Summer is here and so is the weekly farmer's market hosted by OGrows. The market sets up at the Southside Center for the Arts, located across from the Opelika Public Library at 1103 Glenn St., in Opelika. The market runs from 3 to 6 p.m. every Tuesday through early August. Local vendors offer fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, ice cream and more. Follow OGrows on its Facebook page www.facebook.com/opelikagrows.
LCYDC Executive Director Laura Cooper, pictured in the center, with friends during the County Youth Development Center's event May 4 commemorating 50 years of service in Lee County.
CONTRIBUTED BY LCYDC
LEE COUNTY —
With the theme “Thank You for Being a Friend,” the Lee County Youth
Development Center (LCYDC) recently commemorated 50 years of
friendship and service to humanity.
See LCYDC, page A3
CONTRIBUTED BY NASRO
LEE COUNTY —
The National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) announced that it will present its Exceptional Service Award to Sgt. Pamela Revels of the Lee County Sheriff's Office. The organization bestows the award for continuous and sustained service to the school community above and beyond what is normally expected of a school resource officer (SRO).
NASRO will present this award and others Friday, June 30, during a ceremony in Indianapolis, Indiana, as part of its annual National School Safety Conference.
See REVELS page A3
There are more than 211,000 family caregivers in Alabama caring for someone who has Alzheimer's disease or related dementia. This number is expected to grow as more older adults in the state are diagnosed with dementia.
Caring for someone with dementia is challenging, and Alabama caregivers often report having their own health problems to manage: almost 60% report having at least one chronic condition, 28% report having depression and 13% report having
poor physical health. One of the biggest challenges that caregivers face is accessing the information they need to understand their loved one’s condition, find emotional support and
locate services that meet their needs.
“It’s really alarming to see what caregivers are going through,” said Dr. Nicole Ruggiano. “Many report feeling
stressed because they don't understand why their mother or father doesn’t recognize them anymore. Some feel depressed and isolated because they do not have someone to stay
with their loved one so they can attend church service or see a doctor for their own health problems.”
Ruggiano is a professor and associate dean of
research within the School of Social Work at the University of Alabama.
Ruggiano and her team wanted to find ways to
See RESOURCES, page A3
CONTRIBUTED BY AUBURN
UNIVERSITY
AUBURN — The Kreher Preserve and Nature Center, an outreach program of Auburn University's College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, celebrated the grand opening of its Pond Pavilion on May 4. The event coincides with a yearlong celebration commemorating the 30th anniversary of the nature center in 2023.
Situated in the northern region of the 120-acre nature center, the new pavilion is accessible from the Farmville Road north entrance only a few miles from Auburn University’s campus. The structure, which offers a restroom and wood benches, will house many of the center’s educational programs and other activities focused on the nearby turtle pond, butterfly and vegetable gardens and historic homestead.
The pavilion will also serve as a rest stop for visitors who travel to the north section of the Kreher Preserve to enjoy its densely forested landscape and other natural features
such as the hidden waterfall and creek.
When not in use for center programs, the facility will be available to the community as a rental space for special events or other activities.
The grand opening celebration and ribbon
cutting was coordinated by the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center with the assistance of Auburn’s Chamber of Commerce. Before cutting the ribbon to officially open the facility, Ron Anders Jr., mayor of the city of Auburn, gave a
few remarks praising the nature center for its commitment to serving the community through environmental education.
"I'm thrilled to be here today to celebrate the grand opening of the Pond Pavilion at the Kreher Preserve
and Nature Center," Anders said. "This beautiful new facility is a testament to the nature center's dedication to environmental education and conservation. I have no doubt it will become a cherished resource for the Auburn community and beyond."
Welcome remarks were given by Janaki Alavalapati, Emmett F. Thompson dean of the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, who discussed the importance of the
See FACILITY, page A3
AUBURN —
As part of Sain Associates' ongoing strategic plan, the firm is pleased to announce that it is expanding and opening offices in Auburn and Mobile, Alabama. Sain has been working on projects in these two areas for many years, and these two new offices fulfill its goal of offering exceptional service to its clients.
Charles “Hack” Sain was the original founder of Sain Associates when it opened for business in 1972. For more than 50 years, it has been uniting engineers, architects and contractors in seamless communication, planning and execution. Back in the mid-'90s, Sain secured a contract with the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) which prompted Sain to open an office in Pulaski, Tennessee.
In 2020, Sain further expanded its operations with the opening of an office in Huntsville,
LCYDC >>
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“This day was dedicated to our phenomenal founders — the late Mrs. Cecil Moreman and Mrs. Jane Walker — as well as the nearly 100 board members who have worked and served our mission from 1973 to the present day,” said Executive Director Laura Cooper.
More than 100 guests and dignitaries were in attendance as remarks were given by Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller, Auburn University President Dr. Chris-
FACILITY >>
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center’s mission to provide environmental education, outdoor recreation and outreach programs for the university and surrounding communities.
"We are thrilled to be here today to celebrate the grand opening of the Pond Pavilion at the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center," said Alavalapati. "This
Alabama. The opening of these two new offices showcases the dynamic impact Sain has in the engineering industry.
“We had a goal with our strategic plan to assess the viability of opening the new offices in Auburn and Mobile,” said Jim Meads, president and CEO of Sain Associates. “We determined that we can better serve our clients and those communities with our physical presence. We also are excited to announce that we have hired key personnel for those offices.”
Kevin Harrison, PTP, former director of transportation planning for the South Alabama Regional Planning Commission (SARPC) has been hired to oversee the Mobile office. He has been working in transportation planning for SARPC in Mobile since 1992. He retired from the agency in 2022. The Mobile branch will provide transportation planning and Sain’s Birmingham
topher Roberts and Auburn
Mayor Ron Anders.
Cooper said that since its inception, LCYDC has been supported by a diverse collective of individuals, organizations, businesses and houses of faith on both a local and statewide basis, and this day was an opportunity to thank all who had “traveled down the road and back again” so that children and families who need us might have a brighter and more hopeful future.
For more about the agency, visit www.lcydc. org.
beautiful new addition to the nature center will provide visitors with an even more immersive experience and help us to further our mission of promoting conservation, education and research."
Other remarks were made by the F. Allen and Louise K. Turner Foundation Treasurer Brian Walker, Kreher Preserve and Nature Center Advisory Board
President John Wild, Kreher Preserve and Nature Center Manager Michael Buckman and
headquarters will provide support engineering services.
“South Alabama is flourishing right now because of the production of steel, aluminum, the expanding maritime and aerospace and aviation industries, distribution centers, tourism and much more,” Harrison said. “This creates demand for housing, retail, infrastructure and transportation. I am proud to be a part of such an established group at Sain Associates to help strengthen the region.”
Veronica Ramirez, P.E. RSP1, joins Sain to oversee the office in Auburn. She most recently was with the Alabama Transportation Assistance Program (ATAP) at Auburn University. She holds a BSCE from Florida State University and a Master of Science in Transportation Engineering from Auburn. Prior to joining ATAP, she was a consultant with Snyder & Associates in Iowa.
She currently serves as president of the Montgomery branch of ASCE and as secretary/ treasurer of Alabama Section ITE.
“I am excited about the opportunity to provide traffic and safety engineering solutions to local communities,” Ramirez said. “It is a privilege to play a role in Sain Associates' continued expansion and success.”
ABOUT SAIN ASSOCIATES
Founded in 1972, Sain Associates is a multi-disciplined consulting engineering firm specializing in civil engineering, transportation planning and engineering, construction engineering and inspection, surveying and geographic information systems. Sain Associates is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, with branch offices in Huntsville, Mobile and Auburn, Alabama, and Pulaski, Tennessee. For more information about the company, please visit www.sain.com.
REVELS >> from A1
NASRO’s 33rd annual, global, National School Safety Conference will take place June 28 through July 3 at the JW Marriott Indianapolis. The conference provides opportunities for attendees to learn best practices for SRO and other school safety programs. It also provides networking opportunities to SROs and other law enforcement officers, as well as school
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connect caregivers across the state with information they report needing to better understand dementia and to make decisions about their loved one’s care. They launched a new website, called Alabama Caregiver Connect (caregiverconnect. ua.edu), which provides caregiver education and information about services
security and safety officials, school board members, administrators and anyone interested in school safety.
ABOUT NASRO NASRO is a nonprofit organization for school-based law enforcement officers, school administrators and school security and safety professionals working as partners to protect students, school faculty and staff and the schools they serve. NASRO was established in 1991 and is headquartered in Hoover, Alabama. For more information, visit www.nasro.org.
within Alabama communities.
“One of the main goals of Alabama Caregiver Connect is to provide Alabama with content that they find important,” Ruggiano said. “So, caregivers can submit questions on the website that they would like more information about. As more families use the site, we hope to expand it to better link caregivers with services within their community.”
Educational Director Sarah Crim.
The multi-year construction effort was made possible by Auburn University’s College of Architecture, Construction and Design Building Science students, volunteers and several area businesses who donated services and materials for site preparation and construction, Buckman said.
"We are grateful for the support of the F. Allen and Louise K.
Turner Foundation, who provided the seed funds for the project,” Buckman said. “Thanks to the generosity of many donors, the pavilion will be an incredible resource for our community, and we look forward to sharing it with visitors from near and far.”
Contributors to the pavilion construction and grand opening include:
- Auburn University McWhorter School of Building Science
Service Learning Program
- Auburn University Facilities Management Building & Earth
- Cutting Edge Lawn Service
- Dilworth Development Inc.
- Galik Plumbing LLC
- Martin Marietta
- Potting Shed
- Publix
- Pythoge
- Stacy Norman Architects
- Sunrise Rotary
- Thalamus LLC
- Thompson Carriers
The Kreher Preserve and Nature Center was donated to Auburn University in 1993 and features six miles of walking trails, a nature playground and several outdoor shelters for visitors. It is open to the public and is free to visit during regular hours of operation, sunrise to sunset, seven days a week. For more information about the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center and its programs, visit its website.
CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF AUBURN / JARRET Y. JONES
AUBURN —
Frank Brown Recreation Center’s gym will be closed for renovations beginning Monday, May 15. The gym is scheduled to reopen Friday, June 2. The Frank Brown outdoor basketball courts are available for play from sunup to sundown. For more information, contact Auburn Parks and Recreation at 334501-2930.
and staff at child care facilities should obtain professional development on promoting and supporting breastfeeding at least once per year.
Lastly, the training
BY
AUBURN —
The Auburn Police Department (APD) is proud to announce the promotion of Officer Leonardo “Leo” Gonzalez to the rank of sergeant, effective April 16, 2023.
Gonzalez graduated with a bachelor’s
degree in sociology from the College of Liberal Arts at Auburn University in 2017. In 2021, he joined the Lee County Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team and became a field training officer for APD. He began his employment with the Auburn Police Department as a police officer in June 2017.
CONTRIBUTED BY ACES
BY DUSTIN DUNCANLEE COUNTY —
There is good news for breastfeeding families in Alabama. Thanks to work from the Alabama Cooperative Extension System Human Sciences team, more families have the ability to select a breastfeeding-friendly child care facility that prioritizes their needs and provides a supportive, welcoming environment. More than 50 Alabama providers were certified throughout the state in 2022. The certification program is a collaboration with Alabama Extension, the Alabama Department of Public Health, the Alabama Partnership for Children and the Alabama Breastfeeding Committee.
SUPPORTING MOTHERS
The providers certified breastfeedingfriendly in Alabama in 2022 serve more than 1,800 children. The certification process gives providers the knowledge to support breastfeeding families and is overseen by Alabama Extension regional agents throughout the state. Practices are related to the breastfeedingfriendly environment, breastfeeding policies,
breastfeeding support, breastfeeding education, professional development and breastfeeding or infant feeding.
This program resulted in 260 improved practices among participating child care providers, indicating an enhanced environment for breastfeeding mothers and families served by these providers.
Helen Jones, an Alabama Extension human sciences regional agent, said there is a training process for child care providers that stresses the benefits of breastfeeding for everyone involved.
“We do the training with child care providers for them to know the importance of breastfeeding to the mom, the baby and the importance for the child care provider to support mothers who are breastfeeding,” Jones said.
REQUIREMENTS
Jones said all child care providers, including home-based, center-based, licensed or license-exempt providers may apply for the certification.
During the certification process, there are five requirements to become a breastfeeding-friendly child care provider.
The first requirement is providing a
breastfeeding-friendly environment within the child care facility. Jones said a quiet, clean and comfortable space — other than a restroom — must be available for mothers to breastfeed their children. Additionally, enough refrigerator or freezer space must be available to allow all breastfeeding mothers, including employees, to store expressed breast milk. Additionally, educational materials about breastfeeding must be displayed in multiple areas of the building.
Facilities must also have a written policy on promoting and supporting breastfeeding in the facility. The policy should include offering professional development for staff about breastfeeding and providing educational materials to families, among others.
Teachers and staff within the child care facility should also promote breastfeeding and support mothers who choose to do so.
Jones said support could be inviting mothers to come to the facility to nurse during the day or talking to families about community organizations that provide breastfeeding support.
In addition, teachers
MONDAY, MAY 29, 2023
10 a.m.
Courthouse Square • South 9th Street Opelika Reception
11 a.m.
Museum of East Alabama • 121 South 9th Street
CONTRIBUTED BY CFEA
LEE COUNTY —
The Community Foundation of East Alabama (CFEA) recently granted funds from its Disaster Fund to the Lee County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) to purchase refrigerators in the new and renovated EOC (Emergency Operations Center) building.
When there are threats to Lee County, such as severe weather
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includes feeding practices. Jones said teachers are required to inform families about what, when and how much their infants eat each day. The training also informs teachers and staff about hunger cues and when an infant may be getting full.
“I’ve noticed through doing these trainings that a lot of providers didn’t know that breastfeeding can decrease the risk of having Type 2 diabetes for the mother and also decrease the chance of the baby suffering from
SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome),” Jones said.
THE FUTURE
Laura Downey, Alabama Extension’s assistant director for human sciences, said the breastfeeding certification program is a priority for her and Human Sciences Extension agents in Alabama.
“In addition to the education we provide as part of this program, we work with child care providers to identify and make the policy, system and environmental changes that are right for their facility,” Downey said.
Downey said supporting environmental changes in a child care facility is a new approach for Human Sciences Extension, and she hopes the Breastfeeding-Friendly Child Care Certification program can serve as a model for other programs within Human Sciences Extension.
LEE COUNTY LOCATIONS
• A to Z Home Daycare, Auburn
Belinda Dowdell
• Big Blue Marble Academy, Auburn
Lynn Nelson
•Big Blue Marble Academy - East Glenn, Auburn
events or any situation requiring disaster response coordination, this agency is on the job 24/7 and needs to have access to refrigerated foods.
“CFEA was happy to be able to provide this funding,” said CFEA President Barbara Patton. “We appreciate all that the Lee County Emergency Management does in times of emergencies, and all the planning and training that go into being
Jessica Daughtery
• Big Blue Marble Academy, Opelika
Erica Satterwhite
• Penny's Home Daycare, Opelika
Penny Davis
•Sue Sue's Sunflower Patch Childcare, Opelika
Susan Jackson
• University Daycare, Auburn
Debra Holley
MORE INFORMATION
An interactive map
ready for these events.”
The primary mission of the agency is to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the community from all hazards.
“We are so thankful for the support from the Community Foundation of East Alabama,” said Rita Smith, director of EMA. “Our new Emergency Operations Center is here to serve all the citizens of Lee County and our first
identifying certified breastfeeding-friendly providers by Alabama county is maintained by Alabama Extension and updated quarterly.
Find a list of child care providers on the map at www.aces.edu.
For more information about how to become certified, contact the local Extension office or email aceshse@ auburn.edu on how to get started.
responders, and we are so blessed to have it.”
To learn more about the Community Foundation of East Alabama, visit www. cfeastalabama.org. The organization is headquartered at the Southside Center for the Arts, located at 1103 Glenn St. in Opelika.
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System takes the expertise of Auburn University and Alabama A&M University to the people. Our educators in all 67 counties are community partners — bringing practical ways to better our homes, farms, people and the world around us. Our research extends knowledge and improves lives.
the worship service at the church I love, Central Baptist of Opelika; I didn’t want to sob when they acknowledged all the moms. Instead, Mike and I had a devotion at home.
As Brother Walter Albritton has taught me through three wonderful books he wrote and sent me on grief, “God hurts when we do.” Therefore, I believe that God understood.
Alabama. In fact, if Daddy left to fish early, my niece and nephew would cry, so that rarely happened.
After Daddy caught and cleaned those catfish, Mama would have a threehour fish fry on Saturday.
By the time you read this column, Mother’s Day 2023 will have come and gone. If you are a mama, I hope your day was the best. May 14, 2023, was the first Mother’s Day I spent without Barbara McEachern Patton — my sweet, wonderful Mama — and I dreaded the day with all that I am and ever will be. I couldn’t even attend
As I’ve probably mentioned before in this column, Tom Patton, my sweet and hilarious Daddy, loved to fish. Daddy ran a trotline on the backwaters of the Tallapoosa River from the 1960s to the late 1980s. Since Daddy and Mama had three children to feed, clothe and send to Auburn University, that trotline was a good economical idea.
In the late ‘80s, Daddy often took with him Lindsay and Ryan, his two grandchildren who lived in
Mama cooked in a metal pot that was about the size of a Dutch oven; it had a wire handle at the top. She fried catfish, hushpuppies, French fries and homemade onion rings (Mama got the recipe for onion rings from Aunt Martha “Mot,” her younger sister.). Man, those onion rings were the best I’ve ever eaten. They were crispy and not coated with 10 layers of breading like the ones in most restaurants.
Mama drained the grease from the food by laying the freshly fried fish (remember, I love alliteration.), hushpuppies and onion rings on Piggly Wiggly paper sacks. She also made
BY KENDYL HOLLINGSWORTH KENDYLH@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
AUBURN —
The Hey Day Market, a multiconcept food hall and gathering space on South College Street, recently announced hour changes, as well as several upcoming programs and events, as it prepares to spring into summer.
As of Monday, May 8, the market’s hours have been adjusted to 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
This schedule will last until Monday, July 31, after which the market will return to its normal hours of 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
There will also be
several weekly specials at Hey Day Market.
Every Wednesday, patrons can experience Wine Wednesday at The Bar, which features canned wine for $8 and bottles of wine for $19 from 4 to 8 p.m. On Thursdays, The Bar will
host We Cheer for Beer, and guests can enjoy $3 beers — also from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturdays will see a rotating lineup of local vendors offering a variety of handmade
See HEY DAY, page A8
her own coleslaw and tartar sauce. We feasted like kings and queens.
I have NEVER had any catfish and the trimmings as delicious as my Mama’s. I plan to learn to make Aunt Mot’s onion rings and Mama’s incred-
ible banana pudding this summer. This spring, I learned to make Mama’s wonderful pound cake with orange juice glaze; thankfully, it turned out pretty well, and none of my friends died from eating it. I’ll let you know
how my next two cooking projects go. Again, Mike will be standing by with his trusty fire extinguisher. Not long ago, Mike and I discovered a place that serves catfish ALMOST as good as Mama’s —
, page
Eleven professionals from Auburn, Opelika, Eufaula and Columbus Georgia, graduated from the Flawless Delivery Certification Program on May 16 at the Auburn-Opelika Tourism headquarters. The program was hosted by the Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association. Pictured front row, left to right: Alexandra Neal, Kimberly May, Melissa Oates and Michael Stevens. Back row, left to right: Troy Wolters, Hillary Jackson, Dakota Urness, Pam Sanghani, Ty Strickland, Jasmine Taylor, instructor Greg Smith, Romanica Jenkins and instructor Stacie Binford.
Ihave a confession to make. I am addicted to my cellphone. I’m not proud of it. I don’t like admitting it. But I’m coming clean, publicly.
I feel naked without my phone. I shower with my phone. In fact, on many occasions — I am not making this up — I have ordered dog food in the shower.
It’s gotten bad. When I wake up, the first thing I do is check my phone. When I make coffee, I’m reading email.
When I wander outside to let my dogs sniff every blade of grass in the known universe simply so they can pee in the exact same spot they’ve peed upon for the last 3,298,119 consecutive mornings, I’m scrolling social media, viewing photographs from people I don’t even know, reading about what they ate for supper last night.
I’m hopeless. Last night, for example, I lost my
cellphone in the car, and it was dark. I looked for my phone for 15 minutes, USING THE FLASHLIGHT OF MY PHONE. This is shameful. There used to be a time when we had no smartphones. I remember the tech-free era because I grew up during this period.
My generation had no computers, no cellphones, no smartwatches, indoor plumbing, etc. We entertained ourselves with only Highlights magazines, Slinkys and polio vaccines.
You see, kids, during my childhood, shortly after the SpanishAmerican War, our phones were not smart. They were dumb phones. They were big, black phones which could only be installed
by the phone company. They were Soviet-style phones, mounted in the kitchen, with 500-foot cords and rotary dials.
Back then, our phones were made of steel, industrial plastic and asbestos. The phones weighed about 1,900 pounds and — hard as this is to believe — they did not even shoot good video.
Even so, as a kid, you spent very little time talking on a phone. Namely because you were always on your bike.
You grew up on your bike. Your bicycle was your life. That’s how you lived. On two wheels.
You rode your bike everywhere. It was your only connection to the outside world. You had a permanent
bike-seat imprint on your tiny buttocks.
You rode your bike on every street. Down giant hills. Across railroad tracks. Over the Appalachians. On busy highways. You would go anywhere on your bike. You were fearless.
There were no GPS devices; your mind was your GPS. You knew where every treehouse, fort, filling station and neighborhood ball field was located. You played Little League ball. You spent a lot of time in the woods. You dammed up creeks and constructed dangerous rope swings that were a lawsuit waiting to happen.
You were feral. Mangy. You built campfires just because
you could. You had ticks embedded in your scalp.
You and your friends purchased barely legal bottle rockets from fireworks stands, oftentimes launching these bottle rockets from well-known orifices of your body.
You were away from home for entire presidential administrations and would not return until you heard your mother’s voice shout that supper was ready.
And your supper wasn’t glamorous.
Your supper consisted of gluten, trans fats, lots of carbs and lethal chemical dyes which are known to cause cancer in California.
And oftentimes your mother cooked entire meals at her stove
CONTRIBUTED BY THE OPELIKA HISTORIC PRESERVATION SOCIETY
OPELIKA —
Tuesday, May 9, the Opelika Historic
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goods on the market lawn from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the weekly Farm Stand, weather permitting. The first Farm Stand, held May 13, featured vendors such as Hornsby Farm, Searose Flowers and Sadie Banks Jewelry. Upcoming vendors include Stinson Breads, Scarlet & Gold, Nature’s Love, Kudzu Hill, AU Horticulture and more.
Music and brunch lovers can also enjoy a weekly Sunday Soul Brunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event will feature local artists playing “the soulful sounds of the ‘70s and ‘80s” as guests gather for brunch and cocktails.
Hey Day Market will also host several special events throughout the
Preservation Society (OHPS) presented its annual awards for historic preservation. These awards, presented in two categories, include one
summer, including an Extreme Bike Benefit Night on Thursday, July 20. The market will team up with Extreme Power Sports to welcome a collection of motorbikes lined up onsite in support of the fundraiser. Guests are encouraged to come and check out the space.
The Hey Day Market calendar, which can be accessed at heydaymarketauburn. com/events/, will be updated regularly with new events throughout the month, according to Camille Shepherd, public relations account coordinator. Keep up with the market and its events on Facebook and Instagram as well.
The Hey Day Market opened in 2022 at 211 S. College St. in Auburn, adjacent to Auburn University’s Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science
for a residence and one for a business. The purpose of the awards is to recognize special efforts to preserve the integrity of Opelika’s historic structures.
This year’s recipients were Rush and Tiffany Denson, for their historic home on North 8th Street, as well as Dani Nelson and Leif Espelund, owners of Heritage House
on 2nd Avenue. Those recognized received an attractive yard sign, as well as a beautiful plaque for inside display.
The Opelika Historic Preservation Society
was established in 1979 and is pleased to present these awards as part of its observance during the month of May as “National Historic Preservation Month.”
Center.
The Backwaters at the Landing, located at 9883 County Road 379 in Valley, Alabama.
I’m sure glad that I heard about this restaurant from a lady whom I met in the waiting room at the Vein Center for Restoration in Opelika. By the way, if you are having trouble with your veins, Dr. Michael Aikens and his staff are great; they get an A+ from this retired English teacher. But I digress.
This sweet lady said that she read The Observer and my column, which certainly made my day. She said that I should write about this restaurant, which was located at the Long Bridge on beautiful Lake Harding. Boy, am I glad that I listened to her.
Not long ago, Mike, Jack, William and I traveled down County Road 379 to The Backwaters at the Landing. Now, this is strange to me: The restaurant is in Lee County, but it has a Valley, Alabama, street address and is on Eastern Time. As I have previously mentioned in this column, I think that all of Sweet Home Alabama should be on Central Time, or “God’s Time,” as Jack calls it. But I digress again.
When we arrived at the restaurant, I immediately felt at home in the very rural, casual atmosphere. Those types of restaurants usually have the best food, in my experi-
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without ever once dropping the unfiltered Camel from the corner of her mouth.
That’s how you grew up. We were always covered in bruises. You broke every bone
ence. We went to the counter, placed our orders and then chose our table. I loved the beautiful view of Lake Harding from inside of the restaurant. Diners may also dine outdoors as well.
Our server Jenna was very sweet, patient and helpful. Also, even though the place was very busy, the service was extremely fast.
All four of us ordered the two-piece fried catfish fillets. Mike chose French fries and coleslaw for his sides, while I picked onion rings and a side salad. Jack ordered coleslaw and Brussels sprouts; William selected fries and green beans.
Oh. My. Goodness! How can you tell when the food is really great?
When all conversation stops. This was the case at The Backwaters at the Landing.
As my much older brother Jim calls it: “feeding time at the zoo.” The only time our family is quiet is when we’re eating.
Everything tasted great. That was the best catfish that I’ve eaten in a long time. It wasn’t greasy at all and was definitely worth the trip.
Jack even raved about his fried Brussels sprouts: “I would definitely come back and order that again. In fact, I’d come back just for the view.”
I quite agree. Trust me: Run and do not walk to The Backwaters at the Landing.
Dawn Greaney, David White, and Clay and
in your body at least thrice. We were perpetually sunburned. And the only screens we stared at were the ones that kept the flies out of the kitchen.
We wore shoes only on days of the week ending in G or L. We ate food directly off
Terri Gullatt opened the restaurant on March 3, 2022. We met and talked with Dawn; she was a sweetie and a real hoot. Dawn, this review was for you.
Besides our delicious choices, The Backwaters at the Landing also serves diners a variety of appetizers, some of which include chips and queso, chips and world-famous Cat 5 salsa, fried green tomatoes and smoked tuna dip.
The restaurant also serves sandwiches, hamburgers, wraps, loaded nachos, shrimp and grits, grouper, shrimp and popcorn shrimp baskets, hamburger steaks and chicken baskets. Desserts include hot fudge brownies, key lime pie and peanut butter pie. I plan to try one of those when my A1C goes below 7.0.
The Backwaters at The Landing is closed on Monday and Tuesday. The restaurant is open on Sunday, and Wednesday through Saturday, from 4:30 to 9 p.m. Eastern Time.
The Backwaters at The Landing 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. Wallace may be reached at retiredlangartsteacher2020@gmail.com.
the ground. We scavenged our pennies and bought Red Man from the gas station and watched our friend Luke Anderson puke in the bushes. We bought candy cigarettes, Big League Chew and licorice whips.
We didn’t have Google to doublecheck random facts; we just lied to each other.
For directions, you used a Rand McNally map. And if you got lost, you died. And books. You actually read books. Real books. Comic books. National Geographics, and if you were a Baptist boy, you read Cosmopolitan magazine. (“Page 22
— The undiscovered joys of having an atheist lover.”)
You were capable of reading for entire hours without moving a single muscle. You could focus on paragraphs like a Jedi knight.
We had no social media except Auto Trader, Thrifty Nickel and notes passed in class. (Do you think Adam is cute? Check Yes or No.)
There were no computers in cars. AM radio was still the best way to catch a Braves game. The greatest thrill of all was getting kissed. Either that or beer.
Yeah, I know we are living in the Age of Information. But I’m afraid the human race has gotten so smart that my phone is now smarter than I am. P.S. I wrote this on my phone.
BY JOHN ATKINSON
OPINION —
I went to a county carnival tonight.
Cotton candy. Pretzels. Bratwurst. Pork rinds. Barbecue. Loaded fries.
Tacos. Heartburn.
I saw hospital employees. Security. ER. Education.
Registration. EMS.
Service Excellence.
Orthopedics. ICU.
I watched parents dance with kids. I petted a Dalmatian. There was an old white man with a cane. There was a young black girl in a dress. There was harmony in the air.
The librarian chatted with the chamber director. A firefighter called me by name. I shook hands with an employee from my bank who used to deliver orders from my printer.
I spoke with a former hospice employee who now works at a funeral home, and I wondered to myself where he’ll
work next.
I wore my John Emerald hat while drinking a beer from Red Clay while listening to music at Resting Pulse. I spoke with friends on the sidewalk separating Smith T Hardware from the bricks of North Railroad Avenue. I listened as the train conductor blew his whistle while speeding westward just a pint away from Whistle Stop Brewing.
Six college girls walked by. Four college boys followed. There wore short shorts and long sweaters. There were bell bottoms and midriffs. A teen boy wore a sweatshirt reading “I LOVE Hot Moms.”
The weather was delightful. The crowd was enthusiastic. The vendors wished the night would never end.
This was Food Truck Friday in Opelika. This was America at its finest.
Opelika Police Department held its National Peace Officers Memorial Monday, May 15, at Opelika Public Library. The program featured a lunch provided by Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux, a welcome by Opelika Police Chief Shane Healey, a presentation of colors by the Opelika Police Honor Guard, the performance of the National Anthem via Opelika High School student Kobe Smith, an invocation from Chaplain Mack Ballard and the introduction of honorary familes by Healey.
The guest speaker was Adam Davis.
RELIGION —
The writer of Hebrews employed a cold opening long before anyone had any idea what that was. Whoever wrote Hebrews wanted to get right to his message, so he does so without identifying himself or giving any kind of greeting. Perhaps this reflects the urgency he felt about what he had to say.
What is it he wants to talk about?
In a word, it’s Jesus. He launches into a Christ-centric opening.
Jesus is:
• the One God has spoken through (v. 2),
• the “heir of all things” (v. 2),
• the One through whom God created the universe (v. 2),
• the reflection of God (v. 3),
• the sustainer of all things (v. 3),
• the One who provided “purification for sins” (v. 4),
• superior to the angels (v. 4). What does this mean to us today?
For some, this might mean being reminded that Jesus is the voice we need to hear today. After all, there are many, many voices competing for our attention. There are the voices of family,
friends, peers, culture
— the list is endless. All these voices can be confusing, even overwhelming when they point us in different directions. To recognize that Jesus is the voice of God brings immediate clarity and a basis for understanding and evaluating all other voices. Everything starts with hearing Him.
Others may have a pressing need to be reminded about how Jesus is our high priest — the One through whom God made “purification for sins” (v. 3). We all need to know that of course, but there are some who are especially sensitive in this area and need regular reminders of the atonement God accomplished in Christ. The good news is Hebrews majors in its presentation of Christ
as our high priest. All this brings us “confidence” (a word used seven times in the letter) regarding our relationship with God. For others, the challenge might be developing intimacy with God. He seems remote and far off to them. The Hebrews writer’s presentation of Jesus as “the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being” helps us to understand that God has not only come close to us in Jesus — He became one of us. We can “draw near” to Him (7:19, 10:1, 22).
Still, there are others who struggle with anxiety. We seem to have reached a point in our culture where we are now anxious about being anxious. Newsfeeds and headlines push more and more bad news. A
ANGLICAN
The Good Shepherd Anglican Church
3015 Opelika Road, Opelika
APOSTOLIC HOLINESS
God’s House of Prayers Holiness Church
301 Highland Ave., Opelika
334-749-9672
BAPTIST
Beulah Baptist Church
5500 Lee Road 270, Valley
334-705-0538
AFB - Cooperative Baptist Fellowship
128 East Glenn Ave., Auburn
334-887-8506
Friendship Missionary
Baptist Church 3089 Judge Brown Rd., Valley 334-710-2117
Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church 650 Jeter Ave., Opelika 334-749-9487
Green Chapel Missionary Baptist 390 Lee Road 106, Auburn (334) 749-4184
Pepperell Baptist 2702 2nd Ave., Opelika 334-745-3108
Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Road 166, Opelika 334-745-4608
Union Grove Baptist Church 4009 Lee Road 391,
Opelika 334-749-0461
CHURCH OF CHRIST 10th Street Church Of Christ 500 N. 10th St., Opelika 334-745-5181
Church Of Christ
2215 Marvyn Pkwy., Opelika 334-742-9721
Southside Church Of Christ 405 Carver Ave., Opelika 334-745-6015
CHURCH OF GOD
Lakeside Church of God 3295 Lee Rd 54, Opelika 334-749-6432
EPISCOPAL Emmanuel Episcopal Church 800 1st Ave., Opelika 334-745-2054
METHODIST
Auburn United Methodist Church 137 South Gay St., Auburn 334-826-8800
Beulah United Methodist Church 5165 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-745-4755
NON-DENOMINATIONAL Church At Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy., Opelika 334-524-9148
Connect Church 2015 West Point Pkwy., Opelika 334-707-3949
Southern Plains Cowboy Church
steady diet of this is difficult for anyone. Hebrews lets us know the One who conquered death is also the very One who sustains “all things by His powerful word” (1:3).
I remember seeing something many years ago that said, “Jesus is the answer — what is your question?” I think that speaks to Hebrews’ value for us. We may not be first-century Jewish disciples, but it makes no difference. The writer’s presentation of Jesus will benefit anyone. The letter invites us to deepen our education concerning Christ.
When was the last time you took a good, long look at Jesus?
You can find more of Green’s writings at his website: a-tasteof-grace-with-brucegreen.com
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
WALTER ALBRITTON
RELIGION —
When I was young, I read Thor Heyerdal’s “KonTiki,” a true adventure story of five men who survived a dangerous 101-day journey across the Pacific Ocean in a primitive balsa wood raft. Having
Our beloved William “Bill” H. Compton (Captain) of Auburn passed peacefully at the age of 88 years old on May 13, 2023, in Notasulga, Alabama. He was born May 24, 1934, in Shreveport, Louisiana. He was loved by his family and friends. He enjoyed absolutely everything Auburn, as well as the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Falcons. He was a longtime member of Retired Officers, the Rotary Club and Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.
Capt. Compton had a distinguished 32-year career as a U.S. Navy pilot and administrator. He closed his military career as commander of the Auburn University NROTC Unit. Captain immediately transitioned into the role of opening and operating the Auburn University Conference Center, a position he held for 12 years.
Suffering a stroke two months before his final retirement proved to be his biggest challenge. He showed that his level of strength, discipline and determination was both inspiring and admirable to all who knew him, loved him and met him.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and
modeled their craft like those used by Indians hundreds of years before Christ, they used only the wind and ocean currents to steer the raft. The men made the 4,300-mile trip, from Peru to Polynesia, to prove their theory that Polynesia was first settled from the west and not the east.
During the 75 years since reading Heyerdal’s account of his adventure with five other Norse men, I have not read nor heard any reference to this captivating book. So, you can imagine my delight when I came across John Eldredge’s reference to “Kon-
Tiki” in his new book, “Resilient.” He uses the story brilliantly to close his excellent book about ways to strengthen our weary, weakened souls. To whet your appetite for reading “Resilient,” here are five of Eldredge’s intriguing observations:
“Resilience is something that is bestowed, something imparted by God into our frail humanity.”
“Salvation is a new attachment, the soul’s loving bond to our loving God ... For the soul to be truly saved, for us to come home, our soul needs the loving attachment
that mother-love first illustrates for us.”
“No matter how promising an idea sounds, if God’s not in it, you don’t want to be in it either.”
“You cannot let your emotions drive the bus.”
“If you want to become a wholehearted person, you must reach the point where happily, lovingly, you give absolutely everything over to God. You make Jesus your everything, your all-in-all.”
Eldredge ends his book by comparing the arrival of the “KonTiki” in Polynesia to the end of our earthly life, which is always
difficult. Heyerdal’s log raft was smashed to pieces by the massive waves of the reef at the island. As waves destroy the raft, Heyerdal and his friends are violently submerged underwater.
“I felt the suction through my whole body, with such great power that I had to strain every single muscle in my frame and think of one thing only — hold on, hold on,” Heyerdal wrote.
He did hold on, and soon was able to say, “The voyage was over. We were all alive.” Mission accomplished. Eldredge says of the
six men: “The men made it through because they didn’t let go. They acted like survivors till the end; they held on.” Then he reminds us that by receiving the resilience God offers us, we too can hold on — until we walk with Jesus into the new world God has provided for us beyond this life of grief and struggle.
Two fine books — one old, one new, both reminding us to hold on during the storms of this wild adventure called life. As for me, I can think of nothing more important than to hold on to Jesus until the roll is called up yonder.
Mary Belle Rawls; brother, Angus; sister, Joanie; and his beloved grandson, Wm.
Zachary Gilbert.
Bill is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 65 years, May D. Compton; sister, Janice DeVincenzo (Rick); children, Michael Compton (Beth), Susan Allen (Brad) and Scott Compton (Valarie); grandchildren, Jessica Compton, Matthew Compton (Annick), Justin Gilbert (Fatima), Brandon Allen (Ashley), Bailey Johnson (Ryan), Katie Carter, Nicholas Allen and Chase Compton (Joy); great-grandchildren, Zachary Gilbert, Collin Compton, Aviana Compton, James Rees and soon-toarrive Banks Johnson.
The family wishes to thank all who cared for Bill in his last years, but most especially our friend, our sister and his girl that he loved, Shaquita Drake.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, May 18, 2023, at 2 p.m. at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. The committal will take place immediately following the service at the Holy Trinity Columbarium.
Family visitation will immediately follow in the reception hall.
DEWEY V. NORTHCUTT SR.
Dewey V. Northcutt Sr. was born in Robertsdale, Alabama, where he grew up and graduated from Robertsdale High School. He served in the United States Army before becoming a dairy farmer in Baldwin County, Alabama. Dewey moved to Auburn in 1961 to begin classes at Auburn University. One year later, his wife of over 53 years, Allijean Addy Northcutt, and their two sons moved to Auburn to join Dewey. Dewey attended classes and worked in the Swine Research Unit at Auburn University. He graduated from Auburn University in 1966 with a degree in agricultural education. Dewey and Allijean worked side by side in the boarding house business, where they fed several hundred hungry college students daily. They owned and operated the Blue Room Dining Hall and the Northcutt House Dining Hall. Dewey and Allijean opened Northcutt Realty, which Dewey managed until his retirement. Dewey continued his love of farming by breeding and selling championship-caliber show steers. Dewey loved and supported the city of Auburn, Auburn University and the youth of Auburn. He was involved in youth sports and supported both Auburn High School and
Auburn University sports. He cherished the honor of being in the Auburn Dixie Youth Hall of Fame. He was a former Auburn City Council member from 1972 to 1976. Dewey's day usually began about 4:30 a.m. at the Waffle House, then a local gas station which had served coffee, and finally to Hardee’s on South Gay Street. By 8 a.m. Dewey had all the "news." He enjoyed being around people and never met a stranger. He took great pride in being a lifelong member and contributor to the Alabama Cattleman's Association. He was also a supporter of the local 4-H and FFA organizations. Dewey's greatest joy was his children and grandchildren. He loved spending time with them and passing along his wisdom and a good joke or two.
Dewey was preceded in death by his wife, Allijean Addy Northcutt; his parents, Cordie and Florence Northcutt; his brothers, Merrell Northcutt and Ronald W. Northcutt; and brother-in-law, Donald Canaan. He is survived by his sisters, Emily Canaan, Peggy (Merrill) Bankester and Martha Sue (Elba) Locklar; and sister-in-law, Shannon Northcutt. He is also survived by his children, Van (Melissa) Northcutt, Walter (Patti)
Northcutt, Stacy (Neil) Chase and Stephanie Johndrow (Pat Starr); his 16 grandchildren, Chris (Alyssa) Northcutt, Casey Northcutt, Bradley Northcutt (Claire), Sarah Northcutt Summers (Wells), Abigail Northcutt Adams (Tyler), Davis Northcutt (Cassey), Spencer Northcutt (Caroline), Mitchell Roland (Katlyn), Hunter Roland, Grayson Roland, Abby Chase Powell (Matthew), Anna Chase, Ashley Chase, Justin Johndrow (Katelyn), Chad Johndrow and Alli Ann Johndrow; his 12 great-grandchildren, Caroline Northcutt, Kate Northcutt, Molly Northcutt, Helen Northcutt, Audrey Adams, Beatrice Adams, Woods Northcutt, Finley Northcutt, Mara Roland, Addy Johndrow, Thomas Powell, Wesley Powell and Chase Powell. He was also survived by his special friend, Paula Jean Smith.
The family wishes to thank all the caregivers with Synergy Home Care for their loving and gentle kindness to Dewey. We would also like to thank the nurses and staff at Bethany House for helping Daddy and our family through the very hard last few days. We would also like to give a very special thank you to Mrs. Marjorie Wright, who has been there and cared for Daddy for many years.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Rainbow Omega, a residential and vocational facility for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Go to rainbowomega.org.
Visitation was held Tuesday, May 16, 2023, from noon to 2 p.m. at Auburn United Methodist Church with a memorial service to follow. Dr. George Mathison and the Rev. Charles Cummings officiated. Burial followed at Auburn Memorial Park Cemetery immediately after the service.
Our beloved Wille C. Brooks, of Opelika, passed away surrounded by loved ones on May 7, 2023, at the age of 62 years old. He was born December 25, 1960, in Chambers County, Alabama on Christmas Day and was a gift to his parents Lamar Brooks Sr. and Carrie Lee Brooks.
He was well loved by his family and friends. He enjoyed arts and crafts, cooking, fishing, Hot Wheels cars and dancing. Willie C. was a longtime member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
CONTRIBUTED BY
HON. PATRICIA “PATSY” JONES, PROGRAM CHAIRMANOPELIKA — Ferguson Chapel
Christian Methodist Episcopal (C.M.E.)
Church over 20 years ago started a recognition celebration for members who reached the age of 90 or higher to recognize their impact to the local church. Their faith through the ages has flourished and trained many members, instilling in them common values.
On April 30, 2023, a special Nineties Celebration was held with a fellowship service and dinner at the church.
In appreciation and recognition of
the many years of dedicated service, devotion and commitment to the church, Ferguson Chapel honored four pillars and gems with a special medallion and jade crystal:
• Fannie Mae Melton Taylor, mother of the church and member for over 75 years — 97 years old. Taylor earned emeritus status in 2022 and has served as a stewardess, missionary, former advisor of Rossie T. Hollis and senior choir member. She is also a Retired Toll Bridge Operator in New York.
• Helen Levette, member of the church since childhood and reunited in 1984 — 92 years old. Levette is in active status and
serves as a trustee and missionary. She retired from Uniroyal in 1993.
• Mae Moore, member of the church for over 65 years — 91 years old. Moore is in active status and serves as a stewardess and missionary. She retired from Opelika City Schools in 2014.
• Arlena Edwards, member of the church for over 65 years — 90 years old. Edwards is in active status and serves as a first lady of the C.M.E. church, stewardess and missionary. She is the widow of the Rev. John T. Edwards.
pioneers. All honorees have been women, and one became a of
centenarian. The Rev. Orlando Sims Sr. is the pastor
Ferguson Chapel C.M.E.
On Wednesday, June 28, at noon, please join us for lunch as a speaker from the Area Agency on Aging shares the ways that the senior adults in our community can be supported and helped. This kickoff for “Heart of Beauregard,” a series of community resource events, will be held at Watoola Methodist Church, 1370 Lee Rd 38, in Opelika. Charlotte Bledsoe, with the Aging and Disability Resource Center for Lee County, will explain how to access meal deliveries for the homebound, assistance with Rx payment, the senior centers in our area, homemaker programs, Alabama Cares, home cleaning aids, the Medicaid Waiver program and helps with patients staying in their own homes.
FROM A14
of Southern delicacies, meticulous homemaking, raffia basketmaking, and volunteerism for church and civic organizations.
P H O T O C O N T R I B U T E D T O T H E O B S E R V E R
Willie C. was truly a great man whose impact will be forever felt by his family that loves him greatly. He had a heart of gold. He was very kind, loving, supportive and understanding. He was one of a kind and will be greatly missed.
Services for Mr. Willie C. Brooks were held at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home on Friday, May 12, 2023, at 2 p.m.
MELBA COSBY
Melba was born in Chambers County, Alabama, on April 23, 1936. Her parents were Leita and Bernard Farr. Melba was a dedicated member of First United Methodist Church in Opelika. After a brief career in bookkeeping, she was renowned for her gratitude and compassion, expert baking
She was preceded in death by her husband, William (Bill) Cosby; sister, Janet Franklin; and brother, Hugh Farr.
Survivors include two sons, Danny of Opelika and David (Jan) of Huntsville, Alabama; four grandchildren, Christine of California, Erin and Eli of Huntsville and Christopher (Amanda) of Texas; as well as one great-granddaughter, Olive; and two brothers, Wendell (Cheryl) Farr of Cusseta, Alabama, and Tommy Farr of Georgia.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Mrs. Cosby’s memory to First United Methodist Church of Opelika: 702 Avenue A Opelika, Alabama 36801, or the charity of your choice.
county administrator. Following her retirement from the Lee County Commission, Sally continued her service in local government working Lee County E911. Sally was married to the late Kenneth Vann. She and Kenneth enjoyed many years with their large, blended family, and she particularly enjoyed spending time with and spoiling her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and her cats. Sally also enjoyed travelling with her husband, her family and with her lifelong Girl Scout friends. Sally was fond of reading, spending time in the yard, and was often found on her front porch.
The group meets every month on the third Wednesday from 1:30 to 3 p.m. The meeting will be held at the AIDB-Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind Opelika Regional Center on 355 Dunlop Drive in Opelika. Every month different topics are discussed to make life more manageable living with low vision.
Contact Shiquita Fulton, M. ED/Vision Rehab therapist for additional details at 334-705-2024, or Melody Wilson, case manager for the blind, at 256-368-3258.
Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon outside the Southside Center for the Arts, located at 1103 Glenn St. in Opelika. Activities include planting, story time, crafts or art projects for children and hanging out with the goats.
Frederick- Dean Funeral Home is handling all arrangements.
SARAH "SALLY" BUCHANAN VANN
Sally was born in Oakridge, Tennessee, to A.M. (Macy) and Catherine (Kitty) Buchanan. She grew up in Opelika. She graduated from Opelika High School and attended Auburn University.
Sally worked for many years at the Lee County Commission, serving the last several years prior to her retirement as assistant
Sally was preceded by her husband, Kenneth Espy Vann, and her stepdaughter, Holly Vann Remick. She is survived by her children Mary Catherine (Danny) Bradford, Scott Easton and Leslie Vann (Phil) Lazrovitch; her brothers Bob (Ardine) Buchanan and Bill (Sandy) Buchanan; grandchildren Stephen (Kayla) Bradford, Sarah Beth Bradford (Lucas) Tribble, Will Bradford, Sam Easton, Kenneth Mott, Kayla Remick, JohnMichael Remick, Ariail Lazrovitch and Morgann Lazrovitch; and two greatgrandsons.
A memorial service honoring her life will be held at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, 2616 Lee Road 243, Smiths Station, Alabama, on Saturday, May 27, at 2 p.m. Visitation will be at 1:30 p.m. at the church.
Memorials may be made to the Columbus chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association or the Lee County Humane Society. >>
It is summer and the O Grows Farmer's Market is back — every Tuesday from 3 to 6 p.m. at 1103 Glenn St. in Opelika.
WATOOLA CHURCH BBQ
The Watoola Methodist Church Barbecue and Bake Sale will be held Saturday, May 20 from 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Barbecue pork and chicken will be served with cole slaw, Brunswick stew, pickles and bread. Pints of pork and Brunswick stew will also be available. The church is located at 1370 Lee Road 38 in Opelika,.
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.
NAMI East Alabama, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), will meet May 16, 2023, at 7 p.m.
NAMI supports families dealing with mental illness through mutual support, education and advocacy. There will be a time for sharing. The public is invited. Meetings are held at 714 E. Glenn Ave. in Auburn.
Thursday, May 18, 2023
SMITHS STATION —
BY D. MARK MITCHELL
OPELIKA —
Opelika head baseball coach Zach Blatt is hosting the Opelika Baseball Youth Camp, June 19 through 21 at Bulldog Park on the Opelika High School campus. The camp is for anyone ages 6 to 12 and costs $75 per camper. The fee includes baseball drills, games, a 100-foot slip-nslide and a camp T-shirt. You can register by contacting Blatt at ohsbaseball@ opelikaschools.org, or call OHS at 334-745-9715. You can pay by cash, check or school bucks.
FOOTBALL
Opelika varsity football will hold a spring scrimmage Friday at 5:30 p.m. at Bulldog Stadium. This is Erik Speakman's sixth spring game as head coach of the Dogs.
The scrimmage will be the OHS offense versus the defense, instead of a game between another school. The scrimmage will be the official end of athletics for the 2022-23 school year.
TIDBITS
The following is my opinion about state legislators trying to take over the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA).
The Alabama High School Athletic Association oversees athletics for over 700 middle schools and
high schools in Alabama. The state of Alabama is one of the leaders in the United States when it comes to high school athletic associations across the country.
The AHSAA is governed by the member schools, not an individual. The schools choose the people who will serve on the Central Board of Control and the Legislative Council. These two committees work together, passing new rules and/or bylaws, and make recommendations and rulings based on those bylaws and rules. The superintendents, principals, athletic directors and coaches from member schools are eligible to be on these boards if nominated and elected by members.
Alvin Briggs is wrapping up his second year as executive director of the AHSAA, succeeding Steve Savarese, who retired in 2021. Assistant Director
Kim Vickers is second in command and supervises the remaining assistant directors and staff at the AHSAA.
Alabama State Sen.
Chris Elliott (R - Baldwin County) introduced seven bills/pieces of legislation aimed at the AHSAA. It appears Elliott is making an unprecedented move to take over the Alabama
See SPORTS, page B3
As if it couldn’t wait another second, the Glenwood baseball team lined up like an Olympian preparing for a race on the third base line, and then junior Brandon McCraine bolted and snatched Glenwood’s first AISA State Championship trophy since 2017.
After a few jumps and cheers among the team, several team captains hauled the trophy over to head coach Tim Fanning. It was Fanning’s first title in six years. But it isn’t a first for the 20-year coach — not See
The varsity Beulah Bobcat softball team was crowned AHSAA Regional champion for the third year running at Montgomery's Lagoon Park on Wednesday, May 10.
BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COMBEULAH —
The varsity Beulah Bobcats softball team is one of the final eight ASHAA 3A teams standing.
“We are so excited that Beulah softball qualified for the AHSAA 3A State Varsity Softball
Championships,” read a press release from Beulah Athletics Director Adam
See BEULAH, page B4
For the first time in Auburn High School history, it has an indoor and outdoor track & field state champion high jumper. Junior TJ Autrey, pictured left, is the current indoor high jump state record holder with a personal best of 6-foot-9.25inches. He recently competed in the AHSAA State Outdoor competition in Gulf Shores, bringing the 7A State Championship home to AHS with a 6-foot-8 jump on the first attempt. With the support of coach Daniel Davis, he will go on to compete at New Balance Nationals in Philadelphia on June 18.
BY NOAH GRIFFITH FOR THE OBSERVER
AUBURN —
Auburn High girls soccer was able to get revenge on Fairhope and advance to its first state championship since 2016, but the Tigers fell to Sparkman, 2-1, denying them of their first ever state title May 13.
The Tigers fought to the end, with a scoring opportunity inside the box with five seconds left in the championship game, but they couldn’t find an answer for Sparkman’s second-half score. Despite answering a Sparkman goal in the 12th minute with an Ellie Hammer shot that hit off the post and turned into a goal by junior Sam Reitz, Auburn was shut out for the
remainder of the game. Meanwhile, Sparkman converted a penalty kick that turned out to be the game winner.
“First, I just want to say I’m just so proud of them,” said Auburn head coach Bill Ferguson. “They were a true team in every sense. When we had players injured, others stepped up, and that just says a lot about the depth we had and their ability to play for each other and for this community. Excited to see what they can accomplish next year with that confidence they have from going and competing in the big game.”
Despite falling short of a ring, the Tigers finished 14-6 and went undefeated in area play. They defeated Prattville, Dothan and
Fairhope, who knocked Auburn out of the playoffs last season, before falling to Sparkman (21-4).
The team displayed its hunger, refusing to be denied in a semifinal 4-0 win over Fairhope. Reitz scored a goal in the first 90 seconds of play, and the Tigers kept their foot on the pedal. According to Ferguson, facing the team who prematurely ended its season in 2022 is just what Auburn needed to go light the team on fire.
“I don’t think you need motivation to play in the Final Four, but when I found out that Fairhope won, I was eager and excited because I knew it would be additional motivation since they beat us
See AHS SOCCER, page B3
to how good of kids they are and how much the program means to them and them being selfless.
even close. It’s his ninth state championship as the Gators’ head coach, but it will be one he remembers forever.
The triumph over Macon-East Academy might not have been his first rodeo at Paterson Field in Montgomery, but it was Fanning’s first since he was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in July 2019. The Glenwood faithful showed up in bunches, and many were wearing shirts that read “Fight like Fanning.”
Fanning was “not surprised at all” that the Glenwood crowd flooded the stands at Paterson Field, but he didn’t foresee the overwhelming support they showed their baseball coach and current Glenwood athletics director.
“I didn’t know it was coming,” Fanning said. “They actually had shirts made, and I showed up at the field Wednesday morning and they all had them on. I started crying — you know, I had no idea. It’s just a testament
“This wasn’t about them. As a coach, that’s the biggest thing that you can try to do for a group of young men is get them to understand that, and obviously they get it.”
In a year where Glenwood was loaded with talent, the Gators finished 45-4, winning 29 of their last 30 games.
They finished ranked No. 15 nationally by Collegiate Baseball Magazine and No. 10 in the state regardless of classification, and several individuals broke program records.
“There’s a lot that makes this team special,” Fanning said. “Talent is one; I mean, they’re super talented. Their work ethic and commitment is another, and then their pure love for each other and playing baseball.”
The talent was, in fact, historic.
Senior Jaxson Milam broke the program single-season home run record (with 19) while playing a solid shortstop, and senior third baseman Lane Griggs broke the
program record in at-bats (152), runs (68), doubles (23) and RBI (73). Along with those two, senior Jacob Page dominated on both sides of the ball, leading the team in on base percentage (OBP; .611) while only striking out eight times in 131 at bats and going 12-0 on the mound with a 1.65 earned run average (ERA) in 72 innings’ pitches.
Page, a lifetime Gator, pitched complete games in the semifinals versus Lee-Scott and again in game one’s five-inning, 11-1 state championship win over Macon-East. He capped off his time at Glenwood boasting a .181 opponent batting average and 84 strikeouts opposed to 14 walks on the mound in his senior season. At .435, he was also one of four batters to finish with a batting average above .400, along with McCraine (.435), Milam (.430) and Griggs (.487).
“I remember him as a skinny seventh-grader making his way into the program,” Fanning reminisced about Page. “He’s served this team well, and he’s done it for a long
time. I think he won 11 games as a junior but had his only loss up in the state playoffs. Just coming back and finishing, plus doing what he did on both sides, makes him a really special player.”
Before the season even started, nine seniors — including Milam, Griggs and Page — inked college commitments, along with the McCraine brothers — Brandon and sophomore Mason — committing to Auburn University.
It didn’t all go exactly as planned, but Glenwood displayed the “next man up” mentality while sweeping its way past Monroe, Lee-Scott and Macon-East in the playoffs, outscoring those teams 50-8 in six games.
The Gators had one of the deepest teams in program history, according to Fanning. Several of the team’s top arms didn’t even step on the mound due to injuries, but the team finished with a 2.32 ERA as a team, and sophomore Tyler Sykes became a dark horse goto arm behind Page.
Fanning said he would never have expected it at the beginning of the
season, but Sykes started game two of the state championship, going six innings and allowing three runs, with the 9-3 win making him 7-1 on the season. The week before, Sykes downed LeeScott, 1-0, with a complete-game shutout. He finished the season with 66 Ks and just 10 walks with a 1.68 ERA.
Before he hoisted the trophy, Brandon McCraine put the exclamation point on the Gators’ season, just as he did with a game-winning buzzer beater to defeat Macon-East in the basketball state championship.
He didn’t pitch all season due to arm soreness, but he took over for Sykes in the seventh inning of game two and pitched a scoreless frame that ensued in a dogpile, with Sykes being the cherry on top — jumping onto and sliding off his teammates with a smile stretched from ear to ear.
For Sykes, it’s just the beginning, but for those 12 seniors, it was a matter of finishing unfinished business. Glenwood advanced to the state championship in 2022
but was denied by Pike Liberal Arts.
That dogpile meant finished business, but the Gators did it all for something bigger than themselves. The motto all season has been “23 for 23,” and Fanning has written two books titled “Serve to Lead,” which encapsulate the value of servant leadership.
After fighting through nearly a year of cancer treatments, Fanning rang the bell to signal his final chemo treatment in June 2020. But his journey didn’t end there. He kept fighting — for Glenwood athletics, for Gator baseball and for another taste of a state title.
On May 10, 2023, Fanning’s fight and the lessons of putting others above yourself that he’s instilled in his team came full circle when his team captains marched toward him with the AISA State Championship trophy hoisted high.
“I feel like we did all this for coach Fanning,” Milam said with a smile. “Every grind, every game was for coach Fanning. We had the talent and we put in the work. It means everything.”
CONTRIBUTED BY
AU ATHLETICS
AUBURN —
For the second-straight season, Auburn assistant men's basketball coach Steven Pearl was lauded as one of the 50 most impactful high-major assistant coaches in NCAA Division I basketball by Silver Waves Media.
The global media company annually highlights the top assistants in the nation at both the high-and mid-major levels through consultation from a panel of industry professionals.
Pearl completed his ninth overall season on The Plains and sixth as an assistant coach for the Tigers, who were ranked a program-best 32 consecutive weeks in the Associated Press Top 25 Poll including No. 11 in the nation, turned in the 11th-most wins in program history with a 21-13 overall record and reached the NCAA Tournament for the
fourth time in the last five seasons.
As the program’s top assistant, Pearl has taken the lead the last two years with transfer portal recruiting, landing one of the top transfers in the country in Johni Broome, who developed into an All-SEC Second Team and USBWA AllDistrict IV Team performer this past season for Auburn.
The Tigers have also been a hotbed for producing next-level talent as Walker Kessler
(2021-22) and Jabari Smith (2021-22) closed out their first year in the league on the NBA All-Rookie First and Second Teams for the Utah Jazz and Houston Rockets, respectively. Kessler was also a top portal recruit who earned All-America, National Defensive Player of the Year, SEC Defensive Player of the Year and All-SEC First Team honors under the guidance of Pearl and the coaching staff.
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High School Athletic Association because of a few rulings that went against a high school in his district. If the member schools disagree with a ruling, the schools can appeal the ruling to the district board, and then the central board of control.
Remember, member schools of the AHSAA make the rules and bylaws, not legislators. One of seven bills passed, making all schools take cash along with online tickets for regular season games and playoff games. The other bills did not have enough votes to come out of committee, or they did not come up for a vote.
Briggs, along with high school coaches and administrators, spent several days in the Alabama House of Representatives speaking against these laws to the committee members. The AHSAA does not receive funding
AUBURN — Postseason bound for the 18th time in program history, Auburn softball (40-17) punched its postseason ticket to the Clemson Regional hosted by No. 9 Clemson.
Auburn will face Cal State Fullerton (33-19) on Friday, May 19. First pitch is currently slated for 4:30 p.m. CT on ESPN+. The Titans earned an at-large bid into the tournament after finishing second in the Big West Conference.
Earning the No. 16 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament, the host Tigers of Clemson (46-9) will face UNC Greensboro (37-20) at 2 p.m. CT on ESPNU. The Spartans are making their seventh NCAA Tournament appearance after winning the Southern Conference Tournament title.
Clemson is hosting a regional for the second time in its program’s history. Auburn traveled to McWhorter Stadium in 2022 to compete in the first ever Clemson Regional and was one win shy of advancing into the championship
from the state of Alabama Legislature. The association operating funds come from playoff ticket sales. The AHSAA will receive 20% of the proceeds from each ticket purchased for playoff and championship games and have several corporate partners that help offset revenue expenditures.
The Alabama High School Athletic Association does not need to be under the control of our state legislators. They have enough problems to solve besides worrying about high school athletics and how they operate. The member schools do a super job of overseeing the AHSAA.
D. Mark Mitchell is the sports director at iHeartMedia, host of “On the Mark” Fox Sports the Game 910-1319, co-chair of the Auburn-Opelika Sports Council, chairman of the Super 7 and Dixie Boys Baseball state director.
game. Game times and television networks for the remainder of the bracket will be released at a later time, along with ticket information.
“No matter who you face in postseason, they are going to be a talented team,” said head coach Mickey Dean. “We’ve got to show up and play clean softball. We’ve been there before. We know what to expect as far as the stadium and the crowd noise. There’s some disappointment, but there is a lot of criteria that the committee goes over to make their decisions. You’ve got to brush that all aside and get ready to play.”
Auburn’s lone meeting in school history versus
Clemson came in last year’s Clemson Regional winner’s bracket game. Clemson edged out a 1-0 victory in the pitching duel between Maddie Penta and Clemson’s Valerie Cagle.
Auburn holds a 1-2 record in games against Cal State Fullerton. The two teams last met in Fullerton in 2015 with the Titans hanging on for a 3-2 win. Should the Tigers meet up with UNC Greensboro in the regional, it would be a first-time meeting between the two programs.
The winner of the Clemson Regional will face the winner of the Norman Regional, which features top-seeded Oklahoma, Hofsta, Missouri and Cal.
last year,” Ferguson explained. “To say that we were ready is an understatement. We came out hot from the whistle. There wasn’t really a chance we were going to lose that game.”
With what Ferguson described as a relatively young team, Auburn capitalized on key contributions from “everyone on the back line,” plus two goals by Reitz, a goal from freshman Camilla Bosman, a goal from sophomore Meredith Martin, a score by seventh-grader Lula Hammer and seven saves from senior Ragan Ellis in its final two games in Huntsville.
Ellis combined with freshman Melissa Smith to pitch a shutout versus Fairhope, giving the Tigers 13 total shutouts on the season. The duo allowed just 11 goals this season in 20 games, and did not allow a goal in region play.
Auburn has a bright path ahead, with five seniors this year who acted as role models to young players. Ferguson mentioned seniors Hannah Arnoll and Caroline Hennessy as players who left their mark on the program. The team now has the experience of a path to the championship as well as a taste of what’s to come.
“This senior class is phenomenal; they’re a massive reason we had the success that
we did,” Ferguson raved. “As well as Lula Hammer scored in the semifinals and played every minute of the final. She came up big in a win over Spain Park, then-reigning state champs, and played every minute against Oak Mountain and pretty much took away one of their best defensive players.
“To do that as a seventh-grader is pretty ridiculous. It’s just a testament to her mindset as a young person and her ability to play the game.”
The future is bright, but Ferguson finished by expressing his gratitude for this year’s graduating class. After the state championship, Ferguson said he sent an e-mail to all the parents in the program, expressing how proud he was of the way the team went out with class, even after a loss.
Even if they aren’t remembered as state champions, that character is something that will live on in the program for years to come.
“I think this team’s legacy is teamwork and kindness,” Ferguson said. “This is one of the closest teams I’ve had the opportunity to coach, and they’ve really cheered for each other and shown up for each other. So, I think they did it the right way. They were a team that had class. They continue to show that this program can win it all, and I’m excited for the opportunity we get to bring a blue mat home to Auburn.”
CONTRIBUTED BY
AU ATHLETICS
AUBURN — Postseason play will start on The Plains next season as the Southeastern Conference announced the 2024 SEC Softball Tournament will be held at Jane B. Moore Field.
The 2024 SEC Softball Tournament is slated for May 7 through 11. This marks the second time the Tigers have served as the host school for the event after previously hosting in
2007. Auburn began playing at its home facility, then named the Auburn Softball Complex, on April 24, 1998. The field saw its first full season of play in 1999. It was renamed Jane B. Moore Field in 2002 in honor of Dr. Jane Moore, who served more than 20 years as a member of Auburn’s Committee on Intercollegiate Athletics.
Jane B. Moore Field has served as the site for four NCAA Regionals and three NCAA Super Regionals. Prior to the
2021 season, Jane B. Moore Field opened the Gregg E. Heim Player Development Center.
The 11,000-square-foot facility is complete with six batting tunnels, a netting system, team meeting space, LED lighting, pitching machines and a full turf infield with a clay pitching circle.
Additional information on the 2024 SEC Softball Tournament, including ticket information, will be released at a late date.
CONTRIBUTED BY AU
ATHLETICS
AUBURN —
Six new student-athletes will join the Auburn women’s basketball team for the 2023-24 season after signing with the Tigers over the last few weeks, head coach Johnnie Harris announced May 6.
Auburn will welcome five transfers to The Plains: Taylen Collins (6-foot-1, F, Muldrow, Oklahoma/Oklahoma State), McKenna Eddings (6-foot, G, Williamsburg, Virginia/Moberly Area CC), Kionna Gaines (5-foot-9, G, Columbus, Georgia/Clemson), JaMya Mingo-Young (5-foot-8, PG, Bogalusa, Louisiana/ Alabama) and Celia Sumbane (6-foot-1, F, Maputo, Mozambique/ South Plains CC). Also joining the Tigers will be freshman Yakiya Milton (6-foot-4, F, Jacksonville, Florida).
TAYLEN COLLINS
Highlights: Collins started all 33 games for Oklahoma State as a junior, averaging 9.5 points and 9.1 rebounds; led OSU and was fourth in the Big 12 in rebounds; tied a school record with 23 rebounds in a win over North Texas on Dec. 3; recorded nine double-doubles in 2022-23; started 28 of 29 games in 2021-22 and led OSU with 6.9 rebounds per game; was a Big 12 All-Freshman selection in 2020-21, starting 25 of 28 games as a freshman; has played in Neville Arena; scored 11 points and had eight rebounds when Oklahoma State visited Auburn in December 2021; and will have two years of eligibility at Auburn.
averaged 15.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 2.4 steals per game, leading Moberly Area CC to a 29-4 record in 2023; has been named a First-Team NJCAA All-American; has been named Region 16 Player of the Year; scored a career-high 38 points in a win over Three Rivers CC; originally signed with Stetson out of high school and played in 10 games there as a freshman in 2020-21; and will have two years of eligibility at Auburn.
AUBURN — Capping off one of the greatest Auburn performances in a Southeastern Conference season with the league’s highest honor for a pitcher, Auburn softball’s Maddie Penta was honored as the SEC Pitcher of the Year, the league office announced Friday.
The first Auburn pitcher to ever be named SEC Pitcher of the Year, Penta was one of three Tigers to earn 2023 All-SEC selections as the junior right-hander picked up her second consecutive First Team All-SEC accolade to become the first Auburn Tiger to earn back-to-back first team honors since Kasey Cooper.
Penta made it a clean sweep of awards as she was also named to the SEC All-Defensive Team. Penta is Auburn’s first SEC All-Defensive Team selection since Casey McCrackin in 2019.
with one save and tied for the conference lead in wins. She is just the fourth Auburn pitcher to record 12 or more wins in an SEC season.
The right-hander started 15 games in league action and went the distance in 13. She tossed six shutouts in league play, tying Kristen Keyes (2004) for the program’s single season record. Her shutout efforts included two one-hit efforts and a no-hitter against South Carolina. It was Auburn’s first no-hitter in SEC play in over 17 years.
the plate to raise her batting average to .322 in league play. She was the only starting Tiger to finish SEC play with a batting average above .300 versus conference opponents. Her batting average was the 14th highest in SEC play.
Of her 19 hits in league play, Bryant added two doubles and three home runs for a .508 slugging percentage. The Albany, Georgia, native scored seven runs and finished second on the team with 10 RBI in SEC play.
“McKenna has tremendous range on her shot, which is something we were looking for in this class,” Harris said. “She will be able stretch the defense but can also create off the bounce. She is another long, athletic player who can play multiple positions. This will aid in our ability to switch up and play position-less basketball.”
Denver Bryant and Nelia Peralta joined Penta on the All-SEC Team as the duo earned second team accolades, the firsts of the respective careers. Auburn’s three All-SEC selections are the most for the Tigers since the 2017 season.
In 110.1 innings pitched, the Chesapeake City, Maryland, native scattered 54 hits and allowed just 16 earned runs. She held opponents to a .143 average at the plate, the second lowest mark in conference play.
Bryant added eight walks to record a .403 on-base percentage and was 2-for2 in stolen base attempts. Holding down the hot corner, Bryant made just three errors at third base in conference games and recorded 21 putouts and 19 assists.
Along with November signees Timya Thurman and Savannah Scott, the Tigers will have eight new players on the roster for next season.
Below is some information about the newest
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“Taylen is coming to us with three years of experience in the Big 12,” said Coach Johnnie Harris on Collins. “She’s another player that fits our system very well. She plays with passion and with a purpose, and her relentless rebounding is something that will help us tremendously right away.”
MCKENNA EDDINGS
Highlights: Eddings
KIONNA GAINES
Highlights: Gaines played in all 35 games for Clemson in 2022-23; averaged 2.4 points and 1.7 rebounds per game; played in 27 games as a freshman, averaging 3.7 points and 1.9 rebounds; scored a See BASKETBALL, page B5
The first Tiger since Anna Thompson (2010, 2009) to turn in back-toback seasons with 20 or more wins and 250 or more strikeouts, Penta carried the Tigers during SEC play and her efforts in the circle led Auburn to its highest finish in the league since 2017.
Penta finished second in the league with 138 strikeouts and tied the program’s SEC single-game effort with a 17-strikeout performance versus Missouri. She finished behind only Keyes for most strikeouts in an SEC season by an Auburn pitcher.
Penta sent Auburn’s program record for the lowest earned run average recorded in an SEC season and led all pitchers with 65 innings or more pitched with a 1.02 mark. She closed league action with a 12-2 record
Defensively, Penta posted a perfect fielding percentage in league contests with two putouts and 19 assists.
Playing on a different level in the last month of the season, Bryant put up video game numbers at
Completely elevating her game, Peralta was Auburn’s most consistent hitter throughout the SEC season. Holding a .299 average against league opponents from the leadoff spot, Peralta led the Tigers with 20 hits and 12 runs scored in SEC play. Peralta knocked a pair of doubles and finished tied for first with Lindsey Garcia as the duo both slugged five home runs in SEC play to help Peralta turn in a team-high .552 slugging percentage. Johnson.
The State Championship takes place this Wednesday and Thursday (May 17 and 18) at Choccolocco Park in Oxford, Alabama.
The Bobcats have been near perfect in 2023. Beulah finished the regular season undefeated in the area, won the postseason area tournament and claimed its third regional championship in a row last week. Now, after reaching the state tournament Final Four in both of the last two years, the Bobcats are looking to complete the job this time around.
“I like the way we’re playing right now,” said head coach Stan Pepper. “We cleared up a few things defensively and I think we’re heading in the right direction.”
Overall, the Bobcats have been led by senior Brandy Phillips, who in 34 games played has posted a .558 batting average, .607 on base percentage, along with five homeruns and 35 RBI.
Her no-hitter pitching performance against Childersburg in regionals last week helped lead the Bobcats to the championship game against Saint James. Phillips has accepted a full-ride scholarship to continue her academic and athletic career next year at Wallace State – Hanceville. Two other seniors — Savanna Clements and Amiya Dunn — have played a crucial role in the team’s success this year as well. Clements, shortstop, has accepted a scholarship to continue her academic and athletic career at Lurleen B. Wallace Community College, located in Andalusia, Alabama.
Beulah faces the Mars Hill Bible Panthers in the first round of the 3A State Softball Tournament Wednesday, May 17.
“The community rallies behind us well,” Pepper said. “It lets these girls know what they’re doing and that their accomplishments are something to be proud of, and the support from the community is just a motivation to get even better and bring them home a state title.”
CONTRIBUTED BY THE LUTZIE 43 FOUNDATION
AUBURN —
The Lutzie 43 Foundation selected 15 college and high school students from across the Southeast as recipients of the 2023 $4,300 Prepared for Life (PFL) Scholarship. Over 40 students applied for this year’s scholarship. The 2023 class brings the total number of scholarships distributed by the Lutzie 43 Foundation since 2014 to 93, totaling over $389,000. The PFL Scholarship is awarded annually to students who are a positive influence in their
community and behind the wheel. Scholarship recipients align with the Lutzie 43 Foundation’s mission to end distracted, impaired and unsafe driving. Their passion for safe driving is showcased through their application and understanding of the 43 Key Seconds safe driving initiative.
Each student receives a $4,300 scholarship in honor of Philip Lutzenkirchen, who wore No. 43 during his time on Auburn University’s football team.
The recipients are as follows:
• Andrew Landis,
graduating from Benedictine Military School, plans to attend Georgia Tech.
• Annie Wingate, graduating from Eufaula High School, plans to attend Auburn University.
• Eliza Eriksen, graduating from The Lakeside School, plans to attend the University of Georgia.
• Ella Grace Bradley, graduating from The Lakeside School, plans to attend the University of Alabama.
• Ella Hogan, graduating from Enterprise High School, plans to attend Auburn University.
• Emma Claire King,
currently enrolled at Southern Union State Community College, plans to attend Auburn University.
• Jackson Griggs, graduating from Southside High School, plans to attend Samford University.
• Kayleigh Everage, graduating from Montgomery Catholic
Preparatory School, plans to attend Auburn University.
• Kirkland Bradford, graduating from Pike Liberal Arts, plans to attend Troy University.
• Sarah Garrott, graduating from Pike Liberal Arts School, plans to attend Auburn University.
• Lillian Ringold, graduating from
St. Paul’s Episcopal School, plans to attend the University of Mississippi.
• Lillian Self, graduating from Thompson High School, plans to attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
• Luke O’Malley, graduating from
BASKETBALL >> FROM B4
career-high of 18 points twice, versus Georgia Tech and Wake Forest; ranked as the No. 52 overall prospect and No. 19 guard out of high school by ESPN; was named Georgia AAAA State Player of the Year as a senior at Carver High School; led Carver to two state titles; and will have two years of eligibility at Auburn.
“Kionna is a player that fits what we want to do on both ends of the ball,” Harris said. “She can get out and pressure the ball, as well as play passing lanes. She also has the ability to
create her own shot and get to the basket and finish.”
YAKIYA MILTON
Highlights: Milton averaged 10.9 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.8 blocks as a senior at Mandarin High School; played at University Christian HS as a junior, averaging 7.7 points a game to lead her team to the class 2A state semifinals; chose Auburn over eight other Division I offers.
“Yakiya is dominant on the defensive end of the floor with her ability to block shots, guard both inside and outside and help side defense; not to mention she takes charges,” Harris said. “She
is multidimensional on the offensive side of the ball, scoring in the paint, pull up jumpers and shooting the 3. She runs the floor and finishes well in transition. She could very well be the sleeper of the class.”
JAMYA MINGO-YOUNG
Highlights: MingoYoung played in 14 games for Alabama last season before missing the rest of the season with injury; averaged 5.4 points, 4.4 assists and 1.5 assists; started all 34 games in the 202122 season for Alabama, averaging 11.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.4 steals; shot 47.1% from the field; double-digit scored 20 times; played
two seasons at Mississippi State, including the 201920 season under Harris; averaged 5.6 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 2020-21; was third on the team in assists and steals in 2019-20; and has one year of eligibility for Auburn.
“Mingo is a fierce competitor,” Harris said. “She epitomizes our foundation, which is tough, hard-nosed, physical and aggressive. This is the type of player that helps elevate your program to an elite level. She has a winning mentality. Fans will love watching her on the court and will love her even more off the court.”
CELIA SUMBANEHighlights: Sumbane led South Plains CC in scoring (14.6 ppg) and rebounding (8.0 rpg) as a sophomore; has been named an NJCAA First-Team All-American in 2023; ranked No. 18 overall and No. 3 in her position by Dan Olson Collegiate Basketball Report; competed for her home country of Mozambique at the 2019 FIBA U19 World Cup; and will have two years of eligibility for Auburn.
“One of the things that excites me the most about Celia is her versatility,” Harris said. “She can play multiple positions on defense. Her length, athleticism and speed make her a perfect fit for our system.”
The Wellington, Florida, native drew 15 walks and held a .435 on-base percentage. Peralta held the 12th highest on-base percentage by an SEC hitter in conference games and added the eighth most walks. In a complete turnaround defensively, Peralta committed just a pair of errors at shortstop during the SEC season to turn in a .971 fielding percentage with 35 putouts and 33 assists.
The Opelika High School varsity football team held its final spring practice last week. The Bulldogs finished 5-5 with a region record of 4-4 in their first year after moving up to the AHSAA's highest classification, 7A. The next time the Bulldogs take the field will be for the first game of the 2023 season Thursday, Aug. 24, against Thompson in the annual Kickoff Classic at Montgomery's Cramton Bowl.
Lassiter High School, plans to attend the U.S. Naval Academy.
• Mark Rowell, graduating from Blessed Trinity Catholic School, plans to attend Mercer University.
• McKenzie Mann is attending Auburn University.
“The Lutzie 43 Foundation board and I enjoyed reviewing this year’s applications,” said Brittany
Spillman, Lutzie 43 Foundation curriculum and scholarship committee chair, board member and director of community and college programming for the Cary Center for the Advancement of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies in the College of Human Sciences at Auburn University. “It is clear that all of the applicants, but especially the 15 recipients, are leaders in their community, ambassadors for
safe driving and took the time to complete the Safeguarding Your Legacy Curriculum.
“This year, completing the Safeguarding Your Legacy Curriculum was a requirement for the PFL Scholarship application. The curriculum connects the positive character attributes Philip Lutzenkirchen possessed with tools drivers can use to be accountable for their actions behind the wheel.
The PFL Scholarship
allows the foundation to invest in students who understand the importance of safe driving and encourages them to share the importance of safe driving and our 43 Key Seconds safe driving initiative with their peers. We are excited to see what these students accomplish.”
PFL has two meanings — one standing for being Prepared for Life and the other a direct representation of Philip Frances Lutzenkirchen. Lutzenkirchen was a
former Auburn football player who lost his life as a passenger in a distracted and impaired driving accident in 2014. Since then, the foundation has been on a mission to end distracted, impaired and unsafe driving crashes, injuries and fatalities. This scholarship furthers that mission by holding recipients accountable to be an ambassador for safe driving and helping others do the same.
ABOUT LUTZIE 43 FOUNDATION
The Lutzie 43 Foundation aims to encourage and empower people to be positive ambassadors for safe driving through character development, mentorship and real-world application. The Lutzie 43 Foundation was
established in loving memory of former Auburn football player Philip Lutzenkirchen, shortly after he lost his life in a car accident in 2014. In his memory, the foundation’s 43 Key Seconds safe driving initiative aims to create the first nationally recognized symbol for distracted, impaired and unsafe driving awareness and prevention. The foundation’s motto for all is to “Live like Lutz, Love like Lutz, and Learn from Lutz,” reflecting its desire to help others live out the many positive character attributes that Lutzenkirchen displayed while learning from the circumstances that led to his death. For more information, visit lutzie43.org.
succeed himself.
The idea of George running his wife Lurleen as his proxy had been tossed out by a few of his cronies as a joke. After a few weeks, the idea grew on George. He made calls around the state and began to realize that dog might hunt.
OPINION —
Gov. Kay Ivey is Alabama’s second female governor. Lurleen Wallace was the first. Ironically, Ivey’s idol and impetus for striving to be governor was Wallace. Ivey’s first involvement in state politics was as a campaign worker for Lurleen’s 1966 race for governor when Ivey was a student at Auburn.
It was 55 years ago in May 1968 that our first female governor, Lurleen, passed away. She was a genuinely humble person. Lurleen was very popular. The state fell in love with her. She was not only beloved, she was also a good governor for the 18 months she served before she succumbed to cancer.
Her husband, George Wallace, was first elected governor in 1962. He had ridden the race issue to the governorship and had made segregation the hallmark issue of his first four years. He had become the paramount king of segregation in the nation. He was very popular. However, he was forbidden by the Alabama Constitution from seeking a second, consecutive term. At that time, the governor could not
George and Lurleen met when he was a 22-year-old law student at the University of Alabama. He met her at a dime store in Tuscaloosa, where she was a 16-year-old clerk. She was born and raised in Northport. They soon thereafter got married.
George’s life and devotion was to politics and being governor of Alabama. Lurleen was content to be a behindthe-scenes mother.
George’s passion was politics. Lurleen’s passion was being a mother and going fishing.
Lurleen was a genuinely sweet lady. Her humble background as a dime store clerk in Northport endeared her to Alabamians. She was gracious and sincere, and people fell in love with her.
Lurleen had been diagnosed with cancer two years prior to the 1966 election. Although it seemed to be in remission, her health was not excellent. The campaigning was a challenge to her. She did not cherish the spotlight like George. Instead, she preferred her quiet time. She had been mother and father to four children.
However, after Lurleen agreed to run, it seemed to grow on her. She was a quick study. She got better day after
day. As the crowds grew, you could feel the momentum and surge in popularity. She seemed to thrill to it.
Lurleen’s landslide victory in May of 1966 was astonishing. She set records for votes, some of which still stand today. She defeated nine male opponents without a runoff. Left in the carnage was an illustrious field of proven veteran political men. Included in the field she demolished were sitting Alabama Attorney General Richmond Flowers, Jasper Congressman Carl Elliott, State Sen. Bob Gilchrist, Dothan businessman Charles Woods, two former governors — John Patterson and Big Jim Folsom — popular state Agriculture Commissioner A.W. Todd and, of course, Shorty Price. She then went on to trounce the most popular Republican in the state, Republican Congressman Jim Martin, by a two-toone margin.
Lurleen became governor in January 1967. She warmed to the job and made a very good governor. She let George know that she was governor. However, she lived less than two years after she took office. Soon after her inauguration, she visited the state’s mental hospital in her native Tuscaloosa County. She was so moved by the deplorable conditions that she made it her mission to improve the mental health facilities in the state. She gave one of the most
BY HANNAH GOLDFINGER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
AUBURN — Hop in the car, crank down the windows, turn up the music and head out for coffee.
Scooters Coffee was granted conditional use approval during Tuesday night’s city council meeting.
The property at 1945 E. Glenn Ave. will host Scooter’s Drive-thru Coffee. Scooter’s first opened in Bellevue, Nebraska in 1998.
Learn more about Scooter’s here: www. scooterscoffee.com/.
IN OTHER BUSINESS
- The council approved the authorization of a traffic calming device for a speed hump on Anders Court.
- The council approved 2023 improvement reimbursements for expenditures prior to financing on the Lake Gilmore project.
- The council approved the Auburn Game Day Law Enforcement Corporation and area law enforcement agencies supplemental law enforcement services for Auburn University sporting events from Aug. 1, 2023, to July 31, 2024.
- The council approved supplemental law enforcement services for Auburn University sporting events from Aug. 1, 2023, to July 31, 2024.
- The council approved a contract with BB Cable Construction LLC for the Donahue Drive/Martin Luther King Drive Fiber Reroute Project for $33,600.
- The council approved a contract with Chambley’s Display Fireworks for the 2023 July 4th Show for over $20,100.
- The council approved a contract with Dell Marketing LP c/o Dell USA LP to purchase 15 months of support and maintenance for six Dell VXRail E560F nodes for over $51,600.
- The council approved a contract with the Water Works Board of the city of Auburn for the water access fee for the Lake Wilmore Park Community Center for $28,800.
- The council approved a right-of-way, a public sanitary sewer easement and public drainage, utility and sidewalk easements at 1945 Wire Road.
See AUBURN, page B11
See OPELIKA, page B13
women from becoming pastors in the October 2000 letter he sent to 75,000 Southern Baptists nationwide. “Some of those policies violate the basic premises of my Christian faith.”
Plains, Georgia, have been so popular.
OPINION —
As former President Jimmy Carter remains in hospice and in people’s prayers, a lesser-known episode of his life is worth a relook. In October 2000, he left the Southern Baptist Convention because of an ideological split. Carter had several differences with the organization; it was the church’s stance on equality for women that was his main concern.
Be mindful that splits can happen in any congregation, not just the Southern Baptists, which had nearly 13.7 million
members as of 2021. In Lee County, even large mainstream Protestant groups in the countryside and in downtown Auburn struggle with ideological divisions.
A lot relates to “wokeness,” which originally meant “alertness to racial prejudice and discrimination.” Since 2010, it also relates to identity politics, gender and social justice concerns.
“I have been disappointed and feel excluded by the adoption of policies and an increasingly rigid Southern Baptist Convention creed,” Carter wrote, noting biblical inerrancy and the exclusion of
In 2007, Carter created a coalition made up of pastors that he called the New Baptist Covenant. According to “Jimmy Carter Makes One Final Push to End Racism,” a 2016 article in The Atlantic by Emma Green, “Many progressives, even those who share Carter’s faith, have long been uneasy with overt religious influence on policy. This is partly why progressive Christians in the U.S. have not had as prominent a public voice as their conservative counterparts.”
Baptist support for Carter in the 1976 election was solid. But the new Moral Majority by 1980 helped Ronald Reagan win, with two-thirds of Baptist pastor the Rev. Jerry Falwell’s backers voting Reagan over Carter. Here in May 2023, in Carter’s final days, I submit ideas about why his Sunday sermons at Maranatha Baptist Church in
Did Baptists who voted for him in 1976 but deserted him in 1980, being less “traditional,” feel guilty so they went to hear him talk? How about liberals who voted for Independent John Anderson or did not vote in 1980 — was it penance at a Carter sermon after Reagan was elected? Maybe Sunday sermon visitors wanted to meet a U.S. president, hear an inspiring sermon or stroll in a small Southern town? I say the latter was the main reason they went to Plains — to see Carter himself.
“I’m familiar with the verses they have quoted about wives being subjugated to their husbands,” Carter told the Atlanta JournalConstitution when he left the Southern Baptists. “In my opinion, this is a distortion of the meaning of Scripture. … I personally feel the Bible says all people are equal in the eyes of God. Women should play an absolutely equal role in the service of Christ in the church.”
Carter’s October 2000 split from the
Convention followed its June vote that women should no longer serve as pastors. The SBC also voted to condemn racism, homosexuality, abortion, pornography and adultery. Carter’s letter was mostly symbolic, as he has not been a player in the national group. But he could affect things by using his “moral suasion” as a true-blue, prominent Baptist.
“He made talking about Jesus Christ a part of our discourse in politics,” said Douglas Brinkley, a presidential historian then working at the University of New Orleans. “In Southern Baptist history, this is a very big moment. The born-again Southern Baptist president broke with the hierarchy of the church because of their rigidity and dictatorial posturing. I think turmoil will result in the Southern Baptist Convention because of this.”
Just as Carter grew up and lived most of his life as a member of one church, a good portion of people in our area and in Alabama have similar deep roots in
a particular church and in their church’s ideology. Others like myself, who have lived in many states and countries, must adjust to other churches and even other doctrines, wherever we move. It can be disconcerting.
The Russian writer Leo Tolstoy said, “Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself” — meaning, when dealing with chances, we should not think too grandly about what we can achieve. But being human, we default to comfort and stability to stay where we are in life. Many churches are deciding to disaffiliate or not. I wish you all the best in finding a new church home or harmonizing your current place of worship.
Greg Markley first moved to Lee County in 1996. He has master’s degrees in education and history. He taught politics as an adjunct in Georgia and Alabama. An award-winning writer in the Army and civilian life, he has contributed to The Observer for 12 years. gm.markley@charter. net
As a community bank, we not only serve our communities, but our communities serve us. They are where we live, work, play, worship, and raise our families—where our children are educated and prepared to make their own mark in the world. Pictured here are children or grandchildren of some of our employees. Along with other area seniors, they will be graduating this spring. AuburnBank recognizes their hard work in achieving this milestone on their journey to adulthood. And for us, honoring these students is personal—the same way we do business.
We celebrate these seniors like they’re our very own ... because they are.
OF 2023!Pictured from left to right: Spirit Crawford, Tallassee High; Kayla Burrell, Valley High; Aaron Streetman, Auburn High; Carlee Fuller, Benjamin Russell; Genesis Bailey, Auburn High; Cullen Kennedy, Valley High
- The council approved a backto-school sales tax holiday for July 21 through 23.
- The council approved an annexation of 18.90 acres for the North Side of Lee Road 10, east of Biltmore Lane.
- The council approved an annexation of 78.30 acres for the property on 2477 Lee Road 0010.
- The council approved an annexation of 13.14 acres at 2225 Lee Road 10.
- The council rezoned 3.92 acres from comprehensive development district to industrial at 1515 Pumphrey Avenue for APC Auburn HQ.
The
not pictured, owner of Key Media, LLC. DiChiara and Key shared insight into the entire process of running the podcast and the other publications that fall under the umbrella of publishing company Key Media.
Opelika Beautiful.
E dwards' volunteer service includes the Opelika Tree Commission and Keep Opelika Beautiful. He is a member of the Auburn Lions Club, the J. W. Darden Alumnae Association, the J. W. Darden Foundation and is an advisor for Council Member George Allen of Ward 1. He said that his life rule and motto is "to do all I can for as many as I can as often as I can."
IN OTHER BUSINESS
- The council approved a request for a street closure in downtown Opelika for Bike Night to be held on May 18, 2023. This request was made by the Opelika Chamber of Commerce.
- The council approved expense reports from various departments
- The council approved the purchase of one Sutphen SL75
Heavy Duty 75' MidMount Aerial Ladder Truck with equipment using the HGACBuy Contract No. FS12-19 for the Opelika Fire Department for nearly $1.5 million.
- The council voted to accept a donation of property from the Eagle Ridge Townhomes Owners Association and a donation of property from Hartbrook Opelika LLC to be used in the construction of a round-about at the intersection of Veterans Parkway and Academy Drive.
- The council voted to accept a proposal and authorized a contract with Sain and Associates for professional services roadway design for the intersection of 10th Street and 2nd
Avenue. The compensation due to Sain and Associates under this contract is $164,500.
- The council approved a resolution to accept public infrastructure and utilities of various subdivisions.
- The council voted to approve an amended and restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Indian Pines Public Park Authority.
- The council voted to approve the amendment of the Organizational Chart of the Information Technology Department for the Human Resources Department.
- The council voted to approve an arrangement letter with Critical Insights Consulting LLC with compensation not to exceed $659,000 plus any out-of-pocket
- The council rezoned 18.90 acres from rural to industrial on the north side of Lee Road 10, east of Biltmore Lane.
- The council did not approve an amendment
expenses as detailed in the arrangement letter.
- The council voted to approve a Bullet Proof Vest Grant Application for the Opelika Police Department; This grant requires a 50% match from the city of Opelika.
- The council voted to approve certain tax abatements and exemptions for Pharmavite LLC. The total investment of Pharmavite's proposed improvements are just over $6.4 million.
- The council voted to approve a one-year contract extension with Ozark Striping for city-wide road striping for an amount up to $200,000.
- The council voted to approve a one-year contract extension with Robinson Paving Company Inc. for roadway improvements for $500,000.
- The council voted to approve the revocation of certain business licenses for King Food Mart located at 823
to the planned development district on 101.4 acres for the FarmVille Lakes PPD Amendment.
- The council rezoned 78.30 acres from rural to industrial at 2477 Lee Road 10 for the McAlister property rezoning.
- The council did not approve an amendment to remove 1.69 acres from the Madison Park planned development district (PDD) for property at 652 Haley Lane for the Madison Park PDD Amendment.
- The council rezoned 13.14 acres from rural to industrial at 2225 Lee Road 10 for the Weeks rezoning.
- The council approved the zoning ordinance text amendments for the establishment of the Interstate Commercial District.
- The council approved a zoning map amendment for the southwest quadrant of the Corporate Parkway and Cox Road
Crawford Road and Neighborhood Market located at 503 Martin Luther King Blvd. The holders of the business licenses conceded their right to have a public hearing on these matters.
-The council voted to approve a request for a refund of occupational taxes paid in error.
- The council held public hearings and subsequently voted to approve weed abatement assessments for 308 Brannon Ave. and 615 Martin Luther King Blvd.
- The council voted to approve a budget in the amount of nearly $27 million for the Aquatic Center capital improvements at Covington Recreation Center and the Opelika Sportsplex.
- The council voted to award bids for construction of Aquatic Center capital improvements at Covington Recreation Center and the Opelika Sportsplex
- The council voted to approve an employ -
intersection (3022 Cox Road) from the comprehensive development district to the interstate commercial district.
- The council approved a conditional use approval for a performance residential development for property at 1027 E. Glenn Ave.
- The council approved a conditional use approval for industrial use for property at 2535 W. Tech Lane for the Shinhwa Phase 5 project.
- The council approved a conditional use approval for a performance residential development for property at 652 Haley Lane for the Wire Road multifamily project.
- The council approved a contract addendum for the city manager.
- The council approved a vacation for NEOH Holdings LLC and North of Harper Ave. LLC for The Boulevard Development.
ment contract with Lori B. Huguley.
- The council voted to amend the City of Opelika Personnel Policies and Procedures manual.
- The council held a public hearing and voted to suspend the rules requiring two readings, in order to approve an ordinance to amend the Zoning Ordinance and Map (Pre-Zone) for 46,860 square-feet of property located in the 2700 Block of Shelton Mill Road from annexation to C-2 during the meeting. The council also suspended the rules and voted to approve the annexation petition by The Infinity Group LLC pertaining to the same property.
- The council introduced an ordinance to amend Section 16-188 of the City Code of Ordinances: School Zone Speed Limits on Fox Run Parkway and Waverly Parkway for its first reading.
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 6 at 6 p.m.
“To do all I can for as many as I can as often as I can.”
IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: RAYMOND ALBERT
MILLER, Deceased
Case No.: 2023- 097
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Vicki Miller Pierce, Personal Representative on the 28th day of April, 2023 by Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.
Vicki Miller Pierce
Legal Run 05/04/2023, 05/11/2023 & 05/18/2023
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE MATIER OF WALTER KETTEN
UNDERWOOD
CASE NO: 2021-452
NOTICE OF HEARING
NOTICE TO: JAMES
EARL UNDERWOOD
Notice is hereby given that a Motion to Approve Real Estate of the Estate of Walter Ketten Undeiwood was filed by Administrator Jeremy Todd Underwood on April 6, 2023. A hearing has been set for the 30th day of May 2023 at 9:00 a.m. central time, electronically via "ZOOM". Please contact the Lee County Probate Court at 334-737-3670 for access to the electronic hearing should you intend to take part in the said hearing.
BILL ENGLISH
JUDGE OF PROBATE, LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA
Legal Run 05/04/2023, 05/11/2023 & 05/18/2023
STATE OF ALABAMA
LEE COUNTY
PROBATE COURT
NOTICE TO FILE
CLAIMS
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF HIRAM J. POWELL, DECEASED.
Letters Testamentary on the estate of Hiram J. Powell, deceased, having been granted to the undersigned on the 30th day of March 2023, by the Judge of Probate of said County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate, are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law, or the same will be barred.
Shanda Cotney n/k/a
Shanda Adams - Executrix
Chad Lee - Attorney for Executrix Legal Run 05/04/2023, 05/11/2023 & 05/18/2023
IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF:
SARAH BUCHANAN
VANN Deceased
Case No.: 2023-236
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Letters Testamentary of said deceased having
been granted to Sarah Buchanan Vann, Personal Representative on the 28th day of April, 2023, by Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.
Mary Catherine Bradford
Legal Run 05/04/2023, 05/11/2023 & 05/18/2023
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES BARTH, DECEASED.
Case No: 2023-243 IN THE PROBATE OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA
Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 2nd day of May, 2023, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.
MARY K. BARTH
Personal Representative
Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP
P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504
Legal 05/11/2023, 05/18/2023 & 05/25/2023
IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA
IN RE: The estate of Mary Ann Brady, Deceased.
Case No. 2023-170
TAKE NOTICE that
Letters Administration having been granted to Alicia Martin as Administratrix of the Estate of Mary Ann Brady, deceased, on the 30th day of March , 2023.
NOTICE IS HEREBY
GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same be barred. Alicia Martin, Administratrix of the Estate of Mary Ann Brady, Deceased Marrell J. McNeal, Attorney at Law, PC PO Box 308 Opelika, AL 36803 334-745-7033
Legal Run 05/11/2023, 05/18/2023 & 05/25/2023
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE; THE ESTATE OF PLENIE LOU JOHNSON, deceased
CASE NO.: 2023-205
on that day, said Will was filed in said Probate Court.
It is therefore, ordered that a hearing be set for the 10th day of July 2023, at 11:00 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 05/11/2023, 05/18/2023 & 05/25/2023
STATE OF ALABAMA
LEE COUNTY
PROBATE COURT CASE NO. 2023-238
ESTATE OF DONALD
E. MCCONNELL, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE
Letters Testamentary of said Donald E. McConnell, deceased, having been granted to Susan Denise McConnell Smith this 8th day of May 2023, by the Honorable 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 the law or the same will be barred.
Susan Denise McConnell Smith, Personal Representative Legal Run 05/11/2023, 05/18/2023 & 05/25/2023
INVITATION TO BID
23028
Sealed bids for the construction of the Removal of Dead, Dying, or Dangerous Trees and Stumps with Tree Pruning shall be received at the Opelika City Hall 2nd Floor Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., local time on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, and then publicly opened and read aloud. All interested parties are invited to attend. Only bids from competent general contractors will be considered. At the time of contract award, the successful bidder must be a properly licensed general contractor. The attention of all bidders is called to the provisions of State law governing “General Contractors” as set forth in the Ala. Code §34-8-1, et.seq. (1975) and rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. Bidders must be licensed by the Licensing Board for General Contractors when bids are submitted.
rejected which do not contain the contractor’s current license number. Evidence of this license shall be documented on the outside of the sealed bid.
Bids must be submitted on proposal forms furnished by the City of Opelika. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids or proposals and to waive irregularities if, in the Owners judgment, the best interests of the Owner will thereby be promoted.
A certified check or Bid Bond payable to the City of Opelika, Alabama in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000.00 must accompany the bidder's sealed proposal - refer also to Instructions to Bidders. Performance and statutory labor and material payment bonds for the full contract sum will be required of the successful bidder at the signing of the Contract. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities. Bid documents may be obtained from the City’s website at www.opelika-al. gov/Bids.aspx or from the Purchasing Department at 204 S.7th St, Opelika, Alabama 36801 at no charge.
The bidder’s proposal must be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished to him/her by the City of Opelika. All information in the proposal must be completed by the bidder for the proposal to be accepted. Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, Purchasing/Revenue & Codes Director, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama, 368030390. Attn: Removal of Dead, Dying, or Dangerous Trees and Stumps with Tree Pruning LILLIE FINLEYPURCHASING/ REVENUE & CODES DIRECTOR 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (36801) POST OFFICE BOX 390 (36803-0390) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 705-5121 Legal Run 05/18/23, 05/25/23 & 06/01/23
23031
Sealed bids for the construction of the Construction of a Multi-Use Trail Along the Banks of Pepperell Branch
§34-8-1, et.seq. (1975) and rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. Bidders must be licensed by the Licensing Board for General Contractors when bids are submitted.
A PRE-BID CONFERENCE will be held at the same location as bids are to be opened at 2:00 p.m., CST on Monday, June 5, 2023, for the purpose of reviewing the project and answering Bidder’s questions. Attendance at the Pre-Bid Conference is not mandatory, but highly recommended for all General Contractor Bidders intending to submit a Proposal and is recommended for all Subcontractors.
Bidders are required to have a State of Alabama General Contractor’s License with a specialty of “Highways and Streets, Clearing and Grubbing, Earthwork, Erosion, Site Work, Grading or Municipal and Utility”. All bidders must submit with their proposal, contractor’s license number and a copy of the license. State law Ala. Code §34-88(b) requires all bids to be rejected which do not contain the contractor’s current license number. Evidence of this license shall be documented on the outside of the sealed bid.
All bidders shall possess all other licenses and/or permits required by applicable law, rule or regulation for the performance of the work. Bidders will also need to register with http:// www.sam.gov prior to award of the contract.
Drawings and Specifications may be examined at the Office of the City Engineer located at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama, and phone number: 334-705-5450. Bid documents may be obtained from the Office of the City Engineer at no charge as an electronic file if the bidder supplies a storage drive or as an email attachment or electronic drop box. Bid documents may also be obtained from the City’s website at www.opelika-al. gov/Bids.aspx.
The bidder’s proposal must be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished to him/her by the City of Opelika. All information in the proposal must be completed by the bidder for the proposal to be accepted.
A Bid Bond in the amount of five (5) percent of the bid amount made payable to the City of Opelika must accompany each bid.
Assistance Program. The national goal for participation of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) is 10%. Responders must be registered in SAM (System of Award Management). The UEI number must be displayed on the outside of the envelope.
The City of Opelika is required to comply with the Beason-Hammon Alabama Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act, § 31-13-1 ET SEQ. of Code of Alabama 1975 (ACT NO. 2011-535), subsequently all bidders are required to submit an E-Verify affidavit stating they are enrolled in the E-Verify program and the entire memorandum of understanding on the outside of their sealed proposals. The Contractor and Subcontractors on this project must comply with contract provisions 24 CFR part 85.36(i), Nondiscrimination, Equal Employment Opportunity, Affirmative Action, Section 3 requirements, Anti-Kickback Act, Federal Occupational Safety and Health Act and Department of Labor Standards and Regulations as set forth in the Contract Bid Documents. Bids will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder. This municipality is an equal opportunity employer. Businesses owned by women or minorities are strongly encouraged to bid. Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, Purchasing/Revenue & Codes Director, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama, 368030390. Attn: Construction of a Multi-Use Trail Along the Banks of Pepperell Branch – ADECA RTP Project 22-RT-54-03
LILLIE FINLEYPURCHASING/ REVENUE & CODES DIRECTOR CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (36801) POST OFFICE BOX 390 (36803-0390) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 705-5121 Legal Run 05/18/23, 05/25/23 & 06/01/23
NOTICE OF COURT PROCEEDING IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY. ALABAMA
You are hereby notified that on the 20th day of April 2023, Johnny Johnson 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 PLENIE LOU JOHNSON, deceased, and
Bidders are required to have a State of Alabama General Contractor’s License with a specialty of “Highways and Streets, Clearing and Grubbing, Earthwork, Erosion, Site Work, Grading or Municipal and Utility”. All bidders must submit with their proposal, contractor’s license number and a copy of the license.
State law Ala. Code §34-88(b) requires all bids to be
ADECA RTP Project 22-RT-54-03 shall be received at the Opelika City Hall 2nd Floor Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., local time on June 13, 2023, and then publicly opened and read aloud. All interested parties are invited to attend. Only bids from competent general contractors will be considered. At the time of contract award, the successful bidder must be a properly licensed general contractor. The attention of all bidders is called to the provisions of State law governing “General Contractors” as set forth in the Ala. Code
Performance and Payment Bonds for the full contract sum will be required of the successful bidder. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities.
Contract Provisions for Federally Funded Projects. This project is funded in whole or part with ADECA grant funds. Any contract resulting from this advertisement for bids shall include the following provisions, as applicable:
This Contract is subject to the requirements of Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 2 6, Participation by Disadvantaged Business Enterprises in U. S. Department of Transportation Financial
Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution In the Estate Of DEONTAVIA TABRIA NELMS, deceased
Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the LEE COUNTY Probate Office By LAVELRECA CELESTE BLACK On May 12th, 2023, pursuant to Section 43-2-690 Code of Alabama and that 30 days after the notice of publication here of 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 05/18/2023
See PUBLIC NOTICES, page B14
OPINION —
Dear Editor,
As a judge for 30 years, I sentenced those convicted and reviewed cases on appeal — putting or keeping thousands of offenders in jail or prison. I generally agreed with the sentence imposed, but there were others that I thought were too light or too harsh. Why? Even doing everything by the book, the criminal justice system is made up of human beings: judges, prosecutors, witnesses and jurors. Everyone has their own personal experiences and their own biases, imperfect people with imperfect recollections. Most of the time, we get it right. Sometimes, however, we do not. It is those
times that we hope and pray that the greatest aspiration of our criminal justice system prevails: “Equal justice under law.”
According to the Bureau of Justice Assistance, U.S. Department of Justice, 97% of all criminal cases are resolved by guilty pleas resulting from plea agreements. By pleading guilty, the accused removes a terrible burden on the court system and the victims. The biggest incentive for that plea is the possibility of parole. When defendants plead guilty with the hope of parole, they do so believing that their parole is achievable. The formula for their release on supervised parole is the following: follow prison rules, stay away from the drugs which are prevalent inside
every institution, successfully complete educational and training courses, and show that they are truly sorry and have learned from their mistakes.
Redemption Earned, a nonprofit pro bono law firm which places a top priority on public safety, was created to assist the oldest and the sickest in the Alabama Department of Corrections. The overwhelming majority of Alabamians do not know that Alabama prisons are overcrowded, understaffed, dangerous and filled with many aging people who are way past hurting anyone. Yet, our state has the lowest parole rate in the U.S. at 10% and we refuse to allow those given the privilege of earning their parole the opportunity to
even be present at their own parole hearing. This is unacceptable and un-American!
On April 19, 2023, House Bill 228, sponsored by Rep. Chris England, received a favorable report in the Alabama House of Representatives Judiciary Committee with bipartisan support. We agreed to a substitute (www.legislature.state. al.us/pdf/SearchableInstruments/2023RS/HB228-int. pdf) containing only one monumental change: the mandate for “Virtual Attendance at Parole Hearings'' for every parole-eligible person. This requires the Alabama Board of Pardons & Paroles to change its proceedings to allow virtual presence of those whose freedom is at stake and simply bringing a
CONTRIBUTED BY STATE REP.
DEBBIE WOODOPINION —
As one of the state representatives for Chambers and Lee counties, I understand the important role the businesses along East Alabama play in supporting our state and national economy. From manufacturing and health care to tourism and small businesses, these entities are vital to a prosperous Alabama.
As responsible stewards of our state’s abundant resources, we must embrace an all-of-the-above energy portfolio to ensure that these vehicles of commerce continue to bolster our economy and way
of life. Having recently been appointed as one of Alabama’s representatives to the Energy Council, I know that developing our domestic clean energy capabilities is not only good for our environment, but it also helps protect and create new, 21st-century jobs for Alabama workers while supporting local businesses and spurring economic growth in communities across the state.
I am proud to have a fresh voice in Washington in Sen. Katie Boyd Britt, who supports these smart, bipartisan energy policies. Britt’s efforts complement the work we are doing in the Alabama Legislature to advance pro-growth energy policies at the state level.
I encourage our congressional delegation to work with their colleagues on both sides of the aisle to help streamline and simplify the overly complicated, burdensome permitting process that key clean energy infrastructure and related projects must go through just to get off the ground. Congress should work to eliminate bureaucratic red tape that can slow critical energy projects and development.
By working to accelerate the federal permitting process, our congressional delegation can also help to support a stronger, more diverse energy mix that strengthens Alabama’s role as a leader in energy, helping ensure affordable,
reliable and increasingly clean power for Alabama homes and businesses.
Washington often does not get it right, but thanks to leaders like Britt, clean energy technologies that benefit our economy and environment alike will advance once we reform our broken and lengthy permitting process. Doing so is important for our state and the nation.
I encourage Britt and our congressional delegation to provide much-needed leadership on the issue and continue being a champion for Alabama residents and businesses.
Debbie Wood serves as a state representative for Lee and Chambers counties.
modicum of fairness to the process. As retired Talladega Circuit Judge Julian King succinctly stated, “When you sit in judgment on someone, you should look them in the eye.”
Alabama is one of the few remaining states that does not provide this opportunity to individuals who are eligible for parole. We applaud the efforts of Rep. England for spearheading this direly needed change.
This Bill, if passed in its revised version, will be a game changer for EVERY person in Alabama prisons who have sentences with the possibility of parole, and, particularly for Redemption Earned clients, most of whom are bedridden and wheelchair bound. Seeing their faces and
hearing their voices by Zoom will give the Parole Board essential information that they presently do not receive. Recognizing and paroling the rehabilitated saves tax dollars and helps businesses who desperately need workers. This is the right thing to do for all the right reasons.
ACTION: We need your help! Please contact your state representative and senator, asking them to support HB 228. Please help Redemption Earned, as we assist, “the least, the last and the lost.”
Sincerely, Sue Bell Cobb AL Supreme Court Chief Justice (Ret.) Executive Director Redemption Earned Inc.www.redemptionearned.org
CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
ALABAMA —
Memorial Day allows every American to honor those who have died while serving in the military. It should also remind us how many veterans have lost their lives to substance use, untreated mental health issues and suicide.
Countless veterans struggle with substance use disorders and mental health issues. In Alabama, there are over 350,000 veterans. Substance use disorders in the veteran population have been linked to homelessness and suicide.
In Alabama, nearly 18% of those who have died from suicide were veterans, according to the state’s Department of Veterans Affairs.
"For veterans, military life comes with its own set of risk factors and potential causes for substance use and mental health issues," said Michael Leach of Addicted.org. "It's critical they receive the support and help they need."
Awareness of what leads to these problems can ensure family and friends are equipped to help a loved one who is a veteran access the help and support they need. Risk factors can include the following:
• trauma or stress because of past service, deployment or combat;
• struggling to reintegrate into civilian life;
• mental health issues because of military service, such as PTSD, brain injuries,
FLOWERS >> FROM B9
moving speeches ever delivered before a legislature that resulted in passage of a major bond issue to support mental health.
Lurleen was also instrumental in the creation of a major cancer center at UAB. It came to pass after her death. She became beloved by Alabamians. She showed amazing grace and courage as she battled against cancer. When she died, the outpouring of sympathy
depression or anxiety;
• injuries and chronic pain because of military service.
Veterans struggling with substance use or mental health problem also need help overcoming the barriers to accessing the treatment they need. These barriers may include cost, stigma, inadequate funding and limited resources in rural locations.
There are ways to help and make a difference in a veteran's life. The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs offers a variety of benefits of services.
Alabama Veteran is a community-based peer-to-peer organization helping veterans, service members and their families.
Nationally, the VA Facility locator also identifies all the services provided through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, such as those helping homeless veterans. Important phone numbers include the Veterans Crisis Line — 1-800-273-8255 — and the Lifeline for Vets — 1-888777-4443.
While we honor those who have lost their lives in service to their country this Memorial Day, we must always continue to recognize the problems so many veterans face when they return home, and take steps to ensure that help is available.
Veronica Raussin is a community outreach coordinator for Addicted.org, passionate about spreading awareness of the risks and dangers of alcohol & drug use.
from the people of the state was unparalleled.
Thousands of Alabamians filed by her casket in the Capitol Rotunda. Schools let out and school children came to Montgomery from all over the state to pay their respects for our Lady Governor.
See you next week.
Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Flowers may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.
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JOB TITLE: Digital Media
Coordinator
REPORTS TO: Shelter Director, Kennel & Behavior Manager, Health & Intake Manager and Outreach & Development
Coordinator
FSLA DESIGNATION: Non-
Exempt
ADOPTION DATE: August
2022
GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Digital Media Coordinator is responsible for the daily digital process relating to advertising and marketing of the organization. This includes but is not limited to website management, social media platforms and public reporting and interviews.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
● Assist with creating posts for the LCHS website, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and Twitter accounts
● Evaluate current LCHS social media posts and assist in creating updated ways to reach
FROM B12
>>
INVITATION
TO BID
23034
Sealed bids for the construction of the Vacuum Excavation and Utility Daylighting Services shall be received at the Opelika City Hall 2nd Floor Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., local time on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, and then publicly
Discounts available. Call: 833-449-1307.
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potential adopters, donors, foster homes, and volunteers
● Assist with fundraising and adoption events
● Disseminate social media and marketing pieces in the community in a timely manner
● Assist Outreach and Development Coordinator with Public Service Announcements and Press Releases for LCHS events and services developed by the PR/Marketing Intern and others
● Plan and create new social media posts utilizing existing technology and resources
● Assist foster and volunteer coordinators with recruiting new foster homes and volunteers
● Evaluate current LCHS marketing, advertising and public relations efforts and assist in creating updated ways to reach potential foster homes and volunteers
● Pursue and prepare for interviews with local and campus radio and TV stations
● Plan and create new
opened and read aloud. Only bids from competent general contractors will be considered. The successful bidder must be a properly licensed general contractor. The attention of all bidders is called to the provisions of State law governing “General Contractors” as set forth in the Ala. Code §34-8-1, et. seq. (1975) and rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. Bidders must be licensed by the Licensing Board for General Contractors when bids are submitted. A State of Alabama General Contractor License is required
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marketing materials utilizing existing technology and resources
● Provide expert support for various software programs including those contained in Microsoft Office Suite, ShelterLuv and Wix.
● Support Shelter Director and Fundraising and Event Coordinator with fund development, events, public relations, social media and website duties.
● Pet of the week communications – includes email and radio slots
● Interview, hire, and manage social media interns.
● Other duties as assigned MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
● Basic knowledge and understanding of animal welfare and behavior;
● Proficiency in computer software relevant to this position such as Pet Point, Word, Excel, etc;
● Knowledge of proper animal handling techniques
● Ability to pass a background check;
with the Municipal Utility classification. All bidders must submit with their proposal, contractor’s license number and a copy of the license. State law Ala. Code §34-8-8(b) requires all bids to be rejected which do not contain the contractor’s current license number. Evidence of this license shall be documented on the outside of the sealed bid. All bidders shall possess all other licenses and/or permits required by applicable law, rule or regulation for the performance of the work.
Specifications may be obtained from the
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● 18 years of age or older.
● Creative, organized, and efficient
● Teamwork skills AND ability to work independently
● Initiative and self-motivation, but understands the need to regularly communicate with supervisor
● Able to hand multiple tasks
● Attention to detail and able to follow instructions
● Excellent written
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communication skills (good grammar, punctuation, and other mechanics of writing)
● Flexibility and dependability
● Strong computer skills
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL ABILITIES/PERSONAL QUALITIES REQUIRED TO SUCCESSFULLY PERFORM THIS
JOB:
● A love of animals and people.
● Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication
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capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to communicate effectively;
● Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend or stoop intermittently.
● Ability to lift 50 pounds.
● Knowledge of the safe and humane use of animal handling equipment.
● Desire to learn what you don’t already know and be open to new ideas.
Purchasing Department located at 204 S 7th Street, Opelika, Alabama, and phone number: 334-705-5120. Bid documents may also be downloaded from the City’s website at www.opelika-al.gov/ bids.aspx. The bidder’s proposal must be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished to him by the City of Opelika. All information in the proposal must be completed by the bidder for the proposal to be accepted.
A certified check or Bid Bond payable to the City of Opelika, Alabama in an amount
not less than five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000.00 must accompany the bidder's sealed proposal - refer also to Instructions to Bidders. Performance and statutory labor and material payment bonds for the full contract sum will be required of the successful bidder at the signing of the Contract. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities. Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley,
Purchasing/Revenue & Codes Director, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390,
