The Observer 06-01-2023

BY KENDYL HOLLINGSWORTH KENDYLH@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA —

Life is a series of small steps, and Keaijah “Ciyah” Robinson is determined to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

The 16-year-old has been enjoying an early start to her summer, but already she is counting down the days until she can return to Opelika High School this fall.

“I love school,” she said. “… I’d rather be in school than be at home.”

Robinson’s life was turned upside down April 15, 2023,

when she was shot at a childhood friend’s birthday party in Dadeville, Alabama. Four partygoers were killed in the mass shooting at Mahogany Dance Studio, and Robinson is one of 32 others who were injured. Now, about six weeks later, she is home from the hospital and continuing her recovery from her grandmother’s house in Camp Hill, just 20 minutes from the site of the incident.

Some days are spent outside in the fresh, country air, enjoying some fruit and watching the cars drive by.

Others are spent curled up on the couch, catching up on sleep — a common side

effect of her medication. And then, some days are a little bit of both.

May 24 was a bit of a “curled up on the couch” day. But after some prodding from her aunt and grandmother, Robinson emerged from her blanket and got situated with her walker.

“She’s a fighter,” said Crystal Presley, Robinson’s aunt. “She’s wanted to push her independence since day one. She’s just blessed.”

The intermittent scooting of her walker could be heard down the hall from the living room, steadily growing

See SURVIVOR, page A2

Opelika, Auburn Gather on Memorial

lice Officer and Opelika Council Member Todd Rauch.

“While serving in the Army, Todd was named Soldier of the Year for the 18th Military Police Brigade in … Germany,” Fuller said. “During his subsequent deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Rauch was awarded the Purple Heart after surviving a mortar attack and helping to save the lives of his fellow soldiers.”

BY HANNAH GOLDFINGER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA —

The flag flew overhead. Literally, as it dangled from a crane over the fountain in

Courthouse Square in Opelika.

Veterans, citizens, families and more gathered together to honor America’s fallen on May 29, 2023.

Despite microphone problems, the city

rallied and presented a ceremony that well honored both Opelika’s, and the United States', heroes.

Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller introduced the speaker for 2023, retired United States Army Po-

Todd has made a life for himself in Opelika with his wife Ali, and they serve their community every day.

“Ladies and gentlemen, families and fellow veterans, we are gathered here as one to honor and pay tribute to the brave men and

See MEMORIAL DAY, page A4

Lee County 2022 Insolvents Listing - B12

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

Ward 5 Council Member Todd Rauch speaks of service during Opelika's Memorial Day Ceremony at Courthouse Square.

145-Count Indictment for Dadeville Shooting Suspects

shootings that occurred on April 15 in Dadeville, at a 16-year-old’s birthday party.

DADEVILLE —

On Monday, May 22, the Tallapoosa County Grand Jury, east of the Tallapoosa River Division (Dadeville) reconvened at the request of District Attorney Mike Segrest by order of the presiding circuit court judge of the 5th Judicial Circuit of Alabama, the honorable Isaac Wharton.

On Monday, May 22, an indictment was reported to Wharton and read in open court regarding the

As a result, five of the individuals previously arrested and charged for the reckless murder of the four fatalities have been indicted on those charges, as well as new charges for the surviving individuals who were also shot.

Those charged include 20-year-old Willie Brown, 19-year-old Wilson Hill and two juvenile defendants, ages 16 and 17.

The 145-count indictment that was true billed by the

weather.”

grand jury lists all five defendants and includes charges of reckless murder for the four deceased (a total 20 counts of reckless murder), 24 counts of firstdegree assault for the 24 individuals who suffered penetrating gunshot wounds (a total of 120 counts of first-degree assault) and one count of third-degree assault (a total of five counts) for the individual who suffered a superficial gunshot wound.

If found guilty, the individuals charged face a possible sentence of 20 years to life in prison for

each of the four fatalities and a minimum of 10 years with a maximum 20-year sentence on all 24 counts of first-degree assault.

Among the 25 victims who were shot and survived is 37-year-old Latonya Allen — the mother of both 18-year-old Philstavious Dowdell, who was fatally injured, and 16-yearold Alexis Dowdell, whose birthday was being celebrated. The 24 remaining victims range in age from 14 to 19 years old.

In the state of Alabama, individuals being charged with a felony must first

have the charge presented to a grand jury to determine whether there is probable cause to proceed to trial. It is not a final determination of innocence or guilt, and all individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Segrest said he would like to give a special thanks to all agencies involved that have assisted, including Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Secretary Hal Taylor and the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), Attorney General Steve Marshall and staff,

the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the United States Marshals Service (USMS) Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force, Chief Jonathon Floyd and the Dadeville Police Department, Sheriff Jimmy Abbett and the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Office and all the other law enforcement agencies and first responders that answered the call that night and have supported the community, as well as this investigation.

louder until she appeared in the doorway, eyes focused on the few steps in front of her that led down into the living room.

Robinson was quick to turn down help from her family; instead, she hobbled down one step at a time in her cheetah-print Crocs, careful not to put weight on her right leg.

“I’ve got it,” she insisted.

Robinson has come a long way since April 15. She remembers several details from that evening in Dadeville: the singing and dancing, the sound of shots being fired, the chaos that ensued as people tried to flee. She remembers the pain of being shot in her arm, falling to the ground and trying to play dead as the shooting continued. She remembers the blood — others’ and her own.

“After I figured out that it was calm, I rolled and tried to get back up, but then I really couldn’t because I was hurt,” Robinson recalled. “Then, somebody came in and they, like, tried to figure out where my wounds and stuff were at — where I had been shot at — but I was so covered in blood, [they weren't] going to be able to find nothing.”

The paramedics had to cut her clothes to find the bullet wounds, five in all. Robinson had also sustained wounds in her torso and hip. From there, she remembers being loaded onto a stretcher and rushed to the hospital. She ended up at Children’s of Alabama, located nearly two hours northwest in Birmingham.

“A lot of hospitals was packed, so they found [space for me] at Children’s,” Robinson said. “… I couldn’t be airlifted because of the

Law enforcement questioned her about the incident and contacted her aunt to let her know what had happened. The last thing Robinson remembers from that night is getting an IV inserted.

“[The medical team] start trying to do an IV and stuff in me, they took my watch off and then I went to sleep,” she said. “And then that’s all I remember from then on.”

The next four weeks would be a long start to a long road to recovery for Robinson. According to Presley, she was put on a ventilator for a few days and underwent six surgeries on her right arm that first week. Robinson said she was ready to “get it over with” after the third surgery, but the swelling prolonged the process.

“She had so much scar tissue and swelling in her arm that they couldn’t even finish the surgery,” Presley said. “She was off the ventilator, and ... she had a chest tube in, and when they tried to remove the chest tube … she got sick and stopped breathing, so they had to put her back on the ventilator.”

“I was swollen for a good little minute before I started really trying to come back to myself,” Robinson added.

The next few weeks consisted of plenty of physical therapy as well. Two physical therapists worked with Robinson often, helping her raise her legs and arm and practice walking around her hospital room with the walker.

There were several nurses that also helped, Robinson said, but one in particular made a lasting impression — a nurse named Lawanda.

“She was like my mama,” Robinson said.

“She pushed her and motivate her because she had got to the point of giving up,

like, saying she can’t do this or she can’t do that, and the nurse was like, ‘No, you’re going to do it,’” her aunt recalled.

But that tough love proved to be just what Robinson needed to keep moving forward — literally. Now, after four weeks in the hospital and two weeks back at home, Presley said her niece is as determined as ever, regaining her independence more and more each day.

“Starting in the hospital, she couldn’t really do anything, but now that she’s home, she tries to do everything on her own,” Presley said.

Of course, it helps to have a legion of family, friends, classmates, teachers and even strangers cheering her on. Robinson said she received “cards for days,” texts, visits and gifts while she was in the hospital, including a new iPhone, socks, beauty supplies and plenty of stuffed animals, which she calls her “kids.”

Presley has also been selling T-shirts and wristbands with the hashtag #CiyahStrong to help cover the cost of Robinson’s recovery.

But ultimately, it’s Robinson’s positive attitude and determination that has brought her to where she is now, her aunt said. Her quick thinking and knack for problem-solving may have also saved her that night at the party.

Earlier on May 24, Robinson had insisted on untying a knot by herself, even without the use of her right hand, which is still in a cast.

“If somebody can’t figure something out, she’ll find a way to do it to make it happen,” Presley said. “She has that type of personality. She’s going to make it work.”

It may be that mindset that also helped Robinson become a good student and skilled dancer, having

made captain for next year’s danceline at Opelika High School. It’s a position she won’t be able to fill this fall due to her injuries, but she doesn’t plan on missing the Friday night football games.

“I’m going to try to go to the games every Friday,” she said. “… I’m still considered on the danceline team. It’ll make me feel more at home. … My therapist said I can be active once I start walking, but as far as dancing, she said just wait until my senior year because you never know how my arm and my hand are going to heal.”

Though Robinson was in a wheelchair, Presley said she was able to attend the end-ofthe-year band banquet May 16, where she received the Outstanding Dance award.

Robinson said she was “promoted” to the 11th grade while she was in the hospital because of her good grades, meaning she would be able to move up with her classmates and spend the last few weeks of this school year focusing on her recovery. Robinson’s mother is also working with her principal to make sure she’ll have what she needs to succeed when she goes back to school.

“My biggest concern right now is just school — going back to school and how that’s going to work out,” she said. “But my mom talked to my principal and they’re trying to find me, like, pens that you speak into and stuff … translate to a computer and stuff like that, so … it would help with the writing and typing process. … If it’s not working within the first two weeks, we’re thinking about just going and [doing] homeschool.”

Despite what Robinson endured last month, it’s more or less business as usual at her grandmother’s house this summer: phone ringing,

television going, children playing, siblings bickering. Life goes on.

And while Robinson awaits the start of her junior year, she’ll spend the summer continuing her therapy a few days a week and otherwise doing what many other teenagers like to do: draw, watch TV, write stories, listen to music and spend time on TikTok — and argue a little bit with her family.

“We just be playing, but it’s fun,” she said, garnering a laugh from her aunt and grandmother.

Robinson said she hopes to be involved with student government next year, as well as join Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA).

She also has plans to become a civil litigation lawyer when she grows up.

“I’ve got to be a lawyer,” she said. “I don’t know — it’s been stuck with me since second grade.”

“She was a little-bitty something when she started that,” added her Granny, Marga Presley. “I hope she stick with it, too.”

Given everything that has happened these past few weeks, Presley said she has a new perspective on life.

“It’s different when it hits home,” she said. “It’s very different. It’s just eye-opening now for people since it’s hit home so much — so close — that people now are just not taking anything for granted. That’s how a lot of people are looking at things.

“… I just feel bad for all those kids. They just now started living their life, but they’re not letting it stop them from doing what they’re trying to do.”

And Robinson has become a prime example of that. Despite the challenges she has faced and the challenges that still lay ahead of her, she has no plans to slow down. “Keep pushing and keep going” is her motto for now — and the advice she’s quick to give to others.

“I feel good,” she said. “Some days are worse than others … that’s part of trauma, but besides that I feel good.”

360 Management Brings Several Apartment Complexes Under Its Management

CONTRIBUTED BY

360 MANAGEMENT

AUBURN —

360 Management is pleased to announce that it has brought multiple apartment complexes under management in both Auburn and Alabaster, boosting the recent growth of the company and additional staff hired.

“We are always looking for ways to expand our business and bring the 360 Management way of doing business to more clients, and we are pleased to take on this new challenge in Auburn and Alabaster,” said Nonet Parmer Reese, co-founder of Three Sixty and 360 Management.

In Auburn, the apartments at The Vue on Glenn, The Vue on Dean and The Vue on Ross offer spacious and comfortable living in a prime location. These three complexes offer the Auburn community stylish apartments with private bedrooms, and amenities for health, fitness and socializing.

Potential tenants interested in learning more about The Vue properties in Auburn can

contact the company at 334-752-0021.

“We're excited to implement 360 Management’s operational efficiencies to enhance the rental process for tenants and increase the return on investment for property owners,” said Leigh Bass, branch broker for 360 Management. ABOUT 360 MANAGEMENT

Whether clients need to purchase, sell or rent a home in the Auburn/ Opelika area or require help with the management of an investment property, 360 Management is available to help, bringing a reputation

built on commitments to community, technology innovation and sustainability. With priority placed on

Lee County Literacy Coalition Receives $20,000 Grant

CONTRIBUTED BY LCLC

exceptional service, expert property management services and a diverse selection of rental properties, including student apartments and commercial properties, the team assists with this wide variety of real estate needs in a friendly atmosphere. 360 Management is part of the Three Sixty family of services, including real estate, property management, interior design and staging, vacation rentals and commercial real estate in Auburn, Birmingham and Lake Martin, Alabama.

To learn more about 360 Management, visit us at our website at 360managementservices. com or call 334-8873606.

LEE COUNTY —

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation recently awarded Lee County Literacy Coalition (LCLC) a $20,000 grant to support adult and family literacy. This local grant is a part of the foundation’s largest, one-day literacy donation of more than $13 million throughout the 47 states in which Dollar General operates to support adult, family and summer literacy programs.

“It takes a movement to invoke change. We propose that reading offers a resolve to improve the human condition,” said Patricia Butts, executive director of the Lee County Literacy Coaliton. “LCLC is creating a space where individuals can experience the power of literacy. We are excited to receive this award in support of our important mission.”

A-O Tourism’s Annual Photo Contest Opens June 1

CONTRIBUTED BY A-O TOURISM

AUBURN — Auburn-Opelika

Tourism’s annual AO

Photo Contest is back.

Professional and amateur photographers of all skill levels are invited to submit their work for a chance to win the grand prize beginning June 1. Photo submissions must be taken in Auburn or Opelika. The contest closes on Aug. 31.

One talented winner will be selected to win a $500 gift card to Cameragraphics or the Auburn-Opelika business of their choice, subject to restrictions. Photos will be judged on four aspects: originality, creativity, overall artistic appeal and local empha-

AWARD >> from A1

The recipients of Travel & Hospitality Awards this year were selected based on aggregated reviews from multiple third party sources and by a panel of experts who analyzed submission material, reviewed customer feedback and compared the facilities of each entrant.

Over 300 nominations were received for this year’s program, of which the Travel

sis. Photo content can include, but is not limited to, landmarks and attractions, local events and activities, food and drink and outdoor scenery.

To enter, visit www. aotourism.com/photo-contest and submit your photo(s). There is no entry fee. The contest is open to all photographers, amateur and professional. You do not have to live in the area to participate. Photos do not have to be taken in a particular time frame; if the photo was taken in the area, it doesn’t matter when it was taken.

Note: Submitted photos might be used in future marketing materials. We will give credit to the artist, but please leave off the watermarks.

& Hospitality Awards noted as incredibly high-standard. The winners reflect the very best in travel and hospitality standards.

“We were overwhelmed by the quality of entries this year,” said the team at Travel & Hospitality Awards.

“We hope this guide will be a useful tool for discerning traveler planning their next luxury getaway. Congratulation once again to all our winners.”

The full list of winners will be included in

The photo contest is free to enter and open to photographers of any skill level.

For more information, questions or concerns, contact Cat Bobo at cat@ aotourism.com.

Auburn-Opelika Tourism is a nonprofit service

the annual awards publication that is set to be available for digital download in November. For more details, visit www.thawards. com

“The licensed massage therapists and students made this happen every day with their love of massage,” the Better Bodies Massage School & Clinic said via its Facebook page. “We appreciate everyone’s support of the clinic and school. We’re all very honored.”

organization driving economic impact and improving the quality of life in our community through tourism and travel.

Lee County Literacy Coaltion offers free oneto-one tutoring for adults in reading, writing, math, GED preparation and driver’s education with expansion to ESL services. Literacy workshops include financial, health and digital/workplace. Its family literacy program shares tools and strategies to encourage and increase reading fundamentals with home activities to make reading a daily practice — which helps to improve K-12 success.

“It is a joy to celebrate this historic grant announcement during our 30th anniversary year,” said Denine Torr, executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. “For three decades, DGLF’s investment in community programs has created meaningful access to literacy skills for adults, children and families alike and exemplified Dollar General’s mission of serving others. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity and access to a quality education, and we look forward to seeing these literacy grants inspire reading and build brighter futures.”

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF) supports organizations that increase access to educational programming, stimulate

and enable innovation in the delivery of educational instruction and inspire a love of reading. Each year, DGLF awards funds to nonprofit organizations, schools and libraries within a 15-mile radius of a Dollar General store or distribution center to support adult, family, summer and youth literacy programs. The foundation also offers a student referral program for individuals interested in learning how to read, speak English or prepare for the high school equivalency exam. Referrals to a local organization that provides free literacy services are available online here or through referral cards found in the Learn to Read brochures that are available at the cash register of every Dollar General store.

ABOUT THE LCLC

Lee County Literacy Coaltion is a nonprofit agency dedicated to helping adults learn to read, write and use mathematics and computers at a level necessary to succeed and thrive. Free services include one-to-one tutoring for reading, writing, math, computer and GED preparation for adults in Lee County and surrounding areas. Workshops in financial, health and digital/ workplace literacy are also offered. To learn more, visit www.leecountyliteracy.org.

ABOUT THE DGLC

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation is proud to support initiatives that help others improve their lives through literacy and education. Since 1993, the foundation has awarded more than $233 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, helping more than 19.3 million individuals take their first steps toward literacy, a general education diploma or English proficiency. Each year, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation provides financial support to schools, nonprofit organizations and libraries within a 15-mile radius of Dollar General stores and distribution centers. To learn more about the Dollar General Literacy Foundation or apply for a literacy grant, visit www.dgliteracy.org.

NONET PARMER REESE

Burger Wars, Touch-A-Truck Return Saturday

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA —

Opelika Rotary’s annual grilling competition, Burger Wars, returns to downtown Opelika Saturday, June 3.

Suitable for all ages and free to attend, Burger Wars, which first took place in 2015, is one of the most anticipated yearly events in Opelika.

Sponsored by the nonprofit arm of Opelika Rotary and Happy Hour Rotary Club, Burger Wars invites professional chefs, businesses and backyard cookout aficionados to test their chops — rather, patties — against others in their category.

And the best part? If you like eating burgers more than grilling them, there is a community favorite trophy at Burger Wars which is determined by attending guests who can purchase a “tasting ticket” for $2 each. One tasting ticket can be exchanged to sample one-quarter of a burger at any of the grilling stations. After tasting burgers, attendees can use a QR code to vote for their favorite burger, and the griller with the most votes will win the coveted Crowd Favorite

MEMORIAL DAY>>

from A1

women who fought and made the ultimate sacrifice,” Todd said.

“These burdens we carry come with the understanding that the destiny of self-government and the preservation of the sacred buyer of liberty is staked on the experiment and trusted to the hands of the American people.

“And it is this liberty that we love so much that ultimately belongs to the people who were willing to suffer for it. Therefore, we come together by speaking their names, recounting their acts of valor and their unwavering dedication to protecting our cherished values of liberty and democracy.”

Rauch, who shared his personal story and veteran experiences, as well as stories of those he served with, expressed the difficulty in speaking them aloud.

“These are accounts of the brave men and women from the Iraq War as we celebrate 20 years since the invasion of Iraq and the liberation of the Iraqi people,” he said.

American lives were not just lost in the Iraqi War, but in the events that led up to it — Sept. 11, 2001.

“Alabama, like so many other states, suffered the loss of its sons and daughters, individuals who embodied the values and spirit of their communities,” Rauch said. “Alabama lost four of her own when American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon.”

trophy.

While guests enjoy tastings, a group of official judges will taste and rate burgers throughout the day, and winners in three grilling categories — Pro, Corporate and Tailgater — will be announced at 2 p.m. Winners in the Tailgater and Corporate categories get a trophy, $100 and bragging rights. The winner of the Pro category receives $750. The event begins at 11 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m.

“Due to the event’s popularity in recent years, we anticipate that burger samples will go quickly, so we recommend arriving right at 11 a.m. for the best chance at trying all the burgers,” said Burger Wars 2023 committee co-chair Kristen Ferrell.

Throughout the day, the Burger Wars mascot, Patty Melt, will make several appearances, and Aubie the Tiger will also join in on the fun. And don’t forget to head over to the Big Bite Battle between the Opelika and Auburn fire departments at 1 p.m.

“Watching the two fire departments battle it out is one of the best parts of the day and worth sticking around for,” Ferrell said.

Funds generated by Burger Wars support the

Opelika, too, lost three military members of its own, Rauch said, during the war.

“We remember them today, forever etching their names in our collective memory,” Rauch said.

Rauch shared stories that are unthinkable to the average American — IED’s that killed his friends, mass graves of Iraqi people, torture buildings and more.

After recounting a harrowing tale of watching a fellow soldier hit by the first documented IED, and his efforts to help protect his comrade, Rauch shared how his own unit was hit by an IED.

“Almost three months after Jeremiah’s death [the comrade hit by an IED], I too would be a casualty of the viciousness of an IED,” he said.

“In the midnight hour of Aug. 21, 2003, my team was ambushed while on a walking patrol, while training Iraqi police officers … 120 mm mortar was placed underneath a fuel tanker and was remotely detonated as we walked by.

“The initial blast took out the power grid, so it was dark. Within the first 30 seconds of the bite, I had sustained an explosion blast to my right hand, a shrapnel wound that would go through my right shoulder, tearing out my rotator cuff and a gunshot wound to my right leg.

“And yet, danger was still close. As I began to grab for the only thing I had with the only hand I had, which it was on my left side, I grabbed for my knife. And at that time I heard footsteps

Opelika Rotary Charitable Foundation. The primary beneficiary is the Food Bank of East Alabama program for food-insecure children.

“Thanks to the success of last year’s event, we were able to provide more than $7,000 to support this program and sponsor Southview Primary in Opelika and Ogletree Elementary in Auburn,” Ferrell said.

For more information on Burger Wars, visit “Burger Wars” on Facebook.

Accompanying Burger Wars in downtown Opelika on Saturday, June 3, is Opelika’s annual Toucha-Truck event. From 9 a.m. to noon, vehicles of all types will line the South Railroad Avenue in Opelika at this family fun event. Children of all ages are invited to come and explore military vehicles, racecars, dump trucks and more. Admission is free and visitors are encouraged to adventure around, into and through the vehicles.

For more information on Touch-a-Truck, visit “Touch-A-Truck” on Facebook.

“This event is fun for all ages,” Ferrell said. “Every year we have lots of families that spend their day in downtown Opelika, starting at Touch-a-Truck that morning, then walking up the street to sample some delicious burgers at Burger Wars.”

rushing toward me and something told me they weren’t friendly.

“His breath was labored from running up to me, so I knew his proximity in the darkness … I could feel the tension of my blade as it got close to him. I could also feel hear the [sound] of his blade as it came through the air. As his blade cut down on my arm, it cut off the ID tag that it was attached to. I understood what he was trying to get at. Confirmation that he had successfully attacked U.S. soldiers.”

Rauch helped his fellow soldiers escape and evacuate following his injuries. They, and Rauch, were able to recover and lived, despite the attack.

It took a year and half for Rauch to recover, along with 12 surgeries.

“I believe Memorial Day, to me, serves as a revival,” he said. “A renewal of our commitments and values that define us as a Nation.

It is important to hear heavy stories such as these as they serve as testimonies to the great work that we are in. It is a time to recommit ourselves to this great work, whether it be the military, public service, education or any other field that can make a positive impact in our community.

“It is a time to reflect on the sacrifices of our fallen heroes and to ensure that their legacy lives on in our actions. Strengthened by their courage, hardened by their duty and born by their bravery. Let us honor the service members who fought

and died upholding the values they hold so dear and by cherishing the freedoms that they’ve secured us. May their courage and sacrifice inspire us to be better, to be stronger, to stand united as one Nation, indivisible, under the banner of liberty

AUBURN — Auburn took time to recognize its heroes on Memorial Day.

The Auburn University Naval ROTC Color Guard posted the colors to begin the 23rd Annual Mayor’s Memorial Day Breakfast at the Auburn University Hotel Monday morning.

“Holy One, we gather this morning in your presence as a community in solemn remembrance of those who have given their lives in service to our country,” said Pastor of Union Christian Church Jeff Damon in an opening prayer. “We remember our friends and loved ones as well as those who may be strangers to us.”

While Auburn Mayor Ron Anders could not be in attendance, Mayor Pro Tem Beth Witten shared about the history of Memorial Day and why it is celebrated today.

“Today, as we've mentioned, marks the 23rd year that we’ve gathered for the Mayor’s Memorial Day Breakfast,” she said. “A tradition that former Mayor Bill Ham began in 1999. While this day is a day to remember those who gave their lives in defense of our freedoms, we also take this opportunity each memorial day to honor those who have

served or that are currently serving in the U.S. Mili-tary."

Each year, Auburn honors those who have served their community and this year that included both United States Navy Captain Richard “Dick” Phelan, distinguished veterans’ award, and U.S. Air Force Captain Randal J. Hudon for the Hero Remembered.

“In 2021, [Hudon] was posthumously added to the Wall of Honor at the National Air and Space Mu-seum, recognizing his commitment to aviation,” Witten said.

Hudon was an Auburn graduate and served 10 years in the military in the Air Force.

“What I learned about him was that he had an unrelenting dedication to everything he did,” said Navy Veteran and Director of the Auburn Veterans Resource Center, Paul “Puck” Esposito, who pre-sented the award.

Esposito said he was both passionate and professional, which he brought with him to Auburn.

“Just a few words that I heard over and over again about Capt. Hudon,” Esposito said.

“‘It was very simple. He was as man that loved his country, he loved Auburn, he loved Auburn Aviation, he loved his faith, he loved serving his community and more than anything, he loved his family.’ Which is why it was very easy for the committee this year to select him.”

His widow, Cindy, accepted the award on his behalf.

“Randy would be honored and humbled, as am

I,” she said. U.S. Navy Lt. Commander Sam Nichols introduced Phelan, who received the Distinguished Veterans Award.

Phelan graduated from the United States Naval Academy and then went on to pilot.

Thank goodness for the Navy, for it was while he was in Pensacola that he met his wife.

Phelan also attended the Naval Post-Graduate school and attended Vietnamese Language School be-fore serving in the Vietnam War.

During this time, he received a Bronze Star. Phelan’s move to Auburn came under command to serve as a Naval Science professor and command-ing officer of the Naval ROTC Program.

His time on the Plains was not short-lived. He also served his community well and is a former Au-burn City Council member.

“I am overwhelmed by all the kind remarks that were made about me,” Phelan said of a video that was made of his friends and family singing his praises.

The video ends with all of Phelan’s grandchildren telling him they are proud of him and love him.

During the ceremony, Auburn Veterans Scholarship Awards are also announced.

This year, Esposito presented the scholarships.

“This year, we did exceptional, we had over nine recipients of scholarships here at Auburn Universi-ty and we also applied one at Southern Union,” Esposito said.

One of the contenders in last year's fight for the Best Burger title.

Aubie at last year's Touch-A-Truck event in downtown Opelika.

Both Auburn and Opelika held Memorial Day Ceremonies on Monday to honor America’s — and our local — fallen veterans. Auburn’s was held at the Auburn University Hotel while Opelika’s was held at Courthouse Square.

Local Scouts Place Flags in Cemetery for Memorial Day

CONTRIBUTED BY JOE MATTINGLY

AUBURN —

On the dreary, rainy evening of May 23, Scouts

BSA Troop 11 gathered at Auburn Memorial Park Cemetery to continue an annual tradition that dates back more years than can be remembered: placing American flags on the graves of our nation’s veterans for Memorial Day.

The scouts from Troop 11 and Troop 19 routinely place small American flags on the graves of veterans in Auburn City Cemetery, behind the junior high school, the Tuesday before Memorial Day.

The scouts slowly search the headstones, bend, insert a small flag into the soft earth, step back and snap a crisp salute. They then continue the search, scanning for another of our nation’s he-

roes. Then, they perform the same routine: bend, insert, step, salute and repeat.

All told, these scouts distributed more than 150 flags on that rainy evening. By the time they finished, their hair and shoes were soaked. Their normally light tan shirts were wet and dark, but none complained; they understood the importance of remembering the sacrifice of the fallen.

“It is just a small way of us giving back to the community, acknowledging the service and sacrifice these men and women made so that we can live in freedom,” said Scoutmaster Julie Stanley.

Scouts Zak S., Joe M., Westin M. and Andrew J. agreed, adding, “A little rain doesn’t matter, when you think about it.”

Come the Tuesday after Memorial Day, these same scouts met again at the cemetery, walked the same paths and solemnly collected

the flags they placed a week before, reverently packing them away until next year.

Boy Scouts from BSA Troop 11 gathered May 23 at Auburn's Memorial Park Cemetery to place American flags on the graves of veterans.

Cahaba Lilies: Transforming Alabama's Waterways

CONTRIBUTED BY ACES / BY COLE SIKES

ALABAMA —

Now is the perfect time to visit Alabama's exquisite river basins. These waterways are teeming with new life thanks to an annual reminder of the state's beauty, the Cahaba lily. An Alabama Cooperative Extension System aquatic resources expert explains why Alabamians are able to experience these iconic floral features.

WHAT ARE CAHABA LILIES?

Cahaba lillies, known scientifically as Hymenocallis coronaria, are aquatic perennial plants found in sunny, riverine habitats. The species was first described by American botanist William Bartram in 1773.

Also known as the shoal lily or shoal spider lily, is a member of the Amaryllis family. This group is only in four southeastern states. These states include Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.

“With specific habitat requirements, it should come as no surprise that Cahaba

lilies are only found in waterbodies at or above Alabama’s fall line,” said Rachel McGuire, an Alabama Extension aquatic resources outreach coordinator.

AN AQUATIC BIRTH

These lilies begin their lives when their bulbs wedge between rocks and in crevices of shoals along rivers. These areas typically feature swift-flowing water which allows the bulbs to root themselves in their growing sites. In mid April, the lily's leaves begin to emerge from waterlines followed by flower stalks shortly after.

“The Cahaba lily blooms from middle of May to late June," McGuire said. "In fact, many locals will be quick to tell you that the lilies bloom between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. These plants grow up to 3 feet tall and are densely clustered amongst the rocks of the shoals.”

OBSERVATION

The Cahaba lily features dazzling white blooms which can grow to 3 inches wide with six petals, containing one bloom per flow-

ering stalk. Each flowering stalk contains six to nine buds surrounded by bracts, a type of modified leaf.

Individual blooms last only 24 hours, with only one flower bud per stalk opening typically in the evening each day. The flowers are fragrant and contain nectar that attracts a wide variety of insect pollinators. These pollinators include trumpet vine sphinx, plebeian sphinx moth, pipevine swallowtail, blue swallowtail, tiger swallowtail, silver spotted skipper and various bumblebees.

Pollinated flowers mature

into a pod that swells and ultimately splits to reveal several oblong green seeds. These seeds become so heavy that they weigh down the flower stalk into the water, where the mature seeds sink. These seeds set up future generations of Cahaba lilies after eventually being deposited into nearby rock crevices by the water’s current.

ROOTED IN COMMUNITY

In Alabama, the most publicly accessible and dense population of Cahaba lilies is found at the Cahaba River National Wildlife

Refuge in Bibb County, near the town of West Blocton. This refuge is also home to the annual Cahaba Lily Festival since 1990.

The Cahaba River is not the only river where you can find these aquatic gems.

Everyone can also find the Cahaba lily in the Black Warrior, Coosa, Tallapoosa and Chattahoochee river basins. More specifically, the lilies are historically in Hatchet and Yellowleaf creeks and the Mulberry and Locust forks of the Black Warrior River.

POTENTIAL THREATS

There are threats to Cahaba lilies which include river damming, sedimentation and poaching.

“The most likely reason Cahaba lilies have remained prolific in the Cahaba River is its lack of historic damming," McGuire said. "This has left most of the river free flowing, leaving their critical shoal habitat intact."

The public has raised awareness and appreciation of the plant in the past decade. The lilies are also under consideration to be protected by the Endangered Species Act.

McGuire said the next time you are driving, especially around the Birmingham area, take a closer look at some of the Alabama license plates. You may find a special tag offered by the Cahaba River Society that features the Cahaba lily.

DON'T WAIT. EXPLORE

Be sure to admire Cahaba lily blooms while they are still vibrant. For more information on Cahaba lilies and where to find them, visit the Alabama Extension website at www.aces.edu.

Cahaba lilies thrive in Hatchet Creek, located south of Sylacauga, Alabama.

S Food ociety & News

S ociety & News vents, E

Making the Grade: On the Road

favorite novel, which I read in a class at Benjamin Russell High School, was “To Kill a Mockingbird.” This well-known book by Harper Lee remains one of my all-time favorites. I’m sure that Harper Lee is the reason that Monroeville, Alabama, her hometown, is called “the literary capital of Alabama.”

I also loved the movie adaptation of the book.

that I had to see it. My husband Mike, also a fan of the story, was on board, too.

Therefore, a while back, Mike, Leigh Ann, Leigh Ann’s Aunt Sandra Hamby and I headed south to Monroeville.

From the time I first learned to read the “Janet and Mark” series of books in the first grade in Alexander City (“Eleck” City to the locals), I fell in love with books.

Over the years in school and at home, I read voraciously, enjoying “Little Women,” “Nancy Drew,” “Little House on the Prairie,” among countless others. Without a doubt, my

In my opinion, Gregory Peck certainly deserved the Oscar he earned for portraying the part of Atticus Finch.

Actually, all the actors in the movie were terrific, especially the child stars.

When my good friend Leigh Ann texted me about the play version of “To Kill a Mockingbird,” which has been performed in Monroeville for over 30 years, I knew

When we arrived at the courthouse, where Act II of the play took place, we looked around the pretty, small town. Since the play started at 6:30 p.m., we wanted to eat an early supper.

We asked some locals where to dine because they certainly should know the best places. Two ladies told us to go to Hunters Run Bar & Grill at 38 W. Claiborne St. The restaurant was only two blocks away, so we could walk there.

When we arrived outside Hunters Run, I noticed a big bunch of Baptists from Andalusia

Sundilla to Welcome Award-Winning Roots Musician June 16

16. Malone has built an award-winning career as a singer, songwriter and road warrior.

Malone’s SBS Records, distributed by BFD Entertainment/The Orchard, just released “Fan Favorites, Vol. 1 Unplugged” on May 12, in which Malone revisits more than a dozen songs that have become staples of her nightly gigs.

The idea to record new versions of older songs arrived during the COVID-19 pandemic. Malone began performing stripped-down songs in her living room, live-streaming them to audiences across

See MALONE, page A10

(Remember, I love alliteration.) were gathering on the sidewalk. “Quick, let’s go!” I said to my fellow travelers so that we could be seated first.

Unfortunately, that didn’t matter. After we ordered, we sat at our table for almost an hour before our food finally came. And the Andalusian Baptists, who came in after us, were being

served first. Now, the sweet servers were running their legs off bringing food to this large group. Also, they were probably short-staffed, as many restaurants are these days, so I was certainly not blaming them.

However, I began to get a little warm. Also, we didn’t want to be late for the play. Therefore, I got up, walked calmly to

the group and politely asked a lady, “Did y’all have reservations?” The lady said, “No, but we had already ordered our food.”

Not long after this short conversation, our food finally arrived. Mike had ordered shrimp & grits, while I chose the steak sandwich with a

See WALLACE, page A11

East Alabama Arts Introduces Play-Reading Experience

CONTRIBUTED BY EAST ALABAMA ARTS ASSOCIATION EAST ALABAMA — East Alabama Arts is pleased to announce a new programming initiative, OPEN

BOOK, a grassroots play exploration group led by Melaine Bennett and Steve Bice.

OPEN BOOK is a group of local community theater artists and enthusiasts

who have come together in shared interest to read plays and spend time discussing them. From their first meetings in January of 2023, they have explored See OPEN BOOK, page A10

Hunters Run Bar & Grill, located in Monroeville, Alabama, offers shrimp and grits as an option.

STACEY PATTON WALLACE

The Country Gentleman

Then Danny introduced the band over the mic.

There was Roger on the drums. Roger is no spring zucchini, he’s been playing the skins since Buddy Holly was a household name.

SEAN DIETRICH

Danny and the band arrived late to the nursing home. They were running behind schedule because of traffic. But they were here, and that’s all that mattered.

And they brought their instruments.

“We’re all waiting for you, Danny,” said the nurse, leading the band toward the rec room.

Residents filled the day-use room, wall to wall. There were dozens of wheelchairs, O2 canisters and a

corral of roller-walkers stabled near the door like Appaloosas on the open range.

Residents had donned their Sunday best. Old men wore ballcaps with KOREA and VIETNAM embroidered on the fronts. Old ladies sported oversized tennis shoes and hairdos which hadn’t changed since the Johnson administration. Everyone’s hearing aids were cranked up.

The musicians set up near the spinet piano.

Albert was on double bass. I asked how long Albert has been playing the upright. His only response was, “I have underpants that are older than you.”

And of course, there’s Danny, playing his collector’s item candyapple-red Country Gentleman guitar, which is worth about as much as an amphibious aircraft carrier. Danny’s mother bought him this guitar in 1960. “My mom gave me this guitar for my 13th birthday,” he said.

The band opened with a few easy numbers. Just the classics.

“Summertime,” by Gershwin. That always gets the collective heart rate up. Then “Fly Me to the Moon” — the older crowd loves that one. One man in the front row became so excited that he began to shout, “I have to pee!” Whereupon the rowdy man stood and attempted to demonstrate this for his fans just before the nurse escorted him from the room.

The band followed this with “You’re Not Mine Anymore,” by Willie Nelson. A song which debuted in 1954, when many of these people were just figuring life out.

Next, an Ernest Tubb standard, “Walkin’ the Floor Over You.” They played a few Patsy Cline gems. The

keys were too high for Danny’s voice, so they asked a nurse to sing lead.

Nurse Jeannie came to the microphone and the residents applauded. She sang “Crazy” in the key of C. She even performed Vegaslounge-singer hand gestures as part of her act, complete with the “come hither” finger.

“That finger always gets the old guys going,” Jeannie said.

The band played “Young at Heart” by Frank Sinatra. There were a lot of people smiling for that one. A few even knew the lyrics. Like Miss Marcy, who used to tap dance on local TV when she was a kid.

“I wore gold lamé,” Marcy said. “And I wiggled my butt on TV. I was so cute nobody

could stand me.”

Then came “My PaPa” by Eddie Fisher. Then “Don’t Worry Baby,” “Little Deuce Coupe” and “Barbara Ann” by the Beach Boys. Half the room was singing along.

“Ba-Ba-Ba-Ba

Barbara Ann, “Ba-Ba-Ba-Ba

Barbara Ann ....”

Then the guys played some Jan and Dean, and everyone reflected on the unique, albeit disturbing genre that is ‘50s teenage-death ballads. Songs such as, “Dead Man’s Curve,” “Leader of the Pack,” “Last Kiss” and “Teen Angel.”

When they played the Elvis hits, the entire place came unhinged.

A woman named Susan began to cry.

“I drove to Graceland

From The Auburn Cookbook: Ice Cream Recipes Perfect for Summer

CONTRIBUTED BY ALABAMA

4-H / BY JUSTIN MILLER

AUBURN —

No summer celebration would be complete without fun, good friends and a sweet treat. What better way to enjoy the outdoors than with some homemade ice cream? Beat the heat and try five ice cream recipes from The Auburn Cookbook that are sure to be crowd favorites.

VANILLA ICE CREAM

This recipe make 4 quarts (32 servings).

• 1 quart of whole milk

• 2 cups sugar

• 3, 12-ounce cans evaporated skim milk

• 1, 12-ounce can evaporated milk

• 2 tablespoons vanilla

Directions

Heat half of the whole milk, but do not boil. Add the sugar and stir until dissolved. Then, add the remaining whole milk, the four cans of

OPEN BOOK >>

from A9

plays from ancient to contemporary and plays in progress, discovering how they relate to current everyday experiences and cheering on the creation of new works for the stage, staged readings, performances by visiting artists and hosting new play workshops.

A recent OPEN BOOK project included the reading of “Water Spirits” by Alicia Kester, a story set in post-Katrina New Orleans in which a woman returns home following heartbreak and discovers that spirits are speaking to her to influence her soul’s journey and destiny.

OPEN BOOK cast the reading and led the conversation with the participants that was critical in developing the upcoming staged reading just announced by Auburn Area Community Theatre (AACT) at the Jule

milk and vanilla and stir. Cover and chill for at least 25 to 30 minutes. Chilling longer will increase the volume and make it smoother. Pour the chilled mixture into the freezer can of an electric or hand-turned freezer. Fill the can only two-thirds full to allow for expansion. Put the can in the freezer bucket, add the dasher and secure the lid on the can.

Freezing

If using an electric

Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art (Auburn University) in June 2023. Up next are two exciting productions scheduled for this June.

1. “A Storm Came Up”: Southside Center for the Arts, Thursday, June 1

It’s the summer of 1963 in a small Alabama town and three young boys find themselves caught up in a complex crossfire between George Wallace, the KKK, the desegregation of the local school system and memories of a murder they witnessed five years earlier. Narrated by the town’s gravedigger, who knows all the skeletons in the closets of this small town, the play examines the relationships of the boys and their families against the volatile backdrop of the Jim Crow South.

A conversation led by Melaine Bennett and Steve Bice with playwright Kristy Meanor and author Doug Segrest

freezer, follow the manufacturer’s directions. If using a hand-turned freezer, use one part ice cream salt to four parts of chipped or cracked ice. Layer the ice and salt, beginning with ice. Turn the freezer slowly and evenly until turning becomes difficult, indicating the ice cream is frozen. Remove the stopper from the side of the freezer bucket. Drain the salty water and return the stopper. Clear any

salt and ice away from the lid and wipe it free of salt. Be sure that no salt water gets into the ice cream. Remove the dasher and press the ice cream down in the can. Cover the top of the can with plastic wrap or foil and replace the lid. Cork or pack the lid to keep salt water from seeping in. Repack the freezer with enough ice and salt to come above the top of the can. Cover with several

thicknesses of newspaper and cloth. Put aside in a cool place for two hours to let the cream ripen.

Strawberry

For strawberry ice cream, follow the recipe above and add two cups of mashed, sweetened strawberries when you add the vanilla. You can also use frozen, sliced strawberries that have been thawed, drained and sweetened.

Peach

To make peach ice cream, follow the recipe above, add three cups of mashed peaches when you add the vanilla.

Chocolate Cookie

For chocolate cookie ice cream, follow the recipe above and add three cups of crumbled chocolate cookies when you add the vanilla.

Chocolate Mallow

Follow the recipe above and add four ounces of semisweet baking chocolate to the

MALONE >>

from A9

the country. Old fans tuned in. New fans were made. Along the way, she received numerous requests for the songs that inspired her and guitarist Doug Kees to go into the studio to record the strippeddown versions, which became “Fan Favorites, Vol. 1 Unplugged.”

milk as it heats. Stir until the chocolate melts. Also, add two cups of miniature marshmallows and one cup of semisweet chocolate chips when you add the vanilla.

MORE INFORMATION

These recipes and others can be found in The Auburn Cookbook, a publication of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. For more recipes, visit Alabama Extension online at www.aces.edu.

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System takes the expertise of Auburn University and Alabama A&M University to the people. Our educators in all 67 counties are community partners — bringing practical ways to better our homes, farms, people and the world around us. Our research extends knowledge and improves lives.

rebirth, too.

Malone's music is ingrained in the soundtrack of the American South, mixing the rebellious stomp of roadhouse rock ‘n’ roll with the raw grit of blues, the holy-rolling rasp of gospel, the slowmotion sweep of country-soul and the organic warmth of folk music.

will explore how this new work was created, followed by a staged reading of the play performed by the cast of OPEN BOOK. “A Storm Came Up” made its debut at Wetumpka Depot in 2023 and is currently an AACT (American Association of Community Theatre) Fest 2023 finalist, being performed at nationals in June 2023.

2. “Just a Giant

Cinderella”: Southside Center for the Arts, Thursday, June 22

Described as “a dark comedy about dying (almost) to fit in,” Martina Schabron’s play explores the challenges of mental illness with an abundance of humor. Fresh from performances in Toronto and the Denver Fringe Festival, Schabron is bringing “Just A Giant Cinderella,” to Opelika.

The songs were, in essence, Malone’s greatest hits, and they sounded every bit as vital in her living room — where she strummed them alone, on acoustic guitar — as they did with a big, plugged-in band. “Fan Favorites, Vol. 1 Unplugged” celebrates Malone's past while shining new light on her present. It's not just a victory lap; it's a

Proudly based in Atlanta, Georgia, she spends much of her time on the move, regularly crisscrossing the country to play 200 shows annually.

Recorded with guitarist Doug Kees, the new acoustic album trades the amplified dynamics of Malone's studio work — a catalog that has been lauded by Rolling Stone for its “soulful ballads and rowdy, riffy blasters” — for a stripped-down sound that nods to Malone's musical roots.

See DIETRICH, page A11

Hi-Wire Brewing, Wickles Pickles Partner to Brew a Wicked Hula Pickle Beer

CONTRIBUTED BY

HI-WIRE BREWING

WAVERLY —

Hi-Wire Brewing is back with another twist on a classic backyard barbecue favorite with the release of Wickles Wicked Hula Pickle Beer. This limitededition beer is a followup to Hi-Wire’s wildly popular Wickles Pickle Beer, which sold out almost immediately upon its release in 2022. Wickles Wicked Hula Pickle Beer is a refreshing and approachable sour ale, brewed in collaboration with Dadeville, Alabama-based Wickles Pickles.

According to Hi-Wire Brewing co-owner,

Chris Frosaker, “The response to our first Wickles Pickle Beer was phenomenal. We still get inquiries on how to get the beer to this day even though it has been out of the market for over six months.”

This time around, Wickles Wicked Hula Pickle Beer is bringing a tropical twist to the mix. The beer is brewed with all the traditional pickle ingredients like dill, coriander, salt and black pepper found in Wickles’ 90-year-old custom blend of spices, but with the addition of sweet pineapple and a touch of jalapeño heat.

“Building on a successful Wickles Original Pickle recipe,

we amped up the flavor with a combination of jalapeño, pineapple and that secret Wickles flavor," said Hi-Wire Head Brewer, Hank Marshall. “Meet the perfect opener to summertime grilling

and chilling.” This Wicked Hula Pickle Beer comes in at a crushable 5% ABV and pours like pickle juice with a tart dill aroma, a bright sweetness

from pineapple and just a hint of green jalapeño pepper. The beer finishes with that craveable Wickles Pickles flavor and a touch of heat that leaves your mouth watering for another sip.

“We had a lot of accounts and customers who were left out last time, so we'll be brewing significantly more for this release to satisfy demand,” said Brian Laggis, Hi-Wire Brewing sales director, before adding, “But this one still will not last long.”

Beginning May 19, Wickles Wicked Hula Pickle Beer is available in four-packs of 16-ounce cans throughout Hi-Wire's

nine state distribution footprint in independent retailers and select chains as well as across all 10 Hi-Wire taprooms, while limited supplies last. Visit www.hiwirebrewing. com/beer-finder to find a retailer near you. Out-of-market pickle lovers can also get cans shipped to their door at www.hiwirebrewing. com/shop.

After this special Wicked Hula Pickle Beer release, Hi-Wire Brewing plans to rerelease the original Wickles Pickle Beer collaboration around Labor Day of this year. Don't miss out on your chance to try these highly sought-after beers.

WALLACE >>

FROM A9

side of shrimp & grits.

Leigh Ann ordered fried crab claws as an appetizer. The serving was piled high and was enough for several people, so Leigh Ann generously shared with us.

Leigh Ann’s Aunt Sandra ordered “Grandma’s Favorite,” which consisted of fresh golden fried gulf shrimp. Sandra chose a baked potato and a side salad to go with her entrée.

Oh, my three times. The food was really delicious, and this “Poohsized” woman’s happy attitude quickly returned. We had a really great time eating, laughing and talking. In fact, once I laughed so hard, my head went back and connected with the wooden partition behind me. Since that part of my anatomy is extremely hard, I recovered quickly. I hope the wood did as well.

Besides Leigh Ann’s tasty crab claws, Hunters Run has a large variety of

DIETRICH >> from A10

the week after Elvis died with my girlfriends,” Susan said. “We stood by the gate with candles and hundreds of other people.”

Then came the hymns and gospel. Danny shed his Gretsch guitar and sat at the piano. The band covered all the Cokesbury essentials:"

“Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Thee,” “Peace in the Valley,” “They’ll Know We Are Christians.”

The nurses distributed Kleenex for the funeral tunes like “Amazing Grace,” “Precious Lord” and “It Is Well

appetizers, some of which include a nacho platter, fried pickle spears, tuna dip, buffalo chicken dip and quesadilla.

The restaurant also serves salads, wraps, tacos, sandwiches and entrees. Believe me, if you travel to Monroeville, you’ll want to eat at Hunters Run Bar & Grill.

Now, after we had finished eating, I went to the ladies’ restroom. The door had the word “ladies” and even had a drawing of lips wearing lipstick.

Therefore, when an older man came out of that door, my jaw almost hit the floor. In all of my 60 years, I have NEVER

with My Soul.”

There wasn’t a person who listened to “In the Garden” and didn’t get misty.

Then Danny led the communal singing.

“How Great Thou Art” was a particular favorite. This was followed by “Shall We Gather at the River?”

By the time they got to “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” Danny noticed a woman’s face in the back of the room.

She was smiling at him.

The old woman asked one of the nurses to wheel her up front. The music stopped when the ancient woman arrived.

Danny leaned forward to embrace her.

“Oh, thank you for

seen a man come out of the ladies’ restroom. However, some women, including myself, sometimes go in the men’s restroom when our line is too long, provided they have a friend to stand guard as a lookout.

Some Andalusia Baptist women were also waiting to use the restroom, and they howled with laughter at my shocked expression. After I exited the restroom, we had a good time chatting, and I told them that I’d have to put this incident in my column. “His name is Bill,” one woman was happy to tell me. Poor Bill; those women are probably still giving him

your music!” the old woman said between sobs. “This has been the best day of my life I’ve never had a day better than this!”

She took Danny’s hand in her own. Her eyes were bloodshot and her voice quivered. She seemed to genuinely mean her words.

“You’ve made me so happy,” she said. “What did you say your name was again?”

“Danny, ma’am. My name’s Danny.”

“Danny,” she said. “That’s such a lovely name. Have we met before?”

“Yes, Mama,” Danny said. “You’re the one who bought me this here guitar.”

a hard time. When we arrived back at the courthouse to see the play, a young woman who volunteered to help with the production came up to Mike and asked him if he would like to be a juror in the courtroom during Act II. (Act I took place outdoors; we were under a shade tree, and the weather was perfect.) Mike, who is a little introverted, politely declined. Mike was really introverted before we married. However, after we married, he came out of his shell a good bit

because in my family, if you’re too introverted, you never get to speak and won’t get anything to eat.

Since I’m a complete extrovert, I wanted to be a juror, so I said excitedly, “I’ll do it!” However, the sweet, young lady kindly told me that I couldn’t be a juror because I was a woman. I had forgotten that in 1935 Alabama, only men served on juries.

The cast of “To Kill a Mockingbird” was composed entirely of Monroeville residents and

people from surrounding areas. Their performances earned an A+ from this retired English teacher. We had a wonderful time on our overnight trip. But I digress.

Hunters Run Bar & Grill is open on Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m., and Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. The restaurant is closed on Monday.

Hunters Run Bar & Grill makes the grade with an A+ from this retired English teacher. Remember, “Pooh-sized” people NEVER lie about food. Enjoy!

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

Hunters Run Bar & Grill also serves plenty of fried crab claws (left) and gulf shrimp (right) with various sides.

The limited edition Wickles Wicked Hula Pickle Beer.

MICHAEL EUGENE FLANAGAN

Michael Eugene Flanagan, 75, of Lake Harding, passed away May 23, 2023. Mr. Flanagan is preceded in death by his parents: George Douglas “Buck” Flanagan and Cornelia “Stucia” Stevens Flanagan. He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Patti Halstead Flanagan; children: Kellie Summerlin (Donnie) and Amanda Mitchell (Britton); four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Mike served in the Army National Guard, and after his honorable discharge he began his 30-plus-years career in telecommunications. In his spare time, Mike loved to fish, work with his hands and his beloved miniature schnauzers, Sam and JJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mike’s memory to the following":

Bethany Hospice House in Auburn, East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika or the American Cancer

Society.

A visitation was held Tuesday, May 31, 2023, at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed.

SIDNEY CLINT FOSTER

Sidney Clint Foster was born in Lee County, Alabama, on July 30, 1958, to the late Morris and Peggy Foster, and passed away at his home on May 21, 2023. He was 64 years old.

He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Julia Foster; children, Justin Foster (Jamie), Wade Foster (Katie) and stepchildren; Kenneth Ison (Heather), Kelly Ison and Amanda Ison.

He is also survived by his brother, Jeff Foster (Beth); sister, Melissa Pollard (Les); six grandchildren: Carson Foster, Harper Foster, Kinzlee Foster, Katlyne Ison, Prince Jackson and Kenneth Ison Jr.

Visitation was held

Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at FrederickDean Funeral and the

funeral service was Wednesday, May 24, in the Chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home at 11 a.m. Burial followed at Garden Hills Cemetery. The Rev. Darrell Shelton officiatied.

FrederickDean handled all arrangements.

STEPHANIE WALKER

Stephanie Walker passed away on May 21, 2023. She was born in Opelika, on Oct. 23, 1979. Stephanie was a loving wife to her husband, Troy Cole, and a devoted mother to her children, Lance and Abby.

Stephanie had a passion for nursing along with caring for others. She began her career at Jackson Hospital in Montgomery, Alabama. She continued this career at Tuskegee Medical/Surgical Center in Tuskegee, Alabama. She finished her career at Tallassee Community Hospital in Tallassee, Alabama. She was

truly passionate about her career, was wellrespected by her colleagues and loved by her patients.

In her free time, she cherished spending time with her loved ones, reading and crafting. She had a gentle and caring nature. This is evident in her favorite quote, “Let me dedicate my life today to the care of those who go my way. Let me touch each one with a healing hand and a gentle art for which I stand, and tonight let me rest in peace if I have helped just one.”

Stephanie is preceded in death by her grandparents: Bill and Louise Hickman (maternal) and Steven and Estelle Walker (paternal).

Stephanie is survived by her parents, Steve and Mary Jane Walker; husband Troy Cole; children Lance (Katty) Cole and Abby Cole; sister Amanda Senn; nieces Nikki (John) Rutkowski and Autumn (Jason) Moman; sister Lynn (Pat) Fells; nephews Dustin Walker and

Austin Fells; niece Paige (Wiley) Holman; brother-in-law Scott (Kelli) Cole; nephews Alex Cole and Paul Cole; great-nephews JR, Waylon and River; close family friend Nick Buck; along with many aunts, uncles and cousins.

A celebration for Stephanie's life and all she devoted to those around her was held on May 24, 2023, at Notasulga First Baptist Church in Notasulga.

MARY WILLIAMS KIMBROUGH

Mary Williams Kimbrough, 85, of Auburn, went to be with her Lord and Savior May 27, 2023.

Mrs. Kimbrough was proceeded in death by her loving husband, Jerry Don Kimbrough, an infant son, Terry Don, and her parents Robert and Ruby Williams.

Mrs. Kimbrough is survived by her daughters: Cherri Henderson (Butch) and Jerri Evans (John); grandchildren: Beth

Webster (Noah), Alan Henderson (Lauren), Jama Esco (David), Cassidy Evans and Christy Evans; greatgrandchildren: Waverly Webster, Anne Claire Henderson, Ella Henderson, Leo Henderson, Aidon Esco and Harper Esco; sister, Betty Noble and niece, Cindy Smith (Je ff ).

Mrs. Kimbrough was an active member of First Baptist Church of Opelika, where she sang in the senior adult choir and was a member of the widow’s group. She was an avid reader, loved to travel and bird watch. She loved spending time with her friends and family, especially her grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Baptist Church of Opelika, or First Baptist Church, Russellville, Alabama. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at 11a.m. in the chapel at First Baptist Church Russellville in Russellville, Alabama.

RELIGION —

“Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest.” (Hebrews 3:1)

Do you know what the athletes who will compete in the next Olympic games are doing right now?

The short answer: a lot of things we aren’t. For

Called to Glory

starters, they are paying very close attention to what they eat. Most of them are working with nutritionists who have designed diets addressing their specific needs. They are also involved with coaches and trainers who have come up with specialized regimens for them according to their sport. Still others are assisting the athletes with competitive strategies and tactics.

They do all these things because they think differently than we do.

They think like Olympic athletes. This mindset affects every aspect of their lives, so everything they do is ordered by their desire to compete as an Olympian.

In Hebrews 3:1, the writer addresses holy brothers and sisters. It’s a bit unusual to see a qualifier preceding brothers and sisters, but the writer is emphasizing

the set-apartness of the disciples. This set-apartness is further defined by the next clause as he speaks of them as those “who share in the heavenly calling.”

With this, he is telling them something fundamental about their identity and status.

He wants them to see themselves differently — because they are. More to the point, seeing themselves as having a heavenly calling should (like the Olympic athlete) shape every aspect of how they live.

But whether you were a Jewish disciple or one who lives today, the truth is we can forget who we are and get disoriented on our journey. Just as those who were headed to the land of Canaan needed to listen to God’s messenger Moses, those who share in the heavenly calling today need to “fix your thoughts on Jesus” (3:1).

The word “disoriented” has as its root the word “orient,” which is another word for “east” and refers to the practice of travelers who would use the rising of the sun to figure out where they were and where they needed to go. In much the same way, the Hebrews writer is urging disciples to look to the risen Son in order to maintain their spiritual bearings. We face the same challenge of keeping our eyes on Jesus. We are bombarded with a world of distractions; everything seems to be competing for our attention. Then there are times when we wrestle with discouragement. This can cause us to look outward and inward, rather than upward. These and a confluence of other things can lead us to look away from Christ. The result

BIBLE VERSE OF THE WEEK

is predictable: Like the disciples to whom Hebrews is written, we become disoriented. We’ve lost sight of the Son.

When we live with our eyes on Jesus, we live with an awareness of our heavenly calling. This is one of the things that seasons our discipleship. It blesses us, but it does more than that. It causes us to live lives that will influence other people and hopefully lead them to recognize Jesus as their Savior and Lord. Olympic athletes think differently, and it can lead to a gold medal; disciples think differently, and it leads to eternal glory.

Let’s never forget who we are and what that means.

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

CHURCH DIRECTORY

ANGLICAN

The Good Shepherd Anglican Church

3015 Opelika Road, Opelika

APOSTOLIC HOLINESS

God’s House of Prayers Holiness Church

301 Highland Ave., Opelika 334-749-9672

BAPTIST

Beulah Baptist Church

5500 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-705-0538

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

Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 3089 Judge Brown Rd.,

Valley 334-710-2117

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

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

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

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

Union Grove Baptist Church 4009 Lee Road 391, Opelika 334-749-0461 CHURCH OF CHRIST 10th Street Church Of Christ

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

Church Of Christ 2215 Marvyn Pkwy., Opelika 334-742-9721

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

CHURCH OF GOD

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

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

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

Father’s House Christian Fellowship 214 Morris, Ave., Opelika Southern Plains Cowboy

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

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

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

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

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

BRUCE GREEN

Teaching Minister at 10th Street Church of Christ in Opelika

WALTER ALBRITTON

RELIGION —

In the beginning my preaching was so poor that some people were going to sleep before I got halfway to the benediction. Lacking confidence, I was using a manuscript and reading my sermons. With characteristic candor, my dear wife finally said, “Why don’t you just mimeograph your sermons and hand everyone a copy after

Shouting and Singing

the offering? The people would appreciate getting out early every Sunday.”

I knew she didn’t mean for me to do that so I struggled to get rid of my manuscript. Several Sundays later I had whittled the paperwork down to five note cards. But Dean would say, “You looked at your notes too much.” And when, with mighty effort, I got down to one note card, she was still not satisfied. Finally, one Sunday I yielded to her relentless pressure and walked into the pulpit with nothing but my Bible in my hands. And I was utterly amazed to discover that I could preach without notes. It was one of the most liberating experiences of my life as a young pastor. Its greatest benefit was

allowing me to maintain eye contact with people while proclaiming the good news of Jesus.

However, a few folks, mainly old men, were still going to sleep during my sermons. Amos Brewton in Pensacola trusted me so much that he was asleep before I finished reading my scripture. One memorial moment occurred on a hot summer Sunday night before churches were airconditioned.

The sanctuary doors and windows were open so Snoozey, our little Dachshund, being outside, could hear me preaching. Our parsonage was next door. Snoozey decided to investigate and soon began walking down the middle aisle of the church, coming straight toward me. I stopped

preaching and in a loud voice shouted, “Snoozey, go home!”

Not realizing I was speaking to my dog, Tom English elbowed Amos and said loud enough to be heard, “Amos, the preacher is talking to you! Wake up!” Startled, Amos woke up and said loudly, “You got to be kidding!”

When the congregation began laughing, and finally saw Snoozey trotting up to the pulpit instead of going home, I knew it was time to tie the caboose onto my sermon so we could all go home in a good mood.

After that I decided to begin shouting and singing in my sermons now and then — and the old men stayed awake — most of the time. I am not sure how

to justify singing in a sermon but shouting is quite biblical. I began by shouting “Hallelujah!” after a major point in my sermon. After all, Handel’s Messiah has made “hallelujah” one of the most beloved words in every language.

Then I worked diligently to condense each sermon to a few words — a phrase I could shout several times, often enough that everyone would leave church with that phrase stored in their minds. One example is the phrase, “Let God Use It!” — which summed up a sermon on our need to let God use our afflictions to strengthen our faith.

All of this culminated in a decision to inject the one word, “Glory,” into my preaching, writing and conversation. The

Preserving History in Auburn

CONTRIBUTED BY THE AUBURN HERITAGE ASSOCIATION

AUBURN —

The Auburn Heritage Association will conduct two historic marker dedications in Lee County June 10. The first dedication ceremony will take place at 10:30 a.m. at Baptist Hill Cemtery on Dean Road, where the group will rededicate the historic marker.

Auburn's oldest African American cemetery was established in 1872 and was originally associated with Ebenezer Baptist

Church. Immediately after the ceremony at Baptist Hill, attendees will relocate to Pine Hill Cemetery on Armstrong Street in Auburn. There, the organization will re-dedicate the historic marker. Pine Hill was founded in 1837 by Auburn's founder, Judge

John J. Harper, and is where he is buried. In preparation for this event, both markers have been sent back to the manufacturer and have been completely refurbished. One of the Auburn Heritage Association's goals is to preserve Auburn's history and erecting historic

word “glory” covers a wide range of meanings. I use it like a trumpet call to remind us all to celebrate the glory of God especially as revealed in Jesus Christ, who is truly the glory of God. While the heavens, and all creation, unveil the glory of God, His glory was supremely revealed in the face of Jesus. For me the words “glory” and “Jesus” are synonymous, so to shout “Glory!” is to shout “Jesus!”

While the madness, evil and suffering of the world invites us to sink into despair, God invites us to rejoice and dance in His glory. So when I shout “Glory” I am saying “Yes” to God’s gracious invitation made indelibly clear in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.

Glory!

markers is one of those edicts. The group also invites the community to join them for the Historic Pine Hill Lantern Tour which is held each October. There, 1,500 luminaries light up the cemetery and characters are portrayed in what is billed as a familyfriendly event.

Baptist Hill Cemetery in Auburn is the city's oldest African American cemetery.

21900 Sen Claude Pepper Dr., Camp Hill, AL.

Every Saturday 8 to 11 a.m.

June 3 through Sept 30

Senior Benefit Card are Welcome!

Contact: Sharon Farrow-Brooks 256-749-5100

Vendors applications are available

What's Happening in Lee County

LEE/RUSSELL COUNTY LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP

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

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

FARMER'S MARKETS

• It is summer and the O Grows Farmer's Market is back — every Tuesday from 3 to 6 p.m. at 1103 Glenn St. in Opelika.

• City Market, Auburn Parks and Recreation’s farmers market, returns on Saturdays, from 8 to 11 a.m. at Town Creek Park. City Market will be held every Saturday now through Aug. 26. For more information about City Market, visit www.auburnalabama.org/parks/programs/city-market or follow @ CityMarketAuburnAL on Facebook and Instagram.

PEPPERELL BAPTIST VBS

Pepperell Baptist is having "Ready, Set, Move" Vacation Bible School June 12 through 15, 9 a.m. to noon. Parents can register their children on the Pepperell Website at www.pbcopelika.org. The Vacation Bible School will cover "Follow Jesus Here, There and Everywhere!"

COFFEE & CONVERSATION WITH VFW POST 5404

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

NAMI MEETING

NAMI East Alabama, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), will meet June 20, 2023, at 7 p.m.

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

BEAUREGARD LUNCHEON FOR OLDER ADULTS, CAREGIVERS

On Wednesday, June 28, at noon, please join us for lunch as a speaker from the Area Agency on Aging shares the ways that the senior adults in our community can be supported and helped. This kickoff for “Heart of Beauregard” — a series of community resource events — will be held at Watoola Methodist Church, 1370 Lee Rd 38, in Opelika. Charlotte Bledsoe, with the Aging and Disability Resource Center for Lee County, will explain how to access meal deliveries for the homebound, assistance with Rx payment, the senior centers in our area, homemaker programs, Alabama Cares, home cleaning aids, the Medicaid Waiver program and helps with patients staying in their own homes.

Camp Hill Marketplace Farmers Market

S S

Dixie Youth AllStars Announced

Thursday, June 1, 2023

Six OHS Boys Named to All-Area Soccer Teams

its season on May 1, six Opelika High School boys soccer players were named to All-Area teams on Friday, May 26.

In the first year in 7A, the Bulldog’s seniors paved the way. Three seniors were selected for Area 4’s First

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA —

The Opelika Dixie Youth Baseball AllStars were announced last week as the teams prepare for upcoming postseason tournaments.

All-stars for the 8U PeeWee, 9U PeeWee, 10U Minor League and 11-to-12-yearold Ozone League were voted on by the league coaches via secret ballots. The 8U team will play its State Tournament in Troy, beginning July

6. The 9U team will compete in the Rookie State Tournament in Montgomery, beginning June 22. The 10U team will play at the District 10 Tournament in Auburn, beginning June 19. The 11-to-12-year-old Ozone League team will represent Opelika in the District 10 Tour-

nament in Auburn, beginning June 19.

The teams and their coaches are listed below.

8U (COACHED BY DANNY

EARLE):

- Samuel Collier

- Deshawn David

- Wesley Earle

- Jonathan Guy

- Lucas Hayley

- Hudson Hughes

- John Michael Manasco

- Chip Nicholson

- Caden Skinner

- Austin Smith

- Timothy Webb

- Barrett Williams

9U (COACHED BY RICH -

ARD OLIVER):

- Mason Battle

- KJ Colquitt

- Rudy Garza

- Brayden Jones

- Regin Lockhart

- Paxton Margeson

- Harper Oliver

- Walker Rice

- Carter Sizemore

- Griffin Speakman

- Jacob Stovall

- David White

See SPORTS, page B2

PUBLISHER'S NOTE: D. Mark Mitchell's column will return in a few weeks. We hope to have some guest columnists while Mitchell takes some much needed time off.

defensive midfielder Nathan Faison, forward Moe Forbes and forward Dexter Graham. All three

Run it back, Plainsman Park: AU Baseball Repeat As Regional Host

BY NOAH GRIFFITH FOR THE OBSERVER

AUBURN —

In April, Auburn University baseball was sitting at 2015-1 after a series loss at the hands of the Crimson Tide, and it was looking like a rebuilding year after last year’s College World Series run.

Down 7-0 in the third inning in the rubber match after splitting the first two games with Mississippi State the next weekend, it looked like the season was going downhill at a sprint. But Auburn rallied back to win, 12-11, fueling the fire for five straight series wins to end the season and revive its playoff hopes.

Auburn ended the

season at 34-21-1, and as a No. 13 national seed, it is now set to host its second consecutive NCAA Tournament Regional for the first time in program history. The Tigers have hosted five regionals alltime in 1978, 1999, 2003, 2010 and

2022.

After winning last season’s Auburn Regional in front of a record-breaking crowd at Plainsman Park, head coach Butch Thompson is leading his club into his fifth regional bid in eight seasons as a head coach at Auburn, etching

him at second alltime program-wide in that category. “Auburn baseball to host back-toback regionals at Plainsman Park is a big, big deal," Thompson said. "A credit to our assistant coaches, all of our staff and these amazing players of breeding

some consistency in the program. Last year was pretty special here. To be able to do it again, I'm looking forward to it."

Opening the regional as the top seed, Auburn will begin play

The Auburn baseball team during the game against the Missouri Tigers at Hoover Metropolitan Complex in Hoover, Alabama, on Tuesday, May 23, during the 2023 SEC Tournament.

BY NOAH GRIFFITH FOR THE OBSERVER OPELIKA — After wrapping up

Team:

See SOCCER, page8

PHOTO

The 2022-23 varsity Opelika High School soccer team.

See BASEBALL, page B2

Historic Season for Men’s Golf Comes to a Close

Local Retirees Group Supports Grads

CONTRIBTUED BY AU ATHLETICS

AUBURN —

One of the best seasons in the 75-year history of the Auburn men’s golf program came to a close Monday as the Tigers finished 10th at the NCAA Championship hosted by Grayhawk Golf Club, shooting 18-over for the fourround period.

On Monday, Auburn matched its score from the previous day with a 282 (+2), ending the tournament six strokes back of the cutline to advance to match play. Auburn’s finish ties the third-best in program history and is the third top-10 national placement of the last five championships under head coach Nick Clinard.

“We played great,” Clinard said. “Our guys came out and hit a lot of good shots and made some really good putts early in the round. We just ran out of gas. We hit some

hard holes coming in and our putter kind of let us down. The last two days, they played some really good golf.

I’m certainly proud of what they showed this week and all season long.”

After the dust settled, the Tigers finished the year with a 278.70 team scoring average, a new school record. The previous record, 282.80, came during the 2017-18 season.

Auburn’s top individual for the tournament was none other than true freshman Reed Lotter. Lotter carded a 1-over 71 in his final round to shoot 285 (+5) for the week. He finished tied for 36th.

“I had a tough start,” Lotter said, “but I stuck to my gameplan, and thanks to Chris (Williams), I was able to help my team out these final few rounds. Obviously, we’re gutted to not make match play, but it’s only going to make us

hungrier for next year. We’re going to come out smoking and win this thing. Count on it.”

Junior J.M. Butler shot a team-best 2-under 68 to close out the championship. His card was highlighted by four birdies, including three in a row on 14, 15 and 16. Auburn found a second subpar performance from sophomore Brendan Valdes who saved his best for last, shooting 1-under 69. Valdes birdied three times and began his day by holing out from 10 fairway for eagle.

Valdes capped his breakout season with a 70.03 scoring average, smashing Michael Johnson’s (2011-16) previous record of 70.37 from 2015-16.

Auburn’s last two players, junior Carson Bacha and senior Alex Vogelsong, shot 77 (+7) and 74 (+4), respectively, in their final rounds of the season.

BASEBALL >>

FROM B1

The conference is setting the standard with eight NCAA Tournament hosts, doubling the number of teams from any other conference (ACC4), and Auburn went 17-13 in conference play and finished by taking series over Mississippi State, then-No. 2 South Carolina and then-No. 1 LSU; then it swept reigning national champion Ole Miss and Missouri. However, the other three teams in the field are a combined 0-13 against SEC competition.

Scouting the field:

Auburn’s first opponent, the Penn Quakers, got swept in an early-season series with South Carolina, but it made the Gamecocks fight for a season-opening sweep, losing by one in the final two games. It won the Ivy League Championship and dominated league play in the regular season, going 16-5. Penn ended the season on an eight-game winning streak, led by five hitters batting over .300 and Wyatt Henseler with 17 homers.

The only team in the field Auburn has seen this season is Samford, who Auburn took down 13-3 in eight innings back in April. Samford won the SoCon Tournament, winning three games in one day to notch an automatic tournament bid, but it went 0-7 against SEC opponents in 2023.

The Bulldogs won their final nine games and are led by Jayden

Davis, who is leading the team with a .363 average, 78 hits and 47 runs and senior pitcher Jacob Cravey, who is fourth in the NCAA with 121 Ks in 98.2 IP.

Perhaps a dangerous team, Southern Miss, also won its conference championship in the Sun Belt. With a 22-8 conference record, the Golden Eagles went 0-3 against SEC opponents, but beat some high-level competition. They took 3-of-4 from regional-bound Troy, stole a game from No. 7 Coastal Carolina and swept a talented No. 17 Dallas Baptist team. They are led by ace Tanner Hall, who owns a 2.23 ERA with 109 strikeouts and 30 walks in 97 IP.

The Home Team: Winning its final eight regular-season games while shutting down top-notch competition, Auburn is as hot as any team in the nation. Auburn has been able to

solidify its pitching rotation that was a struggle early in the season.

In the absence of its only returning starter from 2022, Joseph Gonzalez, graduate lefty Tommy Vail has stepped up and led the rotation with 13 starts and a 3.46 ERA, while sophomore Will Cannon, sophomore John Armstrong, junior Tanner Bauman and senior Chase Isbell have each thrown 20+ innings out of the bullpen.

Meanwhile, senior third baseman Bryson Ware is putting the nation on notice, breaking the program record for home runs with 24, which also ranks eighth in the NCAA this season. Junior shortstop Cole Foster, who had three homers and 12 RBI with six hits in last year’s regional, accompanied Ware on the SEC All-Tournament team, and the duo tallied averages of .356 and .336, respectively, with both

recording OPS over 1.0 this season.

Led by freshman Ike Irish at .364, the Tigers posted a team average of .291, good for fifth in the SEC. The Tigers are one of the most dangerous teams offensively, and they’ll have the luxury of starting a guy in center field who’s already been to two regionals and won them both: Kason Howell.

Losing eight players to the MLB Draft after last season, Auburn has been left filling in the gaps this season, but the Tigers feel comfortable in the position they are in.

"It's a big step for this program," Howell said. "It's a milestone that this program has reached, and we couldn't be more excited. This is the goal, to host regionals and for the road to Omaha to go through Auburn, Alabama, as many years as it can."

10U (COACHED BY KURT BRANCH):

- Charlie Branch

- Blaine Bryan

- Brycen Credle

- Jack Corbitt

- Tucker Greer

- Troy Hill

- Briggs Hutto

- Jaxin Johnson

- Isaiah Lyles

SPORTS >> FROM B1 on Friday, June 2, with No. 4-seed Penn (32-14). Also in the field, No. 2 Samford (36-24) will take on No. 3 Southern Miss (41-17). The Bulldogs and Golden Eagles will kick off the action at 1 p.m. CST on Friday, and Auburn will go to battle with Penn at 6 p.m.

- Noah Peoples

- Parker Risner

- Masyn Wimberly

OZONE (COACHED BY

LEVALE SPEIGNER):

- Jack Brandon

- Brock Danford

- Hunter Harrelson

- AG Henry

- Ashton Keith

- Dax McCracken

- Tate Nutter

- Weston Rice

- Grant Speigner

- Banks Tatum

- Turner Underwood

- Smitty Young

The Lee County Retirees Education Association presented three $1,000 scholarships to deserving seniors attending Beulah, Beauregard and Loachapoka high schools. Pictured is Scholarship Chairman Betty Letlow with scholarship recipient Minka Isom, of Beauregard High School, who plans to attend A&M University.

Pictured left is Loachapoka senior Ruben Duran Flores — who plans to attend Southern Union State Community College — with Patsy Jones, scholarship member.

Pictured left is Kay Spriggs, scholarship member, with Beulah senior Alyssa Drummonds, who is planning to attend Southern Union State Community College.

The Auburn men’s golf team and Aubie during the NCAA Regional Tournament at Auburn University Club in Auburn on Wednesday, May 17.

'Track'ing Down the Next Endeavor

TYKELL THOMAS

All signees with the OHS track & field coaching staff.

QUALIK HARRY

THEO HUBBARD

MIKEIL HEARD

SANAI STRINGER

AJADEN PARHAM

CHARLES HODGE Opelika High School (OHS) held a signing ceremony for seven senior track & field student-athletes Wednesday, May 24, in Bulldog Cafe at OHS. Qualik Harry, Mikeil Heard, Theo Hubbard and Sanai Stringer each committed to continue thier academic and athletic jouneys by signing with Spring Hill College. Tykell Thomas decided to continue his academic and athletic journey by signing with Belhaven University; Ajaden Parham signed with Johnson C. Smith University; and Charles Hodge signed with Multnomah University. The student-athletes were accompanied by family, OHS principal Kelli Fischer and coaches.

Beulah Graduates Bound for Greatness

'Poka Grads Press On

PHOTOS BY JOHN HILLSMAN FOR THE OBSERVER

PHOTOS BY ED SIKORA FOR THE OBSERVER

Opelika Let The Dawgs Out A Super Smiths Station Sendoff

Art Haus Showcases Student Work at OCS Superintendents Art Show

The third annual Opelika City Schools (OCS) Superintendent's Art Show took place at the Opelika Art Haus May 20 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The showcase featured artwork from OCS students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

Opelika Kiwanis Honors Student, Welcomes State Director

Opelika Kiwanis Club last week hosted Cam Ward, director of the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Parole, at Saugahatchee Country Club. The club also recognized Keely Rider, from Opelika High School, presenting her with the Edmonson Scholarship.

This past week, I watched as the yellow school buses drove by to pick up students early. As a retired teacher, I knew early dismissal on this day meant school is out and it is time for summer.

As a teacher, I had mixed feelings when school was out. My little classroom of students and their families had become my family for a whole year. I was certainly going to miss the morning greetings and hugs my students had extended to me throughout the year.

I can remember each class I taught in the many years God provided me in the classroom; I had always bonded with my students. As a teacher, when

you see the school bus pull away with waves, kisses and hugs, in my heart I remember praying, “Lord, as a teacher, I have tried to teach each student what they need to know during this past year. But the main thing I want my students to carry with them is that I love them.”

I deeply appreciate the preschools and K1 centers in Lee County inviting retired teachers and grandparents to keep reaching out to young children as volunteers in intergenerational outreach. I can remember the concerns I had for some of my students and families regarding how they would spend their summer, so that is why I want to share a “bucket list” of some ideas I have presented in the past, as

Summer Treasures

well as some new ideas to help families with young children enjoy this summer.

Our community offers so many adventures that are free or at minimal costs for families. Auburn and Opelika’s libraries offer many exciting activities for all ages. Check out their calendars online. I see on Opelika Public Library’s website that they are having a Summer Library Adventure Kickoff this Saturday, June 3, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the library’s back porch.

Our local churches are offering Vacation Bible Schools that are full of learning, fun and fellowship for your child. Vacation Bible Schools offer wonderful opportunities to meet new friends, as well as plenty of entertaining plays and programs for your child to learn valuable lessons from the Bible. Singing and acting out songs, making crafts during art time, enjoying delicious snacks and other fun, recreational activities are things you and your child will cherish forever. Check in with local churches to see when their Vacation Bible School programs are scheduled. A lot of planning and loving hearts go into offering wonderful programs to

your children.

As we know, one of the most popular parts of summer fun is to get wet. Don’t fret if you don’t live near a pool or beach; you can still have a whole lot of fun just getting wet. Children love running through sprinklers. Purchasing inexpensive wading pools and slip-and-slides provides hours of fun as well. When the weather is safe with no lightning or thunder, playing in the rain is so much fun to do in the summer. I love to see young children squeal with delight as they jump in water puddles after the rain. Going to a local pool or water park is always fun as well.

Having your children help you prepare a family picnic is another fun activity to do during the summer. We have so many beautiful parks in our community for families to enjoy “together time.”

Having a family favorite video night shown inside or outside with popcorn and favorite snacks provides hours of family entertainment.

Having a family game night by pulling out your family’s favorite board games such as Boggle, checkers, puzzles, etc., brings families together.

It is fun and simple to camp out in your backyard looking at the stars

and sky, hearing the sounds of summer and just being outdoors.

Cooking out hot dogs and S’mores is such a treat, too. And a tent can be set up inside your home if the weather does not permit you to camp outside.

I would like to share with families some more simple, bucket-list ideas that I have gleaned from moms and fun summer ideas from other resources that I truly hope will make the start of your summer a treasure.

- Make chalk drawings out on the sidewalk or driveway.

- Make sun-catchers; these can be found in dollar stores.

- Blow bubbles.

- Pick wildflowers.

- Have themed dinner nights like Pizza Monday, Chicken Thursday or Taco Tuesday.

- Set up a lemonade stand.

- Decorate bikes and trikes and have a parade.

- Go pick fresh fruit.

- Make homemade ice cream.

- Make popsicles.

- Make milkshakes.

- Help Mom and Dad wash the car, or have fun with young children going through a car wash.

- Bake cookies for friends.

- Play with glow sticks.

- Go shopping with parents at the dollar store.

- Plan scavenger hunts with different themes.

- Have a puppet show.

- Act out a child’s favorite book.

- Feed the birds and ducks when visiting a pond.

- Make a time capsule.

- Play dress-up.

- Write letters to family members.

- Play with Play-Doh.

- Watch and observe insects and different animals.

- Make a band with pots, pans and other items you have at home.

- Play school. This is a good way to learn while playing school.

- Blow wish flowers with dandelions.

- Watch the clouds and see if you can find shapes in them.

- Set up a child-friendly art center with crayons, paper, scissors and glue.

- Take walks and exercise with your children.

- Create silly holidays or celebrate special days such as this coming Friday, June 2: Donut Day.

I hope these few simple “Summer Treasures” will get you started this first week of summer 2023.

Local Moms Celebrate School's End

Auburn/Opelika Mothers of Preschoolers hosted a family cookout for moms, children and families at Pepperell Baptist Church on Saturday, May 20, 2023. The cookout concluded a year full of fellowship with themes, children being taught in the MOPPETS program, and many community outreach programs. This year was conducted under the leadership of Kaela Sexton, Rachel Elrod and the leadership team. Some summer playdates for mothers and children will take place this summer, and the new MOPS year will begin Aug. 17 with the new theme "Say Yes" to friendships with other moms of preschoolers. For more information, call Sexton at 719-351-8093 or Elrod at 706-244-5620.

SOCCER >>

FROM B1

were instrumental in Opelika’s 11-win season, said head coach Derek Hovel, and they each put up impressive showings individually.

Leading the team in goals, Forbes scored 14 time with four assists. Faison led the team in assists with 12 and added eight more goals. Finally, Graham showed out with 11 goals and five assists.

Another senior, Luke

Roberts, was among three players named to the AllArea Second Team. From the forward position, he scored seven goals and added four assists.

“The seniors have been a crucial part of this team for the past three years,” Hovel said. “Their hard work and dedication have helped our program grow in the face of many new challenges.”

Also with their first All-Area selections, junior goalkeeper Eduardo Moran and sophomore Jake Campbell were

selected to the Area 4 Second Team.

Taking big roles this season, Hovel said these players will be “key parts” of the team going forward. Moran recorded four clean sheet games, scored a goal and assisted another. Campbell scored a goal and added two assists.

The all-area picks honored the senior class and recognized what is to come for the Bulldogs, who are going forward without 10 seniors who graduated in May.

Classroom Observer Beth Pinyerd

BETH PINYERD

L labama Politics ee County & A

Thursday, June 1, 2023

Inside the Statehouse

Girls State’s Profound Effect on Current State Leaders

when I arrived in 1970. She earned her undergraduate degree and got her doctorate from the Capstone.

STEVE FLOWERS

OPINION —

The Alabama Boys State and Girls State programs have been the spawning ground for Alabama political leaders for generations. It is a marvelous civic contribution that the American Legion has sponsored for almost a century in our state.

The prominence that Boys State has played is immense. However, Girls State may very well be eclipsing the boys in this generation, given the amazing array of women who are currently leading our state.

Gov. Kay Ivey was a young high school leader growing up in Wilcox County in the early 1960s. Ivey was selected for Girls State and had a week there that left an indelible impression on her. She went on to Auburn University, where she was a student leader. For over 40 years, Ivey has come back to Girls State every year as a counselor, advisor and speaker. She is devoted to Girls State.

Dr. Cathy Johnson Randall has been one of the state’s most respected leaders for 50 years. She was the most outstanding student at the University of Alabama

Commission Discusses ARPA, Postpones Vote

In her early career years, she was an administrator at the University of Alabama. She has been a premier businesswoman, philanthropist and Tuscaloosa Civic leader in her adult life. As a teenager, Randall was a Girls Stater, to say the least. She was elected governor of Girls State. She then went on to Washington and was elected president of Girls Nation. Furthermore, her daughter Kate was elected governor of Girls State like her mother and — get this — Kate was also president of Girls Nation. Randall’s late husband and Kate’s father, Pettus Randall, was governor of Alabama Boys State. It is doubtful any family in America, much less Alabama, will ever match that family lineage.

Randall and Ivey took a young lady from Enterprise under their wings when she arrived at Girls State. That student leader was Katie Boyd Britt. Britt became governor of Girls State. She then went on to the University of Alabama and pledged Randall’s sorority, Chi Omega. Britt was elected student government president at Alabama, then married Crimson Tide football star Wesley Britt. Last year, Katie Britt was elected as our United States senator at the ripe old age of 40.

The list of Girls Staters that are current

state leaders does not end with Ivey, Britt and Randall. Supreme Court Justice Kelli Wise was a Girls Stater, as well as past Justice Lyn Stuart. Federal District Judge Anna Manasco is a Girls State alumna from around the same era as Wise. Mary Margaret Carroll from Ozark, who is one of the state’s top lobbyists, was a Girls Stater with Britt and a Chi Omega with her at Alabama. She was also SGA president at the University of Alabama.

Liz Filmore, Ivey’s chief of staff, got her start at Girls State.

Many of these women have bonded through the Girls State program, especially Ivey, Randall and Britt. They are like sisters. The fourth sister in this close-knit group is Lee Sellers of Montgomery. Sellers grew up in Montgomery and has lived there all her life. She was a prominent Girls State leader as a teenager before becoming executive director of Alabama Girls State 21 years ago. She and her husband, Supreme Court Justice Will Sellers, are some of Ivey’s closest friends.

Lee Sellers is the glue that keeps this band of Girls State alumnae together.

Sellers will more than likely bring this group of state leaders back to welcome this year’s group of teenage Girls State leaders when they arrive next week to Troy University for the 81st meeting of Alabama Girls State. There will

See FLOWERS, page B11

BY HANNAH GOLDFINGER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

LEE COUNTY —

The Lee County Commission voted Tuesday night to postpone the allocation of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and voted to approve the Lee County Broadband Expansion Grant Program and application.

The postponement came after District 5 Commissioner Richard LaGrand asked for an update on the ARPA funds and requested outside help come in and present more information before the commission.

“I understand there is some concern about the program and the fact that it might need to be tabled,” said County Administrator Holly Leverette.

While the commission did not vote for any outside help, it did vote to postpone the vote until a later date and until it could be further reviewed.

“I’d like to make that motion to table it because $4,382,000, that’s a lot of money,” LaGrand said.

The last item on the agenda did still have to do with ARPA funds, however.

The commission approved an amendment to the Loachapoka ARPA Water Infrastructure Project.

“On April 10, you all conditionally allocated up to $1,791,500 of the approved $2,899,050 allotment to Loachapoka Water Authority to carry out three eligible water projects,” Leverette said. “Two of them were generator projects and one of them was a water main project.”

Loachapoka began preparing to bid the projects

out. It was discovered, however, that the costs had gone up on the generator projects, so now the project will consist of two water main projects.

“This would be more efficient, economical and in the best interest of county to substitute these generator projects for the two additional water main improvement projects, so the county commission is respectfully requested to approve the Loachapoka ARPA Water Infrastructure Projects Allocation Amendment and delegate the authority to the chairman to sign,” Leverette said.

“… And with that, if you will approve this, all of our water projects will be allocated. And next time, I’m going to be bringing to you all the contracts for all of them so that these water authorities can actually start work.”

IN OTHER BUSINESS

- The commission recognized the Loachapoka boys track team as state champions.

- The commission recognized Communications Officer Clint Knox.

- The commission heard a proposal from an outside agency interested in working with the county on ARPA funds and how they could be used for broadband access in the county.

- The commission approved a cooperative agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation for Digital Ortho.

- The commission approved a conversion proposal from Ingenuity Inc.

- The commission approved a final report of litigations and insolvencies for the county.

- The commission approved educational reimbursement requests for the Lee County Sheriff’s Department.

- The commission heard a report on unauthorized and improper paving of Lee Road 321 and voted to remove LR321 as a county-maintained road.

- The commission approved a division of parcels C-5 and B-2.

- The commission approved the reclassification of a budgeted Projects Accountant position to an Assistant Chief Financial Officer Position for the county.

- The commission approved the Southern State Bank lockbox service agreement.

The Lee County Commission meets at 5 p.m. every month, on the second and last Monday nights of the month unless otherwise noted. Meetings are held in the commission chamber at the Lee County Courthouse

The Lee County Commission meets on the second floor of the Lee County Courthouse Annex.

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

OPINION —

The dreadful scenes — grandchildren looking up from a parking lot, long-married couples saying “goodbye” by phone, all manner of human beings dying alone. These were common sights at hospitals, homes for the elderly and anywhere people were trying to hold, kiss and say final words of love. It came about due to restrictions during the pandemic of the early 2020s.

“I’m slightly pessimistic about human nature — how close it’s possible to bond with those around you,” said Jonathan Trigell, a British novelist. “Dying alone is a deep fear for most people. I’m not

‘No One Wants to Die Alone’

Sachs-Roberts Law Allows Loved Ones Nearby

nursing home must be a fundamental right.

scared of death, but I’m scared of dying scared. Maybe everything else in life comes from those two points: the separation anxiety of childhood and the ultimate fear of dying alone.”

Russian-born actor Yul Brynner had another take: “We are born alone, we live alone, we die alone. Everything in between is a gift.”

State Sen. Garlan Gudger sponsored Senate Bill 113, concerning patient visitation. He represents District 4: the counties of Cullman, Marion and Winston.

Gov. Kay Ivey signed the bill into law in April. She explained that having the ability to visit a loved one in a hospital or

“However, all over the country during the pandemic, many family members, caregivers and even clergy were denied access to visit and provide emotional support to patients in health care facilities,” Ivey said. “Such restrictions defy the norms of a caring society, and I was pleased to sign this legislation to signal that in Alabama, we support our patients having this fundamental right.”

The legislation was called the Harold SachsAnne Roberts Act for Sachs, chief of staff of the Alabama Republican Party. It is also named for Roberts, the wife of state Sen. Dan Roberts, a Republican representing District 15. Both Sachs and Roberts died alone because under pandemic restrictions, not even a family member could be there as they fought COVID-19.

My wife and I had to endure the pandemic-mandated separations due to my having major heart surgery in February 2020. That’s right, just as COVID-19 restrictions were hitting their height. But the medical team at

East Alabama Medical Center did a flawless job. We were able to get together, with masks on and within the required physical distance.

We were granted a half-hour in the morning and a half-hour in the late afternoon before and after my triple bypass heart surgery. Yet there were people in many hospitals and nursing homes who died without the people they most loved present or endured a long wait to see them again. This is why SachsRoberts is needed so much.

“Unfortunately, Harold and Anne’s stories are not unique,” said John Wahl, chairman of the Alabama Republican Party. “We would like to thank the Sachs family for their tireless efforts, as well as the bill sponsors and the State Legislature for defending medical freedom in Alabama. As Harold Sachs always said, ‘Never be afraid to fight for what is right.’”

State Rep. Debbie Wood (R-Valley) represents the 38th District. For several years, she has pursued changes in patient visitation rights for emergencies. “When

you are in a hospital, when you are in a nursing home, you need an advocate,” Wood told a Montgomery journalist. “So many people in Alabama lost their advocate. We could no longer visit our loved ones. This would set a minimum standard for visitation.”

This law requires health care facilities to adopt certain visitation policies by providing that patients have a right to certain visitation. It also allows patients to designate an essential caregiver and to guarantee caregivers certain visitation rights. It prohibits a health care facility from adopting a visitation policy more stringent than certain employee policies.

Furthermore, it prohibits a health care facility from requiring visitors to show proof of vaccination or from prohibiting consensual physical contact between visitors and patients. On the internet, you can access Senate Bill 113 (patient visitation) or for background, AL House Bill 3. Both are on Legi-Scan.

This law is promising, brought forth by leaders such as Gudger, Wood and a highly supportive

Ivey. Since we are chastened by COVID-19, we will be better next time. Visitation rights will be discussed from the beginning, one expects. The tragic, lonely end of many Americans in the COVID-19 era will not be recompensed, but Sachs-Roberts will help future patients immensely.

As Prussian Gen. Carl von Clausewitz noted, “No plan survives the first contact of war.” But at the next public health emergency, most hospitals and health care facilities will be familiar with Sachs-Roberts. Terrible scenes — grandchildren blowing kisses from a bench, couples saying “goodbye” by phone and people dying alone will be rare. This law shows that good, transformative legislation still thrives on Goat Hill.

Greg Markley first moved to Lee County in 1996. He has master’s degrees in education and history. He taught politics as an adjunct in Georgia and Alabama. An award-winning writer in the Army and civilian life, he has contributed to The Observer for 12 years. gm.markley@ charter.net

SALUTING THE CLASS

As a community bank, we not only serve our communities, but our communities serve us. They are where we live, work, play, worship, and raise our families—where our children are educated and prepared to make their own mark in the world. Pictured here are children or grandchildren of some of our employees. Along with other area seniors, they will be graduating this spring. AuburnBank recognizes their hard work in achieving this milestone on their journey to adulthood. And for us, honoring these students is personal—the same way we do business.

GREG MARKLEY

We celebrate these seniors like they’re our very own ... because they are.

OF 2023!

Pictured from left to right: Spirit Crawford, Tallassee High; Kayla Burrell, Valley High; Aaron Streetman, Auburn High; Carlee Fuller, Benjamin Russell; Genesis Bailey, Auburn High; Cullen Kennedy, Valley High

Support Alabama’s Foster Parents in Transforming Lives

CONTRIBUTED BY NANCY BUCKNER, COMMISSIONER, ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES

OPINION —

Ask a foster parent what it is like to open their heart and their home to a child or teenager in foster care, and you may get an answer like this: “It’s not easy, but the experience is life-changing.”

That sentiment is shared by many foster parents throughout Alabama who selflessly provide safety and support to our most vulnerable children and youth. We recognize and celebrate these heroes in May as our state commemorates National Foster Care Month.

These remarkable men and women transform hardship into hope with their outpouring of patience, love and understanding. Through thick and thin, they remain committed to supporting the unique needs of young Alabamians who are in foster care through no fault of their own.

Many of these children and teenagers have endured unimaginable trauma, including abuse and neglect. Each has a different background, but all share a need for compassionate adults

BUCKNER

who want to help. In the words of an NBA legend, “All kids need is a little help, a little hope and somebody who believes in them.” Foster parents are living proof.

Their mentorship and unconditional love build confidence and selfworth in these resilient children and youth. They teach important social skills that will benefit children throughout their lives. They are unwavering believers in the potential of all God’s children, fueling hope for a bright future.

The greatest reward for foster parents comes from witnessing the transformative power of their efforts. They are fulfilled in knowing that their hard work and persistence through difficult times have positively impacted the lives of foster children. At the same time, foster parents experience their own gratifying personal

Attorney General Applauds Senate Passage of SB143

CONTRIBUTED BY THE OFFICE OF STEVE MARSHALL,

growth.

As they continue to support our most vulnerable children and youth, Alabama’s foster parents need support from you. There are many ways you can help; however, the most impactful way to support them is to join them.

With approximately 2,300 foster homes statewide, there is a great need for more families to care for Alabama’s foster children and youth, who currently number around 5,700. A particularly critical need is for more families who can foster sibling groups, children with special needs and older youth.

Please consider starting your own rewarding journey as a foster parent and make a lasting difference in a child’s life. The Department of Human Resources office in your county is an excellent source of information to help you get underway. Like so many other foster parents, the experience is sure to change your life in extraordinary ways. Visit www.dhr.alabama.gov to learn more about foster care and to find contact information for your local DHR office.

ALABAMA — Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall issued the following statement after the Senate unanimously passed SB143, sponsored by Sen. Will Barfoot.

As written, the act provides penalty enhancements for felonies committed to further the interests of any criminal enterprise, attaches a mandatory minimum

FLOWERS >>

FROM B9

probably be a future

senator or governor in attendance.

Our current governor, Ivey, is the first elected

female Republican governor of Alabama. She will not be the last female to be elected governor of our

state. In the future, my prediction is that there will be mostly female governors and presidents

sentence to the possession or use of a firearm during the commission of certain crimes, and certifies individuals aged 16 and older as adults when charged under the act.

“My office worked hand-in-hand with law enforcement to develop the Gang Prevention Act, as we continue to see the proliferation of violent street groups in too many of our communities,” Marshall said. “Gang violence is a cancer and tough sentences are the antidote. I applaud the Senate for moving forward with

this legislation and prioritizing the safety of our citizens.”

Marshall, as the chief law enforcement officer of Alabama, is leading the charge to correct deficiencies within our criminal justice system by advocating for the Alabama Gang Prevention Act and the recently passed Deputy Brad Johnson Act, dealing with correctional incentive time. In April, 162 sheriffs and chiefs of police from across the state called on the legislature to pass the Alabama Gang Prevention

in future years. It is a fact that the majority of college enrollees and graduates are female. The reason most future governors and presidents, and probably Supreme Court justices, will be women is because currently 60% of law school graduates are females, and this is expected to

grow to 70% in the next decade.

See you next week. Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Flowers may be reached at www. steveflowers.us.

ALABAMA ATTORNEY GENERAL

June 1, 2023

Lee County Insolvents - Tax Year 2022

LEE COUNTY INSOLVENTS TAX YEAR 2022

Listed below are the property tax accounts labeled as "uncollectibles". Anyone requiring Information on these accounts should contact:

Oline W. Price, ACTA

Revenue Commissioner Lee County

P.O. Box 2413

Opelika, AL 36803-2413

(334) 737-3629

PERSONAL PROPERTY INSOLVENTS:

A & J PLUMBING SERVICE .................$252.66

A&C ALL AMERICAN PAINTING LLC ..... $232.86

CENTURY PARK APARTMENTS .....$1,531.80

ABB TRUCKING .....................................$228.00

ACE INNOVATIONS LLC ......................$522.16

ADVANT HOME REPAIRS....................$226.38

AJH CONSTRUCTION LLC ...............$1,263.84

ALEISHIAUNA MORRIS........................$224.76

DUST BUSTERS .......................................$224.76

ALIEHS HAWK INC................................$247.80

ALL THE THINGS LLC..........................$283.03

ALLEY GLASS COMPANY LLC...........$283.03

ALLEYWAY CAFE THE ...................... $281.41

ALL TAYLORMADE COMMUNICATIONS.$224.76

ANDERSON & RENFROE INC.............$293.00

ANDREW LEE DESIGN LLC ................$283.03

ANISSA PAIGE..........................................$224.76

ANSHILY LLC ........................................ $385.67

ANTONIO SCOTT $...................................224.76

APG TRUCK LINES ...............................$281.41

APRIL EASTRIDGE ...............................$224.76

AQUANDOUS LAWN SERVICE ................. $226.38

ARIEL L GOODMAN............................. $281.41

ARTISTIC ILLUSIONS........................... $129.78

ARWOOD BAIT ..................................... $121.88

ASCENSION TATTOO & ART STUDIO ......$284.65

AU FITNESS LLC ...................................$281.41

AUBURN BACKYARD ENTERTAINMEN $203.26

AUBURN GUEST HOUSE LLC ...........$234.53

AUBURN HOUSE WASH ..................... $234.95

AUBURN MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY LLC........................... $286.27

AUBURN MERCHANDISE LLC...........$281.41

AUTHORITY PLUS PERMITS TRUCKING CO ...................................$232.86

AVALON PARK ASSOCIATES LP ........$124.00

B SQUARED PARTNERS LLC .............$283.03

B-EZ ENTERPRISES.............................. $224.76

BACKPACK INTERNATIONAL

CORONA RENOVATIONS....................

COVERED AND RESTORED ............... $283.03

COYOTE BENEFITS.............................. $247.80

CRAWFORD WILLIS GROUP @ EXP REALTY .........................................$287.89

CRESCOTT ENTERPRISES INC ..........$120.86

CRISPIX PHOTOGRAPHY LLC ...........$281.41

CRITICAL INSIGHTS CONSULTING LLC ............................$283.03

CROWN OF COMEDY........................... $283.03

CRYSTEN H MARTIN-CONNER .........$137.53

CULINARY CREATIONS OF AUBURN LLC .....................................$284.65

CYBERSECURITY SOLUTIONS LLC.$281.41

C3 AVIATION LLC .................................$389.20

D CANMAN .............................................$245.81

DA GRUB SPOT ......................................$229.62

DAEHUNG AMERICA INC .................. $281.41

DANNY SANDERS .................................$224.76

DAPHANIE FARLEY.............................. $224.76

DARBY PRICE ....................................... $224.76

DATA SOLUTIONS GROUP LLC .........$284.65

DAVE HOWARD .....................................$224.76

DAVID MARK SUMNER ......................$281.41

DDA PROPERTIES LLC ........................$281.41

DEAN MOORMAN ................................ $224.76

DEAN TRANSPORTATION INC ..........$323.16 DEAN TRANSPORTATION INC .......$1,381.52

DEE LAWN SERVICE............................ $229.62

DEION ANEDERSON............................ $224.76

DERMALAB............................................ $278.17

DESIGNS BY YU LLC ........................... $283.03

DEWDROPS PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY MCDANIEL LLC................................ $287.89

DIGITAL CINEMA DISTRIBUTION

COALITION LL....................................... $182.01

DIGITAL CINEMA DISTRIBUTION COALITION LL ..................................$170.73

DIRECT GENERAL INSURANCE .......$190.05

DIVINE PROPERTY RESOLUTIONS LLC........................................................ $228.00

DIZOPTICS ENTERPRISES LLC .........$281.41

DJ'S LAWN CARE & PRESSURE WASHING............................................ $242.14

DLC AUTO LLC ..................................... $281.41

DREKIAN DOWDELL............................$224.76

DRIVE BY TACOS ..................................$284.65

DTT SURVEILLANCE........................... $279.79

E & R HOLDINGS LLC ..........................$284.65

E AL ALLERGY & ASTHMA P LLC ....$185.89

E AL ENDOCRINOLOGY PC ...............$285.29

E LA CARTE INC ....................................$140.91

E LA CARTE INC ....................................$134.64

EAGLE LAWNS LLC............................. $237.28

EAST ALABAMA MONUMENT SALES ................................................... $127.38

EAST ALABAMA PODIATRY ..............$281.41

EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY .........$281.41

EFFECTIVE SIGNS LLC ....................... $283.03

EL DORADO MEXICAN RESTAURANTE INC ........................ $723.77

EL RODEO MEXICAN RESTAURANT ....................................$523.92

ELIGIAH TURPIN ...................................$224.76

ELISHA MOORE .....................................$224.76

ELITE LAWNS LLC................................ $125.76

EMANUEL BARBER .............................$224.76

EMPIRE JEWELRY................................. $279.79

ENALBERT PARRA ................................$224.76

ENCHATED CATERING COMPANY THE.................................. $283.03

ENERGY SAVERS ..................................$284.65

ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANING & RESTORATION SER ..........................$284.65

EQUIFAX INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY LLC.......................... $234.53

EQUIPMENT FINANCE STRATEGIES LLC.............................. $234.53

THE ................................ $899.13

GRATEFUL LAWNS LLC ..................... $281.41

GRAZER CO ........................................... $279.79

GRAZER SPACE PRODUCTION .........$281.41

GREATHOUSE TRADITIONS LLC .....$185.64

GREENSTREET MORTGAGE LENDERS............................................. $281.41

GREGORY W MIMS/MIMS RECYCLING.........................................$284.65

GULF STATES CAPITAL FUNDING LLC.....................................$284.65

GULF STATES FINANCIAL LLC .........$283.03

GUNSTRUCTION INC........................... $136.40

GUTSHUG LLC....................................... $279.79

GUTTER PRO LLC ..................................$281.41

H & R ENTERPRISES LLC................... $246.84

HAALAND COMPANY INC ................$126.89

HANSA INDUSTRIAL SERVICES LLC ...................................$303.34

HBH OPTOMETRY LLC........................ $281.41

HELVES GROUP LLLP .........................$805.31

HERRING ENTERPRISES LLC .........$1,728.55

HERRING REAL ESTATE..................... $300.96

HICKOK MUSIC STUDIO..................... $162.35

HOLMAN FLOORS..................................$206.48

HS PETRO INC........................................ $281.41

HTR INC ..................................................$224.76

HUFF SMITH LAW LLC........................ $127.14

HUGHES LAWN & LANDSCAPE .......$180.72

HYDRO-GREEN EROSION CONTROL LLC................................$4,434.96

HYDRO-GREEN EROSION CONTROL LLC.....................................$7,480.47

HYDRO-GREEN EROSION CONTROL LLC.....................................$6,803.79

HYDRO-GREEN EROSION CONTROL LLC ................................... $5,967.95

HYDRO-GREEN EROSION CONTROL LLC.....................................$5,006.17

HYDRO-GREEN EROSION CONTROL LLC ....................................$4,127.98

I'M THAT MOM....................................... $279.79

IE DESIGNS LLC.....................................$281.41

INFRARED DIAGNOSTICS GROUP LLC........................................ $283.03

INNER BEAUTY HAIR & MAKEUP ...$284.65

INS AND OUTS PAINTING LLC ..........$284.65

INSOMNIA COOKIES............................ $278.17

INTEGRATED SYSTEMS INC...............$117.62

INVISIBLE ELEMENTS AUTO

GLASS REPAIR....................................... $229.62

J & R TECHNOLOGIES..........................$228.00

J & T INTERNATIONAL LLC ...............$284.65

J&C ENTERPRISE LLC..........................$147.19

J&M JACKSON TRANSPORTATION LLC................,. $283.03

JACK OF ALL TRADES LLC ................$284.65

JACOB KIMBREL....................................$224.76

JADELYNN TAYLOR..............................$121.90

JALICIA RUSSELL ..................................$224.76

JAMES BROTHERS BIKES...................$376.16

JAMES BROTHERS BIKES...................$339.86

JAMES CAVALIERO................................$224.76

JAMES L CARROLL PC........................ $787.86

JASON BROWN ..................................... $249.42

JAVA LLC.................................................. $547.75

JAZMINE RODRIGUEZ ........................ $224.76

JE COMPANY LLC .................................$125.76

JEANETTE WILSON...............................$279.79

JEANNINE WEBB ..................................$279.79

JEFFREY JONES.......................................$224.76

JENARRIA DUPREE................................$279.79

JENNIFER EVETT ..................................$123.01

JENNIFER JACKSON............................. $281.41

JENNIFER WELLS ..................................$279.79

JENNINGS TRUCKING LLC ................$299.34

JEREMY EDWARDS.............................. $279.79

JERMALE SNIPES ..................................$224.76

JERMIAH PATTERSON......................... $224.76

JEROSKIE FINCH....................................$279.79

JESSICA THOMAS ..................................$279.79

JHR COMPANIES LLC........................... $281.41

LAKES AND LAND LLC....................... $283.03

LANISA MOMON................................... $224.76

LATOSSIA WASHINGTON...................

CAM INVESTMENTS............................

CAMELLIA CUSTOM HOMES LLC ...$228.00

CANDYWORKS USA INC....................

CAPPS TILE.............................................

CARI'S CLOSET ......................................$279.79

CARS EXTREAM LLC.......................... $281.41

CARTAVIOUS WASHINGTON..............$224.76

CARTRELL WASHINGTON ..................$224.76

CATINA COOPER .................................. $224.76

CENTER FOR VEIN RESTORATION .$283.03

CHAMPION INVESTMENTS LLC & CHAMPION REAL............................. $286.27

CHARLES LEWIS................................... $224.76

CHASSITY BULLARD........................... $279.79

CHECKCHASER LLC ...........................

CHERYL SPINKS ...................................

CHIZ RESTAURANTS ..........................

CHOI KIM & PARK ...............................

CHRISTIE/AIX INC.............................

CHRISTINA KLUTTZ ........................... $281.41

CHRISTOPHER KIRK

EQUIPMENT REPAINTING SERVICES INC .................................$2,132.84

EQUIPMENT REPAINTING SERVICES INC .................................$1,528.27

ERICA REESE ................................. $224.76

ERICA WILLIAMS .................................$224.76

ESCAPE ZONES AUBURN ...................$281.41

EXP REALTY- SOUTHERN BRANCH $286.27

EXPERT CLEANING CONCEPTS INC $283.03

EXPRESSIONS DESIGN

GALLERY LLC ...................................$283.03

EXTRA SPACE MANAGEMENT INC $395.83

EXTRA SPACE STORAGE INC ............$410.49

F & F ITALIAN

JILL BLAKE............................................. $279.79

JJ PETRO INC...........................................$281.41

JL & B LLC ...............................................$228.00

JOEY RAILEY.......................................... $224.76

JOHN MEADOWS JR............................. $281.41

JOHN WILSON.........................................$224.76

JOHNNY PETRINA .................................$281.41

JOINT MECHANIX LLC........................ $115.72

JOSEPH RODRIGUEZ ............................$224.76

JOSHIA BEL ...........................................$224.76

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK NA .......$4,341.82

JS CHOI LLC.............................................$283.03

JT LANIER ENTERPRISES INC ...........$228.00

JTO AUTO SPA ....................................... $281.41

JULUIS DAVIS......................................... $224.76

JUSTIN'S BARBER SHOPPE ................$247.80

K & K TAX SERVICE .............................$284.65

PAC MAIL 236......................................... $422.41

PAK MAIL @ MOORES MILL ..............$601.94

KASCO LLC..............................................$124.76

KASCO LLC..............................................$103.26

KASCO LLC..............................................$115.78

KASCO LLC..............................................$123.01

KEAHEY ENTERPRISES LLC..............$281.41

KEISHA CARLISLE................................ $224.76

KELS GOODS AND ESSENTIALS LLC...............................$304.20

KENNETH HAND PLUMBING INC ...$114.96

KENYA BROCK...................................... $224.76

KIKI'S CREATION ..................................$279.79

KIMBERLEY SMITH...............................$224.76

KIMBERLY KEY..................................... $279.79

KO & YUN LLP........................................$283.03

LAKE MEDSPA LLC THE.................... $283.03

FRESH CANTINA ........$284.65

SALSARITA'S FRESH MEXICAN GRILL................................................... $287.89

SAND PIT LLC THE................................$283.03

SANNA BROTHERS LLC DBA FRATELLI'S RISTORANTE ITALIANO ................$858.14

SASS N CLASS BOUTIQUE ................$228.00

SAYEM LLC..............................................$134.08

SB AMERICA INC ..............................$2,663.61

SCARLET & GOLD LLC........................$192.66

SCHULTE HOSPITALITY GROUP........$232.91

SCRUBBY DUBBIES............................. $207.61

SELBY ENTERPRISES LLC ................$281.41

SEMO LLC................................................$279.79

SENN MEDICINE LLC.......................... $153.86

SHELIA C'S BURGER BARN ................$725.53

SHIRT FACTOR THE.............................. $281.41

SHOP LOCAL LLC ..................................$281.41

SHOP SANCTUARY HOME LLC ........$283.03

SIMPLY CLEAN HOME SERVICES LLC ..................................$229.62

SIMS SERVICES LLC .............................$138.02

SITTING PRETTY ..................................$119.63

SLOCUMB LAW FIRM LLC ................$283.03

SMITHS STORAGE.................................$246.18

SMOKE BUDDY'S LLC......................... $333.30

SMOKE BUDDY'S LLC..........................$412.11

SNO BIZ SHAVE ICE..............................$172.35

SOPHISTICATED HAIR BUNDLES ....$226.38

SOUTHEAST MEDICAL CENTER LL $283.03

SOUTHERN & SAVORY

PAINTING INC.................................... $130.95

TAG COUNSELING AND CONSULTING SERVICE................... $284.65

TENNIBOT INC....................................... $279.79

TERESA VIGUERAS DBA UNIVERSITY DONUTS.................... $204.57

THANH SON DOAN NGUYEN.............$283.03

THE BARBER SHOP............................... $247.80

THE BELLA NOIRE STORE................. $283.03

THEMED CONCEPTS LLC .............$1,901.47

THINKITECTURE, INC......................... $305.10

THIRTY ONE SIXTEEN DIGITAL .......$283.03

THOMAS CLEANING........................... $279.79

THOMAS STREET APARTMENTS INC........................................................ $184.41

THORNTONS PRESSURE

WASHING SERVICES............................ $202.98

TIDWELLS PLUMBING AND MECH SERVICES INC........................... $252.66

TIDY AND WONDER LLC.....................$283.03

TIENDA RAMIREZ GROCERY STORE................................................... $283.03

TIFFANY'S HAIR SALON......................$247.80

TIGER IRON GYM FOR WOMEN........$284.65

TIGER LIMO............................................ $279.79

TIGER MAIDS......................................... $279.79

TIGER TOWN HOLDINGS LLC...........$283.03

TIMOTHY P ANDERSON...................... $226.38

TOMMY AMBUS.................................... $224.76

TORCH & HAMMER CONSTRUCTION LLC...................... $251.04

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF TERRY

JAMES HENDERSON, DECEASED CASE NO.: 2023-116

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT TO BE PUBLISHED BY PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE

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

TIFFANY HENDERSON

HYDE, Personal Representative

Legal Run 05/25/2023, 06/01/2023 & 06/08/2023

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF W. T. TABLE, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Case No: 2023-138

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

MYKESHIA MILES

Personal Representative

Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP

P.O. Box 2345

Opelika, AL 36803-2345

(334) 745-3504

Legal Run 05/25/2023, 06/01/2023 & 06/08/2023

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE ESTATE OF: RENA DRYER WILLIAMS, deceased.

Letters Testamentary of said deceased was granted to Larry Stephen Harrison on the 12th day of May 2023, by the Hon. Bill English, Probate Judge of Lee County. Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate that they are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Larry Stephen HarrisonExecutor Margaret A. Mayfield Attomey for the Estate

SUNGAS INC........................................ $3,058.65

SWORD & SKILLET............................... $293.68

T N T MAINTENANCE &

P.O. Box 809, Opelika, AL 36803 (334) 745-0333 Legal Run 05/25/2023, 06/01/2023 & 06/08/2023

STATE OF ALABAMA

LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT CASE NO. 2023-258 ESTATE OF RANDY LEE BRANCH, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATOR

Letters of Administration of the Estate of Randy Lee Branch, deceased having been granted to Kurt Branch this 16th day of May 2023, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by the law or the same will be barred.

Kurt Branch, Personal

Representative Jeffery A. Hilyer Attorney at Law P.O. Box 30 Opelika, AL 36803-0030

334-745-2564

Legal Run 05/25/2023, 06/01/2023 & 06/08/2023

IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION PETITION OF MIGUEL ANGEL DE LEON RAMIREZ IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

CASE NO.: 2022-715

PUBLICATION NOTICE

TO: Santos Garcia Hernandez, Address Unknown

Please take notice that a Petition for Adoption was filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama by Miguel Angel De Leon Ramirez, on December 30, 2022, for the adoption of J.L.G.G. born on November 6, 2007, in Opelika, Alabama to Johana Godinez Sales and Santos Garcia Hernandez. 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. Ben Hand, 114 North 8th Street, Opelika AL 36801 and with the Clerk of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, P.O. Box 2266, Opelika, AL 36803 as soon as possible but no later than thirty (30) days from the last day this notice is published. Dated on this the t 7•h day of May 2023.

HON. BILL ENGLISH JUDGE OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Legal Run 05/25/2023,

PUBLIC NOTICES

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE; THE ESTATE OF CHARLES JEROME TINSLEY, DECEASED TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to LaQuita Jordan Baker. as Executrix of the Estate of Charles Jerome Tinsley. deceased, on the 23rd day of March. 2023. by the Honorable Bill English.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same be barred.

LaQuita Jordan Baker. Executrix Of the Estate of Charles Jerome Tinsley. Deceased Marrell J. McNeal. Attorney at Law. PC PO Box 308 Opelika. AL 36803 334-745-7033 Legal Run 05/25/2023, 06/01/2023 & 06/08/2023

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF NICHOLAS D. DAVIS, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.: 2023-274

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Carolyn Paine Davis, on the 17thday of May, 2023, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Carolyn Paine Davis, Executor Legal Run 05/25/2023, 06/01/2023 & 06/08/2023

IN THE JUVENILE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE EMANICPATION OF NAOMI T. SMITH CASE NO. JU-2023-171.01

NOTICE OF EMANCIPATION

ACTION

TAKE NOTICE that a PETITION FOR EMANCIPATION FROM DISABILITIES OF NONAGE has been filed by N.T.S., born 09/29/2004, child of Amanda Smith and Guy Smith in the Juvenile Court of Lee County, Alabama, in Case No. JU2023 –171.01. Any interested person is hereby put on

notice of same.

DONE this 19th day of May 2023. CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Jennifer M. Chambliss Samford & Denson, LLP

P. 0. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 Attorney for the Petitioner Legal Run 05/25/23, 06/01/23 & 06/08/2023

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ANNIE FLORENCE PARADISE RAY, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO: 2023-277

Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 19th day of May, 2023, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

RENEA RAY NETTLES and JERRY FLOYD Co-Personal Representatives D. Carter Weeks Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 05/25/2023, 06/01/2023 & 06/08/2023

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM RUSSELL MOORE Case No. 2023-140 Deceased. NOLICE OF HEARING

TO: Kathryn Parker – 6359 Bells Ferry Rd, Lot 640, Acworth, GA 30102 Martha McDuffie – 600 54th Avenue East, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35404 AND ANY OTHER KNOWN OR UNKNOWN heirs of WILLIAM RUSSELL MOORE, Deceased. Notice is hereby given that a Petition to Probate the Last Will and Testament of the Estate of WILLIAM RUSSELL MOORE, deceased has been filed in the Lee County Probate Office. A Hearing has been set for the 6th day of July, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Central time, electronically via "ZOOM". Please contact the Lee Count Probate Court at 334737-3670 for access to the electronic hearing should you intend to take part in the hearing of the Petition to Probate the Last Will and Testament of the Estate

of WILLIAM RUSSELL MOORE, deceased.

Judge of Probate, Lee County, Alabama Legal Run 05/25/2023, 06/01/2023 & 06/08/2023

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF REBECCA N. BUFORD

CASE NO: 2023-252

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration having been granted to TYLER BUFORD, as Administrator of the Estate of REBECCA N. BUFORD deceased, on the 16TH day of May, 2023, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate. NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

TYLER BUFORD

Administrator of the Estate Legal Run 05/25/2023, 06/01/2023 & 06/08/2023

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF HELEN K. DOUGHERTY, DECEASED PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY CASE NO. 2023-278

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of the Estate of HELEN K. DOUGHERTY are hereby granted to Mary Katleen D. Cosgriff on the 18th day of May 2023, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama.

Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Mary Katleen D. Cosgriff

Legal Run 05/25/2023, 06/01/2023 & 06/08/2023

Opelika Self Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property belonging to those individuals listed below at the location and time indicated:

710 Columbus Parkway, Opelika AL, 36801

Friday, June 9, 2023, at 1:00pm Central.

Simon Smith, Unit 1199

Jacacia Smith, Unit 1222

Karen Shannon, Unit 1254

Karen Shannon, Unit 1256

Thomas Ray, Unit 1287

Brittany Roberson, Unit 1421

The auction will be listed and advertised on www.lockerfox.com. Purchases must be made with credit card only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction.

Opelika Self Storage may refuse any bid and rescind any

purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

Legal Run 06/01/2023

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary

Distribution

Case No: 2023-284

In the Estate of JUDITH HELEN UZZELL, Deceased

Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the Lee County Probate Office by Glenn Paul Uzzell, on May 25, 2023, pursuant to Section 43-2-690, Code of Alabama and that 30 days after the notice of publication hereof and pursuant to law the Court shall be requested to enter an Order directing Summary Distribution of the estate of said decedent.

BILL ENGLISH PROBATE JUDGE LEGAL RUN 06/01/2023

PUBLIC NOTICE OF HEARING ANNUAL ACTION PLAN PY2022

The City of Opelika announces anticipated funding under the CDBG Program Year 2022 an estimated $289,425 of Federal grant funds for activities benefiting low-to moderate income persons through housing rehousing services, neighborhood revitalization, public services, and working with community groups and non-profits. The programs and projects are funded by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Program Year begins October 1, 2023 and ends September 30, 2024.

The City of Opelika will hold a public hearing at 4:00pm on Monday, June 19, 2023 at the Municipal Meeting Room, 300 MLK Boulevard, for citizen input and questions concerning PY2023 Action Plan activities which is currently in progress. For each year of the FiveYear Consolidated Plan, an Annual Action Plan must be developed to identify programs and projects that the City intends to accomplish.

The 2023 Action Plan portion of the Consolidated Plan details the programs and projects that are proposed for funding. Supposing continued funding of present operations (with adjustments based on funding fluctuation) the below potential activities

June 1, 2023

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have been identified:

Housing Services

Emergency Home Repair - $118,178

Home Ownership - $50,000

Public Services Utility Assistance - $18,105

The Community Market - $22,320

Domestic Violence Intervention Center -$ 3,000

Rehabilitation

Opelika Main Street - $20,000

Administration - $57,900

Grant Total - $289,503

This Public Hearing will also include proposed Amendments to the CDBG

Annual Action Plan for PY2021 and CDBG-CV funding for PY2019. The proposed amendments will include reallocation of $92,934.58 from PY2021 and $10,000 from PY2019 to the PY2022 budget.

Public participation and comments are invited either in writing or in person. A draft and proposed version of the Plan is available for review at the Opelika Public Library at 1100 Glenn St., City Hall at 204 S. 7th St., or the Public Works Facility at 700 Fox Trail beginning Friday, June 9, 2023. Comments and concerns can be forwarded to the address below and must be received by the department no later than 4:00 pm on Wednesday, July 12, 2023.

Public Comment Point of Contact:

Lisa Thrift

Community Development

Administrator Planning

Department City of Opelika Public Works

700 Fox Trail Opelika, AL 36801 lthrift@ opelika-al.gov

If special accommodations are needed to participate at the hearing by persons with disabilities, please call the City’s ADA Coordinator at 334-705-2083 at least forty-eight hours in advance.

LEGAL RUN 06/01/2023

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

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IN RE: THE ESTATE OF JERRY L. SHAW, SR., DECEASED

CASE NO. 2023-289

NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS

TAKE NOTICE that Letters

Testamentary, having been granted to William Lawrence Shaw, as Executor of the Estate of Jerry L. Shaw, Jr., deceased, on the 24th day of May, 2023, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama.

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

William Lawrence Shaw

Executor of the Estate of Jerry L. Shaw, Sr., deceased Legal Run 06/01/2023, 06/08/2023 & 06/15/2023

STATE OF ALABAMA

LEE COUNTY PROBATE

COURT

CASE NO. 2023-154

ESTATE OF WILLIAM TRUMAN COLLIER, DECEASED

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATOR

Letters of Administration of the Estate of William Truman Collier, deceased having been granted to Mary D. Collier this 26th day of May 2023, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by the law or the same will be barred.

Mary D. Collier, Personal

Representative

Jeffery A. Hilyer

Attorney at Law 334-745-2564 P.O. Box 30 Opelika, AL 36803-0030 Legal Run 06/01/2023, 06/08/2023 and 06/15/2023

INVITATION TO BID

23028

Sealed bids for the construction of the Removal of Dead, Dying, or Dangerous Trees and Stumps with Tree

Pruning shall be received at the Opelika City Hall 2nd Floor Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street,

available for Veterans & Families! To learn more, call 866-475-1014 (M-F 8am6pm ET).

HEALTH/BEAUTY ATTENTION OXYGEN

THERAPY USERS! Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. FREE information kit. Call 844322-9935.

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Council of the Blind. FAST FREE PICKUP. 24-hour response. Running or not. maximum tax deduction and no emission test required! Call 24/7:

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Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., local time on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, and then publicly opened and read aloud. All interested parties are invited to attend. Only bids from competent general contractors will be considered. At the time of contract award, the successful bidder must be a properly licensed general contractor. The attention of all bidders is called to the provisions of State law governing “General Contractors” as set forth in the Ala. Code §34-8-1, et.seq. (1975) and rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. Bidders must be licensed by the Licensing Board for General Contractors when bids are submitted.

Bidders are required to have a State of Alabama General Contractor’s License with a specialty of “Highways and Streets, Clearing and Grubbing, Earthwork, Erosion, Site Work, Grading or Municipal and Utility”. All bidders must submit with their proposal, contractor’s license number and a copy of the license. State law Ala. Code §34-8-8(b) requires all bids to be rejected which do not contain the contractor’s current license number. Evidence of this license shall be documented on the outside of the sealed bid. Bids must be submitted on proposal forms furnished by the City of Opelika. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids or proposals and to waive irregularities if, in the Owners judgment, the best interests of the Owner will thereby be promoted.

A certified check or Bid Bond payable to the City of Opelika, Alabama in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000.00 must accompany the bidder's sealed proposal - refer also to Instructions to Bidders. Performance and statutory labor and material payment bonds for the full contract sum will be required of the successful bidder at the signing of the Contract. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities. Bid documents may be obtained from the City’s website at www.opelika-al. gov/Bids.aspx or from the Purchasing Department at 204 S.7th St, Opelika, Alabama 36801 at no charge. The bidder’s proposal must be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished to him/her by the City of Opelika. All information in the proposal must be completed by the bidder for the proposal to be accepted. Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, Purchasing/Revenue & Codes Director, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama, 368030390. Attn: Removal of Dead, Dying, or Dangerous Trees and Stumps with Tree Pruning LILLIE FINLEYPURCHASING/REVENUE & CODES DIRECTOR 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (36801) POST OFFICE BOX 390 (36803-0390) OPELIKA, ALABAMA

PH: (334) 705-5121 Legal Run 05/18/23, 05/25/23 & 06/01/23

INVITATION TO BID

23031

Sealed bids for the construction of the Construction of a Multi-Use Trail Along the Banks of Pepperell Branch ADECA RTP Project 22-RT-54-03 shall be received at the Opelika City Hall 2nd Floor Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., local time on June 13, 2023, and then publicly opened and read aloud. All interested parties are invited to attend. Only bids from competent general contractors will be considered. At the time of contract award, the successful bidder must be a properly licensed general contractor. The attention of all bidders is called to the provisions of State law governing “General Contractors” as set forth in the Ala. Code §34-8-1, et.seq. (1975) and rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. Bidders must be licensed by the Licensing Board for General Contractors when bids are submitted.

A PRE-BID CONFERENCE will be held at the same location as bids are to be opened at 2:00 p.m., CST on Monday, June 5, 2023, for the purpose of reviewing the project and answering Bidder’s questions.

Attendance at the Pre-Bid Conference is not mandatory, but highly recommended for all General Contractor Bidders intending to submit a Proposal and is recommended for all Subcontractors.

Bidders are required to have a State of Alabama General Contractor’s License with a specialty of “Highways and Streets, Clearing and Grubbing, Earthwork, Erosion, Site Work, Grading or Municipal and Utility”. All bidders must submit with their proposal, contractor’s license number and a copy of the license. State law Ala. Code §34-8-8(b) requires all bids to be rejected which do not contain the contractor’s current license number. Evidence of this license shall be documented on the outside of the sealed bid. All bidders shall possess all other licenses and/or permits required by applicable law, rule or regulation for the performance of the work. Bidders will also need to register with http://www. sam.gov prior to award of the contract.

Drawings and Specifications may be examined at the Office of the City Engineer located at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama, and phone number: 334-7055450. Bid documents may be obtained from the Office of the City Engineer at no charge as an electronic file if the bidder supplies a storage drive or as an email attachment or electronic drop box. Bid documents may also be obtained from the City’s website at www.opelika-al. gov/Bids.aspx. The bidder’s proposal must be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished to him/her by the City of Opelika. All information in the proposal must be completed by the bidder for the proposal to be accepted.

A Bid Bond in the amount of five (5) percent of the bid amount made payable to the City of Opelika must accompany each bid. Performance and Payment Bonds for the full contract sum will be required of the successful bidder. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities.

Contract Provisions for Federally Funded Projects. This project is funded in whole or part with ADECA grant funds. Any contract resulting from this advertisement for bids shall include the following provisions, as applicable:

This Contract is subject to the requirements of Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 2 6, Participation by Disadvantaged Business Enterprises in U. S. Department of Transportation Financial Assistance Program. The national goal for participation of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) is 10%. Responders must be registered in SAM (System of Award Management). The UEI number must be displayed on the outside of the envelope.

The City of Opelika is required to comply with the Beason-Hammon Alabama Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act, § 31-13-1 ET SEQ. of Code of Alabama 1975 (ACT NO. 2011-535), subsequently all bidders are required to submit an E-Verify affidavit stating they are enrolled in the E-Verify program and the entire memorandum of understanding on the outside of their sealed proposals. The Contractor and Subcontractors on this project must comply with contract provisions 24 CFR part 85.36(i), Nondiscrimination, Equal Employment Opportunity, Affirmative Action, Section 3 requirements, Anti-Kickback Act, Federal Occupational Safety and Health Act and Department of Labor Standards and Regulations as set forth in the Contract Bid Documents. Bids will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder. This municipality is an equal opportunity employer. Businesses owned by women or minorities are strongly encouraged to bid. Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, Purchasing/Revenue & Codes Director, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama, 368030390. Attn: Construction of a Multi-Use Trail Along the Banks of Pepperell Branch – ADECA RTP Project 22-RT-54-03

LILLIE FINLEYPURCHASING/REVENUE & CODES DIRECTOR CITY OF OPELIKA

204 SOUTH SEVENTH

STREET (36801)

POST OFFICE BOX 390

(36803-0390) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 705-5121

Legal Run 05/18/23, 05/25/23 & 06/01/23

INVITATION TO BID

23034

Sealed bids for the construction of the Vacuum

Excavation and Utility Daylighting Services shall be received at the Opelika City Hall 2nd Floor Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., local time on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, and then publicly opened and read aloud. Only bids from competent general contractors will be considered. The successful bidder must be a properly licensed general contractor. The attention of all bidders is called to the provisions of State law governing “General Contractors” as set forth in the Ala. Code §34-8-1, et. seq. (1975) and rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. Bidders must be licensed by the Licensing Board for General Contractors when bids are submitted. A State of Alabama General Contractor License is required with the Municipal Utility classification. All bidders must submit with their proposal, contractor’s license number and a copy of the license. State law Ala. Code §34-8-8(b) requires all bids to be rejected which do not contain the contractor’s current license number. Evidence of this license shall be documented on the outside of the sealed bid. All bidders shall possess all other licenses and/or permits required by applicable law, rule or regulation for the performance of the work. Specifications may be obtained from the Purchasing Department located at 204 S 7th Street, Opelika, Alabama, and phone number: 334-705-5120. Bid documents may also be downloaded from the City’s website at www.opelika-al. gov/bids.aspx. The bidder’s proposal must be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished to him by the City of Opelika. All information in the proposal must be completed by the bidder for the proposal to be accepted.

A certified check or Bid Bond payable to the City of Opelika, Alabama in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000.00 must accompany the bidder's sealed proposal - refer also to Instructions to Bidders. Performance and statutory labor and material payment bonds for the full contract sum will be required of the successful bidder at the signing of the Contract. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities.

Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, Purchasing/Revenue & Codes Director, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama, 368030390. Attn: Vacuum Excavation and Utility Daylighting Services

LILLIE FINLEYPURCHASING/REVENUE & CODES DIRECTOR CITY OF OPELIKA

204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (36801) POST OFFICE BOX 390 (36803-0390) OPELIKA, ALABAMA

PH: (334) 705-5121 Legal Run 05/18/23, 05/25/23 & 06/01/23