The Observer | June 13, 2024

BY ANITA STIEFEL AND KADIE VICK THE OBSERVER

2nd Place - Jager Pro Hog Control Systems

3rd Place - Max Fitness of Auburn

Crowd Favorite - Veterans Motorcycle Club

Tailgater’s Division

1st Place - HFC-Auburn, Nathan Baker

2nd Place - Opelika Water

3rd Place - Donald & Shannon Clayton Crowd Favorite - Opelika Police Department

LEE COUNTY — There will be several events to commemorate Juneteenth this year, starting with Auburn’s third annual celebration and a family fun day in Opelika this weekend, as well as Opelika’s Juneteenth on the Square next weekend.

Auburn’s Juneteenth Parade is set for Friday, June 14, at 6 p.m. The parade will begin at Boykin Center and end at Drake Middle School. This is a free, family-friendly event.

Auburn will celebrate Juneteenth on Saturday, June 15, beginning at 10 a.m. in Keisel Park, with a ceremony at noon. Auburn’s events are sponsored by Councilwoman Connie Fitch Taylor and the Northwest Auburn Taskforce Inc.

The Lion Tamers Social and Civic Club will host a Junteenth Family Fun Day on Sat-

urday, June 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Covington Recreation Center, located at 213 Carver Ave. in Opelika. This year’s theme is Stop the Violence, Save Our Children. Opelika’s Juneteenth on the Square celebration will be held Friday, June 21, at 5:30 p.m. at Lee County Courthouse Square. The event will include food, activities and entertainment for the community to enjoy.

“We’ll have our vendors, we have the food trucks, there’ll be live entertainment and this year we have incorporated the Juneteenth choir that will perform as well,” said Opelika Juneteenth Committee member Janataka Hughley-Holmes. “It’s just a time for us to come together as one, not one race, but as one body and in unity to commemorate the holidays.”

Committee members hope to emphasize See JUNETEENTH, page A2

The Opelika Police Department won Crowd Favorite in the Tailgater’s Division of this year’s Burger Wars on Saturday, June 8. This year’s crowd favorite, named the A.M. Bush Burger, was a spicy sausage and beef patty, strawberry pepper jam, hashbrown, fried egg and pepperjack cheese between homestyle waffles.

United Way names McCormick as community initiatives specialist

OPELIKA — Brynne McCormick has joined the United Way of Lee County as the new community initiatives specialist. She will lead the initiatives and social service programs for Lee County by serving as the liaison between the United Way and its funded partner agencies.

“We are excited to welcome Brynne to the United Way team,” said Tipi Miller, executive director of the United Way of Lee County. “Brynne’s past work with various nonprofit and her love of the community has prepared her to work with our clients and agencies.”

Brynne is a Spring 2024 graduate of Auburn Uni-

the importance of Juneteenth and ensure the holiday is treated with the celebration it deserves.

“We continue not to allow it [Juneteenth] to be watered down from generation to generation, and we continue to enlighten our children so that they’ll now know what it is,” Hughley-Holmes said. “For generations to come, we just want it to continue to be passed down because that’s part of our history.

“We don’t want this holiday to ever die down, because this is truly a significant milestone and landmark for many who were not free,” she said. “America was free at that time, but there were so many who were enslaved that

versity where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology with minors in counseling and philanthropy and nonprofit studies. She has previously interned with other nonprofit organizations in the area, including Rape

were not free. So, we continue to highlight and allow it to be this momentous occasion that we continue to embrace, we continue to share the history, and we were able to be a voice with a peaceful but powerful voice,” she said.

Officially known as Juneteenth National Independence Day, Juneteenth was signed into law as a federal holiday in the U.S. by President Joe Biden in 2021. The holiday is celebrated annually on June 19 to commemorate the end of slavery. The holiday’s name combines “June” and “nineteenth, as it was on June 19, 1865, when the Emancipation Proclamation started being enforced in the last slavery holdout, Texas.

Opelika’s Juneteenth on the Square began in 2020, in

Counselors of East Alabama and Storybook Farms. During her time interning at these two organizations, she gained experience in grant writing, event planning and communicating with donors and volunteers.

“United Way appealed to me in undergrad because of its exposure to a vast network of partnerships, opportunities and ever-increasing knowledge of relevant needs and resources in Lee County,” said McCormick. “There is something really exciting about working with an organization that prioritizes collaboration and intentionality across all aspects of its services.”

McCormick will be tasked with administering all direct assistance including, but

the wake of the George Floyd suffocation death at the hands of Minnesota police.

“We had a lot of people in the city who were unhappy about the way that things transpired,” Hughley-Holmes said. “We’re not going to be that city that riots and continues to have conflict with our law enforcement officers. We’re going to see how we can peacefully do this, as well as invite our law enforcement officers to the table so that we can all come together, and we’ll state our point of view from where we’re seeing things, but work with law enforcement agency to make sure that this does not happen in our city, and to kind of stand up so that we would know that this is unacceptable to happen.”

not limited to, the Student Health Fund, which provides funding for dental or medical bills for uninsured students; the United Way Community Fund, which provides assistance with necessary expenses (utilities, rent, car payment, etc.) during times of hardships; and Opelika Share, which assists qualified elderly and disabled individuals with payment on an Opelika Power Services Bill.

“I have quickly discovered that United Way of Lee County is expanding its capacity to serve through the creation of new projects and partnerships,” McCormick said. “I am very eager to jump on board and help develop these exciting initiatives while maintaining established relationships with

our agencies. I believe I bring new perspective to the team, and I cannot wait to put it into action.”

ABOUT UNITED WAY:

The United Way of Lee County is a nonprofit organization in Opelika whose mission is to increase the organized capacity of people to care for one another by generating and applying the necessary resources to meet the needs of the community. They look to improve and strengthen the community by focusing on and funding organizations and programs working in four key impact areas, areas they believe are the building blocks for a good life: education, health, crisis, and families and communities.

BRYNNE MCCORMICK

JUNETEENTH

After 50 years in business, Opelika’s Western Sizzlin’ closes doors

BY ANITA STIEFEL ANITAS@OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA — It was in 1974 that the J. Harvey Hill family opened Opelika’s Western Sizzlin’ and 50 years later the restaurant has closed its doors for good.

Operations Director James Cooper said he and owner Jimmy Hill decided it was time to retire.

“About a year and a half to two years ago, we came to the understanding that we needed to quit putting money into the building,” Cooper said. “It was old and just not worth it. So then we needed to decide whether to build a new building or just close. If you’re going to invest that kind of money, you have to also invest the time. He’s 70 and I’m turning 64 this month, so we decided we didn’t want to put in that time.

“It’s tough to be in the restaurant business, but to keep working 70 hours a week is just too much,” he said. “I’m ready to ‘go do

James’ — I’m ready to do stuff for me.”

Cooper was raised an “Army brat” and his father retired while serving at then-Ft. Benning. The family put down roots in Columbus while Cooper was in high school, and he started his career with Western Sizzlin’ on Victory Drive when he was 15 years old, rolling potatoes in aluminum foil and slicing French fries.

Cooper worked his way up through the years and eventually served as director of operations for all 10 of the Hill family’s Western Sizzlin’ restaurants.

“I did that for about 10 years, and then I’ve been back running Opelika for about the past 12 years,” he said.

He and his wife Christie have four grown children, including one in Birmingham, one in Atlanta and two in Opelika. They are looking forward to being able to spend more time with their six grandchildren, including

two girls and four boys, and have plans to take them to Disney World.

“I went to a travel basketball tournament with my grandson last weekend, and that’s something I haven’t been able to do,” Cooper said. “And, for example, when I go to Atlanta to see my granddaughter, I don’t have to rush back after a couple of hours to get back to work — I can take my time and visit.”

Cooper said closing Opelika’s Western Sizzlin’ is bittersweet, and most of all he will miss seeing his customers regularly.

“Me and Jimmy Hill feel like we are the blessed ones, because this restaurant has taken care of our families,” he said. “The relationships we’ve built with the community was worth it. It’s more than just serving food — we’ve had the pleasure of getting to know all these nice people, and I mean they are some of the nicest. When things get rough, they’re always there for you. Most of

my memories are good ones. The good outweighs the bad every day.

“There are so many really good people in Opelika, and I had the opportunity to work with some of the best,” he said. “There’s Sadie Floyd, who was one of the best

managers ever, and Allen Ramsey, who was so tough he flipped steaks with his fingers. There’s Valerie Baker — you know, she worked 40 years for Western Sizzlin’ and I had to be the one to tell her we were closing.”

He said there are far too

many past employees and customers to mention here, but he will miss every single one of them.

“I want people to know how much we appreciate our customers,” Cooper said.

“We love them and appreciate all they did for us.”

WoodmenLife representative earns professional honor

CONTRIBUTED BY WOODMENLIFE

AUBURN — Farris Bondurant, a sales representative of WoodmenLife for the area, has qualified for membership in the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), the premier association of financial professionals. Members qualify annually based on placing more than $1 million in life

insurance protection in their communities for the previous year.

Founded in 1927, the MDRT is a global, independent association of more than 62,000 of the world’s leading life insurance and financial services professionals from more than 500 companies in 69 nations and territories. MDRT members demonstrate

exceptional professional knowledge, strict ethical conduct and outstanding client service. MDRT membership is recognized internationally as the standard of excellence in the life insurance and financial services business.

Bondurant has been a WoodmenLife Representative for 26 years. His office is located at 1147 Opelika Road

Suite C in Auburn. For more information about MDRT or WoodmenLife, contact Bondurant at (334) 821-5050.

ABOUT WOODMENLIFE

WoodmenLife was founded in 1890 as a not-for-profit. The organization gives back to its members across the country, who join together in a shared commitment to family, community and country. With a legacy of financial stability, WoodmenLife offers quality life insurance and retirement products. A person becomes a member when they purchase a WoodmenLife product. Members have access to many extras they can use now. To learn more about the organization, visit newsroom.WoodmenLife.org.

The Taylor downtown now pre-leasing for fall occupancy

CONTRIBUTED BY AREY GROUP

OPELIKA — The Taylor, the first luxury multifamily development in Opelika’s historic downtown, is officially open for pre-leasing. The opening date is currently projected for Q3 2024.

The desirable location in the heart of the historic downtown will offer a sophisticated living option for residents who prefer a walkable community at their front door. Located at 411 South 10th Street, there will be 198 one, two and three bedroom units available with pricing starting at $1,250.

“We are extremely excited to welcome the Taylor apartments to downtown Opelika,” said Elizabeth Boyle, manager at CoLab, CoWorking Concept, located downtown. “At CoLab, our priority is growing a community-centered lifestyle that enhances the balance between work and home life. Introducing

more residential choices in our charming downtown area is crucial for further nurturing Opelika’s community growth and ingenuity. Opelika is a home for those rich in creativity, ideas and warm spirits who lead their lives with a lot of heart and boldness, individually and as a collective unit. The Taylor will help foster even more of this spirit, and help Opelika continue to be the best it’s ever been with each new day and each new development.”

Travis Griffith of AREY Group explained, “As a team who lives and works in small town communities, we have been very intentional in our construction ensuring we monitor preservation at the intersection of growth. With Opelika, we are very pleased with the real demand for a modern multi-family option that retains the feel of an adaptive reuse building. We are looking forward to making the market demand a reality very soon.”

The buildings are inspired by adaptive reuse and are being brought to life by Architect Geheber Lewis Associates and interior design firm Focus Design Interiors.

The comprehensive suite of amenity spaces is thoughtfully designed to cater to the modern resident’s needs for comfort, privacy, and a vibrant sense of community. The entertainment area provides a welcoming space for residents to host gatherings, fostering a sense of community and connection. Residents can prioritize their well-being with access to a cutting-edge fitness facility featuring the latest equipment, and each unit offers modern, upgraded finishes. Stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, and rich black and wood tone accents create a stylish and sophisticated living space.

“The design inspiration for The Taylor came from Opelika’s rich history of the

land and community that surrounds it,” according to a press release from Lauren Lee & Reagan Kelshaw of Focus Design Interiors.

“With that in mind, we wanted potential residents to walk in and feel as though it was something old made anew. Drawing inspiration from the railroad system, an integral part of Opelika’s history, we included subtle nods to trains in our design with artwork, wood details and iron features. The Taylor was ultimately designed to feel classic and timeless with modern elements. We look forward to seeing our design come to life and become part of the Opelika community and history.”

The Taylor is being developed by AREY Group, which specializes in lifestyle-rich, mixed-use developments, managing over 2,000 multifamily units throughout the Southeast.

For more information on leasing visit TheTayloratOpelika.com

ABOUT AREY GROUP: AREY Group (formerly Argus Eyed Partners and Sierra Property Management) is a fully integrated real estate platform inclusive of development, acquisition, asset management, and property management services. Meaningful partnership and developments to date include Atrium Health Navicent, Hamilton Medical Center, Mercer University and Central Georgia

Technical College. With over 2 million square feet completed on institutional campuses, AREY Group has proudly propelled economic growth for institutions, allowing them to make a generational impact in their respective communities. AREY Group also develops and manages over 2000 multifamily units throughout the Southeast. For more information on AREY Group and its upcoming projects visit AREYGroup.com.

The Taylor, which offers luxury apartments located in historic downtown Opelika, is pre-leasing for fall occupancy.

The Western Sizzlin’ at 920 Columbus Parkway now sits vacant after feeding generations of families over the past 50 years.

Burger competition heats up downtown Opelika

Community Champions honored at Midsummer Market

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA — At last weekend’s Midsummer Market, held at Heritage House in Opelika, business owners Valarie Canady and Dani Nelson honored fellow citizens with the second annual Community Champion Awards.

This year the awards focused on veterans who have brought their training and commitment to country to Opelika, “individuals whose volunteer efforts transcended just a thank you,” according to a press release. The following honorees were provided lunch and special gifts in gratitude for their contributions to the community.

Joseph Murray: Growth/ Development Coordinator of Ways2Serve, creator of the Grow Academy, firefighter/ paramedic for Valley Fire Department

Tom Tippett: Executive Director of Envision Opelika, President of Christian Care Ministries, member of Lee County Ministers Alliance, Opelika Character Council, One Voice Shelter Group on

Homelessness, Lee County Leadership Forum

Tiffany Gibson: Founder and Director of Girl

S.T.E.P.S Inc., Executive Board Member for Georgia School Counselor Association, member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Social & Emotional Learning Coordinator for Troup County Schools

Betsy & Mike Akins: Betsy is Project Leader of Caroline Dean Wildflower Trail; Mike is Acting Coordinator of Creekline Trails of Opelika. Honored for their mutual contributions in Opelika trail and environmental volunteer projects

Janataka Holmes: Creator/ Producer of Glow for Epilepsy, organizer Opelika Juneteenth Celebration, Opelika Chamber 20 Under 40 Board, Clubhouse Director of Boys & Girls Club

Sarah Barnett Gill: Honored for organizing over 500 donated meals on Thanksgiving of 2023, Host of the Little Free Food Pantry, donations as Mamma Mocha to many community volunteer events.

Auburn Chamber promotes Katie Murray to director, programs & events

CONTRIBUTED BY AUBURN CHAMBER

AUBURN — Ka -

tie Murray has been promoted to director of programs and events for the Auburn Chamber of Commerce following her graduation from the Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Murray received

the recognition of IOM, awarded after completing 96 hours of course instruction in nonprofit management. Since 1921, the Institute program has educated thousands of association, chamber and other nonprofit leaders on building stronger organizations, better serving their members and becoming strong business advocates.

Murray began her journey at the Auburn

Chamber in 2013, serving as resource specialist. She has served on the board of Leadership Lee County, Storybrook Farm junior board and as a United Way of Lee County loan executive.

Prior to returning to the Chamber in 2021 to lead the Auburn Young Professionals program, Murray worked for AuburnBank in the loan department.

“Katie is a fantastic member of the Auburn

Chamber team, and I am excited to celebrate her accomplishment of earning the IOM designation,” said Anna Hovey, President and CEO of the Auburn Chamber.

“In addition to Katie’s skill set and many abilities, her appreciation for serving our community is a valuable component of her work. I am thankful to have her take the lead in the chamber’s programs and events and know she will elevate

our programming in the same fashion she has elevated our young professionals program over the last three years.” Katie is a graduate of Auburn High School and Auburn University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication and a minor in business.

“I am excited to work hard to develop new and existing programs and events to serve our members’ growing needs,” Murray said.

Ribbon cuttings celebrated by Auburn, Opelika Chambers

KATIE MURRAY

L labama Politics ee County & A

Thursday, June 13, 2024

Inside the State House

Although Lottery Vote Failed, 2024

Legislative Session Successful

OPINION —

Even though the will of most Alabama voters was thwarted by a minority of Republican Legislators disallowing their constituents the right to vote on a lottery, the session was a success. The legislature was thrown a myriad of major issues and they dealt with them in quick order. The paramount factor in any session is whether the two budgets are passed and passed prudently. They were and they are prudent. Ever since Republicans took the majority in the Alabama House and Senate in 2016, our state budgets have been sound, balanced and fiscally responsible.

There is an old tried and true maxim that it is more difficult to craft a budget when there is a surplus than when there is a shortage or lack of funds. This truism has been at play for the last three years. There has been a tremendous amount of money flowing into the state coffers for budgeting. Excess COVID federal money, along with rampant inflation, have given Budget Chairmen, Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur), Rep. Danny Garnett (R-Trussville), Sen. Greg Albritton (R- Poarch Creek), and Rep. Rex Reynolds (R-Huntsville), a flush hand to deal with. They have done a good job of delving out the money wisely and prudently. They have set aside monies for rainy days in the future because what goes up will come down.

The first major issue to

come up was the so called, “School Choice Bill.” This is a very popular political topic among Republicans. A good many Republican states have accepted this measure, and our super majority Republican legislature did not want to be left out. The new law sailed through both chambers of the legislature swiftly and easily.

All this law does is take education dollars from public school districts and give tax breaks to well heeled parents to send their children to private schools. Privately most mainstream and majority of Republican legislators held their noses and voted for this even though they were not totally sold on it. Many told me this was a tougher vote than voting “yes” to their Constituents being allowed to vote on a lottery.

Understandably, Republican legislators who hail from excellent public schools like Vestavia, Auburn, Enterprise, all North Alabama, including Huntsville, Madison, Athens, and Decatur, are being asked to steer money away from their proud public school system to folks in Montgomery to send their children to private school.

The most significant legislative package passed was the “Working for Alabama” laws. These job-creating and futuristic economic development initiatives were all passed expeditiously. They were introduced halfway through the session, and Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter and Senate President Pro Tem Greg Reed did a yeoman’s job of shepherding them towards passage.

These workforce bills were truly a bipartisan effort spearheaded by the Business Council of Alabama. The photos of the introductory rollout of the bills included both the Republican leadership and the Democratic leadership. In the photo were BCA

Head Helena Duncan, Gov. Kay Ivey, Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, President Pro Tem Greg Reed, Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton and House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels.

The bills included a tax credit program to help remedy a shortage of quality affordable childcare that makes it harder for single mothers to work or return to work. The bill authorizes tax credits for employers who invest in childcare centers for their employees. Another part of this initiative creates an Alabama Workforce Housing Tax Credit. These credits are intended to be incentives for developers to build housing that offer rent that would be affordable for people entering or returning to the workforce.

Ainsworth led a commission that developed many of these ideas, and House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter appointed a labor shortage study group. Ainsworth’s and Ledbetter’s collaboration worked well to accomplish passage of this important legislation.

The Education Budget was the largest in state history. It provides a 2% raise for education employees across the board and makes the starting pay for teachers more than $46,000, which is the highest starting salary in the region.

The General Fund Budget is also a record high. It gives a 2% cost of living raise to all state workers. Under Alabama State Employees Association Executive Director Mac McArthur’s watch, state employees have garnered a COLA raise six out of the last seven years. See you next week.

Steve Flowers’ weekly column appears in more than 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. steve@ steveflowers.us.

Lee County Commission discusses paving roads

BY HANNAH GOLDFINGER HGOLDFINGER@OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

LEE COUNTY — During the Lee County Commission Monday night, District 1 Commissioner Doug Cannon asked the commission to consider a discussion on earmarking funds for dirt road paving in the county.

“In 2010, the commission voted to suspend dirt road paving until they recovered sufficiently to provide adequate resources to resume paving for all the dirt roads in all five districts,” Cannon said. He said he would like the commission to earmark some funds to resume this paving. Probate Judge Bill English asked how Cannon foresaw earmarking funds.

“I’m all for earmarking money but it needs to be above and beyond, not one dime taking away from the Highway Department,” said District 2 Commissioner Ross Morris.

Cannon said that he wants to see the taxpayers receive more back for their money — specifically road paving. District 3 Commissioner Gary Long also suggested earmarking funds for road maintenance.

County Administrator Holly Leverette said that the funding is in a better place than expected. The funding that could be used for this currently all goes into the general fund budget and is not specifically allocated.

Guest column

The commissioners asked the county employees to look into a budget breakdown so they could see where the earmarked funds could come from.

Cannon said he wasn’t saying paving needed to begin immediately but to just earmark funds for the future.

The commissioner set a work session on June 24 to discuss the issue further.

Other Business:

- The commission heard the first reading for two openings on the East Alabama Healthcare Authority Board.

- The commission heard the first reading for two openings on the Lee County Emergency Communications District Board.

- The commission rejected a bid for one or more interview room systems for the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, on the sheriff’s request, so that the bid could be redefined.

- The commission approved the Auburn-Opelika MPO Project Resolution.

- The commission rescinded the ARPA Broadband Grant Award and reissued the project application after a discussion on the broadband situation in Loachapoka. Read more on this situation here:

- The commission approved building and grounds maintenance position changes.

- The commission approved the result of a bid for a 2024 Chevrolet 2500 with service body8 for Jerry Lynch and rejected a second for the 2024 Chevrolet 2500 with 8 foot bed.

The most popular veterans benefits do not expire

BY PAUL R. LAWRENCE

OPINION —

While some people may think that the veterans benefits they have earned from military service could evaporate or disappear, this is inaccurate. The most popular veteran benefits have no expiration date. You can apply at any point and are not timebound.

The three most popular veterans benefits are: disability compensation, home loan guaranty and education/G.I. Bill.

For these benefits, there are important dates to remember. If you miss those dates, you may be inconvenienced, but these benefits are still available, providing you qualify.

Disability compensation is a tax-free monthly payment based on an injury or disability that occurred during service.

A Veteran completes an application, referred to as a claim. Accompanying this claim is information about their service and medical conditions. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) evaluates the claim and grants or denies benefits.

A disability compensation claim can be filed as early as 180 days prior to completion of active duty and throughout the remainder of a Veteran’s life. In short, there is no expiration date for disability compensation.

Many Veterans file multiple claims throughout their lives as

new conditions are identified or previously identified conditions worsen. This is called a claim for an increase. There is no limit on how often this can be done.

There are two important dates to keep in mind relative to disability compensation. The first concerns the Intent to File. In advance of actually applying for disability compensation, you can complete an Intent to File form. This tells the VA you will file in the next year and preserves the effective day (i.e., the date on which benefits will begin).

For example, a Veteran completes an Intent to File form establishing February 1, 2024, as his/her effective date. After collecting all the needed information and forms, benefits are granted on December 1, 2024. The first payment would include a retroactive payment reflecting the intent to file date of February 1.

If your service ended prior to January 1, 2013, you still could qualify for the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill or the Montgomery G.I. Bill for active duty or reservists. Each of these has an expiration date, so check those dates carefully at VA.gov. Veterans benefits are an important part of the rewards for military service and you can apply at VA.gov. The best time to learn about your benefits is well before applying for them. But remember, it’s never too late to start, and some of the most popular veterans benefits never expire.

Paul R. Lawrence, Ph.D., served as Under Secretary for Benefits at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs from May 2018 to January 2021. He is the author of “Veterans Benefits for You: Get what You Deserve,” published in 2023.

You can get assistance with your VA claim for no cost from an accredited representative like your county veterans service officer, or an accredited veterans service organization, such as the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, or the VFW. Home Loan Guaranty allows Veterans to purchase a home with no money down. This is a tremendous advantage over our civilian counterparts, who must save for a down payment prior to purchasing a home. Subject to restrictions, this can even be used to purchase a mobile home or farm residence. There is no time restriction on this benefit. It can be used repeatedly by Veterans as they move and purchase new homes. Education/G.I. Bill benefits are significant for veterans. Serve for three years and you can earn four years of free college. It can also be used for high-tech apprenticeships, advanced Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math training, and credentials and certificates. In 2017, a new law, often known as the Forever G.I. Bill, was introduced. If your service ended on or after January 1, 2013, this benefit will never expire.

BY STEVE FLOWERS

IN THE PROABTE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF TIMOTHY JAMES PERRY, DECEASED CASE NO.: 2024-267 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of the Estate of Timothy James Perry, deceased, having been granted to HARDENA RENEE JACKSON TODD on May 20, 2024, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama. Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Hardena Renee Jackson Todd Legal Run 05/30/2024, 06/06/2024 & 06/13/2024

ADVERTISEMENT FOR COMPLETION LEGAL NOTICE

In accordance with Chapter I, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, notice is hereby given that Whatley Construction LLC, Contractor, has completed the contract for New Lab Building for the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries 991 Wire Road ,Auburn--’, AL 36832 for the State of Alabama and Montgomery County, Montgomery, AL 36832. Owner(s), and have made request for final settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify Barganier Davis Williams Architects Associated, (architect/engineer) at 624 South McDonough Street, Montgomery, AL 36104. Whatley Construction, LLC, contractor PO Box 137 Opelika, AL 36803

NOTE: This notice must be run once a week for four successive weeks for projects exceeding $50,000.00. For projects of $50,000.00 or less, run one time only. A copy of the publisher’s affidavit of publication (including a copy of the advertisement) shall be submitted by the Contractor to the Design Professional for inclusion with DCM Form B-13: Final Payment Checklist for state agencies, PSCAfunded and other bond-funded projects.

Legal Run 05/23/24, 05/30/24, 06/06/24 & 06/13/24

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CYNTHIA WELBORN, in her individual capacity and as Personal representative of the Estate of Robert Earl Shorter, deceased, Plaintiff, v. CV-2024-900159

Beginning at a point on the Southeast side of Avenue C, 200 feet Southwest of the South corner of the intersection of Avenue C and South 4th street, thence Southeast at right angles to Avenue C, 250 feet, thence Southwest parallel with Avenue C, 50 feet; thence Northwest at right angles to Avenue C, 50 feet to the point of beginning, said lot or parcel land being in the City of Opelika, County of Lee and State of Alabama, and being a part of Block M of the Foreman survey of Byrd Lands in said City of Opelika, and Audrey J. Hayden, Joseph N. Shorter, III, Clarence Shorter, Lena Pearl Coleman, Emdward Haynes, Ronald Welborn, Connie Price, Linda Faye Edmond, Cynthia Diane Thomas, Cynthia Johnson, Mary J. Bullock, Betty Bentley, Stanley Shorter, Melvina Shorter Ponzio, Tonya Shorter, and Unknown Heirs of Marion Felton, Unknown Heirs of Lena Shorter, Unknown Heirs of Ethel Ingram, Unknown Heirs of Joseph N. Shorter, Unknown Heirs of Elizabeth Shorter Thomas, Unknown Heirs of Carolyn Shorter Welborn, Unknown Heirs of Robert Earl Shorter, Unknown Heirs of William Shorter, Unknown Heirs of Melvin Shorter, Unknown Heirs of Willa J. Taylor, Unknown Heirs of Curtis Shorter, Unknown Heirs of Andrea Welborn, Unknown Heirs of Alfreda Welborn, Unknown Heirs of Eunice Welborn, Unknown Heirs of William Thomas, and Unknown persons who may claim an

interest in said property whose identities are unknown and who cannot by reasonable diligence be ascertained, : Defendants. NOTICE OF ACTION To: All Defendants herein, whose whereabouts are unknown, and which cannot be ascertained after the exercise of reasonable diligence.

You are hereby notified that on the 8th day of April 2024 a Bill to Quiet Title and Complaint to Sell for Division was filed in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama, regarding the following described real property: Beginning at a point on the Southeast side of Avenue C, 200 feet Southwest of the South corner of the intersection of Avenue C and South 4th street, thence Southeast at right angles to Avenue C, 250 feet, thence South west parallel with Avenue C, 50 feet; thence Northwest at right angles to Avenue C, 50 feet to the point of beginning, said lot or parcel of land being in the City of Opelika, County of Lee and State of Alabama, and being a part of Block M of the Foreman Survey of Byrd Lands in said City of Opelika. All persons having an interest in said lands or any portion thereof, claiming any title thereto or any encumbrance or lien thereon, are hereby directed to plead, answer, or otherwise respond to the Complaint on or before the expiration of 30 days after the last publication of this notice, or thereafter suffer judgment by default to be rendered against them it being intended that this notice shall be used to perfect service against all parties who cannot be personally served with a copy of the Complaint. Done this the 23rd day of May 2024. Mary Roberson Circuit Court Clerk, Lee County Benjamin H. Parr 830 Avenue A, Suite A Opelika, Alabama 36801 Telephone Number: 334-749-6999 Fax: 334-203-1875 ben@benparrlaw.com Legal Run 05/30/24, 06/06/24, 06/13/24 & 06/20/24

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF HUGH RONALD JONES, Deceased. CASE NO. 2024-281

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of the Estate of HUGH RONALD JONES are hereby granted to Linda Fay-Howard Jones a/k/a Linda Fay Jones as Personal Representative on the 16th day of May 2024, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama. Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Linda Fay Jones Legal Run 05/30/24, 06/06/24 & 06/13/24

LEGAL NOTICE In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, notice is hereby given that, Matthes Parker LLC, Contractor, has completed the Contract for Construction of the Auburn University Project: 23-290. Moore Field and Softball Complex - Outfield Fan Deck, Left Field AU, at Jane B Moore Field 795 W Samford Ave, Auburn, AL 36832 and Plainsman Park 351 S Donahue Dr, Auburn, AL 36849 for the State of Alabama and Lee County and City of Auburn, Owner(s), and have made request for final settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify (Architect) Cooke Douglass Farr Lemons Architects + Engineers PA. 3221 Old Canton Rd, Suite 200. Jackson, MS 39216 Matthes Parker LLC (Contractor) 2044 S College St. Auburn, AL, 36832 NOTE: This notice must be run once a week for four successive weeks for projects exceeding $50,000.00. For projects of $50,000.00 or less, run one time only.A copy of the publisher’s affidavit of publication (including a copy of the advertisement) shall be submitted by the Contractor to the Design Professional for inclusion with DCM Form B-13: Final Payment Checklist for state agencies, PSCAfunded and other bond-funded projects.

Legal Run 05/30/24, 06/06/24, 06/13/24 & 06/20/24

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY,

PUBLIC NOTICES

ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM R. CREW, III. DECEASED CASE NO. PC-2023-574

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 16TH day of November, 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 law or the same will be barred.

PATSY CREW

Legal Run 05/30/2024, 06/06/2024 & 06/13/2024

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF SYLVIA DENISE JACKSON, DECEASED CASE NO. 2024-270

NOTICE TO CREDITOR

TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Testamentary have been granted to Donald Paul Jackson as Executor for the Estate of Sylvia Denise Jackson, deceased on May 24, 2024, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Done this the 24th day of May, 2024.

Bill English, Probate Judge Lee County, Alabama Legal Run 05/30/24, 06/06/24 & 06/13/24

INVITATION TO BID

24026 Sealed bids for the construction of the North 8th Street and 1st Ave Sidewalk Upgrades 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 25, 2024, and then publicly opened and read aloud. All interested parties are invited to attend. Only bids from competent general contractors will be considered. At the time of contract award, the successful bidder must be a properly licensed general contractor. The attention of all bidders is called to the provisions of State law governing “General Contractors” as set forth in the Ala. Code §34-8-1, et.seq. (1975) and rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto.

Bidders must be licensed by the Licensing Board for General Contractors when bids are submitted.

Bidders are required to have a State of Alabama General Contractor’s License with a specialty of “Highways and Streets, Clearing and Grubbing, Earthwork, Erosion, Site Work, Grading or Municipal and Utility”. All bidders must submit with their proposal, contractor’s license number and a copy of the license. State law Ala. Code §34-8-8(b) requires all bids to be rejected which do not contain the contractor’s current license number. Evidence of this license shall be documented on the outside of the sealed bid.

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

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

A Bid Bond in the amount of five (5) percent of the bid amount made payable to the City of Opelika must accompany each bid. Performance and Payment Bonds for the full contract sum will be required of the successful bidder. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities. Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, Purchasing-Revenue Manager, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama,

36803-0390. Attn: North 8th Street and 1st Ave Sidewalk Upgrades LILLIE FINLEYPURCHASING REVENUE MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA

204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (36801)

POST OFFICE BOX 390 (36803-0390) OPELIKA, ALABAMA

PH: (334) 705-5120

Legal Run 06/6/24, 06/13/24 & 06/20/24

INVITATION TO BID

24025

Sealed bids for the construction of the Blackhawk Drive Culvert Replacement shall be received at the Opelika City Hall 2nd Floor Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 pm, local time on June 25, 2024, and then publicly opened and read aloud. All interested parties are invited to attend. Only bids from competent general contractors will be considered. At the time of contract award, the successful bidder must be a properly licensed general contractor. The attention of all bidders is called to the provisions of State law governing “General Contractors” as set forth in the Ala. Code §34-8-1, et.seq. (1975) and rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto.

Bidders must be licensed by the Licensing Board for General Contractors when bids are submitted.

Bidders are required to have a State of Alabama General Contractor’s License with a specialty of “Highways and Streets, Clearing and Grubbing, Earthwork, Erosion, Site Work, Grading or Municipal and Utility”. All bidders must submit with their proposal, contractor’s license number and a copy of the license. State law Ala. Code §34-8-8(b) requires all bids to be rejected which do not contain the contractor’s current license number. Evidence of this license shall be documented on the outside of the sealed bid.

All bidders shall possess all other licenses and/or permits required by applicable law, rule or regulation for the performance of the work. Drawings and Specifications may be examined at the Office of the City Engineer located at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama, and phone number: 334-705-5450. Bid documents may be obtained from the Office of the City Engineer at no charge as an electronic file if the bidder supplies a storage drive or as an email attachment or electronic drop box. Drawings and Specifications 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/her by the City of Opelika. All information in the proposal must be completed by the bidder for the proposal to be accepted.

A Bid Bond in the amount of five (5) percent of the bid amount made payable to the City of Opelika must accompany each bid. Performance and Payment Bonds for the full contract sum will be required of the successful bidder. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities. Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, Purchasing-Revenue Manager, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama, 368030390. Attn: Blackhawk Drive Culvert Replacement LILLIE FINLEY –PURCHASING-REVENUE MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (36801) POST OFFICE BOX 390 (36803-0390) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 705-5120 Legal Run 06/6/24, 06/13/24 & 06/20/24

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Sealed bids for the LR 249 and LR 318 Water Transmission Main CMGM230058 will be received at the Smiths Water and Sewer Authority, located at 2848 Lee Road 243, Smiths Station, AL 36877, until Thursday, July 11, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. EST (local time) at which time the Bids received will be publicly opened and read aloud. The Project includes the following Work: Approximately 40,000 LF of 12” water transmission main and all related appurtenances. Information for the Project can be found at the following designated website: www. gmcnetwork.com/bids . The Issuing Office for the Bidding Documents is

Goodwyn Mills Cawood LLC, 11 N. Water St., Suite 15250, Mobile, AL 36602, Ashley Morris ashley.morris@gmcnetwork.com. Prospective

Bidders may examine the Bidding Documents at the Issuing Office on Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and may obtain copies of the Bidding Documents from the Issuing Office as described below.

Copies of the Bidding Documents may be obtained from the Issuing Office, during the hours indicated above, upon payment of a deposit of $20.00 for a onetime administrative fee for digital access/file sharing and/ or $150.00 for each printed set. Said cost represents the cost of printing, reproduction, handling, and distribution, therefore no refund will be granted. Checks for Bidding Documents shall be payable to “GMC.” Partial sets of Bidding Documents will not be available from the Issuing Office. Neither Owner nor Engineer will be responsible for full or partial sets of Bidding Documents, including Addenda if any, obtained from sources other than the Issuing Office.

The Owner reserves the right to waive any informalities, or to reject any or all bids, to award the contract to the lowest, responsive, and responsible bidder and reissue the bid if needed. All bidders shall submit, upon request, a list of projects “successfully completed” in the last 2 years, having the same scope of work and approximate construction cost as specified in this project. All bidders must comply with requirements of the Contractor’s Licensing Law of the State of Alabama and be certified for the type of work on which the proposal is submitted. Each bidder must deposit with his bid, security in the amount, form and subject to the conditions provided in the Instructions to Bidders.

All Bidders bidding in amounts exceeding that established by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors must be licensed under the provisions of Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama, 1975, and must show evidence of license before bidding or bid will not be received or considered by the Engineer; the Bidder shall show such evidence by clearly displaying the license number on the outside of the envelope in which the Proposal is delivered.

No bidder may withdraw his bid within 60 days after the opening thereof.

All bidders must comply with the President’s Executive Order Number 11246 which prohibits discrimination in employment regarding race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. The Smiths Water and Sewer Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All or part of this project is to be funded through a subaward from Lee County’s American Rescue Plan Act State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (“ARPA Funds”). Bidders must be compliant with the terms and conditions of the ARPA award as set forth in the bid documents.

Bidders will be fully responsible for the delivery of their bids in a timely manner.

Reliance upon the U.S. Mail or other carriers is the bidder’s risk.

Owner: Smiths Water and Sewer Authority

By: Mr. Joe Walden

Title: Chairman Legal Run 06/06/24, 06/13/24 & 06/20/24

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF WAYNE STEVEN O’SHIELDS NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration having been granted to ELIZABETH WATERS, as Administratrix of the Estate of WAYNE STEVEN O’SHIELDS deceased, on the 29th day of November, 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.

ELIZABETH WATERS Legal Run 06/06/24, 06/13/24 & 06/20/24

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF SARAH GRACE BARNES, DECEASED ESTATE NO: 2024-200 NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS Letters of Administration on the Estate of Sarah Grace Barnes, deceased, having been granted to Brenda Jill

Robinson on the 2nd day of May 2024, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate 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 taime allowed by law, or the same will be barred. BILL English Legal Run 06/06/24, 06/13/24 & 06/20/24

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF FLECTHER SLATON CRAWFORD, II, a/k/a F. SLATON CRAWFORD, DECEASED COURT OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 31st day of May, 2024, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Witness our hands, and dated this the 31st day of May, 2024. WALKER JACKSON Legal Run 06/06/24, 06/13/24 & 06/20/24

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE:The estate of Macy Parker, Deceased. Case No.:2024224

TAKE NOTICE that Letters Administration having been granted to Lynn Parker as Administratrix of the Estate of Macy Parker, deceased, on the 30th day of May, 2024. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same be barred. Lynn Parker, Administratrix of the Estate of Macy Parker, Deceased Marrell J. McNeal, Attorney at Law, PC PO Box 308 Opelika, AL 36803 334-745-7033 Legal Run 06/06/24, 06/13/24 & 06/20/24

LEGAL NOTICE In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended notice is hereby given that Matthes Parker LLC, contractor, has completed the Contract for construction of AU Project No: 23-442. Watson Field House Renovation for Volleyball Practice Phase 1 at AU 649 Biggio Dr. Auburn, AL, for the State of Alabama and the county of Lee and the (City) of Auburn. Owner(s), and have made request for final settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify Sea, Sea, & Litchfield, P.C., Architect, Matthes Parker LLC 2044 S College St. Auburn, AL 36832

NOTE: This notice must be run once a week for four successive weeks for projects exceeding $50,000.00. For projects of $50,000.00 or less, run one time only. A copy of the publisher’s affidavit of publication (including a copy of the advertisement) shall be submitted by the Contractor to the Design Professional for inclusion with DCM Form B-13: Final Payment checklist for state agencies, PSCAfunded and other bond-funded projects. Legal Run 06/06/24, 06/13/24, 06/20/24 & 06/27/24 IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF THOMAS LEE COOPER CASE NO.: 2024-321 NOTICE OF HEARING TO: RONNIE COOPER and any other heirs of Thomas Lee Cooper Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Probate of Will on the Estate of Thomas Lee Cooper, was filed by Carolyn Cooper on May 29, 2024. A hearing has been set for the 17th day of July 2024 at 10:00 a.m. central time, electronically via “ZOOM”. Please contact the Lee County Probate Court at 334-737-3670 for access to the electronic hearing should you intend to take part in the hearing of the Petition for Partial Settlement of the Conservatorship of Thomas Lee Cooper. BILL ENGLISH, Judge of Probate Lee County, Alabama Legal Run 06/13/24, 06/20/24, 6/27/24

Community SROs attend annual training conference

Pistol-whipped victim succumbs to injuries

Assault charge upgraded to felony murder

CONTRIBUTED BY

— On June

7 at approximately 12:19

a.m., the Lee County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call regarding gunshots and an unresponsive male in the 15000 block of U.S. Hwy 280 East in Smiths Station.

Upon arrival, Lee County Deputies located an unconscious adult male victim, now identified as William Armstrong, age 40, being treated by ETS. The subject appeared to have minor cuts and bruises around the face, neck and head area.

Witnesses on the scene advised that the victim and his uncle by marriage, Jamey Scott Dillard, 46, of Smiths Station, were in an argument when a firearm was brandished, and the victim was allegedly pistol whipped until he was unconscious. He was transported to Piedmont Hospital in Columbus, where he was listed in critical condition.

Dillard was transported to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office where he was arrested and charged with first degree assault. He was taken to the Lee County Jail on a $50,000 bond.

UPDATE:

On Sunday, June 8, Armstrong succumbed to the injuries sustained in the assault. Dillard was arrested again and charged with felony murder.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at (334) 749-5651 or Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at (334) 215-STOP (7867).

All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Auburn Police report a number of arrests

CONTRIBUTED BY APD

AUBURN — On May 31, Auburn Police stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation near the 1700 block of South College Street, and further investigation was initiated after officers observed evidence of narcotics in the vehicle.

Police recovered documents associated with trafficking in stolen identities, marijuana, multiple firearms and other narcotics contraband from the vehicle.

Additionally, a machinegun conversion device (MCD), which is designed to convert legal firearms into illegal automatic weapons, was also seized. Auburn Police, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), are initiating a forensic examination of the device. Additional charges associated with possession of the MCD are possible, pending test results.

The occupants of the car, Mathew Devante Harvest, age 23, and Alan Desean Smith, age 21, both of Montgomery were placed under arrest. Harvest was charged with trafficking in stolen identities, possession of a forged instrument third degree, possession of marijuana second degree and possession of drug paraphernalia. Smith was charged with trafficking in stolen identities, possession of a forged instrument third degree and possession of marijuana second degree.

Both suspects were transported to the Lee County Jail, where Harvest was held on $33,000 bond and Smith was held on $32,000 bond.

AUBURN — On May 31, Auburn Police arrested Taevon Marquell Taylor, age 25, of Phenix City on felony warrants charging

him with two counts of identity theft and two counts of theft of property first degree.

The arrest stems from Auburn Police receiving multiple reports involving fraudulent checks. The incidents, which were initially unrelated, were reported on Feb. 9 and April 3. In both cases, police met with victims who reported that checks were mailed to the intended recipients from a location in Auburn. While in transit, the checks were stolen, altered and deposited in bank accounts associated with an unknown suspect.

Taylor was developed as a suspect in both cases, and after further investigation, arrest warrants for identity theft and theft of property first degree were obtained. Taylor was located by police on May 31, and he was arrested in obedience to the warrants.

Taylor was transported to the Lee County Jail and held on a $16,000 bond.

AUBURN — On May 29, Auburn Police received a report of an auto burglary. A victim reported that sometime during the month of May, a suspect unlawfully entered a vehicle and stole property while the vehicle was parked at a location in Auburn.

Jimmy Esteven-Urbina Fernandez, 20, of Auburn was developed as a suspect,

and arrest warrants were obtained. Fernandez was located by Auburn Police on June 6, and he was placed under arrest in obedience to the felony warrants charging him with unlawfully breaking and entering into a vehicle and theft of property second degree. He was transported to the Lee County Jail and held on an $6,000 bond.

AUBURN — On May 28, Auburn Police, arrested a 16-year-old juvenile and a 15-year-old juvenile, both from Auburn, on felony juvenile complaints charging each with two counts of theft of property second degree and two counts of unlawful breaking and entering into a vehicle.

The arrests stem from officers meeting with multiple victims who reported that unknown suspects made unlawful entry into their vehicles and stole property. The vehicle burglaries occurred overnight between May 27 and May 28 in the 1100 block of S. College St. and the 4300 block of Golf Club Drive.

The juveniles were developed as suspects and both were arrested, charged. and transported to the Lee County Youth Development Center to be held pending further judicial review.

UPDATE: On May 31, Auburn Police arrested Kevin James

Walker, age 18, from Auburn on warrants charging him with two counts of unlawful breaking and entering into a motor vehicle and two counts of theft of property second degree. Walker was developed as a suspect in connection with the initial junenile arrests on May 28. Walker was transported to the Lee County Jail and held on a $12,000 bond.

Opelika’s Ulta continues to be plauged by thefts

CONTRIBUTED BY OPELIKA POLICE DEPARTMENT

OPELIKA — On May 26, the Opelika Police Department began investigating a retail theft which occurred at Ulta, located at 2690 Enterprise Drive. Just after 11 a.m., the suspects entered the store and began placing merchandise in a bag. The first suspect, a white female with long brown hair, can be seen on surveillance video wearing a green top, blue jeans and brown wedge shoes. The second suspect, a white female with blonde hair, is seen wearing a black shirt, blue jeans and flip-flops. The suspects left the store with the

merchandise in a green passenger car, possibly a Nissan Altima. If you have any information on this incident or the identity of the suspects, please contact the Opelika Police Department Detective Division at (334) 705-5220 or the Secret Witness Hotline at (334) 745-8665. Tips can be submitted through our Opelika Police Mobile App. You may wish to remain anonymous. Tips can also be forwarded through Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at (334) 215-STOP(7867), toll-free at 1-833-AL1STOP, or via the Facebook page: www. Facebook.com/215stop or the website: www.215STOP. com.

School might be out for the summer, but the Opelika Police Department’s School Resource Officers (SROs) Sgt. Glover and Officers Smith, Paulk and Stadler (pictured left) attended the Alabama Association of School Resource

Officers (TAASRO) Safer Schools Conference in Orange Beach. This conference provides valuable training, ongoing professional development and networking opportunities for SROs to better serve students, schools and communities. Staying informed and dedicated to enhancing school safety, city of Auburn SROs plus Lt. Perry and Sgt. Nesmith (pictured right) also attended the 25th annual conference.

TAYLOR

DILLARD

HARVEST SMITH

FERNANDEZ

WALKER

Studying His word

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.

Thursday, June 13, 2024

The significance of the insignificant

BY BRUCE GREEN

It’s clear from 1 Samuel 1 that Hannah had a lowly status. From the world’s point of view, she was insignificant. She was married to a man named Elkanah. But she was not the only one married to him. Elkanah was also married to a woman named Peninnah. If this less-than-ideal arrangement sounds strange and uncomfortable to you— it worked out even worse for Hannah!

The most likely scenario is that Hannah was

BY WALTER

OPINION —

Jesus was sad. Word had come to him of the beheading of his cousin, John the Baptist, a man he loved and admired. He wanted time alone to pray. But that seemed impossible; crowds of people were clamoring to hear him preach and heal the sick. Seeking to get away from the crowd, he crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee. Alas, awaiting Jesus on the shore was a huge crowd of people who had followed him on foot from the nearby towns. How did Jesus respond? He had compassion

ANGLICAN

Elkanah’s first wife and when she was unable to have children, he married Peninnah. And when she provided Elkanah with the children that Hannah could not, Hannah’s anguish would only have been intensified while Peninnah’s status would have been solidified.

And that leads to Peninnah’s relationship with Hannah. She appears to have despised her. Elkanah precipitated some of this by giving Hannah a double portion to sacrifice at the

feast as a show of his love for her (v. 4-5). Peninnah retaliated by provoking Hannah (v. 6). Human nature being what it is, I seriously doubt that this behavior occurred only at the time of the feast but perhaps it was at its worst then. The family would probably have been in closer quarters making the situation more volatile. This despising and provoking had gone on for years and the writer speaks of Hannah’s deep anguish, bitter tears, and inability to eat (v. 7,10).

Maybe we could sum it all up by saying that Hannah was “not.” She did not have children, she did not have her husband’s undivided love, she did not have Peninnah’s respect— she was not! And her condition couldn’t be cured by Elkanah’s insensitive assurance that he should mean more to her than ten sons (v. 8)! Paul will tell us in 1 Corinthians 1:28-29, that “God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and

You give them something to eat

on the people and healed their sick. That is a beautiful example of how one may deal with sorrow — get busy doing what you can for people who need your help!

As day was dying, his disciples came to Jesus concerned that the crowd was hungry and had nothing to eat. They urged Jesus to send the crowds away so they could go into the villages and buy food.

They were stunned when Jesus ignored their advice and said to them, “You give them something to eat.” Frustrated, the disciples threw up their hands and said, “But, Lord, we have only five loaves of bread and two small fish.” Jesus may have smiled when he said to the disciples, “Bring the loaves and the fish to me.”

They did as Jesus asked and the touch of the Master’s hands transformed a little boy’s meal into enough food to feed five thousand men, plus many women and children. After “looking up to heaven, and giving thanks,

CHURCH DIRECTORY

Greater Peace Missionary

he broke the loaves.” His disciples distributed the food as Jesus directed and “all ate and were satisfied.” There were even 12 basketfuls of broken pieces left over. It all began with Jesus saying to the disciples, “You give them something to eat.” His miracle enabled them to obey Jesus. That happened more than 2,000 years ago, but that was not the last time Jesus said to a man, “You give them something to eat.”

Early in the last decade of the 20th Century, a young man named Ken Austin returned to civilian life after serving 10 years in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in Montgomery, Alabama. He opened a used car dealership in Montgomery but soon sold it to calm the spiritual restlessness in his soul. For several years he had nursed a growing concern for the poor around him; many were hungry and without adequate food. Then one day, he heard Jesus say to him, “Ken, you give them something to eat.”

Struggling to understand

how to obey the Lord, Ken felt God calling him to do a strange thing: purchase an old, abandoned church on Council Street and begin a new life as a pastor. His mission, God told him, would be to preach the gospel and provide food and hope for the poor and needy surrounding the church in poverty-stricken west Montgomery. This would be the primary ministry of his new church, which he named the New Walk of Life Church and MAP (Ministry About People). With the consent and support of his wife, Thomasina, Ken obeyed God and bought the deserted church building as well as a house nearby that he named the Mercy House; it would become a Community Resource Center and a Day House. There people could come for food, clothes and resources to help them through many of life’s challenges. He installed a shower for any who needed a bath, and a washer and dryer that were available to the

The Opelika Church 2660 Cunninghan Drive Opelika

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 E. Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-8506

Friendship Missionary Baptist Church

3089 Judge Brown Road Valley 334-710-2117

the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before Him.” In other words, Hannah was the perfect person for God to use to send someone (Samuel), who would anoint the first two kings of Israel. Through this lowly, despised woman who was not, He brought the kings of Israel. He took someone who was insignificant in the eyes of the world and gave her great significance. You

consider a

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

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

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

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

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

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

CHURCH OF CHRIST 10th Street Church of Christ 500 N. 10th St., Opelika 334-745-5181

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

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

CHURCH OF GOD

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

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS 510 Groce St. Opelika, AL 36830 706-610-0547

GLOBAL METHODIST

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

EPISCOPAL- AME

Saint Luke AME Church 1308 Auburn St., Opelika

public. His grand plan was in place, but one important thing was missing — the funds needed to operate and expand the ministry. The constant struggle to find adequate funding took its toll on Ken.

After a few years, his hope for fulfilling his mission began to fade. Weary and discouraged, he was ready to quit when Jesus performed another miracle.

Jesus said to a pastor’s wife, “You need to help Ken Austin.” She said, “Yes, Lord,” and raised an army of people who secured enough money to renovate the old church and get the Mercy House on solid footing. Now, the church is growing, reaching more and more people with the good news of Jesus. Mercy House is providing 500 meals a day to people in the neighborhood. Ken is guiding a multifaceted ministry that is providing not only food but hope for the future grounded in biblical principles and faith in Jesus Christ. His headquarters now

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

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

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

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

Father’s House Christian Fellowship

is the MAP Center that is fast becoming a training facility, combining state of the art training with comprehensive support resources. MAP’s Summer Enrichment Program offers 150 children a daily opportunity for guided activities that promote social, emotional, mental and spiritual growth. Near the church is a Pathway House, offering space for those who are ready to move forward through programs such as mentoring and tutoring, using the resources of a nice library and a computer lab. Hope is being restored for youth and families through after school programs and Summer Programs for children. Youth are invited off the streets into a safe environment where they can catch a vision of life beyond poverty and hopelessness. Ken credits his success to God having helped him build his ministry on a solid foundation of prayer and

,

214 Morris, Ave., Opelika

Living Waters Ministry Center 3005 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika

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

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

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

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

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST Opelika Outreach

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

Teaching Minister at 10th Street Church of Christ in Opelika

ALBRITTON

Anderson unveils latest book ‘Reflections on God’s Gifts

Devotional inspires readers to see God’s blessings in everyday life

CONTRIBUTED BY WESTBOW

PRESS

AUBURN — What started as a simple list of blessings has turned into a heartfelt devotional book designed to help readers cultivate a life of gratitude.

“Reflections on God’s Gifts to Us” (published by WestBow Press) by Seth C. Anderson, PhD, is a devo -

tional book that explores a wide range of God-given gifts, including the gift of eternal life through the Lord Jesus and the gifts of faith, forgiveness, joy, protection and healing.

These devotionals are concise and easy to read, making them perfect for enhancing daily walks with Christ, even amidst the busiest of schedules. It also

includes biblical concepts and prayers to deepen one’s connection with God.

“This book brings peace and joy to the reader,” said Anderson. “By focusing on God’s gifts to us, we nurture our spiritual growth and become filled with gratitude for the blessings of God’s overwhelming grace and love.”

“Reflections on God’s

Fathers play a critical role in drug education

BY NICKOLAUS HAYES

OPINION —

hat does it mean to be a father?

WWhile there are countless answers to this question, it generally means playing an essential role in a child’s life. Fathers provide abundant love, support, and involvement, making the necessary sacrifices to ensure their children are loved and cared for.

Regardless of age, a father is always there for their children, offering guidance, support, and education. The greatest joy for any father is seeing their children thrive, do well in life and be healthy.

A small part of this role involves speaking to your children about drugs and alcohol, leading by example, and being a positive influence in their lives. In Alabama, close to 7% of 12 to 17-year-olds report using drugs in the last month, and roughly 8.5% of 12 to 17-yearolds used alcohol in the previous month, according to drug abuse statistics.

Children need the necessities of life, such as human interaction, care and comfort, warmth and love, guidance and protection, and to be necessary to someone. Yet, life has a way of interceding in young lives, especially amid this ever-changing age of social media influence. Illegal drugs today are more readily available than ever before. According to the DEA, drug traffickers have turned smartphones into a one-stop shop to market, sell, buy, and deliver deadly fake prescription pills and other drugs.

Drug traffickers advertise on social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Twitter, YouTube and Facebook. The posts are promptly posted and removed with code

could say that God is in the business of making the insignificant significant.

But Paul’s point isn’t really about the kings of Israel—it’s about the kingdom of heaven. Entrance into it isn’t

words and emojis used to market and sell illicit drugs. Unfortunately, digital media provides increased opportunities for marketing and social transmission of risky products and behaviors.

As fathers, we are responsible for protecting and preparing our children for the world. Drug education is essential. Take the time to speak to your kids about the dangers of illicit substances, how to avoid and manage peer pressure, and what to look for. Be prepared to share personal experiences and help them understand that some choices have consequences.

However, it can be challenging to see our kids struggle with things in life, and as fathers, we can also face our difficulties. The responsibility of raising children can be a lot; there are many challenges along the way, and the pressure of being a good influence can get the best of us.

Fathers cannot ignore our mental health; children, especially younger kids, mimic what they see. The way we cope with frustration, anger, sadness, or isolation impacts our children in several ways. The key solution for fathers caring for children is to take the time to care for themselves.

Taking care of your mental health is the same as taking care of your physical health; it is an integral part of well-being. While we must always be there and help our children with small things like drug education, we must also be in a position to help ourselves.

Nickolaus Hayes is a healthcare professional in the field of substance use and addiction recovery and is part of the editorial team at DRS. His primary focus is spreading awareness by educating individuals on the topics surrounding substance use.

secured because of what we are in human terms, it is secured because of who Christ is and what He has done. What we are only gets in the way. Therefore, Paul says, God made all of that (our status), unimportant by the cross and His choosing of the lowly, despised, and not is meant to reinforce this. If

we’re able, there’s a real strength to be found in insignificance. That’s because the kingdom belongs to the poor in spirit, not those who by the world’s standards are rich in reputation. Our search for significance begins and ends in Jesus because through Him God makes

Gifts to Us” is now available for purchase at WestBow Press bookstore, Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Seth C. Anderson is a retired finance professor. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in religion and philosophy from Birmingham-Southern College, a Bachelor of Sci -

the insignificant significant. The Corinthians were foolish to be putting stock in their worldly status and so are we. We must decrease and He must increase.

Find more of Green’s writings at www.a-tasteof-grace-with-bruce-green. com

ence in business from the University of Alabama, a Master of Business Administration from Auburn University and a doctorate in finance from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Additionally, he received a graduate certificate in spiritual direction from Spring Hill College.

Anderson has written 10 books and over 60 aca -

demic research articles on business topics. His work has been cited in national media, including the Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, Newsweek, BusinessWeek, CBS Radio News, Forbes, Money and Mutual Fund Magazine. He is married to the love of his life, Linda, and they are blessed with three grown children.

the power of community partnerships. Give him a chance and you will hear him praise God for helping him develop ministries that are meeting some of the needs of a broken city and leading it toward a better tomorrow.

All because Ken said, “Yes, Lord,” when Jesus said, “You give them something to eat.” Amazed at all God has done, Ken says, “I love helping Jesus feed the hungry as well as offering them the hope they need for a better life beyond poverty. Jesus is not only everything; He is also ready to help us do everything He asks us to do for others.”

GREEN >> from A10

ALBRITTON >> from A10

JAMES “LEE” PARHAM SR.

James “Lee” Parham Sr., 76, passed away June 8, 2024. Lee was born in Opelika on July 16, 1947, where he lived and worked many years before moving to Dadeville.

He was a member of the Twin City Masonic Lodge, Auburn-Opelika Elks Lodge and the Church of God’s Grace, pastored by the late David Waldrop, in Dadeville.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Bobbie Parham of Salem.

He is survived by his five children, Shannon Dudley (Carl), James Parham Jr. (Sue), Carol Hart (Jeff), Meredith LeGrand (Jay) and Matthew Parham; seven grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and his brother, Bob Parham.

A graveside service for family and friends was held June 12 at Garden Hill Cemetery in Opelika.

TIMOTHY RAY MCGEE

Lt. Col. Timothy Ray McGee (USAF Retired), 70 of Auburn passed away June 7, 2024, at East Alabama Medical Center.

Mr. McGee was preceded by his parents: Raymond Cecil McGee and Marjorie Nell McGee (Mims). He is survived by his beloved wife, Edith Faye McGee (Hall); sons Matthew B. McGee of Anchorage, Alaska, and Jason A. McGee of Opelika and daughter

Hali P. McGee of Columbus, Georgia; daughters-in-law

Susan LA McGee (Ancil) of Anchorage, Alaska, and Leslie D. McGee (Webster) of Opelika; grandchildren: Oliver Q. McGee, Victoria K. Davis, Kaelyn G. McGee, Gabbie E. Warburton, Jennifer R. McGee, Bryan HA McGee and Jackson T. McGee; and great grandchild: Everett F. Davis. Mr. McGee is also survived

OBITUARIES

by two aunts, Lynn Lodwick and Verlyn Burkhalter; his in-laws Shirley Young, Jackie Hearn, Sharon Robles, Nancy Williams, Vickie Lauderdale, Jerry Hall and Terri Barber; along with cousins, many other loved ones, and his beloved cat Foster.

A service was held June 9 at Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home, followed by a graveside service.

Frances Shelby Farris Orr, 85, of Opelika passed away June 5, 2024, at Arbor Springs. Mrs. Orr was preceded in death by two sons Mark C. Hicks and Fred Jerome Cosby; husbands Rex Cagle, Murrow Cosby and Tom Orr; parents Fred and Lillian Farris; sister Pat Yates; three brothers WD Farris, Bob Farris and Gene

Farris. She is survived by her two sisters: Gail Dodd, Libby Tittle; youngest son Derek Cagle (Lynn); daughter-in-law Kim Cosby; grandchildren Audra Graham (Harvard), Haley Whiddon (Lance), Morgan Adams (Scott), John Mark Cosby (Rachel); greatgrandchildren Davis Graham, Ryder and Raylan Whiddon.

A graveside service was held June 9 at Pineview Memory Gardens Cemetery in Selma, with pastor Kim Byram officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

JULIE ANN BREWER

The family of Julie Ann Brewer are sad to announce her passing on June 6, 2024, in Opelika.

Julie was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on March 3, 1958. Julie was a “northern” country girl, preceded in death by her husband, Nelson Brewer.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

LANNY WAYNE CALDWELL

Lanny Wayne Caldwell, 70, of Cusseta died May 24, 2024, at hIs home. Lanny was born Oct. 30, 1953, in Calhoun County.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Geneva Caldwell, father, Charlie Hoyt Caldwell, and sisters, Patricia Ann Fortenberry and Barbara Reaves.

Survivors include his wife, Regina Caldwell of Cusseta; brother, Charlie E. Caldwell of Sylacauga; sister/niece Judy (Steve) Berry; daughter, Janda Michelle (Robert) Lautenschlager; son, Blake (Amanda) Todd; several grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Lanny loved his family. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle for hours, also the North Georgia Mountains.

He dedicated 32 years as being one of the best paramedics in Georgia. He will be greatly missed by all. As per Lanny’s wishes, we will have a private celebration.

The family wants to thank Gentiva Hospice doctors and nurses for such great care.

FRANCES SHELBY FARRIS ORR

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

To have your church’s VBS program listed, email information to: editor@opelikaobserver.com

SHADY GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

Shady Grove Baptist Church invites you to go “On The Trail” with us at Vacation Bible School, set for June 17-20, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

We’ll travel to the Old West and learn about the good guys and the bad guys in the Bible, and we’ll have a lot of fun panning for gold, riding horses and a whole lot more. And we’ll eat what the cowboys ate on the trail. Register your little buckaroos today by calling (334) 524-2351.

Located at 2197 Lee Road 177, Opelika.

EMMANUEL EPISCOPAL CHURCH

The theme of Emmanuel Episcopal Church’s VBS is “Growing in God’s Garden,” and will focus on growing in the virtues of faith, hope and love, featuring Bible stories, songs, art projects and meals centered around familiar parables that Jesus taught.

VBS will be held June 10-12 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. (dinner will be served) and there will be a closing service and celebration at 5:30 p.m. on June 13. The church

is located at 800 1st Avenue in Opelika.

Open to ages 3 years (if potty trained) through rising 5th graders.

E-mail questions to: gillianne.m.sharp@gmail.com.

CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH

Every day is an adventure at Breaker Rock Beach, from the morning waves crashing against the shore to evenings filled with bonfires and s’mores! At Breaker Rock Beach, kids will learn to recognize the difference between what the world says is true and what God says is true.

Come to Vacation Bible School at Central Baptist Church at 1611 2nd Avenue in Opelika on July 1314 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All children ages 3 years through sixth grade are welcome. Parents may register their children online at: myvbs.org/cbcopelika.

UNION GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

Union Grove Baptist Church would like to invite you to “Breaker Rock Beach” Vacation Bible School.

Race along the sand with your brightly colored kite, join friends to make the most amazing sandcastle, or gaze in wonder at the mysteries found in a glimmering tide pool.

The dates for Vacation Bible School are July 17 & 18 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. for classes from Pre-K to 6th grade. We also have an Adult Class. There will be a nursery for the parents who attend the Adult Class. Family Night will be July 19 starting at 5:30 p.m., where the children will perform their VBS songs, followed by finger foods & refreshments in the Family Life Center.

Register for VBS by calling the church office 334749-0461, stop by the church (4009 Lee Road 391 Opelika) or go online to www.myvbs.org/ugbcopelika.

If you have any questions, call the church office or email ugbcopsecretary@gmail.com.

Strength of A Woman Conference concludes with lively street festival

S.O.W. Conference has been a staple event for women and family empowerment

CONTRIBUTED BY WOMAN EMERGE

WEST POINT, Ga. — The influential Strength of A Woman (S.O.W.) Conference, hosted by Woman Emerge, was held June 1 on the streets of West Point, Georgia, featuring a fullday program of empowerment sessions followed by a street festival.

Since its inception, the S.O.W. Conference has made a profound impact, welcoming over 850 attendees and providing substantial financial sup-

port and resources to families within the East Alabama and West Georgia regions.

Over the course of four years, the initiative has raised more than $50,000 monetarily and in-kind support, contributing to the welfare of many lives. This final conference aims to capture the essence of SOW while cel ebrating the journey and achievements of the women and families it has served.

The day commenced with family-focused Empowerment

Talks, then transitioned into the street festival full of culinary delights and local vendors’ crafts.

The S.O.W. Conference has a proven track record with over 850 past attendees and a combination of more than $50,000 raised monetarily and in-kind financial support and resources for local families.

As Woman Emerge and Church Emerge Outreach Ministries pivot from the S.O.W. Conference series to new

endeavors, they remain dedicated to the mission of building bridges within the community.

Denise Mosley, founder and president of Church Emerge Inc., reflects on the future: “We are committed to empowering our communities and supporting families by offering essential aid and resources for growth. Moving forward, we will continue to enrich lives and provide support wherever it’s needed.”

ABOUT SOW 4.0:

Woman Emerge, alongside Church Emerge Outreach Ministries, is the force behind the Strength of A Woman conferences, dedicated to supporting individuals in finding their path and fostering community.

Through its events and outreach programs, the organizations strive to empower communities, provide support to families in need and build sustainable resources for those they serve — ultimately changing lives one day, one resource at a time.

Auburn Arts Association invites entries for summer show

CONTRIBUTED BY CITY OF AUBURN

AUBURN — The Auburn Arts Association is calling area artists and craftspeople to submit works for the 2024 Summer Show: Black and White + One Color. The exhibition will be on display July 10-Aug. 24 in the Art Gallery at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Works may be two- or three-dimensional in any style, technique or medium. Photographic and digital works will be considered. Materials, compositions and subject matter are open to personal interpretations.

Pieces may be black, white, or one pure color of the artists’ choice that is not be mixed — no tints, shades or tones of the primary hue may be used.

For 2-D works, the maximum size is 48 inches to 60 inches. Sculptures, ceramics, constructions, found objects and other 3-D works should

adhere to reasonable size and weight guidelines. Photographs and works on paper must be framed (no glass). Canvas works must be gallery wrapped. All works must be wired and ready for display. While works do not need to be new, they should not have been previously shown in an

exhibition at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. There is no entry fee, and works may be for sale.

A public reception to meet the artists will be scheduled during the exhibition. Works may be reviewed beginning Wednesday, June 26. Final submissions will be due by Wednesday, July 3. For more information or questions, contact Margaret Gluhman at auburnarts@ bellsouth.net, (334) 887-2832 or (334) 332-3698. You may also contact the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center at (334) 501-2963 or visit auburnalabama.org/arts.

History of the Opelika Country Club 1927-1957

BY FRAN MCCURRY PLOTT FOR THE OBSERVER

Author’s Note: Almost all of the information about the clubhouse of the Opelika County Club was learned from MaryBarnes Newman. As for finding information about the old Opelika Country Club, an online web search, attempts to research through the Opelika Public Library genealogical room and contacting the East Alabama Museum resulted in a void. The only other information I could find was from newspapers.com editions of the Opelika Daily News from 1926-1980, comments on a Facebook page, a map from Steve Penland and a conversation with Mr. Boody Brown, now age 104.

OPELIKA — The house that serves as the Opelika Country Club clubhouse was originally built in 1927. First converted into a private home in the late 1950s for the Ira Dorn family, the Ebbie Jones family bought it in 1965.

MaryBarnes and Mike Newman bought the house in 1983, and when they began renovations after their purchase, some nice surprises were revealed. The contractor found beautiful pitched ceilings and beams above the lowered ceilings in both den and dining room. The lowered den ceiling was removed, but the dining room had a bedroom above it, so that ceiling had to remain, but the tops of the closets did reveal the pitch and the beams. The original floor plan included the present den, kitchen, dining room, foyer and living room, which were all one open room.

As the clubhouse, the present master bedroom was the kitchen (actually a “prep” room, because it only had a couple of tables and hotplates). There is a stairway to the left of the master that led to a balcony on the rear of the house where people could sit and listen to bands that played outside. Sometimes bands played in the bay window area of the present kitchen. The wood floors, fireplace & mantel, and the exterior walls are all original of the 1927 clubhouse.

The driveway leading to the clubhouse wound around to the back of the house. The present back porch was originally a carport where cars could unload. The front door was the door leading to the present dining room. It was not used as an entrance, rather an exit to the front porch. The golf club property ended in back of the house where the barbed wire fence is now. The Jackson family owned the land beyond. The 9 hole golf course extended from the front of the house toward the north, down through where Jackson Lake is now. At that time, a fairway was where the lake is. All of the land west of Lakeshore Boulevard was country club property, as well as land to the north of Lakeshore (Ridge Avenue, Piedmont Avenue today).

But what do we know about the history of the Opelika Country Club? The Opelika Daily News reported that as early as 1920, men in Opelika were seeking to build a golf club as a place to entertain business associates and

visitors, for “health, exercise, recreation and innocent diversion.” A clubhouse was sought to be “a meeting place for Opelika’s citizens” calling it “an ideal place to promote friendships, discuss social problems, city welfare, foreign matters and community health.” At that time, Opelika had about 5,000 citizens. Finally, in April of 1926, the 100 local business and professional men needed as stockholders to form a golf club corporation were in place. Applications for charter memberships were being taken by a committee comprised of men with the names Hollingsworth, Greene, Dickinson, Dorsey, Screws, Pitts, Brown and Wear. John Denson was the first president. The golf course would come first, followed by a clubhouse. Early entertainment plans included a 4 a.m. early bird golf, a dance and an Alabama Jazz concert. The golf course was cleared by a force of workmen under Riley Summers and Jack Stern, utilizing even the labor from members themselves in order to get the grass growing that spring. Plans to build the clubhouse were presented to the Board of Governors at a cost of $7,500, exhibited by a sketch by Ed Warren. In December 1926, the OCC stockholders met with President John Denson with the purpose of taking actions on the plans to build. Other officers present were I.J. Dorsey, Jake Walker, Sheldon Whittelsey, J.W. Watson, George Clower and George Capps.

A newspaper article dated Aug. 22, 1928, announced the First Annual Invitational Golf Tournament the following Labor Day.

Following that, a May 12, 1930, article reported that Mrs. F.B. SmithT hosted a graduation dance at the clubhouse for her daughter Cordelia, with music provided by a string band.

It’s hard to decipher the success of the Opelika Country Club during its first 20 years of operation. It seems that success was on again, off again at best. The only two articles found between 1930 and 1938 concerning the club was one in January reporting a mix-up in overcoats at the New Years Eve dance (coats were being held at the sheriff’s office) and one in June advertising the District FFA Dance was to be held there, 50 cents per person.

A March 4, 1938, article reported that the newly formed Opelika Young Men’s Club (AKA Junior Jaycees) had undertaken the project of revitalizing the country club “which had been closed for several years,” with plans to attract the interest of other civic clubs such as Rotary and Kiwanis. The Young Men’s Club would assume charge of the club, with the present Opelika Country Club officers and directors to remain in place. They wanted to make the club available to a greater number of locals. At that time, the population had grown from 5,000 to almost 8,500. It is important to note that at this point in history, golf was still a sport frequented by the wealthier citizens due to costs of the game.

Later the next month, a dance with music by the Auburn Cavaliers marked

the opening of the newly organized OCC. The ballroom was decorated by Halls Florist and Opelika Floral. It was announced that the entire membership could use the club every night except Tuesday and Thursday when it could be reserved for private parties.

In June 1938, the board of directors met and 1)reduced the initiation fee from $5 to $2.50 and monthly dues from $1.10 to $1.00 and 2) issued an invitation to join the club to Auburn businessmen to ”take a step in promoting goodwill and cooperation between the two cities.” At that time, “new signs of life” were reported in the number of those playing golf, tennis and making use of the clubhouse.

On July 28, 1938, a Young Men’s Club article said that “the Opelika Country Club is showing progress and is quite a popular gathering place.” On that same night, The OHS O Club sponsored a dance with music by “The Opelikans,” a popular orchestra of young people. The public was invited, and 75 cents per couple admission was taken to benefit the O Club.

In the new rules for the OCC reported in July 1938, those reserving the house for private parties were advised they were responsible for the house and furnishings as well as not allowing gin and whiskey bottles to be placed on the tables. The club was to be open until 2 a.m. unless people were no longer present, then it would close at 10 p.m.

In August 1938, the OCC was to begin the remodeling and repairs of the clubhouse, which were to: 1) fix the roof; 2) construct a private dining room at the south end; 3) remodel the kitchen; 4) rework walls; and 5) do necessary painting. The financial report since the reorganization was that all bills were paid and dues were still $1 per month.

In November 1938, it was reported that the OCC had made rapid progress since spring with a membership of 200 enjoying golf, tennis and club socials.

In January 1939, delinquent dues were reported and sought after. The YMC (Junior Chamber of Commerce) was still meeting monthly at the

clubhouse. In March 1939, a burglary of knives, forks, golf balls and $10 cash resulted in two boys being arrested who were recent members of the OCC.

Some 39 people entered the Aug. 8, 1939, Golf Tourney. The next month, a huge KD rush party convened at the OCC for coffee after a banquet at the Graves Center.

No news was found for 1940.

In February 1941, a Cotillion Club Dance was held at the OCC, and in the space of two months a new manager and golf pro were hired on Feb. 1 and then replaced on March 18. Both were assistant managers and pros from country clubs in Montgomery.

Also in March, the new pro offered golf lessons for $1 each or six for $5, and caddy fees went from 25 cents to 35 cents, with the extra 10 cents to fund new mowing equipment. On July 25 there were 48 golfers at the OCC one-day tourney from Auburn, Montgomery, Columbus and Eufaula.

There was no news found from July 1941 until May of 1946, except for announcing new chairmen of the board: E.M. Jones, 1941; Drew Peacock, 1945; and Phil Hudson, 1946; who again expressed favor in a joint country club with Auburn. Sixty people were recorded as present at the 1946 meeting, but the years from 1941 to 1946 were war years, and that probably accounts for the lack of news and activity.

For 1947, two buffet suppers, a Kappa Sigma Tea Dance and a BBQ supper were reported, along with a very special wedding reception for Barbara Saunders and Orrin Brown.

1948 seemed to be a more active year for the Opelika Country Club. The club was down to 45 members and although debt-free, the money in the bank was not adequate. The only way to continue was to reactivate old members and to encourage new members to use the sporting facilities. At that time, there were two rebuilt tennis courts, a 9-hole golf course, kitchen facilities and two men always on duty. To encourage old members who were in arears for the past three years, past due fees

were waived and they could be reinstated with the initiation fee and one month’s dues.

More ads were taken out, and dances, bridge parties, box suppers and bingo games were scheduled for members and their guests.

Through August of 1949, it was looking up for the OCC. Regular Bingo Nights were advertised. A Valentine party held by the Jonquil Garden Club with 22 tables of bridge and prizes, bingo and prizes, refreshments and elaborate decorations (including the rock mantel being bedecked with magnolia leaves with a red heart in the center, studded with yellow jonquils). Cherry Sue Jackson was president.

In March 1949 membership was at 90, with $1,100 in the treasury. Interestingly enough, on June 11 of that year there was to be an Open (public) District AA meeting with 250-300 people expected from Columbus, Albany, Eufaula, Montgomery and Anniston.

In July, the OCC was to go public each Saturday night with an orchestra for dances. But by late September of 1949, once again the OCC was faced with hard times. Options for the future were to: 1) close it up; 2) lease it out; or 3) try to continue to operate as a country club, but interest had to be reawakened.

An October meeting to discuss this drew 65 stockholders who agreed that since the OCC property was GIVEN (it did not mention the benefactor) to the community for a country club, it could not be sold, leased or rented for any other purpose. So, on to trying to continue as a country club. They invited garden clubs to beautify the grounds and get the city to put in outdoor lighting so they could install a swimming pool and playground equipment for the children. They proposed to invite nonmembers to use the clubhouse for a small rental fee. It was reported that some went so far as to say it was “the duty of every citizen to make the OCC a success.” At this time, the population of Opelika was approximately 12,000 citizens. Interested citizens were reported to have donated from $15 to $100. The City Recreation Depart-

ment, under the direction of Ann Canon, was to host square dances at the clubhouse two nights per week. In 1950, it was reported that the OCC had been verging on suspension for years, but the administration kept discouraging it. More dances, BBQs and bridge tournaments continued through 1950 into 1951. In 1952-1953, ballet, piano and accordion lessons were given at the clubhouse. During that time, plans to attract sororities and fraternities were established, the greens were refurbished (the greens were actually made of sand) and the fairways reseeded. The clubhouse was repainted inside and out. A Mrs. Rencher held a dance for young people. The sixth grade boys, hosted by Walter Parrent and Bill Horsley, held a dance for 80 attendees with their mothers and Hattie Graves as chaperones. The spring golf tournament of 1953 filled all of the 88 places, with another to be held in June to accommodate the overflow of those who were not able to participate in the spring tourney.

But by March 17, 1955, the OCC was “virtually non-existent: non-operative, non-profit returning, non-social and practically unkempt.” The clubhouse, still in good condition, overlooked an unusable 9-hole golf course. The American Legion moved into the OCC from August 1955, utilizing the clubhouse and revitalizing the golf course for their use. Finally, on April 5, 1956, the OCC stockholders met at City Hall to authorize the transfer and assets of the OCC, a corporation, into full liquidation. The stockholders made themselves complainants vs. the OCC from May-December that year in order to split the stock.

In the summer of 1957, the real estate consisting of 53 acres of land and a clubhouse was auctioned by Circuit Clerk Ed Johnston in front of the Lee County Courthouse into five different parcels.

Parcel 1 was 18.5 acres behind the north end of Lakeshore Boulevard.

Parcel 2 was the 13.5 acres behind the homes of Yetta Samford Jr and Bruce Trammell on Lakeshore Boulevard. Both of these parcels were bought by Henry Carson Jackson for$16,500.

Parcel 3 was the OCC lake area bought by HR Dudley for $13,000

Parcel 4 was the 6 acres in front of the clubhouse.

Parcel 5 was the clubhouse and 2 acres.

C.S. Shealy bought these parcels for $21,200.

Total sales $46,300

The 120 original shares of stock indicated a current value of $383 each. Expenses incurred were $83 per share. Stock shares were originally $100 per share, so stockholders made $200 per share over the 28 years.

On June 28, 1960, an Opelika Daily News article reported that Mr. and Mrs. Ira Dorn bought the clubhouse and two acres and renovated it into a home.

Later, Mr. and Mrs. Ebbie Jones bought this house and listed it for sale in 1980, and in 1983, it became the home of MaryBarnes and Mike Newman.

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CITY OF OPELIKA NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARINGS TO: RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA AND ALL OTHER INTERESTED CITIZENS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of Opelika, Alabama will hold a regular meeting and will be conducting public hearings on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. in the Meeting Chamber at Opelika Municipal Court located at 300 MLK Boulevard, Opelika, Alabama. A Planning Commission work session will be held at 2:45 pm before the regular meeting. The purpose of the public hearings is to receive public comment on the following: I. Some items at the meeting will have a designated public hearing (noted below). Individuals are imited to 5-minute comment period per public hearing. II. Approval of Minutes III. Update on Previous PC Cases IV. New Business

A. Preliminary Plat and Conditional Use – Public Hearing

1.A public hearing on a request by Hayes Eiford and Mike Maher, authorized representative for Whiteridge Opelika LLC and R&S Properties, LLC, property owners, for preliminary approval of the Waverly Woods subdivision consisting of 83 lots accessed from Waverly Place.

2. A public hearing on a request by Hayes Eiford and Mike Maher, authorized representative for Whiteridge Opelika LLC and R&S Properties, LLC, property owners, for conditional use approval for 78 twinhome lots, three open space lots, and one lot for future development in a R-3 zoning district

B. Plat (Preliminary and Final)

– Public Hearing

3. A request by Nick Howell, representative for 2H Properties, LLC, property owner, for preliminary and final approval of the Asheton Village subdivision consisting of 45 lots accessed at 5067 Birmingham Highway. C. Final Plat

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4. A request by Jeff Adams, representative for DRB Group Alabama, LLC, property owner, for final approval of the Wyndham Gates, Pod 3, Phase 7 subdivision consisting of 14 townhome lots accessed at Alana Court and Raiden Circle.

D. Conditional Use – Public Hearing

5.A public hearing on a request by Pamela Viale, authorized representative for The Brown Agency, property manager, for conditional use approval for a church in a M-1 zoning district accessed at 103 Rocket Avenue.

6.A public hearing on a request by David Slocum authorized representative for Food Bank of East Alabama, property owners, for conditional use approval for a Food Bank grocery store in a M-1, GC-S zoning district at 1699 16th Place.

7. A public hearing on a request by Blake Rice, Barrett-Simpson, Inc., authorized representative for BH 55 LLC, property owner, for conditional use approval for a 204-unit apartment development in a I-1 zoning district accessed from Corporate Drive.

E. Rezoning – Public Hearing

8a. An agenda item related to a rezoning request is an amendment to the Future Land Use Map for a 22,450 square foot lot accessed at 711 Pleasant Avenue from a high density residential land use category to light commercial. If the Planning Commission votes to send a positive recommendation to the City Council to rezone the 22,450 square foot lot and Council approves the rezoning, then approval of said amendments to the Future Land Use map will be approved.

8b. A rezoning public hearing to consider a recommendation to the City Council on a request by Kibwe LLC, property owners, to rezone a 22,450 square foot lot accessed at 711 Pleasant Drive from a R-5M to a C-2 zoning district.

9. A rezoning public hearing to consider a recommendation to the City Council on a request by Hayley Investments LLC, property owner, to rezone three lots (18,696 square feet) accessed at First Avenue or North 7th Street from a C-2 to a C-1 zoning district.

V. Old Business F. Conditional Use

10. A public hearing on a request by Bradley Creasy, representative for Dyas Properties, LLC, property owner, for conditional use approval for a 153-unit Build-to-Rent attached

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dwelling unit development in a C-2, GC-P zoning district at the 1400 block of South Fox Run Parkway. (This item was tabled by the applicant at the May 28th, 2024 meeting.)

G Final Plat 11.A request by Daniel Holland, representative for Firefly Development Lee, LLC, property owner, for final approval of the Firefly Phase 1 subdivision consisting of 95 lots accessed at 3169 Columbus Parkway (This item was tabled by the applicant at the May 28th, 2024 meeting.)

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

The Planning Commission reserves the right to modify or alter any of the proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and to make its recommendations accordingly to the City Council. Please contact the Planning department at 334-705-5156 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability.

PLANNING DIRECTOR Legal Run 06/13/2024

CITY OF OPELIKA

SYNOPSIS OF ZONING

NOTICE

The City Council of the City of Opelika will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in the Courtroom of the Opelika Municipal Court Building, 300 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, to consider the adoption of an ordinance to amend the Zoning Ordinance and the Zoning Map of the City of Opelika by rezoning or redistricting the parcel of land hereinafter described so as to change such parcel from one class of district to another class of district, as follows: From a VR District (Village Residential District) and C-2 District (Office/Retail District) to a Planned Unit Development (PUD), the parcel of land hereinafter described: Commencing at the calculated Southwest corner of Section 14, Township 19 North, range 26 East, Opelika, Lee County,

Alabama, thence North 00°14’37” West, a distance of 286.69 feet; thence North 73°12’29” East, a distance of 961.95 feet to a calculated corner on the East right of way of Cunningham Drive and the Southwest corner of the old mill property, said point being the Point of Beginning of a description of land for a Planned Urban Development described herein: from this POINT OF BEGINNING, thence along Cunningham Drive North 00°40’53” West, a distance of 290.45 feet; thence along a right of way change for said Road North 89°46’03” East, a distance of 8.21 feet; thence along said Road along a curve concave to the southeast having a radius of 288.56 feet and a chord which bears North 24°10’30” East 245.95 feet for an arc distance of 254.08 feet to a point of cusp; thence continue along Cuningham Drive North 50°10’15” East, a distance of 163.90 feet to the beginning of a curve tangent to said line; thence northeasterly an arc distance of 100.64 feet along the curve concave to the northwest, having a radius of 223.77 feet and a chord of North 37°17’13” East, 99.79 feet to a point at a future round-about right of way; thence crossing the future roundabout North 17°39’02” East, a distance of 203.15 feet to a point on the North side of a future round about; thence along a curve concave to the east having a radius of 103.78 feet and a chord which bears North 03°40’31” East 12.08 feet for an arc distance of 12.09 feet; thence North 06°54’53” East, a distance of 54.97 feet to the beginning of a curve tangent to said line; thence along future Cunningham Drive northerly an arc distance of 64.95 feet along the curve concave to the east, having a radius of 472.00 feet and a chord of North 10°51’26” East; thence continue along said future road North 14°47’59” East tangent to said curve, a distance of 144.60 feet to the beginning of a curve tangent to said line; along a curve with an arc distance of 28.84 feet, having a radius of 20.00 feet; thence along the South right of way of 2nd Avenue South 82°35’37” East tangent to said curve, a distance of 57.06 feet; thence continue along 2nd Avenue on the following courses and distances: South 87°13’20” East, a distance of 36.79 feet; thence South 86°51’02” East, a distance of 58.48 feet; North

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88°59’39” East, a distance of 63.58 feet; North 85°07’39” East, a distance of 62.88 feet; thence North 81°39’06” East, a distance of 62.27 feet; North 81°28’39” East, a distance of 50.67 feet; North 73°10’14” East, a distance of 375.48 feet; North 73°09’53” East, a distance of 60.00 feet; North 73°09’53” East, a distance of 264.87 feet; North 73°09’53” East, a distance of 60.00 feet; North 73°09’42” East, a distance of 268.83 feet to the Western right of way of 24th Street; thence along 24th Street South 16°45’08” East, a distance of 150.07 feet; South 73°11’18” West, a distance of 8.75 feet; South 16°44’29” East, a distance of 101.56 feet; thence leaving 24th Street and follow the North line of Lot 4, Pride of Pepperell Phase 1 South 73°10’29” West, a distance of 260.00 feet to the East line of 25th Street; thence along 25th Street South 16°45’59” East, a distance of 230.15 feet to the intersection of 25th Street and 1st Avenue; thence crossing 1st Avenue South 16°50’00” East, a distance of 59.89 feet; thence along 1st Avenue North 73°10’00” East, a distance of 374.58 feet; thence leaving 1st Avenue South 16°43’20” East, a distance of 357.07 feet; thence South 73°10’23” West, a distance of 1155.70 feet; thence South 73°08’41” West, a distance of 1107.68 feet to the point of beginning. Said parcel contains 37.91 acres and contains part of the right of way for 30th Street, 1st Avenue, 25th and 26th Street and lies within Section 14, Township 19 North Range 26 east, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama The Development Plan (Master Plan) is a mixed-use development consisting of single-family houses, townhouses, apartment buildings, offices and other commercial uses. The property is divided primarily into two sections. The commercial and multi-family area is located south of 1st Avenue. The remaining residential area is located north of 1st Avenue. The residential development consists of 309 residential units, which include 83 single-family homes, 84 townhomes and 142 multi-family/apartment units. Overall, the development will have a density of 8.95 units per acre. Public Notice of this public hearing with insertion of the proposed ordinance was first published on June 6, 2024, in The Opelika Observer. This

notice is given pursuant to Sections 11-52-77 and 11-52-78 Code of Alabama (1975). The City Council reserves the right to modify or alter any of the proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance. At the public hearing, all persons who desire to be heard shall have the opportunity to speak for or in opposition to the proposed ordinance. Written comments concerning the above matter may be mailed to the City Clerk at P.O. Box 390, Opelika, AL 36803 at any time prior to the public hearing and may be further submitted to the City Council at the meeting and the public hearing. Please contact Brian Weiss, the City’s Interim ADA Coordinator, at 334-705-5134 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to any disability. THIS NOTICE is given under my hand this the 13th day of June, 2024. /s/ Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal 06/13/2024

NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION

The following vehicle will be sold at public auction on July 30, 2024 at 9:00 am: 2005 Hummer VIN# 5GRGN23U85H105256 . Bedsoe Auto Center, 106 18th Street, Opelika, AL. LEGAL RUN 06/13/24, 06/20/24 Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the

New PTSD Awareness distinctive license plate now available

CONTRIBUTED BY SOJOURN COUNSELING

ALABAMA — The PTSD Awareness Distinctive License Plate is now available through the Alabama Department of Rev enue’s Motor Vehicle Division website. The license plate is aimed at raising awareness and support for individuals affected by Post-Traumatic Stress Disor der (PTSD).

PTSD is a significant mental health concern affecting millions of individuals worldwide, often stemming from traumatic experi ences such as combat, accidents or abuse. Despite its prevalence, many still face stigma and bar riers to accessing the necessary support and resources.

With the introduction of the PTSD Awareness Distinctive License Plate, Sojourn Counsel ing aims to spark conversations surrounding PTSD, reduce stig ma, and foster a community of support for those affected. The distinctive design of the license plate serves as a visible symbol of solidarity and understanding for individuals living with PTSD and their loved ones.

“Not only does the PTSD Awareness Distinctive License

ref erenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property. Legal Run 06/13/2024

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF: THE ESTATE OF BARBARA A. CUMMINGS, deceased Case No.: 2024-332. 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. JUDITH MILDRED JONES SIMS Administrator Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 06/13/24, 06/20/24 &

NOTICE OF PUBLIC

HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Opelika will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in the Courtroom of the Opelika Municipal Court Building, 300 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama. PURPOSE

The purpose of said Public Hearing will be to consider the adoption of an ordinance to amend Ordinance

conveyed; from said point of begin ning, run thence Northerly along the last aforementioned right-of-way line, being a curve concave Easterly and having a radius of 2769.95 feet for a distance of 230.84 feet; thence leaving said right-of-way 1ine, run thence South 89°27’46” East for a distance of 70.88 feet to the Westerly right-of-way 1ine of the aforementioned Speedway Drive; thence along said right-of-way line, run thence South 00°30’00” West for a distance of 219.57 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING,

Page 506.

The above-described property contains 0.964 acre, more or less, and is located at 1504 Speedway Drive, Opelika, Alabama. PARCEL III RIGHT-OF-WAY VACATION OF A PORTION OF SPEEDWAY DRIVE COMMENCE AT A POINT UNDER ASPHALT LOCALLY ACCEPTED AS THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SECTION 15, TOWNSHIP 19 NORTH, RANGE 26 EAST,

be further submitted to the City Council at the meeting and the public hearing.

Please contact Brian Weiss, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334705-5134 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to any disability.

WITNESS my hand this the 13th day of June, 2024. /s/ Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 06/13/2024

On the Mark Recreation

Thursday, June 13, 2024

Sports roundup

BY D. MARK MITCHELL

OPINION —

The Alabama High School Athletic Association made two major announcements in the last seven days, the hiring of a new executive director and announcing Super 7 changes.

AHSAA HIRES HEATH HARMON AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Heath Harmon was introduced at a press conference last Thursday, June 6, at the Alabama High School Athletic Association headquarters in Montgomery.

The governing body of the AHSAA falls under the members of the Central Board of Control (CDC). Board President Mike Welsh introduced Harmon, the sixth full-time executive director, in the Steve Savarese Media Room. Harmon leaves Oxford High School after eight years as Principal and 26 years of experience in education as a teacher, coach and administrator. He coached at Codorva, Munford, Andalusia and at White Plains prior to moving into administration.

Harmon and wife Holley are the proud parents of Halaya and Hudson, both Oxford High graduates. Halaya graduated from Auburn University in 2023 and their son is a current Auburn student.

Harmon will follow former Executive Director Alvin Briggs who is retiring July 31.

AUBURN AND ALABAMA TO PAUSE

HOSTING SUPER 7

The official announcement came from the AHSAA

Wednesday: The cities of Auburn, Opelika and Tuscaloosa along with Auburn University and the University of Alabama asked the AHSAA if they could “pause” on hosting future Super 7 football championships because of changes to the College Football Playoffs (CFP).

The new CFP calls for four playoff games to be played on campus stadiums starting Dec. 20 of this year. This is two weeks after the AHSAA Super 7 football championship games. Neither university would know if they were hosting a CFP game until two days after the completion of Super 7.

Auburn Mayor Ron Anders and I serve as co-chairs of the Auburn-Opelika Super 7 committee. We had several conversations and meetings with some of the top brass of the Athletic Department and Auburn University trying to save the Super 7 but no solution would work.

We started working on hosting our first Super 6 Championship game in 2008, long before most folks knew the cities of Auburn and Opelika formed a partnership with the goal of hosting at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Auburn University’s Jordan-Hare Stadium held its first Super 6 championship in 2010.

Prior to the change, the existing contract runs through 2032 and includes Bryant-Denny Stadium,

See ON THE MARK, page B3

Chris and Kate Malveaux to c0-coach AU women’s softball

CONTRIBUTED BY AU ATHLETICS

AUBURN — Chris and Kate Malveaux have been named Auburn Softball co-head coaches. Both come to Auburn after serving as assistant coaches at the University of Tennessee, where they helped the Lady Volunteer program to back-to-back Southeastern Conference regular season titles in 2023 and 2024 and a Women’s College World Series appearance last year.

Additionally, the two helped Tennessee to 136 wins over the last three seasons, which is tied for the 10th most wins nationally and second most by an SEC team. This past season, Tennessee not only won the SEC regular season title, but posted a 44-12 overall record and made an NCAA Super Regional appearance.

“In meeting with Chris and Kate, it was obvious that their synergy was an indomitable force,” Cohen said. “Their contributions to Tennessee’s success over the past three seasons are undeniable. We’re so excited to welcome Chris, Kate and their family to Auburn.”

Recognized as one of the top offensive minds in collegiate softball, Chris Malveaux guided six Lady Vols to All-SEC accolades in 2024, including a third straight All-SEC First Team selection for McKenna Gibson, and helped All-American KiKi Milloy rewrite Tennessee’s record book to become the program leader in home runs, runs scored

and total bases. Three of Tennessee’s top five single-season home run totals came under Malveaux.

“We are incredibly humbled and excited to be a part of the Auburn Family,” Chris Malveaux said. “It is an honor to have the opportunity to lead this storied Auburn program into its next stage and are forever grateful for the trust of John Cohen and his incredible staff for believing in us. We can’t wait to get to work! WAR EAGLE!!”

Kate Malveaux was on staff at Tennessee for three seasons and was elevated to an assistant coach ahead of the 2024 season where she worked with the Lady Vols’ catchers and baserunners. Last season, she helped lead first-year Lady Vol catcher Sophia Nugent to

All-SEC honors. Tennessee catchers committed just a pair of errors in 2024. The Lady Vols stole 50 bases in each of the past three seasons under Malveaux. Since her arrival in 2022, Tennessee has ranked among the top five in the SEC in stolen bases per game.

“Chris and I are both honored and humbled to lead this new era of Auburn Softball. Thank you to John Cohen and all of Auburn Athletics for their faith in us to take on this role and support the program in such an impactful way,” Kate Malveaux said. “Auburn has proved that it can compete on the national stage, and we are excited to build, develop and grow this program into a national powerhouse.”

Martial arts school to host ‘Dad’s Day’ event promoting family safety

Proceeds to benefit Women’s Hope Family Clinic

BY KADIE VICK | FOR THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA — Red Wolf

School of Martial Arts is hosting a Dad’s Day event on June 16 to help teach local families how to protect each other against harmful situations. The event costs $25 and registration ends on June 13.

“The reason that we wanted to do something special for families is because we had noticed that in Auburn there were a couple of situations in which there were attackers to multiple

people, and we got to thinking about how important it was for family to protect each other in addition to self defense,” said Red Wolf School co-owner and head coach Elisabethe Allen.

During the seminar, parents will learn how to watch out for their children and protect them in case of an emergency. Through this training, families can build community with other local families.

“We’re going to teach parents how to protect each

See DAD’S DAY page B2

Elisabethe Allen, co-owner of Red Wolf School of Martial Arts trains regularly with her family.

Clean Sweep

Clinard named National Coach of the Year

Also named Southeast Region Coach of the Year

CONTRIBUTED BY AU

ATHLETICS

other, but also how to protect their kiddos when they’re out and about on vacation, getting groceries and things like that,” Allen said.

Children attending will be taught how to escape dangerous situations and other important tactics for staying safe.

“We’ll teach kids to be safe in a situation [such as] an older sibling can take the younger siblings to a closet,” Allen said.

“Obviously, we don’t expect kids to be trying to help their parents fend off attackers or anything like that, just good safety practices and awareness for families as they’re out and about together.”

Allen says that in her own family she sees how martial arts and training together has helped promote a deeper bond and respect for each other, and she hopes to bring that same growth to local families.

“I really hope that if we can get some folks out there, it builds a deeper bond between dads and their families,” she said.

“With me and my husband and my son, we all train together, and I know that it gives us a greater sense of greater relationship with each.

“Whenever I go to train folks on martial arts, I remember it can offer so many things, not just about defense,” she said. “It’s not just about protecting other people, it’s about self-confidence, self-respect, self-discipline and it also gives you all of those things to be able to deal with the world around you.”

Last month the school hosted a Mom’s day, and it hopes to have an even larger turnout for Dad’s Day. Proceeds from both events go to the Womens Hope Family Clinic and Center.

“When I first found out that I was pregnant with my son, we were in the middle of some hard times, and so I was able to go there [to the Womens Hope Family Clinic and Center] and receive free treatment up to 20 weeks,” Allen said. “And I just really support that. I think it’s awesome what they do.

Red Wolf School of Martial Arts is located at 2900 Wyndham Industrial Drive, Unit G, in Opelika. For more information about beginning martial arts training, visit www. redwolfschoolofmartialarts.com or message the Red Wolf School of Martial Arts on Facebook.

AUBURN — After leading the Auburn Tigers to one of the most dominant seasons in the history of collegiate golf, men’s golf head coach Nick Clinard was named the winner of the 2024 Dave Williams Division I National Coach of the Year Award presented by Golf Pride Grips, the GCAA and Golf Channel.

“It is an honor to now be in this select club,” Clinard said. “All of the credit goes to the players over the past 15 years that have

helped build our program to what it is today. This award represents the long nights, long practices, early morning workouts and a group of young men that share a vision and a dream. I’m extremely grateful to be selected for this prestigious award.”

As the National Coach of the Year, Clinard was also named the Southeast Region Coach of the Year for the second time in his tenure and first time since 2018.

Over the course of the 2023-24 season, Clinard’s

players set a new program record with 10 tournament wins, double the amount of wins from the previous record. Auburn won seven straight to finish the year, including the SEC Championship, a regional championship and the NCAA Championship. The Tigers are the first SEC team to capture all three major postseason event titles since 2014.

Auburn lost just nine times in 14 tournaments to amass a 185-9-1 head-tohead record. Against opponents from the Southeastern

Conference, the Tigers were 46-1-1. For his outstanding success in the league, Clinard was voted the 2024 SEC Coach of the Year. Under Clinard’s leadership, Auburn players captured five All-SEC honors, SEC Freshman of the Year, SEC Player of the Year, four All-Region honors, two invitations to Palmer Cup’s Team USA, the Ben Hogan Award, the Fred Haskins Award, the Jack Nicklaus Award, the Phil Mickelson Outstanding Freshman Award and two first team All-America recognitions.

Auburn runners win national championship in 4x100m relay

CONTRIBUTED BY AU ATHLETICS

AUBURN — The Auburn men’s track and field team won a national championship in the 4x100m relay and claimed two individual silver medals en route to the NCAA Outdoor Championships second-place trophy last week in Eugene, Oregon.

The runner-up trophy was the program’s first since finishing third in 2007 and equaled the men’s best outdoor finish since tying for second in 2008 and finishing second in 2003.

“The guys showed up big time — I told them we had an opportunity and on the first day they created an opportunity for us to win,” Auburn second-year head

coach Leroy Burrell said. “I couldn’t be more grateful and excited for this program and its future. We were so close in a few races and if any of those flip a place, we are celebrating a national title.”

Auburn finished the championships with 40 team points, just one behind national champion Florida. The Tigers were painfully close to bringing home the program’s first national championship, leading the team standings by five points heading into the final event of the evening, the 4x400m relay. The Gators finished third in the relay garnering six team points to push them over the top to win the team title with 41 points.

The Tigers won their

first-ever relay national title on the first event of the evening, racing to the third-fastest time ever in the event, crossing in 38.03. The foursome of Azeem Fahmi, Kanyinsola Ajayi, Dario Matau and Makanakishe Charamba ran a flawless race to claim gold by 18 one-hundredths of a second over second place LSU. It was the men’s first national title in any event since Cory Martin won the shot put and hammer in 2008.

Less than an hour later, true freshman Ja’Kobe Tharp, who jumped onto the national scene last month when he won the SEC title while breaking a 46-year-old American Junior (U20) national record, claimed silver

in the 110m hurdles in 13.20.

For the first time in Auburn’s historic sprints history, two Tigers finished second and third in the 100m finals as junior Favour Ashe won silver while Ajayi, a true freshman, won bronze. Making his third consecutive finals in the event, Ashe finished in 9.99, while Ajayi broke his own school freshman record in 10.01. Charamba, who anchored Auburn’s national champion relay team turned around 90 minutes later to finish fifth in the men’s 200m dash in 20.16. The junior’s finish was the best by a Tiger sprinter in the 200 since Auburn legend and Olympian Harvey Glance was fourth in 1978.

DAD’S DAY >>

from B1

Auburn men’s golf freshman Jackson Koivun received the 2024 Jack Nicklaus Award last week, making him the first player in the history of the sport to sweep the three national player of the year awards — the Haskins, the Hogan and the Nicklaus — and the Phil Mickelson Outstanding Freshman Award in the same season. As the 2024 Nicklaus winner, Koivun earned a spot in the Memorial Tournament on the PGA Tour, June 6–9, at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio.

AU men’s golf coach Nick Clinard addresses fans during a celebration after the team clinched the national championship.

Tiger Tush: An innovative approach to develop glutes

BY ELESE MCKINLEY FOR THE OBSERVER

AUBURN — Royalricus Dowdell, an advanced certified trainer at High 5 Fitness in Auburn, is launching an innovative program called Tiger Tush boot camp, a scientifically based approach to glute enhancement, which begins on June 17.

The program aims to ensure transformative results, reinforcing High 5 Fitness’s commitment to holistic health and wellness under the leadership of owner Chappy Chapman.

Tiger Tush is a six-week intensive program designed to guarantee participants noticeable results. The three key pillars of the Tiger Tush program — fitness, nutrition and accountability — work together to ensure comprehensive development and lasting results for participants. Dowdell’s program showcases its commitment to effectiveness with a unique guarantee: Participants who fully commit to the 2-3 days a week training and follow the meal plan for six weeks

but do not see significant improvement in their glutes, are offered additional training sessions at no extra cost.

This promise highlights the confidence Dowdell has in his program’s potential to transform his clients’ physiques.

The gluteal muscles, the largest muscle group in the body, play a crucial role in overall physical health.

Prolonged sitting can lead to underdeveloped glutes, resulting in chronic lower back, hip and knee pain.

“When people sit for more than four hours a day, whether that’s for work or just sitting, they unknowingly cause their glutes to weaken, their hip flexors to tighten and their lower back to hurt over time,”

Dowdell said. “During my day job, I sat for hours on end, which resulted in me having these symptoms as well. This led to the creation of this program.”

During the initial week of training, Dowdell focuses on understanding each participant’s fitness goals and gathers their measurements for future comparisons. This

Jordan Hare Stadium and Protective Stadium in Birmingham.

The AHSAA will play future Super 7 championship games at Birmingham’s Protective Stadium. In a press release given to The Observer, Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller said the his city was glad to be a part of proving such life-long memories for the student-athletes, their schools and communities.

“The city of Opelika is honored to have been a part of the Super 7 for many years,” Fuller said. “The experiences had by the athletes, band members, students, cheerleaders, and fans are priceless. To be under the big lights in a grand stadium is something we all will remember for a lifetime. We are hopeful

personalized approach allows him to tailor the program to meet individual needs, enhancing its effectiveness. Additionally, Dowdell prepares customized meal plans for his clients, ensuring their nutritional intake supports their fitness goals.

Nutrition is essential in any fitness program, including Tiger Tush. Dowdell tailors color-coded meal plans and recommends supplements to meet each client’s specific needs, ensuring proper fueling for the best results. This holistic approach ensures that participants not only exercise effectively but also nourish their bodies appropriately.

Accountability plays a pivotal role in an individual’s progress and motivation during their fitness journey. Chapman said he believes that true wellness requires attention to all facets of health, promoting not only physical fitness but also mental resilience and spiritual fulfillment, and that addressing mental well-being alongside physical fitness ensures sustainable progress and overall

to one day be back at Jordan-Hare Stadium (for the Super 7).”

OHS

Opelika football coach Bryan Moore appeared on the radio version of “On the Mark” last week, updating fans on summer workouts, which started June 3. The players are conditioning and lifting weights four days a week, participating in 7 on 7 tournaments and team camps.

Moore talked about the importance of 7 on 7 tournaments although no one is “live” in pads.

“I know 7 on 7 games are not real games, but it is good for our quarterbacks to compete and work on routes and timing,” Moore said.

“We have some sophomores and a junior that needs to develop as a quarterback. We want to win every game but let’s be real,” Moore said

well-being.

“The weight that we need to lose is in our mind,” Chapman said. “Sometimes we need to decompress to move forward in our fitness

with a chuckle.

“The three quarterbacks are competing [and] each needs to learn how to go through five targets without holding the football,” Moore continued. “You must anticipate the receiver being open before he is open. If you wait for a receiver to be open, it is a pick (interception). We take our running backs but it is for receivers because we do not throw to our backs often although it is a part of the game.”

Most of the universities in Alabama host seven on seven camps/ tournaments.

OHS SUMMER TRAINING SCHEDULE

Opelika Athletics new strength and conditioning Kade Mcgee released a summer workout schedule for all sports. The schedule can be found in this week’s paper.

for Tiger Tush is currently open, and groups of friends are encouraged to

OHS Softball team is hosting a camp for kids six years old through 12 years old, July 8-10 at West Ridge Park in Opelika. Cost is $60 per camper, please contact Coach Thornton at (334)745-9715.

TIDBITS

Auburn City Schools did not announce their new baseball coach during Tuesday’s regular scheduled meeting.

The head baseball coach at AHS is a very important hire for ACS.

I have no doubt ACS Superintendent Dr. Cristen Herrin will make an excellent hire. Since becoming Auburn schools superintendent she has made several huge hires during her short tenure including football coach Keith Etheredge and renowned volleyball coach Brian Wheatley.

All of the Opelika Diamond Youth baseball All-star teams start tournaments this week. The All-star teams range from age 7 to 12.

The Opelika DBB all-star teams, 13U, 14U and 15U play their tournaments this month.

The Opelika 15U All-Star team plays in the state tournament in Eufaula, Alabama, Friday through Sunday. Opelika’s 13U and 14U allstars play in the state tournament in Greenville, Alabama, June 27-29.

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

High 5 Fitness in Auburn is launching Tiger Tush Boot Camp starting June 17.

McCall answering call back ‘home’ in newest landing spot at Lee-Scott

BY NOAH GRIFFITH FOR THE OBSERVER

AUBURN — Lee-Scott Academy’s newest athletics hire, Clay McCall, has had a lot of mentors throughout his 31 years working in the Alabama school system.

McCall was hired back at the end of April as LeeScott’s executive director of athletics. He started his career at Auburn High as a coach in 1994, where he later served stints as assistant principal and athletic director. He has 13 years of experience as a football and track coach including 2001-03 at Plainview High School in North Alabama, and he most recently served as AD at Bob Jones High School in Madison, AL. But among all the posi-

tions he’s held, places he’s been and lessons learned, there’s one mantra that stands above all: “Live where your feet are.”

“The gentleman who gave that advice was actually my father, who I worked with at Auburn High. His name was Bill McCall,” McCall said.

“My dad passed away in 2001, but he was a great mentor. My dad believed in building relationships and standing by those, treating people how you want to be treated, but pushing them to a different level in whatever they’re trying to do.”

Following his father’s advice is what McCall feels is his calling at Lee-Scott –the place his feet are now.

His feet have led him back home. After over 20 years total at Auburn High,

he retired from teaching and coaching in the state of Alabama in 2019 and since took a job at Harris County, Georgia. But in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, he and his family felt a calling to return home to Auburn to be closer to family. Auburn is where McCall and his wife of 26 years, Michele, raised their two daughters, Raegan and Mallory, and he called the Auburn-Opelika area “an incredible place to live.”

“This is home. I’ll just go ahead and say that,” McCall said. “To be able to move back home – I truly feel like the Lord is opening doors for me to continue to be a better father and husband for my family.”

His move to Lee-Scott has allowed him to rekin-

dle some old friendships he made while at Auburn High, but he also said he’s formed some new ones and already seen what a tight-knit family the staff at Lee-Scott is. Even as he did this interview five days after he began working at Lee-Scott, he’s already felt that it’s a perfect fit.

While McCall is cherishing his days in early June at the school, he is also anticipating the excitement and challenges that the Warriors will face when they begin competing in AHSAA 3A at the beginning of the upcoming school year.

Boys basketball coach, William Johnson, will continue as the school’s AD, and girls basketball coach – Corye Harrison – will continue as assistant AD.

The addition of McCall as executive director of athletics adds experience and expertise to help guide them through the transition.

“Having been in Alabama for over 30 years and being involved, I’ve been blessed to create a lot of great relationships – not only through coaching – but also through the Alabama High School Athletic Association,” McCall pointed out. “There’s been a bit of change [in the AHSAA] with new executive director, Mr. Heath Harmon, which I think he’ll do a great job. He comes very highly qualified, and I’ve heard about the good things he did at Oxford High when he was the principal there.

“I’m hoping my background will help ease some

of the challenges as we go into this (transition). We’re looking forward to it. I think it’ll be something good for all of us here, and I think it’ll create a lot of excitement starting this fall.”

In his first week on the job, McCall reflects that same excitement and anticipation in his latest opportunity to honor the memory of his father by doing his job to the best of his abilities. His end goal is to serve those around him –his family, his co-workers, the students at Lee-Scott and even his opponents.

“Obviously, I’m involved in athletics, and it’s my passion. It’s what I love,” McCall said. “But I’m here to serve, and I will serve in any capacity that I need to.”

Ten Lee-Scott Academy Warrior student-athletes were selected to All-State Teams by the Alabama Sports Writers Association for their performances on the diamonds this spring.

SUSCC hosts math tournament

Grant to address critical shortage of rural veterinarians

BY ADAM CLETZER, AU NEWS

ALABAMA — More than a dozen Alabama counties have a shortage of food animal veterinarians. Food animal veterinarians play a critical role in maintaining the health of animals in the food system by providing important disease testing and health care to the beef, swine, poultry and dairy industries.

Encouraging new veterinarians to practice in production agriculture, particularly in rural areas, is a long-running problem throughout the country. A team of faculty at Auburn University was awarded $246,000 by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture to recruit veterinarians to areas experiencing shortages and support existing veterinarians already serving those areas.

“Auburn is committed to solving the rural practice problem,” said Glen Sellers, practice management director at Auburn’s College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) and a member of the grant team. “They need veterinarians in rural communities.”

Enticing new veterinarians to practice in production agriculture in rural areas has

several challenges. Two of the most important factors are salary and well-being, according to Sellers.

Working in a suburban clinic treating dogs and cats is often more lucrative, and the hours are shorter and more regular. There is also less time spent on the road and fewer emergency calls, which usually means a better work-life balance.

To address the issue, Sellers and a team of veterinarians at Auburn have created a program for rural veterinarians and current veterinary students. It focuses on the financial sustainability of rural veterinary practices and connecting students to practices where they might work after graduation.

“We’re trying to look at the problem very broad brush … almost from a holistic point of view,” said Sellers, referring to the multi-pronged plan. “But my point of view has always been that it starts in those rural practices.”

Sellers and a team of veterinary students on the Auburn University Practice Management Rotation spend three days working with veterinary owners in rural practices in shortage areas

Education Briefs

BOSTON, Mass. — Alyssa Chang of Auburn earned Dean’s List list honors from Emerson College for the Spring 2024 Semester. The requirement to make Dean’s List is a grade point average of 3.7 or higher for that semester. Chang is majoring in Journalism and is a member of the Class of 2026.

DOTHAN — Wallace Community College in Dothan conferred degrees and certificates on May 8 during the Spring 2024 Commencement. Local students graduating included William Griffin of Auburn, Constance Lockhart of Opelika and Ellis Yohn of Smiths Station.

UNIVERSITY, Miss. — The University of Mississippi announced students named to the Spring 2024 Chancellor’s Honor Roll, a distinction reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00 while enrolled in at least 12 semester hours of coursework. Included on the Chancellor’s Honor Roll are three Auburn natives, Kathrynanne Eastman, who is majoring in international studies, and Reagan Gamble and Martha Scott, who are both majoring in integrated marketing communications.

UNIVERSITY, Miss. — The University of Mississippi announced students named to the Spring 2024 Dean’s List, an honor reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.50-3.74 while enrolled in at least 12 semester hours of coursework. Included on the Dean’s List are three Auburn

and offer their expertise to help the practice better manage their clinic’s finances with an eye toward growth, sustainability and, potentially, hiring additional veterinarians. The students apply the financial knowledge they have learned in their coursework to real-world practices in this unique experience.

Over three 10- to 15-hour days, the team will collect mounds of financial and clinical data, which they synthesize into a hefty report. They will highlight market opportunities to increase profitability, as well as make recommendations for new technology to improve efficiency. This consultation is a $10,000-$20,000 value for the rural practice, according to Sellers.

The best part is the students present the report back to the veterinary owners.

“One of the biggest weakness I see in rural practices is just the lack of financial education,” Sellers said. “Veterinarians go to professional school to become veterinarians, and the business side of veterinary medicine is pushed to the back burner.”

Auburn’s leadership and faculty are working to broaden the curriculum to address

the needs of the graduating veterinarians and prepare them for a future to better care for their patients and their careers as they enter the workforce. Auburn’s CVM has incorporated a mandatory professional development and business fundamentals course along with the elective practice management business rotation.

Sellers has worked at Auburn for 29 years. In 2016, his role expanded to include a focus on veterinary business and teaching vet students about practice management.

He described the impact financial analysis can have on a rural clinic. In one instance, a report to a rural veterinarian revealed his friendly discounts to clients had amounted to $100,000 annually.

In some cases, veterinarians are skeptical of the process. However, Sellers said, “If you give them six months to read through the document, they will come back and say, ‘Are you serious? How do we do this?’”

The second prong of the program focuses on current students. At least eight veterinary students at Auburn’s CVM will be selected to

natives: Constance Mitchell, who is majoring in marketing; Katie Thornton, who is majoring in Southern studies; and Reilly Williamson, who is majoring in elementary education.

ADELPHI, Maryland — The University of Maryland Global Campus has released the Dean’s List for the spring 2024 term. To be eligible for the honor, a student must complete at least six credits during the term, earned a grade point average of at least 3.5 for the term and maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.5 at UMGC. Local students on the Dean’s List include Richard Bright of Opelika; Jakob Canter and Jatavious Dowdell, both of

participate in externship and preceptorship programs yearly until the end of the grant, which exposes them to the challenges and opportunities of rural practices and connect them with existing veterinary clinics in shortage areas.

The summer externship opportunities are for first and second-year veterinary students seeking to experience rural practices for two weeks. The grant will fund stipends of $800 to each extern student for the two-week experience in a shortage area.

Preceptorships are eightweek programs where fourth-year students nearing graduation practice under the supervision of a veterinarian at a rural clinic. The grant will fund stipends of $4,000 to each preceptor who goes to a shortage area.

This exposure to rural practice with food animal veterinarians is increasingly important, as fewer people have a direct connection to farming and most veterinary students come from cities and suburbs.

“We might be three to four generations removed [from the farm] now,” said Jenna Bayne, farm animal associate clinical professor at Auburn’s

CVM and member of the grant team. Consequently, many veterinary students go to veterinary school with little knowledge of the food animal veterinarian career path. This program allows interested students to explore this critical area of veterinary practice. The third prong of the program is to provide continuing education at a reduced cost to veterinarians serving in the shortage areas. Grant funds will help vets attend the Auburn CVM’s Annual Conference and the Alabama and Georgia Veterinary Medical Association’s Southern Food and Farm Veterinary Summit.

In addition to Bayne and Sellers, the grant team also includes doctors Manuel Chamorro, Jessica Rush and Melinda Camus of Auburn’s CVM. The grant team has several partners, including the Alabama State Veterinarian’s Office, Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, Alabama Veterinary Medical Association and local veterinarians. The grant is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture, and the threeyear program ends in 2025.

Auburn; and Alex Mckernan and Michael Walker, both of Smiths Station.

STATESBORO, Georgia — Georgia Southern University recently recognized Delisha Salter of Auburn for excellence in academics as part of the Spring 2024 President’s List. To be eligible for this honor, a student must have at least a 4.0 grade point average and carry a minimum of 12 hours for the semester.

MEMPHIS — Welela Burayu of Auburn graduated from Rhodes College with a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science on May 11.

The Math Department of Southern Union State Community College recently hosted its annual Mathematics Tournament at the Wadley campus. This year’s event saw a turnout of 305 students representing 20 high schools from surrounding counties. In the competitive small school division (1A, 2A, 3A, private schools), Randolph County High School (pictured above right) achieved notable success, securing 2nd place in the Geometry team category. This achievement was made possible by the efforts of Edwin Infante, Kaigan Watts, Bryant Lee and Caroline Robertson. Additionally, Randolph County High School earned 3rd place in the Precalculus team competition, with Lexi Key, Anna Henderson, Avion Willis and Karli Wood showcasing their mathematical talents. The large school division (4A, 5A, 6A, 7A) witnessed outstanding performances from Handley High School (pictured above left), which took home several top honors. The Algebra I team, comprising Elizabeth Sidell, Ashtyn Moon, Brodie Bailey and Camille Brown, clinched 1st place. The Geometry team, with members Madison Weathers, Cadence Hinson, Reece Hill and Owen Gabriel, earned a respectable 3rd place, while the Algebra II team of Allie Amason, Ben Pike, Alex Busbin and Hayden Hare secured 2nd place. Handley’s Nick Griffin achieved 3rd place in the Comprehensive individual competition.

AU Alumni Association honors Lifetime Achievement winners

CONTRIBUTED BY AU NEWS

AUBURN — The Auburn Alumni Association honored its 2024 class of Lifetime Achievement Award and Young Alumni Achievement Award recipients at a special ceremony on June 8.

The Lifetime Achievement Awards honor distinguished members of the Auburn Family for extraordinary accomplishments in their personal and professional lives, as well as dedication to the university. Noteworthy recent graduates in the midst of their careers are recognized with the Young Alumni Achievement Award.

Recipients are nominated by their peers and selected by a committee of Auburn administrators, trustees, faculty, students and alumni.

The 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award recipients include:

• Gary Ross Godfrey ’86 and Carol J. Godfrey ’86 — Gary, a former Auburn basketball player, spent two decades as the global managing director of integrated planning and fulfillment at Accenture, consulting for brands like Walmart, AT&T and Heineken Breweries. Carol is senior vice president of products and markets for Southwire’s energy division, helping expand the company’s markets and maintain its presence in the renewable energy industry. After Gary was diagnosed with ALS in 2019, the Godfreys became strong advocates for ALS awareness, raising millions of dollars in support for research.

• Lester Killebrew Sr. ’68 — Lester Killebrew Sr. is chairman of the board at SunSouth LLC, president and CEO of CCS Technology Centers, the head of Henry Farm Center Inc. and holds the top position of the ATTA Library of STEM and History. Through CCS Technology, he was pivotal to the computerization of the Auburn Athletics Department.

• Gerald S. Leischuck ’64 and Emily Reaves Leischuck ’64 (deceased) — Gerald served in the Office of Institutional Research as

executive assistant to the president and secretary of the board of trustees. He was recognized as the College of Education’s 1988 Distinguished Alumnus. Emily was a panhellenic advisor in the Office of the Dean of Women and spent 13 years as an assistant to the president and board of trustees.

In 1988, Auburn named a campus residence hall at the Hill in her honor. She passed away in 2013. In their retirement, the Leischucks created scholarship endowments at various schools and established

the Gerald and Emily Leischuck Annual Teaching Awards Program in the College of Education.

• John Holman Watson ’60 — John Watson is an entrepreneur and chairman of Smith’s Inc. whose other business ventures include Engineered Systems Inc., which built Auburn’s indoor football practice facility; Higgins Electric Inc.; and Aladan Inc., the largest latex glove producer in the nation. Watson was also a founding board member of the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind.

The 2024 Young Alumni Achievement Award recipient is:

• Parker Edward Duffey ’06 — Parker Duffey is cofounder and CEO of the Auburn-based technology company Chptr, an operations platform launched in 2023 that streamlines the functions for Greek Life student organizations through web and mobile applications. In 2009, he founded Tailgate Guys, now known as REVELxp.

Teacher Excellence Award winners announced at LSA

Pictured, from left, are AU President Christopher B. Roberts, Auburn Alumni Association Board of Directors President LuAnne L. Hart ’80, Parker Duffey ’06, John H. Watson ’60, Lester Howard Killebrew Sr. ’68, Carol Elsen Godfrey ’86, Gary R. Godfrey ’86, Gerald S. Leischuck ’64 and Chief Engagement Officer and Auburn Alumni Association Director Kurt Sasser ’11

The Lee-Scott Academy Teacher Excellence Awards are made possible by the

member must maintain

from left to right) RyAnn Fligel, Diana Gibbs, Jamie Payne and Karen Bryant.

Classroom Observer

OPINION —

Hey, have you picked up that Father’s Day card or your dad’s favorite tie or shirt, a needed tool or favorite sports’ equipment yet?

There are many different kinds of dads that come to our minds when we think of Father’s Day. Even the name “father” takes many forms of addressing the man we call father. It could be Dad,

Daddy, Pop, Papa, Gramps, “Big Daddy” and the list goes on and on.

As we address God as our Heavenly Father in the Lord’s Prayer we see in Matthew 6:9: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. His name is Holy full of love and grace. In Genesis 1:1: In the beginning God created the heaven and earth. Our Father in heaven is the Creator of The Universe.

“This is My Father’s

World,” one of my favorite Hymns written by Maltbie Davenport Babcock, points out the beauty of nature as we worship our Father in Heaven. George Washington is referred to “The Father of Our Nation.”

Father’s Day was created as a way to complement Mother’s Day. Who we honor as our fathers take on a personal note in who we relate to as our fathers. It could be our biological father, grandfather, a distant relative or a good friend who serves in the role of father to our child or children. Fathers play such a vital role in a child’s life. Children of all ages observe everything as they take the whole world in. They watch what adults do. We are their first teachers, and children model our actions in order to learn. It is so funny when we see toddlers wearing their daddy’s shoes. The same is true for those who love to adorn themselves

Celebrating our fathers

with mama’s jewelry or makeup. What a joy and a complimentary reflection of how children want to be like mama and daddy.

In the United States, the first modern Father’s Day was celebrated on July 5, 1908, in Fairmont, West Virginia, at Williams Memorial Methodist Church. Another initiator of beginning Father’s Day was Mrs. Sonora Smart Dodd. She wanted to honor her Dad, a civil war veteran, William Jackson Smart, who was a single parent who raised his six children in Spokane, Washington. She was encouraged and inspired by Anna Jarvis’ efforts to establish Mother’s Day.

Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June each year. The very first June Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, in Spokane, Washington. The date of Father’s Day varies in different countries.

Looking back through my

teaching files for guiding young children in making gifts for their dads, I ran across some homemade, simple ideas I’d like to share.

1. Simply making a paper or cardboard Father’s Day card with the child’s hands traced on the front, or a snapshot picture of a child, is a keepsake.

2. Filling a jar with candy kisses and a note or a hug lets daddy know you love him. What a sweet treat.

3. Childrens’ hands can always help and pitch in to fix Dad’s favorite breakfast.

4. Make Dad a cardboard crown to serve as “King for the Day.”

5. Make Dad a “Chore Coupon Book” for tasks to be done. Examples are helping with the grass, taking out the garbage, feeding the family pet or helping Dad grocery shop when needed. This will make your child understand they are giving something to Dad — their time.

6. Our Heavenly Father just desires our fellowship with Him, so what a gift earthly fathers can give their children in guiding them toward God.

I love the old saying that we hear year after year, “Any man can be a Father, but it takes a special person to be called Dad.”

Friday, June 14, is Flag Day in the United States, a day which honors the national flag. On this date in 1777, the founders approved the design for our first national flag. Young children love to wave little flags as they march and sing “You’re A Grand Old Flag” by George M. Cohan. Top off the celebration with red, white and blue popsicles or cupcakes.

Happy Father’s Day to all our Dads in the community.

Beth Pinyerd has taught many years and holds a master's degree in Early Childhood Education.

Auburn alumna hired by Extension as poultry veterinarian

CONTRIBUTED BY KATIE NICHOLS, ACES

AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — Maggie Thompson began her role as the poultry veterinarian for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System June 10. This position showcases a unique partnership between Alabama Extension, the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine and the Alabama Agricultural Experiment System (AAES).

Alabama Extension Director Mike Phillips said this addition will make immediate impacts in the poultry industry in Alabama.

“Avian influenza has been, and continues to be, a serious concern throughout the poultry industry,” Phillips said. “Dr. Thompson’s poultry disease expertise will be a tremendous asset to the state’s poultry industry, and she will excel in her role educating and updating stakeholders.”

As an alumna of Auburn’s Colleges of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Thompson said she is thrilled to return to the university and to have the opportunity to serve the Alabama poultry

industry in this new role.

“As someone who grew up in the very small town of Opp, Alabama, where the integrated poultry industry is so important to so many families, I can think of no better way for Auburn to introduce this new position to the state than through the

Alabama Cooperative Extension System,” Thompson said. “Our poultry farmers are the heartbeat of our industry. Without them, the protein we currently provide for consumers would not exist.”

Paul Patterson, director of the AAES, said AAES is proud to partner with Alabama Extension and the College of Veterinary Medicine in supporting this much-needed position.

“Dr. Thompson brings some critical skills related to poultry health, which is important to Alabama farmers at a time when the threat of avian influenza is ever present,” said Patterson, who is also dean of the College of Agriculture. “I look forward to seeing how she collaborates with our faculty in the Department of Poultry Science and those affiliated

with the National Poultry Technology Center.”

Thompson will also serve the College of Veterinary Medicine as an assistant professor in the Department of Pathobiology. Calvin Johnson, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, said the college has taken a major step in hiring Thompson, an Extension veterinarian focused on poultry health.

“Dr. Thompson has excellent working relationships within the poultry industry,” Johnson said. “She will be in an excellent position to integrate current trends in poultry health with production systems, research programs and veterinary education.”

Johnson said Thompson’s appointment is a great example of the power of working across disciplines and administrative systems to address some of the most

This Week's Puzzle Answers

important problems facing Alabama’s food animal production industries.

Phillips said Thompson will make immediate impacts in the poultry industry through close-working relationships with the diagnostic labs located on Auburn’s campus, as well as in Albertville, Hanceville and Elba. In this position, Thompson will also work closely with partners, such as Alabama Poultry and Egg Association, Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, Alabama Farmers Federation, Alabama Department of Public Health and others.

“This is a monumental hire for Alabama Extension,” Phillips said. “This industry is excited, and they all know her very well. We are looking forward to what is ahead.”

BETH PINYERD

MAGGIE THOMPSON

Food &E ntertainment Community Calendar —

BY STACEY PATTON WALLACE

OPINION —

Last month, Mike and I went on our dream vacation: We spent two weeks in Scotland, the land of our ancestors. Mike is a Wallace (you can’t be more Scottish than that) and my sweet Mama was a McEachern; we were definitely from Scotland.

Scotland was a very beautiful country with lush green and golden fields. In addition, the people were so warm and welcoming. I told the Scots we met, “Even though we’re an ocean apart, and our accents are quite different, it’s wonderful to find out that Scots are as friendly as Southerners.”

Mike and I spent five days in Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. Then we traveled to Inverness for three days, where we went looking for Nessie on Loch Ness but didn’t see her. We also visited Stirling, the home of William Wallace, the hero of Scotland, Glasgow and Campeltown, where my family, the McEacherns, first made an appearance in the 1200s.

Our trip was amazing, and we felt a connection or kinship in the land of our ancestors. Mike, my trusty photographer, took over 900 pictures.

Also, we loved Chris, our favorite driver. He was so accommodating and stopped wherever we wanted. “This is your vacation,” he said.

I’m proud and happy to report that we turned Chris into an Auburn fan. We told him all about Auburn, and while we were looking around the

Making the Grade

Alabama Fried Chicken & Fish

University of St. Andrews (established in 1413!), Chris watched Auburn’s incredible Kick Six game against Alabama. That did it; we had him. Chris is looking forward to watching Auburn in the fall on ESPN. We plan to send him an Auburn t-shirt and sweatshirt so that he will be properly attired for the games.

Something odd but wonderful happened on our trip: Mike lost 7.6 pounds, and I lost 1.6. Why?

Because we walked miles and miles, and some of the food we were served was not to our liking.

Don’t get me wrong; the breakfasts, a steak, fish and chips and sticky toffee pudding were terrific.

However, some of the food was a little frightening. For instance, at beautiful Culloden House,

where we stayed and had breakfast for three days, Amy, our sweet server (all our servers were terrific in Scotland), gave us a small, complimentary dish: lamb tartar. That means RAW lamb. I took two tiny bites; Mike took one. Also, we braved trying haggis at another hotel. When I described our haggis to my friend Ashley she said, “That sounds more like black pudding than haggis.” Now, haggis, “the national dish of Scotland,” is a type of pudding composed of the liver, heart and lungs of a sheep, minced and mixed with beef or mutton and oatmeal, seasoned with onion, cayenne pepper and other spices. The mixture is packed into a sheep’s stomach and boiled.” And black pudding has blood in it. Boy, those don’t sound like puddings to me. Whichever it was, I’m just proud

that Mike and I didn’t throw up at the table. Our ancestors were really tough.

But I was really craving our mouthwatering Southern fried chicken when we got back to Auburn.

Therefore, Mike and I were very happy to meet our good friend Jack at Alabama Fried Chicken & Fish at 1625 E. University Drive, Suite 116, behind McAlister’s Deli.

The restaurant opened March 13. The owners are Cassandra Denson and DeAndre Jones, who graduated from Opelika High School, and M. D. Shafiullah, who lives locally.

Denson and Jones were working the night we dined at Alabama Fried Chicken & Catfish, and they were very kind and patient.

Mike chose the twopiece fried catfish fillet with French fries and

coleslaw. I selected the two-piece fried chicken combo which included a breast and a wing (served on the bone as God intended) and fries. Jack also ordered the twopiece fried chicken with okra as his side. It was so wonderful to be home eating terrific Southern fried chicken instead of raw sheep, blood or sheep intestines.

Everything was absolutely delicious. Also, our food was very reasonably priced. As I’ve said before in this column, that’s a big deal in inflationary times.

Besides our delectable choices, Alabama Fried Chicken & Fish also serves diners whole catfish, whiting (whole or fillet), shrimp, wings, tilapia, gizzards, tenders, liver and chicken or fish sandwiches. Other sides offered include: Cajun-ranch fries, mashed

potatoes, mac and cheese, hushpuppies and jalapenos. Give Alabama Fried Chicken & Fish a try. I started craving their chicken again when I was writing this.

Alabama Fried Chicken & Fish is open on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Alabama Fried Chicken & Fish makes the grade with an A+ from this retired English teacher. Remember, “Pooh-sized” people NEVER lie about food. Enjoy!

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

PHOTOS BY MIKE WALLACE / FOR THE OBSERVER

Following a trip to Scotland, where the food was not always appetizing, Stacy and Mike Wallace couldn’t wait to get home to eat at Alabama Fried Chicken & Fish is now open at 1625 E. University, Suite 116, in Auburn.

‘Battle of the Bands’ event June 22, hosted by Botanic

BOTANIC

CONTRIBUTED BY

OPELIKA — Botanic

will be hosting its biggest event yet, Battle of the Bands, on Saturday, June 22, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ten bands will compete for audience votes to win $5,000 cash, as well as a song produced at The Sound Wall with Grammy-nominated artist Justin Rivers.

Battle of the Bands will be a tournament style competition with bands set to perform across three stages to provide constant entertainment for all ages. Each band has been carefully selected through an audition process to curate a music festival type of environment in the center of Botanic’s campus. Each band performing offers a unique sound, with influences from alternative to indie and hard rock to jazz. Competitors include:

• Front Seven, an Opelika band that has taken their unique blend of cover

songs from Dothan to Birmingham and every honkytonk, lake party and backyard in between. The band covers all the hits from the 60s to today, and is comprised of vocalist/ guitarist Kasey Kaschak, bassist Alex Matthews and drummer Nate Jackson.

• The Band Silhouette, formed in Auburn by James Berryhill, Brenner Oakes, Will Scarpa and Dylan Deal. The group displays eclectic influences on their debut album Seedlings, a collection of tracks showcasing a range of genres, from alt rock to California indie to improv funk to bossanova-esque balladry to Latin-tinged breakdowns.

• The Latter, formed in Auburn by Jack O’rear, Jackson Durdin, JD Rohling, Jack Estep and Landon Knorr, with influences ranging from Led Zeppelin, The Replacements, Rolling Stones and Widespread Panic.

• Relative Sound, a four-

piece rock cover band from Columbus featuring David Stivarius on guitar and lead vocals, Mike Webb on drums, Aaron Gillies on lead guitar and vocals and Caleb Gamble on bass. They cover music from a variety of genres, including classic rock, southern rock, blues, alternative, funk and folk.

• 13 Seconds of Silence, a 3-piece neo-grunge outfit from Central Alabama consisting of twin brothers Matthew and Ethan Linna with cousin Zack Dingman. The members cite as major influences Alice in Chains, Nirvana, Silverchair and Seether.

• Bearded Chieftains, an indie funk/rock outfit from Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Formed at Jones College in Ellisville in 2021, the band mixes equal parts of stanky syncopation, sizzling guitar work and scalpel sharp lyrics rife with relevant social commentary.

See BANDS, page B13

Vote for Auburn as the South’s best culinary town

Auburn among 10 towns competing for the title

CONTRIBUTED BY AUBURN OPELIKA TOURISM

AUBURN — The Local Palate, a magazine that covers the food culture of the South, is seeking out The Best Culinary Town in the South.

Through a Readers’ Poll, open now through June 16, Auburn Opelika Tourism encourages the public to vote from a list of the Top 10 Culinary Towns in the South.

The selection will be narrowed to the Top Three towns, which will go headto-head in a social media poll open June 17-21 to determine the winner. The final results will be revealed in the Best Culinary Towns of the South issue on stands Oct. 29, 2024.

The Top 10 towns competing for this year’s title include: Alpharetta, Georgia; Auburn, Alabama; Charlottesville, Virginia; Chattanooga, Tennessee; Columbia, South Carolina; Lafayette, Louisiana; Lexington, Kentucky; Oxford, Mississippi; St. Augustine, Florida; and Wilmington, North Carolina.

To determine the Top 10, the editors of The Local Palate researched more than 40 small towns across the South, from Washing-

ton, D.C. down to Florida and over to Texas with populations under 450,000.

They looked at everything from the restaurant, bar and café scene to the towns’ farmers markets, educational classes, coffee shops, kitchen and home goods retailers, wine shops and more to determine which towns would make the Top 10.

The winner of the Reader’s Poll will be featured on the cover of The Local Palate’s new, annual issue, which will include as many as 20 Southern Culinary Towns, offering an essential guide to eating and drinking across the region.

“Our team of writers and editors are constantly digging deep into the culinary corners of the South for topics to cover in our magazines. This new issue gives us a chance to celebrate and highlight the towns that have become shining stars in the food space,” said Erin Byers Murray, editor in chief of The Local Palate. “We’re excited to hear from our readers, who know their towns inside and out, and even more excited to see which town comes out on top this fall.”

The Best Culinary Town in the South Reader’s Poll

is live now at www.thelocalpalate.com. Follow the magazine on Instagram and Facebook for details.

ABOUT THE LOCAL PALATE

The Local Palate is a print magazine that covers the food culture of the South, telling the stories behind the people, places, and foodways that make up this diverse and dynamic culinary region. Through its quarterly magazine, special interest publications, website, newsletters, events, videos, The Local Palate Marketplace, and other channels, The Local Palate explores Southern recipes, traditions, artisanal products, makers, chefs, getaways, and communities, using food as a lens to better understand this rich, storied region.

ABOUT AUBURN-OPELIKA

TOURISM

Auburn-Opelika Tourism a non-profit service organization dedicated to driving economic impact and enhancing the quality of life in our community through tourism and travel. Our mission is to create memorable experiences for visitors while fostering growth and joy within our team and the community.

Small Town Chef of the Year contest is underway

CONTRIBUTED BY ALABAMA SMALL TOWNS MAGAZINE

ALABAMA — Alabama Small Towns and Downtowns magazine has launched a statewide competition to crown Alabama’s Small Town Chef of the Year, in honor of the Alabama Department of Tourism proclaiming 2024 as the Year of Alabama Foods.

This competition is open to chefs or cooks operating in a brick-and-mortar, locally-owned restaurant open to the public at least 3 days a week with consistent hours of operation.

For the inaugural competition, the field is limited to chefs working in restaurants in small towns with a population of less than 40,000.

The competition will play out on social media, but this isn’t just a popularity contest on which chef

can get the most likes. There will be dedicated judges for each round of the competition. With three rounds of competition, scoring will be based off of the presentation of the dish, the taste of the dish decided by a statewide road trip with a qualified judging panel, and a “chef-showdown,” where the six finalists will be invited to a Chef Showdown at Auburn University Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center. Scores from each round will be accumulated for each chef, with the

top scorer being named Alabama’s SMALL TOWN CHEF OF THE YEAR 2025.

“We hope to bring excitement and recognition to the small-town chefs and restaurants that locals always brag about and tourists can’t miss when visiting our great state,” said co-owner Kelly Caldwell. “We are grateful for the support of our initial sponsors: Alabama Power Company, Alabama Music Hall of Fame, Alabama Black Belt Adventures, Auburn Opelika Tourism, and the Auburn University Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center.” For information on eligibility or sponsorship opportunities, please contact info@wedomedia.us. To learn more and enter, visit www.alabamasmalltowns.com/smalltownchef/. The deadline to enter the competition is July 1.

BY SEAN DIETRICH

OPINION —

An old highway. Somewhere in America. Two lanes. No shoulder. Faded yellow lines. Oh, the things you see while driving old American highways will enchant you.

I pass a young woman walking the side of the highway, carrying supermarket bags. She is young. Ponytail. Sunday dress. There is a little

Sean of the South

boy on a bicycle following her. This makes me smile. Because I am glad to know children still ride bikes.

When I was a kid, an estimated 69% of American children between ages five and 14 rode bikes. Today, it’s down to nine percent. The percentage drops every year. Growing up, bicycles were our religion. A kid and his bike were invincible. Your bike carried you far from home, into new realms, introducing you to the world at large.

We kids had no technology. We had no social media. No smartphones. The bike was our internet, our phone, and our Instagram.

Used to, our entire neighborhood would be littered with tiny bicycles, scattered in

I heart America

random front yards. And if you wanted to know where your friends were, you just looked for the bikes.

I pass a Baptist Church, tucked in the trees. Big gravel parking lot. Cars parked everywhere. Mostly trucks or economy cars with muddy tires. No Land Rovers.

The cemetery backs up to a cattle pasture. On the church lawn, I see a couple kids in dress clothes, roughhousing in the grass. If I were a betting man, I’d say one of those kids is about to get his butt reddened.

I pass a baseball park off the highway. And although it’s Sunday, the stands are full. There are players on the field. White polyester uniforms. Parents cheering.

Which is unusual to me.

Because it’s Sunday. When I was a kid, we were not allowed to play baseball on Sundays. For crying out loud, we weren’t even allowed to clip our toenails on Sundays.

Also prohibited was Sunday fishing. Namely, because fishing was considered “work.” And you did not work on the Lord’s day.

Which was sort of ironic inasmuch as all the women would toil, sweat, and labor for six hours in the kitchen, each Sunday, cooking a dinner large enough to feed the People’s Liberation Army of China. Whereupon they would spend another nine hours doing dishes.

I pass a house in the woods. Nestled in a copse of pines.

White clapboards. Wraparound porch. Both screen doors open—front and kitchen. A cross breeze works its way through the home.

Also, I see an old man, seated on a swing, he’s reading—wait—can it be? Yes it can! He is reading a physical newspaper.

More churches. Shady Grove Baptist. Pleasant Ridge Baptist. Pleasant View Baptist. First Baptist. Peachtree Baptist. Trinity Baptist. Wallace Farm Supply. Your classic small-town feed and seed. Red-and-white checkered Purina logo on the sign.

Seminole Feed products. Get your Bengal roach spray here. I’ll bet they sell real cowboy hats inside. Up ahead are Cedartown,

Bremen, and it’s only nine miles to Buchanan. I wish I could keep riding the old American highway. Because this is what I love about our country. The little towns. And the people in them. But, I’m turning onto the interstate now. I’m due back home in a few hours. I’m an adult now. I have commitments. Things to do. Bills to pay. People to see. But sometimes I still miss my bike.

Sean Dietrich is a columnist, novelist and stand-up storyteller known for his commentary on life in the American South. His column appears in newspapers throughout the U.S. He has authored 15 books.

Gouge presents ‘Come From Away’ June 18, 20

AUBURN — Come

From Away, the acclaimed, feel-good musical about humanity triumphing in the face of adversity, is headed to the Gogue Performing Arts Center for performances on Tuesday, June 18, and Thursday, June 20, at 7 p.m.

Come from Away is based on the events in Gander, Newfoundland, during the week following the Sept. 11 attacks, when 7,000 airline passengers were forced to land unexpectedly in the small Canadian town. Using characters based on actual Gander residents and the stranded travelers they welcomed into their homes, the musical tells the story of a diverse group of people coming together to forge lasting friendships despite their differing backgrounds.

Come From Away was nominated for seven Tony

BANDS >> from B12

• Broncos ’N Bullet

Holes, which creates a unique and striking sound that has never been heard before by blending rock and country. Created by five college students at the University of Alabama with a love for writing and playing music, BNB takes inspiration from George Strait and Chris Stapleton all the way to The Allman Brothers and The Black Crowes.

• Oxmoor, a band of many genres, ranging from hard rock to jazz. Formed in 2022 in Birmingham, the band is influenced by many styles of music, the greatest being 70s rock with jazz fusion and jam band influences.

• Zion Goins, hot off the release of their EP Letters from the Trail and singles Virginia and You Didn’t Know, the Atlanta based Alabama boys bring a fusion of folk, indie rock and western twang.

• Duhe and Daboys capture a carefree vibe in any atmosphere, bringing

Awards in 2017 — including Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Book and Best Featured Actress — and won for Best Direction. The show has received consistent praise since its original Broadway run, with The New York Times proclaiming it “a big bear hug of a musical.”

In the current touring production, the role of Captain Beverley Bass is played by Opelika’s own Addison Garner. Garner first dazzled audiences at the Woltosz Theatre last season with her scene-stealing turn as Velma Von Tussle in Hairspray.

Patrons can purchase tickets for both the June 18 and June 20 performances through the Gogue Center’s website, or by contacting our patron services team by telephone at 334.844.TIXS (8497) or via email at gpac tickets@auburn.edu.

you medicinal music for the mind, body and mostly soul. Da boys embrace complexity, creating music for musicians while also supplying easy listening for any audience.

Botanic is located at 1702 Frederick Road in Opelika. Tickets are available to purchase through Eventbrite. A General Admission ticket for $35 includes all day entertainment, access to vendor beverage samples and mer chandise, giveaways and an audience vote to decide which band will take home the grand prize. A Deluxe ticket for $50 includes a shrimp boil voucher in addition to all General Admission features. While guests decide the fate of each band, concessions such as loaded mac and cheese, hotdogs and churros will be available for purchase. Guests may also visit one of many cash bars with beer from event sponsors as well as featured cocktails. Main sponsors include Michelob Ultra, Big Kona Wave, Ke tel One Vodka and Nolet's Gin.

O GROWS FARMERS MARKET

The O Grows Summer Farmers Market is open every Tuesday from 3 to 6 p.m. at Opelika’s Courthouse Square. O Grows accepts SNAP, EBT and SFMNP.

AUBURN CITY MARKET

City Market, Auburn Parks and Recreation’s weekly farmer’s market, is open each Saturday morning through Aug. 24 from 8 to 11 a.m. at Town Creek Park. The entire family is invited to enjoy live music, fun activities for the kids and an array of fresh, local and handcrafted items to browse and purchase. Parking is available at Town Creek Park and in the gravel lot across the street from the park. City Market vendors will start selling their products at 8 a.m. sharp. For more information, visit auburnalabama.org/ citymarket or email citymarket@auburnalabama.org.

CAMP HILL FARMERS MARKET

The Camp Hill Marketplace Farmers Market is held each Saturday through Sept. 28 from 8 to 11 a.m. at Mt. Lovely Church Grounds, 21900 Sen. Claude Pepper Drive. Senior benefit cards are welcome. Vendors contact market manager Joanne Finley at (334) 332-5970.

FAMILY SPLASH @ SAMFORD POOL

On Saturday, June 15, Active Auburn will host the annual Family Splash at Samford Pool. Bring your family and friends because admission is FREE all day, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There will be lifeguard bingo, and make sure to sign up for the cannon ball and belly flop contest. Samford Pool is located behind East Samford School and can be accessed from Wrights Mill Road and the parking lot exits onto Samford Avenue. The facility features three separate pool areas: the main pool, diving well (with diving boards: two high dives and two low dives) and a children’s pool.

SUMMER SWING CONCERT ON JUNE 18

Every Tuesday evening, Opelika Parks & Rec hosts a free outdoor concert at 7 p.m. at the Municipal Park in Opelika, featuring a wide variety of musical entertainment including gospel, soul, jazz, R&B, oldies, country, folk and community band music. On June 18, the band GP38 will perform a mix of country, southern & classic rock. Opelika’s own Chris McDaniel will have everyone singing along, dancing and having a good time. The Opelika High School Band Boosters offer hamburgers and hotdogs for a nominal fee from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m., ideal for a family picnic. The Rocky Brook Rocket will give complimentary rides from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Bring the whole family, a quilt or lawn chair and relax on the banks of Rocky Brook Creek for

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

an evening of musical fun, fellowship and relaxation. For more information call (334) 705-5560 or email LChesser@ opelika-al.gov.

GET OUTDOORS EVENT

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

CHILDREN’S THEATRE SUMMER CAMP

Missoula Children’s Theatre, a world-renowned children’s touring theatre for more than 50 years, will be back in Opelika for Summer Camp June 24-28. Registration is open to young people in kindergarten through 12th grades. Cost is $200, with a 10% discount for additional family members. Camp is limited to 60 campers, and every camper will be cast in the production of “Gulliver’s Travels in Space.” Register at www.opelikacommunitytheatre.com. For more information, contact Opelika Community Theatre by calling (334) 400-9660 or emailing opelikatheatrecompany1@ gmail.com.

SUMMER SWING CONCERT ON JUNE 25

Every Tuesday evening, Opelika Parks & Rec hosts a free outdoor concert at 7 p.m. at the Municipal Park in Opelika, featuring a wide variety of musical entertainment including gospel, soul, jazz, R&B, oldies, country, folk and community band music. On June 25 the band Muse returns for a 34th year on the Summer Swing bandstand. Together for 46 years, Muse will perform fan favorites by artists such as the Eagles, Beatles, Crosby Stills & Nash, James Taylor, Van Morrison, Little Big Town, Jason Isbell and more. The Opelika High School Band Boosters offer hamburgers and hotdogs for a nominal fee from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m., ideal for a family picnic. The Rocky Brook Rocket will give complimentary rides from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Bring the whole family, a quilt or lawn chair and relax on the banks of Rocky Brook Creek for an evening of musical fun, fellowship and relaxation. For more information call (334) 705-5560 or email LChesser@opelika-al.gov.

RACE FOR A SUMMER OF SECOND CHANCES

C.A.R.E. Humane Society, 1140 Ware Drive in Auburn, will host a live and virtual 5K and one-mile walk/run on Saturday, June 29. Sponsors and participants needed. The one-mile walk run costs $20 and will begin at 8 a.m. The 5K costs $30 and will begin at 8:30 a.m. For more information,

go to https://www.carehumane.org/race-for-a-summer-ofsecond-chances.

71st ANNUAL FREEDOM CELEBRATION

Celebrate Independence Day with Opelika Parks & Rec at the 71st Annual Freedom Celebration on Wednesday, July 3, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Opelika High School. There will be hamburgers, hot dogs, popcorn, musical entertainment and activities for the whole family. The Silver Wings Parachute Team will perform at 7:15 p.m., followed by a fireworks show at 9 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Orthopedic Clinic and the Kiwanis Club of Opelika.

EXTREME POWERSPORTS BIKE NIGHT

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

ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI

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

ATTENTION ORCHID LOVERS

The East Alabama Orchid Society meets at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the Opelika Public Library in Meeting Room 2, located at the rear of the library next to the train mural. Anyone interested in growing orchids is encouraged to attend the meetings. There are orchid growers of all levels and abilities who meet to learn and discuss growing orchids from the members. At each meeting, members will bring their blooming plants to share with the group. For more information about the meetings, contact David Stanbury at: stanbdm@auburn.edu.

ZUMBA CLASSES

Zumba classes are held on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Frank Brown Recreational Center in Auburn. Cost is $5 drop in, $25 for five classes and $40 for 10 classes. Register at auburnal.myrec.com.

Club News from around Lee County

Lions

NAMI TO HEAR ABOUT CRITICAL INCIDENT TRAINING FOR POLICE OFFICERS

Rotary

Club of Auburn

COFFEE & CONVERSATION WITH VFW POST 5404

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

AUBURN/OPELIKA MOPS IS NOW 'MomCO'

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

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 256-3683258.

NAMI East Alabama, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), will meet at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18, at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, 714 East Glenn Ave. Officer Chase Higgins from Opelika Police Department will speak on Critical Incident Training (CIT) being used by the Department to educate police officers about responding to situations involving persons with mental illness. After the program there will be a time for sharing. The public is invited.

Club President Griffin McNeill, pictured right, gave an encouraging & inspiring presentation on the importance of supporting the Rotary Foundation. He recognized member Mike Watson, left,

The Lions Club of Opelika recently honored Junior Morgan as Lion of the Year.

The Opelika Kiwanis speaker last week was Marc Bankston. He is the owner of Plainsman Cotton Company and spoke on the cotton industry both globally and here in Lee County and the surrounding areas. The speaker on June 20 will be Craig Moore with Valley Pharmacy speaking on Pharmacy Benefit Managers and the impact on drug prices.