The Observer 05-19-22 E-edition by OpelikaObserver

Thursday May 19, 2022

Vol. 14, No. 32

Opelika, Alabama

Covering Lee County, Alabama

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

PHOTO BY KENDYL HOLLINGSWORTH /THE OBSERVER

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

Gone But Not Forgotten

In Remembrance of Officer William Ray Buechner Jr.

County honors fallen officers at annual memorial service. Turn to A6 for more photographs. BY KENDYL HOLLINGSWORTH KENDYLH@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA — Emotions were high as friends, family, law enforcement officers and elected officials came together Monday, May 16 to honor the fallen officers of Lee County. The local Fallen

Peace Officer’s Memorial ceremony was held at 10 a.m. at the Lee County Meeting Center in Opelika. A national ceremony was held Friday, May 13 in Washington, D.C. “It’s an opportunity for us as a nation to be able to highlight and honor the sacrifices of law enforcement and to be able to take a mo-

ment to remind those family members of the fallen that their hero was not forgotten,” said Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall. Of more than 600 names added to the national wall memorial in Washington, D.C., 21 were from Alabama, according to Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones. While the memorial

commemorates officers killed in the line of duty, Jones said it also recognizes officers who died of other causes during their tenure. Six fallen officers were honored in the Lee County ceremony: • Chief of Police Henry Dilmus Hart – Opelika Police DepartSee MEMORIAL, page A6

Get Fired Up For Burger Wars

across the tracks from another popular event earlier that morning, Opelika Main Street’s Touch-ATruck. Tasting tickets for the event will go on sale at 10:45 a.m. and will be sold until burger samples run out. Tasting tickets are $2,

and one tasting ticket can be exchanged to sample 1⁄4 of a burger at any of the more than 30 grilling stations. Burger Wars Co-Chair Kristen Ferrell noted, “Due to the event’s popularity in recent years, we anticipate that burger See BURGERS, page A3

Auburn Students Fighting Food Insecurity

BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

AUBURN — Auburn University students are partnering with community members, grocery stores and their friends to find ways to help children in need over the summer. The Summer Sustenance Project at Auburn University was born from students in Caroline Payne-Purvis’ class in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies in The College of Human Sciences.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA — Opelika Rotary Club has hosted the annual food event "Burger Wars" in beautiful downtown Opelika for years. From the start, Burger Wars was a hit with both the grillers wanting to show off their best burgers and the hungry crowd that would purchase tasting tickets and attempt to sample as much as possible. This year the 8th Annual Burger Wars will be held Saturday, June 4, 2022, at 11 a.m. and will once again take place right

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

CONTRIBUTED BY OPELIKA ROTARY CLUB

AUBURN — May 19 marks three years since Auburn Police Officer William Ray Buechner Jr., was gunned down as he responded to a domestic violence call. Buechner had served with the APD for 13 years at the time of his death. There will be a remembrance ride on Saturday. The ride will kick off at 10 a.m. (CDT) May 21, gathering at Rally Point Harley-Davidson in Columbus, Georgia, and will include a band, a blow-up slide for kids and more. At 2:30 p.m., riders will head down I-85 to Town Creek Cemetery in Auburn escorted by the Auburn, Opelika and Columbus police departments, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and a helicopter.

Students in Payne-Purvis’ class last fall were learning about child development and the ways in which food insecurity can affect a child’s school performance. “We were talking a

Re-Elect

RICHARD LaGRAND SR. Lee County Commissioner District 5 Vote on MAY 24 and Keep Progress Moving Lee County District 5 Paid for by Friends of Richard LaGrand Sr. ~ 2900 Watson Street, Opelika, AL, 36801

lot about the importance of nutrition within child development, family stress and education in general and how when children are not See INSECURE, page A5

CONTENTS

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

A2 May 19, 2022

PHOTO BY KENDYL HOLLINGSWORTH /THE OBSERVER

Local Nurses Receive Praise, Appreciation

East Alabama Health partnered with the Opelika Chamber of Commerce to arrange a “Nurse Appreciation Day” Monday, May 9. Volunteers cheered on nurses at the East Alabama Medical Center on Pepperell Parkway during morning, afternoon and evening shift changes to show their support for local “healthcare heroes.”

MEMORIAL DAY GARBAGE SCHEDULE

MON

TUE

WED

MONDAY RUNS ON TUESDAY

City Offices Closed

TUESDAY RUNS ON WEDNESDAY

THU

WEDNESDAY RUNS ON THURSDAY

FRI

THURSDAY RUNS ON FRIDAY

During the week of Memorial Day, Opelika Environmental Services will not run routes on Monday. Routes for the remainder of the week will run a day behind the regular schedule. If your trash is picked up on Monday, please put your carts out on Tuesday.

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

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

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

PUBLISHER: Michelle Key

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

www.opelikaobserver.com 223-A S. 8th St., Opelika, AL 36801 Copyright 2009. All right reserved. The Observer is published weekly by Key Media LLC, 223-A S. 8th St., Opelika, AL 36801. Periodicals postage is paid at Opelika, AL. USPS #025104 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Observer, 223-A S. 8th St.,, Opelika, AL 36801

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

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A3 May 19, 2022

Masks Again Required at All EAH Facilities

Local Attorney Receives Distinguished Designations PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

Lee County now in “High” Community Transmission Level CONTRIBUTED BY EAH

OPELIKA — With 58 of 67 Alabama counties being at a “moderate” transmission level or higher — including Lee County at a “high” rate at 10.7% — East Alabama Health officials reinstated the requirement of a medical-grade mask at all of its facilities, including East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika and EAMC-Lanier in Valley. This masking requirement went into effect Tuesday and applies to visitors and staff at all East Alabama Health locations. Green level visitation within the organization, which began on April 18, will remain in place for the time being but is subject to change if the transmission level increases and is sustained for a period of time. “We suspect the transmission rate may already be higher than 9.4% since some people use home tests or simply decide to treat their symptoms without an official diagnosis,” said Brooke Bailey, infection prevention director at East Alabama Health. “Hopefully this increase is minimal and brief. However, with graduations, weddings and oth-

BURGERS >>

FROM A1

samples will go quickly, so we recommend arriving right at 11 for the best chance at trying all the burgers.” So, get there early for your best chance at all the burgers. In addition to getting to sample as many of the amazing burgers you can handle, attendees will also get to cast their vote for Crowd Favorite, which is a treasured trophy amongst the grillers. After tasting some burgers, attendees will use a QR code to vote for their favorite burger and the griller with the most votes will win the coveted Crowd Favorite trophy. While guests enjoy tasting burgers, judges will taste and rate burgers throughout the day, and winners in the three grilling categories (Pro, Corporate and Tailgater) will be an-

COVID Positivity Rates in Alabama (source: ADPH.org, May 17, 2022)

Rate 4 – 4.99 (low — BLUE) 5.0 – 7.99 (moderate — YELLOW) 8.0 – 9.9 (substantial — ORANGE) 10.0 or higher (high — RED)

Number of counties: 9 (most in west Alabama) 33 (including Chambers, Randolph, Russell and Tallapoosa counties) 8 (most around the Birmingham area) 17 (including Lee and Macon counties locally, and Jefferson (Birmingham) and Madison (Huntsville) counties — two of the largest counties in Alabama)

er large summertime activities coming up, we feel it’s important to make this move now to help protect our patients

and staff in our hospitals and other clinical settings.”

nounced at 2 p.m.. Winners get a trophy and bragging rights for the entire year. Aside from being a fierce food competition, Burger Wars is first and foremost an event to raise money for food insecure children in the area. Proceeds from previous Burger Wars have enabled Opelika Rotary to adopt local schools through the Food Bank of East Alabama’s backpack program. “Thanks to the success of last year’s event, our club was able to give $6,545 for this program and sponsor Southview Primary in Opelika and Ogletree Elementary in Auburn," said Anna-Kate Padgett, Opelika Rotary vice president. It is the club’s hope that Burger Wars remains a successful event so that they can continue to partner with the food bank to provide meals for many years to come. Throughout the day,

Burger War’s mascot, Patty Melt, will make several appearances, and Aubie the Tiger will also join in on the fun when the event begins at 11 a.m. And if that isn’t enough fun already, make sure to head over to the Big Bite Battle between the Opelika and Auburn fire departments. “Watching the two fire departments battle it out is one of the best parts of the day and worth sticking around for," said Kasey Kashak, Burger Wars committee member. The eating competition will start at 1 p.m. Opelika Rotary hopes you come to downtown Opelika on Saturday, June 4, for this family-friendly event and enjoy some amazing burgers for a great cause. For more information, visit Opelika Rotary’s website at www. opelikarotaryclub.com or check out the Burger Wars 2022 event page on Facebook.

Walton Law Firm, P.C., serving East Alabama and West Georgia, is pleased to announce that Attorney Catherine Moncus has been certified as a life member of both the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Walton has offices in Auburn and Montgomery. The Million Dollar and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum is recognized as one of the most prestigious groups of trial lawyers in the United States. Membership is limited to attorneys who have won million and multi-million dollar verdicts, awards and settlements. The organization was founded in 1993, and there are approximately 7,800 members nationwide. Fewer than 1% of U.S. lawyers are members.

City of Opelika Memorial Day Services Monday, May 30, 2022 10 a.m. Courthouse Square South 9th Street Opelika

In the event of rain, services will be moved to Opelika Municipal Court Building 300 MLK Boulevard.

Reception to follow:

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

11 a.m. Museum of East Alabama 121 South 9th Street

A4 May 19, 2022

You Are Special

SEAN DIETRICH

ou are special. You are infinitely, unbelievably, absolutely, once-in-a-septillion-years special. That’s right, I’m talking to you, one of the nine-point-two people reading this. You might not realize your specialness. You might not believe you are unique. You might think I am full of a plentiful substance common to barnyards and hog pens. You might think you are merely ordinary. But you’re not typical. You, my friend, are a regular freak of statistics. And this is the fact. Right now, there are 7.8 billion humans on

the planet. The total number of humans alive right now represents 7% of the total number of humans who have ever lived — which is 117 billion humans. And all of these people, past and present, have one thing in common. They ain’t you. Nobody has ever been you. Nobody ever will be you again. Nobody will ever have your specific list of traits, talents and body odor. This is not some weird new-age schtick. I am speaking mathematically; you are an isolated occurrence. You are an arithmetical rarity so improbable that

statisticians still have not figured out how in the Sam Hill you happened. There is no formula for you. There is no numerical way you could have happened. But just look at you, here you are. Breathing. You probably waltz around this world thinking your life is no big deal. But au contraire, Fred Astair. Science tells us that the paltry possibility of you being born was nothing short of supernatural. We’re talking about nanoscopic odds here. To illustrate your uniqueness, I will use the illustration of a rock and a fish: First, imagine that the entire globe is covered in one big, expansive ocean. Now imagine that there is only one little fish swimming in this great ocean. Let’s call this fish Angie because Angie Broginez was the name of the saintly teacher who struggled unsuccessfully to teach me algebra in community college, although I had to retake her class not once, but

three times. But getting back to the fish. Let’s imagine that someone standing on a random spot on the globe throws a rock into this proverbially giant ocean. Got it? Okay. Now, tell me, mathematically, what are the odds that this rock will land on Earth’s only fish? I’ll tell you what the odds are: non-existent. It can’t happen. It’s virtually impossible. Still, no matter how unlikely this rock-andfish scenario is, the likelihood of Angie getting pinged by a rock is GREATER than the likelihood of your conception. So whenever you start to feel crummy, just remember, your birth was a huge deal. In fact, it was more than a huge deal. It was downright inexplicable. Your conception was not just a matter of your mom and dad getting together and slow-dancing to Barry White tunes. A lot of things had to happen first.

First off: your mom’s and dad’s ancestors had to live long enough to have them. Think about it, in a world where roughly 3 million people die each day, what were the odds that every single one of your parents’ ancestors, for 150,000 generations, lived to a reproductive age and made healthy babies who THEN lived long enough to squirt out you? I’ll tell you exactly what the odds are: 1 in 10 to the 45,000th power. Or, speaking in redneck terms: 1 in 10 with 45,000 zeros after it. This is a number so large that it is greater than the number of particles in the known universe. A number so big, it would take several notebooks just to write it down correctly. And that’s just the beginning. Because every one of these ancestors — every single one — had to match exactly the right sperm with precisely the right egg to have even more ancestors which makes the odds even

more unlikely. So what kind of odds are we looking at now? Well, it’s a bigger number than the last number. The odds of several hundred thousand generations of human beings matching their sperm and eggs perfectly, then having several billion successful births that produced you are about 1 in 10 to the 2,640,000th power (about 1 quadrillion multiplied times 1 quadrillion). Simply put, you are nature’s most infrequent phenomenon. You are not average, you are not business as usual, you are not just any old body. The blessed day you were born was an event that defied chance; there were 400 quadrillion reasons why you should not have happened. But you did happen. And here you sit. Wasting your time reading this. So go out there and act like the miracle you are.

All The Way Down

WENDY HODGE

ou may live your whole life without learning this truth, and I hope you do. I’ve learned it, and the truth I’ve learned is this: When you love someone who drowns themselves in a bottle or buries themselves in a mountain of pills, slowly killing the person they used to be, you die a bit yourself. Not suddenly, but day by sleepless night, over weeks and months and years ... you die right along with the lost soul you love so much. You watch them make decisions that can, at the very best, be called poor choices. At the very worst, they are drastic errors that lead to more destruction and pain. You stand by

as they bargain and plead with you to “help” them, knowing what they really want is more and more and more of the same lifetaking substances. And that’s the one thing you must not give them. What they really NEED is saving, and that’s the one thing you cannot do. You grow numb as they lie to you. You listen as they manipulate the truth, bending it to fit their own twisted version of reality. You listen because the only thing worse than their lies is their silence. Because once they grow silent, it is as if they have vanished. Your mind fills with the worst scenes an imagination can conjure. I’ve been through those ssilences — days, weeks even, with no word or even a hint of where or how this person I love may be. Those silent nights are nightmarish, the moments ticking by slowly with daybreak bringing no relief. And then comes the call breaking the silence. It’s a one-sided conversation, for the most part. On the other end of the line, you

will hear lots of misplaced blame on family, friends — on the world in general. You will respond as neutrally as possible, your mind rejecting what you’re hearing for the empty nonsense it is. But you will listen, profoundly grateful to be hearing that voice at all. There will be other phone calls — calls full of remorse for the choices made and the lies told, for the time wasted and the trouble caused. It is possible to listen to someone you love drowning in a sea of regret and not cave in completely. It is possible, but only barely. And then there’s the phone call you dread every day, the call you will quite possibly dread until your last day. It is a call that will come from an emergency room or a highway patrol officer or some random stranger. And the sheer possibility of that phone call will haunt you, whether it ever comes or not. You will stand and bear silent witness as they go down, ever down, all the

way down … and you will make deals with the universe. “Please let this be the worst,” you will bargain with the gods. “Please let this be rock bottom. Please let it be only up from here.” Because everyone will tell you — all the books and the therapists and the rehab programs — that hitting rock bottom is the only way to start the journey back. But what if rock bottom is, for the

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ones I love, something they cannot return from? What if they don’t survive that rock bottom? What if rock bottom is their dying place? If I could pour out all the bottles and flush all the pills on this entire green planet, I would do that. If it would save the ones I love, I would do it ten times over. But it wouldn't — because there is and always will be the next fix of something, something

to help that person escape whatever it is about life itself that torments them beyond bearing. And so, every day comes and every day goes. And I will continue to love the ones who need it the most and can return it the least. Because that is what love is. It is patient. It is kind. It is selfless, and it is eternal. And sometimes, it hurts so very much.

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As healthcare professionals, it is up to you to ensure your patients remain up to date with their vaccines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) recommend the following vaccines for adolescents: • • • •

Tetanus, Diptheria, Pertussis Human papillomavirus Meningococcal disease Influenza

For more information, please visit alabamapublichealth.gov/imm

A5 May 19, 2022

Get In The Zone! CyberZone!

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

CyberZone, Opelika's local arcade which had been closed the last 11 months due to widespread water damage, reopens its doors on Friday, May 20, in conjuction with the Opelika Chamber of Commerce. The grand re-opening will commence with a ribbon cutting, followed by Food Truck Friday outside and laser tag/arcade fun inside CyberZone from 4 to 11 p.m. The business opened its doors for a media preview event last Thursday, May 12.

INSECURE >>

FROM A1

fed consistently, they don't know where their next meal’s coming from, maybe they’re only receiving their food from school, they don’t sleep, they can’t study, they’re not doing well in school, they’re misbehaving and oftentimes, these are the kids that are held back,” Payne-Purvis said. “Not because actually they can’t perform academically, but they can’t perform because they’re hungry.” The students in Payne-Purvis’ class began to question what would happen for local children over Thanksgiving break when they couldn’t receive food at school. They took up a collection to send food home with children over the break. “I reached out to the counselor at Cary Woods,

simply because that’s where my daughter goes to school and where I had a connection, and she was able to help us support families over Thanksgiving at Cary Woods,” she said. The project, at the behest of Payne-Purvis’ students, was then completed again over Christmas and Spring breaks. “The students well-exceeded my expectations,” she said. “I will say, I have yet to spend more than like $50 total on any of this. It’s not me, it’s the students. They’re bringing in food. They’re bringing in [food] from their pantry, they’re packing it. All I’m really doing is providing the opportunity. The students are really doing it. “From Spring Break, we had a student, Emma Chumley, reach out and say, ‘Can we do it for summer?’

And she said, ‘I’ll head it up.’ I said, ‘We can try.’” Providing food to children in need over the summer months is a longer, and more arduous process. And it requires a lot more donations — both monetary and physical. “I have a ton of students coming back to Auburn to help with this, simply because they want to,” Payne-Purvis said. “There’s no class credit, there’s no extra credit, there’s nothing.” Elementary school students’ parents can opt their children into the program. It is designed specifically for students who already receive food from the schools on the weekends. There will be three opportunities for parents to pick up food — end of May, end of June and end of July at Benchmark Physical Therapy

by the Cary Creek Publix. “We’re hoping we’re close to having the amount [of food] we need for the May pickup, just from student donations,” Payne-Purvis said. Students have held benefit nights with local businesses, like Momma Goldberg’s to raise funds and food. Almost 450 children have signed up to receive meals, Payne-Purvis said. And if it costs $5 a day for breakfast, lunch and snacks, the project needs more funds to cover the summer. If businesses or community members want to donate, or volunteer their time, they can email Payne-Purvis at cmpurvis@auburn.edu. Donations are accepted online at https://givebutter. com/aYjICY and there is a volunteer signup at https://m. signupgenius.com/#!/ showSignUp/904054DA-

CA623A4FC1-summer. There are food donation boxes at both the Benchmark Physical Therapy locations (Cary Creek and South College) and Ridgeway Diagnostics on Samford. All donations are being matched by a donor, Payne-Purvis said. “One thing I’d love for [the community] to realize is if they give $5, realize that that’s actually $10,” she said. Her main concern with the project is a whole is not having enough food for the children, she said. The type of food they’re buying is a lot like a college student’s diet, Payne-Purvis joked. “College students and elementary school kids eat about the same thing,” she said. “It’s fantastic. It’s the perfect partnership.” Macaroni and cheese, peanut butter crackers, trail

mix, cereal, oatmeal, etc., are all examples of snacks and food collected. “[This project] has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve done in teaching in almost 13 years,” Payne-Purvis said. Payne-Purvis said she’s watched her students not only understand the problem with food insecurity and behavioral and emotional problems but want to find a solution. “As a whole, [my students] have more than likely not experienced food insecurities themselves,” she said. “So that being said, they’re relating to a population that isn’t them and they’re reaching out and wanting to help them. And to me, it’s just that they’re simply getting it. They’re understanding what Human Development and Family Studies is all about.”

A6 May 19, 2022

Auburn Chamber Welcomes New Members

The Potting Shed — Located at the corner of N. College St./Highway 280 in Auburn

Hibachi on Wheels

True Deliverence Holiness Church — Located at 936 N. Donahue Dr. in Auburn

Good Karma — Located at 132 N. College St. in Auburn

Home + Vine — Located at 1212 Gatewood Dr., Suite A-1 in Auburn

River Bank & Trust — Located at 1192 S. Donahue Dr. in Auburn

PHOTO BY KENDYL HOLLINGSWORTH /THE OBSERVER

MEMORIAL >>

FROM A1

ment • Sheriff William S. "Buck" Jones — Lee County Sheriff’s Office • Lt. Moitt Brenton Truitt Jr. — Opelika Police Department • Deputy Sheriff James W. Anderson — Lee County Sheriff’s Office • Sgt. Roger L. Motley — Opelika Police Department • Officer William Ray Buechner Jr. — Auburn Police Department Jones, Opelika Police Chief Shane Healey and Auburn Police Chief

Cedric Anderson shared a few words on the fallen officers and their legacies. A few shed tears as Anderson remembered Buechner, the county’s most recent fallen officer who was killed in May 2019 while responding to a domestic disturbance call. “One of the reasons we remember him is because he was a dedicated, committed, very capable law enforcement professional,” Anderson said. “Others remember him because he was a lifelong friend who knew how to be a friend when others were in need of friendship

... Even when we lose someone, the love we have for them never fades and never dies.” Marshall also spoke to Buechner’s legacy, recognizing him for his professionalism and noting what many others also saw in him: a “light of hope, a light of happiness, as well as a protector.” His mother, Suzy Buechner, came from Montgomery to attend this year’s ceremony and said she appreciates the efforts to remember her son and other fallen

officers. “This happens every year, and we just appreciate all they do and to not forget the fallen officers, so it means a lot to us,” she said. “It’s real special—not easy every time, but we just appreciate it so much. “He loved his job. He told me that he found his spot in the world, which is good for a mother to hear when you worry about your child. Are they going to find what they want to do and love? He says he found it here. He always had

Police Week. The event is “dedicated to recognize all of the men and women who served their communities in law enforcement and made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their fellow citizens,” Jones added. The national memorial wall is located in Washington, D.C.

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a smile on his face … he had a good heart and he just wanted to help people out.” President John F. Kennedy issued an executive order in 1962 to recognize May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day each year. He also proclaimed the week of May 15 as National

MAY 24 - JUNE 26

Asbestos Claims, LLC, Jubal L. Hamil Attorney at Law ARPC 7.2.(e) “No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.”

E vents, Food, & SocietyNews

UPCOMING EVENTS: MAY 21: 47TH ANNUAL EAST ALABAMA CAR SHOW MAY 21: TEA TIME AT HERITAGE HOUSE MAY 21: OTC MURDER MYSTERY DINNER THEATRE MAY 24: AACT AUDITIONS FOR "HANDS ON A HARD BODY"

Offer Hospitality With Easy, Make-Ahead Dishes PHOTO BY ANN CIPPERLY / FOR THE OBSERVER

Ann Cipperly

Southern

Hospitality

fter being home most of two years, we have missed celebrating special occasions, having houseguests and just getting together to savor dinners with family and friends. Now that the virus numbers have remained low, plan a get-together. Whether it is a family or friend’s birthday, a bridal shower, bridge luncheon, dinner after church or getting friends together for fellowship, assemble a make-ahead menu to enjoy more time with guests instead of being

in the kitchen. When offering hospitality at our home, generally there is an appetizer or two waiting on the desk in front of the window in the living room as guests arrive and the meal is being warmed in the oven. My easiest appetizer combination is homemade cheese wafers with roasted pecans, which can be made days ahead. A cheese platter with grapes and homemade crostini instead of crackers is quick and easy. Another favorite no cook option is

Cheese Torta with Roasted Red Pepper and Pesto that can be assembled a couple of days ahead. Crostini goes well with this too. The crostini are made with a small sliced French baguette or sourdough bread that is sliced and cut into small squares. Other breads can be used as well, including wheat, but it works better if the bread is firm. The squares are brushed with olive oil and then baked until lightly toasted. Lately, we have been toasting them in an air fryer/toaster oven

Cheese Torta with Roasted Red Pepper and Pesto makes a flavorful appetizer served with crostini. The spread can be prepared a couple of days ahead. Check out the recipes for creating an easy make-ahead menu for offering hospitality. for a few minutes, and they come out perfectly crisp. These can be made a day or two ahead and stored in an air-tight container. For an elegant appetizer, top crostini and/or sliced cucumbers with dill embellished cream cheese and wild-caught smoked salmon. The

smoked salmon can be kept a couple of weeks in the refrigerator to pull out when needed for an appetizer. Another delicious choice is Chef Christine Healey’s smoked salmon pinwheels. They are simple to make by spreading cream cheese over flour tortilla, then

placing smoked salmon on top. The tortillas are then rolled up, wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, slice and place on a platter for an attractive presentation. Leftover smoked salmon can be served See CIPPERLY, page A10

George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic to Play at Sweetland Amphitheatre July 3 CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF LAGRANGE LAGRANGE –– Sweetland Amphitheatre is proud to announce another concert to its 2022 lineup: George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic. The band will play in LaGrange on Sunday, July 3, 2022. Tickets went on sale to the public Wednesday, May 11 at 10 a.m. The venue is asking concertgoers to purchase tickets only through sweetlandamp.com. Tickets cannot be guaranteed when purchased through third-party vendors.

Recording both as Parliament and Funkadelic, George Clinton revolutionized R&B during the 1970s, twisting soul music into funk by adding influences from several late-1960s acid heroes like Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa and Sly Stone. For more information on George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, as well as other 2022 concerts, go to sweetlandamp.com. Those interested may also sign up for Sweetland’s E-Club, their email list, on sweetlandamp.com to hear the latest news and specials, including presale

codes, before anyone else. This service is free of charge. Sweetland Amphitheatre’s 2022 concert year credits its success to the support from its sponsors. This year’s presenting sponsor is, once again, Kia. Other sponsors include

Coca-Cola, LaGrange Grocery, Vaughan Xpress, Mallory Agency, Emory Healthcare, Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center, Great Wolf Lodge, Houze & Associates, Thornton & Graham, P.C., Visit LaGrange, Troup County, Air Force Heating

& Air, Eley Digital, Courtyard by Marriott, Beacon Brewery Co., Southern Cart, Wingate by Wyndham and Callaway Foundation. Sweetland Amphitheatre will announce additional acts for 2022 in the weeks ahead. For more details on upcoming shows, please visit www.sweetlandamp. com and join the E-club, Sweetland’s email list. About Sweetland Amphitheatre The South’s sweetest stage, Sweetland Amphitheatre, welcomes music fans to experience award-winning and internationally known performers. The venue

opened in spring 2016 and is centrally located in the heart of historic downtown LaGrange, Georgia. The 2,500-seat amphitheatre provides an intimate open-air concert setting for star-studded performances and community events within walking distance of restaurants, shops, hotels and attractions. To keep up with the latest news involving the City of LaGrange, go to www.lagrangega.org or follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/ lagrangegagov, Twitter at @lagrangegagov, and Instagram at instagram. com/cityoflagrangega.

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A8 May 19, 2022

Making the Grade: Bizilia’s Cafe PHOTOS BY MIKE WALLACE

STACEY PATTON WALLACE

AUBURN –– ave you ever noticed how well your Mama seems to do everything? Barbara Patton, my Mama, was married to my Daddy for 66 years. She is an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, Christian role model, cook, cleaner, confidant, psychologist, peacemaker, teacher, booboo fixer, referee, etc. Mama is a member of the Greatest Generation. She was born in 1932, in the middle of the Great Depression, and at 89, she can still remember when World War II ended. “I was 12, and I was washing my hair when the mill whistle blew because the war was over,” she said. I, however, am certainly NOT the woman my mother is. I’m a Baby Boomer, and I know that neither my generation nor the ones after mine will ever measure up to

Mama’s generation, and that’s all right. As I sit here in Mama’s room at East Alabama Medical Center, I wish I could make her well again, but I cannot. Therefore, I will continue to pray for her and love her. She is awaiting yet another procedure. Mama was at EAMC for two weeks and was released to a local nursing home on May 3. Then on May 7, she went back to the hospital, spending Mother’s Day there. Obviously, not what I wanted for her on Mother’s Day. Mama is at EAMC so often, she probably should have her own parking space. If you pray, please pray for my Mama. Thanks so much. Before I begin my review, I’d like to thank the staff of EAMC’s eighth floor for taking such great care of Mama: doctors Drake, Carter and Crowe; nurses Hannah,

Roy, Karla and Brittany; techs Angela, Lauren and Cali. I apologize for any I missed. I was also very impressed to meet Tiffany, a nurse who won the very prestigious Daisy Award. The Daisy Award was created in 1999 and honors “extraordinary, compassionate care being provided by a nurse.” It’s the highest honor a nurse can receive. Tiffany, who has been a nurse for less than a year, was nominated by a co-worker and by a patient’s family member. Roy, who trained Tiffany, said, “Tiffany sets the bar at an unreachable level for the rest of us.” However, Tiffany pointed out that in a recent survey, someone from the Joint Commission said, “Roy in PCU was awesome. Every unit needs a Roy!” Our community is so blessed to have such outstanding health care providers at EAMC. Again, my thanks to you all.

However, back to my review. One of the many things that Mama did great was making delicious, toasted ham-and-cheese sandwiches. Now that doesn’t sound like a big deal, but somehow, hers were always better than mine. Surprise, surprise. I love to have my sandwich toasted, and I have found just the place to have it done professionally: Bizilia’s Cafe at 134 N. College St. in Auburn. The restaurant specializes in paninis. According to Google, a panini is a “sandwich made with Italian bread, such as ciabatta, rosetta and michetta.” Bizilia’s Cafe has made paninis an art form. Mark and Christy Arrington have owned Bizilia’s Cafe for eight years. Christy is originally from the Beauregard/Opelika area, and Mark is originally from Tampa, Florida. After Mark graduated from Auburn University,

the couple moved to Tampa. Then they moved back 25 years later to raise their daughter Bella, who also runs Bizilia’s Cafe. “During COVID-19, the local community really stepped up for us," Christy said. "I’ve never seen anything like it. You just can’t beat local folks. We know our customers by name.” When I came to the restaurant, I placed a to-go order for a ham and Swiss panini with tomato and Dijon mustard. I didn’t want the mayo; I’m more of a mustard woman. I also purchased a bag of chips. It was the perfect panini — warm, toasted and mouth-wateringly delicious. Oh, my two times. I predict that the Arringtons will know me by name soon, too. Also, I ordered a blueberry muffinini, which is a toasted muffin, and I ordered caramel sauce to pour over it. Oh, my three times. Unfortunately, this diabetic has found another addictive dessert. Besides my perfect panini, Bizilia’s Cafe also

serves other paninis such as: chicken pesto, club, buffalo wrap, pulled pork, veggie and Caesar wrap. The restaurant also offers diners salads and a pork trifecta. Run and do not walk to Bizilia’s Cafe. Mama, this review was for you. Thank you for being the Best. Mama. Ever. As our dear friend Dottie says, “I love you to the moon and back!” Bizilia’s Cafe is open on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; on Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bizilia’s Cafe makes the grade with an A+ from this retired English teacher. Remember, “Poohsized” people NEVER lie about food. Enjoy! Stacey Patton Wallace, who retired from teaching language arts for 30 years, is a professional diner. Her column, “Making the Grade,” will appear each week in The Observer. Stacey may be reached at retiredlangartsteacher2020@gmail.com

Museum of East Alabama Dedicates New Murals

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER The Museum of East Alabama dedicated its newest murals on May 12. The mural on the side of the museum was created by painter Chris Johnson and depicts the Creek Indian Chief Yoholo Micco, who was a chief in the Eufaula area; an Opelika buggy from the 1920s; the Clement Hotel; a flag for Auburn University; Old Nancy, a 1905 Case steam traction engine; Pepperell Mills, which manufactured fabrics; Booker T. Washington, who founded Tuskegee Institute in 1881; the Lee County Courthouse; a train to represent the importance of the railroad in the area; Governor James Samford; the Tuskegee Airmen; and baseball players from the Opelika Owls, a minor league team from Opelika. The newer mural, loacted on the other side of the museum, was done by Auburn University and depicts the agricultural history of the area. Located in the heart of downtown Opelika, on the old Clement hotel site, the Museum of East Alabama links the area's past and future. First opening its doors in 1989, the museum houses over 5,000 artifacts including both 19th, and 20th, century local, state and general history items.

A9 May 19, 2022

Swing Over to Monkey Park Every Tuesday Night PHOTOS BY ED SIKORA / FOR THE OBSERVER

Summer Swing concerts happen at Monkey Park in Opelika every Tuesday night until Aug. 2, beginning at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Next week's performance is scheduled for the East Alabama Community Band, now in its 10th year and led by Josh Wine. They will be playing a variety of marches and show tunes.

O GROWS FARMERS MARKET Every Tuesday from 3 to 6 p.m. outside the Southside Center for the Arts located at 1103 Glenn St. in Opelika.

SUMMER SWING - EVERY TUESDAY NIGHT

Opelika's Summer Swing is back! May 24 - The East Alabama Community Band Concerts are held at Municipal Park at 7 p.m. Hamburgers and hotdogs provided by Opelika Band Boosters and lemonade provided by SouthState Bank will be available from 6:15 to 7:30.

Camp Hill Marketplace Come out and buy your fresh produce, honey, jams and hand-crafted items at the Camp Hill Marketplace, a state-certified farmers market Every Thursday, 8 to 11 a.m., June 2 through Oct. 20, rain or shine, at Mount Lovely Baptist Church at 21900 Senator Claude Pepper Dr., Camp Hill, (AL Hwy 50). Potential vendors contact Sharon at 256-749-5100 to apply to join.

A10 May 19, 2022

CIPPERLY >>

FROM A7

with bagels for breakfast. When having houseguests, I will often arrange a serving bar with sliced toasted bagels, smoked salmon, cream cheese, dill, capers, finely chopped red onion and cucumbers. Guests can help themselves as breakfast is cooking. When offering hospitality, it is helpful to have a casserole in the freezer. One of my favorites is Chicken Tetrazzini. There are many shortcut versions using canned soup, but I prefer to make a quick and easy sauce with milk or cream with chicken broth. It is an economical

CIPPERLY RECIPES >> SMOKED SALMON WITH DILL ON CUCUMBER OR CROSTINI 4 oz. cream cheese, softened 1 Tbsp. fresh dill or 2 tsp. dried 1 tsp. lemon juice Salt to taste Sliced cucumber or Crostini 4 thinly slices smoked salmon Mix cream cheese with dill, lemon juice and salt. Spread on cucumber slice or use a pastry bag to form a rosette. Place a small slice of rolled salmon on cream cheese mixture. Chill until ready to serve. Garnish with dill. CROSTINI 1 long French baguette, sliced or loaf of sourdough bread, sliced and cut into squares Extra virgin olive oil Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Brush one side of bread with olive oil or for extra crispy, brush both sides of bread. Bake for about 10 minutes or until lightly toasted. Note: Instead of baking in oven, toast in an air fryer. SMOKED SALMON AND CREAM CHEESE PINWHEELS Chef Christine Healey 2 flour tortillas 8 oz. cream cheese, softened 1 lb. smoked salmon 6 jerkin pickles, sliced in half On each tortilla shell, spread cream cheese and layer salmon. Place jerkin pickles on one edge and roll into a tube. Chill for 2 hours. When ready to serve, slice into pinwheels. CHEESE TORTA WITH ROASTED RED PEPPER AND PESTO Three 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened, mild goat cheese or a combination of both Fresh roasted red pep-

dish as it stretches out chicken and is versatile. You can use different kinds of pasta and vary the other ingredients. Mushrooms pair nicely with the chicken. You can also add green peas and chopped roasted red pepper for color or sauté a green pepper with the onion. Once the tetrazzini is assembled, you can wrap it in plastic wrap and foil and freeze. It is important to tightly cover the dish. I cover the entire dish in foil. It will keep a couple of months in the freezer. Two other tasty entrees that can be prepared a day ahead or frozen are Chicken and Mushrooms in Wine Sauce and Chicken and Pasta with Cheddar and pers or bottled roasted peppers 1 jar basil pesto or homemade pesto Crostini or crackers In a small springform or loaf pan lined with plastic wrap or foil, layer one-third of cheese. Top with roasted peppers (if using ones from a jar, be sure to pat them dry on paper towels. Place another layer of cheese. Top with pesto. Add last layer of cheese. Cover and chill until ready to serve. Pull the plastic wrap or foil up to lift the torta. Remove covering and place on a serving dish. Garnish with roasted red pepper strips. Serve with crostini or crackers.

CHICKEN TETRAZZINI Adapted from Emily Smyth’s recipe 4 large chicken breasts 3 stalks celery, coarsely chopped 3 carrots, cut up 1 onion, quartered Salt 1 lb. angel hair pasta Stew chicken with celery, carrots, onions, and salt to taste. When cooked, remove chicken and discard vegetables. Strain broth and reserve 2 cups for sauce. When cool, cut chicken into bite-size pieces. Salt and pepper to taste. Set aside. Use remaining broth plus enough water to cook pasta. May need to add more salt. Cook pasta according to time on package. Drain. 2 Tbsp. butter 1 medium onion, diced 1 green or red pepper, diced 1 lb. mushrooms, sliced Salt and pepper Melt butter; sauté onions, pepper and mushrooms; salt and pepper to taste. Set aside. Sauce: 3 Tbsp. butter 3 Tbsp. flour 1 cup heavy cream or half and half 2 cups chicken broth (canned or reserved from above) 2 Tbsp. sherry,

Olives. Serve the entrees with a robust salad and crusty bread. Salad ingredients can be prepped ahead, and the dressing made days ahead. A layered salad is the easiest for offering hospitality as it is prepared the day ahead and is ready to serve. Instead of a salad, Tomatoes Rockefeller is an attractive vegetable choice that can be prepared ahead and

reheated. It also makes a good addition with the salad for hearty dinners. To complete the menu, select a delectable dessert that can be prepared ahead and kept in the refrigerator a couple of days or frozen. The Lemon Mousse Cheesecake can be prepared two days ahead. To make it easier, use a jar of lemon curd instead of making your own. The Flourless Choco-

late Cake is expensive on restaurant menus but easy to make at home. Serve it with chocolate sauce and purchased salted caramel gelato. Check out the recipes and assemble a menu. Offering hospitality can be stress-free when all of the dishes are prepared and waiting to be placed in the oven or removed from the refrigerator and served. Set the table a day ahead and relax,

optional 7 oz. jar chopped pimentos, optional 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated for topping Melt butter and add flour over low heat, stirring until well blended. Slowly add cream. When thickened, add chicken broth and chopped pimentos if using. Then add mushrooms and onions. Increase heat to medium and cook until thickened slightly, stirring frequently. Spread pasta in bottom of greased 9 x 13-inch pan. Top with chicken and pour sauce on top. Make sure sauce covers all of chicken and pasta. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top. Bake at 375 for 30 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving. Can prepare ahead and store in refrigerator until ready to bake. Can be frozen.

Add bouquet garni and bay leaves and cook covered in the oven on 300 for 2 - 2½ hours. In a separate pan, sauté mushrooms until they are about halfway soft and add to chicken about halfway through the cooking time. (This keeps them from over-cooking.) Remove bouquet garni and bay leaves before serving. Good served over mashed potatoes.

chicken, mushroom mixture, parsley, olives and Cheddar cheese. Pour into a 9 by 13inch pan that has been coated with nonstick spray. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over top. Bake at 350 for about 20 minutes or until hot. Can refrigerate and bake later or freeze.

CHICKEN AND MUSHROOMS IN WINE SAUCE Debbie Purves Can prepare ahead and freeze. Olive or canola oil 1 pkg. deboned chicken thighs, cut in quarters and dry Flour, salt and pepper for dredging chicken ½ cup onion, chopped ½ cup celery, chopped ½ cup carrots, chopped 6-8 garlic cloves, chopped 1 can diced tomatoes 2 cups chicken broth 3 cups red wine 1 lb. whole mushrooms Bouquet garni Bay leaves Add salt and pepper to flour and coat chicken. Heat oil in pan. Add chicken and sauté until browned. (We use a cast iron Dutch oven.) Remove chicken to a plate. Wipe out pan and add new oil. Sauté onion, carrots, garlic and celery until soft. Add chicken back to pan. Add tomatoes, broth and wine until it covers the chicken.

CHICKEN AND PASTA WITH CHEDDAR AND OLIVES 2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts or a rotisserie chicken 2 chopped onions, divided 1 cup celery stalks Salt and pepper ½ cup butter ½ lb. mushrooms, sliced ½ cup celery, minced 1 cup half and half 1 cup chicken broth 1/4 cup white wine or chicken broth 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour 2 Tbsp. butter, softened 8 oz. pkg. thin spaghetti or penne 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped or 2 to 3 tsp. dried 1/4 cup ripe olives, sliced 1 cup grated Cheddar cheese 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese In a large pot boil chicken, 1 onion and celery until chicken is tender. Partially cool; drain broth and reserve. Salt and pepper to taste. Chop cooled chicken. In a saucepan, melt ½ cup butter; sauté mushrooms, the other onion and celery. When onion is cooked, add half and half, broth and wine or more broth. Salt and pepper to taste. Stir over low heat until heated. Make a paste of flour and softened butter; add to skillet. Simmer until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Cook pasta in remaining broth, add water if needed. Add salt. Cook as directed on package; drain. Toss pasta with

TOMATOES ROCKEFELLER Bobbie Umbach 10 oz. pkg. frozen chopped spinach, thawed 6 tomatoes, cut in half 2/3 cup dry breadcrumbs 1 stick butter, melted ¼ cup chopped green onions ¼ cup (7 slices) crumbled, crisp-cooked bacon, optional ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice ½ tsp. salt ¼ tsp. garlic powder 3 drops Tabasco sauce or to taste Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Drain spinach on paper towels and press to remove any excess moisture. Arrange tomato halves cut side up in an 11 x 15-inch baking pan sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Combine spinach, breadcrumbs, butter, green onions, bacon and cheese in a bowl; mix well. Stir in lemon juice, salt, garlic powder and Tabasco sauce. Mound spinach mixture evenly on the tomato halves. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes or until heated through. Can assemble ahead, store in refrigerator and bake later. LAYERED GREEK SALAD WITH BLUE OR FETA CHEESE Katie Melton shared this recipe many years ago. It is nice to have made ahead since the dressing in on the bottom of the bowl with olives and vegetables with the lettuces and cheese on top. Toss just before serving. 1 jar (6 ½ oz.) black olives, drained and thinly sliced

even if you didn’t chase down all the dust bunnies. Hospitality is not about being perfect or fussy. Don’t wait until you have new furniture or better china. No one will care what the dishes looks like, as they will be so happy to be sharing a meal with you. Opening your home can be enriching with friendships and creating joyous memories. While many people have been out and about for weeks, if you still have concerns for the Covid virus, you can spread out on the patio or porch. While the news is scary and always will be, it is important to make the best of every day and enjoy life. 10 radishes, sliced (about 1 cup) 1 medium cucumber, sliced 5 green onions, cut into ½ inch slices ½ cup vegetable oil 1/3 cup wine vinegar 1 and ½ tsp. salt 1 and ½ tsp. dried oregano leaves 1 medium bunch romaine, torn into bite-size pieces 1 medium head lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces 1/4 cup or more crumbled blue or feta cheese Place olives, radishes. cucumber and onions in 3 quart bowl, Mix oil, vinegar, salt and oregano in covered glass container; shake well. Pour salad dressing on olives and vegetables. Place romaine and lettuce on top; arrange cheese on lettuce. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours. Toss salad just before serving. Makes 8 servings.

FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH GANACHE GLAZE AND SEA SALT CARAMEL GELATO You can find the Sea Salt Caramel Gelato at local grocery stores. Nonstick butter spray 4 oz. bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped 1 stick cold butter 2 tsp. vanilla ¾ cup sugar ½ cup cocoa powder, sifted 4 eggs, beaten Chocolate Ganache Fresh raspberries for garnish, optional Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray 8 or 9-inch round cake pan with nonstick spray (can line pan with foil and coat with nonstick spray to assure easy removeable from pan.) Put chocolate, butter and vanilla in bowl on top of double boiler, stirring until smooth or melt in the microwave. Cool completely. Mix in sugar and cocoa. Stir in eggs; pour into prepared pan. Place pan on cookie sheet and bake 20 to 25 minutes. Remove cake and glaze with Ganache. Save the extra for

A11 May 19, 2022

'Fair'Well Until Next Time

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

A12 May 19, 2022

International Touring Duo "Friction Farm" to Perform at Sundilla Concert Series AUBURN – Modern-folk duo "Friction Farm" will make their Sundilla Acoustic Concert Series debut on Friday, June 3. Showtime will be at 7:30 p.m. at Pebble Hill, located at 101 S. Debardeleben in Auburn (weather permitting, it will be an outdoor show.) Aidan Quinn and Christine Stay combine storytelling, social commentary and humor to create songs of everyday life, local heroes and quirky observations. Their lyrically rich,

CIPPERLY RECIPES >> drizzling over cake and gelato (Talenti recommended). Garnish with fresh raspberries, if desired. Chocolate Ganache 1¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 cup heavy cream Put chocolate into bowl. Heat cream in small pan over low heat. Pour hot cream over chocolate; mix well with spatula until melted.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

harmony driven songs earned them the honor of Kerrville New Folk Finalists and Falcon

Ridge Emerging Artists and South Florida Folk Festival Songwriter winners.

LEMON MOUSSE CHEESECAKE Crust: 18 graham crackers crushed ½ cup melted butter 1/4 cup sugar Cheesecake Three 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened 1 ½ cups sugar, divided 4 eggs, separated 1/3 cup flour ¾ cup lemon juice 1 Tbsp. lemon zest Lemon curd, recipe follows (or purchased jar of lemon curd)

Twist of lemon and mint leaves for garnish, optional Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Combine crushed graham crackers, melted butter and 1/4 cup sugar. Press graham cracker crust in the bottom of a 9 or 10-inch springform pan coming up about 1-inch on the sides. Seal the outside of the pan with foil and set in a baking dish. Add water to baking dish to come 1-inch up the sides. Bake crust for 10 minutes. In a mixing bowl,

Friction Farm’s last CD, “Evidence of Hope”, which debuted at No. 10 on the Folk

cream cheese until smooth, gradually adding 1 1/4 cups sugar; beat about 5 minutes. Add egg yolks, flour, lemon juice, and zest; beat until smooth. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites to soft peaks. Add remaining ¼ cup sugar to egg whites; beat until stiff peaks have formed. Fold the egg whites into the lemon batter. Pour batter into the crust. Bake cheesecake until set and golden about 55 to 65 minutes. When cool, place in refrigerator. Cover top with lemon curd. Loosen sides of cheesecake with knife before unmolding. Freezes well. Lemon Curd: 3 extra-large or 4 regular egg yolks, strained through a sieve Zest of one lemon 1/3 cup lemon juice ½ cup sugar 1/3 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces Over medium heat whisk yolks, zest, lemon juice and sugar in a 1 quart

Chart, was released during that strange period of confinement. The songs bear witness to the hope found in the collision of strong political polarity with personal kindness, the intersection of fragility and breathtaking beauty, in new life and even in death. From ballads to anthems each song is filled with harmony and hope. Advance tickets are just $15 and can be found at Spicer’s Music, Ross House Coffee and online at www. sundillamusic.com. Admission at the door will be $20. Free coffee, tea, water and

snacks will be available, and if the concert is outdoors The Chill Spot will be on hand selling hot dogs, tacos and frozen treats. Attendees are always welcome to bring their own favorite food or beverage. The Sundilla Acoustic Concert Series is a non-profit cultural organization, and a subordinate of Folk Alliance International, Inc. The mission of Sundilla is to bring professional touring musicians from outside of the area to Auburn, and to present them to listeners in a smokefree listening-room environment.

saucepan. Cook for approximately 8 minutes until the mixture thickens and looks smooth. Remove saucepan from heat; add butter, one piece at a time

with a wooden spoon until it is fully incorporated. Pour mixture into a bowl and put plastic directly on top of mixture. Let cool; then refrigerate. Makes 2 cups.

A13 May 19, 2022

Squabbling Or Serving – Your Choice

WALTER ALBRITTON

RELIGION — ttitudes matter. We have choices. In the tenth chapter of his Gospel, Mark describes at one point the attitude of two disciples, James and John, who were brothers. Then immediately

he portrays the different attitude of Bartimaeus, a blind beggar. James and John ask Jesus for power; Bartimaeus asks Jesus for mercy. In crying for mercy, Bartimaeus was admitting he did not deserve the favor of Jesus. His request was the humble plea of a man who knew his only hope for sight was the Messiah’s mercy. James and John, on the other hand, felt they deserved an advantage over the other disciples — choice positions of power in the coming Kingdom of Jesus. Their self-seeking may nauseate us but it

does not surprise us. We see it all the time — in ourselves and in others. We are all tempted to curry favor with those in authority so we may gain an advantage over others. Our churches often suffer from dissension as otherwise good people struggle for power to “run the church.” Old Guard leaders are reluctant to relinquish their authority to newcomers who may change their sacred traditions. The “power brokers” in some churches often forget that the Head of the church, the living Christ, has called us all to serve others, not “lord it over

others.” James and John learned an important lesson. Their grasping for favor caused immediate discord among the disciples. The unity of the small band of men was broken by anger and envy. Instead of serving one another in love, they were squabbling among themselves. Attitudes build or destroy unity. Lest we judge James and John too harshly, we should admit how easy it is to forget our calling — to live as servants of Jesus in all our relationships. When we remember that, we will refrain from petty struggles for

power and look instead for new and simple ways to serve others without fanfare. It is likely that Mark intentionally linked the story of blind Bartimaeus to the incident with James and John for a reason. To help us ask, for example, who suffered from the greater blindness — James and John or Bartimaeus? At least Bartimaeus realized he was blind and needed help. James and John were blind and did not know it. They were blind to the nature of authentic discipleship. They failed to “see” what Jesus had been

teaching them about servanthood. Though they walked daily in the presence of the Light of the world, they were blind to the essential truth of Jesus’ teaching. As we live out our days, we should be careful to choose the right attitude when Jesus asks us, “What do you want me to do for you?” Doing so could inspire us to pray, “Open our blind eyes, Lord, and in your mercy give us only the power to serve you daily in fresh, new ways.” www.Amazon.com/ author/walteralbritton-au54.glory

heaven. She is preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband Eddie Gene Hamby; by her parents, James Roy White, Sr and Ada Elise (Koon) White; two siblings, James Roy White, Jr. and his wife Hettie Mae (Daniel) White, and Dorothy Aileen (White) Morris and her husband Jim Tom Morris; her youngest daughter Laurie Diane (Hamby) Billingsley; her daughterin-law Peggy Davidson Hamby; and her twin great grandsons Asa and Eli Hamby. Jeanine is survived by her children, Leslie Deion Hamby, David LaVonne Hamby, and Stephen LaFayette Hamby (Angela); her son-in-law William Billingsley; 10 grandchildren, Michael Hamby (Robin), Emily Hamby, Courtney McFaull (Joe), Amy Crawford (Darryl), Britney Floyd (Jonathan), Mary Orsini (Dominic), Stephen Lott Hamby (Ariel), Holly Mathis (Joshua), Madison Weinman (Dan), and Hunter Billingsley (Carlie); 12 great grandchildren; and cousins, nephews and nieces. A Celebration of Life service was held on Saturday, May 14, 2022, at 2 p.m. at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church in Opelika. Visitation with the family preceded the service in the church sanctuary. Frederick-Dean handled the arrangements. In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial donations be made to Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church or to the East Alabama Food Bank in Auburn. –––––––

that in lieu of flowers, to please donate to your favorite charity in remembrance of Mrs. Violet Garrett. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory will be directing. –––––––

OBITUARIES BRENDA MARIE BUMBY Brenda Marie Bumby was born Oct. 5, 1946, in Charleston, South Carolina, to Roy and Mae Abrams and has three sisters, Priscilla, Janet and Nancy. Born of the “baby boomer” generation, she experienced the social and political upheavals at the time and grew to be a stalwart, generous and beautiful woman. Brenda exemplified the beauty of her soul through her unconditional love and dedication to her family and God. Her adventures were numerous and everywhere she went, her light shone. She once drove from Alaska all the way back to the southern United States with her sister and a friend, always learned interesting new facts and trivia and was an avid bowler. She also raised a son who shared a special bond as only a mother and son can. A regular at Northside Baptist Church, she sang in the choir and was a Sunday school teacher as well. She, along with her mother, rarely missed a service. Much like her

mother, Brenda loved to take car rides and visit local historical areas like the Little Whitehouse, the birthplace of Helen Keller, and the rural town of Roanoke, Alabama where she enjoyed reminiscing about her grandparents. In December 2019, Brenda was diagnosed with cancer. She spent the remainder of her time fighting the debilitating disease but also enjoyed the time she had left with friends and family. Her adventures were still plentiful and her family was always there for her during these trying times. Brenda lost her battle with cancer on May 10, 2022. She was surrounded by her family at the end. She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Lee Bumby; mother, Mae Trimble Abrams; father, Roy Paul Abrams. She is survived by her son, Jason (Tina) Bumby; sister, Priscilla Fralish; sister, Janet Parker; sister, Nancy (James) Escoe. Funeral service was held in the Chapel at FrederickDean Funeral Home on

Friday, May 13, 2022, at 11 a.m. with brother Johnny Coker officiating. Interment followed at Rosemere Cemetery. ––––––– MARTHA JEANINE (WHITE) HAMBY Our beloved mom, grandma, great big grandma, aunt and friend passed away peacefully at home on May 5, 2022, at the age of 85 years old. Although she suffered in considerable pain for several years, Jeanine kept a positive and joyful outlook on life, cherishing her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and church friends and especially her constant companion, her cat Angel Baby, who never left her side. In recent years, the best part of each day was receiving phone calls or visits from her sons and grandchildren, and her dear friend who was more like a sister, Sylvia Robinson. She could never fall asleep until she got her “good night hug” from her daughter and caregiver, Leslie.

Her life was one of service and compassion for others. For more than 20 years, Jeanine cared for the home raising four children while her husband served in the military, with several tours of duty overseas. She was an active mother in Girl and Boy Scouts, baking cookies for school activities, and sharing her love of reading books and using imagination in playtime. She worked a few years for the Chambers County Alabama Probate Office, but Homemaker was her chosen and favorite profession. After her children grew up, Jeanine became active in her church serving behind the scenes wherever she was needed. She also volunteered with the Food Bank, Christian Care Ministries and Red Cross. She loved people and would look for ways to let them know how special they were. Everyone loved Jeanine. Above all else, Jeanine looked forward to seeing Jesus and being reunited with her loved ones in

VIOLET JOYCE METZ GARRETT

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Mrs. Violet Joyce Metz Garrett passed away early Saturday morning on May 7, 2022. Violet was born to Mr. Earl and Georgia Metz in Arkansas on Dec. 12, 1936. She was a nurse who loved caring for her patients. Mrs. Violet Garrett will be laid to rest in the Garden Hills Cemetery in a private graveside service due to the unfortunate events of the COVID-19 pandemic. The family has asked

LTC (RET.) LUTHER B BRIDGERS, III Born Nov. 25, 1944 in Richmond, Virginia, LTC Bridgers grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, where he graduated from Grady High School in 1963 and then his beloved alma mater, The University of Georgia, in 1968. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army as a Lieutenant stationed at Ft. Rucker, Alabama, where he met his wife of 51 years, Linda Tate Bridgers. He later served in the United States Air Force Reserves and National Guard in Dothan, Alabama, after the Vietnam War, retiring from military service as a Lt. Colonel in 2003 and then the Veterans Administration in 2009. LTC Bridgers is preceded in death by his parents, Luther B. Bridgers, Jr. and Nell Hudson Bridgers, and his grandparents, Luther B. Bridgers, Sr. and Aline Winburn Bridgers. He is survived by his wife, Linda Tate Bridgers; his daughters, Cindy (Mike) Hannon and Molly (Shawn) McNulty; and his grandchildren, Benjamin McNulty, Avery Snodgrass and Samantha McNulty. He absolutely adored his family and was a proud Papa to his grandchildren who he loved to spoil and brag about whenever he had the chance. Passing into eternal life on May 5, 2022, a celebration of his life was held Sunday, May 15, 2022, at the Auburn United Methodist Church Founder’s Chapel and will be officiated by Dr. George Mathison. Visitation was at 4 p.m., with the service at 4:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested in his memory to the American Liver Foundation to support their vision of a world without liver disease.

A14 May 19, 2022

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

RELIGION — e emphasize something we want others to pay attention to because we think it is

Appreciating Emphasis important. We raise our voice, lower our voice or talk slower. We raise our eyebrows, maintain eye contact or use gestures. If the message is written, we might use boldface, or italics, underlining, the dreaded ALL CAPS, or even worse, ALL OF THEM TOGETHER WITH MULTIPLE EXCLAMATION POINTS!!! There are more nuanced ways as well. You can return to an important point, feature it on a list or spend more time talking about it than anything else. This last technique is used by

the writers of the gospels in at least two important ways. First, their accounts of Jesus are not nicely divided into 33 even segments (one for each year of Jesus’ life). They are heavily weighted toward His three years of ministry which began at age 30 (Luke 3:23). But they don’t stop there. Roughly one-third of their writings are about the last week of Jesus life. In Mark for example, he begins the last week of Jesus’ life in chapter 11 — that means that 6 of Mark’s 16

chapters cover the final week of Jesus’ life. So, the gospels are primarily concerned with Jesus’ ministry with a heavy emphasis on His final week. What does that mean? To begin with, it doesn’t mean that the rest of Jesus’ life was unimportant — it means it just wasn’t quite as important (especially from a redemptive perspective) as His final three years. The same thing is true about the last week of Jesus’ life — it was of

the greatest importance — the fulfillment of His mission, the climax of His ministry. These things are true whether you are reading Matthew, Mark, Luke or John and are helpful to keep in mind. They prevent us from turning Jesus into simply a wise teacher, a benevolent activist or a social reformer. They help us to keep the emphasis where the writers placed it. You can find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: a-tasteof-grace-with-brucegreen.com

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

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BIBLE VERSE OF THE WEEK God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. — Hebrews 6:10

CHURCH DIRECTORY Place your ad here! Email: editor@opelika observer.com Call: 334-749-8003 Place your ad here! Email: editor@opelika observer.com Call: 334-749-8003

APOSTOLIC HOLINESS Emmanuel Temple of Deliverance Inc. 28 Sanford Ave., Opelika 334-745-0210 God’s House of Prayers Holiness Church 301 Highland Ave., Opelika 334-749-9672 True Deliverance Holiness Church 936 N. Donahue Dr., Auburn 334-502-4700

BAPTIST Bethesda Baptist Church 201 S. 4th St., Opelika 334-745-7528 Beulah Baptist Church 5500 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-705-0538 Cooperative Baptist Fellowship 128 East Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-8506 Friendship Missionary Baptist Church

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3089 Judge Brown Rd., Valley 334-710-2117 Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church 650 Jeter Ave., Opelika 334-749-9487 Green Chapel Missionary Baptist 390 Lee Road 106, Auburn (334) 749-4184 High Hope Baptist Church 227 Lee Road 673 334-524-8750 Lakeview Baptist Church 1600 E. Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-7094 Pepperell Baptist 2702 2nd Ave., Opelika 334-745-3108 Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Road 166, Opelika 334-745-4608 Union Grove Baptist Church 4009 Lee Road 391, Opelika 334-749-0461 CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ at Cunningham 2660 Cunningham Dr., Opelika 10th Street Church Of Christ 500 N. 10th St., Opelika 334-745-5181 Church Of Christ 2215 Marvyn Pkwy., Opelika 334-742-9721 Southside Church Of Christ 405 Carver Ave., Opelika 334-745-6015

COMMUNITY OUTREACH Good Sheperd Anglican Church 3015 Opelika Road, Opelika 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 St. Ellis Full Gospel Church 5267 US Hwy 80W, Opelika 334-298-4319 PRESBYTERIAN Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Road, Opelika 334-745-4889 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST Opelika Outreach S.D.A. Church P.O. Box 386, Opelika 334-749-3151

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A15 May 19, 2022

COMICS

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

A16 May 19, 2022

Lee County needs a Business-Minded, REMEMBER to Experienced, Constitution-First VOTE on MAY 24 Conservative on the bench. Respect the Constitution: Protect our constitutional freedoms as set out in the Bill of Rights. Embody Conservative Values: Support Conservative Judicial principles and will not legislate from the bench. Family & Life: Jeff has been married 32 years and raised three children in Lee County. He has always stood on the front lines protecting life. Legal Experience: Lee County needs an experienced Judge. Jeff has 26 years of extensive civil, criminal, and appellate experience trying cases in State and Federal Courts, whereas, his opponent has not tried a single civil jury trial.

What Your Community is saying about Jeff Tickal “Jeff has been supportive and served with The Way 2 Serve Ministries to help those in need in our community... I believe Jeff will serve our community well as Circuit Court Judge.” -Shane Kyles, The Way 2 Serve Ministries

“In working with Jeff, I learned he has a brilliant legal mind but he is also wise. He is tough but he is also kind. He’s a good man and a good lawyer.”

“I’ve known Jeff for 20 years and he is the conservative, honest, straightforward leadership we need in the area.” -Dr. Larry Thorne

-Mike Fellows, Lee County Circuit Court Judge “I have known Jeff Tickal for over 20 years as an attorney and a friend. He understands business, is always ethical, and works for a practical solution” -Don Allen, President, Don H. Allen Development

THANK YOU to the LEE COUNTY BUSINESS LEGAL COMMUNITY for YOUR SUPPORT Samford & Denson LLP Davidson, Davidson, Umbach & Forbus, LLC Davis, Bingham, Hudson & Buckner, PC Haygood, Cleveland, Pierce, Thompson & Short, LLP Benjamin Parr, PC

I have known Jeff for over 30 years and I assure you, he is just what we need as a Circuit Judge, especially for the times in which we’re living. He will be fair, but tough on crime. -Dr. Jere Colley, Sr.

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“Like many of you, I long for a nation whose God is Lord and whose office holders hold His Word and the US Constitution in the highest regard. Jeff Tickal is a man of integrity and strong faith.” - Patsy Fellows

ENDORSEMENTS Lee County Association of Realtors East Alabama Board of Realtors Bama Carry of Lee County Paid for by Jeff Tickal for Circuit Judge, P.O. Box 468 Opelika, Alabama 36803

INSIDE B1 - B8:

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

SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS AUBURN: JUNE 14 AT 6 P.M. LEE COUNTY: JUNE 14 AT 6 P.M. OPELIKA: JUNE 24 AT 4:30 P.M.

Local Sisters Bring Spotlight to Fencing PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

ON THE MARK D. MARK MITCHELL

OHS Closes Out Spring Sport Season

Opelika won three straight games in the area tournament, beating Russell County (17-5), Valley (3-2) and Eufaula (14-1) in the championship game. OHS advanced to the regionals in Gulf Shores, hoping to finish in the top two in order to compete in the Class 6A State Tournament. Opelika opened the South Regional with a 10-0 mercy rule game in six innings. MaKay Yountz led the girls in the circle, allowing one hit, no runs and striking out 13 Yellow Jacket players. Offensively, Katie Harrelson recorded two hits and two RBI, Nya Thomas, KD Lee, Sania Stringer and Jancyn Thompson recorded one hit apiece. In game two, Robertsdale beat OHS 18-1 in a six-inning mercy rule game. The Lasdy Bears recorded 14-hits and made no errors, while the Dogs had fivehits and made two errors.. Lee, Yountz, Jones and Lyles recorded singles, while Stringer added a triple. Facing elimination, Opelika slipped by area foe Eufaula, 12-9. This was the fifth game See SPORTS, page B2

See SISTERS, page B2

Thornton Reflects on First Season, Building Opelika Softball's Future BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA — Year one as the head coach of any athletic team, at any age, is a zigzagging journey that is guaranteed to have its ups and downs. To the enjoyment of Jessica Thornton, head softball coach at Opelika High School, the 2022 season — her first as a head coach at any program, at any level — had more highs than lows. The 2022 varsity Lady Bulldog softball team finished its first campaign under Thornton with a 2017-1 record. The Bulldogs performed well enough to win the regular season and postseason area championship. Last week at the regional playoffs in Gulf Shores, Alabama, Opelika saw its season come to a close with a

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA — pelika High School and Opelika Middle School athletics are finished for the 202122 school year. The two schools will turn their attention to the end of school and preparing for fall sports. Football, volleyball, cross country and cheerleading will be the first to begin practice. All athletic teams will have two weeks of workouts this summer. Some teams will participate in camps, 7-on-7 competitions and practice games starting in June. SOFTBALL The Opelika Softball team (20-17-1, includes two wins over Smiths Station High School junior varsity) finished the season strong. The Lady Bulldogs won the area regular season title, won the postseason area tournament and finished third at the South Regional in Gulf Shores. OHS went on a run late in the season, thanks in part to a loaded junior class. The Lady Dogs played just two seniors, nine juniors and a few sophomores this season. Opelika finished the last 12 games with nine wins and three losses, including two losses in the regionals.

OPELIKA — Sisters Lina (11) and Zena (10) Park are making a name for themselves in the world of competitive fencing. The two aspiring athletes each finished in first place of their respective age groups at the most recent Southeast Regional in Birmingham. The Southeast Region is composed of competitive teams in Alabama, West Virginia, North Carolina, Delaware, South Carolina, Maryland, Georgia, Sisters Lina (left) and Zena (right) Park both won first place at the most reVirginia, D.C., cent Southeast Region Fencing Tournament for their respective divisions.

Mississippi, Florida and Tennessee. “Yeah, [winning together] was really cool,” Lina said. “Usually when she wins, I think I need to win too.” Lina and Zena train at Auburn Fencing Club, located in historic downtown Opelika at 229 S. Eighth Street. Owner and Executive Director of Auburn Fencing Club, Rylan Delap, has seen the sisters develop into the successful athletes by training them over the course of the last few years. According to Delap, from the first

The Opelika varsity softball team poses with its trophy after winning the postseason area tournament.

2-15 loss to Saraland High School, finishing one win short of qualifying for the state tournament. According to Thornton, the results of the season are categorically a success, “We had more wins

than we had last year,” she said. I didn’t really have any expectations coming into this year, my first as a head coach and with a new program. I think all in all it was definitely was a successful season.” As always the case

when seasons end, one of the most exciting things about the success Opelika enjoyed this season is the chance to build on it for next year. Opelika’s case is exceptionally positive because the Bulldogs See SOFTBALL, page B3

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B2 May 19, 2022

OHS Students Ink Scholarships PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

Mr. & Miss OHS Crowned

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

Mr. and Miss OHS: Channing Torbert and Vera Smith T.

Congratulations to Mr. and Miss OHS, and also to Breckin Gould (second from left)-Miss OHS Runner-Up, Susannah Couey (far left)-Miss Junior Class and Addie Shoemaker (far right)-Miss Sophomore Class.

J. W. Darden High School Class of 1968 Announces Scholarship Winners CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER OPELIKA — The Darden High School Class of 1968 is proud to announce the recipients of its $500 academic scholarships for 2022. The awardees are Preston Robert Hamilton, Dillon Draven Stinson and Jarell Martez Stinson. Hamilton will graduate from Thomas Heyward Academy in Ridgeland, South Carolina, in May, 2022. He is the grandson of DHS Class of 1968 member, Robert Baker. He is the son of Alti and April Hamilton. Preston

DILLON STINSON

SPORTS >>

FROM B1

between the two are foes. The game was tied 8-8, going in the fifth inning. The Lady Bulldogs scored two runs in the fifth and sixth inning to win 12-9. OHS used two pitchers in the win; Stringer pitched five innings and Yountz pitched the final two innings to combine for the win. The Dogs erupted for 12-hits, three hits from Harrelson, two hits apiece from: Thomas, Lee and Yountz.

will attend Limestone University, in Gaffney, South Carolina, this fall. Dillon will graduate from Cache High School in Lawton, Oklahoma, in May, 2022. He is the grandson of DHS Class of 1968 member David Stinson and the son of Dr. Darryl and Vicki Stinson. Dillon will attend the University of Tulsa in Oklahoma this fall. Jarell, a member of the Opelika High School Class of 2022, completed his high school requirements in December, 2021, and enrolled as a student at Ole Miss in January, 2022.

JARELL STINSON

Thompson, Long and Jones added singles. Opelika needed two wins to play in the elite eight and a have chance to win the 6A State Championship. Opelika’s season came to an end after Saraland beat the girls, 15-2. The Lady Spartans recorded 15 hits and scored at least one run in every inning, including three runs in the second inning and four runs in the fifth inning. Opelika managed two runs on three hits, and made four errors. Thomas,

He is the grandson of DHS Class of 1968 members Betty Reese and David Stinson. Jarell is the son of Brian and Keisha Stinson. He will continue as a student and member of the Ole Miss football team this fall. Congratulations to all of the scholarship recipients. Darden High School Class of 1968 Scholarship Committee Members are Gwendolyn Mitchell, chairperson; Lonnie Cockrell, Eddie Lockhart, Phyllis Peters and Delores Turner. The Class President is Betty Reese.

PRESTON HAMILTON

Lee and Yountz recorded one hit apiece. The OHS softball team will open next season with two brand new turf fields at West Ridge Park and 10 returning players from this year’s team. The future is bright for Opelika softball. OHS SPRING The Opelika football team is winding down spring practice. Head Coach Eric Speakman will divide the players into two teams and scrimmage at Bulldog Stadium on Friday night at 6 p.m. The controlled scrimmage will

Opelika High School senior athletes, Harrison Long (bottom photo) and Ashanti Thomas (top), signed collegiate athletic scholarships recently. Long, a baseball player, committed to Chattahoochee Valley Community College last Wednesday. Thomas, a standout on the Bulldog's basketball team, signed to Highland Community College on Monday.

SISTERS >>

FROM B1

day the Parks walked into his club, the sisters have shown the dedication it takes to succeed. “They have been fencing now for three years under myself and coach Tatiana (Delap’s wife),” he said. “They are very focused. When they came in the door, day one, their parents were already telling me ‘we have very focused children, we would like them to try fencing.’ And that is very true about them, not all kids who come through the door are focused.” For their efforts in this most recent season, Zena has earned the No. 1 rank in the y10 division of the southeast region, and Lina has earned the No. 3 ranking in her division, y12. “They started competitively competing two years ago and they have both been very successful the whole way through,” Delap said. “But, this last season they are both performing very well for their age groups.” Both Lina and Zena were quick to thank their coaches when assessing their individual success. “Coach Rylan

be open to the public. DIXIE YOUTH ALL-STARS COMING Opelika Dixie Youth will be naming the All-star teams in the coming days. I will keep you posted on teams and tournaments in the coming week. D. Mark Mitchell is the sports director at iHeartMedia, host of “On the Mark” Fox Sports the Game 910-1310, co-chair of the Auburn-Opelika Sports Council, chairman of the Super 7 and Dixie Boys Baseball state director.

always encourages us,” Lina said. “Coach Tatiana is a little strict to us, but it’s because she wants us to get better and sometimes we joke around too much. But they are both really helpful.” Although they support each other in every endeavor, Lina and Zena emphasized that they like to compete between themselves. “Yeah, we compete a lot,” Lina said. “Since [Zena] is left handed and I’m right handed and we are sisters. I started I think half a year or a year earlier but she can still catch up so I try to beat her.” Describing their passion for what is general considered a niche sport, Lina said she loves fencing because “it’s like a video game,” and Zena added that, “fencing can help you with other things too, like technique, speed and control, and [it] can help you with other sports, too.” Outside of fencing, Lina and Zena enjoy other sports, running around the neighborhood, dancing, singing and playing the video game Super Smash Bros. As two of the most successful athletes Auburn Fencing Club has had since

it opened its doors four year ago, Delap hopes Lina and Zena’s success — along with other benefits the sport provides — will encourage others in Lee County gain more interest in fencing. “Fencing is one of the safest sports,” he said. “We have the least number of injuries of all sports despite the fact that we are essentially stabbing each other. It’s very, very safe. Also, a high percentage of our kids get scholarships and go to very competitive universities. In fact, we beat out all almost all the sports in terms of percentage of graduating athletes to get scholarships. It’s a really exciting sport. The kids who have committed in this area are successful. So, I think we have the opportunity available now, and most people don’t know about the sport, so come out and try it.” Auburn Fencing Club offers programs for beginner, intermediate and competitive youth fencers, along with offerings for adult and couples fencing. To learn more about the opportunities present at Auburn Fencing Club, visit: https://www.auburnfencing.com/.

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B3 May 19, 2022

Glenwood Falls in Pursuit of Title Dream SMITHS STATION — The Glenwood varsity baseball team’s chase for a state title ended last week as the Gators were eliminated by the Pike Liberal Arts Patriots in the AISA Class AAA state championship series. “It was a great year, but we just didn’t finish with two victories,” said head coach Tim Fanning. The Gators and Patriots battled in game one of the series

— a contest mainly decided on the mound — but Glenwood failed to post any runs and lost a tightly contested matchup, 1-0. Glenwood’s starting sophomore pitcher, Brandon McCraine, went toe-to-toe with the opposition’s starter — who is committed to play for Auburn University next fall — throwing seven innings and allowing just five hits and one run, with eight strikeouts. “Brandon pitched his tail off.” Fanning said. “He battled; I think they started seven

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

seniors; it was very impressive.” Fanning said the turning point of game one came when the Gators had their best opportunity to break the game open from

a scoring standpoint. With the bases loaded, the Patriot shortstop made a diving catch play to prevent any Glenwood base runners from crossing home plate.

Auburn Baseball Falls Short in State Title Defense AUBURN — There are few more impressive feats in organized sport than winning a championship, regardless of the classification or discipline. To stand atop the mountain requires a nearly-perfect effort — both on and off the field — throughout the course of a season; in many cases, even near-perfection does not suffice in achieving a team’s ultimate goal. The only achievement more difficult than reaching the top? Defending your title as champion. After winning the AHSAA state championship in 2021, the Auburn High school baseball program was tasked with this challenge of fending off the apparent target placed on its back; the Tigers ultimately came up short in the semifinals when they were sent home in game three by area rival Central Phenix-City. According to head coach Matt Cimo, 2022 was simply not the year for the blue and white to regain state champion honors. “I just think it wasn’t meant to be,” Cimo said. “The odds were just in Central’s favor. They could do no wrong, we couldn’t do any right. I guess they may have had more energy than we did for some reason.” Destined or not, the Tigers were not going down without a fight. After dropping game one 3-2, Auburn willed its way to victory in the second game of the series behind a gutsy effort from speedy junior Cade Belyeu who put his squad ahead in the lategoing. “(Belyeu), he’s awful

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

BY HARRISON TARR FOR THE OBSERVER

fast,” Cimo said. “He was stealing third, we lined a ball to second base and Cade, he just beat the throw.” In game three, the blue and white continued to ride the momentum generated by their outfielder’s iron will, posting the first run of the game in the top of the first inning; the efforts were not enough to overcome the Red Devils. “We came out in game three and scored right off the bat,” Cimo said. “We were thinking we had the momentum. Central, they’re just resilient. They put pressure on us and kept on going.” While disappointed in losing, the skipper tipped his cap to Central and merely expressed an appreciation for not going out in front of a home crowd. “It stunk losing,” Cimo said. “But I’m glad we didn’t lose at our home.” With the season officially at its conclusion, the longtime head coach mentioned his pride in having the privilege of coaching his group.

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“Super proud,” Cimo said. “They worked hard, they fought, they won 30 games as a team. We were one game short of playing for the state championship. You can’t ask more than that.” As for the end result, Cimo expressed that he was at peace with the outcome knowing that his guys gave everything they had to offer. “I’m pretty content,” Cimo said. “I don’t think there’s really any one thing that would have made a difference. We worked hard and just came up short.” Auburn’s skipper added that — although the group fell short — the 2022 club possessed qualities any coach should desire in a team. “These guys are resilient,” Cimo said. “They fought; I think they had a lot of pressure on their backs and they overcame it even though we came one game short of getting to the state championship.” Cimo was especially proud to have been able to

lead the seniors who aided the program in reaching the point it is at now. “Our senior class, they’re really good kids,” Cimo said. “They’re really good leaders and I think they’ll be successful in whatever they do. It was a great year.” When asked about a potential change in emphasis ahead of the 2023 campaign, the head coach stayed true to what has worked for his entire tenure: focusing on the ‘little things.’ “We’ve been doing ‘the little things’ for 30 years,” Cimo said. “That’s what I always tell them. That’s our motto.” For coaches, athletes and fans alike, the end of any season is always bittersweet. Seniors must now prepare for their next step, while the rest of the program gears up for what is sure to be an equally captivating campaign in 2023. Regardless of what the future holds, all parties will continue to focus on — and enjoy — the ‘little things.’

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“We had every opportunity to win game one, [their pitcher] on the mound was just lights out,” Fanning said. “And the shortstop made that diving play which just kind of broke our backs.” The Gators came out f lat in the second game and never recovered, as senior Colton Dempsey took a loss in his final performance for Glenwood, a 6-1 defeat conceding the championship to Pike. Although the Gators had posted consistent hitting performance all season, the bats went

SOFTBALL >>

FROM B1

did not roster a single senior on this year’s squad, Thornton said. “We have a great group of kids and we don’t have a single senior, so I think the most exciting part is just that we get to take this year and build on it and have everybody return,” she said. Reflecting on her first season as a head coach, one of the things that most came as a delight for Thornton was the buy-in from her players. “[What impressed me was] their work ethic,” she said. “I could say jump and they would say how high. They did everything we asked of them and more, and really bought into what we are doing. That is going to be the most exciting thing going forward, we get to take everything we learned this year and all that hard work and see it through to next year as well.” Just a week after putting a bow on the

dry in the final two games. “All year we stayed pretty consistent in offensive attack,” Fanning said. “We had speed, we hit a ton of double and quite a few home runs. It made everything easier. From the get-go, I felt like if we could get to game three we would have an advantage. [The Patriots] were better than us on the mound.” Having secured a first-round playoff bye with an impressive, 36-5 regular season record, Glenwood built See GLENWOOD, page B4

season, Thornton could not yet pinpoint things she will do differently in year two. Moving forward, however, she and her staff plan to evaluate what areas the team can build on for next season. “We are going to do some reflecting and see what we can improve on,” she said. “There are always things you can improve on and work at so we will see where that goes.” One thing Thornton does know, however, is that the Bulldogs can take their program to higher heights and that the girls will be ready come fall. “I am look most forward to seeing where they take it,” Thornton said. “This is kind of their program, and we are trying to give them tools for success, but the most exciting part is that they get to see where they want to take it. We finished top-16 in the state out of 64, so that’s pretty good. I’m excited to see where they can take it from there.”

B4 May 19, 2022

Why Not? How Auburn's Softball Youth Can Aide The Tigers This Postseason OPINION — Prior to the start of the 2022 season, the Auburn Softball was projected — by more than one outlet — to win five or fewer games in conference play and finish 12th in the SEC. Fan and experts alike certainly had reason for doubt; the Tigers were clearly going to rely on a slew of freshmen and had to work through injuries in the circle. Auburn posted an overall record of 39-15 through the completion of the SEC tournament and found a way to go 11-13 within the SEC, sufficient for 10th place in the conference and a No. 17 overall ranking in college softball nationally. Freshmen have stepped up in big ways, the Tiger pitching staff has continued to bring their best stuff on a nightly basis and there’s a tangible sense of optimism within the fanbase as the orange and blue prepare to travel to

PHOTO COURTESY OF SEC MEDIA

BY HARRISON TARR FOR THE OBSERVER

Clemson, South Carolina, in the regional round of the NCAA tournament. Here’s why Auburn fans should allow themselves to get their hopes up as their beloved softball team heads to battle this postseason: The Tiger pitching rotation is unreal. Maddie Penta, Shelby Lowe and KK Dismukes have pitched out of their minds this year. The trio has accounted for all but 11 innings in the circle

for Auburn throughout 2022, combining for 436 strikeouts, 18 complete games and a collaborative ERA of 2.42. Assuming Auburn can keep its entire staff healthy, run manufacturing will likely be less pressing than it might be otherwise. The Tiger pitching has kept opponents at bay to this point in the year, there’s no reason to believe that will discontinue. Hits have been

abundant throughout the order. When tasked with the responsibility of constructing a batting order which suffices for consistent run manufacturing, managers often find themselves racking their brains over where to plug players in; that simply could not have been the case for Mickey Dean in 2022. Auburn’s lineup has refused to present an easy out — from top to bottom — all year. The

Tigers are hitting to a .303 team average, .952 OPS and are outscoring opponents 335-162. Auburn digs the long ball. Not only has Auburn not struggled to put the ball in play throughout this year’s campaign, the group has had no problem sending softballs out of the ballpark. The Tigers have blasted 84 home runs in just 54 games, placing themselves at No. 13 in the country when it comes to the long ball. Behind the power bats of Bri Ellis, Nelia Peralta, Aspyn Godwin and Makalya Packer, it’s difficult to envision Auburn struggling in forcing opponents to respect its plate approach. Dean knows how to get through to this group. The 2022 Tigers have experienced an emotional rollercoaster; this group has been on winning streaks that lasted 16 games but closed out its seasonon a four-game losing skid. As in all seasons for all teams, there

were ups and downs spread relatively evenly throughout the year; one thing remained constant: Dean’s ability to reel his group back in when things were not going as planned. Sure, there were a handful of two or three game skids mixed in. There were no stretches of extensive losses with no sign of life from Auburn. Dean is capable of preparing this young group for the postseason. Auburn wasn’t even supposed to make the postseason in 2022. Playoffs at any level are a captivating time. There’s always favorites and longshots, great triumphs and devastating upsets; Auburn softball might not mold into any of those roles this year. This group exceeded all expectations — maybe even those they might have set for themselves — and are now placed in the smack middle of competition for a chance at the big dance. There is certainly an element of ‘why not us?’

Christopher B. Roberts Begins as Auburn University's 21st President New era to focus on continued excellence and innovation AUBURN — Christopher B. Roberts officially became Auburn University’s 21st president on Monday, beginning a new era of continued excellence for the university he’s called home for nearly three decades. Roberts, the former dean of the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, was unanimously approved as Auburn’s next president by the Auburn University Board of Trustees in February, with his tenure starting today, May 16, replacing Dr. Jay Gogue, who recently retired from the role after serving two terms as president. “In my 28 years on the Plains, I’ve come to value and cherish everything that makes the Auburn experience truly remarkable and distinctive,” Roberts said. “I’ve developed a deep appreciation for our unique culture and how to achieve ambitious goals here at Auburn. Through our successes, we’ve earned the right to dream the biggest dreams, and we will strive to be nothing

GLENWOOD >>

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momentum on the way to the championship series by completing two-game sweeps of both Tuscaloosa Academy and Morgan Academy in the second and third round of the state tournament, winning four games by a score of 49-14. Individual playoff performances from Jake Smith, Jaxon Milam and McCraine were enough to earn the

short of excellent in all areas of our land-grant mission.” Roberts is spending much of his first week as president meeting with students, faculty, staff, administrators, community leaders and others to hear from the Auburn Family and express his great excitement and vision for furthering Auburn as a preeminent university on the national and global stage. “We are and will continue to be an outstanding land-grant institution that exemplifies excellence and innovation,” he said, adding that Auburn is on the cusp of even greater prominence. Roberts earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Missouri in 1990 and master’s and doctoral degrees in chemical engineering from the University of Notre Dame in 1992 and 1994, respectively. He began his career at Auburn in 1994 as an assistant professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and became department chair in 2003. He was named dean of engineering in July 2012. Roberts and his wife, Tracy, have

two children, both having graduated from Auburn High School and attended Auburn University. Roberts said that as president he is committed to instilling a campus climate in which all are welcomed, valued, respected and engaged. “If our students, faculty, staff and alumni feel that way, great things will happen at Auburn,” he said. First and foremost, Roberts said he seeks to advance a transformative

student-centered experience that is the best in the nation. “It is critical that we continue to attract high-achieving students while enhancing access and affordability,” he said. “This is particularly important given our land-grant mission and our commitment to the citizens we serve.” He also will be devoted to supporting a highly talented, innovative and motivated faculty and staff, adding that

“through our pioneering research, we will make advancements and discoveries at Auburn that will improve people’s lives and make our world a better place.” Roberts said he’s excited for the future, knowing all that Auburn has done and will continue to do in the way of leading economic and social impact. “I’ve seen what our university can do, so I know how much more we can accomplish,” he said. To learn more about

players recognition on the All-Tournament Team, and Glenwood’s first two series were just a glimpse into the dominance that helped the Gators rip off a 20-game and 16-game win streak in the regular season. “I’ve coached a long time and won a lot of state championship, but [the loss] don’t take away,” Fanning said. “I haven’t had too many teams to win 40 games.” Despite ending up on

the wrong end of the scoreboard, Fanning is proud of the work his team put in to make it as far as the state championship. “We had a lot of guys step up,” Fanning said. In particular, Fanning is pleased with his five seniors — Dempsey, Ty and Jake Smith, Blakely Estes and J.D. Wilkes — who exemplified the work ethic needed to succeed from the start of the offseason

to the final pitch. “It started in the offseason and they were just great leaders in the weight room, on the field and off the field,” Fanning said. “Some of the transformations they made to their bodies, their games, it was just a lot of hard work and focus. They were such great leaders all year and it would have been great to send them out [with a win], but it doesn’t diminish their contribution to

this program. They are some of the best leaders I have ever coached.” The loss means the Gators remain in search for their first state championship since 2017. The win for Pike meant the Patriots continued their recent span of dominance, crowing them state champions for the fourth year running. Heading into the offseason, the Gators will get some much

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY AUBURN UNIVERSITY

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

Christopher B. Roberts, who began his first day as Auburn’s 21st president on Monday, walks with a group of students on Auburn’s campus. Roberts will continue meeting this week with students, faculty, staff, administrators, community leaders and others to hear from them and express his great excitement and vision for furthering Auburn as a preeminent university on the national and global stage.

Roberts and to connect with him, visit Auburn’s Office of the President website at: www.auburn.edu/administration/president/ index.php. ABOUT AUBURN UNIVERSITY Auburn University is a nationally ranked land grant institution recognized for its commitment to world-class scholarship, interdisciplinary research with an elite, top-tier Carnegie R1 classification, life-changing outreach with Carnegie’s Community Engagement designation and an undergraduate education experience second to none. Auburn is home to more than 30,000 students, and its faculty and research partners collaborate to develop and deliver meaningful scholarship, science and technology-based advancements that meet pressing regional, national and global needs. Auburn’s commitment to active student engagement, professional success and public/private partnership drives a growing reputation for outreach and extension that delivers broad economic, health and societal impact. needed rest; however, Glenwood will reload next year in pursuit of the ever-present dream of a state championship, with a probable 13 soon-tobe-seniors returning to take another crack at achieving baseball immortality. “We had some folks who had amazing offensive years to be honest, and a lot of them are coming back,” Fanning said. “So it’s exciting.”

B5 May 19, 2022

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

Hook, Line and Sinker

Parents and children of Lee County cast their way into summer last weekend at the city of Auburn's 28th annual Fishing Rodeo. Hosted at the lake at Auburn Technology Park South, door prizes were given out to lucky participants and prizes were awarded to catcher of the biggest fish in each age category, and the person who caught the most fish overall. The first 175 children registered received a free rod and reel courtesy of Evans Realty and Auburn Parks and Recereation.

Downtown Parking Free During Credit Card Vendor Change CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF AUBURN

AUBURN — Downtown parking will be free for the next several weeks while the city of Auburn transitions to a new credit card vendor. An announcement will be made via the city's website and social media accounts when the change is complete and payment is required again. Please note, free parking only applies

to surface parking. Parking in the Wright Street Parking Deck will continue to be $1 per hour 24/7 for up to $15 per day. On-street parking is available throughout downtown as well as on and surrounding the ground floor of the Auburn Municipal Parking Deck and in the Gay Street Parking Lot. Find more information about parking in downtown Auburn at auburnalabama.org/ downtown-parking.

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PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

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B6 May 19, 2022

Southern Union Awards Inaugural Chris Mitchum Memorial Scholarship

& Flea Mall

Major Assistant Coach PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

ANGEL'S ANTIQUE

Most Impactful High-

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY AUBURN UNIVERSITY

CONTRIBUTED BY SUSCC OPELIKA — The Southern Union Foundation is pleased to award the inaugural Chris Mitchum Memorial Scholarship to Nathaniel Smitherman, a senior at Woodland High School. Sponsored and funded by the Law Firm of Kesa M. Johnston, the scholarship was established to promote the education and advancement of a Randolph County or Roanoke City School student who will attend Southern Union State Community College pursuing a degree or certification in the performing or fine arts or areas that provide for use of metals, wood and other materials to create usable tools and art. Johnston said she created the scholarship to honor the life and work of her dear friend, Chris Mitchum, by offering a financial award to visionary students wishing to better their communities through art, music architecture and revitalization. The annual scholarship, in the amount of $1,000, will

Steven Pearl Named A

Steven Pearl (second from left) watches on in an Auburn game versus Yale last season.

Nathaniel Smitherman is the recipient of the 2022 Chris Mitchum Memorial Scholarship be awarded each May. gave to those he loved Mitchum was a and the gifts he offered Roanoke, Alabama, to Randolph County. A artist, creator, musician, computer programmer community servant, by trade, Mitchum was visionary and a lover of also a remarkable and animals. He loved his talented artist who dabfamily and friends unbled in music, painting, conditionally and every- stone sculpting, metals, one who knew him was glass and woodwork. He bettered by his presence used a variety of materiin their life. His desire als and discarded items to make the world a to create masterpieces of better place is evident monumental proportion in the many hours he and beauty. The Southern Union Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that was established to support and foster the educational and service programs and activities of SUSCC. The Foundation increases educational access for students through financial support and enables the college to initiate innovative projects to enhance the quality of education.

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CONTRIBUTED BY AU ATHLETICS

AUBURN — Auburn assistant men’s basketball coach Steven Pearl was named one of the 50 most impactful high-major assistant coaches in NCAA Division I basketball by Silver Waves Media on Monday. The global media company annually highlights the top assistants in the nation at both the high-and mid-major levels. Pearl completed his eighth overall season on the Plains and fifth as an assistant coach for the Tigers, who earned a No. 1 national ranking for the first time in program history and won the SEC regular-season title in 2021-22. Auburn has now reached the Big Dance three times in

the last four seasons including a NCAA Final Four berth in 2019. He has been a major contributor to the program’s monumental rebuild under his father, head coach Bruce Pearl. On the bench, the younger Pearl is responsible for scouting, defensive strategies and in-game adjustments. Off the court, he has aided in player development and recruiting as the Tigers have produced numerous NBA Draft prospects over the years in Jabari Smith, Walker Kessler, Sharife Cooper (48th overall draft pick by the Atlanta Hawks in 2021), Isaac Okoro (5th overall draft pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2020), JT Thor (37th overall pick by the Detroit Pistons) in 2021) and

University of Mississippi Announces Local Graduates CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

AUBURN — Two students from Auburn, recently graduated from the University of Mississippi. Ann Arnall, of Auburn, majored in Elementary Education and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the School of Education. Evan King, of Auburn, majored in Integrated Marketing Communications and earned a Bachelor of Science from the School of Journalism and New Media.

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B7 May 19, 2022

Reading From Outer Space

BETH PINYERD

love to read “Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown to preschoolers. The book colorfully illustrates the night sky with the moon and the stars. Families were able to tune in to listen to the book being read aloud from the International Space Station on Wednesday. In collaboration with "NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)" and Harper Kids Books, Crayola Education celebrated the 75th anniversary of

“Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Clement Hurd, with a read and draw along on the International Space Station. Crayola Education hosted the read along/draw along event on Facebook Live. This was the first time “Goodnight Moon” had been read aloud from space. NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy was invited to participate in the interactive storytelling session, followed by “Ask An Astronaut” question and answer

session where two NASA astronauts answered questions that were submitted earlier by children from all over the country. Hands-on participation was demonstrated and encouraged during the Facebook Live event. Too, for everyone who tuned in from Earth, they were able to follow along as the book was read in space and create their own art. With an event like this, we all ref lect back to the landing on the moon on July 20, 1969, by U.S. astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin, Jr.. We remember Armstrong’s famous quote, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” We have come such a long way in space exploration and technology over the years. For those who missed the event, the video is available to watch anytime, on-demand, by visiting www.facebook.com/ CrayolaEducation. As we were in the outer space classroom during this event, I would like to review and share some facts about the moon from

the early childhood classroom. I hope this will help you and your children look at God’s world with awe and appreciation. Where does the light come from that lights up the moon? The moon doesn’t shine by itself. One experiment that is a fun learning experience in the classroom, summer camp or church group, is to have the children work in groups of three. Give one child a flashlight, which represents the sun, another a ball or globe, which represents the earth and the other a mirror to represent the moon. Go into a room and ask the children to observe the ball or globe as the earth. Turn off the lights, shine the flashlight (sun) into the mirror (moon), then show the light on the ball or globe which is the earth. The children will see that the moonlight we observe from earth comes from the sun. Children love to pretend that they see “The Man in the Moon”. Explain to young children that the moon has craters, mountains and valleys which probably make the moon surface look like a face of a man. As the wind is blowing on a summer evening as you and your children are sky gazing, explain to them that the moon has no atmosphere, and thus the moon has no weather. Explain to them that the footprints made on the moon’s surface in 1969 are still on the moon’s

surface forever — that their footprints don’t blow away. As you and your children observe the moon each night you will see that it goes through moon phases. Simply draw a round circle so that the children can record what they see each night by coloring or shading what they observe in the circle. The new moon is not visible to our naked eye, It's when the moon is directly between the sun and earth. The waxing crescent resembles a crescent, or as one young observer told me, it reminded her of a toenail. You know children are very literal in what they see and how they describe it. The first quarter moon is referred to as a half moon. A fraction lesson on ½ can be incorporated in the picture record. Waxing Gibbous grows past the first quarter but is not yet a full moon. This is a good observation time where children love to see it grow into a full moon. A full moon is beautiful and truly lights up the night sky once a month. After the full moon, you and your children can see the moon size decreasing through the Waning Gibbous, Third Quarter, then Waning Crescent. Another intergenerational book I adore and always read to the young and old is by Eric Carle, titled, "Papa, Please Get the Moon for

Me." This is a wonderful book to act out with your family. Families, there are so many creative snacks that you can make and enjoy on phases of the moon. Moon Pies and Oreo Cookies are just a couple examples. Take a look at the many creative snacks offered on the web. The time you spend creating fun snacks with your children enhances relationships and creates fun memories. Children really enjoy the summer treat of red, white and blue Rocket Popsicles. Another intergenerational family activity to enhance auditory, sensory and memory enjoyment is singing songs like “Moon River” by Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer, “Shine On Harvest Moon” by Nora Bayes or “Fly Me to the Moon” by Bart Howard. One really fun activity that family, friends and groups can enjoy are shooting off rockets and seeing how high they go. Many simple, inexpensive rocket models can be bought and made. I have done this with my classes, church groups, scouts, etc., and it is truly a blast of fun on an evening of moon gazing. I hope Classroom Observer has encouraged families to truly engage and enjoy moon gazing as well as sky and star gazing. Classroom Observer, Beth Pinyerd

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B8 May 19, 2022

L ee County & A labama Politics

Nov. 24, 2021

Thursday, May 19, 2022

Inside the Statehouse

STEVE FLOWERS

OPINION — e are down to the last few days in the 2022 governor’s race. For the first time in my memory, the governor’s race has been overshadowed by another race. The race to fill the void left by retiring senior U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby has eclipsed the interest in the governor’s race. It is an obvious fact that our open senate seat is more competitive and interesting than a race with a popular incumbent governor running for reelection. Kay Ivey has been in control of this race since the get go. National polls have ranked her as one of the most popular incumbent governors in the nation. Alabama’s polls have consistently shown her with a commanding lead. Most polls have her winning without a runoff. She has been bombarded by ads from two well-financed opponents. Lindy Blanchard has spent over $8 million of her own money and Tim James has spent over $4 million. They both have primarily run against transgenders. A recent Cygnal poll indicates that either Blanchard or James could force Ivey into a runoff. Ivey will be reelected governor. The question is whether she beats her eight opponents without a runoff. My guess is that she wins Tuesday without a runoff. However, I disagree with some Ivey naysayers and her opponents that forecast that if she does not win straight out with 50% plus one vote, she is in trouble in a June 21 runoff. My thoughts are that if she dips 45% to 48% that still does not make it a close race in the runoff. She would be at 48% and whoever finishes second will be at about 15%. She can pick up the phone as an incumbent governor and raise $2 million dollars for the six-week runoff in two days. Polling depicts a picture of the entire Republican electorate in the state. The polling is only skewed if there is a lighter than expected turnout. The turnout Tuesday is going to be large due to the U.S. Senate race and the avalanche of Potomac

money being spent in our state. Therefore, my belief is that Ivey’s polling numbers will hold. She will probably win outright Tuesday, if not she will win on June 21. Most of us thought Ivey would not run for reelection when she won overwhelmingly in 2018. However, when she announced she was going to run for another four-year term, early polls revealed that she would be tough to beat. Those of us who follow and pontificate on Alabama politics felt that the only way she could lose is if she beat herself with a faux paus or misstep. She has avoided any potholes in this six-month campaign for reelection. Matter of fact, she has run a flawless and almost perfect campaign. Her media firm has done an excellent job with her television ads. The one with her saying, “Bless Joe Biden’s heart” and “No Way Jose” captured the essence of why she is popular. Her best attribute politically is that she comes across as your grandmama. How in the world can someone run negative ads about people’s grandmama? She has also been fortunate to have fielded a much weaker field of opponents than she had in 2018, which by the way, she beat without a runoff. Ivey has done a good job as governor and I think people, deep down, know this. They trust her as being honest and straight forward. She is running for the right reason. She has some more things she wants to accomplish for her state. You cannot say that Ivey does not love Alabama. The only serious opponents that Ivey has endured are James and Blanchard. They have both run valiant campaigns and given it the old college try. It will be a close race to see who finishes second. However, finishing second only counts in horseshoes and it will be a distant second at best. This will be James third try for the brass ring his father garnered twice. Three strikes and you are probably out. Blanchard has really given this race her all. She has spent a lot of her personal money, more than anyone expected. She has also crisscrossed the state campaigning hard every day. If you meet her, you cannot help but like her. However, the hill you must climb to defeat an incumbent governor is steep. We will see next Tuesday. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.

BY KENDYL HOLLINGSWORTH KENDYLH@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

LEE COUNTY — Greg Boddie is vying for the Lee County Commission District 4 seat. Boddie said he was inspired to put his name on the ballot after “a lot of prayer” and “encouragement from a number of local residents.” With experience owning a heating and air company for 25 years, Boddie said he believes his skills in business and leadership would be an asset on the commission. “I think that me being a businessman — it would really help the Commission,” Boddie

PHOTO BY DAVE SHIRLEY PHOTOGRAPHY / CONTRIBUTED BY GREG BODDIE

Governor’s Race Down to the Wire

Greg Boddie Running for District 4 Seat in Lee County Commission

BODDIE added. “… That’s a big part of it, how to bring the money in and control money and be a good steward of the money.”

The Creekwood Resources quarry site, proposed for Beat 13 See BODDIE, page B12

Preserving the Past, Building a Future Resolution sought in Frederick Road land dispute

BY KENDYL HOLLINGSWORTH KENDYLH@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA — Alabama native Helen Keller once declared, “Alone, we can do so little; together we can do so much.” May is Historic Preservation Month, and with it came a continued fight to preserve and protect the historically designated George and Addie Giddens Cemetery in the 2500 block of Frederick Road. Collaboration and cooperation have been key in ongoing efforts to reach a resolution in a dispute regarding development of the seven-acre parcel of land. Everyone involved is now one step closer to achieving that resolution following an on-site meeting to determine new plans regarding the

space. “Opelika wants to be progressive and grow, and with that growth comes development and properties and these historical spaces,” said Carmilla Tindal, president of the Lee County Cemetery Preservation Commission. “Ultimately, there has to be a marriage and a compromise where that growth and progress can take place with the preservation, the protection and the respect and the dignity of our historical spaces in our communities.” Plans to purchase and develop the property were put on hold when a research team consisting of Auburn University professors, a former graduate student and the LCCPC determined the land was home to three burial sites. “There’s over 100 burials

back there at Site 3, in what initially started as only 20 to 40 that we estimated,” Tindal said. “And then the more we started to clear the land, the more indentions and fieldstones were found. Then the science just kind of came and backed it up.” Dr. Robert Bubb, Auburn University professor and the team’s lead preservationist, said he began research on the sites about three years ago, but the situation garnered more attention from the community when Tindal posted about it on Facebook. “It’s been a whirlwind, but I’m happy about it because this is something that we battle all the time,” she said. “… We’ve been talking for a couple years now about, ‘How do we get eyes on the fact that See CEMETERY, page B14

B10 May 19, 2022

A Mayor, a Mentor and the “First Food Truck in America”

OPINION –– ith the advent of popular Food Truck Fridays in Opelika, and with Auburn also having such events, I think about my college job. It featured a colorful mayor, a wise mentor and a much-loved food truck dating back to 1888. The politician, the copy editor and the eight-seat food truck interacted with each other. So did I, from 1978 to 1981. This was in Providence, Rhode Island, less than 10 miles from my home. “Buddy” Cianci was elected at 33 and became the first GOP mayor in 150 years. A rift in the Democratic machine provided an opening for a new face. He was popular as the first Italian mayor,

enormously charismatic and in 21 non-consecutive years he engineered a Renaissance in economic and cultural progress. Cianci resigned from office twice because of felony convictions. His second resignation came for one count of racketeering conspiracy, landing him in prison for four years. As a populist speaking for ordinary citizens, Cianci made it clear he would not allow the iconic Haven Brothers food truck to be jettisoned from its normal nighttime space after 100-plus years. Some saw the truck as ugly alongside a pretty 1875 city hall. Made of cast iron and masonry, some say it is diminished by people eating fast food on the steps. Cianci said it represents tradition and stability. The

Matt Lauer had said it was Haven Brothers. Both had worked at NBC 10 studios in Providence. Vieira is a native of Providence. As a copyboy I was well paid ($6.50 an hour in 1981; the minimum wage was $3.35). The good pay was probably for the headaches when I went to the diner to buy eight to 12 varied orders plus plenty of coffee. Haven Brothers did not have sandwiches or any item officially named for anyone, but the “Bernie” sandwich was an unofficial name for an untoasted sandwich

and commentaries for the college paper. (A political science major, I had minors in English and History.) Bernie often edited my stories, such as switching my “It is an incident of great frequency” to his “It happens all the time.” He spent 11 years at the daily Berkshire Eagle in western Massachusetts, covering all types of crimes. When he said, “I know where all the dead bodies are found,” we believed him. He joined the Coast Guard during World War II, at age 14 (perhaps he looked

and best public schools in America. Cianci died in 2016. Despite his two felony convictions, thousands of people celebrated his life and achievements. In 2022, Haven Brothers is going strong, as (maybe) the nation’s oldest food truck. I last saw Bernie in 1993. He praised me for my successful career in journalism, then offered: “Don’t forget the cops.” He always dropped off four or five papers at police headquarters at 2 or 3 a.m., the 1st Edition, as a gesture of

on white bread with ham, cheese, mustard and onions (as I recall). The “Bernie” here was the paper’s version of Lou Grant, the 50-ish TV character who was gruff but had a good heart. He was my mentor. Other copyboys were as old as 40, and by then had given up getting a writing job at the Journal. I wrote features

older!). He disliked the “arrogance” of reporters there who had a pedigree and an Ivy League education, though he singled out two or three as great reporters. He was not a fan of New Journalism: writing that is more subjective than “old school impartial.” He was delighted when one of his daughters was accepted by Boston Latin, the oldest

appreciation and respect. Greg Markley first moved to Lee County in 1996. He has Masters’ in education and history. He taught politics as an adjunct in Georgia and Alabama. An award-winning writer in the Army and civilian life, he has contributed to the Observer for 13 years. gm.markley@charter.net

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

GREG MARKLEY

area is diverse, eclectic, with drunks, Ivy Leaguers, well-dressed theater patrons and panhandlers. “Late-night vices demand late-night solutions,” notes a 2020 Atlas Obscura profile of Haven Brothers Diner. “Looking down the barrel of a roaring hangover, the solution is traditionally fried and smothered in condiments. It’s as true today as it was in the late 1800s, when the progenitor of the now-iconic Haven Brothers Diner wagon first graced the streets of Providence.” In 1888, immigrant Anne Philomena Haven (1842-1912) founded the diner with money from her husband Patrick's life insurance policy. The "lunch cart" was purchased in Worcester, Massachusetts, and began as a horse-drawn wagon. Every evening at 4:30 p.m., the owner wheels the 1949 Fred W. Morse diner car (the third wagon used) to the corner of two streets next to Providence City Hall and a large plaza. Upon closing the diner, it is wheeled to its storage location several miles away, until the next night — same time, same place. On April 9, 2008, the diner was brought to Manhattan and parked at NBC Studios at 30 Rockefeller Plaza for employees and viewers of the "Today" show. Asked to name their favorite diner, hosts Meredith Vieira and

B11 May 19, 2022

RE-ELECT

ROBERT HAM

Keep Robert Ham working for the people

Ham has lived in Lee County since 1973, as a servant for the people of District 4. When the 2019 Beauregard Tornados devastated the county, he took seven months off work to help his community. Ham is a conservative Christian who has been self-employed in Lee County for over 40 years.

He is the developer of Meadow Lakes Estates, Sam’s Club and the Sports Academy Complex. His interests include traveling, golfing and racing. Ham’s list of service opportunities and accomplishments in office include: • Co-Founder and current Board Member of Mercy Medical • Co-Founder and current Board Member of Northridge Shelter for Women • Current Board Member of Talladega Hall of Fame Museum • Co-Founder of Friends of the Community • Past President and Treasurer of Lee County Kawana’s Board • Member of the Alabama County Commission Association. • Past Board Member of Southern States Bank • Past Board Member of Wells Fargo Bank • Member of the Bleeker Community Ruritan Club • Executive Board of the Alabama County Commissions Association three times • Led the process of building the Beulah Senior Center, the Beulah Recreation Park and the Beauregard Recreation Park • Started the spayed and neuter program seven years ago

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

B12 May 19, 2022

Opelika City Council Holds Packed Meeting

Letter to the Editor: PHOTO BY KENDYL HOLLINGSWORTH / THE OBSERVER

Excitement abounded when the Food Bank of East Alabama received a $45,500 check for their Empty Bowls project.

BY KENDYL HOLLINGSWORTH KENDYLH@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA — The Opelika City Council recognized several residents and approved multiple items on the agenda at its May 17 meeting.

BODDIE >>

FROM B9

in Beulah, is one of the main issues Boddie said he would like to counteract if elected. “I’m going to do my best to stop it,” he said. “Some people want it, some people don’t. Most people don’t. There’s a subdivision not even a half a mile from there.” Other items on Boddie’s agenda include improving roads, particularly near Lake Harding, and adjusting the school pick-up and drop-off process for Beulah schools. “When they pick up and drop off kids, it’s just a nightmare down there,” he said. “I think something could be done down there to help out with the

Council President Eddie Smith was absent from the meeting due to an ailment. PROCLAMATIONS Mayor Gary Fuller presented the “Attagirl Award” to Amy Bond, an Opelika native and seven-year employee of Opelika Power Services. The “Attaboy” and

“Attagirl” awards are presented to Opelika public employees who go “above and beyond” in their duties, according to Fuller. Fuller also read a proclamation recognizing Kenneth Burton “for his excellent and dedicated

traffic down there.” Boddie lives in Beulah with his wife, Hollie, and has three daughters and four grandchildren. He said he considers himself a conservative Christian, but the title of “politician” is something new to him. “I don’t really want to be called a politician, but they said when I started this, I’m a politician,” Boddie said with a laugh. “I’ve never done this before, but I just think I can help out the Commission with my experience.” When he announced his candidacy on social media, he said his parents instilled in him “the importance of honesty and integrity” and plans to maintain good communication and listen to feedback from citizens.

“I want to work for the people,” he added. “I don’t want to work for some special interest group or anything like that. If I get elected, I will work for the people. I’ll do my very best to help out everybody. “I ain’t got anything bad to say about Robert Ham or Tony Langley. I mean, they’re good people. … I’m just not that type of person. I want to be treated the way I treat people, and I treat people the way I want to be treated.” The Republican primary election will be May 24. Those wishing to contact Boddie may do so through his Facebook pag or by calling 334-444-0999.

See OPELIKA, page B14

Entrapment of Auburn Citizens

OPINION — he city of Auburn utilized an Auburn employee, Haley Lott, from the revenue department to gather short-term rental information on 300 Auburn families concerning their Airbnb, VRBO and other short-term rental accounts from a company called Granicus that sold the city its host compliance software (https:// granicus.com/solution/govservice/ host-compliance/). How was the entrapment accomplished? By making bogus reservations. This city revenue department employee would make fake reservations with an alias name such as Brook, Johnny, etc. Airbnb requires an ID within 24 hours, proving that the person making the reservation is real, of course this city employee had no identification with her alias names, so the non-reservation would never be made. But the city of Auburn used this tactic by entrapping hard-working Auburn citizens as evidence in the many Auburn Municipal Court hearings on Ordinance 3288. Entrapment is not illegal, but I feel it’s an unethical and terrible way for the city of Auburn to go after hard-working, tax-paying and abiding citizens. Why is the city working so hard to destroy 151 Auburn families under a discriminatory Ordinance 3288 short-term rental when there

are many other ordinances they do not enforce? WHY HAS THE CITY OF AUBURN SPENT SO MUCH ADDITIONAL MONEY AND EFFORT: • Hired an employee (benefits) • Purchase of a truck (expenses) • Software • Defending the short-term rental lawsuit with a Birmingham law firm instead of a local law firm • Taken loss of revenue of 151 short-term rentals totaling in the $100,000’s WHY DID THE MAYOR AMEND ORDINANCE 3288 BACK TO ITS ORIGINAL LANGUAGE? February of last year ordinance 3288 STR was amended by Councilwoman Widden to let everyone be able to do STR but with structure and some rules. The council approved the amendment, but it had to be re-advertised because of the change and revoted on in March. But between February and the March meeting, Mayor Anders decided to make a second amendment to change back to the original proposed ordinance where 151 families would be discriminated against and lose their constitutional rights to have shortterm rentals. LOTS OF UNANSWERED QUESTIONS. Robert Wilkins Auburn, Alabama

MIKE

ROGERS REPUBLICAN FOR CONGRESS

ALABAMA’S TRUSTED CONSERVATIVE LEADER PAID FOR BY MIKE ROGERS FOR CONGRESS

B13 May 19, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICES INVITATION TO BID 22019 Sealed bids for the construction of the Sewer Line Extension to Serve Andrews Road shall be received at the Opelika City Hall 2nd Floor Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 pm local time on Monday, June 6, 2022, and then publicly opened and read aloud. All interested parties are invited to attend. Only bids from competent general contractors will be considered. At the time of contract award, the successful bidder must be a properly licensed general contractor. The attention of all bidders is called to the provisions of State law governing “General Contractors” as set forth in the Ala. Code §34-8-1, et.seq. (1975) and rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. Bidders must be licensed by the Licensing Board for General Contractors when bids are submitted. Work to be done: The work to be completed for the Sewer Line Extension to Serve Andrews Road is described generally as follows: This project consists of approximately 3400 LF of 8” PVC gravity sewer main construction and associated work, including (but not limited to) approximately 100 LF of jack and bore installation, erosion control, traffic control, and other miscellaneous items for a complete and functional project. Bidders are required to have a State of Alabama General Contractor’s License with a specialty of “Highways and Streets, Clearing and Grubbing, Earthwork, Erosion, Site Work, Grading or Municipal and Utility”. All bidders must submit with their proposal, contractor’s license number and a copy of the license. State law Ala. Code §34-88(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. Copies of Bidding Documents may be obtained from ESG Engineering - contact Margaret Hildebrand at mhildebrand@ esgengineering.com or from the City of Opelika website https://www. opelika-al.gov/Bids.aspx. Digital documents will be provided at no charge and hard copies will be provided upon payment of $200. The bidder’s proposal must be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished to him/her by the City of Opelika. All information in the proposal must be completed by the bidder for the proposal to be accepted. Bidders are advised that is their responsibility to check the City of Opelika website https://www.opelikaal.gov/Bids.aspx regularly to see if any addenda have been issued and to verify that all addenda have been received prior to submission of the bid. Failure to notate receipt of any such addenda on the proposal form may cause the contractor to be disqualified. A Bid Bond in the amount of five (5) percent of the bid amount (not exceeding $10,000) made payable to the City of Opelika must accompany each bid. Performance and Payment Bonds for the full contract sum will be required of the successful bidder. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities. Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, Purchasing-Revenue Manager, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama, 36803-0390. Attn: Sewer Line Extension to Serve Andrews Road LILLIE FINLEYPURCHASING REVENUE

MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (36801) POST OFFICE BOX 390 (36803-0390) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 705-5120 Legal Run 5/12/22, 5/19/22 & 5/26/22 ------------Notice of auction of abandoned vehicles. BEST 4 LESS will be auctioning off The below mentioned vehicles on JUNE 8, 2022. This Auction will be held at 2509 LAFAYETTE PARKWAY, OPELIKA, ALABAMA, 36801 at 10:00 a.m. If you have any questions in regards to either of the vehicles please give call at 334-705-0000. 1J4G258S8XC683080 – 1999 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 1GKEC13Z03J276663 – 2003 GMC YUKON Legal Run 05/12/22 & 05/19/22 ------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA In the Matter of Adrain G. Parker- an alleged incapacitated person NOTICE OF HEARING: TO: Any relative or interested party: Lee County DHR has filed a Petition to appoint a Legal Guardian for the person of Adrain G. Parker. A hearing has been set for the 9th day of June, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. central time, electronically via “ZOOM”. Please contact the Lee County Probate Court at 334-737-3670 for access to the electronic hearing should you intend to take part in the hearing of this matter. Bill English, Lee County Probate Judge Margaret A. Mayfield Attorney for Lee County DHR Post Office Box 809 Opelika, AL 36803 334-745-0333 Legal Run 5/12/22, 5/19/22 & 5/26/22 ------------INVITATION TO BID 22018 Sealed bids for the construction of the Floral Park Drainage and Turf Fields shall be received at the Opelika City Hall 2nd Floor Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., local time on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, and then publicly opened and read aloud. All interested parties are invited to attend. Only bids from competent general contractors will be considered. At the time of contract award, the successful bidder must be a properly licensed general contractor. The attention of all bidders is called to the provisions of State law governing “General Contractors” as set forth in the Ala. Code §34-8-1, et.seq. (1975) and rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. Bidders must be licensed by the Licensing Board for General Contractors when bids are submitted. Bidders are required to have a State of Alabama General Contractor’s License with a specialty of “Highways and Streets, Clearing and Grubbing, Earthwork, Erosion, Site Work, Grading or Municipal and Utility”. All bidders must submit with their proposal, contractor’s license number and a copy of the license. State law Ala. Code §348-8(b) requires all bids to be rejected which do not contain the contractor’s current license number. Evidence of this license shall be documented on the outside of the sealed bid. All bidders shall possess all other licenses and/ or permits required by applicable law, rule or regulation for the performance of the work. A mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held at the Opelika Public Works facility at 700 Fox Trail on Monday, May 16th at 8:00 am. All prospective bidders must attend. Drawings and Specifications may be examined at the Office of the City Engineer located at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika,

Alabama, and phone number: 334-705-5450. Bid documents may be obtained from the Office of the City Engineer at no charge as an electronic file if the bidder supplies a storage drive or as an email attachment or electronic drop box. The bidder’s proposal must be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished to him/her by the City of Opelika. All information in the proposal must be completed by the bidder for the proposal to be accepted. A Bid Bond in the amount of five (5) percent of the bid amount made payable to the City of Opelika must accompany each bid. Performance and Payment Bonds for the full contract sum will be required of the successful bidder. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities. Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, Purchasing-Revenue Manager, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Ope¬li¬ka, Alabama, 36803-0390. Attn: Floral Park Drainage and Turf Fields LILLIE FINLEYPURCHASING REVENUE MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (36801) POST OFFICE BOX 390 (36803-0390) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 705-5120 Legal Run 05/12/22, 05/19/22 & 05/26/22 ------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JULIA MAE FANNING, DECEASED CASE NO.: 2022-159 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Letters of Administration of said deceased having been granted to Benjamin H. Parr, Personal Representative on the 10th day of May 2022 by Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Benjamin H. Parr Legal Run 05/12/22, 05/19/22 & 05/26/22 ------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA In the Matter of the Estate of Dorothy Draughn Elam, Deceased Case No. 2022-184 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR AND NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS Letters Testamentary on the Estate of Dorothy Draughn Elam, deceased, having been granted to the undersigned on the 29th day of April, 2022, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of said County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law, or the same will be barred. David Lynn Elam, Jr., Executor Legal Run 5/5/22, 5/12/22 & 5/19/22 ------------IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT CLYDE WELDON, deceased CASE NO.: 2022-241 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Jennifer Coker, Personal Representative on the 28th day of April, 2022, by Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Jennifer Coker Legal Run 5/12/22, 5/19/22

& 5/26/22 ------------IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The estate of Terry Wayne Worley, Case No._______ Deceased. TAKE NOTICE that Letters Administration having been granted to Marrell J. McNeal as Administrator of the Estate of Terry Wayne Worley, deceased, on the day of, 2022. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same be barred. Legal Run 05/19/2022, 05/26/2022 & 06/02/2022 Administrator of the Estate of Terry Wayne Worley, Deceased Legal Run 05/19/22, 05/26/22 & 06/02/22 ------------CIRCLE N FARM, LLC NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION Notice is hereby given that Circle N Farm, LLC (an Alabama limited liability company) was dissolved on May 11, 2022, with said Articles of Dissolution filed in the Office of the Alabama Secretary of State. Persons with claims against Circle N Farm, LLC are requested to present such claims to Circle N Farm, LLC, c/o Michael T. Newman, Sr., 608 Terracewood Drive, Opelika, Alabama 36801. Included in such claim should be any and all documentation to determine the amount of and the validity of the claim. A claim against Circle N Farm, LLC will be barred unless a proceeding to enforce the claim is commenced within two years after the publication of this notice pursuant to 1975 Code of Alabama Section 10A-1-9.22. Legal Run 05/19/2022 ------------IN THE MATTER OF

THE ESTATE OF VERA W. STORY, Deceased In THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No: 2022-143 Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 15th day of March, 2022, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. ANDREW STEPHEN WEAVER Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 5/19/22, 5/26/22 & 06/02/22 ------------NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF GREGORY MARK CARLTON, DECEASED PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY CASE NO. 2022-125 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of the Estate of GREGORY MARK CARLTON are hereby granted to William Leslie Carlton on the 12th day of May, 2022, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama. Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. William Leslie Carlton Legal Run 5/19/22, 5/26/22 & 06/02/22 ------------STATE OF ALABAMA LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT ESTATE OF BARBARA T. ASKEW, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE

CASE NO. 2022-244 Letters Testamentary of said Barbara T. Askew, deceased, having been granted to Sabrina Askew Poe this 16th day of May 2022, 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. Sabrina Askew Poe, Personal Representative Legal Notice 5/19/22, 5/26/22 & 6/2/22 ------------IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION PETITION OF DANIEL HUSTON SPRADLIN AND MARIESA CARLISLE SPRADLIN IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.: 2022-260 PUBLICATION NOTICE TO Any potential father of E.G.C. Please take notice that a petition for adoption was filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama by Daniel Huston Spradlin and Mariesa Carlisle Spradlin on May 4, 2022, for the adoption of E.G.C., born on November 10, 2012, Opelika, Alabama to Samantha Margaret Carlisle. A hearing has been set in the Lee County Probate Court, Opelika, Alabama. Should you intend to contest this adoption you must file a written response with the attorney for the petitioner, Hon. Jason Riggs, P.O. Box 954, Auburn, AL 36831 and with the Clerk of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama as soon as possible but no later than thirty (30) days from the last day this notice is published. Dated this the 5th day of May 2022. HON. BILL ENGLISH JUDGE OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Legal Run 05/19/2022, 05/26/2022 & 06/02/2022.

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B14 May 19, 2022

CEMETERY >>

FROM B9

these things are happening in our communities?’ And a lot of times, it is us in secret going against really big development companies.” The land previously belonged to the Giddens family, but an out-of-state descendant sold it several years ago to Shey and Terri Knight. Recent city documents list the current landowners as the Knights and Walter and Theresa Lott. The seven-acre property lies between a single-family home and a business. It is currently zoned as residential land, but following a recent public hearing, the area could soon be rezoned to office retail space if the council votes to approve the motion at a future meeting. HISTORY George Giddens, an African American and original owner of the property, was born around 1870 shortly after the end of emancipation. Later in life, he and his wife, Addie, came to own about 105 acres of land south of Pepperell Mill, as well as several other houses in Opelika, according to Bubb. They purchased the property where the cemetery is in 1901. “Landownership for African Americans at that time was rare,” Bubb, who also founded Research to Preserve African American Stories and Traditions (rPAAST) said. “To have that

OPELIKA >>

FROM B12

service to the city of Opelika and its children.” Burton has worked in the Opelika City Schools system since 1987 and will retire at the end of this month. Numerous supporters attended the meeting to support him. Following the proclamation, the council recognized eight high school recipients of the Killgore scholarship and four high school Opelika Power Services/Alabama Municipal Electric Authority scholarship recipients. The council also presented a $45,500 check to the Food Bank of East Alabama to be used for its annual Empty Bowls project. OTHER BUSINESS The Opelika Police Department opened the meeting by announcing a community partnership that establishes a crisis intervention team for Mental Health Awareness Month. Officer Chase Higgins said there are long-term plans to eventually expand to the four counties which East Alabama Mental Health serves: Lee, Tallapoosa, Russell and Chambers. Opelika Chamber of Commerce President Ali Rauch presented positive business results from Food Truck Fridays. Rita Smith, director of the Lee County Emergency Management Agency, also explained the need for more churches to volunteer to be a “safer location” in the event of inclement weather. The council approved the following: • A request to change

much property was even rarer. The records that we have indicate that his and Addie’s parents were likely sharecroppers. It was very difficult to be successful as a sharecropper, as the system typically kept workers impoverished. We do not know exactly how he afforded the properties, but it is clear that he was very successful at a fairly young age.” The Giddens family allowed burials on their property for those who could not afford plots in the segregated section of Rosemere Cemetery. “George and Addie Giddens were successful during a time when society made it difficult for African Americans to get ahead,” Bubb added. “In response to their success, they looked out to and after their community. … I think when we realize the blessings that we have received in our life journey, maybe we can also reach out to others and help them on their journeys like the Giddens did.” Both Tindal and Bubb spoke to the importance of learning about and preserving historical sites such as the George and Addie Giddens Cemetery. “These are sacred spaces that deserve a certain amount of respect, and they deserve dignity,” Tindal said. “Hopefully, the overall community can recognize them as such,” Bubb said. “… [Those interred] should be remembered and respected even if many lie in unmarked,

unknown graves.” RESEARCH Bubb said he was first alerted to the burial sites in 2018 by LCCPC member Edna Ward, who remembered them from her youth. However, it wasn’t until 2019 that he was able to begin the research. Seven months later, he contacted Shey Knight and began physical work with his permission. Later, Auburn University geosciences graduate student Hayden Malloch joined the team to assist in the research and develop a thesis on the burial sites. According to Tindal, Malloch used ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to locate more than 100 burials. Dr. Megan Buchanan, archaeologist and Auburn University associate professor of anthropology, as well as Auburn Assistant Professor of Geosciences Stephanie Shepherd Prater oversaw Malloch’s research. Of about 150 supposed graves found, the team identified three people buried there as far back as the early 1900s, each with a story and legacy of their own. The oldest, Viola Johnson, had a marked headstone — a rarity for African Americans prior to the 1920s, Bubb said. As soon as they confirmed the burials, they set out to find descendants. “The descendants are critical,” Bubb said. “We do not decide how a cemetery is preserved, those in the descendant community need to make those decisions.” One of those descendants,

Barbara Bethany, is the granddaughter of George and Addie Giddens. She has since contributed her voice to the research and been part of educational outreach about the cemetery. Tindal said she also chose its name. In February 2022, Bubb submitted a nomination to the Alabama Historical Commission for the George and Addie Giddens Cemetery to be placed on the historic cemetery register. It was accepted later that month. Communication between Bubb and Knight was consistent until late March 2022, according to Tindal’s Facebook post. The team had made significant progress marking off Sites 1 and 2 and clearing them for GPR, but after communication halted, Tindal said a quick stop by the property revealed those sites had been “encroached upon” with heavy machinery. The work swept away valuable fieldstones and other surface-level indicators of graves. “At this point, all trust is lost,” she recalled. They feared the same would happen to Site 3, so Tindal took the matter to social media to raise awareness and “call people to action.” Bubb, Tindal and Buchanan all noted that a permit is required to make any changes to a historically designated site, including removing trees and repairing grave markers. Without a permit, these kinds of actions violate the Alabama Burial Act. A legal investigation is ongoing.

MOVING FORWARD This month, those involved have amped up communication and met together to resolve the matter. They also created and signed an agreement outlining some conditions “to protect and improve the integrity of the three burial sites, while preserving the dignity and respect of the individual and familial legacies associated with all three sites.” The document was shared with the city council, according to Bubb. “We met Monday morning (May 9) with members of the LCCPC and several members of the community,” Knight said. “We had a positive meeting and agreed to work more closely with the goal of demonstrating how people can come together and achieve a common goal.” Also present at the meeting were developer Bryan Stone, owner of BC Stone Homes, LLC, and community leaders Billy Allen, Oscar Penn and John Andrew Harris. Bubb, Tindal, Allen, Penn, Harris and LCCPC member Tiffany Hillyer all spoke in support of the land’s rezoning during a public hearing that took place at the May 17 Opelika City Council meeting. Harris recalled the “harmony, peace and understanding” that went into the meeting May 9. “You can always have a good community when you have people come together,” he said. “I didn’t know what

to expect, but when I went in there and everybody was … talking, coming to a consensus, that made me feel good.” Stone agreed, adding that he was happy to see people come together for the common goal of preserving the cemetery. Though the group has agreed on the new draft for development, he said plans won’t be finalized until an archaeologist confirms the latest GPR findings. “We basically designed the site around what we found,” Stone explained. “There is one anomaly that we don’t think we can design around that nobody thinks is a grave, but we have to verify it. And if turns out to be a grave, we’re probably just going to stop from my standpoint. … I don’t think I will purchase it.” Ward 2 and President ProTem Councilwoman Erica Baker-Norris said the council was “saddened” when they heard about the dispute, but glad the group was moving toward a resolution. Knight added that they are also seeking input from the descendants on how to preserve the space. “Moving forward with this space, I believe that Shey Knight and Mr. Bryan Stone do have the best of intentions and that we can work together, and this can serve as a model in our community moving forward,” Tindal said. “I am remaining hopeful for redemption here. I don’t think we are so far gone that we can’t come back from it.”

the date of the “Grillin’ on the Tracks” event to Aug. 27, 2022 • A request for an alcohol license for Davis Corporate LLC, doing business as Auburn Billiard Sports Bar • A request to continue Food Truck Friday nights in downtown Opelika • Expense reports from various departments totaling $1,012.75 for work-related travel • The designation and authorized disposal of personal property surplus • Emergency repairs to OPS bucket truck #734 in the amount of $31,094.07 • The purchase of twoway radios and batteries from Motorola Solutions for the Fire Department using the State of Alabama Contract #T300 in the amount of $27,879.14 • The purchase of Christmas decorations in the amount of $54,896.40 from Downtown Decorations Inc. for the Parks and Recreation Department • A resolution awarding the contract to build an archery range at Spring Villa to Moore’s Construction, LLC (instead of Roe Remodeling LLC) in the amount of $104,500 • A request to refund occupational license fees paid in error from 20192021 to Kacie T. Camp in the amount of $2,067.54 • The vacation of a portion of the northeasterly right of way of S. 10th Street • A master services agreement with AUBix, LLC for to locate IT equipment to the Auburnbased multi-tenant data center • A bulletproof vest grant application for

the Opelika Police Department • A grant application to the United States Department of Justice for the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) requesting $47,619 for fiscal year 2022 to enhance local schools’ capacity to address youth violence • An electric vehicle infrastructure grant application requesting $98,636 (60% of the total proposed project cost) for an electric vehicle charging site at Tiger Town • A special use permit with Dish Wireless at Bay Court • A special use permit with Dish Wireless at 3995 Gateway Dr. • A resolution for a Mose and Mary Butler Family Reunion proclamation • Special appropriations of $1,000 each (totaling $5,000) from discretionary funds of each of Opelika’s five wards to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Lee County The council also addressed the following ordinances: • Tabled an item to approve and adopt a plan for redistricting Opelika’s council districts until further information is available • Introduced amendments to the zoning ordinance and map for the following locations: • seven acres in the 2500 block of Frederick Road • six acres on Old Opelika Road and Frederick Road • Introduced an amendment to the text of two parts of a zoning ordinance (9.5.24

and 9.7) pertaining to sign requirements and restrictions Public hearings were held for the proposed amendments to the zoning ordinances and maps, as well as the vacation of a part of the northeasterly right of

way of S. 10th Street and the amendments to the sign requirements. Only the rezoning of the 7 acres on Frederick Road received public comments. More information is available on page B9 in this week’s publication of The Observer.

The Opelika City Council meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the meeting chambers of Opelika Municipal Court, located at 300 Martin Luther King Blvd. The meetings are open to the public.

B15 May 19, 2022

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B16 May 19, 2022

OPINION – o the Alabama Democratic Party voters, The Birmingham News headlines read for today. Sunday, May 14, 2022, “meet your candidates”, as the paper paraded the pictures of the three Republican candidates as the main headline. The headlines did not read

Letter to the Editor meet your Republican candidates for the state of Alabama U.S. senatorial race. As a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate for Alabama to replace the retiring Senator Richard Shelby. I don’t know what was more insulting about the article headline, the $5.00 cost or making a decision for the people of Alabama

which party to vote for. What an outrage by a socalled state leading news organization informing the voters throughout the state of Alabama. Trying to cause an effect on the voters, why come out to vote, the headlines the Republican candidate is going to win anyway prior to the November Election. Democrats here

in Alabama, I say not this time, not without a fight for the soul of Alabama and for our children, which includes our LBGT children and its community as a whole. I say not this time Democrats, not without a fight, it’s time for a change in Alabama for the sake of our children. The Republican Party, that would build

prisons for the mentally ill, rather than to put aside funds to treat the mentally ill in this state. Please note Alabama Democrats, in 2020, it was reported Alabama had 3,708,804 eligible voters and only 2,293,813 voters cast their votes. That leaves 1,735,666 voters up for grabs Democrats, who did not come out to vote

in 2020. (AL.com. Nov. 4, 2020). It is time ,Alabama Democrats, to rock & roll for the heart and soul of Alabama. This notation will be forwarded to all 67 counties, Democratic Party HQ’s, not without a fight for the soul of Alabama. Lanny Jackson Candidate U.S. Senate for Alabama

Auburn Council Member Resigns, Seat To Open BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

AUBURN — Ward 4 Council Member Brett Smith served in his last Auburn City Council meeting Tuesday night. Smith announced at the end of the meeting that he had been offered a job and would be leaving Auburn at the end of the month. “I recently was offered a very lucrative job in central Florida and as a result, we’ll be moving at the end of this month and [I will be] resigning from my seat,” Smith said. “This will be my last meeting on council.” Smith said his family will visit and that he expects his own daughters may become residents one day, attending Auburn University. “I will always have fond memories of this wonderful city,” he said. “This city is a beacon, a shining beacon on a hill, that many other cities

could look to be like and that’s because of the leadership. And that leadership is not just the people sitting up here, that’s Megan [Crouch], the city manager, that’s the heads of departments and that’s every employee that spends the day to make this place better and it shows. “I’m very thankful for the people that put their faith in me. I have my faith in each of you to select my replacement and I certainly have the faith in the people to vote for the best selection come November.” When Smith moves, his seat will be vacated and at that point, the council will appoint someone to fill the remainder of his term. “I know I speak for myself, I was honored to have served with you and wish you and your family the best and look forward to our visits in the future,” said Auburn Mayor Ron Anders. “Thank you for your hard work representing

Ward 4.” Anders asked Crouch what the process is now to fill his seat. Interested candidates must have lived in Ward 4 for at least 90 days. And that is in the new Ward 4 following the redistricting in the city. The next election will be held on Aug. 23. Interested candidates will need to contact Anders, who will then pass the information on to the council. “It is my conviction, my belief and I’d like to recommend to the council that the person that the council ultimately appoints is not a person who will be seeking this seat through the election in August,” Anders said. “It’s my belief that if we were to appoint somebody who will be running for this seat, it gives them a two-month head start and could be viewed as being unfair to the other candidates who might be interested in running for Ward 4. “So I would encourage

the council to consider someone who is not going to be running that wants to just serve for the next few months and finish this term out.” The replacement for Ward 4 will serve from June 8 to Nov. 4, before the new council takes oath. “It has been an honor is not the right word to say, but it has been an honor to serve with each of you on council,” Smith said. “Each of you inspire me by your uniqueness and what you bring to the council. It’s been an honor to serve the city. And it has been an even bigger honor to answer to the people of Ward 4.” OTHER BUSINESS: - The council approved an alcohol beverage license for Yogiraaj, LLC, d/b/a Tiger Spirits for a lounge retail liquor Class II alcohol beverage license. - The council approved a concurrence for Shinhwa Auto USA Corp. who will

be creating a second Auburn facility. - The council provided tax abatements to Rexnord Industries, LLC and Shinhwa Auto USA Corp. - The council approved a contract with the Alabama Department of Transportation for a cost overrun funding agreement for the ‘Center Turn Lane Addition’ project on Shug Jordan Parkway. - The council approved a contract with Watson-Cook Company for a tower crane use agreement at 129 North College St. - The council approved a contract with C. Spire Business Corp. for two Palo Alto firewalls for three years of support and maintenance for over $28,100. - The council approved a contract with SHI International Corp. for net motion wireless software renewal for over $67,500. - The council approved a contract with

THIS WEEK’S PUZZLE ANSWERS:

Stivers Ford Lincoln for the purchase of a 2022 Ford F150 pickup truck for the Auburn Fire Department for over $38,600. - The council approved a contract with W.W. Williams for emergency vehicle repair for the Water Resource Management Department for over $16,700. - The council approved the ‘back to school’ tax holiday from July 15 to 17. - The council approved annexations for Barrett-Simpson, Inc. for Rockledge Development, LLC for 18.72 acres on Society Hill Road and for Patrice Glaze Bryant for 3.13 acres on Lee Road 72. - The council approved a conditional use approval for Mike Swope for UH Development, LLC for a performance residential development for multiple properties on Bryant Avenue, Bryant Circle, Old State Road and Gidden Street.