met his wife of 47 years, Elisabeth. He left Terra Firma, as he would say, on April 4, 2022. He is survived by his wife Elisabeth, 4 children, and 8 grandchildren. He was grateful for the care of Compassus and he appreciated the expertise of Dr. Bantwal Baliga, Dr. Rhodes, Dr. Holmes, and Dr. Brian Wood. Family members remember him as diligent, generous, relaxed, smoking

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(Amanda) James, Scotty James, and Jon (Catherine) James and James Graham. Tommy was blessed with 13 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. He is preceded in death by his mother and father and six brothers and 2 sisters. Visitation was held on Wednesday, April 6, at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home in Opelika. Funeral services were held on April 7 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home with burial following in the Fairfax Cemetery in Valley, Alabama.

TOMMY HUGH JAMES

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Tommy Hugh James went to be with his Lord on April 4, 2022. He was 87 years old. Tommy was born on May 23, 1934, to Eratus Fylie and Minnie Elizabeth James. He was the last of 9 children. He grew up in Opelika and graduated from Opelika High School. He retired from West Point Pepperrell and then worked for Twiss Associate, Inc. He loved his family and especially enjoyed his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He always had a smile, a hug, and a cute saying for you. Tommy is survived by his two sons, Mickey (Teresa) James of Waverly and Billy James of Valley, his wife Fannie James of Salem and her children David (Marlene) Linthicum and Tracy (Darryl) Graham. Tommy is survived by grandchildren Laura (Austin) Ehrhart, Tommy (Amber) James, Haley (Chase) Sparks, Michael

HELEN TILSON FLETCHER

his pipe and drawing pictures. It could be said, what he enjoyed most out of life was to make people laugh. His best friend Richard McCormick said, “McCorcle cannot be corrupted”. Our loss is immense. A memorial service was held on Friday, April 8 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. JeffcoatTrant Funeral Home and Crematory directed.

Helen Tilson Fletcher was born in Durham, North Carolina, on March 27, 1931, and died on April 4, 2022, in Dadeville, Alabama, at the age of 91. She is survived by her daughters Anne Peery Fletcher Grizzle (David) and Laura Tucker Fletcher Henry (Raymond); seven grandchildren: Benjamin David Grizzle (Heather), Joshua Peter Fletcher Grizzle (Jane), Sara Beth Henry Collins (Matt), Valerie Anne Henry Sirenko (Maxim), Andrew Tilson Grizzle (Katy), Laura Christiana Brokaw, Nathan Forest Brokaw; and nine great-grandchildren. Helen was the daughter of Warren Earl (“Tex”) Tilson and Virginia Peery Tilson and the sister of James Edward Tilson. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Forest, brother Jim and daughter Beth Powell

Fletcher Brokaw (David). Helen graduated from Lexington High School and Mary Baldwin College, majoring in history. She was married on Aug. 11, 1951, to Forest Fletcher, Jr. in Lexington, Virginia. For a year or two, she taught high school Spanish. Helen and Forest were the parents of three daughters: Laura Tucker, Anne Peery and Beth Powell. Helen and Forest lived in Fishersville, then Waynesboro, and finally Staunton, Virginia. Helen was devoted to her family and was a great cook, accomplished seamstress and intrepid tent camper. She was an avid reader, bird watcher, and bridge club member and enjoyed painting landscapes from nature in oil on canvas. Helen and Forest were faithful members of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Staunton from 1965 until their deaths in 2010 (Forest) and 2022 (Helen). Forest is interred in the church columbarium, and Helen will join him there. A memorial service for Helen was held on Monday, April 11, at 10 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Auburn. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Staunton, Virginia, Boys’ Home of Virginia or a charity of your choice. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed. ––––––– LARRY KENNETH HOWARD, SR.

Larry Kenneth Howard, Sr. of Alexander City, Alabama was born in Lee County, Alabama on Oct. 18, 1950, and passed away at his home surrounded by family on April 5, 2022. He was 71 years old. He attended Ridge Road Baptist Church. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Bessie Howard; brothers, Louis Howard, and Phillip Howard. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Dale Howard; children, Karen Hoffman (Jonathan) Larry Howard, Jr. (Jessica) Jason Smith (Anita), Maykie Cantrell (Chris); nine grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren; sisters, Shirley Miller, Linda Miller, and Teressa Fewell, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members. Memorial service will be held at Ridge Road Baptist Church Saturday, April 30, 2022 at 2 p.m. with Pastor Robert E. Gates and Pastor Darrell Shelton officiating. ––––––– ANNELIESE “ANN” EMMA TREGO Anneliese “Ann” Emma Trego was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She left this world suddenly on April 5, 2022, at the age of 92. Ann was born to Alfred and Anne Marie O’Brien on Jan. 1, 1930, in Berlin, Germany. She overcame the challenges of growing up

St. Stephens Episcopal Church ECW 1st annual Crawfish Boil! Fresh Crawfish from Louisiana cooked by our own Cajun, Don Sorjonen

Pick- up April 23rd 2022 From 11am – 1pm eastern time To order call Bonnie @706-442-4723 Please pre-order!! Pick up at St Stephens Episcopal Church 45 Lee Rd 567 Smiths Station, AL 36877 (one-half mile north of Loves Truck stop on Hwy. 431) Crawfish (1lb) plus Potatoes, Corn, Sausage - $12 Family size: Gumbo -$16 QT - Red Beans & Rice - $12 QT

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during World War II and went on to meet her husband Cooper Dague Trego, while he was stationed overseas. They settled in the United States in 1953. After studying hard Ann passed her citizenship test with flying colors, having only one error. Ann Trego became a proud citizen of the United States of America on June 10, 1958. Ann will be remembered fondly by her family as an especially generous and caring woman who would give you the shirt off her back if needed. She always wanted to write a book about her life growing up during the war and had many compelling stories that she shared with her family and friends. She was quite the “character” with her sense of humor and candid comments. Ann is preceded in death by Cooper Dague Trego her husband of 43 years and Peter “Pete” John Trego her son. She is survived by her daughter Flora Ann Trego. James Harmon Blankenship Jr., former son in law. Many grandchildren Moss Hays, Kelly (Theresa) Hays, Tia Trego, Jaime (Eric) Ennis, Derek (Jennifer) Blankenship. Great grandchildren Cooper Ennis, MacKenzie King and one on the way. Sister Inge Dessell Whitmore. Daughter in law Sue Vail Trego. Her graveside ceremony was conducted by Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home at the Garden Hills Cemetery on Sunday, April 10 at 3 p.m.

A16 April 14, 2022

COMICS

“Life is worth living as long as there’s a laugh in it.” ― Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

INSIDE B1 - B8:

• AUBURN CITY SCHOOLS • AUBURN UNIVERSITY • COMMUNITY SPORTS • LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS • OPELIKA CITY SCHOOLS • SUSSC

OHS Completes Busy Week

PLACE SECTION RESULTS 100 METER DASH 12.63 — Haley Sanders — 2nd 13.46 — Tyra Pitts — 9th 13.61 Shaniyah Little — 15th 200 METER DASH 27.71 — Indiana Holloway — 9th 27.94 — Tyra Pitts — 11th 28.10 — Shaniyah Little — 12th 28.74 — Haley Sanders — 17th 400 METER DASH 1:02.39 — Indiana Holloway — 3rd 1:07.05 — Makiah Paschal — 10th 1:11.65 — Lathan Rogers — 15th 800 METER RUN 2:37.96 SB — Breckin Gould — 6th 2:38.77 SB — Paola Torres — 7th 2:44.14 — Margaret Bice — 8th 2:51.08 SB — Violett Alcorn — 14th 1600 METER RUN 5:40.82 SB — Breckin Gould — 3rd 5:58.17— Paola Torres — 7th 7:00.37 SB — Taylar Thomas — 17th 7:34.37 SB — Ellie Kendrick — 21st 100 METER HURDLES 18.32 — Niya Walton — 5th 18.97 — Cadence See SPORTS, page B2

AUBURN: MAY 10 AT 6 P.M.

OPELIKA — With the month of May rapidly approaching, the Opelika women’s soccer program is just three games away from wrapping up what has been a noteworthy regular season in school history. The Dawgs are 10-3 following their victory over Valley on Tuesday night and took advantage of the opportunity to send off their seniors in the best way possible. Head coach Jacklyn Button was excited to compliment her trio of seniors — Phoebe Darcey, Fatima Santamaria and Arizela Ambrocio — for their play on the field while simultaneously expressing her gratitude for the group’s commitment to the program dating back to their pre-high school years. “We have had these

seniors since middle school,” Button said. “I think one thing is they’ve just been consistent throughout the program; Darcey played on varsity

While Darcey has been a member of the program for six years, Button was sure to point out that Santamaria has been equally as committed to

The OHS girls' varsity soccer team played its Soccer for a Cure game last Friday. The team raised close to $3,500 selling t-shirts and through donations. Proceeds from the game went to East Alabama Medical Center.

as one of our goalkeepers starting in the seventh and eighth grade so we’ve had her be a constant presence as a voice and presence in the back has been phenomenal.”

the development of OHS soccer. “(Santamaria) joined us in the eighth grade,” Button said. “Just like (Darcey), she’s been a constant presence, has

worked through our defense as starting center defender and I think they just bring a lot of confidence and control to the game. They give our younger players someone to look up to.” The long term duo is joined by Arizela Amrocio, a standout leader and offensive presence for the Dawgs; her head coach was excited for her return to the team following the pandemic. “(Ambrocio), with COVID-19 and all that, wasn’t with the team last year,” Button said. “But she’s back on the team this year so we’re excited to have her back. Everyone kind of rallies around her, getting to see her score goals and everything has been exciting for us this year.” Behind Ambrocio and the rest of the Bulldog offensive attack, Button’s See SOCCER, page B4

A Taste of 2022 Reviewing Auburn’s A-Day

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA — he Opelika High School girls’ and boys’ tennis teams closed out the regular season schedule with loses to Trinity. The girls lost 0-9 and the boys lost 2-7. The two wins were from Drue Gagliano won his match in three sets (57, 7-5 and 10-8) and the doubles team of Jake Walters and Jake Patel won in straight sets (7-5 and 6-2). The OHS girls tennis eam roster : Emily Bearden , Emma Brown, Sarah Bush, Lila Cook, Maddie Hankins, Addison Kemp, Lucinda Long, Avery Massey, Mailan McTier, Mary Cara Montel, Presley Mullins , Mamie Nicholson, Martha Pugh, Shirley Pugh, Karlie Smith, Joanne Smith T and Vera Smith T. Boys team roster: Will Fuller, Drue Gagliano, Roman Gagliano, Gavin McGlade, Connor Mullins, Devam Patel, Jake Walters and Jacob Wood. TRACK AND FIELD Opelika's Track and Field team participated in the "JD Evilsizer Panther Invitation", last weekend at Smiths Station High School. The individual results are below: GIRLS ATHLETE

LEE COUNTY: MAY 10 AT 6 P.M.

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

D. MARK MITCHELL

OPELIKA: APRIL 19 AT 4:30 P.M.

Opelika Soccer Honors Seniors, Eyes Playoff Berth BY HARRISON TARR FOR THE OBSERVER

ON THE MARK

SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS

BY HARRISON TARR FOR THE OBSERVER AUBURN — The Auburn football program wrapped up its second season of spring practice under head coach Bryan Harsin when the Tigers competed in their annual A-Day spring scrimmage at Jordan-Hare stadium which featured just 19 combined points and — per usual — a quarterback battle at center stage. According to Harsin, the spring finale was a prime example of the centerpiece of the practice period: competition and leadership.

“That’s really been the theme of spring,” Harsin said. “It’s just been competition; We talked about leadership. We talked about chemistry,

all those things like that, just competing.” Although the head coach was pleased to see his squad committed to competing with one

another, he has since shifted his attention to development and replicating the new skills See A TASTE OF 2022, page B5

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B2 April 14, 2022

Beauregard Baseball Heating Beauregard Softball Up as Postseason Nears in Familiar Position BY HARRISON TARR FOR THE OBSERVER BEAUREGARD — After closing a lack-luster campaign with a first round exit in the AHSAA playoffs in 2021, members of the Beauregard baseball program were out for vengeance in 2022. Coming into the season, head coach Seth Nolen’s Hornets wanted more than anything to redirect the attention of the rest of the state back to the blue and gold. To say that this year’s squad achieved that goal is an understatement. Beauregard is on pace to win 20 games by the end of the regular season and the team’s skipper believes that his group is only just getting started. “We’ve been playing well here lately,” Nolen said. “We’ve been swinging it well and playing good defense; pitching has

SPORTS >> FROM B1 William s— 7th 19.49 — Aryel Crittenden— 8th 19.94 — Dasja Kier 11th 300 METER HURDLES 58.28 — Dasja Kier — 12th 58.32 — Cadence Williams — 13th 59.24 — Violett Alcorn — 14th 1:01.73 — Aryel Crittenden — 15th HIGH JUMP 4-8 — Haley Sanders — 6th 4-6 —De’leah Huntly — 8th 4-6 — Kele Ferrell — 9th 4-4 — Kimora Rowell — 10th LONG JUMP 14-10.5 — Morgan Watts — 4th 14-3 — Kyndall Brundidge — 7th 12-10.5 — Kimora Rowell — 10th 12-6 — Kele Ferrell — 11th TRIPLE JUMP 34-5 — Niya WaltoN —1st 32-8 — Morgan Watts — 4th 31-1 — Kimora Rowell — 8th POLE VAULT 7-6 — Sabrina Jeri Hansen — 2nd DISCUS 82-4 — Trinity Rooks — 3rd 74-4 — Cherdi Daniels — 5th 74-1 — Kasman Moss — 6th 64-1 — Ashleigh Pitts — 12th JAVELIN 90-2 — Emma McSpadden — 5th 71-0 — Lizavia Edwards — 10th 68-0 — Kasman Moss — 11th 64-2 — Morgan Watts — 12th

been outstanding all year. We’re playing pretty well.” According to Nolen, the Hornets slow start in 2022 gave the group an idea of where to improve; his group has responded. “We wanted to shore up some defense, get a little better at twostrike hitting and some approaches at the plate,” Nolen said. “We’ve done that. It’s paying off.” As in all sports, the blue and gold faced adversity in the early going, forcing a group of younger athletes to step up in ways they might not have anticipated. “Those guys have stepped up and done a tremendous job,” Nolen said. “We lost a catcher early, so Carter Dees has caught 22 of our 23 games. He’s not had rest but he’s been a warrior back there and stepped up and caught just about every inning.”

While they are remarkable, Dees’ effort behind the dish has not served as the only example of resiliency within the squad. Nolen’s pitching rotation has been an impressive spectacle. “We lost two pitchers early in the year,” Nolen said. “We’ve had 11 guys throw at least two innings for us this year, or more. We’ve had young guys step up and throw an inning for us; it’s really been a whole team.” With continual changes on the bump as a prime model for what has been an overall team effort throughout the season, the head coach noted that the group’s success has been built upon complete buy-in from top to bottom. “There’s four seniors on this team and they’ve all done a pretty good job,” Nolen said. “But — once again — it’s kind

SHOT PUT 32-0.5 — Cherdi Daniels — 1st 29-8 — Ashanti Thomas — 5th 24-2.25 — Trinity Rooks — 13th 24-2.25 — Kasman Moss — 13th BOYS ATHLETE PLACE SECTION RESULTS 100 METER DASH 11.49 — Qualik Harry — 9th 11.64 — Bailey Williams — 14th 11.73 — Jakori Thornton — 16th 11.88 — Charles Hodge — 20th 200 METER DASH 23.67 —Theo Hubbard — 8th 23.70 — Qualik Harry — 9th 23.72 — Bailey Williams — 10th 24.68 — Davian Jones — 23rd 400 METER DASH 52.51 — Kaden Cooper — 2nd 54.03 — Sam Washburn — 7th 55.41 — Brennan Reese-Williams — 14th 800 METER RUN 2:11.02 — Kyrian Moss —6th 2:23.09 — Sam Washburn — 16th 2:23.14 —Charles Brewer — 17th 2:34.07 — Michael Hart — 28th 1600 METER RUN 4:45.97 — Charles Brewer — 3rd 5:10.56 — Michael Hart — 11th 5:34.51 — Zane Sexton — 19th 5:41.66 — Zalen Shaw — 21st 3200 METER RUN 11:58.21 SB Zane Sexton 11th 13:01.89 Patrick Seymore 14th 110 METER HURDLES 15.25 — Tykell Thomas — 1st 16.38 — Theo

Hubbard — 2nd 300 METER HURDLES 43.52 — Tykell Thomas — 2nd 45.96 — Theo Hubbard — 4th 48.17 — Jackion Drake — 10th HIGH JUMP 5-2 — Jaxon Freeman — 7th LONG JUMP 19-2.25 — Kaden Cooper — 4th 17-2.5 — Davian Jones —8th 17-2 —Kylin Fears — 9th 16-2.5 — Charles Hodge —13th TRIPLE JUMP 42-2 — Kaden Cooper — 3rd 38-5 — Kylin Fears —6th 37-3 — Davian Jones —8th 36-10.5 —Jackion Drake —9th POLE VAULT 12-0 — Ben Royal — 1st 10-6 — Dontarius Alvis — 4th 8-6 — William Garner —6th DISCUS 132-0 — Mikeil Heard — 2nd 125-2 — Ajaden Parham — 3rd 95-6 — Anthony Edwards — 7th JAVELIN 127-5 — Anthony Edwards — 5th 125-11 — William Garner — 6th 114-4.5 —Marquavian Johnson — 9th 85-2 — Brenton Williams — 18th SHOT PUT 42-9.5 — Mikeil Heard —1st 41-6.25 — Marquavian Johnson — 2nd 37-4.5 — Anthony Edwards — 8th 33-5.25 — William Garner — 12th SOCCER Opelika hosted rival

See BEAUREGARD, page B3

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

BEAUREGARD — Past the midway point in the season, the Beauregard varsity softball team is ready to leave distractions in the past. “Coming off spring break, it’s always tough when they get some time off,” said Head Coach Scott Meadows. “Then you had prom last week, and a lot of times the focus is not where it needs to be coming off things like that. But hopefully now we can be focused through the rest of the season and not have any distractions and maybe give it a shot.” The Hornets currently boast a near .500 record, and with the postseason area tournament beginning in early May, Meadows is pushing his girls to hit the benchmarks set at the start of the season.

Auburn last Friday at the W. James Samford Soccer Complex at the SportsPlex in the annual "Soccer for a Cure" games. The two schools raised close to $3,500 each for East Alabama Medical Cancer Center, selling t-shirts, donations and the use of a portion of the gate receipts. On the field, Auburn swept Opelika in the two varsity games, girls winning 4-0 and boys, 3-2. The OHS boys played the Tigers toe-to-toe before losing a close match. Auburn scored the first goal but Opelika’s Dexter Graham scored a goal with an assist from Said Rujuana. AHS took a 2-1 lead, only to have Moe Forbes score the second Dog goal for a 2-2 tie. The Tigers scored the game winner late in the game. SOFTBALL The Lady Bulldog Softball team (10-12-1 or 12-12-1 if you count the 2-varsity wins over SSHS Junior Varsity team) beat Dadeville 14-10 behind McKay Yountz's grandslam in the bottom of the 7th-inning. OHS scored 14-runs on 14-hits, including 4 from Yountz, 3-hits from Lyles, 2 from Jones and Thomas along with hits from Lee and Stringer. Opelika started Jones in the circle but was relieved in the first inning by Stringer. Yountz pitched the last 5-innings, allwing 1-hit , no earned runs while striking out 7-Tiger batters to earn the win. BASEBALL The Opelika Bulldog Baseball team (16-8) beat area foe Eufaula twice last week, 11-1 and 7-5, improving their

“Our team knows, for us to be competitive against better teams we are going to have to hit and play solid defense,” Meadows said. “We don’t have that one pitcher who is going to shut people down. We have got to be good all-around to compete.” Area foes Tallassee and Brewbaker Tech always pose a challenge, but Meadows takes encouragement from the fact that this year’s team reminds him of one who achieved success in the past. “Brew Tech and Tallassee are the two teams to beat,” he said. “We knew that coming into the year. We have to be at our best to compete with those two. But, we were in the same boat a few years ago — didn’t beat Tallassee or Brew tech in the regular season. Then we got in the area tournament and made it to the regionals.”

A few players who have set the standard at the plate for Beauregard this season are eighth grader Raegan Brooks, 10th grade shortstop Cooper Watson and junior catcher Caroline Willis. Brooks, who pitches and mostly plays designated hitter, is leading the team with a .755 slugging percentage, and is second in the lineup with a batting average of .429. Watson is the batting average leader, hitting .460 on the year, accompanied by with a .607 on base percentage. Willis is hitting .407 on the season, with an on base percentage of .550. The sure-handed signal caller behind the plate recently hit a walk-off homerun against the Smiths Station Panthers, too. Meadows looks to their performances to spur the rest of his team higher peaks.

area record to 4-0 with two area games against Valley this week. In game one, EHS scored its only run in the game in the top of the first inning. OHS pitcher JT McArdle earned the win, pitching six innings, allowing one run on three hits and striking out four Tiger batters. Offensively, the Dogs were led by Harrison Long's three hits, and two hits from "Tommy" Taylor Fields and Brooks Bryan. Paul Goodman, Bryce Speakman and Kidylian Ligon added hits. One of Bryan's hits was a home run. Opelika beat Eufaula, 7-5, last Thursday at EHS in the second area game. Speakman led OHS at the plate with three hits, followed by two hits from Fields.. Harris, Long, Goodman and JD Chase each added a hit apiece. Luke Murray earned the win in relief, pitching the final three innings while allowing one earned run on two hits. Opelika played Valley but the results were not available at press time. MIRACLE FIELD / UNITY 5K VOLUNTEERS The 2022 Billy Hitchcock Miracle League started three weeks ago. The following OHS athletes volunteered as "BUDDIES" during the games: Ahmad Butler, Jake Smith and Isaiah Tolbert. KD Sewell, Tre Coleman, Tristan Hart and Roman Gagliano assisted the race organizers at the annual Unity 5K Stampede held at the Opelika Sportsplex. All of these young men should be applauded for volunteering their time to help two important functions.

THOUGHTS-DR FARRELL SEYMORE OHS SUPERINTENDENT Current OHS principal, Dr. Farrell Seymore, was named new Opelika City Schools superintendent last week. Seymore started in the Opelika School System as a teacher at Opelika Middle School. Seymore advanced to OMS principal and was promoted to be principal at OHS. I am proud that Seymore was named OCS superintendent. He is a Christian, family man and chose Opelika to live and raise his family after finishing college. Seymore has had opportunities to accept similar jobs outside of Opelika but turned those down to remain a Bulldog. Seymore brings a wealth of leadership skills and knowledge of the OCS system. I believe he will be approachable and willing to listen to parents and members of the Opelika community. Let’s face it, the head of Opelika School System is an important position and is a big responsibility … Seymore is the right man for the job! Seymore must hire several key positions quickly. A new OHS principal, band director and assistant superintendent are needed. Current Assistant Superintendent Ken Burton announced his retirement along with current band director Neil Sasser. Congrats Dr Farrell Seymore. D. Mark Mitchell is the sports director at iHeartMedia, host of “On the Mark” Fox Sports the Game 9101310, co-chair of the Auburn-Opelika Sports Council, chairman of the Super 7 and Dixie Youth Baseball state director.

See SOFTBALL, page B3

B3 April 14, 2022

Bulldogs Bustling Through Area Schedule

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

The Opelika varsity baseball team clinched the regular-season area championship Tuesday with an 8-3 win over Valley. For more information on OHS baseball, turn to D. Mark Mitchell's column on B1.

BEAUREGARD >> FROM B2 of everybody. Here the last 10 or 12 games or so, the dugout has been awesome, the guys on the field feed off that energy and when somebody’s number is called, they’re ready to go.” Having four seniors who are hungry for a state championship certainly hasn’t hurt the cause. “The seniors — Ethan Palmer, Ethan Pooler, Zander Baird and Will Ledbetter — those guys have kind of been the catalyst for the leaders,” Nolen said. The blue and gold will rely upon the senior leadership — and team accountability as a whole — as the group

fights to earn their bid in the state playoffs. “We’ve got a big series with Tallassee this week,” Nolen said. “If we can win one of the first two, we’re in the playoffs.” If the Hornets are able to clinch a playoff berth this week, the group will square off with a familiar opponent in the first round of the AHSAA playoffs: the Bulldogs of Andalusia. “We saw Andalusia earlier this year and we were not playing real good baseball at that time,” Nolen said. “They beat us 4-0 but — and no disrespect to Andalusia because they’re a solid baseball team — if we go play the way we’re capable of, we’ve got a good shot to

go beat them.” With the playoffs looming, the Hornets’ skipper made a point to mention the importance of playing not just for themselves but for their community. “To do it with Beauregard on your chest and the B on your hat, it’s an honor,” Nolen said. “And we look at it that way. One of the things we talk about all the time is that — when you put on this uniform, when you put on that B — it’s not just you anymore.” Beauregard will continue its bid for the playoffs — and a potential 20-win season — when it plays host to Tallassee for a double header on Friday, April 15 beginning at 4:30 p.m. CST.

SOFTBALL >> FROM B2 “If we can just get two or three others in the lineup to get those averages up … all of them have on base percentage that is going to meet our goals, but you can’t rely on walks and errors,” he said. Meadows has talked to this year’s team a lot about leadership, he said, and emphasized how it’s not one person’s job to take on that role. “You don’t have to be a three or four year to be a leader,” he said. “You can say all you want to say, but people are only going to follow you if they see what you are doing. So we want them to lead by example. It still may not change anything, but at least you have earned the right to say something.” Meadows will be looking for some of that leadership when the Hornet’s host a

tournament this weekend, with the potential to face the likes of Tallassee, Wetumpka, Beulah, Smiths Station and others. One of the main thing he wants to see on the field, however, is improvement on defense. “Defensively is probably where I’m most disappointed,” he said. “If we make errors in the outfield, most of the time it’s on the throw. Hopefully we are getting more comfortable and playing more solid.” Recent practices have turned a corner, Meadows said, and he hopes that leads to continued success in the coming weeks. I’m excited by our [recent] practice, the energy and effort we have had,” he said. “I just want to see that carry over to the games. All of them are going to have to buy-in. “

B4 April 14, 2022

OHS Celebrates Basketball Signings PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

Opelika High School seniors Grady Bynum (left) and Hayley Sanders (right) signed basketball scholarships on Thursday, April 7, in the Sports Arena Lobby at OHS. Bynum, a standout for the boys' basketball team, signed to Southern Union State Community College; Sanders, a 1,000-point career scorer and standout for the girls' team, signed to Chattahoochee Valley Community College.

SOCCER >> FROM B1 squad has seldom struggled to put the ball in the back of the goal throughout the 2022 campaign; the coach has actually had to remind her group to take more shots when given the opportunity. “With the offensive focus, we’ve just got to

keep connecting passes and looking for those opportunities,” Button said. “Sometimes we say we’re almost too unselfish. We get in front of the goal and it’s ‘oh I’m going to pass it over here.’ I try to teach them that, yes there’s times where you play it off if you don’t have a good angle but kind of trying to preach to take your shot if you’ve got

that opportunity.” Button added that — in teaching her squad to take more shots — she has implemented a drill which requires a team-wide rep of burpees for each squad not put on goal. As the Dawgs look forward, the group is presented with the opportunity to win 13 games in the regular season, a feat which has

not been achieved since the historic squad in 2019; Button is certainly aware of the stakes. “I really think this has been a special season for us,” Button said. “I’ve been really impressed with how hard we’ve worked and I think it’s great to see all the preseason work really pay off throughout the season.”

When given the opportunity to reflect on the 2022 campaign, the head coach noted that she is both proud of her group for their accomplishments this year and excited for the program going forward. “It just really gives me hope for the future,” Button said. “And for these girls, kudos to them for how hard they’ve worked

this season and they just get to kind of play out throughout these games we’ve had.” The Dawgs will be back in action when they travel to Smiths Station to take on the 10-win lady Panthers in a heated rivalry on the pitch Thursday night. Kickoff between the two foes is set for 5:30 p.m. CST.

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / FOR THE OBSERVER

Located in Historic Downtown Opelika

334-745-4618

334-744-7509 Dustin Farley-Nelms/Owner 207 N. 3rd Street, Opelika

Member of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce

B5 April 14, 2022

Lee-Scott Lady Warriors Aim to Repeat ‘The Impossible’ BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA — The 2022 Lee-Scott Academy girls’ varsity soccer team, with a current record of 4-6-2, is still establishing its own identity as it looks to repeat as AISA Class 3A state champions. Following up the success of the 2021 team was always going to be a staunch challenge, but after a difficult start to the year, Head Coach Eric Faison has drawn parallels between the two squads, encouraging the skipper. “Last year, we were a lot in the same boat,” Faison said. “We snuck into the final four, upset that team, then pulled some magic out of the

A TASTE OF 2022 >> FROM B1 acquired throughout the spring. “Now, moving forward, it’s going to be about execution and making sure that what we learned from spring and what we’re doing moving forward is for us to execute when it’s time for us to go out there and play and actually win a football game,” Harsin said. With three serious contenders — TJ Finley, Robby Ashford and Zach Calzada — the quarterback room’s ability to retain and build upon the

hat and wound up winning the state championship. If you look at results in this season and games like that, it just frustrating, but the potential is there.” With the playoffs rapidly approaching on April 18, and despite some of the similarities Faison sees in this year’s team and the last, the head coach has worked hard to dampen the pressure his youthful squad is facing. “I think there is this unconscious pressure,” he said. “I told the girls they are not that team. You have got be your own team, and what happens, happens. I think them enjoying it and me taking the pressure off of the win-loss thing has made it a positive.” A squad which deploys

multiple underclassmen and even some junior high schoolers in its starting lineup, the Warriors have struggled at times to keep up with its more experienced opponents. “We have got eighth and ninth graders through the core of our team who are good but they are just small,” he said. “The other night we played Tuscaloosa Academy, who has all seniors and four college commits, and we just can’t do anything with the ball. So, it’s just been frustrating.” After the season began in an unglamorous fashion, some of the LeeScott players took matters into their own hands, holding a players-only meeting to reset the team’s comradery and

direction, Faison said. “By about our third or fourth game in, attitudes were bad, morale was bad,” he said. “And then I went … it was just kind of one of those moments where you get their attention. The next day, some players said they wanted to have a players-only meeting and they met for an hour and half. Whatever they talked about worked. The next day we played a game and it was like a completely different team.” Since then, the Warriors have still faced their share of adversity, but have grown through it, together. “It’s been frustrating for all of us because you walk off the field after you gave everything you had, but you still come out on the wrong

side of it,” Faison said. “But, I think every team has those moments. The thing that has saved us is they all just really enjoy playing together.” Although the team has not been consistently achieving the results it wants, Faison said the leadership of two girls in particular, Cheyenne Butler and Erin Holder, have led the team to persevere. “We started off with higher expectations because we knew the impossible could happen because it happened last year,” Faison said. “But, we have gotten better through the season. They grew through adversity.” When evaluating his team’s chances in the postseason this year, Faison is optimistic. “Each game has a life

of its own when you get into the playoffs,” he said. “It doesn’t matter the record. You commit to your plan and you do it.” Regardless of how the results turn out, LeeScott is building toward the future with a squad that will have more years to actualize its goal of regaining the mantle of state champion. “We are going to commit and do the best we can,” he said. “We are going to give everything we have to each other and the game. But this team is going to be together for the next four years, so we are looking at the long-term positive of that.” The Warriors played Autauga on Wednesday but results were not available come press time.

foundation established this spring will likely be evaluated with a finetooth comb. Harsin was pleased with the pair who were able to compete in the annual scrimmage. “Competition was good,” Harsin said. “QBs led some good drives; Opening drives, 13 plays, 80 yards. (Ashford) followed that up with a nice drive; we just had some penalties that hurt us in that one.” Although unlikely to win the starting job in 2022, the fourth member of the Auburn quarterback staff — true freshman Holden Geriner — was given the keys to the

offense late in the contest, turning heads by mounting what could have been a game-winning drive in the fourth quarter. “It was fun to have the opportunity to end that way. It kind of ties into the theme of what spring ball has been, which is competitive,” Harsin said. “So, a two-point conversion and that last drive Holden (Geriner) was able to make a throw and Landen (King) was able to make the catch there to give their team a chance to win the game.” Geriner completed his spring outing 9-11 for 71 yards and a touchdown. “I think the thing now

for our players, just so you guys know what’s happening moving forward, the next two weeks there are evaluations with the coaches,” Harsin said. “This next week, there are evaluations with me. Then, these guys have finals. They need to finish up really strong academically.” Although the quarterback competition was certainly the center of attention for fans and coaches alike, the importance of developing the rest of the Tiger offense was certainly a point of emphasis. Junior running back Tank Bigsby was the

standout performer for Auburn both on and off the field; his focus appears to have adapted from not only his performance on the field but also his presence in the locker room. “Today was really a situational day and we handled our business,” Bigsby said. “Our guys are working and competing, they are doing what they are supposed to be doing. I hold myself accountable to be a leader of this team trying to get the guys in the direction we need to be in. I work hard and as a team we’ve come a long way already.”

Bigsby reminded the orange and blue faithful why coaches around the conference have to tailor their defensive gameplans to defending him on a weekly basis, posting 28 yards on three receptions. Following the conclusion of spring ball, Auburn football fans are forced to wait another five months to see their beloved Tigers back in action and — as of right now — the group likely has more questions than it has answers; Harsin’s squad will be back in action on Sept. 3 when the Tigers play host to Mercer.

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / FOR THE OBSERVER

B6 April 14, 2022

Alabama’s Community Colleges are Aligned with the Needs of Business and Industry to Better Serve Our Students and Our State BY JIMMY H. BAKER

OPINION — n the five years since I became Chancellor of the Alabama Community College System, nothing has been a higher priority than making sure we provide worldclass, affordable education and training so our students have the skills to succeed in a constantly evolving economy. During this time, we’ve successfully aligned our community colleges with the needs of Alabama business and industry. This has been a priority for one simple reason — workforce education and training that isn’t aligned with the state’s economic and job market needs is essentially worthless, a waste of both students’ time and taxpayers’ money. For those unfamiliar with the organization of the Alabama Community College System (ACCS), we are a unified, comprehensive system of public twoyear colleges governed by an independent Board of Trustees that the Legislature created in

2015. The creation of the ACCS Board of Trustees was a monumental step forward to positively change the operation and governance of the ACCS. The Board helps maintain our focus on the workforce needs of the state’s employers. The men and women who serve on the Board of Trustees are among Alabama’s best and brightest business leaders, entrepreneurs, economic developers and educators. They know firsthand the day-in, day-out challenges that Alabama’s businesses and industries face, as well as the education and training employers are looking for. All of them are fully committed to preparing students and improving communities across this state through better education and workforce development opportunities. Through the Board’s efforts, the financial condition of the ACCS is in an outstanding position. All community and technical colleges are now on a unified management system, they all are at or above the required two

BAKER months’ operating financial reserves, and the ACCS recently received a positive increase in our bond rating (A1 stable) by Moody’s Investors Service due to the positive financial structures that have been put in place. Also, thanks to strong support from Gov. Kay and the Alabama Legislature, the ACCS has increased enrollment during the COVID-19 pandemic, which bucks the trend of decreased enrollment at community colleges nationwide. This is a testament to an understanding Alabamians and Alabama industries have about the value of the education and training our community colleges offer.

Today, Alabama’s community colleges serve 145,000 students from every walk of life who seek quality, affordable education and training in over 300 degree and certificate programs. Among them are roughly 19,000 high school students who are earning college credit and preparing for careers by participating in dual enrollment programs. Direct and meaningful collaboration with Alabama business and industry is a hallmark of our work. Through business and industry partnerships, the ACCS has substantially expanded the number of education and workforce training programs we offer. For example, Alabama companies helped us develop apprenticeships that enable hundreds of our students to receive skills training while earning a paycheck at an Alabama business and providing quality work to their employers. With the guidance and involvement of Alabama businesses and industries, we’ve also launched the ACCS Innovation Center, a

workforce development initiative that supports the delivery of the Skills for Success curriculum to rapidly train workers for in-demand jobs. Skills for Success training offers short-term classes that students can start online and finish with an in-person lab in a regional ACCS location. Once students complete the training, they are job-ready and are awarded a credential and an opportunity to earn more certifications at their local community college. By developing this rapid training with Alabama’s business and industry groups, we ensure the training and credentials are aligned with the jobs employers say they need to fill right away. Employers know best what skills are needed in their industries. That’s exactly why the ACCS is listening to them. Working with the Alabama Association of Automotive Manufacturers, the Alabama Trucking Association, Manufacture Alabama, the Business Council of

Alabama, the Alabama Hospitality and Tourism Association, the National Federation of Independent Business and many others, we offer the rapid, job-specific training Alabama industries tell us are most in-demand. Our partnerships with business and industry will continue to grow because Alabama’s community colleges recognize we must continually adapt and upgrade our programs, just as our economy and the needs of our job market continually change. Business and industry partnerships will help sustain Alabama’s economic vitality, prepare our students for the workforce we need and change our state for the better. Jimmy H. Baker serves as Chancellor of the Alabama Community College System. For more information, contact: Ebony Horton, Communications and Public Relations Coordinator ebony. horton@accs.edu or 334-293-4655.

Opelika's “Mary Poppins” Poppins” Delivers a Spoonful of Fun PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / FOR THE OBSERVER Opelika High School's performacne of "Mary Poppins" runs through this weekend. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door or at https://gofan.co/app/school/AL11750

B7 April 14, 2022

Regions Bank, Auburn University Announce Financial Wellness Platform Digital resource to help Auburn students through no-cost financial curriculum

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

CONTRIBUTED BY REGIONS BANK

AUBURN – Regions Bank and Auburn University announced last week an expansion of the university's financial wellness resources to help students learn practical moneymanagement habits and prepare for their financial futures. Beginning this month, students can access the award-winning financial literacy platform iGrad as part of Auburn’s academic collaboration with Regions Next Step®, Regions Bank’s nocost financial wellness program. The digital platform, used by over 600 colleges and universities across the U.S., combines artificial intelligence with proprietary algorithms to customize a mix of financial education for students based on

their needs, goals and experiences. By having access to diverse multimedia tools, students can learn money management through interactive modules, videos, articles and other content designed to help them build a strong foundation for financial success. “Adding the iGrad platform to our range of financial tools increases the investment the university and Regions Bank are making in our students’ financial futures,” said Interim Provost Vini Nathan. “We know financial wellness is a critical factor in our students’ overall health and success — and that knowledge and experience are integral to decreasing financial stress.” The iGrad platform identifies content for students on topics ranging from shortterm needs and how to

successfully manage credit and loans — to long-term goals such as future mortgages and even retirement planning. Other features include a behavior assessment designed to provide students with their financial “personality,” as well as finance calculators and a real-time budgeting tool. “Students can face a lot of financial pressure, including money-management decisions they’ve never had to make before, but through this collaboration between Auburn University and Regions Bank, resources are now available to help,” said Regions Chief Strategy and Client Experience Officer Kate Danella. “Our experience shows that, no matter where you are in life, the time to take charge of your financial future is now. And even if you’re starting

out with limited resources, there is practical information to help you build financial security over time. We are proud to work with Auburn University to make iGrad available to students as part of our commitment to increasing financial wellness throughout the communities we serve.” Launched in fall 2020, Auburn’s financial education work with Regions Bank focuses on helping students set and achieve their own goals. As part of the program, the university has hosted several workshops with renowned financial expert Eric Smith, known as the “Financial Literacy Coach,” who collaborates with Regions to deliver high-impact training on budgeting, credit ratings, salary savings and more. In addition, representatives from local Regions branches deliver in-person financial wellness discussions for Auburn students. “The iGrad platform is one that brings great benefits to the overall student experience here at Auburn,” said Student Government Association Treasurer Jake Darling. “Financial literacy is important for all members of the Auburn Family, and our continued collaboration with Regions Bank is an excellent way of bringing this

much-needed resource to the Plains. This program is the realization of our work with students and listening to their feedback, and we are excited to see how they utilize this platform to prepare for their financial futures.” The launch of iGrad coincides with April serving as Financial Literacy Month. At a student launch event held on campus, students learned more about iGrad and how to register. Regions Bank associates were on hand to share additional tips and resources for financial wellness. Students can access iGrad through AU Access or use their Auburn single-sign-on credentials to access the site directly here. ABOUT AUBURN UNIVERSITY Auburn University is a nationally ranked land grant institution recognized for its commitment to world-class scholarship, interdisciplinary research with an elite, top-tier Carnegie R1 classification, life-changing outreach with Carnegie’s Community Engagement designation and an undergraduate education experience second to none. Auburn is home to more than 30,000 students, and its faculty and research partners collaborate to develop and deliver meaning ful scholarship, science and technology-based advancements that

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B8 April 14, 2022

Young Eyes on Easter and Weather

BETH PINYERD

wanted to share a Hug of Hope for our young children and their families right before Easter. During this week of celebration right before Easter, hope and faith come to our spirits. “What was it like around the tomb of our Savior as the world waited on what had been spoken?” Faith is mankind’s hope as the Son of God walked out of the tomb in total victory over death. Why faith at Easter? Why faith now? Hebrews 11:1 says we are encouraged that faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hope is synonymous with Easter as we look at 1 Peter 1:3: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In His great mercy, He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." During Holy Week before Easter, we can be a reflection of God’s Love as we pray for our citizens, outreach to our neighbors in need by giving them a call, a word of

encouragement, or just letting them know that you are thinking about them. I love the way our community provides Easter Egg Hunts, special church services and community activities for families. Our community is very child friendly in caring for young children and their feelings. I can still remember the Easter Egg Hunts in our park. There were different rewards for finding the most eggs or for whoever found the golden egg. As a child, I always had a hard time finding any eggs. Usually I ended up with no eggs because I wasn’t assertive enough. One year I can remember receiving a chocolate bunny award for finding no eggs. I was only 7 years old and this 69-year-old Classroom Observer still remembers how happy it made me to get an award. That is why I say our community appreciates each and every child. It is a wonderful area to raise children. As April has come in we really understand that April showers truly bring

may flowers. In April, when winter slowly starts to dwindle, we love to go outside as families to enjoy recreation, relaxation and picnics. During the spring, it is so pleasant to be outside and teach your children about how to watch the weather. What is weather? Explain to children that weather is the condition of the air around us. But we cannot see air. Guide your child in understanding that air is felt when the wind blows, fan your child in order for them to understand the concept of air. Blow a balloon up to show that air takes up space. Explain to your child that air is all around us even though we don’t see it. Explain to your child that the sun is responsible for heating up air or atmosphere which causes water to evaporate into the air and the air rises. The way I explain evaporation to young children is to use a sponge and draw a wet stripe on the board. It slowly disappears, then I ask my young students where does the wet spot go? Then we discuss what they have observed as evaporation. This can be done at home by putting around ¼ cup of water outside for several days till you and your child observe that it has evaporated into the atmosphere. One observation that fascinates the young scientist’s eye is the formation of clouds. Guide your child’s eye to identify three different kinds of clouds. Cirrus clouds are feathery clouds that look like they have a curl. I tell young children they look like pulled cotton candy. Usually cirrus clouds

They will tell their stories and share information about how the Alabama State University Hornet Nation affected their lives and what the university means to them. To join the ASU Alumni meeting on

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are inexpensive and your child can read how hot or cold it is. For a rain gauge, take a bucket and a ruler to measure the amount of rain. One fun family activity is to watch a local or national weather station. You would be so surprised at how much your young meteorologist can really understand about forecasts and weather events on a map. So many times, beginning in spring, but especially during the summer when it is so very hot, a young child may asks why the air feels wet. Explain to them that the “wetness” in the high is called humidity. It’s not too big of a word for your little meteorologist to put in his weather vocabulary. I hope this article will help you begin to be happy weather watchers during these spring months which can extend into summer. It is a fun, learning experience that you and your child can enjoy together. Happy Easter and Happy Weather Watching. Beth Pinyerd Classroom Observer

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up to a high speed. At times, small tornadoes can be observed from a safe distance. Being on the coast, these communities are always on the watch for hurricanes. Dust devils are small tornadoes over land areas. A dust devil draws up dust, leaves and debris. In being near one of these, make sure dust or sand doesn’t get in your child’s eyes. The most beautiful sight to observe on a spring afternoon is an arching rainbow. Explain to your young children that rainbows are caused by sunlight penetrating raindrops and is broken into the beautiful bands of color of violet, indigo, red, orange, yellow, green. The neatest sight that I have observed as a teacher is to see little ones try to chase a rainbow outside. So many times if a rainbow is low lying, a child can run into the prism of beautiful colors. Some simple tools that children can use to measure and observe weather are thermometers to measure temperature and rain gauges to measure rainfall. Thermometers

are associated with fair weather. Cumulus clouds are heaping clouds. They look like pillows you can jump on. It’s neat to point out to your child these clouds building up for a summer afternoon shower. Stratus clouds look like layers or blankets. Stratus clouds produce rain and drizzle. Too, children love to use their imaginations in making different shapes out of clouds. Fog is something your child can observe draping over outside early in the morning. Other weather events your child can learn about are thunderstorms and lightning in which the safety rules of not being outside, in a swimming pool or under a tree where lightning can strike should be stressed for your child’s safety. Waterspouts which so many times can be observed during a storm over bodies of water draws up large columns of water. It’s a tornado over water. One doesn’t want to really observe tornadoes. Tornadoes are the most destructive natural phenomena. Winds can get

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L ee County & A labama Politics

Nov. 24, 2021

Thursday, April 14, 2022

Inside the Statehouse

Congressional Lines and Congressmen will Remain the Same

STEVE FLOWERS

See FLOWERS, page B10

BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

LEE COUNTY — The Lee County Commission approved its annual evaluation for County Engineer Justin Hardee Monday night. Hardee has served as the county engineer for 10 years, serving as assistant county engineer for 10 years before that in Lee County. Each of the commissioners spoke well on his behalf Monday night, except for newly-appointed District 2 Commissioner Ross Morris, who has only recently stepped into the position. The individual evaluations completed by commissioners were not shared with Hardee or the public during the meeting. District 1 Commissioner Doug Cannon spoke first and proposed a pay raise for Hardee. “Justin, I’d like to say I appreciate what you’ve done over the years I’ve been here and based on my evaluation, I think we should give you a 5% pay increase,” he said. This sentiment was

echoed by the other commissioners and approved by vote. “I agree,” said District 3 Commissioner Gary Long. “Justin has done an incredible job as our engineer. He’s got an incredible staff, but you know, it’s more than just that. Justin is willing to do whatever he has to do to make this county better.” Long asked Hardee if he had missed any planning commission meetings, to which Hardee responded that he’d only missed one. “It’s more than just what he’s doing as our engineer, it’s what he does outside, he gives up his time to serve this county,” Long said. District 4 Commissioner Robert Ham said he believes Hardee made the county a better place. District 5 Commissioner Richard LaGrand said Hardee is almost always available when LaGrand has asked him to take a look at a county problem. Probate Judge Bill English added that when Hardee was hired, there were concerns about his age, at the time.

“I had some question about his youth and his relative lack of experience, and boy … [you] proved me wrong,” English said. “I don’t like to say I’m wrong in public very often; boy I was wrong on you, you’ve done great.” OTHER BUSINESS: - The commissioner appointed a new planning commissioner for District 2. - The commission approved the Magnolia Ridge II Subdivision for maintenance. - The commission approved an Adopt-A-Mile application for Lee Road 086. - The commission approved a speed limit reduction on Lee Road 123. - The commission approved a speed limit reduction on Lee Road 878. - The commission approved a special events license application for Greenawalt Hospitality LLC. - The commission approved the lease renewal for the 2022 Auburn Satellite Office. - The commission voted to recluse the deputy director position from un-exempt to exempt.

Gov. Ivey Delivering Tax Cuts, Passing Balanced Budgets, Signs General Fund CONTRIBUTED BY THE OFFICE OF GOV. KAY IVEY

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

OPINION — or several years leading up to the 2010 Census count, the national projections were that Alabama would lose one of our seven congressional districts and drop to six. When the count was taken, we surprised ourselves, and our nation, kept our seven seats in the United States Congress. Therefore, the legislature’s task in drawing our seven congressional districts was relatively easy. Except for some tweaking here and there due to growth in Madison, Limestone, Lee, Shelby and especially Baldwin counties, and the loss of population in the Black Belt, our congressional district lines were kept basically the same as they have been for the past few decades. We essentially have six of our seven districts that are safe Republican seats. We have one dedicated majority minority African American Democratic Congressional District. That Democratic seat is held by Congresswoman Terri Sewell. She has been in that seat for over a decade and has become a respected leader in the Democratic House leadership. The Democrats are in the majority which makes her a powerful member of the House. However, most political experts and polling indicates that this year’s election will bring a swing of 30 or more Republican seat pickups or takeovers, thus making the Republicans the majority party. This will be beneficial for Alabama since six of our seven seats are held by Republicans. It will be particularly beneficial to folks in the fourth district, who have Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) as their Congressman. Aderholt is the most senior member of our delegation and is the ranking Republican on the House Appropriation Committee. Congressman Mike Rogers

(R-Anniston) is also gaining ground in seniority. He is a ranking member of the Armed Services Committee. Congressman Gary Palmer (R-Jefferson) represents the suburban areas of metro-Jefferson, Hoover and Shelby. It is considered one of the most Republican House districts in America. We have two freshmen Republican Congressmen, who are finishing their first two years in the House. Jerry Carl (R-Mobile) represents the coastal first district of basically Mobile and Baldwin Counties. He has taken to Congress like a duck to water. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) represents the second district made up of the Wiregrass and the fast growing Pike Road area of Montgomery as well as the populous counties of Autauga and Elmore. All six of the aforementioned incumbents will be reelected without opposition. The only excitement in Congressional politics in the Heart of Dixie will play out in the fifth district. This Huntsville-Tennessee Valley seat is currently held by Mo Brooks, who has opted to run for the U.S. Senate, thus leaving a seldom-seen open congressional seat contest. There are six Republicans vying for this open fifth district seat. The contestants are Dale Strong, Paul Sanford, Casey Wardynski, Harrison Wright, Andy Blalock and John Roberts. Madison County Commission Chairman Dale Strong appears to be the strongest candidate. He is far outdistancing the field in polling and fundraising. Some say that he could eclipse the field without a runoff. The most ardent challengers will be former State Sen. Paul Sanford and former Huntsville City School Superintendent Casey Wardynski. Wardynski has done a good job fundraising. There will be a large turnout in this congressional race. In fact, this Huntsville-Madison-Limestone Tennessee Valley area of the state will more than likely have the largest percentage turnout in the state. Not only is there an open congressional seat, but Brooks is the local candidate for the open U.S. Senate Seat, and popular, incumbent Republican state school board member, Wayne Reynolds, will also be on the ballot with token

Commission Approves County Engineer's Annual Evaluation

ALABAMA – Gov. Kay Ivey on Thursday signed the General Fund with Finance Director Bill Poole, Rep. Steve Clouse (R – HD93) and Sen. Greg Albritton (R – SD22). During the governor’s state of the state address, she promised the people of Alabama that through her budget See GOV IVEY, page B10

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B10 April 14, 2022

Packard: Alabama Would Benefit From Post-election Audits

GREG MARKLEY

OPINION — ackard: Alabama Would Benefit From PostElection Audits Before the Gulf War of 1990-91, soldiers in the Chemical Corps would jokingly say Nuclear, Biological and Chemical really stood for “No Body Cares.” There was not much interest about it as opposed to other branches. But with Saddam Hussein in Iraq having already gassed some of his own people, NBC quickly became “No Bigger Challenge.” I saw the change in the term NBC as newspaper editor at Fort McClellan, Alabama, (1989-1992). I often worked in media relations at the U.S. Army Chemical School. Later, in 2000, I knew “hanging chads and butterfly

ballots” would decide the next president. After 2020, secretary of state offices gained bigger profiles. As with the NBC term, people cared more knowing the bigger challenges ahead. “The Alabama Legislature should provide for post-election procedural audits for all elections held in the state of Alabama,” said Ed Packard, a Republican candidate for secretary of state. “That way, Alabamians can be assured that election officials are following elections laws and regulations when conducting elections.” Packard is the first person in the United States to earn a Masters with a specialty in election administration. A native of San Antonio, Texas, he graduated from Auburn High

School. He served a total of 27 years in election administration. In 1997, he became administrator of elections at the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office. Ten years later, Packard was appointed supervisor of voter registration. In 2013, Packard was named state election director for that same constitutional office. He has worked on administering more than 400 elections over a period of 30 years. Over the past 25 to 30 years, a large sector of the public prefers candidates who are “outsiders” that might learn their new job fast and in-depth. That is sometimes true and it would be remiss to always vote for the most experienced person. Why? It is because new approaches and different perspectives can add to the dynamics. It’s best to study candidates and decide whether a seasoned elections worker or a fast learner should get your vote. Both have merit. One subject Packard is passionate is securing personally identifying information. He explained that groups of Alabamians have personal information in the statewide voter database that is protected from sale by the secretary of state. In the same vein, “all registered voters in Alabama should have the right to protect their

FLOWERS >>

member of the Air Force for 20 years and later a 26-year employee of the U.S. Postal Service. Then comes his mother, Nelda Norton Packard, “a great mom” who gave him values that have endured. “I also consider as a role model the late Alabama Secretary of State Jim Bennett,” Packard said. “He was the consummate statesman in his many years of service to Alabama.” Bennett served 12

PACKARD groups, such as military personnel stationed overseas.” Asked who he looks up to, Packard said topmost is his father, James R. Packard, a

years. Agnes Baggett also served 12 years. We are currently determining whether Bennett or Baggett is the longest-serving Alabama secretary of state. I will

tell you next week. After the 2020 election, Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill started a blue-ribbon task force to address issues of fraud not delineated in the state Constitution. The state had very little recorded fraud itself, but it was noted that clarifications were needed for future reference. Two or three women attending asked Merrill if the state allowed voting audits. Merrill politely told them “No.” They were upset about former President Trump losing the election because of alleged widespread fraud. None has been legally proven in court. Yet such conversations remind me of the morphing of the Army’s NBC branch into a “No Bigger Challenge” situation. With the Republic’s continuation in the dock, secretaries of state nationwide are busier and more visible than ever. On April 21, candidate Wes Allen will be profiled. Greg Markley first moved to Lee County in 1996. He has Masters’ in education and history. He taught politics as an adjunct in Georgia and Alabama. An award-winning writer in the Army and civilian life, he has contributed to the Observer for 12 years. gm.markley@ charter.net

ALASCAN CLASSIFIEDS

FROM B9 opposition. In addition, the only hotly contested Republican State Senate race between Tom Butler and Bill Holtzclaw is in the Madison-Limestone area. There are also three open hotly contested State House races, including filling the seats of Speaker Mac McCutcheon and veteran House member Howard Sanderford. There is also a hotly contested open sheriff’s race in Limestone County. Furthermore, the phantom candidate for the U.S. Senate, Mike Durant, claims Huntsville as his home. All of these ingredients are a recipe for a larger turnout in the Tennessee Valley than the rest of the state on May 24. The Congressional lines and six of seven congressmen will remain the same for this 2022 election cycle. However, hold the phone. The federal courts could change that for 2024. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. Steve served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at: www.steveflowers.us.

personal information by being allowed to opt out of the sale of that information by the Secretary of State.” Another item is voting assistance for disabled persons. Packard said the Legislature “should provide Alabamians with disabilities the ability to receive their absentee ballot electronically as well as submit their absentee ballot electronically. We already provide this option to other disadvantaged

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funds to good use, during my time as your governor, we have not once used the word ‘proration’ or spent beyond our means. Here in Alabama, we are not only delivering tax cuts to Alabamians, we are passing balanced budgets, and I was proud to officially put my signature on our General Fund, the

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sixth consecutive balanced budget I’ve signed as governor. I commend Rep. Clouse and Sen. Albritton for their leadership and for the hard work by the Legislature. We are prepaying the General Fund obligations for the People’s Trust Act through at least 2028, fully funding the General

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Fund Budget Reserve Fund for the first time in history, ensuring we are increasing pay for hardworking folks like our state troopers and mental health workers, and we are making historic investments in programs that will make a difference not just today, but for years to come.”

B11 April 14, 2022

ALEA Invites Public to Join Online Meetings for LEADS, Driver License Division’s New Modernized System CONTRIBUTED BY ALEA ALABAMA – Prior to the April 26 launch of its new state-of-the-art system, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Driver License Division will conduct two online community meetings via Microsoft Teams providing the citizens of Alabama an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License System, simply known as LEADS. "Not only will LEADS consolidate multiple legacy driver license systems into one integrated, modern system, but it will further protect Alabama citizens’ personal information and enhance our customer service," said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor. This project has taken a tremendous amount of dedication from ALEA’s Driver License employees and is yet another example of our agency’s mission of providing quality service for all, as well as a continued focus on

improving communication and technology.” ALEA’s Driver License Division has scheduled two Microsoft Teams meetings* at the following times: Southern half of Alabama: Monday, April 4, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Northern half of Alabama: Wednesday, April 6, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. (Instructions on joining the meetings follows at the end of the release.) With the LEADS launch scheduled for April 26, the agency reminds the public its Driver License Examining Offices must close statewide, and its online services will be temporarily unavailable from April 18 to April 25, for the new system to be installed along with the current system’s data to be converted into LEADS. During the temporary closure, however, ALEA Driver License Examiners, will be available to administer Class D and CDL Road Skills Tests. Please note that citizens who complete road skills tests will not be issued a copy of their license until

offices are reopened. County offices will remain open during the transitional period but strictly for revenue and probate services. To join the meetings, follow the instructions below: Southern half of Alabama: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, April 4 (Includes Mobile, Baldwin, Escambia, Conecuh, Monroe, Clarke, Washington, Choctaw, Butler, Covington, Coffee, Geneva, Dale, Houston, Henry, Crenshaw, Pike, Barbour, Wilcox, Marengo, Dallas, Perry, Sumter, Greene, Hale, Bibb, Tuscaloosa, Pickens, Chilton, Autauga, Lowndes, Coosa, Elmore, Montgomery, Tallapoosa, Macon, Bullock, Chambers, Lee, Russell and Macon counties.) Microsoft Teams meeting Join on your computer or mobile app To join the meeting, call in (audio only) +1 312-5498313,,550390234# United States, Chicago Phone Conference ID: 550 390 234#

LEADS HOW WILL

AFFECT YOU?

In February, Governor Kay Ivey and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) officially announced a modernized driver license system, simply known as LEADS, that will provide significant improvements to both citizens and Driver License personnel across the state. In order to install the new system and new hardware, Driver License Offices statewide will be closed

Monday, April 18, with plans to reopen Tuesday, April 26.

County offices will remain open during the transitional period but strictly for revenue and probate services. Once LEADS goes live, citizens will have access to a variety of new options and enhanced services online. The expanded online services will include: • • •

• In addition to the new hardware, tremendous amounts of data received since 1970 will be converted into LEADS. While offices will • be closed temporarily to the public and online services will not be available during the transition period, ALEA Examiners will continue • to administer Class D and CDL Road Skills Tests. Please note that citizens who complete road skills tests will not be issued a copy of their license until offices are reopened.

Ability to update their addresses Ability to pay and reinstate their licenses Ability to upload U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Medical Cards Ability to view Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Hazmat background checks Ability to issue duplicate licenses to eligible foreign nationals Ability to pre-apply for individuals who are requesting an Alabama License for the first time

LEARN MORE AT

ALEA DRIVER LICENSE

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Letter to Editor:

he Lee County Education Retirees Association Advocacy Network would like to thank the Lee County Legislative Delegation and the Alabama Legislators for passage of Senate Bill 30- Retirees Bonus Bill by Sen. Bobby Singleton (Greensboro, Alabama). We also thank members of the Alabama Education Association (AEA), and members of the Alabama Education Retirees Association (AERA) and especially the Lee County Education Retirees Association (LCERA) for their hard work. The passage of this bill was much deserved/needed by public education retirees of the state of Alabama. This bill, which provides a one-time longevity bonus payment for retirees and beneficiaries of the Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS). Retirees

with 25 years of service will receive a bonus check for approximately $600. The bonus will provide some assistance to retirees who are struggling to maintain bills and everyday needs such as food, prescriptions, and other essentials for their livelihood and well-being. Currently 26,000 TRS retirees are living at the federal poverty level of $12,760. Finally, we thank you for showing a degree of respect and compassion to education retirees! Much more is needed in the future! Dwight E. Howard Chair, Lee County Education Retirees Association Advocacy Network Alabama Education Retirees Association Legislative Committee Opelika, Alabama

Ivey Announces New Statewide Driver License System CONTRIBUTED BY THE OFFICE OF GOV. KAY IVEY ALABAMA – Gov. Kay Ivey announced last week the unveiling of a modernized driver license system that will provide significant improvements to both citizens and Driver License personnel across the state. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License System, simply known as LEADS, will completely revitalize the current system, which has been in place for nearly two decades. “This new system will consolidate multiple legacy systems into one integrated, modern system to further protect our citizens’ data and enhance customer service,” Ivey said. “I am proud of ALEA’s dedication to complete this crucial and extensive task to positively impact all citizens.” ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor added, “LEADS is a tangible example of ALEA’s continued focus on improving customer service, communication and technology to effectively achieve the Agency’s mission of providing quality service for all. We are excited to join Governor Ivey in this announcement, and we would like to thank her and all members of the Legislature for continuously supporting our Agency and providing us with the necessary resources to complete such a monumental and historic project for the state of Alabama.” In order to install the new system and new hardware, Driver License Offices statewide must close beginning Monday, April 18, with plans to

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reopen Tuesday, April 26. In addition to the new hardware, tremendous amounts of data received since 1970 will be converted into LEADS. While offices will be closed temporarily to the public and online services will not be available during the transition period, ALEA Examiners will continue to administer Class D and CDL Road Skills Tests. County Offices will remain open but strictly for revenue and probate services. Director of ALEA’s Department of Public Safety Colonel Jimmy Helms said, “ALEA’s Driver License Division has worked diligently at the direction of Chief Jonathan Archer to meticulously improve technology and processes at every level within the new system. LEADS will streamline and speed up the process, benefiting both customers and personnel. We want everyone to recognize that when LEADS makes its spring of 2022 debut, it will not only bring about changes to the division, but all county offices that issue driver licenses will be affected as well.” ALEA Driver License Division’s Chief Archer agreed with Colonel Helms and said, “The Agency and my team are absolutely devoted to ensuring all of our local and state partners are fully informed on the new system, as well as on the significant impacts the office closures will have on citizens statewide during the modernization and transition process. Beyond

upgrading the capabilities of our infrastructure with state-of-the-art technology, LEADS allows us to more efficiently serve and interact with our customers. We have partnered with Fast Enterprises and have been preparing to successfully complete this launch for a number of years; however, we have established April 26 as the planned reopening date of all offices once we have successfully completed the transition.” Once LEADS goes live, citizens will have access to a variety of new options and such enhanced services as allowing individuals to pre-apply for the Alabama Driver License and enter all necessary information prior to visiting a local office, reducing wait times exponentially. Once LEADS goes live, ALEA will offer expanded online services to include but not limited to: • Ability to update their addresses • Ability to pay and reinstate their licenses • Ability to upload U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Medical Cards • Ability to view Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Hazmat background checks • Ability to issue duplicate licenses to eligible foreign nationals • Ability to pre-apply for individuals who are requesting an Alabama License for the first time For further information on LEADS and project updates, please visit https://www.alea.gov/dps/ driver-license.

B12 April 14, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICES CITY OF OPELIKA NOTICE OF PUBLIC WORKSHIPS REDISTRICTING OF CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT BOUNDARIES NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Opelika will conduct public workshops at the following dates and times and at the following locations to receive public input on potential City Council district boundaries. Monday, April 18, 2022, 5:30 p.m.-Ward 5 - Sportsplex; Meeting Room A, 1001 Andrews Road Wednesday, April 20, 2022, 5:30 p.m.-Ward 3 - Denson Rec Center; Pottery Room, 1102 Denson Drive Thursday, April 21, 2022, 5:30 p.m.-Ward 4 - EAMC Education Center; Azalea Room 2027 Pepperell Parkway Monday, April 25, 2022, 5:30 p.m.-Ward 1 - Covington Rec Center; Classroom, 213 Carver Avenue Tuesday, April 26, 2022, 5:30 p.m.-Ward 2 - Opelika Learning Center; Cafeteria, 214 Jeter Street Redistricting is the process of adjusting district boundaries to reflect local population changes, so that each district continues to contain substantially the same number of people as the other districts. Redistricting occurs every ten (10) years after new census data is released. Pursuant to Alabama Code §11-44D-8, the Mayor has heretofore filed with the City Council a Report and Recommended Map for the redistricting of the five (5) City districts. The Mayor’s recommended plan and map is on file and available for inspection in the Office of the City Clerk during regular business hours and is also available for inspection on the City’s Internet website at https://www.opelika-al. gov/. All interested persons are invited to attend said public workshops

to express their opinions relating to redistricting. Persons unable to attend the workshops may submit their opinions, comments and views to the Office of the City Clerk. 204 South 7th Street, Opelika, AL 36801. Please contact Brian Weiss, the City’s ADA Contact Person, 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 14th day of April, 2022. /s/ Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 04/14/2022 ------------NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING OPELIKA CITY COUNCIL May 17, 2022, 7:00 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 17, 2022, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Courtroom of the Opelika Municipal Court 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 rightof-way of South 10th Street. 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 South 10th Street proposed to be vacated is more particularly described as follows: A portion of Lot 11, Block 48, of Totten’s Official Real Estate Map of Opelika, Alabama, as recorded in Plat Book 2, Page 9, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, described

as follows: Commencing at a ¾” square rod at the northeast corner of Lot 10, Block 48 of Totten’s Map, in Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, said point being on the southwesterly right of way line of Geneva Street; thence S15°30'31"E, along said right of way line, 83.72 feet to a pair of ½” pipes side-by-side, bent; thence S37°03’01”W, 2.41 feet to a broken 6” square concrete monument and the True Point of Beginning of the Parcel of Land herein described; thence, continuing southwesterly along said right of way line, being a curve concave northwesterly, and having a radius of 25.00 feet, an arc length of 12.35 feet, a chord bearing of S23°16’03”W, and a chord length of 12.23 feet to a ½” rebar set with a cap marked LS18677; thence continuing southwesterly along said right of way line, being a curve concave southeasterly, and having a radius of 50.00 feet, an arc length of 52.03 feet, a chord bearing of S7°36’44”W, and a chord length of 49.71 feet to a ½” rebar set with a cap marked LS18677; thence, leaving said right of way line, S67°48’13”W, 66.99 feet to a ½” rebar set with a cap marked LS18677 on the northeasterly right of way line of 10th Street; thence, along said right of way line, N42°08’52”W, 72.59 feet to a ½” rebar set with a cap marked LS18677; thence, leaving said right of way line, N75°19’24”E, 126.27 feet to the True Point of Beginning. Being further described according to and as shown on that certain survey or drawing prepared by Mark L. Miller, Registered Surveyor, attached hereto and marked Exhibit “A”. A copy of the Petition to Vacate and the proposed resolution approving the vacation will be available upon request at the office of the City Clerk, 1st Floor of City Hall, 204 South 7th Street, Opelika, Alabama. Please contact Brian Weiss, the City’s ADA Contact Person, at

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334-705-5134 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability. DATED this the 14th day of April, 2022. /s/ Russell A. Jones, CMC RUSSELL A. JONES, CITY CLERK Legal Run 4/14/22, 4/21/22, 4/28/22 & 5/5/22 ------------IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION PETITION OF CASSANDRA DOWELL ALLEN IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.: 2021-689 PUBLICATION NOTICE TO: Any potential unknown father of K.S. D. Please take notice that a petition for adoption was filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama by Cassandra Dowell Allen on January 24, 2022, for the adoption of C.D.A., born on December 31, 2014, in Opelika, Alabama to Nykeria Lynn Dowell. A hearing has been set in the Lee County Probate Court, Opelika, Alabama. Should you intend to contest this adoption you must file a written response with the attorney for the petitioner, Hon. Kimberly M. Dean, P.O. Box 23 I, Opelika, AL 36803 and with the Clerk of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, as soon as possible but no later than thirty (30) days from the last day this notice is published. Dated on this the 16th day of March 2022. HON. BILL ENGLISH JUDGE OF PROBATE LEECOUNTY,ALABAMA Legal Run 3/24/22, 3/31/22, 4/7/22 & 4/14/22 ------------NOTICE Oscar Able Vilada Ramirez, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer Oscar De

Jesus Villada’s Complaint and Summons. Said Answer must be filed on or before May 21, 2022 or thereafter a judgment of default may be entered against him in Case No: CV2021-900053.00 in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama. Done this 13th day of March, 2022. Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama OF COUNSEL: Ben C. Hand 114 North 8th Street Opelika, AL 36801 334-741-4077 Legal Run 3/31/22, 4/7/22, 4/14/22 & 4/21/22 ------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF JULIA MAE FANNING, DECEASED CASE NO. 2022-159 NOTICE OF DAY SET OR HEARING NOTICE: On the 17th day of March, 2022, a petition to Appoint an Administrator of the Estate of JULIA MAE FANNING, was filed in my office by Benjamin H. Parr and the 3rd day of May, 2022 at 1 o’clock p.m. central time was appointed by the Court for hearing thereof at which time you can appear and contest the same, if you see proper. Given under my hand, the 28th day of March, 2022. Bill English Judge of Probate Legal Run 03/31/22, 04/07/22 & 04/14/22 ------------NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF PATRICIA P. DAVIS, DECEASED COURT OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been grantedto the undersigned on the 23rd day of March, 2022, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate

Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Witness our hands, and dated this the 23rd day of March, 2022. VALERIE ANN HILL Legal Run 3/31/22, 4/7/22 & 4/14/22 ------------STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF AIKEN IN THE FAMILY COURT SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT Case no. 22-DR-02-54 South Carolina Department of Social Services, Plaintiff vs. Keith Bishop, defendants. SUMMONS, NOTICE AND PETITION FOR CENTRAL REGISTRY ENTRY TO: Crystal D Chavis YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to answer the Summons, Notice an Petition for Central Registry in this action, the original of which has been filed in the Aiken County Office of the Clerk of Court at 109 Park Ave., Aiken, SC 29801, on January 14,2022, a copy of which will be delivered to you upon request; and to serve a copy of your answer to the complaint upon the attorney, Susanna M. Ringler, for the Plaintiff at Post Office Drawer 1268 , Aiken,SC 29801, within thirty (30) days following the date of service upon you, exclusive of the day of such service; and if you fail to answer the complaint within the time stated, the Plaintiff will apply for judgment by default against the Defendant for the relief demanded in the complaint. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that you have the right to be present and represented by an

See PUBLIC NOTICES, page B13

B13 April 14, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICES >> FROM B12 attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint an attorney to represent you. It is your responsibility to contact the Aiken County Clerk of Court's Office, 109 Park Ave., Aiken, SC 29801, to apply for appointment of an attorney to represent you if you cannot afford an attorney (take all of these papers with you if you apply). YOU MUST APPLY FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF AN ATTORNEY IMMEDIATELY. IF YOU DO NOT APPLY FOR AN ATTORNEY WITHIN THIRTY DAYS OF RECEIPT OF THE COMPLAINT, AN ATTORNEY WILL NOT BE APPOINTED FOR YOU. YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that Permanency Planning Hearing will be held in this matter on June 23, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.. at the Aiken County Courthouse located at 109 Park Ave., Aiken, SC 29801. You should attend this hearing. If you do not attend, the relief sought may be granted in your absence. Legal Run 04/07/2022, 04/14/2022 & 04/21/2022 ------------NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND COMMENT The City of Opelika invites public comment on actions to be taken with the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program funding. Your ideas and suggestions for projects are welcome. This meeting is an opportunity for staff, citizens, and non-profit organizations to express community needs prior to setting the PY2022 budget. A public hearing will be held on Monday, April 18, 2022 @ 4:00 p.m. in the Municipal Meeting Room, 300 Martin Luther King Boulevard. Public comment and questions are invited either in writing or in person and will be accepted until May 12, 2022. Comments may be sent to: Lisa Thrift CDBG Administrator P.O. Box 390 Opelika, AL 36803 or lthrift@opelika-al.gov The Community Development department is now accepting applications for PY2022 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to subrecipients. Applications for funding are available at the Community Development office of the Public Works Facility or online. Deadline for submission of proposals is Monday, May 2, 2022, 4:00 p.m. If special accommodations are needed to participate at the hearing by persons with disabilities please call the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334-7052083 at least forty-eight hours in advance. Legal Run 04/07/2022 ------------IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MICHAEL RAYMOND BARBER, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No.: 2022-092 Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 25th day of February, 2022, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. BETTY DUNN Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP Post Office Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 334-745-3504 Legal Run 4/7/22, 4/14/22 & 4/21/22 -----------IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF BRENDAN SCOTT CAIN, deceased Case No.: 2022-199 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Debbie Simmons, Personal Representative on the 11th day of April, 2022, by Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Legal Run 4/14/22, 4/21/22 & 4/28/22 -----------FORM OF ADVERTISMENT FOR COMPLETION LEGAL NOTICE In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, notice is hereby given, that WHATLEY

CONSTRUCTION, LLC has completed the contract for Improvement of AU 20-090 AU Jordan-Hare Stadium-West-Side Elevators 5 & 6, Modernization & Upgrades at Auburn University Jordan-Hare Football Stadium for Lee County, Auburn, State of Alabama, Owner(s), and have made request for final settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify: Stacy Norman Architects, LLC 126 Tichenor Ave., Auburn, AL 36830 WHATLEY CONSTRUCTION, LLC / CONTRACTOR P.O. BOX 137, OPELIKA, AL 36802 Legal Run 4/7/22, 4/14/22, 4/21/22 & 4/28/23 ------------NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Testamentary were granted to Stuart E. Webb and Phillip D. Webb as Executors of the Estate of Charles E. Webb deceased, on the 30th day of March 2022, by the Hon. Bill English. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. W. Donald Morgan, Jr. Morgan & Lyle. P.C. P.O. Box 2056 Columbus, GA 31902 Legal Run 04/14/22, 4/21/22 & 4/28/22 ------------STORAGE TREASURES AUCTION Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 1242 N Dean Rd, Auburn, AL 36830 Thursday, April 21, 2022 at 10:00AM Unit 24 The auction will be listed and advertised on www. storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property. Legal Run 04/14/2022 ------------STORAGE TREASURES AUCTION Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 1412 Opelika Rd, Auburn, AL 36830 Thursday, April 21, 2022 at 10:00AM Unit X398 The auction will be listed and advertised on www. storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property. Legal Run 04/14/2022 ------------IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF TONY EARL MOORE, deceased. Case No.: 2021-244 NOTICE OF HEARING Take Notice that Tonie Robinson Moore, as Administrator of the estate of Tony Earl Moore, deceased, will bring on for hearing her REPORT AND STATEMENT OF INSOLVENCY of said deceased before the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, on the 16th day of May 2022 at 11:00 electronically via "ZOOM". Please contact the Lee County Probate Court at 334-737-3670 for access to the electronic hearing should you intend to take part in said hearing. All persons having claims against said estate are hereby notified of said hearing. BILL ENGLISH, PROBATE JUDGE Legal Run 04/14/2022, 04/21/2022 & 04/28/2022 ------------NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Opelika will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. in the Courtroom of the Opelika Municipal Court Building, 300 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama. PURPOSE The purpose of said Public Hearing will be to consider the adoption of an ordinance to amend Ordinance Number 12491 (entitled “Zoning Ordinance

of the City of Opelika”) adopted on September 17, 1991. At said Public Hearing all who desire to be heard shall have the opportunity to speak for or in opposition to the adoption of the following ordinance: ORDINANCE NO. ________ AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows: Section 1. That Ordinance 12491 entitled “Zoning Ordinance City of Opelika, Alabama”, adopted on September 17, 1991, and the Zoning Map of the City of Opelika provided for and referred to therein, as previously amended and/or modified, be and the same is hereby amended by rezoning or redistricting the parcel of land hereinafter in this section described, so as to change such parcel from one class of district to another class of district as follows, to-wit: From a R-4M, GC-P District (Medium Density Residential, Gateway Corridor Primary Overlay District) to a C-2, GC-P District (Office/Retail, Gateway Corridor Primary Overlay District), the parcel of land hereinafter described: A parcel of land in Section 23, Township 19 North, Range 26 East Lee County, Alabama containing 10.1 acres more or less being numbered 4 on Plat of Survey made by Ralph O. Bush, Surveyor 1447 in October 1957 said proerty being more particularly described as follows: Beginning at the Northwest corner of said Section 23, and run thence East for a distance of 1562.5 feet; run thence South 05 degrees 52 minutes East for a distance of 846 feet; run thence south 00 degrees 36 East for 460 feet: run thence East for a distance of 1282.5 feet to the Northeasterly corner of said Lot 4 to the POINT OF Beginning of the parcel of land herein described and conveyed; from said point of beginning, run thence South 00 degrees 30 minutes East for a distance of 1219 feet to a public highway; run thence along said highway, South 73 degrees 45 minutes West for a distance of 154.8 feet; run thence south 72 degrees 02 minutes West for a distance o 204 feet; ; run thence North 00 degrees 30 minutes West for a distance of 1323 feet; run thence East for a distance of 343,5 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING. This conveyance is subject to that right-of-way granted to Alabama Pawer Company. LESS AND EXCEPT THEREFROM: Commencing at the Northwest corner of Section 23, Township 19 North, Range 26 East, Lee County, Alabama ; run thence East for a distance of 2582.1 feet ; run thence South 00 degrees 30 minutes East for a distance of 2045.0 feet to an iron pin and the POINT OF BEGINNNING of the parcel of land herein described and conveyed; from said point of beginning, run thence North 72 degrees 02 minutes East for a distance of 150 feet; run thence South 00 degrees 30 minutes East, for a distancer o 580.8 feet to a point on the Northwesterly margin of said lee County Highway No. 42 (now known as Frederick Road) ; run thence South 72 degrees 02 minutes West , along the Northwesterly margin of said Lee County Highway No. 42 for a distance of 150 feet; run thence North 00 degrees 30 minutes West for a distance of 580.8 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING and being further described on that certain Plat of survey prepared on 06/14/66 by Noah L. McCrory, Ala Reg. Land Surveyor No. 2596, a copy of which is attached to warranty Deed dared 08/23/66 of record in Deed Book 737 at Page 362 in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama. ALSO LESS AND EXCEPT THEREFROM: Commencing at the Northwest corner of Section 23, Township 19 North, Range 26 East, Lee County, Alabama; run thence East for a distance of 2582.1 feet; run thence South 00 degrees 30 minutes East for a distance of 2045.0 feet to an iron pin and the POINT OF BEGINNING of the parcel of land herein described and conveyed; from said point of beginning, run thence North 72 degrees 02 minutes East for a distance of 150.0 feet to an iron pin; run thence South 00 minutes 30 minutes East for a distance of 580.8 feet to an iron on the Northerly margin of the 100 foot right-of-way of Lee county Highway No. 42 (Now known as Fredrick Road); run thence North 72 degrees 02 minutes East along the Northerly margin of said highway for a distance of 54 feet to a concrete right-of-way marker Station -P.C. 201+05.4; run thence North 00 degrees 30 minutes West for a distance of 650.4 feet to an iron

pin; run thence South 72 degrees 02 minutes West for a distance of 204.0 feet to the OINT OF BEGINNING, containing 1.0 acres more or less and being further described as as Parcel “B” on a Plat of Survey prepared on 06/18/76 by Noah L. McCrory, Ala, Reg. Land Surveyor No. 2596, a copy of which is attached to Warranty Deed dated 07/27/76 of record in Deed Book 975 at Page 627 in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama. The above-described property contains approximately 7.0 acres and is located in the 2500 Block of Frederick Road, Opelika, Alabama. Section 2. Any ordinance or part thereof in conflict with provisions of this Ordinance be and the same are hereby repealed. Section 3. This Ordinance shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama. All interested persons are invited to attend the public hearing and be heard. Written comments concerning the above matter may be mailed to the City Clerk at P.O. Box 390, Opelika, AL 36803 at any time prior to the public hearing and may be further submitted to the City Council at the meeting and the public hearing. Please contact Brian Weiss, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334-705-5134 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to any disability. WITNESS my hand this the 14th day of April, 2022. /s/Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 04/14/2022 ------------ORDINANCE NO. 009-22 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows: Section 1. That Ordinance 12491 entitled “Zoning Ordinance City of Opelika, Alabama”, adopted on September 17, 1991, and the Zoning Map of the City of Opelika provided for and referred to therein, as previously amended and/or modified, be and the same is hereby amended by rezoning or redistricting the parcel of land hereinafter in this section described, so as to change such parcel from one class of district to another class of district as follows, to-wit: From a M-1, GC-S District (Industrial, Gateway Corridor— Secondary Overlay District) and a C-2, GC-S District (Office/ Retail, Gateway CorridorSecondary Overlay District) to a C-1, GC-S District (Downtown Commercial, Gateway CorridorSecondary Overlay District), the parcel of land hereinafter described: TRACT 1, 2, AND ALLEY COMBINED ALL THAT TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND LYING AND BEING IN THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA, BEING WITHIN SECTION 18, TOWNSHIP-19-NORTH, RANGE-27-EAST AND BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCING AT 1” PIPE FOUND AT THE INTERSECTION OF SOUTHEAST RIGHT-OFWAY OF AVENUE C (60’ R/W) AND THE SOTHWEST RIGHT-OF-WAY OF SOUTH 10TH STREET (60’ R/W) HAVING ALABAMA STATE PLANE EAST ZONE COORDINATES OF N=780093.99, E=796165.11, SAID POINT BEING THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE, ALONG THE SOUTHWEST RIGHT-OFWAY OF SOUTH 10TH STREET, S41°11'43"E A DISTANCE OF 83.30 FEET TO A 1/2” REBAR FOUND, THENCE, S41°18'17"E A DISTANCE OF 117.48 FEET TO A 1” PIPE FOUND AT THE INTERSECTION OF SOUTH 10TH STREET AND A 16’ ALLEY, THENCE, S40°00'12"E A DISTANCE OF 18.37 FEET TO A POINT AT THE INTERSECTION OF A 16’ ALLEY, THENCE, S40°34'00"E A DISTANCE OF 216.07 FEET TO A 1/2” REBAR SET, THENCE, S42°01'42"E A DISTANCE OF 80.00’ FEET TO A 1/2" REBAR SET, THENCE LEAVING THE RIGHT-OF-WAY OF SOUTH 10TH STREET, S44°15'18"W A DISTANCE OF 225.00’ TO A 1/2" REBAR SET, THENCE, S42°01'42"E A DISTANCE OF 99.60’ TO A 1/2" REBAR SET, THENCE, S45°26'18"W A DISTANCE OF 184.60 FEET TO A 1/2” REBAR SET, THENCE, S45°59'18"W A DISTACNE OF 173.30 FEET

TO A 1/2"REBAR FOUND ON THE NORTHEAST RIGHTOF-WAY OF CENTRAL OF GEORGIA RAILWAY 100’ RIGHT-OF-WAY, THENCE, N39°57'42"W A DISTANCE OF 186.20 FEET TO A 1” PIPE FOUND AT THE INTERSECTION OF CENTRAL OF GEORGIA RAILWAY AND A 16’ ALLEY, THENCE, N39°40'03"W A DISTANCE OF 17.40 FEET TO A 1” PIPE FOUND AT THE INTERSECTION OF A 16’ ALLEY, THENCE, N39°55'28"W A DISTANCE OF 229.53 FEET TO A 1” PIPE, THENCE, N39°55'28"W A DISTANCE OF 211.02 FEET TO 1/2" REBAR SET AT THE INTERSECTION OF THE NORTHEAST RIGHTOF-WAY OF CENTRAL OF GEORGIA RAILROAD AND THE SOUTHEAST RIGHTOF-WAY OF AVENUE C, THENCE ALONG THE SOUTHEAST RIGHTOF-WAY OF AVENUE C, N47°14'14"E A DISTANCE OF 186.55 FEET TO A 1/2" REBAR SET, THENCE, N47°14'14"E A DISTANCE OF 9.89 FEET TO A POINT, THENCE, N47°14'14"E A DISTANCE OF 52.73 FEET TO A 1” PIPE FOUND, THENCE, N47°14'14"E A DISTANCE OF 84.52 FEET TO A 1/2" REBAR FOUND, THENCE, N88°08'55"E A DISTANCE OF 5.76 FEET TO A DRIL POINT FOUND, THENCE, N47°55'02"E A DISTANCE OF 29.78 FEET TO A 1/2" REBAR FOUND, THENCE, N47°53'21"E A DISTANCE OF 32.50 FEET TO A DRILL POINT FOUND, THENCE, N48°16'51"E A DISTANCE OF 12.18 FEET TO 1/2” REBAR SET, THENCE ALONG THE SOUTHEAST RIGHT-OF-WAY OF AVENUE C, N48°16'51"E A DISTANCE OF 154.87 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. SAID TRACT OF LAND CONTAINS 7.82 ACRES. The above-described property contains approximately 7.8 acres and is located at the intersection of South 10th Street and Avenue C, Opelika, Alabama. Section 2. Any ordinance or part thereof in conflict with provisions of this Ordinance be and the same are hereby repealed. Section 3. This Ordinance shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama. ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 5th day of April, 2022. /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 this the 6th day of April, 2022. /s/ Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR APPROVED this the 6th day of April, 2022. /s/ Gary Fuller MAYOR ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK Legal Run 04/14/2022 ------------NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Opelika will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. in the Courtroom of the Opelika Municipal Court Building, 300 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama. PURPOSE The purpose of said Public Hearing will be to consider the adoption of an ordinance to amend Ordinance Number 12491 (entitled “Zoning Ordinance of the City of Opelika”) adopted on September 17, 1991. At said Public Hearing all who desire to be heard shall have the opportunity to speak for or in opposition to the adoption of the following ordinance: ORDINANCE NO. ________ AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows: Section 1. That Ordinance 12491 entitled “Zoning Ordinance City of Opelika, Alabama”, adopted on September 17, 1991, and the Zoning Map of the City of Opelika provided for and referred to therein, as previously amended and/or modified, be and the same is hereby amended by rezoning or redistricting the parcel of land hereinafter in this section described, so as to change such parcel from one class of district to another class of district as follows, to-wit: From a R-4M, GC-P District (Medium Density Residential, Gateway Corridor Primary

Overlay District) to a C-2, GC-P District (Office/Retail, Gateway Corridor Primary Overlay District), the parcel of land hereinafter described: Lot Number One (#1) in the Subdivision of the Frisbie Tract of Land of Pepperell Manufacturing Company as shown by map or plat thereof recorded Town Plat Book 3, at Page 16 in the Office of Judge of Probate Of Lee County, Alabama. The above-described property contains approximately 6.0 acres and is located at the intersection of Old Opelika Road and Frederick Road, Opelika, Alabama. Section 2. Any ordinance or part thereof in conflict with provisions of this Ordinance be and the same are hereby repealed. Section 3. This Ordinance shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama. All interested persons are invited to attend the public hearing and be heard. Written comments concerning the above matter may be mailed to the City Clerk at P.O. Box 390, Opelika, AL 36803 at any time prior to the public hearing and may be further submitted to the City Council at the meeting and the public hearing. Please contact Brian Weiss, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334-705-5134 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to any disability. WITNESS my hand this the 14th day of April, 2022. /s/ Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 04/14/2022 ------------ORDINANCE NO. 008-22 ORDINANCE APPROVING THE LEASING OF THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 200 SOUTH 6TH STREET TO THE OPELIKA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Opelika, Alabama as follows: Section 1. It is hereby established and declared that the following described property of the City of Opelika, located at 200 South 6th Street, in Opelika, Alabama is no longer needed for public or municipal purposes: Parcel 5 of Downtown Urban Renewal Unit #2 which is recorded in Town Plat Book 8 at Page 58. Section 2. The City of Opelika having received an offer from The Opelika Chamber of Commerce, a non-profit corporation, to lease said property located at 200 South 6th Street, Opelika, Alabama, it is hereby declared to be in the best interest of the public and the City of Opelika, Alabama to lease said property to The Opelika Chamber of Commerce for an initial term of twenty (20) years commencing on July 1, 2022, and for up to four (4) five-year renewal terms. The Lessee shall pay as rent to the City the sum of $1,000 per year. The Lessee and the obligations of the Lessee under the Lease shall also serve as rent for the Leased Premised. Section 3. The proposed Lease Agreement to be entered into between the City of Opelika, as Lessor, and The Opelika Chamber of Commerce, as Lessee, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit “A”, is hereby approved, authorized, ratified, and confirmed. Section 4. Pursuant to the authority granted by §11-47-21 of the Code of Alabama, 1975, the Mayor of the City of Opelika, Alabama, is hereby authorized and directed to execute said Lease Agreement in the name of and on behalf of the City of Opelika, and the City Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to attest said Lease Agreement. Section 5. This ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its adoption and publication as required by law. Section 6. The City Clerk of the City of Opelika is hereby authorized and directed to cause this ordinance to be published one (1) time in a newspaper published in and of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Alabama. ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 5th day of April, 2022. /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 this the 6th day of April, 2022. /s/ Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR APPROVED this the 6th day of April, 2022. /s/ Gary Fuller MAYOR ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK Legal Run 04/14/2022

See PUBLIC NOTICES, page B14

B14 April 14, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICES >> FROM B13 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE WHEREAS, default has been made in the terms of the mortgage executed on the 8th day of March, 2021, by Minnie Elaine Martin, as mortgagor in favor of Linda Bolt, as mortgagee, as recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, in Mortgage Book No. 4699, at Pages 738 - 742, and said default continuing, the mortgagee, under power of sale contained in said mortgage will sell at auction for cash to the highest bidder on the steps of the Lee County Courthouse in Opelika, Alabama on Tuesday, the 17th day of May, 2022, during the legal hours of sale, the following described real estate embraced in said mortgage, situated in Lee County, Alabama, to-wit: A tract or parcel of land designated as Lot 2-B2 containing 1.99 acres of land with all improvements thereon as shown on that survey dated 10-08-2020 of the Property Subdivision for James Bolt Redivision of Lot 2 Redivision of Lot 2-B, Section 16, Township 20N, Range 29 East Lee County, Alabama and being of record in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama in Book 44 at Page 67. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN "AS IS, WHERE IS" BASIS, SUBJECT TO ANY EASEMENTS, ENCUMBRANCES, AND EXCEPTIONS REFLECTED IN THE MORTGAGE AND THOSE CONTAINED IN THE RECORDS OF THE OFFICE OF THE JUDGE OF PROBATE OF THE COUNTY WHERE THE ABOVEDESCRIBED PROPERTY IS SITUATED. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AS TO TITLE, USE AND/OR ENJOYMENT AND WILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Opelika will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. in the Courtroom of the Opelika Municipal Court Building, 300 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama. PURPOSE The purpose of said Public Hearing will be to consider the adoption of an ordinance to amend Ordinance Number 12491 (entitled “Zoning Ordinance of the City of Opelika”) adopted on September 17, 1991. At said Public Hearing all who desire to be heard shall have the opportunity to speak for or in opposition to the adoption of the following ordinance: ORDINANCE NO.__________ AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE TO AMEND SUBSECTION 9.5.24(1) “CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN”; TO AMEND TABLE 9.7(2) “SIGN REQUIREMENTS FOR

to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. Said sale is made for the purpose of foreclosing of said mortgage, paying the mortgage debt, the costs and expenses of foreclosure, including a reasonable attorney's fee. Mortgagee reserves the right to bid on the subject property. Said mortgage is a first mortgage and is not junior to another mortgage of record. Said sale is also subject to unpaid taxes or assessments whether of record or not. _/s/ Linda Bolt______ Linda Bolt, Mortgagee Charles M. Ingrum, Jr. Attorney for Mortgagee 830 Avenue A, Suite A Opelika, AL 36801 Legal Run 4/14/22, 4/21/22, 4/28/22 & 5/5/2022 -------------

CITY OF OPELIKA NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARINGS TO: RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA AND ALL OTHER INTERESTED CITIZENS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of Opelika, Alabama will hold a regular meeting and will be conducting public

hearings on Tuesday, April 26, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. in the Meeting Chamber at Opelika Municipal Court located at 300 MLK Boulevard, Opelika, Alabama. A Planning Commission work session will be held at 2:45 pm before the regular meeting. The purpose of the public hearings is to receive public comment on the following: I. Some items at this meeting will have a designated public hearing (noted below). Individuals are limited to one 5-minute comment period per public hearing. II. Approval of Minutes III. Update on Previous Planning Commission Cases IV. New Business A. Preliminary – Public Hearing 1. A public hearing on a request by Kenneth White, Flowers & White Engineering, LLC, authorized representative for Souvanh Chanthongphio, property owner, for preliminary plat approval of the Redivision of Jim Joe Perry subdivision (Anderson Lakes extension) consisting of 24 lots accessed from 2801 Anderson Road and the terminus of Anderson Lakes Circle. B. Preliminary and Final Approval – Public Hearing 2. A public hearing on a request by Brandon Hays, authorized representative for Whiteridge Opelika, LLC, property owner, for final plat approval of the McDonald Downs Second Addition subdivision consisting of 19 lots accessed from McDonald Drive. C. Final Plat 3. A request by Global Impact Church, Inc. property owner in the c/o of Derek B. Thomas, for final plat approval of the Global Impact subdivision consisting of 8 lots accessed at 1203 Crawford Road. 4. A request by Brett Basquin, authorized representative for Clayton Properties Group, Inc., property owner, for final plat approval of the Legacy Village Townhomes Phase 2 subdivision consisting of 27 lots accessed from Century Boulevard. 5. A request by PLS Group, Inc. (Cory E. Rushing), authorized representative for TD Development, LLC, property owner, for final plat approval of the Windsor Village Phase 2 Resubdivision of Lots 14 and 15 subdivision consisting of 41 lots accessed from the 3000 block of Waverly Parkway.

OTHER PERMITTED TYPES OF TEMPORARY SIGNS”; PROVIDING A REPEALER CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows: Section 1. Amendment of Subsection 9.5.24(1). That Subsection 9.5.24(1) “Changeable Copy Signs” of Ordinance No. 124-91 entitled “Zoning Ordinance of the City of Opelika, Alabama” adopted on September 17, 1991, as further amended (hereinafter referred to as the “Zoning Ordinance”) is hereby amended to read as follows: Sec. 9.5.24 (1) Changeable Copy Signs. (a) As part of a permitted freestanding sign or wall sign and notwithstanding Section 9.4: Prohibited Signs, or any other provision of this Section IX to the contrary, a changeable copy sign, manual or electronic (LED), may be

installed. The changeable copy sign shall not occupy more than fifty percent (50%) of the total sign area of the freestanding sign or wall sign. (b) Notwithstanding Section 9.4: Prohibited Signs, or any other provision of this Section IX to the contrary, the static display time for each message on a changeable copy sign shall be at least ten (10) seconds, and the time to change from one (1) message to another shall be no greater than two (2) seconds. (c) In no event shall the message scroll in any direction. (d) All changeable copy signs shall be subject to the illumination standards of Section 9.5(5). Except as expressly modified or amended herein, all other subsections and provisions of Section 16-188 shall remain in full force and effect. Section 2. Amendment of Table 9.7(2). That Table 9.7(2) of the Zoning Ordinance is hereby amended to read as follows:

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution In the Estate of DOROTHY J. TOWNSEND, Deceased Case no.: 2022-207 Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the Lee County Probate Office by Andy Devoise on April 11, 2022 pursuant to Section 432-690, Code of Alabama and that 30 days after the notice of publication hereof and pursuant to law the Court shall be requested to enter an Order directing Summary DIstribtution of the estate of said decedent. BILL ENGLISH / PROBATE JUDGE Legal Run 04/14/2022 -------------

Table 9.7(2): Signs Requirements for Other Permitted Types of Temporary Signs R-1, R1-A, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-4M, R-5, R-5M, VR, PRD, PUD

C-1, VC

Zoning Districts Maximum Number of Temporary Signs Per Parcel [1]

C-2, C-3, M-1, M-2, I-1

AP, PUD, R/E, FP, GC, HOD 4

Maximum Sign Area for a Temporary Sign 6 sf. 32 sf. 32 sf. Maximum Sign Height for a Temporary Freestanding 6 ft. 6 ft. 6 ft. Sign Maximum Sign Height for a Temporary Banner Sign 15 ft. 15 ft. 15 ft. or Window Sign Minimum Sign Setback required to be maintained by a Temporary Ground Sign from any property line or 3 ft. 3 ft. 3 ft. from the edge of any paved street or road [2] Minimum Spacing that is required to be maintained by a Temporary Ground Sign from any other 15 ft. 15 ft. 15 ft. Temporary Ground Sign Maximum Aggregate Sign Area Allocated for All 48sf. 64 sf. 64 sf. Temporary Signs on a Parcel [3] Table Notes: [1] No more than one sign may be a banner sign. Temporary banner signs may be displayed for a maximum duration of 30 days up to three times per calendar year. [2] The minimum sign setbacks do not apply to temporary wall signs, banner signs, or window signs. [3] There is no limit to the number of separate messages that may appear on the allowable surface(s) of any Temporary Sign. The maximum aggregate surface area allowed is subject to circumstances that may reduce the maximum aggregate surface area allowable on some parcels.

Section 3. Severability Clause. If any section, sentence or phrase of this ordinance is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, said holding shall not affect the remaining portions of this ordinance. Section 4. Repealer Clause. All former ordinances or parts thereof conflicting or inconsistent with this ordinance are repealed. Section 5. Effective Date. This ordinance shall become effective and enforced immediately upon its passage and publication as required by law. Section 6. Publication. The City Clerk of

the City of Opelika, Alabama is hereby authorized and directed to cause this Ordinance to be published one (1) time in a newspaper of general circulation published in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama. Section 7. Codification. Codification of this ordinance in the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Opelika is hereby authorized and directed. END All interested persons are invited to attend the Public Hearing and be heard. Written comments concerning the above matter may be mailed to the City Clerk at City Hall, P.O. Box 390,

Opelika, AL 36803 at any time prior to the Public Hearing and may be further submitted to the City Council at the meeting and Public Hearing. Please contact Brian Weiss, the City’s Interim ADA Coordinator, at 334-705-5134 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability. WITNESS my hand this the 14th day of April, 2022. /s/ Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 04/14/2022

D. Conditional Use – Public Hearing 6. A public hearing on a request by Blake Rice, authorized representative for John H. Anglin and Terry L. Johnson, property owners, for conditional use approval for a climate control mini-warehouse in the R-4 zoning district (a rezoning to C-2, GC-P pending) accessed from Old Opelika Road. 7. A public hearing on a request by Stephen Benson, property owner, for conditional use approval to add twenty selfstorage units to existing selfstorage units in the C-2, GC-P zoning district accessed from 1704 Frederick Road. 8. A public hearing on a request by David Slocum, authorized representative of Staley Fincher, property owner, for conditional use approval for a new church facility (Grace Heritage Church) in a C-3 zoning district accessed at the end of Yarbrough Drive. 9. A public hearing on a request by Carmmillia Pearson, authorized representative of Alisa Caldwell, property owner, for conditional use approval for a church in a R-4 zoning district at 3 Oak Court. 10. A public hearing on a request by John Cowden, authorized representation for WWS Properties LLC (John d. Walker), property owners, for conditional use approval for a Circle K gas station and convenience store in the C-2, GC-P zoning district accessed from Shelton Mill Road and Birmingham Highway. E. Text Amendments 11. A public hearing to consider a recommendation to the City Council on proposed text amendments to the Zoning Ordinance: Section 7.3 A. District Regulations and Section 7.7 “Downtown Residential Living” Section 7.3 C. Use Categories (matrix table) V. Old Business F. Final Plat 12. A request by Doug Ransom, authorized representative for DRB Group Alabama, LLC property owner, for final plat approval of the Village at Waterford Phase 4 subdivision consisting of 202 lots accessed from Arlee Avenue, Lismore Drive, and Heathcote Drive. (This item was tabled at the March 22nd PC meeting.) 13. A request by Blake Rice, authorized representative for

SMB Land, LLC, property owner, for final plat approval of the Cannon Gate Phase 3 subdivision consisting of 25 lots accessed from Cannon Gate Drive. (This item was tabled at the March 22nd PC meeting.) G. Conditional Use – Public Hearing 14. A public hearing on a request by Blake Rice, authorized representative for Brookhaven Property Group, LLC, property owners, for conditional use approval to add 36 apartment units to Pinehurst Apartments in the R-4 zoning district accessed at 1500 Pinehurst Drive (700 block West Point Parkway). (This item was tabled at the February 28th PC meeting.) All interested persons are invited to attend the meeting/public hearings and be heard. Written comments concerning the above matters may be mailed to the Planning Director at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama 36801 at any time prior to the meeting/public hearings and may be further submitted to the Planning Commission at the meeting/public hearings. The Planning Commission reserves the right to modify or alter any of the proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and to make its recommendations accordingly to the City Council. Please contact the Planning department at 334-705-5156 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability. PLANNING DIRECTOR 04/14/2022 ------------FORM OF ADVERTISMENT FOR COMPLETION LEGAL NOTICE In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, notice is hereby given, that WHATLEY CONSTRUCTION, LLC has completed the contract for The Beulah Athletic Park Concession and Restroom building located at 11099 Lee Road 379, Valley, AL 36854 and The Beauregard Athletic Park Concession and Restroom building located at 480 Lee Road 431, Opelika, AL 36804 for the Lee County Commission, owner, and have made request for final

settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify: Foresite Group, LLC 2128 Moores Mill Rd., Suite C, Auburn, AL 36830 WHATLEY CONSTRUCTION, LLC / CONTRACTOR P.O. BOX 137, OPELIKA, AL 36802 Legal Run 4/14/22, 4/21/22, 4/28/22 & 5/5/22 ------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALBAMA NOTICE OF THE FILING OF PETITION FOR SUMMARY DISTRIBUTION In the Estate of WARNER MAE KELLEY, Deceased Case No: 2022-201 Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the Lee County Probate Office by Johnny Earl Winslett on April 8, 2022, pursuant to Section 43-2-690, Code of Alabama and that 30 days after the notice of publication hereof and pursuant to law the Court shall be requested to enter an Order directing Summary Distribution of the estate of the decedent. BILL ENGLISH, PROBATE JUDGE Legal Run 04/14/2022 ------------IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The estate of Jacob Daniel Woodward, Deceased. Case No. 2022-194 TAKE NOTICE that Letters Administration having been granted to Danielle Woodard as Administratrix of the Estate of Jacob Daniel Woodard. deceased, on the 6th day of April, 2022. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same be barred. Danielle Woodard as Administratrix of the Estate of Jacob Daniel Woodard, Deceased Legal Run 04/14/22, 04/21/22 & 04/28/22

B15 April 14, 2022

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B16 April 14, 2022

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MNOZIL BRASS Opelika Center for the Performing Arts March 30, 2022, 7:30 pm For Tickets call: 334.749.8105 or visit www.eastalabamaarts.org

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Opelika Center for the Performing Arts April 27, 2022, 7:30 pm For Tickets call: 334.749.8105 or visit www.eastalabamaarts.org