The Observer | May 16, 2024

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA — The Opelika Songwriters Festival kicks off this Friday evening, offering a weekend full of music and fun. The annual event attracts diehard music lovers from around the Southeast, who come to see more than 30 singer-songwriters playing 80+ shows during the weekend.

Founded in 2019 by Rob and Jen Slocumb (aka, Martha’s Trouble), the Opelika Songwriters Festival is a multi-day event featuring worldclass artists. Intimate listening rooms are created in restaurants, coffee shops, a distillery, pubs and galleries throughout the historic downtown district.

This year’s headline acts include Shawn Colvin, K.T. Tunstall and Sister Hazel. The festival will include performances by Livingston Taylor, Shawn Mullins, Vicki Peterson, John Cowsill and many others. To see the full lineup of artists and See MUSIC, page A2

& Dixon Conference Center wins travel award

Choice award for the eleventh straight year.”

Hotel’s 11th year in a row to win this award as one of the top 10% of hotels globally.

“Every day we work to delight our guests with memorable experiences,” said Hans van der Reijden, Ithaka Founder and CEO. “Our team is honored that our guests’ positive feedback earned this property a Tripadvisor Travelers’

“Congratulations to The Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Center on its recognition in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards for 2024,” said John Boris, Chief Growth Officer at Tripadvisor. “Travelers’ Choice honors businesses that consistently demonstrate a commitment to hospitality excellence. This means you have made such a memorable

See HOTEL, page A2

Pictured, from left, are Raven and Antoine Harvis, Cleven Harvis, Katrina Sheffield and Kerry Harvis.

Auburn 2040 community planning initiative to begin this summer

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

AUBURN — The city of Auburn is relaunching Auburn 2040, a community-driven visioning and planning process. Auburn 2040 follows Auburn 2000 and Auburn 2020 as the community’s largest strategic planning undertaking, giving Auburn residents an opportunity to weigh in with their ideas for Auburn’s future.

Community members are invited to serve on one of seven committees. The committees will think about, discuss, research and recommend what the future of Auburn should

look like in key areas: Education, Family & Community Engagement, Growth & Development, Intergovernmental, Public Safety, Transportation and Utilities, Environment & Technology. Those interested in serving may sign up online beginning now through May 31. Please note, only Auburn residents may serve on a committee.

Applicants may submit their top three choices but will only be assigned to one committee to allow participants to focus on one topic and to maximize the number of

participants. Please note that signing up does not guarantee a spot. Committees will be limited to 20 to 25 members. Those who previously applied must reapply to be considered.

Once committee members have been finalized and notified, committees will meet throughout the summer and fall about two times a month. Each committee will submit its recommended goals in fall 2024. These goals will be drafted into the 2040 plan, which will go before the Auburn City Council for adoption in early 2025.

Auburn Public Safety hires Emergency Services Manager

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

AUBURN — Patrick O’Hara has been hired as the city of Auburn’s emergency services manager. This new role has responsibility and oversight of emergency management and communications functions for the city.

He graduated with a bachelor of science in finance from Auburn University in 1990, an MBA from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1991, an associates of arts in Russian studies from the Defense Language Institute in 2005, a master of science in defense analysis from the Naval Postgraduate School in 2008 and a master of strategic studies from the Air University in 2016.

Patrick served in the U.S. Army for 26 years, most of it in Special Operations, retiring at the rank of lieutenant colonel. Over his military career, he received

impact on your visitors that many of them took the time to go online and leave a great review about their experience. People rely on Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice seal to help them navigate the myriad of things to see, eat and do across the globe. We hope this recognition continues to drive business to you in 2024 and beyond.”

ABOUT THE HOTEL AT AUBURN UNIVERSITY

extensive specialized training and had six combat deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq. He earned numerous awards including the Legion of Merit, four Bronze Stars, two Defense Meritorious Service Medals and four Meritorious Service Medals.

After military retirement, Patrick joined the Auburn Police Department as a police officer in 2019. He most recently served as a sergeant in the Patrol Section.

Executive Director Will Mathews said, “We are thrilled to welcome Patrick O’Hara to the new role of emergency services manager. With a proven track record in strategic planning, exceptional leadership skills under pressure and a lifelong commitment to service, Patrick brings invaluable expertise to our team. We look forward to the positive impact he will make to our growing Public Safety Department and our local community.”

Centrally located near the shops and restaurants of downtown Auburn, Alabama, The Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Center is adjacent to HEY Day Market, The Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center, and just across from Auburn University’s Samford Hall. Whether in town for the big game, a special party, or a productive business meeting, the hotel’s 235 guestrooms and suites offer true Southern hospitality in an ideal setting. For rustic Italian fare, visit Ariccia Cucina Italiana,

located inside the Hotel. Adjacent to Ariccia, enjoy Piccolo 241: Auburn's only true jazz lounge, with specialty cocktails and a large variety of appetizers and desserts. The property is owned by Auburn University and managed with Heart and Soul by Ithaka Hospitality Partners. For additional information or reservations, please call (800) 228-2876 or visit www.auhcc.com.

ABOUT ITHAKA HOSPITALITY PARTNERS

Auburn-based Ithaka

Community involvement is vital to the success of Auburn 2040. To get involved, sign up for a committee and the Auburn 2040 eNotifier at www.aubur-

nalabama.org/2040.

Follow the city of Auburn on social media @CityofAuburnAL for updates throughout the process.

ston Taylor

• Guitar Tone Workshop with Larry Mitchell

• Whisky Tasting at John Emerald

the schedule of who’s performing where and when, visit www.opelikasongwritersfestival.com.

Weekend and single-day passes are on sale, with opportunities for add-on experiences, including:

• Thursday Cocktail Dinner at John Emerald Distilling Company

• Saturday Breakfast at Botanic

• Sunday Brunch & Songs with Shawn Colvin, Shawn Mullins and Jon Muq

• Songwriters Workshop with Living-

Hospitality Partners (IHP) was founded in 2018 by Hans van der Reijden, an international hotelier with more than 35 years of experience in the industry. Formerly a partner in the Capella Hotel Group, he worked with founder Horst Schulze, a legend in the hospitality industry. The Ithaka Hospitality Partners management team has over 200 years of industry experience at some of the most prominent and respected global hospitality organizations.

IHP manages independent hotels,

In conjunction with the Songwriters Festival, everyone is invited to enter a raffle for a chance to win a Napa Valley Vineyards vacation or a guitar signed by festival artists. Raffle tickets are $25 each or five for $100, available at www.opelikasongwritersfestival.com. Proceeds will support The Sound Wall Music Initiative, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting and celebrating the art of music in the Auburn-Opelika community.

resorts, spas, restaurants, and food halls and is a proud partner in The Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management at Auburn University. IHP manages all commercial aspects of the Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center and is honored to play an active role in educating the next generation of hospitality and culinary professionals. For additional information, visit www.ithakahp.com

ABOUT TRIPADVISOR

Tripadvisor, the world's largest travel guidance

platform*, helps millions of people each month** become better travelers, from planning to booking to taking a trip. Travelers across the globe use the Tripadvisor site and app to discover where to stay, what to do and where to eat based on guidance from those who have been there before. With more than 1 billion reviews and contributions, travelers turn to Tripadvisor to find deals on accommodations, book experiences, reserve tables at delicious restaurants and discover great places nearby.

HOTEL

PATRICK O’HARA

MUSIC >> from A1

Chambers of Commerce News

Ayesha Ali Design to launch Vintage Luxe collection

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

LEE COUNTY —

Ayesha Ali Design, known for its exquisite fusion of Eastern and American fashion aesthetics, is proud to announce the launch of its latest women’s clothing line, Vintage Luxe. The new ready-to-wear collection will be unveiled at a celebratory launch party on Saturday, May 18, from 2 to 6 p.m. at V MGMT, located at 107 S. 9th St. in Opelika.

Vintage Luxe features a curated selection of pieces that exemplify elegance, class and versatility, designed to tran-

sition seamlessly from a professional setting to an elegant evening out. Key items in the collection include the Celine skirts available in black and olive ($250), Fara pleated pants in red and cream ($225) and the Neha and Raya crop tops offered in multiple color options ranging from $75 to $150. Each piece is crafted from the finest luxury fabrics, such as satin, and adorned with custom embroidery designed by founder and designer Ayesha Ali, a resident of Auburn, Alabama, and a graduate of Auburn University’s apparel design and production management

program, who described her designs as “a tribute to her Pakistani heritage blended with the influences of her American surroundings.”

"Vintage Luxe is a celebration of the diverse and dynamic spirit of today’s woman," she said. "Designed to elevate personal style and enhance confidence, each item reflects my commitment to originality, modesty and elegance."

The collection will be available for purchase at the launch event and online at ayeshaalidesign. com, catering to a wide range of preferences with sizes from XS to XL.

Applications now open for Opelika Chamber’s 2024-25 20 Under 40 Program

SUBMITTED TO THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA — The Opelika Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for this year’s 20 Under 40 Program.

The 20 Under 40 Program sets out to bring together young professionals from diverse professions and backgrounds on a regular basis to learn about the various aspects of the intricate workings of the city, school system, businesses, industries and public service to give a better understanding of how all these sperate entities come together to create a working, viable community.

This program begins in August 2024 and will consist

of events and programs through May 2025. Members will have the opportunity to learn about Opelika through community and government affairs leadership courses, give back to the community through a class service project, develop professionally through training and engage and connect with others.

Among other criteria, applicants must live in Opelika, be under the age of 40 and pay the tuition cost of $500.00. Potential members can apply for a scholarship to cover the expenses associated with program membership.

“This program truly educates the future leaders of Opelika,” said Ali Rauch, chamber president and

CEO. “So many 20 under 40 graduates go on to become such integral parts of our community from leadership positions on local and city boards to running for city government. We can’t wait to see what this year’s applicants have to offer.”

All applicants must submit an application and two letters of recommendation by Friday, June 14 in order to be considered. Submit applications to Mackenzie Poole at mackenzie@opleikachamber.com or drop off at the Opelika Chamber of Commerce at 601 Avenue A.

For more information about the 20 Under 40 Program visit www.opelikachamber.com/leadership-development/20-under40.

How to support pet health during hot summer months

CONTRIBUTED BY

FAMILY FEATURES

LEE COUNTY — As a pet

parent, you know your pet's needs are continually evolving. That's true during different stages of growth and even as the seasons change.

Part of supporting your pet throughout the year is understanding the specific risks that come with changing weather and special seasonal events. Supporting pets this summer can be easier with these tips.

DEHYDRATION

Just like humans, hotter temperatures make it easier to get dehydrated, which can lead to myriad health concerns.

Ensure pets have access to fresh, clean and cool water at all times and be sure to alert your veterinarian if you notice any changes in their interest in drinking, as that can signal an issue. Also watch for signs of dehydration, such as weakness, less energy, changes in appetite and panting.

PESTS

Both fleas and ticks flourish in warm climates, according to petrx.com, which reports that the most prevalent seasons for fleas and ticks are the spring and summer, or roughly from May through September.

PAW PAD BURN

Most pet owners know

it’s vital to keep dogs cool to prevent heatstroke, but some are not aware that their dogs’ paws are at risk in hot weather. According to rover.com, hot surfaces, like pavement, tarmac or asphalt can damage them, especially over a prolonged period of time. If you notice any of the following signs, your pet may be suffering from painful paw pad burns.

• Limping

• Refusing to walk

• Darker than usual or discolored pads

• Excessive licking or biting of feet

• Visible blisters

• Extreme redness

Alabama geography book authors to speak at Red Clay Brewing Company on May 23

BY KADIE VICK FOR THE OBSERVER

LEE COUNTY — Au-

burn University's College of Science and Mathematics (COSAM) Outreach

will host Mark and Laura Steltenpohl at Red Clay Brewing Company on Thursday, May 23, at 6:30 p.m. to discuss their book, “Roadside Geology of Alabama.”

“It’s important that people understand Alabama’s geology, not just because it's interesting, but because the geology of Alabama has influenced our cultural development, industrial development and history,”

Laura Steltenpohl said.

The Roadside Geology series has published guides for many states that have frequent tourists and many national parks. Mark Steltenpohl used Roadside Geology guides frequently during his years teaching summer field camp courses.

“I own most of the series myself and I took them with me, we had several vans of students, and I would give them walkie-talkies and they had to read along the roadway and describe the geology,” he said.

After seeing the many uses and value of the Roadside Geology series, he reached out to the publishing company and offered to write Roadside Geology of Alabama and asked his wife to work with him on the project.

“So, it became our retirement project,” Laura said.

“We see it as a service project, people really want to know about geology, rocks and landscape. It helps to

have a book that helps people understand Alabama’s geology. A lot of people don't know just how unique Alabama's geology is.”

With her husband having just retired from Auburn University’s Geology department as a professor and her retiring from teaching high school science, they made a perfect writing team.

“Geologists have a lot of jargon, and when we give these talks, we're finding that people are fascinated,” Mark said. “They're starting to understand the geology, but they get lost pretty quick in the jargon, and so we're trying to make it more understandable to a general audience.”

The publishers of the Roadside Geology series want the books to be accessible to those who are not familiar with technical geology terms and concepts but still want to understand and appreciate

Entomologist encourages families to get outside during cicada season

BY KATIE NICHOLS, ACES

LEE COUNTY — Gener-

their surroundings when traveling.

“Laura taught high school physical science, chemistry and physics for 20 years, and she's a very good writer — I'm not, I tend to talk and write research papers and deal with college students,” Mark said. “She has an especially good way of filtering down my jargon into something that's more understandable to go to the general public.”

The Steltenpohls are donating their modest share of profit from the book to fund scholarships.

“This is a labor of love, not only to help people understand Alabama geology and how fascinating it is but also to fund undergraduate education scholarships at Auburn,” Laura Steltenphol said.

They said their next project will be to write “Roadside Geology of North Carolina.”

• Missing skin or parts of the pads

Take these steps to treat mild paw pad burns at home

• Soak the paw pads in cool water — NOT ice water — or apply cool water compresses with a clean cloth, changing them frequently for at least 30 minutes

• Gently disinfect the paws

• Pat them dry

• Cut away any hair around the paws (very gently) to help prevent infection

• Bandage the paws or cover with socks to prevent them from being licked

• Check the paws again the next day. If there is no improvement or it’s getting worse, go to the vet.

MANAGING ACTIVITY LEVELS

During the summer months, pets may be tempted to take it easy in the heat, or you may have the opposite problem: a

the

pet that's a little too active for the elements. Monitoring their activity level is important to ensure they don't get overheated but also get adequate exercise to maintain a healthy weight and keep muscle tone strong. This may require getting creative about bringing playtime indoors or shifting your routine to accommodate walks early or late in the day when temperatures tend to be more forgiving.

HEAT STROKE

The Humane Society of the United States recommends that pet parents should never leave a dog alone in a car, even for a short time. The temperature inside a car can rise to over 115 degrees on a mild day of about 70 degrees. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the temperature can rise almost 20 degrees in just 10 minutes. Dogs can experience heat exhaustion when their body temperature hits just 103 de-

and brother Kerry Harvis. “It was way harder than you would think,” she said. “We play all the time at home, and we always scream at the TV. Well, when you are on the other side of that screen the pressure is real.” To win the grand prize —

grees, and high temperatures can cause irreparable organ damage and even death.

ALLERGIES

Pets can be affected by many of the same allergens as humans, including grass, pollen and other vegetation that is more prevalent during warmer months. Watch for signs of trouble such as scratching, chewing, watery eyes and general discomfort. Veterinarians can offer advice on allergy support and supplements appropriate for your pet's age, breed and size.

ANXIETY

Summer tends to bring more loud noise and commotion in general, but this is especially true around the Fourth of July when explosions become the norm. If pets are fearful, it's especially important to ensure they stay in well-secured areas since fireworks are a common cause of pets running away. If possible, find a safe spot within your house where outside

a new car — the Harvises had to defeat opposing family teams consecutively and then successfully complete a bonus quiz, guessing America’s top answers to random questions. The Harvis family opted to take the cash

ations of children living in the Southeast have long listened to the sound of a cicada’s song and collected their exoskeletons in yards and wooded areas. With the expected emergence of Broods 13 and 19, Meredith Shrader, an Alabama Cooperative Extension System entomologist, said this year is a great opportunity for parents to use the cicada to teach their children about ecosystems, life cycles and science.

“The earlier parents can introduce their children to insects and help them understand that they are not all bad, stinging creatures — the better,” Shrader said. “It is important to help them understand the importance of insects in our ecosystem.”

GET OUT AND EXPLORE

Cicadas in Brood 13 emerge every 17 years, and Brood 19 emerges every 13 years. Shrader encourages parents to follow the emergence of these periodical cicadas in their area, using it as a tangible, life-science teaching tool. She recommends using cicadamania.com to follow trends and updates. This website includes facts, species identification, emergence tracking and the sounds made by each species.

“One of the interesting things about the broods emerging this year is that their sounds truly are different,” Shrader said. “If people listen to the sounds in their backyard and compare what they hear to the website, they will be able to identify

noises are muffled. Provide some comfort items and check on them regularly. If they seem extremely distressed, vet-recommended anxiety treatments and supplements can help promote relaxation and soothe their nerves.

If your pet suffers from separation anxiety, summer trips can be especially problematic. One solution is to take your pet with you, but that's not always practical or even possible. When pets with separation anxiety stay behind, it's a good idea to leave them with someone they know, and even better if that person can stay in your home so pets are in familiar surroundings. If that's not an option, introducing pets to their caretaker or doing a trial run at the kennel can help ease their nerves. In extreme cases, you may need to consult with a vet about supplements that can help soothe pets in your absence. Monitoring pets' health isn't a one-size-fits-all effort, as different breeds have distinct needs when it comes to exercise, behavioral training and nutrition. Supplements can help complement regular food

equivalent of the car instead. Raven Harvis is co-owner of H & S Commercial Supplies and Services, while Antione owns Wise Guys Moving & Storage and serves on the Opelika City Schools Board of Education.

which cicada brood is singing nearby.”

Shrader said cicadas from Broods 13 and 19 have different sounds, but they also sound different than the annual cicadas that sing each summer in Alabama.

HEAD TO A CICADA ZONE

Because of urbanization of former forested areas, cicada zones may be less prevalent than many years ago. However, Shrader said this learning opportunity is worth the drive to a cicada zone. She recommends looking at historical data to see where cicada hot spots may be.

“See if there is somewhere nearby that is worth driving to,” Shrader said. “The University of Connecticut has an interactive map that is following the cicada emergence and has both current and historical data.”

When is the best time to look for cicadas?

This year’s emergence is an important event for cicada predators. Cicadas first feed on tree roots. Then — as they emerge from the ground — moles, birds, opossums and other small creatures feed on the cicadas. Shrader said the emergence is a survival strategy for the insects. They emerge all at once, hoping that some cicadas will survive to reproduce, lay eggs and start the process again.

“Cicada emergence will happen in the dead of night, when the cicada’s major predators are not moving,” Shrader said.

“This will give them time to come out of their exoskeletons and dry off. Then, they fly to the tops of the trees to warm up.”

to ensure pets are getting all the nutrients and preventative support they need to thrive.

One comprehensive option is NaturVet's Breed Specific Soft Chews supplement line, which provides proactive support for distinct dog breed categories, including toy/small, bully, sport/working, doodle and giant.

The vet-formulated soft chew line was designed to

a.m. the morning after emergence.

“Unfortunately, most opportunities to see cicadas will be as they are dying on the ground,” Shrader said. “Those who do not make the climb up the tree will be the ones that are most easily available for observation with families and children.”

THINGS TO DO

Shrader said there are plenty of ways to use this natural phenomenon as a teaching tool.

“It is important for children to have exposure to insects in order to teach them not to be afraid,” Shrader said. “These guys are big, but they won’t hurt you, and they will be in a lot of places. Take the time to see, touch and experience what is going on around you.”

• Head to a cicada zone. Use the available tools to find cicada zones near you.

• Collect specimens. Find cicadas or exoskeletons and pin them on a foam board for observation and safekeeping.

• Make your own map. Find and identify species, collect data and create your own map of your findings.

MORE INFORMATION

Use this year’s double-brood emergence as an opportunity to teach children about the ecosystem, all while enjoying one of nature’s most fascinating phenomena. Learn more about Alabama’s ecosystem and other insects by visiting www.aces. edu.

offer a personalized supplement approach for breeds with particular health needs. Each product offering is formulated for pure and mixed breed dogs alike, delivering tailored, wholesome ingredients to address joint, allergy, immune, heart, gut, anxiety and dental issues. Find more advice for supporting your pet's health this summer and beyond at naturvet.com.

Raven Harvis, who anchored

team consisting of her husband Antione, along with his father Cleven Harvis, cousin Katrina Sheffield

Shrader said that cicadas must be warm to sing, so singing will likely begin around 10

MARK AND LAURA STELTENPOHL

L labama Politics ee County & A

Thursday, May 16, 2024

Inside the State House

Democrat wins a House seat in Alabama

BY STEVE FLOWERS

The national media has been keenly interested that a Democrat has been elected to an Alabama House of Representatives seat. I have had several inquiries from national news and political publications asking me to explain and analyze this phenomenon. They are particularly interested in the fact that women’s reproductive rights was a central focus of this special election in Huntsville.

Democrat Marilyn Lands indeed won a resounding victory in House District 10, a Madison County seat, in a special election last month. She made woman’s reproductive rights the primary issue of her campaign.

Alabama is without a doubt one of the most Republican states in America. Every statewide elected office is held by a Republican, and the Republican dominance in the Alabama Legislature is categorized as being a super-Republican majority. Therefore, the lines are drawn to favor Republican incumbents. However, I might add, that Democratic incumbents are complicit, and very happily go along with Republicans when drawing heavily favored partisan districts because they entrench them in their seats also. This gerrymandering drawing of Alabama legislative seats is more

to protect incumbents, than to help a party. When the dust settled after the last reapportionment, it was recognized and acknowledged that there were only two competitive, swing purple House seats in the state –one in Montgomery and the one in Huntsville, which Marilyn Lands won as a Democrat in last month’s special election.

This Huntsville district is really an anomaly. It is more reflective of the nation than Alabama. Huntsville itself is really like a different state. It is as though the people in the research triangle of North Carolina and the Silicon Valley of California, were plucked up and placed in North Alabama in the super high-tech aerospace City of Huntsville. Ms. Lands’ House District 10 seat sits in the center of the Redstone Arsenal and has the highest percentage of Ph.D.’s in the nation. In fact, a few years ago, I spoke to the Huntsville Rotary Club. It was the largest Rotary Club I had ever seen, probably 300. They met in the Von Braun Civic Center. As I was getting up to speak, my observation was that I was looking at one of the most intellectual and sophisticated Rotary Clubs I had ever seen. So, I posed this question to the group, as I began my talk, “How many of you have an advanced degree, master’s, or doctorate, in aerospace engineering?”

Almost half raised their hand. When I began to regale them with past Alabama political stories and legends, they looked at me as though I was talking about politics on Mars. In short, Ms. Marilyn Lands’ district is truly a purple, nationally reflective district. In the 2020 Presidential

Election, it split almost evenly between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden. A special election also blurs the distinction between party labels. There are no heavyweight GOP standard bearers, like Trump and Gov. Ivey, on top of the ticket to steer voters to simply voting a straight lever-pulling party vote. It becomes a local vote for the person running the race, similar to a mayor’s race, which is nonpartisan.

Marilyn Lands was a better candidate and campaigner than her Republican opponent. She was an experienced campaigner. She lost a narrow race to her GOP opponent in 2022. She outworked her opponent, significantly. She did run a one-issue campaign. She ran on women’s reproductive rights, and it worked and resonated.

So, in answer to the national media’s inquiry, “Is this a bad sign for the Republican Party, nationally, in this year’s election,” my answer is a resounding, “Yes.” The abortion issue is a losing issue for Republicans. It has been since Roe v. Wade was overturned almost two years ago in June 2022. The proof is in the pudding, Republicans have lost every election since then, when they should have won. That issue was defeated two to one by voters in the most conservative state in America: Kansas. Trump is wise enough to avoid this issue, it is an Achilles Heel to the Republican Party come November.

Mainstream women voters, Democrats, Independents and yes, Republican women want the right to make that choice when it comes to reproductive rights.

See FLOWERS, page A7

Lee County Commission celebrates Relay for Life

This year’s event raised $10,000

BY HANNAH GOLDFINGER HGOLDFINGER@OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

LEE COUNTY — The Lee County Relay for Life was held a little over a week ago in our area, and the Lee County Commission celebrated the event during its regularly scheduled meeting on May 13.

During the meeting, Lee County Administrator Holly Leverette shared that the newly instated Lee County Commission Team won Best New Team during the event.

“We had a lot of participation under the direction of our co-chairs Belinda Smith and Ed Brown,” Leverette said. “It was a fun night, I can say we all came out there, and all the kids were out there, and the food, it was a lot of fun.”

District 5 Commissioner Richard LaGrand said this year’s Relay for Life event raised over $100,000.

“What a great event that was,” said LaGrand. “Let me just start by saying how proud we are of the new team.”

Brown commended the commission for the team saying how it had spawned from the local leadership.

“It is truly an honor to be a part of this company tonight,” he said.

Brown then listed many of the members who took part in the Lee County Commission team.

“It was such an incredible event, that’s already been stated, it was not because of Belinda Smith and Ed Brown, we were just part of the navigation team that was along for the ride,” Brown said.

Brown also commended Leverette and EMA Director Rita Smith and her team,

saying how their work was instrumental to the event.

“We were able to, be able to, once again, lead the charge against that awful disease of cancer, and we were able to thank those that were survivors and memorialize those that have passed that were in our county at large. It was just heartwarming,” Brown said.

OTHER BUSINESS:

• The commission heard an update on the Solid Waste Department.

• The commission approved the authorization of an appointment to the Lee County Alternative Sentencing Board.

• The commission approved the final plat approval for the Lee Road 334/279 Subdivision.

• The commission rescheduled the free disposal day from July 6 to July 13.

• A motion to authorize the filling of a full-time position with two part-time employees failed due to lack of a second.

• The commission discussed how they would hold the annual evaluation of county administrator, county engineer and EMA director.

• The commission approved an educational reimbursement request for the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

• The commission revised the Memorandum of Understanding between ADOC and the Lee County Coroner.

• The commission approved a bid for the T.K. David Justice Center Project.

• The commission tabled an item to approve an adjustment to the Capital Fund 210 Budget.

Legislative bill would require timely release of open records in Alabama

CONTRIBUTED BY

AND

ALABAMA — The Alabama Broadcasters Association and the Alabama Press Association applaud Sen. Arthur Orr from Decatur and Rep. Cynthia Almond from Tuscaloosa for sponsoring SB270, the bill that creates timelines in Alabama’s Open Records Act. The associations said they are grateful to Gov. Ivey and her staff who were committed to working with all parties throughout

the Legislative process to reach a compromise that does not unduly burden the custodians of public records, and at the same time gives the public a timeframe to expect a response. SB270 creates a framework for citizens when making requests for public records. There are currently no specific requirements for many public entities to even acknowledge a request. The public has a right to know what to expect when they make a public records request, rather than waiting for a response that may or may not come.

As with any legislation to change current law, there were concerns from stakeholders on the logistics of the new requirements.

ABA and APA met with representatives from the counties, cities, school boards, universities and others in addition to the Governor’s staff to work through questions and find common ground for the good of the public.

ABA President Sharon Tinsley added the association’s gratitude for the state’s executive office,

“The Alabama Broadcasters Association is

very appreciative of the time and effort Governor Ivey and her staff committed to working on SB270 with stakeholders over many months in an effort to create timelines in the state’s Open Records Act.”

“Transparency is a cornerstone of our democracy, and making it easier for the public to access records is a positive step in that direction,” APA Executive Director Felicia Mason said. “We appreciate all of the parties that came to the table to make this happen.”

Auburn faculty helping rural Alabamians

Another Ulta theft

AUBURN — Across the South, a land mass roughly the size of New Jersey is stuck in a legal limbo known as heirs’ property.

Adam Rabinowitz, an Alabama Cooperative Extension System agricultural economics specialist, said heirs’ property is more prevalent in Alabama than individuals may think. In fact, there is land in every county that is classified as heirs’ property, also known as family land.

“Heirs property is an issue that is created when someone dies without having a will or without the will being properly probated in the courts,” Rabinowitz said. “As a result, all of the heirs of the deceased become shared owners of the land. This can lead to a large number of family members having a fractional interest in the land.”

About 200,000 acres of the state’s agricultural and forest land is in heirs’ property, and until the title issues are resolved or agreements are put in place, the day-to-day operation of a farm in heirs’ property becomes complicated and difficult.

Heirs’ property is land passed down to a new generation, often across multiple generations, without a proper estate plan or will in place that

is also processed by the court. This is commonly referred to as a “clouded” or “tangled” title. In some cases, more than 200 heirs may have a legal claim to a small fraction of a family farm. Whether families are attempting to develop or sell the land left by previous generations, the lack of a clear title makes it difficult for families to move forward.

A team of faculty at Auburn was recently awarded $750,000 by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture to provide education and technical assistance to rural Alabamians struggling to navigate heirs’ property issues. The goals are to keep Alabama farmland in farming, build wealth, protect family farm legacies and promote

the economy of rural Alabama.

“We see some of the densest concentrations of heirs’ property in the country right here in Alabama,” said Ryan Thomson, assistant professor and grant team member.

Farmers in an heirs’ property dispute face numerous challenges to keep farmland engaged in farming. A major difficulty is that all coheirs must agree on every business decision, even simple tasks like selling assets such as cattle or timber.

“You can’t even fix the roof without every single co-heir signing off,” said Thomson.

The effect is that an heirs’ property dispute can result in farmland being permanently lost to development. Developers

can purchase an heir’s portion of the disputed land for a fraction of its value, legally partitioning it for development. Heirs faced with the possibility of years of expensive legal battles and an uncertain outcome will often take the smaller, surer amount.

Alabama reports both higher rates and total acreages of heirs’ property relative to other states. The negative impact of heirs’ property is expected to worsen as Baby Boomer farmers struggle with transition planning. Approximately 34% of all farmers are 65 or older, according to the U. S. Census of Agriculture.

Members of the grant team at the College of Agriculture’s Department

See HEIRS, page A7

OPELIKA — On April 27, the Opelika Police Department began investigating a theft of property, third degree, which occurred at Ulta, located at 2690 Enterprise Drive. At approximately 4:55 p.m. the suspect, a black male, entered the store and concealed merchandise on his person. He can be seen on surveillance video wearing a gray polo shirt, jean shorts and black and red sneakers. The suspect left in a silver Infinity SUV. If you have any information on this incident or the identity of the suspect, please contact the Opelika Police Department Detective Division at (334) 7055220 or the Secret Witness Hotline at (334) 745-8665. Tips can be submitted through our Opelika Police Mobile App. You may wish to remain anonymous. Tips can also be forwarded through Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at (334) 215-STOP (7867), toll-free at 1-833-AL1-STOP or via the Facebook page www.Facebook.com/215stop or website: www.215STOP.com

Lee County teacher arrested last week

LOACHAPOKA — On April 18, Lee County Sheriff’s Deputies received a report from the principal of Loachapoka Elementary School that on April 17 at approximately 2:43 p.m., first grade teacher Brittney Denise Buford, 32, of Auburn struck a 7-year-old student in the face with her forearm. Investigators obtained evidence including video from the classroom.

On May 9, Buford was arrested for third degree assault by Lee County Sheriff’s Investigators. She has since been released on a $1,000 bond.

The grant team includes faculty from Auburn’s College of Human Sciences, College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. In addition to Rabinowitz, Thomson, and Johnson, the grant team includes Ayanava Majumdar, Adam Maggard and Becky Barlow.

ULTA SUSPECT

BRITTNEY DENISE BUFORD

SEIZURE AND PROPOSED FORFEITURE NOTICE

Lee County, Alabama District Attorney commenced forfeiture against property listed below. The property was seized in violation of Alabama’s laws concerning controlled substances and is subject to forfeiture pursuant to Ala. Code §15-5-61(1975).

“Dope man” whose true identity and whereabouts are unknown may contest forfeiture of the listed property by filing a claim no later than 11:59PM CST 30 days after final publication of this notice, or, thereafter, a default judgement may be rendered against him in Case Number CV 2023-000187.00, Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama. Claimant must describe the seized property, state ownership or interest in the property, and be made under oath, subject to penalty of perjury.

CV-2023-000187.00: U.S.

Currency in possession of Courtland Crosslin seized July 19, 2023, in Opelika, Alabama, Legal Run 04/25/24, 05/02/24, 05/09/24 & 05/16/24

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

LACORA NICKERSON, Plaintiff, v. CHAYN LOPEZ, Defendant.

CASE NO.: 43-DV-2023-901070

NOTICE OF ACTION

TO: Chayn Lopez, Defendant, Named Above, whose whereabouts are unknown and cannot be ascertained after the exercise of reasonable diligence: You are hereby notified that on the 13th day of November, 2023, a Complaint was filed in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama, regarding a tortious injury allegedly caused by your negligence that occurred on or about December 25, 2022. By reason of an Order for service of a summons by publication entered by the Court in this cause on April 15, 2024, you are hereby directed to plead, answer, or otherwise respond to the Complaint and file such response with the with the Clerk of said Court and serve upon Kenneth S. Nugent, PC, attorneys for the party to this action whose address is 1234 First Avenue, Suite 200, Columbus, Georgia, 31901, on or before the expiration of 30 days after the last publication of this notice. If you fail to do so, judgment by default will be taken against you for the relief demanded in the complaint. This the 16th day of April, 2024. Mary Roberson, Clerk of Circuit Court, Lee County Legal Run 04/25/24, 05/02/24, 05/09/24 & 05/16/24

Construction of a Multi-Use Trail Along the Banks of Pepperell Branch ADECA RTP Project 22-RT-54-03

Form of Advertisement for Completion Legal Notice for Bid# 23031

In accordance with Chapter I, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given that Robinson Paving Company Inc,

Contractor, has completed the Contract for The Construction of a Multi-Use Trail Along the Banks of Pepperell Branch, for the City of Opelika/ADECA, owner, and have made request for final settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify Jeffrey Robinson, 5425 Schatulga Rd Columbus, GA 31907, in writing. Legal Run 05/02/24, 05/09/24, 05/16/24, 05/23/24

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF GEORGE B. WINGARD, DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Case No: 2024-242 Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 23rd day of April, 2024, 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.

WESLEY L. WINGARD

Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345

Legal 05/02/24, 05/09/24 & 05/16/24

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF ROBERT ASHURT WARD, DECEASED Case No. 2024-141

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration have been granted to Matthew A. Ward as Administrator for the Estate of Robert Ashurt Ward, deceased on April 24, 2024, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Done this the 24th day of April 2024.

BILL ENGLISH Probate Judge Lee County, Alabama Legal Run 05/02/24, 05/09/24 & 05/16/24

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LURA ATKINS, DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No: 2024-244

TO:Michael Brad Sullivan, Rufus Ray Wilson, Sharon J. Ekdahl, David Johnson, Tommy Johnson, Beverly McDaniel, Wesley Lance Johnson, Bobby Johnson, any unknown heirs of Jerre Allen Baker, and any unknown heirs of Lura Atkins also known as Lura Johnson Atkins

NOTICE: On the 22nd day of April, 2024, a ce1tain writing, purporting to be the Will of LURA ATKINS also

PUBLIC NOTICES

known as LURA JOHNSON ATKINS was filed in my office for Probate by TERESA LAMBERT and the 4th day of June, 2024, at 11:00 o'clock a.m. CST electronically via Zoom was appointed a day for hearing thereof at which time you can appear and contest the same, if you see proper. Please contact the Lee County Probate Court at 334-737-3670 for access to said Zoom hearing. Given under my hand, the 24th day of April, 2024.

BILL ENGLISH

JUDGE OF PROBATE

Robert H. Pettey, Attorney Samford & Denson, LLP

P.O. Box 2345

Opelika, AL 36803-2345

(334) 745-3504

Legal Run 05/02/24, 05/09/24 & 05/16/24

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Sealed proposals will be received by Auburn City Schools at the office of Auburn City Schools, 855 East Samford Avenue, Auburn, AL 36830 until 3:00 PM local time Thursday, May 30, 2024 for the:

AUBURN HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD AND VIDEOBOARD UPGRADES

AUBURN, ALABAMA at which time they will be publicly opened and read.

A Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held on Wednesday May 22, 2024, at 9:00 AM at the Auburn City Schools Central Office located at 855 East Samford Avenue, Auburn, AL 36830. If weather and circumstances permit, those in attendance may have the opportunity to visit the project site at Auburn High School (address provided above in bold).

Scope of Work: The project includes new scoreboards for the baseball field, softball field, and gymnasium, as well as a new videoboard in the gymnasium. Performance Time: The overall project must be completed on, or before August 8, 2024. The anticipated “Notice to Proceed” is June 12, 2024, for the initiation of Shop drawings, Submittal Data and Product Procurement.

A cashier’s check or bid bond payable to “AUBURN CITY SCHOOLS” in an amount not less than five (5) percent of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000, must accompany the bidder’s proposal. Performance and Payment Bonds and evidence of insurance required in the bid documents will be required at the signing of the Contract. Drawings and specifications may be examined at Auburn Reprographics & Supply, INC, 660 North Dean Road, Auburn, AL 36830 and may be obtained electronically from Auburn Reprographics greg@ auburnrepro.com) or Harvest Engineering (deiland@harvesteng.com) after April 30, 2024. Bids must be submitted on proposal forms furnished by the Engineer or copies thereof. All bidders bidding in amounts exceeding that established by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors must be licensed under the provisions of Title 34, Chapter 8, Code

of Alabama, 1975, and must show evidence of license before bidding or bid will not be received or considered by the Architect (Engineer); the bidder shall show such evidence by clearly displaying his or her current license number on the outside of the sealed envelope in which the proposal is delivered. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive technical errors if, in the Owner’s judgement, the best interests of the Owner will thereby be promoted.

AUBURN CITY SCHOOLS (Awarding Authority)

TCU CONSULTING SERVICES (Owner’s Representative) HARVEST

ENGINEERING, LLC (Engineer)

Legal Run 05/02/2024, 05/09/2024 & 05/16/2024

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

COURT OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY

ESTATE OF DENISE R. HERRON, DECEASED

Letters of Administration of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 23rd day of April 2024, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred Witness my hand and seal this the 23rd day of April, 2024.

BENNIE J. HERRON Legal Run 05/02/2024, 05/09/2024, 05/16/2024

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.: 2024- 243

IN RE: The Estate of DAN O. ROBERTS, deceased NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to CYNTHIA LYNN ROLLIE, as Personal Representative of the Estate of DAN 0. ROBERTS, deceased, on the 22nd day of April 2024, by Bill English, Lee County Probate Judge. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

CYNTHIA LYNN ROLLIE

Personal Representative of the Estate of DAN O. ROBERTS Legal Run 05/02/24, 05/09/24 & 05/16/24

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE MATTER OF THE MINOR NAME CHANGE PETITION FILED BY MONQUETTA BERNICE BARNETT CASE NO. 2024-203 NOTICE OF HEARING TO: CALIXTO FORTUNATO IBARGUEN III

Notice is hereby given that Petition for a Minor Name

Change has been filed in the Lee County, Alabama Probate Office, by Monquetta Bernicia Barnett on April 4, 2024, to change the name of C.A.I, born on March 29, 2007, in Montgomery County, Montgomery, Alabama to Calixto Furtunato Ibarguen, II and Monquetta Bernicia Barnett. A hearing has been set for the 24th day of June, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. central time, electronically via "ZOOM", Should you intend to object to this minor name change, you must file a written response, with the attorney for the Petitioner, Hon. Jason C. Riggs, P.O. Box 954, Auburn, AL 36831 or with the Deputy Chief Clerk of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama at 334737-3670, as soon as possible, but no later than thirty (30) days from the last day this notice is published Or appear on the date of the hearing, as set above.

Hon. Bill English Judge of Probate, Lee County, Alabama Legal Run 05/02/24 05/09/24, 05/16/24 & 05/23/24

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of ETHERIAL J. JACKSON, deceased NOTICE OF HEARING TO: KATHY MATHEWS, LINDBURGH JACKSON, ANY AND ALL OTHER HEIRS OF ETHERIAL J. JACKSON

You are hereby notified that on the 13th day of February 2024, Henry Lee Jackson filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama a petition for the probate of record in this Court of a certain paper writing, purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of ETHERIAL J. JACKSON, deceased, and on that day, said Will was filed in said Probate Court.

It is therefore, ordered that a hearing be set for the 3rd day of June 2023, at 10:00 o'clock, a.m. in the Lee County Probate Court, 21S South 9th Street, Opelika, AL.

BILL ENGLISH, JUDGE OF PROBATE, LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Legal Run 05/02/24, 05/09/24 & 05/16/24

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.: 2020-187

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF JESSIE MURIAL WILLIAMS, Deceased NOTICE OF HEARING TO: ANY AND ALL HEIRS OR INTERESTED PARTIES OF JESSIE MURIEL WILLIAMS ESTATE

You are hereby notified that on the 29th day of April 2024, Asaila Nakema Thomas by and through her attorney Cody W. Foote filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama a Motion for Approval of Sales Contract in the Estate of JESSIE MURIEL WILLIAMS, deceased. It is therefore, ordered that a hearing be set for the 10th day of June 2024, at 10:00 o’clock, a.m. electronically via “ZOOM” for the hearing of said petition, and the taking of testimony in support thereof, at which time any next of kin can appear and contest the same if you see proper. Please contact the Lee County Probate Court at 334-737-3670 for access to the electronic hearing should you intend to take part.

BILL ENGLISH Judge of Probate, Lee County, Alabama Legal Run 05/09/24, 05/16/2024 & 05/23/2024

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, STATE OF ALABAMA Case Number.: 2024-202 IN RE: The Estate of MILTON F. STOKEY, JR. A/K/A MILTON FRANCIS STOKEY, JR., Deceased) TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to PATRICIA WARREN STOKEY as Executor of the Estate of

MILTON F. STOKEY, JR., deceased, on the 5th day of April, 2024, by the Honorable BILL ENGLISH. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred Bradley R. Coppedge, Attorney for the Estate of Milton F. Stokey, Jr. Legal Run 05/09/24, 05/16/24 & 05/23/2024.

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY ALABAMA CASE NO.: 2023-001 IN RE: THE ESTATE OF MARY JANE THOMASON, An incapacitated person NOTICE OF FILING OF PARTIAL SETTLEMENT You will take notice that Neil Thomason, as Conservator of the Estate of Mary Jane Thomason, filed his account and vouchers for a Partial Settlement of the Estate on the 19th day of April, 2024, and that the 3rd day of June, 2024, at 2:00 o’clock p.m. has been appointed to hear said partial settlement. Done this 7th day of May, 2024. BILL ENGLISH Judge of Probate Legal Run 05/09/24, 05/16/24 & 05/23/24

NOTICE TO CREDITORS CASE NO. 2024-259 ESTATE OF JAMES EMORY MORTON SR., DECEASED PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of the Estate of JAMES EMORY MORTON, SR., are hereby granted to James E. Morton, Jr. on the 30th day of April, 2024, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama. Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

James E. Morton, Jr. Legal Run 05/09/24, 05/16/24 & 05/23/24

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of FLARCIE M. HOPKINS, Deceased CASE NO.: 2024-253 NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to LISA H. CLEVELAND, as Personal Representative of the Estate of FLARICE M. HOPKINS, deceased, on the 25th day of April, 2024, by Bill English, Lee County Probate Judge. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

LISA H. CLEVELAND Personal Representative of the Estate of FLARICE M. HOPKINS Legal Run 05/02/2024, 05/09/2024, 05/16/2024

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution Case No. 2024-285 In the Estate of WILLIAM SMALL, Deceased Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the Lee County Probate Office by LOUISE SMALL on May 13, 2024 pursuant to Section 43-2-690, Code of Alabama and that 30 days after the notice of publication hereof and pursuant to law the Court shall be requested to enter an Order directing Summary Distribution of the estate of said decedent.

BILL ENGLISH, PROBATE JUDGE Legal Run 05/16/2024

Opelika’s Ward 5 council member hosts community meeting

Letter to the Editor: Disappointed with stalled law

The Alabama Cannabis Coalition would like to announce how extremely disappointed we are in Governor Kay Ivey and the Alabama Legislature and their lack of attention in the 2024 Legislative Session to the ongoing issue with awarding licenses to the applicants for “legal medical” Cannabis in Alabama.

Governor Kay Ivey is applauding all of the legislation that was passed in the 2024 Legislative Session and not a single word about the quagmire we have regarding SB46 that was passed by the Alabama House on May 6, 2021, and the Governor signed into law on May 17, 2021.

The sick, suffering and dying citizens of Alabama continue to be denied access and they do not have the luxury to wait for that access. On September 7, 2023, we issued a “Press Release” calling Governor Kay Ivey to call a “special session” to resolve this licensing issue and it fell on deaf ears. Our members and the citizens of Alabama called and emailed Governor Ivey, many received a reply/form letter stating that she is closely monitoring the status of the AMCC and its work to oversee the medical Cannabis Industry in Alabama.

We were hopeful that on February 6, 2024, the beginning of the 2024 Legislative Session that “medical Cannabis” would be first and foremost in the hearts and minds of our Legislators. We were sorely mistaken.

On Thursday, May 9, 2024, Sine Die was announced and the only legislation that was passed regarding “medical Cannabis” was HB390, on May 8, 2024, sponsored by AL House Rep. Danny Crawford. All that legislation did was to remove any involvement of the AL Department of Agriculture and Industry.

H Marty Schelper Founder/President of the Alabama Cannabis Coalition Founder/President of the Alabama Republicans Against Marijuana Prohibition alabamacannabiscoalition.org alabamacannabiscoalition@gmail.com

80+ organizations send letter to Gov. Ivey urging expanded health coverage

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

ALABAMA — More than 80 organizations sent a joint letter to Gov. Kay Ivey on Monday urging immediate action to close Alabama's health coverage gap. The groups are partners in Cover Alabama, a nonpartisan coalition dedicated to ensuring quality, affordable health coverage for all Alabamians.

“We are writing today to ask you to close Alabama’s health coverage gap immediately,” the letter said. “Alabama faces a significant challenge in ensuring access to affordable health care for all its residents. Our state continues to maintain a substantial gap in coverage, leaving nearly 300,000 Alabamians without access to the care they need to stay healthy and thrive.”

The groups’ call to action came after a recent joint hearing of the Senate and House health committees. During the hearing, Republican lawmakers from Arkansas and North Carolina testified about their respective approaches to expanding health care access.

“Alabama is one of only 10 states that have not closed the coverage gap,” said Debbie Smith, Alabama Arise’s Cover Alabama campaign director. “Our lawmakers heard two successful options to expand health care and the benefits of each, and there are many more positive examples across the country.”

The hearing demonstrated two potential approaches Alabama could emulate to close the coverage gap — traditional Medicaid expansion, like North Carolina, or a public-private option, like Arkansas.

“I live in a very rural and very conservative area,” North Carolina state Sen. Jim Burgin said during the hearing. “I have not had one person that has come up to me and told me, ‘Jim, you shouldn’t have done that, and we’re against you for doing that.’ But I’ve had hundreds of people come up to me and thank me because their loved one is now getting help.”

North Carolina expanded Medicaid in 2023. In 2014, Arkansas leveraged a public-private option to expand health care access.

“At the end of the day, looking at those health care providers, what they were facing, and our hospitals, we’re going to pay for these folks one way or the other,” Arkansas state Sen. Missy Irvin said. “So you might as well legalize a structure where you can get premium tax to help pay for a program, and you get higher reimbursement rates.”

Cover Alabama’s letter to Ivey implores her to recognize the urgency of closing the coverage gap and to take swift action to ensure Alabamians have access to health care. The letter highlights the economic benefits of expanding health care access, citing improvements in workforce participation, economic growth and productivity. The letter also outlines key recommendations for an Alabama solution, emphasizing the importance of covering adults with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level, supporting rural access to health care and maximizing federal funds to reduce state costs.

The Alabama Legislature’s 2024 regular session ended last week without any legislation passed to close the coverage gap. But the governor can answer the call for health care expansion with executive action at any time.

“Alabama shouldn’t be left behind any longer,” Smith said. “Gov. Ivey should take immediate action to close the coverage gap now.”

ABOUT COVER ALABAMA:

Cover Alabama is a nonpartisan alliance of advocacy groups, businesses, community organizations, consumer groups, health care providers and religious congregations advocating for Alabama to provide quality, affordable health coverage to its residents and implement a sustainable health care system.

of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology have conducted years of research into the social and economic effects of heirs’ property in Alabama.

“We were among the first to quantify how big the problem is,” Thomson said. “Forty-eight billion is trapped in the 11 states of Appalachia and the South.”

The economic threat posed by heirs’ property is not merely an individual heir’s stake in the family farm or even the loss of farmland. When developers take advantage of heirs’ property disputes, families often fail to transfer wealth between generations, perpetuating a cycle of rural poverty.

“Land is one of the greatest sources of wealth in the country,” Thomson said, referring to this process. “Heir’s property is one of the largest sources of involuntary land loss in the region. It strips people of not only their land but also their intergenerational wealth more broadly.”

Rural communities also lose out on much needed economic activity. Unproductive farmland generates less tax revenue for local communities. Heirs’ property is generally not eligible for private lending or for use as collateral. Often, with the legal fate of land uncertain, many properties are lost at tax sales when a co-heir fails to pay the taxes.

“For some of these families that can’t afford an attorney or to have a proper will made up, they also can’t afford to pay the taxes,” said Rabinowitz, the grant team’s director.

The issue of heirs’ property is not confined to one region of Alabama. Every Alabama county faces the problems associated with heirs’ property. According to the grant team, even some Century Farms struggle with a tangled title.

Heirs’ property issues primarily affect populations without access to trusted legal services, who are least likely to write wills. Historically, Black residents have been disproportionately affected by heirs’ property. One legacy of the Jim Crow era was distrust of the legal system by many Black residents of the South. “Black land holdings have dropped by 90% over the last 100 years,” Thomson said. The lack of clear title to the land due to multiple heirs was a primary cause of land loss.

Today, a common thread among families navigating heirs’ property disputes is their marginal status. Families who do not have access to,

Opelika Police Chief Shane Healey spoke to community members from Ward 5 during a meeting hosted by Ward 5 Council Member Todd Rauch. Healey updated those present on crime statistics for the area, programs and events geared toward fostering communication with the public and he answered questions from the audience. Rauch was elected as the Ward 5 Council Member in 2020.

or funding for, legal assistance often find themselves involved in an heirs’ property dispute. This limits the transfer of intergenerational wealth and leads to persistent rural poverty, according to the grant team.

At the root of all heirs’ property disputes is an estate plan or last will and testament that was not adequately prepared, not prepared at all, or not properly probated (processed through the court). The reasons for this are complex.

“For some people, it’s because they don’t want to plan for death,” Rabinowitz said.

“Because that means there is the thought that you’re going to die.”

Another issue is the cost of creating a will.

Many people believe they don’t have enough assets to make a will worth the effort, according to Portia Johnson, assistant professor and grant team member. Consequently, only about one-third of people have a will.

“The biggest reasons are fear-based,” said Johnson. “They fear that attorneys are untrustworthy, that the legal language is over their heads, that they’ll unintentionally sign their land away, or they just fear discussing death altogether.”

There is also a notion among many rural landowners that their connection to the land and the effort poured out there makes the land theirs— not the legal system.

“They don’t believe in the system,” Rabinowitz said. “They feel that for generations, they’ve been living on the land. So,

‘Who is it for someone to say we don’t have the right to just continue living here. Because we live here. This is where our family has been. So, this is our land.’”

Many rural communities also exist in so-called legal deserts where access to legal advice for preparing wills and estate plans or addressing heirs’ property issues is severely limited, according to Rabinowitz.

“While there may be limited resources in the state, we are uniquely positioned to tackle this problem because, as a land grant university, we have Extension offices in every single county,” Rabinowitz said. “This is an opportunity for us to provide research-based education and technical assistance to citizens of Alabama.”

Importantly, for land to become mired in an heirs’ property case, it doesn’t necessarily require any disagreement among family members. The difficulty of finding, contacting, and engaging in decision-making with all the family members who might have a legal stake — a fractured interest — can be an

insurmountable obstacle that keeps the land in limbo.

“I think many people are quick to blame the family,” said Thomson. “Sometimes it’s hard because it’s a fractured interest. How do you contact a co-heir you’ve never met?”

This is where the grant team expects the program will make a difference. The program is offering educational workshops throughout Alabama beginning in 2024. They are providing critical information on heirs’ property to landowners. The workshops also serve as an opportunity to identify families with heirs’ property issues who want to engage in agricultural activities on the land.

“We are often asked about how money can be made from the land after addressing title issues,” said Rabinowitz. “One option is agricultural production. We want to help those interested families work towards that opportunity.”

The team will select 75 families to receive one-on-one technical assistance, such as developing a family tree to determine fractional ownership and gathering relevant documents to be prepared to work with an attorney. This service is not trivial. Families often spend $10,000 to $20,000 in attorney’s fees and are still not ready to go to court, according to Thomson. The grant program will reduce legal expenses by helping with the costly and timeconsuming preparatory work that does not necessarily require an attorney.

Because the program aims to convert idle land into productive agricultural land, the program also focuses on developing participants’ farm business plans and financial planning skills, along with expertise in agroforestry and fruit and vegetable production. The combination of helping address the legal land ownership issue with traditional Extension agricultural programming is a novel approach.

“We are taking a step back by addressing one of the barriers that exists for a group of beginning farmers to financially benefit from the other resources that Extension has to offer,” Rabinowitz said. “We are also addressing issues for others that may want to get into farming but do not have access to land.”

“There’s going to be a lot of learning on our part, but there’s also so much need,” Thomson said. “To move the dial just an inch would be huge.”

Editor’s Note: Adam Cletzer of AU News and Katie Nichols of ACES contributed to this article.

HEIRS >> from A7

Religion

BY WALTER ALBRITTON

One of my favorite Bible verses is Revelation 3:20: Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.

In personal evangelism I have used this verse many times to invite someone to surrender to Jesus. When I found a person who seemed ready to accept Jesus as Savior, I would say “Would you like to become a follower of Jesus right now, this very moment?” Usually the person replied “Yes, I would.” I explained that the process is not complicated. I opened

BY BRUCE GREEN

OPINION —

As we come to Exodus 3, an indeterminate amount of time has elapsed since Joseph’s family moved to Egypt. More important than this gap of time is the change in leadership

Altar call

my Bible and invited the person to read Revelation 3:20 aloud. Then I said, “All God requires is that you repent of your sins, accept his forgiveness, and invite Jesus to come into your heart and reign there as your Savior and Lord. You have his word, his promise, that if you open the door of your heart and invite him in, he will come in. Would you like to do that?”

When the answer was yes, as it usually was, I would ask the inquirer to place one hand on verse 20 as we prayed. After thanking Jesus for keeping his promise, I urged the new believer to claim verse 20 as their life verse, memorize it, and share it with others as I had done. Is this too simple? Is this all there is to becoming a disciple of Jesus? Of course not. Authentic discipleship hinges on maintaining

Bible verse of the week

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. — 1 John 5:13

Thursday, May 16, 2024

One great romance

a personal relationship with Jesus. Genuine faith begins when Jesus is invited into the heart; a life-transforming relationship is begun. Since repentance is necessary, the first thing Jesus does inside the heart is to begin cleansing us of our sins, releasing us from guilt, and setting us free to love God, love others and love ourselves.

Where have I used this verse in this way? Sometimes at the altar of a church, but more often in other places, anywhere there is opportunity for a private conversation with someone who is seeking to know Jesus. God can change the heart anywhere a person is willing to trust him. Whenever, and wherever we may be, Jesus is ready to come into the open door of a willing heart. Phillips Brooks made this beautifully clear with these words in his

Studying His word

that had occurred. Egypt was no longer ruled by a faith friendly pharaoh. Instead, they were ruled by a pharaoh “to whom Joseph meant nothing” (1:8). This could mean that he had no knowledge of Joseph and the place he occupied in Egypt’s history. However, given the scope of Joseph’s accomplishments that seems improbable. It’s much more likely that it means he knew about Joseph’s contributions but didn’t care. For this pharaoh, any concern about the past was overruled by Israel’s burgeoning population (v. 7) and

CHURCH DIRECTORY

ANGLICAN

3015 Opelika Road, Opelika

APOSTOLIC HOLINESS

God’s House of Prayers Holiness

301 Highland Ave., Opelika 334-749-9672

BAPTIST

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

AFB - Cooperative Baptist Fellowship 128 E. Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-8506

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

hymn, “O Little Town of Bethlehem” –Where meek souls will receive him, still The dear Christ enters in. O holy Child of Bethlehem, Descend on us, we pray; Cast out our sin, and enter in, Be born in us today.

When Christ enters a heart’s door opened to him, a lifetime of change is underway! Soon, of course, the deep waters of life will require a sturdier faith. But faith grows stronger as we walk with Jesus. As Jesus reigns in the heart, he teaches us how to lean on him and our faith muscles are strengthened. Most of us will walk through dark valleys. There we will realize how much we need his strengthening presence during hard times.

When Jesus is on the throne of our hearts, he gives us the grace to persevere. This brings to

mind another powerful verse in this same chapter three of Revelation: Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that I going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth (3:10).

Oswald Chambers reminds us (in My Utmost for His Highest) that perseverance is much more than endurance. It is more than simply holding on. It is, he says, “endurance combined with absolute assurance and certainty that what we are looking for is going to happen.”

Urging us to entrust ourselves to God’s hands, Chambers says, “Is there something in your life for which you need perseverance right now? Maintain your intimate relationship with Jesus Christ through the perseverance of faith.

Bouncing on Pharaoh’s Knee

the potential problem it would cause if they decided to revolt against Egypt. Consequently, he attempted to alleviate this potential threat by conscripting them into working endless hours under brutal conditions. He “made their lives bitter with harsh labor in brick and mortar and with all kinds of work in the fields; in all their harsh labor the Egyptians worked them ruthlessly” (v. 14).

He would work them to death!

But God had promised Abraham in Genesis 15:5-6 He would make his descendants

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

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

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

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

Shady Grove Baptist Church 2194 Lee Road 177, Opelika 334-476-1531

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

CHURCH OF CHRIST 10th Street Church of Christ

numerous, and no pharaoh was going to prevent that from happening. Despite the conscription, Israel continued to multiply. “The more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread” (v. 12).

In response, this pharaoh escalated his wickedness to a new low — he instituted a policy of infanticide against all male Israelite babies.

At first, he enlisted the Hebrew midwives. When that failed, he issued a general order for all Hebrew baby boys be thrown into the Nile. This is where Moses

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

The Opelika Church 2660 Cunninghan Dr., Opelika

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

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

CHURCH OF GOD

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

GLOBAL METHODIST

Christ Methodist Church of Auburn 434 E. Magnolia Ave., Auburn | Worship at Lee-Scott Academy 334-209-0074

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

EPISCOPAL

came on the scene, as Yahweh showed He was not only powerful enough to rescue a baby from the Nile River, he could arrange events so the baby who would one day liberate Israel would grow up in the palace of Egypt being bounced on pharaoh’s knee! Furthermore, Jochebed (Moses’ mother), was given a government job taking care of her own son!

But everything was according to God’s schedule, not man’s.

That’s why, four decades later when a self-willed Moses was ready to be Israel’s deliverer (see

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

METHODIST

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

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

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

Bridge Church of AL 315 2nd Ave., Opelika 334-363-0552

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

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

Father’s House Christian Fellowship

REACH OUT BY ADDING YOUR CHURCH

Add your church to the directory for only $100 a year, or consider a display ad like the one at right for only $20 per week. Email michelle@opelikaobserver.com or call (334) 749-8003.

Proclaim as Job did, ‘Though he slay me, yet will I trust Him’” (Job 13:15). The good news is that the One who created the universe is ready to provide us with the inner strength to persevere.

“The real meaning of eternal life,” Chambers writes, “is a life that can face anything it has to face without wavering. If we will take this view, life will become one great romance – a glorious opportunity of seeing wonderful things all the time. God is discipling us to get us into this central place of power.”

When Jesus reigns in the heart, life can indeed become “one great romance” — a romance begun with a simple beginning! And, in love with the great Lover of his soul, the mature believer will indeed see God doing wonderful things all the time — until He calls us home!

Acts 7:23-29), it wasn’t the right time. It was only after four more decades of seasoning in the desert that He called a broken, 80-year-old man to a burning bush. Moses was broken to his way and ready (though he didn’t know it), to be used by God.

And how God used this man. May we live ready to be used by Him.

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

214 Morris, Ave., Opelika Living Waters Ministry Center 3005 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika

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

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

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

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

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST

Opelika Outreach

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

Teaching Minister at 10th Street Church of Christ in Opelika

BY ANN CIPPERLY FOR THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA — Located in a country setting, the historic Watoola Methodist Church of Opelika will hold its 48th annual Barbecue and Bake Sale Saturday, May 18, from 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Barbecue pork and chicken will be served with Brunswick stew, coleslaw, pickles and bread. Pints of pork, Brunswick stew and desserts will also be available, using recipes handed down for generations.

Barbecue plates are $10, and Brunswick stew and barbecue pork are $7 a pint. Homemade desserts include pecan pies, buttermilk pies, strawberry cakes, wedding cookies and many other choices. The barbecue can be enjoyed in the fellowship hall or taken home. Proceeds from the event go to maintaining the church.

“The entire church family works together preparing

for this yearly event,” said Christina Badowski. “Every family uses Gertrude Capps’ Brunswick stew recipe and Billy Capps’ barbecue recipe. Hardy church members work the barbecue pit through the night to cook 650 pounds of Boston butts and 350 chicken halves.”

On Friday afternoon around 2 p.m., the pork is put on the pit. Workers will begin turning and basting the meat. Women of the church gather in the fellowship hall Friday afternoon to assemble the slaw. They put the slaw into cups and place slices of bread into plastic bags. The equipment is set up for serving the barbecue the next day.

On Friday night, men of the church and surrounding community gather around the pit as they share a time of fellowship. Around 10 p.m. Friday night, everyone leaves, except the cooks, who stay all night. The pork will cook

until 3:30 a.m. Saturday morning. The first batch of chicken halves will then be placed on the grill. At 6 a.m. members of the church and community return to cut the meats and get them ready. At 10:30 a.m. Saturday morning the barbecue is ready, and an assembly line forms to serve.

When the March 3, 2019, tornado went through Beauregard, the church was severely damaged. Since the fellowship hall was not damaged, the church was able to continue services until the church was rebuilt. “With the help of the church family, local community and donations from across the country,” Christina said, “Watoola was able to open the present sanctuary in November 2020.” The Rev. Keith Badowski is the minister.

History of the Watoola Methodist Church goes back to the 1830s when Flora Fraser (1755-1846), from Scotland, built a

shelter of worship on Watoola Creek. The name “Watoola” means “living waters.”

Jane Capps researched the church history from records compiled by Sara Capps, who was a member.

In the Uchee Uprising of 1836, three Indian braves died protecting 81-year-old Flora. She had the Indians buried on a hill overlooking Watoola Creek, which was the beginning of Watoola Cemetery.

In 1837, the Rev. James Wesley Capps came from Georgia to Watoola Creek with his wife and two children, Katherine Ann Capps and William Moss Capps. The following year, Rev. Capps assisted in building a cabin of worship on land donated by John Andrew and Mary Green.

the first pastor of Watoola UMC. His son, William Moss Capps, became preacher in 1848 after his father’s death. John Dupree, who moved to Watoola around 1839, assisted Rev. Capps. In 1845 Watoola was on a circuit with 13 other Methodist churches.

In 1905 the original church was built. Walt Dupree cut logs at his sawmill to contribute toward building the church. Other families helped too. In 1957 the front porch of the church was removed, and Sunday school rooms and indoor restrooms were added. Over the years, the church was remodeled. The funds for a new fellowship hall. Bobby Capps and Ellis Jenkins suggested having a barbecue. The first year the meat was cooked over a borrowed open grill set up on blocks. The barbecue was so popular that it sold out before the workers could get it on plates. The church invites everyone in the community to the Barbecue and Bake Sale to

Upcoming Services

LINDA HAND

Visitation 9 a.m., Funeral 11 a.m., May 16

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home, Opelika

DR. SAMMY ALBERT CAVES

Funeral 11 a.m., Trinity Episcopal Church, May 17

DAVE SOLOMON MARIE SR.

Visitation 10 a.m., Funeral service 11 a.m., May 18

Happy Valley Baptist Church, Lanett

REBECCA BUFORD KOON

Visitation 10:30 a.m., Funeral noon, May 18

Frederick Dean Funeral Home, Opelika

DR. SAMMY ALBERT CAVES

Dr. Sammy Albert Caves, 81, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 14, at Columbus Hospice. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Sammy was born Oct. 26, 1942, in Douglas, Georgia, to Albert and Lillie Batten Caves. He received his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Georgia. He proceeded to earn a doctorate from the University of Georgia School of Pharmacy and then graduated in the first class from Medical College of Georgia in 1973. He was a member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Society. After practicing dentistry for three years, he returned to Augusta to complete his residency in orthodontics. Sammy spent over 40 years practicing orthodontics in Columbus and he loved spending time at his office caring for patients. He was a Damn Good Dawg and even requested his season tickets to be buried with him. Sammy enjoyed riding around the farm, taking care of his cows and horses and was never without his cup of coffee.

Sammy’s devotion to his family was unwavering. He loved nothing more than his wife, Pamela Shine Caves. He is survived by his eight children: Al Caves and his wife Michelle, Quin Johnson and her husband David, Amanda Bryan and her husband Bo, Whitni Waldrop, and her husband Mulford, Blake Caves, Alexander Caves, Batten Caves and Lillie Amelia Caves. He also adored his grandchildren: Tyler, Lindsey, Lucy, Bo, Thomas, Ford, Blakely, Mila and Pepper. He is also survived by his brother, Glenn Caves, and his father-inlaw Charles Shine (G Daddy).

As an orthodontist, Sammy’s comical and compassionate nature transformed smiles and hearts alike. His loyal staff are more like family and stayed by his side until the very end. He approached his work with a dedication to excellence and a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of his patients. Though his soul has returned to heaven, his spirit lives on in the countless lives he touched and the memories he leaves behind.

In addition to his parents, Sammy was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Carol Shine, his sisters Evelyn Flanders and her husband Thomas, Nadine Walker and her husband Jimmy and sisterin-law Barbara Caves. While we mourn his passing, we take comfort in knowing that he is at peace, surrounded by love.

A memorial service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church on Friday May 17, 2024, at 11 a.m. A visitation will be held Thursday May 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. at their family home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Sammy’s memory to Columbus Hospice or Trinity Episcopal Church.

DAVE SOLOMON MARIE SR.

Dave Solomon Marie Sr. was born in Golden Meadow, Louisiana, to the late Daniel Peter Marie Sr. and Thelma Louise Smith on Dec. 9, 1959. He passed away at his home in Valley, on May 11, 2024. He was 64 years old.

Dave’s family was from Louisiana, but he lived and worked with his own family in Alabama for many years. He dearly loved his family and friends.

He was self-employed and worked as a skilled construction carpenter but was also a trained Master Barber for many years.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, Corbet and Danny Jr.

He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Angelena Marie; their children, Dave (Angel) Marie Jr., Peter (Hannah) Marie, and Rebekah (Richie) Jn-Batiste, and another daughter, Melanie, with her two children. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Bríanna, Robert, Joshua, Zach, Nick, R.J. and Remi; his dear sister-in-law, Berylyn; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, friends and church family members.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, May 18, beginning at 10 a.m. ET, followed by an 11 a.m. funeral service at sanctuary at Happy Valley Baptist Church in Lanett, with Pastor John Dale Samanie officiating. FrederickDean Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, friends and family can make donations to the Happy Valley Baptist Church Children’s Department.

REBECCA BUFORD KOON

Rebecca Buford Koon, age 82, of Auburn passed away peacefully at home on May 11, 2024, after an extended illness.

Rebecca was born on Aug. 6, 1941, to James Ansel and Leita Tatum Buford in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She moved with her family to East Lansing, Michigan, during World War II for her father to serve on active duty with the Army training Michigan State cadets. Rebecca later moved with her family to Milltown, Alabama, and was taught in the first grade by her grandmother, Dove Riser Tatum. Rebecca served as student council president her freshman year of high school and was a proud graduate of the Chambers County High School Class of 1959.

Rebecca attended Auburn University (formerly known as API), where she was a member of Alpha Omega Pi social sorority and served as chapter vice president. Rebecca graduated in 1962 in three years with a bachelor’s degree in education and was a member Phi Kappa Phi academic honorary. Rebecca, her mother Leita and her grandmother Dove were all proud education graduates from Auburn University.

OBITUARIES

Rebecca met her future husband, Joe Lewis Koon from Gordo, Alabama, while attending Auburn University and they were married on June 3, 1961. Rebecca and Joe moved to California after graduation, and Rebecca taught elementary school while Joe attended graduate school. After returning to Alabama, Rebecca taught school for several years in Pickens County until she started her family.

Rebecca returned to Auburn University to complete her master’s and doctorate degrees in education and joined the AU faculty. She later sold real estate in Auburn before retiring to care for her parents and her husband.

Rebecca actively raised her three children and attended all sporting, scouting, band and military events through the years. Rebecca was a kind and wise person with a welldeveloped sense of humor. She loved her family and particularly enjoyed her role as Grand Mommie.

Rebecca was a voracious reader and loved to learn new things. She enjoyed gardening, propagating wildflowers and native azaleas and spending time outdoors with her family camping and SCUBA diving. Later in life, Rebecca became a talented stone mason and completed beautiful stone projects at her home. Rebecca was a member of Mount Olive Primitive Baptist Church.

Rebecca was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 45 years, Joe Koon. Rebecca is survived by her brother, Jim Buford (Betty) and her sister, Nancy Buford Robinson (George). Rebecca is also survived by her three children, Karen Koon O’Brien (John), David Lee Koon (Kelli) and Laura Ann Koon (Gail) as well as four grandchildren, Kelsey Faye O’Brien Pramik (Michal), John Keagen Bismark-O’Brien (Fine), Joe Clayton Koon (Carley) and Thomas Ansel O’Brien; and one great-granddaughter, Harper Lynn Koon. Rebecca is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

The family thanks the Chambers County High School Class of 1959 for their lifetime of friendship with Rebecca. The family also thanks Dr. Hiram

Patel, Dr. Allan Schwadron and Dr. Mandy Reimer and their staffs for taking great care of Rebecca during her extended illness. The family expresses its deep appreciation to Willie Frank (Pama) Finley for teaching Rebecca the art of stone masonry and for his many years of help and friendship.

The family also expresses deep appreciation to Sylvia Sims, for being Rebecca’s primary caregiver, and for her caregiver team including Karen, LaToya, Helen, Scocion and Shelia and for Rebecca’s other assistants, Deb and Avrie, which allowed Rebecca to live out her final years safely, well cared for and comfortable at home.

Visitation will be held Saturday, May 18, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home in Opelika, with a memorial service following at noon.

Flowers are welcome, or donations can be made to the Reach Program c/o Auburn First United Methodist Church, the East Alabama Food Bank or a charity of your choice.

LINDA HAND

Linda Hand, 71, of Valley, passed away at her home surrounded by her family after a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born in Pell City on March 26,1953, to the late Gordon Gowers and Minnie Lou Perkins. She was the youngest of five siblings.

Mrs. Hand was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them. She loved her flowers and sharing cuttings with her family and friends. Her teacup chihuahua “Peanut” was by her side wherever she would be.

Mrs. Hand started her career in 1996 at Briggs & Stratton in Auburn, where she retired April 25, 2016 (the date and time she married her first husband) after 20 years, 7 months and 7 days of dedicated service. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gordon Gowers and Minnie Lou and Eugene (Bud) Perkins; grandparents, Duffy and Rebecca Macon; aunts and uncles, Leona Walker, Floyd “Pee Wee” and (Betty) Macon and Jack “Buck” Macon; her first husband, Bobby Lane

“Weasel” Willis Sr.; infant grandson, Ethan Holcomb; and stepson, Johnny Hand. She is survived by her devoted husband of 30 years, Jimmy S. Hand; children, Debbie Charlene (Shawn) Reimann, Bobby Lane (Toni) Willis Jr. and Melinda Lou (Gary) Jones; stepchildren, Teresa (William) Dudley and Nancy (Roy) Bauernfeind; three brothers, J.L. James and Elbert Gowers; one sister, Nancy Burgess; 13 grandchildren, Andrea (Stephen) Bradshaw, Russell (Allison) Carmichael, Ellisa (Justin) Miller, Tabitha Golden (Josh Whisenant), Haley (Trevan) Cash, Dakota (Veronica) Atkins, Ryan (Haleigh) Jones, Casey Jones, Dalton (Chandler) Cook, BriAnna Smith, Josh Willis, Brian Simpson, Shane Dudley, Johnnylee and Summer; a host of great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren due August and September; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Visitation will be Thursday, May 16, from 9 to 11 a.m. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Roy Bauernfeind and Brother Russell Carmichael officiating. Burial will follow at Garden Hills Cemetery. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home is directing.

LINDA MARLOW BANKSTON Linda Marlow Bankston was born in the Lee County Hospital to the late R.C. Marlow and Evelyn Suits Marlow on Sept. 15, 1944. She passed away at Troy Health & Rehabilitation Center on May 12, 2024. She was 79 years old. Linda was born and lived her life in Opelika. She called Beauregard her home and community for most of that time, moving there after marriage to her late husband, Oscar. She dearly loved her family, friends and church community. She worked in the Opelika area early in life and was a full-time mom. She began working for Auburn University at the College of Agriculture in the 1980s. She worked various positions within the AU System

See OBITS, page A13

and had a long career in the Department of Agronomy and Soils where she was able to make an impact on many students who passed through her doors. She was a proud member of Providence Baptist Church in Opelika.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Oscar L. Bankston, and her sister, Judy Marlow Helms of Wetumpka.

She is survived by her sister, Marion Strom of Loganville, Georgia; her children, Michael Lee Bankston (Shannon) of Fairhope, Marcus Lee Bankston (Sheryl) of Greenville, South Carolina, and Lara Lea Bankston Jones (Josh) of Eufaula; and grandchildren, Broughton Hunter Jones, Brackin Lee Bankston, Bankston Lee Jones, Evans Montgomery Bankston, Lara Caytlin Jones, Cameron Lee Bankston and Gavin Paul Bankston.

A funeral service was held May 15 in the sanctuary at Providence Baptist Church (East Campus), with Dr. Rusty Sowell officiating. Interment followed at Rosemere Cemetery in Opelika. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

The family would like to especially thank the Troy Health and Rehab team for their dedication and love to provided Mrs. Bankston in the final years.

ERNA RAY SCOTT

Erna Ray Scott passed away on Friday, May 10, 2024. She was born on Nov. 16, 1932, in Columbus, Georgia. She was preceded in death by her parents, Claude Ray and Stella Ray; husbands Leo Bullard and Walter Clyde Scott; and an endless number of close friends. She is survived by her sister, Jackie June Armstrong; brothers, Gerald Gordon Ray and Harold Herndon Ray; daughters, Sherry Walter (Jim), Sandra Spraggins (Travis) and Aurelia Benton (Mike); son, Ed Bullard (Jerri); five grandchildren and seven greatgrandchildren. She was a devout member of Pepperrell United Methodist Church for years and crucial in her role in supporting the youth of the church. She loved bowling, traveling, a myriad of her favorite game shows and most of all having all her family over for the best cookouts ever.

Her strength and belief in God allowed the family to be blessed with her for almost 92 years. She was a loving and caring wife, mom, grandmother and great grandmother. The family would like to give a special thanks to her next-door neighbors, Donnie and Barbara Clark, as well as the Arbor Lakes nursing staff.

A graveside service was held May 15 at Garden Hills Cemetery, with Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home assisting.

JACQUELINE HUNT WHALEY

Jacqueline Hunt Whaley was born on Nov. 26, 1939, and passed away on May 9, 2024, at the age of 84.

A graveside service was held May 13 at Harmony Cemetery in Lanett.

GAYLE DORIS MEAGHER

Gayle Doris Meagher of Opelika passed away on May 9, 2024. She was 70 years old. She was preceded in death by her parents, Al and Catherine Doris, and her sister, Cathy Doris Ray.

She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Mark Meagher; daughters, Landra (Rod) Black and Katie (Tristan) Hobbs; granddaughters, Elisabeth Hobbs, Maisy and Rylee Black; grandsons, Paxton and Bowen Hobbs; and sister, Marie Harris.

Gayle loved Jesus, spending time with family, sewing, gardening, swinging on her porch swing and snuggling with her pup Sammy. A graveside service was held at Pine Hill Cemetery in Auburn on May 11, with FrederickDean Funeral Home assisting the family with arrangements. A memorial service will be held June 22 at Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia. In lieu of flowers those who wish may make a donation toward providing prosthetic devices for handicapped children in North Africa at www.partnergiving.net/ donate/1034610-001. For more information or alternative giving options, text or call (334) 8490034.

KATHLEEN “AG” KRIETEMEYER

Kathleen (Ag) Ann Krietemeyer, 91, of Auburn, died May 7, 2024. She was born on Feb. 23, 1933, in Evansville, Indiana, to the late Louis and Isabelle Lehmann.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, William Krietemeyer and her sister, Betty Hinkle. She is survived by her son, Steve (Beth) Krietemeyer of Columbia, South Carolina; daughter, Amy Krietemeyer of Auburn; brothers, Donald (Mary) Lehmann and Robert (Nancy) Lehmann, both of Evansville, Indiana; and two grandchildren, Cole and Claire, both of Columbia, South Carolina.

Kathleen graduated from Reitz High School in Evansville, Indiana. Kathleen married Bill in her early 20’s and embraced the roll of homemaker, building the foundations of family as the address of the home moved from Indiana to Illinois to West Virginia to Alabama to Texas and finally returning to Auburn. Her love of music (she played clarinet and piano), she passed on to her children. Kathleen was a lifelong learner – always reading, enjoying community courses, and dabbling in crafts like quilting.

Throughout her life and even into her last days, she would amaze and entertain with her immense curiosity and often unfiltered observations. Most of all, she gave her children the gift of knowing they were loved unconditionally. She loved, was loved and will forever be missed until the time we are reunited.

A memorial service was held May 11 at Auburn United Methodist Church, with Dr. Cory Smith officiating. FrederickDean Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

CHARLES MILTON “MITT” WEISSINGER Charles Milton “Mitt” Weissinger, 54, passed away unexpectedly on May 8, 2024. Born in Opelika, Mitt had

fond memories and cherished relationships from his formative years. He graduated from Presbyterian College, where he spent some of his “glory days” and formed dear friendships. After college, he moved to metro Atlanta to embark on a banking career, finding his niche in Small Business Administration lending, eventually landing at Cadence Bank as a senior vice president, where he was proudly employed at the time of his passing.

Mitt was a devoted husband, father, son, brother and friend. He preferred a quiet life, working hard and spending time with loved ones. The love he had for his family could be seen in all he did.

His genuine interest in others, abundant charm, and amusing quirks made him delightful company for those privileged to be in it. Mitt was far better than most at articulating his affection for and pride in others. He lived out his Christian faith by loving his neighbors well, seeking kinship in even the most unlikely circumstances.

Mitt was preceded in death by his mother, Enid Loveless Weissinger, and his sister, Enid Weissinger Crutcher. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Rebecca Greene Weissinger, and his children, Maysie, Wilson, and Evelyn; his father, Charles Hill Weissinger; his brother and sister-in-law Howard and Hayden Weissinger; his nephews, Hill and Payne Weissinger; his brother-in-law, Marshall Crutcher; as well as many other beloved uncles, aunts, cousins, in-laws, nephews, nieces and friends.

Visitation will be held in the Fellowship Hall of Roswell United Methodist Church (814 Mimosa Boulevard, Roswell, GA 30075) beginning at 12:30 p.m. EST, with a Celebration of Life following at 2 p.m. in the chapel. A burial service for family and friends was held May 15 at Rosemere Cemetery, with Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to one of these charities dear to the Weissinger family: The Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

SAMMY O’NEAL SIMPSON

Sammy O’Neal Simpson, 86, of Opelika passed away May 8, 2024, at home. He was born on March 10, 1938, in LaFayette.

Sammy loved the Lord and reading his Bible. He was a member of Lakeview Baptist Church for 44 years. He never met a stranger and brought joy and laughter to whomever he spoke.

He was preceded in death by his son, Sammy O’Neal Simpson II. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Christine Simpson; his daughter, Simone Hill (Burt); grandchildren, Matt Middleton (Niki) and Lindsey Hayley (Reede); and greatgrandchildren, Lucas, Jaxon, Maxwell, Austin and Riley.

A funeral service was held at Lakeview Baptist Church on May 11, with Rev. Al Jackson officiating. Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

ROSOLYN JANE PAYNE

Rosolyn Jane Payne was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, on Sept. 6, 1940, and passed away on May 8, 2024. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert V. Williams and Rachel Crowder Williams. Rosolyn grew up in San Antonio and graduated from Alamo Heights High School in 1958. She received a B.A. degree in education from the University of Texas in 1961. She married her beloved husband, Victor, in 1962, and they remained married for 62 years. During that time, they traveled to many countries in Europe and South America. They ended up coming to Auburn when he was assigned to teach Air Force ROTC at Auburn University in 1968. Rosolyn taught fourth grade, first at Scott Academy and then at Lee-Scott Academy, for more than 25 years. She was a beloved teacher to more than 500 local children, taking them on memorable field trips and exposing them to events such as Christmas Around the World, featuring guest speakers from foreign countries while students brough a typical dessert from each country. Rosolyn got a number of letters from students who had graduated from LeeScott, including some in college, who wrote to say that she was the best teacher they ever had. In addition to her teaching at Lee-Scott, Rosolyn taught a Sunday School class for older women for over 40 years. She first started showing signs of dementia about 12 years ago, which gradually progressed to full-fledged Alzheimer’s disease. In the last few months, she acquired COVID, pneumonia and a blood infection. The family is very grateful for the excellent care provided by EAMC and Bethany House.

Rosolyn is survived by her husband, Victor W.E. Payne Jr.; her two wonderful daughters, Robin Broome (Maxwell) and Heather Judkins (James); six grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements for a private internment. A memorial service for all those who knew and loved her will be announced at a later date.

FLETCHER RAY KENNEY

Fletcher Ray Kenney of Auburn passed away at his home on May 6, 2024. He was 81 years old.

He loved Auburn football and spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin Fletcher Kenney and Lynese Kenney, his brother, Joe Kenney, and his sister, Linda Young.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Betty Tidwell Kenney; sons, Steve Kenney and Scott Kenney; grandson, Tyler Kenney; great-granddaughter, Scarlette Reeves; nephew, Sonny (Debra) Chambers; nieces, Bernice Cullars, Jeanette Trantham and Judy (Jerry) Wilkes; and many loving other family members and friends.

A Funeral Service was held at Loachapoka Baptist Church on May 10, with Brother Billy Clark officiating. Interment followed at Loachapoka Cemetery.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home assisted with arrangements. The family would like to

give a special thanks to Gentiva Hospice & the nurses, Sara, Bel & Carla that took such wonderful care of Fletcher.

RICK RISSMAN

Richard Robert (Rick) Rissman, 70, of Opelika passed away on May 6, 2024, at East Alabama Medical Center after a 47-year battle with Multiple Sclerosis.

He was born in Griffin, Georgia, on Dec. 22, 1953, to the late William Robert (Bob) and Jane Rissman. On Sept. 11, 1976, he married Sherri Nabors of Mableton, Georgia. They were married for 47 years at the time of his passing.

Rick loved the Lord with all of his heart and studied his scriptures daily. He was a member of Tenth Street Church of Christ in Opelika after many years worshipping at West Metro Church of Christ in Hiram, Georgia.

Rick graduated from Pebblebrook High School and Auburn University, then obtained his MBA from Georgia State University. He worked as a CPA and controller until the MS made him retire. He loved Auburn University and followed every sporting event possible. Auburn is the reason he and Sherri moved to Opelika four years ago and were so happy living here. He was also a die-hard Atlanta Braves fan. He often told the story that his mom got their family tickets to the very first Braves game when the team moved to Atlanta. That was just the start of attending many games.

A Celebration of Life was held at their community clubhouse on May 10.

In addition to his wife Sherri, he is survived by his sister, Gail Allen of Carrollton, Georgia, and his brother Bill Rissman (Trish) of McKinney, Texas, along with several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests that you consider a donation to Tenth Street Church of Christ, PO Box 917, Opelika, AL 36803.

Rick and Sherri would like to especially thank all of the medical professionals, especially the nurses, caregivers and firefighters/EMTs that helped

him and cared for him during his treatment for MS.

REGINA FROMHOLD Regina Giordano Fromhold of Auburn was born to the late Mario and Caterina Giordano in Endicott, New York, on April 5, 1932, and passed away on April 17, 2024, at her home. She was 92 years old.

She was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church of Auburn and was a loving wife and mother. Mrs. Fromhold earned a B.A. in biology and chemistry from Elmira College and an M.A. in zoology and physiology from Wellesley College. She was involved in the Music Club of Auburn, Perry Garden Club (Auburn), Woman’s Club of Auburn and served as president and as several department head positions. She wrote a history of the Woman’s Club and chaired the committee to work with the Alabama Historical Commission to have the Woman’s Club House, named for General James Henry Lane, listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage. In addition to her parents, Regina was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Fromhold, and her brother Angelo Giordano and his wife Rose. She is survived by her sons, Thomas Fromhold and wife Maria Emilia and Matthew Fromhold and wife Karen; granddaughter Kaitlin Fromhold; brother Louis Giordano and wife Josephine and their families. A visitation will be held on Monday, May 20, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Michael’s in Auburn at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 21. At a later date, Mrs. Fromhold will be interred in the Columbarium at St. Bernard Abby in Cullman. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution to St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 1100 N. College St., Auburn, AL 36830.

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 28, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. in the Meeting Chamber at Opelika Municipal Court located at 300 MLK Boulevard, Opelika, Alabama. A Planning Commission work session will be held at 2:45 pm before the regular meeting. The purpose of the public hearings is to receive public comment on the following:

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

II. Approval of Minutes

III. Update on Previous PC Cases

IV. New Business

A. Plat (Preliminary) – Public Hearing

1. A public hearing on a request by Brandon Bolt, authorized representative for Tyler Findley Windham Gateway LLC, property owner, for preliminary approval of the Wyndham Village, Phase 3 subdivision consisting of 100 lots accessed from Wyndham Village Drive.

2. A public hearing on a request by Spencer Cothran and Mike Maher, authorized representative for Fox Run Phrase V LLC, property owner, for preliminary approval of the Foxrun Phase 5 subdivision consisting of 134 lots accessed from 1201 Fox Run Parkway.

B. Preliminary and Final –Public Hearing

3. A public hearing on a request by Mark Strozier, authorized representative for Edgar Hughston Builder Inc., property owner for preliminary and final approval of the Drake’s Landing Section 2 subdivision consisting of 32 lots accessed from Webbed Way.

C. Final Plat

4. A request by Daniel Holland, representative for Firefly Development Lee, LLC, property owner, for final approval of the Firefly Phase 1 subdivision consisting of 95 lots accessed at 3169 Columbus Parkway.

5. A request by Mike Maher and Ab Conner, representative for Retirement System of Alabama, property owner, for final approval of the National Village 3A subdivision consisting of 49 lots accessed from the Robert Trent Jones Trail and National Village Parkway intersection.

6. A request by Jeff Adam,

authorized representative for DRB Group Alabama, LLC, property owner, for final approval of The Village at Waterford Phase 4B subdivision consisting of 60 lots accessed from Stokes Drive and Jansen Avenue.

C. Conditional Use – Public Hearing

7. A public hearing on a request by David Slocum, authorized representative for Wayne Gentry, property owner, for conditional use approval for 22 townhomes in a C-2. GC-P zoning district accessed at Fox Run Parkway

8. A public hearing on a request by Blake Rice, authorized representative for JD Real Properties, LLC, for conditional use approval for Extreme Power Sports offroad equipment sales in a C-3, GC-P zoning district accessed at 4800 Birmingham Highway.

9. A public hearing on a request by Foresite Group, LLC, authorized representative for Broad Metro, LLC, property owner, for conditional use approval for a 323-unit apartment development in a C-2, GC-P zoning district at 3310 Society Hill Road.

10. A public hearing on a request by Bradley Creasy, representative for Dyas Properties, LLC, property owner, for conditional use approval for a 153-unit Build-to-Rent attached dwelling unit development in a C-2, GC-P zoning district at the 1400 block of South Fox Run Parkway.

D. Rezoning – Public Hearing

11a. An agenda item related to a rezoning request is an amendment to the Future Land Use Map for 34.5 acres accessed from North 29th Street and Cunningham Drive from light commercial land use category to a mixed use category (residential and commercial). If the Planning Commission votes to send a positive recommendation to the City Council to rezone the 34.5 acres and Council approves the rezoning, then approval of said amendments to the Future Land Use map will be approved.

11b. A rezoning public hearing to consider a recommendation to the City Council on a request by Hayes Eiford, PE, (Samford Group LLC), representative for Saucier Investments LLC, property owners, to rezone 34.5 acres accessed from North 29th Street and Cunningham Drive from a C-2 zone to a PUD zoning district.

E. Master Plan Revisions –Public Hearing

12. A public hearing on a request by Joe Mazzucchelli, representative for Trust Homes Southcoast, LLC, property owner, for a minor revision to the to The Villages of Opelika PUD (Planned Unit Development) on Hi Pack Road. The amendment changes the use of the 23,160 sf amenity lot from playground equipment & open space to a 1,440 sf office, gym, and storage building with an 800 sf open covered patio attached to the building and

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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 4, 2024, 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: That Section 7.3C (“Uses”) of the Zoning Ordinance shall be amended to change the USES allowed in the Industrial District as follows: [SEE TABLE TO RIGHT]

Unless otherwise indicated above, all other use categories in the Institutional District (I-1) are not allowed (N).

Public Notice of this public hearing with insertion of the proposed ordinance was first published on May 9, 2024, 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 16th day of May, 2024.

/s/ Russell A. Jones, CMC

CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 05/16/24

open space. The amendment provides more opportunities for the residents. The Planning Commission will consider the request and vote.

F. Annexation

13. An agenda item to consider an annexation recommendation to the City Council on a request by Antione Harvis, Sr., property owner, to annex 48 acres into the City limits accessed from 2051 Highway 169. A commercial zone will be requested at a later time.

V. Old Business

G. Text Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance - Public Hearing

14. A public hearing to consider a recommendation to the City Council on proposed text amendments to the Zoning Ordinance concerning Bed & Breakfast use: Section 2.2 Definitions; 7.3 C. Use Categories-- (matrix table); Add new section: Section 8.28.4 Bed and Breakfast. This item was tabled at the April 23rd PC meeting. All interested persons are invited to attend the meeting/public hearings and be heard. Written comments concerning the above matters may be mailed to the Planning Director at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama 36801 at any time prior to the meeting/

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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 05/16/24

NOTICE OF FUNDING AND PUBLIC HEARING/COMMENT

The City of Opelika is currently accepting applications for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for PY 2024 (October 1, 2024-September 30, 2025). Activities considered for funding include housing and public services that benefit low-to moderate income residents. Applications are available at the Community Development office

or by contacting Lisa Thrift, Community Development Administrator. Applications must be completed and returned no later than Friday, May 30, 2023, at 4:00 p.m.

The City of Opelika invites public comment on actions to be taken with the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program funding. Your ideas and suggestions for projects are essential in the planning process. This meeting is an opportunity for staff, citizens, and non-profit organizations to express community needs prior to setting the PY2024 budget. A public hearing will be held on Monday, May 27, 2024 @ 4:00 p.m. in the Municipal Meeting Room, 300 Martin Luther King Boulevard. Public comments and questions are invited either in writing or in person and will be accepted until June 16, 2024. Comments may be sent to: Lisa Harrelson CDBG Administrator P.O. Box 390 Opelika, AL 36803 (334)705-5155 or lharrelson@opelika-al.gov

The City of Opelika complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and will make reasonable

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arrangements to ensure accessibility to meetings. If you need special assistance, please call the City’s ADA Coordinator 72 hours prior to the meeting at (334)705-5130.

Legal Run 05/16/24

STORAGE TREASURES AUCTION

Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 1242 N Dean Rd, Auburn, AL 36830 Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 10:00AM Unit 245 Unit 504

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. Run Date 5/16/2024

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Five things to know about asthma and summer heat

CONTRIBUTED BY STATEPOINT

LEE COUNTY — For the 24.8 million Americans living with asthma — a lifelong chronic disease that makes it harder to move air in and out of the lungs — extreme summer temperatures and emerging environmental threats can make life more difficult. Fortunately, new educational resources and expanded programming can help patients navigate new and old challenges alike.

Here’s what the American Lung Association wants everyone to know during summer, when extreme heat can make asthma harder to manage.

1. New challenges are emerging.

Beyond traditional asthma triggers like respiratory infections, secondhand smoke and pets, new challenges are emerging. The effects of climate change include extreme heat, poor air quality, increased allergens, extreme weather events, and more frequent

and intense wildfires, all of which are making asthma more difficult to manage.

Excessive heat and humidity increase the risk of asthma exacerbations, asthmarelated hospitalization and asthma-related death, especially for children and women. Patients should limit time outdoors during heat waves, seek access to air conditioning and take steps to improve indoor air quality, as humidity allows dust mites and mold to thrive.

2. City dwellers are particularly vulnerable.

Two-thirds of the average U.S. city is made up of roads, parking spaces, sidewalks and

Opelika AL 36801 Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 10:00AM Unit A26

STORAGE TREASURES AUCTION

Extra Space Storage (Life Storage) will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 3951 Pepperell Pkwy

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

roofs. Since these surfaces are typically dark and nonporous, they contribute to flooding, increased air pollution, poor health and what is known as “urban heat,” a phenomenon in which cities experience warmer temperatures than surrounding areas.

Urban heat, combined with pollutants from power plants, motor vehicles and other pollution sources, creates ozone pollution, also known as smog. Those with asthma can experience symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing from both ground-level ozone and particle pollution, as well as from the impacts of extreme

possession of the personal property

Legal Run May 16, 2024

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 23rd, 2024 @ 10:00 AM

weather and airborne allergens.

Sadly, these issues disproportionally impact certain communities. Due to a history of discriminatory practices like systematic denial of mortgages, insurance loans, and other financial services on the basis of race and ethnicity, Black and Indigenous people, and other people of color, are more likely to be living in areas impacted by urban heat and poor air quality.

3. Flooding can harm lung health.

Increased severe storms due to climate change results in more flooding, which can harm lung health. Chemicals, sewage, oil, gas and other dangerous substances found in floodwaters can pose health risks, and mold, associated with asthma attacks, can grow anywhere there is water or dampness.

4. Advocacy efforts are underway.

The Smart Surfaces Coalition is made up of 40 national and international organizations committed

Unit L149 Unit K133

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 05/16/24

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, STATE OF ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of JANICE H. STEPHENS (A/K/A JANICE A. STEPHENS, Deceased Case Number: 2024-251 TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to CHARLEY L. STEPHENS II as Executor of the Estate of JANICE H. STEPHENS, deceased, on the 3rd of May, 2024, by the Honorable BILL ENGLISH. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Bradley R. Coppedge, Attorney for the Estate of Janice H. Stephens

to making Smart Surfaces the global urban design standard. Smart Surfaces encompass a suite of cutting-edge technologies, including reflective (cool) roofs and pavements, green roofs, trees, solar panels and rain gardens.

Designed to mitigate urban heat, enhance air quality and improve health, these transformative urban features can cool cities by 5 degrees F, reduce flooding, provide economic benefits and potentially advance environmental justice.

The American Lung Association, an active member of the Smart Surfaces Coalition, encourages cities to take these actions:

• Install light-colored roads, parking lots and driveways to reflect sunlight and reduce heat.

• Install solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity and provide shade for roofs.

• Plant trees to increase shade.

• Select porous surfaces to collect polluted stormwater, soak it into

Legal Run 05/16/24, 5/23/24 & 5/30/24

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution In the Estate of LYDIA MCGEE, Deceased Case No: 2024-078

Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the Lee County Probate Office by Fay Burnett McGee Raymond on May 13, 2024 pursuant to Section 43-2-690, Code of Alabama and that 30 days after the notice of publication hereof and pursuant to law the Court shall be requested to enter an Order directing Summary Distribution of the estate of said decedent.

BILL ENGLISH, PROBATE JUDGE Legal Run 05/16/2024

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JEAN MEACHAM PETERSON, DECEASED CASE NO.: 2024-276 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that Letters of Administration of said deceased having been granted to Victor M. Peterson

the ground, and filter out pollution.

Other strategies to reduce urban heat, air pollution and ozone levels include using public transportation carpooling, increasing green spaces and installing cooling centers in extreme conditions.

5. Resources are available.

Educational programming can help people better manage the disease in summer and year-round. Patients can check out the selfmanagement education programs, information and tools available at Lung.org/asthma or call the American Lung Association’s Lung Helpline at 1-800-LUNGUSA. Living with an illness, or being the caretaker to someone who is, can take a physical and emotional toll. Patients can get support and knowledge, and connect with others by joining the Lung Association’s Patient & Caregiver Network.

on the day of 7th May, 2024, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama. Notice is hereby given to all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

J. TUTT BARRETT DEAN & BARRETT P.O. Box 231 Opelika, AL 36803-0231 tutt@deanandbarrett.com

Legal Run 05/16/24, 05/23/24 & 05/30/24

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution Case No. 2024-285 In the Estate of WILLIAM SMALL, Deceased Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the Lee County Probate Office by LOUISE SMALL on May 13, 2024 pursuant to Section 432-690, Code of Alabama and that 30 days after the notice of publication hereof and pursuant to law the Court shall be requested to enter an Order directing Summary Distribution of the estate of said decedent. BILL ENGLISH, PROBATE JUDGE Legal Run 05/16/2024

On

the Mark Recreation

Thursday, May 16, 2024

AHS girls take soccer State Championship

Opelika sports roundup

BY D. MARK MITCHELL

OPINION —

OHS FOOTBALL

Opelika head football

coach Bryan Moore held his first spring game last Thursday afternoon at Bulldog stadium against Clay-Chalkville.

The spring practice game was the tenth and last day of spring practice for the Bulldogs. The Alabama High School Athletic Association’s rule allows schools to have 10 days of organized practice within a 15-day period.

The AHSAA changed the spring practice rule so coaches can hold spring practice or so schools can start a week early in the fall instead of practicing in the spring.

Coach Moore held spring practice for various reasons, including watching his players in full-speed practice in pads. He is trying to identify 11 players to start and 11 players to provide backup on offense, defense and special teams. Moore is also scouting and evaluating his assistant coaches while on the field. All but three assistant coaches were in place when he was hired earlier this year.

I will recap the scrimmage and have Coach Moore’s thoughts in next week’s column.

OPELIKA BASEBALL

I can’t recall a time when three of our local

7A high schools were simultaneously looking for head baseball coaches, but right now Auburn, Smiths Station and Opelika are all looking. Auburn High’s Matt Cimo retired after 32 years and four state titles. Smiths Station’s Mike Ferry retired after many years as a head coach with over 400 wins and a 7A State Championship.

Opelika’s Zach Blatt made the decision to step down as head baseball coach after six seasons which came as a surprise to many. In 2018, Dr. Mark Neighbors picked Blatt to replace Nick Richardson, who left for Tuscaloosa County. Blatt led Opelika to multiple playoff appearances in class 6A but could not get by area powers Auburn Central and Smiths Station to make the 7A playoffs. I spoke at length with coach Blatt about his decision to resign. He said there were many reasons he decided to step away: He and wife (Kristin) just welcomed their second child, who was born two weeks ago. Also, Zach completed his administration degree this year and wants to transition to an administative position within Opelika City Schools. There are other reasons that helped Zach make his decision, such as no Booster Club and parents with personal agendas. It’s tough to mention

See ON THE MARK page B2

A storybook ending for Glenwood

BY NOAH GRIFFITH FOR THE OBSERVER

SMITHS STATION — It played out like a storybook tale for Glenwood’s

baseball team. In both schools’ last season in the AISA, Glenwood defeated LeeScott Academy in three games to win the AISA

3A State Championship for the second year in a row. It was Glenwood’s 24th state title in program history, and it was head coach Tim Fanning’s

Glenwood defeated Lee-Scott Academy in three games to win

Tierra Agee of OHS is state long jump champ

parents as a problem, because most parents do the right thing and support the program.

Since the mid 80s, I’ve followed the Opelika High baseball program very closely, from helping in the press box to broadcasting games on iHeartRadio. I’ve watched many parents offer support, work in the concession stand, raise money and do whatev-

er is needed to help the team. Unfortunately, some parents do the opposite, which is detrimental to the team. Parents must volunteer to help the baseball program and leave personal thoughts behind.

Opelika High Principal Kellie Fischer and OCS Superintendent Dr. Farrell Seymore will hire the new baseball coach, another very important hire for athletics. The new head baseball coach will have a brand new facility, thanks to Mayor Fuller, City Council President Eddie Smith and the Opelika City Council.

Bulldog Park will undergo a facelift in the coming months. Improvements include a turf baseball field and upgrades to the indoor baseball facilty. I have no idea who has applied for the Opelika head baseball job, but in my opinion, the next head baseball coach should be a proven coach with a winning record. For many years, I helped OCS recruit people to fill head coaching vacancies for baseball, softball, football, soccer,

cross country and track & field. Perhaps the most important things the new coach will need are head coaching experience and knowledge of how to compete in the AHSAA’s largest classification and in one of the toughest areas in Alabama.

No matter who Opelika hires as the new head baseball coach, it is important for all Opelika student-athletes, parents, fans, students and faculty to rally behind the coach and support the program. It’s a fresh start for everyone, which can be good.

AREA BASEBALL

The Glenwood Gators baseball team beat LeeScott Academy two out of three games to win the AISA 3A State Baseball Championship last week at Montgomery’s Patterson Field.

The two rivals split the first two games, with Glenwood winning game

one 1-4, and LSA winning game two 5-4 to force a winner-take-all game Friday. The Gators won game three by a score of 7-5 to capture their last AISA State Title. GHS and LSA joined the AHSAA in early spring and will compete this fall in Class 3A. Central swept two games against Auburn, 11-6 and 10-1, last Thursday at Darnell-Nelson Field in Phenix City, advancing to the AHSAA 7A Baseball Championship Series in Oxford and Jax State. Central was set to play Bob Jones in game one on May 16. Results were not available at press time.

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

THE NEXT OPELIKA HEAD BASEBALL COACH

Opelika

Two Lee-Scott Academy Warrior athletes recently signed to continue their academic and athletic success at the next level. Garrett West, pictured in the left photo, signed to play baseball at Reid State Technical College. Jared Russell II, pictured in the right photo, signed to run track at Morehouse College.

4-H Biggest Catch contest set for May 24-June 3 online

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

AUBURN — The Ala-

bama 4-H Biggest Catch contest is back for another year with some new competition categories. This virtual fishing and fish art competition — held entirely online — will be held May 24 through June 3. All Alabama youth ages 9 to 18 are invited to participate. There is no prior 4-H experience required to join in on the fun.

Emily Nichols, an Alabama Cooperative Extension System 4-H natural resources specialist, said she is excited to add new components to this year’s competition.

“This is our fifth year to offer this contest, and there is more that we want youth and their families to dis-

said. “I’ve played in 12 state championships in baseball and never faced [Lee-Scott]. It was pretty fitting because we played them [for the championship] in just about everything else; just the way it was supposed to be, right?”

Glenwood had the last laugh, but the two Lee County rivals both had its own share of time atop the AISA in recent years. They will both embark on a new journey now in the AHSAA, but first, both programs would be justified in reflecting on their respective successes. The past several years in AISA 3A have been like two twin brothers jabbing back and forth at one another.

Lee-Scott has beaten Glenwood in the state championship in football the past two years, Glenwood beat Lee-Scott in the 2023 boys basketball title game, Glenwood beat Lee-Scott in the second round of the 2023 playoffs and then won state, Lee-Scott won the 2024 basketball state championship and now Glenwood rides into the sunset of its AISA era as backto-back state champs in baseball by defeating its rival.

This time, the Gators took a decisive game three, 7-5. After Glenwood took game one, there wouldn’t have been a third game if Lee-Scott didn’t walk off in extra innings in game two, winning 5-4.

cover,” Nichols said. “I’m thrilled to incorporate new categories that encourage young people to explore as many public water bodies as possible and gain exposure and familiarity with as many different fish as possible. I want people to get to know the special aquatic resources that we have in our state.”

Contest Categories

This year, there are four main categories: Biggest Catch, Biggest Variety of Fish Species, Biggest Variety of Public Water and Biggest Fish Art.

In the Biggest Catch category, the name says it all. The goal is to reel in the biggest fish in one or more fish categories. These include bass, sunfish (bream), catfish and crappie.

In the Biggest Variety of Fish Species competition,

When the Warriors pushed the series to a rubber match, Glenwood had already used its top two starters, Mason McCraine and Tyler Sykes. But out of the blue, Fanning called on a secret weapon to start the series finale — sophomore Hudson Campbell.

“I like to have a guy that — if I can help it — is kind of in our rotation that no one that we’re going to face in the playoffs sees throughout the year,” Fanning said. “We pitch him versus non-region teams if possible and a lot of high-quality Georgia schools, and that’s what we did. He had been pitching all year, just not against any Alabama schools.”

Last season, sophomore Tyler Sykes started the state-clinching game against Macon-East, and Campbell kept that tradition going. He pitched five strong innings before Levi Pinder pitched the last two innings to earn the save and start the dog pile.

Another underclassman became an unforeseen hero in game three, as freshman Andrew Wilkinson went 3-for-4 after winning a JV State Championship earlier this spring. After getting a pinch-hit RBI in game two, Fanning and his staff decided he was ready to start two days later following a rain delay that postponed game three a day.

The underclassmen were a pleasant surprise, but it was the senior class of six that showed them the way. Shortstop Jaxson

size is not the objective. Participants are out to catch as many different species of bass, catfish, crappie and sunfish (bream) as they can.

One of the new categories this year is the Biggest Variety of Public Water. This encourages participants to catch a fish in as many public water bodies as possible. This new addition pushes youth to experience the wonderful fishing resources in their area and beyond.

“Because this contest allows kids to choose where they go fishing, it is a great opportunity to explore fishing across the state,” Nichols said. “Whether that is in state-managed public fishing lakes, state parks, rivers or creeks, this part of the contest helps kids learn more about different bodies of water.”

The Biggest Fish Art is another new category, which encourages youth to let their inner artist shine. Whether it is through drawing, sketching or painting, the goal is to portray a bass, catfish, crappie or sunfish (bream) species that is listed on the 4-H BIGGEST Catch web page.

FISHING CONTEST RULES

To enter the three fishing categories, participants must catch a fish in Alabama waters between May 24 and June 3. To be eligible, contestants must catch and land their fish without any help. After making the catch, contestants must include a photograph of the fish along with the submission.

“The photograph must include the kid and their fish, the contest code AL4H24

and the total length (inches) of the fish,” Nichols said. “Participants can write this information on a piece of paper and hold it up in the photograph or they can write it on their hand.” Submit contest entries online at aub.ie/4HBiggestCatch24. This portal opens May 24 at 8 a.m. and closes June 3 at 8 p.m.

FISH ART CONTEST RULES

Participants in the fish art contest must also submit entries between May 24 at 8 a.m. and June 3 at 8 p.m.

Each entry must include a picture of the youth’s drawing, sketch or painting. This artwork must be done without the help of others.

“For this contest, we want the kids to portray one of the fish species that is listed under our official contest

categories, which are bass, catfish, crappie and sunfish (bream),” Nichols said. “We can’t wait to see the beautiful artwork that the participants come up with this year.” There is a separate online submission link for the fish art contest. Submit contest entries at aub.ie/4HBiggestCatchArt.

MORE INFORMATION

The 4-H BIGGEST Catch fishing contest is a great chance for young people to make awesome memories and have fun. A complete list of contest rules and more information is available on the 4-H BIGGEST Catch web page at www.aces. edu. Also, join in on the fun through the contest’s event on the Alabama 4-H Outdoors Facebook page.

Smiths Station hosts signing day

Griggs, center fielder Camden White and left fielder Eli Bankston were the three seniors who started for Glenwood.

Griggs went 3-for-3 with three RBI in game three after slumping to start the series, Bankston recorded four hits in the series and three-sport All-Star White led the way with his unparalleled athleticism.

“[The senior class] will leave behind a legacy of service, humility and just being all about the program,” Fanning said. “They’re extremely unselfish regardless of how much they did or didn’t play... They had a very calming influence when we started out 0-4. They never got too high

or too low, and I think that allowed us to turn the season around the way we did.”

Glenwood did it as a star-studded, veteran group in 2023. Nine of their 12 seniors signed a scholarship to play college baseball, and former Gator and current infielder at the University of South Alabama, Jaxon Milam, won AISA Hitter of the Year last season. To see Glenwood storm Patterson Field last season was no surprise.

But finishing at 36-8, the Gators did it all this season with only one returning starter in Griggs.

It was a fairytale ending to Glenwood’s AISA run, but it doesn’t look to be

anywhere near the end.

Glenwood is returning eight key contributors from this season: juniors Sykes, McCraine, Pinder, and second baseman Logan Henderson, along with sophomores Campbell, third baseman Carter Judah, catcher Cal Lawrence and DH Mac Blair.

“I’ve never been prouder to be a team’s coach than I am this year,” Fanning told WTVM’s Jonathon Hoppe. “When you lose (so many players) and return one guy that started (last year), it’s pretty impressive to win 36 games and get back to the state championship. It’s just a testament to their resiliency and really wanting to do everything

they can to be a Glenwood baseball player.”

“23 for 23” was Glenwood’s motto when it was going for its 23rd state tile in 2023. This year, it was “24 for 24,” and next year it will be “25 for 25” as the Gators look to three-peat.

There’s one motto that they have every year, though, as they are looking for new guys to step up and fill the shoes of those who came before them. It will ring true as ever as Glenwood begins a new journey in AHSAA 3A.

“I’m super excited about the future,” Fanning said. “It’s why we say, ‘A dynasty never graduates.’”

Smiths Station High School recently hosted Athletics Signing Day, honoring student-athletes signed to play at the next level.

Pictured (L-R), Lance Ballou, baseball, Chattahoochee Valley Community College; Cole Blythe, baseball, Lawson State; and Xavier Reyna, baseball, Stillman College; Jaylen Bibbs, football, University of West Alabama; Tasha Judkins, volleyball, Coker University; Quentin Brooks, track, Thomas University; Ethan Gruber, track, Southern Union Community College; Brody Hamilton, track, University of South Alabama; Caleb Riley, track, Southern Union Community College; and Jasmyn Thomas, basketball, South Georgia Technical College.

Auburn High girls win state soccer championship

Congratulations to Auburn High School’s girls varsity soccer team, which traveled to the state championships in Huntsville last weekend and came home with the trophy.

Opelika Okey Dokey was A-OK

The newest event in the Gravel Roll world — The Opelika Okey Dokey — was held in Opelika last Saturday, May 11. It was a part of the Gravel Roll 2024 series. Nearly 200 riders came from across America to participate in the race that culminated in downtown Opelika. The C.A.R.E. Humane Society was also there with dogs and cats that

Auburn softball loses heartbreaker in SEC tourney

Education

Anita Burton is retiring from the Opelika Public Library

BY KADIE VICK FOR THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA — Anita Burton, a cherished member of the Opelika Public Library (OPL) staff for the past 35 years, is retiring this month. With her upcoming retirement, she is reflecting on the time she spent investing in the community and the joy she has had doing so.

“I just love books. I love reading. I love working here. It's been a really good experience for me coming here because I just came as a person transferring from a different department and knew nothing about libraries,” she said. “Of course, I went to libraries as a kid but knew nothing about them. I came in and learned everything I could possibly think of and did every job here at this library so I would know in case somebody couldn't come in and do it.”

Burton began her professional career working as a communications operator at the Opelika Police Station and did not enjoy the loud, fast-paced environment there. So when a position became available at the OPL she took it.

“My position now [at the OPL] is Patron Services Specialist. I started in 1988 at the police department as a communications operator. And I worked there for about a year and I decided that I did not want to be a part of fighting criminals. I wanted to be a part of reading about criminals because I love true crime,” she said.

She said the most rewarding aspect of working at the OPL for so long is seeing children grow up and bring in their own children to enjoy the books and programs offered.

“I know just about everybody that comes to the library, not only the person but I know their mother and their grandmother because I've been here so long,” she said. “But the thing that gives me the greatest joy is to see the people come in with the babies that I've seen as babies.”

In 2021 Burton became the OPL’s adult specialist, creating programs to engage and educate adults. Some

See BURTON, page B8

ANITA BURTON

Transforming playtime with the magic of loose parts

BY BETH REEVES, ACES

AUBURN — In an era where a child’s playtime has become structured and scheduled, one Alabama Cooperative Extension System regional agent is championing a return to the core of childhood play.

Jacob Bailey, a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) regional Extension agent, recently hosted a “loose parts playground” at Auburn First Baptist’s Day Care Program for a day of creativity, imagination and unstructured physical activity.

Often, children find more joy in a toy’s packaging than in the toy itself. Bailey’s project, the Loose Parts Pop-Up Playground, uses the notion that simple objects can unlock vast realms of a child’s imagination and aid in developing crucial life skills.

“This is a place for them to express themselves in the way they want to,” Bailey said. “Their imagination is so powerful at this age. They can see starships

in cardboard boxes.”

The playground offers an assortment of ordinary items often overlooked as junk, giving children the chance to create their own experiences during playtime. Bailey said this is commonly called child-directed play.

“What our adult minds sees as trash can become a wonderful playscape for children, especially when we let them teach us how to play,” Bailey said.

BENEFITS OF CHILD-DIRECTED PLAY

Child-directed play offers children a break from their structured schedules and omnipresent screens, granting them the freedom to explore their creativity, engage in physical activity and play independently. This type of play is not just for fun. It also helps children develop important social and problem-solving skills.

By managing their own activities, children learn to solve problems, overcome challenges and manage their emotions. This helps them develop emotional

intelligence at their own pace.

Child-directed play also contributes to physical development, as it often involves activities that improve motor skills and coordination. Moving every day is a habit to create during childhood, and child-directed play can contribute to the formation of that habit.

Children also have the opportunity to take calculated risks during play, which helps them understand their limits and capabilities. This in turn boosts their confidence and self-esteem.

Mathematical skills are used in sorting games, and their storytelling abilities are enhanced by creating their own fairytales.

Bailey said child-directed play helps to cultivate essential social skills, including communication, negotiation and cooperation. Through play, children learn to assign roles, formulate rules and work toward shared goals. These skills help build a foundation for lifelong learning and social interaction.

Bailey’s innovative Loose Parts Pop-Up Playground not only brings back the essence of childhood through exploration and unstructured play but also highlights the critical role this type of play has in developing young minds and bodies.

Through the use of loose parts, children are not just playing; they are also learning to navigate life. Bailey’s initiative serves as a poignant reminder that when people provide children with the space to explore and play on their terms, they are not just being entertained. They are also being equipped to thrive in a complex world.

MORE INFORMATION:

To learn more about nutrition and physical activity, visit www. LiveWellAlabama.com for valuable resources, practical advice and insights. For those looking to connect with others interested in a healthy lifestyle, follow Live Well Alabama on social media.

Education Briefs

LEE COUNTY — Bryce Pointer and Connor Woodham of Glenwood School won a first place cash prize for their essay, “Preventing Underage Drinking,” in the high school division of the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board’s 2024 Essay, Poster and Video Contest, part of the agency’s school-based “Under Age, Under Arrest” public education and awareness campaign.

BIRMINGHAM — Samford University has announced students named to its spring 2024 Dean's List, the highest academic recognition given by the school at the end of each semester. To qualify for this honor, a student must have earned a minimum 3.5 grade point average while attempting at least 12 credit hours of coursework. Local students included are Chase Mobbs and Mary Miller, both of Opelika; Rachel Redmon, Tanner Wages, Bailey Shepherd, Lainey Hart, Mary Grace Pack, Maggie Baxter, Harper McGowan, Ansley Yantis, Emma Thompson, Mary Leuenberger, Ruth Donald, Seth Roarke, Edwin Oldham and Jessica Monk, all of Auburn; and Sarah Ellison of Smiths Station.

JACKSONVILLE, AL — Jacksonville State University has released its Spring 2024 Dean's List, which recognizes outstanding academic performance. Local students on the list include Alexandra Michelle Campbell, John Pitts, Jayla Makyia Rowe and Courtney O. Dowdell, all of Auburn; Jackson Ernest Washburn, Carmen D. Nunn, Kason Levi Martichuski, Sha'Dimun Parker, Michael Holden, Garret Thomas Howell and Jenniffer McKenzey Coxwell, all of Opelika; Kobe M. Smith and Jacob Ryan Zimdahl of Salem; and Olivia E. Johnson of Smiths Station.

ROME, G —Hannah Snook of Opelika was named to the Spring 2024 Dean's List at Berry College, an honor reserved for those students who posted an academic average of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 scale while carrying a class load of at least 12 hours during the semester.

NASHVILLE, TN — Belmont University recently released the Dean's List for the spring 2024 semester, which recognizes students taking a minimum course load of 12 hours who achieve a quality grade point average of 3.5 with no grade below a C. Included on the list are Anna Jones and Elizabeth Jordan of Auburn and Matthew Oliver of Opelika.

DAHLONEGA, GA — Dongjun Shin of Opelika made the spring 2024 Dean's List at the University of North Georgia for achieving at least a 3.5 grade-point average while carrying 12 or more credit hours in one semester and having no grade lower than B.

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Ethan Clark, a freshman accounting major from Auburn, was among approximately 740 Bob Jones University students named to the Spring 2024 Dean's List, which recognizes students who earn a 3.00-3.74 grade point average during the semester.

ATHENS, GA — The University of Georgia announces the following local graduates received degrees during spring commencement ceremonies: Lydia Benitez of Auburn received a BLA in landscape architecture and William Rogers of Auburn received an AB in entertainment & media studies.

WILLIAMSBURG, KY — The University of the Cumberlands announces the following local graduates from Auburn received degrees during spring commencement ceremonies: Himanshu Kale; Gopi Reddy Yarkareddy; and Sunil Adhikari.

Win cash for college by being creative with Duck Tape

CONTRIBUTED BY STATEPOINT MEDIA

LEE COUNTY — An annual scholarship contest that challenges college-bound students to create their dream prom dress or tux out of duct tape is now accepting submissions through June

5. The 24th annual Duck Brand Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest is offering the largest rewards in its history. With bigger grand prize scholarships — $15,000 for the top dress and tux designs — and new cool categories, including a judge’s choice

of the programs she started include cooking programs, dancercise classes, skin and beauty classes for older women, sign language and Spanish classes, and a taste of Opelika event.

She said, “I've always wanted to have programs geared to the older people because like I said they're

award, there is more than $40,000 up for grabs.

"Over the course of two decades, we have presented more than a half-million dollars in scholarships to contest participants,” said Kerry Haugh, director of product marketing at Shurtape Technologies LLC, the company that markets the Duck brand. “This year’s prizes are bigger than ever in an effort to foster creativity and encourage Duck Tape designers to be bold and embrace their individuality.” For important contest details and official rules, visit StuckAtProm.com.

the people that are here that are during the daytime they have nothing to do so I've always had a passion to to come up with programs for senior citizens or older not just senior citizens, young adult older adults but mostly older adults.”

One of Burton's most cherished and enjoyed programs is her weekly dancercise classes. When she began them she had

been taking Zumba classes and realized how great a similar opportunity would be for local women to promote exercise and fun.

“I thought well if I like to dance and I've got some older ladies that need to exercise. Let me see if I can get them to dance with me.

I started in January, but nobody came and I said by the end of February,

if nobody comes, I'm not going to do it. This would be a fail. Well, the last day of my day of exercise class. Two people showed up,” she said, smiling.

Since then her dancercise class has grown to 35 participants. Burton said she has seen her students grow in confidence and become a family through this weekly event.

Burton said even after retirement she will con -

tinue to lead the dancercise class, “The girls, the ladies that come to me. It's not just to dance but we do everything we celebrate birthdays, we celebrate that spring is coming. We celebrate Mother's Day. It's just like a big family. So, I will continue to dance.”

After retirement, Burton said she is going to spend her time traveling and with family. She said her

mother taught her that, “You never know when you’re entertaining an angel, treat everyone the same.” She said.“And I've made that my motto. I make sure no matter what, I hug everyone, probably when I shouldn't. But I do because you never know when somebody needs one. I try to treat everybody the same and give them the same respect.”

BURTON >> from B7

LET THEM PLAY

Jacob Bailey, created the “Loose Parts Pop-Up Playground, which gives children the opportunity for free play with items normally considered as junk.

Opelika’s Pre-K program helps set national standard for early education

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA — In the heart of Alabama, nestled within the vibrant community of Opelika, a groundbreaking initiative is underway, setting a high standard for early childhood education nationwide. With a dedicated focus on nurturing the potential of its youngest citizens, Opelika’s innovative Pre-K program is not only shaping young minds but also cultivating a foundation for its future workforce. At the forefront of this educational movement is Opelika High School. Six First Class Pre-K classes are housed within the walls of the high school. This strategic partnership between early education high school students and Pre-K learners is transforming the landscape of early education.

"We firmly believe that investing in early childhood education is paramount to building a strong workforce and a thriving community,” said Mayor Gary Fuller, a strong advocate for educational excellence in Opelika. “We're not just preparing these children for kindergarten; we're laying the groundwork for a lifetime of learning and giving back to the community that poured into them.”

tors through our career technical Education and Training courses.”

The shared efforts between high school students and Pre-K teachers create a dynamic learning environment where creativity flourishes and imaginations soar. Through interactive activities, educational games, and hands-on experiences, children in Opelika’s Pre-K program are equipped with the foundational skills necessary for future success.

Opelika’s success in early education can be attributed to its holistic approach, which not only emphasizes

This sentiment is echoed by Gov. Kay Ivey, who truly believes in the importance of early education. The Alabama First Class Pre-K program has expanded substantially from serving just over 5,000 Alabama 4-yearolds in 2013 to now serving more than 24,000 children across all 67 counties in Alabama. The state's dedication to providing quality Pre-K experiences has garnered national recognition for the 18th consecutive year, as highlighted in the prestigious 2023 State of the Preschool report.

academic readiness but also focuses on social and emotional development. High school students actively participate in mentoring and guiding their younger peers, fostering a sense of responsibility and leadership for both.

Dr. Farrell Seymore,

Superintendent of Opelika City Schools added, “Hosting Pre-K classes at Opelika High School has been beneficial to both Pre-K learners and high school students. We have been able to participate in the highest quality of early childhood education while developing aspiring educa-

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, Opelika stands as an example of innovation and excellence, setting the standard for early childhood education. As the community looks towards the future, its dedication to providing the highest quality Pre-K experiences serves as a testament to the power of education.

Glenwood students recognized by ABC Board’s antiunderage drinking essay, poster

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

ALABAMA — The Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board is honoring the creativity and commitment of Alabama high school and middle school students who recently participated in the agency’s Essay, Poster and Video Contest. Thanks to a grant from the National Alcoholic Beverage Control Association, the ABC Board asked middle and high school students to write essays, draw posters, and produce videos that discourage young people from underage and binge drinking.

The contest is part of the ABC Board’s schoolbased Under Age, Under Arrest public education and awareness campaign that seeks to inform students about the dangers and consequences of underage drinking.

“It is vital that Ala-

& video contest

bama’s youth understand the dangers and consequences of consuming alcohol,” Curtis Stewart, Alabama ABC Board administrator, said. “We were pleased with the effort and talent put forth by the students who participated.”

Winning entries were

selected for first-, secondand third-place prizes in both the middle and high school categories. Firstplace winners were awarded $300, second-place winners received $200, and third-place winners received $100.

Students entered 74 total individual pieces of work for consideration.

Winning entries will appear on the ABC Board’s website and social media accounts.

Bryce Pointer and Connor Woodham from Glenwood School in Smiths Station won first place in the essay portion of the contest.

This Week's Puzzle Answers

Pictured above are first graders participating in Hanwha Cimarron LLC’s 2021 groundbreaking for its manufacturing facility in Opelika. The children were presented with t-shirts which read ‘Opelika’s Future Workforce.’

Food &E ntertainment Community Calendar

BY STACEY PATTON

OPINION —

Do you enjoy playing golf?

Now, that probably sounds like a strange introductory question for a restaurant review column; however, it will make sense in a few paragraphs.

My husband Mike and I admire the physical dexterity and patience which many golfers possess; unfortunately, we don’t have those characteristics.

For example, once when I swung a golf club, I completely missed the ball. Also, as I mentioned in this column about two years ago, I tripped and fell on a putt-putt golf course in Orange Beach, badly scraping my knee and recording the first ever injury in the game.

Many years ago, Mike, my then future husband, went to a driving range with some of his friends.

When Mike swung his golf club, he did manage to hit

Making the Grade

the ball. However, instead of going forward, the ball hooked right and hit his friend Don’s golf club, scaring both of them.

Mike said, “I was afraid I’d killed Don, and he was afraid I was trying to kill him.” That was Mike’s last trip to the driving range.

After our less than stellar experiences with golf, Mike and I knew that Phil Mickelson had nothing to worry about where we were concerned.

Anyway, if you love to play golf and enjoy eating delicious food, have I got the place for you! (See, here’s the reason for my weird introductory question.)

Recently, Mike and I went to lunch at Tiger on the Green, located at 2601 East University Drive in Auburn. The restaurant is owned by Ron Watson, an Auburn University graduate. His daughters are following in his footsteps; two are also Auburn alumni, and his baby daughter is an Auburn student. Tiger on the Green, which opened last September, has an 18-hole lawn golf course. Since the course is much smaller than a full-sized golf course, there are only three water hazards and no sand traps. Also, the ball

Tiger on the Green

is plastic and resembles a small wiffle ball. Since lawn golf uses a wiffle ball, Mike and I might give it a try one day since we wouldn’t injure nearby players.

Probably. Tiger on the Green recently hosted a lawn golf tournament and will have others, so come out and

have some fun. At Tiger on the Green, you may play golf without eating, eat without playing (as Mike and I did) or play and eat.

When Mike and I entered Tiger on the Green, we appreciated the fun, friendly atmosphere. Also, we loved all the old Auburn pictures of Coach

Ralph “Shug” Jordan, Pat Sullivan, etc. We felt right at home.

In addition, everyone at the restaurant made us feel so welcome. Brandi, the general manager, was terrific, sweet and helpful, as was Taylor, her assistant. Brandi said, “I have a phenomenal staff. They are very good to me.”

Wessie, our server, was just as wonderful as Brandi and Taylor; she took great care of us.

For his lunch, Mike chose a grilled chicken sandwich with French fries. I selected the club sandwich with fries. Mike enjoyed his meal

Two shows remain in 2024 Noon Tunes Concert Series

concert on Courthouse Square in Opelika. Bring your lunch and a quilt or lawn chair to relax by the fountain for an hour of musical entertainment on Wednesdays, May 22 & 29. The May 22 concert will feature a performance by Muse, an easy listening, vocal oriented acoustic soft rock band.

Together for 45 years, Muse will perform fan favorites by artists such as the Eagles, Beatles, James Taylor, Van Morrison, Little Big Town, Jason Isbell, Crosby, Stills & Nash and more. Muse will also perform at Summer Swing on June 25. On May 29, Strawberry Whine (Mark Wilson and Jessica Walters) will perform music from current artists such as Tayor Swift and Chris Stapleton as well as originals. The Father/

duo also perform tunes from classic rock artists such as the Allman Brothers, Eagles and Tom

You can also catch their band Crossroads at the Summer Swing Concert Series on July 2. The Noon Tunes Concert Series is sponsored by the Opelika Chamber, The Observer, WKKR 97.7, MIX 96.7 and FOX SPORTS THE GAME 910-1310 AM.

Burger Wars headed back to downtown Opelika on June 8

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA — The highly anticipated 10th Annual Burger Wars will be held Saturday, June 8, at 11 a.m. in historic downtown Opelika.

This much-loved culinary event, organized by the Opelika Rotary Charitable Founda-tion, promises a day of delicious burgers and community camaraderie, as grillers vie for the title of Burger Wars Champion while raising money to support those in need in our community, including the Food Bank of East Alabama.

Burger Wars draws crowds eager to taste and

vote for their favorite burgers crafted by grillers, both amateur and professional. Tasting tickets will go on sale on the corner of North Railroad Avenue and 8th Street in downtown Opelika beginning at 10:45 a.m. on the morning of the event and will be sold until burger samples run out. Because of the event’s popularity, attendees should arrive early, before tasting tickets sell out. Whether you’re a diehard burger aficionado or simply looking for a fun-filled day out with family and friends, Burger Wars offers something for everyone to sink their

teeth into. Make a day of it by starting off at Opelika Main Street’s Touch-aTruck event, be-ginning at 9 a.m.

Don’t miss the always exciting annual Big Bite Battle between the Opelika and Auburn fire departments, held at the Railyard on North Railroad at 1 p.m.

This year, the event is reaching a milestone, marking a decade of delicious burgers and friendly competition, showcasing the creativity and skill of area culinary talent, all for a good cause.

“We’re thrilled to cele-

WALLACE

PHOTOS BY MIKE WALLACE / FOR THE OBSERVER

Tiger on the Green is located at 2601 E. University Drive in Auburn.

See WALLACE, page B15

OPELIKA — Celebrate the arrival of summer at a free lunchtime

Daughter

Petty.

Pictured left, Martha’s Trouble performs during last week’s Noon Toons event. Noon Tunes takes place every Wednesday during the month of May at Courthouse Square at noon.

Cheese Curd Update

Bryson shines in MasterChef Junior finale, part one

BY ANITA STIEFEL ANITAS@OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA — This week’s episode of MasterChef Junior was Part One of the Season Nine Grand Finale. As he introduced the three finalists, the host of the show, world renowned Chef Gordon Ramsay, noted this was “the most competitive season ever.”

From 12 original contestants, the three remaining young chefs entered the competition kitchen dressed in monogrammed chef’s coats, including 11-year-old Michael from New Smyrna, Florida; 10-year-old Remy from Hollywood, Florida; and Bryson McGlynn from Opelika, who was 11 during filming of the show.

“It just feels amazing because this has always been my dream, and I really never thought I’d get this far,” Bryson said. “This is going to be one of the most important cooks of my life.”

The finale was filmed in front of a live studio audience. Fellow competitors who had been eliminated throughout the season, as well as each contestant’s families were there to cheer them on, including Bryson’s parents and grandparents. His father, Mike “Cheese” McGlynn, was beaming with pride as he spoke of his son, “Cheese Curd.”

“Bryson is a very sweet kid. He’s a very humble kid,” said Mike. “He’s also a little bit shy, but he absolutely loves to cook. Bryson started cooking with my wife and myself when he was probably about three, and he saw dad cooking on the competition circuit a lot and he wanted to do it, too. As a father, I couldn’t be [prouder] of him, and he is definitely a better cook than I am now.”

“I came into the MasterChef kitchen extremely scared,” Bryson explained. “This is a lot scarier than going to the world championships and grilling a steak. But then I won the first challenge, and that helped me believe in myself. I want to win so bad, because [cooking] has been a passion for me for all my life, and I’m hoping to keep that going.”

One of the three finalists will be named MasterChef Junior and will win the coveted trophy and take home a $100,000 cash prize. The winner will also receive a complete professional grade Viking kitchen appliance package, including a stateof-the-art range, refrigerator, cookware and more, as well as a utensil and bakeware package from Oxo.

For the final challenge, the young chefs were tasked with making a three-course meal for the judges, including an appetizer, entrée and dessert.

“We want to see cohesive menus tied together with a

very much, and my club sandwich was really delicious; it was piled so high with fresh meats that even I couldn’t finish it. And those hand cut, homemade French fries were outstanding. Tiger on the Green is a definite do-again for us. Also, Mike and I are happy that it’s only 2.2 miles from our home. Besides our delectable lunch choices, Tiger on the Green offers tasty appetizers, tacos, Wagyu burgers, salads, sandwiches, wings and desserts.

Mike and I are also eager to try the restaurant’s brunch. The brunch menu includes pancakes, French toast, an omelet, shrimp & grits, steak & eggs and a variety of sides, among other items. Just reading the menu

theme,” explained judge and celebrity chef Aaron Sanchez.

Michael planned to prepare a fresh seafood meal inspired by his Caribbean roots (his father is an award-winning chef from Trinidad). Bryson decided to prepare a meal inspired by “Southern Charm” that would showcase his experience from barbecue and grilling competitions with his dad. Remy’s meal, which she said was inspired by the generations of women in her family, would feature Cajun/ New Orleans-style dishes.

First up, the contestants had one hour to create the first course — four servings of a sophisticated, restaurant-quality appetizer.

“Across your appetizers, we want to see you use a very particular MasterChef-level technique in your dishes,” Ramsay said. “Tonight, all three of you will have to flambe.”

“There’s so much pressure tonight,” said Remy, the only girl left in the competition. “The judges are definitely trying to make things harder for us. We already have to cook in the finale live in front of, like, hundreds of people, and then they want us to flambe? Like, what? I’ve only flambéed once ever, and it was in this kitchen, and it was so scary. I’m trying to stay focused, but I’m freaking out!”

Michael’s appetizer was a crab bisque with a crab salad with croutons in a tarragon and chive oil. He would flambe shallots with butter and elevate the dish by using caviar.

Bryson’s appetizer was prawns (shrimp) and hush puppies with a flambe rum marinade and a green tomato relish.

Remy’s appetizer was sea bass with a satsuma mimosa vinaigrette and a Friese crab mirliton salad (mirliton is like a cross between a squash and an apple). She flambéed the vinaigrette with an anise-flavored liqueur called Pernod, admitting she didn’t know how to pronounce it.

As the judges looked on, they were impressed with the young chefs’ attempts to demonstrate all they learned throughout the season. They noted the confidence with which each of the children cooked.

“It’s hard to lift these hush puppies, because you know they look sort-of rustic,” Ramsay said of Bryson’s dish. “Also, having the confidence to make sure these hush puppies are cooked properly — if they’re not, inside, not only stodgy and heavy in the corn meal, that could really fight against that sweetness of those beautiful, marinated prawns.

“Who’s the cook in your family?” judge Daphne Oz asked Bryson.

“Mostly my dad,” he replied.

“My mom can’t cook, pretty much, at all,” he replied, as

made our mouths water. Tiger on the Green’s dinner menu was also impressive. Entrees include a 12-ounce ribeye, an 8-ounce filet mignon, a 10-ounce pork chopand Mahi Mahi, among other dishes. All main dishes are served with two sides, all of which are house made except for the mac ‘n cheese. Trust me, run and do not walk to Tiger on the Green. Mike and I will probably see you there. Tiger on the Green is open for lunch Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. The restaurant serves brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For Sunday brunch, reservations are strongly recommended by phoning (334) 209-1466 or by booking online. Also, Tiger on the Green serves

the camera showed his parents bursting into laughter.

“It’s true,” Shannon “Mama Cheesecake” McGlynn admitted with rosy cheeks.

When time expired, the three youngsters embraced in a group hug, congratulating each other as the former contestants yelled out encouragement and the studio audience cheered.

First up, Bryson presented his appetizer to the judges.

“Appetizer round, it was definitely a little scary, and I’m just hoping that the hush puppies are thoroughly cooked, and I’m hoping that they can see my Southern charm on my plate,” said Bryson.”

“Congrats on making an ugly hush puppy look beautiful,” Ramsay told Bryson. “Well done.”

“Your plating has developed so much out of this competition,” said Ramsay’s daughter, guest judge Tilly Ramsay. “This is a lot more refined, and I’m really excited to try it.”

“The inside of these hush puppies, you know, if they’re wet and undercooked inside we can’t eat these things,” the elder Ramsay said, slicing into one. He held it up for the camera and declared, “Cooked absolutely spot-on, well done.”

The judges each took a bite.

“Hush puppies are cooked beautifully,” Ramsay said. “Seriously, the inside is moist, the outside is crispy, but it’s just seasoned beautifully. The hero here is that marinated shrimp, but [it needs] more sauce — hush puppies soak up that sauce and it’s disappeared.

“You’ve made hush puppies elegant, young man,” Ramsay concluded. “Really well done.”

“You know, we don’t have hush puppies in the U.K., so I’ve only had them a handful of times,” said Tilly. “These are by far the best I’ve ever had, and I need that recipe for sure.”

“Bryson, these shrimp are phenomenal,” said Oz. “They are moist and punched up with that great marinade. The green tomato relish, I think if I’m gonna nitpick, work on your knife cuts, give us a little more finesse on that, ‘cause your flavors are powerful. This is summer on a plate as told by Bryson. So good!”

“Bryson, you really took the time to connect the seasoning from the marinade into the actual hush puppies, so I appreciate that a lot,” said Sanchez. “These ruby red shrimp is something that we look forward to in the South, and you celebrated it and made it truly Bryson. Good job.”

The judges also praised Remy’s pan-seared sea bass, calling it her best dish of the competition, and they were equally impressed with Michael’s bisque, calling it a “beautiful expression of crab.”

dinner seven days a week from 5 to 8 p.m. Tiger on the Green 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 every other week in The Observer. Stacey may be reached at retiredlangartsteacher2020@gmail.com

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

“You three, those appetizers were incredible,” Ramsay said. “This is gonna be a real fight to the finish, and do not tell the home cooks from the adult show, but tonight some of your dishes were a lot better. Well done!”

Sanchez told the contestants they were all on equal footing going into the second course.

“Guys, there’s no frontrunner just yet, so keep up the amazing work as you take on the next course. It’s time for the entrée.”

Michael will prepare a pan-seared halibut with sauteed purple kale, ginger-glazed Thumbelina carrots and an herb lime sauce.

Bryson will prepare a Japanese wagyu filet mignon with a red wine reduction, squash

puree and confit turnips.

Remy will prepare shrimp and grits, a Tasso ham remoulade and collard greens.

The contestants were given one hour to prepare their entrees.

“I feel really confident, because I’m a grilling and barbecue competitor,” Bryson said.

“This entrée is me. This is me and my dad.

“The meat needs to be a perfect temperature, and if it’s not perfect, I’m not winning that trophy,” he said. “This is the most stress I’ve ever felt. It just feels like, just nerve-wracking and a little crazy.”

As the contestants began cooking, the judges discussed how they looked forward to the tasting.

“Bryson, with that wagyu, it sounds incredible,” Ramsay said.

“The components in his dish are very stripped down, so he’s really counting on the cook of the wagyu to be exceptional,” added Sanchez.

“This guy cooks in competitions using meats like this, so this should be in his wheelhouse,” Ramsay replied. “But, again, get this wagyu overcooked, and it’s dry.” Ramsay approached Bryson as he cooked and asked, “We feeling good?”

“Yes, chef,” the Cheese Curd replied.

“What’s the rub on that wagyu?” Ramsay asked. “A little bit of granulated

Young chef and fellow MasterChef Junior contestant Asher Niles flew all the way to Auburn/Opelika from Washington state to join Bryson McGlynn at a watch party for the show’s season finale, part one.

WALLACE >> from B11

Friends, family and fans gathered on the greenspace at Hey Day Market in Auburn to watch Opelika’s Bryson

McGlynn compete on the FOX television cooking show MasterChef Junior, hosted by Chef Gordon Ramsay.

See MASTER CHEF, page B15

BY SEAN DIETRICH

OPINION —

I’m 5 years old. On Mama’s stove is a steaming stock pot, filling the world with the essence of chicken and dumplings.

I’m watching her use her fists to mercilessly beat a lump of flour that will become dumplings. She punches the dough, making loud grunts, striking terror into the heart of childhood.

“What’re you making?” I ask her.

“Hush now,” she says.

For many years I sincerely believed that chicken and dumplings were called Hush Now. We ate a lot of Hush Now in my house.

Sean of the South

Mama then tells me to “Go outside and play.”

Such was the fate of little boys. Any time you opened your mouth to ask a question, you were sent outside to “go play.” God help the child who told Mama he was bored.

“BORED!?” she’d shout.

“I’ll show you bored!”

Then Mama’s eyes would fill with holy fire and she would wave her rolling pin around, sermonizing about idle hands. Frankly, you’d be safer telling my mother you were a communist.

So, I walk outside to ride my bike.

Back then we all had bikes.

Every last one of us. Bikes were everything. A kid in the saddle was limitless. Sometimes we would be gone for hours on our Schwinns. Nobody worried about us because there wasn’t much to worry about. Our parents weren’t like today’s parents. We didn’t carpool to soccer practice in hybrid vehicles while buckled in FDA-approved car seats, staring at the

Dumpling

opiate glow of our iPads.

Our parents drove big-bodied vehicles with names like Lincoln Continentals, Custom Cruisers, and Ford Country Squires. We had no seatbelts except Mama’s right arm. Moreover, we didn’t know what soccer was.

So, there I am, riding bikes with my pals. We pull over at a friend’s house. We dismount, midair, while traveling upwards of 89 mph.

We sprint to our friend’s doorstep to ring the doorbell. We are breathless and rosyfaced from exertion.

The door opens.

“CAN MARGARET

COME OUT AND PLAY!?”

We all say this to Margaret’s mother in unison, speaking at the same volume of a nuclear weapons field test. None of us kids have problems making eye contact with Margaret’s mom. None of us feel uncomfortable talking to adults.

I bring this up because I recently read a study that found that 93 percent of kids between ages 6 and 14 find it difficult to

make eye contact with adults.

The study concluded that the culprit was text-message-based communication.

We didn’t text. We wouldn’t have known how. Half of us were still working on the cursive alphabet. We weren’t in constant contact with Mom and Dad, either. In fact, many of us didn’t communicate with our parents at all until we finished college.

That’s not to say Mama didn’t keep in touch with us. She did. Usually, she left us notes on the backs of old bank envelopes in the kitchen.

“I went to Judy’s for bunco,” Mama would write. “Be back soon. Your room better be clean when I get home, or so help me, you will pay dearly.”

So, Margaret comes out to play. She brings her cousin Anne along. I like Anne because Anne is a tomboy, and tomboys hold a strange allure over me.

Tomboys are the kinds of girls who get mad at you and punch you in the stomach, which I enjoy. Tomboys can

outrun me, outlast me, out kickball me, and beat me in arm wrestling. I want to marry a tomboy.

We all pedal hard until we reek of little-kid sweat. We arrive at The Woods. There, we find a suitable place to “do stuff.” This, you see, is the whole point to childhood. Doing stuff.

It’s simple, really. You climb a tree, you kick pinecones, you find a stick that looks like a Winchester and you become John Wayne. You see who can jump out of a tree without breaking more than one fibula.

Life is more dangerous when we’re kids, I freely admit it. It’s not safe. It’s not sterilized. We do many stupid things we shouldn’t be allowed to do.

We don’t wear bicycle helmets. We dangle from rope swings over rocky creeks. Our parents give us pocketknives and lawn darts for Christmas. We build treehouses 48 feet off the ground. Our old man lets us sip his beer sometimes. We eat gluten.

And yet it seems our life is

less noisy without excess technology. Our Chevys have no computers. Our brains are capable of memorizing hundreds of phone numbers. We never need GPS systems because we have rural gas station clerks. And most everyone on our street waves Old Glory from their porch.

Tonight, my wife made chicken and dumplings for supper. She placed the steaming bowl before me, and I was a 5-year-old again.

“Is this what I think it is?” I said.

“Hush now,” said the tomboy.

Sean Dietrich is a columnist, novelist and stand-up storyteller known for his commentary on life in the American South. His column appears in newspapers throughout the U.S. He has authored 15 books, he is the creator of the Sean of the South Podcast and he makes appearances at the Grand Ole Opry.

Summer Swing concert series underway in Opelika

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA — Every Tuesday evening, the Opelika Parks and Recreation Department hosts a free outdoor concert at 7 p.m. at the Municipal Park in Opelika.

This 13-week Summer Swing Concert series offers a wide variety of musical entertainment.

Bring the whole family, a quilt or lawn chair and relax on the bank of Rocky Brook Creek for an evening of musical fun, fellowship and relaxation.

The Opelika Band Boosters will prepare hamburgers and hotdogs for a nominal fee from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m., ideal for a family picnic.

The Rocky Brook Rocket, a vintage train with a long, rich history, will give complimentary rides from 6:30 to 7 p.m. For more information call (334) 7055560 or email LChesser@opelika-al.gov.

Sponsors include the Opelika Chamber of Commerce, The Observer, WKKR 97.7 and FOX Sports the Game 910-1310 AM.

Following is a schedule of entertainment.

May 21 — Kidd Blue

Formed right on Toomer’s Corner in 1985 and led and inspired by the late great Opelika native, Robert Orr, Kidd Blue continues to bring their "New Old Soul" to parties and events throughout the Southeast. For over 39 years this horn-driven group of local professionals has been delivering their eclectic mix of Soul, R&B, Motown, Rock Classics and Americana in the styles of Marvin Gaye, Sam & Dave, Al Green, Van Morrison and many others. Do not miss this rare opportunity to experience Kidd Blue in an outdoor public performance. Follow the band on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter - @KiddBlueBand.

May 28 — The Dave Potts Band

Dave Potts is an acoustic singer/songwriter, performing a mix of his original

music along with folk and country favorites. Dave's music has been met with critical acclaim, including winning 1st Place in the Folk/Americana category at the International Acoustic Music Awards. He has released 14 albums of original music and performed in 43 states. Prominent internet retailer CD Baby made his CD ,$12.99, an Editor’s Pick and featured disc of the month upon its release. Their review raves, “His influences aren’t surprising (David Wilcox, James Taylor, John Denver) but there is a definite reach beyond genre here, even while his music fits comfortably both within folk and country. That reach is one of unhindered, inspired musicality embodied within music that feels like it was always yearning to be written.

June 4 — Conner Lorre – Neil Diamond Tribute Artist

Conner Lorre’s spectacular recreation of Neil Diamond’s voice has been receiving STANDING OVATIONS NATIONWIDE, including his show at CAESAR’S PALACE in LAS VEGAS. Conner delivers stunningly accurate voice impres-

sions of Neil Diamond, Frank Sinatra, John Denver, Jimmy Buffett, Elton John, Alan Jackson, Lee Greenwood, and many more. Conner is one of Opelika’s favorite entertainers. This show is guaranteed to captivate Opelika again this year. Keep up with Conner at www.ConnerLorre. com and www.facebook.com/TheVoxStar

June 11— Route 66

This energetic group plays it all… Oldies, Pop, Rock and Dance music. Audience participation in encouraged. Join the “Monkey Park dancers” on the grass around the stage as they dance, blow bubbles and have a great time!

June 18 — GP38

GP38 delivers Real Country Music along with a mix of southern & classic rock with an unmistakable Muscle Shoals, AL influence. A driving, high energy show, led by Opelika resident Chris McDaniel, that will have everyone singing along, dancing, and having a good time!

June 25 — Muse

34th year on the Summer Swing bandstand! Easy listening, vocal oriented

such as the Eagles, Beatles, CSN, James Taylor, Van Morrison, Little Big Town, Jason Isbell and more.

July 2 —

Crossroads

Crossroads is a six-piece variety band that covers many country and classic rock hits. The band performs selections from artists such as Fleetwood Mac, Sugaland, REM and The Eagles, as well as Taylor Swift, The Beatles and Chris Stapleton. Crossroads produces smooth vocal harmonies and provides audiences with a unique, varied and entertaining experience. More info can be found at facebook.com/auburncrossroadsband.

July 9 — Martha’s Trouble

Jen & Rob Slocumb are living their musical dream. While building their family, they have continued to write and play music, producing about a dozen albums and touring around the country and the world. And their work has not gone unnoticed. Some of the most influential and well-respected music critics have paid tribute to the duo.

They have been listed and featured in Billboard Magazine, USA Today, AOL Music, XM Satellite Radio and Performing Songwriter. Their songs have received multiple awards, including Best Americana Album of the Year by Just Plain Folk Awards, their Christmas Lights recording was selected as one of USA Today’s Top Holiday Albums, their cover of Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now was selected as one of Billboard Magazine’s Top 10 Cover Songs, and their recordings have been featured in several made-for-TV movies.

July 16 — James Brown Trio

The James Brown Trio is a Southern Gospel group that will have your toes tapping and heart stirring to songs from

Hey Day Market announces summer hours, events

Starting May 11, Hey Day Market in Auburn will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. in reflection of the university and city school summer bre ak schedules. Hey Day Market will be closed for Memorial Day (Monday, May 27), for Juneteenth (Wednesday, June 19) and for Independence Day (Thursday, July 4). The market will offer the following weekly happenings and specials:

• Sunday Soul Brunch — Every Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., local artists will perform live at Hey Day Market playing the soulful sounds of the 70s and 80s while guests enjoy brunch and cocktails.

• Hey Day Golf Club — Swing into action at Hey Day Market’s new mini-golf course, open from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Cost is $5 per person an d includes putters, balls and score cards, available at The Bar inside Hey Day Market. Guests will leave ID with staff until equipment is returned.

• Flower Truck on the Greenspace — on Friday, June 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. there will be a local fresh-cut flowers company on the greenspa ce, offering flowers by the stem, bouquets and DIY bulk buckets.

• Extreme PowerSports Bike Night — On Thursday, July 18, from 5 to 7 p.m., Hey Day Market will partner with Extreme Power Sports to host a bike night fundraiser supporting Storybook Farms. Adrenaline-seekers will enjoy the display of power sports, and there will be free gelato from Saint Bernardo’s Gelato Cart, demos from the Mini Grom and Slingshot clubs and a ticketed raffle.

acoustic soft rock played as only Muse can. Together for 46 years, Muse will perform fan favorites by artists

Summer Swing, a 13-week outdoor concert series kicked off May 7 at Opelika’s Municipal Park.

Sundilla Concert Series presents Dallas Ugly on Pebble Hill lawn

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

AUBURN — Nashvillebased trio Dallas Ugly will make their Sundilla debut on Thursday, May 23. The concert will take place on the lawn at Pebble Hill, located at 101 S. Debardeleben St. in Auburn. Showtime is 7:30

p.m. Advance tickets are $20 and are available at Spicer’s Music, Ross House Coffee, Foodie’s and online at sundillamusic.

com. Admission at the door will be $25. Students with an ID pay $15 at the door, and children 12 and under get in free. Free coffee, tea, water and food

will be available, and the audience is welcome to bring their own favorite food or beverage. Pebble Hill is located at 101 S. Debardeleben in Auburn. Dallas Ugly consists of Eli Broxham, Libby Weitnauer and Owen Burton, who have been friends and collaborators for more than a decade. The three reside in Nashville, Tennessee.

ABOUT SUNDILLA

The Sundilla Concert Series & Radio Hour is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with an allvolunteer staff. Started in 1993 with an outdoor concert on the lawn at

SPRING SUNDOWN CONCERT SERIES

The 2024 Spring Sundown Concert Series at Kiesel Park in Auburn will be held Thursdays in May from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The concerts are free. The community is invited to bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy great music, with food and sweet treats available for purchase from the Chill Spot. Pets on a leash are welcome. The concert lineup includes: AHS & AJHS Jazz Bands on May 9, Sally Brown Band on May 16, Soul Therapy on May 23 and Austin Ritch on May 30. Kiesel Park is located at 520 Chadwick Lane in Auburn. For the most up to date information on performers delays or cancelations, visit the Auburn Parks and Recreation Facebook page.

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY

Food Truck Friday will be held May 17 in downtown Opelika, hosted by the Opelika Chamber and sponsored by Afni. The event features food trucks, live music, vendors and thousands of visitors who dine, drink and enjoy the community atmosphere. The event starts at 5 p.m. Trucks will be parked along N. Railroad Avenue and 1st Avenue

NOON TUNES CONCERT SERIES

Celebrate the arrival of summer every Wednesday in May on Courthouse Square in Opelika for a free lunchtime concert. Bring a brown bag lunch (or purchase lunch from a local restaurant), a quilt or lawn chair and relax by the fountain for an hour of unforgettable musical entertainment.

SUMMER SWING

Every Tuesday evening the Opelika Parks and Recreation Dept. hosts a free outdoor concert at 7 p.m. at the Municipal Park in Opelika. This 13-week concert series offers a wide variety of musical entertainment including Gospel, Soul, Jazz, R&B, Oldies, Country, Folk and community band music. The Opelika Band Boosters will prepare hamburgers and hotdogs for a nominal fee from 6:15-7:30 p.m., ideal for a family picnic. The Rocky Brook Rocket will give complimentary rides from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Bring the whole family, a quilt or lawn chair and relax on the banks of Rocky Brook Creek for an evening of musical fun, fellowship and relaxation. For more information call (334) 705-5560 or email LChesser@opelika-al.gov.

COMMUNITY THEATRE PERFORMANCE

Auburn Area Community Theatre (AACT) presents “The Game’s Afoot,” winner of the 2012 Edgar Award for Best Play from The Mystery Writers of America. Performances will be May 16, 17 and 18 at 7 p.m. with a matinee on Sunday, May 19, at 2 p.m. All shows will be at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, located at 222 E. Drake Ave. in Auburn. “The Games Afoot” is a murder mystery comedy. Some content may not be appropriate for children under 13. This production includes two gunshot sound effects and brief simulated lightning effects. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children, students and seniors. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling (334) 246-1084. Email info@auburnact.org for group rate information.

AUBURN CITY MARKET

City Market, Auburn Parks and Recreation’s weekly farmer’s market, will return for the summer beginning May 18. The market will be held each Saturday morning through Aug. 24 from 8 to 11 a.m. at Town Creek Park. The entire family is invited to enjoy live music, fun activities for the kids and an array of fresh, local and handcrafted items to browse and purchase. Parking is available at Town Creek Park and in the gravel lot

Pebble Hill, Sundilla started holding most of their concerts in the AUUF Fellowship Hall in 1996, thanks to the generosity of the AUUF. In 2017, Sundilla became the first, and so far only, venue to be presented with a SERFA Award for Contributions to Folk Music by the SouthEast Regional Folk Alliance.

The Sundilla Radio Hour is a weekly show aired in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, New York, Colorado and Alaska, and as a podcast that is available anytime. For more information, go to www.sundillamusic. com.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

across the street from the park. City Market vendors will start selling their products at 8 a.m. sharp. For more information, visit auburnalabama.org/citymarket or email citymarket@auburnalabama.org.

HAY DAYS Hay Days at the Farm at Rocky Top is set for May 18 & 19. The farm, located at 2910 Lee Road 145 in Salem, will be open both days from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $5, with children under age four admitted free. There will be more than 80 vendors at the event, offering a variety of arts and crafts items to explore, as well as plenty of delicious edible treats.

PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP

The Auburn-Opelika Parkinson’s Support Group will meet on Sunday, May 19, starting at 1:30 p.m. at First Methodist Church of Opelika, 702 Avenue A, Opelika, AL 36801. The group meets monthly and is for people with Parkinson’s, their care partners and their adult children.

CONFEDERATE CONSCRIPTION LECTURE

The Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities at Auburn University (Pebble Hill) will sponsor “Confederate Conscription and the Struggle for Southern Soldiers” with Dr. John Sacher on Monday, May 20, at 3 p.m at the Museum of East Alabama, located at 121 9th St., Opelika, AL 36801.

OPELIKA GIVING DAY

Envision Opelika will host the sixth annual Opelika Giving Day, a 24-hour online fundraiser which will support specific projects of 10 local nonprofits, on May 22. Visit https://opelikagivingdays.org to see this year’s projects seeking funding. Donors may also visit the Envision Opelika office at 1103 Glenn St. in Opelika if they prefer to donate via check or cash. Those proceeds will go toward the specific initiative the donor chooses.

SUSCC MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCE

Veteran Services at Southern Union State Community College will host a Memorial Day observance on Thursday, May 23, at 10 a.m. at the Southern Union Southern Room on the Opelika Campus. The Southern Room is located in the Business and Technology Center near West Point Parkway. There will be several guest speakers and performers from the area, and a light lunch will be served at the conclusion of the service. All are welcome to attend.

AU MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY

Auburn University will host a Memorial Day ceremony on Friday, May 24, at 11:30 a.m. on the Cater Lawn.

DOWN THE TRACKS 5K

Workout Anytime’s Down the Tracks 5K will be held Saturday, May 25, at Courthouse Square in historic downtown Opelika. On race day, packet pick up will begin at 7 a.m. The One Mile Fun Run will start at 8 a.m., followed by the 5K at 8:30 a.m. Registration for the Fun Run is $15 and for the 5K is $25 (register by April 30th to receive a T-shirt). Awards will include 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place overall male and female and top male and female in divided age groups. A portion of the proceeds for this event will go to Flags for Vets Inc.

AUBURN MAYOR’S MEMORIAL DAY

BREAKFAST

The annual Auburn Mayor’s Memorial Day Breakfast will be held Monday, May 27, at 8 a.m. at the AU Hotel and Conference Center. Tickets are $25 per person or $250 for a table of eight and are available at City Hall, 144 Tichenor Ave. A wreath laying ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. at Veteran’s Memorial Monument, located at the northeast corner of East Glenn Avenue and Ross Street.

SUMMER SWING >> from B13

the past as well as current tunes that are soon to be classics. The namesake (James Brown) started the group 23 years ago with Charles Story and Adam Traylor but since the deaths of James and Charles respectively, the trio has continued the tradition of good ole Southern Gospel music with new members. Today the trio consists of Adam & Teel Traylor as

well as Kevin Webb from Auburn, AL. You will not want to miss this group’s harmonious sounds beneath the beautiful

OPELIKA MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE

The city of Opelika will host a Memorial Day service at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 27, at Courthouse Square (rain location: Municipal Court Building, 300 MLK Boulevard). A reception will follow at 11 a.m. at the Museum of East Alabama, located at 121 S. 9th Street.

PRIDEFEST 2024

Pride on the Plains, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, will host several events during the week leading up to PrideFest 2024, including: Bingo at Red Clay Brewery downtown Opelika 5-7 p.m. on Sunday, May 26; Karaoke at The Jailhouse inside Rock ‘n’ Roll Pinball downtown Opelika at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 28; Trivia at Avondale Bar and Tap Room downtown Auburn 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29; Fresh Faces open stage fundraiser on Thursday, May 30; the family-friendly 6th Annual Pride Parade in downtown Opelika at 6 p.m. followed by a party with Denali at the AU Alumni Center at 8 p.m. on Friday, May 31; and the family-friendly 6th Annual PrideFest at Auburn’s Kiesel Park noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 1. Vendors invited to sign up now. For more information, visit prideontheplains.com.

SUMMERNIGHT DOWNTOWN ART WALK

The 2024 SummerNight Downtown Art Walk is scheduled for Friday, June 7, from 6 to 10 p.m. in downtown Auburn. The festival features the work of local and regional artists, live music, merchant specials, children’s activities and a culinary contest. Presented by the City of Auburn/Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, Auburn Arts Association, Saint Dunstan’s Episcopal Church and the Auburn Downtown Merchants Association. Visit auburnsummernight.org for sponsorship, vendor and volunteer information.

GET OUTDOORS EVENT

A Get Outdoors event is scheduled for Saturday, June 22, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Lee County Fairgrounds, 2408 Lafayette Parkway in Opelika. The free, familyfriendly event will feature food trucks, a bounce house and exhibits of RVs and campers by Camping World, 4x4s and boats by Southern Mud and 4x4 trucks and accessories by H&W.

CHILDREN’S THEATRE SUMMER CAMP

Missoula Children’s Theatre, a world-renowned children’s touring theatre for more than 50 years, will be back in Opelika for Summer Camp June 24-28. Registration is open to young people in kindergarten through 12th grades. Cost is $200, with a 10% discount for additional family members. Camp is limited to 60 campers, and every camper will be cast in the production of “Gulliver’s Travels in Space.” Register at www. opelikacommunitytheatre.com. For more information, contact Opelika Community Theatre by calling (334) 4009660 or emailing opelikatheatrecompany1@gmail.com.

ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI

The Lee County Alumni of Alabama State University is holding a membership drive. Increased membership will allow the group to offer more scholarships and support financial and other vital needs for student success at ASU, as well as will foster a sense of pride, visibility and connection to the community. For more information, contact President Dwight E. Howard at (334) 745-7293.

summer night sky. July 23 — Fedoras

This acoustic duo plays folk, pop, and bluegrass tunes the whole family will enjoy. July 30 — Back to School Bash Enjoy a final concert as we bid summer farewell.

Nashville-based trio Dallas Ugly will perform as part of the Sundilla Concert Series on Thursday, May 23, on the lawn at Pebble Hill.

Opelika Kiwanis

BURGER WARS >> from B11

brate the 10th anniversary and how this event has grown over the years to become a highlight on the calendar for both locals and visitors alike,” said Brooke Kastner, Burger Wars chair. “This year, we’re pulling out all the stops to ensure that Burger Wars delivers an unforgettable experience for everyone who attends.”

For more information or to sign up as a griller for this year’s competition, visit the Ope-lika Rotary Club’s website at opelikarotaryclub.com or check out the Burger Wars Facebook page.

For more information about Burger Wars, contact Cat Bobo at cat@aotourism.com or call (334) 501-3282.

ABOUT OPELIKA ROTARY

The Opelika Rotary Club is a community-minded, non-profit organization dedicated to serving the local area through various philanthropic efforts and service projects while striving to positively impact the community through its initiatives. For more information visit OpelikaRotaryClub. com.

MASTERCHEF JR. >> from B12

honey, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder,” Bryson said, and Ramsay cautioned him not to use too much heat on the stove so the honey would not burn the spices.

“So [the wagyu] needs to be seared, but don’t go too crazy, right?” Ramsay said. “What’s going with it?”

“A red wine reduction, which is what I’m starting on right now,” Bryson responded, adding he would be pan-searing the turnips.

“Right, love that,” Ramsay said. “Good luck.”

“I’m a little shaky right now,” Bryson said. “I’ve cooked a lot of steaks, but not a $100,000 steak!”

Part One of the finale ended with 30 minutes left in the cook. In Part Two of the finale, which will air on FOX network at 7 p.m. on Monday, May 20, the chefs will present their entrees and prepare their desserts.

LEE/RUSSELL COUNTY LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP

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

Contact Shiquita Fulton, M.ED/Vision Rehab therapist for additional details at 334-705-2024, or Melody Wilson, case manager for the blind, at 256368-3258.

NAMI OFFERS VIRTUAL PROGRAM FOR FAMILIES DEALING WITH MENTAL ILLNESS

NAMI of East Alabama, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, supports families dealing with mental illness through mutual support, education and advocacy. NAMI of Alabama is providing a virtual family education program (on zoom) beginning May 9, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The NAMI Family-to-Family Program is a free eight-week educational program for families and significant others of people with a mental health condition. The program is peer lead by individuals who have been through similar situations, provides information and strategies for taking care of the person you love. Registration is required. Email laurajnh@gmail.com or call 205-2672986 for more information. The group will also meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, 714 East Glenn Ave. in Auburn. Judge Christopher Hughes, Circuit Judge will speak on his mental health docket. The public is invited. There will be time for sharing after the program.

Rotary Club of Auburn

Coffee Thursdays & Fridays 6:30

COFFEE & CONVERSATION WITH VFW POST 5404

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

AUBURN/OPELIKA MOPS IS NOW 'MomCO'

MOPS International changed its name from MOPS, Mothers of Preschoolers to MomCo to include moms of children of all ages. Auburn Opelika MomCo meets at Pepperell Baptist Church, 2702 2nd Ave. in Opelika. Contact Rachel Elrod at (706) 244-5620 or Pastor Zac Gardner or Pastor Josh Elliott at (334) 745-3108 for further information.

Kim Walker, center, was guest speaker at last week’s Rotary Club of Auburn meeting, representing the Women’s Philanthropy Board at Auburn University. Pictured with Walker are club board members Brenda Hellums, right, and Griffin McNeal, left.

The speaker at last week’s Opelika Kiwanis Club meeting was Jessica Weyreuter with Dream Court. The speaker on May 23 will be Kathryn Guthrey with Worthy2.

Alpha Delta Kappa Alabama Beta Xi Chapter members recently donated a check and delivered swimsuits to BigHouse Director Micah Melnick. The donations will support the upcoming BigHouse Beach Retreat.

Carline