The Observer 05-12-2022 E-edition

Thursday May 12, 2022

Vol. 14, No. 31

Opelika, Alabama

Covering Lee County, Alabama

An award-winning publication created 'For local people, by local people.'

CyberZone To ReOpen

Opelika to Host Memorial Day Service

Grand Re-Opening Set for May 20

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA — Opelika will welcome back a beloved local business next week as CyberZone laser tag arena and arcade (107 N. 9th St.) re-opens

its doors after nearly a yearlong closure with a grand re-opening on May 20 at 4 p.m.

“We feel so fortunate and relieved to finally be able to turn the lights back on and be open for business,” said CyberZone President

Simon Bak. “We have loved calling Opelika home for years, and it is heartwarming to have the community show so much excitement to have CyberZone back and better than ever. As hard as this last year has been, it gave us the

The Observer Welcomes Kendyl Hollingsworth

BY HARRISON TARR FOR THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA — Making a career in print media is an accomplishment that often goes overlooked.

The hours are unconventional, no two assignments are alike and an individual’s professional trajectory is anything but linear. For Kendyl Hollingsworth, her career led her back to its roots; the talented writer has returned to The Observer as the organization's newest reporter.

An alumna of Auburn University in 2018, Hollingsworth has utilized her bachelor of arts in journalism in a number of ways, beginning

HOLLINGSWORTH in her hometown of Madison, Alabama, where she reported

on the local beat on behalf of The Madison Record.

See HOLLINGSWORTH, page A3

opportunity to rebuild our business from the ground up and deliver on the vision we have had for CyberZone since the very beginning.”

CyberZone will officially re-open its doors See CYBERZONE, page A5

CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF OPELIKA OPELIKA –– The city of Opelika will host Memorial Day Services on May 30, 2022.

The event will remember our military heroes who fought for the freedom of our country and the families who lost loved ones in the line of service.

Services will be held at Courthouse Square at 10 a.m.

There is a special lineup this year: • Welcome by Mayor Gary Fuller • Prayer by Kevin Haefner of Church of the Highlands –– Opelika Campus • Special music by Opelika High School Choir • Presentation of Colors and Laying of the Wreath

by Opelika Fire Dept.

• Guest speaker Army veteran Maryshay Ray • TAPS by Neil Sasser, Opelika High School.

Retired U.S. Army Sgt.

Guest speaker for Opelika's Memorial Day service, retired U.S. Army Sgt. Maryshay Ray.

Maryshay Ray, native of Belle Chasse, Louisiana, joined the Army in 2011. She served in the 15th Engineer Battalion, Forward Support Company in Grafenwoehr, Germany and in Schweinfurt, Germany. After her medical retirement, she obtained an Associate in Science degree from Central Alabama Community College in 2019, and then transferred to Auburn University where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in See OPELIKA, page A2

Hyundai To Launch U.S.-Built Electrified Genesis Gv70, Santa Fe Hybrid CONTRIBUTED BY CITY OF OPELIKA OPELIKA –– The Opelika City Council approved tax abatements and exemptions at the May 3 meeting, for several Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) suppliers. These include Cumberland Plastics, Daewon and Hanwha.

The following investments will be made at Opelika-based suppliers to support the addition of the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid and electrified Genesis GV70 sport utility vehicles –– Hanwha - $18 million, Daewon - $2 million and Cumberland - $1 million.

"HMMA's success is

heavily dependent on the talent and expertise of hundreds of suppliers who provide parts and other materials to Hyundai's automotive assembly plant in Mongtomery," said Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller.

"We are excited that several call Opelika home."

HMMA recently announced it will continue to grow its sport utility vehicle production capabilities later this year with the addition of the Electrified Genesis GV70 and the hybrid version of the Santa Fe. These clean mobility vehicles will join the Elantra sedan, Santa Fe and Tucson SUVs and Santa Cruz sport adventure vehicle on the Montgom-

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ery assembly line.

"We are so appreciative of HMMA and their continued investment and growth in Alabama," said Lori Huguley, CEcD, director of Opelika Economic Development.

"Our suppliers will benefit and continue to expand to match this growth."

The addition of the Electrified GV70 and Santa Fe Hybrid will mark the beginning of Hyundai’s electric vehicle production in the United States. The latest milestone for HMMA received the green light during a recent project agreement signing ceremony with Alabama See MOTOR, page A2

CONTENTS

OPINION ..................... A4 ENTERTAINMENT ........... A7 OBITUARIES ............... A13 RELIGION ................... A13 COMICS ....................... A15 SPORTS ........................ B1 POLITICS ...................... B9 CLASSIFIEDS ................ B12 PUBLIC NOTICES ........... B13 PUZZLES ..................... B15

A2 May 12, 2022

Letter Carrier Food Drive Returns Saturday, May 14 CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

ALABAMA –– The National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) will conduct its 30th annual food drive on Saturday, May 14.

“Stamp Out Hunger,” the country’s largest oneday food drive, provides communities with an easy way to donate food to those in need. The traditional food drive returns this year after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2020 and 2021, it was replaced by the NALC’s donor drive, in which those wishing to help made online donations to local food pantries.

Returning to the traditional drive, residents simply leave their donation of non-perishable food items — canned soup, vegetables, meats and fish, along with pasta, rice or cereal — in a sturdy bag next to their mailbox before mail delivery on Saturday, May 14. City and rural letter carriers will collect these items, which then will be

MOTOR >>

FROM A1

Gov. Kay Ivey at the state capitol.

For more information, please contact John Sweatman, project manager, Opelika Economic Devel-

Stone Martin Builders Named on 2022 Top 100 Builder List CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

distributed to churches, shelters, food banks and pantries in the community.

Several national partners are assisting NALC in the food drive: the U.S. Postal Service, the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), the National Rural Letter Carriers’

Association, Vericast, United Way Worldwide, the AFLCIO, Valpak, the Kellogg Company and CVS Health.

The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

opment, at jsweatman@ opelika-al.gov.

Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, headquartered in Montgomery, is an independent manufacturing operation of Hyundai Motor Company, based in Seoul, Korea.

HMMA currently produces

the Hyundai Elantra, Santa Fe, Tucson and Santa Cruz.

Hyundai cars and sport utility vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced by more than 900 Hyundai dealerships across North America.

OPELIKA — Opelika based company, Stone Martin Builders (SMB), one of the largest homebuilders across Alabama and the region, is is proud to announce they climbed 16 spots in this year's ranking of the top 100 builders on a national list, settling in at No. 69.

The annual Builder 100 and Next 100 list looks at the top 200 home builders across the United States, ranked by closings from the previous year. Stone Martin Builders closed on 905 homes in 2021, helping them jump 16 spots over last year.

“Stone Martin Builders helped nearly a thousand individuals and families find a new home to last a lifetime and for the generations to come,” said Frank Plan, CEO of

OPELIKA >>

FROM A1

psychology in 2020. She is currently pursuing her master’s in counseling.

Before attending Auburn University, Ray trained service dogs to aid her fellow veterans who battle with PTSD.

SMB. “We cannot wait to continue expanding our reach and serving more communities in the process of building their dream homes. Thank you for trusting our team with such a valuable part in your life.”

The ranking follows a trend of impressive growth for the Alabama homebuilder who previously ranked No. 89 in 2021 and No. 94 in 2020.

“I’ll never forget when we broke into the top 100 for the first time in 2020,” said COO John Manasco.

“To see our ranking increase every year exponentially is a testament to our success in building stronger neighborhoods.”

Stone Martin Builders homes grant future homeowners the ability to pick and personalize their home’s exterior from a variety of options and models including brick, doors and paint. In addition to

personalization, Stone Martin Builder homes include amenities such as granite countertops, energy-efficient appliances, smart home technology and spray foam insulation.

The company said it plans to keep growing as a premier builder in the region.

ABOUT STONE MARTIN BUILDERS: Based in the Auburn-Opelika metro area, Stone Martin Builders is dedicated to developing aspirational communities throughout the state, including Columbus, Huntsville, Athens, Prattville, Montgomery, Auburn/ Opelika and Dothan.

Since its establishment in 2006, the company has quickly grown and in 2020 was ranked as one of the 100 largest home builders in the U.S. by Builder Online. More info at www.stonemartinbuilders.com.

She possesses a passion in giving back to her brothers and sisters in arms, as well as their families; she is dedicated to their mental wellbeing and success.

Following the Memorial Day services, the Museum of East Alabama will host a reception for the public to share the ex-

traordinary memorabilia of Opelika’s history.

In case of rain, the 10 a.m. services will be moved the Municipal Court Building located at 300 Martin Luther King Blvd.

Memorial Day Week Garbage Schedules: Garbage routes will run one day later than normal.

Located in beautiful downtown Opelika 223 S. 8th St. • 334-749-8003 www.opelikaobserver.com

Publishing LIVE Lee, The Observer and NeighborhoodTour Homes and Real Estate

Phone: 334.749.8003 editor@opelikaobserver.com Michelle@opelikaobserver.com

PUBLISHER: Michelle Key

SPORTS EDITOR: Wil Crews LIVE LEE EDITOR: Hannah Lester MARKETING: Woody Ross, Rená Smith PHOTOJOURNALIST: Robert Noles SPORTS WRITERS: Rick Lanier, D. Mark Mitchell, Harrison Tarr STAFF REPORTER: Kendyl Hollingsworth

www.opelikaobserver.com 223-A S. 8th St., Opelika, AL 36801 Copyright 2009. All right reserved.

The Observer is published weekly by Key Media LLC, 223-A S. 8th St., Opelika, AL 36801.

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CORRECTIONS The Observer will correct any errors, omissions or inaccuracies deemed to be substantive. Corrections may be requested by contacting the editor at 334-749-8003.

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A3 May 12, 2022

Keep Opelika Beautiful Hosts Annual Garden In The Park Event PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

The annual event was held Saturday at Opelika's Municipal Park. Patrons were entertained by various groups, singers and more throughout the day while vendors supplied plenty of wares to shoppers.

HOLLINGSWORTH >> FROM A1 According to the young professional, the opportunity arose via a connection made during her tenure as an intern at the Observer in 2018.

“I went up to The Madison Record, a weekly newspaper up in Madison,” Hollingsworth said. “I actually was alerted to that through Rebecca Martin — who’s now Rebecca Yancey — who used to be the associate editor here.”

After catching wind of the opportunity to return to her hometown as a reporter, Hollingsworth returned to

northern Alabama as the first stepping stone of her journalistic journey.

“I came on board to that in July or August of 2018,” Hollingsworth said. “I worked there until the end of March 2019. Then the ownership changed hands, so The Madison Record was sold to another company based in North Alabama.”

When the Record was purchased, Hollingsworth found herself presented with a new opportunity: the beginning of her next chapter. “(The new ownership) already had a weekly newspaper,” Hollingsworth said.

“So they merged those two, kept the guy they already

had and told me they had an opening at the TimesDaily in Florence. I started there April 1 of 2019 and worked there until mid-November of that year.”

Despite enjoying her newly accepted position, Hollingsworth was compelled to take a hiatus from the journalism field in November of 2019, stepping away to fulfill a spiritual calling.

“The reason I left the TimesDaily was because I felt like I needed to go be a missionary for a little while,” Hollingsworth said. “I did that from January of 2020 to July 2021. Since I’ve come back, I rested for a few months because that was a lot.”

Upon her return — and subsequent recovery — from working as a missionary, the young journalist set her eyes upon finding work back in the reporting realm.

“I was looking for a job, and I guess [Michelle Key, owner of The Observer] knew through Facebook or maybe through (Yancey),” Hollingsworth said. “So [Key] reached out to me and said that they were looking to hire another full-time person in the coming months.”

For Hollingsworth, a reunion with The Observer was an opportunity she could not pass up, she said.

“I really enjoyed interning here at The Observer,”

Hollingsworth said. “I really enjoyed my time there and the things I learned, and when the opportunity popped up, it just felt like a huge blessing and an answer to my prayers at the time.”

Per the reporter, the decision to return to Opelika was an easy one.

“It was really good to come back here,” Hollingsworth said. “It’s a place that I love and that I’m familiar with. I get to see a lot of familiar faces but also a lot of new faces and get back into journalism.”

When asked about what she was most looking forward to in her reunion, Hollingsworth’s response was telling of how impactful the Opelika

community is upon those who work — or have worked — within it.

“I’m really looking forward to getting plugged into the community again and being able to experience and report on all these awesome changes and all the growth that’s happening here,” Hollingsworth said. “It’s an exciting time and it’s nice to see this place grow up but also — at the same time — keep its charm.

The people [in Opelika] are amazing.”

Hollingsworth’s work has vaulted The Observer to new heights in the past, the organization is excited to see her continue that trajectory going forward.

A4 May 12, 2022

Teacher

A

SEAN DIETRICH

fast-food chain.

I was standing in line, waiting for my Oreo milkshake.

There was a group ahead of me, with ages ranging from midtwenties to mid-sixties, all dressed nicely.

Mostly women.

The older group members were wearing pearls and blouses. The younger ones wore modern hairstyles, jeans and tattoos. They were all teachers.

“It’s Teacher Appreciation Week,” one teacher explained.

“We’re here because we get free stuff.”

“They give us free burgers today,” said another excited teacher.

“This is a fun week for

a teacher,” added another woman. “They have buy-one-get-one deals at all the good restaurants if you show your school ID. My husband is going to take me out every night this week. He just doesn’t know it yet.”

Turns out, the deals for teachers are never ending. All over the U.S., teachers are getting major discounts and freebies this week.

At Barnes and Noble, for example, all teachers get free coffees. At most franchise fast-food joints teachers get free fries, burgers, tots, hot dogs, sandwiches, shakes, cookies, ice cream and apple pies. There are companies offering discounted Caribbean

cruises, half-price cellphone plans and even free underpants.

There are deals to be had at AT&T, Michael’s, Levi’s, Vineyard Vines, J. Crew, Verizon and of course, Crocs.

This week at Office Depot, teachers get 20% off. At Dollar General, teachers get 5% off for a whole month. And at select local restaurants, teachers receive free fishbowl margaritas the size of above-ground kiddie pools.

“But they only give you one margarita,” said a teacher. “And that’s not nearly enough for a teacher.”

While my Oreo delight was being whipped to perfection, I asked several of them how they entered into education.

“Oh, I always knew I wanted to be a teacher,” says one. “My mom says I used to line up my dolls in my room like students and boss them around.”

“I was a music major,” says another, “and I finally realized I was not going to make much of a difference in this world playing Chopin.”

The only male among

them says he became a teacher because his mother was a teacher.

“Everyone who came to my mom’s funeral said, ‘Man, your mom changed my life,’ or, ‘Your mom made me want to do something with myself.’ So I think I became a teacher because of that.”

But there was one woman at the rear of the group who was older than the rest. She was quiet, reserved and seemed sort of like the team mother. Mid-sixties.

Cropped silver hair.

“I went back to school to be a teacher when I turned thirty,” she said.

“Everyone said I was crazy. But I just felt like there was something inside me that needed to get out. Can’t explain it.”

Her first job out of college was teaching special-needs kids.

“On my first day, they gave me this boy who had a brain injury from a car accident. He was a sophomore, and he was in bad physical shape.”

It was evident that the young man would likely not graduate with the rest of his classmates;

he’d fallen too far behind in his coursework. The teachers didn’t think he would ever catch up.

After all, the young man had other important things to worry about. He had a hard time speaking, writing and reading. He was still relearning basic motor skills.

“It took us five times as long as other students to finish homework,” she said. “It took him longer to understand things because his brain was just not there. When I first started, he came to school wearing a helmet, if that tells you how bad things were.”

After one particularly taxing day, she told the young man that if he wanted to take a break from school, nobody would blame him. But if he wanted to graduate, she promised she was going to do everything within her power to make it happen.

He told her, through labored speech, “I want to graduate with my friends.”

So they worked night and day. He stayed after hours. She visited his house on weekends

for private tutoring.

Sometimes they ordered pizza and stayed up late into the night so he could understand the finer points of chemistry, history or the veiled mysteries within the systematic hell that is algebra.

“When he walked down the aisle to graduate,” she said, “I was a mess. My makeup was running everywhere.

And just when I thought the ceremony was over, the principal called me up to the podium, and I was like, ‘Wait, what’s going on?’”

She made the short walk through the gymnasium and received a standing ovation. The boy’s parents embraced her. The staff shook her hand. The principal gave her a brass award the faculty created just for her.

That was a long time ago, but the plaque still hangs on the wall in her living room where she can always see it.

I asked what became of her student.

“What do you think?” she said. “He’s a teacher now, too.”

Donkeys and Big Fish — Part II

WENDY HODGE

W

hen last we met, Tim and I were in Jasper, Alabama – home of the donkey statues and the actor who played Merle Dixon on “The Walking Dead.” Morning came early for us that Sunday because all good fishermen know that sunrise is best seen from a boat in the middle of a lake.

We checked out of the hotel, making one last stop at The Treat Room for an emergency Snickers, and drove a few miles north.

The roads were bathed in a hazy, blue-black light that you only see when you’re awake before the fish are.

We arrived at Duncan Bridge Marina in Arley, Alabama. The parking lot was already filling up. Boats dotted the lake, fishermen already casting their lines and settling in for a day of tall tales and cold drinks.

Our guide was Keith Prather of Smith Lake Fishing Adventures. What follows is an unapologetic testimonial of Mr. Prather’s skills both as a fisherman and as a guide.

We spotted the 21foot fishing boat and Mr. Prather well before he tied up at the dock. The boat was a beauty, and it gleamed in the first rays of daylight. We made our introductions and climbed aboard.

After insisting we call him Keith, our guide explained what the next six hours would look like.

He knows all the best points and hidden areas and planned to take us wherever the fish were biting. A dozen poles stood ready, baited and waiting, for us to use. The live well was

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stocked with dozens of live bait of varying sizes.

We would not have to bait a hook or choose a pole.

We’d brought a cooler with soft drinks and snacks. All we had to do was relax on a seat and be handed everything we would need.

It was the fishing equivalent of a spa day or a five-star restaurant. Pure luxury.

We fished by the underwater lights on a nearby dock, waiting for the sun to fully wake up. In the glow, we could see bait fish and small bass circling the posts. The water was clear, even without full sun. We had a few nibbles, but decided to move on to the shoreline where Keith had been successful many times.

With few clouds in the sky and a brisk wind blowing, we pulled parallel with the bank and cast our lines. It wasn’t long before we had a bite, and then another, and another.

Within an hour or so, Tim and I had both caught several 8- to 10-pound

stripe. We took pictures of each other, fish held out at arms’ length (because all good fishermen know how to make a fish look as impressive as possible).

With each cast, the fish got a bit bigger and then bigger again, until it became a sweaty exertion to reel in our catch.

Conversation was light and comfortable.

Keith made it so with his easygoing nature and sense of humor. We found we had a lot of things in common — from our upbringing to our political views. Keith and I grew up going to the same type of church, while Keith was thrilled to learn Tim was an experienced boat captain himself. It only took a few minutes to feel as if we were out fishing with a longtime friend rather than someone we’d just met.

We talked about the delicious dinner we’d had the night before in Jasper and the history of the donkey statues and how charming I thought it all was.

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“Did you know Jasper is the hometown of Merle from ‘The Walking Dead?’”

Keith asked.

I laughed as Tim rolled his eyes, shrugged his shoulders and said, “I give up.”

And then there were the companionable silences.

Words would fade, and all to be heard was the sound of the lake ... that gentle, ever-present lapping sound as the water spills across the shore and rolls back out.

There were birds making figure eights overhead and turtles sunbathing on halfsubmerged tree branches.

Watching them lazing in the light made it harder to fight my heavy eyelids.

But then, another tug on the line, and we’d be on our feet, cheering each other on and reeling in another big stripe.

All in all, we caught about 15 stripe, with Tim’s largest being 14.5 pounds. My largest was a close second at 13.5. I was thrilled to haul in such a monster fish, and I have a couple hundred pictures to

prove it!

As the end of our tour approached, we were exhausted but reluctant to call it done. I left Keith a five-star review before we even got off the boat. Tim and Keith shook hands, and we said our goodbyes, already planning when we could return.

As we walked toward the truck, I glanced back and saw a father and his young son stepping onto Keith’s boat. Someone else’s turn.

Captain Prather, if you are reading this, Tim told me that was the best Christmas gift he ever got. I will always be grateful to you for that and for the experience of fighting a fish I thought would surely beat me.

This weekend I will buy frames for the 8 x 10 pictures of our colossal catches that will hang next to our fishing rods and tackle boxes… a reminder of epic fish and unexpected friendships.

And then maybe I can talk Tim into watching an episode of “The Walking Dead”….

A5 May 12, 2022

Winn-Dixie Celebrates Newly Remodeled Store PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY WINN DIXIE

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA — Winn-Dixie officially revealed a newly remodeled store to the Opelika community on Wednesday, May 4 with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 8 a.m., at 1441 Fox Run Parkway in the Betts Crossing shopping plaza. As part of the grand opening festivities, and to officially reintroduce the community to the new and improved store, the neighborhood grocer presented a $1,500 donation to Opelika High School and its

FROM A1

on May 20 with a 4 p.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony in conjunction with the Opelika Chamber of Commerce. Guests will then be invited to stay and enjoy Food Truck Friday outside from 5 to 8 p.m. as well as plenty of action inside the newly-renovated CyberZone until close.

Operating since 2013, CyberZone had to shut its doors in June 2021 following extensive water damage to the venue during a renovation project. The incident forced CyberZone to completely rebuild all aspects of its interior, resulting in a revamped gaming area and a completely reimagined laser tag arena. The 5,100 square-foot arena, which was designed and installed by nationally-renowned entertainment vendor Creative Works, now boasts a more open concept and features new theming and maze work, as well as interactive props, including bases and wall-mounted drones.

When not playing laser tag, guests can enjoy CyberZone’s virtual reality experiences, including Hologate and Kong VR, and its relaunched Esports

a special performance by the Opelika “Spirit of the South” Band. The store offered carnations to the first 100 moms in honor of Mother's Day. With fresh concepts and features, the new and improved Opelika WinnDixie store now includes: • New façade signage and a fresh, contemporary color palate and modern store signage inside.

• Newly updated produce department featuring an expanded selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, including organic varieties.

• New deli with expanded offerings, including a wide assortment of easy lunch

Arena.

For more traditional gameplay, CyberZone’s arcade offers the latest in video and ticket games with an amazing selection of redemption prizes.

CyberZone is located at the corner of North 9th Street and 1st Avenue in downtown Opelika and will be open Monday-Thursday from 4 to 10 p.m., Friday from 4 to 11 p.m., Saturday from noon to 11 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m.

Visit www.cyberzone334.com or find them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more information.

ABOUT CYBERZONE ENTERTAINMENT CyberZone is East Alabama’s premier laser tag and gaming experience.

Complete with a 5,100 square-foot laser tag arena, virtual reality experiences, Esports Arena and arcade, CyberZone is the region’s go-to spot for group events, date nights and family outings. Named Play Meter Magazine’s National Family Entertainment Center of the Month in March 2018 and Voted one of Alabama’s 10 Best Places to Have a Birthday Party by Best Things AL, CyberZone has offered visitors plenty of reasons

to come back again and again since 2013. Visit www.cyberzone334.com for information on hours, specials, pricing and more.

ABOUT CREATIVE WORKS Founded in 1997, Creative Works is an amusement attractions provider for the entertainment industry. It focuses on creating powerful emotions and memories through immersive attractions, including laser tag, mini golf, Esports, virtual reality, escape rooms, mini attractions, theming and more. Visit www.thewoweffect.com to learn more.

and dinner options including a hot bar with rotisserie chicken, wing bar with several flavor varieties, as well as prepared sandwiches and salads.

• Updated full-service seafood department offering shoppers a variety of fresh seafood on ice, additional frozen seafood assortments, as well as the “Seafood Made Easy” option where customers can choose the type of seafood, vegetables and seasoning to be packaged together for easy preparation at home.

• Refreshed meat department offering a wide selection of fresh

TEXTILE MILLS ASBESTOS CLAIMS

meats including Certified Angus Beef selections.

• Expanded bakery department with new selections, displays with fresh bread and donuts daily.

• Expanded natural and organic selections with new products across the store.

• Updated health and beauty section with expanded offerings.

• New Dollar Shop section with hundreds of items to provide customers with the convenient items they look for at the most incredible prices.

• Updated in-store pharmacy with expert pharmacists available

to answer any questions regarding health and prescriptions and a new consultation room for comfortable, private immunizations, including the COVID-19 vaccine.

• Improved wine and beer section.

• Updated floral department to help customers find the perfect bouquet for any occasion.

• Expanded grocery selection with additional products and assortments.

• A continued commitment to fresh quality and outstanding service.

The new and improved Opelika store is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

CYBERZONE >>

“Spirit of the South” Band to support the school’s vital programs in the community it serves.

Over the past year, Winn-Dixie gathered feedback directly from local customers and associates to transform the Opelika store into a shopping destination that is both convenient and beautiful for the local community.

To celebrate the new and improved store, Winn-Dixie hosted a community celebration with live entertainment and giveaways on Saturday, May 7 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There was

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A6 May 12, 2022

Chefs Teams Selected for 7th Annual Alabama Seafood Cook-Off Chefs from Auburn’s The Depot, The Hound to Compete

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER GULF SHORES — Representatives for Alabama Gulf Seafood announced today that judges for the upcoming 7th Annual Alabama Seafood Cook-Off (ASCO) — set for Monday, May 16, at The Lodge at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores — have selected the top four Alabama chef teams who will compete onsite for the state title.

Chefs and their accompanying teams set to face off later this month are Chef Sam Adams (small batch, Birmingham), Chef Robbie Nicolaisen (The Hound, Auburn), Chef Morgan McWaters (The Depot, Auburn) and Chef Jeffrey Compton (The Battery, Birmingham).

Each chef will compete for the coveted title and a $2,500 prize and will go on to represent the state of Alabama this summer in the 18th An-

nual Great American Seafood Cook-Off (GASCO) in New Orleans, Louisiana.

“We received a uniquely high number of quality submissions from across the state this year, so the competition — and thus selecting just four recipes — was especially tough,” said Chef Jim Smith, chairman of the Alabama Seafood Marketing Commission and 2011 winner of both the Alabama Seafood CookOff and GASCO. “I am pleased with the caliber of our panel selections and look forward to an amazing event later this month.”

The selection process required chefs from across the state to submit a recipe that included an Alabama Gulf Seafood product as the featured ingredient. An expert panel of judges reviewed each chef’s recipe and selected their top four based on creativity,

composition, harmony of ingredients and more.

Chef teams and recipes for May 16 are as follows: Head Chef Adams and Assistant Chef Liz Brody — Seafood Tamal: Alabama Gulf Crab, Black Garlic Masa, Shrimp Stock, Fermented Corn Puree, Shrimp Pico de Gallo, Oyster Emulsion, Candied Habenero and Local Radishes Head Chef Nicolaisen and Assistant Chef Fernando Justiniano — Binchotan Grilled Cobia: Alabama Gulf Cobia, Chubby Belly XO Glaze, Crab Fat Rice Middlins, Green Tomato Dashi, Nuoc Cham Braised Cabbage, Collard Green Togarashi Head Chef McWaters and Assistant Chef Blaze Farrell — Fried Green Snapper: Alabama Gulf Snapper, Spicy Creamed Corn, Jumbo Crab, Granny Smith Apple, Red Cabbage Slaw, Alabama White Sauce

Head Chef Compton and Assistant Chef Kyle Kirkpatrick — Butter Poached Redfish: Alabama Gulf Redfish, New Potato Blue Crab Salad, Late Spring Vegetables, Lemon Aioli, Garden Herbs Launched by the Commission in May 2012, the Alabama Gulf Seafood brand is officially celebrating its 10th anniversary of seafood industry efforts across the state.

In honor of this moment in time, the ASMC is, for the first time, presenting the winner a monetary prize.

“The Alabama Gulf Seafood brand is something that all of us as Alabamians can be proud of and stand behind, and we are honored to provide our winning team with a cash prize to celebrate 10 years since campaign launch,” said Chris Blankenship, commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and

program administrator of the Alabama Seafood Marketing Commission.

"We are so pleased to have had such an overwhelming response for submissions from across the state and cannot wait to see the four selected chef teams compete — all while continuing to bring awareness to Alabama’s vast seafood industry,” he added.

The Cook-Off will again be held at The Lodge at Gulf State Park.

Chefs will be competing on the spacious open terrace with the venue’s beachfront views serving as the cuisine- appropriate backdrop. All competing chefs will have one hour to complete their recipe and present it to judges. Chef “Panini Pete” Blohme will serve as official event emcee and will ensure all chefs and event participants are entertained while being kept to the official timer.

The ASCO is free for all attendees. General

admission will enjoy a pasta dinner, compliments of Alabama Gulf Seafood, in addition to a cash bar. Alabama Gulf Seafood merchandise will be available onsite.

About the Alabama Seafood Marketing Commission Established by executive order in March 2011, the Alabama Seafood Marketing Commission (ASMC) was created to help provide advice, oversight, management and encouragement to the marketing of Alabama seafood. Led

by Chris Blankenship, commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the ASMC is comprised of volunteer members appointed by the governor that includes fishermen, processors, charter boat operators, retailers, restaurant owners and others directly and indirectly related to the Alabama seafood industry.

Dapper for Derby Day PHOTOS BY ED SIKORA / FOR THE OBSERVER

The 14th Annual Kentucky Derby Day party was held at Storybook Farm on Saturday. Proceeds from the fundraiser help local children utilize programs offered at Storybook Farm.

Sipping Quality Time PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

Mother Daughter Tea Held At Sportsplex last weekend.

E vents, Food, & SocietyNews

UPCOMING EVENTS: 5/14: CAR BOOT SALE AT FIREFYLY FIELDS IN AUBURN 5/14: FARMVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH CAR SHOW 5/17: "OKLAHOMA" AT THE GOGUE 5/21: OTC MURDER MYSTERY DINNER THEATRE

Ogrows Open Air Farmers Market Returns May 17

Southern

Hospitality

G

arden fresh vegetables and fruits along with homemade baked goods, jams, honey and

other items are available Tuesday afternoons at the Ogrows Open Air Farmers Market in back of the Southside Center

for the Arts on Glenn Street in Opelika. The market will be held Tuesdays from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m., beginning May 17 and going through Aug. 22.

A bounty of justpicked produce from farmers in East Alabama will be displayed under white tents. Locally grown vegetables and fruits offer more nutrients and fresher taste than those shipped from other parts of the country. Buying from local farms is also beneficial to the community, as it supports our local farmers.

Along with a variety

OTC to Host Summer Fun OPELIKA — The Opelika Theatre Company is preparing to host several classes and events this summer to entertain and enrich the community.

An interactive “murder mystery dinner theatre” fundraising event will take place at the Southside Center for the Arts, 1103 Glenn St. in Opelika, May 21 at 7 p.m.

Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Guests will

enjoy “Murder at the Southside Bingo Hall,” written by Opelika native Alysa Richards and featuring Ward 1 Opelika City Councilman George Allen and his wife, Dr. Beatrice Allen.

Tickets are $40 and may be purchased at www.opelikatheatrecompany.com. The cost includes a three-course dinner and non-alcoholic beverages. If desired, guests may bring their own cocktails.

Students in kindergarten through 12th grade are invited to

Other vendors include Hale Farms, Chilton County Peaches; Circle M Farms, jellies and pickles; Blackwood Farms; Mack Wilson, watermelons; Jimmy Dykes, fresh corn; Pulliam Farms; Nourish Farms, microgreens/ mushrooms; The Chill

Spot, ice cream; Harman Family Farm, hydroponic tomatoes; Slay Farms, hydroponic tomatoes; Avery Rajan, gluten-free and paleo baked goods; Nature's Love Products, skin care; Papa’s Honey and Boiled Peanuts; and See CIPPERLY, page A10

Spring Sundown Concert Series Returns to Kiesel Park

participate in OTC’s Theatre Buds Camp, in partnership with O-Grows, June 27 through July 1. This summer’s theme is “Where Earth Meets Art.” Campers must bring their own lunch, though snacks, juice and water will be provided. Pizza will be provided on the last day.

The camp will run 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day with a special performance on the last day. The cost See OTC, page A11

PHOTO BY ED SIKORA / FOR THE OBSERVER

BY KENDYL HOLLINGSWORTH KENDYLH@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

of produce, Serenity Farms and Bakery offers an outstanding array of homemade breads and assorted confections.

Anna and Liana Freeman will be at the market every other Tuesday.

They bake all day at their farm to provide freshly baked sourdough bread, braided French bread, whole wheat banana bread, cinnamon rolls, blueberry and lemon bread, assorted cookies, peach pies and many other homemade desserts.

They accept debit and credit cards.

The Freemans have been part of the market for several years. In the beginning, Anna and Liana’s older sister, Mary, helped with baking, as well as their mother Judy, who now helps with the garden. Anna and Liana are the master bakers.

Mary Finley of Camp Hill has been bringing her special cakes to the market for a few years.

She has an assortment of yummy cakes available whole or by the slice.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

Ann Cipperly

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

BY GABRIELLE FILGO AUBURN — Auburn Parks and Recreation’s Spring Sundown Concert Series kicked off Thursday, May 5, at 6 p.m. at beautiful Kiesel Park. Come out with a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy free music in the park each Thursday in May from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

The Chill Spot will be on site selling dinner options and cool treats.

Dogs are welcome on a leash.

The schedule for the upcoming series is as

follows: • May 12: Auburn High Jazz Band, Lab Band and Auburn Junior High Band • May 19: Soul Co. • May 26: Front Seven

Concerts are held weather permitting.

Visit Auburn Parks and Recreation online at www.auburnalabama. org/parks and follow Auburn Parks and RecSee SPRING, page A8

“Our Mission is Your Health”

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334-364-9993 | 334-364-9997 7667 Alabama Hwy 51, Suite A, Opelika www.beauregarddrugs.com Mon-Fri 8am–6pm | Sat 9am–12pm | Sunday Closed

A8 May 12, 2022

Making the Grade: Madison’s Place Café PHOTOS BY MIKE WALLACE

STACEY PATTON WALLACE

B

y the time this column is published on May 12, the Good Lord willing, another Mother’s Day will have come and gone. If you are a mom, I hope you had an amazing day because you certainly deserved it. My Mama, Barbara Patton (again, not the former mayor of Opelika), was a patient at East Alabama Medical Center for two weeks from April 19 until May 2. This was her second hospital stay since late February.

I want to thank EAMC’s wonderful doctors (Drs. Green, Carter, Radcliffe and King), nurses (Denise, Brittney, Christy, Donja, Thomas and Justice), techs (Kayla and Brittany) and countless others whom I didn’t get to meet. These wonderful medical professionals took great care of Mama. Also, they really helped ease my fears and anxieties. Mama means the world to me, and these wonderful health care

providers are my heroes.

Thank you again, and may God bless all of you. It’s such a blessing to have a wonderful hospital just four miles from my home.

As I’ve mentioned before, my Mama is an amazing cook, and I really miss her fabulous meals.

I, as I’ve also said before, can cook, but I don’t want to do so, just as my husband Mike doesn’t like to wash dishes when I prepare a meal. We basically love to eat, but we prefer others to cook and clean up for us. Therefore eating out, taking pictures and writing about it is the perfect setup for Mike and me.

Since I don’t get to eat Mama’s cooking anymore, I search for restaurants that serve real Southern cooking, my very favorite food. Therefore, when I read about Madison’s

Place Café in The Observer, I was happy to give it a try.

Recently, Mike and I went to Madison’s Place Café at 1220 Fox Run Ave. in the USA Town Center in Opelika. We were seeking a terrific Southern dinner (lunch).

Believe me, we were NOT disappointed.

Mike ordered the hamburger steak (one of Tuesday’s specials), rice with brown gravy and sweet potatoes. I chose the on-the-bone fried chicken (surprise, surprise), with green beans and mac ‘n’ cheese. I’m very happy to report that Madison’s Place Café serves delicious fried chicken and veggie meals every day that they are open.

Oh, my two times.

Everything was wonderful. In fact, even though Mike doesn’t usually eat

dinner (lunch), he inhaled his food; his plate was completely empty before I was finished; he even took a picture as evidence.

Mike said, “That was so good, I’d come back again next week.”

We also treated ourselves to banana pudding.

Needless to say, our cups were scraped clean. Run and do not walk to Madison’s Place Café.

Besides Mike’s delicious hamburger steak, the restaurant also offers diners pig’s feet on Tuesday; both meals come with two or three sides. Wednesday’s specials include liver and onions or turkey wings with sides. Thursday’s specials include a fried pork chop or beef tips with sides. On Friday, the restaurant serves Swai fish or tilapia with sides.

Sunday’s specials include turkey wings, ox tails

FROM A7

reation on Facebook for weather updates and cancellations.

For more information, please visit www.auburnalabama.org/parks or contact Auburn Parks and Recreation at 334-501-2930.

a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed on Saturday.

Madison’s Place Café makes the grade with an A+ from this retired English teacher. Remember, “Pooh-sized” people NEVER lie about food.

Enjoy!

Stacey Patton Wallace, who retired from teaching language arts for 30 years, is a professional diner. Her column, “Making the Grade,” will appear each week in The Observer. Stacey may be reached at retiredlangartsteacher2020@gmail.com PHOTOS BY ED SIKORA / FOR THE OBSERVER

SPRING >>

or pig’s feet meals with sides.

Besides our delicious banana pudding, other delectable desserts include red velvet, strawberry and pound cakes, peach cobbler, sweet potato pie, lemon pie and grape salad.

Mama, this review was for you. Again, Happy Mother’s Day! Mike and I love you to the moon and back, as our dear friend Dottie Meacham says.

Madison’s Place Café is open on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed on Monday; open Tuesday through Friday from 11

A9 May 12, 2022

Second Saturday is This Weekend PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

This Saturday, May 14, Loachapoka is hosting its monthly Second Saturday event at Pioneer Park. The free event starts at 10 a.m. and will feature blacksmiths in the forger, pine straw basket weaving, a garden walk and talk, blackberry cobbler and chili dogs at the cookhouse.

NAMI East Alabama, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), will meet at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, 714 E. Glenn Ave. in Auburn.

NAMI supports families dealing with mental illness through mutual support, education and advocacy.

There will be a time for sharing.

The public is invited.

S

Letter to Editor:

usie and I returned to Auburn in July 2007, and what an incredible journey the past 15 years have been. Thank you to the many people who encouraged and helped us. The number of people to thank is as countless as the number of ways in which you have supported us through the years.

We were inspired over and over by heartfelt collaborations with city and community leaders, as well as area businesses that created enduring partnerships with Auburn University.

We watched EAMC continue to grow and serve our community and even established a health facility within minutes of our campus.

We are all blessed in Lee County by

our dedicated and caring safety, fire, medical and law enforcement personnel. We thank them for striking the right tenor in working with a campus of more than 30,000 students.

We likewise thank the Auburn alumni and donors. Along with our state and federal elected officials, they were always up for any challenge we suggested and, together, they made tremendous investments in Auburn.

Auburn faculty and staff, motivated by a passion for this institution and its students, consistently did more than was ever asked of them.

I can’t thank them enough for making Auburn better each day. We continually learn from our students even as

we worked to equip them with the skills to reach their hopes and dreams.

Auburn is fortunate to have dedicated leaders serving on its Board of Trustees. These men and women care deeply about Auburn and often don’t receive the credit they deserve.

Finally, we were blessed to have witnessed some of the greatest moments in Auburn sports history and what a joy it was to celebrate those successes with the Auburn Family.

We are grateful to all who have supported us and Auburn in so many ways. Now, we wish Dr. Chris Roberts much success as he leads Auburn.

Thank you and War Eagle!

Jay and Susie Gogue

SUMMER SWING - EVERY TUESDAY NIGHT

Opelika's Summer Swing is back!

May 17 - Bill J. Brooks – ELVIS LIVES Concerts are held at Municipal Park at 7 p.m.

Hamburgers and hotdogs provided by Opelika Band Boosters and lemonade provided by SouthState Bank will be available from 6:15 to 7:30.

Camp Hill Marketplace Come out and buy your fresh produce, honey, jams and hand-crafted items at the Camp Hill Marketplace, a state-certified farmers market.

Every Thursday, 8 to 11 a.m., June 2 through Oct. 20, rain or shine, at Mount Lovely Baptist Church at 21900 Senator Claude Pepper Dr., Camp Hill, (AL Hwy 50). Potential vendors contact Sharon at 256-749-5100 to apply to join.

A10 May 12, 2022

CIPPERLY >>

FROM A7

Pecan Point Farm, yogurt and pecans, among others.

The annual farmers market in Opelika has changed locations over the years. First located near the depot, it moved a few years later to Railroad Avenue and then to Courthouse Square in 2011. It moved again in 2016 across from the Southside Center for the Arts, and now it has settled next to the Ogrows community garden in the rear of the center.

The market was operated by Opelika Main Street for 10 years. In 2012, Ogrows began with Sean Forbes, a professor in education psychology at Auburn University,

CIPPERLY RECIPES >> PASTA WITH ASSORTED VEGETABLES Susan Forbes 8 oz. dry linguine or spaghetti 2 Tbsp. olive oil 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 1 small eggplant (about 1 lb.), cut into 1-inch cubes 2 medium zucchini or summer squash, halved and sliced into 1/4-inchthick slices 1 tsp. kosher salt, divided 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 2 cups chopped plum tomatoes or halved cherry tomatoes Kernels from 1 ear corn 2 medium carrots, peeled and shaved into ribbons 1/2 cup dry white wine 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish 1/4 cup torn fresh basil leaves Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add pasta and cook until al dente, 7 to 9 minutes, or according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water, drain pasta, and set it aside.

Meanwhile, heat oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add garlic.

Cook, stirring frequently, until golden, about 2 minutes. Remove garlic and get aside.

Add eggplant, zucchini, 1/2 tsp. of the salt, and pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables start to soften, about 3 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in corn, carrots, remaining 1/4 tsp. salt, and reserved garlic.

Cook 1 minute more.

Add wine and simmer until reduced by about half, 1 to 2 minutes. Add reserved pasta water and butter and bring to a boil.

Add pasta, then toss to coat with the sauce. Remove from heat and stir in cheese and basil.

Divide among bowls or plates, top with additional cheese if desired, and serve warm.

as the founder. He was inspired to start the program when his son was attending kindergarten at Southview School. When he asked his son about his day, Sean realized he was only outdoors for a small portion of the day.

The professor developed the idea to get children out of a traditional classroom and create an outdoor learning space.

Ogrows has been under the umbrella of Envision Opelika since 2016.

Ogrows is an organization that engages students and citizens in gardening to address community service and food security. The organization is building capacity as a hub of local food systems by employing students, selling produce and donating produce to the Food Bank of East Storage: Leftovers can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

lemon zest and adjust the seasoning, if needed.

Serve with a braided garlic bread.

RATATOUILLE Kathryn James Reese Based on Jamie Oliver's recipe 2 red onions 4 cloves of garlic 2 eggplants 3 zucchinis 3 red or yellow peppers 6 ripe tomatoes ½ bunch fresh basil Olive oil Aa few sprigs of fresh thyme 1 can quality plum tomatoes or stewed tomatoes 1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar or champagne vinegar Lemon zest Pinch of kosher salt Pinch of ground pepper Prep ingredients before you start. Peel and cut onions into wedges, then peel and finely slice garlic. Trim eggplants and zucchini, deseed peppers and chop into chunks.

Roughly chop tomatoes.

Pick basil leaves and set aside, then finely slice the stalks.

Heat 2 Tbsp. of olive oil in a large casserole pan or saucepan over a medium heat, add the chopped eggplants, zucchinis, and peppers (you may need to do this in batches) and fry for around 5 minutes, or until golden and softened, but not cooked through. Spoon cooked vegetables into a large bowl.

To the pan, add onion, garlic, basil stalks and thyme leaves with another drizzle of olive oil, if needed. Fry for 10 to 15 minutes, or until softened and golden.

Return cooked vegetables to the pan and stir in fresh and tinned tomatoes, balsamic or champagne vinegar and a good pinch of kosher salt and black pepper.

Mix well, breaking up tomatoes with the back of a spoon. Cover pan and simmer over a low heat for 30 to 35 minutes, or until reduced, sticky and sweet.

Tear in the basil leaves, finely grate in

BARCELONA EGGPLANT Kathryn James Reese Eggplants Beaten farm fresh egg and a little milk Panko breadcrumbs, or Italian breadcrumbs Olive oil Sea salt, ground black pepper Local honey Feta cheese Peel, slice, and dip slices in beaten egg with a bit of milk, and coat on all sides in Panko (or Italian breadcrumbs).

Place slices in a baking pan, coated and heated, with layer of olive oil.

Bake at 425 degrees until bottom is golden, then sprinkle tops with olive oil, and turn over, and bake until golden again.

Add a pinch of sea salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste.

Lightly drizzle local fresh honey on top of eggplant and sprinkle with feta cheese.

Serve warm, if possible.

STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD Anna Claire Rogers 3/4 cup raw pecans ½ small red onion, very thinly sliced 10 oz. fresh baby spinach or 50/50 arugula and spinach blend 1 qt. fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered (about 1 lb.)

3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (Buy the blockstyle feta, not pre-crumbled; the texture is much better.)

For the Poppy Seed Dressing: 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 1½ Tbsp. poppy seeds 1½ Tbsp. honey ½ tsp. Dijon mustard ½ tsp. kosher salt 1/8 tsp. black pepper Toast pecans: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Spread pecans in a single layer on an ungreased baking sheet.

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until pecans smell

fragrant, and the center of a pecan is tan when the pecan is broken in half. (Do not walk away from the oven in the last few minutes of cooking. This is when nuts love to burn.) Transfer to a cutting board and roughly chop.

Place sliced onions in a bowl and cover with cold water. Let sit while you prepare rest of the salad (this keeps their flavor but removes the harsh onion bite).

Prepare dressing: In small mixing bowl or large liquid measuring cup, whisk together all the dressing ingredients- vinegar, oil, poppy seeds, honey, mustard, salt and pepper- until well combined. (Alternatively, you can shake ingredients together in a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid).

Assemble the salad: Place spinach in a large serving bowl. Add strawberries. Drain the red onion and add it.

Drizzle about half the dressing over salad and toss to coat leaves.

Assess the amount of dressing. You want the spinach leaves to be nicely moistened but not swimming in dressing. Add a little more if needed to suit your preferences. Add feta and pecans.

Toss lightly to combine.

Serve immediately, with extra dressing on the side as desired.

Notes: Dress the salad as shortly before serving as you can. If you don’t plan to eat it all right away, dress only what you plan to eat right away, then store the leftover, undressed salad in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Refrigerate leftover dressing in an airtight container (a jar is perfect) for up to 5 days, then shake before serving.

BLUEBERRY MUFFINS WITH CRUMB TOPPING Susan Forbes Muffins: 1½ cups all-purpose flour ¾ cup white sugar 2 tsp. baking powder ½ tsp. salt ⅓ cup vegetable oil 1 egg

Alabama.

A greenhouse built with a hydroponics system in the greenhouse grows vegetables and ornamental plants, including perennials and annuals. Auburn University students helped with the project.

Sean’s wife, Susan, served as the market manager for many years and is now a community liaison for Ogrows. Andrew Reynolds, a graduate student with Auburn University, will serve as the contact person for this year’s seasonal farmers market. He is also the agricultural and educational director of the Ogrows community garden.

Farmers markets and curbside stands have always been popular with southerners before

an increased interest in eating fresh and local foods began several years ago. In the farm-to-table movement, chefs have sought farmers for serving in-season fresh food from farms, which offers full, natural flavor.

Eating fresh and local was a way of life long before companies began genetically altering products to yield a specific color, size and shape, and then shipping them across the country to be eaten weeks after being picked.

Mark your calendars to attend the market on Tuesday afternoons and bring home farm-fresh, nutritious produce, homemade breads, desserts, pecans, jams and other items, while supporting our local farmers.

⅓ cup milk, or more as needed 1 cup fresh blueberries Crumb Topping: ½ cup white sugar ⅓ cup all-purpose flour ¼ cup butter, cubed 1 ½ tsp. ground cinnamon Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Grease 8 muffin cups or line with muffin liners.

Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt together in a large bowl.

Pour oil into a small liquid measuring cup.

Add egg and enough milk to reach the 1-cup mark. Stir until combined. Pour into flour mixture and mix just until batter is combined.

Fold in blueberries. Set batter aside.

Combine sugar, flour, butter and cinnamon for crumb topping in a small bowl. Mix with a fork until crumbly.

Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups, filling right to the top.

Sprinkle with crumb topping.

Bake in preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in center of a muffin comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes.

Note: If using a 12cup muffin pan, you will have 4 empty cups.

Add 1 Tbsp. water to the empty spaces when baking. Muffins tend to burn faster in a pan with empty cups.

ents.

Prepare rice according to package directions; cool slightly. Place peaches on a lightly oiled grill rack over medium heat.

Grill, covered, until lightly browned, 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally.

To serve, add bacon and 1/4 cup dressing to rice. Line a platter with arugula; top with rice mixture and peaches. Drizzle with remaining dressing; top with cheese.

GRILLED PEACH, RICE AND ARUGULA SALAD Susan Forbes Dressing: 3 Tbsp. cider vinegar 2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard 2 Tbsp. canola oil 2 Tbsp. maple syrup 1 Tbsp. finely chopped shallot 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper Salad: 1 pkg. (8.8 oz.) readyto-serve long grain and wild rice 2 medium peaches, quartered 6 cups fresh arugula (about 4 ounces) 6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese For dressing, whisk together first 6 ingredi-

FRIED GREEN OR RED TOMATOES You can also fry up red tomatoes with this recipe but make sure they are not over-ripe, or they will be mushy.

Susan Forbes 4 large green tomatoes 2 eggs ½ cup milk 1 cup all-purpose flour ½ cup cornmeal ½ cup breadcrumbs 2 tsp. coarse kosher salt ¼ tsp. ground black pepper 1 qt. vegetable oil for frying Slice tomatoes 1/2 inch thick. Discard the ends.

Whisk eggs and milk together in a medium-size bowl. Scoop flour onto a plate. Mix cornmeal, breadcrumbs and salt and pepper on another plate.

Dip tomatoes into flour to coat. Then dip tomatoes into milk and egg mixture.

Dredge in breadcrumbs to completely coat.

In a large skillet, pour vegetable oil (enough so that there is 1/2 inch of oil in the pan) and heat over a medium heat. Place tomatoes into the frying pan in batches of 4 or 5, depending on the size of your skillet. Do not crowd the tomatoes, they should not touch each other. When the tomatoes are browned, flip and fry them on the other side. Drain them on paper towels.

EASY FRESH STRAWBERRY CAKE Susan Forbes For the cake: 1 box vanilla cake mix (or white, yellow cake mix) 3 oz. box strawberry gelatin mix (Jell-O) 4 eggs 1 cup vegetable oil ¼ cup water 1 pint fresh strawberries (or 1 cup crushed fresh

A11 May 12, 2022

CIPPERLY RECIPES >> strawberries) For the frosting: ½ block cream cheese (4 oz.), softened 1/3 cup butter, softened 2 cups powdered sugar 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 Tbsp. milk For the cake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Coat a 9 x 13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Give strawberries a good rinse, then gently dry them with a paper towel. Remove stems and dice.

Put strawberries into a plastic Ziploc bag and start crushing them using a rolling pin or other heavy object.

In bowl, combine cake mix with strawberry gelatin powder. Mix until combined.

Stir in oil, eggs and water.

Once combined, add 1 cup of crushed strawberries. Gently stir in by hand.

OTC >>

FROM A1

is $175 per child with a 20% discount for siblings. A $50 deposit is required per camper with the remaining balance to be paid on the

Pour batter into prepared baking dish.

Bake for about 3033 minutes.

Oven times vary, so make sure it is done by sticking a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, it is good to go.

Allow cake to cool completely before adding frosting.

For the frosting: Using an electric mixer, mix softened butter and softened cream cheese.

Mix until smooth, creamy and lump-free.

Mix in powdered sugar, vanilla extract and milk until smooth and creamy.

Frost cooled cake.

Slice and serve.

If there are any leftovers, cover and store in refrigeator.

FRESH VEGETABLE CASSEROLE 2 large onions, sliced 2 Tbsp. butter or olive oil 3 carrots, scraped and sliced in rounds

first day of the camp.

Students are also welcome to join free acting classes through the O-Act Acting Academy. According to OTC, they will learn acting technique, scene study, improv skills, public speaking and musical theatre

1 medium green pepper, sliced in rings with seeds removed ½ to ¾ lb. green pole beans, cut into one inch slices 2 large tomatoes, peeled and sliced ½ lb. mushrooms, sliced ¼ cup chopped parsley, optional 1 tsp. salt ¼ tsp. freshly grated black pepper Sauté onions in butter or olive oil until separated into rings.

Place all ingredients into 2 quart shallow casserole. Mix lightly.

Cover and bake at 350 degrees for about 1 hour or until vegetables are tender, stirring gently once.

HOMEMADE PICO DE GALLO Susan Forbes Use ripe tomatoes that are deeply colored and firm, smell good and have a little give.

1 1/2 lb. tomatoes, chopped 1 medium onion, chopped (about 2/3

with basic musical theatre dance including tap, partner stunts, theatre combat and more. The classes also seek to help students in several ways, including improving self-esteem, promoting self-confidence and teaching discipline and life lessons.

cup) 1 to 2 jalapeño or Serrano peppers, finely diced (seeds and membranes removed for a milder salsa) 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves Juice of 1 lime or lemon Kosher salt to taste Place tomatoes, onion, cilantro, diced peppers and lime or lemon juice in a bowl.

Generously season with kosher salt — start with 1/2 tsp. and go from there. Set salsa aside for 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes, stir salsa, making sure to distribute juices left at the bottom of the bowl.

Taste and adjust with more salt. Enjoy!

Store for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. *Leftovers are great heated up with a little olive oil and tossed with pasta or as a bread topping. Makes about 8 servings or 3 cups.

Susan Forbes 1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup sour cream 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar 2 Tbsp. 2% milk 1 tube (16-1/2 ounces) refrigerated sugar cookie dough, softened 2 cups fresh blueberries 2 cups fresh raspberries 8 fresh strawberries, sliced 3/4 cup apricot preserves In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.

Beat in confectioners'

sugar and milk. Chill.

Meanwhile, press cookie dough onto an ungreased 14-in. pizza pan. Bake at 350° for 15-18 minutes or until deep golden brown.

Cool completely on a wire rack.

Spread cream cheese mixture over crust to within 1/2 inch of edges.

Arrange fruit over top.

In a small microwave-safe dish, microwave preserves, uncovered, on high for 45-60 seconds or until melted.

Drizzle over fruit. Chill until serving. Refrigerate leftovers. Makes 16 servings.

FRESH FRUIT PIZZA

Adult O-Act classes are in the works as well.

For more information and updates, visit www. opelikatheatrecompany. com, call 334-663-4480 or follow the Opelika Theatre Company on Facebook or Instagram.

Celebrating 1 year in Downtown Opelika

THANK YOU!

From all of us at Market Street Paint Shop, Just the Right Touch Decorating and Boonie Hat Coffee Company

116 S 8th Street Suite 101 Opelika, AL 334-363-0390 www.booniehatcoffee.com Mon - Fri 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday Closed

A12 May 12, 2022

Lee County Lifts Hands in Prayer PHOTOS BY ROBERTS NOLES / THE OBSERVER

PHOTOS BY ALLIE FOX / FOR THE OBSERVER On Thursday, May 2, dozens gathered in Opelika at Courthouse Sqaure to celebrate the National Day of Prayer in Lee County.

A13 May 12, 2022

What Happened When He Quit Crying

WALTER ALBRITTON

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RELIGION –– arkness reigned.

Violence had the upper hand that night in the city of Jerusalem. Moments from praying in anguish, on his knees in the Mount of Olives garden, Jesus had been seized by callous Roman soldiers. Forcefully

they marched him like a criminal toward the home of the high priest.

Jesus’ disciples had fled, except for Peter. Having followed the soldiers at a distance, he was now in the courtyard, bewildered and cold. He joined others who were warming their hands by a fire. Looking closely at him, a servant girl cried out, “This man was with Jesus!” Peter replied acidly, “Woman, I don’t even know the man!” Soon, someone else accused Peter of being a friend of Jesus.

Again, Peter responded sharply, “Man, I am not!”

Later, when it was almost morning, another man declared he was certain Peter

was a disciple of Jesus.

Angrily, Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you are talking about!”

At that very moment, as Peter was spitting out those words, he heard the sound of a rooster crowing. He immediately looked toward Jesus, who was standing nearby with the soldiers.

Jesus was looking straight at him. As their eyes met, Peter wanted to die as he remembered the words Jesus had spoken to him hours earlier, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.”

Shattered by his shame, Peter turned and ran outside the courtyard, weeping bitterly.

He was a broken man.

Only days before, he had been the outspoken leader of the disciples. He was “the Big Fisherman.”

Now, embarrassed and humiliated, he felt the terrible weight of his denial crushing his soul.

A faithful disciple of Jesus? No, he thought, “I am a fraud! A hypocrite! I boasted that I would die for Jesus, but now I am hiding like a coward while Jesus is out there being beaten half to death!”

You can see him there, sobbing, his body shaking, his heart breaking with anguish that made breathing difficult.

Disgrace was never more burdensome for a man.

Yet he did not opt for suicide, as Judas had. What happened? Why did he stop crying and repent of his sins? How did a man who was such a failure become a great leader of the Christian movement?

I believe it was what he saw in the eyes of Jesus while the rooster was crowing. What Peter saw was the compassion of the God whose love endures forever. He saw no condemnation in the eyes of Jesus. He saw grace, the unmerited grace of the Lord who loves us in spite of our sins. He saw love, the redeeming love

that can deliver us from the shame of our failures and give us new lives of fruitful service. He saw forgiveness, that beautiful gift of God that frees us from sin and gives us the power to live a life that honors the Christ who died so we might come alive to God. In a world where so many people define themselves by their failures, should we not invite them to define themselves by the grace of God? Should we not tell those who are weeping in shameful failure the beautiful story of a man called Peter? Please say, "yes, we should," and go do it.

a faithful and active member of Trinity United Methodist Church for 55 years, teaching Sunday School classes, going on mission trips and working on various committees.

Mama was a totally committed wife, mother and Christian lady. She was incredibly strong, as was demonstrated in her remarkable recovery from being badly burned in December of 1953 when she was in high school. She was always curious and wanting to learn, especially about history and other cultures; she loved to read and was dedicated to studying the Bible. She was creative, always thinking up crafts and projects for us to do, ad she was a very good artist. And she and Daddy were so much fun. One of our many great memories is of a two-week camping trip that took us to the Rocky Mountains in a Pontiac sedan.

A family of seven grows very close after two weeks in a sedan and one tent, and we had a wonderful time.

But every day was special with her. She was humble, generous, loving, kind, and accepting of anyone. She took pleasure in hosting not only our friends and family, but foreign exchange students and many Korean ladies who were new to Opelika. And she took the time to ask questions and learn all she could from everybody. She was simply a wonderful mother and friend and will be missed by so many.

A visitation was held at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home on Friday, April 29 and the funeral service was hel at

Trinity United Methodist Church on Saturday, April 30.

Memorials may be made to: Trinity United Methodist Church Missions Fund 800 2nd Avenue, Opelika, Alabama, 36801 Or to Wounded Warriors, or East Alabama Food Bank.

–––––––

OBITUARIES GARY MICHAEL “MIKE” GRIGGS Gary Michael “Mike” Griggs of Opelika, passed away May 1, 2022 in an ATV accident. Mr. Griggs was born Oct. 12, 1956, to Betty Herring and Harland Griggs in Columbus, Georgia. Funeral services were held on Friday, May 6, 2022, at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home with Dr. Rusty Sowell officiating, and burial followed in Garden Hills Cemetery.

Mr. Griggs is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his daughters: Amanda Toland of Auburn, Jessica Griggs of Camp Hill; sisters: Carol Hamby of Dadeville Connie Whatley of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Patti Rybarczyk (Alfred) of Opelika; brother Ronnie (Dorothy) Griggs of Opelika; grandchildren: Ansley, Jordyn, Andrew Toland, Hazeleigh Wix; sons-in-law: Jay Toland, William Wix; and many other family and friends.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed.

––––––– JOHNNY WALDROP Johnny Waldrop, 93, of Opelika, Alabama, passed

away at home on Sunday, May 01, 2022. She made her heavenly journey peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones.

Johnny was born June 22, 1928, in Tallapoosa County, Alabama, to Addis and Agnes Knight. She was raised in Dadeville, along with her four sisters and four brothers.

After high school graduation, she moved to Opelika, where she met the love of her life, Charlie Frank Waldrop. They were married for 62 years.

Johnny was, for many years, the bookkeeper for Dorsey’s Feed and Seed.

Upon retirement, she devoted herself to her family and spent many happy hours helping care for her only grandson, Chandler Guy. She was very talented, and many of us cherish the paintings that she so skillfully and lovingly created. She loved gospel music, she loved good down-home cooking, and she loved her family, friends, and especially her Lord and Savior.

She was raised at Poplar Springs Church in Dadeville, and later joined First United Methodist Church in Opelika.

Here, she was always faithful to her Sunday school class and church services, and served in United Methodist Women and numerous other committees.

Johnny is survived in

death by one daughter, Belva Waldrop Guy (Michael), her grandson Chandler Michael Guy, and her great-grandson Grayson Michael Guy, as well as numerous loved nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her faithful friend and caregiver, Doris Torbert.

She is preceded in death by her husband Charlie Frank Waldrop, son Thomas Charles Waldrop, her mother and father, her eight brothers and sisters, as well as two nieces and two nephews.

The family respectfully urges everyone to pray for those suffering from dementia, their loved ones and their caregivers.

The family request that, in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to her beloved church, Poplar Springs c/o Barbara Hamilton 444 Pleasant Hill Road Eclectic, AL, 36024-6602.

Services were held graveside at Rosemere Cemetery in Opelika on May 5 10 a.m.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory directed .––––––– ––––––– BARBARA ANN THOMPSON ASKEW Our mother, Barbara Ann Thompson Askew, 86, passed away peacefully at the

Bethany House on April 25, 2022. Barbara was born on Nov. 6, 1935, to Aubrey Herbert Thompson and Martha Lillian Bryant Thompson in the Beauregard community.

She attended Opelika City Schools and went on to obtain a degree in Dental Hygiene at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. She married Jim Askew in 1957, and they were married for 59 years until his death in 2016.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband, James E. (Jim) Askew. She is survived by her children, Sabrina (Ben), Shane (Monica), Joanna (Dave), Scott (Wendy) and Michael (Renee). Barbara also leaves behind 10 grandchildren: Christopher (Nancy), Marissa, George (Erin), Larkin, James, Fowler, Aubrey, Sierra (Tim), Calen (Thomas) and Dylan. Her great-grandchildren are Auden, Aubrey, Freya and Wilder.

Mama worked in the dental hygiene field for a number of years. She later began to work in the Opelika school system as a teacher›s aide in order to be home with her five children after school. After we were older, she also worked in our father›s business, Jim›s Pharmacy, for about eight years. She was

FRANCES MARIE FORD Frances Marie Ford of Opelika was born to the late Elbert and Carrie Richardson Moore on Oct. 17, 1937, and passed away peacefully at her home on May 3, 2022. She was 84 years old.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Ford; daughter, Jackie Till Damron; sister, Doris Ford; Step mother, Carrie Corley Moore; special fur baby Max. Marie is survived by her daughters, Susan Gorham, Vickie Strong (John); grandchildren, Ashlei Babauta, Aleisha Baker, Jordan Strong, Chase Strong, Katherine Till, Emily Damron, Elizabeth Damron; great grandchildren, Kelsea Orrick, Claire Babauta, Jaxon Orrick, Jaidon Orrick, Conner Babauta; brother, Ralph Moore (Lois), as well numerous nieces, nephews, cousins; best friend Marcella Underwood.

Visitation was held Saturday, May 7, 2022 in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home from 5to 7 p.m with the funeral service will be held at Providence Baptist Church on Sunday, May 8, 2022, at 3 p.m. with Dr. Rusty Sowell officiating.

Interment followed at Garden Hills Cemetery.

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A14 May 12, 2022

The Humanity of Jesus

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

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RELIGION –– he Letter to the Hebrews has quite a bit to say about the humanity of Christ — especially in the second chapter. Here are some things we learn there.

1. Jesus’ humanity means He became vulnerable. In speaking about Jesus’ humanity, the Hebrew writer tells us how Christ “was made lower than the angels for a little

while . . . so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone” (2:7). Unlike the angels, Jesus became mortal. He was hungry, thirsty, and tired. He experienced suffering and ultimately death. In short, He was human and completely vulnerable. This was necessary for Him to become the sacrifice for our sins (2:10).

2. Jesus’ humanity means He identifies with disciples as family. Jesus’ humanity is also the gateway for us entering into the intimacy of a family relationship with Him. In v. 11, the writer says, “Both the One who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.” Jesus is the friend of sinners (Luke 7:34), but for “those

who are made holy” (i.e., disciples) — it’s something more. He is our older brother.

3. Jesus’ humanity means He frees us from the fear of death. The writer goes on in v. 1415 to speak of how Jesus “shared in their humanity so that by His death, He might break the power of him who holds the power of death — that is, the devil — and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.”

You’ll notice that “death” is spoken of three times.

We have Jesus’ death, Satan holding the power of death, and humanity who are held in slavery by their fear of death. Jesus died to break Satan’s power over death. Because He lived a perfectly righteous life, Jesus alone could say that Satan had no hold

over Him (John 14:30), stood condemned (16:31), and would be driven out (12:31). Concerning Jesus, Peter would say that “God raised Him from the dead, freeing Him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on Him” (Acts 2:24).

Because death had no power over Jesus, it has no power over those who belong to Him. In Him, there is no condemnation (Romans 8:1). The fear of death has been replaced by the assurance of life (1 John 5:13).

4. Jesus’ humanity means atonement has been made.

“For this reason He had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that He might make atonement for the sins

ABOUT BRUCE GREEN of the people” (v. 17). Jesus ultimately destroyed Satan’s power over death by making atonement for our sins at the cross. God did through Him what we could not do for ourselves. But since atonement involved a perfectly righteous life and death, it would not have been possible without the humanity of Jesus.

5. Jesus’ humanity means He is a faithful and merciful high priest who can come to our aid when we are tempted. “Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted” (v. 18). As the song goes, “There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus!” He’s been where we are. He gets it. He understands. And He can do something about it!

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

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

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

BIBLE VERSE OF THE WEEK Make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

— Colossians 4:5-6

CHURCH DIRECTORY Place your ad here!

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

APOSTOLIC HOLINESS Emmanuel Temple of Deliverance Inc. 28 Sanford Ave., Opelika 334-745-0210 God’s House of Prayers Holiness Church 301 Highland Ave., Opelika 334-749-9672 True Deliverance Holiness Church 936 N. Donahue Dr., Auburn 334-502-4700 BAPTIST Bethesda Baptist Church 201 S. 4th St., Opelika 334-745-7528 Beulah Baptist Church 5500 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-705-0538 Cooperative Baptist Fellowship 128 East Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-8506 Friendship Missionary Baptist Church

3089 Judge Brown Rd., Valley 334-710-2117 Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church 650 Jeter Ave., Opelika 334-749-9487 Green Chapel Missionary Baptist 390 Lee Road 106, Auburn (334) 749-4184 High Hope Baptist Church 227 Lee Road 673 334-524-8750 Lakeview Baptist Church 1600 E. Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-7094 Pepperell Baptist 2702 2nd Ave., Opelika 334-745-3108 Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Road 166, Opelika 334-745-4608 Union Grove Baptist Church 4009 Lee Road 391, Opelika 334-749-0461

334-826-8800 Beulah United Methodist Church 5165 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-745-4755

CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ at Cunningham 2660 Cunningham Dr., Opelika 10th Street Church Of Christ 500 N. 10th St., Opelika 334-745-5181 Church Of Christ 2215 Marvyn Pkwy., Opelika 334-742-9721 Southside Church Of Christ 405 Carver Ave., Opelika 334-745-6015

NON-DENOMINATIONAL Church At Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy., Opelika 334-524-9148 Connect Church 2015 West Point Pkwy., Opelika 334-707-3949 St. Ellis Full Gospel Church 5267 US Hwy 80W, Opelika 334-298-4319

COMMUNITY OUTREACH Good Sheperd Anglican Church 3015 Opelika Road, Opelika

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

EPISCOPAL Emmanuel Episcopal Church 800 1st Ave., Opelika 334-745-2054 METHODIST Auburn United Methodist Church 137 South Gay St., Auburn

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

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A15 May 12, 2022

COMICS

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

A16 May 12, 2022

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INSIDE B1 - B8:

ON THE MARK

OHS Softball Wins Area, Advances to Regionals

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See SPORTS, page B2

The OHS girls' 4x100 relay team took second place at the state championship last weekend.

OPELIKA –– The varsity Opelika High School girls’ track and field team finished No. 14 overall in the AHSAA Class 6A State Championship meet in Gulf Shores, Alabama, last weekend.

“Overall, I’m just absolutely thrilled with how the season turned out,” said head coach Jonathan

Fischer. “A lot of meets we went to we finished first or second; we continued to set personal bests week in and week out, and that’s all you can really ask for — each time you step on a track, everybody performs their best.”

Boasting a team of 17 girls, only five of whom are seniors, Fischer is proud of how his team competed and the experience See OHS, page B2

Déjá Vu: Tigers Meet Familiar Foe in State Semifinals

BY HARRISON TARR FOR THE OBSERVER

AUBURN — Fans of the Auburn high school baseball program have had a lot to cheer about in 2022; the Tigers posted a 25-6 record across the regular season, were in contention with what many consider one of the state’s premier areas until the very last region game and have cruised their way to the final four for the second time in as many years.

Simply put, head coach Matt Cimo’s squad has been red-hot coming down the stretch and is showing no signs of slowing down.

The squad’s equally-opportunistic approach to every opponent was evident in the Tigers 7-1 and 10-1 handing of Bryant in the second round of the ASHAA

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

game-winning double on the first pitch of her at bat. Offensively, Thomas and Yountz recorded two hits, while Smith, Stringer, Harrelson, Thompson and Lee added hits.

In the circle, Yountz pitched eight innings to earn the win. The junior allowed two earned runs, struck out nine Tiger batters and allowed no walks.

OHS won the area tournament after beating Eufaula, 14-1.

Yountz led the Lady Dogs offensively and defensively by recording three hits and pitching five innings to earn her second win of the tournament.

Other players recording hits: Thomas (two), Thompson (two), Lyles (two), Lee (one), Stringer (one), Long (one) and Jones (one).

Opelika advanced to the South Regional in Gulf Shores along with McGill-Toolen, Park Crossing, Robertsdale, Saraland, Eufaula, Baldwin County and Lanier. The Regional tournament is double-elimination with the winner advancing to the State

OPELIKA: MAY 17 AT 4:30 P.M. AUBURN: JUNE 14 AT 6 P.M. LEE COUNTY: JUNE 14 AT 6 P.M.

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

D. MARK MITCHELL

OPELIKA — he Opelika High School Bulldog Softball team (18-151, with two wins over Smiths Station junior varsity) won three straight games to win its AHSAA Class 6A Area Tournament last week at West Ridge Park.

OHS thumped Russell County, 17-5, in a mercy rule game that only went fourand-one-half innings.

Sania Stringer earned the win, pitching three innings, striking out three and allowing no earned runs. Jade Jones pitched the final two innings, allowing two runs while striking out six Warrior batters.

Despite scoring 17 runs, the Lady Dogs recorded just four hits.

McKay Yountz and KD Harrelson notched two hits apiece. RCHS walked 14 batters and made four errors.

In game two of the area tournament, OHS slipped by Valley, 3-2, with a walk-off double by Nylen Thomas.

The game went to extra innings with the score tied at 2-2.

Thomas then roped a

SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS

Bulldogs Succeed at State Track Meet

PHOTO USED WITH PERMISSION

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

state playoffs, about which Cimo noted that every outing is a fresh start.

“Every game is a new slate,” Cimo said. “You can’t think of the past, you’ve got to think about what’s going on right now and be part of the future.

My kids — every week of

practice — have just gotten better and better.”

In their first four playoff games, the Tigers have posted 33 runs, allowing their opponents to push just two runners across the plate in that same time frame.

Auburn’s pitching has been lights-out and the

bats have been alive; this weekend’s opponent will likely provide a much tougher obstacle on the group's path to the state title.

The area champion Central Red Devils are playing host and should See TIGERS, page B5

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B2 May 12, 2022

Battle-Tested Why the Tigers are Poised for Omaha

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY GRACE SHINSING AU ATHLETICS

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY JOHN HILLSMAN

Hornets Honor Seniors

The Auburn University baseball team secured its 33rd win with an 11-4 victory over Troy on Tuesday; the Tigers will play host to the University of Alabama for a three-game set beginning Friday at 7:30 p.m. CST

The varsity Beauregard softball season came to a close last week in the AHSAA Class 5A Area 5 postseason tournament.

The No. 4 seed Hornets lost their first game to Brewbaker Tech, 11-1, and the second to Tallassee, 16-4. Beauregard seniors pictured front row from left to right: Caroline Willis, Raley Thorn, Catherine Henson, Madison Champion, Destiny Cannon.

Back row from left to right : coach Bailie Barnes, coach Scott Meadows and coach Bryan Wilson

OHS >> FROM B1 they gained.

“That was probably the biggest thing we took away — we gained a lot of experience,” he said.

“Overall, [there was] a lot of positive performances from the girls. You look at the trend … throw in the COVID year … the girls are trending in the right way because there is a lot of potential for where they are going to be moving forward.”

The best weekend performance from the Bulldog girls came from the 4x100-meter relay team, which finished second in

the event, behind first place finishers Saraland High School, with a time of 48.50.

Other runners set individual bests, Fischer said.

Having entered the season with relatively low expectations, Fischer said it has been a delight to watch the student-athletes hone their craft.

“Back in January, we were adding a bunch of ninth and 10th grade potential to the team and that was exciting because you look at the future and think it’s great, but we didn’t really know what to expect as far the season goes.

Our girls really owned up to the challenge of

being a little bit of a younger core and taking that on and trying to accomplish as much as they could.”

The strong performances throughout the season wouldn’t have been possible without the senior leadership of Breckin Gould, Niya Walton and Haley Sanders, Fischer said.

“Without them we lack a lot of guidance,” he said. “They did a great job of leading from their positions and roles on the team.

I was really proud of how they handled the younger group, leading them and helping to cultivate the growth of this team.”

Although Fischer will not be the coach

next season, with a large chunk of athletes returning next year, the Lady Bulldog track and field program continues to set itself up for success and the head coach is excited for what the future holds.

“We have a lot of young talent,” he said.

“Its set up for new leadership to come in and take this girls' program over and really succeed with hit. The future is very bright.”

For more information on how the Opelika girls’ and boys’ track and field teams performed at state, read D. Mark Mitchell’s latest column on B1.

SPORTS >>

400 METER DASH 1:00.17 - Indiana Holloway - 13th 3200 METER RUN 12:24.66 - Breckin Gould - 20th 4X100 METER RELAY 48.50 - Relay Team - 2nd HIGH JUMP 4-6 - Kyndall Brundidge - 19th 4-6 - Haley Sanders - 19th TRIPLE JUMP 34-7.75 - Kyndall Brundidge - 10th 34-2.75 - Niya Walton - 11th 33-11.5 - Morgan Watts - 14th POLE VAULT 7-6 - Sabrina Jeri Hansen - 21st DISCUS 86-5 - Kasman Moss - 12th SHOT PUT 31-11.5 - Cherdi Daniels

FROM B1 Championship in Oxford.

The results were not available come press time.

OPELIKA TRACK AND FIELD COMPETES IN STATE MEET The OHS girls’ and boys’ track and field teams participated in the AHSAA 6A State Track Meet at Gulf Shores last week. The Lady Bulldogs finished No. 14 out of 32 teams, and the boys finished No. 18 out of the 32 teams The following is a list of the OHS athletes event and place in the state championship meet.

GIRLS 100 METER DASH 12.72 - Amiya Brown - 7th 200 METER DASH 26.50 - Haley Sanders - 5th

BY HARRISON TARR FOR THE OBSERVER

AUBURN –– The spring term has drawn to its conclusion at Auburn University.

Most undergraduate students have returned home for the summer, new alumni are spreading across the country to pursue careers and a large number of faculty members have departed to spend time with family. One might think the Plains of Auburn, Alabama, should be nearly lifeless at this point in time.

That might be the case, if it were not for the resurgence of the Auburn baseball program. For the first time since 2019, the Tigers are seemingly a lock to host an NCAA regional and appear to have the pieces required to make a deep run on the road to Omaha.

- 12th BOYS 400 METER DASH 51.96 - JaClarence Perry - 13th 1600 METER RUN 4:40.35 - Charles Brewer - 24th 3200 METER RUN 10:20.33 - Charles Brewer - 20th 110 METER HURDLES 14.76 - Tykell Thomas - 4th 300 METER HURDLES 40.24 - JaClarence Perry - 4th 42.19 - Theo Hubbard 12th HIGH JUMP 5-10 - Davian Jones - 20th LONG JUMP 20-7.75 - Davian Jones 12th TRIPLE JUMP 43-1 - Davian Jones 10th 39-10.75 - Kaden Cooper - 24th POLE VAULT 12-0 - Ben Royal - 8th 10-6 - Dontarius Alvis 17th DISCUS 133-0 - Mikeil Heard - 6th 125-3 - Ajaden Parham 14th SHOT PUT 44-1.5 - Mikeil Heard - 12th 42-10 - Marquavian Johnson - 16th OHS SPRING PRACTICE OHS head football coach Erik Speakman

As it stands, the orange and blue are sitting at 32-16 overall, 13-11 in conference play and are projected to host as much as a super regional tournament, depending on which outlet one looks at.

Supporters of the program have a reason to be optimistic. Here’s why the Tigers are capable of accomplishing the unthinkable: 1. AUBURN IS BATTLE-TESTED There is no question that the SEC is lightyears ahead of the rest of the country when it comes to baseball talent. Fans of the sport have known this to be the case for many years now, and the case has never been more strong than it is in 2022. Although the Tigers are just 13-11 within the league, the See AUBURN, page B3

started his fifth spring training at OHS last week.

Speakman discussed spring practice last week while appearing with me on my weekly radio show, "On the Mark".

Speakman said the Dogs will end spring training with a team scrimmage. Former Offensive Coordinator Jonathan Chandler left for the same role at Wetumpka, leaving the OC job open.

Instead of hiring a new OC, Speakman will call the offensive plays with help from Running Game Coordinator Jarred Flemming and Passing Coordinator Tommy Traylor. Coach Jamie Ferguson was promoted to special teams coordinator.

This season, Opelika moves to class 7A for the first time since the new classification started. The Dogs will be playing many schools that were on the schedule for many years, such as: Auburn, Central, Enterprise, Smiths Station, Dothan, Lee and Prattville. The season opener is Aug.18 on the road against Calloway (Georgia).

D. Mark Mitchell is the sports director at iHeartMedia, host of “On the Mark” Fox Sports the Game 9101310, co-chair of the Auburn-Opelika Sports Council, chairman of the Super 7 and Dixie Boys Baseball state director.

B3 May 12, 2022

Fishing Rodeo Set for Saturday AUBURN — The 28th annual Fishing Rodeo will take place on Saturday, May 14, from 7 to 11 a.m. at the lake at Auburn Technology Park South. This event is hosted by the city of Auburn Parks and Recreation Department and sponsored

by Evans Realty.

Registration began on Monday, May 2, at 8 a.m.; however, you can make a customer account.

The registration link can be found at www. auburnalabama.org/parks/ programs/fishing-rodeo/ .

Registration will also be taken at the event beginning at 7 a.m. The cost is $5 per child.

The first 175 kids will receive a free fishing rod and reel courtesy of Evans Realty, and the Auburn Parks and Recreation Department will supply the bait. Each child will be permitted to bring home five fish and must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Door prizes will be

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

BY SARAH COOK

given out to lucky participants, and prizes will be awarded to the biggest and smallest fish caught in each age category. Auburn Parks and Recreation will also give out an award for the most fish caught overall. This event is a great chance to bring kids and their parents together with America’s favorite pastime.

For more information, please visit www.auburnalabama.org/parks or contact Sarah Cook at 334-5012948 or scook@auburnalabama.org.

Beauregard Track Teams Score Big PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

BEAUREGARD — The Beauregard boys' and girls' track and field teams had an outstanding season.

Both teams placed first at the sectionals meet last week. The girl throwers swept the javelin and discus taking first, second

AUBURN >> FROM B2 experience alone will serve Butch Thompson’s group in a positive fashion. Auburn has stolen wins from the likes of Tennessee, Arkansas, Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Vanderbilt. The group will still compete in the SEC Tournament at the end of this month.

As mind-boggling as it may seem, the competition will actually get easier before it gets more challenging.

and third in both events at sectionals.

The girls' team also swept the 800m race at sectionals, taking first, second and third in that event as well.

The girls' team went on to place second at the AHSAA 5A State Championship.

Beauregard's girl throwers scored 40 points between

2. THE BULLPEN WOES HAVE BECOME LESS OF A FACTOR IN 2022.

For those familiar with Auburn baseball over the course of the past two years, there was a collective sense of anxiety when the ball was handed to the Tiger bullpen.

Simply put, the collaborative belief was that the group was going to find a new way to blow a lategame lead on a routine basis. Behind the arms of Blake Burkhalter and Chase Allsup, that has not been the case in 2022.

Burkhalter’s recent injury

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shotput, discus and javelin. This was more than any other school in the state of Alabama 1A through 7A. TOP FINISHERS/POINTS GIRLS Katie Wilkerson: 29.5 points scored, first in Discus, first in Javelin, third in Pole Vault, fifth in High Jump is reportedly negligible in the long run and Allsup is pounding the zone and sitting opponents down.

This is a different culture.

3.AUBURN’S BATS HAVE BEEN ALIVE ALL YEAR. Coach Thompson has made sure his guys have been eating their Wheaties. As it stands right now, the orange and blue are hitting for a cumulative average of .287, an .838 on base percentage and have blasted a combined 54 home runs to this point in 2022. More importantly, the Tiger offense is

Molly Conway: 20 individual points scored, third in 3200, third in 1600, second in 800 (setting a new school record) Akaylin Echols: 10 points scored, third in Triple Jump, fifth in Long Jump Allison Sheely: 8 points scored, second in Shotput Kintajah Johnson: giving its pitching staff wiggle room, presenting the rotation with the opportunity to toss the rock with a lead, a feat that all championship-contending teams must possess.

4.SONNY DICHIARA. Every team of destiny has an X-factor player. South Carolina had Jackie Bradley Jr. in 2010, Vanderbilt had Dansby Swanson in 2014, and in 2022, Auburn has Sonny Dichiara. Baseball is a team game; no individual player can win an entire season on their own.

A standout individual

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six points scored, third in Discus Anslie Stowes, Minka Isom, Gabby Focht, Molly Conway: six points scored, third in 4 x 800 relay Carlee Craft: four points scored, fifth in Javelin Ashlyn Watson: two points scored, seventh in Javelin

BOYS Riley Willson: 4 points scored, fifth in Discus Z.J. Grady: four points, fifth in Triple Jump Braxton Hughs: three points, sixth in Pole Vault Kyan Maloy: one point, eigth in Javelin Congratulations and Go Hornets!

can, however, ignite the flame that puts the rest of his teammates on a hot streak. Dichiara has been that guy for the Tigers throughout the entirety of the season. Slashing 60 hits and 15 homers for a staggering .420 average, Dichiara has forced opponents to respect his offensive abilities, drawing 53 walks and giving the rest of his squad the opportunity to push runs across the plate.

5.THIS IS COLLEGE BASEBALL. There is a long list of teams who all believe

that they can be hoisting the College World Series championship trophy come June; ultimately, only one can achieve that goal. The presumptive favorites — those among the likes of Tennessee — will certainly keep their momentum rolling, dark horses will pull off unpredictable upsets and every team in between will continue to buy into the “why not us” mentality. Auburn is certainly a group who is capable of turning heads and proving to the world why the tournament occurs in the first place.

B4 May 12, 2022

Auburn, Smiths, Central Battle for Softball Supremacy PHOTOS BY MATT AUSTIN / FOR THE OBSERVER The Auburn, Smiths Station and Central Phenix High School varsity softball team battled it out on the diamond last weekend for the chance to be crowned champions of the posteason area tournament. With No. 1 seed Central receiving a bye in the fist round, the Tigers defeated Smiths Station, 13-3, in the first game. Auburn then fell to Central, 8-7, and faced Smiths Station again, with the Panthers needing to win two games to advance to the championship. Auburn eliminated Smiths Station with a 12-11 win, setting up a championship of the Tigers versus Central. The Red Devils won the tournament with relative ease, defeating the Tigers 14-4 in final game.

AU's Title Defense Stays Alive PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER As of Wednesday morning, the defending state champion varsity Auburn baseball team was in the final four of the state tournament. The Tigers are set to play a best of three series against Central Phenix City with a chance to compete in the championship on the line.

B5 May 12, 2022

Lee County Schools Receive Positive Financial Report

had a cost of living raise of about 2%, total compensation is up 3%. Most of that was state-funded compensation increases, only about 1% of that represents increases of non-personnel. That again supports that cost constraint because we know things are costing

upper hand, given the fact that the Red Devils took two of three games in the regular season series between the rivals; the Auburn skipper is keenly aware of where his group went wrong.

“I think we made a lot of mistakes,” Cimo said.

“Central took advantage of a lot of the mistakes that we made. We can’t make the same mistakes; if we don’t, it’s going to be really competitive

games.”

To take down the reigning area champions for the second consecutive season, Cimo claims his group has to get back to the basics, taking care of the little things.”

“All of the above,” Cimo said. “Throwing, catching, putting the ball in play, getting ahead as hitters and just making routine plays.”

The head coach also noted that it is more

imperative now than it ever has been for each member of his team to do their job to the best of their abilities.

“It’s going to be just everybody doing their job,” Cimo said.

“Whatever the situation calls for, doing their job when the situation arises. If everybody takes care of all the little things, we’ll be alright.”

Between their familiarity with their

PHOTO BY JOSH FISHER / FOR THE OBSERVER

Comparing numbers to last year, revenue is at 105.6%, while expenditures are at 104.5%, with a surplus of 800,000.

“That again, you can see local revenues … that is the primary contributor to that,” Roberts said. “Of course you remember this year we

a lot more.”

Roberts attributed much of the increased revenue to increased total local revenue, which is up a total of 6% thanks in part to booming economic activity in Auburn. Lee County gets 40% of the total local revenue from the cities of Auburn and Opelika.

“That [surplus] is very significant” Roberts said.

IN OTHER BUSINESS, THE BOARD: - Approved out of state/overnight field trips for multiple schools - Approved the awarding of a bid from Knox Pest Control in the amount of $22,560 - Approved the awarding of a bid to Dixie Electric for an HVAC System for Beulah High School Gymnasium in the amount of $656,854 - Adjourned for an executive session - Approved human resource recommendations - Approved a recommendation for a student expulsion case.

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

LEE COUNTY — The Lee County Schools Board of Education met for its regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday night and received a positive financial report from Chief Financial Officer Dr. Ken Roberts regarding March 2022, which marks the mid-way point in the fiscal year.

“March is the 50% point in the fiscal year so that gives us a fairly easy metric to look at and compare to,” Roberts said. “We are running ahead of projections.”

The report from Roberts revealed budgeted revenues at the mid-way point of the fiscal year were at 55.8%, while budgeted expenditures were at 48.5%.

“So we are obviously executing some cost constraints, staying under budget,” Roberts said.

TIGERS >> FROM B1 be hungry for redemption after falling to Auburn in the same situation just one year ago.

“Central is a good team,” Cimo said. “We have to do a lot of little things to stay in the ballgame with them.”

Central enters the matchup with what one might assume to be the

Auburn’s Hunger Solutions Institute Receives Funds to Help Community CONTRIBUTED BY AUBURN UNIVERSITY

BY AMY WEAVER

AUBURN — Auburn University’s Hunger Solutions Institute will be working with Alabama farmers, farmers markets and independent grocers to ensure Alabama residents have access to healthy and fresh foods.

The Hunger Solutions Institute, or HSI, in the College of Human Sciences will lead the administration of funding from the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program, or GusNIP, within the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, or opponent and the magnitude of the moment, Cimo is optimistic that his team is capable of remaining level headed, appreciating the opportunity while maintaining focus.

“You’ve got to balance that,” Cimo said. “This is an exciting time to be in the final four, one of four teams left in the state, but then you realize that you’ve got to go out there and perform

NIFA. Auburn will receive $500,000 from GusNIP, plus an additional $500,000 in matching funds to be used over the next three years to support greater food access and nutrition security for low-income and at-risk communities.

Retailers in Alabama have received GusNIP funding for years, but this marks the first time that program management will be in state. With HSI taking the lead, it will continue to work with established food locations—seven farmers markets and two independent grocers—and expand to include three See HUNGAR, page B6

if you want to get to the next level. I think our kids are aware of what’s going on.”

Come Saturday afternoon, only two teams will still hold on to their dreams of winning the 2022 ASHAA state championship; there is much baseball to be played between now and then. Auburn’s final four run begins on Friday, May 13 at 4:30 p.m. CST at Central High School.

Opelika Showcases Skillful Youths PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER Opelika Parks & Recreation recently held the Opelika P&R Invitational at Opelika High School. Competitors ages 5 to 14 competed throughout the day in various events. Athletes from participating parks and recreation departments included: Alexander City Parks & Rec, Auburn Parks, Lanett Recreation, Lincoln Parks and Recreation, Millbrook Parks and Recereation, Phenix City Parks and Recreation, Talladega Parks and Recreation, Tuskeegee Mustangs and Valley Parks and Recreation.

B6 May 12, 2022

SUSCC Students Named to All-Alabama Academic Team OPELIKA — Southern Union State Community College sophomores Elijah Beverly and Dominique Watson were honored as members of the AllAlabama Academic Team at a recognition ceremony on Friday, April 22, 2022, in Birmingham.

A total of more than $53,000 in scholarships was announced for 48 of the Alabama Community

College System’s (ACCS) top scholars across the state during the 2022 All-Alabama Academic Team Recognition Program.

Beverly, who is from Wadley, received a transfer scholarship to Jacksonville State University and will major in math. Watson received a presidential transfer scholarship to The University of Alabama to pursue a degree in dance. Pictured are Dominique Watson, SU President Todd Shackett and Elijah Beverly.

“These are two of our

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

CONTRIBUTED BY SUSCC

Alabama 4-H Foundation Invests in the Future Two Lee County Students Awarded CONTRIBUTED BY ALABAMA 4-H

BY KATIE NICHOLS

AUBURN –– The Alabama 4-H Foundation recently awarded 35 scholarships in the amount of $1,000 to graduating 4-H members in 2022. Two $1,500 honorary scholarships were also awarded.

These scholarships can be used for any post-secondary education during the 2022–2023 academic year — including colleges, universities, community colleges or trade schools.

“The Alabama 4-H Foundation is committed to seeing young people succeed, and there is no better way to display this kind of commitment than through scholarship support,” said Seth Tuttle, development officer for the Alabama 4-H Foundation. “We’re honored to have awarded 35 scholarships to 4-H’ers from all across our great state. It is our goal to help these young people continue on their life journey and represent the values of Alabama 4-H.” Applications were accepted online through March 1. As

part of the application process, students were required to submit a resume, a letter of recommendation and their 4-H story.

Scholarship Recipients The following 4-H members were awarded an Alabama 4-H Foundation Scholarship: • Alexis Steele, Limestone County • Anais Shelley, Henry County • Anna Rios, Marengo County • Anna-Kathryn Robinson, Conecuh County • Blair Wyrosdick, Coffee County • Blake Harris, Tallapoosa County • Briley Newman, Pickens County • Cami Cleveland, Etowah County • Caymen Barron, Talladega County • Colton Cook, Tallapoosa County • Courtney Roberts, Calhoun County • Emily Strickland, Coffee County • Hannah Yeager, Chambers County • Hattin Berryman, Colbert County • Holly Johnson, Clay County • Hunter Garland, Washington County • Hunter Watson, Cherokee County • Jheran Turner,

Celebrating 31 Years

Pike County • John Wesley Garris, Talladega County • Josie Jones, Lawrence County • Katie Jett, Lawrence County • Kristen Walker, Lauderdale County • Leah Kate Owens, Washington County • Lindy Southers, DeKalb County • Malik Cooper, Monroe County • Marcel van der Wel, Marshall County • Marie Downey, Autauga County • Natalie Ruha, Shelby County • Neely Stewart, Lee County • Regan Williams, Clarke County • Ruth Johnson, Morgan County • Sierra Bennett, Etowah County • Sierra Ratcliff, Marengo County • Terry King, II, Dallas County • Victoria Thompson, Lee County.

Additional awards include the Barbara D. Thorne 4-H Endowment, awarded to Willow Sayles of Etowah County and the Beth and Dr. Thomas Elliott 4-H Endowed Scholarship, awarded to Suzanne Feist

of Winston County.

Each of these scholarships totaled $1,500.

“The youth that receive Foundation scholarships represent the breadth and scope of the skills, passions and possibilities of our state’s young people,” said Molly Gregg, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System assistant director for Alabama 4-H. “Investment in our young people with time, finances and care sets the stage for a better and stronger Alabama that is ready to adapt to meet the challenges and opportunities of our collective future.”

RECEIVING SCHOLARSHIP RECOGNITION 4-H invites scholarship winners and their parents/ guardians to attend 4-H Competitive Events Day June 24 to receive formal recognition.

4-H would also like to recognize 4-H scholarship recipients at high school scholarship days.

For questions about scheduling a recognition, contact Nancy Alexander at alexana@aces.edu

best,” said SU President Todd Shackett of the honorees. “It is always a pleasure to celebrate the accomplishments of our students at events such as this.”

All-Alabama Academic Team members are recognized for their distinguished academic achievements and leadership accomplishments. The All-Alabama Academic Team scholarship and recognition program

exists to provide Alabama Community College System students funding to support education and training in pursuit of a successful career pathway and a recognition program to honor outstanding scholarly achievements. The All-Alabama Academic Team Foundation manages, supports and administers the AllAlabama Academic Team Scholarship and Recognition Program.

HUNGAR >>

all Americans have access to healthy, affordable and fresh food,” said NIFA Director Carrie Castille. “As we approach the holiday season, we should be mindful that over 13 million American families are food insecure. USDA continues to use every resource at our disposal to bolster both food and nutrition security for these vulnerable Americans.

“Programs like GusNIP play a key role in helping families purchase and eat more fresh fruits and vegetables while giving them a chance for better health outcomes, not just during the holidays, but year-round.”

NIFA’s recent investment of more than $34 million supports 39 projects and organizations that directly serve low-income and at-risk communities.

This year, NIFA provided more than $122 million to projects that promote nutrition security across the nation.

To help administer GusNIP, HSI will rely on its partnerships with the Alabama departments of human resources, agriculture and industries and public health, Alabama SNAPEd, Sweet Grown Alabama, Alabama Grocers Association, Alabama Food Bank Association and Alabama Arise.

FROM B5 additional farmers markets and four additional grocers.

“Alabama households face food insecurity at a higher rate than most states, and the Hunger Solutions Institute exists to change that,” said Alicia Powers, the institute’s managing director. “With the End Child Hunger in Alabama initiative, we strive to address hunger and food insecurity among Alabama’s children. Alabama GusNIP will help us reach even more families.

“It makes sense for HSI to lead Alabama GusNIP since we have longstanding relationships with state agencies and non-government agencies to meet the needs of the hungry in Alabama.

The program supports SNAP recipients and small- to mid-size farmers, which helps the state economy. It’s really a win-win-win situation.”

Under the program, recipients of the USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, will receive a dollar-for-dollar match, up to $20 per day, to spend on locally grown or regionally produced fresh fruits or vegetables when they make a purchase using their Electronic Benefit Transfer, or EBT, card at participating retailers.

“We want to ensure

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B7 May 12, 2022

Planet Fitness Offering Free Summer Workouts for High School Students CONTRIBUTED BY PLANET FITNESS

ALABAMA — Planet Fitness, one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers with more members than any other fitness brand, is inviting high schoolers ages 14 to 19 to work out for free at any Planet Fitness location in Alabama from May 16 through Aug. 31 as part of the High School Summer Pass initiative.

High School Summer Pass was formerly known as Teen Summer Challenge, which was the first program of its kind launched in 2019 and saw more than 900,000 teens sign-up and complete more than 5.5 million workouts over a three-and-a-halfmonth period. Starting today, high schoolers can visit PlanetFitness. com/SummerPass to pre-register and get a reminder to formally sign up when the program officially kicks off on Monday, May

16. Teens under 18 must register with a parent or guardian online or in-club.

PLANET FITNESS EMPOWERS TEENS TO STAY ACTIVE According to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Network Open, less than 15% of teens met the 60-minute daily physical activity recommendation during the pandemic. And a national study commissioned by Planet Fitness found that 93% of American teens want to stay healthy and active over the summer months, but many lack motivation or access to do so.

“As the leader in fitness, we believe we have a responsibility to provide a welcoming, safe and judgement-free environment for high school students to improve their physical and mental wellness, particularly given the challenges they have and continue to face in the wake of the pandemic,” said Chris Rondeau, CEO at Planet Fitness. “Our

study found that nearly all (92%) high school students agreed that when they are regularly physically active, they feel much better mentally. Fitness is about feeling good, too, and our hope is that High School Summer Pass empowers teens to create lifelong workout habits to help them succeed in every aspect of their lives.”

“We are excited to invite teens all summer long into our clubs,” said Scott Breault, senior vice president of marketing for Corporate Clubs at Planet Fitness. “High schoolers have been one of the groups most at risk resulting from the pandemic, and we encourage them to stay active in the Judgement Free Zone to better their mental and physical health, both this summer and well into the future.”

To further motivate high schoolers to make fitness a priority, all participants who sign up starting May 16 are automatically entered into The Planet Fitness

High School Summer Pass Sweepstakes.

Planet Fitness will award one $500 scholarship in each state (and the District of Columbia), and one grand prize $5,000 scholarship at the end of the summer. These scholarships can be used for academic or athletic activities or programs.

INSIGHT INTO TEEN HEALTH & FITNESS To uncover how high schoolers view health and fitness today, Planet Fitness commissioned a national study in partnership with Material to shed light on mental and physical health from both teens’ and parents’ perspectives. Although negatively impacted by the pandemic, teens are ready to make a commitment to getting healthy, both physically and mentally.

KEY FINDINGS INCLUDE: Physical Fitness for the Win. Despite three in five teens (60%) reporting their usual health and fitness routines were severely disrupted over the last two years, nearly all

(89%) of their parents credit regular exercise and physical activity as helping their teens cope with the challenges of the pandemic. Nearly all (92%) teens agree that when they are regularly physically active, they feel much better mentally.

Although many teens make exercise and fitness a priority in their life (65%), there are significant barriers to doing so. In fact, 78% of teens note that just having access to a place to work out and being able to do so with friends (72%) would benefit their health and fitness journeys.

A majority of teens who exercise also agree that physical fitness makes them feel healthier (61%), stronger (57%) and happier (50%). It also provides the meaningful health benefits of more energy (69%), increased strength (64%) and stress relief (61%).

And 84% of teens agree that there has never been a better time than now to focus

on their health.

Mental Health Takes Center Stage. Almost half (48%) of teens admit that they struggled with mental health for the first time during the pandemic. More than half (51%) explain they currently struggle with anxiety.

Parents are overwhelmingly concerned about how the past two years have impacted their teens’ mental health (71%), overall health (66%) and physical fitness (60%). And 71% are equally concerned for their high schooler’s academic progress and preparedness for college.

That said, more than four in five teens report they are feeling hopeful about what’s to come in the future (85%) and that the pandemic showed them how strong they really are (82%).

Let’s Get Talking.

Parents have overwhelmingly spoken more regularly to their teens over the past two years about topics like self-esteem See PLANET, page B8

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B8 May 12, 2022

A Graduation Gift

I

BETH PINYERD

t is graduation time. We, teachers, have bonded with our class family. As teachers, we have hope for our students as they move up to the next game.

But, too, we have sadness in knowing that we will not be seeing these little faces each day. But as we ref lect and pray on the hearts of our students, we teachers realize that a school classroom can become a life-changing experience.

Young children are a promise. In graduation of 2022, I hope this encouragement will be a graduation gift from Classroom Observer to encourage parents as they look upon their children as a “promise.”

In sharing this with you, I’d like to take each letter of promise, as we realize that your child is a promise and a possibility as we explore ways we can encourage each child to be all they can be. Psalm 139:14 - “I praise you

because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

P - Praise and encourage your child.

Verbal praise is so important for young children to hear when they have done a good job. Pats on the back, eye-to-eye contact or a wink saying “I am proud of you” mean so much to children, as well as adults.

Time spent with your child spells LOVE. 1 Corinthians 13:13 – “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

R - Reach out to your child. In our world today, we spend so much time on the run. In reaching your young child, it is more important to spend free time with them rather than heading off to too many structured activities. Activities are fine, don’t get me wrong, but just not too many. Free play

is so important for young children. Play is a way that children work, grow and express themselves. It is so neat to let your child swing up to the beautiful spring sky, just running and walking around the yard or playing at one of our beautiful community parks. Taking time to make “Mud pies” or play house under a tree are such wonderful experiences in role-playing, learning to interact with each other and learning to be free to express one’s self. Play is developmentally essential. Giving your child time to play and interact with you as his/her parent, grandparent or caretaker is essential to a child’s happiness and well-roundedness.

Psalm 34:8 – “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.”

O - Optimism is contagious to be around. Children love to be around happy people. Just like Play-Doh, young children’s hearts can be molded by our actions and words. I love the term POP in sharing with children, which is ‘P-positive, O-Optimistic, P-Peacemaker.’ In guiding children to share and make friends, it is so important to guide them toward being positive.

Life is not going to always be a bowlful of cherries but it is our attitude and how we handle the circumstances of life that count. You’ve heard the old expression, “making lemonade

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out of a lemon.”

Teaching children early in life how to live, no matter how rough things are, is a valuable lesson not only for a child, but an adult. Too, O - optimism is just part of that positive spirit.

P - for peacemaker is so important for a child to learn in order to grow; get along with other children by sharing, “giving and taking”; and most of all forgiving someone when they have done something wrong.

Ecclesiastes 3:12 – “I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live.”

M - Meeting the strengths of your child’s gifts and talents, how they are made and enabling them to be all they can be. Being available to offer them learning sessions, activities that enhance what they are inclined to do is a true gift that every child deserves. Talking and listening to your child will win them over and they will see the love from your heart that you care.

Just like we water our spring f lowers, young children need to be nurtured too so the f lowers of confidence and motivation blossom. Ecclesiastes 7:14 – “When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other.

Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future.”

I - Interaction is so important in reaching

PLANET >> FROM B7 and confidence (92%), exercise and working out (88%) and mental health (82%). The majority of teens today also say they are now more open and communicative about their feelings (79%).

Screen Time, More Time. A majority of parents (55%) also report the time their teens spend on social media has increased since the start of the pandemic. In fact, many parents feel their teens are spending more time being sedentary than active – 54% noted their teens text more today, 52% saw an uptick in playing video games and 50% of parents say their teen is spending more time watching TV. And more teens agree they spend too much time in front of screens than they did right before the pandemic (61% in 2022 versus 52% in 2020).

A SAFE, CLEAN AND WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT TO GET MOVING

and teaching a child.

There are several approaches to learning.

1. Visual learning is where a child learns more by seeing pictures or demonstrations. 2. Ref lective learners usually learn best when they are alone. These children are usually observers for a long time in assessing their situations. They may be the children that will separate themselves in playing, look at books by themselves and ponder on new learning situations.

3. Logical learners are geared to learning by following patterns or sequences.

We think of ordering numbers and alphabet sequences when we think of this kind of learner.

4. Physical learners learn best by a lot of activities such as being active with their hands, feet and their whole body. We see these young children doing a lot of pretend play, as well as enjoying outside play and games. 5.

Relational learners interact and relate well to other children. They are very social and love to work in groups. They learn by interacting with their friends.

6. Musical learners love to sing, hum and they enjoy playing musical instruments.

When tambourines, bells and cymbals are given out, they love to march around the room and learn.

These kinds of learners make up tunes for everything. 7.

Natural learners love the world outside.

In addition to free in-club fitness training that all High School Summer Pass participants will have access to, the certified trainers at Planet Fitness have also designed 15 trainer-led workout videos and 10 downloadable workouts – encompassing cardio, strength, toning and sports circuits – just for high schoolers (across all fitness levels). This content will be available on the Planet Fitness App and at www.

PlanetFitness.com/ SummerPass starting May 16.

This summer and all year-round, Planet Fitness’ top priority continues to be keeping its members and employees safe and is the first fitness brand to receive the WELL Health-Safety Rating for Facility Operations and Management by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI). The rating recognizes Planet Fitness’ leadership in adopting the leading framework to ensure a safer and

They are little scientists who love to look closely at nature with all its plants and animals. Usually, these kinds of learners will migrate to the science table with the centers in a classroom. Jeremiah 29:11 - “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.’”

S - Special is what children are. Just like a canvas that we can draw or paint on, a child’s life is like this.

Children love to hear their names and they love to get encouragement. On the canvas of a child’s life, we as parents and teachers can paint beautiful masterpieces for our children and students.

E – “Every” is such an important word as we watch our young children grow up quickly. Every day is a gift wrapped up in a bow when young children are at the beginning of their little lives. Parents, they grow up so quickly. In a blink of an eye, they are grown and out on their own. Cherish every single day of your child’s life. Never take one day for granted.

Savor each moment as you watch your promise grow up to be a possibility. James 1:17 – “Every good and perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the father of Lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turn.”

Beth Pinyerd Classroom Observer

healthier environment for its employees and members across all of its more than 2,200 facilities.

Enhanced COVID-19 safety and sanitization protocols at its well-ventilated and spacious clubs include: Touchless checkin via the free Planet Fitness App — available to all High School Summer Pass participants A Crowd Meter on the Planet Fitness App that allows members to check club capacity in real-time before even leaving the house Increased sanitization to continually clean and sanitize high-touch areas, with cleaning stations available for member use Mask policies in accordance with local guidelines.

For more information on High School Summer Pass, including how to sign up for the free membership at any Planet Fitness location in Alabama, visit PlanetFitness.com/ SummerPass.

L ee County & A labama Politics

B9

Nov. 24, 2021

Thursday, May 12, 2022

Inside the Statehouse Senate Race Down to the Wire

STEVE FLOWERS

T

OPINION — he GOP Primary is less than two weeks away on May 24.

It has been an interesting and expensive race to fill the seat of our venerable and powerful senior Sen. Richard Shelby.

There are three major primary contestants. Katie Britt, Mike Durant and Mo Brooks are the horses — or as some might say, combatants — given the nature of the prevalence of negative advertising. Two of these three gladiators will be the recipients of the most votes on that momentous day and will face off in a runoff set for six weeks later on June 21. The winner of that June 21 runoff will be our next U.S. senator. Winning the GOP Primary is tantamount to election for a statewide office in the Heart of Dixie, especially for a U.S. Senate Race.

This race will probably wind up being the most expensive race in Alabama political history, especially when you add up the third-party expenditures.

In modern day national politics, a candidate’s individual war chest is not the telling story. We live in a world of third-party political action committees (PACs). These third-party PACs, based out of Washington, have spent more on their preferred candidate than has been spent directly by the candidates’ campaigns. These PACs are not supposed to coordinate with their preferred candidate, but they do. They share all information and polling, and script their attack ads based on what they think you want to hear. These innocuous PACs have the meanest hired guns, who relish negative ads and seek to destroy their opposition. Why? Because negative ads work.

The other political adage that has never changed is that money is the mother’s milk of politics. These three candidates possess or have received plenty of campaign resources, mostly from out of state. Allow me to summarize the top three U.S. Senate candidates, as well as their benefactors, their positions and potential.

Brooks is backed by the Club for Growth. This group of very rich folks want less government and free trade with China. They and Brooks are made for each other. They have been tied to the hip during his entire 11-year career in Congress. They want a senator who will have total disregard for their state or district and have total allegiance to their laissez-faire pro-China trade agenda. That is why Brooks has voted against the needs of his district and Alabama. He has actually voted against agriculture and military defense spending, which are the mainstays of Alabama.

Brooks has dropped dramatically in the polls since the race began this time last year. He will now probably finish a distant third. when the race first began and it looked like Brooks might be a player, the popular, wise and witty Republican senator from Louisiana, John Kennedy, quipped, “A senate seat is a terrible thing to waste.” The runoff will probably be a Durant and Britt contest.

Durant has been the wild card in this race, who nobody saw coming, but he is a perfect prototype for winning an open U.S. senate seat, especially in a pro-military state like Alabama. Durant is a war hero, a POW, and started his own military defense business. He has spent some of his own money but has been extensively backed by a national liberal group called the “More Perfect Union PAC.” The founder and major benefactor, Jake Harriman, is striving to elect more moderates, including Democrats and Republicans. This PAC wants “Republicans in Name Only” (RINOs).

Therefore, RINO probably is the more accurate description of Durant.

Durant is a phantom candidate, who has run primarily a media campaign revealing he was shot down as a helicopter pilot more than 40 years ago. If See FLOWERS, page B12

ROBERT HAM is running for

Lee County Commission District 4

Ham has lived in Lee County since 1973, as a servant for the people of District 4.

When the 2019 Beauregard Tornados devastated the county, he took seven months off work to help his community.

Ham’s list of accomplishments and service in the community include: Co-Founder and current Board Member of Mercy Medical Co-Founder and current Board Member of Northridge Shelter for Women Current Board Member of Talladega Hall of Fame Museum Co-founder of Friends of the Community Past President and Treasurer of Lee County Kawana’s Board Member of Alabama County Commission Association Conservative Christian

“I am very pleased to have served as your county commissioner for the past 12 years and would enjoy serving you for four more years. If you have any problem that I can help you with, please call me at 334-319-0691.”

— Robert Ham.

Paid for by Robert Ham Campaign: 1281 Lee Road 259 Opelika, AL 36804

Lee County Sets Work Session on ARPA BY. HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

LEE COUNTY — The Lee County Commission discussed two items relating to the American Rescue Plan Act funding during Monday night’s commission meeting.

Firstly, District 1 Commissioner Doug Cannon led a discussion on the categories for the ARPA funds.

“Commissioner Ham mentioned here a while back about having several work sessions on these ARPA funds,” Cannon said. “I’d like to see each commissioner comes up with five different categories, or six or whatever

it is, and then let us sit down and have a work session and discuss each one of them.

Because, I’m sure, between the five of us, two or three of the items we pick are going to be the same.”

Lee County has $32 million in ARPA funds to spend in ways that will benefit COVID-19 recovery.

Ways the money can be used include grant programs, infrastructure (water, sewer, broadband), vaccine programs, PPE, mortgage assistance, rehiring employees that were let go due to COVID-19 and more.

The commission voted to set a work session to discuss these funds

on May 23 at 5 p.m.

“Commissioner Cannon, I think that’s a great idea,” said District 5 Commissioner Richard LaGrand. “The other thing I like about it is the opportunity to distribute and disperse the funds evenly.”

The commission also approved a resolution and agreement to participate in the IAC Joint Bidding Program.

The Investing in Alabama Counties program is part of the Association of County Commissions of Alabama.

The commission first voted to approve the county’s participation See COMMISSION, page B12

Tony Langley Running For District 4 Commission Seat

BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

LEE COUNTY — Tony Langley is running for Lee County Commission District 4.

“I decided to run because I’ve just had numerous amounts of people come forward, asking me to run against our current commissioner [Robert Ham] and just feel like I could do a much better job than he’s been doing,” Langley said.

One of the main issues Langley raised was the

LANGLEY potential quarry coming to Beulah in Beat 13 by Creekwood Resources, LLC. The quarry has been a

topic of dissension in the county for months, ever since Creekwood announced in 2020 that it would be attempting to open the site in Beulah.

The community started fighting the quarry, hosting forums, attending commission meetings and fighting to keep the quarry out.

A Lee County Planning Commission was formed and zoning was enacted in Beat 13.

“A lot of the issues from the people are falling on See LANGLEY, page B14

Robert Ham Seeks Re-election as District 4 Commissioner

BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM LEE COUNTY — Robert Ham is running for reelection for District 4 for his fourth term.

“I’ve been involved in politics really since I got out of college in 1979 in a small way,” he said.

“Just finding a candidate that I liked, one I knew, and then support them through putting out signs, having a barbecue in my backyard and inviting my neighbors, and family and friends.”

When Oline Price ran for tax assessor, Ham served as her treasurer. When she ran for revenue commissioner, he served on that campaign as well. Ham also helped Sheriff Jay Jones with his first campaign.

“Those are two that I’m really proud of,” he

HAM said. “I think I picked winners both times.”

In 2010, Ham ran for his first commission term. The former commissioner did not want to run again and encouraged Ham to do so, he said.

Ham was reelected twice more, and if elected May 24, this will be his fourth term.

“I’m really proud of the relationship that I’ve helped build between

the city of Opelika and the county commission,” he said.

Ham also said he worked to build the relationship between the county and the school board.

His work with parks and recreation is also on his list of accomplishments.

“The Beauregard recreation park, that’s something I’m extremely proud of,” he said.

“That was many years of working on that when people told me, ‘You can’t. There’s no land available.’ And I went down there and started knocking on doors.”

Ham worked with a landowner to secure land for the park. He also worked to help the Beulah park get on its feet.

“Unfortunately, Beulah is the See HAM, page B14

B10 May 12, 2022

A blizzard, Two Wallaces’ and Georgia’s Flag: Surprises in Elections (Part 2 of 2)

GREG MARKLEY

T

OPINION — his is a follow-up to the April 8 column about changes in lives and election predictions that either wreck one’s plans or open new doors of opportunity. This is sometimes called the vicissitudes of time, relating to “circumstances or fortune, typically one that is unwelcome or unpleasant.” (Dictionary.com) Molly Ivins, the witty Texas columnist, was often asked by her colleagues to predict the winners of political contests. She never offered her own predictions, saying a scandal could erupt, or a candidate could even

drop dead. Ivins said: “Anybody who thinks he or she can predict exactly what happens is a yellow-bellied fool.”

In 1979, a blizzard was the major contributor to Jane Byrne’s stunning a swath of political observers by winning the Democratic nomination for mayor of Chicago and later the general election. She jumped from Chicago’s commissioner of consumer sales to become the first woman elected mayor of a major U.S. city. The current mayor made both tactical errors and media missteps in trying to retain his job and keep Chicago’s Democratic Machine

intact.

“The specter of Michael Bilandic … is like a ghost story elected officials and public planners tell each other — ‘plow the streets, or you’ll end up just like Mayor Bilandic,” wrote Whet Moser in “How the Blizzard of 1979 Cost the Election for Michael Bilandic” in Chicago Magazine (2011).

Here in Alabama, blizzards are uncommon, but politicians could be weakened as candidates if they mishandle an outbreak of tornadoes or other weather crises. In Chicago, Byrne won by 51-49%. But she herself was ousted from office in the Democratic primary of 1983, by 36-34%. Her successor, Harold Washington, became the first African American mayor of The Windy City.

Chicago political columnist Mike Royko wrote that, “I was trying to get a message across to Jane Byrne, but they (her top aides) didn’t get it at first. She suddenly had her issue, and she didn’t understand that. It was winter. Winter was going to beat the machine.”

In 1965, after Alabama Gov. George Wallace failed to eliminate the constitutional

ban on more than one consecutive term, he searched for “someone to sit in” until he could run for governor again.

He found that undeniably loyal person in his wife Lurleen.

She was often timid and self-conscious. A newspaper editor saw her as “the most unlikely candidate imaginable.” Whether she could triumph, even with her husband’s political clout, was an open question.

Lurleen easily won the Democratic primary; beating a distinguished group with two former governors.

She then faced charismatic one-term GOP representative Jim Martin in the general election. Lurleen was running not as “Mrs. George C. Wallace,” implying that Alabama might wind up effectively with two governors — a husband and wife.

“Martin said the South must ‘break away from the one-party system just as we broke away from a one-crop economy.

Martin also vowed to make Alabama ‘first in opportunity, jobs and education,” historian Billy Hathorn wrote in 1994. Lurleen Wallace won 64-31%, becoming the first state’s first

female governor. Sadly, she died of cancer after serving for only a year and a half.

In the 2002 Georgia governor’s race, Democrat Roy Barnes was expected to win a second term. Both Cook Political Report and Sabato’s Crystal Ball termed his contest against state senator Sonny Perdue as Likely Democratic.

Barnes was successful with much legislation passed, but a somewhat hidden threat opposed to his reelection was spreading like kudzu.

Barnes was unpopular with many teachers because of certain changes he made. The Republican revolution in Georgia was at its apex after a gradual climb.

But there is no denying the visceral reaction of white Georgians to his proposals for the Confederate flag.

“When the South went through integration and resistance to integration, there was always a Confederate flag being flown,” Barnes reflected in a 2015 Atlanta magazine profile. “So why should we have a Confederate Memorial Day, where we give state employees the day off? We don’t even declare a holiday recognizing the founding of Georgia,

on February 12, 1733?”

Perdue defeated Barnes and became the first Republican to be elected governor of Georgia since Reconstruction.

In 2003, Barnes was awarded the prestigious Profile in Courage Award by the John F. Kennedy Library for his attempts at lowering the profile of the Confederate flag and its symbolism in spite of the costs to his political career.

This two-part series has highlighted a point known by most perceptive Americans: Political handicapping has limited usefulness.

Factors that influence an election come suddenly and are not always seen even by the best pollsters and analysts. Media, especially broadcast media, should focus less on atmospherics and personalities and try something else: discussing real issues.

Greg Markley first moved to Lee County in 1996. He has a Master’s 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 13 years. gm.markley@ charter.net

B11 May 12, 2022

B12 May 12, 2022

Ballot Trafficking is Illegal in Alabama CONTRIBUTED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE’S OFFICE ALABAMA —

In Alabama, it is illegal for any individual to return or mail another individual’s absentee ballot application or their absentee ballot.

This practice, known as ballot trafficking or ballot harvesting, is a dangerous practice that often leads to ballot traffickers stealing the votes of well-meaning

FLOWERS >> FROM B9 the term “carpetbagger” ever applied in modern-day Alabama politics, it applies to Durant. He has barely campaigned in Alabama, and he probably knows very few Alabamians. He hails from New Hampshire but prefers his palatial home in Colorado. A vote for Durant is like a pig in a poke, you do not know what you will be getting.

However, you would be getting a person who decided he wanted to be a United States senator, but does not care what state you put behind his name: New Hampshire, Colorado or Alabama.

With Durant running a slick television-only campaign and not discussing

and unsuspecting voters.

Alabama law requires that the chain of custody be maintained for both absentee applications and absentee ballots. If the chain of custody for an absentee application or ballot is broken, then the law has been violated.

According to §17-11-4 of the Code of Alabama, “The application may be handed by the applicant to the absentee election manager issues, nobody knows where he stands on important issues. The one group that is extremely skeptical and apprehensive of him are the second amendment gun-owning NRA members of our state.

Britt is the mainstream conservative, pro-business candidate that understands Alabama and our needs. Most of her campaign contributions have come from Alabamians.

In fact, she is the only real Alabamian in the race.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers.

He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www. steveflowers.us.

or forwarded to him or her

by United States mail or by commercial carrier, as determined by rule by the secretary of state.”

Under Alabama law, the application must remain in the voter’s custody or with an approved commercial mail carrier during the entire process.

Pertaining to absentee ballots, §17-11-9 states that after completing their ballot, voters must “forward it

by United States mail to the absentee manager or hand it to him or her in person.”

Once again, the absentee ballot must remain in the custody of the voter or an approved commercial mail carrier chosen by the voter.

Ballot trafficking will not be allowed in our state. It undermines the legitimacy of the elections process and it leads to too many Alabamians having their votes trafficked by paid

COMMISSION >> FROM B9 in the IAC program in December 2021.

“This can also help us save money with the ARPA funds when we get to a point where we’re allocating,” said County Administrator Holly Leverette.

This program will help make sure that the county is providing and allocating the money legally since there are so many regulations in place on how the money can be spent.

OTHER BUSINESS: - The commission approved two representatives for District 1 on the

Lee County Planning Commission.

- The commission approved a resolution and agreement for the county to participate in the IAC Joint Bidding Program.

political operatives.

And to be clear, these traffickers are not seeking to make it easier to vote; in fact, they are trying to make it easier to cheat.

Ballot trafficking cheats Alabamians out of their ability to elect leaders to represent them free from coercion or manipulation.

If you are a witness to ballot trafficking or have been a victim of ballot trafficking, then it - The commission approved the final plat approval for the Oliver Trails Phase V-B Subdivision - The commission approved an agreement with Soft-Pak

is incumbent upon you to report this activity to the Secretary of State’s Elections Division at 334242-7210 or by visiting www.stopvoterfraudnow. com.

Individuals who are found to be engaged in ballot trafficking will be referred to prosecuting authorities so they can be indicted and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

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PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

President of The Curtis House Visits Opelika Kiwanis Club

During last week's Opelika Kiwanis Club meeting, Tamarcus Milner, president of The Curtis House spoke on the clubs impact in the local community. The speaker for the May 19 meeting has not been determined yet.

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LOCAL CLASSIFIED HELP WANTED Hana Factory Automation (Opelika, AL) seeks Mechanical Supervisor to supervise planning, design, install and maintenance mechanical systems of industrial robots and mfg. sys. Req. HSD and 2 year supervisory experience in design, install, maint. of indus. robots & auto mfg.sys. Resume to Hana Factory Automation, 304 Fox Run Ave, Opelika, AL 36801

B13 May 12, 2022

CORRECTION:

In the May 5, 2022 issue of The Observer, we attributed several quotes to the Planning

Commission Chairman, Cherry Lewis by error.

The quotes attributed to Lewis, were actually

made by the Planning Director Matt Mosley.

We would like to issue Mr. Lewis and Mr.

Mosley our apologies for the inconveniences that our mistake may have caused.

PUBLIC NOTICES IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MARY SUE CRAIG, DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No: 2022-225 Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 21st day of April, 2022, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

ROBERT C. CRAIG Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 Legal Run 4/28/22, 5/5/22 & 5/12/22 ------------In the Matter of the Estate of Arowneter Grant, Deceased Case No 2021-734 NOTICE OF APPOINTMETN OF ADMINISTRATOR AND NOITCE TO FILE CLAIMS Letters of Adminstration of the Estate of Arowneter Grant, deceased, having been granted to the undersigned, Everna Moss, on the 19th day of April, 2022, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate of said County, 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/ Enverna Moss Enverna Moss, Administrator Legal Run 4/28/22, 5/5/22 & 5/12/22 ------------INVITATION TO BID 22019 Sealed bids for the construction of the Sewer Line Extension to Serve Andrews Road shall be received at the Opelika City Hall 2nd Floor Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 pm local time on Monday, June 6, 2022, and then publicly opened and read aloud. All interested parties are invited to attend.

Only bids from competent general contractors will be considered. At the time of contract award, the successful bidder must be a properly licensed general contractor.

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.

Work to be done: The work to be completed for the Sewer Line Extension to Serve Andrews Road is described generally as follows: This project consists of approximately 3400 LF of 8” PVC gravity sewer main construction and associated work, including (but not limited to) approximately 100 LF of jack and bore installation, erosion control, traffic control, and other miscellaneous items for a complete and functional project.

Bidders are required to have a State of Alabama General Contractor’s License with a specialty of “Highways and Streets, Clearing and Grubbing, Earthwork, Erosion, Site Work, Grading or Municipal and Utility”. All bidders must submit with their proposal, 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 shall be documented on the outside of the sealed bid.

All bidders shall possess all other licenses and/or permits required by applicable law, rule or regulation for the performance of the work.

Copies of Bidding Documents may be obtained from ESG Engineering - contact Margaret Hildebrand at mhildebrand@ esgengineering.com or from the City of Opelika website https:// www.opelika-al.gov/Bids. aspx. Digital documents will be provided at no charge and hard copies will be provided upon payment of $200.

The bidder’s proposal must

be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished to him/her by the City of Opelika.

All information in the proposal must be completed by the bidder for the proposal to be accepted.

Bidders are advised that is their responsibility to check the City of Opelika website https:// www.opelika- al.gov/Bids.aspx regularly to see if any addenda have been issued and to verify that all addenda have been received prior to submission of the bid. Failure to notate receipt of any such addenda on the proposal form may cause the contractor to be disqualified.

A Bid Bond in the amount of five (5) percent of the bid amount (not exceeding $10,000) made payable to the City of Opelika must accompany each bid.

Performance and Payment Bonds for the full contract sum will be required of the successful bidder. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities.

Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, Purchasing-Revenue Manager, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama, 36803-0390.

Attn: Sewer Line Extension to Serve Andrews Road LILLIE FINLEYPURCHASING REVENUE MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (36801) POST OFFICE BOX 390 (36803-0390) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 705-5120 Legal Run 5/12/22, 5/19/22 & 5/26/22 ------------Notice of auction of abandoned vehicles. BEST 4 LESS will be auctioning off The below mentioned vehicles on JUNE 8, 2022. This Auction will be held at 2509 LAFAYETTE PARKWAY, OPELIKA, ALABAMA, 36801 at 10:00 a.m. If you have any questions in regards to either of the vehicles please give call at 334-705-0000.

1J4G258S8XC683080 – 1999 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 1GKEC13Z03J276663 – 2003 GMC YUKON Legal Run 05/12/22 & 05/19/22 ------------Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 1412 Opelika Rd, Auburn, AL 36830 Thursday, May 19, 2022 at 10:00AM Unit W381 The auction will be listed and advertised on www. storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

Legal Run 05/12/2022 ------------NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned intends to sell the personal property described below to enforce a lien imposed on said property under The Self Service Storage Act. The undersigned will sell at public sale by competitive bidding on Thursday the 26th day of May, 2022 at 10:00 AM on Lockerfox.com. Said property is iStorage, 3806 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika, AL, 36801 Jill Marshall-Smith 18 TVs, Furniture, lamps, household goods. Tyson , Tykia 96 Misc Household goods. Purchases must be paid for at the time of purchase by cash only. All purchased items are sold as is, where is, and must be removed within 48 hours of the sale.

Sale is subject to cancellation in the event of settlement between owner and obligated party.

Legal Run 05/12/2022 ------------NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned intends to sell the personal property described below to enforce a lien imposed on said property under The Self Service Storage Act. The undersigned will sell at public sale by competitive bidding on Thursday the 26th day of

May, 2022 at 10:00 AM on Lockerfox.com. Said property is iStorage, 501 North 26th St, Opelika, AL, 36801 Aaliyah Bolware 3129 mirror bed frame boxes misc household goods.

Connie Cook 2085 clothing shoes mixer school supplies shelving. Nellon, Alisha 2103 Couch, Bed Frame, Headboard, Dresser. McCullough, ShaNeal 2073 clothes, purse,boxes,bags, misc items. Purchases must be paid for at the time of purchase by cash only. All purchased items are sold as is, where is, and must be removed within 48 hours of the sale. Sale is subject to cancellation in the event of settlement between owner and obligated party.

Legal Run 05/12/2022 ------------CITY OF OPELIKA SYNOPSIS OF ZONING NOTICE ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS The City Council of the City of Opelika (the “City Council”) will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. in the Courtroom of the Opelika Municipal Court Building, 300 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, to consider an ordinance to amend Ordinance No. 124-91 entitled “Zoning Ordinance of the City of Opelika” adopted on September 17, 1991, in the following respects: (a) That Section 7.3C (“Uses”) of the Zoning Ordinance shall be amended to provide that a duplex is a conditional use in the R-4 and R-4M Districts. (b) That Section 7.3C (“Uses”) of the Zoning Ordinance shall be amended to provide that mausoleums, columbariums and crematoriums are conditional uses only in the GC-P and GC-S overlay districts. They are prohibited in the GC-P or GC-S districts as a primary use but may be accessory to another use as provided in footnotes 7, 8 and 9 at the end of the matrix table.

Public Notice of this public hearing with insertion of the proposed ordinance was first published on May 5, 2022, in the Opelika Observer. This notice is given pursuant to Sections 11-52-77 and 11-52-78 Code of Alabama (1975).

At said public hearing, all who desire to be heard shall have the opportunity to speak for or in opposition to the adoption of the Ordinance. Written comments concerning the above matter may be mailed to the City Clerk at P.O. Box 390, Opelika, AL 36803 at any time prior to the public hearing and may be further submitted to the City Council at the meeting and the public hearing.

Please contact Brian Weiss, the City’s ADA Contact Person, at 334-705-5134 at least two (2) working days prior to the public hearing if you require special accommodations due to a disability.

THIS NOTICE is given under my hand this the 12th day of May, 2022. /s/ Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 05/12/2022 ------------CITY OF OPELIKA SYNOPSIS OF ZONING NOTICE ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS The City Council of the City of Opelika (the “City Council”) will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. in the Courtroom of the Opelika Municipal Court Building, 300 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, to consider an ordinance to amend Ordinance No. 124-91 entitled “Zoning Ordinance of the City of Opelika” adopted on September 17, 1991, in the following respects: (a) That Section 7.1A (“Area Requirements”) of the Zoning Ordinance shall be amended to provide that the maximum number of dwelling units per acre in the C-1 District is 28. (b) Subsections C and D of Section 7.7 of the Zoning Ordinance shall be amended to provide revised development and design standards for buildings and structures located in the C-1 District.

Public Notice of this public hearing with insertion of the proposed ordinance was first published on May 5, 2022, in the Opelika Observer. This notice is given pursuant to

Sections 11-52-77 and 11-52-78 Code of Alabama (1975).

At said public hearing, all who desire to be heard shall have the opportunity to speak for or in opposition to the adoption of the Ordinance. Written comments concerning the above matter may be mailed to the City Clerk at P.O. Box 390, Opelika, AL 36803 at any time prior to the public hearing and may be further submitted to the City Council at the meeting and the public hearing.

Please contact Brian Weiss, the City’s ADA Contact Person, at 334-705-5134 at least two (2) working days prior to the public hearing if you require special accommodations due to a disability.

THIS NOTICE is given under my hand this the 12th day of May, 2022. /s/ Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 05/12/2022 ------------CITY OF OPELIKA NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARINGS TO: RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA AND ALL OTHER INTERESTED CITIZENS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of Opelika, Alabama will hold a regular meeting and will be conducting public hearings on Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. in the Meeting Chamber at Opelika Municipal Court located at 300 MLK Boulevard, Opelika, Alabama. A Planning Commission work session will be held at 2:45 pm before the regular meeting. The purpose of the public hearings is to receive public comment on the following: Some items at this meeting will have a designated public hearing (noted below). Individuals are limited to one 5-minute comment period per public hearing.

Approval of Minutes Update on Previous Planning Commission Cases IV. New Business A. Plat (Preliminary and Final) – Public Hearing A public hearing on a request

by Blake Rice, BarrettSimpson, Inc., authorized representative for BC Stone Contracting, LLC, property owner, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Camelot Townhomes Phase 3 subdivision consisting of 8 lots accessed from Merlin Street.

A public hearing on a request

by Jim Masingill, authorized representative for Broad Metro, LLC and Quik Trip Corporation, property owners, for preliminary and final plat approval of the QuikTrip Store #7172 subdivision consisting of 4 lots accessed at 3001 Gateway Drive.

B. Final Plat A request by Mark Strozier, authorized representative for Wyndham Gateway LLC, property owner for final plat approval of Wyndham Village Phase 2 Section 1 subdivision consisting of 54 lots accessed at Wymond Drive.

C. Conditional Use – Public Hearing A public hearing on a request

by David Slocum, Pinnacle Design Group, I., authorized representative for Mark and Loretta Ackerman, property owners, for conditional use approval for a commercial office and warehouse building with outside equipment storage in the C-3 zoning district accessed at 1405 Shannon Court.

A public hearing on a request

by Bruce Adams, authorized representative for Earlon McWhorter (280 and Company LLC), property owner, for conditional use approval for a new church (Church of the Highlands) in the R-3, GC-P zoning district accessed at 1451 Andrews Road.

A public hearing on a request

by Dustin E. Nelms, authorized representative for Hayley Investments LLC, property owner, for conditional use approval for a Holistic Wellness Center in the M-1 zoning district at 410 Simmons Street.

V. Old Business F. Final Plat A request by Doug Ransom, authorized representative for DRB Group Alabama, LLC property owner, for final plat approval of the Village at Waterford Phase 4 subdivision

consisting of 202 lots accessed from Arlee Avenue, Lismore Drive, and Heathcote Drive.

(This item was tabled at the April 26th PC meeting.)

G. Conditional Use – Public Hearing A public hearing on a request

by Blake Rice, authorized representative for Brookhaven Property Group, LLC, property owners, for conditional use approval to add 36 apartment units to Pinehurst Apartments in the R-4 zoning district accessed at 1500 Pinehurst Drive (700 block West Point Parkway).

(This item was tabled at the February 22nd PC meeting at the applicant’s request.)

All interested persons are invited to attend the meeting/ public hearings and be heard.

Written comments concerning the above matters may be mailed to the Planning Director at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama 36801 at any time prior to the meeting/public hearings and may be further submitted to the Planning Commission at the meeting/ public hearings.

The Planning Commission reserves the right to modify or alter any of the proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and to make its recommendations accordingly to the City Council.

Please contact the Planning department at 334-705-5156 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability.

PLANNING DIRECTOR Legal Run 05/12/2022 ------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA In the Matter of Adrain G. Parker- an alleged incapacitated person NOTICE OF HEARING: TO: Any relative or interested party: Lee County DHR has filed a Petition to appoint a Legal Guardian for the person of Adrain G. Parker. A hearing has been set for the 9th day of June, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. central time, electronically via “ZOOM”. Please contact the Lee County Probate Court at 334-737-3670 for access to the electronic hearing should you intend to take part in the hearing of this matter.

Bill English, Lee County Probate Judge Margaret A. Mayfield Attorney for Lee County DHR Post Office Box 809 Opelika, AL 36803 334-745-0333 Legal Run 5/12/22, 5/19/22 & 5/26/22 ------------INVITATION TO BID 22018 Sealed bids for the construction of the Floral Park Drainage and Turf Fields shall be received at the Opelika City Hall 2nd Floor Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., local time on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, and then publicly opened and read aloud. All interested parties are invited to attend.

Only bids from competent general contractors will be considered. At the time of contract award, the successful bidder must be a properly licensed general contractor.

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.

Bidders are required to have a State of Alabama General Contractor’s License with a specialty of “Highways and Streets, Clearing and Grubbing, Earthwork, Erosion, Site Work, Grading or Municipal and Utility”. All bidders must submit with their proposal, 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 shall be documented on the outside of the sealed bid.

All bidders shall possess all other licenses and/or permits required by applicable law, rule or regulation for the performance of the work. A mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held at the Opelika Public

Works facility at 700 Fox Trail on Monday, May 16th at 8:00 am. All prospective bidders must attend.

Drawings and Specifications may be examined at the Office of the City Engineer located at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama, and phone number: 334-705-5450. Bid documents may be obtained from the Office of the City Engineer at no charge as an electronic file if the bidder supplies a storage drive or as an email attachment or electronic drop box.

The bidder’s proposal must be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished to him/her by the City of Opelika.

All information in the proposal must be completed by the bidder for the proposal to be accepted.

A Bid Bond in the amount of five (5) percent of the bid amount made payable to the City of Opelika must accompany each bid.

Performance and Payment Bonds for the full contract sum will be required of the successful bidder. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities.

Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, Purchasing-Revenue Manager, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Ope¬li¬ka, Alabama, 36803-0390. Attn: Floral Park Drainage and Turf Fields LILLIE FINLEYPURCHASING REVENUE MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (36801) POST OFFICE BOX 390 (36803-0390) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 705-5120 Legal Run 05/12/22, 05/19/22 & 05/26/22 ------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JULIA MAE FANNING, DECEASED CASE NO.: 2022-159 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Letters of Administration of said deceased having been granted to Benjamin H. Parr, Personal Representative on the 10th day of May 2022 by Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Benjamin H. Parr Legal Run 05/12/22, 05/19/22 & 05/26/22 ------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA In the Matter of the Estate of Dorothy Draughn Elam, Deceased Case No. 2022-184 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR AND NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS Letters Testamentary on the Estate of Dorothy Draughn Elam, deceased, having been granted to the undersigned on the 29th day of April, 2022, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of said County, 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.

David Lynn Elam, Jr., Executor Legal Run 5/5/22, 5/12/22 & 5/19/22 ------------IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT CLYDE WELDON, deceased CASE NO.: 2022-241 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Jennifer Coker, Personal Representative on the 28th day of April, 2022, by Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Jennifer Coker Legal Run 5/12/22, 5/19/22 & 5/26/22

B14 May 12, 2022

HAM >> FROM B9 community that is pretty much forgotten,” he said. “… I got the funding to build a senior center there. Their senior center was awful and people just seemed to accept it.”

He helped to secure funding and land for the Beulah parks as well, he said.

“Phase 1 has been completed,” he said.

“We’ve had the ribbon cutting, and the children are out there playing on that property. That was, to me, a huge accomplishment, and now the people in Beulah feel like they’re equal.”

For his next term, Ham said he wants to see Phase 2 of the recreation parks.

“I think there’s some things we can do in the Beauregard area for senior citizens,” he said.

Ham said it has been difficult seeing

citizens disinterested in the commission or things happening in the county.

“I get pretty discouraged sometimes when I go to a county commission meeting, something that’s important coming up on our agenda and the only people that are there are people who are there who work for the county or maybe a couple of other people, and people are not there keeping up with what’s going on with their community.

“And that’s a little challenging to me.

Because I want that input, I want that feedback from people, good and bad. It’s part of the job that you have to take the negative, and if it’s something people don’t want, I want to hear about it. Doesn’t matter if I want it or not, that’s beside the point. What I need to hear is what they want and let me act on that and give them what they want, not what I

want.”

Speaking of negativity, Ham said he has not talked to his other two competitors, Greg Boddie and Tony Langley, but has heard their negative feedback.

“I have been getting a lot of negative about me from [Boddie and Langley],” Ham said. “I have not responded to any of it and I want to leave it that way. They can do all the negative they’d like, but I’m not going to respond to that …

“As long as I’m in politics, I will never go to the muddy, dirty side. I leave that up to others. I don’t think the public wants that, I don’t think they like that, I think that says poorly of your character.”

The election will be held on May 24. Ham said anyone who wishes to contact him can text or call him on his cellphone, 334-319-0691.

LANGLEY >> FROM B9 deaf ears,” Langley said.

“Of course, the rock quarry deal … people were trying to rezone, and voting for that, assuming they were voting against a rock quarry and their opinion the whole time was against this rock quarry.”

Zoning may not keep Creekwood from opening the quarry, however, which has many citizens concerned.

“I just want to be, if I can get elected, is be a reliable voice for the people,” Langley said. “No matter what community, whether it be Beulah, or Beauregard, or here in the city limits of Opelika or Smiths Station.

If the people in that area are voicing their concerns about something, legit concerns, and have their opinions toward a certain project or something like that, I would be an elected official, and it’s my job to represent their opinions and concerns, and it’s not about my personal agenda.”

Some other issues Langley said he feels could be improved include paving county roads.

“I know it’s a budget issue, and stuff like that, but I feel over time that you could get that done because if you’re going to spend the money to keep grading them, seems like to me you could save over a period of time if you go ahead and pave it,” he said.

Langley said investing in local ball parks is another priority, along with volunteer fire departments.

“A numerous amount of people had asked, ‘Hey, why don’t you run,’ and so that’s what got me intrigued about doing it,” he said.

Langley said he’s never been involved in local politics before. He works for himself, putting down hardwood floors.

“Parents raised me to be a ‘yes sir, no sir, no ma’am, yes ma’am,’ type of person,” he said. “Have respect, have your manners, always treat other people like you want to be treated — those types of values — and I think that goes a long way.

“So if you’ll treat somebody the way you want to be treated, that definitely goes a very long way and how people can interact with each other. So, if everybody’s good to each other and stuff like that, obviously we can all get along as a society.”

The election will be held on May 24.

“A lot of people are talking about they want change, so if it’s change they want, then May 24 we need to get out and vote, that’s the only way,” Langley said. “A lot of people talk about issues and ‘we need to do this and that,’ but the only way to make that happen is if the people of the county go to the polls and vote. That’s the only way to make the change.”

Langley said anyone with questions or comments can reach out through his Facebook page, www. facebook.com/profile. php?id=100077613133599.

“I just want to be the voice of the people of the whole District 4,” Langley said.

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The Observer will have a profile on the third District 4 Candidate, Greg Boddie, in the May 19 edition.

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B15 May 12, 2022

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B16 May 12, 2022

In the Primary Race for U.S. Senate, It’s Anyone But Britt

O

OPINION — n May 24, Alabamians will vote for their respective party nominees in federal, statewide and local primary races.

The contest that will determine who becomes Alabama’s next United States Senator is arguably the most consequential in that the presumed frontrunner, Katie Britt, will be an unmitigated disaster for conservatives.

On paper and on camera,Britt presents herself as a safe and down-the-line conservative who loves God, guns and freedom.

In other words, she speaks our political love language or at least wants us to believe that she does.

In reality, Mrs. Britt is

incapable of representing the people whose approval she seeks, especially conservatives who are the backbone of Alabama’s electorate. Why is that?

Because Mrs. Britt is a creature of Washington D.C. and the big business lobby. For years, she served as Sen. Richard Shelby’s chief of staff, pushing him to vote for one trillion-dollar spending boondoggle after another, working hand-inhand with Democrats to push our national debt to its now unfathomable $30 trillion.

Like Senator Shelby, Mrs. Britt has never seen a taxpayer dollar she hasn’t wanted to spend or hand over to her wellheeled lobbyist friends

on K Street or at the pro-amnesty Chamber of Commerce.

When Mrs. Britt wasn’t helping Sen. Shelby direct Alabamans’ hard-earned tax dollars toward federal programs and agencies that we now know are weaponized against us and our children, she was working hard behind the scenes to resurrect the corrupt process of earmarks wherein lawmakers engage in shady deals with lobbyists to barter our tax money away for special favors.

During Mrs. Britt’s tenure as Sen. Shelby’s chief of staff, Shelby voted against a conservative effort to balance the budget by 2024, voted in favor of nearly $3 trillion

in omnibus pork spending, voted for $650 billion in food stamp spending without work requirements, voted in favor of maintaining the Obama administration’s “Waters of the U.S. rule” to crush Alabama farmers, raised the debt ceiling multiple times and perhaps most egregiously, voted against repealing Obamacare’s Title I regulations responsible for doubling or tripling our health insurance premiums.

And when Mrs. Britt finished inflicting her damage on all of us from Washington, she took over as head of the Business Council of Alabama where she then proceeded to immediately lobby in favor of a massive $300

million gas tax hike on Alabama families.

Vote after vote that Sen. Shelby made with Katie Britt as his chief of staff facilitated the left’s war not just on our wallets, but on our way of life.

And those decisions are now hitting all of us hard as Washington’s reckless debt, profligate spending, burdensome regulations, radical ideologies and crony favoritism to big businesses drive prices higher and make daily living more and more unaffordable.

Alabama must send someone to Washington who will stand firm and look the corrupt establishment in the eye and say “No.” We cannot send someone who gleefully

helped spend away our children’s future, maintain the Obamacare policies driving our premiums through the roof and raised our gas taxes as inflation ravages our household incomes.

We are two weeks away from choosing our next senator, Alabama.

Save our families. Save our future. Fight back by sending whoever has the best chance between Mike Durant or Mo Brooks.

For Alabamians and especially for conservatives, it’s anyone but Britt. We can’t afford her and we certainly can’t trust her.

Drew White is a former U.S. Senate staffer and lives with his wife and children in Auburn, Alabama.

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