The Observer 04-20-2023

Opelika, Alabama

A Community Grieves Together

BY MICHELLE KEY AND HANNAH LESTER

OPELIKA —

The sounds of a mother’s unbearable grief filled Courthouse Square Monday night during a candlelight prayer vigil held for Marsiah Emmanuel Collins — the

CFEA Starts Fund to Aid Victims of Shooting

BY MICHELLE KEY MICHELLE@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA —

The Community Foundation of East Alabama has notified The Observer that it has created a fund to assist the victims of the April 15 shooting in Dadeville.

All donations made to the fund, minus credit card fees, will be distributed as grants to organizations that are addressing the ongoing needs of victims and community members.

Together, a message of love and compassion will be sent to the communities that have been impacted

from this horrific event.

"We at the Community Foundation of East Alabama are devastated by the

news of the tragic events that occured in Dadeville on April 15," CFEA said in an Instagram post. "Please

consider donating to support the organizations working on the ground to provide necessary services to this community in their time of need."

More information is available at www.cfeastalabama.org/caring-fordadeville.

Donations can be made online, or checks can be made out to the Community Foundation of East Alabama Caring for Dadeville Fund and mailed to Community Foundation of East Alabama c/o Caring for Dadeville Fund P.O. Box 165 Opelika, AL 36803-0165.

CONTRIBUTED BY THE OPELIKA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

OPELIKA —

The REACH Campaign is an opportunity for local businesses to purchase sponsorships for Opelika Chamber events throughout the year. Volunteers for the chamber spend time visiting businesses to discuss sponsorship options and find the best fit for everyone. Sponsorships are a great way for businesses to raise awareness of their brand throughout the community.

During an eight-week period, the Opelika Chamber

19-year-old from Opelika that was killed in Saturday night’s shooting in Dadeville. Collins graduated from Opelika High School last year.

Marsiah’s mother, Shirley “Shunte” Jones, and his father, Martin Collins Jr.,

secured the highest number of investments in its 11-year history of conducting the REACH program.

“I am very pleased and impressed with the performance of the REACH campaign this year,” said Linda North. “It is encouraging to see that so many businesses believe in the growth and development of our community.”

There was an increase of over $130,000 in investments and over 90 members who had not previously sponsored chamber programming engaged in the campaign.

See REACH, page A4

Several young adults listen as community leaders speak during the candlelight prayer vigil for Marsiah Collins and his family, and for others who were injured in the April 15 shooting in Dadeville. For more photos from the vigil, turn to A12 or view the gallery online at www.opelikaobserver.com.

Shirley "Shunte" Jones

Stone Martin Builders Executive Awarded for Leadership

CONTRIBUTED BY STONE MARTIN BUILDERS

AUBURN —

An executive at Stone Martin Builders (SMB), one of the largest homebuilders across Alabama and the region, was selected for the 2023 Auburn Opelika Habitat for Humanity Affiliate Leadership Award. The nonprofit honored Paul Willis, director of purchasing and estimating, for his service in helping to create a simple, decent and affordable housing opportunity for a lowincome family.

Last fall, Willis and Stone Martin Builders

partnered with Auburn Opelika Habitat for Humanity to sponsor a new home building project in Auburn.

Construction on the home began in October 2022 and was completed in December, just in time for a local family to move in before the holidays.

“We could not be prouder of Paul and his unwavering dedication to serving our community,” said Frank Plan, CEO of SMB. “Paul was the driving force behind Stone Martin Builders’ partnership with the Auburn Opelika Habitat for Humanity. He coordinated with our

trade partners to manage donations of products, materials and volunteers, and worked tirelessly to ensure that the house was completed in time for the family to move in before Christmas.” Willis currently serves

as the president of the Storybook Farm Board and is an affiliate for Habitat for Humanity, where he works toward providing affordable housing to those in need. Willis is passionate about shaping the future of the Auburn community. He is also the team captain of the Intergovernmental Committee for the City of Auburn 2040 planning session and serves as a board member of the Commercial Development Authority for Auburn.

“I’m thrilled and humbled to receive this award, but all the glory goes to God,” Willis said. “It’s a true

privilege to have the opportunity to work with organizations like Habitat and give back to the community through my job at Stone Martin Builders. I’m incredibly grateful to work for a company that values community involvement and is dedicated to making a positive impact in the places where we build. I still can’t believe I’m worthy of this recognition, but I am honored and appreciative, nonetheless.”

Willis and all the honorees were recognized at the Annual State Leadership Conference & Award

Banquet held on April 5, 2023.

ABOUT STONE MARTIN BUILDERS

Based in the AuburnOpelika area, Stone Martin Builders is dedicated to developing aspirational communities throughout Alabama and Georgia, including Huntsville, Athens, Prattville, Montgomery, Auburn/Opelika, Dothan and Columbus, Georgia. Since its establishment in 2006, the company has quickly grown and in 2022 was ranked as one of the 100 largest home builders in the U.S. by Builder Online. More info at www. stonemartinbuilders.com.

Scouts’ Flag Service Benefits

Troop, Community

BY KENDYL HOLLINGSWORTH KENDYLH@OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

AUBURN —

For those looking to take their observation of patriotic holidays a step further, one local Scout BSA troop is offering a special flag service to residents of Auburn and Opelika.

Troop 19’s “Flags Over Auburn” is a subscription service in which scouts will post an American flag in your yard and retire it before dusk on five national flag-flying days.

“It’s a small thing, but it’s on really important days,” said Claudia Mattingly, an Eagle Scout and former troop member.

For $50, scouts will take care of everything needed to post the flag so that the subscriber need only admire the view. The process includes installing a plastic sleeve in the yard, capping it and marking the curb or street in front of it with the BSA fleur-de-lis logo. The sleeve and cap are installed flush with the ground so they will not interfere with mowing. On flag days, scouts will post a 3-foot-by-5-foot nylon U.S. flag on a 10-foot pole in the sleeve and retire the flag before dusk.

The cost to subscribe for one full year is $50. A subscriber’s service will begin on the first flag-flying holiday after signing up. If there is severe weather on one of the five holidays, Troop 19 will post and retire flags on Sept. 11.

For Claudia, a strong advocate of Scouts BSA, Flags Over Auburn was just one part of the fun of being in Troop 19.

“I did Cub Scouts with my brother — I participated as a sibling — and I fell in love with the program, and I was really upset that I couldn’t join, so the second they did let me join, I took that opportunity,” Claudia said.

or

At the request of their daughters, Scoutmaster Joe Mattingly and Assistant Scoutmaster Kevin Harp established Troop 19 — the area’s first all-girl Scouts BSA troop — soon after Boy Scouts of America announced it would begin allowing girls to join in 2019 and earn an Eagle rank. The troop began with seven scouts and has grown from there.

“It’s been a complete blast,” Joe said.

Since the troop’s inception about four and a half years ago, Joe said it has done the familiar popcorn and camp card fundraisers, but with so many troops in the area doing similar fundraisers, Troop 19 decided to come up with a new way to fundraise in 2022.

See FLAGS, page A6

LCLC, Regions Bank to Host Financial Literacy Wellness Series

CONTRIBUTED BY LCLC

OPELIKA — Literacy extends beyond reading.

April is National Financial Literacy Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of financial literacy.

Building a financial future begins with a good foundation. The Lee County Literacy Coali-

tion (LCLC) is partnering with Regions Bank to offer a Financial Literacy Wellness Series in both English and Spanish. Topics discussed will include creating a budget, how to track spending, managing a checking or savings account, using credit wisely, homebuying preparation and more.

Being financially literate empowers us with

the tools and resources needed to be financially secure in life. The lack of financial literacy can lead to a number of difficulties, such as accumulating unsustainable debt burdens that could lead to poor credit, bankruptcy or housing foreclosure. The knowledge shared will aid in gaining better control of our money and offer strategies to use it as a

Opelika to Host Slam Dunk the Junk Community Clean Up Day

CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF OPELIKA

tool to make informed decisions. The series begins with “Managing Your Money – Establishing a Budget” on April 25, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. at the Opelika Public Library. Dinner will be provided. This topic will also be facilitated online in Spanish on May 30, 2023. If participants are unable to connect virtually, please call to reserve a seat at the LCLC Office.

The second part of the series begins with “Using Credit Wisely – Understanding Your Credit Report” on June 27, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. at the Opelika Public Library. Dinner will be provided. This topic will also be facilitated online in Spanish on July 25, 2023.

The final part of the series begins with “Homebuying Prepara-

tion – Technology” on Aug. 22, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. at Opelika Public Library. Dinner will be provided. This topic will also be facilitated online in Spanish on Oct. 24, 2023.

All workshops are free and open to the public. Registration is required. For more information, visit www.leecountyliteracy.org/financial-literacy

See FINANCE, page A4

Helicopter Tours Now Available in Auburn

BY DANIEL LOCKE FOR THE OBSERVER

AUBURN — Are you a fan of helicopters? Have you ever wanted to learn how to fly a helicopter? How about seeing the Loveliest Village on The Plains from a whole new perspective? Well, now you can. South Atlanta Helicopters at Auburn is now operating out of the Auburn Regional Airport.

was doing lab work for Auburn University when he and his family went on vacation to the Pacific Northwest and took a helicopter tour. Estrada booked an introductory flight less than a week later.

Estrada explained that the company provides an option for those who do not learn best in a traditional classroom setting.

OPELIKA — The city of Opelika has brought back its "Don’t Be An Ope-loser!" anti-litter campaign and Slam Dunk The Junk event in an effort to further educate and encourage visitors and citizens to keep the community clean. City employees put out brightly painted trash cans throughout the city with anti-littering messaging.

“We would like to thank the Opelika High School art classes for designing and painting our cans this year,” said Leigh Krehling, community relations officer for the city of Opelika. “These students are incredibly talented. OHS art teacher Jeff Conway has been a great partner with the city on a number of projects and we are always happy when students can showcase their work — especially for such a great campaign.”

The Slam Dunk The Junk community clean-

up event will be held on April 22, 2023, and will begin at Courthouse Square at 9 a.m. Participants can pick up their supplies, provided by Keep Opelika Beautiful, at the square and will be given a location to pick up litter. This is a great opportunity for friends and family to give back to the community.

“There is a also a Wellness Fair happening that day at the square, so this is a perfect day to clean up and educate the public,” said Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller. “Litter is harmful to human

have brought such carnage upon the Dadeville community.”

He also spoke of hope.

health, safety, welfare, the environment and it has a negative effect on economic development. We need to all do our part to keep Opelika looking beautiful.”

During the event, the city will have fun events happening and prizes to give away, and is giving a biscuit and drink to anyone who returns to Courthouse Square with collected trash.

For more information, please contact Leigh Krehling, community relations officer at lkrehling@opelika-al.gov.

City Schools issued a statement regarding the death of Marsiah.

Mark Estrada is the man behind the operation. As an Auburn local, Estrada said he is excited about the opportunity to combine his passion for flying helicopters with his love of the city. Estrada

“I was like, I could see myself doing this every day as a job because I just really enjoyed it, and so that's kind of where my passion for helicopters started,” Estrada said.

South Atlanta Helicopters liked the idea of branching out to Auburn because of the combination of students looking for experiences and the high amount of tourism to the city.

“We figured just one other option would be great,” Estrada said. “There are people seeking careers, so our goal is to be able to provide helicopter training for people that maybe don't want a bachelor's degree, or they're looking for something a little more hands-on and they don't want to go to college, or maybe the trade schools at Southern Union aren't right for them. And so that's kind of where our spoke during the event.

“I never thought I would have to bury my child,“ Jones said. “I never thought this would happen to me.”

She spoke of how he always told her he loved her when he would leave to go somewhere.

“He would say, ‘Love you Mom. See you later.’”

On Saturday, as Marsiah left for the party, Jones said that he told her, “Love you Mom, I’m gone.” Jones broke down as she repeated those words.

“My baby’s gone. He’s gone.”

The Rev. Clifford Jones from Greater Peace Baptist Church addressed the community.

“What has happened to us, that we have allowed these kinds of tragedies to take place in our community?” he asked. “I really think it is a heart issue — a matter of love. I think it really comes down to an individual not knowing how much God really loves them. If that person knew how much God loves them, he would not

“Hope can cause us to look beyond ourselves,” Clifford said. “Hope can cause us to reach beyond ourselves and reach out and help those who are hurting. Hope can bring this tragedy to God’s love for mankind.”

The Boys and Girls Club of East Alabama helped sponsor the vigil.

“The Boys and Girls Club was one of many players at the table that cares about kids and community that led the effort to bring the community together,” said Richard Curry, president and CEO of the club. “I think there’s a lot of folks here tonight that maybe don’t have the right words to say and they’re looking for an actionable step and I think there’s some kids here tonight that just need to know, ‘Hey, the world does love me.’”

Curry said that the organization’s goal now is just to find out how it can help support the families of the victims.

Dr. Farrell Seymore, superintendent of Opelika

“We join the city of Dadeville and surrounding communities in sending our thoughts and prayers to the families that are grieving and to all of those who are recovering from the tragic events on April 15,” Seymore said. “We are saddened to learn of the death of Marsiah Collins, a 2022 Opelika High School graduate. Many of our students know those who were injured or killed, so additional counselors were onsite this morning at Opelika High School. We will continue to provide support for our students and staff who have been affected by this tragedy.”

Sabrina Hansen, also a member of the OHS Class of 2022, spoke kindly of Marsiah.

“We became friends in kindergarten,” Hansen said. “We weren’t super close after elementary school, but he was always super kind. He ran track, I ran track. He was friends with everybody.”

Two other students from OHS were injured in the shooting and are recovering in the hospital.

A Robinson R44 helicopter that South Atlanta Helicopters uses for tours.

Opelika High School art students paint the trash cans for the "Slam Dunk the Junk" initiative by the city of Opelika.

Hiztorical Vision Productions Receives Grant from Alabama State Council on the Arts

Lutzie 43 Foundation Announces Additions to Board of Directors

CONTRIBUTED BY THE LUTZIE 43 FOUNDATION ATLANTA, GA —

vice president of Safety and Compli -

CONTRIBUTED BY HIZTORICAL PRODUCTIONS

OPELIKA —

Hiztorical Vision Productions has received a $14,600 grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts to fund the Bama Black History 365 Internship Program (BBH365).

With these funds, Hiztorical Vision Productions will collaborate with the BBH365 interns to educate local Alabamian communities about the cultural significance of John A. Andrew Memorial Hospital in Tuskegee, Alabama. This grant signifies that through this project, Hiztorical Vision Productions is making Alabama’s communities stronger and our state’s arts and culture sector more vibrant.

“The mission of

REACH

from A1

>>

The REACH Campaign is directed by staff member Mackenzie Poole but is accomplished through volunteer participation.

The REACH Campaign leadership team was led by REACH Chair Eric Canada of SouthState Bank, who assisted in building an allstar team of volunteers for this campaign. Canada said he believes in the influence the program has on the community.

“The chamber is the engine of our business community and very important to the health of the community in every aspect,” he said.

FINANCE >>

from A3

or call 334-705-0001.

ABOUT THE LEE COUNTY LITERACY COALITION

LCLC is a nonprofit agency dedicated to

Historical Vision Productions is to provide underrepresented communities with a platform to tell, but ultimately preserve, their history through the art of filmmaking,” said Executive Director Theo M. Moore II. “Our short films are free and accessible on our website, which has immediately impacted learners nationwide. With the support of the Alabama State Council on the Arts, HVP launched the Bama Black History 365 internship program, allowing college students to work with a community to help tell their stories to the public.”

Additionally, Hiztorical Vision Productions recently announced the debut of its newest project, which will premiere for free at the Opelika Public Library April 29,

“The more opportunities we give our businesses to succeed with targeted marketing to regional and local businesses like they get to do with the REACH Campaign, the more successful our community will become.”

Of the 77 volunteers that participated, 46 of those volunteers assisted with at least one sale of chamber programming.

The following are a few of the campaign’s highlights:

• Nearly $50,000 in new revenue sponsorships were gained to recognize and support Opelika’s first responders;

• 34 new membership sales were gained through the campaign;

helping adults learn to read, write and use mathematics and computers at a level necessary to succeed and thrive. Free services include one-toone tutoring for reading, writing, math, computer and GED preparation for

2023, at 2 p.m.

“I am excited to announce that on April 29 at Opelika Public Library, the BBH365 interns will be debuting their film project on the history of John A. Andrew Memorial Hospital to surrounding communities,” Moore said. “This grant awarded by the Alabama State Council on the Arts enables Hiztorical Vision Productions to reach new audiences, foster community development, provide the highest quality programming and demonstrate the importance of arts as a key component for quality of life in Alabama."

Register to watch the film debut at www. eventbrite.com/e/bamablack-history-365-filmscreening-debut-tickets-583949938987.

• 70 companies that purchased sponsorships spent more than in previous years;

• nine Event & Program sponsorships sold out;

• and in total, the campaign had 458 unique sales.

The REACH Campaign is designated for the fall each year and provides a variety of platforms for advertising, branding and networking that helps businesses reach new heights. For more information on the program, or to get involved in the upcoming 2023-2024 campaign, contact Mackenzie Poole, director of Leadership and Events at mackenzie@ opelikachamber.com.

adults in the Lee County and surrounding areas. Workshops in financial, health and digital/workplace literacy are also offered. Learn more at www.leecountyliteracy. org.

The Lutzie 43 Foundation announced the addition of Dave Edmondson and Blake Poole to the foundation’s board of directors. Both Edmondson and Poole bring years of knowledge and experience that will help the foundation continue to grow.

The Lutzie 43 Foundation was founded in 2014 after former Auburn football player Philip Lutzenkirchen lost his life as a passenger in a distracted, impaired and unsafe driving crash. Since then the foundation has been on a mission to end distracted, impaired and unsafe driving through the foundation’s 43 Key Seconds safe driving initiative.

The two newest additions to the board of directors will use their expertise to share the 43 Key Seconds safe driving initiative with drivers across the country. Poole has known the Lutzenkirchen name since 2009 when he played alongside him at Auburn University.

“I’m looking forward to serving on the foundation’s board of directors, continuing Philip’s legacy and helping young drivers make better decisions behind the wheel,” said Poole, who currently serves as the field representative for Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp. Edmondson became familiar with the Lutzie 43 Foundation when J & M Tank Lines Inc. partnered with the foundation to launch the first Safe Driving Summit in the fall of 2022. His position as the

ance at J & M Tank Lines Inc. makes Edmondson a safety professional in the transportation industry.

His expertise will help grow the 43 Key Seconds safe driving initiative to trucking companies across the country.

“I joined the board after seeing firsthand the benefits the Lutzie 43 Foundation and 43 Key Seconds safe driving initiative has on young drivers,” Edmondson said. “The vision of the foundation aligns well with my personal beliefs and our company’s view on distracted, impaired and unsafe driving. The foundation is changing the way society thinks about the impact distracted, impaired and unsafe driving has on everyone, not just the driver.”

By joining the board of directors, Edmondson said he hopes to use his experience to create tools and information that will help other companies and young drivers learn why it is important to focus on driving when behind the wheel. The foundation’s 43 Key Seconds safe driving initiative aims to change the behaviors behind the wheel and in the vehicle to prevent what happened to Lutzenkirchen from happening to anyone else.

The physical 43 Key Seconds key serves as a tool and physical reminder to take 43 Key Seconds before you drive to ensure you have a clear head, clear hands, clear eyes and click your seatbelt before turning your key. Businesses, organizations and

schools invest in safe driving by partnering with the Lutzie 43 Foundation and sharing the 43 Key Seconds safe driving initiative with their employees, students, families and community.

These partnerships and investments are a direct way to end crashes and fatalities caused by distracted, impaired and unsafe driving, ultimately investing and protecting drivers on the road with 43 Key Seconds. By adding Edmondson and Poole to the board of directors, the number of lives protected by 43 Key Seconds will continue to grow.

ABOUT LUTZIE 43 FOUNDATION

The Lutzie 43 Foundation aims to encourage and empower all drivers to be positive ambassadors for safe driving through character development, mentorship and real-world application. The Lutzie 43 Foundation was established in loving memory of former Auburn football player Philip Lutzenkirchen, shortly after he lost his life in a car crash in 2014. In his memory, the foundation’s 43 Key Seconds safe driving initiative aims to create the first nationally recognized symbol for distracted, impaired and unsafe driving awareness and prevention. The foundation’s motto is to “Live like Lutz, Love like Lutz, and Learn from Lutz,” reflecting its desire to help others live out the many positive character attributes that Lutzenkirchen displayed while learning from the circumstances that led to his death. For more information, visit lutzie43.org.

Beulah Brings the Family Fun

Beulah Friends of the Community hosted its sixth annual Beulah Family Fun Day Saturday, April 15. A cornhole tournament, a car show, activites for children, and food and drink vendors came together for the entire community to enjoy. Appearances from Beulah High School and middle school cheerleaders and band, the Beulah Fire Department and JA Smith's Trucking provided interactive fun for the crowd to enjoy. The event also served as a fundraiser for Beulah Friends of the Community's landscaping and beautification efforts and grants to Beulah High School.

April 20, 2023

“We were looking for a different way to do a fundraiser — something that was different,” Joe recalled. “I found a troop up in Waynesboro, Indiana, that did this program called Flags Over Waynesboro.”

Joe reached out to ask permission to start up a similar program in the Auburn area, and the Waynesboro troop’s leaders not only granted permission but sent Troop 19 the information they used to start up their program.

Thus, Flags Over Auburn was born. About a year later, Joe said there are over 20 subscribers in the community

and counting.

“We’re hoping that at some point, this will grow to the size where we can almost completely offset the cost to the scouts,” he said. “… While scouting is a lot of fun, it can get rather pricey. You figure the fees for camping and the uniform and the badges and the patches and everything else that goes along with it — the travel, and the food for camping trips and all that — it starts to add up.”

In addition to being the scoutmaster for Troop 19, Joe is also an assistant scoutmaster for Troop 11 — his son’s troop. He said he hopes there will be a need in the future for both troops to participate in the fundraising service. And while there are no

plans to extend the service to other communities within Lee County, Joe said he isn’t opposed to sharing the idea with troops that do serve those areas.

“I think it’s a great idea, and we’ve gotten a lot of positive response for it,” he said, noting the praise and pictures he has seen on social media from subscribers.

“Scouting as a whole is giving back to the community,” Claudia added. “So even if it’s just a small thing like putting up a flag for a day a couple times a year, it’s just rewarding to be giving back to the community.”

For more information on Troop 19 and its Flags Over Auburn service, or to subscribe, visit troop19auburn.org.

goal came from.” The company's original purpose was to train law enforcement departments and other government agencies. The founders, both having military experience, realized just how big of a market there was for other civilians who wanted flight training. From there, the company expanded its offerings to include tours, movie shoots, gender reveals and golf ball drops, which Estrada explained is

one of his favorite things to do.

“Golf courses will hire us for a fundraiser, and they'll charge people $5 or so to drop a golf ball,” Estrada said. “After a bunch of people buy in, whoever gets the golf ball that's closest to the hole wins a small jackpot and the rest of the money goes toward whatever they're fundraising for.”

South Atlanta Helicopters currently has two helicopters in its fleet: a Robinson R22 and a Robinson R44. The R22 is typically used for

training because it is only a two-seater, which is less expensive to operate and makes training more affordable. The R44 is more powerful and can fit three people aside from the pilot. The R44 is also more commonly used for things such as gender reveals and golf ball drops because of its larger capacity and higher performance capabilities.

South Atlanta Helicopters will provide yet another educational opportunity in Auburn, as well as a new way to explore an area loved by so many.

FLAGS >> from A2

FLY >> from A3

S Food ociety & News

S ociety & News vents, E

Making the Grade: Walk On’s Sports Bistreaux

best in the South. However, I strongly question that 50th ranking; Opelika deserves a much higher status.

The longer I live in Lee County, the more I grow to love and admire my relatively new home. And I am certainly not alone in my admiration. While reading my most recent copy of “Southern Living,” I was happy to find out that Opelika was voted the third best small town in Alabama and the 50th

Why? Because of Opelika’s people, churches (please come and worship with us at Central Baptist,) culture, restaurants, downtown and high school. While I certainly enjoy dining and shopping in Opelika, I am also falling in love with Opelika High School, the home of the only red and black Bulldawgs about which I can make such a statement. (Remember, I taught in Georgia for 30 years. As an Auburn grad, those particular Dawgs are not my cup of tea.)

Last year, I got the chance to write about OHS’s outstanding Culinary Arts Program for LIVE Lee. It was pure joy for this retired English teacher to meet and interview Chef Judy Eldred and her

award-winning students. Now, I have the opportunity to write about the Opelika High Theatre Society (OHTS).

OCT

Finds Partner for Summer Camp

CONTRIBUTED BY OCT

OPELIKA —

Missoula Children’s Theatre (MCT) is the nation's largest touring children's theater that has been touring extensively for almost 50 years nationally and internationally. MCT has been touring since 1973 with over 44 teams of tour actors and directors.

ABBY POSNER

and online at sundillamusic.

com. Admission at the door will be $25. Free coffee, tea, water and food will be available, and attendees are welcome to bring their

See POSNER page A8

It visits more than 1,100 communities around the world — including 50 states, 15 countries, five Canadian provinces and two territories. That equals 65,000 cast members and over 750,000 audience members annually.

Many former participants in MCT productions have opportunities to work with MCT when they get older.

Opelika Community Theatre (OCT) strives to go the extra mile to provide children with creative outlets and resources to grow into successful, productive and confident members of the community. Theater teaches and provides training and development in necessary life skills to achieve these goals. OCT is proud to partner with MCT in offering a unique summer camp experience to children in this area.

How does MCT/OCT camp work?

On Monday, campers are cast as characters. By Saturday, they have gained character.

MCT is the best at broadening young people's horizons, encouraging teamwork and responsibility in youth.

MCT sends one little red

truck and two professional actor/directors, and provides five fun-filled days of team building, 20 hours of focused rehearsals, two public performances, professionally designed costumes and scenery, 50 to 60 cast members and hundreds of smiling families, friends and guests — all in one week's time. All MCT shows are original adaptations of classic familiar children's stories. MCT is bringing “Hercules” to OCT. During the weeklong residency, there will also be three camp enrichment workshops. Campers gain live theater experience, arts education, team building, enrichment workshops and memories that will last a lifetime, while also exploring their creativity, social skills, goal

See CAMP, page A8

Walk On's Sports Bistreaux opened at 3041 Capps Way in Opelika earlier this year. Pictured is Walk On's boom boom shrimp po' boy with waffle fries.

STACEY

PATTON WALLACE

SEAN DIETRICH

They were calling for rain. But no rain came. Yet.

The umpires stood on the field, clad in clerical black, staring at the sky, palms facing upward. Modern-day soothsayers.

The sky was the color of a battleship. The air was damp and sticky.

“It is definitely going to rain,” I said.

“Not necessarily,” said an old man nearby. “This is Georgia. Our weather changes its mind quicker than our politicians.”

Meanwhile, the ballpark was slammed with fans. Young and old. Male and female. The johnny-comelatelys, and the clinically deranged zealots. We were

all waiting to see whether the opening day of baseball in Atlanta would be delayed by Mother Nature.

Opening day in Truist Park is an event not unlike a typical papal installation.

Braves fans wander the park in chaos. There are team jerseys galore. Suburban dads wear T-shirts that read, “I am a Braves-AHolic.” Suburban mothers wear shirts that said, “I am married to a BravesA-Holic.” Everyone has a beer.

“I was 20 years old when the Braves first came to Atlanta,” said the old man. “I was in the Army.”

The old man was leaning over a guardrail, overlooking the Braves’

Play Ball

could be done.”

bullpen. He was vaping, although this is against park rules. He wore a Braves ballcap that predated the Mesozoic era.

“It was 1966,” he said. “I was living in Fulton County when they said we were getting a baseball team.”

The Milwaukee Braves made their debut in Atlanta on one sunny day in midApril. Lyndon Johnson was in the White House. There were 500,000 troops in Vietnam. The top-grossing movie was “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.”

The man attended opening day at Fulton County Stadium along with 50,671 other spectators. He remembers it well. The Pittsburgh Pirates were the visiting team. Not a seat was vacant. The air was pure cigar fog. It was a Tuesday.

“Tony Cloninger was pitching,” he said. “That man pitched a 13-inning complete game.” The old man’s blue eyes were bright. “Ain’t never seen ANYONE pitch 13 innings. Didn’t know such a thing

Hank Aaron was in right. Eddie Matthews played third. Joe Torre was catcher. It was quite a day.

“Quite a day indeed,” he said.

Shortly thereafter the man got shipped off to north Vietnam. While he was overseas, armed forces radio occasionally broadcast ballgames. Sometimes, he even got to listen to the Braves.

“It was like being back home. These Braves got me through.”

When the man got back on U.S. soil, he married his high school sweetheart. Whereupon his wife joined in his sports obsession and officially became one of the hapless and tormented souls we call Braves fans.

The old man has endured every Braves era. He was there for the lean years when a Braves outfielder was like Michael Jackson; he wore one glove and didn’t use it.

The old man was there for each World Series run. Each National League

victory. He saw salaries go from $6,000 per year to $12 million.

“My wife never missed a game.”

He removed a mobile phone from his back pocket. He fumbled with it until he found a blackand-white photo of a young man and young woman.

“That’s her,” he said. “That was my Caroline.”

Her hair was in a flipped bob cut. His was buzzed. In the photo, the couple stood before a Pontiac GTO, smiling goofily, the way children do when they get hitched.

His Caroline got pancreatic cancer three years ago. The disease moved fast. She passed suddenly. One month he was taking her out to dinner in Atlanta, the next month he was standing at a graveside, pitching handfuls of earth onto a casket.

“I didn’t even know how to cook for myself,” he said. “Didn’t know how to pay my own bills. I’m so lost without her.”

There were tears in his eyes, but he choked them back like a good soldier.

He admits that he probably would have never left his house if it hadn’t been for baseball.

A few years ago the old man’s daughter bought him Braves tickets. His kids forced him to attend games regularly. At first, he resisted. But eventually, going to games became his ritual. Baseball helped him grieve. It was an escape.

“I just feel good here,” he said. “That’s why I keep coming. I feel better when I’m here. I mean, look at all these people. There’s not a sad person in the bunch.”

The umpires finally decided it wasn’t going to rain. Soon, opening day festivities were underway. The music was loud. The people were louder.

I watched the old man sing the national anthem with his cap solemnly held over his sternum. And once again, the joy of God’s favorite game has arrived in Atlanta. Hallelujah. Braves win, 7-6.

POSNER >>

FROM A7

own favorite food or beverage.

Posner has been a working musician in Los Angeles for almost 20 years. She is best known for her ability to play nearly any instrument that she can get her hands on, twisting genres and pushing the boundaries of folk, roots and pop music. She can play a mean lead-blues guitar solo and follow it with a complex Earl Scruggs banjo riff. She can also play drums, mandolin or bass while using her looping

CAMP >>

FROM A7

pedal. In addition to her versatility, she puts passion and soul into everything she does.

You have probably heard her music in TV commercials, films and radio shows all over the globe, and she even appeared in two episodes of GLEE on season four playing banjo and guitar.

Posner has also scored the music for multiple films, sang and played banjo as a featured principal role in the ad campaign for the Ken Burns PBS Country Music Documentary.

But what she does best is write songs and perform on stage. In 2020, she won the

Carl Gage “Give me Shelter in Place” Songwriting Award through the Topanga Folk Festival for her original song “Blind Spots,” and she was the runner-up for her song “Emergency Use Only” for the 18th annual International Acoustic Music Awards. And like every great performer, everything she does well she does even better in front of an audience, and that audience always loves what she does. For more information, go to www.sundillamusic. com. achievements, communication skills and self-esteem.

MCT also presents its residency tours to military bases, providing military families with this exciting experience.

MCT/OCT camp spots are very limited with only 64 campers. Camp is open to children going into first grade through 12th grade. There are 16 spots allowed for

Opelika SportsPlex Relays for Life

younger students, of which two are open. There are 15 spots open for ages 9 and up. Camp tuition is $225 with a $50 nonrefundable deposit fee. The full balance of the camp should be paid on or before the first day of camp. Camp dates are June 5 to 10, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with two shows presented on Saturday, June 10.

For additional information or questions, call 334-400-9660 or email opelikatheatrecompany1@gmail.com, or visit www.opelikatheatrecompany.com.

Opelika SportsPlex is hosting "Working Out for a Cure" April 17 through 21 from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Look for the purple table in the Group Fitness Room. All proceeds directly benefit Relay for Life Lee County.

Talking to those OHS students has really been a lot of fun. But I digress.

Recently, another great restaurant has come to Opelika — Walk On’s Sports Bistreaux at 3041 Capps Way.

Mike and I waited until Walk On’s had been open for about a month before we decided to dine there. Because in a small town (such as the third best one in Alabama), folks will jump on a new restaurant like a pack of dogs on a three-legged cat (I borrowed that from Jeff Foxworthy.)

In fact, our good friends Jack and William had tried to eat at Walk On’s when it had only been open for about two weeks, and they couldn’t find an empty parking space, so they gave up and left.

A while back, Mike and I met Jack and William at Walk On’s. I was eager to try the restaurant’s Louisiana-flavored cuisine because I really enjoy it. Since Mike and I love our Auburn football, we, of course, loved the sports motif and numerous televisions tuned into

It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's Cops on Top!

various sporting events.

Wessie, our server, was so sweet, patient and helpful. Mike ordered pasta Alfredo because a neighbor had recommended it. I chose half of a shrimp po’ boy because Jacob Burdette, my pastor, said it was great, and I love that sandwich. My order came with fries and a side salad.

Jack really loves Walk On’s — this happened to be his third trip to the restaurant. He chose the boom boom shrimp po’ boy with fries.

William selected the Zydeco salad and a cup of gumbo. He said that it was, “slap your Grandma twice good.” I sure love when my sweet friends read my column. That gumbo will be my choice next time, and there will definitely be a next time.

I am excited because my sweet friend Char, who is a Louisiana Cajun and a classmate of mine from “Writing Our Lives” with OLLI, has promised to teach me how to make gumbo. But I digress again.

Jack and I hope that Lynn Hudson, our outstanding diabetic specialist, isn’t reading this particular column because Jack ordered a bread pudding for

dessert, and Mike and I shared one. Oh, my three times. That was SO mouthwateringly delicious. Just the aroma was intoxicating and probably raised our sugar levels 50 points each. Did I mention that I love hyperbole?

Our server Wessie told us that 72 Krispy Kreme Doughnuts (the world’s

best, in my opinion), go into one pan of bread pudding perfection. Remember, I also love alliteration.

Jack was afraid that his Libre 3 sugar monitor might go off like a siren. Thankfully, it did not.

I’m also glad that we didn’t end up at the hospital.

Run and do not walk to Walk On’s. Sorry, I just couldn’t help myself. Walk On’s Sports Bistreaux offers diners a large selection of starters, some of which include fried pickle chips, Cajun Queseaux, fried alligator, waffle cheese fries and spinach and artichoke dip.

The restaurant also serves salads, handhelds and hand-patted burgers. Bistreaux specialties include crawfish etouffee, catfish Atchafalaya, lemon butter chicken, sweet chili salmon and gulf redfish among others.

Char, this review was for you. Love you bunches.

Walk On’s Sports

Bistreaux is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight.

Walk On’s Sports Bistreaux makes the grade with an A+ from this retired English teacher. Remember, “Poohsized” people NEVER lie about food. Enjoy!

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

Saturday, April 15, law enforcement from the Opelika Police Department and Lee County Sheriff's Office scaled the awnings of the Auburn and Opelika Kroger locations for the annual Cops on Top event raising money for Lee County Special Olympics.

Walk On's serves up various Louisiana-inspired entrees and caters to fans of several different sports.

Stepping into Irish Dance Traditions

Alabama Artists Festival to Showcase Statewide Talent

BY KENDYL HOLLINGSWORTH KENDYLH@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

AUBURN —

Get ready to get down

— Alabama style. The Alabama Artists Festival is set for Saturday, April 29, at the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center (GPAC).

The festival will be held in the Bill and Carol Ham Amphitheatre with gates opening at 2 p.m. The performances are free and open to the public, but patrons should register first.

“Our goal with the festival is to highlight the tremendous musical talent of our state, to celebrate these incredible

Alabama artists and to share their work with the community,” said Jonathan Osborne, director of communications and marketing for the Gogue.

The festival will be the culmination of the GPAC Live: Alabama Artists Series and will showcase a variety of musical talents from artists across the state.

The lineup includes Eric Essix at 2:30 p.m., Elley Duhé at 4 p.m., John Paul White at 5:30 p.m. and the Blind Boys of Alabama at 7 p.m. The four artists hail from Birmingham, Mobile, Florence and Talladega, respectively.

“I love that our festival is shining a light on the

outstanding and diverse musical talent of our state,” Osborne said.

The Alabama Artists Festival is three years in the making, according to Osborne. The GPAC Live: Alabama Artists Series began in October 2020 as a series of livestreamed performances since the COVID-19 pandemic prevented the Gogue and other venues from hosting in-person shows at the time.

“At that time, we were unable to welcome artists and patrons to the Gogue Center for live, in-person performances,” he said. “Despite the circumstances, we were determined to continue to connect and engage

with audiences.”

Essix, Duhé and White were the three featured artists of the series and had livestreamed an individual concert and K-12 school performance from the Gogue’s Woltosz Theatre.

“We had viewers watching from all corners of the globe,” Osborne recalled. “Seriously — people were watching from across the United States, Germany, New Zealand — all over the world.”

Now, the Gogue is ready to open its doors to thousands of music lovers for the festival. Attendees are welcome to bring blankets, soft seat cushions or folding

chairs. Seating is general admission. WEGL 91.1, Auburn University’s student-operated radio station, will be broadcasting live from the Gogue between sets.

To register to attend, visit aub.ie/al-artistsfest, visit the box office at 910 S. College St. or contact the box office at 334-844-TIXS (8497) or gpactickets@auburn.edu.

“Alabama has such a rich musical history — I don’t think we celebrate it enough,” Osborne said. “These artists, who are all either from Alabama or working in Alabama today, are just a few of the award-winning, chart-topping artists who call our state home. I’m glad we have the opportunity to share and lift up their voices.”

The Trinity Irish Dance Company, founded in 1990, performed at the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center on Friday, April 14. Abigail Graham-Luke, pictured bottom right, hosted a master dance class for interested members of the community on Friday afternoon before the evening performance.

Spring Villa Park Is on Target

Art Haus Invites All to Upcoming Gallery Show

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA — Opelika Art Haus and Windhorse Gallery are collaborating for the Art, Song & Moonshine art exhibit next Friday and Saturday, April 28 and 29.

The free event is open to the public and brings together 13 Alabama artists for an evening of community, art, food and music. This is the fourth event that Windhorse Gallery and Art Haus have partnered to host, but according to event organizer Barbara Birdsong, this one will look a little different.

The main thing that makes this exhibit unique is the sheer talent of the artists attending. Three in

particular, Jerry Seigel, Scott Owen and Charlie Lucas, have garnered national acclaim for their artwork. The work of Seigel, Owen and Lucas will be highlighted separately from other artists at the event. And although all the artists and artwork make the event worth attending, the presence of the aforementioned three is what excites Birdsong the most, she said.

“They are internationally known artists,” Birdsong said. “They all have been featured in big-time museums, and they all happen to be from the South. What we liked about these three artists is that they are all storytellers in the way they do their work. And how they feel about the South, how it has shaped our region and how it has

shaped who we all are as people — they all play to that in different ways.”

Windhorse Gallery is an initiative led by Birdsong and Mary Ann Casey that facilitates local art events, from pop-ups to gallery shows, each with the purpose of elevating the art community and bringing more creativity to central Alabama. It serves a niche for artists who are creating good art but who might lack a permanent place to display their work.

“Our mission is to bring art to this community, to educate people on art and the importance of it and making it accessible to more people,” Birdsong said. “Our goal was to kind of eliminate the stuffy feel that is behind gallery exhibits, and

[we] wanted it to be more fun, like a celebration of life, art, fun and love. We felt like art was the medium to do that.”

Friday night’s exhibit, which runs from 4 to 9 p.m., plays into the name with the “Moonshine” section riffing off the natural light of the night sky. Come early to enjoy a chat with the local artists. The Saturday showing runs from 9 a.m. to noon. However, don’t fret, there will also be wine and old-fashioned drink available to enjoy as well. For the food, the exhibit is bringing in local vendors to supply charcuterie-type snacks to all who attend.

“The moonshine really is in reference to the moon outside shining; it’s kind of play of words,” Birdsong said.

“We always try to tie in and use local vendors, and we do have food featured.”

The full lineup of artists includes:

• Jerry Seigel (@jerrysiegel | www.jerrysiegel. com)

Born in Selma, Alabama, Jerry Siegel is a photographer living in Atlanta, Georgia, and working throughout the Southeast. Siegel focuses his work in the traditions of documentary and portrait photography.

• Scott Owen (@owenartist | www.scottvaughnowen.com)

An artist and painter with bold use of line and powerful negative space combined with strong color choices creating works that rival mid-century expressionists such as Jackson Pollock and

Mark Rothko.

• Charlie Lucas (@ charlielucas_thetinman | Tin Man Studio - Selma)

Contemporary southern sculptures of people and animals constructed from welded metal bands.

• Barbara Birdsong Designs (@barbarabirdsongdesigns | www. barbarabirdsongdesigns. com)

Unique handmade jewelry collections, each a symphony of feelings and natural findings, each reflecting her love of jewelry making.

• Mary Ann Casey Art (@maryanncaseyart)

Expressive, contemporary acrylic paintings and sculptures that carry a presence into any space.

• Rabbit Fish Ceramics (@rabbitfishceramics | www.rabbitfishceramics.

See ART HAUS, page A12

Saturday, April 15, community members and their children gathered at Spring Villa Park in Opelika for the 2023 Nerf Gun Battle. Children ages 6 to 12 enjoyed this free event — and snacks — as they battled to be the last Nerf standing.

ART

FROM A11

com)

Sharing Their Grief

HAUS >>

Small-batch ceramics made by Laura and Brian Cooley that embrace imperfection, oddness and flights of imagination.

- Idyllwilde (@ idyllwilde | www.

idyllwilde.co)

Nadene Mairesse uses natural fiber cloth, repurposed textiles and botanical dyes to create clothing, accessories and home provisions in limited edition collections.

- Color Terra (@color_ terra | colorterra.com)

Transforming clay into

stunning and colorful ceramics with a passion for creating beauty and color inspired by nature.

- Counter Balance (@bon_appetype | @ jerrodbw | www.courtneywindhamdesign.com/ kinetic-mobiles)

Custom kinetic mobiles as unique sculptures that incorporate movement

through the use of natural means, creating a dynamic and ever-changing display that engages and captivates the viewer.

- Lauren Duncan Art (@laurenjohnstonduncan)

Whimsical mixed media color studies.

- Alex Smith (@unsungicons)

Artworks depicting a contemporary observation of the roles of the natural world in our dayto-day existence, mythology and the spiritual roles nature plays in our lives.

- Margaret Cunningham

Artful organic ceramic sculptures that double as unique table features.

- Pottery Palustris (@ pottery_palustris)

Ceramic stoneware embellished with pine needle weaving.

- Deborah Strawn Glass (@strawnglass | debstrawnglass.com)

Self-taught maker of glasswork using lead, paint, etching and found objects.

Members of the Opelika community gathered Monday night at Courthouse Square for a candlelight prayer vigil to remember Marsiah Collins and the victims in the April 15 mass shooting in Dadeville.

RELIGION —

Moses’s mission was accomplished.

Joshua had been commissioned as his successor (Deuteronomy 31:14, 23). Israel was on the brink of entering the land of Canaan. They had renewed their promise to live under the covenant first given to the nation at Sinai (29:9-14). The next chapter of their story will be told in the book of Joshua. But before this begins, there is one more event that must

Finishing Strong

transpire.

Moses must go home.

It’s not happening in the way that either God or Moses ideally desired, but it does take place in the manner it needed to. Israel will have a lasting memory of how their great leader missed out on entering the promised land because he “broke faith” with God and failed to uphold His holiness before the Israelites (32:51). No one, no matter their stature, is exempt from submitting to the Lord. That said, there’s much more about Moses’ departure that needs to be noted.

Moses went out with a song. You can read it in chapter 32. It’s a song that is worthy of the occasion.

In his song, Moses praises God:

I will proclaim the name of the Lord.

Oh, praise the greatness of our God!

He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just.

A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he. (v. 3-4)

The song does not speak as well for Israel (see 31:19-22), as it describes the judgment that will come upon them because of their unfaithfulness.

Nonetheless, after punishing them, God in His mercy will “take vengeance on His enemies and make atonement for His land and people” (v. 43).

Moses went out dispensing blessings. You can read about this in chapter 33, where Moses blesses the different tribes. It’s not unlike what we see Jacob doing in Genesis 49. And it’s fitting that these words come from the lips of the man who has shepherded them for 40 years. His last act of leadership is to bless them.

He climbed his final mountain. That’s what life is for all of us, isn’t it? It’s a series of mountains to climb as we serve God

and others. At Nebo, Moses climbed his final one. Everyone in life has mountains to climb; the challenge is to make sure we are climbing them for and with God.

God showed him the future. The text says, “The Lord showed him the whole land ….” What a sight it must have been. The people who had lived in tents would settle down and prosper in Canaan. That must have warmed Moses’ heart.

Moses went out a vibrant person. We’re told that although Moses is 120, “his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone.” I think we’re to see in this that not only is his death not due to frailty, but how God took care of him and equipped him for his mission. Mark it down: If God calls us, He will equip us.

Israel mourned him. There’s such a thing as good grief, and Israel practices it here. We were created for relationships,

BIBLE VERSE OF THE WEEK

and the cessation of them brings us pain even though we know they have gone to be with God. After the death of John the Baptist, Jesus “withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place” (Matthew 14:13). The writer of Ecclesiastes tells us, “The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning” (7:4). The promised land is before them waiting to be entered, but Israel’s first order of business is to mourn the passing of their leader.

Moses finished strong. He went out as a vibrant man — with a song, with blessings and after his final mountain had been climbed for God. He was in death what he had been in life.

Green has written a book on the model prayer called “Praying in the Reign.” It is available through 21st Century Christian. Find more of his writings at his website: www.a-taste-of-gracewith-bruce-green.com.

CHURCH DIRECTORY

ANGLICAN

The Good Shepherd Anglican Church

3015 Opelika Road, Opelika

APOSTOLIC HOLINESS

God’s House of Prayers Holiness Church

301 Highland Ave., Opelika

334-749-9672

BAPTIST

Beulah Baptist Church

5500 Lee Road 270, Valley

334-705-0538

AFB - Cooperative Baptist Fellowship

128 East Glenn Ave., Auburn

334-887-8506

Friendship Missionary

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

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

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

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

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

Union Grove Baptist Church 4009 Lee Road 391,

Opelika 334-749-0461

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

Church Of Christ

2215 Marvyn Pkwy., Opelika 334-742-9721

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

CHURCH OF GOD

Lakeside Church of God 3295 Lee Rd 54, Opelika 334-749-6432

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

METHODIST

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

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

NON-DENOMINATIONAL Church At Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy., Opelika 334-524-9148

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

Southern Plains Cowboy Church

13099 U.S. Hwy. 280 Waverly 334-401-1014

PENTECOSTAL

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

PRESBYTERIAN

Providence Presbyterian Church 1103 Glenn St., Opelika 256-405-8697

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

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST

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

BRUCE GREEN

Teaching Minister at 10th Street Church of Christ in Opelika

O LORD, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief. — Psalm 143:1

WALTER ALBRITTON

RELIGION —

Since every person will die, the painful loss of loved ones is inevitable. Sooner or later, most of us will know the pain of walking the lonely journey of grief.

Loss, however, does not have to be endured alone. Support is available. Though our society has spawned a

TALMADGE DAVID BUTLER

Talmadge David Butler, retired music minister and professor, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2023, at the Bethany House in Opelika, Alabama, at the age of 88. He was a beloved father, grandfather, brother and friend.

Talmadge was born on May 1, 1934, in Dothan, Alabama, and attended Howard University in Birmingham, Alabama. After graduation, he served in the Air Force in Biloxi, Mississippi, while also serving as a minister of music in Gulfport, Mississippi. It was there that he met his wife Laverne. They quickly fell in love and were married for 40 years.

After attending Golden Gate Seminary in Sacramento, California, and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in New Orleans, Louisiana, he continued his ministry in various capacities over the years. Highlights include working for the Baptist Sunday School Board in Nashville, Tennessee, teaching at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and serving as music minister for several churches including

Walking the Lonely Journey of Grief

“culture of violence,” that is not the whole story. There are churches, counselors and agencies that are ready to help us walk the difficult road of sorrow. And each of us can offer love and encouragement to someone who is hurting.

This is one of the beautiful aspects of being a human being. Each of us has the opportunity to share one another’s burdens, to offer a shoulder to cry on, or simply “be there” for someone whose pain seems unbearable.

Grief feels like the bottom has fallen out of your world. Your pillow is wet with tears. Someone you loved is missing. A chair at the table is empty. Tools once used are now idle.

Cottage Hill Baptist Church (Mobile, Alabama), Main Street Baptist Church (Hattiesburg, Mississippi).

Eastland Baptist Church (Nashville, Tennessee), Memorial Baptist Church (Metairie, Louisiana), Gentilly Baptist Church (New Orleans, Louisiana), and Tabernacle Baptist Church (Macon, Georgia).

After retiring from church ministry, he continued a lifetime of service through his work as a hospice chaplain with Wiregrass Hospice in Alabama.

Talmadge had a special way of making everyone feel like family. He was affectionately known as “PawPaw” by all who knew and loved him. He spread joy, made everyone feel special, and enjoyed showering people with treats. He had a soft spot for dogs and used to love walking his in the morning while they picked up neighbors’ newspapers and placed them at their doors. PawPaw never went to a gathering empty-handed. His arrival typically brought a warm hug and a box of Krispy Kreme donuts.

He supported his family and attended as many of their events as possible. Whether it was a track

You feel numb and helpless. Yet life goes on. And you must find a way to go on with your life.

Each of us must learn to deal with the reality of death. Little help is found in reading a poem that says, “I did not die; I am still here with you.” No, the person who died in your arms and was buried last week is actually dead and gone. And every grieving person must find a way to go on living or become a victim of prolonged sorrow.

Once I visited an old man who lived alone. He told me his beloved wife had been dead 20 years. “Would you like to see her room?” he asked. Though puzzled, I said yes. Opening the door

to a bedroom, he said, “Everything is just like it was the day she died,” he said. I was stunned by what I saw: an unmade bed with a dress on the footboard, a hair brush and lipstick lying on a dresser with one drawer partially opened, and everything covered with cobwebs. A scene you would expect to see in a horror movie.

I prayed with the old man and departed sorrowfully. I had met a man whose family and friends had failed him. Yes, he had failed himself. But that is why we are in this world — to help a brother or sister find a redemptive way to handle grief. And the truth is, some need more help than others. Take a look around

OBITUARIES

meet, dance recital, ball game, musical production or graduation, PawPaw would do his best to be there. His whistle could be heard from the stands as he cheered for his loved ones. He had a talent for remembering every birthday, anniversary and holiday. A card and a box of goodies, along with decorations and infamous plastic party hats (that you HAD to wear) would arrive promptly before every birthday. He always loved to celebrate his family.

Talmadge is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Wesley and Johnnie Mae Gay Butler; his infant son, Jonathan Butler; and his treasured wife, Laverne Newton Butler. He is survived by his children: David (Laura) Butler, Tamera (Trip) Garner, Celeste (Clint) Welch and Ramona Mulkey; 10 grandchildren: Addison Garner, Britney Butler, Jonathan (Holley) Butler, Emma (Hunter) Hardman, Ben Garner, Amelia Welch, Jackson Welch, Ruthie Mulkey, Luke Welch and Reese Mulkey; and sisters: the late Ella Mae, Doris, Betty, Mary, Martha and Lonelle. His family is confident and thankful that PawPaw is

now celebrating in heaven in the presence of his Savior, whom he loved so much.

Visitation was held on Sunday, April 16, 2023, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home in Opelika, Alabama. A celebration service took place at First Baptist Church Opelika on Monday, April 17, 2023, at 9 a.m. A burial service followed that afternoon at 2:30 p.m. CST at Memorial Park Cemetery, located at 3969 Mercer University Drive, Macon, Georgia.

We are grateful for the outpouring of love and kindness everyone has shown our family during his illness and death.

The Butler Family

HERBERT MARSHALL "HUB" WALDROP

Herbert Marshall "Hub" Waldrop, of Auburn, Alabama, passed away peacefully at Bethany House on Sunday April 9, 2023.

Hub was born on February 10, 1938, to Sarah Gamble and Thomas Harley Waldrop in Fairfield, Alabama, and grew up in Hueytown, Alabama.

you. Likely you will find someone struggling with the emotions that grief produces: anger, guilt, bitterness, emptiness, fear and self-pity. You may be able to help that person not by urging them to “get over it and move on” but by simply walking beside them until the pain diminishes. The presence of love will overcome the despair of loneliness.

The privilege of providing loving support to a grieving brother or sister may be the secret of a life well lived. Sooner or later each of us will need that support. That day came for me two years ago when my wife died. And now I can testify that it was the love of my friends, who walked with me,

After Hub graduated from Hueytown High School in 1956, he went to Auburn University as a scholarship fullbacklinebacker. After an eye injury ended his football playing days, he remained on scholarship as a student trainer, beginning his lifelong contribution to the lives of young athletes. Despite the disappointment of not playing football, he never allowed his injury to affect his outlook on life. It provided him with empathy for injured athletes that built a foundation of trust and strong relationships with his student-athletes.

After graduating with a degree in health and physical education, he was named assistant athletic trainer (1960 to 1975), and then head athletic trainer (1976 to 1994). During his tenure at Auburn University, he taught a variety of athletic injury courses and was director of lntramurals and Recreation Services. Hub retired as assistant professor in the School of Kinesiology. As a trainer, Hub touched the lives of hundreds of studentathletes and trainers, helping protect them from injury and teaching them about sports medicine,

that inspired me to believe that the Lord was holding my hand as I walked through the dark night of sorrow. Ask the Lord to show you the grieving person to whom you should reach out. Do not worry about what to say. Just be there. If words are needed, the Lord will provide them. You could remind your hurting friend that God hurts too, just like his children hurt when someone dies. He is that kind of God, a God who cares and is ready to help us when we are mourning the loss of a loved one. When Jesus said, “Love one another,” surely that included walking with someone who is struggling on the lonely journey of grief.

as well as being a trusted friend and an example of "how to live your life for Jesus."

One of Hub's passions was helping shape the lives of Auburn youth as a basketball, football and baseball coach in Auburn Parks & Recreation leagues. Hub was a faithful Baptist, a longtime deacon, and taught sixth grade boys Sunday School.

Hub married Jean Robertson of Bessemer in 1961 and they remained lifelong residents of Auburn, where they raised their daughter Lisa.

Hub retired from Auburn in 2007 and took great joy in using his experience and expertise to help people use exercise to maintain their mobility and recover from illness. Another of his joys was giving a weekly devotion to the residents of what is now Arbor Springs. A lifelong runner, Hub maintained his own exercise routine until just before he passed away.

Hub is survived by his wife Jean; daughter Lisa Kiteley (Greg); grandchildren Caroline Heideman (Joss), Trent Kiteley (Jessie), Allison White (Max) and Clay Kiteley (Kaki); great-

What's Happening in Lee County

2023 NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

Thursday, May 4 At Noon Lee County Courthouse Square

“Pray fervently in righteousness and avail much” – James 5:16

Rain site: First Baptist Church Chapel on 8th Street

Broadcast live on Halleluiah 1520 AM and Praise 88.7 FM

Non-denominational prayer and praise gathering ALL ARE INVITED

COFFEE & CONVERSATION WITH VFW POST 5404

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

OBITUARIES

grandchildren Elizabeth and Reese Heideman, and Addie, Hannah and Hayes White; sister Tommie Lou Ganus (Jack); sisterin-law Ellen Casey; and many nieces and nephews.

Donations may be made to the Auburn Parks & Recreation Hub Waldrop Scholarship Fund to provide support to youth who are financially unable to participate in Parks and Recreation programs. Checks may be made payable to City of Auburn and mailed to 425 Perry St. (Attn: Kevin Kelly) in Auburn. Donations may also be made to the Auburn Football Letterman Club via the website www. auburnfootballlettermen. org or www. auburnfootballlettermen. org or by mailing a check to AFLC, P.O. Box 828, Auburn, AL 36831.

"I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7 Visitation was held at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 13, at Parkway Baptist Church Auburn with the memorial service following at 2 p.m.

NAMI MEETING

NAMI East Alabama, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), will meet May 16, 2023, at 7 p.m.

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

LEE/RUSSELL COUNTY LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP

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

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

Bobby Jackson Moore, 62, of Opelika, Alabama, passed away on Sunday, April 15, after an unexpected aneurysm rupture. Bobby was born January 23, 1961, in Alabaster, Alabama, to Thomas and Jessie Moore.

Bobby served two years in the Alabama National Guard and held multiple jobs and occupations over the span of 40 years. The jobs varied between serving multiple years as a mechanic at Briggs and Stratton, and he was also a maintenance technician at various companies.

Bobby was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing and Auburn football.

In recent years, Bobby spent his time working on vehicles, going to church and spending time with his father.

Bobby was predeceased by his mother, Jessie Mae Barnett Moore; aunts, Joyce Hoggle and Martha Shotts; and uncles James and John Barnett. Bobby is also predeceased by his brother, James Phillip Moore.

Bobby is survived by his father, Thomas Jackson Moore; brother, Donald Eugene Moore; and sister, Jessica Lanell Moore. He is also survived by his nephews, Lex Schaeffer (Madison) and Jamie Moore (Faith); nieces, Hope Brasell (Bryan), Connie Moore and Shelbie Moore; and multiple great nephews and nieces.

Services were held at Faith Independent Baptist Church in Smith Station, Alabama, on Wednesday, April 19, at 11 a.m. Central Time.

ELIZABETH "LIBBY" DAVIS

Elizabeth "Libby" Davis

Mrs. Davis was married to Don Davis for over 20 years. She was a nurse for 25 years at Lee County Hospital which became EAMC, a business owner of the local Mini Mart and Shuman's Uniforms, and a loving wife, mom, grandmother and great grandmother.

Mrs. Davis was preceded in death by her husband Don Davis, parents Clyde and Ellen Nettles, younger sister Marquita Nettles and her first husband Raleigh

O GROWS — SATURDAYS AT THE GARDEN

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

Shuman.

Known by her family as "Mema," she is survived by her daughter Raleine (Glenn) Sillman of Auburn; son Robert (Angie) Shuman of Auburn; grandchildren Bobby (Emily) Shuman of Decatur, Georgia, and Rick (Kelly) Shuman of Auburn; greatgrandchildren Maddie and Lyla Shuman of Auburn and Robert, Elizabeth and Wilson Shuman of Decatur, Georgia; and stepchildren Lynn (David) Rogers of Sylacauga, Valerie (Greg) Rearden of Florida and Wanda (Pat) White of the Opelika/ Valley area.

The Frederick Dean Funeral Home will handle the cremation services, and at the request of Mrs. Davis, there will not be a funeral service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Compassus Hospice.

Jerry M. Hunt Sr. was born on May 7, 1932. At the age of 16 he joined Fellowship Primitive Baptist Church and was a faithful servant of Christ until his death on April 13, 2023. He married June Brand Hunt in 1948 and they were happily married for 67 years until her death in 2015. Brother Jerry was ordained to the ministry in 1958 and faithfully served many churches during his long life. At the time of his death, he was a valued member of Hopewell Primitive Baptist Church in Opelika.

He is preceded in death by his dear wife June Brand Hunt and beloved son Jerry Macon Hunt Jr., as well as his daughterin-law Ann Cawthon

Hunt and son-in-law Roger Dale Corley. He is survived by his daughters, Jenny Hunt Corley and June Hunt Pitney; sonin-law Paul Pitney; and daughter-in-law Cindy Hunt. He was blessed with 13 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren and five great-greatgrandchildren and their numerous spouses. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who loved him.

Visitation was held in the Frederick-Dean Funeral Home parlor on Sunday, April 16, 2023, from 4 to 6 p.m. Funeral was held in the chapel at FrederickDean at 1 p.m. Monday, April 17, 2023, with Elder Nathan Pitney officiating. Burial followed at Cusseta Community Cemetery. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home handled all funeral arrangements.

BOBBY JACKSON

JERRY M. HUNT

chools & S S

Thursday, April 20, 2023

ON THE MARK

BY D. MARK MITCHELL

OPELIKA —

Opelika High School’s tennis, soccer, track & field, golf and baseball teams were all in action over the course of a busy week for the Bulldogs. The following is a breakdown, by sport, of how the Bulldogs have fared recently.

TENNIS

The OHS girls and boys tennis teams swept Prattville and Smiths Station last week.

The Dawg tennis team picked up two section victories against Prattville, with the Lady Bulldogs winning 9-0, and the boys winning 5-4.

Singles winners included Connor Mullins, Devam Patel, Paxton Blackburn, Drue Gagliano, Mamie Nicholson, Joanne Smith T, Mary Cara Montel, Addison Kemp, Emma Brown and Avery Massey.

Doubles winners included Blackburn/Gagliano, Montel/Kemp, Brown/ Addison Bryan and Nicholson/Martha Pugh.

Opelika then swept Smiths Station behind a 9-0 boys win and 7-2 girls win Singles winners included Mullins, Patel, Blackburn, Gagliano, Anderson Melnick, Myles Tatum, Smith T, Montel, Brown, Kemp and Massey.

Doubles winners

Suns Out, Smiles Out: Miracle League Continues to Grow in Year 14

BY NOAH GRIFFITH FOR THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA —

The sun finally came out, and that meant a lot of joyful children, young adults and families at the ballpark on Saturday.

included Mullins/Patel, Blackburn/Gagliano, Tatum/Melnick, Brown/ Addison Bryan, Smith T/ Nicholson.

SOCCER

Opelika girls and boys

soccer teams defeated Central last week and both improved to 3-1 in the Area.

The Lady Dogs shutout the Lady Red Devils, 1-0, behind keeper Alex Desantos’ shutout. Amiya Brown scored the winning goal with an assist from Bailey Ward.

The Bulldog boys beat Central, 5-2. Offensively, Opelika's Moe Forbes pulled the hat trick, scoring three goals. Luke Roberts and Rigo Ramirez each scored one goal and recorded one assist. Nolen Wilson and KJ Frazier also added assists.

TRACK AND FIELD

Opelika hosted the Mike Spain Invitational last Saturday at the Sam Mason Track at Opelika High School. The following are top 10 finishers for Opelika.

GIRLS

100 METER DASH

12.20 - Tierra Agee -1st 12.48 - Amiya Brown - 2nd

200 METER DASH 28.50 - Amaia Spratling - 2nd 31.62 - Jalecia Brooks - 4th

See SPORTS, page B3

After three rainy Saturdays in a row, Opelika’s Miracle League of East Alabama got its 2023 season underway on Saturday, April 15, in what league director Michelle Dean described as the biggest O pening Day turnout that she can remember.

The league has sprouted up in its second year back in action since returning after the COVID-19 pandemic halted play, increasing from 158 to around 200 total players across 12 teams.

But there were plenty of people in the s tands, too. The Miracle League has more sponsors, volunteers and

fan support than ever, according to Dean, and the players are loving it.

“We have had so much support from our community: our schools, churches, Auburn University, we have the Auburn Diamond Dolls here, we have Tim Hudson here, we have the support

of the whole baseball team from Auburn University, we have Zep Jasper from the Auburn basketball team here, we have support from our civic groups and the Lions Club,” Dean said.

“We are so blessed to have so many excellent sponsors that support us year after year.”

A bigger league means more funding is necessary, and the sponsors aren’t the only ones investing in the Miracle League. twenty-year-old Miracle League player JR Buck took fundraising into his own hands.

After graduating from See MIRACLE LEAGUE, page B2

Auburn Football Walk-On Finds Spotlight at A-Day

BY NOAH GRIFFITH FOR THE OBSERVER

AUBURN —

Everyone loves a good underdog story, and Auburn football had one of its own come into the public eye during a rainy A-Day game Saturday, April 8.

After winning Scout Team Player of the Year last season as a first-year walk-on running back, No. 35 Justin “Ajax” Jones took advantage of his 10 carries during the spring game, going for 51 yards and capping it off with Auburn’s

only touchdown by a running back on the day. Jones reached the end zone along with the likes of quarterbacks Robby Ashford and Holden Geriner and wide receiver Landen King.

“Honestly, when I scored it’s almost like it didn’t register in my brain then and there,” Jones said. “You see all those guys running it, like Robbie Ashford, Holden Geriner and Jarquez (Hunter), they got these nice little celebrations going. Me, I just scored and I was like, ‘All right, next

play.’ I guess it’s just been such a long time since I’ve gotten some type of exposure like

that. But it felt great.” Hearing a crowd cheer as he bulldozed See AJAX, page B2

Miracle League of East Alabama held its opening day ceremonies Saturday, April 15.

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES THE OBSERVER

PHOTO BY NOAH GRIFFITH / FOR THE OBSERVER

Auburn walk-on sophomore running back Justin "Ajax" Jones.

Beauregard Softball Makes Statement in Tournament

Beulah Baseball Ends Playoff Drought

BY DANIEL LOCKE FOR THE OBSERVER

BEAUREGARD —

Softball season continues to ramp up as April moves along and the postseason is not far away. The Beauregard Hornets are improved from last season and have won four of their last five games.

Beauregard hosted its annual invitational tournament this past weekend at the Auburn Softball Complex and went 4-1 on the weekend. The Hornets defeated Montgomery Catholic, 5-3; 5A No. 3-ranked Moody, 169; 5A No. 1-ranked Brewbaker Tech, 17-6; and 6A No. 9-ranked Saraland, 2-1. The Hornets lost 4-3 to 7A No. 10 Auburn in the tournament championship game.

“Our two pitchers pitched five good

AJAX >>

his way across the goal line and embracing his parents after the game is something he hasn’t gotten to experience since his high school days at Bessemer Academy in Bessemer, Alabama. After graduating in 2019, he was recruited to the United States Naval Academy in Maryland, where he played for a year before coming back home to walk on at UAB.

Jones played a season with the Blazers and was nearing the end of his second spring with them when he received a call from his dad that fostered the move to The Plains.

“He was like, ‘Son, I had a dream or something telling me that we need to take you to Auburn up with your brother, and you’re gonna go up there and try out for the team and make it,’” Jones recalled.

Jones wasn’t so sure, but he took a leap of faith.

“I was like, ‘Uh, Dad, that’s a little far-fetched, a little crazy.’ Plus, I had a lot of financial things going on too, and I didn’t know how we were going to handle that,” Jones said. “He

ballgames,” said head coach Scott Meadows.

“Our defense was not perfect but it was better than it had been for several weeks. What we are struggling with there is we don’t have any depth, so there is not much competition for playing time. If you don’t have someone pushing you for your job, it takes a true competitor to practice well day in and day out in my opinion.”

Pitchers Hannah Parham and Raegan Brooks recorded two wins and eight strikeouts each in the tournament. The Hornets were led at the plate by freshman Mary Payton Dees, senior Bailey Abernathy, junior Berkley Wilson and sophomore Aubryn Sward. Dees had eight hits including four doubles and four RBIs.

Abernathy had six hits

looked at me and said, ‘God said that he will fix that.’ So I just put everything in my dad’s hands, and one thing led to another. I made the team, and it was an amazing experience, honestly.”

He described it as amazing, but also scary. Battling feelings of self-doubt and feeling like he wasn’t qualified, he said that he not only made the roster but that he thrived in his scout team role in his sophomore season. He survived the change in coaching staff from having Bryan Harsin leading the way, to his own running backs coach Cadillac Williams, to current head coach Hugh Freeze.

Although he loved the energy and change of pace Williams provided as head coach, Jones said he is appreciative of the way the coaching shuffle played out.

“As a walk-on, [a coaching change] is a scary process because so often, you really don’t know what’s next,” Jones explained.

“Like, when a new coach comes in, is he gonna kick all the walkons off? Every coach has their own agenda, things that they do, so it was kind of a stressful

including a home run and five RBIs. Wilson had five hits including two doubles and a home run with three RBIs. Sward had five hits including a home run and five RBIs.

The tournament provided a good opportunity for the Hornets to compete against solid competition and will have a positive effect on the team, Meadows explained.

“We saw four really strong teams,” Meadows said. “We beat three of them and came up just short in the championship game against Auburn. They should be more confident now, and as I have said all along, if we can ever put it all together, we can compete for a regional spot.”

Beauregard plays in a tough region, so seeing more skilled teams in

See BEAUREGARD, page B4

process, but thankfully Hugh Freeze came in and spared a lot of us, gave us some grace. He allowed us to come in and show him what we had to give, so we appreciated that opportunity. It was a good turnover process.”

Known by his teammates as “Ajax,” Jones is headed into year two as a Tiger not listed on Auburn’s depth chart, but all he has done as an underdog so far is outperform expectations. Whether he reaches the field or not, Jones is already seeing his hard work pay off.

It took some time to see it come to fruition, but as he looks back on his TD run, it’s obvious that his dad’s vision wasn’t so crazy after all.

“[Getting to where I am now took] not giving up,” Jones said. “For someone in my position who didn’t have all the offers from big-time schools and stuff, it can definitely get to you. But as long as you have a support system and believe in your goals and dream, you will get where you need to go.

“Keep God first, that’s how you get to this position. ... And I just thank God I was chosen to come here and play.”

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

BEULAH —

The varsity Beulah baseball team is heading to the playoffs for the first time in over 10 years.

“It feels great,” said head coach Michael Courson. “I’m happy for these kids to be able to experience something like this, going to the playoffs. We have played good ball this year against a pretty good schedule, so I feel like them being able to hang in these games … even the games we lost, there was so many times we just competed.”

A squad made up of two seniors, two juniors and a plethora of underclassmen has exceeded expectations and punched the first ticket to the playoffs — for any male in any sport at Beulah — since 2018.

“Being able to see those seniors have this opportunity, to have these guys be able to do that, is huge,” Courson said. “To do this with a predominantly young team give us hope for the future. So it’s a huge opportunity for us as

a program and also for these young guys.”

The Bobcats are 1110 (4-5 in the area) at the time of writing, and after finishing second in their area, have a first round state playoffs matchup against the Excel Panthers in Excel, Alabama, starting on April 21.

To this point in the season, Courson said the Bobcats have been led by seniors Noah Higdon (pitcher) and Jackson Hancock (designated hitter). To achieve the postseason success it hopes for, Beulah will continue to lean on their experience, according to Courson.

“[Higdon] leads us well; he is our go-to guy on the mound,” Courson said. “Those guys have put in enough time to where I’m glad they are seeing some fruits of their labor. We can rally around those guys.”

The Bobcats wrapped up regular season play last week and have shifted focus to this weekend’s matchup against Excel. The team is tight-knit according to Courson, and the Bobcats are playing some of their best ball when it matters most.

“They are a tight-knit group,” Courson said. “I know that is coach speak but this group likes each other; they play for each other. The work ethic they have ... at times we have played really good defense; we pitched it well; we finally have started putting the barrel on the ball; and everything kind of came together.”

Simply making it to the playoffs was huge for the Bobcats, and Courson said the berth took the pressure off his squad. Now, they will focus on the fundamentals in hopes of pushing further into the postseason.

“Our goals are always win the area and make playoffs,” Courson said. “And to not be able to do that for 10-plus years, I think the pressure was getting in. Now it’s about an opportunity. I want them to play loose, fast and aggressive; seize the opportunity. We want to throw strikes, play good defense and put the ball in play. I’m sure come Friday we are going to feel some pressure because we want to win the game — I hope they do. But we are blessed with the opportunity to do this.”

Auburn High School last May, he decided he wanted to sponsor his own team. In order to do that, he kept none of the money he received as graduation gifts and donated it all to the Miracle League. Living with Williams Syndrome, a genetic deletion in DNA, JR began playing in the Miracle League about 10 years ago, and it has boosted his self-confidence and given him a feeling of accomplishment, said Sarah Buck, JR’s mom.

This is JR’s way of giving back, and he loves that his team wears his name patched on their Phillies jerseys. It took a few weekends for him to get the chance to put that jersey on, but that is what he looks forward to each Saturday.

“I wanted to give back to Miracle

League because it has been fun for me to play all these years, and I wanted to be my team’s sponsor,” JR said. “I like meeting people [at Miracle League] and playing with my friends. I have made a lot of friends at Miracle League.”

The Miracle League is proof that the saying “The more, the merrier” is true. There were more batters each inning, with anywhere from 15 to 19 players per team that all get a plate appearance each inning. Games might last a little longer, but that is perfectly fine with the players — it just means more support, more cheering and more eyes on their game.

Circling the bases for a home run to the tune of applause — from both sides of the stands — in his first at-bat this season reminded 12-yearold Red Sox player William Wilson and his mom, Bonnie,

what they missed so much in the offseason.

“It is so nice to arrive, sit down and cheer for all the players,” Bonnie said. “One of the things individuals with disabilities miss out on is being cheered for. It sounds silly, but getting to cheer for your child is so fun! Also, it’s nice to be in a setting where your child isn’t ‘the one with a walker or wheelchair’ or whatever the disability happens to look like. Everyone is there to have a good time.”

And all they need to have a good time is some volunteers, a ball and bat, and most importantly — sunshine.

“Our goal for this season is just to play the rest of the games. All we ask for is great weather,” Dean said with a laugh. “And please, we need buddys, so anybody that can come out and support, come on out — 9, 10 and 11 o’clock each Saturday.”

Beauregard softball head coach Scott Meadows meets with his team during a game at the annual Hornet Invitational last weekend.

The 2022-23 Beulah varsity baseball team.

MIRACLE LEAGUE >> FROM B1

-

Area Champion Beulah Softball Pushing Toward Ultimate Goal

now. They are starting to get a little more serious about things.”

The past two years, Beulah softball advanced all the way to the 3A State Tournament Final Four. For this year’s team, Pepper identified defense as an area where the Bobcats need to continue to improve in order to push past the levels of success reached in previous years.

SU Women’s Golf Heading to Nationals

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA — The Southern Union State Community College (SUSCC) women’s golf team is heading to Nationals in Garden City, Kansas, May 9 through 12.

-

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

BEULAH —

The varsity Beulah softball team has clinched the regular season area title and is playing some of its best ball ahead of the fast-approaching postseason.

The Bobcats, 21-6 overall (4-0 in the area), will host the AHSAA

3A Area 7 postseason tournament May 1 and 2, welcoming in Randolph County and Dadeville. Head coach Stan Pepper said he knows his team can always improve, but is satisfied with where they are to this point.

“We are about where I expected us to be at this time,” he said. “We have been here before, so they know what is important

“We are getting better,” he said. “Before spring break we had a little rough patch. But we are starting to get better, especially our pitching. Defensively we are getting better as well, but we have some things to clean up from a defensive standpoint. We are making too many errors.”

On the flip side, Pepper said the back end of Beulah’s lineup has increased its production recently, but the entire squad could use some refining in situational play.

“The back end of our lineup is starting to hit

Southern Union’s golf program is in its second year, and after sending just one individual qualifier to Nationals last season, the entire Lady Bison squad qualified for the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletics Association) Nationals this time around. Southern Union women’s golf head coach Andy Vaughn said the biggest difference from year one to year two is the players’ mentalities.

“We started back in early September, and I just have a great group of girls that listens to what we tell them,” he said. “Their work ethic is second to none. And toward the end, they were expecting to play well. So it was just a great work attitude. They work hard each and every day. And they are great students. We are proud of that.”

It’s been a season of firsts for Southern

SHOT PUT

44-7.75 - Mikeil Heard - 2nd

GOLF

Kaylee McIntyre -

- Makiah Paschal

METER DASH

- Kaylee McIntyre -

- Kyndall Brundidge - 7th 800 METER RUN

3:11.33 - Emely Bravo Martinez - 4th

3:14.68 - Ellie Kendrick -

1600 METER RUN

- Ellie Kendrick -

- Margaret Bice -

- Khalia Williams

- Dasja Kier - 2nd

- Dasia Keith - 3rd

- Cadence Williams

METER HURDLES 49.00 - Makiah Paschal

HIGH JUMP

4-6 - Memshallyah Weaver - 1st

5-0 - Kyndall Brundidge

4-4 - Dasia Keith - 10th LONG JUMP

- Dasia Keith - 5th

- Khalia Williams -

- Tykell Thomas -

- Qualik Harry - 7th

- Charles Hodge -

- Tykell Thomas -

- Qualik Harry - 7th

- Charles Hodge -

- Sam Washburn

- Davian Jones

- Tirus Patten - 5th 52.29 - Thomas Stephens -

METER RUN 2:04.19 - Michael Hart

5th

40-8 - Kylin Fears - 6th

40-0 - Tirus Patten - 8th

POLE VAULT

11-6 - Dontarius Alvis

- 2nd

10-6 - Brannon Massey

- 3rd

DISCUS

110-3.5 - Ronald Reese Jr. - 7th

JAVELIN

140-1 - Ronald Reese Jr. - 5th

The OHS girls and boys golf team beat Valley and Beauregard in a tri-match last week.

Opelika's boys scored a 184, Beauregard posted a 200 and Valley scored a 210. Evan Henderson recorded a 33 for the lowest score of the nine-hole match. Roman Gagliano followed with a 36; Cole Nelson (37), Luke Roberts (39), Preston Phengsiri (39), Harsh Patel (43) and JT Gaberlavage (44) rounded out the bunch.

The Lady Bulldogs shot 122, followed by Beauregard's 132 and Valley’s 143. Individually, Emma Childs shot a 39 — leading the Lady Dawgs. Ashley Hilyer (41), Kaylin Ward (42), Karly Phatsadavong (45) and Molly Anderson (47) rounded out the group.

BASEBALL

The Bulldog

Union’s women’s golf team, in fact. Earlier this season, the Bison team defeated rival Wallace State Community College twice — a feat that had not been completed by anyone in the conference for seven years.

“Our nemesis is Wallace State,” Vaughn said.

Although the Lady Bison squad had built its confidence this season with performances like the two victories over Wallace State, Vaughn

baseball (13-15, A 0-4) team dropped a two-game series with Smiths Station last week, falling 12-6 and 9-8.

Smiths Station won game one of the doubleheader against Opelika, 12-6.

Christopher Floyd started the game pitching for Opelika. The right-hander surrendered seven runs on nine hits over four-anda-third innings, striking out three and allowing no walks. Landon Rudd and Taylor Fields entered the game from the bullpen, throwing two innings and two-thirds of an inning, respectively. The Dawgs recorded eight hits on the day. Jake Smith and Brodie Jones collected multiple hits while Fields, Jackson Killcreas and Bryce Speakman added hits.

OHS lost a close, tough second game in the last inning against the Panthers.

The game was tied at eight when Smiths Station knocked in the

admitted he didn’t know what to expect at last week’s District Tournament. “We had two tournaments early in February and March that we won,” Vaughn said. “And then our two next tournaments we got beat handily by Wallace. So, I didn’t know where we were.”

Ultimately, the Bison secured their spot at Nationals by finishing second, behind first place finisher Wallace State,

See GOLF, page B5

game-winning run in the bottom of the inning.

Opelika scored six runs in the sixth inning off of hits by Russell Copous, Fields, Jones, Smith and Speakman.

Ford pitched four-and-athird innings, allowing four runs, four hits and striking out eight. Copous and Jackson Killcreas pitched two-and-two-thirds innings and two-thirds of an inning, respectively, in relief.

The Bulldogs racked up 12 hits. Speakman, Parker Killcreas, Jackson Killcreas and Smith all collected multiple hits. Speakman led the OHS offense with three hits. The loss eliminated Opelika from advancing to the 7A baseball playoffs.

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

Southern Union women's golf head coach Andy Vaughn (far left) and his team members stand with their second place plaque from the NJCAA South District Tournament.

Beulah varsity softball is the regular season 3A Area 7 champions.

See BEULAH, page B4

Beauregard Hosts Annual Hornet Invitational

PHOTOS

BY JOHN HILLSMAN / FOR THE OBSERVER

SCA Tennis, Baseball Thriving in Year 1

CONTRIBTUED TO THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA — TENNIS

Southern Christian Athletics is an organization that provides homeschoolers and private Christian schoolers ages 12 to 18 with competitive athletic opportunities at the varsity and junior varsity levels. A tennis program has now been added to the list of available sports. The inaugural 2023 season has been an exciting one for the SCA Patriots. While only a boys team was assembled for the first season, SCA said it is hopeful that a girls team can be formed as well for next season. The team consists of seven

the ball better,” he said.

“But we have to do a better job of putting the ball in play when it’s time to play some small ball — got to do a better job at bunting.”

With great success comes great expectations. Pepper and the Bobcats are no stranger to this point. The head coach relishes it, in fact.

“You get to the point where those are the expectations you want to have for your program,” Pepper said. “We still haven’t accomplished our ultimate goal — to win a state championship. Until you reach

regular season play will help the team maintain a high level of play as the season starts to wind down.

“Our area is tough,” Meadows said. “Elmore County and Tallassee are tied right now at the top.”

Meadows recognizes that the team still has some work to do despite seeing some success lately.

“We must push ourselves to get better each day,” Meadows said. “We need the leaders to take charge even when they are not having their best day. I still love the team chemistry and how they get along so well.”

The Hornets had a road contest against Smiths Station this week and will head to Albertville for a tournament this weekend with postseason play just over a week out.

it, you are not meeting your expectations. We haven’t really done anything yet in the last three years.”

Ultimately, Pepper said the leadership of his three seniors — Brandy Phillips, Savannah Clements and Amiya Dunn — give him hope for the things this Beulah squad can achieve.

“They have done an outstanding job being leaders on and off the field,” Pepper said. “I appreciate all they have done and accomplished for this program. It’s not going to be a shortened season; I’m hoping we go all the way until the end of May.”

Beauregard High School softball hosted its annual Hornet Invitational Tournament this past weekend at the Auburn Softball Complex with several highly ranked teams in all classifications participating. For more information on the Hornets' performance, read "Beauregard Softball Makes Statement in Tournament" on page B2.

BEAUREGARD >> FROM B2

BEULAH >> FROM B3

boys: William Pack, Robert Pack, Josiah Frick,

Southern Christian Athletics tennis plays at Yarbrough Tennis Center in Auburn.

See SCA, page B8

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

Gobourne Finishes Career at NCAA Championship

BY

CONTRIBUTED

AU ATHLETICS

FORT WORTH, TX —

Fifth year Derrian Gobourne closed out her Auburn gymnastics career with another outstanding performance on floor as she competed in the event for the Tigers at the 2023 NCAA Championships last Thursday night in Fort Worth, Texas.

“I was just grateful at the end,” Gobourne said. “Grateful that I had a great career and that I was able to end it like that at nationals.”

The Sarasota, Florida, native scored a 9.9125 in

the night session to finish 22nd overall.

“I just wanted her to enjoy it and for her to perform well,” said head coach Jeff Graba. “She’s already accomplished so much, and nothing can take that away. I think she did a fantastic job, and I was a bit melancholy at the end. But it was still a great night for her.”

The individual showing wasn’t the first for Gobourne on the national stage. As a freshman in 2019, Gobourne traveled solo and won a share of the national vault title to become Auburn’s first national champion in the

sport.

“My career has just been a blessing,” Gobourne said. “It was more than I could’ve asked for. I didn’t know what I was getting myself into when I first got to Auburn. I didn’t know who I was going to be and that I would be able to do all these things. I’m just so thankful.”

In her final year on The Plains in 2023, Gobourne competed on floor in all but one meet and earned regular season All-America recognition with a 9.94 National Qualifying Score. In addition, she secured All-SEC

Lady Panthers Push Past Opelika

A Special Competition

GOLF >> FROM B3

in the NJCAA South District Tournament April 10 and 11 in Hanceville, Alabama.

Southern Union finished with a two-day score of 650, eight shots behind leader Wallace State, four shots above third place Tyler Junior College and seven shots above fourth place Blinn College.

“The second day we played very well, and we finished like we did,” Vaughn said. “I wasn’t surprised, but I was very happy the girls played like they could.”

According to Vaughn, all of the top-four-finishing schools — Southern Union, Wallace State, Tyler and Blinn — entered the tournament ranked within the Top 15 of the NJCAA women’s golf rankings. The head coach said he was happy with his team’s performance against such a talented field.

“Those were the four really good teams,” Vaughn said. “So, it was a nice victory for us to finish second.”

Five of Southern Union’s Lady Bison placed within the top 20 finishers at the District Tournament. Sydney Ormsby placed No. 2, with a two-round

honors in the event and was named the SEC Specialist of the Year for the third consecutive year.

“Derrian has been through so much with our program,” Graba said. “She has brought her best for Auburn these last five years and has shined the brightest in some of the most pressure-packed moments. She helped put us on the map as a consistent competitor and brought us our first national championship. She is and always will be one of the best gymnasts to ever have gone through our program.”

score of 156; Kate Herod placed eighth, with a two-round score of 164; Ashley Zimmermann and Shelby Hughes finished tied for No. 9, with scores of 165; and Ella Kate Hewes placed 19th, with a two-round score of 174. Ormsby’s performance earned her a nod on the All-District Tournament team. The Southern Union women’s golf team plays at Grand National, a Robert Trent Jones golf trail, in Opelika.

“Those people are fantastic to us,” Vaughn said.

This week, the team is back practicing in preparation for Nationals, which will begin May 9. Vaughn said most of that time will likely be spent focusing on where the team can improve.

“Off the tee they are very, very good,” he said. “Where we practice hard is from 100 yards in. If we are going to hone in on anything, it’s that and putting.”

As year two of the Southern Union golf program comes to a close, Vaughn said he believes the Lady Bison are hitting their peak and looks forward to the challenge of Nationals.

“They are playing well, boosted confidence, and we are expecting to do well at Nationals,” he said.

Fifth-year Auburn gymnasts Derrian Gobourne closed out her career at the NCAA Championships April 13.

PHOTO BY MISTY JADE-CARLSON UTAH ATHLETICS

The varsity Smiths Station softball team defeated Opelika, 10-3, in an area clash April 12. The Panthers currently sit third in the 7A Area 4 standings, and the Bulldogs sit at No. 4.

Lee County Special Olympics held a track & field meet at Smiths Station High School April 8. Athletes from Lee, Macon, Russell and Tallapoosa county attended.

PHOTOS BY MATT AUSTIN FOR THE OBSERVER

PHOTOS BY JERRY BALLAS / FOR THE OBSERVER

Smiths Station Soccer Scurries Toward Season End

PHOTOS BY MATT AUSTIN / THE OBSERVER

The varsity Smiths Station boys and girls soccer teams faced off against Valley April 10 at home. The Panther boys and girls both defeated the Rams 10-0, while the boys celebrated their five seniors on Senior Night.

OPINION —

One thing I absolutely love about growing up in Opelika is that town folks love to tell good jokes and laugh. Laughter seems to bring our community together during happy and sad times. Our community loves to laugh. And this week is an especially good time to do so, as April 19 was recognized as Humorous Day.

Laughter and a sense of humor can yield many health benefits. A good, hearty laugh relaxes the whole body by releasing physical tension and stress. When sharing jokes and funny experiences, there

A Month of Celebrations

mental health benefits of laughter. Genuine laughter is infectious and a key ingredient in promoting many social benefits.

At this point of my column, since I am a senior, I am writing from a Baby Boomer’s point of view on how laughing can help us as we age. Laughter strengthens relationships and promotes group bonding among seniors. Sharing a good laugh can also reduce conflicts.

the benefits of laughter firsthand. I have checked out DVDs from our local library with comedy shows from the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. Our local newspapers, in certain editorials and columns, promote conversation starters. We seniors love to get our Observer each week. We love our local news.

in the United States was opened in 1856 in Wisconsin. It wasn’t until 1873 that kindergarten was first incorporated into the public school system.

Jonathan Lech, Jedd Scott, Jagger Scott and James Lech. They currently have two wins and one loss for the regular season.

On April 10 and 11, the team played in the Trinity Team State Invitational at Grand National. While the Patriots did not win the tournament, many hardfought matches were victorious, including a sweep of all his singles matches by the No. 1 seed William Pack.

One more match remains for the season, which will be played on April 24 against East Central at Yarbrough Tennis Center in Auburn, the Patriots’ home courts. The Patriots are looking

seems to be an overall sense of well-being.

Medical research has shown that laughter protects the heart by improving the function of blood vessels and strengthening the blood flow. So, laughing is a good cardiovascular exercise. Laughing helps the heart like brisk walking, light running or jogging would. I love to be around little children who love to laugh and cheer as they meet each day. Their laughter is so contagious.

The ability to laugh promotes a positive outlook on life, joy and zest to live. Relieving anxiety and fear, as well as overall mood improvement, are also a few

forward to another exciting season next year. Anyone interested in joining the team can reach out to Jason Scott at 334-7502794, or email patriots. sca@gmail.com.

BASEBALL

As April marches beyond the halfway point, Southern Christian Athletics’ baseball team is making progress in its second year.

On April 6, the junior varsity traveled to Pinson Valley to take on East Central Homeschool and came away with a 9-0 victory. Jedd Scott went the distance on the mound, striking out four in the time-shortened contest.

Jagger Scott slugged two doubles and a triple while J.D. Davis contributed two singles in the winning

How do humor and growing old go hand in hand? So many of our favorite jokes by comedians, programs and books poke fun at the process of aging. Joking and kidding about age-related changes can ease a lot of anxiety because we are growing old together. This is so true in senior groups when clean, wholesome jokes are shared. Often, seniors make fun of themselves with other seniors as we walk down the lane of aging together. Laughter and optimism also improve resiliency in the way we cope with everyday life and its challenges. Laughter and humor are also shown to be natural, powerful medicines for chronic, degenerative conditions like dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

As an activity volunteer with seniors, I have seen

effort. SCA’s varsity kept things going in the finale with a 14-8 win over East Central. Jayden McKee pitched five innings and had three hits; Jagger collected four hits and four runs batted in while finishing up on the mound in relief.

On April 7, the SCA JV team traveled to Phenix City to face Glenwood’s formidable squad and came out on the short end of an 8-0 shutout.

Then, on April 14, SCA traveled to Montgomery for two games against Ezekiel Academy. Both varsity and JV came up short, losing by scores of 16-5 and 9-6, respectively.

With little rest, the JV team regrouped the next day to take on local rival Trinity and came out on

Friday, April 21, is Kindergarten Day. I know all of us remember our kindergarten teachers and how much they influenced and molded our lives. My kindergarten teacher was Miss Louise. I love the poem by Robert Fulghum titled “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.” This poem presents such truth as he shares these things he learned in kindergarten:

1. Share everything.

2. Play fair.

3. Don’t hit people.

4. Put things back where you found them.

5. Clean up your own mess.

6. Don’t take things that aren’t yours.

7. Say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody.

8. Wash your hands before you eat.

9. Flush.

10. Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you. And the list goes on. The first kindergarten

top with a 6-3 score. Jedd scattered four hits and struck out seven while he and Jaxon Frazier each had a pair of hits. Head coach Jason Scott and assistant Judson Scott are developing players from the ground floor, many of whom are playing the game for the very first time. Most of the players are learning to play multiple positions and play more than one position in a given game. Jagger is hitting around .500 at the time of writing and McKee leads the team with an earned run average of 3.50.

Rainouts and scheduling issues have presented challenges for the Patriots, but the team shows a resilient spirit as it continues to learn and grow.

International Earth Day is celebrated the next day, April 22. God created such a beautiful world for us to live in and enjoy fellowship with our Creator. This is truly “our Father’s world.” How can we start teaching our young children to take care of our earth?

As a teacher of young children, I expose my students to nature through arts and crafts, as well as hands-on science lessons. Just walking outside in nature and familiarizing your child with leaves, grass, pinecones and rocks makes for good observation and science lessons. Turn it into a craft by collecting nature items and gluing them to a piece of paper or tagboard to make a nature collage. This allows you to spend valuable time with your child by taking little nature walks so they can feel the sunshine on their heads, the wind blowing against their little cheeks or the pitter-patter of raindrops.

As we are in the midst of spring and approaching summer, I would like to review the three R’s of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

1. Reduce: It’s important

to stress to young children to be good stewards of what they have. Tell them to conserve energy by turning off lights. Gently remind them not to leave the water running from indoor faucets or outside sprinklers.

2. Reuse: Many moms who have raised young children are familiar with reusing materials they already have. Outgrown toys and clothes can be used and enjoyed by others. You can also use old newspapers for different purposes such as making kites, cutting out pictures or packing.

Children are also thrilled to get birthday presents wrapped in the comic pages of newspapers.

3. Recycle: Train your child to throw cans, plastics, bottles and newspapers into the recycling bins so they won’t end up in landfills. These items can be used over and over again. When you stop by local fast food restaurants, point out to your child that brown napkins, bags, cups or cartons are made with recycled materials.

Last but not least, stress to your child not to be a “litter bug” inside or outside. Have yard or neighborhood cleanups, or simply get them in the habit of safely picking up trash when they see it.

Classroom Observer

Beth Pinyerd

Lee County Student WIns Essay Contest

Lydia Maple of Lakeview Christian in Lee County scored first place in the 2022 Alabama Farm-City Committee Essay Contest for 10th through 12th grades. The theme was “Sustaining for the Future.” Maple and her teacher each received $300 from Alabama Farmers Cooperative (AFC) during the Farm-City Awards Program April 13 in Birmingham. She is pictured with AFC’s Tiffany Lester and Alabama Farm-City Committee Chair Jeff Helms of the Alabama Farmers Federation.

BETH PINYERD

L labama Politics ee County & A

Thursday, April 20, 2023

Inside the Statehouse

Our National Debt Is Unsustainable

Opelika Designates April 28 As 'Relay for Life' Day

STEVE FLOWERS

OPINION —

As the first regular session of the quadrennium evolves, there is a myriad of complex issues arising. I am reminded of three simple truisms regarding the Alabama Legislature and the governing of the state of Alabama.

First of all, if anything significant or controversial or any major initiative is to be addressed, then it is dealt with in the first year of the four-year quadrennium, giving legislators three years before their constituents vote on them again. The political pragmatism and expectation is that voters will forget.

Secondly, there may seem to be an urge to deal with all the hundreds of bills that have been thrown into the hopper, and special interest groups or lobbyists are espousing that a particular piece of legislation has to be dealt with or it will be the downfall of the state. Not so. The only definitive legislation that has to be dealt with is the state budget. That is the only constitutional mandate required of legislators in a session.

The third truism surrounds the second. In regard to the passage of the budget, our Constitution wisely has

a sacrosanct conservative mandate that there must be a balanced budget. The Alabama Legislature cannot deficit spend or overspend the projected revenues for the year. Our current super-Republican majority legislature is so conservative, they not only adhere to the constitutional prohibition against deficit spending, but they do not even spend 100% of the year’s budget. For the past decade, they have put state revenues away into a rainy day fund. They are truly budgeting conservatively.

If that were only true of our United States Congress. Our U.S. representatives and senators are simply printing money in Washington. They are recklessly spending our nation into an abysmal hole, one that we may never be able to get out of. This tremendous federal deficit is our nation’s most acute problem. The United States cannot survive and keep spending money that we do not have. Our national debt is so high that we are basically nothing more than a third-world country. Communist China will not take us over militarily or by flying balloons over our country. They will take us over without firing one bullet. They will defeat us economically. Again, it is a serious problem that must be addressed if we are to survive as a nation.

The national debt is so devastating that within the next year, it will be higher than our Gross National Product (GNP). In fiscal year 2022 alone, the deficit was $1.4 trillion. The total national deficit is so high that it is

difficult for the treasury or economic analysts to accurately assess. It is between $400 trillion to $528 trillion. Folks, that is trillion with a “t” — not billions. To put it closer to home, the federal debt per person for every man, woman and child — and yes, that includes you and your children and grandchildren — is $96,403 per person. That is what your federal government legislators have done to you. It is simply unsustainable.

The United States cannot continue down this path of spending itself into oblivion. We cannot keep spending like drunken sailors. Our great conservative president, Ronald Reagan, made a legendary statement when facing a free-spending Democratic congress: “You know people are saying that the Democratic Congress is spending money like drunken sailors. That’s an insult to sailors; they don’t hold a candle to Congress.”

One of my wise readers wrote me this anecdote about the crisis. She said, “Democrats are determined to bankrupt the country. Just paying interest on the debt is going to wreck the economy and very soon. What they are doing would be analogous to my going out and buying a luxurious ocean liner, a castle in Spain and a Lamborghini and charging it all to my grandchildren and great-grandchildren.”

She is not the only one of my readers that is concerned with this crisis.

Our United States

See FLOWERS, page B11

BY MICHELLE KEY MICHELLE@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA —

A proclamation was issued to former Opelika Council Member Patricia Jones and Randy and Deborah Causey, declaring April 28, 2023, as “Relay for Life Day,” and the week of April 24 through April 28 as “Every Step Brings Hope!” week. The mayor and

council encourage everyone to display their support for Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society by placing purple bows on their doors and by wearing purple.

Mayor Gary Fuller and the Opelika City Council recognized city employee Joel Landers with an “Atta Boy” award for work above and beyond his duties in the Engineering Department.

Next, Fuller presented

employee service awards to several employees, including one to Parks and Recreation Department Director Sam Bailey for his service to the city for 40 years, and also to the Revenue Manager, Lillie Finley for her service to the city for 30 years.

OTHER BUSINESS

- The council approved a temporary street closure for the Opelika

See OPELIKA, page B11

Auburn Council Adds to Spring Lake

BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

AUBURN —

The Auburn City Council granted conditional use approval for several new uses for the Spring Lake District during Tuesday night's meeting.

The Spring Lake District is located at 2560 and 2600 E. Glenn Ave. The conditional use approval was granted to the Delta Development Group for commercial and entertainment uses and indoor

recreational use for the Spring Lake Planned Development District.

Entertainment use includes brewpub, hardware stores, hotel/motel/condotel and a package store. The indoor recreational use includes indoor athletic facilities and the road service would have included ATMs, a car wash or a gas station.

The Spring Lake Development District was approved in 2016 for uses including a daycare center, auto accessory store, a bank, a barber shop,

clothing stores, a commercial or trade school and much more. These new uses are just additions to several already allowed.

“We appreciate your votes the first time around and we have hopefully exceeded your expectations for the apartments; they have done extremely well — 95% [are] rented already with higher rents than was expected,” said one of the owners of Delta Development.

Ward 2 Council Member

See AUBURN, page B11

Pictured from left to right are former Council Member Patricia Jones, Deborah and Randy Causey and city of Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller. Fuller issued a proclamation for "Relay for Life."

New Names for Old Forts: Three Women Earn High Honors — Part 1

Moore led a campaign to make death notifications more formal and compassionate. In the past, taxi drivers would notify the deceased’s family. It is no surprise that she is being honored along with her husband, the late Hal Moore. Fort Benning will be renamed for them. He was a legendary leader in war and peace. The Moores spent their retirement years in Auburn.

American history to receive the Medal of Honor. Fort A.P. Hill in Virginia will soon carry her name. She was appointed as a War Department surgeon in the Civil War and was a women’s rights leader.

Walker was captured in 1864 by Confederates and held as a prisoner of war for four months.

secured a bachelor’s degree and was midway into a master’s in psychology by 1942. She joined the newly organized Woman’s Army Auxiliary Corps out of patriotism after the U.S. entered WWII.

so our great concern was dying underwear (Two forest green to one black was standard formula. The Chattahoochee River ran green for months).”

OPINION —

In the spring of 1992, I walked into a 90-yearold woman’s small apartment in Gadsden, Alabama, for an interview as part of a series on the 50th anniversary of the Women’s Army Corps. She was fascinating: original, witty, well-traveled and a successful woman fighting the constraints on women of her era.

She was a Double Gold Star mother, having lost two sons — a Navy pilot in World War II and an Army pilot in the Korean War. After her first son was

killed, she might have kept her surviving son out of harm’s way. But she said he loved the military and she supported him in living his dream of flying.

“A reporter for The Birmingham News gave me the news,” she explained to me, recalling how she learned her second son was dead.

“The reporter was crying even more than I was because he was a good friend.” Not even as a journalist would I like to be told by a reporter instead of an officer or NCO that a loved one was gone.

Fortunately, Julie

“I decided the summer of ’49 that Hal Moore was the man for me and chased him till he caught me,” Moore recounted in 1996. “We were married in November and the first child was born 18 months later at Fort Bragg. We moved to Fort Benning when Greg was 4 months old and Hal attended the Advanced Infantry Officers Course. All the Bragg crowd went with us. Toward the end of the school year, Hal received the orders I had been dreading — Korean War.”

Another woman to be honored with a fort named for her will be Dr. Mary Walker, the only woman in

President Andrew Johnson awarded her the Medal of Honor, but it was rescinded 52 years later because she was a civilian and never a commissioned Army officer. More than 900 other MOH awardees also had theirs rescinded.

“Dr. Mary Walker’s service to the nation, perseverance over significant obstacles based on her gender and lifelong fight for equality serve as an example and inspiration for all Americans,” according to the Naming Commission.

The third woman to be honored with her name on a U.S. Army fort is Lt. Col. Charity Adams Earley. She graduated from high school in Columbia, South Carolina, as class valedictorian,

At age 25, she commanded the first and only unit with African American women, which soon deployed to the European Theater. It was the only all-Black, all-female battalion serving overseas in the war. The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion’s motto of “No mail, low morale” was effective. Adams’ crew handled some 200,000 letters per day and about six million pieces of mail each month. Lt. Gen. Arthur Gregg’s name will be alongside hers. He had an astounding Army career.

Moore recalled in 1996, “When we received the news from President Johnson in July 1965 that the 1st Cavalry would go to Vietnam, there was a flurry of activity among wives to get men packed up. The Army had no camouflage insignia or underwear,

Invariably, when a deployment is announced, soldiers head to Walmart and the PX to get underwear, lots of batteries and ramen noodles should they get sick of military meals. And don’t forget plenty of socks. But for people like that Double Gold Star mother from 1992 in Gadsden, there was no Hal and Julie Moore to push through necessary changes across the spectrum.

In Part Two next week, I will discuss why many people at these forts oppose name changes, although they know the new honorees are worthy.

Greg Markley first moved to Lee County in 1996. He has master’s degrees 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 11 years. gm.markley@charter.net.

GREG MARKLEY

Auburn Wildlife Sciences Highlighted at Auburn Rotary

Lee County DA Speaks to Opelika Kiwanis Club

Chamber for Bike Night on April 20, 2023.

- The council held a public hearing on an ordinance to amend the zoning ordinance and map to rezone a total of 229.2 acres from R-1 to planned unit development (PUD).

- The council held a public hearing for a weed abatement assessment for 504 S. 4th St.

- The council awarded a bid for right-of-way vegetation management for Opelika Power Services to KDF Enterprises LLC.

- The council awarded a bid for Access Accommodations to Floral Park Fields for the Engineering Department to Robinson Paving Co. for over $470,100.

- The council awarded a bid for the Veterans Parkway and the Academy Drive roundabout for the Engineering Department to D&J Enterprises for a little over $1.1 million.

- The council approved the expense reports for various departments.

- The council approved the purchase of shelving for the range at the new training building for the Opelika Police Department from

KI for over $49,200.

- The council approved the purchase of a three-year Pentera core software contract with Omni Partners Contract No. 2018011-02 for the IT Department from SHI International Corp for a total of over $231,000 split over three years.

- The council modified the organization chart of the Opelika Power Service to reclassify the senior electronics technician from a pay grade 19 to a pay grade 23.

- The council approved the expenditure of funds for SWANA (Solid Waste Association of North America) training for $36,700.

- The council approved a license agreement with the Board of Education to use Opelika High School for a fireworks exhibition and display on July 3.

- The council approved a master services agreement with Off Duty Management Inc. for the Opelika Police Department.

- The council approved a professional services agreement with Witt O’Brien’s LLC for grant management services for up to $75,000.

- The council approved a request for a refund of occupational taxes paid in error by

Jason Hatchett for a little over $2,000.

- The council set the date for a public hearing on May 16, 2023, on a petition to revoke a business license for Harpeet Kaur, doing business as Valero Food Mart and/or King Food Mart and Package Store at 823 Crawford Road.

- The council set the date for a public hearing on May 16, 2023, on a petition to revoke a business license for Shirin 2020 Inc. doing business as Neighborhood Market at 503 MLK Blvd.

- The council approved a special appropriation of $1,000 to the Chattahoochee Council, Boy Scouts of America.

- The council amended the zoning ordinance and map for 1531 and 1617 1st Ave., to rezone a total of nearly 9 acres from M-1 to a PUD.

- The council introduced an ordinance to amend section 28-108 of the City Code of Ordinances to update the sewer access fees for its first reading.

- The council introduced an ordinance to amend the zoning ordinance and map to change 229.2 acres of land located at Anderson Road and Andrews Road from R-1 to a PUD for its first reading.

Kelley Griswold said that he approves the work already completed.

The owner described these new uses as “Phase Two.”

During the meeting, he asked to add a use such as a hotel. Due to gas lines on the property, he said the uses are limited. A hotel will be on the back portion of the property with parking on the front, because the parking can be built over the gas line. A food mart is also a goal of the developers, he said, because they believe it will go well with the apartments already onsite.

The planning commission recommended removing the road service uses, which the council agreed to.

The council discussed merits and downfalls of road service uses and the owner specified that those are not the goals, only options.

“Our prime thing we’d like to see there is a highend restaurant go there overlooking the clubhouse and the lake,” he said.

FLOWERS >>

FROM B9

federal deficit and debt are our nation’s number-one problem. Hopefully, one of the GOP presidential aspirants will make this

OTHER BUSINESS

- The council approved the purchase of a 2023 Ford transit cargo van from National Auto Fleet Group for the Auburn Public Library for a little over $54,000.

- The council approved the purchase of a 2023 Ford F-150 XL 2WD Super Cab pickup truck for the Inspection Services Department from the National Auto Fleet Group for a little over $40,600.

- The council approved the purchase of two 2023 Ford F-150 Super Crew 4x4 pickup trucks from the National Auto Fleet Group for just over $98,700.

- The council approved the purchase of two fire station warning signs and two vehicle traffic preemption devices for Fire Station 6 from Temple Inc. for a little over $30,000.

- The council accepted public right-of-way and draining and utility easements for McWhorter Properties-Society Hill Estates LLC for a property on Society Hill Road, Lee Road 54, south of

their major political platform. They may be surprised at how many conservative Americans will follow them. We will see.

See you next week.

Flowers is Alabama’s leading

Moores Mill Road for the Glenwood Farm Phase 2 Project.

- The council approved a board appointment for the Board of Education.

- The council approved authorization for the Lee County revenue commissioner to collect city taxes, 5 mills for general purposes, 5 mills for capital projects debt repayment, 11 mills for educational purposes and 5 mills for education purposes.

- The council approved the annexation of just under 22 acres for Luke J. Greinke for 484 Lee Road 25.

- The council approved a resolution for a conditional use approval for the Mill Creek Data Center at 406 W. Veterans Blvd.

- The council approved an outdoor cafe permit for Stan’s Auburn LLC at 145 E. Magnolia Ave.

- The council approved a vacation for East Mag. Investments LLC for property at 801 Ogletree Road.

- The council approved two board appointments to the East Alabama Mental Health Board.

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

Todd Franks, professor of practice in the College of Forestry and Wildlife Science at Auburn University, was the guest this week and he presented information on the degree program at Auburn University, "Wildlife Enterprise Management," one of only two in the nation. This degree program offers a mixture of wildlife management, hospitality services and business management. Pictured with Franks is Dick Brinker, program host; Judd Langham, club president;and Griffin McNeill, president-elect.

The speaker at this week's Opelika Kiwanis Club meeting was Lee County District Attorney Jessica Ventiere. She spoke on the role of the district attorney's office as well some initiatives like Lee County Helping Families and the Second Chance Job Fair.

OPELIKA >>

FROM B9

AUBURN >>

FROM B9

Local Government Transparency Under Attack

CONTRIBUTED BY ALABAMA

PRESS ASSOCIATION

OPINION —

Public notices serve a crucial function in keeping residents and taxpayers informed about the activities of governments. These government notices let citizens know about impending actions that can affect their lives, property and community.

You’ve seen, and benefitted from, these public notices, which include reminders of upcoming meetings and hearings, proposed zoning and land-use changes, information on government budgets and taxes, requests for bids on government contracts and details on foreclosures and abandoned property.

For decades, public notices have been required by law to be published in local newspapers. But some members of the Alabama House of Representatives no longer think that public notices appearing in newspapers is relevant or necessary.

A bill filed by Rep. Cynthia Almond from Tuscaloosa, which was approved in committee recently, would allow these notices of local governments to be posted on a website controlled by the very government public notices are designed to oversee.

And the notices would no longer be required to be published in a local newspaper.

This is the wrong move today, tomorrow

and for the future.

Currently, Alabama has a system in place that provides maximum access to public notices — both online and in print.

Public notices printed in a newspaper are also uploaded to an independent, statewide website (AlabamaPublicNotices. com). Newspapers also publish public notices on their websites.

When their public notices are published in newspapers, government bodies can rest assured the critical information remains available to everyone in a format that has stood the test of time for accuracy and accessibility.

Why should public notices continue to be published in newspapers? The basis for

Alabama Arise Action Members Urge Support for Plan to Untax Groceries, Protect Funding For Public Schools

CONTRIBUTED BY ALABAMA ARISE ACTION

ALABAMA — Alabama should embrace the opportunity this year to remove the state sales tax on groceries in a sustainable and meaningful way, Alabama Arise Action members told lawmakers Tuesday.

More than 100 Arise supporters gathered for a news conference outside the State House in Montgomery to show their support for this change. State Sen. Merika Coleman (D-Pleasant Grove) and Rep. Penni McClammy (D-Montgomery) both spoke there Tuesday in support of untaxing groceries.

“We’re here today to ask our lawmakers to end the state grocery tax quickly and responsibly,” said Alabama Arise Action Board President Kathy Vincent. “This is the year to finally untax groceries once and for all.”

The news conference was part of Arise’s annual Legislative Day event.

WHY AND HOW TO END

THE STATE GROCERY TAX IN ALABAMA

Alabama is one of only three states, along with Mississippi and South Dakota, with no tax break on groceries. And Alabama is the only state to allow a full state income tax deduction for federal income tax (FIT) payments. Because wealthy people pay more in federal income taxes on average, the state’s FIT deduction overwhelmingly benefits rich households.

“We call this the FIT, or FIT deduction,

and it should give you a fit,” Coleman said. “You should have a fit, because it’s an unfair tax break that disproportionately lowers taxes for the wealthiest people.”

Coleman said she will introduce a bill to repeal the state’s 4% sales tax on groceries and replace the revenue by ending the FIT deduction. Her plan would allow Alabama to end the state grocery tax while fully protecting funding for public schools.

The state sales tax on groceries brings in about $600 million a year for the Education Trust Fund (ETF). Meanwhile, the FIT deduction costs the ETF more than $900 million a year, estimates show. Revenue from both the sales tax and individual income tax go to the ETF.

McClammy and Sen. Andrew Jones (R-Centre) are preparing other bills to reduce the state grocery tax. They have not yet publicly revealed the details of that legislation.

McClammy said Tuesday that she hopes to file her bill as soon as next week. After more than 20 years of debate about untaxing groceries in Alabama, it needs to happen this year, she said.

“I hope and I pray that next year, when we come back here again, it’s not Groundhog Day,” McClammy said. “A change has got to come.”

BROAD PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR UNTAXING GROCERIES IN ALABAMA

Arise shared its principles for an ideal plan to untax grocer-

doing so remains as important as ever:

• Requiring an independent, third party to publish the notices in accordance with the law helps prevent government officials from hiding information they prefer the public not to see. The government cannot be in charge of holding itself responsible.

• Publishing the notice in a newspaper ensures that the information is widely accessible to the public. Newspapers are trusted sources of information that are available to everyone, regardless of whether a person has access to the internet or not.

• A public notice must be archived in a secure and publicly available format. A public notice

published in a newspaper is already archivable and accessible. This is particularly important for notices that contain information about government decisions and actions that impact individuals and communities for years to come.

• The public must be able to verify that a legal notice is not altered after being published or placed only on a website that is vulnerable to today’s hackers. In a newspaper notice, an affidavit is provided by the publisher, which can be used in an evidentiary proceeding to demonstrate that a true copy was published, as well as the exact wording that was used.

While Almond’s bill does not prohibit local government bodies

from publishing public notices in newspapers, it removes the requirement for doing so, and that will most certainly result in local county and municipal governments discontinuing the publication of public notices in local newspapers. We believe that unfettered government control of public information is a very bad idea. Government should not distribute its own public notices.

The more open and accessible government information is, the less room there will be for potential errors and possible abuse.

Tell your state representative to keep public notices where they belong — in their local newspaper.

ies Tuesday. Those principles call for an immediate grocery tax reduction that protects funding for public schools. They also include a grocery tax cut that applies to a broad range of foods, not a limited subset. Arise’s preferred legislation would untax food as defined in the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Public support to untax groceries is strong across Alabama. Seven in 10 Alabamians support ending the state grocery tax, according to a new poll released this week. And nearly three in five Alabamians support removing the state grocery tax while protecting education funding, according to a poll commissioned by Alabama Arise last year.

“Get rid of this grocery tax now — that is the message, loud and clear,” said Alabama Arise Action Executive Director Robyn Hyden. “Everybody wants this to pass. We don’t want any more excuses.”

ABOUT ALABAMA ARISE ACTION

Alabama Arise Action is a statewide, member-led nonprofit organization advancing public policies to improve the lives of Alabamians who are marginalized by poverty. Arise’s membership includes faith-based, community, nonprofit and civic groups, grassroots leaders and individuals from across Alabama. Alabama Arise Action is the 501(c)(4) partner organization of Alabama Arise.

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF RUBY L. MILLER, DECEASED CASE NO:. 2023-187 IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 11th day of April, 2023, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

DENNIS E. MILLER

Personal Representative

Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP

P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 04/20/2023, 04/27/2023 & 05/04/2023

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, Contractor, has completed the Contract for the Lee County EMA Office Addition at 908 Avenue B, Opelika, AL 36801 for The Lee County Commission, Opelika, 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:

John Randall Wilson, Architect, 900 Janet Drive, Auburn, AL 36830

WHATLEY CONSTRUCTION, LLC / CONTRACTOR

P.O. BOX 137, OPELIKA, AL 36802 Legal Run 04/20/2023, 04/27/2023, 05/04/2023 & 05/11/2023

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF PATRICIA

LYNN HARRISON, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-167

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Letters of Administration of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 31st day of March, 2023, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

TERRI LYNN FALLIN

Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP

P.O. Box 2345

Opelika, AL 36803-2345

(334) 745-3504 Legal Run 04/20/23, 04/27/23 & 05/04/23

FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: PETITION TO REMOVE DISABILITY OF NONAGE OF R.C.M., A minor (DOB 12/26/2004).

CASR NO.: JU-2023-56.01

NOTICE OF FILING OF PETITION TO REMOVE THE DISABILITES OF NON-AGE

Notice is hereby given that a

Petition for the Removal of the Disabilities of Nonage has been filed by Jeffery Miller on the 15th day of February 2023, and a hearing has been set for May 24, 2023, at 10:00 am in the Juvenile Court of Lee County, Alabama. Upon hearing, said petition evidence, shall be presented to the Juvenile Court of Lee County, Alabama, in support of the petition and anyone who contests said petition may, upon giving security for costs of such contest, appear and state why such petition should not be granted.

Mary H. Roberson Circuit Clerk

Benjamin H. Parr (PAR-112)

Attorney for Petitioner 830-A Avenue A Opelika. Alabama 36801 (334) 749-6999

Mary H. Roberson Circuit Clerk Legal Run 04/20/23, 04/27/23 & 05/04/23

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERTA BROTHERS, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.: 2023-090

Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 13th day of April, 2023, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

DENA HOPE LITTLE

Personal Representative

Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 334-745-3504 Legal Run 04/20/23, 04/27/23 & 05/04/23

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No.: CV-2021-900354.00

GARLAND REAL PROPERTIES, INC. , Plaintiff, v. A TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND IN LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA; And GEORGE SAMFORD, and/ or THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OR DEVISEES OF GEORGE SAMFORD; And FICTITIOUS DEFENDANTS A, B, C, et al, Defendants. NOTICE OF ACTION

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

You are hereby notified that on the 22nd day of October, 2021, a complaint to quiet title was filed in the Circuit Court of

Lee County, Alabama, and the following are the names of all parties to the action: Garland Real Properties, Inc., as Plaintiff; George Samford, and/or the unknown heirs or devisees of George Samford, as Defendant, whose additional heirs, executors and/or administrators are unknown and cannot be ascertained after the exercise of due diligence, and which are believed to have claimed some right, title, interest or claim in and to the property described as follows:

Beginning at the Northwest corner of the Northeast of quarter of Section 21, Township 18 North, Range 25 East, Lee County, Alabama, thence go South 05 degrees 15 minutes 00 seconds East for a distance of 2640.00 feet to a point on the Southwest' corner of the Northeast quarter of Section 21, Township 18 North, Range 25 East, Lee County, Alabama, thence go North 87 degrees 25 m-minutes East for a distance of 1,970 feet to a point, thence North 06 degrees 38 minutes East for a distance of 277.17 feet to a point, thence North 20 degrees 25 minutes East for a distance of 449.62 feet to a point; thence South 87 degrees 30 minutes West for a distance of 49.81 feet to a corner on the northerly margin of Cox Road, which shall be point of beginning of the property herein intended to be described: From said point of beginning, continue South 87 degrees 30 minutes West for a distance of 196.31 feet to a point; thence North 25 degrees 12 minutes East for a distance of 100.0 feet to a point; thence North 45 degrees 29 minutes East for a distance of 1OO.OO feet to a point; thence North 53 degrees 45 minutes East for a distance of 100.0 feet to a point; thence North 61 degrees 40 minutes East for a distance of 100.0 feet to a point; thence North 72 degrees 25 minutes East for a distance of 1OO.O feet to a point; thence North 80 degrees 51 minutes East for a distance of 44.17 feet to a point; thence South 81 degrees 58 minutes East for a distance of 51.56 feet to a concrete monument P.T. STA. 94+80.5; thence Southwest along the curve of the Northerly margin of Cox Road, said curve having a chord of 399.66 and a radius of 998.84 to the point of beginning, which contains 1.25 acres, more or less.

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

Done this the 6th day of April, 2023. Mary Roberson Circuit Court Clerk, Lee County J. Brandon Rice Davis, Bingham, Hudson & Buckner, P.C. 724 North Dean Road, Suite 100 Auburn, AL 36830 04/20/23, 04/27/23, 05/04/23, 05/11/23

PUBLIC NOTICES >> FROM B12 See PUBLIC NOTICES, page B14

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CASE NO.2023-191

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The State of Alabama, Lee County Probate Cou1t

Estate of: MARTHA JO

DUDLEY, Deceased.

Letters Testamentary upon the estate of said decedent, having been granted to the undersigned on the 14th day of April 2023, by the Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are required to file an itemized and verified statement of such claim in the office of the said .Judge of Probate within six months from the above date, or said claim will be barred and payment prohibited.

JOHN ROBERT DUDLEY, JR., BERRY C. DUDLEY, JR., ELLEN FAYE

GABERLAVAGE, VICKI

LEAH MASSINGILL and LINDA SUE EPPERSON, Executors.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

BILLING INFORMATION:

JENNIFER J.

MCEWEN, ESQ.

MILLARD V. YOUNG, III, ESQ. MAYNARD NEXSEN PC 1901 Sixth Avenue North, Suite 1700 Birmingham, AL 35203 Tel: 205-254-1000

Legal Run 04/20/23, 04/27/23 & 05/04/23

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ANDREW ARTHUR BERRY, DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Case No: 2023-197

Letters of Administration of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 14th day of April, 2023, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

REGINALD BERNARD BERRY

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Administrator Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP

P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504

Legal Run 04/20/23, 04/27/23 & 5/4/23

INVITATION FOR BIDS

23029

Sealed bids, subject to the conditions contained herein, will be received by the City of Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., local time, May 22, 2023, and then publicly opened and read at Opelika City Hall 2nd Floor Conference Room at 204 S. 7th St, Opelika, Alabama for furnishing all labor and materials and equipment necessary to provide:

Installation of Conduit Systems by Directional Boring within the city limits of Opelika, Alabama. This project consists principally of the follow¬ing items: All Contracts are to be signed and returned to the City of Opelika Purchasing Department within 10 days of the contract being awarded by City Council. A Contractor's ability to perform all of the work within the required time shall be a primary consideration in the awarding of the bid.

Plans, specifications, addenda, and other related documents may be obtained from the City of Purchasing Department located at 204 S 7th St., Opelika, Alabama, Monday through Friday from 8:30 A.M. until 4:00 P.M., or downloaded from the City’s website at www. opelika-al.gov/bids.aspx.

Technical questions regarding the bid may be directed to Brent Poteet, Power Services Director, City of Opelika, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama 36803. Phone: (334) 705-5571.

Guarantee will be required with each bid as follows: At least five (5) percent of the amount of bid in the form of a certified check or Bid Bond payable to the City of Opelika, Alabama. A Con¬tract Bond and Labor and Material Bond shall be required when the Contract is awarded.

The right is reserved, as the interest of the Owner may require, to reject any and all bids and to waive any informality in bids received. Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: City of Opelika,

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Purchasing Department, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Ope¬li¬ka, Alabama, 36803. Attn.: Installation of Conduit Systems by Directional Boring

The attention of all bidders is called to the provisions of State law governing “General Contractors” as set forth in the Ala. Code §34-8-1, et.seq. (1975) and rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. Bidders must be licensed by the Licensing Board for General Contractors when bids are submitted. All bidders must submit with their bid, their contractor’s license number and a copy of the license. State law Ala. Code §34-8-8(b) requires all bids to be rejected which do not contain the contractor’s current license number. Evidence of this license must be documented on the outside of the envelope of the sealed bid.

LILLIE FINLEY PURCHASING/REVENUE & CODES DIRECTOR

CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA

Legal Run 04/20/2023 & 04/27/2023

INVITATION FOR BIDS

23030

Sealed bids, subject to the conditions contained herein, will be received by the City of Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., local time, May 22, 2023, and then publicly opened and read at Opelika City Hall 2nd Floor Conference Room at 204 S. 7th St, Opelika, Alabama for furnishing all labor and materials and equipment necessary to provide:

Installation of Conduit Systems by Open Trench Excavation within the city limits of Opelika, Alabama. This project consists principally of the follow¬ing items: All Contracts are to be signed and returned to the City of Opelika Purchasing Department within 10 days of the contract being awarded by City Council. A Contractor's ability to perform all of the work within the required time shall be a primary consideration in the awarding of the bid. Plans, specifications, addenda, and other related documents may be obtained from the City of Purchasing Department located at 204 S 7th St., Opelika, Alabama, Monday through Friday from 8:30 A.M. until 4:00

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P.M., or downloaded from the City’s website at www. opelika-al.gov/bids.aspx. Technical questions regarding the bid may be directed to Brent Poteet, Power Services Director, City of Opelika, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama 36803. Phone: (334) 705-5571. Guarantee will be required with each bid as follows: At least five (5) percent of the amount of bid in the form of a certified check or Bid Bond payable to the City of Opelika, Alabama. A Con¬tract Bond and Labor and Material Bond shall be required when the Contract is awarded. The right is reserved, as the interest of the Owner may require, to reject any and all bids and to waive any informality in bids received. Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: City of Opelika, Purchasing Department, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Ope¬li¬ka, Alabama, 36803. Attn.: Installation of Conduit Systems by Open Trench Excavation

The attention of all bidders is called to the provisions of State law governing “General Contractors” as set forth in the Ala. Code §34-8-1, et.seq. (1975) and rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. Bidders must be licensed by the Licensing Board for General Contractors when bids are submitted. All bidders must submit with their bid, their contractor’s license number and a copy of the license. State law Ala. Code §34-8-8(b) requires all bids to be rejected which do not contain the contractor’s current license number. Evidence of this license must be documented on the outside of the envelope of the sealed bid.

LILLIE FINLEY

PURCHASING/REVENUE & CODES DIRECTOR CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 04/20/2023 & 04/27/2023

Notice of Completion Newell & Bush, Inc. hereby gives notice of completion of contract with the City of Opelika for construction of Project CR 63 N. Uniroyal Road City of Opelika. This notice will appear for four consecutive weeks beginning on April 20, 2023 and ending on May

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11,2023. All claims should be filed at P.O. Box 240397

Montgomery, Al 36124 during this period.

Newell & Bush, Inc.

Legal Run 04/20/2023, 04/27/2023, 05/04/2023 & 05/11/2023

Roundabout at Sportsplex Parkway and West Point Parkway, Opelika

Form of Advertisement for

Completion Legal Notice for Bid# 22010

In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given that Robinson Paving Company Inc, Contractor, has completed the Contract for The Roundabout at Sportsplex Parkway and West Point Parkway Opelika, AL for the City of Opelika, 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 in writing:

Jeffrey Robinson 5425 Schatulga Rd Columbus, GA 31907 ROBINSON PAVING COMPANY POST OFFICE BOX 12266 COLUMBUS, GEORGIA 31917-2266

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5425 SCHATULGA ROAD COLUMBUS, GEORGIA 31907

PHONE (706) 563-7959 FAX (706) 568-0314 Legal Run 4/20/23, 4/27/23, 5/4/2023, 5/11/2023 & 5/18/2023

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, STATE OF ALABAMA IN THE MAITER OF THE ESTATE OF JOHN RAYFORD LEDLOW, DECEASED further and also known as JOHN RAYFORD LEDLOW LETTERS TESTAMENTARY for the estate of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned Personal Representative GARY WAYNE LEDLOW, on April 6, 2023, by the Honorable BILL ENGLISH, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

/s/ GARY WAYNE LEDLOW Legal Run 04/20/2023, 04/27/2023 & 05/04/2023